cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phototransistors Based on A Lightly Doped P3HT

Organic/Polymeric Semiconductor (OSC) based devices have been under extensive study for the past three decades due to their intrinsic potential advantages such as lightweight, mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, low toxicity, abundant material availability, low cost of processing, etc. A phototransistor incorporates the properties and functions of a transistor and photodetector. In this study, a phototransistor based on a donor/acceptor (D/A) pair (photo-doping) was studied and demonstrated. Unlike in organic photovoltaics (OPV) where 1:1 proportion by mass of the donor:acceptor is utilized to make up the active layer, that ratio appears to be too high for phototransistor applications. According to literature, this 1:1 concentration leads to low overall device performance, lack of I-V curve saturation (kink effect), and bipolar behavior. By altering fabrication techniques and doping concentrations, we were able to demonstrate a donor/acceptor based phototransistor with p-type characteristics with improved performance. In this work, we fabricated a high-performance OFET based on a very small amount of Phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) doped into a Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) host. With this work, a greater understanding behind the optimization of D/A based phototransistors is advanced.
The effects of sleepiness, time of day, and 12-h shifts on affective and cognitive empathy in emergency medical technicians

Empathy is a crucial facet in providing healthcare to patients. Healthcare requires its workers to work extended shifts and provide 24/7 coverage, which can lead to increased sleepiness and changes in empathy. This study assessed how cognitive and affective empathy were affected by time of day, working a 12-h shift, and perceived sleepiness in emergency medical technicians. Results demonstrated that affective empathy was higher in the evening and declined with sleepiness, while cognitive empathy declined after working a 12-h shift. Shift work differentially influences empathy in healthcare professionals, an important consideration in future research and patient care.
Using soil physical and chemical properties to estimate bulk density

A stepwise multiple regression procedure was developed to predict oven-dried bulk density from soil properties using the 1997 USDA-NRCS National Soil Survey Characterization Data. The database includes both subsoil and topsoil samples. An overall regression equation for predicting oven-dried bulk density from soil properties (R 2 = 0.45, P 30%) of the variation in bulk density for Udox, Xererts, Ustands, Aquands, and Saprists. Relationships between bulk density with soil volume measured on oven-dried natural clods and bulk density with soil volume measured at field-moisture content and one-third bar were also determined (R 2 = 0.70 and 0.69, respectively; P < 0.001). Utilizing the regression equations developed in this study, oven-dried bulk density predictions were obtained for 71% of the 85 608 samples in the database without bulk density measurements. While improving on methods of previous analyses, this study illustrates that regression equations are a feasible alternative for bulk-density estimation.
Utilization of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Program in The Middle East

Background Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) outcomes are influenced by optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT). This includes target doses of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). The underuse and under-dosing of this particular class of GDMT have been reported before. Recent studies have also demonstrated that some of the perceived concerns, such as lowering systolic blood pressure (SBP) that might preclude utilization of MRA in HFrEF, may only be theoretical. This study aims to explore MRA utilization and associated factors in an advanced heart failure program at a quaternary care center in the Middle East- Gulf Region. Methods We conducted a retrospective electronic chart review of all HFrEF patients presenting to the outpatient clinic in our program and followed them for one year. The group of patients who achieved MRA target dose at the one-year visit were compared to those who did not reach this goal. Descriptive analysis was performed for patient characteristics and a logistic regression was specified to examine predictors of reaching MRA target dose. Results A total of 123 HFrEF patients were included in this study for a mean follow-up period of 363.8±31 days. Table 1 shows patient characteristics and GDMT use at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. While more patients were on target doses of beta blockers and ACE/ARB/ARNI at follow-up when compared to baseline (p-value Conclusion In our advanced heart failure and transplant program, renal function and serum potassium but not SBP are associated with the titration of MRA therapy. While such programs might have a better understanding of the correct utilization and associated outcomes with this class of medication, there still needs to be more adoption of this important therapy.
Structural analysis of histone deacetylase 8 mutants associated with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome spectrum disorders

Abstract Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) and associated spectrum disorders are characterized by one or more congenital anomalies including distinctive facial features, upper limb abnormalities, intellectual disability, and other symptoms. The molecular genetic basis of CdLS is linked to defects in cohesin, a protein complex that functions in sister chromatid cohesion, chromatin organization, and transcriptional regulation. Histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) plays an important role in cohesin function by catalyzing the deacetylation of SMC3, which is required for efficient recycling of the cohesin complex. Missense mutations in HDAC8 have been identified in children diagnosed with CdLS spectrum disorders, and here we outline structure-function relationships for four of these mutations. Specifically, we report the 1.50 A-resolution structure of the I45T HDAC8–suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid complex, the 1.84 A-resolution structure of E66D/Y306F HDAC8 complexed with a peptide assay substrate, and the 2.40 A-resolution structure of G320R HDAC8 complexed with the inhibitor M344. Additionally, we present a computationally generated model of D176G HDAC8. These structures illuminate new structure-function relationships for HDAC8 and highlight the importance of long-range interactions in the protein scaffold that can influence catalytic function.
Autonomous Six-Degree-of-Freedom Spacecraft Docking with Rotating Targets via Reinforcement Learning

