cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of BRCA1 mutations in an unselected patient population with triple-negative breast cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. While >50 % of patients with inherited BRCA1 mutations have TNBC, the prevalence of BRCA1 mutations in patients with TNBC remains unclear. Deciphering the relationship between BRCA1 and TNBC is critical to understanding the etiology of TNBC, leading to improved patient counseling and treatment. All female patients with TNBC enrolled in the Clinical Breast Care Project were identified. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood and the exonic regions of the BRCA1 gene were amplified and sequenced. Sequence data was analyzed and mutations identified using Sequencher 4.10.1. Of the 190 women with TNBC, genomic DNA was available for 182. Seventy percent of patients were considered high-risk for having a BRCA1 mutation based on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network criteria. Clinically relevant mutations were detected in 16 (9 %) patients ranging in age from 26 to 69 years at diagnosis. Six of these patients were diagnosed >50 years. The C61G mutation was found in three Caucasian women diagnosed >40 years, while six African-American women had mutations, including the 943ins10 West African founder mutation. Upon conclusion, causative BRCA1 mutations were detected in 9 % of TNBC patients, including patients without significant family histories and/or diagnosed at a later age. The mutation frequency in patients 60 years, the mutation frequency was 3.5–7.7 % in patients with risk factors, 2.3 % in those without. Thus, evaluation of additional risk factors in both patients younger and older than 60 years should improve the identification of TNBC patients benefiting from genetic testing of BRCA1.
Visual and proprioceptive contributions to compensatory and pursuit tracking movements in humans

An ongoing debate in the field of motor control considers how the brain uses sensory information to guide the formation of motor commands to regulate movement accuracy. Recent research has shown that the brain may use visual and proprioceptive information differently for stabilization of limb posture (compensatory movements) and for controlling goal-directed limb trajectory (pursuit movements). Using a series of five experiments and linear systems identification techniques, we modeled and estimated the sensorimotor control parameters that characterize the human motor response to kinematic performance errors during continuous compensatory and pursuit tracking tasks. Our findings further support the idea that pursuit and compensatory movements of the limbs are differentially controlled.
Real-Time Hybrid Virtuality for Prevention of Excavation Related Utility Strikes

AbstractExcavation related damage to underground utility lines is a serious and widespread problem. It is estimated that there are close to 500,000 utility strikes in the United States every year. Further analysis reveals that this number equates to one utility struck every minute. Such utility line strikes lead to fatalities and injuries, costly service disruptions, fines and penalties, and heavy repair costs. The decade from 2001–2010 saw a total of 544 major excavation related accidents resulting in 37 fatalities, 152 injuries, and close to $200 million in property damage. Lack of accurate position and semantic data of buried utilities coupled with absence of persistent visual guidance are two key problems facing excavator operators. The third obstacle to safe excavation operations is the lack of real-time spatial awareness of the proximity of the digging implement to the underlying neighborhood utilities. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, the authors propose a real-time visual emulation framewo...
Crystal and molecular structure of N-(2-morpholinoethyl)-2-oximato-1-phenylpropan-1-iminechloropalladium(II)

The crystal structure ofN-(2-morpholinoethyl)-2-oximato-1-phenylpropan-1-iminechloropalladium(II), [Pd(L)Cl], has been determined from X-ray data collected by counter methods. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space groupPna21 with four molecules per unit cell, the dimensions of which area=9.602(2),b=8.150(1),c=21.181(4) A. Full matrix least-squares refinement gave a finalR value of 0.042 for the 3218 independent observed reflections. The oxime ligand is deprotonated and is acting as a tridentate ligand coordinating to the palladium through the oxime nitrogen, the imine nitrogen, and the tertiary amine nitrogen of the morpholine moiety. To complete four-coordination about the palladium atom, a chloride ion is also attached to the central metal atom. The donor atoms plus the palladium atom are planar.
Phytochrome signaling mechanisms and the control of plant development

As they emerge from the ground, seedlings adopt a photosynthetic lifestyle, which is accompanied by dramatic changes in morphology and global alterations in gene expression that optimizes the plant body plan for light capture. Phytochromes are red and far-red photoreceptors that play a major role during photomorphogenesis, a complex developmental program that seedlings initiate when they first encounter light. The earliest phytochrome signaling events after excitation by red light include their rapid translocation from the cytoplasm to subnuclear bodies (photobodies) that contain other proteins involved in photomorphogenesis, including a number of transcription factors and E3 ligases. In the light, phytochromes and negatively acting transcriptional regulators that interact directly with phytochromes are destabilized, whereas positively acting transcriptional regulators are stabilized. Here, we discuss recent advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms linking phytochrome photoactivation in the cytoplasm and transcriptional regulation in the nucleus.
Further investigation into the effects of lossy compression using free-response methodology

Using free-response methodology, we measured the comparative performance of trained observers for the task of detecting simulated pulmonary nodules in computed radiographic chest images that were compressed using the full-frame discrete cosine transform algorithm. six observers read fifty-one images containing a total of 372 simulated lesions of size ranging from 8 mm to 12 mm and with six different contrasts. The images were compressed to an average of 15:1 with the same parameters that were used in an earlier two-alternative forced- choice analysis. The results showed this level of compression did not increase the number of false=positive calls per image. also, observers tended to ignore the lowest contrast nodules in all images. At low contrast we expect compression to have the greatest effect. Therefore, overall performance was not degraded by the compression process, although performance was compromised at very low contrast.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Familial hypercholesterolemia in children: treatment with p-aminosalicylic acid.

