cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improved mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy by electron beam welding process plus annealing treatments and its microstructural evolution

Abstract In this study, we investigated the effect of post weld annealing treatments on the mechanical properties of a Ti–6Al–4V alloy following electron beam welding (EBW). The operational parameters used in this EBW process together with suitable annealing treatments appeared to substantially enhance the tensile properties of the Ti–6Al–4V weldment, suggesting that EBW is a promising method for industrial application. Moreover, we report for the first time that γ-TiAl + α2-Ti3Al formed in the fusion zone of the Ti–6Al–4V EBW weldment and exhibited the same lamellar structure, orientation relationship, deformation mechanism, and slip system as common Ti–Al-based alloys do. The presence of these intermetallic compounds affected the mechanical properties of the weldment. We discuss the related phase transformation, microstructural evolution, and characteristics of the precipitates formed.
FRASNIAN (UPPER DEVONIAN) CONODONT SUCCESSION AT HORSE SPRING AND CORRELATIVE SECTIONS, CANNING BASIN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Abstract The Horse Spring conodont succession in the Canning Basin replicates zones 6 through 13 of the thirteen-fold Frasnian zonation. Horse Spring, together with other Canning Basin sections, demonstrates the widespread application of the zonation. Furthermore, the recently formalized three-fold subdivision of Zone 13, which has been recognized in the Montagne Noire, Moroccan Meseta, and northern Ontario, is developed at Horse Spring and other Canning Basin sections. The Canning Basin Frasnian is noteworthy for the high quality of preservation of the conodont faunas, the extremely low CAI values, and the abundance of elements in most collections. The emphasis in this paper is on the taxonomy of Frasnian Palmatolepis. Newly described species are: Palmatolepis beckeri, P. feisti, P. housei, P. klugi, P. nicolli, P. playfordi, P. uyenoi, and Polygnathus kirchgasseri. Complete and partial multielement apparatuses have been reconstructed for Palmatolepis playfordi and P. nicolli.
Genome-wide association studies: implications for multiethnic samples

The current gene mapping for complex diseases is heavily weighted by studies of population samples from northern Europe. To capture the full range of genetic diversity and exploit the potential of genetic epidemiology to identify important variants, multiple additional populations will need to be examined. The conduct of genome-wide association studies will therefore confront many of the challenges identified in the first generation of candidate gene and linkage studies, with a substantial increase in complexity. Initial efforts to map causal effects will have to take account of varying patterns of linkage disequilibrium through careful attention to local haplotype structure. Refined statistical techniques that permit joint analyses of samples from multiple populations will also be required, as well as improved methods to account for on-going gene flow between populations with geographically distinct ancestral origins. This variation can either be an impediment, slowing the process of replication, or an opportunity, allowing finer dissection of the relevant variants. Clinical translation of these data will present major challenges. Large cosmopolitan populations, such as those found in large urban centers, are likely to exhibit both known and cryptic sub-structure across groups, as well as admixture within individuals. Great care will need to be devoted to generalizability of association findings to avoid their premature adoption as predictive tests in the face of this widespread heterogeneity.
Upper limb effort does not increase maximal voluntary muscle activation in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury

Objective: To determine the effect of upper limb effort on maximal lower limb muscle activation in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury. Methods: Fifteen individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury performed recumbent stepping using different combinations of upper and lower limb efforts. Results: There was no significant difference in active lower limb electromyography amplitudes regardless of whether the upper limbs were resting or exerting maximal effort. Upper limb effort increased passive lower limb muscle activation and likewise, lower limb effort increased passive upper limb muscle activation. Conclusions: Upper limb effort did not increase lower limb muscle activation during active lower limb effort in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury during recumbent stepping. This suggests that individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury cannot recruit additional lower limb motor units using maximal volitional effort of their upper limbs. Significance: Understanding how upper limb effort and movement influences lower limb muscle activation patterns in incomplete spinal cord injury patients has implications for prescribing therapies for lower limb rehabilitation.
Recent progress in Li-rich layered oxides as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

The Li-ion battery represents one of the most important and most technically challenging components of electric vehicles. The cathode is one of the three key components (i.e., cathode, anode, and electrolyte) of the Li-ion battery and determines the battery quality. The demand for higher energy density, lower cost, and environmentally friendly batteries makes Li-rich layered oxides xLi2MnO3·(1 − x)LiMO2 (LR-NMC) among the most attractive candidates for future cathode materials. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art research activities related to LR-NMC materials, including their structures, mechanisms of high capacity and large voltage, challenges, and strategies that have been studied to improve their performances. Finally, we conclude with some personal perspectives for the future development of LR-NMC materials.
Ab initio modeling of organophosphorus combustion chemistry

