cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure‐based design of robust glucose biosensors using a Thermotoga maritima periplasmic glucose‐binding protein

We report the design and engineering of a robust, reagentless fluorescent glucose biosensor based on the periplasmic glucose-binding protein obtained from Thermotoga maritima (tmGBP). The gene for this protein was cloned from genomic DNA and overexpressed in Escherichia coli, the identity of its cognate sugar was confirmed, ligand binding was studied, and the structure of its glucose complex was solved to 1.7 A resolution by X-ray crystallography. TmGBP is specific for glucose and exhibits high thermostability (midpoint of thermal denaturation is 119 ± 1°C and 144 ± 2°C in the absence and presence of 1 mM glucose, respectively). A series of fluorescent conjugates was constructed by coupling single, environmentally sensitive fluorophores to unique cysteines introduced by site-specific mutagenesis at positions predicted to be responsive to ligand-induced conformational changes based on the structure. These conjugates were screened to identify engineered tmGBPs that function as reagentless fluorescent glucose biosensors. The Y13C•Cy5 conjugate is bright, gives a large response to glucose over concentration ranges appropriate for in vivo monitoring of blood glucose levels (1–30 mM), and can be immobilized in an orientation-specific manner in microtiter plates to give a reversible response to glucose. The immobilized protein retains its response after long-term storage at room temperature.
Feedback control of nanostructured coatings processing accounting for powder size distribution

This work presents a novel formulation of the control problem and a feedback control system for the high velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray process, which explicitly accounts for the effect of powder size distribution. Initially, based on available model predictions and experimental data, the control problem is formulated as the one of regulating appropriate averages of the temperature and velocity of the particles at the point of impact on substrate by manipulating the oxygen/fuel ratio and the combustion chamber pressure, respectively. Then, a feedback control system is developed and applied to a detailed mathematical model of the process. Closed-loop simulations show that the average particle velocity and temperature at the point of impact on substrate reach the desired values in a short time, which validates the feasibility of real-time implementation of feedback control on the HVOF thermal spray system. It is also shown that the proposed formulation of the control problem leads to a solution of the control problem that is superior to a solution that assumes a monodisperse powder size distribution. Finally, the proposed control problem formulation and feedback control system are shown to be robust with respect to disturbances in initial particle velocity and distance between gun exit and substrate.
Clock optimization for high-performance pipelined design

In order to reduce the design cost of pipelined systems, resources may be shared by operations within and across different pipe stages. In order to maximize resource sharing, a crucial decision is the selection of a clock period, since a bad choice can adversely affect the performance and cost of the design. We present an algorithm to select a clock period that attempts to minimize design area while satisfying a given throughput constraint. Experimental results on several examples demonstrate the quality of our selection algorithm and the benefit of allowing resource sharing across pipe stages.
Auto-context and its application to high-level vision tasks

The notion of using context information for solving high-level vision problems has been increasingly realized in the field. However, how to learn an effective and efficient context model, together with the image appearance, remains mostly unknown. The current literature using Markov random fields (MRFs) and conditional random fields (CRFs) often involves specific algorithm design, in which the modeling and computing stages are studied in isolation. In this paper, we propose an auto-context algorithm. Given a set of training images and their corresponding label maps, we first learn a classifier on local image patches. The discriminative probability (or classification confidence) maps by the learned classifier are then used as context information, in addition to the original image patches, to train a new classifier. The algorithm then iterates to approach the ground truth. Auto-context learns an integrated low-level and context model, and is very general and easy to implement. Under nearly the identical parameter setting in the training, we apply the algorithm on three challenging vision applications: object segmentation, human body configuration, and scene region labeling. It typically takes about 30 ~ 70 seconds to run the algorithm in testing. Moreover, the scope of the proposed algorithm goes beyond high-level vision. It has the potential to be used for a wide variety of problems of multi-variate labeling.
Optimal Suppression of Laser Beam Jitter by High-Order RLS Adaptive Control

This paper demonstrates high-performance adaptive control for a laser-beam steering system, which exhibits high-order unknown jitter dynamics. The adaptive controller, which is based on a recursive least-squares finite-impulse-response lattice filter, has the distinguishing feature that variable and high-order adaptive filters can be realized in the real-time implementation. Varying the order of the adaptive controller produces both fast adaptation and optimal steady-state performance in the experiment, without the large transients often produced by fixed-order recursive least-squares adaptive controllers. The steady-state performance of the high-order adaptive controller approximates closely the theoretically achievable minimum-variance steady-state performance, which is derived from the identified plant and jitter dynamics. Experimental results also illustrate the capability of the adaptive controller to adapt rapidly to changing jitter characteristics.
The parergonal politics of Barack Obama

This article offers a Derridean analysis of Barack Obama’s statement that, as president, he would be willing to negotiate with political actors dubbed ‘terrorists’, ‘rogues’, ‘enemies’, or members of the ‘axis of evil’. The article argues that the Derridean concept of the ‘parergonal’ is useful, as is the Derridean distinction between hospitality and tolerance. This is because a parergonal approach to politics, evidenced in a willingness to listen to those that others have ignored, and to include those left out, illustrates hospitality’s commitment to allowing alterity to remain untranslated: the other is accepted as other. Undoubtedly, this deconstructive aspect of Obama’s political outlook proves threatening to traditional Americans, for its hospitality could potentially rewrite America’s hegemonic position in the world arena.
Development, implementation, and evaluation of an interprofessional course in translational research.

