cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risk of AIDS increases in children aged 2 years and older with CD4 T cell percentage less than 15

Abstract Question What is the short-term risk of disease progression in children infected perinatally with HIV-1? Study design Meta-analysis. Main results Eight cohort studies and nine randomized controlled trials in 3941 children infected perinatally with HIV-1 were identified. The risk of AIDS or death increased across all age groups with decreasing CD4 T cell percentage (CD4%). Children aged ≤2 years had the most pronounced increase in risk within 12 months with decreasing CD4% compared with children aged 5 to 10 years (CD4% 1 at which probability of death increases: 20% to 25% for children aged 6 months to 2 years vs. 10% to 15% for children aged 5 to 10 years; CD4% at which probability of AIDS increases: 25% to 30% for children aged 6 months to 2 years vs. 12% to 20% for children aged 5 to 10 years). Risk of disease progression increased with increasing viral load although the correlation was more gradual compared with CD4%. Authors’ conclusions Risk of disease progression in children infected with HIV-1 is strongly associated with low CD4%, particularly in children aged ≤2 years.
Radiolytic synthesis of polyaniline nanofibers: A new templateless pathway

A templateless method for the synthesis of polyaniline nanofibers and nanorods is reported which is based on gamma irradiation of aqueous solutions of aniline in the presence of an initiator.
COMPARISON OF PARAMETRIC AND NON-PARAMETRIC SURVIVAL METHODS USING SIMULATED CLINICAL DATA

We derived three parametric survival models (the log-normal, log logit, and Weibull) from the clinical data of chemotherapy trials for stage II breast cancer. We then used these models to generate simulated survival data, which we analysed using both parametric (log-normal) and non-parametric (logrank, Gray-Tsiatis and Laska-Meisner) methods. With limited follow-up (5 years), the non-parametric tests had greater power than the log-normal model. This advantage diminished, however, with extended follow-up (15 years). Furthermore, only the log-normal model could distinguish reliably a survival advantage due to an increase in cured fraction from an advantage due to an increase in time to failure.
Oxygen atom transfer reactions. 3. The crystal structures of Ni(NO2)2dppe and [Ni(ONO)(NO)dppe]2

Abstract The crystal and molecular structures of Ni(NO2)2dppe·CH2Cl2 and [Ni(ONO)(NO)dppe]2 (dppe = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Ni(NO2)2dppe crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with four molecules in a unit cell of dimensions α = 11.880(6) A, b = 15.191(8) A, c = 17.162(6) A and β = 108.79(4)°. The structure consists of discrete Ni(NO2)2dppe molecules well separated from solvent molecules. The square planar geometry about nickel is defined by the two phosphorus and two nitrogen atoms to which it is bonded. The P(1)NiP(2) angle of the chelating dppe is 86.3(1)° and the N(1)NiN(2) angle of the N-bonded nitro groups is 88.5(4)°. The nitro groups are approximately perpendicular to the square plane about nickel. Important interatomic distances are NiP(1) = 2.178(3) A, NiP(2) = 2.182(4) A, Ni-N(1) = 1.864(12) A, and Ni-N(2) = 1.916(10) A. [Ni(ONO)(NO)dppe]2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with two molecules in a unit cell of dimensions α = 15.528(11) A, b = 11.897(7) A, c = 15.023(13) A, and β = 110.71(5)°. The structure consists of dimers bridged by two dppe ligands which form a ten-membered ring with the nickel atoms. The nickel atoms have distorted tetrahedral geometry with P(1)NiP(2) = 112.4(1) and O(2)NiN(1) = 140.0(4)°. The NO2 group is bonded to nickel through one oxygen atom (NiO(N), 2.123(12) A. The NiNO angle of the nitrosyl group is 153.4(8)°. Important interatomic distances are NiP(1) = 2.271(4) A. Ni-P(2) = 2.251(3) A, and NiN(O) = 1.664(9) A. While the crystal structure shows this complex to be a dimer in the solid state, molecular weight determinations indicate that it is monomeric in solution.
The Design and Testing of a Low-Cost, Globally-Manufacturable, Multi-Speed Mobility Aid Designed for Use on Varied Terrain in Developing and Developed Countries