An ab initio study has been conducted to calculate the thermochemistry of several organophosphorus intermediates, to assess the accuracy of estimated rate constants in current organophosphorus combustion mechanisms and to explore additional reaction pathways for methylphosphonic acid (MPA or PO(OH)2CH3). The organophosphorus reaction rates and thermochemistry were calculated for an elementary reaction rate model to predict MPA oxidation kinetics and reaction pathways in supercritical water. The thermochemistry for 17 phosphorus-containing species was calculated using the CBS-Q method, including species such as PO(OH)2CH2˙, PO(O˙)OHCH3, and PO(OH)2CH2O˙, whose thermochemical values are unknown. Rate constants for fourteen reaction pathways involving MPA and its intermediates were calculated using conventional transition state theory. Unimolecular decomposition rates of MPA, bimolecular hydrogen abstraction rates between MPA and OH˙, and decomposition and bimolecular hydrogen abstraction rates of phosphoric acid and P˙O(OH)2 were calculated and compared to estimated literature rate constants, when available. Agreement ranged from within one order of magnitude to more than six orders of magnitude difference. The most significant discrepancies occurred for reactions involving P–O bonds, indicating that estimates of these reaction rates based on analogous C–O bond chemistry are unreliable. Several types of free-radical organophosphorus reaction pathways were studied for the first time.
An Alternative to Creatio ex Nihilo

For many philosophical thinkers down through the centuries, the notion of a creation out of sheer nothing has been found to be quite unintelligible. Nevertheless the idea of creation preserves an important insight and needs to be freed from the difficulties of this traditional formulation. Alfred North Whitehead has offered an alternative theory of creation worth exploring: each individual actuality creates itself out of prior creative acts. God then serves to direct this creative process.
Inhibition of Cancer Cell Proliferation and Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis by Scutellaria Baicalensis

Scutellaria baicalensis is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine that has been used historically in anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapy. The purpose of this study is to verify its anticancer activity on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro and in vivo and to investigate its effect on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and is highly expressed in HNSCC. Two human HNSCC cell lines (SCC-25 and KB) and a nontumorigenic cell line (HaCaT) were tested in vitro for growth inhibition, proliferation cell nuclear antigen expression, and COX-2 activity and expression after treatment with Scutellaria baicalensis extract. Its effects were compared with those of baicalein (a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis), indomethacin (a nonselective COX inhibitor), and celecoxib (a selective COX-2 inhibitor). Four nude mice with s.c. inoculation of KB cells were tested for its anticancer activity in vivo by oral administration of Scutellaria baicalensis at a dose of 1.5 mg/mouse (75 mg/kg), five times/week for 7 weeks. Scutellaria baicalensis and other agents demonstrated a strong growth inhibition in both tested human HNSCC cell lines. No growth inhibition of HaCaT cells was observed with Scutellaria baicalensis. The IC(50)s were 150 micro g/ml for Scutellaria baicalensis, 25 micro M for celecoxib, and 75 micro M for baicalein and indomethacin. Scutellaria baicalensis, as well as celecoxib and indomethacin, but not baicalein, suppressed proliferation cell nuclear antigen expression and PGE(2) synthesis in both cell types. Scutellaria baicalensis inhibited COX-2 expression, whereas celecoxib inhibited COX-2 activity directly. A 66% reduction in tumor mass was observed in the nude mice. Scutellaria baicalensis selectively and effectively inhibits cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo and can be an effective chemotherapeutic agent for HNSCC. Inhibition of PGE(2) synthesis via suppression of COX-2 expression may be responsible for its anticancer activity. Differences in biological effects of Scutellaria baicalensis compared with baicalein suggest the synergistic effects among components in Scutellaria baicalensis.
Response of Cottons to Chemical Treatments : Part III: Yarn Resin Finishing

Yarns from six widely different cottons were subjected to a resin finishing treatment. The mechanical properties of single fibers withdrawn from untreated and treated yarns were examined. The changes in resilience and rupture properties resulting from the treatment were studied in order to determine whether the different cottons responded differently to the resin treatment. It was observed that many changes in the mechanical properties were not constant for the six cottons. Changes in resilience properties could be related to the cottons' fibrillar orientation as measured by X-ray angle.
Differential bait preference and rate of attraction by Argentine ants (Linepithema humile Mayr) at freshwater and saltwater marsh sites in southern California

Abstract. Ants are a type of foraging insect species which harvests food resources based on availability. When ants locate food resources that are scarce within their habitat, they tend to be more strongly attracted to that food resource. This study used protein, carbohydrate and control based baits to examine if there was a deficiency in resources demonstrated by the ants at two different wetland habitats. We sampled Argentine ants (Linepithema humile Mayr) within the saltwater and freshwater marshes of Ballona Wetlands in Los Angeles, CA. We found significant differences in the rapid deployment of Argentine ants towards protein baits over carbohydrate and control baits. We saw more Argentine ants at the protein baits in the saltwater marshes than in the freshwater marshes. We propose that a protein limitation exists in both wetland habitats with increased protein limitation in the saltwater marshes.
Hardware-assisted fast routing

