cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Robust Optimization for Skin Flashing in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment: A Feasibility Study.

Abstract Purpose To study the feasibility and the effectiveness of a novel implementation of robust optimization on 2 sets of computed tomography (CT) data simultaneously for skin flashing in intensity modulated radiation therapy for breast cancer. Method and Materials Five patients who received treatment to the breast and regional lymphatics were selected for this study. For each patient, 3 plans were generated using 3 different skin-flashing methods, including (1) a manual flash plan with optimization on the nominal planning target volume (PTV) not extending beyond the skin that required manually postplanning the opening of the multi-leaf collimator and jaw to obtain flash; (2) an expanded PTV plan with optimization on an expanded PTV that included the target in the air beyond the skin; and (3) a robust-optimized (RO) plan using robust optimization that simultaneously optimizes on the nominal CT data set and a simulated geometry error CT data set. The feasibility and the effectiveness of the robust optimization approach was investigated by comparing it with the 2 other methods. The robustness of the plan against target position variations was studied by simulating 0-, 5-, 10-, and 15-mm geometry errors. Results The RO plans were the only ones able to meet acceptable criteria for all patients in both the nominal and simulated geometry error scenarios. The expanded PTV plans developed major deviation on the maximum dose to the PTV for 1 patient. For the manual flash plans, every patient developed major deviation either on 95% of the dose to the PTV or the maximum dose to the PTV in the simulated geometry error scenarios. The RO plan demonstrated the best robustness against the target position variation among the 3 methods of skin flashing. The doses to the lung and heart were comparable for all 3 planning techniques. Conclusion Using robust optimization for skin flash in breast intensity modulated radiation therapy planning is feasible. Further investigation is warranted to confirm the clinical effectiveness of this novel approach.
Matrix-matched calibration material for zinc analysis of human nails by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Abstract Zinc is an element required in multiple biochemical processes in the human body as a structural, regulatory or catalytic ion. Its deficiency is linked to issues of a variety of health processes such as physical growth, immune system, or reproductive functions to name a few. Its quantitative determination using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) on fingernails as a proxy has been proposed by many studies. In this study, a solid matrix-matched material was developed as a reference material for this type of analysis. A solution of alginic acid and keratin, spiked with zinc oxide nanoparticles, was cross-linked and dried to obtain a hard film. The calibration curve showed a determination coefficient of 0.986, Zn limit of detection of 13 μg.g−1 and limit of quantitation of 27 μg.g−1. The calibration curve was used on two toenails and the Zn concentration was confirmed by bulk ICP-MS. These results confirmed the potential for LIBS to be used for the quantitative diagnostic of Zn in fingernails using these adapted matrix-matched reference materials.
Origin of Mutualism Between Termites and Flagellated Gut Protists: Transition From Horizontal to Vertical Transmission

Lower termites, as well as their sister group, the subsocial wood-feeding cockroach Cryptocercus, rely on flagellated eukaryotic symbionts in the hindgut to cooperatively digest their wood diet. In Cryptocercus these flagellates undergo encystment cycles tightly coordinated with the molting cycle of their host, yet the resultant cysts play no demonstrated role in their transmission to neonates; the trophozoite stage of the flagellates is passed directly from parents to offspring via hindgut fluids (proctodeal trophallaxis). This pattern suggests that encystment is a vestige from a gregarious cockroach ancestor, when the flagellates had a functional, two-stage life cycle and the cysts were horizontally transmitted among hosts via coprophagy. The strong integration between flagellate encystment cycles and host developmental physiology in Cryptocercus indicates that the relationship of the flagellates with their proposed gregarious cockroach ancestor was not commensal, but parasitic, with flagellates likely obtaining benefits by taking advantage of host gut metabolites and ingested plant debris. When vertical transmission evolved the parasites were ‘captured’, and their fitness became inescapably embedded in the fitness of their host. The vertical transmission of gut flagellates and the origin of host subsociality via proctodeal trophallaxis can be considered two sides of the same coin. From the host point of view proctodeal trophallaxis marks the origination of parental care by provisioning neonates with nourishment, metabolites and beneficial microbiota. From the flagellate point of view, proctodeal trophallaxis was a shift from horizontal to vertical transmission, pushing them from the parasitic to the mutualistic end of the symbiotic spectrum, arguably making this host behavioral change the most critical juncture in the evolutionary trajectory of the termite lineage.
The Distribution of Time Delays Between Nanoflares in Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations

Nanoflares are thought to be an important energy source for heating the solar corona. The exact amount of heating contributed by nanoflares depends, in part, on the frequency of the heating and the time interval between nanoflares. Several numerical models have attempted to constrain the frequency of the heating by fitting to observed emission measures. To date, however, no physically motivated value for the time interval between nanoflares has been obtained. In this paper, we calculate a physically motivated distribution of time intervals between successive “nanoflare” reconnection events in driven magnetohydrodynamic simulations. We show that this distribution follows a power law with a slope near −1, much shallower than previously inferred from observations and determined from loop model comparisons with observations. We show that the energy flux injected into the corona in our model is of order $10^{7}~\text{erg}\,\text{cm}^{-2}\,\text{s}^{-1}$, and that the heating rate due to these reconnection events reaches values of order $1\mbox{--}10~\text{erg}\,\text{cm}^{-3}\,\text{s}^{-1}$. Additionally, we show that this power law slope is dependent only weakly on the amount of magnetic helicity injected into the solar magnetic field by the photospheric motions, but the rate of reconnection is about $45\%$ higher if no magnetic helicity is injected.
Low Loss Optical Switch with Precisely Rotationally-Aligned Multi-Core Fiber Array

We propose a 1×4 optical switch with coupled-core multi-core fiber (MCF) array. An image processing allows MCF to be precisely rotationally-aligned. It enables the IL less than 0.6 dB with the uniformity of 0.04 dB.
Atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry as a tool for structural characterization of lignin.

Rationale Lignin occurs in a broad range of forms, e.g., native as the main support for plant walls, and processed, for which its structure depends on the nature of the industrial isolation method, such as in paper production or in biorefineries. Due to the variety of lignin sources, there is no unified agreement on the structure of lignin or even its molecular weight (MW). Methods The focus of this review is on the application of atmospheric pressure ionization methods to lignin analysis by mass spectrometry (MS), namely electrospray ionization (ESI) or direct analysis in real-time (DART). Specific parameters affecting ionization including electrolytes and solvents are discussed. Results The main challenge for MW determination of lignin is its heteropolymer character as well as the mass range limitations of MS instrumentation. To date, only a few studies have successfully used the mass range above m/z 1500. We present the advantage of ESI in generating multiply charged ions, allowing for a further increase in the mass range of deconvoluted mass spectra. While some methods such as DART do not address the mass range problem, they may serve as excellent imaging tools suitable for structural characterization of lignin. Conclusions A literature review presents the recent accomplishments in lignin MS analysis by atmospheric pressure ionization techniques. Although significant breakthroughs have been made, it is essential to further improve the operating conditions and validate the methods for a broader range of feedstocks with the results being confirmed using other methods.
CardioMEMS-Guided CAR T Cell Therapy for Lymphoma in a Patient With Anthracycline-Induced Cardiomyopathy.

A 66-year-old woman with advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was referred for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. She was diagnosed with DLBCL 6 years prior to presentation and had no significant past medical history. She received a total of 10 cycles of rituximab,
Mutant Allele Imbalance in Cancer

The search for somatic mutations that drive the initiation and progression of human tumors has dominated recent cancer research. While much emphasis has been placed on characterizing the prevalence...
Mitigation of Collapse of Turbo Electric Distributed Propulsion System in Response to Reconfiguration under Extreme Conditions

Advancement in transportation electrification has led to the revolutionary concept of Turbo electric distributed (TeDP) propulsion in aircrafts. NASA’s N3X aims to curb the jet fuel emission by TeDP. There as been a significant number of accidents for commercial aircraft due to various endogenous failure events. Thus, it becomes crucial to analyse the TeDP system under extreme conditions and analyse the survivability under those transient conditions. Reconfiguration under extreme failure events is a way to meet the load demand. However, this creates a transient overload condition due to the fuel map limit of the turboshaft prime mover and affects the DC bus voltage. It is important to understand the survivability of the system during these extreme conditions which can lead to a collapse of the system and can present instability issue because of the CPL. In this work a mathematical analysis of the survivability of the system is presented in order to make it resilient. To prevent the collapse of the system a mitigation strategy has been proposed using the energy storage system which makes the turboshaft to remain in the safe zone. The system was simulated for two different failure conditions in PSCAD and the optimum energy required to make the system survive was obtained.
Molecular basis for the interaction of cellular retinol binding protein 2 (CRBP2) with nonretinoid ligands.