Mobility aids that are currently available in developing countries do not fully meet users’ needs. People require a device that is maneuverable within the home and that can travel long distances on rough roads. To address this problem, we have designed the Leveraged Freedom Chair (LFC), a wheelchair-based mobility aid capable of navigating virtually any terrain by optimally utilizing upper body power for propulsion through a variable-speed lever drivetrain. The lever system achieves a 4:1 change in mechanical advantage, equating to leverage that ranges from 0.42X to 1.65X a standard wheelchair hand rim. In comparative trials, the LFC demonstrated capabilities that far exceed those of any mobility aid currently available in the developing world; it was able to cruise on smooth surfaces at 2m/s (5mph), climb muddy, grassy hills with a 1:3 slope, and navigate terrain with a coefficient of rolling resistance as high as 0.48. This operational flexibility should make the LFC usable on any terrain, from rural walking paths to tight indoor confines, and greatly increase the mobility of people with disabilities in developing countries. The LFC may also be attractive to wheelchair users in developed countries, as its performance breadth exceeds that of currently available products.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Interchain Cross-Linking of DNA Mediated by the Principal Adduct of Acrolein

A DNA duplex containing the primary acrolein adduct, 3-(2-deoxy-β-d-erythro-pentofuranosyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-8-hydroxypyrimido[1,2-a]purin-10(3H)-one (2), of deoxyguanosine in a 5‘-CpG sequence context spontaneously but reversibly formed an interchain cross-link with the exocyclic amino group of deoxyguanosine in the opposing chain. The linkage was sufficiently stable that the cross-linked duplex could be isolated by HPLC and characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Enzymatic degradation gave bis-nucleoside 6, which was independently prepared by direct reaction of 2 with dGuo.
The decision to take hormone replacement therapy among women with disabilities.

Whereas making decisions during menopause can be challenging for all women, those with physical impairments face special issues with respect to menopause in general and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in particular. In this correlational study, the authors explored the factors such women consider when making decisions about HRT. One hundred sixty-seven women with physical impairments throughout the United States completed surveys concerning their attitudes and knowledge about HRT. Approximately half the menopausal women were currently taking HRT. The strongest predictor of HRT use was women’s perceptions of their health care providers’ opinions about their taking HRT, combined with their motivation to comply with the provider’s recommendation. This finding points to the significant role that nurses and other health care providers play in assisting women to make informed health care choices during menopause.
Fine mapping of a QTL on chromosome 13 for submaximal exercise capacity training response: the HERITAGE Family Study

Although regular exercise improves submaximal aerobic capacity, there is large variability in its response to exercise training. While this variation is thought to be partly due to genetic differences, relatively little is known about the causal genes. Submaximal aerobic capacity traits in the current report include the responses of oxygen consumption (ΔVO260), power output (ΔWORK60), and cardiac output (ΔQ60) at 60% of VO2max to a standardized 20-week endurance exercise training program. Genome-wide linkage analysis in 475 HERITAGE Family Study Caucasians identified a locus on chromosome 13q for ΔVO260 (LOD = 3.11). Follow-up fine mapping involved a dense marker panel of over 1,800 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a 7.9-Mb region (21.1–29.1 Mb from p-terminus). Single-SNP analyses found 14 SNPs moderately associated with both ΔVO260 at P ≤ 0.005 and the correlated traits of ΔWORK60 and ΔQ60 at P < 0.05. Haplotype analyses provided several strong signals (P < 1.0 × 10−5) for ΔVO260. Overall, association analyses narrowed the target region and included potential biological candidate genes (MIPEP and SGCG). Consistent with maximal heritability estimates of 23%, up to 20% of the phenotypic variance in ΔVO260 was accounted for by these SNPs. These results implicate candidate genes on chromosome 13q12 for the ability to improve submaximal exercise capacity in response to regular exercise. Submaximal exercise at 60% of maximal capacity is an exercise intensity that falls well within the range recommended in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and thus has potential public health relevance.
Synthesis of 5-Mercaptocytosine Nucleosides and Nucleotides

Abstract The synthesis of a series of new nucleosides and nucleotides, including ribo-, 2-deoxyribo- and arabinofuranosides of 5-sulfur-substituted cytosines, is described. The synthetic methods employed involve 5-thiolation of the appropriate cytosine or 5-bromocytosine nucleosides and nucleotides, or alternatively, 4-thiation followed by amination of the corresponding protected 5-(S-benzyl)mercaptouracil nucleosides and subsequent deblocking with sodium and liquid ammonia.
Multiple modes of photodynamic action by cercosporin.

