cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The fast twitch motor units of cat ankle flexors. 2. Speed-force relations and recruitment order

Summary The relationship between axonal conduction velocity (CV), twitch contraction time (CT), peak tetanic tension (TT) and its peak rate of rise (TṪ) of fast twitch (CT≤ 45msec) motor units were examined in two cat hind limb muscles, tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL). Motor unit samples included: 73 TA units from 5 experiments (sample sizes 17, 10, 16, 18 and 12 units); and 66 EDL units from 6 experiments (11, 5, 9, 3, 18, and 20 units). Weak correlations were found between CV and TT for the TA units, between CV and CT for both the TA and EDL units, and between CT and TT for the TA units. Strong correlations were found between TT and TṪfor both populations. Speed-force relations are thus weak in the pretibial flexors but stronger in the parallel fibered TA muscle than in the pinnately structured EDL muscle. The fast twitch samples were also subdivided into FR (fatigue resistant), FI (intermediate fatigability) and FF (highly fatigable) categories. Speed-force correlations were slightly stronger in the FR subgrouping than in the FI and FF categories. These data are compared to a variety of conflicting data in the literature. Speed-force relations appear strong for small muscles of the cat's foot but more complex and controversial for larger muscles of the cat hind limb. None of the data are shown to negate the concept of an orderly recruitment of α-motoneurons according to the size of the muscle units that they innervate. There is suggestion that the spinal mechanisms underlying α-motoneuron recruitment order are more complex than simply recruitment of small motoneurons before large ones.
Dual-reference full-range frequency domain optical coherence tomography

It has been shown that frequency domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) systems achieve higher sensitivities compared to time domain OCT systems. However, the obscure object structure due to the mirror image generated by the Fourier transform is one of the main problems in FD-OCT. We designed and developed a novel full range FD-OCT system that we refer to as the dual-reference full-range FD-OCT (DR-FDOCT) that enables doubling the imaging depth by removing mirror images generated from the Fourier transform of the detected real-valued spectra. The DR-FDOCT system enables full-range imaging without any loss of speed and is less sensitive to phase errors generated by involuntary movements of the subject than the other established full-range OCT systems. The reason is because it uses two signals with a phase difference of π/2 obtained simultaneously from two reference arms to remove mirror images.
Does delay of adjuvant chemotherapy impact survival in patients with resected stage II and III colon adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether delays in commencing adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection of colon adenocarcinoma adversely impact survival. METHODS: Patients with stage II-III colon adenocarcinoma who received adjuvant chemotherapy at 2 centers were identified through the institutional tumor registry. Time to adjuvant chemotherapy, overall survival (OS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) were calculated from the day of surgery. Patients were dichotomized into early (time to adjuvant chemotherapy ≤60 days) and late treatment (time to adjuvant chemotherapy >60 days) groups. OS and RFS were compared using log-rank test and multivariate analysis by the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Of 186 patients included in the study, 49 (26%) had received adjuvant chemotherapy >60 days after surgical resection. Thirty percent of the delays were system related (eg, late referrals, insurance authorizations). Time to adjuvant chemotherapy >60 days was associated with significantly worse OS in both univariate analysis and a Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio, 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-4.36). Although difference in RFS between the 2 groups favored time to adjuvant chemotherapy <60, this did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant chemotherapy delay >60 days after surgical resection of colon cancer is associated with worse OS. Cancer 2011;. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma of the Heart Presenting as Infective Endocarditis

A 7 yr old castrated male Labrador retriever (35.6 kg) was evaluated for an acute onset of vomiting of 24 hr duration. On initial examination, the patient was febrile (103.8°F) and tachycardic (150 beats/min). Thoracic radiographs revealed left atrial enlargement with mild pulmonary infiltrates. The dog's condition worsened and repeat radiographs revealed worsening pulmonary infiltrates and pleural effusion. Treatment for heart failure was initiated. An echocardiogram showed a large 3 cm × 4 cm vegetation on the atrial surface of the posterior mitral valve. The patient was euthanized due to poor clinical appearance and infective endocarditis was suspected. Necropsy revealed an osteosarcoma of the posterior mitral valve, which cultured negative.
Preliminary tests of an ecological model of Hispanic farmworker health.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to propose and test an ecological model to structure research and practice concerning farmworker health in the United States. The research question was, “What is the relationship of selected social, cultural, and economic indicators to the health of adult Hispanic migrant farmworkers?” Design: A model of biogenetic, social, cultural, economic, individual response, and access factors affecting health was derived from the literature and nursing practice. Data from the 1998 National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS), conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, were used in a secondary analysis to perform preliminary tests of the relationships proposed in the model. Sample: The NAWS conducts interviews with a nationally representative sample of farmworkers employed in the United States. Because of the importance of theorized cultural factors, the sample for this study was limited to farmworkers who identified themselves as Hispanic, resulting in 1,864 subjects. Measurements: Variables were used directly from the data or constructed from the available data, and proposed relationships were tested statistically. Results: Analysis of the data supported the relationships proposed in the model. Conclusions: The proposed model is a useful tool for organizing variables and giving direction to farmworker health research. Suggestions for future research are made.
Expression of 25 human ABC transporters in the yeast Pichia pastoris and characterization of the purified ABCC3 ATPase activity.