Abstract Present in the small intestine, cellular retinol binding protein 2 (CRBP2) plays an important role in the uptake, transport, and metabolism of dietary retinoids. However, the recent discovery of the interactions of CRBP2 with 2-arachidonoylglycerol and other monoacylglycerols (MAGs) suggests the broader involvement of this protein in lipid metabolism and signaling. To better understand the physiological role of CRBP2, we determined its protein-lipid interactome using a fluorescence-based retinol replacement assay adapted for a high-throughput screening format. By examining chemical libraries of bioactive lipids, we provided evidence for the selective interaction of CRBP2 with a subset of nonretinoid ligands with the highest affinity for sn-1 and sn-2 MAGs that contain polyunsaturated C18-C20 acyl chains. We also elucidated the structure-affinity relationship for nonretinoid ligands of this protein. We further dissect the molecular basis for this ligand's specificity by analyzing high-resolution crystal structures of CRBP2 in complex with selected derivatives of MAGs. Finally, we identify T51 and V62 as key amino acids that enable the broadening of ligand selectivity to MAGs in CRBP2 as compared with retinoid-specific CRBP1. Thus, our study provides the molecular framework for understanding the lipid selectivity and diverse functions of CRBPs in controlling lipid homeostasis.
Psychoeducation for caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder-Lessons learned from a feasibility study.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and potential efficacy of a 7-week psychoeducation intervention implemented in a group setting. The intervention was based on Miklowitz's (2008) psychoeducation component of Family-Focused Therapy. Method This was a feasibility randomized controlled trial study using a 2-group design (intervention and wait-list control). Twelve adult family members of those with bipolar disorder were randomized to receive 7 psychoeducation sessions immediately or after a 7-week waiting period. Outcomes were caregiver burden, depression, mental-well being, health status, and cortisol and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Frequencies and percentages were used to calculate feasibility measures. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was used to assess change over time during treatment. Results Twelve participants were recruited out of a projected sample size of 40. Feasibility rates included the following: 85% retention rate, 100% data collection rate, 94% attendance rate. The mean satisfaction score was 17.25, with potential scores of 4-20. There were trends in improvement in some of the variables (caregiver burden, mental well-being, IL-6) from pre-to post-intervention. Limitation The study lacked a sufficient sample size. Conclusion Although some feasibility results were positive and the participants were satisfied with the intervention, recruitment was challenging. The study setting was near downtown in a sprawling urban area. Also, potential participants often assume multiple role responsibilities. They often lacked the time to physically attend the sessions. Future studies could incorporate teleconference or virtual environment platforms.
Four Decades of the Duquesne Law Review Volumes 1-40 (1963-2002): A History

This article reviews the history of the Duquesne Law Review from its origins in 1962 to 2002.
Technology Needs for the Next Generation of NASA Science Missions

In-Space propulsion technologies relevant to Mars presentation is for the 14.03 Emerging Technologies for Mars Exploration panel. The talk will address propulsion technology needs for future Mars science missions, and will address electric propulsion, Earth entry vehicles, light weight propellant tanks, and the Mars ascent vehicle. The second panel presentation is Technology Needs for the Next Generation of NASA Science Missions. This talk is for 14.02 Technology Needs for the Next Generation of NASA Science Missions panel. The talk will summarize the technology needs identified in the NAC's Planetary Science Decadal Survey, and will set the stage for the talks for the 4 other panelist.
The impact of alternating dissection on student performance in a medical anatomy course: are dissection videos an effective substitute for actual dissection?

The way in which anatomy is taught to first year medical students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was recently changed, so that first year students are now divided into two groups that dissect alternately. The effect of this change on both written and practical test performance was analyzed by comparing grades from 2004 with those from the previous year (2003), when students performed all the dissections. A statistically significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) from 2003 was noted on three of the four written test scores in 2004, while practical examination scores in 2004 fluctuated from lower to higher than those in 2003, depending on the unit of material being covered. However, the number of students failing each of the examinations (written and practical combined) was statistically greater on only one of the four examinations in 2004. Scores of the two groups dissecting alternately in 2004 were essentially the same on the practical examinations. There was no difference in the number of questions answered incorrectly between these two groups in the two practical examinations where comparisons were made. Furthermore, students who dissected a particular structure did not score significantly better on practical questions concerning that structure than students who had not dissected it. The effect of the availability of step-by-step dissection videos on student practical examination scores is also discussed. We conclude that the change in the curriculum had a significant impact on the students' written examination performance, given the same material in the course. The reasons for this include student course load, increased need for self-study, and a loss of a learning opportunity in the dissection laboratory, all of which affect student comprehension and retention of the material and their ability to use it in problem solving. Clin. Anat. 20:315–321, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
From raw data to observing products with SSDS: fishes to wishes

The Shore Side Data System (SSDS) (http://sscb.mbari.org) has been collecting real-time oceanographic data from Monterey Bay for over two years. While the system is not yet ready for public distribution, its data may be accessed readily by Web browsers, external computer software (via Web services), and the HOOVES desktop application. One of SSDS' hallmarks is its ability to accept data from new platforms and instruments, and immediately provide access to that data via public interfaces. With the support of a well-designed data observing infrastructure such as SIAM, advanced features like variable- and instrument-based data access are also instantly available. The system can accept data from any type of instrument and make it available in the original format, or (for described data) as individual data items. Many users in MBARI's science and engineering community have taken advantage of the SSDS interfaces to view and automatically process near-real-time and archival data ingested by the system. With its Java Enterprise Architecture-based services, SSDS provides ready access to data and its descriptive metadata ncluding data provenance and geospatial and temporal metadata. In this paper we use SSDS as an example to consider all parts of the data life cycle in a modern observatory data system. We identify lessons and make recommendations for future observing system developers. We will particularly emphasize topics applicable to the ocean observing communities such as OOI and IOOS.
Indiana's Constitution in a Nation of Constitutions