The effect of p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) on the content of cholesterol and triglycerides in serum and in three lipoprotein classes was determined in 20 children and adolescents with severe familial hypercholesterolemia. Dietary cholesterol and saturated fats were restricted throughout the study. Patients received 150 mg/kg/day of PAS (as PAS-C) or placebo in a single-blind random assignment pattern with crossover at six months. A composite index of compliance was generated for each patient based on interviews, tacit drug inventories, and tests for PAS metabolites. Mean serum cholesterol levels decreased significantly during drug treatment. Cholesterol levels in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) decreased from 273 to 208 mg/100 ml in eight patients whose lipoproteins were fractionated by ultracentrifugation, whereas levels of cholesterol in high-density lipoproteins were unchanged by PAS. Serum triglyceride levels decreased significantly, suggesting that the decrease in LDL with PAS treatment may result in part from inhibition of secretion of lipoprotein precursors. The effect of PAS was sustained for 24 months. No significant toxicity was observed. The lack of effect of PAS on thyroid stimulating hormone suggests that thyroid hyperplasia will not occur at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day. These studies indicate that PAS combined with diet may be useful in the management of familial hypercholesterolemia in childhood.
Selective ultrasound screening is inadequate to identify patients who present with symptomatic adult acetabular dysplasia.

Purpose One goal of neonatal screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the prevention of late surgery. However, the majority of patients with acetabular dysplasia at skeletal maturity are not diagnosed with DDH during infancy. Selective ultrasound screening may identify patients with neonatal hip instability, but may be ineffective for the prevention of dysplasia presenting in adulthood. The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of risk factors for DDH that would have warranted selective ultrasound screening in patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia after skeletal maturity.
Causality and conflict: tracing the origins of armed groups in the eastern Congo

Research on conflict tends to oscillate between two poles: cross-country research using statistical regressions to isolate key variables, and ethnographic research on single countries. I argue that, while the former often fails to capture the political and social dimensions of conflict, the latter can suffer from a lack of causal rigour. I illustrate this argument in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where I suggest a greater focus on the locus and process of the conflict. Armed groups have become much more integrated into regional political and economic elites over the past two decades, just as the Congolese state and army have themselves developed links with armed groups since the 2003–06 transition. These dynamics, and not a narrow focus on conflict minerals and local violence, should attract greater scrutiny.
The effectiveness of working group risk identification and assessment techniques

Abstract It is commonly recognised that the risk identification and assessment sub stages of the overall process of project risk analysis and management have the largest impact on the accuracy of any construction risk assessment. To accomplish these stages requires the acquisition of judgements from the project `core' team (principal designers). The way these judgements are collected is central to the value and effectiveness of the whole process. However there is a lack of real understanding of the merits and drawbacks of the available techniques. This paper adopts the model of determinates of group effectiveness offered by Charles Handy as a framework to evaluate the identification methods of brainstorming, the nominal group technique and Delphi, all borrowed from outside of the construction industry. While brainstorming is the most frequently sited technique for risk identification, it is not a panacea and has severe limitations when compared to the nominal group technique.
An agent to optimally re-distribute control in an underactuated AUV

A knowledge-based agent was designed and validated to optimally re-distribute control authority in a torpedo-shaped autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The objective is greater fault tolerance in AUVs on long deployments when an AUV is unexpectedly underactuated from a jammed control fin. The optimisation is achieved through a genetic algorithm (GA) that evaluates solutions based on a full non-linear analysis of the AUV dynamics and control. The AUV dynamics, hydrodynamics, and control have to be well known ahead of time. The agent is implemented on-board the AUV to provide timely re-assignment of the fin control authority (gains), underway, and consequently the mission can continue or a potential vehicle loss averted. The effectiveness of the agent is assessed through a parametric analysis that compares the response of the unexpectedly underactuated AUV with its initial gains against the optimised gains. The agent’s greatest impact is in the event of a bow fin jam as the remaining three planes cannot depth-keep well without the agent.
Are consonant intervals music to their ears? Spontaneous acoustic preferences in a nonhuman primate

