cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Security and eavesdropping in terahertz wireless links.

Resiliency against eavesdropping and other security threats has become one of the key design considerations for communication systems. As wireless systems become ubiquitous, there is an increasing need for security protocols at all levels, including software (such as encryption), hardware (such as trusted platform modules) and the physical layer (such as wave-front engineering)1–5. With the inevitable shift to higher carrier frequencies, especially in the terahertz range (above 100 gigahertz), an important consideration is the decreased angular divergence (that is, the increased directionality) of transmitted signals, owing to the reduced effects of diffraction on waves with shorter wavelengths. In recent years, research on wireless devices6–8 and systems9–11 that operate at terahertz frequencies has ramped up markedly. These high-frequency, narrow-angle broadcasts present a more challenging environment for eavesdroppers compared to the wide-area broadcasts used at lower frequencies12,13. However, despite the widespread assumption of improved security for high-frequency wireless data links14–16, the possibility of terahertz eavesdropping has not yet been characterized. A few recent studies have considered the issue at lower frequencies5,12,13,17,18, but generally with the idea that the eavesdropper’s antenna must be located within the broadcast sector of the transmitting antenna, leading to the conclusion that eavesdropping becomes essentially impossible when the transmitted signal has sufficiently high directionality15. Here we demonstrate that, contrary to this expectation, an eavesdropper can intercept signals in line-of-sight transmissions, even when they are transmitted at high frequencies with narrow beams. The eavesdropper’s techniques are different from those for lower-frequency transmissions, as they involve placing an object in the path of the transmission to scatter radiation towards the eavesdropper. We also discuss one counter-measure for this eavesdropping technique, which involves characterizing the backscatter of the channel. We show that this counter-measure can be used to detect some, although not all, eavesdroppers. Our work highlights the importance of physical-layer security in terahertz wireless networks and the need for transceiver designs that incorporate new counter-measures. Contrary to current expectation, eavesdropping on terahertz wireless data links is shown to be easier than expected, by placing an object in the path of the signal that scatters part of it to a receiver located elsewhere.
Secondary acoustic cues in adult perception of young children's stop productions

The perception of plosive voicing distinctions is attributed primarily to voice onset time (VOT). However, perceptual judgments of naturally produced stop tokens may be influenced by secondary cues, such as fundamental frequency (f0) and burst amplitude. The present study assessed the role of secondary cues in adult labeling judgments of bilabial and alveolar CV words produced by 2–3-year-old English-speaking children. Child productions were divided into three groups across the VOT continuum. Four exemplars per phoneme category (/p, b, t, d/) in each range (short, ambiguous, and long) were chosen from 6 children. Two stimulus sets were created. One set included pre-voiced tokens for /b d/ and exaggerated long lag tokens (100+ ms) for /p t/; the other set removed these extreme tokens. Listening data were obtained from adults per set. Listeners were highly accurate (>90%) at labeling the production as intended by the child when the production matched the VOT category expected for the target word. When VOT was ambiguous, judgments for voiced targets ranged from 75% to 92% and voiceless targets ranged from 54% to 62% accuracy. Measures of f0 and burst amplitude suggest that secondary cues in the speech signal contributed to adults’ perception of children's stops.
Streamlining bortezomib regimen: A quality improvement project for cost-effective and patient-friendly protocol.

94Background: Bortezomib is a novel first-in-class proteasome inhibitor and received it’s FDA approval with twice weekly dosing on day 1, 4, 8 and 11 of a 21-day cycle with weekly complete blood co...
Sensation Seeking: Behavioral Expressions and Biosocial Bases

The development of questionnaire scales to measure sensation seeking, first as a general trait and then as one with two or four facets, is described. Behavioral correlates of the trait include: volunteering for unusual or risky experiences, exceptional dangerous sports, fast and reckless driving, variety of sexual partners and activities, smoking, drinking and drugs, and risky or stressful vocations. Sensation seeking also influences preferences in art, media, music, movies, and television with a preference for novel, intense, and arousing themes like sex and violence. There is a strong genetic influence in sensation seeking, compared to other personality traits. Biochemical correlates include testosterone, dopamine, and serotonin, and the genes and enzymes that regulate them. Sensation seeking also correlates with cortical reactivity to intensity of stimuli. Parallel studies of other species suggest that sensation seeking has evolved from a strong approach trait, including exploration, and a weak behavioral inhibition mechanism. Similar biological mechanisms underlie the behavioral dispositions in human and nonhuman species.
Racism: A Public Health Crisis

The impact of COVID–19 on racially minoritized communities in the United States has forced us all to look square in the face of the systemic racism that is embedded in every fabric of our society. ...
“Return to University Campuses Associated with 9% Increase in New COVID-19 Case Rate”

Abstract The vast majority of colleges and universities across the United States are bringing students back for in-person instruction in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the absence of an effective vaccine or other anti-viral therapeutic treatment. Using data from the New York Times and the American Community Survey, we assess the effect of this return to campus on viral case growth in counties with a significant college student population (“college counties”) relative to non-college counties. We find a significant surge in new cases in a 21-day time frame in college counties, a finding consistent across U.S. Census divisions. These results suggest the need for institutions of higher education and the communities where these institutions reside work together quickly and effectively to mitigate viral transmission and to prevent overwhelming local healthcare infrastructure in college counties.
Zero Preventable Deaths by 2020: Analysis of Prehospital and Emergency Department Deaths Following Penetrating Trauma Stratified by Anatomic Location.