A policy for six-degree-of-freedom docking maneuvers with rotating targets is developed through reinforcement learning and implemented as a feedback control law. Potential clients for satellite ser...
Chaos in the solar system

We have accumulated thousands of orbits of test particles in the Solar System from the asteroid belt to beyond the orbit of Neptune. We find that the time for an orbit to make a close encounter with a perturbing planet, T c ,is a function of the Lyapunov time, T ty .The relation is log (T c /T o )= a + b log (T ly T o )where T o is a fiducial period which we have taken as the period of the principal perturber or the period of the asteroid. There are exceptions to this rule interior to the 2/3 resonance with Jupiter. There, at least in the restricted problem, for sufficiently small Jupiter mass, orbits may have a positive Lyapunov exponent and still be blocked from having a close approach to Jupiter by a “zero velocity curve”. Of more serious concern is whether the relation holds for purely secular resonances, and if it does, how to choose T o .This is the case of interest for the planets in the solar system.
Broadband Dispersion Optimization with a Differentiable Electromagnetic Modesolver

Dispersion engineering is challenging for integrated fs-Iasers and broadband frequency conversion. Here, we present an inverse design approach based on a differentiable eigenmode solver for waveguides composed of dispersive and anisotropic materials. The optimizer is benchmarked against experiments for second-harmonic generation in thin-film LiNb0 3 .
Specification of Novel Compound E121's Mechanism of Action

Prior research has shown E121, a novel enaminone compound has immunosuppressive ability and potential as a novel therapeutic drug for inflammatory diseases. E121 has shown significant reduction of ...
Video-enhanced visualization of the larynx and intubation with the Bullard laryngoscope--equipment report.

A simple technical solution is presented to provide video transmission from the tip of a Bullard laryngoscope to a bedside video display, while the operator is still able to look through the viewing ocular of the Bullard laryngoscope during tracheal intubation. This is achieved by insertion of an ultrathin fibreoptic video-endoscopic system into the working channel of the Bullard laryngoscope. Thereby the view from the distal blade tip is transmitted to a bedside monitor, without interfering with the use of the Bullards laryngoscope’s original eyepiece. The presented technical solution allows video transmission without considerable additional weight normally associated with attaching video endoscopy cameras, light and camera cables to endoscopic devices. Thus, the Bullard laryngoscope remains lightweight and easy to maneuver. A screw-threaded adapter with a side-port is proposed to prevent displacement of the fibreoptic cable while still allowing application of oxygen. Experience and skills with tracheal intubation using the presented video-enhanced Bullard laryngoscope can be achieved in the originally intended way, while the supervisor or attending viewers can follow the tracheal intubation procedure on the video display.
Truncation invariant copulas for modeling directional dependence: Application to foreign currency exchange data

Directional dependence modeling has been applied to many research areas including economics, finance, biostatistics, and bioinformatics. The concept of directional dependence using copula regression functions has been introduced by Sungur [21]. So we propose a new copula family which incorporates the truncation invariant structure [20] into the generalized Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern (FGM) distributions. The directional dependence of the new truncated invariant FGM copulas will be also introduced in this research. We will show that there exists a directional dependence in our truncation invariant FGM copulas using Foreign Currency Exchange Data of the Canadian Dollar (CAD/USD), the Japanese Yen (JPY/USD), and the Korean Won (KRW/USD).
Minimizing the Routing Delay in Ad Hoc Networks through Route-Cache TTL Optimization

This paper addresses the issue of minimizing the routing delay in ad hoc on-demand routing protocols through optimizing the Time-to-Live (TTL) interval for route caching. An analytical framework is introduced to compute the expected routing delay when the source node has a cached route with a given TTL value. Furthermore, a numerical method is proposed to determine the optimal TTL of a newly discovered route cached by the source node. We present simulation results that support the validity of our analysis.
Women's Rights in Democratizing States: Just Debate and Gender Justice in the Public Sphere

Part I. Just Debate: 1. Democratization and just debate 2. Just debate in the public sphere 3. Probing and testing just debate Part II. Just Debate in Democratizing States: 4. Just debate denied: socialist and democratizing Poland 5. Just debate diverges: regime breakdown in Chile and South Africa 6. Just debate prevails: the liberal moment in South Africa 7. Just debate declines: consolidation in South Africa Part III. Gender Justice: 8. Pursuing just debate.
Observation of the 2p4(1S)ns, md excitations in atomic fluorine

Abstract In the first observation of the autoionizing resonances converging to the 2p 4 ( 1 S) series limit of atomic fluorine, the decay of the resonance states into the ( 1 D) el partial channel has been measured by photoelectron spectrometry with the use of synchrotron radiation. We present the initial results of this work.
A Graphic Distributed Monitoring System for Unix-Based Architectures

