cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Precision Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer: Challenges for Targeted Therapy, Immune Modulating Treatment, Early Detection, and Less Invasive Operations

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal types of cancer due to its heterogeneous nature and the difficulty of detecting lesions in the pancreas during the early stages of tumorigenesis. Until recently, progress has been slow in developing methods to detect pancreatic lesions early. However, recent advances in genetics, biomarkers, imaging, and surgical procedures have aided the early detection of such lesions before the incurable metastatic disease state. Precision medicine has benefited pancreatic cancer patients in such areas as genetics, more targeted approaches to therapy, immunotherapy advances, and the discovery of more ideal biomarkers. In this review, the various studies and trials in these areas were reviewed to illustrate the promise of precision medicine.
Study on electrical performance of vegetable insulating oils prepared by ester-exchange reaction from rapeseed oil

The insulation oil of rapeseeds is generally prepared by ester-exchange reaction with base as a catalyst between rapeseeds oil and methanol.The results indicated that the optimum conditions for preparation was:alcohol-oil ratio 9∶ 1,the amount of catalyst 0.4%,reaction temperature 60 ℃,reaction time 75 min,and the conversion rate could reach 94.89% under this conditions.The optimum refining technological conditions was that amount of active clay 5% for adsorption and decolorization,stirring time 25 min,the stirring temperature 80 ℃,60 ℃ for adsorption temperature to reduce acid value with alkaline alumina,adsorption time 60 min.The results of physicochemical and electrical performance tests showed that 160 ℃ for flash points,0.025 mg KOH/g for acid value,55.5 kV for power frequency breakdown voltage,0.010 for dielectric loss at 90 ℃,21.8 GΩ· m for volume resistivity at 90 ℃,2.839 for relative dielectric constant.
Music clustering with constraints

This paper studies the problem of building clusters of music tracks in a collection of popular music in the presence of constraints. The constraints come naturally in the context of music applications. For example, constraints can be generated from the background knowledge (e.g., two artists share similar styles) and the user access patterns (e.g., two pieces of music share similar access patterns across multiple users). We present an approach based on the generalized constraint clustering algorithm by incorporating the constraints for grouping music by “similar” artists. The approach is evaluated on a data set consisting of 53 albums covering 41 popular artists. The “correctness” of the clusters generated is tested using artist similarity provided by All Music Guide.
Probability and Computing: Discrete Random Variables and Expectation

In this chapter, we introduce the concepts of discrete random variables and expectation and then develop basic techniques for analyzing the expected performance of algorithms. We apply these techniques to computing the expected running time of the wellknown Quicksort algorithm. In analyzing two versions of Quicksort, we demonstrate the distinction between the analysis of randomized algorithms, where the probability space is defined by the random choices made by the algorithm, and the probabilistic analysis of deterministic algorithms, where the probability space is defined by some probability distribution on the inputs. Along the way we define the Bernoulli, binomial, and geometric random variables, study the expected size of a simple branching process, and analyze the expectation of the coupon collector's problem – a probabilistic paradigm that reappears throughout the book. Random Variables and Expectation When studying a random event, we are often interested in some value associated with the random event rather than in the event itself. For example, in tossing two dice we are often interested in the sum of the two dice rather than the separate value of each die. The sample space in tossing two dice consists of 36 events of equal probability, given by the ordered pairs of numbers {(1, 1), (1, 2), …, (6, 5), (6, 6)}. If the quantity we are interested in is the sum of the two dice, then we are interested in 11 events (of unequal probability): the 11 possible outcomes of the sum.
Is the Reward Worth the Risk and Effort? Realign the Incentive Structure

Investors invest in a venture when the venture is investor ready, and then grow the venture to a point where it is acquisition ready, at which time the investors may exit. An entrepreneur with a creative deal structure that minimizes the risk of investment loss and maximizes the investor’s rate of return has a greater chance of getting funded. Investors, when structuring an investment in a new venture, consider whether the investment structure protects the investor in adverse performance conditions, whether the structure provides sufficient incentives to motivate the entrepreneur, and whether the structure enhances the likelihood of investment l iquidity. The investment loss can be minimized using stage financing, anti-dilution protection, liquidation preference, protective provisions, and board representation. Investors ensure a minimum rate of return by using priority-claim securities such as convertible notes and preferred stocks, securing a minimum percentage of equity in the venture, and structuring the investment return using priority payments such as dividends, interests, and royalties. Incentive mechanisms to motivate the entrepreneur and management and align their economic interests with those of the investors, include stock option plans, share buyback rights, time and performance vesting, and the threat of the investor’s ability to replace the management team.
Reverse Online Algorithm for the Dynamic Traffic Assignment inspired by Ant Colony Optimization for VANETs

We present a novel decentralized and infrastructure-less algorithm to alleviate traffic congestions on road networks and to fill the void left by current algorithms which are either static, centralized, or require infrastructure. The algorithm follows an online approach that seeks stochastic user equilibrium and assigns traffic as it evolves in real time, without prior knowledge of the traffic demand or the schedule of the cars that will enter the road network in the future. Reverse Online Algorithm for the Dynamic Traffic Assignment inspired by Ant Colony Optimization for VANETs is a metaheuristic approach that uses reports from other vehicles to update the vehicle’s perceived view of the road network and change route if necessary. To alleviate the broadcast storm spontaneous clusters are created around traffic incidents and a threshold system based on the level of congestion is used to limit the number of incidents to be reported. Simulation results for the algorithm show a great improvement on travel time over routing based on shortest distance.
Association between visceral adiposity, BMI, and clinical outcomes in postmenopausal women with operable breast cancer.