IntroductionPreventable deaths following trauma are high and unchanged over the last two decades. The objective of this study was to describe the location of death in patients with penetrating trau...
Reduced white matter microstructure in bipolar disorder with and without psychosis

OBJECTIVES Affective and psychotic features overlap considerably in bipolar I disorder, complicating efforts to determine its etiology and develop targeted treatments. In order to clarify whether mechanisms are similar or divergent for bipolar disorder with psychosis (BDP) and bipolar disorder with no psychosis (BDNP), neurobiological profiles for both the groups must first be established. This study examines white matter structure in the BDP and BDNP groups, in an effort to identify portions of white matter that may differ between the bipolar and healthy groups or between the bipolar subgroups themselves. METHODS Diffusion-weighted imaging data were acquired from participants with BDP (n = 45), BDNP (n = 40), and healthy comparisons (HC) (n = 66). Fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and spin distribution function (SDF) values indexing white matter diffusivity or spin density were calculated and compared between the groups. RESULTS In comparisons between both the bipolar groups and HC, FA (FDR < 0.00001) and RD (FDR = 0.0037) differed minimally, in localized portions of the left cingulum and corpus callosum, while reductions in SDF (FDR = 0.0002) were more widespread. The bipolar subgroups did not differ from each other on FA, RD, or SDF metrics. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results demonstrate a novel profile of white matter differences in bipolar disorder and suggest that this white matter pathology is associated with the affective disturbance common to those with bipolar disorder rather than the psychotic features unique to some. The white matter alterations identified in this study may provide substrates for future studies examining specific mechanisms that target affective domains of illness.
Towards Fairness in AI: Addressing Bias in Data Using GANs

Can we trust machine learning models to make fair decisions? This question becomes more relevant as these algorithms become more pervasive in many aspects of our lives and our society. While the main objective of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms is traditionally to increase accuracy, the AI community is gradually focusing more on evaluating and developing algorithms to ensure fairness. This work explores the usefulness of adversarial learning, explicitly generative adversarial networks (GAN), in addressing the problem of fairness. We show that the proposed model is able to produce synthetic tabular data to augment the original dataset in order to improve demographic parity, while maintaining data utility. In doing so, our work increases algorithmic fairness while maintaining accuracy.
Virus-lipid interactions. I. Concentration and purification of viruses by adsorption to a cholesterol column and studies of the biological properties of lipid-adsorbed virus.

Abstract The preparation of a cholesterol adsorption column and its application to the study of virus-lipid interactions are described. A number of viruses were found to adsorb strongly to the cholesterol, whereas the accompanying protein impurities passed through the column without adsorption. Of the viruses tested, namely, influenza, Newcastle disease, vaccinia, coliphages, and poliovirus, only poliovirus failed to adsorb. The saturation of cholesterol columns with influenza virus was found to have the kinetics characteristic of chromatographic and ion exchange adsorption columns. The adsorption was independent of ionic environment and temperature. The presence of active virus on the cholesterol was demonstrated by (a) recovery of hemagglutinin after ether-water partitioning, (b) infectivity determinations, or (c) antigenicity measurements. Suspensions of cholesterol-adsorbed influenza virus produced higher antibody titers in chicks than equal amounts of aqueous virus. This was ascribed to the adjuvant effect of cholesterol. Virus adsorbed to cholesterol particles was capable of combining with specific antibodies.
Understanding Japan's International Development NGO Policy: Domestic Interpretations, Identities, and Interests

This article examines why Japan decided to promote an international development nongovernmental organization (IDNGO) policy in 1989. While Reimann's 2003 and 2010 analyses argue that international norms and pressure account for the establishment of this policy, I find that domestic actors' interpretations and policy processes significantly contributed to producing it. I argue that the IDNGO policy reflects a shift in policy-makers' perceptions of Japanese identity from a “merchant nation” to a “leader.” This reconstruction entails new sets of interests regarding building a positive global reputation and friendly relationships not only with other states, but also with “grassroots” citizens at home and abroad. This study highlights that identity is changeable and that domestic policy processes and actors need to be taken into more serious consideration. Demonstrating the importance of NGOs and grassroots people in constructing Japanese state identity, this article suggests that targets of recognition in international relations go beyond the state level.
Pigs, People, and Pathogens: A Social Welfare Framework for the Analysis of Animal Antibiotic Use Policy