The monitoring of the activities of a computing system is fundamental for performance evaluation, system tuning and resource utilization. In this paper a distributed on-line monitoring system, DOMINE, is presented; its portability on Unix platforms and the powerful graphic interface make DOMINE well suited for distributed and heterogeneous systems.
TRIF-Dependent Innate Immune Activation Is Critical for Survival to Neonatal Gram-Negative Sepsis

Current evidence suggests that neonatal immunity is functionally distinct from adults. Although TLR signaling through the adaptor protein, MyD88, has been shown to be critical for survival to sepsis in adults, little is known about the role of MyD88 or TRIF in neonatal sepsis. We demonstrate that TRIF(-/-) but not MyD88(-/-) neonates are highly susceptible to Escherichia coli peritonitis and bacteremia. This was associated with decreased innate immune recruitment and function. Importantly, we found that the reverse was true in adults that MyD88(-/-) but not TRIF(-/-) or wild-type adults are susceptible to E. coli peritonitis and bacteremia. In addition, we demonstrate that TRIF but not MyD88 signaling is critical for the TLR4 protective adjuvant effect we have previously demonstrated. These data suggest a differential requirement for the survival of neonates versus adults to Gram-negative infection, and that modulation of TRIF in neonates can be used to augment survival to neonatal sepsis.
The Planetary Boundary Layer

Publisher Summary The planetary boundary layer (PBL) is that part of the atmosphere that is affected by the characteristics of the ground by rapid vertical exchange processes, mostly by turbulence. Its characteristics vary strongly from day to night and from land to sea. The thickness of the PBL varies from 1 to 2 km on strongly convective days with strong winds over land to 100 m or less at night with clear skies and weak winds. Over homogeneous terrain, characteristics of profiles and turbulence statistics are simple and well understood. The homogeneous terrain is rare, and extension to complex terrain is difficult except in cases of simple types of terrain changes. Variances of vertical and horizontal angles are important in the estimation of atmospheric diffusion: variances of wind speed affect the stability of structures and variances of scalars are related to the scattering of electromagnetic and acoustic waves. In experiments with atmospheric phenomena on the large scale and mesoscale, conditions in the boundary layer have to be treated specially because of the importance of turbulence, so that the surface fluxes of momentum, heat, and moisture are estimated correctly.
The Drosophila tissue polarity gene inturned functions prior to wing hair morphogenesis in the regulation of hair polarity and number.

The adult cuticular wing of Drosophila is covered with an array of distally pointing hairs. Mutations in the inturned (in) gene result in both abnormal hair polarity (i.e., hairs no longer point distally), and, in most cells forming more than one hair. We have isolated and characterized a collection of in alleles. Among this collection of alleles are a number of rearrangements that enable us to assign in to 77B3-5. Almost all of the in alleles, including putative null alleles, result in a stronger phenotype on the wing at 18 degrees than 29 degrees. The data argue that the in-dependent process is cold-sensitive. Temperature shift experiments with a hypomorphic allele show that this cold sensitivity can be relieved by several hours of incubation at the permissive temperature at a variety of times in the early pupae, but that this ability ends prior to the start of hair morphogenesis. One new allele showed a dramatic heat sensitivity. Temperature shift experiments with this allele revealed a very short temperature-sensitive period that is a few hours prior to the start of hair morphogenesis. That the temperature during hair morphogenesis is irrelevant for the phenotype of in is consistent with the hypothesis that the only role that in has in wing hair development is to regulate the initiation of hair morphogenesis.
Trans-Endplate Pedicle Pillar System in Unstable Spinal Burst Fractures: Design, Technique, and Mechanical Evaluation

Background Short-segment pedicle screw instrumentation (SSPI) is used for unstable burst fractures to correct deformity and stabilize the spine for fusion. However, pedicle screw loosening, pullout, or breakage often occurs due to the large moment applied during spine motion, leading to poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to test the ability of a newly designed device, the Trans-Endplate Pedicle Pillar System (TEPPS), to enhance SSPI rigidity and decrease the screw bending moment with a simple posterior approach. Methods Six human cadaveric spines (T11-L3) were harvested. A burst fracture was created at L1, and the SSPI (Moss Miami System) was used for SSPI fixation. Strain gauge sensors were mounted on upper pedicle screws to measure screw load bearing. Segmental motion (T12-L2) was measured under pure moment of 7.5 Nm. The spine was tested sequentially under 4 conditions: intact; first SSPI alone (SSPI-1); SSPI+TEPPS; and second SSPI alone (SSPI-2). Results SSPI+TEPPS increased fixation rigidity by 41% in flexion/extension, 28% in lateral bending, and 37% in axial rotation compared with SSPI-1 (P<0.001), and it performed even better compared to SSPI-2 (P<0.001 for all). Importantly, the bending moment on the pedicle screws for SSPI+TEPPS was significantly decreased 63% during spine flexion and 47% in lateral bending (p<0.001). Conclusion TEPPS provided strong anterior support, enhanced SSPI fixation rigidity, and dramatically decreased the load on the pedicle screws. Its biomechanical benefits could potentially improve fusion rates and decrease SSPI instrumentation failure.
Cognitive Therapy for Personality Disorders: A Schema-Focused Approach

Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often receive mental health treatment. trial of schema-focused therapy vs transference-focused psychotherapy. the borderline personality disorder study of cognitive therapy (BOSCOT) trial. A schema-focused approach to group psychotherapy for outpatients. ABSTRACT This article presents the Schema Therapy (Young, Klosko, & Weishaar, 2003) approach to the treatment of borderline personality disorder. Schema therapy draws on the cognitive-behavioral, attachment, psychodynamic, and emotion-focused Article: Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder. Jeffery Young (1990) developed Schema Therapy to treat personality disordered Cognitive Therapy for Personality Disorders: A Schema Focused Approach.
Synaptic physiology of horizontal afferents to layer I in slices of rat SI neocortex.

Layer I is a dense synaptic zone ubiquitous in cerebral cortex. Here we describe a novel in vitro preparation of rat somatosensory (SI) neocortical slices that isolates the fibers that extend horizontally through layer I, and allows intracellular and extracellular analysis of synaptic input to dendrites in layer I. Current source-density analysis of this isolated horizontal layer I input reveals monophasic current sinks restricted to layer I and the most superficial part of layer II. The layer I synaptic response of each neuron was correlated with its morphology by filling penetrated cells with biocytin. All filled cells that responded to horizontal layer I inputs were pyramidal neurons in layers II, III, or V with distal apical dendrites in layer I. There was no evidence of antidromic activation from isolated layer I stimulation, and HRP injected into layer I was not transported via the isolated layer I pathway to cortical neurons within the slice. Therefore, this preparation provides a unique way to study an extrinsic synaptic input localized to the most distal apical dendrites of many pyramidal neurons. In contrast to the EPSP-IPSP sequence characteristically evoked by deep layer stimulation, horizontal layer I inputs evoked long- lasting EPSPs (approximately 50 msec); IPSPs were observed only rarely, in the most superficial neurons. Horizontal layer I-evoked EPSPs were blocked by the non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7- nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. Consistent with the very distal site of layer I inputs to layer V pyramidal neurons, the amplitudes of initial EPSPs were insensitive to manipulations of the somatic membrane potential. However, these distal EPSPs were greatly attenuated when combined with IPSPs evoked by deep layer stimulation, indicating that the proximal inputs may modulate distal EPSPs with shunting inhibition. In many layer V neurons, the initial EPSP evoked by horizontal layer I stimulation was followed by a variable late depolarization that was blocked by the NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid. Since these late depolarizations were enhanced by somatic depolarization and abolished by hyperpolarization, they appeared to be generated postsynaptically at a site more proximal than the initial EPSP that was insensitive to these manipulations. Synaptic inputs to the distal tufts of pyramidal neurons may trigger active currents along the apical dendrites that amplify the EPSP on its way to the soma.
The NF-Y complex negatively regulates Caenorhabditis elegans tbx-2 expression.

Abstract T-box genes are frequently expressed in dynamic patterns during animal development, but the mechanisms controlling expression of these genes are not well understood. The Caenorhabditis elegans T-box gene tbx-2 is essential for development of the ABa-derived pharyngeal muscles, specification of neural cell fate in the HSN/PHB lineage, and adaptation in olfactory neurons. The tbx-2 expression pattern is complex, and expression has been described in pharyngeal precursors and body wall muscles during embryogenesis, and amphid sensory neurons and pharyngeal neurons in adults. To examine mechanisms regulating tbx-2 gene expression, we performed an RNAi screen of transcription factor genes in strains containing a Ptbx-2::gfp reporter and identified the Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) complex as a negative regulator of tbx-2 expression. NF-Y is a heterotrimeric CCAAT-binding complex consisting of A–C subunits, and reduction of the NF-Y subunits nfya-1, nfyb-1, or nfyc-1 by RNAi or using mutants results in ectopic Ptbx-2::gfp expression in hypodermal seam cells and gut. Mutation of two CCAAT-boxes in the tbx-2 promoter results in a similar pattern of ectopic Ptbx-2::gfp expression, suggesting NF-Y directly represses the tbx-2 promoter. tbx-2 mRNA is moderately increased in nfya-1 null mutants, indicating NF-Y represses expression of endogenous tbx-2. Finally we identify and characterize a second-site mutation that enhances lethality of a temperature sensitive tbx-2 mutant and show that this mutation is a deletion in the nfyb-1 gene. Together, these results identify NF-Y as an important regulator of tbx-2 function in vivo.
VistA—U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs national-scale HIS