This essay traces the development of the Indiana Constitution in comparison to those of other states. Most features of the Indiana Constitution reflect general midwestern patterns, with some lingering influences of pre-industrial sentiment. The major thesis, however, is that these midwestern constitutions will be misunderstood if they are analyzed by the same model used for federal constitutional scholarship. Whereas the federal constitution is seen as a means of restraining the popular will through adjudication, the Indiana constitution has functioned as a way of using an elected judiciary to further the popular will through the judicial branch.
When Should Medicare Coverage Begin

Lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 62 would result in near universal health care coverage among 62 to 64 year olds. People who purchase individual insurance in the market, as well as the uninsured, could benefit from Medicare coverage. The change would reduce employer costs for retiree health benefits and lower both retiree and employer costs for COBRA continuation coverage. Lowering the automatic eligibility age to 62 would increase Medicare spending by about $5.4 billion a year (in 2000 dollars). Net federal spending would be about $5.0 billion higher, because Medicare would pick up some costs currently paid by Medicaid. State Medicaid outlays would fall by about $0.3 billion.
Kinetics of the reactions of OH with several alkyl halides

The rate coefficients for the reactions of OH with methyl chloride (k1), ethyl chloride (k2), methylene chloride (k3), ethyl bromide (k4), n-propyl bromide (k5) and isopropyl bromide (k6) were measured over the temperature range, 220–380 K, using pulsed photolysis-pulsed laser induced fluorescence (PP-PLIF). The measured rate coefficients, k1–6 , (cm3 molecule−1 s−1) are: k1 = 1.3 × 10−13T0.5 exp[ − (1238)/T]; k2 = 1.5 × 10−13T0.5 exp[ − 637/T]; k3 = 6.6 × 10−14T0.5 exp[ − 721/T]; k4 = 1.7 × 10−13T0.5 exp[ − 641/T]; k5 = 9.1 × 10−14T0.5 exp[ − 157/T]; k6 = 7.0 × 10−14T0.50 exp[ − 145/T]. These rate constants are compared with those from previous studies. Some trends in the reactivities are also noted. The globally averaged atmospheric lifetime for methyl chloride, CH3Cl, with respect to loss by reaction with OH, derived from the rate constant data performed in this study is 1.3 years. The rate constants for the reaction of OH with the other compounds presented in this study are large enough to make these reactions their dominant atmospheric loss pathway.
Spinal Metastases: Viewpoint—Fractionated Radiation Therapy

Approximately 40 % of all cancer patients will develop metastatic spinal disease. This perspective explores the efficacy of single-dose and hypofractionated SBRT to the spine for the treatment of spinal metastases.
Substituent parameters impacting isomer composition and optical properties of dihydroindolizine molecular switches.

In an attempt to understand which factors influence constitutional isomer control of 6′- and 8′-substituted dihydroindolizines (DHIs), a series of asymmetric pyridines was condensed with dimethyl spiro[cycloprop[2]ene-1,9′-fluorene]-2,3-dicarboxylate. The substituents on the pyridial derivatives ranged from donating to withdrawing and demonstrated control over the isomeric ratios for all DHIs. Substituent control proved to be selective for the highly donating amino, which exclusively formed the 8′ isomer. The same ratios were reproduced via photolytic experiments, which suggested that the condensation reaction is dominated by the product’s thermodynamic stability. The electronic influences of the substituents extends beyond isomer control, as it impacts the DHIs’ optical properties and electrocyclization (switching) rates to the spiro conformers. Our results allow us to predict the syntheses and properties of future 6′- or 8′-substituted DHIs, molecules that will be applied in understanding the role of th...
Buffer overflow and format string overflow vulnerabilities

Buffer overflow vulnerabilities are among the most widespread of security problems. Numerous incidents of buffer overflow attacks have been reported and many solutions have been proposed, but a solution that is both complete and highly practical is yet to be found. Another kind of vulnerability called format string overflow has recently been found and although not as widespread as buffer overflow, format string overflow attacks are no less dangerous.This article surveys representative techniques of exploiting buffer overflow and format string overflow vulnerabilities and their currently available defensive measures. We also describe our buffer overflow detection technique that range checks the referenced buffers at run-time. We augment executable files with the type information of automatic buffers (local variables and parameters of functions) and static buffers (global variables in the data/bss section) and maintain the sizes of allocated heap buffers in order to detect an actual occurrence of buffer overflow. We describe a simple implementation with which we currently protect vulnerable copy functions in the C library.
Magnetic and structural studies of epitaxial (001) Fe and (001) FexCo1-x alloy film structures

Abstract Molecular beam epitaxy has been used to fabricate Fe/Al/Fe(001) trilayers and Fe x Co 1- x (001) alloy films on ZnSe-epilayered GaAs(001) substrates. A temperature dependence study of the 90° coupling in Fe/Al/Fe trilayers indicated a rapid decrease in coupling strength ( B 12 ) with increasing temperature. Also, the magnetic properties of (001) Fe x Co 1- x alloy films spanning both the thermodynamically allowed bcc regime from 0.25 x ≤ 1 and the epitaxy-extended metastable bcc regime from 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 are reported.
Cultural action and heroin addiction.