Use of antibiotics in animals faces increasing public scrutiny. Antibiotics are at the center of a swirling debate, whose participants include a wide range of actors, including public health officials, agricultural producers and farm groups, drug companies, doctors, veterinarians, elected representatives, government agencies, ecologists, environmentalists, and scientists. While the concerns expressed about animal antibiotic use (AAU) have a number of origins, the primary source of concern arises from the public health community, which faces increasing cases of antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases and
Kant contra el leibnizianismo: el principio de sucesión y el problema del cambio en la Nova Dilucidatio de 1755

This paper analyzes and discusses the principle of Succession, formulated by Kant in 1755s Nova Dilucidatio. The principle, as we will see, shows that the kind of causally isolated substances invoked in pre-established harmony are incapable of undergoing change. After first analyzing Kant’s specific arguments in order to prove his principle, I shall argue that the Kantian critique against the leibnizians refers to the general bias consisting in putting on a level the logical and real realms, and consequently to confuse the concepts of logical ground and real cause.
Isolation, Morphology, and Composition of the Nuclear Membrane from Rat Liver

Intact nuclear membrane from rat liver was isolated and purified from nuclear lysates by discontinuous gradient centrifugation. Two membrane fractions isolated at the interface density (d) 1.16 to 1.18 and d 1.18 to 1.20 g per cc have been characterized with respect to morphology and chemical and enzymic composition. Structurally, the purified nuclear envelope was composed of both an inner and outer leaflet possessing discrete pore complexes with an average diameter of 700 to 800 A. Each leaflet, which in itself represents a unit membrane, measured approximately 75 A thick. The chemical composition of nuclear membrane isolated at the interface d 1.16 to 1.18 g per cc was protein, 58.8%; lipid, 35.2%; carbohydrate, 2.9%; RNA, 3.1%; DNA, 0.0%. Similar values for membrane isolated at interface d 1.18 to 1.20 g per cc were protein, 62.3%; lipid, 27.7%; carbohydrate, 3.9%; RNA, 6.1%; DNA, 0.0%. Glucosamine was the only amino sugar detected in membrane hydrolysates. The lipid fraction was composed chiefly of phospholipid, cholesterol, and cholesterol esters. Glucose 6-phosphatase, rotenone-insensitive DPNH-cytochrome c reductase, and adenosine triphosphatase were found to be integral components of the nuclear membrane. The specific activities of glucose 6-phosphatase and DPNH-cytochrome c reductase were approximately 50% those found for the same enzymes in the cytoplasmic membrane. This finding strongly suggests that these activities are associated with only one of the leaflets of the nuclear membrane, presumably the outer.
Geochemical Modeling—Computer Code Concepts

The formalism that allows us to relate mass actions equations (balanced chemical reactions) to actual solutions is called chemical thermodynamics or, more precisely, equilibrium thermodynamics. The basic idea is that elements, molecules, and compounds all contain some internal energy and that all systems try to reach a state where that energy is minimized (equilibrium). Natural systems, particularly low-temperature systems, do not always reach equilibrium, but they do move in that direction. The internal energy of an element, molecule, or compound is expressed as its enthalpy or internal heat. The free energy of an element is an element, molecule or compound is the sum of its internal heat and its internal tendency toward disorder (entropy). Keywords: geochemical models; thermodynamic equilibrium; kinetic; formulations; electrical balance; equilibrium; entropy; water chemistry; total free energy; computer models
Information Technology and Financial Performance: The Impact of being an Internet-Dependent Firm on Stock Returns

The choice of a particular technology to implement a firm's business strategy may impact the firm's market performance. This study assesses the impact of being an Internet-dependent firm on a firm's stock valuation. The empirical results indicate that in a booming economy, Internet-dependent firms have lower excess returns than non-Internet firms. These high returns can be explained by the fact that in such an economy, Internet stocks trade at relatively higher prices than non-Internet stocks. Therefore, choosing a particular technology to implement business strategy may have a significant impact a firm's stock performance.
Rosai-Dorfman Disease

Abstract To the best of our knowledge, this is the only reported case of isolated involvement by Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) of small, anterior cervical-midline lymph nodes, clinically presenting as a thyroid mass. Thyroid parenchymal involvement by RDD has been reported in only 3 cases in the literature. The present case shows involvement of RDD of a pretracheal and thyroid isthmic lymph node in a 38-year-old woman. The progressively enlarging, anterior neck mass was diagnosed as “lymph node” on a fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimen and subsequently interpreted to be an isthmic cyst on ultrasonography. A magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed foci of nodularity in the thyroid isthmus and pretracheal lymph node. Excisional biopsy of the 2 masses revealed typical features of sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy in the lymph node. Review of the patient's previous fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens also revealed the presence of similar features. Currently, the patient is well and has no...
Zinc, Nitrogen, Copper, Iron, and Manganese Balance in Adolescent Females Fed Two Levels of Zinc

