cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On using continuous flow lines for performance estimation of discrete production lines

The authors explore the use of models of continuous tandem (CT) lines for performance analysis of discrete tandem (DT) production lines. They formalize the translation of input parameters and performance measures (PMs) between DT and CT lines. They show that the CT model can be represented as a generalized semi-Markov process. This leads to a concise simulation algorithm for a CT model. The authors show empirically that the CT model provides reasonable estimates for the DT line performance measures. They provide preliminary result on gradient estimation for CT models via infinitesimal perturbation analysis. The aim of this work is to provide a basis for the further exploration of CT models as a means to parameter optimization for DT lines. >
Detailed model for the In0.18Ga0.82N/GaN self-assembled quantum dot active material for λ = 420 nm emission.

We present a comprehensive model for In0.18Ga0.82N/GaN self-assembled quantum dot (QD) active material. The strain distribution in the QD structure is studied using linear elastic theory with the application of the shrink-fit boundary condition at the material interface. Subsequent calculations also predict the strain-induced quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE). Under carrier injection, the overall effect of band bending and charge screening is studied by solving the Schrodinger and Poisson equations self-consistently. The optical gain spectrum of the InGaN/GaN QD active material is calculated based on the electronic states solved from the Schrodinger-Poisson equation, and both the calculated material gain peak and emission wavelength agree well with the measured experimental data.
Determination of organochlorine pesticides in ground water using solid-phase microextraction followed by dual-column gas chromatography with electron-capture detection.

A rapid, sensitive, convenient, and highly quality-assured method is presented for the determination of 19 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in small samples (10 ml) of ground water. Samples are initially fortified with 2,4,5,6-tetrachloro-m-xylene (surrogate) and decachlorobiphenyl (retention time marker), then extracted with a 30-μm thickness polydimethylsiloxane solid-phase microextraction fiber. The analytes collected are thermally desorbed in a heated gas chromatographic inlet, separated using independent fused-silica capillary columns (“primary” and “confirmatory”), and detected using electron-capture detection. Two independent statistical procedures were used to evaluate the detection limits, which typically range between 10 and 40 ng l−1, for these analytes. Method performance was also evaluated using two additional protocols employing “performance evaluation” samples, in which authentic ground water samples were fortified to ca. 100 ng l−1 in each of at least six OCPs. The method satisfies additional strict criteria based on uniformity of fiber performance and minimal degradation of the thermally-sensitive analytes endrin and DDT.
Conservation value of silvopastures to Neotropical migrants in Andean forest flocks

Abstract In the face of continued loss of Andean forests, shade agroforestry is a promising approach where agricultural production and conservation can co-occur to support environmental and socioeconomic needs. Agroforestry systems provide habitat for a diverse avifauna, including several migratory species of concern. Unfortunately, shaded crops continue to be converted to sun monocultures and pastures which provide fewer ecosystem services, reduce habitat complexity, and support less biodiversity. Silvopastoral systems, which combine grazing pastures and trees, have recently been drawing worldwide attention. In an effort to evaluate the conservation value of little-studied silvopastures to Andean birds, we compared mixed-species flock communities associated with different forested habitats. In January–February of 2011–2013, species composition, flock size, and individual foraging heights were recorded for 446 flocks at 9 study areas in Antioquia, Colombia. We sampled shade-coffee, shade-cardamom, secondary forest, and silvopasture at ∼1,150–1,850 m elevation and measured vegetative structure in each habitat. Less structurally-complex silvopastures supported smaller, less diverse flocks with fewer Neotropical migrants and resident forest specialists. Further, fewer male Blackburnian Warblers flocked in silvopastures compared to other habitats, which is consistent with other studies showing that overwintering male migrants tend to occupy the highest quality habitats. Although forest birds may be better served by silvopastures than conventional treeless pastures, our findings suggest that silvopastoral systems are less suitable for flocking birds than other forested habitats. However, agroforestry remains an important complementary approach to other strategies to maintain Andean forests and improve the conservation potential of degraded land.
Transcatheter infusion of 99mTc MAA for predicting response of intra-arterial chemotherapy in osteogenic sarcoma

Abstract Ten patients with histologically proven osteogenic sarcoma received multiple courses of intra-arterial chemotherapy. Patients received 2–3 mCi 99m Tc macroaggregated albumin (MAA) infused through indwelling arterial catheters prior to, during and after the chemotherapy, and static images of tumor beds and lungs were taken and compared with contrast angiographic findings. Of the 31 studies to evaluate tumor vascularity, 26 agreed and five showed discrepancies. In general, decreased tumor vascularity, as represented by reduced MAA uptake by the tumor, corresponded to decreased tumor size and to increased tumor calcification seen on radiographs. Twenty-six of the 31 lung-imaging studies also revealed agreement between decreasing tumor vascularity, based on decreasing MAA tumor uptake, and decreasing lung uptake of the radioactivity. Decreased lung uptake of the activity on the last follow-up study in eight patients corresponded to reduced tumor involvement and improved patient performance status.
Gender Differences in Publication Productivity, Academic Position, Career Duration, and Funding Among U.S. Academic Radiation Oncology Faculty