Humans find some sounds more pleasing than others; such preferences may underlie our enjoyment of music. To gain insight into the evolutionary origins of these preferences, we explored whether they are present in other animals. We designed a novel method to measure the spontaneous sound preferences of cotton-top tamarins, a species that has been extensively tested for other perceptual abilities. Animals were placed in a V-shaped maze, and their position within the maze controlled their auditory environment. One sound was played when they were in one branch of the maze, and a different sound for the opposite branch; no food was delivered during testing. We used the proportion of time spent in each branch as a measure of preference. The first two experiments were designed as tests of our method. In Experiment 1, we used loud and soft white noise as stimuli; all animals spent most of their time on the side with soft noise. In Experiment 2, tamarins spent more time on the side playing species-specific feeding chirps than on the side playing species-specific distress calls. Together, these two experiments suggest that the method is effective, providing a spontaneous measure of preference. In Experiment 3, however, subjects showed no preference for consonant over dissonant intervals. Finally, tamarins showed no preference in Experiment 4 for a screeching sound (comparable to fingernails on a blackboard) over amplitude-matched white noise. In contrast, humans showed clear preferences for the consonant intervals of Experiment 3 and the white noise of Experiment 4 using the same stimuli and a similar method. We conclude that tamarins' preferences differ qualitatively from those of humans. The preferences that support our capacity for music may, therefore, be unique among the primates, and could be music-specific adaptations.
Calcium dependent serotonin release from blood platelets: a model system for neurosecretion.

Abstract In contrast to most neurosecretory systems, blood platelets are capable of serotonin secretion in the absence of extracellular calcium. However, the agents which trigger Ca 2+ -independent release are also strong aggregating agents. Under conditions where platelet aggregation is minimized, we observe a strong dependence of the release of serotonin on extracellular calcium. We have controlled aggregation through the use of creatine phosphokinase, which reduces the level of extracellular adenosine 5′-diphosphate, and Concanavalin A as secretogogue, a treatment which has minimal aggregating activity. Optimal conditions for release are 100μg/ml Concanavalin A and 1.0−5.0 mM Ca 2+ . Titration studies and experiments using radiolabeled Concanavalin A imply that the interaction between Ca 2+ and Concanavalin A on release does not reflect altered binding of the lectin to the platelets. Ionic species which have been shown to affect other Ca 2+ -dependent release systems have similar effects on the system described. These results indicate that, in the absence of aggregation, blood platelets possess a release system analogous to that found in other secretory cells. This, combined with the structural simplicity of the platelet and the homogeneity of platelet preparations, suggests that platelets warrant consideration as a model system for biochemical studies of the release process.
Tumor control probability for selective boosting of hypoxic subvolumes, including the effect of reoxygenation.

Abstract Purpose: To study the effect on tumor control probability of selectively boosting the dose to hypoxic subvolumes. Methods and Materials: A Monte Carlo model was developed that separates the tumor into two compartments, one of which receives a primary dose, and one of which receives a higher boost dose. During radiation delivery, each compartment consists of three clonogen subpopulations: those that are well oxygenated, those that are temporarily hypoxic (geometrically transient hypoxia), and those that are permanently hypoxic (geometrically stable hypoxia). The spatial location of temporary hypoxia within the tumor volume varies over time, whereas, the spatial location of permanent hypoxia does not. The effect of reoxygenation was included. Clonogen proliferation was not included in the model. Results: A modest boost dose (120%–150% of the primary dose) increases tumor control probability to that found in the absence of permanent hypoxia. The entire hypoxic subvolume need not be included to obtain a significant benefit. However, only tumors with a geometrically stable hypoxic volume will have an improved control rate. Conclusions: Tumors with an identifiable geometrically stable hypoxic volume will have an improved control rate if the dose to the hypoxic volume is escalated. Further work is required to determine the spatiotemporal evolution of the hypoxic volumes before and during the course of radiotherapy.
The effects of different schedules of methadone treatment on rat brain development

Abstract The effect of maternally administered methadone (5 mg/kg, dl-methadone-HCl) on brain development of offspring treated during gestation and/or lactation was studied in the rat. Methadone treatment did not have a pronounced effect on prenatal development, but alterations in preweaning body and brain growth were observed in all drug-exposed pups. Rat pups subjected to methadone during gestation or lactation were the most severely affected, with reductions in brain (12 and 30%, respectively) and cerebellar (27 and 29%, respectively) weights recorded at weaning (Day 21). All methadone groups weighed less than controls from birth to Day 21, but brain: body weight ratios were comparable. On Day 60, cerebellar weight and brain length of the gestation-exposed group were less than control values, whereas rats given methadone throughout gestation and lactation were lighter in weight and had smaller cerebella. These results indicate that perinatal methadone exposure has a detrimental affect on neuroontogeny, with the neurobiological response governed by the timing and duration of opioid treatment. In addition, our findings suggest that disturbances in brain growth may occur after cessation of methadone exposure.
CONTROL OF VASOPRESSIN (AVP) SECRETION IN THE LAMB