513 Background: High body mass index (BMI), an indicator of excess body fat, has been shown to negatively impact clinical outcomes in breast cancer. Metabolic dysfunction associated with high visce...
Dynamic mechanisms of visually guided 3D motion tracking

We characterize motion perception continuously in all directions using an ecologically relevant, manual target tracking paradigm we recently developed. This approach reveals a selective impairment ...
Embracing the laws of Physics in the foundations of computation

Embedded computing bridges “abstract computing models” with the “physical world”. The laws of physics apply to both the environment and the computational model but they are heavily abstracted in models of computation. Conventional models of computation are often irreversible, sequential, non real-time, space agnostic, and are unaware of locality, energy, heat, etc. Each of these concerns is addressed in some work but they collectively do not have the place they deserve in the foundations of computation.
Acoustics of a Mixed Porosity Felt Airfoil

Lifting surfaces produce noise in operation, and porous materials have been shown to reduce this noise. Acoustic measurements were made on three arrangements of poroelastic material: full-chord impermeability, full-chord porosity, and “mixed” porosity. The results are compared to applicable published data. The noise reduction produced by the mixed porosity arrangement is found to be similar to the fully porous arrangement at low Reynolds numbers. The noise reduction produced by the mixed and fully porous foils shows significant differences at higher Reynolds numbers. A percolation-base physical model to explain elevated noise production at high frequencies is proposed.
RISING TOP INCOMES AND INCREASED BORROWING IN THE REST OF THE DISTRIBUTION

One potential consequence of rising top‐income concentration is borrowing by less‐affluent households attempting to maintain relative living standards. This paper evaluates the “keeping up with the Joneses” phenomenon, examining the responsiveness of payment‐to‐income ratios for different debt types across the income distribution to changes in income among affluent households. The analysis provides evidence for the responsiveness of debt to rising top incomes. Middle‐ and upper‐middle‐income households take on more housing‐related debt and have higher payments in places with higher top‐income levels. Among lower‐income households non‐mortgage borrowing and debt payments decline, consistent with restrictions in the supply of credit. (JEL D63, D14)
Inhibition and activation of cholesteryl ester transfer and its significance in plasma cholesterol metabolism.

Cholesteryl ester transfer in plasma can be defined as the catalyzed movement of preformed cholesteryl ester between lipoprotein particles. In mammalian plasma, this activity resides in one or more of a class of transfer proteins which show specificity for hydrophobic lipids such as cholesteryl and retinyl esters and triglycerides.1–3 It has been suggested that the mechanism of catalysis is in the ability of such transfer proteins to increase the solubility of these lipids in plasma and in that way increase diffusion rates between lipid surfaces.4 Alternatively, the transfer protein may facilitate complex formation between donor and acceptor lipoprotein particles.5 Studies using labeled cholesteryl esters and triglycerides indicate that transfer is bidirectional.6 However, the effective concentration of these lipids in different lipoproteins in usually not the same; as a result, the forward and back rates of transfer will not be identical and a net transfer of cholesteryl ester will result.
Brain abscess with Corynebacterium hemolyticum: report of a case.

A fatal case of mixed infection due to an unusual combination of Corynebacterium hemolyticum and Fusobacterium necrophorum in a 17-year-old boy is reported. Both organisms were isolated from the blood. C. hemolyticum was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid and a brain abscess; pleomorphic Gram-negative bacilli also were demonstrated in the Gram-stained smear of the brain abscess material. Postmortem examination failed to demonstrate a possible site of origin of the infection.
Pay Communications and Fairness: An Employee Perspective:

A variety of tools are used to create perceptions of fairness including job evaluation, pay surveys and merit pay guide charts, but without effective pay communications the benefits of fair pay pro...
Propagation of phase transverse to the imposed magnetic field

When the direction of phase propagation is perpendicular to the direction of the imposed magnetic field, we have what is known as transverse propagation (¸ p = 1/2 π). For transverse propagation the direction of group propagation is also perpendicular to the direction of the imposed magnetic field (θ g = 1/2 π) This follows from the fact that the expressions for n 2 in Equations (5.36) are unchanged if θ p is replaced by π — θ p . Consequently a diagram such as Figure 6.2 showing surfaces of constant ω in k space is symmetrical about the coordinate plane perpendicular to the direction of the imposed magnetic field. Normals to a surface where it crosses the k 1 axis are therefore in the k 1 direction. For transverse propagation, the directions of group and phase propagation coincide, but not the magnitudes.
Modified NTH Method for Assessing Effective Friction Angle of Normally Consolidated and Overconsolidated Clays from Piezocone Tests

AbstractAn effective stress limit plasticity solution developed at the Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH) provides a theoretical evaluation of the effective stress friction angle (ϕ′) for soft...
Functional Activation Patterns of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus.