The advancement of research from basic science discovery to clinical application requires the extensive collaboration of individuals from multiple disciplines, therefore the ability to work as an effective interprofessional team is essential for researchers in clinical and translational science (CTS). Courses that build interprofessional skills are a key component in CTS education, but the development of these courses poses numerous administrative and educational challenges. This paper describes the processes of designing, implementing, and evaluating an innovative graduate-level course that combines online lectures and in-class facilitated group discussions to promote interprofessional interactions. The course offers students the opportunity to interact with and learn from individuals in a variety of disciplines, and it requires students to engage in interprofessional group work to meet the course objectives. During the past 4 years, 96 students from the schools of medicine, pharmacy, nursing, public health, and health and rehabilitation sciences at a large urban university have completed the course. The course has been well-received, with 87% of students rating its overall quality as excellent, good, or satisfactory. The course offers educators a model to teach graduate students the skills that are essential for becoming effective CTS researchers. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume #: 1–7
The surface (S-) layer is a virulence factor of Bacteroides forsythus

Bacteroides forsythus has emerged as a crucial periodontal pathogen with possible implications for systemic disease. The aim of this study was to isolate the S-layer from B. forsythus and examine its virulence potential as a part of efforts to characterize virulence factors of B. forsythus. The role of the S-layer in the haemagglutinating and adherent/invasive activities was evaluated. It was observed that the S-layer alone was able to mediate haemagglutination. In adherent and invasive studies, transmission electron microscopy clearly revealed that B. forsythus cells were able to attach to and invade KB cells, showing the formation of a microvillus-like extension around adherent and intracellular bacteria. The quantitative analysis showed that five different B. forsythus strains exhibited attachment (1·9–2·3 %) and invasion (0·4–0·7 %) capabilities. It was also observed through antibody inhibition assays that adherent/invasive activities of B. forsythus are mediated by the S-layer. Furthermore, an in vivo immunization study adopting a murine abscess model was used to prove that the S-layer is involved in the infectious process of abscess formation. While mice immunized with purified S-layer and B. forsythus whole cells did not develop any abscesses when challenged with viable B. forsythus cells, unimmunized mice developed abscesses. Collectively, the data obtained from these studies indicate that the S-layer of B. forsythus is a virulence factor.
In Situ Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Acetone Photocatalytic Oxidation on Titanium Oxide Surfaces

Abstract The photocatalytic oxidation of acetone was studied on TiO2 powder and on a TiO2 monolayer catalyst anchored on porous Vycor glass (TiO2/PVG) using in situ solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Mesityl oxide was formed by aldol condensation after acetone was adsorbed on the TiO2 powder and its formation depended on the surface coverage of acetone. In comparison, acetone adsorption on the TiO2/PVG surface produced a chemisorbed propylene oxide surface species. Propylene oxide was strongly adsorbed on the TiO2/PVG surface and resistant to evacuation, while mesityl oxide was relatively weakly adsorbed on the surface and could be pumped away. No propylene oxide species was observed on the TiO2 powder. The photooxidation of acetone proceeded through two routes: The first was through the fragmentation of mesityl oxide to formic acid, which formed titanium formate and a surface OH group. Formate was further oxidized to the final oxidation product CO2. This process proceeded at a very slow rate. As a result, the oxidation rate of acetone was very slow on the TiO2 powder catalyst at high (greater than one monolayer) coverage. The second route was through the oxidation of the chemisorbed propylene oxide species, which was oxidized to acetic acid and then to CO2 at a much faster rate. The faster conversion rate of acetone observed on TiO2/PVG was due to the availability of this oxidation route.
Human growth hormone therapy in hypopituitarism due to tuberculous meningitis.

Summary Lesions due to tuberculous meningitis resulting in endocrine dysfunction are not rare. They usually cause inappropriate ADH secretion, but occasionally other endocrinopathies related to the affected hypothalamic or pituitary regions are seen. Two female patients, 13 1/2 and 16 1/2 years old, treated in early childhood for tuberculous meningitis are presented. Both were very short and had intracranial calcifications; however, the hypothalamic area was involved in only one of the patients. Both had GH and ADH deficiency, while one of them had gonado-tropin deficiency as well. Administration of HGH resulted in an adequate growth response.
Microfluidic labeling of biomolecules with radiometals for use in nuclear medicine.

Radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals, used as imaging and therapeutic agents in nuclear medicine, consist of a radiometal that is bound to a targeting biomolecule (BM) using a bifunctional chelator (BFC). Conventional, macroscale radiolabeling methods use an excess of the BFC–BM conjugate (ligand) to achieve high radiolabeling yields. Subsequently, to achieve maximal specific activity (minimal amount of unlabeled ligand), extensive chromatographic purification is required to remove unlabeled ligand, often resulting in longer synthesis times and loss of imaging sensitivity due to radioactive decay. Here we describe a microreactor that overcomes the above issues through integration of efficient mixing and heating strategies while working with small volumes of concentrated reagents. As a model reaction, we radiolabel 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) conjugated to the peptide cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-DPhe-Lys) with 64Cu2+. We show that the microreactor (made from polydimethylsiloxane and glass) can withstand 260 mCi of activity over 720 hours and retains only minimal amounts of 64Cu2+ ( 50 µM), yields of over 90% can be achieved in the microreactor when using a 1 : 1 stoichiometry of radiometal to BFC–BM. These high yields eliminate the need for use of excess amounts of often precious BM and obviate the need for a chromatographic purification process to remove unlabeled ligand. The results reported here demonstrate the potential of microreactor technology to improve the production of patient-tailored doses of radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals in the clinic.
Fast and scalable packet classification

Emerging Internet applications create the need for advanced packet classifiers. We propose a novel multifield classification scheme, called P/sup 2/C, which exploits the strengths of state-of-the-art memory technologies to provide wire-speed classification performance for OC-192 and beyond, in combination with very high storage efficiency and the support of fast incremental updates. Key features of the new scheme are its ability to adapt to the complexity of a classification rule set, whereas the storage requirements and update dynamics can be tuned at the granularity of individual rules. This makes P/sup 2/C suitable for a broad spectrum of applications.
Fracture Toughness Predictions for Crack Bowing in Brittle Particulate Composites

The bowing of cracks between obstacles has been proposed as a mechanism for increasing the .fracture toughness of brittle materials. An analytical expression is presented based on previous theoretical studies that can be used to predict the increase in fracture toughness. The approach incorporates the effect of obstacle failure and the assumptions needed to compare the predictions with experimental data.
Comparative analysis of dietary guidelines in the Spanish-Speaking Caribbean.

Objective Dietary guidelines are important education and policy tools to address local nutrition concerns. The current paper presents a comparative analysis of nutrition messages from three Spanish-speaking Caribbean countries (Cuba, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic) to explore how these dietary guidelines address common public health nutrition concerns, contextualized in different changing food environments and food culture similarities. Design Qualitative, comparative analysis of current dietary guideline documents and key recommendations. Results Key recommendations were categorized into sixteen themes (two diet-based, ten food-based and four ‘other’). Only the Cuban dietary guidelines included diet-based key recommendations. Of the ten food-based key recommendations, only four themes overlapped across the three dietary guidelines (the encouragement of fruits and vegetables, addressing protein sources and fat). Other overlaps were found between dietary guideline pairs, except between Cuba and Puerto Rico. Further analysis revealed differences in levels of specificity and acknowledgement of local dietary patterns and issues, as well as the need to revise the guidelines to account for current scientific advances. Conclusions The present study underscored the importance of context in the framing of dietary advice and the influence of national socio-economic and political situations on nutrition policy and education efforts. The results contribute to inform efforts to improve nutrition communication in the region and among migrant communities.
An Early Look At SHOP Marketplaces: Low Premiums, Adequate Plan Choice In Many, But Not All, States

The Affordable Care Act created the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplaces to help small businesses provide health insurance to their employees. To attract the participation of substantial numbers of small employers, SHOP Marketplaces must demonstrate value-added features unavailable in the traditional small-group market. Such features could include lower premiums than those for plans offered outside the Marketplace and more extensive choices of carriers and plans. More choices are necessary for SHOP Marketplaces to offer the “employee choice model,” in which employees may choose from many carriers and plans. This study compared the numbers of carriers and plans and premium levels in 2014 for plans offered through SHOP Marketplaces with those of plans offered only outside of the Marketplaces. An average of 4.3 carriers participated in each state’s Marketplace, offering a total of forty-seven plans. Premiums for plans offered through SHOP Marketplaces were, on average, 7 percent less tha...
Flicker photometric ERG measurements of short wavelength sensitive cones

Contributions to the ERG from short wavelength sensitive cones can be readily detected using ERG flicker photometry in conjunction with long wavelength adaptation. This technique was used to estimate the spectral peak of the short wavelength sensitive cones in deuteranopes. For three subjects these estimates cluster around 430 nm.
Neuroleptic drug levels in erythrocytes and in plasma: implications for therapeutic drug monitoring.