The newborn is capable of secreting AVP, but there are no data regarding relative responsiveness to the several known physiological stimuli. We examined AVP, plasma sodium (Ma) and osmolality (Osm) in response to phlebotomy, water loading, hypertonic saline and mild dehydration in 7-11 lambs, 2-49 (mean = 19) days of age. AVP was measured by radioimmunoassay. Repeated phlebotomies (total 20 ml/kg) raised AVP from 4.8 ± 2.1 (mean ± SEM) to 74 ± 19 μU/ml (p < .01), while Na and Osm remained unchanged. When 100 ml/kg 2.5% dextrose/water was infused over 60 minutes, AVP fell from 3.,4 ± 1.2 to 0.7 ± 0.6 μU/ml by 60 minutes (p < .05). Na and Osm fell from 140 to 125 mEq/L and 283 to 262 mOsm/kg respectively (p < .05) Hypertonic (23%) sodium chloride infusion (10 mEq/kg) increased Na from 142 to 159 mEq/L and Osm from 271 to 318 mOsm/kg over a 30 min period (p < .05). In response to this stimulus, AVP increased from 2.9 ± 0.7 to 22.2 ± 9 μU/ml (p < .05). After 18 hours of dehydration, AVP rose from 0 6 ± 0.1 to 34 ± 1 8 μU/ml, Na from 134 to 140 mEq/L (p < 05) and Osm from 293 to 306 mOsm/kg (p < .05). Thus the newborn lamb is capable of responding to both volume and osmolar stimuli. The quantitative stimulus-response ratios (SRR = Mog AVP/ΔOsm) were similar for water loaded and saline stimulated newborns and similar to responses in the adult. The dehydration SRR was not accountable by osmolar change alone but also reflected volume change.
Fly Management in Poultry Production: Cultural, Biological, and Chemical

Abstract Control of the house fly, Musca domestica, and related filth flies in poultry production facilities requires a judicious meshing of cultural (manure management), biological (parasites and predators), and chemical (insecticides) methods in an integrated program. Maintaining the manure as dry as possible through proper air ventilation, drainage, control of water systems, and phased manure removal is basic to a fly control program. Several species of hymenopterous (Pteromalidae) parasites along with mites (especially Macrocheles muscaedomesticae and Fuscuropoda vegetans) and histerid beetles (especially Carcinops pumilo) are the major biological control agents whose populations are enhanced or preserved by proper manure management and limited, selective use of insecticides. The biology of the major fly species and the biological control agents are discussed. The major insecticides and application methods are presented in the context of an integrated control program. Methods for monitoring fly populations are presented.
Material characterization using passive multispectral polarimetric imagery

A new method for characterization of unknown targets using passive multispectral polarimetric imagery is pre sented. Previous work makes use of a pBRDF derived equation for the degree of linear polarization and with the aid of multiple incidence angles estimates refractive index and re ection angle. This work uses known incidence and re ection angles along with dispersion equations and polarimetric data at multiple wavelengths to recover the index of refraction. Experimental results are presented showing the new method's ability to characterize a range of materials.
A Further Note on a Result of Bank, Frank, and Laine

In this paper, we generalize a result of Bank, Frank, and Laine [2] and a result of Wang [8]. Under certain conditions on the coefficients Pj in equation (1.1), we show that solutions ƒ of (1.1) must satisfy λ(ƒ) = ρ(ƒ) or ƒ has only finitely many zeros.
Interactive modeling as a forcing function for research in the physiology of human performance

Physiological models are frequently designed to study a single-organ system or to investigate the differ ences in response of alternative representations of the same system. In this study, an interactive model portrays the human circulatory, thermoregulatory, and energy-exchange systems as an intercoupled set and serves as a means of communication between mem bers of an interdisciplinary research team. The assumptions necessary to couple these systems are described, as are the research team's techniques for using the model. The goal is to develop the model to the point of accurately simulating the real-world behavior of the coupled systems in normal human beings and in those with certain diseases. The model serves to focus the team's attention on areas requiring additional experimentation, which in turn leads to modifications to improve the model.
The tame tornado: A zero cost source of clean renewable energy

Many of us when we visit tropical lands, for business or pleasure, find the atmosphere hard to live in, but very few of us realize that we are living in the midst of a huge fuel storage zone. The fuel exists because the atmosphere is “humid”, which is the term used to describe an atmosphere containing a high percentage of water vapor. The water vapor is created by water absorbing the Sun's energy, either directly from sunlight or indirectly from vegetation in the jungle. The absorbed energy is captured in the form of latent heat which has caused the water molecules to change phase from liquid to vapor. Those of us who live in the mid southern states of the USA are acutely aware of the enormous amount of destructive energy released by tornadoes, but few have appreciated that it is this very latent heat released from condensing water vapor which provides the destructive power. This paper will discuss the mechanism whereby this energy is released, and outline a technique for harvesting this energy in a controlled environment to provide electromechanical output that could be used for industrial and domestic applications.
Information-aware collaborative routing in wireless sensor network