Background Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) is a recently approved therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. To date, there is a poor understanding of the mechanism of action and lack of in vivo biomarkers. We propose a method for investigating the in vivo stimulation effects using blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and present the brain activation pattern associated with ANT DBS. Methods Two patients undergoing ANT DBS for epilepsy underwent BOLD MRI using a block design after the DBS was programmed to alternate ON/OFF in 30-second blocks. The scanner was triggered using surface electrophysiologic recordings to detect the DBS cycle. Nine total runs were obtained and were analyzed using a general linear model. Results Active ANT stimulation produced activation within several areas of the brain, including the thalamus, bilateral anterior cingulate and posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, medial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, ventral tegmental area, hippocampus, striatum, and right angular gyrus. Conclusions Using block-design BOLD MRI, we were able to show widespread activation resulting from ANT DBS. Overlap with multiple areas of both the default mode and limbic networks was shown, suggesting that these nodes may modulate the effect of seizure control with ANT DBS.
Detection, Identification, and Localization in Chipless RFID Systems

The scattered signal from chipless RFID tags is received by the receiving antenna and transferred to the reader. In the reader, some information such as the location and ID of the tags should be extracted from the received signal. In applications where multiple tags are present in the reader area, we need to first distinguish the tag’s responses from the responses of the background objects around the tag. After the detection process, the locations and IDs of the tags should be extracted, the process of which comprises the localization and identification process in the reader.
Mitochondrial Fission and Fusion Dynamics Generate Efficient, Robust, and Evenly Distributed Network Topologies in Budding Yeast Cells

The simplest configuration of mitochondria in a cell is as small separate organellar units. Instead, mitochondria often form a dynamic, intricately connected network. A basic understanding of the topological properties of mitochondrial networks, and their influence on cell function is lacking. We performed an extensive quantitative analysis of mitochondrial network topology, extracting mitochondrial networks in 3D from live-cell microscopic images of budding yeast cells. In the presence of fission and fusion, mitochondrial network structures exhibited certain topological properties similar to other real-world spatial networks. Fission and fusion dynamics were required to efficiently distribute mitochondria throughout the cell and generate highly interconnected networks that can facilitate efficient diffusive search processes. Thus, mitochondrial fission and fusion combine to regulate the underlying topology of mitochondrial networks, which may independently impact cell function.
The Normative Bases of Medical Civil Rights

Being designated as disabled under the law comes with an array of legal rights. These rights range from negative rights against discrimination by the state and by private actors in employment and public accommodations to positive rights to accommodations, financial (welfare) benefits, and even healthcare. Other kinds of status also trigger these kinds of protections, but few produce the same panoply of benefits: for example, race discrimination similarly elicits antidiscrimination protections by the state, and by employment and public accommodations, but rarely any positive rights. Unemployment can yield welfare benefits, but is rarely protected under antidiscrimination law. Thus, “the antidiscrimination laws that govern disability are significantly more equality enhancing than those governing race.” Even if one would think otherwise, the fact remains that a legal designation based on disability produces legal rights that are robust when compared to those that other designations trigger. Where do these rights come from? To see why this is a puzzle, it is helpful to note where these rights do not come from. When it comes to rights driving from other kinds of designations, the Constitution is an important (although not exclusive) part of the story. The racial justice movement, for example, will include in its narrative the Reconstruction amendments and Brown v. Board of Education, the women’s rights movement Roe v. Wade, and the gay rights movement the recent marriage equality decisions. Those rights exist, some in the movements would argue, because the Constitution says they do. Disability rights, however, do not have the same constitutional pedigree. Constitutional victories have been limited in scope; statutory claims have been far more impactful. I claim that the reach – and limits ¬¬– of disability rights are best explained by how society conceives of the onset and causes of disability. There are three dominant causal paradigms that drive disability rights. The first paradigm saw disability as the result of bad luck and offered resources for the disabled. This paradigm yielded a first round of rights legislation. The second paradigm realized that the burdens of disability arose, not just from a lack of resources, but also from a lack of social regard and respect and yielded a second generation of rights. Finally, a third paradigm limited the reach of these rights, as it saw disability as individual fault. Before I proceed, it is worth noting that I subsume conceptions about disability as falling within a larger universe of medical designations of impairment. Prominent disability theorist, Simi Linton, explains that to be disabled a person must have an impairment that “significantly affect[s] daily life and . . . with some consistency . . . present[s] himself/herself to the world at large as a disabled person.” Both as a theoretical matter, and as a legal matter, disability designations borrow from medical designations. Thus, conceptualization of disability in each of these paradigms essentially turns on conceptualization of medical status in a particular context.
Timing of patient-reported renal replacement therapy planning discussions by disease severity among children and young adults with chronic kidney disease