The Veterans Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a long, successful, and interesting history of using information technology to meet its mission. Each medical center is computerized to a degree that surprises the uninitiated. For example, medical documentation and ordering are computerized at every facility. A sophisticated national infrastructure has been developed to replicate, support, and evolve single-center successes. With advances in inter-facility networking, data sharing, and specialized central support and technical tools, VistA is becoming a single, highly scalable national health information system (HIS) solution. In this paper, we present an historical overview of VistA's development, describe its current functionality, and discuss its emergence as a national-scale hospital information system.
Potentiation of attentional enhancement in the pigeon produced by a “blocking” stimulus

In Stage 1, four groups of pigeons were given true discrimination (TD) and four groups were given pseudodiscrimination (PD) training along one of two dimensions orthogonal to wavelength. In Stage 2, all groups received single stimulus (SS) training with a wavelength cue compounded with the former S+ for four of the groups (two TD and Two PD) and with a novel stimulus for the other four (two TD and two PD). For all groups, the SS training was followed by a wavelength generalization test in order to assess the control acquired by the (incidental) wavelength cue during Stage 2. The presence of the former S+ should have blocked the acquisition of control by the wavelength cue leading to flat generalization gradients in the appropriate TD groups. To the contrary, however, these groups showed the sharpest wavelength gradients, i.e., rather than blocking, potentiation was found. One possible interpretation is that the superimposition of the previous S+ served as a reminder of previous TD training, thereby enhancing the transfer of an attentive set from Stage 1 to Stage 2. An alternative conditioning interpretation, suggested in a 1975 paper by Mackintosh, can also be extended to encompass these results.
Discovering biological connections between experimental conditions based on common patterns of differential gene expression

Identifying similarities between patterns of differential gene expression provides an opportunity to identify similarities between the experimental and biological conditions that give rise to these gene expression alterations. The growing volume of gene expression data in open data repositories such as the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) presents an opportunity to identify these gene expression similarities on a large scale across a diverse collection of datasets. We have developed a fast, pattern-based computational approach, named openSESAME (Search of Expression Signatures Across Many Experiments), that identifies datasets enriched in samples that display coordinate differential expression of a query signature. Importantly, openSESAME performs this search without prior knowledge of the phenotypic or experimental groups in the datasets being searched. This allows openSESAME to identify perturbations of gene expression that are due to phenotypic attributes that may not have been described in the sample annotation included in the repository. To demonstrate the utility of openSESAME, we used gene expression signatures of two biological perturbations to query a set of 75,164 human expression profiles that were generated using Affymetrix microarrays and deposited in GEO. The first query, using a signature of estradiol treatment, identified experiments in which estrogen signaling was perturbed and also identified differences in estrogen signaling between estrogen receptor-positive and -negative breast cancers. The second query, which used a signature of silencing of the transcription factor p63 (a key regulator of epidermal differentiation), identified datasets related to stratified squamous epithelia or epidermal diseases such as melanoma. openSESAME is a tool for leveraging the growing body of publicly available microarray data to discover relationships between different biological states based on common patterns of differential gene expression. These relationships may serve to generate hypotheses about the causes and consequences of specific patterns of observed differential gene expression. To encourage others to explore the utility of this approach, we have made a website for performing openSESAME queries freely available at http://opensesame.bu.edu .
VISUAL DEFICITS RELATED TO DOPAMINE DEFICIENCY IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS AND PARKINSON'S DISEASE PATIENTS

In patients affected by Parkinson's disease, and in the monkey model of this disease, visual defects have been shown using psychophysical and electrophysiological measures of spatial and temporal contrast sensitivity. These studies imply an essential role for dopamine in primate vision. There is electrophysiological and neurochemical evidence to suggest that at least part of the problem is impaired retinal processing caused by systemic dopaminergic deficiency. Some of the deficits that have been demonstrated, consistent with physiological studies, suggest that center-surround interaction of neurons may suffer as a consequence of dopaminergic deficiency. The role of the regulation of retinal dopamine (D1 and D2) receptors in primate vision and of the balance of these receptors in presynaptic dopaminergic deficiency is not yet determined. Using sinusoidal grating stimuli in cognitively loaded tasks may increase understanding of the behavioral consequences of visual deficits seen in dopamine deficiency syndromes.
Clast-fabric development in a shearing granular material: Implications for subglacial till and fault gouge