PurposeThis study aimed to analyze gender differences in rank, career duration, publication productivity, and research funding among radiation oncologists at U.S. academic institutions.MethodFor 82 domestic academic radiation oncology departments, the authors identified current faculty and recorded
Stereoselective synthesis of the atropisomers of myristinin B/C.

The first stereoselective synthesis of a potent DNA damaging agent, (−)-myristinin B/C, has been accomplished. This efficient synthesis allowed for unambiguous confirmation of the structure and absolute stereochemistry of the atropisomeric natural product. The antipode, (+)-myristinin B/C, was also synthesized, providing ample material for biological evaluation of both enantiomers.
HIV Antigens and T‐Cell Receptor Variable Beta Chain Families

The authors investigated whether the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has restrictive effects on the variable region of the beta chain (V beta) of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR), by in vitro cultivation of non-HIV-infected peripheral blood lymphocytes with one of six HIV antigens or heat-inactivated whole virus (HIV-HI). Resting and blastic CD4+ and CD8- cells were assessed with 3-colour cytofluorometry and monoclonal antibodies to various V beta families/subfamilies. The V beta families affected include V beta's 13.1/.3, 8, and 21 with gp 120; V beta 21 with gp 160 and RT; V beta 8 with p25; V beta's 8 and 21 with Rev; and V beta's 3 and 21 with HIV-2 Vpx. V beta family-specific effects with HIV-HI did not differ significantly from those found with IL-2 stimulation. Findings differed between CD4+ and CD8+ cells. For CD4+ lymphocytes, significant V beta-specific decreases were found, not the expansions found with superantigens or mitogens. CD8+ lymphocytes showed slight but significant expansions. The effects on V beta's 8, 13, and 21 are consistent with previous studies of HIV-infected persons. However, it is difficult to accept that antigens encoded by different HIV genetic regions cause proportionate diminutions of similar V beta families. The authors suggest that these effects may be secondary to changes in cytokine profiles rather than direct interactions with TCR V beta's.
A novel split-waveguide mount design for millimeter- and submillimeter-wave frequency multipliers and harmonic mixers

A split-waveguide mount for millimeter- and submillimeter-wave frequency multipliers and harmonic mixers is presented. It consists of only two pieces, block halves, which are mirror images of each other. The mount provides parallel and series impedance tuning with two sliding backshorts at both the input and output frequencies while utilizing E-plane arms to provide an in-line waveguide input and output. Its fabrication is much easier than that of a traditional multifrequency waveguide mount. Waveguide losses are minimized by a very compact design with very short input and output waveguides. This mount is especially well suited for planar diodes used with microstrip or suspended stripline RF filters. >
Quantum rotations: a case study in static and dynamic machine-code generation for quantum computers

Work in quantum computer architecture has focused on communication, layout and fault tolerance, largely driven by Shor's factorization algorithm. For the first time, we study a larger range of benchmarks and find that another critical issue is the generation of code sequences for quantum rotation operations. Specifically, quantum algorithms require arbitrary rotation angles, while quantum technologies and error correction codes provide only for discrete angles and operators. A sequence of quantum machine instructions must be generated to approximate the arbitrary rotation to the required precision.While previous work has focused exclusively on static compilation, we find that some applications require dynamic code generation and explore the advantages and disadvantages of static and dynamic approaches. We find that static code generation can, in some cases, lead to a terabyte of machine code to support required rotations. We also find that some rotation angles are unknown until run time, requiring dynamic code generation. Dynamic code generation, however, exhibits significant trade-offs in terms of time overhead versus code size. Furthermore, dynamic code generation will be performed on classical (non-quantum) computing resources, which may or may not have a clock speed advantage over the target quantum technology. For example, operations on trapped ions run at kilohertz speeds, but superconducting qubits run at gigahertz speeds.We introduce a new method for compiling arbitrary rotations dynamically, designed to minimize compilation time. The new method reduces compilation time by up to five orders of magnitude while increasing code size by one order of magnitude.We explore the design space formed by these trade-offs of dynamic versus static code generation, code quality, and quantum technology. We introduce several techniques to provide smoother trade-offs for dynamic code generation and evaluate the viability of options in the design space.
Improved adaptive code acquisition scheme for practical DS/SS systems