The effect of feeding two different levels of zinc (Diet Z11.5 and Diet Z14.7) on zinc, nitrogen, copper, iron, and manganese balances was determined in 11 girls, 12.5 to 14.2 years, during a 30-day period. Diet Z11.5 provided 11.32 or 11.64 mg zinc daily, levels similar to that determined previously to be consumed by average adolescent females. Diet Z14.7 provided 14.52 or 14.84 mg zinc daily. These levels were just slightly less than the Recommended Dietary Allowance for zinc. When fed Diet Z14.7, subjects lost significantly more zinc in their feces than when fed Diet Z11.5. Regression analyses were applied to the zinc balance data from this study and a previous study with adolescent females. By extrapolation, a dietary intake of 11 mg zinc daily was estimated to compensate for fecal and urinary zinc losses of the average girl in these studies. The standard error of the estimate was 2.18 mg zinc daily. Nitrogen excretion and retention were unaffected by the variations in zinc intake. Copper excretion in the feces was significantly increased when subjects were fed Diet Z14.7 rather than Diet Z11.5. Manganese and iron fecal losses were also significantly correlated to zinc fecal losses.
Isolated primary unilateral stenosis of the internal auditory canal

Congenital primary stenosis of the internal auditory canal (IAC) may exist in isolation or along with a number of other osseous anomalies of the temporal bone. Most of the literature on IAC stenosis is concerned with its effect on the outcome of cochlear implantation (i.e. patients with profound bilateral hearing loss). In addition, some degree of canal asymmetry has been noted in patients with normal hearing, questioning the causal relationship of this finding to deafness. We describe two children with computed tomography (CT) documented severe primary unilateral narrowing of the IAC and an associated ipsilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Typical radiographic findings are described, and the relevant developmental pathology is discussed. The ipsilateral association of stenosis and hearing loss strengthens the link between narrowing of the IAC and deafness.
Source dependence in the valuation of objects

We ran two experiments to test whether people value objects more highly when they obtain those objects due to exemplary performance at a task. In the first, subjects who believed they had obtained a prize due to their performance on a classroom exercise valued it more highly than those who believed they had obtained it by chance. In the second, subjects who obtained a prize due to exemplary performance on a task valued it more highly than those who obtained it due to their poor performance. In both experiments, this ‘source dependence’ effect is approximately equal in strength to the endowment effect, which compares the valuation of subjects with and without the prize. We suggest a possible explanation for this source-dependence effect based on associationism, and rule out two alternative explanations.
In vitro block of murine L 1210 leukemia cell growth by amiloride, an inhibitor of passive Na+ influx

The present study was aimed to decide whether Na+ influx can be involved in regulation of murine L 1210 leukemia cell growth. Cells were cultivated in the presence of different concentrations of amiloride and cellular growth was monitored by 3H-thymidine incorporation/10(5) cells. This drug inhibited cell growth in concentrations ranging from 1 X 10(-5) to 1 X 10(-3) mmol/ml. Even short time treatments with amiloride caused irreversible alterations: the cells, although survived, lost their ability to divide. The results support the hypothesis that Na+ influx is necessary for the duplication of tumor cells.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Aspirin and Clopidogrel Resistance in Cerebrovascular Stenting

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The prevalence of antiplatelet drug resistance among patients who undergo cerebrovascular stent placement is unknown. We aimed to assess the feasibility of monitoring antiplatelet drug effects in a single-center cohort undergoing cerebrovascular stent placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively collected medical, laboratory, and radiographic data on patients who underwent cerebrovascular stent placement. We used the rapid platelet function assay-aspirin (RPFA-ASA) to calculate aspirin reaction units (ARU) and the P2Y12 assay to calculate P2Y12 reaction units and percentage platelet inhibition. Aspirin resistance was defined as ARU > 550, whereas clopidogrel resistance was defined as percentage platelet inhibition RESULTS: Among 76 patients, stent indications were the following: wide-neck aneurysm (57, 75.0%), symptomatic intracranial stenosis (12, 15.7%), carotid stenosis (5, 6.6%), and vertebral stenosis (2, 2.6%). For aspirin, the median dosage per week was 1300 mg and median ARU was 410. Among 71 patients on aspirin, 3 patients (4.2%) were resistant; there was a significant inverse correlation between aspirin dose and ARU ( r = −0.31, P = .01). Among 55 patients on clopidogrel, the median dosage per week was 525 mg with a mean platelet inhibition of 43.2%. Twenty-eight patients (51.9%) were clopidogrel-resistant. In a multivariable linear regression model, age older than 55 years (b = −16.3, P = .020) and diabetes (b = −26.8, P = .015) were inversely related to percentage platelet inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Using point-of-care tests, we found that aspirin resistance is relatively uncommon, whereas clopidogrel resistance occurred in half of patients undergoing cerebrovascular stent placement. Further studies should focus on ideal doses, timing, and duration of antiplatelet therapy for cerebrovascular stent placement.
An Auto-tuning Assisted Power-Aware Study of Iris Matching Algorithm on Intel's SCC