Preparing children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for renal replacement therapy (RRT) begins with a discussion about transplant and dialysis, but its typical timing in the course of CKD management is unclear. We aimed to describe participant-reported RRT planning discussions by CKD stage, clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) cohort. Participants responded to the question “In the past year, have you discussed renal replacement therapy with your doctor or healthcare provider?” at annual study visits. Responses were linked to the previous year CKD risk stage based on GFR and proteinuria. Repeated measure logistic models estimated the proportion discussing RRT by stage, with modification by sex, age, race, socioeconomic status, and CKD diagnosis (glomerular vs. non-glomerular). A total of 721 CKiD participants (median age = 12, 62% boys) contributed 2856 person-visits. Proportions of person-visits reporting RRT discussions increased as CKD severity increased (10% at the lowest disease stage and 87% at the highest disease stage). After controlling for CKD risk stage, rates of RRT discussions did not differ by sex, age, race, and socioeconomic status. Despite participant-reported RRT discussions being strongly associated with CKD severity, a substantial proportion with advanced CKD reported no discussion. While recall bias may lead to underreporting, it is still meaningful that some participants with severe CKD did not report or remember discussing RRT. Initiating RRT discussions early in the CKD course should be encouraged to foster comprehensive preparation and to align RRT selection for optimal health and patient preferences.
Trauma Informed Guilt Reduction (TrIGR) therapy for guilt, shame, and moral injury resulting from trauma: Rationale, design, and methodology of a two-site randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Guilt, shame, and moral injury (MI) are common reactions following exposure to traumatic events and are associated with greater severity of several mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, increased risk of suicidal ideation and poorer psychosocial functioning. Trauma-Informed Guilt Reduction (TrIGR) is a transdiagnostic psychotherapy to address guilt, shame, and MI stemming from traumatic events. The primary goals of TrIGR are to help patients accurately appraise their trauma and to re-engage with their values in order to lead a more meaningful life. This paper presents the rationale, design, and methodology of a two-site randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of TrIGR compared to Supportive Care Therapy (SCT) in a sample of U.S. veterans (N = 145) who endorse guilt related to a traumatic event that occurred during military deployment. This study is the first RCT powered to investigate TrIGR's efficacy on reducing posttraumatic guilt, as measured by the Trauma Related Guilt Inventory (TRGI), in comparison to an active control condition. In addition, the study will examine a range of secondary and exploratory outcomes including shame, quality of life, suicidal ideation, substance use, and PTSD and depression symptoms. Findings from this efficacy study will be essential in informing future efficacy and effectiveness trials.
The E3 ligase TRAF4 promotes IGF signaling by mediating atypical ubiquitination of IRS-1.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) is a potent mitogen that activates the IGF receptor (IGFR)/insulin receptor substrate (IRS) axis, thus stimulating growth in normal cells and uncontrolled cell proliferation in cancer. Posttranslational modifications of IRS such as ubiquitination tightly control IGF signaling, and we previously identified IRS-1 as a potential substrate for the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAF4 using an unbiased screen. Here we provide evidence that TRAF4-mediated ubiquitination of IRS-1 is physiologically relevant and crucial for IGF signal transduction. Through site-directed mutagenesis we found that TRAF4 promotes an atypical K29-linked ubiquitination at the C-terminal end of IRS-1. Its depletion abolishes AKT and ERK phosphorylation downstream of IGF-1 and inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation. Overexpression of TRAF4 enhances IGF1-induced IGFR–IRS-1 interaction, IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and downstream effector protein activation, whereas mutation of IRS-1 ubiquitination sites completely abolishes these effects. Altogether, our studies demonstrate that nonproteolytic ubiquitination of IRS-1 is a key step in conveying IGF-1 stimulation from IGFR to IRS-1.
Acute Overlap Syndrome with Myopathy Associated with Anti-signal Recognition Particle Antibodies and Sarcoidosis (5078)