This paper presents our proposals to overcome two problems in applying the adaptive code acquisition scheme to practical systems. At first, a system parameter setting method based on SNR estimation is proposed to obtain near-optimum performance in real environments. Secondly, we propose a novel adaptation algorithm using a sub-filter structure, which enables the fast acquisition required in the practical systems. Simulation results show that the first proposal gives reliable acquisition performance in real situations without severe degradation, and the proposed adaptation algorithm offers 5-6 dB gain compared to the conventional adaptation algorithm for a number of taps of 64.
Hospital slang for patients: Crocks, gomers, groks, and others*

According to a widespread view, people or experiences that evoke painful feelings of empathy, anxiety, or fear can be dealt with by giving them humorous, derogatory, or evasive names. Such terms allow the release or avoidance of unpleasant emotion. At first glance, hospital slang expressions for patients appear to provide numerous examples of this, but closer inspection suggests very different conclusions. Patient conditions which may be expected to create particular anxiety or distress do not lead to slang labels. Slang terrns for patients fall into four categories, three of which characterize types of patients who claim more attention for their conditions than is warranted. The fourth category is made up of positive or neutral descriptive terms. Hospital slang for patients serves social as well as expressive functions. Rapport within a group and rapport between individuals are distinct phenomena. When embedded in contexts that avoid individualized expressions of emotion or experience, hospital slang may promote group rapport at the same time that it maintains individual distance. In this respect is is similar to other kinds of slang, and other discourse devices. (Slang, discourse negotiation and contextualization, medical anthropology, rapport, expressive function of names and labels.)
An agent-based simulation for workflow in Emergency Department

Patients always come to an Emergency Department (ED) to seek immediate medical care. Conversely, usually they experience prolonged waiting for nurses, physicians or radiology/lab procedures. There is a lot of public and private pressure on ED to improve the quality and efficiency of health care. As a result, ED workflow is under continuous changes. However, ED administrators usually lack a convenient decision support tool to evaluate the impacts of a changed workflow. They often find unexpected ED performance degeneracy after some workflow changes. This paper introduces an agent-based simulation which models various phases in the ED workflow, such as triage, nurse screen, resident exam, attending exam, lab/radiology, and disposition. The purpose of this paper is two-fold: (1) to develop an agent-based simulation to allow free exploration of the ED performance under various settings; (2) to characterize and study the ED performance under different settings of the triage process and radiology procedure process. The analysis of two simulated cases is presented to illustrate how the changes of the triage process and the radiology process impact the patient throughput time and the other critical performance measures. The simulation outcome and empirical data demonstrate a similar change pattern after a modification in the triage process. The findings in this study indicate that the agent-based simulation can be used by ED administrators to plan changes, locate bottlenecks, and study the non-linear relationships among different phases in the ED workflow.
Role of Metformin for Weight Management in Patients Without Type 2 Diabetes

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of metformin for weight management in overweight and obese patients without type 2 diabetes.Data Sources:Literature was obtained through MEDLINE Ovid (1950–February week 3, 2008), EMBASE (all years), and a bibliographic review of relevant articles. Key words included metformin, obesity, overweight, and weight loss.Study Selection/Data Extraction:All studies published in the English language that evaluated the effects of metformin on weight in obese or overweight individuals were critically analyzed. Relevant articles were selected for inclusion in this review.Data Synthesis:Metformin is first-line pharmacotherapy in the treatment of overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes, with beneficial effects on weight in this population. Multiple trials have evaluated the effect of metformin on weight and other metabolic parameters in adults and adolescents without diabetes. Five of 12 trials in adults evaluated weight loss as a primary endpoint. Significant wei...
Analysis of Binding Site Hot Spots on the Surface of Ras GTPase

We have recently discovered an allosteric switch in Ras, bringing an additional level of complexity to this GTPase whose mutants are involved in nearly 30% of cancers. Upon activation of the allosteric switch, there is a shift in helix 3/loop 7 associated with a disorder to order transition in the active site. Here, we use a combination of multiple solvent crystal structures and computational solvent mapping (FTMap) to determine binding site hot spots in the “off” and “on” allosteric states of the GTP-bound form of H-Ras. Thirteen sites are revealed, expanding possible target sites for ligand binding well beyond the active site. Comparison of FTMaps for the H and K isoforms reveals essentially identical hot spots. Furthermore, using NMR measurements of spin relaxation, we determined that K-Ras exhibits global conformational dynamics very similar to those we previously reported for H-Ras. We thus hypothesize that the global conformational rearrangement serves as a mechanism for allosteric coupling between the effector interface and remote hot spots in all Ras isoforms. At least with respect to the binding sites involving the G domain, H-Ras is an excellent model for K-Ras and probably N-Ras as well. Ras has so far been elusive as a target for drug design. The present work identifies various unexplored hot spots throughout the entire surface of Ras, extending the focus from the disordered active site to well-ordered locations that should be easier to target.
VOLUMETRIC NEAR-FIELD MICROWAVE PLASMA GENERATION