— Cercosporin, one of a number of 4,9-dihydroxyperylene-3,10-quinones synthesized by plant pathogenic fungi, abundantly produces singlet oxygen when illuminated in solution. Singlet oxygen production is substantially decreased and superoxide production is greatly enhanced in the presence of the reducing agents ergothioneine (2-thiol-L-histidine betaine) or urate. Both ergothioneine and urate enhance superoxide production at a rate approximately 25-fold that elicited by an equimolar amount of methionine, the agent that is traditionally used in such assays. Such ‘switching’ in production of different active oxygen species under different environmental conditions may be of significance in biological processes, in this case host cell killing by the plant pathogen.
Logistics Value: Definition, Process and Measurement

Most logistics professionals and academics agree that logistics is an essential function within business. Furthermore, there has been a trend over the last few years to consider logistics as a process that creates value. While the terms value and value‐added have experienced popular usage, they are neither clearly defined nor accurately measured. A primary goal of this article is to clarify these definitions, in the context of how value is created by logistics. Based on empirical research, definitions of value and value‐added are suggested that are founded upon and related to the perspectives of practicing managers. Following a brief literature review, details are provided about the objectives and methodology of the research that was conducted. Last, managerial implications and the key messages for both logistics managers and researchers are presented.
Strain control of magnetocrystalline anisotropy and energy product of MnGa alloys

Abstract We investigate the energy product of MnGa alloys as function of Mn concentration and applied elastic strain. Using the density functional theory (DFT) based method we calculated the magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MAE) and magnetization of Mn–Ga alloys as function of composition, e.g. Mn and Ga, and examined their variation under applied strain. Our calculations show that MAE is very large ~22–27 M erg/cm 3 in all three considered compositions, e.g. MnGa, Mn 3 Ga and Mn 1.66 Ga. We show that MAE is very robust in MnGa system and remains large in wide range of concentrations and strains both compressive and tensile. We find that bi-axial tensile strain increases MAE in Mn 1.66 Ga alloys. Our study shows that the variation of MAE as function of Mn content is related to the change in electronic structure and, specifically, the Fermi level position with electron population variation. We estimated the theoretical limit of the energy product (BH) max of MnGa, Mn 3 Ga and Mn 1.66 Ga alloys as 23.65, 4.06 and 13.64 MGOe, respectively. We find that volume expansion of the MnGa alloys (by appropriate doping) should increase the magnetization and the energy product of these alloys.
Trends in Chemical Information Literacy and Collection Development, 2000–2009

This review covers major trends in the field of chemical information over the past ten years and how they influenced information literacy and collection development practices of chemical information specialists. Particular attention is given to changes in information literacy and discovery practices as they relate to developments in chemical information resources, the integration of various resources online, and the creation of information literacy standards in the 2000s. Also, changes in licensing and purchasing for online resources as they relate to pricing models, ownership, platform, and distribution are discussed as major influences to new collection development practices.
Azide groups in high oxidation state Mn carboxylate chemistry: a new Mn11 complex and its conversion to a Mn25 azide complex with Me3SiN3

A new high oxidation state Mn(III/IV)(11) carboxylate complex has been prepared and then converted to a Mn(II/III)(25) azide/carboxylate cluster with Me(3)SiN(3); the Mn(25) product is the initial example of a higher oxidation state Mn azide complex not stabilized by any chelate ligands.
Fingerprint data acquisition, desmearing, wavelet feature extraction, and identification

In this paper, we present (1) a design concept of a fingerprint scanning system that can reject severely blurred inputs for retakes and then de-smear those less blurred prints. The de-smear algorithm is new and is based on the digital filter theory of the lossless QMF (quadrature mirror filter) subband coding. Then, we present (2) a new fingerprint minutia feature extraction methodology which uses a 2D STAR mother wavelet that can efficiently locate the fork feature anywhere on the fingerprints in parallel and is independent of its scale, shift, and rotation. Such a combined system can achieve high data compression to send through a binary facsimile machine that when combined with a tabletop computer can achieve the automatic finger identification systems (AFIS) using today's technology in the office environment. An interim recommendation for the National Crime Information Center is given about how to reduce the crime rate by an upgrade of today's police office technology in the light of the military expertise in ATR.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Review of the Use and Implementation of Science Field Trips.

Field trips have become a popular component of many nonformal science education programs. Teachers, principals and parents typically value the field trip experience. They support the periodic use of this nonformal learning experience for its affective benefits with the assumption that cognitive gains are also achieved. But is this belief supported with accurate accounts of cognitive and affective improvements? This review begins with a brief historical view of field trips, summarizes various studies of the implementation of science field trips, and provides suggestions for integrating field trips into the science curriculum.
Identification of Some Novel Cyclopenta-Fused Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Ethylene Flames