Elongate clasts in subglacial till and in fault gouge align during shearing, but the relation between clast-fabric strength and cumulative shear strain for such materials is effectively unknown. This relation was explored in experiments with a large ring-shear device in which a till and a viscous putty that contained isolated clasts were sheared to high strains. As expected, rotation of clasts in the putty is closely approximated by the theory of G.B. Jeffery, who derived the orbits of rigid ellipsoids in a slowly shearing fluid. Clast rotation in the till, however, is strikingly different. Rather than orbiting through the shear plane as predicted by Jeffery, most clasts rotate into the shear plane and remain there, resulting in strong fabrics regardless of the aspect ratios and initial orientations of clasts. This divergent behavior is likely due to slip of the till matrix along the surfaces of clasts, which is a natural expectation in a granular material but violates the no-slip condition of Jeffery9s model. These results do not support the widespread belief that subglacial till deformation results in weak clast fabrics. Thus, many tills with weak fabrics thought to have been sheared subglacially to high strains, like many basal tills of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, may have been sheared only slightly with little effect on either ice-sheet dynamics or sediment transport. In addition, these results indicate that in simple shear the rotation of clasts in till and in fault gouge is best analyzed with the model of A. March, who treated inclusions as passive markers.
Impact of CLIA 88 on the Clinical microbiology laboratory

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA 88) to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1967 continues to undergo transformation since its implementation more than 2 years ago. The law and its subsequent regulatory modifications were intended to promote high quality in and accurate results from laboratory testing procedures, regardless of the site at which testing occurred. A number of federal regulatory agencies and committees such as the Healthcare Financing Administration, the Clinical Improved Amendments Committee, and the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation, as well as numerous new or modified regulations and requirements have gained importance since CLIA 88 was enacted. In this discussion, components of CLIA 88 that have the greatest impact on clinical microbiology laboratories are presented. In addition, the potential future significance of CLIA 88 are outlined.
A high-performance polarimeter for medium-energy neutrons

Abstract A polarimeter for medium-energy neutrons is described. This polarimeter uses the analyzing power of n–p scattering which is typically +0.50 for laboratory neutron scattering angles near 20° in the energy range from 50 MeV to 1 GeV. Hydrocarbon organic scintillators are employed as “active” scatterers. Calibration data for the analyzing power and the efficiency of the polarimeter are presented.
Field evaluation of apple overexpressing a peach CBF gene confirms its effect on cold hardiness, dormancy, and growth

Abstract In recent years, the scientific literature has become replete with examples of the improvement of abiotic stress tolerance by overexpression of specific genes. Few studies, however, have evaluated transgenic plants under field conditions or the impact of overexpression on non-target traits. We previously reported that constitutive overexpression of a peach ( Prunus persica ) CBF ( C-Repeat Binding Factor )/DREB1 ( Dehydration Response Element Binding ) gene in an apple ( Malus × domestica ) rootstock variety (M.26) resulted in a modest increase in cold hardiness of acclimated and non-acclimated leaves but also unexpectedly resulted in apple plants that were subject to short-day-induced dormancy. In the present study, a transgenic apple line constitutively overexpressing a peach CBF gene was evaluated under field conditions for three years to determine the impact of CBF overexpression on growth, phenology, and cold hardiness compared to untransformed apple. One-year-old seedling trees were planted in an orchard in autumn, 2010 and data recorded over three growing seasons. Results indicated significantly reduced growth, early leaf senescence, delayed budbreak, temporal changes in pigment accumulation and enhanced freezing tolerance in the transgenic line (T166) compared to un-transformed M.26. These data highlight the importance of conducting long-term field studies on transgenic plants modified to increase abiotic stress tolerance.
Continuous manufacturing of thin cover sheet optical media

A general method for making optical media by a continuous roll process has been developed. The process can accommodate a variety of optical structures, although it has been optimized for those with smaller form factors and thin cover sheets. A test disk was used to demonstrate process capabilities and evaluate media made by this method.
Central and peripheral action of estradiol and catecholestrogens administered at low concentration by constant infusion

Endocrine, behavioral, and biochemical changes were produced in ovariectomized adult rats by administration of estradiol by Alzet minipump infusion and compared with the effects produced by 2-hydroxyestrone, 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) and 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2). Variables measured included LH release, lordosis behavior, hypothalamic and hypophysial levels of cytosol progestin receptors, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity in the uterus and pituitary. An increase in uterine, but not pituitary, G6PDH activity was observed at the lowest rate of estradiol infusion (0.001 μg/h). The critical infusion rate to produce several other effects, including the activation of sexual receptivity and of cytosol progestin receptors, was 0.0025 μg/h. A higher rate of infusion of estradiol (0.01 μg/h) was needed to suppress tonic LH secretion and to induce cyclic LH surges as well as to increase hypophysial G6PDH activity significantly. At this rate of infusion, the serum concentration of estradiol a...
Prevalence of the Brugada sign in idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and healthy controls

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of the Brugada sign (right bundle branch block with ST elevation in V1–V3) in idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and in an age matched healthy population. DESIGN ECGs from 39 consecutive patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and 592 healthy controls were reviewed. They were classified as definite, questionable, and no Brugada sign (according to predetermined criteria) by four investigators blinded to the subjects9 status. RESULTS Eight patients (21%) with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation but none of the 592 controls had a definite Brugada sign (p CONCLUSIONS A definite Brugada sign is a specific marker of arrhythmic risk. However, less than obvious ECG abnormalities have little diagnostic value, as a “questionable” Brugada sign was observed in 1% of healthy controls. In this series of consecutive patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation, most had normal ECGs.
iHEMS: An information-centric approach to secure home energy management