Human ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters comprise a family of 48 membrane-spanning transport proteins, many of which are associated with genetic diseases or multidrug resistance of cancers. In this study, we present a comprehensive approach for the cloning, expression, and purification of human ABC transporters in the yeast Pichia pastoris. We analyzed the expression of 25 proteins and demonstrate that 11 transporters, including ABCC3, ABCB6, ABCD1, ABCG1, ABCG4, ABCG5, ABCG8, ABCE1, ABCF1, ABCF2, and ABCF3, were expressed at high levels comparable to that of ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein). As an example of the purification strategy via tandem affinity chromatography, we purified ABCC3 (MRP3) whose role in the transport of anticancer drugs, bile acids, and glucuronides has been controversial. The yield of ABCC3 was 3.5 mg/100 g of cells in six independent purifications. Purified ABCC3, activated with PC lipids, exhibited significant ATPase activity with a Vmax of 82 ± 32 nmol min-1 mg-1. The ATPase activity ...
Oxytocin, Social Support, and Sleep Quality in Low-Income Minority Women Living With HIV

Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in women with HIV, and few studies examine potential protective factors that may reduce risk for sleep disturbances in this high-risk population. This study predicted that HIV-specific social support from various sources (i.e., friends, family members, and spouses), as well as oxytocin (OT), would explain sleep quality in 71 low-income minority women living with HIV. Social support from family members was associated with better sleep quality in women. For women with high OT, support from friends was associated with better sleep quality, whereas for women with low OT, support from friends was associated with poorer sleep quality. Women with low OT may not effectively interpret and utilize available support resources, which may be associated with sleep disturbances.
Cross-Section and Polarization Determinations for the C 12 (d, n)N 13 Reaction from 2.8 to 4.2 MeV

Using time-of-flight techniques, a 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} yield curve of the neutrons from the ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(d, n){\mathrm{N}}^{13}(\mathrm{g}.\mathrm{s}.)$ reaction was obtained from 2.8 to 4.2 MeV. Three peaks, each greater than 100 keV wide, at energies of 3.00, 3.35, and 3.96 MeV were observed. Seventeen differential cross sections were measured in this energy region for reaction angles from 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 145\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the center-of-mass system. All exhibited prominent $l=1$ stripping distributions. A 5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} yield curve of neutrons leaving ${\mathrm{N}}^{13}$ in the first excited state was determined for bombarding energies greater than 3.5 MeV. Three angular distributions of these neutrons, obtained at 3.810, 3.895, and 4.150 MeV, exhibited the expected shape for $l=0$ angular momentum transfer. In a second experiment eleven angular distributions of the ground-state neutron polarization were determined for the 2.8- to 4.0-MeV region over the same angular range. Scattering from helium served as the polarization analyzer. In the region of the forward maximum, the polarization is negative at all energies and ranged from about -0.08 to -0.44. From 3.1 to 3.4 MeV the polarization is noticeably dependent on energy at back angles. Above 3.5 MeV the angular dependence of the polarization does not change appreciably even though the values range from about -0.60 to +0.50. A comparison of these data above 3.5 MeV with the 11.8-MeV ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$+$d$ neutron polarization data and with the 6- to 15-MeV ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}$+$d$ proton data shows similar angular dependence for all polarizations.
Benchmarking parallel compilers: a UPC case study

Unified Parallel C (UPC) is an explicit parallel extension to ISO C which follows the Partitioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming model. UPC, therefore, combines the ability to express parallelism while exploiting locality. To do so, compilers must embody effective UPC-specific optimizations. In this paper we present a strategy for evaluating the performance of PGAS compilers. It is based on emulating possible optimizations and comparing the performance to the raw compiler performance. It will be shown that this technique uncovers missed optimization opportunities. The results also demonstrate that, with such automatic optimizations, the UPC performance will be compared favorably with other paradigms.
Application of renal autotransplantation to the treatment of simultaneous bilateral ureteral tumours.

Summary A case of simultaneous bilateral ureteral tumours is presented in which renal autotransplantation was used to solve a problem in renal conservation and urinary tract reconstruction. Ureteral tumours warrant at least the consideration of conservative management and renal autotrans plantation should be kept in mind as a legitimate urological procedure where simpler methods will not suffice.
Exploring the factorial structure of the EORTC QLQ-C30: Racial differences in measuring health-related quality of life in a sample of urban, older adults.