Brodie (1967) first suggested that drug levels of antipsychotic drugs might be related to therapeutic response. Since then, a host of investigators have developed and refined techniques of measuring neuroleptic drugs in various body fluids and of relating such levels of drug to antipsychotic response during systematic pharmacologic trials in psychotic disorders.
The Influence of Campus Climate and Interfaith Engagement on Self-Authored Worldview Commitment and Pluralism Orientation Across Sexual and Gender Identities

This study examined the extent to which LGBT students were oriented toward pluralism and self-authored worldview commitment, as well as the conditional effects of campus climate and interfaith engagement on pluralism and worldview commitment by sexual orientation and gender identity. Drawing on data from 13,776 student respondents to the Campus Religious and Spiritual Climate Survey at 52 institutions, results indicated the positive role of LGBT identity status in relation to self-authored worldview commitment and pluralism orientation, as well as the differential effects of some aspects of campus climate in shaping pluralism and commitment among LGB students relative to heterosexual students. Implications are discussed.
High-Frequency Ultrasound Array Designed for Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy

This paper describes the development of a miniaturized high-frequency linear array that can be integrated within a core biopsy needle to improve tissue sampling accuracy during breast cancer biopsy procedures. The 64-element linear array has an element width of $14\ \upmu \text{m}$ , kerf width of $6\ \upmu \text{m}$ , element length of 1 mm, and element thickness of $24\ \upmu \text{m}$ . The 2–2 array composite was fabricated using deep reactive ion etching of lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) single crystal material. The array composite fabrication process as well as a novel high-density electrical interconnect solution are presented and discussed. Array performance measurements show that the array had a center frequency and fractional bandwidth ( $-6\ \text{dB}$ ) of 59.1 MHz and 29.4%, respectively. Insertion loss and adjacent element crosstalk at the center frequency were $-41.0$ and $-23.7\;\text{dB}$ , respectively. A B-mode image of a tungsten wire target phantom was captured using a synthetic aperture imaging system and the imaging test results demonstrate axial and lateral resolutions of 33.2 and $115.6\ \upmu \text{m}$ , respectively.
Rasch Model Parameter Estimation in the Presence of a Nonnormal Latent Trait Using a Nonparametric Bayesian Approach.

Standard approaches for estimating item response theory (IRT) model parameters generally work under the assumption that the latent trait being measured by a set of items follows the normal distribution. Estimation of IRT parameters in the presence of nonnormal latent traits has been shown to generate biased person and item parameter estimates. A number of methods, including Ramsay curve item response theory, have been developed to reduce such bias, and have been shown to work well for relatively large samples and long assessments. An alternative approach to the nonnormal latent trait and IRT parameter estimation problem, nonparametric Bayesian estimation approach, has recently been introduced into the literature. Very early work with this method has shown that it could be an excellent option for use when fitting the Rasch model when assumptions cannot be made about the distribution of the model parameters. The current simulation study was designed to extend research in this area by expanding the simulatio...
Enhancement of indium incorporation to InGaN MQWs on AlN/GaN periodic multilayers

The effect of compressive strain in buffer layer on strain relaxation and indium incorporation in InGaN multi-quantum wells (MQWs) is studied for two sets of samples grown side by side on both relaxed GaN layers and strained 10-pairs of AlN/GaN periodic multilayers. The 14-nm AlN layers were utilized in both multilayers, while GaN thickness was 4.5 and 2.5 nm in the first and the second set, respectively. The obtained results for the InGaN active layers on relaxed GaN and AlN/GaN periodic multilayers indicate enhanced indium incorporation for more relaxed InGaN active layers providing a variety of emission colors from purple to green.
"High spinal" dysrhaphism. Case report of a complex cervical meningocele.

“High spinal” (cervical and upper thoracic) dysrhaphism usually involves either a meningocele or a dermal sinus tract. These high spinal lesions can have a complex intradural anatomy at the level of the lesion (as this case reports) and are associated with an increased incidence of lower spinal occult dysrhaphic anomalies. It is therefore recommended that patients with “high spinal” dysrhaphism undergo radiological evaluation of the entire spine to identify those patients with intradural anomalies, define the anatomy for surgery, and investigate the lower spine for associated occult anomalies.
Corneal Opacity Associated with Eye Disease in Hatchery-Reared Lake Trout

SummaryLake trout raised in a hatchery environment develop corneal lesions and opacities with a gross configuration similar to that observed in human keratoconus. Ultrastructural examination of this lesion shows that in the early stages of disease, the endothelial cells become distorted in shape and vacuolization occurs within the cytoplasm. As the corneal changes progress, the kerato-cytes enlarge and develop extensive endoplasmic reticulum, increasing the stromal thickness and displacing the parallel alignment of the collagen lamellae. There are no observable changes in epithelial thickness or morphology.
Comparison of acoustical detection of several species of stored-grain beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Tenebrionidae, Bostrichidae, Cucujidae) over a range of temperatures