Motivated by the “clean-slate” opportunity of the evolving Smart Grid, we propose an Information Centric Networking (ICN) approach for the home communications fabric and create an ICN-based secure publish-subscribe system to support home energy management. We design a secure group communication protocol with efficient key management specifically embedded in ICN for home data privacy. To validate the approach, we enhance an open-source ICN implementation and build a proof-of-concept Smart Home testbed.
Competition between neutrino and gravitational radiation

This essay discusses the competition between neutrino radiation and gravitational radiation for the dominant method by which forming neutron stars radiate away their gravitational collapse energy. It is shown that neutrinos may, in fact, be the dominant mode; thus a failure to detect gravitation radiation from a supernova does not imply an error in general relativity but rather the existence of a more efficient radiation mechanism.
Enzymatic Shunting: Resolving the Acetaminophen-Warfarin Controversy

Observational studies in patients have shown a dose-dependent enhancement of the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by acetaminophen whereas pharmacodynamic studies in healthy human volunteers have shown no such effect. This controversy is further intensified because any interaction between acetaminophen and racemic warfarin can involve only the weaker R-warfarin enantiomer. Certain drugs exclusively competing for the metabolism of R-warfarin enhance the anticoagulant effect of racemic warfarin and others do not. Because R-warfarin is a weak inhibitor of vitamin K epoxide reductase and is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and 3A4, it is hypothesized that simultaneous competition with R-warfarin for CYP1A2 and 3A4 is required for drug interactions to be clinically significant with compounds exclusively affecting the R enantiomer, such as acetaminophen. The discrepant observations in the literature regarding the clinical significance of the acetaminophen-warfarin interaction may be resolved if the hepatic enzyme activity of CYP1A2 and 3A4 is enhanced relative to CYP2E1 and the nonoxidative pathways of glucuronidation and sulfation responsible for acetaminophen metabolism. Conditions such as aging and tissue hypoxia alter the relative activity of these enzymatic pathways in vitro and in small human studies. These phenomena may be manifested clinically when acetaminophen is administered to older anticoagulated patients and those with conditions that affect cardiac output such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. Verifying this hypothesis may provide insight into the clinically relevant interplay between common conditions as they affect oxidative and nonoxidative pathways of drug metabolism.
Abstract P4-13-06: Association of Age, Obesity and Incident Breast Cancer Phenotypes

Background: Obesity has been shown to be associated with increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. However, it is unclear whether this risk is isolated to a specific phenotype. We hypothesized that the increased levels of insulin, IGF-1 and estrogens associated with obesity preferentially drive an increased proportion of the luminal A phenotype of breast cancer. Methods: Between 2008 and 2011, 1001 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer at Duke University Medical Center and had weight and height recorded at the time of diagnosis. Tumor phenotypes were based on hormone receptor (HR: ER− and/or PR-positive) and Her2 testing with subtypes defined as follows: Luminal A: HR(+), Her2(−); Luminal B: HR(+), Her2(−); Her2: HR(−), Her2(+); triple negative: HR(−), Her2(−). Results: Median age of the cohort was 55.7 years; median BMI was 27.7. As expected, increasing BMI was associated with older age, with BMI almost evenly distributed between three groups: ≤ 25, 25–30, and >30. In the overall group, proportion of luminal B, Her2, and triple negative subtypes did not differ by BMI; however the proportion of patients with luminal A cancer increased from 65% for the lowest BMI group to 70% for the highest BMI group. Analysis stratified by age ≤ 40, 40 to 59, and ≥60 years showed a lower proportion of the triple-negative (19% vs. 6% vs. 4%, p Conclusions: Although there were no trends observed between BMI and incident phenotype in the overall cohort, age stratified analysis revealed striking correlations. High BMI was associated with triple negative phenotype in the youngest age group and luminal A phenotype in older age groups. These results suggest that obesity likely exerts different effects on tumor progression based on patient age and/or menopausal status. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-13-06.
Gender Differences in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Primary Care Patients After the World Trade Center Attack of September 11, 2001