Objectives: To assess the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer’s 30-item Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) for use with a multiracial study population of adults. Methods: Adults aged 50 and older were randomly selected from patients who made at least one visit to the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan in 1998. Results: African American (n = 255) and White (n = 234) subsamples were separately subjected to exploratory factor analysis; each yielded seven factors with eigenvalues above 1.00, accounting for approximately 65% of the variance, although the factorial structures of the subsamples were different. Discussion: Participants were not screened for cancer or other illnesses, which may contribute to differences between the known scoring model and these results. Researchers are advised to conduct separate analyses on racial/ethnic groups and to supplement the QLQ-C30 with additional items pertinent to the populations being studied and/or the conceptual/theoretical par...
Transient infrared thermography for damage evaluation in aerospace composites

In this paper we investigate the performance of defect detection using long duration transient thermography for woven composite laminates subjected to low-velocity impacts. Two types of defects are studied: inclusions represented by foam tabs inserted into the laminate during fabrication and barely visible impact damage due to low-velocity impacts. These defects represent the expected damage states that are necessary for inspection during the service life of a woven composite aircraft component. The long duration transient thermography is demonstrated to successfully detect the embedded inclusions, with a dimension to depth ratio detection capability of approximately 3. It is also demonstrated that the detection of low velocity impact damage with the transient thermography is less successful due to uneven emissivity of the surface. Therefore, processing of the image using a self referencing algorithm is performed which improves the damage detection clarity.
COHERENT-STATE APPROACH TO TIME-REPARAMETRIZATION INVARIANT SYSTEMS

For many years, coherent states have been a useful tool for understanding fundamental questions in quantum mechanics. Recently, there has been work on developing a consistent way of including constraints into the phase space path integral that naturally arises in coherent-state quantization. This approach has many advantages over other approaches, including the lack of any Gribov problems, the independence of gauge fixing, and the ability to handle second-class constraints without any ambiguous determinants. In this paper, I use this approach to study some examples of time-reparametrization invariant systems, which are of special interest in the field of quantum gravity. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Variations Across Time in Acoustic and Electroglottographic Measures of Phonatory Function in Women With and Without Vocal Nodules

The purpose of this investigation was to identify variations over time in phonatory function of women with and without vocal nodules using acoustic and electroglottographic measures. Subjects were ...
Studies directed toward the total synthesis of tetronolide 1. An enantioselective synthesis of the octahydronaphthalene unit

Abstract An efficient enantioselective route to the octahydronaphthalene unit present in tetronolide ( 1 ), the stereochemically complex aglycone common to the tetrocarcins, a novel group of antitumor substances, is described. The sequence employs the intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction to control the relative stereochemistry present on the trans decalin ring system, and incorporates a masked acylating agent which should permit coupling of the two key fragments 2 and 3 as demonstrated by reaction of pentaene 4 with methanol and a model α-hydroxy ester.
Boiling Incipience in Plane Rotating Water Films

Knowledge of heat transfer in rotating liquid films is of paramount importance for evaluating the thermal efficiency of gas turbines with water-cooled blades. Centrifugal forces constitute the primary driving forces for liquids flowing in radial rotating channels. Coriolis forces, on the other hand, tend to thin out the flow in the form of a film that covers one side of the channel. Fully developed motion of the film is determined by a balance between centrifugal and shear forces. Thus, rotating film motion resembles that of a free-falling gravity-driven film since both are characterized by a balance between shear and body forces. However, Coriolis forces can strongly influence interfacial waves and turbulent velocity fluctuations of rotating films. This is evident from the results of Kirkpatrick (1980), who compared film thickness measurements for the cases of free-falling and rotating films. His data indicate profound waviness at higher Reynolds numbers for the case of gravity-driven films. On the other hand, interfacial waves in rotating films were found to stabilize at Reynolds numbers in excess of 8,000. This paper focuses on the effects of Coriolis forces and wall roughness on the convective heat transfer coefficient and the incipient boiling heat flux in thin rotatingmore » films.« less
Resistance factor: a structural engineering approach

A procedure is proposed for determining the value of the resistance factor for any selected limit state that is part of a building design. The approach is perhaps not new but a collection of previous disjoint publications that are based on limited mathematics and the value of the Bayesian decision-making methods. For that reason, it is called the structural engineering approach. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INSECT PROBLEMS OF PECAN SHELLING PLANTS AND THEIR RELATION TO INSECTS AND INSECT PARTS IN PROCESSED PECANS