In this paper, we propose a new approach to routing protocol called information-aware collaborative routing for wireless sensor networks. Clustering and local data aggregation schemes have been developed to reduce the energy for transmitting redundant data in the wireless sensor network. Most existing approaches have been developed for the cases when there is direct communication between cluster head and base station. Even though these schemes are able to reduce data redundancy to be transmitted from the cluster heads to the base station, they have not exploited the data redundancy between neighboring clusters. In this research, we study a more general case when there are multi-hop communications from cluster heads to the base station. To exploit the potential redundancy between neighboring clusters, we propose to develop a routing protocol architecture that combines multi-hop routing with information-aware clustering based on the correlation of sensor data. The information-aware collaborative routing includes the re-clustering based on data correlation as well as the central-controlled clustering and cluster heads rotation to evenly distribute the energy load in the entire network. Extensive simulations show that the proposed information-aware collaborative routing can achieve better performance in terms of longer network lifetime and less energy dissipation comparing with the existing cluster-based routing.
EUV holographic aerial image recording

ABSTRACT 1 00-nm-resolution holographic aerial image monitoring based on lensless Fourier-transform holography at EUV wavelengthsusing a synchrotron-based source is described. This method can be used to monitor the coherent imaging performance of EUV lithographic optical systems. The system has been implemented in the EUV phase-shifting point diffraction interferometer (PS/PDI) at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Here we introduce the idea of the holographic aerial imagerecording technique and present imaging performance characterization results of an EUV lOx-reduction Schwarzschildobjective.Keyword: EUV lithography, holography, aerial image recording, lensless Fourier-transform holography, phase-shiftingpoint diffraction interferometry 1. INTRODUCTION For 70 nm critical dimensions (CD) and beyond, it is widely believed that new lithographic techniques are needed. One verypromising candidate is extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. This method continues on the path of projection opticalsystems but with a radical reduction in wavelength (1 1 -
Recoil-range studies of heavy products of multinucleon transfer from /sup 18/O to /sup 245/Cm and /sup 249/Cf

Recoil range distributions were measured for alpha and spontaneous fission activities made in the bombardment of /sup 245/Cm and /sup 249/Cf with /sup 18/O from 6.20 MeV/nucleon down to the interaction barrier. The shape of the distributions indicates tht transfers of up to four protons take place via a combination of quasi-elastic (QET) and deep inelastic (DIT) mechanisms, rather than complete fusion-de-excitation (CF) or massive transfer (MT). Angular distributions constructed from recoil range distributions, assuming QET/DIT, indicate that the QET component contributes more significantly to the heavy product residue cross section than the DIT, even though primary cross sections are expected to be higher for DIT than for QET. This may be explained qualitatively as a result of the high excitation energies associated with DIT; the very negative Q/sub gg/ of projectile stripping for these systems combined with the lower expected optimal Q/sub rxn/ of QET compared to DIT can give QET products comparatively low excitation.
Robert Bayley and Sandra R. Schecter (eds.), Language socialization in bilingual and multilingual societies. Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters Ltd., 2003. Pp. xii, 311. Hb $79.95, pb $29.95.

The title of this edited volume leads one to expect a timely contribution to the literature on language socialization, which has become increasingly concerned with bilingual and multilingual settings over the past decade or so. Some readers with general interests in bilingual and multilingual situations, or with special interests in education in such settings, may find this collection worthwhile. Those with a particular interest in language socialization, however, will be disappointed – and perhaps irritated to have been misled by the title. The volume's 16 chapters present a broad variety of interesting case studies, but very few among them can accurately be characterized as language socialization studies.
Importance of Riparian Forest Buffers in Conservation of Stream Biodiversity: Responses to Land Uses by Stream-Associated Salamanders across Two Southeastern Temperate Ecoregions

Abstract Stream microhabitats are strongly influenced by adjacent terrestrial land use and other anthropogenic disturbances. Therefore, sensitive stream fauna can be highly imperiled. We investigated relative susceptibility of stream-associated salamanders to riparian land use by studying species-specific responses that influence community assembly. The Piedmont and Blue Ridge ecoregions of the southeastern United States have high aquatic biodiversity, centuries of land use, and increasingly extensive urbanization. We surveyed low-order streams in these regions for salamanders across four riparian land uses (forests, agricultural, residential, and urban) and assessed 15 habitat variables at each sampling site. We found that forested streams were more diverse compared to streams affected by riparian land uses. Our study showed two distinct assemblages of salamanders in response to riparian land use: forest-dependent, large-bodied, long-lived species sensitive to riparian land uses (disturbance avoiders) an...
Characterization Of Boron Films Prepared By Chemical Vapor Deposition And Their Application In X-Ray Imaging