This paper analyzes the contemporary culture of heroin addiction in the United States, using a revised portion of the general theory of action. The concept of a cultural action system is introduced and somewhat reformulated. The micro evolution of heroin culture from its generating conditions in inner-city street youth culture is reviewed. An LIGA analysis of the system of heroin culture is presented. There is a summary with concluding remarks.
Development of Alumina-Forming Austenitic Alloys for Advanced Recuperators

A new class of corrosion- and creep-resistant austenitic stainless steels has been developed for advanced recuperator applications. The Al and Cr contents have been optimized to maintain a fully austenitic composition for creep strength while allowing the formation of a highly-protective external alumina scale at temperatures up to 900°C in the presence of water vapor. Strengthening was achieved via the formation of stable nano-scale MC type carbides and creep properties were comparable to commercially available advanced austenitic stainless steel alloys. These properties are particularly well-suited for thin-walled recuperators for both small and large gas turbines and fuel cells. By forming an alumina scale, long-term problems with Cr evaporation in the presence of water vapor in the exhaust gas are eliminated. Laboratory data are presented from humid air and microturbine exhaust gas to illustrate the oxidation resistance of this class of alloys at 650°–900°C and compared to results for some current commercial alloys. Alloy development is continuing in order to determine the effect of composition on performance over this temperature range.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Pesticide residue on/in the washed skin and its potential contribution to dermal toxicity

Washing the skin of humans or experimental animals after exposure to a pesticide or other chemical may leave a major portion of the dose on/in the washed skin. Questions have been raised as to whether this skin residue can contribute to the toxicity of a pesticide by continued post-wash absorption. In a set of 19 pesticides tested in the rat to determine the fate of this skin residue, absorption from the washed skin continued in 15 at all doses tested, continued in 2 pesticides at only some of the doses tested and did not continue in 2 volatile pesticides. However, only nine pesticides showed an increase in systemic concentration following absorption from the washed skin, which can be considered indicative of potential increased toxicity. The time of occurrence and magnitude of the increase varied with chemical and dose, being a combination of rate and magnitude of absorption and rate and magnitude of excretion of the absorbed chemical. Similar patterns of continued absorption of skin residue may be expected to occur in humans. Published in 2003 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wavelet signal processing for radar target identification: a scale sequential approach

The problem of identifying a target from noisy high-range- resolution (HRR) data is addressed for the case of large radar target signature databases. The problem is treated using a general formulation of the problem of M-ary target identification in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise. A multiresolution analysis of the data and signature database relative to a discrete orthonormal wavelet basis is employed and shown to lead to a scale-sequential identification algorithm that has the property of making an identification having prespecified detection probabilities with the minimum number of computations. The general formulation is outlined and a computer-simulated example of target identification using the procedure is presented and discussed.
Fourier transform ion mobility spectrometry of barbiturates after capillary gas chromatography

This paper demonstrates a novel operating mode of an ion mobility detector (IMD) for obtaining both qualitative and quantitative data after capillary gas chromatographic separation of 5,5′-disubstituted barbiturates. Using a recently developed time dispersive Fourier transform method for ion mobility spectrometry, complete ion mobility spectra could be obtained for each component in the chromatogram. This type of spectra can be used for providing qualitative information on unknown compounds or for selecting the proper detector conditions needed when operating in the continuous mobility monitoring mode. In this study each of the five barbiturates investigated produced a Fourier transformed ion mobility spectrum containing one major product ion. When drift times corresponding to those of the product ions measured in the FT mode were monitored continuously, selective chromatographic detection of the barbiturates was achieved. In one case even isomers could be differentiated based on mobility characteristics.
Sizes, shapes, and albedos of the inner satellites of Neptune

Abstract Based on 87 resolved Voyager images of the five innermost satellites of Neptune, their shapes were measured and fit by tri-axial ellipsoids with the semi-axes of 48 × 30 × 26 km for Naiad, 54 × 50 × 26 km for Thalassa, 90 × 74 × 64 km for Despina, 102 × 92 × 72 km for Galatea, and 108 × 102 × 84 km for Larissa. Thomas and Veverka published a similar shape for Larissa (104 × 89 km, J. Geophys. Res. 96, 19261–19268, 1991). The other satellites had no published shapes. Using Voyager photometry of the six inner satellites by the same authors and the revised sizes, including the published size of Proteus, the reflectivity within this inner system was found to vary by about 30%. Geometric albedos in the visible are estimated between 0.07 for Naiad and 0.10 for Proteus. The rotational lightcurves of these satellites seem to be due to satellite shapes.
Variable Pairing Selection Based on Individual and Overall Interaction Measures