To fully realize the benefits of partial and rapid reconfiguration of field-programmable devices, we often need to dynamically schedule computing tasks and generate instance-specific configurations-new graphs which must be routed during program execution. Consequently, route time can be a significant overhead cost reducing the achievable net benefits of dynamic configuration generation. BY adding hardware to accelerate routing, we show that it is possible to compute routes in one thousandth the time of a traditional, software router and achieve routes that are within 5% of the state-of-the-art offline routing algorithms for a sample set of application netlists and within 25% for a set of difficult synthetic benchmarks. We further outline how strategic use of parallelism can allow the total route time to scale substantially less than linearly in graph size. We detail the source of the benefits in our approach and survey a range of options for hardware assistance that van, from a speedup of over 10/spl times/ with modest hardware overhead to speedups in excess of 1000/spl times/.
Comparison of craving and withdrawal among four combination nicotine treatments.

Objective To assess the appearance of craving and withdrawal among four combination nicotine replacement treatments (NRTs). Methods In a crossover trial of NRT preferences, 27 smokers tested 4 combinations of nicotine treatments: 2 mg/4 mg gums + 15 mg patch, 2 mg/4 mg lozenges + 15 mg patch, inhalers + 15 mg patch, and 10 + 15 mg double patch (∼25 mg). Overnight abstinence was required prior to ½ day testing of each combination. Combination NRTs were used for ∼6 h/day. Subjects resumed smoking each afternoon. For this report, we used the Smoker Anchored Withdrawal Grid to look at craving and withdrawal scores over 5 days of testing (smoking baseline + four treatment days). Results “Urge to smoke” and “total withdrawal” showed a rise from baseline to NRT use for the double patch but not for the three acute + patch conditions. Lozenge/patch scores did not rise from baseline for “craving” and “miss a cigarette” but did for gum/patch, inhaler/patch, and double patch. The best relief occurred for NRTs of choice. Conclusion This was a small but suggestive finding regarding the potential of patch plus adjunct ad lib NRT. With little data on relief with NRT combinations, more systematic tests are needed. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geologic context of proposed chloride‐bearing materials on Mars

[1] We use Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) data to identify and characterize the global distribution of distinct materials interpreted to contain chloride salts on the Martian surface. Previously mapped global geochemical and physical properties are used in concert with thermophysical and morphological observations to assess the materials' local and regional characteristics. The results of our survey have expanded the characterization of the materials from ∼200 to ∼640 distinct sites dispersed throughout low-albedo Noachian- and Hesperian-aged terrains. Our survey also shows that the materials are detected in locally thermophysically distinct terrains and display a range of morphologies. Topography indicates that the majority of the materials occur in local lows, although crosscutting relationships indicate that some sites are located in “geologic windows” implying that the materials may be older than the terrains in which they are situated. Once exposed, the materials appear to undergo erosion, which may be the reason we do not observe large laterally extensive materials at the surface. The materials are predominantly local in nature, yet their prevalence across the southern highlands suggests that they represent one or more globally ubiquitous processes. We consider a number of formation hypotheses but find that most observations are consistent with formation via ponding of surface runoff or groundwater upwelling, although efflorescence and hydrothermal activity may also be possible in some locales. The materials' inferred ages suggest that the conditions that enabled the deposition of the materials persisted for up to 1 billion years.
Nonresective therapy for aortic aneurysm: results of a survey.

Abstract We reviewed the experience of 120 vascular surgeons with nonresective therapy for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in medically unstable patients. Of a total pool of 206 patients, 88 underwent iliac artery ligation, which was combined with angiographic attempts at intrasaccular thrombosis in 80% of cases. The remaining 118 patients had ligation of the aneurysm proximally and distally. In all cases distal perfusion was restored, usually by axillofemoral bypass. Our study demonstrated a significantly higher risk of postoperative AAA rupture (20% vs. 3.3%, p
Laser diagnostics of CVD diamond film growth

Feigerle and Shaw describe the critical role played by laser spectroscopy in assessing diamond film growth.
Designing Transdisciplinary Discovery and Innovation: Models and Tools for Dynamic Knowledge Integration

This paper presents challenges faced in rapidly accelerating technological development and the need for a transdisciplinary approach to engineering systems. An analogy is drawn with theories of technical system development to propose a mechanism for dynamic knowledge integration using transdisciplinary approaches. The mechanism for dynamic knowledge integration is based on a three-level progression of the scope of transdisciplinary research activities. Concepts and tools from engineering design and innovation are used to explain challenges and opportunities for the future of transdisciplinary research, and preliminary measures for transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge integration are discussed. Validation of transdisciplinary research is then discussed in light of approaches to philosophy of science and the sociology of intellectual dis-course. Examples are given of transdisciplinary research areas that combine engineering design with other elds such as sustainability, biology, manage
Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung.