Boron, a low Z element, is useful for x-ray optics since it has a low atomic absorption coefficient. Boron films prepared by chemical vapor deposition were characterized optically, electronically and mechanically. Auger, infrared and hydrogen effusion analyses showed that the films are amorphous hydrogenated boron. The hydrogen content ranges from 8–71%. The measurements of the complex refractive index and the resistance vs. temperature determined that they are a typical amorphous semiconductor with the energy gap ranging from 1.09 to 1.36 eV, decreasing with increasing hydrogen content and with the Fermi energy level pinned about midgap. The real refractive index at 490 nm increases from 3.25-3.59 with increasing hydrogen content. The Young’s modulus and hardness were found to be 3.05 × 1013 dyne/cm2 and around 2500 Vickers, respectively. The chemical tests suggested that boron films are stable in nonoxidizing bases and concentrated acids. Some oxidizing bases such as basic ferricyanide and permanganate solutions are good etchants for CVD boron films. Boron coated beryllium x-ray windows which have enhanced resistance to degradation are now commercially available, and self-supporting boron windows are potential future products for x-ray imaging.
t‐Butyl as a Pyrazole Protecting Group: Preparation and Use of 1‐tert‐Butyl‐3‐Methyl‐1H‐Pyrazole‐5‐Amine

Tert-Butylhydrazine hydrochloride 3-Aminocrotonitrile tert-Butyl-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-amine 2-Chloropyridine Pd(dba)2 4,5-Bis(diphenylphosphino) 9,9-dimethylxanthene Tetra-n-butylammonium bromide Trifluoroacetic acid Keywords: Pyrazole protection; Single-step preparation; Triethylamine; Ethanol; Amination; Safety; Waste disposal
The impact of vaccines and the future of genetically modified poxvirus vaccines for poultry

The regular use of live or killed vaccines against infectious agents has remarkably improved the efficiency of poultry production. In some cases eradication of disease has been possible when the pathogen is antigenically stable and confined to a certain geographical area. In other instances monovalent or polyvalent live or killed vaccines have been effective in reducing mortality and morbidity. Many conventional vaccines are developed by trial and error and basic information about their genetic make-up is not known. While the poultry industry has benefited from the regular use of conventional vaccines, there is need for a new generation of effective vaccines that require minimal handling of birds during administration. Using molecular techniques, it is possible to identify the genes associated with virulence and protection. In genetically engineered vaccines, genes that encode protective antigens can be expressed in bacterial or viral vectors. In this regard, avianpox virus vectors appear to be promising for the generation of polyvalent vaccines expressing antigens from multiple pathogens.
Women, Co-occurring Disorders, and Violence Study: a case for trauma-informed care.

Women, Co-occurring Disorders, and Violence Study: A case for trauma-informed care H. Westley Clark, (MD), (JD), (MPH)*, A. Kathryn Power, (MEd) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857, USA Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857, USA
Role of Nitric Oxide in Buffering Short-Term Blood Pressure Fluctuations

Blood pressure instability may promote cardiovascular morbidity. Recent data suggest a role of nitric oxide in stabilizing arterial blood pressure. A rise in blood pressure enhances endothelial shear stress and nitric oxide release. The resulting vasodilation antagonizes the initial increase in blood pressure. This system can respond within 2–10 seconds.
Neural networks that learn state space trajectories by 'Hebbian' rule

Summary form only given, as follows. A neural network structure is proposed which can learn state-space trajectories (sequential state transitions) by a Hebbian-like rule, but without resorting to time-delayed synaptic connections. The main idea is to use two Hopfield networks, each of which stabilizes its own memories while it drives the other network into state transition. The dynamics of the network are considered. As an emergent property, the state transitions of all individual neurons are synchronous. The learning rate of the network is estimated. >
Synthesis of Vanadate and Arsenate Spodiosites and Interpretation of Optical Spectra of Manganese‐Doped Sr2VO4C1

New vanadate and arsenate analogs of spodiosite (Sr2-(VO4)C1 and Sr2(AsO4)C1) were prepared. Isomorphism between chromium and vanadium spodiosites was established by formation of complete solid solutions. The vanadate analogs of calcium and barium, the arsenate analog of calcium, phosphate analogs of strontium and barium, and the fluorine analogs, Ca3(VO4)2·CaF2 and Sr3(VO4)2·SrF2, could not be synthesized. The optical absorption spectra of manganese-doped Sr2(VO4)Cl showed the presence of Mn5+ in the vanadium position, the site symmetry being approximately Td. Three transitions, 3T2(F), 3T1(F), and 1Al(G) at (12,000 and 13,000 cm-1), (16,700 cm-1), and (14,300 cm-1), respectively, were observed from the ground state, 3A2(F). The lower symmetry components were strong enough to split the energy level, 3T2(F). The crystal field parameter Dq and the Racah parameters B and C were calculated to be 1200, 470, and 1927 cm-1, respectively.
A SKEWED TRUNCATED PEARSON TYPE VII DISTRIBUTION

Skewed symmetric distributions have attracted a great deal of attention in the last few years. One of them, the skewed Pearson type VII distribution suffers from limited applicability because it is well known that the Pearson type VII distribution does not have finite moments of all orders. This note proposes an alternative referred to as skewed truncated Pearson type VII distribution and defined by the pdf f(x) = 2g(x)G(λx), where g(·) and G(·) are taken, respectively, to be the pdf and the cdf of a truncated Pearson type VII distribution. This distribution possesses finite moments of all orders and could therefore be a better model for certain practical situations. Two such situations are discussed. The note also derives various properties of the distribution, including its moments.
Knee joint loading in forward versus backward pedaling: implications for rehabilitation strategies.