Abstract The product suite of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) produced in typical hightemperature (1300–1700K) fuel-rich flames is characterized by the abundance of peripherally-fused cyclopenta-PAH (CP-PAH), the most prominent of which are acenaphthylene (C12H8) and cyclopenta[cd]pyrene (C18H10). Although many other CP-PAH are thought to be present, their structural elucidation has been contingent on the availability of synthetic reference standards, and this has hindered their positive identification in flames. Previous studies using synthetic standards have resulted in the identification of a limited number of other CP-PAH including cyclopent[hi]acephenanthrylene, cyclopent[hi]aceanthrylene and all three isomeric dicyclopentapyrenes. In this work, we report the identification in ethylene flames of three additional CP-PAH, benzo[ghi]cyclopenta[cd]perylene, cyclopenta[bc]coronene and cyclopenta[cd]fluoranthene. Their positive identification was made possible by the availability of reference quanti...
Prenatal infection, maternal immune activation, and risk for schizophrenia

A body of epidemiological literature has suggested an association between prenatal infection, subsequent maternal immune activation (MIA), and later risk of schizophrenia. These epidemiological studies have inspired preclinical research using rodent and primate models of prenatal infection and MIA. The findings from these preclinical studies indicate that severe infection and immune activation during pregnancy can negatively impact offspring brain development and impair adult behavior. This review aims to summarize the major epidemiological and preclinical findings addressing the connection between prenatal infection and immune activation and later risk of developing schizophrenia, as well as the more limited literature addressing the mechanisms by which this gestational insult might affect offspring neurodevelopment. Finally, directions for future research will be discussed.
Agenda Building, Source Selection, and Health News at Local Television Stations A Nationwide Survey of Local Television Health Reporters

This nationwide study of local television news health reporters examined health and medical newsgathering from the reporters’perspective. Data from this study revealed significant insight into how ...
Influences of quality grade, external fat level, and degree of doneness on beef steak fatty acids

Abstract Fatty acid profiles of lean tissue of longissimus steaks from U.S. quality grades, Prime, Choice, and Select, were determined for two external fat treatments—0.64 and 0.0 cm of remaining external fat—and four degrees of doneness—raw, rare (55°C), medium (70°C), and well (80°C). Few significant differences were found when steaks were cooked with 0.64 cm external fat remaining compared to steaks cooked without external fat for percentage extractable fat, fat retention, individual fatty acid composition, and percentages of saturated, monounsaturated, or polyunsaturated fatty acids. As steaks were cooked to advanced degrees of doneness, percentage of extractable fat generally increased regardless of external fat treatment. As anticipated, steaks from the Prime quality grade carcasses generally had more fat than did steaks from the Choice quality grade carcasses, and steaks from the Choice carcasses usually had more fat than did steaks from the Select quality grade carcasses. The results indicated that external trim level and degree of doneness influenced the amount of fat in steaks, but did not alter the fatty acid composition of cooked steaks.
Evidence for the abstractive encoding of superficial position information in visual patterns

When presented a series of patterns inside a frame, subjects unintentionally retained information concerning the frame-relative location of the elements composing the patterns; they could use this superficial information to estimate the frequency with which the elements occurred at various locations within the frame. There were two aspects of the results that supported the hypothesis that this superficial element-location information was abstractively encoded and, therefore, retrievable independent of the patterns comprising the elements: (1) Correlations between actual and estimated frequency remained significant after the effects of pattern recall were partialled out, and (2) correlations were enhanced by assuming that the frequency estimate for each location was affected by the imprecise coding of position for elements falling in surrounding locations. Additional experiments indicated that an orienting task emphasizing pattern recall resulted in very inaccurate estimation of element-location frequency, and intentional instructions improved the precision of position coding for individual elements.
Narrow-Spectrum Inhibitors of Campylobacter jejuni Flagellar Expression and Growth

Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of food-borne illness due to its ability to reside within the gastrointestinal tracts of chickens. Multiple studies have identified the flagella of C. jejuni as a major determinant of chicken colonization. An inhibitor screen of approximately 147,000 small molecules was performed to identify compounds that are able to inhibit flagellar expression in a reporter strain of C. jejuni. Several compounds that modestly inhibited motility of wild-type C. jejuni in standard assays were identified, as were a number of small molecules that robustly inhibited C. jejuni growth, in vitro. Examination of similar bacterial screens found that many of these small molecules inhibited only the growth of C. jejuni. Follow-up assays demonstrated inhibition of other strains of C. jejuni and Campylobacter coli but no inhibition of the closely related Helicobacter pylori. The compounds were determined to be bacteriostatic and nontoxic to eukaryotic cells. Preliminary results from a day-of-hatch chick model of colonization suggest that at least one of the compounds demonstrates promise for reducing Campylobacter colonization loads in vivo, although further medicinal chemistry may be required to enhance bioavailability.
Control of the mechanical properties of metal-ceramic interfaces through interfacial reactions

