cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring for Periodontal Inflammatory Disease in the Third Molar Region

Purpose To assess changes at 2-year intervals in the periodontal status of the third molar region in participants enrolled with asymptomatic third molars and no clinical evidence of third molar region periodontal pathology. Participants and Methods The included participants who presented with a healthy periodontal status (all probing depths [PDs], Results One hundred twenty-nine participants had a third molar region PD shallower than 4 mm at enrollment. Most participants were Caucasian (85%), women (60%), younger than 25 years (62%), educated beyond high school (84%), and with good oral health habits. At 6 years, excluding the 61 participants lost to follow-up, 47% participants had had third molars removed, 21% had developed at least 1 PD of at least 4 mm in the third molar region since enrollment, and 32% retained the periodontal status at enrollment (all PDs in third molar region, Conclusions Although not all participants could be followed for 6 years after enrollment or chose to retain third molars, one third of participants maintained the third molar region periodontal status assessed at baseline for 6 years after enrollment; no clinical evidence of pathology developed over time.
Determination of genomic copy number alteration emphasizing a restriction site-based strategy of genome re-sequencing

Motivation: Copy number abbreviation (CNA) is one type of genomic aberration that is often induced by genome instability and is associated with diseases such as cancer. Determination of the genomewide CNA profile is an important step in identifying the underlying mutation mechanisms. Genomic data based on next-generation sequencing technology are particularly suitable for determination of high-quality CNA profile. Now is an important time to reevaluate the use of sequencing techniques for CNA analysis, especially with the rapid growth of the different targeted genome and whole-genome sequencing strategies. Results: In this study, we provide a comparison of resequencing strategies, with regard to their utility, applied to the same hepatocellular carcinoma sample for copy number determination. These strategies include whole-genome, exome and restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing. The last of these strategies is a targeted sequencing technique that involves cutting the genome with a restriction enzyme and isolating the targeted sequences. Our data demonstrate that RAD sequencing is an efficient and comprehensive strategy that allows the cost-effective determination of CNAs. Further investigation of RAD sequencing data led to the finding that a precise measurement of the allele frequency would be a helpful complement to the read depth for CNA analysis for two reasons. First, knowledge of the allele frequency helps to resolve refined calculations of allele-specific copy numbers, which, in turn, identify the functionally important CNAs that are under natural selection on the parental alleles. Second, this knowledge enables deconvolution of CNA patterns in complex genomic regions.
Use of Visual and Proprioceptive Feedback to Improve Gait Speed and Spatiotemporal Symmetry Following Chronic Stroke: A Case Series

Background and Purpose Persistent deficits in gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry are prevalent following stroke and can limit the achievement of community mobility goals. Rehabilitation can improve gait speed, but has shown limited ability to improve spatiotemporal symmetry. The incorporation of combined visual and proprioceptive feedback regarding spatiotemporal symmetry has the potential to be effective at improving gait. Case Description A 60-year-old man (18 months poststroke) and a 53-year-old woman (21 months poststroke) each participated in gait training to improve gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry. Each patient performed 18 sessions (6 weeks) of combined treadmill-based gait training followed by overground practice. To assist with relearning spatiotemporal symmetry, treadmill-based training for both patients was augmented with continuous, real-time visual and proprioceptive feedback from an immersive virtual environment and a dual belt treadmill, respectively. Outcomes Both patients improved gait speed (patient 1: 0.35 m/s improvement; patient 2: 0.26 m/s improvement) and spatiotemporal symmetry. Patient 1, who trained with step-length symmetry feedback, improved his step-length symmetry ratio, but not his stance-time symmetry ratio. Patient 2, who trained with stance-time symmetry feedback, improved her stance-time symmetry ratio. She had no step-length asymmetry before training. Discussion Both patients made improvements in gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry that exceeded those reported in the literature. Further work is needed to ascertain the role of combined visual and proprioceptive feedback for improving gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry after chronic stroke.
Successful student group projects: Perspectives and strategies

Abstract Nurses are a critical element in an increasingly interprofessional and complex health care system. In every practice arena and role, nurses need skills in negotiation, managing conflict, and working in cooperation with diverse groups. Group work assignments help build these expected role competencies in nursing students. This article explores advantages and challenges implicit in this teaching–learning strategy and offers practical insights gleaned from the real-world experience of faculty and students.
Thermal dynamics of bomb calorimeters