SUMMARY–Factory studies were conducted to determine the incidence of various types of insect contaminants in inshell and shelled pecans and their significance as related to processing methods. Pecans may become infested in the field with primary and/or secondary insect pests and in the shelling plant by storage insects. Analytical results showed raw stock sorting by air separation to be ineffective for removing insect-infested inshell nuts. Insects and their fragments are present in cracked infested nuts and are largely removed by subsequent air separation procedures. During processing, Curculio caryae larvae are concentrated in the midget and small pecan pieces. Hand sorting under UV light was shown to be superior to other procedures for removal of curculio larvae from the finished product. Finished shelled pecan products contained relatively few insect fragments.
475 ESOPHAGEAL LENGTHS IN CHILDREN CORRELATE WITH HEIGHT: APPLICATION TO THE TUTTLE TEST WITHOUT PRIOR ESOPHAGEAL MANOMETRY

The Tuttle test in adults is highly sensitive in detecting gastroesophageal reflux (GER). A modification of this test as applied to children has been described.* To facilitate a more widespread application of this test in identifying GER, we undertook a two part study. Initially, 119 children, ages 3 weeks to 235 months, had esophageal length (EL) measured at manometric studies. EL was defined as the distance in cm from the lips or the nares to the pressure inversion point of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Correlation coefficients with body height (HT) in cm were 0.967 and 0.926 for respective oral and nares determinations, with regression equations of EL=6.7+0.226(HT) and EL= 5+0.252(HT). T test gave 95% within ±3.1 cm (oral) or ±4.1 cm (nares). Subsequently, 20 patients, ages 1 to 180 months, had manometrics and Tuttle tests. The pH probe was placed at 87% of EL - 3.1 or 4.1 cm, as appropriate. In all cases, this placement for the Tuttle test was higher above the LES than the usual procedure.* 8 patients had a positive test for GER using this method. In the remaining 12 with a negative study, repeating the test by the usual technique* reconfirmed a negative study in all 12. This data confirms a highly significant correlation between EL and HT and substantiates the feasibility of documenting GER by Tuttle test without prior manometry. *Euler, AR and Ament, ME: Pediatrics 60:65-68, 1977.
Toward an Integrated Understanding of Pesticide Use Intensity in Costa Rican Vegetable Farming

Understanding the factors that influence the adoption of synthetic pesticides has to date overshadowed explanations of variation in pesticide intensity. I conducted a survey of vegetable farmers in Northern Cartago and the Ujarras Valley, Costa Rica, in 2003–2004 with the goal of explaining differences in pesticide intensity with reference to socioeconomic, political economic, and agroecological characteristics and relationships. Using ordinary least squares regression models, this paper explores the factors that influence pesticide use intensity in potato and squash production. Results indicate that many variables strongly influence pesticide intensity, including variables related to the farmer, farm household, political-economic relationships, the biophysical environment, and agroecological relationships. Conclusions discuss the need for an integrated approach to adequately understand pesticide intensity and potential policy interventions including agroecological education and extension, increased enforcement of pesticide residue limits in the national market, and land reform to allow for longer fallow periods.
Prospective randomized double-blind study of atlas-based organ-at-risk autosegmentation-assisted radiation planning in head and neck cancer

Background and purpose Target volumes and organs-at-risk (OARs) for radiotherapy (RT) planning are manually defined, which is a tedious and inaccurate process. We sought to assess the feasibility, time reduction, and acceptability of an atlas-based autosegmentation (AS) compared to manual segmentation (MS) of OARs.
Compressed alkanes in reversible encapsulation complexes

Simple alkanes feature fully extended conformations as their lowest-energy shapes but can assume coiled, compressed conformations in small spaces. A series of normal alkanes, C(16) to C(19), were encapsulated in self-assembled, hydrogen-bonded complexes. Coiling of the longer alkanes was observed by NMR spectroscopy. The coiling exerts pressure on the interior; the hydrogen bonding seams are loosened, and rotation of the capsule's components occurs on the NMR timescale. The rotation results in interconversion of mirror-image capsule assemblies (racemization). The racemization rates were determined and shown to increase with the length of the alkane, the longer alkanes exerting more pressure. Free energies of activation for racemization were determined at the coalescence temperatures, and were ΔG‡ = 15.7, 16.7 and 17.2 kcal mol(-1) for C(19), C(18) and C(17), respectively. The shorter C(16) was encapsulated in its fully extended conformation, and does not seem to exert pressure inside the capsule.
Inhibition of Eukaryotic Translation Initiation by the Marine Natural Product Pateamine A

Translation initiation in eukaryotes is accomplished through the coordinated and orderly action of a large number of proteins, including the eIF4 initiation factors. Herein, we report that pateamine A (PatA), a potent antiproliferative and proapoptotic marine natural product, inhibits cap-dependent eukaryotic translation initiation. PatA bound to and enhanced the intrinsic enzymatic activities of eIF4A, yet it inhibited eIF4A-eIF4G association and promoted the formation of a stable ternary complex between eIF4A and eIF4B. These changes in eIF4A affinity for its partner proteins upon binding to PatA caused the stalling of initiation complexes on mRNA in vitro and induced stress granule formation in vivo. These results suggest that PatA will be a valuable molecular probe for future studies of eukaryotic translation initiation and may serve as a lead compound for the development of anticancer agents.
Mechanical loading stimulates dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) expression in osteocytes in vivo