Objective: To present an acute overlap syndrome of anti-signal recognition particle antibody (anti-SRP) myopathy and systemic sarcoidosis Background: NA Design/Methods: Case report Results: A 61-year-old African-American man presented with a 3 week history of progressive dyspnea and generalized weakness. Two years earlier he had been diagnosed with systolic heart failure of unknown etiology (ejection fraction of 20%). Examination was notable for generalized proximal to distal weakness. Diagnostic evaluation revealed non-caseating granulomas (NCG) on cardiac biopsy and creatine kinase of 8,889 IU/L. Renal function, electrolytes, complete blood count, thyroid hormone, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and antinuclear antibodies were normal. Electromyography revealed a severe generalized irritative myopathy. Serologies for HIV and 3- hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase antibody were negative but the myositis panel showed high-titer anti-SRP antibodies (>100 SI). Subsequent muscle biopsy revealed scattered necrotic and regenerating fibers with a paucity of inflammation and no NCG. Patient was treated with pulse dose IV methylprednisolone followed by IV immunoglobulin and steroid taper. Within days of treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in strength and mobility. Conclusions: The patient’s clinical phenotype, autoantibodies, and histological data are characteristic of SRP myopathy, which is characterized by rapidly progressive proximal muscle weakness, scattered necrotic muscle fibers and scant inflammation. In contrast, sarcoidosis myopathy typically presents with insidious muscle weakness along with NCG and diffuse inflammation on biopsy. Although asymptomatic muscular involvement in sarcoidosis is common (50% of cases at post-mortem), clinically apparent myopathy is seen in only 1% of cases. This is the first reported case of overlap syndrome with systemic sarcoidosis and SRP myopathy, and highlights the importance of considering other potential etiologies of rapidly progressive myopathy despite histologically-proven systemic sarcoidosis. Disclosure: Dr. Daley has nothing to disclose. Dr. Opala has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tavee has nothing to disclose.
Altered substrate metabolism in neurodegenerative disease: new insights from metabolic imaging.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS), are relatively common and devastating neurological disorders. For example, there are 6 million individuals living with AD in the United States, a number that is projected to grow to 14 million by the year 2030. Importantly, AD, PD and MS are all characterized by the lack of a true disease-modifying therapy that is able to reverse or halt disease progression. In addition, the existing standard of care for most NDs only addresses the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, alternative strategies that target mechanisms underlying the neuropathogenesis of disease are much needed. Recent studies have indicated that metabolic alterations in neurons and glia are commonly observed in AD, PD and MS and lead to changes in cell function that can either precede or protect against disease onset and progression. Specifically, single-cell RNAseq studies have shown that AD progression is tightly linked to the metabolic phenotype of microglia, the key immune effector cells of the brain. However, these analyses involve removing cells from their native environment and performing measurements in vitro, influencing metabolic status. Therefore, technical approaches that can accurately assess cell-specific metabolism in situ have the potential to be transformative to our understanding of the mechanisms driving AD. Here, we review our current understanding of metabolism in both neurons and glia during homeostasis and disease. We also evaluate recent advances in metabolic imaging, and discuss how emerging modalities, such as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) have the potential to determine how metabolic perturbations may drive the progression of NDs. Finally, we propose that the temporal, regional, and cell-specific characterization of brain metabolism afforded by FLIM will be a critical first step in the rational design of metabolism-focused interventions that delay or even prevent NDs.
Computational Issues in Control-Structure Interaction Analysis

This paper surveys computational issues for large-scale simulation of dynamics and controls of space structures, which involve structural elements that are capable of large combined rigid and flexible motions, accurate and efficient treatment of constraints, robust integration of both translational and large rotational motions in the equations of motion, modular interface with active control synthesis packages, and a capability from wave motions to slowly varying transient responses. A particular feature of the present survey is a partitioned solution ( or divide-and-conquer) procedure that can handle the numerical solution of multidisciplinary simulation problems by relying on individual modular solution packages that treat each aspect of simulation requirements.
Management für morgen

Seit 1980 werden Amerikas Manager allenthalben kritisiert, sie legten zu starkes Gewicht auf kurzfristige Gewinne, und zwar auf Kosten der zukunftigen Wettbewerbsstarke ihrer Geschaftseinheit. In einem haufig zitierten Artikel klagten Robert Hayes und der verstorbene William Abernathy uber eine, wie sie es nannten, „neue Management-Orthodoxie“, die sich hauptsachlich auf Finanzanalysen stutze und zu stark gedrosselten Investitionen in neue Betriebe und Anlagen, in Forschung und Entwicklung sowie in Programme zur Qualitatsverbesserung der Produkte gefuhrt habe. Das Ergebnis, so Hayes und Abernathy, sei ein „generelles Managementversagen gewesen, das mit der Zeit sowohl die Neigung als auch die Fahigkeit der amerikanischen Firmen zur Innovation habe schwinden lassen“.1
Cotton reproductive and fiber quality responses to nitrogen nutrition