The thermal dynamics of bomb calorimeters are modeled using a lumped heat transfer analysis in which heat is released in a pressure vessel/bomb immersed in a stirred water bath that is surrounded by a static air space bounded by an insulated (static) jacket, a constant/controlled temperature jacket (isoperibol), or a changing temperature (adiabatic) jacket. The temperature history of the water bath for each of these boundary conditions (methods) is well described by the two-term solution for the calorimeter response to a heat impulse (combustion), allowing the heat transfer coefficients and thermal capacities of the bomb and water bath to be determined parametrically. The validated heat transfer model provides an expression for direct calculation of the heat released in an arbitrary process inside a bomb calorimeter using the temperature history of the water bath for each of the boundary conditions (methods). This result makes possible the direct calculation of the heat of combustion of a sample in an isoperibol calorimeter from the recorded temperature history without the need for semi-empirical temperature corrections to account for non-adiabatic behavior. Another useful result is that the maximum temperature rise of the water bath in the static jacket method is proportional to the total heat generated, and the empirical proportionality constant, which is determined by calibration, accounts for all of the heat losses and thermal lags of the calorimeter.
Fast and accurate detection of evolutionary shifts in Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models

Summary The detection of evolutionary shifts in trait evolution from extant taxa is motivated by the study of convergent evolution, or to correlate shifts in traits with habitat changes or with changes in other phenotypes. We propose here a phylogenetic lasso method to study trait evolution from comparative data and detect past changes in the expected mean trait values. We use the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process, which can model a changing adaptive landscape over time and over lineages. Our method is very fast, running in minutes for hundreds of species, and can handle multiple traits. We also propose a phylogenetic Bayesian information criterion that accounts for the phylogenetic correlation between species, as well as for the complexity of estimating an unknown number of shifts at unknown locations in the phylogeny. This criterion does not suffer model overfitting and has high precision, so it offers a conservative alternative to other information criteria. Our re-analysis of Anolis lizard data suggests a more conservative scenario of morphological adaptation and convergence than previously proposed. Software is available on GitHub.
A novel mentorship programme for residents integrating academic development, clinical teaching and graduate medical education assessment

Introduction Mentorship fosters career development and growth. During residency training, mentorship should support clinical development along with intellectual and academic interests. Reported resident mentoring programmes do not typically include clinical components. We designed a programme that combines academic development with clinical feedback and assessment in a four-year emergency medicine residency programme.
Airfoil lift enhancement using magneto-aerodynamic interaction

The effect of magneto-aerodynamic interaction on the flow past an airfoil has been investigated. The introduction of magnetic Lorentz forces on the lower side of the airfoil was found to produce lift by altering the surface pressure distribution. The effect of various parameters on the lift generated has been studied. This method provides a means to appreciably enhance lift without any aerodynamic drag penalty. However, creation and sustenance of electrical conductivity in airflow poses a serious challenge, and further investigation into its feasibility will have to be conducted.
The Rolling of One Curve or Surface Upon Another

It is well known in dynamics [1 ] that any general motion of a lamina in its own plane may be generated by the rolling of one curve upon another. In his book on continuous groups, Kowalewski [2 ] gives a mathematical treatment of this result, and here, by using matrix methods, we shall generalize his theorem to spaces of higher dimensions. The motion of a body in Euclidean space of n dimensions is generated by the transformation
High glucose induces cell hypertrophy and stimulates collagen gene transcription in proximal tubule

Tubulointerstitial changes in the diabetic kidney correlate closely with the decline in glomerular filtration. In this study, we used a cell culture system of mouse proximal tubule epithelial cells to test the effects of glucose on cell growth, size, and matrix biosynthesis. [3H]thymidine incorporation was significantly inhibited in cells grown in 450 mg/dl glucose, compared with cells grown in 100 mg/dl glucose. The cells grown in the higher glucose concentration were slightly larger, their protein content and the total protein synthetic rate were significantly increased, and they secreted approximately twice as much procollagens type IV and type I. Concordantly, steady-state procollagen mRNA levels were also increased: 2.6-fold for the alpha 1(IV) and 2.2-fold for the alpha 2(I) procollagens. Additionally, nuclear run-off studies demonstrated that procollagen gene transcription rate was stimulated approximately 50%; beta-actin transcription rate was not altered. We used chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene constructs to determine whether the increased transcription rate of alpha 2(I) gene was associated with activation of its enhancer sequence. Cells transfected with the enhancer demonstrated more than fivefold increase in CAT activity when cultured in the high-glucose medium. These studies demonstrate a multitude of effects of high ambient glucose concentrations on proximal tubule cell growth and collagen biosynthesis; cell proliferation is decreased although cell hypertrophy occurs. Procollagen gene transcription rate is stimulated and this response contributes to the observed increase in procollagen mRNA content. Activation of an enhancer sequence may be one possible mode through which high glucose levels increase the transcription of procollagen type I, presumably involving trans-acting factor(s).
Research on population and distribution of three medical insects in Yulin urban area of Shaanxi province