A periodic series of microwave-induced plasmoids is generated using the outgoing wave from a microwave horn and the reflected wave from a nearby on-axis concave reflector. The plasmoids are spaced at half-wavelength separations according to a standing-wave pattern. The plasmoids are enhanced by an effective focusing in the near field of the horn (Fresnel region) as a result of a diffractive narrowing. Optical imaging, electron density, and rotational temperature measurements characterize the near field plasma region. Volumetric microwave discharges may have application to combustion ignition in scramjet engines.
Knowledge management: hype, hope, or help?

This article examines the nature of Knowledge Management - how it differs from Data Management and Information Management, and its relationship to the development of Expert Systems and Decision Support Systems. It also examines the importance of Communities of Practice and Tacit Knowledge for Knowledge Management. The discussion is organized around five explicit questions. One: What is "knowledge"? Two: Why are people, especially managers, thinking about Knowledge Management? Three: What are the enabling technologies for Knowledge Management? Four: What are the prerequisites for Knowledge Management? Five: What are the major challenges for Knowledge Management?
Giant fibrous hamartoma of infancy: A report of two cases and review of the literature

We present two unique cases of fibrous hamartoma of infancy defined by giant-sized and/or multicentric cutaneous and subcuticular lesions—features not, to our knowledge, reported to coexist. We review the nature of such tumors and examine the clinical implications of tumor size and multicentricity on risk for recurrence and likelihood of visceral involvement.
Northern mid-latitude glaciation in the Late Amazonian period of Mars: Criteria for the recognition of debris-covered glacier and valley glacier landsystem deposits

Lobate debris aprons (LDA) and lineated valley fill (LVF) have been known to characterize the mid-latitude regions of Mars since documented by Viking; their flow-like character suggested that deposition of ice in talus pile pore space caused lubrication and flow during an earlier climatic regime. A number of factors have remained uncertain, however, including the detailed structure and texture of LDA/LVF, the relationships between them, their direction of flow, the origin and abundance of the lubricating agent, and their exact mode of origin (e.g., ice-assisted rock creep, ice-rich landslides, rock glaciers, debris-covered glaciers). We use new High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) image and topography data, in conjunction with a range of other post-Viking data sets, and new insights provided by cold-based terrestrial glacial analogs, to assess the characteristics of LDA/LVF in the northern mid-latitudes of Mars. We find evidence that the characteristics and flow patterns of the LDA and LVF are most consistent with Late Amazonian debris-covered glacial valley landsystems. The broad distribution and integrated characteristics of the LDA/LVF systems suggest that earlier in the Amazonian, climatic conditions were such that significant snow and ice accumulated on mid-latitude plateaus and in valleys, producing integrated glacial landsystems, the remnants of which are preserved today beneath residual sublimation till derived from adjacent valley walls. Atmospheric general circulation models suggest that these climatic conditions occurred when Mars was at a spin-axis obliquity of ~ 35°, and the atmosphere was relatively dusty. Glacial flow modeling under these conditions produces patterns similar to those documented in the LDA/LVF, and SHARAD radar data suggests that significant amounts of ice remain sequestered below the sublimation lag today.
Kansyore fisher-foragers and transitions to food production in East Africa: the view from Wadh Lang'o, Nyanza Province, Western Kenya

The site of Wadh Lang'o in southern Nyanza Province (Kenya) has produced a very large faunal assemblage in association with Kansyore, Elmenteitan and Urewe ceramics. The stratigraphy of the site appears to be intact and six dates have been obtained from the sequence, making this the best opportunity to look at diachronic change in subsistence strategies in this region. The main results of the zooarchaeological analysis are presented here, with emphasis on the Kansyore component. Two important findings are discussed: first, the fish remains, when taken together with remains from other Kansyore sites and considering the behavioural traits of these fish, suggest that Kansyore riverside and lakeshore sites were occupied in distinct seasons and used together in a single settlement and subsistence system. Second, the mammalian remains suggest that while Kansyore foragers hunted a broad range of taxa, they also began to consume domesticates perhaps as early as the mid- to late-third millennium cal. BC. This sugg...
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of open-die forging

Three-dimensional finite element analysis is applied to operation sequences in open-die forging. Flat tools with rounded edges for open-die forging are geometrically modelled using Bezier curves. With this technique, the problems at the die-workpiece interface, such as the integration of frictional stress, node touching on dies and node separating from dies, can be handled effectively. It is shown that in solving general symmetric problems computation time can be saved by reducing variables and rearranging them in the stiffness matrix. One-bite operations and operation sequences for producing two-size bars and two-size pipes in several bites are investigated in regard to geometry, load, energy and deformation distribution.
Converting light to electrons in oriented nanotube arrays used in sensitized solar cells