Nutrient (N) stress affects cotton growth, primary physiological processes and fiber properties. This study utilized two sunlit growth chambers to compare cotton (cv. TM-1) responses to two levels of N nutrition imposed at the onset of flowering stage of development, 100 and 0% of optimum N, in plants grown under otherwise optimal temperature and soil moisture conditions. Flowers and bolls were tagged daily to estimate boll maturation period (BMP). Leaf N concentration was determined every four days from flowering to maturity. Plant height and main stem nodes were determined every four days from emergence to 25 days after treatment (DAT) and photosynthetic measurements were recorded weekly from 0 to 56 DAT. Plant and boll-component dry weights were recorded at end of the experiment. Fiber quality was determined in samples of lint that were grouped based on average leaf N concentration during the BMP. Total plant biomass was reduced 23% by N deficient treatment and these plants produced 14 bolls per plant as compared with 21 bolls in N sufficient plants. Stress-induced decrease in leaf N was associated with linear decreases in leaf photosynthesis (r 2 =0.92) and stomatal conductance (r 2 =0.86). Fiber length and strength increased linearly with increase in lean N concentration, while fiber micronaire and uniformity declined linearly with increase in leaf N concentration. Among the measured fiber properties, fiber micronaire was the most sensitive to changes in leaf N followed by strength, length and uniformity. Knowledge of the functional relationship between leaf N concentration and a fiber property can be used to develop a fiber quality submodel for cotton under optimal temperature and water conditions.
Do roost-excavating bats have stronger skulls?

In addition to feeding, many vertebrates use their skulls for other functions that are highly relevant to fitness. One such function is roost excavation by the bat Lophostoma silvicolum. Males of this species use their canines to create cavities inside active termite nests, which are significantly harder than the prey they eat. Here we investigate whether the skull of L. silvicolum is specialized for roost excavation relative to the ecologically similar species Tonatia saurophila and Micronycteris hirsuta, which do not excavate roosts. We conducted a finite element analysis that simulated roost excavating and feeding behaviours. These analyses were informed by our observations of feeding and roost-excavating behaviours, bite force, and dissections of the cranial musculature of the three bat species. During the simulation of roost excavation (bilateral canine biting), our data indicate that most regions of the skull of L. silvicolum exhibit less stress than those of T. saurophila and M. hirsuta; however, the latter exhibited the lowest peak stress at the zygomatic arches. During loads that simulate feeding (bilateral molar biting), the three species exhibit similar stress levels. It is not clear whether L. silvicolum has a skull shape that is stronger under the loads imposed by excavation, but it does exhibit relatively higher bilateral canine bite forces that are generated via relatively larger temporalis muscles. Based on the muscle data, our study suggests that the feeding apparatus of mammals can exhibit performance and morphological adaptations to functions other than feeding. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 102, 1–10.
Proof of the GLZ-equation for the adiabatic limit of axiomatically derived graphwise defined retarded distributions

Abstract We consider the integration of the retarded distributions of an LSZ-field theory. We show that one can integrate these distributions r(y1,…, ym) over yj,…, ym, j≧2, in such a manner that the GLZ-equation for the integrated distributions, i.e. for the adiabatic limit [2], can be derived from the GLZ-equation for r(y1,…, ym). Our methods are different from the ones used in Ref. [5], but they also imply the strong convergence of the retarded operator R(PP') on D2 for P'→01.
The “Steroid Dementia Syndrome”: An Unrecognized Complication of Glucocorticoid Treatment

Glucocorticoid treatment is frequently associated with transiently impaired attention, concentration, and memory. In rare cases, cognitive changes may be prominent and may persist for substantial periods of time after steroid discontinuation. This largely unrecognized complication has been termed the "steroid dementia syndrome" and may reflect steroid neuroendangerment or neurotoxicity. Several clinical cases of this syndrome, with shared phenomenological and neuropsychological features, are presented here.
Coding Density of the Turnip Yellow Mosaic Virus Genome. Roles of the Overlapping Coat Protein and p206-Readthrough Coding Regions

More than one-third of the turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) genome simultaneously encodes two ORFs. We have investigated the functions of the overlapping coat protein ORF and readthrough domain of ORF-206 in the 3' region of the genome. TYMC-206 RNA, in which a second stop codon has been positioned to prevent ORF-206 readthrough, induced infections in protoplasts and plants that were indistinguishable from wild type. ORF-206 readthrough is thus nonessential. Nevertheless, TYMV-221 RNA, in which the ORF-206 stop codon was replaced with a tyrosine codon to force readthrough, was infectious to protoplasts, suggesting that a role for ORF-206 readthrough under certain conditions is possible. TYMV RNA variants that produce truncated or no coat protein were used to show that the coat protein is dispensable for local movement but necessary for systemic spread of virus in plants. Studies in protoplasts showed that (-) RNA levels are normal in the absence of coat protein, but (+) strand levels are decreased about 10-fold relative to wild-type infections. A mutant with a short C-terminal coat protein extension that formed virions less stable than normal demonstrated the protective role of capsids toward genomic RNA. The evolutionary implications of the dense information content of the TYMV genome are discussed.
Designs with mutually orthogonal resolutions and decompositions of edge‐colored graphs