Objective To determine the population composition,density and distribution of vectors in Yulin urban area,providing evidence for control of these insects.Methods Human baited net trap method and lamp baited trap method were employed for mosquito collection,cage-trapping for fly collection and sticky-paste for cockroach collection.Results Mosquitoes caught belonged to 5 species 4 genera,with Culex pipiens pallens being the dominant species.The average density based on the human baited net trap method was 19.11 per net per hour,or 1.61 per lamp per hour based on lamp baited trap method.The density in the urban area was higher than that in the villages.Flies belonged 23 species 19 genera 5 family,and the common species were Chrysomya megacephala,Lucilia sericata,Musca domestica,Muscina stabulans,Boettcherisca peregrine and L.cuprina,accounting for 36.49%,20.41%,14.78%,10.61%,8.65% and 2.61%,respectively.The average density was 4.42/cage,the highest density observed in the farm produce markets.Cockroach density was 16.28/piece·night,highest observed in the restaurants,with Blattella germanica being the predominant species.The peak of flies and cockroaches was in August,and that of mosquitoes in July.Conclusion The population composition,density and distribution of vectors were basically grasped.Integrated measures should be taken with focus on such major areas as restaurants,farm produce markets and residential areas.
Variable Genome Sequences of the Murine Pneumotropic Virus (Polyomaviridae) Regulatory Region Isolated from an Infected Mouse Tissue Viral Suspension.

ABSTRACT The murine pneumotropic virus genome, isolated from an infected murine tissue homogenate, was sequenced to completion. The lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys were the source of the tissue homogenate in order to mirror the heterogeneity of the virus population in vivo. The regulatory region sequence was found to be highly variable.
TGF-β Effects on Prostate Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion Require FosB.

BACKGROUND Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) family (cJun, JunB, JunD, cFos, FosB, Fra1, and Fra2) plays a central role in the transcriptional regulation of many genes that are associated with cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, metastasis, and survival. Many oncogenic signaling pathways converge at the AP-1 transcription complex. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional regulatory cytokine that regulates many aspects of cellular function, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, adhesion, angiogenesis, immune surveillance, and survival. METHODS This study investigated, the role of FOS proteins in TGF-β signaling in prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Steady state expression levels of FOS mRNA and proteins were determined using RT-PCR and western blotting analyses. DU145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells were exposed to TGF-β1 at varying time and dosage, RT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses were used to determine TGF-β1 effect on FOS mRNA and protein expression levels as well as FosB subcellular localization. Transient silencing of FosB protein was used to determine its role in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. RESULTS Our data show that FOS mRNA and proteins were differentially expressed in human prostate epithelial (RWPE-1) and prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, and PC3). TGF-β1 induced the expression of FosB at both the mRNA and protein levels in DU145 and PC3 cells, whereas cFos and Fra1 were unaffected. Immunofluorescence analysis showed an increase in the accumulation of FosB protein in the nucleus of PC3 cells after treatment with exogenous TGF-β1. Selective knockdown of endogenous FosB by specific siRNA did not have any effect on cell proliferation in PC3 and DU145 cells. However, basal and TGF-β1- and EGF-induced cell migration was significantly reduced in DU145 and PC3 cells lacking endogenous FosB. TGF-β1- and EGF-induced cell invasion were also significantly decreased after FosB knockdown in PC3 cells. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that FosB is required for migration and invasion in prostate cancer cells. We also conclude that TGF-β1 effect on prostate cancer cell migration and invasion may be mediated through the induction of FosB. Prostate © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surprising flexibility in parental care revealed by experimental changes in offspring demand

Parental behaviour often exhibits plasticity to factors expected to affect the benefits or costs of care. For example, parent songbirds typically increase their provisioning behaviour as nestlings mature. Several mechanisms exist that could allow parents to track nestling age and provide appropriate care. We performed a short-term experiment on house sparrows, Passer domesticus, in which offspring of different ages were exchanged to assess the level of flexibility parents exhibit and the likely cues they use. We found that a pair's rate of food delivery, an individual parent's visit rate to the nest, the duration of a foraging trip, and both the time a parent was in the nest and how long they perched near the nest after emerging from feeding nestlings changed according to the age of the offspring at the time. This shift in parenting was evident by the second visit after the swap. The amount of food brought per trip did not change with either natural or manipulated age. While females spent more time in the nest than males, there were no sex differences in the responses to the experiment. Food delivery rate increased nestling mass gain during each phase of the experiment, suggesting that parental plasticity in delivery was beneficial to offspring. However, there was an additional effect of the experiment on nestling weight gain, suggesting possible effects of food type brought during each phase of the experiment. Parent sparrows appear to use cues of offspring age over a time span that differs greatly from the natural time course of changes in nestling demand. This extension of plasticity into unnatural conditions has implications for understanding individual differences in plasticity and how at least some organisms might adjust to rapid and unusual environmental change.
A framework to choose alternative analysis and selection methods