A new steady-state interaction measure, the relative interaction array (RIA), is explored in terms of its features, properties, and relationship to the relative gain array (RGA). It is demonstrated that the RIA offers a better measure of individual interactions than the RGA. Moreover, it is shown that the RIA also contains direct information about closed stability, integrity, and robustness. Taking advantage of its definiteness in measuring the amount of loop interaction by its size, the RIA is further extended to propose a new overall interaction measure which is able to avoid ambiguities associated with the RGA pairing criteria and to overcome problems associated with other overall interaction measures. Interestingly, the RIA-based overall interaction measure leads to a corrected version of the intuitive RGA-based one. The final RIA-based pairing criteria provide a comprehensive and reliable solution to the selection of the best variable pairing and thus represent a promising tool. Also, variable pairing criteria on the basis of interaction measurement, stability, and integrity as well as robustness considerations are systematically addressed with new insights provided.
Behavioral Correlates of Neurochemistry: A Comment on Willis and Smith (1984)

Brain damage potentially yields a variety of different behavioral and physiological events that could influence eating behavior. Attention to these events may help to pinpoint the neural defect(s) that cause aphagia and long-term reduction of food intake.
Nucleation Scavenging of Smoke Particles and Simulated Drop Size Distributions over Large Biomass Fires

A prescribed burn experiment was conducted in Hardiman Township, Ontario, Canada in August 1987. The fire was of adequate intensity to force the formation of a cumulus cloud, and much of the smoke passed through this cloud. The smoke plume and the fire-driven cloud were observed using ground- and aircraft-based instrumentation. In this paper, the authors present calculations of the evolution of the smoke and drop size distributions within this cloud due to nucleation and condensation from a detailed microphysical entraining model. Initial conditions for the model simulations were specified using a three-dimensional warm-cloud dynamical model. The authors investigate the changes of parcel characteristics caused by the effect of entrainment, as well as the sensitivity of nucleation scavenging and drop number concentration to the different background environmental aerosol distributions. The fraction of smoke particles nucleated depends on the chemical nature of the particles, their size distribution, the quantity of smoke present at cloud base, the updraft velocity, and the environmental conditions. The predicted drop size distribution and the measured data above the fire are in good agreement for drop sizes that correspond to condensation on the measured smoke spectra. The results from this study can be used to develop amore » parameterization that relates the mass of smoke scavenged by nucleation to the updraft velocity and the initial smoke mass loading. The authors plan to extend this study to predict the effects of aerosols on drop spectra for use in climate models. 36 refs., 13 figs.« less
Replication of dengue, yellow fever, St. Louis encephalitis and vesicular stomatitis viruses in a cell line (TRA-171) derived fromToxorhynchites amboinensis

The replication of seven arboviruses in a cell line (TRA-171) derived from a nonhematophagous mosquito was studied. Four serotypes of laboratory adapted and three serotypes of unadapted dengue viruses replicated in the TRA-171 cell line, inducing syncytia. The sensitivity of TRA-171 cells to dengue virus infection was comparable to that ofAedes albopictus orA. pseudoscutellaris cells. Yellow fever, St. Louis encephalitis, and vesicular stomatitis viruses also replicated. All four serotypes of dengue viruses could be plaque assayed with TRA-171 cell cultures.
Importance of substrate and cofactor polarization in the active site of dihydrofolate reductase

By using a combined quantum-mechanical and molecular-mechanical potential in molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the effects of the enzyme electric field of dihydrofolate reductase on the electronic polarization of its 5-protonated dihydrofolate substrate at various stages of the catalyzed hydride transfer reaction. Energy decomposition of the total electrostatic interaction energy between the ligands and the enzyme shows that the polarization effect is 4% of the total electrostatic interaction energy, and, significantly, it accounts for 9kcal/mol of transition state stabilization relative to the reactant state. Therefore it is essential to take account of substrate polarization for quantitative interpretation of enzymatic function and for calculation of binding free energies of inhibitors to a protein. Atomic polarizations are calculated as the differences in the average atomic charges on the atoms in gas phase and in molecular simulations of the enzyme; this analysis shows that the glutamate tail and the pterin ring are the highly polarized regions of the substrate. Electron density difference plots of the reactant and product complexes at instantaneous configurations in the enzyme active center confirm the inferences made on the basis of partial atomic charges.
Mapping the intellectual structure of research in decision support systems through author cocitation analysis (1971–1993)