Background: Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung displays morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics common to neuroendocrine tumors and morphologic features of large-cell carcinomas. Because surgical resection of LCNEC in many series has been described with 5-year actuarial survival that is far worse than that reported for other histologic variants of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), considerable debate has emerged as to whether these tumors should be classified and treated as NSCLC or small-cell lung cancer. Methods: The initial evaluation and diagnosis, tumor classification, surgical treatment, results of therapy, and long-term prognosis of patients with LCNEC based on our experience are discussed, and a review of the literature is presented. Results: Patients with LCNEC are more likely to develop recurrent lung cancer and have shorter actuarial survival than patients with other histologic types of NSCLC, even in those with stage I disease. Conclusions: Accurate differentiation of LCNEC from other types of NSCLC is important because it identifies those patients at highest risk for developing recurrent disease. Efforts to identify effective adjuvant therapies are needed to improve treatment outcomes with this aggressive type of lung cancer. Accurate classification of this malignancy will help to guide management decisions regarding resection and adjuvant therapy.
Installation of an external lustre filesystem using cray esMS management and lustre 1.8.6

High performance computing systems need a similarly large scale storage system in order to manage the massive quantities of data that are produced. The unique aspects of each customer's site means that the on-site configuration and creation of the filesystem will be unique. In this paper we will look at the installation of multiple separate Lustre 1.8.6 filesystems attached to the Los Alamos National Laboratory ACES systems and their management back-end. We will examine the structure of the filesystem and the choices made during the installation and configuration as well the obstacles that we encountered along the way and the methods used to overcome them.
A study of 16O(γ, p0) angular distributions at giant resonance energies

Abstract A study has been made of the angular distribution of ground state photoprotons from 16O. Proton spectra were recorded simultaneously at 20°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 135° and 160° to the incident beam of thin-target bremsstrahlung. The excitation energy range between 20.5 and 30 MeV was covered in 100 keV intervals. The energy dependence and magnitudes of the Legendre coefficients of the angular distribution indicate the contributions of E1 and higher multipole excitations in the giant resonance region.
A Plain Man's Response to Professor Jensen

This paper is a brief reply to Jensen's criticisms of my earlier paper 'Incentives, Rationality and Society'. In it, I argue that Jensen misrepresents my position on the role of incentives, offer some further thoughts about the nature of the self-interest assumption in economics and it consequences for society. Finally, I point out that Jensen's new model of Resourceful Evaluative Maximizing Man is without empirical content.
Software compatibility

There is a growing need for data exchange, particularly the passing of files of data between programs that were produced independently. This will be needed in the development of computer networks and data bases; for example, a head office installation collecting files from various divisions of a corporation to build a data base. Both the development of formal and informal computer networks as well as the economic feasibility of large data bases are favoring the development of arrangements for a considerable volume of data exchange, whether directly over communication systems or by the dispatch of reels of tape and boxes of cards. These are very significant areas of growth that are just beginning to emerge in commercial EDP and are already creating problems within the Federal government.
Abstract 2152: p38α MAPK regulates signal transduction between estrogen receptor (ER) and its antagonist by switching ER signaling from the classical to the non-classical pathway

Estrogen receptor ≤ (ER) plays a decisive role in breast cancer growth through regulating gene expression via the classical {ERE (estrogen-response element) binding} and the non-classical (AP-1 recruitment by interacting with c-Jun) pathways and serves as the only target for hormone therapy. However, anti-estrogen acts on several cascades beside ER and the implications of these “off-target” effects on hormone sensitivity remain unexplored. Here we report that p38α MAPK is selectively activated by treatment of breast cancer cells with the antiestrogen tamoxifen (TAM) and activated p38α in turn switches ER signaling from the classical to the non-classical pathway leading to increased hormone sensitivity. This occurs primarily through p38α phosphorylating ER/S118 leading to its S118-dependent proteasome-degradation through the E3 ligase E6AP resulting in decreased ERE activity. Unexpectedly, Ser-118 is also required for ER to form a complex with p38α, for p38α to stimulate AP-1, to inhibit ERE, and to sensitize breast cancer cells to TAM-induced growth inhibition and ER/S118 phosphorylation alone is both necessary and sufficient for ER binding to the AP-1 DNA. These results indicate that Ser-118 phosphorylation serves as a central switch for p38α to regulate the ER signaling distribution, which may be targeted to increase breast cancer hormone sensitivity. 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 2152. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2152
Predictive Models of Hand Torque Strength for Circular Electrical Connectors