This paper presents a framework to investigate and choose alternative analysis and selection methods based upon a problem and its context. The research began as an investigation into the alternative analysis and selection methods used in national security planning. Existing methods were inconsistent and most violated the decision science body of knowledge. Additionally, there were no tools for planners to match an appropriate method to their problem and its context. These challenges led the researchers to develop a framework that extends beyond the technical dimension considered by legacy decision-making method selection tools by incorporating the human dimension of decision making. The developed framework also considers the sociotechnical interdependencies that occur between methods, decision analysts, and managers. A scalable, collaborative, online tool operationalises the framework for practitioners and decision makers.
Scalable Passive Sleep Monitoring Using Mobile Phones: Opportunities and Obstacles

Background: Sleep is a critical aspect of people’s well-being and as such assessing sleep is an important indicator of a person’s health. Traditional methods of sleep assessment are either time- and resource-intensive or suffer from self-reporting biases. Recently, researchers have started to use mobile phones to passively assess sleep in individuals’ daily lives. However, this work remains in its early stages, having only examined relatively small and homogeneous populations in carefully controlled contexts. Thus, it remains an open question as to how well mobile device-based sleep monitoring generalizes to larger populations in typical use cases. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the ability of machine learning algorithms to detect the sleep start and end times for the main sleep period in a 24-h cycle using mobile devices in a diverse sample. Methods: We collected mobile phone sensor data as well as daily self-reported sleep start and end times from 208 individuals (171 females; 37 males), diverse in age (18−66 years; mean 39.3), education, and employment status, across the United States over 6 weeks. Sensor data consisted of geographic location, motion, light, sound, and in-phone activities. No specific instructions were given to the participants regarding phone placement. We used random forest classifiers to develop both personalized and global predictors of sleep state from the phone sensor data. Results: Using all available sensor features, the average accuracy of classifying whether a 10-min segment was reported as sleep was 88.8%. This is somewhat better than using the time of day alone, which gives an average accuracy of 86.9%. The accuracy of the model considerably varied across the participants, ranging from 65.1% to 97.3%. We found that low accuracy in some participants was due to two main factors: missing sensor data and misreports. After correcting for these, the average accuracy increased to 91.8%, corresponding to an average median absolute deviation (MAD) of 38 min for sleep start time detection and 36 min for sleep end time. These numbers are close to the range reported by previous research in more controlled situations. Conclusions: We find that mobile phones provide adequate sleep monitoring in typical use cases, and that our methods generalize well to a broader population than has previously been studied. However, we also observe several types of data artifacts when collecting data in uncontrolled settings. Some of these can be resolved through corrections, but others likely impose a ceiling on the accuracy of sleep prediction for certain subjects. Future research will need to focus more on the understanding of people’s behavior in their natural settings in order to develop sleep monitoring tools that work reliably in all cases for all people. [J Med Internet Res 2017;19(4):e118]
Equipping Students to Have the Mind of Christ

Over 40 years ago, Wheaton College (IL) philosophy professor Arthur C. Holmes (1975) authored a small book titled The Idea of a Christian College that has informed the work of thousands of faculty ...
Mapping Free-Carriers in Multijunction Silicon Nanowires Using Infrared Near-Field Optical Microscopy.

We report the use of infrared (IR) scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) as a nondestructive method to map free-carriers in axially modulation-doped silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with nanoscale spatial resolution. Using this technique, we can detect local changes in the electrically active doping concentration based on the infrared free-carrier response in SiNWs grown using the vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) method. We demonstrate that IR s-SNOM is sensitive to both p-type and n-type free-carriers for carrier densities above ∼1 × 1019 cm–3. We also resolve subtle changes in local conductivity properties, which can be correlated with growth conditions and surface effects. The use of s-SNOM is especially valuable in low mobility materials such as boron-doped p-type SiNWs, where optimization of growth has been difficult to achieve due to the lack of information on dopant distribution and junction properties. s-SNOM can be widely employed for the nondestructive characterization of nanostructur...
Neuronal development in the cerebellum of lead poisoned neonatal rats

Developmental changes in the cerebellum of neonatal Long-Evans rats with lead encephalopathy were studied by Golgi technique and by light and electron microscopy. Lead encephalopathy was produced by administering daily doses of lead acetate (600 mg of lead acetate/kg of body weight) through an esophageal catheter. Histopathologic changes were observed at 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, and 15 days of age.
Robotic Mitral Valve Repair: The Learning Curve.