Objective. To use forward dynamic simulations of forward and backward pedaling in order to determine whether backward pedaling oAers theoretical advantages over forward pedaling to rehabilitate common knee disorders. Design. A comparison of knee joint loads was performed during forward and backward pedaling. Background. Pedaling has been shown to be an eAective rehabilitation exercise for a variety of knee disorders. Recently, backward gait has been shown to produce greater knee extensor moments and reduced patellofemoral joint loads compared to forward gait. But to date, no study has examined the eAcacy of backward pedaling as a safe alternative to forward pedaling in rehabilitation programs. Methods. A musculoskeletal model and optimization framework was used to generate simulations of forward and backward pedaling. Tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint reaction forces were quantified. Results. Lower tibiofemoral compressive loads, but higher patellofemoral compressive loads, were observed in backward pedaling. Lower protective anterior‐posterior shear force was observed in backward pedaling near peak extension. Conclusions. Backward pedaling oAers reduced tibiofemoral compressive loads for those patients with knee disorders such as menisci damage and osteoarthritis, but higher patellofemoral compressive loads. Therefore, backward pedaling is not recommended for patients experiencing patellofemoral pain. Further, backward pedaling should not be recommended after anterior cruciate ligament injury or reconstruction. Relevance
Kinetic Visual Disturbances With Contact Lenses

Kinetic (variable) visual disturbances in contact lens wearers may be generated optically or mechanically. These disturbances are categorized in two groups: 1) those affecting both phakic and aphakic contact lens wearers; and 2) those peculiar to aphakic patients. Within each category disturbances vary with the types of lens used. In this review, the optical and mechanical bases for the various problems are discussed, as are possible solutions. It is emphasized that the ophthalmologist prescribing contact lenses should be aware of the patient's work hazards and requirements, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of contact lenses. For example, is the patient exposed to high temperatures, heavy or fast-moving equipment, altered barometric conditions, etc.? Is physical exertion required? Employers and fellow workers should be aware of the contact lens wearers in their work force.
Radioimmunoassay: A Method for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Human Luteinizing Hormone1

Purified human chorionic gonadotropin has been radioiodinated to give an immunologically and biologically active product which possesses high specific activity. With this labeled hormone and an antiserum which is capable of reacting specifically with human luteinizing hormone and human chorionic gonadotropin, a sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay has been developed. Comparable results have been obtained when the content of luteinizing hormone in preparations differing widely in luteinizing and follicle stimulating activity have been estimated by the radioimmunoassay and the ovarian ascorbic acid depletion bio-assay. The assay is sufficiently sensitive to permit quantitation of normal amounts of luteinizing hormone in 0.1 ml of unconcentrated serum and urine. With the use of the assay, peaks in concentration of luteinizing hormone have been found in serum and urine of women near the time of presumed ovulation. (Endocrinology 79: 10, 1966)
Variation tolerant digitally assisted high-speed IO PHY

Technology scaling leads to reduction of supply voltage and increase in random device variability and thus creates new challenges for analog design. A complete overhaul of the design approach at system architecture and circuit topology levels is necessary to keep the link robust and tolerant to low supply voltage and random variability challenges. This paper presents key analog circuit architecture techniques employed to implement 6.4GT/s per lane, 14mW/Gbps analog front end high-speed IO interfaces on Poulson — a 32nm next generation Intel Itanium microprocessor [1].
The teratogenic activity of a thalidomide analogus EM12 in rats on a low-zinc diet†

The relationship between the teratogenicity of EM12, 2-(2,6-dioxopiperiden-3′-yl) phthalimidine, a stable analogue of thalidomide, and zinc status in the maternal animal was investigated using pregnant rats on a low-zinc diet (1 ppm zinc, days 0–14 gestation) as the experimental model. Previous studies with this compound in rats fed a commercial diet at oral doses up to 250 mg/kg per day for three days and intravenous doses up to 10 mg/kg per day for three days failed to produce “typical” thalidomide malformations. However, when a dose of 150 mg/kg was given intraperitoneally to rats on a low-zinc diet, typical thalidomide malformations occurred with an incidence of 57.5%.
Stability of mode locked states of coupled oscillator arrays

A method for analyzing beat frequency entrained (or mode locked) systems of coupled nonlinear oscillators is presented. Stable mode locked states are almost periodic oscillations that occur outside of the fundamental entrainment region of the array, and generate a periodic pulse train when the oscillator outputs are summed. The analysis relates the stability of the states to the relationship between the frequency pullings and the time average phases of the oscillators. The method is applied to three mode locked Van der Pol oscillators with arbitrary coupling time delay, and shows that the mode locking bandwidth is maximized for specific values of coupling delay and oscillator nonlinearity parameter. >
The Case for Gridlock