Abstract The use of interfacial reactions to control the structure and shear strength of metal-ceramic interfaces was studied in the NiO-Pt system. Interfaces were formed by hot1pressing together thin NiO single crystals and thick Pt polycrystalline films. Suitable choice of the annealing temperature, time and oxygen partial pressure allowed the introduction at the interface of a layer of either an intermetallic compound NiPt with thickness between 1 and 65 nm or a Ni-Pt solid solution.The shear strength of the NiO-Pt interface with and without the different interlayers present was measured by the periodic cracking method. Compared to its originally hot pressed state the shear strength of the NiO-Pt interface was increased by a factor of at least 4 by the presence of the NiPt and by ∼10 by the solid solution. The use of interfacial reactions to control interfacial strength may also be applicable in other metal-ceramic systems where the metal and the cation form intermetallic compounds, and where the oxidation potentials of the metal and the cation are significantly different.
The relation of radiosensitivity of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma to DNA ploidy

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the radiosensitivity of T1, N0, M0 squamous cell carcinomas of the hypopharynx treated solely with external beam radiation. Materials and Methods: Nuclear DNA content and cell cycle kinetics of 29 archival paraffin-embedded specimens suitable for interpretation were analyzed with an ELITE flow cytometer (Coulter Diagnostics, Opa Locka, FL). Results: In the radiosensitive group with no evidence of disease for 36 months, 86% of the tumors were diploid and 14% were aneuploid. The mean DNA index for this group was 1.02. In the radioresistant group, with recurrence within 36 months, 80% of the tumors were aneuploid, and 20% were diploid. The mean DNA index for this group was 1.32. Conclusions: The findings could have clinical significance because if aneuploidy occurs in an early hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, the clinician might select surgical resection over radiation therapy.
Partial amino acid sequence analysis of rabbit MHC class II molecules isolated from two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels

Abstract Partial N -terminal amino acid sequence analyses were performed on rabbit MHC class II molecules eluted from 2-D electrophoretic gels. Rabbit spleen cells were biosynthetically labelled with 3 H-phenylalanine, 3 H-tyrosine and 35 S-methionine and class II molecules were immunoprecipitated with a monoclonal antibody, 2C4. The immunoprecipitates were electrophoresed on 2-D gels and as many as 15 spots were observed. Individual spots corresponding to alpha and beta chains were eluted from unfixed gels following visualization of the spots by autoradiography of 35 S-Met labelled polypeptides. Ten eluted polypeptides were subjected to amino acid sequence analysis to locate Phe and Tyr residues. Comparison of these partial sequences with sequences of human class II molecules indicated that each of six beta chains and three of four alpha chains were homologous to human DQ molecules; one of the alpha chains appeared homologous to DRα or DPα. The assignment of α or β chain to the polypeptides was confirmed by radiosequence of molecules labelled with 35 S-Cys residues. Thus, by a relatively simple procedure, individual MHC class II polypeptides in spleen cell lysates have been separated from each other and partial amino acid sequences have been obtained.
Does inhibition spread in a manner analogous to spreading activation

Two experiments explored limited capacity inhibitory selective attention processes in working memory. Experiment 1 used a modified Sternberg-type 'short-term memory scanning' task, where both irrelevant and relevant memory-set words were included to see if an inhibitory fan effect operated on lexical associates of the should-be-ignored (irrelevant) words. Experiment 2 used a 'negative priming' task, where a target letter to be named was flanked by one, two, or three distractor letters to see if an inhibitory fan effect operated on the should-be-ignored letters. Results from both experiments supported the existence of a limited capacity spreading inhibition counterpart to spreading activation. The findings were discussed in terms of a model recently proposed by Neumann and DeSchepper (1991; 1992) in which two selective attention subprocesses (one excitatory and one inhibitory) in the brain each maximise opposed functions within their respective resource limitations in working memory.
Robots and the Internet of Things

As physical objects connect over information-exchange networks, new abstractions and design tools are needed. This is particularly true when the physical objects move and act in the world, e.g., robots. We will discuss some of the fundamental challenges and opportunities that present themselves when robots connect on a large scale, taking us from an internet with things, to an Internet of Things.
Efficient quantum trajectory representation of wavefunctions evolving in imaginary time.