ObjectiveAdoption of robotic mitral valve surgery has been slow, likely in part because of its perceived technical complexity and a poorly understood learning curve. We sought to correlate changes ...
Misery Loves Company: Poverty, Mobility, and Higher Education in the Post-welfare State:

In this paper, I examine the relationship between poverty, mobility, and higher education in the contemporary United States. In contrast to quantitative analyses, which have found robust and positive outcomes associated with college attainment, I use ethnographic methods to tell a more complicated story about what college offers the poor. This story centers on a low-income woman of color named Angelica. Angelica’s story of drug-addict-turned college graduate suggests that college might be just as much a regulatory institution as a poverty solution. To this extent, it critically assesses my role as Angelica’s former professor, professional mentor, and life narrator. The article situates the expansion of higher education and Angelica’s pathway into college in late twentieth-century efforts to reform the welfare system and reduce state-sponsored social safety nets. It concludes by suggesting that college is no lifeline but a mechanism by which Angelica and others are brought into the fold of a “respectable” ...
Oncology Acupuncture for Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors: A Reflection on the American Society of Clinical Oncology Chronic Pain Guideline

Chronic pain syndromes associated with cancer treatment are common but difficult to manage. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recently published a practice guideline to address the unmet needs of cancer survivors, Management of Chronic Pain in Survivors of Adult Cancers, which stresses the importance of implementing integrative therapies including acupuncture. This review focuses on randomized clinical trials of acupuncture for chronic pain in cancer survivors, including its use in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia, and post neck dissection pain, and provides future directions of oncology acupuncture research in cancer survivorship. The features of oncology acupuncture are also discussed.
REGULATION OF GLUCONEOGENIC INTERMEDIATES IN ENDOTOXIC AND SEPTIC RAT LIVERS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the regulation of gluconeogenic intermediates in endotoxic and septic rat livers. In a study described in the chapter, fasted adult albino male rats were made septic by cecal incision. Livers were sampled at 5 h by liquid nitrogen cooled tongs. Perchloric acid extracts were assayed by standard enzymatic spectrophotometric methods. Peritonitis elevated lactate 2- to 3-fold in all groups, and this was not reversed by glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids promote gluconeogenesis by inducing the formation of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxykinase. Glucocorticoid raised PEP plus 70% despite sepsis. In the fed peritonitis group, PEP fell drastically compared to sham-operated controls. Without fasting or hormone, PEP carboxykinase cannot be induced and PEP production is not maintained. As adequate glycogen is available in fed rats, hexose monosphosphates (HMP) values are supernormal at 5 h even in sepsis. Well-fed rats do not suffer decreases in hexose monophosphates during sepsis, while glucocorticoid treatment supports the synthesis of high-energy phosphoenolpyruvate in fasted rats. Restoring a normal pattern of glycolytic intermediates in sepsis might require both hormones and nutritional repletion.
Ion microprobe–measured stable isotope evidence for ammonite habitat and life mode during early ontogeny

Ammonites have disparate adult morphologies indicative of diverse ecological niches, but ammonite hatchlings are small (~1 mm diameter), which raises questions about the similarity of egg incubation and hatchling life mode in ammonites. Modern Nautilus is sometimes used as a model organism for understanding ammonites, but despite their outward similarities, the groups are only distantly related. Trends in ammonite diversity and extinction vulnerability in the fossil record contrast starkly with those of nautilids, and embryonic shells from Late Cretaceous ammonites are two orders of magnitude smaller than nautilid embryonic shells. To investigate possible environmental changes experienced by ammonite hatchlings, we used secondary ion mass spectrometry to analyze the oxygen and carbon isotope composition of the embryonic shells and early postembryonic whorls of five juveniles of Hoploscaphites comprimus obtained from a single concretion in the Fox Hills Formation of South Dakota. Co-occurring bivalves and diagenetic calcite were also analyzed to provide a benthic baseline for comparison. The oxygen isotope ratios of embryonic shells are more like those of benthic bivalves, suggesting that ammonite eggs were laid on the bottom. Ammonite shell immediately after hatching has more negative δ18O, suggesting movement to more shallow water that is potentially warmer and/or fresher. After approximately one whorl of postembryonic growth, the values of δ18O become more positive in three of the five individuals, suggesting that these animals transitioned to a more demersal mode of life. Two other individuals transition to even lower δ18O values that could suggest movement to nearshore brackish water. These data suggest that ammonites, like many modern coleoids, may have spawned at different times of the year. Because scaphites were one of the short-term Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction survivors, it is possible that this characteristic allowed them to develop a broader geographic range and, consequently, a greater resistance to extinction.
Toward Higher Efficiency of Low-Cost Flexible Single-Crystal-Like GaAs Thin Film Solar Cells on Metal Tapes

III-V compound semiconductors are the best photovoltaic solar cell (SC) materials for highest conversion efficiencies. However, they are expensive and lack in mechanical flexibility and manufacturing scalability. We developed a new PV platform where nearly single-crystalline III-V thin films were directly deposited on inexpensive polycrystalline metal tapes. While a promising efficiency of ~7.5% was achieved for flexible single junction SCs on this platform, the open circuit voltage of SC suffers from minority carrier recombination at grainboundary sites according to a simulation study. A bulk passivation treatment is conducted on the SC devices which resulted in more than 350mV increase for Voc.
Injection of a self-consistent beam with linear space charge force into a ring