Maintenance and its associated costs have become a serious problem for nearly all military and civilian organizations using aircraft and other complex hardware. This paper describes extensions of development work designed to provide basic elemental task configuration versus strength data for tightening and loosening circular electrical connectors by proposing a mathematical formulation of the problem, showing a model relating hand torque strength to specific task variables and dimensions, and giving the results of predictive tests in which predicted hand torque strength was compared against values obtained in a comprehensive statistically balanced set of hand torque strength tests. Results strongly support the theoretical basis and structure of the predictive model and indicate directions for refinement as more data are obtained in future applications.
Suitability of Scolytus multistriatus and Dendroctonus ponderosae as hosts for the entomogenous nematode Neoaplectana carpocapsae

The suitability of the lesser European elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus (Marsham), and the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, as hosts for the entomogenous nematode Neoaplectana carpocapsae Weiser was evaluated in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. These two species also were compared with larvae of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.), with respect to suitability for nematode reproduction. All stages of both bark beetle species were susceptible to parasitism by N. carpocapsae , with rates of infection ranging from 10 to 66%. Adults of D. ponderosae were the least susceptible of all stages tested of both species. The rate of infection in D. ponderosae was dosage dependent up to 85 dauerlarvae (infective juvenile nematodes) per insect. A comparison of total yield of nematodes among the three insect species tested suggests that S. multistriatus and G. mellonella larvae are about equally suitable hosts for the nematodes; D. ponderosae appears considerably less suitable. Greenhouse trials showed that dauerlarvae of N. carpocapsae could be recovered alive from frass in beetle-infested pine bolts sprayed several weeks previously with a water-plus-antidesiccant suspension of infective nematodes.
General method to predict voltage-dependent ionic conduction in a solid electrolyte coating on electrodes

Understanding the ionic conduction in solid electrolytes in contact with electrodes is vitally important to many applications, such as lithium ion batteries. The problem is complex because both the internal properties of the materials (e.g., electronic structure) and the characteristics of the externally contacting phases (e.g., voltage of the electrode) affect defect formation and transport. In this paper, we developed a method based on density functional theory to study the physics of defects in a solid electrolyte in equilibrium with an external environment. This method was then applied to predict the ionic conduction in lithium fluoride (LiF), in contact with different electrodes which serve as reservoirs with adjustable Li chemical potential $({\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{Li}})$ for defect formation. LiF was chosen because it is a major component in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed on lithium ion battery electrodes. Seventeen possible native defects with their relevant charge states in LiF were investigated to determine the dominant defect types on various electrodes. The diffusion barrier of dominant defects was calculated by the climbed nudged elastic band method. The ionic conductivity was then obtained from the concentration and mobility of defects using the Nernst-Einstein relationship. Three regions for defect formation were identified as a function of ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{Li}}$: (1) intrinsic, (2) transitional, and (3) $p$-type region. In the intrinsic region (high ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{Li}}$, typical for LiF on the negative electrode), the main defects are Schottky pairs and in the $p$-type region (low ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{Li}}$, typical for LiF on the positive electrode) are Li ion vacancies. The ionic conductivity is calculated to be approximately ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}31}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\text{S}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ when LiF is in contact with a negative electrode but it can increase to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}\text{S}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ on a positive electrode. This insight suggests that divalent cation (e.g., ${\text{Mg}}^{2+}$) doping is necessary to improve Li ion transport through the engineered LiF coating, especially for LiF on negative electrodes. Our results provide an understanding of the influence of the environment on defect formation and demonstrate a linkage between defect concentration in a solid electrolyte and the voltage of the electrode.
Chemical Restoration of Fertility of Genie Male-sterile Rice with Stable Sterility to Environmental Conditions

The male-sterile outcrossing progenies of IR36ms, the monogenic male-sterile rice line with stable sterility under various environmental conditions, have the same characteristics in male-sterile as IR36ms with whitish shrivelled anthers and no pollen. The anthers of the progenies of IR36ms, treated with the chemical restoration agent X No. 1 around the meiosis stage, changed to yellow and plumpness. The male-fertility were partially restored to different extent with the highest 50% fertile pollen. Some seeds from self-crossing of the rice were obtained.
Mechanic Transplanting Techniques for Two-line Mid-season Indica Rice Hybrid Liangyou 289

Liangyou 289 is a newly released two-line mid-season indica rice hybrid bred collaboratively by the rice research institute of Anhui academy of agricultural sciences and Hubei Gushen Sci-Tech Co., Ltd.. Its growth period is 135 days. It has about 110 cm of plant height with a small leaf inclination angle. The variety is tolerant to over-fertilization and lodging, with high and stable yield potentials. The mechanic transplanting techniques for this variety including seedling raising technique, mechanic transplanting technique and the corresponding field management technique of mechanic transplanted rice seedlings were introduced. The techniques could realize objectives of cost-saving, labor-saving, yield-increasing and high efficiency.
A modification of the Fontan procedure incorporating anomalies of systemic and pulmonary venous return

A modification of the Fontan procedure is described in which separation of anomalous systemic and pulmonary venous pathways is accomplished without the need for construction of a complex intraatrial baffle. The feasibility of this simplified surgical technique is predicated on the presence of a left superior vena cava draining to a coronary sinus. The design of the procedure and results in two patients with polysplenia syndrome and a constellation of systemic and pulmonary venous anomalies are presented. Early and late results have been gratifying, and continued exploration of the technique seems warranted.
Flexible fiberoscopy of urinary conduits.