Two resolutions R and R′ of a combinatorial design are called orthogonal if |Ri∩R|≤1 for all Ri∈R and R∈R′. A set Q={R1, R2, …, Rd} of d resolutions of a combinatorial design is called a set of mutually orthogonal resolutions (MORs) if the resolutions of Q are pairwise orthogonal. In this paper, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the asymptotic existence of a (v, k, 1)-BIBD with d mutually orthogonal resolutions for d≥2 and k≥3 and necessary and sufficient conditions for the asymptotic existence of a (v, k, k−1)-BIBD with d mutually orthogonal near resolutions for d≥2 and k≥3. We use complementary designs and the most general form of an asymptotic existence theorem for decompositions of edge-colored complete digraphs into prespecified edge-colored subgraphs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 425–447, 2009
Amino-acid Contamination of Aqueous Hydrochloric Acid

Considerable amino-acid contamination in commercially available analytical grade hydrochloric acid (37% HCl) was found. One bottle contained 8,300 nmol of amino-acids per liter. A bottle from another supplier contained 6,700 nmol per liter. The contaminants were mostly protein amino-acids and several unknowns. Data on the volatility of the amino-acids during HCl distillation were also obtained.
Improving Scientific Workflow Performance Using Policy Based Data Placement

I/O intensive jobs such as stage-in, stage-out or data clean-up jobs account for significant time in execution of scientific workflows. Workflow managers typically add these data management operations as supporting jobs to computational tasks with scheduling emphasis on compute jobs only. We present the integration of the Pegasus Workflow Management System with a Policy Based Data Placement Service (PDPS) to reduce overall workflow execution time. Pegasus delegates all data staging jobs to PDPS, which schedules and executes stage-in jobs based on selected data placement policies and simply executes stage-out and clean-up jobs independent of the workflow execution state. We measure the impact of using PDPS with Pegasus first with the Montage workflow, and then with a synthetic workflow. We enforce two policies and demonstrate the advantage of using PDPS for asynchronous data placement for scientific workflows. Our results show that the influence of PDPS on the overall workflow runtimes is dependent on the data characteristics of the executable workflow and the data placement policy being enforced.
NEUTRAL-BEAM INJECTION

LBL-10447 Preprint To be published as a chapter in FUSION, E. Teller, Academic Press, New York, NY NEUTRAL-BEAM INJECTION W. B. Kunkel June 1980 TWO-WEEK LOAN COPY This is a Library Circulating Copy which may be borrowed for two weeks. a personal retention copy~ call Tech. Info. Divisiony Ext. 6782. Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract W-7405-ENG-48
Testing the Effectiveness of 3D Film for Laboratory-Based Studies of Emotion

Research in psychology and affective neuroscience often relies on film as a standardized and reliable method for evoking emotion. However, clip validation is not undertaken regularly. This presents a challenge for research with adolescent and young adult samples who are exposed routinely to high-definition (HD) three-dimensional (3D) stimuli and may not respond to older, validated film clips. Studies with young people inform understanding of emotional development, dysregulated affect, and psychopathology, making it critical to assess whether technological advances improve the study of emotion. In the present study, we examine whether 3D film is more evocative than 2D using a tightly controlled within-subjects design. Participants (n = 408) viewed clips during a concurrent psychophysiological assessment. Results indicate that both 2D and 3D technology are highly effective tools for emotion elicitation. However, 3D does not add incremental benefit over 2D, even when individual differences in anxiety, emotion dysregulation, and novelty seeking are considered.
Critical covalence and superconductivity in Ln2−xCexCuO4

Abstract The variations of superconductive properties with x of the n -type Ln 2− x Ce x CuO 4 ( Ln = La 0.5 Nd 0.5 , Nd, or Gd) systems have been investigated. As the size of Ln 3+ decreases, (i) the solubility limit x of Ce decreases, (ii) the value of x at which a transition from antiferromagnetic semiconductor to superconductor occurs increases, and (iii) the width Δx of the superconductive region decreases. The decreasing solubility of Ce with decreasing size of Ln 3+ is due to decreasing tensile strain in the CuO 2 sheets. The progressive shift of the semiconductor to superconductor transition to higher x values with decreasing size of Ln 3+ is explained on the basis of increasing electrostatic Madelung energy E M caused by decreasing CuO bond length. A larger E M means a larger charge transfer gap Δ and a smaller covalent-mixing parameter λ and bandwidth W ; so a decreasing size of Ln 3+ necessitates a higher level of Ce-doping in order to achieve a critical covalence essential for superconductivity to occur.
Realization of φ-types and Keisler’s order

Abstract We show that the analysis of Keisler’s order can be localized to the study of φ -types. Specifically, if D is a regular ultrafilter on λ such that l c f ( ω , D ) ≥ λ + and M is a model whose theory is countable, then M λ / D is λ + -saturated iff it realizes all φ -types of size λ .
Direct-detection free-space laser transceiver test-bed