One major concern in the design and operation of high-intensity rings is beam loss due to beam halo. Another issue of importance in applications involving fixed targets is the uniformity of the beam energy deposition on the target. Both of these issues could be favorably addressed by a hard-edged beam with uniform transverse density. This paper presents a detailed feasibility study for painting such a beam into a high-intensity proton ring. For the purposes of this paper, we define self-consistent beams to be ellipsoidal, or elliptical in 2D, distributions that have uniform density and linear space charge force and that retain these properties under all linear transformations. Because of their linear space charge forces and linear transport properties, self-consistent distributions may undergo very little halo formation if realized in practice. Because of their uniform density, they would have smaller maximum space charge tune shifts than peaked density distributions, and they would be attractive for high-intensity fixed target applications. Self-consistent distributions involve very special relationships between the phase space coordinates, making them singular in some respects and difficult to realize experimentally. The most famous self-consistent distribution is the Kapchinsky-Vladimirsky distribution, but now many other self-consistent distributions have been discovered. One such, the 2D rotating distribution, can be painted as a coasting beam into a ring having an appropriately designed and tuned lattice. For bunched beams, if the bunch length is sufficiently long, it is expected that the coasting beam assumption will be a good approximation during painting. However, it is unknown how robust self-consistent distributions will be under real world transport in the presence of nonlinearities and collective effects. This paper studies these issues for a particular case of interest by applying realistic detailed computational models to the simulation of painting a self-consistent rotating beam into the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) ring. As a result, we propose a case that can be carried out with only a minor modification of the SNS hardware.
A Methodology for Real-Time Spatiotemporal Data-Intensive Computation

We propose a methodology for real-time spatiotemporal data-intensive computation. The proposed methodology allows researchers to implement spatiotemporal data-intensive tasks on any platform, including mobile, laptop, desktop, and high performance computing. The methodology comprises of three major components: efficient analytics, predictive analytics, and meta-analytics. One of the main features of the proposed methodology is that by taking into account the unique characteristics of any spatiotemporal dataset, the available computing platform, and the required response time, it can provide optimal, near-optimal, or at a minimum, an acceptable solution for computing the task with least compromise on accuracy. Experimental results on real data show that the methodology is able to compute within available time constraint and computing platform.
Optimized Hypofractionation Can Markedly Improve Tumor Control and Decrease Late Effects for Head and Neck Cancer.

Purpose Treatment of fast-growing, human papillomavirus–negative, head and neck cancers (HNCs) remains challenging from the perspectives of both tumor control and late sequelae. In this study, we use systematic radiobiological optimization to identify fractionation schemes that markedly improve the radiotherapeutic effectiveness balance between tumor control probability (TCP) and late normal tissue complication probability (LNTCP), as compared with standard fractionation. Methods and Materials We track the development after each treatment fraction of both tumor control and late sequelae. Toward the end of the treatment, accelerated repopulation of fast-growing HNC tumors means that further fractions minimally improve TCP but result in major LNTCP increases, providing the potential for optimization of the TCP-LNTCP balance. We used a recent improved model of accelerated repopulation, calibrated with extensive HNC clinical trials data, to identify optimally effective treatment regimens that both increase TCP and significantly decrease LNTCP. For comparison, we also used standard repopulation models. Results An optimized hypofractionated schedule of 18 × 3.0 Gy is predicted to substantially increase TCP, particularly for late-stage HNC tumors (eg, ∼35% to 49% for late-stage tumors) while decreasing high-grade LNTCP (eg, ∼13% to Conclusions Hypofractionation or its close variant, accelerated hyperfractionation, efficiently overcomes tumor repopulation in fast-growing tumors and can be optimized toward the end of treatment when repopulation causes the TCP to increase only very slowly while LNTCP increases rapidly. Radiobiological modeling suggests that optimized 3.0 Gy per fraction hypofractionation (or 1.8 Gy per fraction, 2 fractions per weekday, accelerated hyperfractionation) is considerably more effective for HNC tumor control and for reduction of late effects than standard 2.0-Gy fractionation.
Special Abstract Section: 2009 National Conference in Sales Management

Each year, Pi Sigma Epsilon sponsors the National Conference in Sales Management (NCSM) in conjunction with its annual convention. JPSSM is pleased to present this special section containing the abstracts of the papers presented at the 2009 NCSM, which was held March 26–28 in Norfolk, VA.
Nonadiabatic molecular dynamics with decoherence and detailed balance under a density matrix ensemble formalism