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) was originally postulated to be dentin specific. Further analysis showed that DMP1 is also expressed in mature cartilage and bone. In bone tissue, DMP1 is expressed predominantly in late osteoblasts and osteocytes. DMP1 belongs to the SIBLING (Small Integrin Binding Ligand N-linked Glycoprotein) family of cellular matrix proteins that also includes osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, dentin sialophosphoprotein, and others. In this study, we examined the effect of mechanical loading on expression of DMP1 mRNA and DMP1 protein in alveolar bone in the mouse tooth movement model by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. The expression of DMP1 mRNA was determined quantitatively in mechanically loaded and control sites of dento-alveolar tissue at several time points from 6 h to 7 days after loading. The tooth movement model allows simultaneous evaluation of bone resorption and bone formation sites. Expression of DMP1 mRNA in osteocytes increased 2-fold as early as 6 h after treatment in both the bone formation and bone resorption sites. After 4 days, DMP1 expression in osteocytes increased to a maximum of 3.7-fold in the bone formation sites and 3.5-fold in the resorption sites. Osteoblasts responded in the opposite manner and showed a transient 45% decrease of DMP1 mRNA in bone formation sites and a constant decrease of DMP1 mRNA during the entire course of treatment in the bone resorption sites, with a peak inhibition of 67% at day 2. By immunocytochemistry using a C-terminal region peptide antibody to DMP1, we found that there was a transient decrease in immunoreactivity at 3 days after treatment on both the formation side and the resorption side compared with the matched contralateral control tissue. However by 7 days of loading, there was a dramatic increase in DMP1 protein immunoreactivity on both the formation side and the resorption side. These results represent changes in epitope availability using this antibody or true changes in protein levels. The observations imply that the DMP1 protein is undergoing dynamic changes in either synthesis or other protein/matrix interaction after mechanical loading of alveolar bone. The findings indicate that DMP1 is involved in the responses of osteocytes and osteoblasts to mechanical loading of bone. These results support the hypothesis that osteocytes alter their matrix microenvironment in response to mechanical loading.
Highly deformed nuclear shapes: Recent resutls from experiment and theory

This report discusses: the decay of superdeformed bands; a new result on identical bands; pairing in the second well; and evidence for vibrational excitation in the superdeformed well.
Reduced density matrices for valence‐bond wave functions

First and second-order reduced density matrices, and their eigenvalues and eigenvectors, have been obtained for resonating valence-bond wave functions for N-membered rings of atoms with one orbital site and one electron per atom (one-dimensional lattice system). Such a wave function offers a good description of the electron correlation which dominates behavior at very low electron density (large atomic spacing). Results are compared briefly with the amo model.
High Cancer Drug Prices in the United States: Reasons and Proposed Solutions

The increase in cancer drug prices in the last 15 years has many contributing factors and is harming our patients and our health care system. It represents to many cancer experts a crossing of a moral line between reasonable profits and profiteering, in a situation involving a human catastrophe: patients who have developed cancer, and who may die because they cannot afford the treatment. With typical out-of-pocket expenses of 20% to 30%, the financial burden of cancer treatment would be $20,000 to 30,000 a year, nearly half of the average annual household income in the United States. Many patients (estimated 10% to 20%) may decide not to take the treatment or may compromise significantly on the treatment plan. This difficult situation poses three relevant questions: (1) Are cancer drug prices too high? (2) Are they hurting patients and our health care system? and (3) Can we do something about it? The answer to each is affirmative. It is also our obligation as cancer doctors to keep patients from "harm and injustice." If high prices make drugs unaffordable and inaccessible, thus causing harm, then we should voice our concerns and advocate for solutions.
Multiple roll systems: Steady‐state operation

Roll coaters for applying liquid coating to continuous strip or web are, with some two-roll exceptions, systems of three or more rolls in which liquid passes through two or more gaps or nips between rolls. Yet most of the literature on roll coating is devoted to some of the 11 distinct flows in individual gaps or nips. This article analyzes how the final coated layer thickness in several types of forward roll transfer and reverse roll coating systems depends, at steady state, on the number of rolls, their speeds, the gaps between roll pairs, and the doctoring of recycle films from the rolls. The inputs to the analysis are elementary mass balances at the gaps, and simple gap performance equations that approximate well the available experimental and theoretical findings about flow rates and film-splits at individual gaps. The results are fundamentals-based means of understanding, comparing, predicting, and ultimately designing performance of multiple roll systems.
ECAP II-a new electronic circuit analysis program