Well-ordered arrays of one-dimensional semiconductors, such as titania nanotubes (NTs), have attracted attention as a promising new film architecture for dye- and semiconductor-sensitized solar cells. The film architecture in sensitized solar cells combines light absorption, charge injection, and charge-carrier transport to generate electrical power and is, therefore, a key component in determining the photoconversion efficiency of a cell. Because of the arrays’ distinct combination of physical, electrical, and optical properties, the conversion efficiencies of TiO2 NT-based devices are rapidly catching up with those of the traditional nanoparticle-based cells. In this article, we briefly review the fabrication and morphology of the NT arrays and discuss the strong influence that the film architecture and individual NT structure exert on the light-harvesting and charge-collection properties of sensitized solar cells. Besides affecting the solar conversion efficiency, the morphological and electrical properties of the arrays also impact the cell fabrication process.
Plasma Steroid Concentrations of Adult Male Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, With Notes on Potential Long Term Shifts in Reproductive Timing

In previous literature it was proposed that Atlantic sharpnose sharks, Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, from the western Atlantic Ocean (WAO) population exhibited differences in their reproductive timing when compared to the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) population. The objective of the current study was to examine the reproductive cycle of mature male sharpnose sharks from the northern GOM population. Plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured from 76 mature male sharpnose sharks sampled from 1999 to 2001, and the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was determined for 53 additional mature males sampled from 2007-2008. Plasma T, E2, and GSI exhibited similar cycles with peak values occurring in late spring (April/May) and lowest values occurring during the summer. These results suggest that male sharpnose sharks in the northern GOM are reproductively active one to two months earlier than previously reported, which now brings them into synchrony with the WAO population. Interestingly, this shift in reproductive timing corresponds with a 3.0°C (13.4%) increase in spring sea surface temperature (SST) from the Mississippi Sound over a 29 year period, which could translate into GOM male sharpnose sharks becoming reproductively active earlier in the year thus explaining the late spring peak in GSI.
The 60-kDa Phosphotyrosine Protein in Insulin-treated Adipocytes Is a New Member of the Insulin Receptor Substrate Family

A 60-kDa protein that undergoes rapid tyrosine phosphorylation in response to insulin and then binds phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase has been previously described in adipocytes and hepatoma cells. We have isolated this protein, referred to as pp60, from rat adipocytes, obtained the sequences of tryptic peptides, and cloned its cDNA. The predicted amino acid sequence of pp60 reveals that it contains an N-terminal pleckstrin homology domain, followed by a phosphotyrosine binding domain, followed by a group of likely tyrosine phosphorylation sites, four of which are in the YXXM motif that binds to the SH2 domains of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. The overall architecture of pp60 is thus the same as that of insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 (IRS-1 and IRS-2), and furthermore both the pleckstrin homology and phosphotyrosine binding domains are highly homologous (about 50% identical amino acids) to these domains in both IRS-1 and IRS-2. Thus, pp60 is a new member of the IRS family, which we have designated IRS-3.
The nematode degenerin UNC-105 forms ion channels that are activated by degeneration- or hypercontraction-causing mutations

Nematode degenerins have been implicated in touch sensitivity and other forms of mechanosensation. Certain mutations in several degenerin genes cause the swelling, vacuolation, and death of neurons, and other mutations in the muscle degenerin gene unc-105 cause hypercontraction. Here, we confirm that unc-105 encodes an ion channel and show that it is constitutively active when mutated. These mutations disrupt different regions of the channel and have different effects on its gating. The UNC-105 channels are permeable to small monovalent cations but show voltage-dependent block by Ca2+ and Mg2+. Amiloride also produces voltage-dependent block, consistent with a single binding site 65% into the electric field. Mammalian cells expressing the mutant channels accumulate membranous whorls and multicompartment vacuoles, hallmarks of degenerin-induced cell death across species.
Effects of Training in Selective Attention on Perceptual Discrimination

Ss were given training in selective attention emphasizing specific physical dimensions of a stimulus domain of random polygons. Discrimination testing consisted of presenting a single form tachisto...
Satellite nanoscope and cellular BioASICs for quantitative biomedicine

This paper presents satellite nanoscopes and biological application specific integrated circuits (BioASICs). Satellite nanoscope is developed for spectroscopic imaging of living cells, molecular optogenetics (i.e. the remote control of gene regulation and protein expression), and therapeutic applications. Fundamental understanding of living cells via satellite nanoscopes will provide insights of molecular dynamics and signaling pathways in living cells. BioASICs are accomplished to permit precise and repeatable characterizations of cellular activity. These BioASICs are facilitating significant advancements in quantitative cell biology and the foundation for precision biology, cell reprogramming, highspeed biologic microprocessors, drug screening, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.
Body Composition QTLs Identified in Intercross Populations Are Reproducible in Consomic Mouse Strains