Acoustical detection of five species of adult stored-product insects in 1-kg samples of wheat was compared. Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) were detected during more 10-s intervals than Rhyzopertha dominica (F.); Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) were detected less frequently than other species. These species were also distinguishable by differences between the probability distributions of the numbers of sounds per 10-s interval. The probability distributions decreased logarithmically with increasing numbers of sounds. The number of sounds for three species varied with temperatures between 17.5 and 37.5°C. The number of sounds of S. oryzae increased as the temperature increased from 17.5 to 35°C and then decreased at higher temperatures. The number of sounds of T. castaneum tended to be lowest at <25°e and then increased steadily as temperature increased. The number of sounds of R. dominica increased as temperature increased from 17.5 to 30°C and then became level at higher temperatures. We also investigated the possibility of finding larger differences in acoustical signals between species by using different instrument settings for the filter which eliminates sounds above and below a selected frequency range and the counter which determines the number of sounds producing voltages above a selected threshold. Widening the filter frequency range increased the number of background sounds as much as it increased the number of insect sounds; thus, it did not increase our ability to distinguish between species. Raising the counter voltage threshold resulted in a logarithmic decrease in the number of sounds for all insect species. These data should make it possible to distinguish between some species of adult insects using acoustical detection data, and to adjust the estimates of insect density made using acoustical detection by removing the effects of temperature.
The Role of Performance Feedback and Job Autonomy in Mitigating the Negative Effect of Role Ambiguity on Employee Satisfaction

ABSTRACT:The job demands-control (JDC) model suggests that job demands and job control (job autonomy) combine interactively in predicting job-related outcomes. While the model has been widely tested, studies using it have often failed to demonstrate the predicted interaction effects of job demands and job control on measures of a wide range of outcomes. The current study proposes performance feedback as a different situational variable that could relate to job demands and job control, and examines the three-way interaction effects among role ambiguity, performance feedback, and job autonomy in predicting employee satisfaction. Analyzing data from the 2012 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, the study finds that performance feedback mitigates the negative effect of role ambiguity on employee satisfaction, but is significantly stronger in the high job autonomy condition. This study contributes to theoretical knowledge of the way job demands and job autonomy interact in producing motivational outcomes by offe...
The cellular fatty acid binding proteins: aspects of structure, regulation, and function.

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge of the research with particular emphasis on evolving concepts of fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) structure, regulation, and function. Long-chain fatty acids provide the main energy source of most mammalian tissues and also comprise essential components of the structural lipids of cell membranes. The purification of the specific proteins responsible for the low-molecular-weight fatty-acid binding protein activity in different tissues leads to the characterization of three structurally distinct FABP of similar size, each the product of a separate gene. The three cytosolic FABP are generally named according to their tissues of greatest abundance, and comprise liver FABP, intestinal FABP, and heart muscle FABP. A role for the 40-kDa LPM-FABP as a specific cell membrane carrier in the transport of long chain fatty acids into the cells of the liver and possibly other tissues as well is available. The 14- to 15-kDa cytosolic FABPs may function as intracellular acceptors and carriers of long-chain fatty acids and their coenzyme A (CoA) esters, maintaining the ability of the tissues, particularly liver, intestine, heart, and skeletal muscle to utilize fatty acids over wide and acutely varying ranges of flux.
Very-high-resolution molecular-beam cw- laser spectrometer for molecular overtones

In order to achieve both higher resolution and higher sensitivity, a high-resolution molecular-beam spectrometer based on a 1.5-μm cw color-center laser1 has been improved by the addition of an intracavity electro-optic frequency-stabilization system and a 1.5-μm resonant power-buildup cavity. The cavity is a high-resolution Fabry– Perot interferometer made with a modified Newport SuperCavity™ SR100, in which the two cavity mirrors are bonded to a single piezoelectric tube (PZT). Typical finesse exceeds 1000 over the 1.45-1.65-μm range, and the efficiency is about 50%. The molecular beam crosses the cavity, through a hole in the PZT, perpendicular to its axis at the laser-beam waist in order to minimize Doppler broadening. About 15 W of circulating power in the cavity are obtained upon injection of 25 mW through an optical fiber. This gives a power-buildup factor of about 600. The fiber feed and the monolithic construction make the device insensitive to the vibrations of the molecular- beam apparatus.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon 2013: New toys and new tools from ‘the windy city’

The recent AAOS meeting was, as always, an excellent opportunity to socialise around a foamy cappuccino, standing on the three-inch thick carpet around the booths. The new toys and developments are one of the most fascinating aspects of this meeting. With a wind chill of around 0°c throughout the week, we were keen to stay at the convention centre to explore the industry offerings of new tools and implants and to learn from some of the posters and podium presentations. There is far too much at such a massive meeting to do it justice in a short article, but some papers particularly caught our eye. In the trauma section, we were impressed with the concept of carbon fibre plating systems.1 Although not new (the potential applications were studied in the 1980s), the recognition that the …
Development of Brick and Mortar Material Parameters for Numerical Simulations