AbstractDuring the last 2 years 7 patients with intestinal urinary conduits, exhibiting symptoms of gross hematuria and ureteral stricture or other difficulty with the conduit, were examined with flexible fiberoptic endoscopes. The entire lumen of the intestinal conduit, all urinary-intestinal anastomoses and the bladder of 1 patient were visualized successfully. Retrograde pyelography was performed on 2 patients. In 4 of 7 patients we were able to demonstrate abnormalities that were not demonstrable by any other method.
Normal pregnancy occurring in a cretin; report of a case.

Abstract 1. 1. The fifth reported case of pregnancy occurring in a cretin is presented. 2. 2. Thyroid therapy beginning in childhood is postulated as an explanation for the phenomena of a reasonably normal ovarian function, conception, and eventual delivery of a normal, term, living male infant. 3. 3. It is noted that cretins, ipso facto, are not infertile, and that this fact should be kept in mind by those responsible for the care of these unfortunate people.
Induction of general anesthesia in pediatric patients

The induction of general anesthesia is one of the most stressful procedures during the perioperative period for pediatric patients. Postoperative negative behavioral changes, such as nightmares or separation anxiety are reported in the children undergoing general anesthesia. To avoid these problems, the anesthesiologists have to pay more attention to the psychological needs of young patients as well as the technical aspects. Preoperative interview is important to identify the child who has extreme fear and anxiety. Premedication with sedatives and psychological preparation are effective for the smooth induction. In this article, preparation for the induction and practical skills of the induction in children, newborns, as well as patients with difficult airway and with full stomach are summarized.
Surgery of the Small Intestine

Although earlier reports describe a poor prognosis for small intestinal surgery in the horse, there is growing evidence that the short-term survival rate can exceed 80%. In addition to advancements in surgery and aftercare, early referral contributes considerably to the improved prognosis. Surgical procedures that restore anatomic and physiologic continuity to close to normal can minimize postoperative complications, Jejunojejunostomy carries a better prognosis than jejunocecostomy, probably because the latter involves anastomosis between two intestinal segments with dissimilar functions. Careful technique can reduce the prevalence of complications, such as postoperative ileus and serosal adhesions.
Body temperature and endocrine interactions before and after calving in beef cows.

Multiparous beef cows (n = 7) were used to evaluate peripartum changes and interactions among body temperature (BT) and circulating progesterone (P4), estradiol-17beta (E2), triiodothyronine (T3), cortisol, thyroxine (T4), and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2alpha (PGFM) concentrations. Electronic temperature monitors were placed under the obliquus abdominis internus muscle of the left flank, and BT was measured using radiotelemetry every 3 min for 10-s periods from 144 h before to 24 h after calving. Environmental temperatures (ET) were recorded hourly. Body and environmental temperatures were averaged, separately, within 8-h periods. Blood samples were collected every 8 h, and hormone concentrations were measured. Time of day affected BT (P .10) from 144 to 56 h before calving and from 8 to 24 h after calving but decreased (P < .01) from 48 to 8 h before calving. Precalving BT was affected (P < .01) by ET, but hour-before-calving (time) had the greatest effect on BT during the 48 to 8 h immediately preceding parturition (b' = .41, P < .01) and was independent of ET effects. Before the BT decrease, cows gestating heifers had lower (P < .01) BT than cows gestating bulls. Plasma E2, PGFM, T3, and T4 concentrations before the precalving decrease in body temperature were greater (P < .03) in cows gestating bull rather than heifer calves. Approximately 30% of the variation (R2) during the temperature decrease was explained by plasma hormone concentrations; PGFM (b' = -.30, P < .05) and T3 (b' = -.22, P < .10) had the most significant effects. In conclusion, BT of the cow before the precalving decrease was affected by ET and sex of calf. However, the prepartum BT decrease was independent of these variables, and seemed partially endocrine-induced.
Effect of irradiation on Akt signaling in atrophying skeletal muscle