Biometric applications become paramount across private sectors, industry, as well as government agencies. As large amount of data being collected from many different sources, managing such volumes of data and developing efficient and effective large-scale operational solutions have become a concern. For example, real-time identification of individuals with the purpose of allowing or denying them access to specific systems or resource is challenging from the performance point of view. In addition, processing large amounts of data requires a significant amount of energy. The Single-chip Cloud Computer (SCC) is an experimental processor created by Intel Labs. In this paper we employ SCC, which supports different configurations in terms of number of cores, frequency, and voltage settings, to investigate the power-aware computing and performance enhancement of an iris matching algorithm on such many-core architecture. This biometric application contains a large degree of parallelism that can be exploited by porting it onto the SCC. Various metrics such as performance, power, energy, energy delay product (EDP), and power per speedup (PPS) are studied when executing the application under different SCC configurations. We also analyze how the results of these metrics vary as we change different parameters. In the latest stage of this study, we apply an auto-tuning approach based on Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm in an effort to quickly approaching the optimal configuration of the SCC based on the targeted metric. This allows us to traverse only a portion of the search space. Such approach proves to be very useful for energy-related metrics.
The Development and Validation of a Short Form of a Multidimensional Self-Concept Measure for High Technology Employees:

For a sample of 162 employees in a major electronics/computer company, evidence is presented concerning the reliability and construct validity of six 15-item scales in a shortened form of a measure entitled Dimensions of Self-Concept-Form W (DOSC-W). For the six scales of Level of Aspiration, Anxiety, Job Interest and Satisfaction, Leadership and Initiative, Identification versus Alienation, and Job Stress, representing the names hypothesized for the six underlying constructs of the DOSC-W, internal-consistency reliabilities ranged from .86 to .92, and intercorrelations among them varied between -.40 and .53. Orthogonal and oblique exploratory factor analyses of 18 subtests (three 5-item subtests for each factor scale) provided highly similar 6-factor solutions with clearly evident simple structure lending support to the validity of the six constructs. Confirmatory maximum likelihood factor analyses showed that among many alternative models, the 6-factor oblique model afforded the best fit in terms of acc...
Some design considerations for supersonic cruise mixed compression inlets

A mixed compression inlet designed for supersonic cruise has very demanding requirements for high total pressure recovery and low bleed and cowl drag. However, since the optimum inlet for supersonic cruise performance may have other undesirable characteristics, it is necessary to establish trade-offs between inlet performance and other inlet characteristics. Some of these trade-offs between the amount of internal compression, aerodynamic performance and angle-of-attack tolerance are reviewed. Techniques for analysis of boundary layer control and subsonic diffuser flow are discussed.
Developmental expression of NCS-1 (frequenin), a regulator of Kv4 K+ channels, in mouse heart

The channel proteins responsible for the cardiac transient outward K+ current (Ito) of human and rodent heart are composed, in part, of pore-forming Kv4.3 or Kv4.2 principal subunits. Recent reports implicate K+ channel interacting proteins (members of the neuronal Ca2+-binding protein family) as subunits of the Ito channel complex. We reported that another Ca2+-binding protein, frequenin [or neuronal calcium center protein-1 (NCS-1)], also functions as a Kv4 auxiliary subunit in the brain. By examining cardiac expression of NCS-1, the aim of this study was to examine the potential physiologic relevance of this protein as an additional regulator of cardiac Ito. Immunoblot analysis demonstrates NCS-1 protein to be expressed in adult mouse ventricle at levels comparable to that found in some brain regions. Cardiac NCS-1 protein expression levels are much higher in fetal and neonatal mouse hearts when compared with the adult. Immunocytochemical analysis of isolated neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes demonstrates co-localization of NCS-1 and Kv4.2 proteins at the sarcolemma. Given its high levels of expression in the heart, NCS-1 should be considered an important potential Kv4 regulatory subunit, particularly in the immature heart.
Mixed organized media: Effect of micellar-cyclodextrin solutions on the phosphorescence of phenanthrene

Abstract Intense room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) from phenanthrene occurs when it is included within the β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) cavity in the presence of 1,2-dibromoethane (DBE). The phosphorescence spectral profile of phenanthrene in β-CD exhibits considerably higher vibronic resolution than that observed in 70:30 Na/Tl dodecyl sulfate (Na/TlDS) micellar solutions, and the wavelength maximum is blue-shifted by 7 nm. Below the critical micelle concentration (CMC), in a mixed system of β-CD; DBE and Na/TlDS, phosphorescence is observed characteristic of that induced by cyclodextrin. Upon addition of more surfactant, but still below the CMC, the phosphorescence intensity from the β-CD microenvironment is enhanced. This is interpreted in terms of favorable effects produced by aggregation of the surfactant monomers at the open ends of the β-CD torus and/or partial inclusion which serves to reduce phenanthrene-water contact. This increases the hydrophobicity of the phosphor's microenvironment and further shields it from quenching effects. At surfactant concentrations above the CMC, phenanthrene is transferred from the β-CD to a micellar environment, as evidenced by sharp changes in its phosphorescence spectral profile, wavelength maximum, and sensitivity to quenching by oxygen. Results indicate that DBE also prefers to reside in the micellar aggregate over β-CD, and this severely diminishes micelle-induced RPT by heavy-atom quenching.
Effect of dietary lipid level on juvenile black sea bass Centropristis striata fed two protein sources