Abstract Background: Debate surrounds the nature of gender differences in rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective: The goal of this study was to quantify and explore the reasons for gender differences in rates of PTSD in low income, primary care patients after the World Trade Center (WTC) attack of September 11, 2001. Methods: A survey was conducted at a large primary care practice in New York City 7 to 16 months after the WTC attack. The study involved a systematic sample of primary care patients aged 18 to 70 years. The main outcome measures were the Life Events Checklist, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version, and the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Patient Health Questionnaire, all administered by a bilingual research staff. Results: A total of 3807 patients were approached at the primary care clinic. Of the 1347 who meteligibility criteria, 1157 (85.9%) consented to participate. After the addition of the WTC/PTSD supplement to the study, the total number of patients was 992, of whom 982 (99.0%) completed the survey. Both sexes had high rates of direct exposure to the WTC attack and high rates of lifetime exposure to stressful life events. Overall, females had lower rates of exposure to the attack compared with males (P Conclusions: The increased rate of PTSD in women attending a primary care clinic was mediatedby their social and economic circumstances, such as living alone without a permanent relationship and with little education or income. The increased rate of MDD in women appeared to be less dependent on these circumstances. These findings have implications for the treatment of women with PTSD in primary care and for research on gender differences in rates of psychiatric disorders.
A Modification of Fletcher's Checksum

We modify J. G. Fletcher's checksum algorithm (easily implemented by software) to place two check octets in an arbitrary place in a data unit, rather than at the end. This is useful if one wants the checksum information in the header of a data unit.
Predictors of Future Expectations of Inner-City Children:: A 9-Month Prospective Study

Assessed in the present study were the contributions of variables thought to be related to positive expectations for the future in a sample of inner-city sixth-grade through eighth-grade students. Students completed self-report measures in September and June. At each time point, higher levels of positive expectations for the future were related to lower levels of problem behaviors and peer negative influences and to higher levels of school involvement, internal resources, and social support. In prospective analyses, higher levels of Time 1 problem behaviors and peer negative influences predicted decreases over 9 months in positive expectations for the future; higher levels of family support and problem-solving efficacy predicted increases over 9 months in positive expectations for the future. These findings have implications for further prospective research as well as for designing resilience-promoting prevention programs for at-risk youth.
Adverse selection in group insurance: The virtues of failing to represent voters

Compared with non-union workers, union workers take more of their compensation in the form of insurance. This may be because unions choose democratically, and democratic choice mitigates adverse selection in group insurance. Relative to individually-purchased insurance, we show that group insurance chosen by an ideal profit-maximizing employer can be worse for every employee, while group insurance chosen democratically can be much better. The reason is that democracy can fail to represent the preferences of almost half the group.
Large-Scale Production of Pseudotyped Lentiviral Vectors Using Baculovirus GP64

Unlike oncoretroviruses, lentiviral vectors can insert large genes and can target both dividing and nondividing cells; thus they hold unique promise as gene transfer agents. To enhance target range, the native lentiviral envelope glycoprotein is replaced (pseudotyped) with vesicular stomatitis virus G (VSVG), and the genes of interest are packaged in nonreplicating vectors by transient transfection with three plasmids. However, because of cytotoxic effects of VSVG expression in producer cells (293T cells) it has been difficult to generate a packaging cell line, required for even modest scale-up of vector production. Here we introduce a pseudotyped lentivirus vector using the baculovirus GP64 envelope glycoprotein. Compared with VSVG, GP64 vectors exhibited a similar broad tropism and similar native titers. GP64-pseudotyped vectors were usually highly concentrated without much loss of titer. Because, unlike VSVG, GP64 expression does not kill cells, we generated 293T-based cell lines constitutively expressing GP64. Our results demonstrate that the baculovirus GP64 protein is an attractive alternative to VSVG for viral vectors used in the large-scale production of high-titer virus required for clinical and commercial applications.
Combining multi-level evidence for medical record retrieval

The increasing prevalence of electronic health records containing rich information about a patient's health and physical condition has the potential to transform research in health and medicine. In this work, we present a health record search system for finding patients matching certain inclusion criteria (specified as keyword queries) for clinical studies. In particular, our system aggregates multi-level evidence and combines proven statistical IR models, both in an innovative way, and achieves a 20% MAP (mean average precision) improvement over a strong baseline. Moreover, our cross-validation results show that the overall performance of our system is comparable to other top-performing systems on the same task.
Constructivity in Geometry

We review and contrast three ways to make up a formal Euclidean geometry which one might call constructive, in a computational sense. The starting point is the first-order geometry created by Tarski.
PTA of a renal artery stenosis with a new embolization protection device: Evidence of side-branch occlusion due to distal embolization — A case report

Percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) and stenting is established and beneficial for treatment of hypertension caused by renal artery stenosis. The incidence and clinical implications of distal embolisation by liberation of atherosclerotic plaque material during renal intervention is unknown. We report on our first clinical application of a new embolization protection device (AngioGuard) in one patient with significant left renal artery stenosis. The AngioGuard consists of a 0.014 guidewire with a emboli filter basket at the distal part to capture and retreat embolic plaque debris. After device placement distal to the lesion we performed the PTA and stenting of the lesion in a standard manner. During the intervention we observed the occlusion of a renal side-branch caused by the completely filled emboli protection basket. The captured debris could be successful if extracted with the AngioGuard wire and normal blood-flow (TIMI 3) without filling defects was reestablished. The macroscopically visible particles measured up to 2.1×1.8 mm and were histologically analysed.