Numerical simulation of brick and mortar masonry in the literature has been performed using homogenized material properties; however, discrete material properties for brick and mortar for a constitutive model built into hydrocodes have been unavailable. The Holmquist-Johnson-Cook (HJC) constitutive model for concrete captures pressure and strain rate dependent strength behavior and void crushing damage behavior of brittle solids reasonably well, is readily available in many hydrocodes, and is commonly used to simulate high-velocity penetration of concrete. Due to these considerations and the similarity of concrete to brick and mortar materials, the HJC constitutive model was selected for material parameterization of brick and mortar characterization data. This paper will describe the development of the brick and mortar material parameters—including exploration of the materials’ strength, damage, and pressure behavior—from available static and dynamic test data, and the paper will provide the HJC constitutive model material parameters for brick and mortar. The paper will also present sample numerical simulations, using the material parameters developed, and comparing the resulting material behavior with mechanical test data.
Effects of light intensity on aging of the dinoflagellate Gonyaulax polyedra

Gonyaulax polyedra Stein grown in increasingly nutrientlimited batch culture undergoes the following changes (collectively termed aging): there is a decline in the intracellular concentrations of carbon, nitrogen and photosynthetic pigments; nitrate reductase activity decreases; rates of respiration and photosynthesis fall; and cell division virtually ceases (accompanied in bright light by a decrease in the volume of individual cells). The effect of light intensity on these aging events was tested by growing cells in either bright or dim light. The bright light (330 μE m-2 s-1) was enough to saturate photosynthesis and the dim light (80 μE m-2 s-1) was low enough to induce significant shade adaptation of photosynthesis without lowering growth rate. At both light intensities, a decline in carbon and nitrogen content preceded or accompanied all other monitored changes, and the sequence of aging events was similar. However the onset of the decline in intracellular nutrients and photosynthetic rate in low-light cells was delayed by a least one cell division time (i.e., to twice the cell density) in comparison to cells under bright light. At both light levels, pigment-protein complexes of the photosynthetic apparatus began to break down after intracellular carbon and nitrogen had been depleted to a critically low level. The beginning of the drop in pigmentation signalled the end of log-phase growth. It is suggested that the greater pigmentation of low-light cells may represent a larger nutrient supply than found in bright-light cells and could increase the survival time of nutrient-stressed populations.
Medullary thyroid carcinoma in MEN2A: ATA moderate- or high-risk RET mutations do not predict disease aggressiveness

Context High-risk RET mutations (codon 634) are associated with earlier development of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and presumed increased aggressiveness compared with moderate-risk RET mutations. Objective To determine whether high-risk RET mutations are more aggressive. Design Retrospective cohort study using institutional multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 registry. Setting Tertiary cancer care center. Patients Patients with MTC and moderate- or high-risk germline RET mutation. Intervention None (observational study). Main outcome measures Proxies for aggressiveness were overall survival (OS) and time to distant metastatic disease (DMD). Results A total of 127 moderate-risk and 135 high-risk patients were included (n = 262). Median age at diagnosis was 42.3 years (range, 6.4 to 86.4 years; mean, 41.6 years) for moderate-risk mutations and 23.0 years (range, 3.7 to 66.8 years; mean, 25.6 years) for high-risk mutations (P Conclusions Patients with high- and moderate-risk RET mutations had similar OS and development of DMD after MTC diagnosis and therefore similarly aggressive clinical courses. High-risk connotes increased disease aggressiveness; thus, future guidelines should consider RET mutation classification by disease onset (early vs late) rather than by risk (high vs moderate).
Analysis of the Algebraic Formula of a Class of Fuzzy Controllers

Abstract Fuzzy logic is considered as a form of artificial intelligence based on linguistic variables and rules. One of the most important applications of fuzzy logic is fuzzy logic control. Attempts to analyze the mechanism of fuzzy logic control have appeared in the literature and it has been recognized for some time that a class of fuzzy logic control is of the variable structure type. However, this has been concluded rather in an intuitive way and to date no rigorous proof is available to show the existence of the connection between fuzzy logic control and variable structure control. This paper addresses this issue and provides a rigorous proof that shows this connection for a class of fuzzy controllers.
Pharmacokinetics of DFN-15, a Novel Oral Solution of Celecoxib, Versus Celecoxib 400-mg Capsules: A Randomized Crossover Study in Fasting Healthy Volunteers.