A 10-week feeding trial was conducted with juvenile black sea bass Centropristis striata fed isonitrogenous diets (46% CP) with four lipid levels (7, 10, 13 and 16%) to identify dietary lipid levels supporting maximum weight gain and efficiency. Menhaden fish meal (FM) and animal protein concentrate (APC) were used in a 2×4 factorial experiment to evaluate effects of protein quality and lipid level on production. Weight gain, thermal growth coefficient, protein and energy retention, proximate composition and hepatic indices were evaluated. Weight gain was higher (P<0.05) in FM treatments and no protein sparing effect was observed. All growth, efficiency and retention parameters, except apparent net protein utilization (ANPU) among FM diets, were independent of dietary lipid. Based on proximate composition, diets should be restricted to no more than 13% lipid in 46% CP diet, and can be reduced to 7% without loss of growth and efficiency. Second order polynomial regressions on ANPU indicated 10–12% dietary lipid in a 46% CP diet is appropriate depending on protein quality. Reducing dietary lipid in current commercial feeds fed to black sea bass could represent a substantial cost savings in feed production.
Advances in injection luminescence of II–VI compounds

Abstract A status report on the injection luminescence in II–VI compounds will be presented. A brief review will be given of the characteristics of the known and potential materials for injection luminescent devices, and the advantages and shortcomings of II–VI compounds will be contrasted to those of the other materials. This will be followed by a discussion of the general properties of II–VI compounds that have a bearing on their behavior when used as injection luminescent devices. These will include solubility of donors and acceptors, compensation phenomena, and the nature of defect centers. In discussing the various structures used to obtain injection luminescence, two examples will be described in some detail, one of them representing p-n junctions, the other one-conductivity type devices. An assessment will be given of the future potential of II–VI compounds as injection luminescent devices, including a listing of areas in which our knowledge is poor or lacking and which, therefore, should serve as focal points for further research.
Identifying the Risks of Anticoagulation in Patients with Substance Abuse

BACKGROUND Warfarin is effective in preventing thromboembolic events, but concerns exist regarding its use in patients with substance abuse.
Method for the determination of competitive saprophytic colonization of soil fungi

The competitive saprophytic colonization (CSC) of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. on stem pieces (substrate units) of soybean ( Glycine max ) and maize ( Zea mays ), was estimated from the calculated inoculum density required to colonize 50% of the substrate units (EID 50). The EID 50 was found to be an inverse function of CSC. EID 50 values for M. phaseolina were low when inoculum, prepared by the Cambridge Method was used to determine CSC, suggesting that M. phaseolina had a high CSC. However, when sclerotia or infected plant material were added to soil as inoculum, EID 50 values were high, suggesting low CSC. The Cambridge Method is considered invalid for estimating the CSC of a plant-pathogenic, soil-borne fungus. The CSC of M. phaseolina was reduced by increasing the organic matter and hence the microbial population of the soil, and was also influenced by soil type, source of inoculum and substrate. Soybean and maize stem pieces colonized by Fusarium roseum were not colonized by M. phaseolina . A substance inhibiting M. phaseolina was produced by F. roseum in the substrate M. phaseolina grew from colonized stem pieces in soil-infected roots of soybean seedlings.
Energy-loss effect in inner-shell Coulomb ionization by heavy charged particles

The influence of the energy loss of slow projectiles during inelastic collisions on the inner-shell ionization cross sections is treated analytically. The result agrees with available experimental cross sections for $K$-shell ionization by protons. Residual trends in the data may gauge the quality of wave functions employed in calculations of Coulomb ionization cross sections.
Die Reinheit von geschmolzenem Lithiumperchlorat und deren Bedeutung für das Atomgewicht von Silber

1. Ein wirksames Luftfilter oder ein Staubfang zur Entfernung sehr feinen Pulvers aus einem masigen Luftstrom wird beschrieben. Die Wichtigkeit seiner haufigen Anwendung wird hervorgehoben.
Acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage caused by gallstone impaction in the duodenal bulb.

An unusual case of upper gastrointestional hemorrhage caused by gallstone impaction in the duodenal bulb (Bouveret's syndrome) is reported. Endoscopy was used to make the diagnosis rapidly and surgery was performed to provide definitive treatment. Bouveret's syndrome must be kept in mind as a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Discrete mechanics and optimal control for constrained systems

The equations of motion of a controlled mechanical system subject to holonomic constraints may be formulated in terms of the states and controls by applying a constrained version of the Lagrange-d’Alembert principle. This paper derives a structure-preserving scheme for the optimal control of such systems using, as one of the key ingredients, a discrete analogue of that principle. This property is inherited when the system is reduced to its minimal dimension by the discrete null space method. Together with initial and final conditions on the configuration and conjugate momentum, the reduced discrete equations serve as nonlinear equality constraints for the minimization of a given objective functional. The algorithm yields a sequence of discrete configurations together with a sequence of actuating forces, optimally guiding the system from the initial to the desired final state. In particular, for the optimal control of multibody systems, a force formulation consistent with the joint constraints is introduced. This enables one to prove the consistency of the evolution of momentum maps. Using a two-link pendulum, the method is compared with existing methods. Further, it is applied to a satellite reorientation maneuver and a biomotion problem.
Agonists induce conformational changes in transmembrane domains III and VI of the β2 adrenoceptor