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is developing a direct-detection free-space laser communications transceiver test bed. The laser transmitter is a master-oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) configuration using a 1060 nm wavelength laser-diode with a two-stage multi-watt Ytterbium fiber amplifier. Dual Mach-Zehnder electro-optic modulators provide an extinction ratio greater than 40 dB. The MOPA design delivered 10-W average power with low-duty-cycle PPM waveforms and achieved 1.7 kW peak power. We use pulse-position modulation format with a pseudo-noise code header to assist clock recovery and frame boundary identification. We are examining the use of low-density-parity-check (LDPC) codes for forward error correction. Our receiver uses an InGaAsP 1 mm diameter photocathode hybrid photomultiplier tube (HPMT) cooled with a thermo-electric cooler. The HPMT has 25% single-photon detection efficiency at 1064 nm wavelength with a dark count rate of 60,000/s at -22 degrees Celsius and a single-photon impulse response of 0.9 ns. We report on progress toward demonstrating a combined laser communications and ranging field experiment.
Superior Mesenteric Vein Tear With Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Abstract: Total hip arthroplasty imparts significant physical forces on the patient at the time of surgery. We report a case of an injury to the superior mesenteric vein that is thought to have occurred at the time of impaction of the acetabular component of a total hip arthroplasty. This complication has been reported previously only from high-energy nonpenetrating trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents.
Low Noise Microwave Receiving Systems on a 64 m Antenna

The performance capability at S-, X- and K-band of the NASA/JPL 64 m Cassegrain antenna at Goldstone, California, is reviewed. The multiple feed system allows X-and K-band atmospheric research studies to be conducted simultaneously with mission directed S-band spacecraft tracking. A description of the antenna system and its multiple operation is followed by gain and efficiency comparisons at the three frequencies . The total operating system temperature, and its frequency dependence, is presented and discussed. Antenna gain and efficiency, and zenith system operating temperature are summarized, at S- and X-band respectively, by 62 dB, 63%, 16K; and 72 dB, 52%, 24K. Preliminary measurements for K-band are 76 dB, 39%, 29K.
Avoiding conflicts between the natural behavior of the animal and the demands of discrimination experiments.

Auditory discrimination experiments are traditionally designed without regard for ethological or ecological concerns, yet land dwelling mammals may have specialized behavior with respect to sound sources. Auditory discriminations occur under field conditions, and there is some fit or matching of the animal’s behavior to the acoustic environment. Understanding this fit requires a knowledge of specializations. Understanding the specializations may also guide the design of discrimination experiments. This paper reviews a number of auditory discrimination experiments that were designed to reveal some of the specialized behaviors. These experiments showed the following: (i) The position of a sound source is the dominant sensory dimension, over riding the quality of the sound; (ii) the effect of reinforcing a response in the presence of a sound is to strengthen the response of approaching the source. This effect is ubiquitous in discrimination tasks; (iii) sounds that are novel at the start of discrimination tr...
Norbornyl Dipeptide Analogues: Mimics of Both a Transition State and a Torsionally Distorted Ground State

The 1-amino-2-hydroxybicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-7-carboxylic acid derivatives 1-3 have been synthesized, the pivotal step being the use of an acyl nitrene-insertion reaction to introduce nitrogen functionality into the corresponding hydroxy ester. The analogues each mimic a distorted peptide ground state as well as the transition state for peptide bond hydrolysis. To enhance the immune response and to provide further sequence specificity, the analogues 1-3 have been coupled to at least one D-amino acid residue to yield the derivatives 21, 26, and 27, respectively. Antibodies elicited against these derivatives may catalyze the hydrolysis of the corresponding peptides both by straining the substrate ground state and by stabilizing the transition state.
Atherosclerotic Plaque: X-ray Diffraction Investigation

Human atherosclerotic plaque material continuotusly maintained in an aqueous environment has been subjected to examination by x-ray diffraction. The first diffraction pattern from single crystals of human biological apatite was obtained from the plaque material of a freshly excised plaque when it was equilibrated with its aqueous environment. As the plaque material dried, the discrete spots characteristic of single crystal diffraction disappeared, leaving only the powder pattern of apatite.
In-situ formation of MgO2 thin films on MgO single-crystal surfaces at high temperatures

Abstract Structures on MgO(100) surfaces heated to high temperatures have been comprehensively studied in-situ using the combined electron microscopy techniques of imaging (REM, HREM), diffraction (RHEED, THEED) and spectroscopy (REELS, TEELS, EDS) in both reflection and transmission geometries. A thin film, less than about 10 atomic layers in thickness, is formed on the surface after heating to 1500 K inside a conventional electron microscope. The newly formed film consists of mainly MgO2 and small amounts of calcium and chromium impurities produced by surface segregation at high temperature. The film covers the entire surface in patches of a few tens of nanometers in size; the [110] direction and the (001) plane of each MgO2 patch are parallel to the 〈110〉 direction and the {111} plane of the MgO matrix, respectively. This MgO2 film is stable at high temperature (1500 K), room temperature, and even after being exposed to air for two weeks, and can be produced on surfaces other than (100) such as irregularly shaped MgO fragments. It has been found that multiple-diffraction effects may create additional “rods” in RHEED patterns, leading to possibly incorrect structural interpretation. The combination of RHEED with imaging techniques is important for solving the surface structures.