The Boltzmann evolution of a wavefunction can be recast as imaginary-time dynamics of the quantum trajectory ensemble. The quantum effects arise from the momentum-dependent quantum potential – computed approximately to be practical in high-dimensional systems – influencing the trajectories in addition to the external classical potential [S. Garashchuk, J. Chem. Phys. 132, 014112 (2010)]. For a nodeless wavefunction represented as ψ(x, t) = exp ( − S(x, t)/ℏ) with the trajectory momenta defined by ∇S(x, t), analysis of the Lagrangian and Eulerian evolution shows that for bound potentials the former is more accurate while the latter is more practical because the Lagrangian quantum trajectories diverge with time. Introduction of stationary and time-dependent components into the wavefunction representation generates new Lagrangian-type dynamics where the trajectory spreading is controlled improving efficiency of the trajectory description. As an illustration, different types of dynamics are used to compute ze...
Segregation to static and migrating diffuse antiphase boundaries

Abstract Solute segregation to antiphase boundaries (APBs) in long-range ordered alloys and its effects on antiphase domain coarsening kinetics have been investigated theoretically, and calculations have been carried out to model the structure and properties of APBs in B2-ordered FeAl alloys. Equilibrium segregation was studied by using the continuum diffuse-interface model of Cahn and Hilliard to calculate profiles of order parameter and composition, as well as interfacial free energy. The migration kinetics of APBs with segregation have been investigated theoretically for the low-velocity regime. A differential equation describing concentration deviations from the equiibrium profile is derived, and approximate solutions to the equation are determined to predict segregation profiles for migrating APBs in FeAl alloys. Measurements of domain coarsening kinetics in FeAl alloys are presented for a temperature range in which segregation was predicted theoretically. A marked slowing of domain coarsening kinetics in this range was observed.
Nature and Scope of Rugina's Social Economics

Anghel Rugina has written extensively on several topics of interest to social economists. Many of his ideas seem to have been influenced by his education and experiences first in Romania and then in Germany, where he did post‐doctoral work with Walter Eucken. In 1950 he emigrated to the United States where he taught at three different universities. His published works reveal a fascination for, but not an entirely sympathetic or uncritical view of, the writings of Walras, Marx and Keynes (among others). Eucken was a source of inspiration for him and it was probably during Rugina's association with Eucken at the University of Freibrug i.Br. during 1944–1948 that what Rugina later called “a new research programme” was conceived.
The impact of antenna orientation on wireless sensor network performance

In this paper, we investigate the impact of antenna orientation on the performance of wireless sensor networks. In the experiments conducted using Crossbow MicaZ motes we realized that the antenna orientation has a significant impact on the received signal strength (RSSI). It thus becomes important to incorporate the effects on RSSI due to variations in antenna orientations while performing simulations and analyzing the performance of wireless sensor networks. We have successfully validated the experimental results with an analytical model. The significant deviations have been explained based on other factors that affect the performance of wireless sensor networks, viz. mulitpath, interference etc. However, it must be noticed that we do not generalize the results obtained, as it depends upon the type of antenna used, and in our case, it is a quarter wavelength tilt and swivel antenna that is usually used for MicaZ sensor motes. In order to determine the routing path from one node to the other, we propose Distance and Orientation based Protocol for Energy conservation, or in short DOPE. Using this protocol, the data is routed based on the least energy consuming path. Matlab simulation of sensor network yields that if the data is routed from one node to the other based on antenna orientation consideration, a lot of energy (on an average 30 percent) can be saved as compared to the networks where antenna orientation is not taken into consideration.
Peripheral Blood Gene Expression Identifies Damage-Associated Innate Immune Pathways in Patients With Primary Graft Dysfunction After Lung Transplantation

s S135 exist, mostly with a restrictive pulmonary function. Those patients have been denominated as having restrictive CLAD and in general show poor survival. It is unknown which factors may predict survival at diagnosis of rCLAD. Methods: All patients diagnosed with rCLAD between 2007 and 08/2014 have been assessed in retrospect and parameters have been collected at the moment of diagnosis and the impact of the collected parameters has been assessed on survival using both unadjusted and adjusted analysis (SAS 9.1). Results: During the study period, 33 patients have been diagnosed with rCLAD with a median survival of 324 days. Unadjusted analysis showed that infiltrates in lower lobe or diffuse infiltrates (p= 0.0052), elevated CRP (p= 0.0012), acute onset (p= 0.0019), lymphocytic bronchiolitis on concomittant transbronchial biopsy (TBB) (p= 0.014), BAL eosinophils ≥ 2% (p= 0.0009) and elevated BAL neutrophils (p= 0.012) were associated with a worse survival after diagnosis, while native lung disease, gender, age at diagnosis, previous BOS, type of transplant, post-operative day of CLAD diagnosis, presence of anti-HLA antibodies, Aspergillus growth, CLAD stage at diagnosis, FVC/FVC best at diagnosis, acute rejection on concommitant TBB did not influence survival after diagnosis. Adjusted analysis showed that acute onset (p= 0.038), BAL eosinophils ≥ 2% (p= 0.020) and BAL neutrophilia (p= 0.033) were the determinants with the strongest association with survival after rCLAD diagnosis. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates that BAL differential cell count and an acute onset of rCLAD were associated with a shorter survival time after rCLAD diagnosis.
Continuity of injective basis separating maps