Abstract This study applies factor analysis of an author cocitation frequency matrix derived from a database file that consists of a total of 23,768 cited reference records taken from 944 citing articles. Factor analysis extracted eleven factors consisting of six major areas of DSS research (group DSS, foundations, model management, interface systems, multicriteria DSS, and implementation) and five contributing disciplines (multiple criteria decision making, cognitive science, organizational science, artificial intelligence, and systems science). This research provides hard evidence that the decision support system has made meaningful progress over the past two decades and is in the process of solidifying its domain and demarcating its reference disciplines. Especially, much progress has been made in the subareas of model management such as representation, model base processing, model integration, and artificial intelligence application to model management leading towards the development of a theory of models. To facilitate the transition from the pre- to post-paradigm period in DSS research, this study has completed important groundwork.
The Influence of Dietary Protein Level on Body Weight of Japanese Quail Lines Selected Under High- and Low-Protein Diets

Two experiments were conducted to determine the protein requirement of quail lines (P and T) following selection for increased 4-wk BW under normal-protein (28% CP) and low-protein (20% CP) diets, respectively. Quail progeny from Generation 39 breeders were fed diets containing 18, 21, 24, and 27% CP from 0 to 5 wk of age in Experiment 1, whereas in Experiment 2, quail progeny from Generation 79 breeders were fed diets containing 18, 21, 24, 27, and 30% CP from 0 to 4 wk of age. Quail from the unselected base population (C line) were also included in both experiments. Significant line, diet, and line by diet interactions were present in both experiments. At 2 wk of age, T line quail were significantly (P < .05) larger than P line quail across diets, whereas by 4 wk, BW of P line quail were significantly larger than those of T line quail. Across dietary protein levels, quail receiving diets containing 24% CP or higher were significantly larger than those receiving the 18 and 21% CP diets. Quail in both the P and C lines had larger BW with increasing protein levels and an apparent protein requirement between 24 and 27% CP. However, quail in the T line showed no BW response to increased protein levels, indicating that long-term selection for increased BW on a 20% CP diet had altered the protein requirement in this line.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of liquid storage tanks on the dynamic response of offshore platforms

Abstract The sloshing of liquids in storage tanks on fixed offshore structures affects both the natural frequencies and damping. Analytic procedures by which one may account for these effects are presented. Also shown is a method for design of tankage that will result in suppression of dynamic response at the fundamental flexural natural frequency of the structure. An important aspect is that no new equipment is required but only optimum configuration of tankage that is already required for storage of water, fuel, mud or crude oil. Supporting data from full scale field studies are presented.
Experimental lathyrism in mice fed diets containing sweet peas or beta-aminopropionitrile.

Summary1) Weanling, male, albino mice were more resistant to the skeletal effects of diets containing sweet peas or β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) than were rats. They also showed a much greater individual variation in susceptibility to the skeletal effects of such diets. At sufficiently high levels of BAPN, however, both skeletal and aortic lesions occurred. The microscopic changes occurring in the aorta are described in detail. 2) Paraphymosis also occurred, but the paralysis and urinary retention often seen in rats receiving similar diets were not observed.
Self-Reported Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Persons Aged ≥ 65 Years–United States, 2006 ☆

Abstract Problem: In 2005, 15,802 persons aged ≥ 65 years died from fall injuries. How many older adults seek outpatient treatment for minor or moderate fall injuries is unknown. Method: To estimate the percentage of older adults who fell during the preceding three months, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed data from two questions about falls included in the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Results: Approximately 5.8 million (15.9%) persons aged ≥ 65 years reported falling at least once during the preceding three months, and 1.8 million (31.3%) of those who fell sustained an injury that resulted in a doctor visit or restricted activity for at least one day. Discussion: This report presents the first national estimates of the number and proportion of persons reporting fall-related injuries associated with either doctor visits or restricted activity. Summary The prevalence of falls reinforces the need for broader use of scientifically proven fall-prevention interventions. Impact on industry Falls and fall-related injuries represent an enormous burden to individuals, society, and to our health care system. Because the U.S. population is aging, this problem will increase unless we take preventive action by broadly implementing evidence-based fall prevention programs. Such programs could appreciably decrease the incidence and health care costs of fall injuries, as well as greatly improve the quality of life for older adults.
Effect of superconducting fluctuations on spin susceptibility and NMR relaxation rate.

We study the effect of superconducting fluctuations on the spin susceptibility ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\chi}}}_{\mathit{s}}$ and NMR relaxation rate 1/${\mathit{T}}_{1}$ just above ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ for arbitrary impurity concentrations. Fluctuations are found to reduce ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\chi}}}_{\mathit{s}}$ below the Pauli susceptibility. 1/${\mathit{T}}_{1}$T is enhanced above the Korringa value for weak pair breaking, but suppressed when the pair breaking is large.
Sodium intake and furosemide administration in hypertensive patients with renal insufficiency