ECAP II is a nonlinear d.c. and transient circuit analysis program capable of handling circuits larger than 1000 branches. It uses a free-format problem-oriented input language for describing the circuit parameters and topology. The program includes a nested model feature that permits the user to store in a model library circuit descriptions of devices, subcircuits, etc., for subsequent recall and insertion into larger circuits. Nonlinearities can be specified by means of tables, certain built-in functions such as the diode equation, and Fortran subroutines. All circuit elements can be made to depend on any current or voltage, on other circuit parameters, or on time itself. The user may specify which variables are to be printed out or plotted and what type of analysis is to be carried out. Diagnostics are provided to pinpoint errors in the input format and/or inconsistencies in the circuit description. A number of new mathematical and programming techniques are incorporated in the program, including sparse matrix storage and computation, dynamic storage allocation, and variable order implicit integration.
The Role of Couples' Interacting World Assumptions and Relationship Adjustment in Women's Postdisaster PTSD Symptoms

This study examined 58 heterosexual couples' interacting assumptions about the world and relationship adjustment in predicting wives' posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after severe flooding. Both partners completed the World Assumptions Scale (Janoff-Bulman, 1989), and wives reported on their intimate relationship adjustment and PTSD symptomatology. Neither husbands' nor wives' assumptions alone predicted wives' PTSD symptoms. However, the interaction of husbands' and wives' benevolent world assumptions significantly predicted wives' PTSD symptoms. When husbands held less benevolent world assumptions, there was a negative association between wives' assumptions and PTSD symptoms. Additionally, wives' relationship adjustment predicted their PTSD symptomatology when taking into account individual and interacting self-worth assumptions. Implications for understanding the role of intimate relationships in postdisaster mental health and interpersonally oriented prevention efforts are discussed.
Biomechanics of patellofemoral instability

Abstract The patellofemoral joint functions as a complex extensor apparatus with important biomechanical contributions provided by both articular contact and the surrounding soft tissues. The patella must remain relatively stable while tracking along the anterior and distal surfaces of the femur. If there is instability in the coronal plane (subluxation or dislocation) or around the caudocranial axis (tilt), then pain may result. Stability is maintained through the precise interaction of the patellofemoral articulating surfaces, passive and active soft-tissue restraints, and the alignment of the lower extremity. The purpose of this article is to review these biomechanical variables and how they relate to the treatment of patellofemoral instability.
PREDATION, HABITAT COMPLEXITY, AND VARIATION IN DENSITY‐DEPENDENT MORTALITY OF TEMPERATE REEF FISHES

Density dependence in demographic rates can strongly affect the dynamics of populations. However, the mechanisms generating density dependence (e.g., pr?dation) are also dynamic processes and may be influenced by local conditions. Understanding the manner in which local habitat features affect the occurrence and/or strength of density dependence will increase our understanding of population dynamics in heterogeneous environments. In this study I conducted two separate field experiments to investigate how local predator density and habitat complexity affect the occurrence and form of density-dependent mortality of juvenile rockfishes {Sebastes spp.). I also used yearly censuses of rockfish populations on nearshore reefs throughout central California to evaluate mortality of juvenile rockfish at large spatial scales. Manipulations of predators (juvenile bocaccio, S. paucispinus) and prey (kelp, gopher, and black-and-yellow (KGB) rockfish, Sebastes spp.) demonstrated that increasing the density of predators altered their functional response and thus altered patterns of density dependence in mortality of their prey. At low densities of predators, the number of prey consumed per predator was a decelerating function, and mortality of prey was inversely density dependent. However, at high densities of predators, the number of prey killed per predator became an accelerating response, and prey mortality was directly density dependent. Results of field experiments and large-scale surveys both indicated that the strength of density-dependent mortality may also be affected by the structural complexity of the habitat. In small-scale field experiments, increased habitat complexity increased the strength of density dependent mortality. However, at large scales, increasing complexity resulted in a decrease in the strength of density dependence. I suggest that these differences resulted from scale dependent changes in the predatory response that generated mortality. Whether increased habitat complexity leads to an increase or a decrease in the strength of density-dependent mortality may depend on how specific predatory responses (e.g., functional or aggregative) are altered by habitat complexity. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that rates of demographic density dependence and the resulting dynamics of local populations may largely depend upon attributes of the local habitat.
The quantifier complexity of polynomial‐size iterated definitions in first‐order logic

We refine the constructions of Ferrante-Rackoff and Solovay on iterated definitions in first-order logic and their expressibility with polynomial size formulas. These constructions introduce additional quantifiers; however, we show that these extra quantifiers range over only finite sets and can be eliminated. We prove optimal upper and lower bounds on the quantifier complexity of polynomial size formulas obtained from the iterated definitions. In the quantifier-free case and in the case of purely existential or universal quantifiers, we show that ( n= logn) quantifiers are necessary and sufficient. The last lower bounds are obtained with the aid of the Yao-H˚ astad switching lemma. Copyright line will be provided by the publisher
A class of polysulfide catholytes for lithium–sulfur batteries: energy density, cyclability, and voltage enhancement