Abstract We prove that certain (“basis separating”) linear injections are automatically continuous. We discuss openness of such maps in Section 5. There are two stages to the proof of continuity: (1) An injective basis separating map can be written in a canonical form (Theorem 4.3). (2) Any map of this form is continuous (Theorem 4.4). Given Banach spaces X and Y with Schauder bases { x n } and { y n } , respectively, we say that H : X → Y , H ( ∑ n ∈ N x ( n ) x n ) = ∑ n ∈ N H x ( n ) y n , is basis separating if for all elements x = ∑ n ∈ N x ( n ) x n and y = ∑ n ∈ N y ( n ) x n of X, x ( n ) y ( n ) = 0 for all n ∈ N implies that H x ( n ) H y ( n ) = 0 for all n ∈ N . Associated with any linear basis separating map H, there is a support map h : N → N ∞ that we discuss in Section 3. The support map enables us to develop the canonical form (Eq. (3.2)) for basis separating maps.
A Convenient Procedure for the Preparation of Reactive Zinc for the Reformatsky Reaction

Abstract A reactive zinc powder is obtained by addition of ZnCl2 to a lithium dispersion suspended in ether. Reformatsky Reactions with the zinc powder are described.
Cloning and expression of the Acanthamoeba castellanii gene encoding transcription factor TFIID

We have cloned and characterized the cDNA encoding transcription factor TFIID from the eukaryote, Acanthamoeba castellanii. The gene occurs as a single species, encodes one mRNA and, presumably, a single protein. A. castellanii TFIID contains two recognizable domains, a nonconserved N-terminal domain and a highly conserved C-terminal domain. Similarities between the amino acid (aa) sequences of TFIID from several organisms are also found within the N-terminal 78 aa, suggesting a potential role in TFIID function. Full-length or truncated A. castellanii TFIID produced in Escherichia coli binds to a TATA box and is able to activate transcription in a TFIID-depleted HeLa cell extract, but the C-terminal 180-aa domain was found to be less efficient in these reactions.
Radioactive Ion Beams for Studying Astrophysical Nuclear Reactions

Beams of radioactive ions can be produced as secondary beams following the interaction of conventional accelerator beams with suitable targets. For example we have used beams of 7Li and 12C from an EN Tandem Van de Graaff accelerator to produce beams of 7Be and 13N via the (p, n) and (d, n) reactions respectively. These beams are focused by a system of magnetic quadrupole lenses to a secondary target. Reactions of such nuclides, especially proton capture and (p, c) reactions, are of interest in solar physics and in the CNO multi-cycle in massive stars. Progress toward the measurement of these reactions is discussed.
Wavelength-Agile Near-IR Chip-Based Optical Parametric Oscillator using a Deposited Silicon Waveguide

We report the first demonstration of a silicon optical parametric oscillator at telecommunication wavelengths using an 8-mm-long hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) waveguide. The fundamental oscillating mode can be tuned over 37 THz (290 nm).
Local Heat/Mass Transfer Distribution Around Sharp 180 Degree Turn in MultiPass Rib-Roughened Channels

The detailed heat/mass transfer distributions in and around the sharp 180 degree turn of a three-pass square channel were determined by using the naphthalene sublimation technique. The top, bottom, inner (divider) and outer walls of the test channel were naphthalene plates. For the case of rib-roughened tests, the ribs of square cross section were glued periodically in-line on the top and bottom walls of the naphthalene channel in a required distribution. The rib height-to-hydraulic diameter ratios (e/D) were 0.063 and 0.094, whereas the rib pitch-to-height ratios (P/e) were 10 and 20, respectively. The channel Reynolds numbers varied from 30,000 to 60,000. The results showed that, for both the smooth and the ribbed channels, the Sherwood numbers after the sharp 180 degree turn were higher than that before the sharp 180 degree turn; after the turn the Sherwood numbers of the inner wall were higher than that of the outer wall. The results also indicated that the Sherwood numbers on the top, outer and inner walls of the rib roughened channel were higher than that of the smooth channel.Copyright © 1986 by ASME
A Real Parameter Continuation Method for Complete Solution of Forward Position Analysis of the General Stewart