Agonist binding to G protein-coupled receptors is believed to promote a conformational change that leads to the formation of the active receptor state. However, the character of this conformational change which provides the important link between agonist binding and G protein coupling is not known. Here we report evidence that agonist binding to the beta2 adrenoceptor induces a conformational change around 125Cys in transmembrane domain (TM) III and around 285Cys in TM VI. A series of mutant beta2 adrenoceptors with a limited number of cysteines available for chemical derivatization were purified, site-selectively labeled with the conformationally sensitive, cysteine-reactive fluorophore IANBD and analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy. Like the wild-type receptor, mutant receptors containing 125Cys and/or 285Cys showed an agonist-induced decrease in fluorescence, while no agonist-induced response was observed in a receptor where these two cysteines were mutated. These data suggest that IANBD bound to 125Cys and 285Cys are exposed to a more polar environment upon agonist binding, and indicate that movements of transmembrane segments III and VI are involved in activation of G protein-coupled receptors.
Expression and characterization of the ATP-binding domain of a malarial Plasmodium vivax gene homologous to the B-subunit of the bacterial topoisomerase DNA gyrase.

We have previously reported the presence of a DNA gyrase-like topoisomerase activity associated with the 35 kb apicoplast DNA in the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum[Weissig V, Vetro-Widenhouse TS, Rowe TC. Topoisomerase II inhibitors induce cleavage of nuclear and 35 kb plastid DNAs in the malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum . DNA Cell Biol 1997;16:1483]. Sequences encoding polypeptides homologous to both the A and B subunits of bacterial DNA gyrase have been identified in the genome sequence of P. falciparum among data produced by the Malaria Genome Consortium and the University of Florida Malaria Gene Sequence Tag Project. Based on these findings, we have cloned and expressed a region of the Plasmodium vivaxGyrB gene encoding a 43 kDa polypeptide homologous to the ATP-binding domain of Escherichia coliDNA gyrase. The 43 kDa PvGyrB polypeptide was found to have intrinsic ATPase activity with a Km of 0.27 mM and a kcat of 0.051 s −1 . The PvGyrB ATPase was also sensitive to the bacterial DNA gyrase inhibitor coumermycin. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Along came a spider ‐ weaving Web resources

Internet‐based course resources have been used for three years in a freshman‐level course in physical geology at the University of Houston. Although access to the Internet is available on campus in computer clusters and in the library, an increasing percentage of students now have access where they live. Similarly, an increasing number of students possess sufficient computing skills to make immediate use of the Internet as an adjunct to texts, course notes and formal lectures. Students are free to pick and choose among most of the course resources (the syllabus, course notes, course outline, virtual field trips among others) but are required to use the Internet to obtain the homework exercises, gather the required data, and interpret their findings. In addition, the student is responsible for anything “extra” which appears from time‐to‐time during the course. Has the use of Internet‐based resources added value to the course? Meaningful communication has been facilitated through e‐mail exchanges and responses to surveys designed to sample student preparation, expectations, attitude toward the course and toward higher education in general. Internet‐based homework affords students the opportunity to be actively involved in making observations, gathering data and interpretation. Perhaps learning how they will learn in the future will turn out to be the undergraduate student’s most lasting benefit of this experiment with creating a learning environment via the Internet.
SU-FF-T-187: Dosimetric Evaluation of MammoSite Breast Treatments

Purpose: This study was performed to assess the volumetric dosimetry of single point optimization with single dwell position technique for MammoSite brachytherapy treatment and compare the results with accepted dosimetric constraints in the ongoing NSABP B39/RTOG 0413 partial breast irradiation protocol. Method and Materials: 74 patients received MammoSite breast treatments with single dwell position, single point optimization technique using orthogonal film based planning. CT‐images were transferred to the PLATO treatment planning system version 14.2.6 and retrospectively planned for volumetric calculations without changing dwell time and position. The D90, V100, V150 and V200 and dose homogeneity index (DHI) were calculated. For comparison 9 randomly selected patients were planned with 3D volumetric optimization using multiple dwell positions and compared with 2D plan. Results: The mean D90 and V100 were 96% and 88% respectively. The mean V150 and V200 were 26 cc and 3.4 cc. The mean DHI was .68. All except three patients met the dosimetric criteria and constraint required in protocols. Two patients had D90 of 88.5% and 89% instead of ⩾90% and another patient had V200 of 18cc instead of ⩽10cc. The D90 and V100 for single vs. multiple dwell position were 93% vs. 98% (p= .0003) and 86% vs. 97% (.0004) respectively. The V150 and V200 were 23.5 cc vs. 34 cc (p=.0006) and 2.9 cc vs., 7.2 cc (p< .0001) respectively. The DHI was .71 vs. .61 (p=.0006). Conclusion: Single dwell position with single point optimization gives acceptable coverage and meets the requirements outlined in the NSABP B39/RTOG 0413 protocol in majority of patients. The multiple dwell position technique can generate plans with significantly better dose coverage of target but at the cost of increased dose inhomogeneity and increased hot spot. Correlations of outcomes with dosimtery will better help us assess these different treatment plans.
Temperature-Dependent Electrical and Ultrastructural Characterizations of Porcine Skin upon Electroporation