Liquid-phase polysulfide catholytes are attracting much attention in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries as they provide a facile dispersion and homogeneous distribution of the sulfur active material in the conductive matrix. However, the organic solvents used in lithium–polysulfide (Li–PS) batteries play an important role and have an impact on the physico-chemical characteristics of polysulfides. For instance, significantly higher voltages (∼2.7 V) of the S/Sn2− (4 ≤ n ≤ 8) redox couple are observed in Li–PS batteries with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvents. Accordingly, high power Li–PS batteries are presented here with the catholyte prepared with NMP solvent and operated with the highly reversible sulfur/long-chain polysulfide redox couple. On the other hand, a remarkable cyclability enhancement of the Li–PS battery is observed with the long-chain, ether-based tetraglyme (TEGDME) solvent. The voltage enhancement and the cyclability enhancement of the Li–PS batteries are attributed to the solvation effect, viscosity, and volatility of the solvents. Finally, highly concentrated polysulfide catholytes are successfully synthesized, with which high energy density Li–PS batteries are demonstrated by employing a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) fabric electrode.
Evidence of a Novel Human Coronavirus That Is Associated with Respiratory Tract Disease in Infants and Young Children

Background. The etiological agents responsible for a substantial proportion of respiratory tract diseases have not been identified. We sought to determine whether novel human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are circulating in New Haven, Connecticut, and, if so, whether they are associated with respiratory tract disease in infants and young children. Methods. We developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approach for screening specimens from the respiratory tracts of symptomatic children. PCR probes that target regions of the replicase la gene that are conserved among genetically diverse animal CoVs and HCoVs were designed. Using these probes, we identified genomic sequences of a novel HCoV, designated New Haven coronavirus (HCoV-NH). Thereafter, we designed specific probes to screen respiratory specimens from children <5 years old for this novel HCoV. Clinical features associated with HCoV-NH infection were identified. Results. Seventy-nine (8.8%) of 895 children tested positive for HCoV-NH. Cough, rhinorrhea, tachypnea, fever, abnormal breath sounds, and hypoxia were the most common findings associated with HCoV-NH infection. Sequence analysis revealed that HCoV-NH is closely related to a novel HCoV recently reported in The Netherlands. Conclusions. The novel HCoVs identified in New Haven and The Netherlands are similar and likely represent the same species. This newly discovered virus may have worldwide distribution and may account for a significant proportion of respiratory tract disease in infants and young children.
The economic impact of vocal attrition in public school teachers in Miami-Dade County

Objectives/Hypothesis Teachers are a known at-risk population for voice disorders. The prevalence and risk factors for voice disorders have been well studied in this population, but little is known about the associated economic cost. The purpose of this study is to assess the economic impact of voice dysfunction in teachers and understand the difference between the cost of absenteeism and presenteeism as a direct result of voice dysfunction. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis via self-administered online questionnaire. Methods A total of 14,256 public school teachers from Miami-Dade County, Florida, were asked to participate. Questions were formatted based on the previously validated Work Productivity and Activity Impairment: Specific Health Problem questionnaire adapted for hoarseness and voice disorders. Additional demographic questions were included in the questionnaire. Results A total of 961 questionnaire responses were received. The demographic characteristics of respondents closely matched known statistics for public school teachers in Miami-Dade County. Economic calculations were performed for each questionnaire respondent and summed for all respondents to avoid bias. Per week, absenteeism-related costs were $25,000, whereas presenteeism-related costs were approximately $300,000. These figures were used to extrapolate annual cost. Per year, absenteeism-related costs were $1 million, whereas presenteeism-related costs were approximately $12 million. Conclusion The economic impact of voice dysfunction on the teaching profession is enormous. With the above calculations only including lost wages and decreased productivity, the actual figures may in fact be larger (cost of substitute teachers, impact on nonwork activities, etc.). Research investigating preventative measures for voice dysfunction in teachers is necessary to reduce this costly issue. Level of Evidence 2C. Laryngoscope, 126:665–671, 2016
Engineering Ethics and Political Imagination

Recent attempts by American colleges and universities to teach ethics for scientists and engineers deserve strong praise. They represent a shift away from the idea that questions about ethics and morality are best left to humanists or to elder statesmen of science, a recognition that such matters ought to be an important part of education in the technical professions. One can hope that through these efforts a new generation of men and women will obtain a firm grounding in the ethical aspects of their vocations early enough to make a difference.
Rivals, or a Team? Competitive Advisory Institutions and the Obama Administration