Genetic variation contributes to individual differences in obesity, but defining the exact relationships between naturally occurring genotypes and their effects on fatness remains elusive. As a step toward positional cloning of previously identified body composition quantitative trait loci (QTLs) from F2 crosses of mice from the C57BL/6ByJ and 129P3/J inbred strains, we sought to recapture them on a homogenous genetic background of consomic (chromosome substitution) strains. Male and female mice from reciprocal consomic strains originating from the C57BL/6ByJ and 129P3/J strains were bred and measured for body weight, length, and adiposity. Chromosomes 2, 7, and 9 were selected for substitution because previous F2 intercross studies revealed body composition QTLs on these chromosomes. We considered a QTL confirmed if one or both sexes of one or both reciprocal consomic strains differed significantly from the host strain in the expected direction after correction for multiple testing. Using these criteria, we confirmed two of two QTLs for body weight (Bwq5-6), three of three QTLs for body length (Bdln3-5), and three of three QTLs for adiposity (Adip20, Adip26 and Adip27). Overall, this study shows that despite the biological complexity of body size and composition, most QTLs for these traits are preserved when transferred to consomic strains; in addition, studying reciprocal consomic strains of both sexes is useful in assessing the robustness of a particular QTL.
Short-day onion cultivars differ in bulb selenium and sulfur accumulation which can affect bulb pungency

The close chemical similarity of S and Se allow for antagonistic behavior between the two elements. To determine variation for Se accumulation within onions, sixteen short-day cultivars were grown under high level (2.0 mg Na2SeO4 per litre) and no Se treatments. Selenium accumulation in bulb tissues was cultivar dependent, ranging from 60 to 113 µg Se per g dry wt. High Se fertility enhanced bulb S accumulation. Pungency was reduced in some cultivars grown under Se fertility when compared to the no Se treatment indicating that although S uptake was enhanced, S metabolism in the flavour precursor biosynthetic pathway was affected. The existing variability in onion Se uptake and accumulation have important implications for Se intake in mammalian diets.
Surface acoustic wave velocity in single-crystal AlN substrates

The surface acoustic wave velocity has been measured on a-plane (c-propagation) and c-plane oriented bulk aluminum nitride (AlN) single crystals using the S/sub 11/-parameter method in the frequency range 160-360 MHz. The SAW velocity is 5760 m/s for both orientations. From comparison of this value with the simulations using various elastic constants of AlN available in literature, we estimated the elastic constant C/sub 44/ to be 122 /spl plusmn/ 1 GPa.
Film transfer and bonding technique to cover lab on a chip

This paper describes a novel film transfer technique with a new bonding technique to cover microfluidic components, (on a silicon chip) with a 6 /spl mu/m thick parylene layer. We have developed a batch-process technique for covering microfluidic systems such as a lab on a chip with a thin film, and applied it to packaging an integrated microfluidic system containing a liquid-droplet ejector array, microchannels and reservoirs on a chip. The well-attached cover without any leaks makes it possible for capillary force to bring liquid into the ejectors from the reservoirs through microchannels, so that the ejectors are supplied with the liquid(s) automatically from the reservoirs. The new bonding technique reported in this paper accomplishes a bonding at room temperature by using capillary flow and surface tension of low viscous aqueous bonding materials without any added pressure, and can also bond many different materials at a very low processing cost.
Using Decision Tree Confidence Factors for Multiagent Control

Although Decision Trees are widely used for classification tasks, they are typically not used for agent control. This paper presents a novel technique for agent control in a complex multiagent domain based on the confidence factors provided by the C4.5 Decision Tree algorithm. Using Robotic Soccer as an example of such a domain, this paper incorporates a previously-trained Decision Tree into a full multiagent behavior that is capable of controlling agents throughout an entire game. Along with using Decision Trees for control, this behavior also makes use of the ability to reason about action-execution time to eliminate options that would not have adequate time to be executed successfully. This multiagent behavior represents a bridge between low-level and high-level learning in the Layered Learning paradigm. The newly created behavior is tested empirically in game situations.
An Investigation of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cell Characteristics from Different Harvest Sites: More Similar Than Not