Muscle irradiation (IRR) exposure can accompany unloading during spaceflight or cancer treatment, and this has been shown to be sufficient by itself to induce skeletal muscle signaling associated with a remodeling response. Although protein kinase B/Akt has an established role in the regulation of muscle growth and metabolism, there is a limited understanding of how Akt signaling in unloaded skeletal muscle is affected by IRR. Therefore, we examined the combined effects of acute IRR and short-term unloading on muscle Akt signaling. Female C57BL/6 mice were subjected to load bearing or hindlimb suspension (HS) for 5 days (n = 6/group). A single, unilateral hindlimb IRR dose (0.5 Gy X-ray) was administered on day 3 Gastrocnemius muscle protein expression was examined. HS resulted in decreased AktT308 phosphorylation, whereas HS+IRR resulted in increased AktT308 phosphorylation above baseline. HS resulted in reduced AktS473 phosphorylation, which was rescued by HS+IRR. Interestingly, IRR alone resulted in increased phosphorylation of AktS473, but not that of AktT308 HS resulted in decreased mTORC1 signaling, and this suppression was not altered by IRR. Both IRR and HS resulted in increased MuRF-1 expression, whereas atrogin-1 expression was not affected by either condition. These results demonstrate that either IRR alone or when combined with HS can differentially affect Akt phosphorylation, but IRR did not disrupt suppressed mTORC1 signaling by HS. Collectively, these findings highlight that a single IRR dose is sufficient to disrupt the regulation of Akt signaling in atrophying skeletal muscle.
Metabolism of Organophosphorus and Carbamate Pesticides

Publisher Summary The chapter provides an overview of the characteristics of enzymes-catalyzing pesticide metabolism, and common metabolic pathways of organophosphorus (OP) and carbamate (CM) pesticides. Also, it presents a recent trend of using human tissue for the in vitro study of pesticide metabolism, which may provide more relevant data to human health. The study of xenobiotic metabolism focuses on the recognition of enzymes involved and identification of metabolites generated as well as the understanding of the effects of xenobiotics on the metabolic enzymes. Several families of metabolic enzymes, often with wide arrays of substrate specificity, are involved in OP and CM pesticide metabolism. These metabolic enzymes are often divided into two distinct groups, referred to as phase I and phase II enzymes. Phase I enzymes introduce a polar reactive group onto the molecule, making it more water soluble while also increasing the possibility for further metabolism by phase II enzymes. More often than not, these metabolic processes are detoxication reactions. However, there are some cases in which metabolism through either phase I or phase II can make the chemical more reactive than the parent compound. This is particularly true in the case of OP compounds, in which the conversion of a P=S moiety to a P=O group can result in increasing toxicity substantially. Usually, however, metabolic events that increase the water solubility of a chemical cause significant reductions in its biological half-life by making it more readily excreted.
Spatiotemporal epidemic models for rabies among animals.

Abstract Rabies is a serious concern to public health and wildlife management worldwide. Over the last three decades, various mathematical models have been proposed to study the transmission dynamics of rabies. In this paper we provide a mini-review on some reaction-diffusion models describing the spatial spread of rabies among animals. More specifically, we introduce the susceptible-exposed-infectious models for the spatial transmission of rabies among foxes (Murray et al., 1986), the spatiotemporal epidemic model for rabies among raccoons (Neilan and Lenhart, 2011), the diffusive rabies model for skunk and bat interactions (Bonchering et al., 2012), and the reaction-diffusion model for rabies among dogs (Zhang et al., 2012). Numerical simulations on the spatiotemporal dynamics of these models from these papers are presented.
“It’s the Best of All Possible Worlds”: Leveraging Multimodality to Improve Call Center Productivity

This chapter describes trials Convergys undertook to discover how to improve call center agent productivity through the functionality provided by a multimodal workstation. The trials follow a specific sequence where multimodal building blocks are identified, investigated, and then combined into support tasks that handle call center transactions. Convergys agents tested the Multimodal User Interface (MMUI) for ease of use, and efficiency in completing caller transactions. Results show that multimodal transactions are faster to complete than only using a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Multimodal productivity enhancements are also seen to increase agent satisfaction.
Ecohydrological controls on blue crab landings and minimum freshwater inflow to the Caloosahatchee Estuary, Florida

Quantitative relationships between biological resources and hydrological variables are often needed to fulfill legislative requirements for management of estuaries and coastal waters. We used a 28-year record of blue crab landings to support development of a minimum flow (defined in Florida Statutes as the point at which further withdrawals of freshwater will cause “significant harm” to the resources or ecology) for the Caloosahatchee Estuary in Florida, USA. Annual catch per unit effort (CPUE) was computed from monthly landings of crabs and measures of fishing effort. Both unadjusted and de-trended annual CPUE were significantly correlated with rainfall, freshwater inflow and the Multivariate ENSO Index during the previous year’s dry season. Increases in CPUE from 1 year to the next were positively related to dry season rainfall in the first of the 2 years. The Minimum Flow was intended to protect the resources from an impact taking 2 or more years to recover. Geometric mean functional regressions and Monte Carlo simulations were used to identify the dry season rainfall associated with this level of impact. Both a spectral analysis and the Monte Carlo simulations indicated that this level of rainfall occurred about once every 6 years. The corresponding Minimum Flow ranged from 8.6 to 12.3 m3/s (averaged over the dry season and measured at the headwater control structure of the estuary). This study demonstrated the relationship between hydrologic variables (rainfall, freshwater inflow) and blue crab landings and the usefulness of fisheries catch data in providing the technical basis for developing environmental flow targets.
Smart city and IoT resilience, survivability, and disruption tolerance: Challenges, modelling, and a survey of research opportunities