The mechanism of high-voltage pulse-induced permeabilization of the stratum corneum, the outer layer of the skin, is still not completely understood. It has been suggested that joule heating resulting from the applied pulse may play a major role in disrupting the stratum corneum. In this study, electrical and ultrastructural measurements were conducted to examine the temperature dependence of the pulse-induced permeabilization of the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum resistance was measured using a vertical diffusion holder, with the stratum corneum placed between two electrode- containing chambers. The stratum corneum resistance was reduced manyfold during the applied pulse. The extent of resistance reduction increased with pulse voltage until reaching a threshold value, above which the resistance reduction was less dependent on the pulse voltage. The stratum corneum was more susceptible to permeabilization at high temperature, the threshold voltage being lower. The stratum corneum resistance recovered within milliseconds after a single 0.3-ms pulse. High-temperature samples had a more prolonged recovery time. Using time-resolved freeze fracture electron microscopy, aggregates of lipid vesicles were observed in all samples pulsed above the threshold voltage. The sizes and fractional areas occupied by aggregates of lipid vesicles at 4°C and at 25°C were measured at different time points after the applied pulse. Aggregates of vesicles persisted long after the electric resistance was recovered. After pulsing at the same voltage of 80 V, samples at 4°C were found to have slightly more extensive aggregate formation initially, but recovered more rapidly than those at 25°C. The more rapid recovery of the 4°C samples was likely due to a lower supra-threshold voltage. Viscoelastic instability propagation created by the pulse may also play a role in the recovery of the aggregates.
The sterols of Trypanosoma cruzi and Crithidia fasciculata

Abstract 1. 1. Six sterols have been detected in Trypanosoma cruzi cultured on serum-free medium. Four of these are ergosterol, 22,23-dihydroergosterol, 7-dehydroporiferasterol and 7-dehydroclionasterol (or their C24 isomers from which they cannot be distinguished with the small quantities available). The remaining two sterols may be 24-methylene-7-dehydrocholesterol and 24-ethylidene-7-dehydrocholesterol but this has not been proven. 2. 2. In addition to these six sterols, cholesterol is also a major component of T. cruzi cultured in the presence of serum. 3. 3. Ergosterol (or its C24 isomer) was the only sterol detected in Crithidia fasciculata cultured in serum-free medium. When grown in the presence of serum the cells also contained cholesterol and 22,23-dihydroergosterol (or its C24 isomer).
Combining forecasts: A philosophical basis and some current issues

Abstract A philosophical basis for combining forecasts and some important current issues in the area of combining forecasts are discussed briefly. The philosophical basis views forecasts as information and the combination of forecasts in terms of aggregation of information. The current issues involve the form of the combining rule, cases with agreement among forecasts, cases with extensive disagreement, dependence, uncertainty about forecast characteristics, instability in the forecasting process, robustness and the role of simple rules, and the role of group interaction.
Decision Rings: Making Decision Trees Visual and non-Mathematical

The decision tree is widely used to represent and solve decision problems. Because it involves the explicit use of mathematics, it tends to be used for technical audiences. This paper presents an alternative way of representing and solving the decision tree for nontechnical audiences. A common step in quantifying a decision tree is to ask subjects to quantify their beliefs about an event using a probability wheel. This procedure implies that subjects do have geometrical intuitions about uncertainties. Our new approach to decision analysis builds on this insight. Instead of representing the tree with lines, we represent the various levels of a decision tree as concentric rings. Specific events are represented as segments in those rings with the size of the segment being proportional to the probability of the event occurring. Payoffs are represented by coloring various segments. The standard expected value calculation of decision analysis corresponds to mixing the colors from outer segments to color inner segments. This new way of representing and solving a decision tree is completely visual and eliminates the need for any mathematics.
The restricted problem of n+ν bodies

The simplest, conventional, and original form of the circular restricted problem of three bodies is briefly described in sidereal and synodic systems using dimensional and non-dimensional variables. This dynamical system is generalized to n≧2 primary bodies (from n=2) with masses Mi, 1≦i≦n, interacting with arbitrary force laws (instead of only gravitational forces). The number of bodies of small mass mα〈Mi not perturbing the primaries is increased from ν=1 to ν≧1 where 1≦α≦ν and the minor bodies are allowed to interact with one another under arbitrary force laws. While the minor bodies (mα) do not affect the motions of the primaries (Mi), the primaries influence the motions of the minor bodies with arbitrary force laws.