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are a major cause of loss of use and retirement in sport horses. The use of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSCs) for healing of traumatized tissue has gained substantial favor in clinical settings and can assist healing and tissue regeneration in orthopedic injuries. There are two common sites of harvest of BMDMSCs, the sternum and the ilium. Our objective was to determine if any differences exist in BMDMSCs acquired from the sternum and the ilium. We compared the two harvest sites in their propensity to undergo multilineage differentiation, differences in cell surface markers, or gene transduction efficiencies. BMDMSCs were isolated and culture-expanded from 5 ml aspirates of bone marrow from sternum and ilium. The cells were then plated and cultured with appropriate differentiation medium to result in multi-lineage differentiation and cell characteristics were compared between sternal and ilial samples. Cell surface antibody expression of CD11a/18, CD34, CD44, and CD90 were evaluated using flow cytometry, and gene transduction efficiencies were evaluated using GFP scAAV. There were no statistically significant differences in cell characteristics between MSCs cultured from the sternum and the ilium under any circumstances.
The Association between Noncompliance in Hemodialysis Sessions and Composite Rate Costs for ESRD Patients

Research Objective: This study focuses on the relationship between noncompliance in hemodialysis (HD) sessions and Composite Rate (CR) costs. Understanding the economic consequences associated with noncompliance in the ESRD population is important as the cost for dialysis services continues to grow. The total number of prevalent dialysis patients and the total expenditure of the ESRD program have increased over the past few decades. In 2003, the medical expenditures associated with treating dialysis patients accounted for 6.7% of the Medicare budget, costing $18.1 billion. Though there have been many studies which explored how noncompliance in HD sessions affected dialysis patients' outcome and quality of life, the economic consequences have rarely been investigated within the ESRD community. Study Design: Noncompliance was measured as percent of regular dialysis sessions skipped at the facility level in 2004. Linear regression weighted by total HD equivalent dialysis sessions was fitted to determine the slope of the trend in noncompliance on CR costs per treatment, controlling for facility characteristics (e.g. hospital-based vs. freestanding, chain and facility size) and patient characteristics (e.g. age, sex, time on renal replacement therapy, comorbidities and hospitalization measures). Log-linear regression weighted by total HD equivalent dialysis sessions was also fitted to test for sensitivity. Study population and Data Sources: Data were obtained for 3,867 dialysis facilities. Facility costs are based on Medicare allowable costs reported by facilities for dialysis and related services for which they are reimbursed through the composite rate. The sources of the cost data are the Medicare Independent Renal Dialysis Facility Cost Reports (Form CMS 265-94) and the Medicare Hospital Cost Reports (Form CMS 2552-96). Patient characteristics, comorbidities and factors associated with partial dialysis month such as skipped sessions, transfer between facility, hospitalization and transplantation were measured using CMS Form 2728 and/or Medicare claims. Principal Findings: Descriptive statistics show that the average CR cost per treatment was $161.75 in 2004. On average, 9.3% of dialysis sessions were skipped at the facility level. Preliminary results suggest that noncompliance is associated with $91.52/treatment (p Conclusions: Noncompliance in HD sessions contributes to poorer health outcomes and quality of life, according to previous studies. This study shows that the noncompliance measure significantly influences CR costs per treatment and leads to a greater than 57% increments in predicted CR costs per patient. Policy makers may wish to consider a pay-for-performance scheme in order to encourage facilities with a high compliance rate and/or establish a monitoring system in order to contain cost pressures while assuring better quality to the ESRD patients.
A Dentist Inquires About His Patient with Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune condition affecting a variety of organ systems. Body surface involvement (of the integumentary system) leads to tightening of the skin involving the face and the intraoral tissues in both limited and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Fibrosis of the orofacial complex results in a variety of oral complications including decreased oral aperture, muco-gingival defects, periodontal disease, dental caries, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and trigeminal neuropathy. Xerostomia is also a common occurrence in these patients, related to medications and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome, among other causes. It is essential to be knowledgeable about the potential oral manifestations and the potential treatment options in this patient population. Due to the significant morbidity related to problems involving the mouth, as clinicians we must remain vigilant to our patients’ needs in this understudied area.
Deformation due to a rectangular tension crack in an elastic half-space

Abstract Closed, analytic expressions are given for the displacement fields, their derivatives, and stresses from a rectangular crack in an elastic half-space having Burger9s vector normal to its surface. Displacements are found by integration of Volterra9s formula over the crack area using Mindlin9s (1936) point force solutions for the elastic half-space. Differentiation of the displacement fields yields expressions for calculating stress and strain throughout the medium. Contours of stresses and displacements are given for selected geometries. The expressions for displacements give identical values to those calculated using angular dislocations (Comninou and Dundurs, 1975). All solutions are presented as a FORTRAN subroutine to facilitate practical implementation.
Firstborn female offsprings are significantly more common among Indian anaesthesiologists as compared to national child sex ratio.