The loT (Internet of things) is emerging as a wide variety of devices are attached to the Internet to support ubiquitous and pervasive sensing and computing, home automation, and the shift toward smart cities. As the IoT becomes a critical part of the Global Internet on which we increasingly rely, resilience is increasingly important. Of greatest concern is resilience to large-scale disasters that destroy an area of the network, and attacks that result in correlated failures to the most vulnerable parts of the network. This invited paper discusses the challenges, modelling, and research opportunities in achieving resilience in the Future Internet incorporating the IoT in the context of smart cities. The Global Internet is already an extremely complex multirealm multilevel network that is difficult to understand and model; the incorporation of the IoT in the context of smart cities significantly increases this complexity, not only in the number of nodes and structure, but also in the increased heterogeneity of protocols and mechanisms. Furthermore, the Internet (including mobile telephony networks and the IoT) is only one of several interdependent critical infrastructures on which smart cities will rely, including the power grid and transportation networks. Capturing, modelling, and ensuring resilience of these interdependencies is not trivial. We1 propose the concept of islands of resilience in which the realm boundaries of interdependent critical infrastructures align, and such that each realm contains local critical services (e,.g. DNS, caching, CDNs, PKI, edge clouds) such that they can continue to operate even when severed from core infrastructures. Furthermore by interconnecting islands of resilience by hardened corridors of resilience to one-another and to the core infrastructure, the probability of island isolation is reduced.
Hardness Complexity of Optimal Substructure Problems on Power-Law Graphs

The remarkable discovery of many large-scale real networks is the power-law distribution in degree sequence: the number of vertices with degree i is proportional to i −β for some constant β>1. A lot of researchers believe that it may be easier to solve some optimization problems in power-law graphs. Unfortunately, many problems have been proved NP-hard even in power-law graphs as Ferrante proposed in Ferrante et al. (Theoretical Computer Science 393(1–3):220–230, 2008). Intuitively, a theoretical question is raised: Are these problems on power-law graphs still as hard as on general graphs? The chapter shows that many optimal substructure problems, such as minimum dominating set, minimum vertex cover and maximum independent set, are easier to solve in power-law graphs by illustrating better inapproximability factors. An optimization problem has the property of optimal substructure if its optimal solution on some given graph is essentially the union of the optimal subsolutions on all maximal connected components. In particular, the above problems and a more general problem (ρ-minimum dominating set) are proven to remain APX-hard and their constant inapproximability factors on general power-law graphs by using the cycle-based embedding technique to embed any d-bounded graphs into a power-law graph. In addition, the corresponding inapproximability factors of these problems are further proven in simple power-law graphs based on the graphic embedding technique as well as that of maximum clique and minimum coloring using the embedding technique in Ferrante et al. (Theoretical Computer Science 393 (1–3):220–230, 2008). As a result of these inapproximability factors, the belief that there exists some (1+o(1))-approximation algorithm for these problems on power-law graphs is proven not always true. In addition, this chapter contains the in-depth investigations in the relationship between the exponential factor β and constant greedy approximation algorithms. The last part includes some minor NP-hardness results on simple power-law graphs for small β<1.
Ensuring respect for persons in COMPASS: a cluster randomised pragmatic clinical trial.

Cluster randomised clinical trials present unique challenges in meeting ethical obligations to those who are treated at a randomised site. Obtaining informed consent for research within the context of clinical care is one such challenge. In order to solve this problem it is important that an informed consent process be effective and efficient, and that it does not impede the research or the healthcare. The innovative approach to informed consent employed in the COMPASS study demonstrates the feasibility of upholding ethical standards without imposing undue burden on clinical workflows, staff members or patients who may participate in the research by virtue of their presence in a cluster randomised facility. The COMPASS study included 40 randomised sites and compared the effectiveness of a postacute stroke intervention with standard care. Each site provided either the comprehensive postacute stroke intervention or standard care according to the randomisation assignment. Working together, the study team, institutional review board and members of the community designed an ethically appropriate and operationally reasonable consent process which was carried out successfully at all randomised sites. This achievement is noteworthy because it demonstrates how to effectively conduct appropriate informed consent in cluster randomised trials, and because it provides a model that can easily be adapted for other pragmatic studies. With this innovative approach to informed consent, patients have access to the information they need about research occurring where they are seeking care, and medical researchers can conduct their studies without ethical concerns or unreasonable logistical impediments. Trial registration number NCT02588664, recruiting. This article covers the development of consent process that is currentlty being employed in the study.