During the 2008 campaign, the phrase “team of rivals” – drawn from Doris Kearns Goodwin’s (2005) description of Abraham Lincoln’s management style - became shorthand for a model of bipartisan, responsible staffing and governance. It encompassed both Barack Obama’s stated willingness to open his advising channels to all comers as well as, negatively, the purported “bubble” that protected George W. Bush from dissonant advice. Yet despite the large literature on presidential staffing there was little scrutiny of whether and how a “team of rivals” model would provide the positive effects Obama assumed. Was it a good idea? How should an administration be structured, for the optimum flow of advice, without overload? This paper discusses these questions, in an admittedly preliminary way, with reference to historical practice and the first six months of the Obama administration.
Endophyte Infection Levels of Native and Naturalized Fescues in Illinois and England

SPYREAS, G., D.J. GIBSON, AND M.A. BASINGER. (Department of Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901). Endophyte infection levels of native and naturalized fescues in Illinois and England. J. Torrey Bot. Soc. 128:25-34. 2001.-Fungal endophytes are thought to play a major role in the ecology of many cool-season grasses. However, the frequency of endophyte infection in the wild remains poorly known. Populations of wild fescues were tested for systemic fungal endophyte infection by taking samples from four native or naturalized species throughout southern Illinois (Festuca arundinacea, F. rubra, F. obtusa, and F. paradoxa), and one of these species (F. arundinacea) from native populations in England. The two grasses native to southern Illinois (F. obtusa and F. paradoxa) were highly infected (mean infection of 91 % and 100 %, respectively). The introduced grass F. rubra was uninfected. Festuca arundinacea showed variable levels of infection among populations in both southern Illinois and England (71 % and 64 %, respectively). The role of endophytes in natural systems is contingent upon infection levels that appear to vary widely among these four species. Furthermore, the use of agricultural cultivars may differentially affect infection levels of naturalized plants.
Determination of Trackball and End Effector Diameters in Laparoscopic Tools

As part of a continuous effort of reaching the optimal use of the intuitool, a study was conducted to identify the optimal diameter combination between the trackball and the end effector ball. The task was to simulate the end effector movement during an operation, using different diameter combinations. Twenty students performed the trackball-controlling tasks to move the end effector from an initial position to designated circular-shaped targets. The trackball diameters were 19 mm and 40 mm, and those of the end effector balls were 3 mm, 5 mm, and 10 mm. There were four targets: right, left, up, and down. Travel time, accuracy, and trail deviation were measured as independent variables. Accuracy was not a significant factor showing that all participants followed instructions to reach each target as accurately as possible. The time to reach the target depended both on target location and trackball to end effector ratio individually and in their interaction. It was quickest to get to the upper target compar...
When our body clocks run late: does it make us depressed?

A sudden rush of newly-published research has given us much more understanding of what it means to be an “evening person” or “night owl”. An evening person feels more alert as evening arrives, may have trouble getting to sleep at a normal bedtime, and may have trouble getting up in the morning. The contrast is a “morning person” who wakes up early rather easily, is energetic in the morning, and becomes more fatigued as the day goes on, perhaps having trouble staying awake to read or to watch television before bedtime. Extreme morning-person hours seemed typical and healthy a century and more ago. Before artificial light became convenient, it seemed natural for people to fall asleep within a few hours after sunset and to arise about dawn, as their farm animals do (1). Today, people at either extreme of the morningness-eveningness spectrum may complain of sleep disorders and seek medical help.
Alternative Wastewater Collection and Conveyance Systems for Decentralized Applications

Wastewaters generated in a building typically flow out of the building in drainage piping which is connected to a sewer system that leads to the site(s) where treatment and discharge or reuse can occur. For decentralized infrastructure situations where there are multiple buildings or sources in lower density developments, alternative sewer systems can be used. This chapter describes the features and principles and processes of four major alternatives: septic tank effluent gravity (STEG) and pressure sewers (STEP), grinder pump sewers, and vacuum sewers. This chapter then describes the design and implementation of STEG and STEP systems due to their widespread usage within decentralized infrastructure.
Measurement-based models for wide-area control design in the future power grid

Wide-area control design is one of the main challenges in moving toward a self-healing power grid. Historically, controls in power system were designed and operated using component-based models derived from linearizing nonlinear differential equations governing the system. With recent trends toward deployment of renewable distributed generation and introduction of new types of loads and various load controls, power system models are becoming increasingly inadequate for representing the system. Therefore, a measurement-based model, estimated online directly from the measurements, can serve as a good complement to conventional models. In this paper, we proposed a new wide-area control framework using online model-identification to improve the small signal stability. Based on model validation studies, three cases of common model inaccuracies were considered to compare component-based and measurement-based models for control design purpose. Our simulation results on Kundurs two-area test system illustrates that a control designed solely using component-based models fails to provide the expected performance due to model inaccuracies that are hidden to system operators in real-time. The proposed wide-area control confirms the benefits of control design using measurement-based models.