Author(s): Kang, J; Wang, LW | Abstract: The mixed quantum-classical nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) is a powerful tool to study many phenomena, especially ultrafast carrier transport and cooling. Carrier decoherence and detailed balance are two major issues in NAMD. So far, there is no computationally inexpensive approach to incorporate both effects. While the decoherence effect can be easily included in the state density matrix formalism and the detailed balance can be included in surface hopping or the wave function collapse approach, it is difficult to include both of them in a unified formalism. In this work we introduce a state density matrix formalism (referred to as P-matrix) including both the decoherence and detailed balance effects for NAMD. This method is able to explicitly treat the decoherence between different pairs of adiabatic states. Moreover, the off-diagonal density matrix elements are divided into two parts, corresponding to energy-increasing and energy-decreasing transitions. The detailed balance is then enforced by a Boltzmann factor applied to the energy-increasing transition part. The P-matrix formalism is applied to study hot-hole cooling and transfer processes in Si quantum dot (QD) systems. The calculated hot-carrier relaxation time is consistent with experiments. In a QD-pair system, the hot-hole cooling time shows weak dependence on the QD spacing. However, the hot-carrier transfer rate from one QD to another is found to decrease exponentially with the QD-QD distance. When the QD spacing is small (∼1 nm), the hot-carrier transfer can be very efficient. It is also shown that the explicit treatment of decoherence time is important in order to treat this hot-carrier transfer correctly.
Henry David Bruce Audretsch: A Retrospective … Perhaps

Professor Albert Link is a longtime friend and collaborator of David’s. Drawing upon decades of humorous anecdotes from their friendship, Al reveals little-known parts of David’s history, allowing the reader to grasp some of his complexity. Al’s chapter shows that no matter the setting or the company, David will always unapologetically be his authentic self.
Modeling of Autonomous Hydrofoil Craft Tracking a Moving Target

The interest in autonomous marine vessels has been continuously growing in the recent years. Most platforms of the autonomous surface watercraft involve traditional mono- or multi-hulls. Advanced m...
Performance Testing of a Piezoelectric Device for Extracting Energy from Vibrations

Energy harvesting from ambient sources is an interesting opportunity for wireless and self-powered electronics, increasing research efforts toward the development of new devices. Among all energy sources, vibrations seem particularly convenient for this kind of application. Piezoelectric resonant systems, though offering configurations well suited to recover energy from vibrations, suffer from narrow operational bands, and for this reason new solution to enhance performances at off-design excitation conditions is sought. In this paper a piezoelectric resonant energy harvester is developed, focusing the attention on both ceramics production method and support material choice in order to maximize the oscillation amplitudes, and consequently the energy output. The device produced at ISTEC laboratories is then compared with a commercial product under harmonic excitations. Results relative to power output show that the in-house assembled device has better performance than the commercial one in the considered tested conditions, both in absolute terms and with respect to the active piezoelectric volume of the two devices.
Chapter 14 – Rotavirus Vaccines

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe childhood gastroenteritis worldwide, accounting for about one-third of diarrhea episodes requiring hospitalization. Although rotavirus is equally prevalent worldwide, the vast majority of rotavirus deaths occur in developing countries, because of suboptimal access to health care. Orally administered live attenuated vaccines have been developed to provide protection against rotavirus. Two licensed rotavirus vaccines have been available since 2006 and have been implemented in 77 countries as of Aug. 2015. In this chapter, we review the epidemiology of rotavirus, progress with vaccine development, and outline remaining issues and challenges to achieving optimal control of rotavirus disease through vaccination.
Mental Health in Cystic Fibrosis

Mental and physical health go hand in hand. Mental health challenges including depression and anxiety impact patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and, ultimately, their health outcomes. This chapter provides an overview of various mental and psychosocial difficulties facing the CF community and recommendations for effective prevention, screening, and treatment of mental health concerns. The majority of research to date has focused on the consequences of anxiety and depression on CF adherence, health outcomes, quality of life, and family functioning. This chapter includes a brief discussion of other mental health considerations such as suicidality, disruptive behavior problems, and eating disorders and their treatments to provide a broader view of mental health in CF. Recommendations provided by the International Committee on Mental Health in Cystic Fibrosis (ICMH) for mental health screening and procedural follow-up as well as psychological and pharmacological treatments for disorders in the CF community are included.
An inquiry into country image components and their effects on perceived destination image and travel intentions

A review of the literature shows the rationale of product-country-image (PCI) concept has rarely been applied in travel destination image (TDI) analysis. Such studies used to examine the country im...
Tailoring phonon-polaritons with new materials and active modulation