The effects of various levels of sodium intake and loop diuretic (furosemide) administration upon arterial pressure and renal function were studied in 11 patients with impaired renal function and essential hypertension. The patients were hospitalized in a metabolic ward and continued taking their usual antihypertensive medications. After a stabilization period, all patients followed the following regiments for 5 to 7 days: period I, 20 mEq sodium diet without diuretic administration; period II, 80 mEq sodium diet and furosemide, 80 mg daily; and period III, 200 mEq sodium diet and furosemide, 240 mg daily. Supine diastolic pressure was lower (P is less than 0.05) during period II than during period I and both supine and standing systolic and diastolic pressures were significantly lower in period III than in period I (P is less than 0.01). No significant differences in the renal clearance of inulin were noted between any of the study periods. In patients with essential hypertension and impaired renal function, consumption of a moderate or liberal sodium diet combined with administration of a loop diuretic agent (furosemide) appears to result in better control of arterial pressure without significant changes in renal function than does strict sodium restriction without diuretic administration.
Effects of fasting, body weight, methylcellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose on hepatic glutathione levels in mice and hamsters

Abstract Male mice fasted overnight had only about half the hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration of fed mice. In contrast, fasted male hamsters had 68 per cent higher hepatic GSH levels than controls. No strong correlation of hepatic GSH concentration with body weight was found in either species. Single doses of 0.5% (w/v) methylcellulose (10 ml/kg, i.p.) decreased the hepatic GSH concentration 18–36 per cent in mice and hamsters. Multiple oral doses of 0.5% (w/v) methylcellulose (10 ml/kg once per day for 9 days) caused an initial doubling of the GSH level after two doses in hamsters, but after four doses the GSH level returned to normal. Chronic (60-day) oral administration of 0.5% (w/v) sodium carboxymethylcellulose (10 ml/kg twice daily) to hamsters caused a time-dependent depression of hepatic GSH concentration and a 4-fold increase in hepatic aniline hydroxylase activity after 45 days. No changes in the activities of aminopyrine N -demethylase and hexobarbital oxidase were found. It was concluded that hepatic glutathione levels in mice and hamsters are volatile and respond to relatively innocuous physiological (fasting, time of day) and pharmacological (methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose) stimuli.
Isolation and Characterization of a Peanut Maturity-Associated Protein

Using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), the peanut protein profile was shown to be related to the maturity, drying time, and drying procedure of the peanut. Differences were seen between (a) immature and mature seeds for untreated and windrow-dried peanuts, (b) untreated and windrow-dried peanuts for immature and mature seeds, and (c) windrow- and stackpole-dried peanuts. The most pronounced HPLC peak that increased in size as the peanut matured and decreased in size with longer drying times was isolated and identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to have a molecular weight of 62 500. Since maturity is related to the sensory quality of peanuts, this protein may be a marker for peanuts that will produce a higher quality flavor when roasted.
Learning with discrete multivalued neurons

Analog neural networks of limited precision are essentially k -ary neural networks. That is, their processors classify the input space into k regions using k — 1 parallel hyperplanes by computing k -ary weighted multilinear threshold functions. The ability of k -ary neural networks to learn k -ary weighted multilinear threshold functions is examined. The well-known perceptron learning algorithm is generalized to a k -ary perceptron algorithm with guaranteed convergence property. Littlestone's winnow algorithm is superior to the perceptron learning algorithm when the ratio of the sum of the weight to the threshold value of the function being learned is small. A k -ary winnow algorithm with a mistake bound which depends on this value and the ratio between the largest and smallest thresholds is presented.
Modeling spatially dependent kinetics of helium desorption in BCC iron following He ion implantation

Abstract One of the most important tasks in fusion materials research is to study the effect of helium on the microstructure and mechanical property evolution of structural materials. Thermal helium desorption spectrometry (THDS), through measuring the outward He surface flux as a function of temperature (or time), provides indirect information about the kinetics and energetics of helium transport and trapping/detrapping which is important for developing a predictive assessment for the life performance of fusion reactors. Nevertheless, THDS data interpretation is not straightforward, particularly when a broad temperature regime and a high He concentration are concerned. Here we present results from a spatially-dependent rate theory modeling framework in coordination with our previous THDS experiments on single crystal iron implanted with 4He+ ions at 5 or 10 keV to fluences of 1018 or 1019 He/m2. The model incorporates both temporally and spatially dependent diffusion, trapping, and detrapping (emission) kinetics for both implantation process and post-implantation thermal annealing. Possible desorption sequences/mechanisms are discussed.
Ant-based power efficient, adaptive, reliable, and load balanced (A-PEARL) routing for smart metering networks

The future of metering networks requires adaptation of different sensor technology while reducing energy exploitation. In this paper, a routing protocol with the ability to adapt and communicate reliably over varied IEEE standards is proposed. Due to sensor's resource constraints, such as memory, energy, processing power an algorithm that balances resources without compromising performance is preferred. The proposed A-PEARL protocol is tested under harsh simulated scenarios such as sensor failure and fading conditions. The inherent features of A-PEARL protocol such as data aggregation, fusion and channel hopping enables minimal resource consumption and secure communication.