COX-2 inhibitors can be effective for acute migraine, but none is supplied in a rapidly absorbed, ready-to-use oral liquid formulation. DFN-15, a novel oral liquid formulation of celecoxib, is being developed for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura. Clinical studies with this formulation are ongoing. The objectives of the present study were to compare the bioavailability of DFN-15 with that of the commercial formulation of celecoxib 400-mg oral capsules (Celebrex®) and to determine the dose proportionality of DFN-15 in healthy fasted volunteers. This single-dose randomized crossover study in 16 healthy fasted volunteers evaluated the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of DFN-15 at doses of 120, 180, and 240 mg against the commercial formulation of celecoxib 400-mg oral capsules and determined the dose proportionality of DFN-15. The maximum observed plasma concentrations (C max) of celecoxib after the administration of DFN-15 120, 180, and 240 mg (1062–1933 ng/ml) were higher than for the 400-mg oral capsules (611 ng/ml). The median time to peak concentration (T max) was within 1 h for DFN-15 and 2.5 h for the oral capsules. The pharmacokinetics of DFN-15 were dose proportional from 120 to 240 mg. Partial area under the plasma concentration–time curves (AUCs) from 15 min to 2 h for DFN-15 120 mg were at least threefold higher than for the oral capsules, and the relative bioavailability of DFN-15 was approximately 140% that of the oral capsules. DFN-15 was well tolerated, with no new or unexpected adverse events. Based on a faster rate of absorption and increased bioavailability, DFN-15 is being evaluated as an abortive medication for acute treatment in patients with migraine.
The marketplace of ideology: “Elective affinities” in political psychology and their implications for consumer behavior

Abstract An abundance of research in political psychology demonstrates that leftists and rightists (or liberals and conservatives) diverge from one another in terms of: (a) personality characteristics; (b) cognitive processing styles; (c) motivational interests and concerns; (d) the prioritization of personal values; and (e) neurological structures and physiological functions. In this article, I summarize these findings and discuss some of their implications for persuasion, framing, and advertising; consumer choice, judgment, decision-making, and behavior; and customer satisfaction/dissatisfaction and politically motivated boycotts. I conclude that the theory and practice of consumer psychology will be enriched by taking into account ideological asymmetries and the ways in which human behavior both reflects and gives rise to left–right divergence in political orientation—not only in terms of beliefs, opinions, and values but also in terms of underlying psychological processes.
Comparative Study of Secondary Structure and Interactions of the R5 Peptide in Silicon Oxide and Titanium Oxide Coprecipitates Using Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy.

A biomimetic, peptide-mediated approach to inorganic nanostructure formation is of great interest as an alternative to industrial production methods. To investigate the role of peptide structure on silica (SiO2) and titania (TiO2) morphologies, we use the R5 peptide domain derived from the silaffin protein to produce uniform SiO2 and TiO2 nanostructures from the precursor silicic acid and titanium bis(ammonium lactato)dihydroxide, respectively. The resulting biosilica and biotitania nanostructures are characterized using scanning electron microscopy. To investigate the process of R5-mediated SiO2 and TiO2 formation, we carry out 1D and 2D solid-state NMR (ssNMR) studies on R5 samples with uniformly 13C- and 15N-labeled residues to determine the backbone and side-chain chemical shifts. 13C chemical shift data are in turn used to determine peptide backbone torsion angles and secondary structure for the R5 peptide neat, in silica, and in titania. We are thus able to assess the impact of the different mineral...
Transnasal repair of congenital choanal atresia

Choanal atresia is a relatively rare congenital nasal anomaly that must be repaired to allow infants to adequately breathe and feed. Techniques used in repair have evolved with the development of high-quality optical equipment, such that an endoscopic approach is now most commonly employed. Operative adjuncts include lasers, topical steroids, and stenting. Restenosis is common in the first few years, but this can be improved with dilation.
All-Carbon Spin Logic Sensor for RRAM Arrays

The high speed of all-carbon spin logic (ACSL) is an ideal match for the non-volatility of resistive random-access memory (RRAM). Combining these two technologies in a computing system provides exceptionally high efficiency, with the possibility of replacing traditional CMOS due to the potential for high speed, low cost, and low energy. Before such a system can be realized, circuits must be designed that interface the ACSL processing with the RRAM storage. This work therefore proposes an ACSL sensor circuit that enables detection of the resistance states in an RRAM array. This sensor circuit and the underlying symmetric latch are validated through a novel behavioral model that enables SPICE simulations of ACSL circuits.
Approaches for Understanding and Controlling Interfacial Effects in Oxide-Supported Metal Catalysts

Heterogeneous supported metal catalysts are critical for a wide range of chemical conversion technologies. While the fundamental properties of extended metal surfaces are well understood and active sites on such systems can be designed for targeted applications, much less is known about the properties of active sites formed at the interface of nanometer-scale metal structures and their underlying oxide support. The goal of this Perspective is to highlight recent progress in understanding and controlling metal–oxide support interfacial sites on high-surface-area catalysts. Focus is given to how metal particle size, support migration onto metal particles, and intentional deposition of oxides on metal particles can be used to create high concentrations of interfacial sites. The impact of interface formation on properties of nearby metal and oxide sites is discussed in the context of understanding if the uniqueness of interfacial sites stems from bifunctionality, or if the distinct electronic properties of at...
EXAFS study of mercury(II) sorption to Fe- and Al-(hydr)oxides. I. Effects of pH.