The mid-infrared spectra of many polar materials are dominated by highly reflective reststrahlen bands that occur between the transverse and longitudinal optical phonons. Within the reststrahlen bands, light can couple with optical phonons to support phonon-polariton modes. These modes enhance light-matter interactions through the concentration of light to nanoscale dimensions, and therefore, are particularly promising for mid-infrared nanophotonic applications. Here, we discuss our work on expanding the spectral range over which phonon-polaritons are supported by using new material systems, as well as active tuning of the modes via carrier photoinjection. In particular, we report on the confinement of hyperbolic phonon-polaritons in calcite, a ubiquitous polar material. We also report the use of the LO-phonon-plasmon-coupling (LOPC) effect to actively tune the Berreman mode of a GaN thin film.
Probing the Core-Shell Organization of Nano-Confined Methane in Cylindrical Silica Pores Using In-Situ Small-Angle Neutron Scattering and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Determining the structure of nanoconfined compressed fluids is essential for predicting the fate of these fluids in subsurface geologic formations with nanoporous features and to engineer novel nan...
Hybrid Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis on Reduced Graphene Oxide Field-Effect Transistor

The reduced graphene oxide (RGO) field-effect transistor (FET) has been developed and applied in various areas. However, the effective modeling and sensitivity analysis on RGO FET is still a very challenging problem due to the randomness of bandgap and density of states (DOS) in RGO. In this paper, we propose to solve the RGO FET modeling problem by integrating the data-driven thinking and the graphene FET model to develop a hybrid model. The proposed model takes advantages of the similarities between graphene and RGO to generalize the existing graphene FET model, and employs RGO FET drain-current data to characterize the specificity of the model. The basic idea in the proposed model is to modify the graphene DOS to approximate the RGO DOS so that the charge density, mobility and other parameters can be achieved through the approximated RGO DOS. We validate the model accuracy with the RGO FET based sensors that detect chemical concentrations in the aqueous environment. The RGO FET sensitivity analysis is also demonstrated to provide guidance for RGO FET application and manufacturing.
Joint Modeling of Access Mode and Parking Choice of Air Travelers Using Revealed Preference Data

Airport ground access mode choice is distinct from everyday mode choice decisions, necessitating context-specific choice model estimation. Understanding airport ground access mode choice decisions ...
Looking Good from This Window

Clampex 7.0, Windows-based software for monitoring and modifying experimental protocols when using the patch-clamp technique, is evaluated by Mitchell and Schultz in this Tech.View. Although the data analysis portion of the software suite is still DOS-based, the improvements are particularly useful to the novice, but will also be welcomed by the experienced electrophysiologist.
Chemotaxis of Aortic Endothelial Cells in Response to Fibronectin

We have determined the chemotactic response of bovine aortic endothelial cells to fibronectin and to endothelial cell mitogens (endothelial cell growth supplement, tumor extract), using blind-well chemotaxis chambers. Fibronectin induced a chemotactic response in bovine aortic endothelial cells; at 100 µg/ml, chemotaxis increased by 440% above that observed in negative controls ( p < 0.001). The chemotactic response plateaued with time, paralleling the disappearance of the fibronectin concentration gradient in the chambers. As further evidence that chemotaxis was measured, we observed that cell migration did not occur when cells were incubated with fibronectin in the absence of a concentration gradient. Endothelial cell mitogens increased bovine aortic endothelial cell proliferation in our experiments but did not stimulate chemotaxis above background levels. In contrast, fibronectin inhibited cell proliferation by 23%. We present a hypothetical model of the role of fibronectin in evoking endothelial cell chemotaxis during tumor neovascularization.
Sensations of gas and pain and their relationship with compliance during distension in human colon

Background Colonic mechanosensory afferents “in parallel” to circular muscle activate prevertebral ganglion reflexes; “in series” afferents convey visceral sensation to the central nervous system; and pain receptors are activated with muscle distension. Our aim was to analyze the relationships of gas and pain sensations during graded distensions and the association of sensations with colonic compliance in conscious humans.
The Linked Inference Principle, II: The User's Viewpoint

In the field of automated reasoning, the search continues for useful representations of information, for powerful inference rules, for effective canonlcallzatlon procedures, and for intelligent strategies. The practical objective of this search is, of course, to produce ever more powerful automated reasoning programs. In this paper, we show how the power of such programs can be sharply increased by employing inference rules called linked inference rules. In particular, we focus on linked UR-resolutlon, a generalization of standard UR-resolution [2], and discuss ongoing experiments that permit comparison of the two inference rules. The intention is to present the results of those experiments at the Seventh Conference on Automated Deduction. Much of the treatment of linked inference rules given in this paper is from the user’s viewpoint, with certain abstract considerations reserved for Section 3.
Sentimental literature and Anglo-Scottish identity, 1745-1820

Introduction. The sentiments and politics of Union 1. The Ossian controversy and the racial beginnings of Britain 2. British masculinity and Scottish self-control 3. Sentimental correspondences and the boundaries of British identity 4. National tales and domestication of the Scottish Highlands 5. Rebellions and re-unions in the historical novel.