In the wake of the 2010 elections, President Obama declared that voters did not give a mandate to gridlock. His statement reflects over a century of Progressive hostility to the inefficient and slow system of government created by the American Framers. Convinced that the government created by the Constitution frustrates their goals, Progressives have long sought ways around its checks and balances. Perhaps the most important of their methods is delegating power to administrative agencies, an arrangement that greatly transformed U.S. government during and after the New Deal. For generations, Progressives have supported the false premise that administrative action in the hands of experts will realize the public interest more effectively than the constitutional system and its multiple vetoes over policy changes. The political effect of empowering the administrative state has been quite different: it fosters policies that reflect the interests of those with wellorganized power. A large and growing body of evidence makes it clear that the public interest is most secure when governmental institutions are inefficient decisionmakers. An arrangement that brings diverse interests into a complex, sluggish decisionmaking process is generally unattractive to special interests. Gridlock also neutralizes some political benefits that producer groups and other well-heeled interests inherently enjoy. By fostering gridlock, the U.S. Constitution increases the likelihood that policies will reflect broad, unorganized interests instead of the interests of narrow, organized groups.
We are in an ICT World: How Kenya's Emergent Digital Discourse is Shifting the Flow of People, Politics, and Technology

A few weeks before Kenyas pivotal March 4, 2013 election, Jubilee coalition vice-presidential candidate, William Ruto, explained how he would govern Kenya, while at the same time standing trial at The Hague, where he is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for allegedly perpetrating Kenyas 2007/2008 post-election violence. He stated: We are in an ICT world and I can do many things from the Internet to ensure that Kenya is running even as I attend to other issues. In this paper, based on two years of ethnographic research, I argue that Rutos appeal to technology as a means to govern is part of a broader attempt on behalf of certain Kenyan politicians to discursively shift the terms of governance: from an analog politics of land and ethnicity to a digital politics of technology and peace. I show how, ironically, this new rhetoric of technocratic governance borrows directly from that of Kenyas burgeoning technology sector, which, for the past five years, has been championing digital technology, in part, as a way to move beyond politics. I discuss how this emergent digital discourse  on the part of both select government officials and Kenyas nongovernmental technology sector - is impacting social, political, and economic flows between Kenya and the West, at the level of government, civil society, and between Kenyan and foreign technologists.
Long-term management of vasovasostomy patients

Follow-up of 54 patients undergoing modified single-layer bilateral vasovasostomies are presented with attention to semen quality, pregnancy rates, and postoperative findings potentially inhibiting fertility. The technical success rate was 98%, but 3-month semen analyses varied from "poor" ( 6 /ml; > 50% normal motility) of 20% to "excellent" (> 26 6 /ml; > 50% normal motility) of 35% without effect on long-term pregnancy rates, 50% and 54.5%, respectively. Other factors, such as sperm clumping, prostatitis, and immunologic interference, appear to decrease motility. Close follow-up with attention to factors affecting fertility other than simple concentration and motility are rewarding.
Fluorometric measurement and modeling of droplet temperature changes in an electrospray plume.

The evolution of droplet temperatures in an electrospray plume was measured via ratiometric fluorescence. Under typical operating conditions, droplet temperatures decrease ∼30 K over the first 5.0 mm along the spray axis, followed by a slight (∼2–3 K) rewarming. Experimental axial profiles (Z-axis) were fit by use of diffusion-controlled and surface-controlled evaporation models. Both models fit the experimental data well for the cooling portion of the spray (Pearson correlation coefficient R ≥ 0.994), but the surface-controlled model required unrealistic droplet radius values to obtain a good fit. In lateral profiles at a given Z near the emitter tip, temperatures are lower (by 3.0–10 K) in the periphery than on the spray axis. This behavior is consistent with the expected enrichment of the spray periphery with smaller droplets. At longer axial distances, lateral profiles were relatively flat. Droplet temperature as a function of axial displacement fell more rapidly at lower liquid flow rates, possibly a...
Large-Angle Parabolic Equation Methods

Large-angle parabolic equation methods for the propagation of surface water waves are discussed. The methods described here are limited to forms which are solvable by the Crank-Nicolson method, but are successful in opening the allowed range of propagation directions to ~ 50° with respect to normal incidence.
Proceduralizing Teamwork in Aviation Crews

This project investigated whether appropriate procedural interventions can facilitate team process and outcomes. Specific crew procedures were designed to fit general Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles and the specific needs of a commercial airline. The procedures were trained and implemented as Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for one fleet while a control fleet did not have the training or SOP interventions. Multiple evaluation methods used different samples of evaluators and different evaluation instruments. Evaluation data converged to confirm the positive effects of the interventions in the experimental fleet.