Abstract The study of mercury sorption products in model systems using appropriate in situ molecular-scale probes can provide detailed information on the modes of sorption at mineral/water interfaces. Such studies are essential for assessing the influence of sorption processes on the transport of Hg in contaminated natural systems. Macroscopic uptake of Hg(II) on goethite ( α -FeOOH), γ -alumina ( γ -Al 2 O 3 ), and bayerite ( β -Al(OH) 3 ) as a function of pH has been combined with Hg L III -edge EXAFS spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and bond valence analysis of possible sorption products to provide this type of information. Macroscopic uptake measurements show that Hg(II) sorbs strongly to fine-grained powders of synthetic goethite (Hg sorption density Γ =0.39–0.42 μmol/m 2 ) and bayerite ( Γ =0.39–0.44 μmol/m 2 ), while sorbing more weakly to γ -alumina ( Γ =0.04–0.13 μmol/m 2 ). EXAFS spectroscopy on the sorption samples shows that the dominant mode of Hg sorption on these phases is as monodentate and bidentate inner-sphere complexes. The mode of Hg(II) sorption to goethite was similar over the pH range 4.3–7.4, as were those of Hg(II) sorption to bayerite over the pH range 5.1–7.9. Conversion of the γ -Al 2 O 3 sorbent to a bayerite-like phase in addition to the apparent reduction of Hg(II) to Hg(I), possibly by photoreduction during EXAFS data collection, resulted in enhanced Hg uptake from pH 5.2–7.8 and changes in the modes of sorption that correlate with the formation of the bayerite-like phase. Bond valence calculations are consistent with the sorption modes proposed from EXAFS analysis. EXAFS analysis of Hg(II) sorption products on a natural Fe oxyhydroxide precipitate and Al/Si-bearing flocculent material showed sorption products and modes of surface attachment similar to those for the model substrates, indicating that the model substrates are useful surrogates for the natural sediments.
Revisiting Spawning Aggregations: Definitions and Challenges

The term spawning aggregation was first formally defined in 1997. Since that time, the original definition has been cited over 200 times and modified ­definitions proposed. Spawning aggregations are both unique from a behavioural ecology perspective as well as important in terms of fisheries management discussions. A single definition that recognizes both of these factors is important to researchers and resource managers. Here the original definition of the spawning aggregation phenomenon is improved to correct misinterpretation while also using language to recognize spawning aggregations of non-fish species: A Spawning Aggregation is a repeated concentration of conspecific marine animals, gathered for the purpose of spawning, that is predictable in time and space. The density/number of individuals participating in a spawning aggregation is at least four times that found outside the aggregation. The spawning aggregation results in a mass point source of offspring. Different types of spawning aggregations are also recognized, for example, some species travel relatively large distances to gather at the spawning site while others make more frequent, short migrations. Also, some ­species spawn demersal eggs that then may/may not be guarded by one or both of the parents, while other (most) species spawn pelagic eggs that are given no care. Many intriguing theoretical questions remain unanswered with respect to spawning aggregations, and it is very difficult to test the many differing hypotheses proposed to explain observations. The author’s favoured hypotheses are discussed and ­hypothetical evidence proposed.
Lamb Wave Propagation Across a Lap Joint

Lap joints are common elements of aircraft and other engineered structures. They are often subject to hidden defects which are caused by corrosion and fatigue, and are very difficult to detect. Development of accurate and efficient methods for the early detection of corrosion and fatigue cracks in lap joints is of considerable current interest. Ultrasonic techniques using guided waves offer the possibility of improving the technology of detecting and characterizing flaws within lap joints. It is well known that the characteristics of guided waves can be used to detect defects in plates [1]. However, the geometry of the lap joint makes it difficult to extend these techniques to lap joints. In this paper we consider the theoretical problem of the propagation of guided waves across a simple model of the lap joint in an effort to understand the interaction of the guided waves with the geometrical features of the lap joint. The geometry of the lap joint, including the vertical stress free boundaries, the rectangular corners, and the change in thickness, makes it impossible to derive a closed form solution to the problem of wave propagation across it. The problem can only be attacked by numerical methods. Conventional finite element methods fail when dealing with problems with infinite domains. In order to handle problems with local inhomogeneities or irregular shapes in an infinite domain, hybrid methods must be used.
Physiologische Veränderungen in der Schwangerschaft

Physiologische Veranderungen des weiblichen Korpers sind auf die Bedurfnisse des Embryos und Feten abgestimmt. Viele dieser Veranderungen haben entscheidende Konsequenzen fur die medizinische Beurteilung und Betreuung der Schwangeren und werden im Folgenden getrennt nach Organsystemen besprochen.
An Application of Nonlinear Robust Control

Abstract This paper describes an application of various forms of sliding model control to a highly nonlinear automotive control problem. The problem is fuel-injection control of spark ignition engines where the objective is to adjust the fuel flow rate so that the air to fuel ratio in the cylinder is very close to stoichiometric in the presence of rapid throttle and load transients. A number of sliding mode control approaches are discussed and compared by experiments conducted on an engine/dynamometer facility at UC Berkeley.