Sir, I sincerely appreciate Nagella et al.[1] for accomplishing comprehensive analysis into reproductive outcomes of anaesthesia practice among Indian anaesthesiologists. Similarly, our team, Gupta et al.,[2] had completed clinical survey few years ago that had primarily focused on firstborn offspring ratio investigation among American anaesthesia providers. However, contrary to their statement in their paper's discussion, their survey results do not contradict our results according to my review and post hoc analysis of their results. As elicited below, the reason for their incorrect interpretation of their own results in regard to firstborn offspring sex ratio is most likely due to their incorrect analysis based on misquoted national sex ratios. Among their survey respondents, male to female (firstborn) offspring ratio was 0.94 meaning that 458 firstborn female children and 430 firstborn male children were born to their 888 respondents who successfully conceived. This ratio effectively means 1065 firstborn female children born to Indian anaesthesiologists per 1000 firstborn male children born to Indian anaesthesiologists. Comparatively, as per the census of India for the year 2011 (a) child sex ratio (CSR) for 0–6 years age group in India was 919 (and NOT 940 as misquoted by them) female children per 1000 male children which equals male to female offspring ratio as 1.09 (and not 1.4 as miscalculated by them)[3] and (b) sex ratio at birth (SRB) was based on the Annual Health Survey of only Empowered Action Group States and Assam (total of nine states).[4] As per the census of India, low SRB reflected low CSR in the surveyed nine states and hence, it can be safely said that a national CSR can be expected to correspond to a matched SRB nationally even though national SRB was not assessed in the census. Therefore, effectively, CSR is the authentic national sex ratio that should be used for comparing with their paper's results. Herein, the Chi-square test shows significant value of P = 0.03 (and not 0.14 as misinterpreted by them) when applied to observed frequency of 458 female children/430 male children and expected frequency (based on CSR) of 425.259 female children/462.741 male children. In summary, I personally think that Nagella et al.[1] should submit an erratum to their paper and take the credit in their paper for eliciting that firstborn female offspring is significantly more common among Indian anaesthesiologists as compared to national CSR.
A Numerical Study of the Shape Effect on Drag in Supersonic Low Reynolds Number (Rarefied) Flows

The present numerical study is motivated by the analysis of pressure and shear forces that a rarefled supersonic ∞ow exerts on a drop and acts to deform the drop. We use a high-order accurate Cartesian-grid-based numerical scheme and an advanced method for boundary condition treatment to solve the Navier-Stokes equations for high-speed ∞ows around circular and elliptical bodies with difierent aspect ratios that represent difierent stages of the drop deformation. The calculation results depict a strong efiect of the aspect ratio on drag, while predict weaker dependencies of drag on Reynolds and Mach number over the range examined. With the decrease of aspect ratio, the pressure drag increases while the shear drag decreases. Finally, we show that for a flxed Weber number, the corresponding variation of Mach and Reynolds numbers renders minor changes in pressure drag but signiflcantly alter the shear drag.
View to the Future and Exploration of Our Galaxy

The Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31 or M31) is the nearest galaxy to the Milky Way, our galaxy. Both are residing within the neighborhood of the galactic cluster, which consists of an assembly of galaxies that are bound together by gravity.
Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis: AIRP Best Cases in Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation

Editor’s Note.—RadioGraphics continues to publish radiologic-pathologic case material selected from the American Institute for Radiologic Pathology (AIRP) “best case” presentations. The AIRP conducts a 4-week Radiologic Pathology Correlation Course, which is offered five times per year. On the penultimate day of the course, the best case presentation is held at the American Film Institute Silver Theater and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Md. The AIRP faculty identifies the best cases, from each organ system, brought by the resident attendees. One or more of the best cases from each of the five courses are then solicited for publication in RadioGraphics. These cases emphasize the importance of radiologic-pathologic correlation in the imaging evaluation and diagnosis of diseases encountered at the institute and its predecessor, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP).
Indigenous cultural contexts for STEM experiences: snow snakes’ impact on students and the community

Opportunities for American Indian youth to meaningfully engage in school-based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiences have historically been inadequate. As a consequence, American Indian students perform lower on standardized assessments of science education than their peers. In this article we describe the emergence of meaning for students—as well as their community—resulting from Indigenous culturally-based STEM curriculum that used an American Indian tradition as a focal context. Specifically, the game of snow snakes (Gooneginebig in Ojibwe) afforded an opportunity for STEM and culturally-based resources to work in unison. A case study research design was used with the bounded case represented by the community associated with the snow snake project. The research question guiding this study was: What forms of culturally relevant meaning do students and the community form as a result of the snow snake game? Results indicate evidence of increased student and community engagement through culturally-based STEM experiences in the form of active participation and the rejuvenation of a traditional game. Implications are discussed for using culturally-based contexts for STEM learning.