Stewart Platform is a six degree of freedom, parallel manipulator, which consists of a base platform, a coupler platform and six limbs connected at six distinct points on the base platform and the coupler platform. The forward position analysis problem of Stewart Platform amounts to finding all its possible configurations based on the knowledge of the lengths of its limbs. In this paper, we present a numerical method for solving the forward position analysis problem for the most general Stewart Platform. This is a numerical method based on the polynomial continuation as established in recent works in the literature. However, one main difference is that the start system and the homotopy used here are based on physical design rather than pure mathematical equations. First, the target Stewart Platform is geometrically simplified into a platform, which, as the start platform, can be solved analytically. Then, a homotopy is constructed between the kinematics equations of the start platform and those of the target platform. By changing the parameters of the start platform incrementally into the parameters of the target system while tracking solutions of the start platform, a complete set of 40 solutions to the target platform can be found. Through this process, all of the extraneous paths have been eliminated before the solution tracking procedure starts and only isolated solutions of the start platform are tracked. The process for solutions to switch between real and complex is examined.
Safety and efficacy evaluations for vaginal and rectal use of BufferGel in the macaque model.

Background: The nonhuman primate model allows for safety and efficacy testing of topical microbicide products. Goal: The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vaginal and rectal applications of BufferGel (ReProtect, Inc.). Study Design: The safety of repeated product applications was evaluated by microflora, pH, vaginal colposcopy, and rectal lavage. To test efficacy in preventing chlamydia, infection was documented by culture and nucleic acid amplification tests. Results: Repeated vaginal or rectal applications of BufferGel were not associated with significant changes in microflora. BufferGel use had a transient acidifying effect on vaginal and rectal pH. Colposcopic observations remained relatively normal in all test animals. A slightly increased incidence of epithelial desquamation was noted after rectal product use compared with the control group. BufferGel did not prevent cervical or rectal chlamydial infection. Conclusion: BufferGel has an acceptable safety profile after repeated vaginal and rectal use, but does not prevent chlamydial infection in the macaque models.
Deep Penetration of Implanted Po in CdS

The distribution of 25 KeV Po210 implanted into CdS platelets was determined by energy analyzing the α-particles emitted by Po210. Two samples were implanted along an axial channeling direction, and one along a planar channeling direction.
Ku can contribute to telomere lengthening in yeast at multiple positions in the telomerase RNP

Unlike ribonucleoprotein complexes that have a highly ordered overall architecture, such as the ribosome, yeast telomerase appears to be much more loosely constrained. Here, we investigate the importance of positioning of the Ku subunit within the 1157-nt yeast telomerase RNA (TLC1). Deletion of the 48-nt Ku-binding hairpin in TLC1 RNA (tlc1Δ48) reduces telomere length, survival of cells with gross chromosomal rearrangements, and de novo telomere addition at a broken chromosome end. To test the function of Ku at novel positions in the telomerase RNP, we reintroduced its binding site into tlc1Δ48 RNA at position 446 or 1029. We found that Ku bound to these repositioned sites in vivo and telomere length increased slightly, but statistically significantly. The ability of telomerase to promote survival of cells with gross chromosomal rearrangements by healing damaged chromosome arms was also partially restored, whereas the kinetics of DNA addition to a specific chromosome break was delayed. Having two Ku sites in TLC1 caused progressive hyperelongation of a variable subset of telomeres, consistent with Ku's role in telomerase recruitment to chromosome ends. The number of Ku-binding sites in TLC1 contributed to telomerase RNA abundance in vivo but was only partially responsible for telomere length phenotypes. Thus, telomerase RNA levels and telomere length regulation can be modulated by the number of Ku sites in telomerase RNA. Furthermore, there is substantial flexibility in the relative positioning of Ku in the telomerase RNP for native telomere length maintenance, although not as much flexibility as for the essential Est1p subunit.
Emergency Medicine in Southern Pakistan

Abstract [Raftery KA: Emergency medicine in southern Pakistan. Ann Emerg Med January 1996;27:79-83.]
From Static Lab to Simulation Lab: Students Reflect on Their Learning

Abstract Background Nursing faculty are challenged to incorporate use of low, moderate, and high-fidelity simulators into the curriculum and to evaluate student learning. This study compares students' perceptions of learning across levels of simulation. Method Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method was used, with data collection at two times: (a) after a static lab using low-fidelity task trainers and (b) after a simulation lab incorporating high-fidelity manikins. Students were asked to describe their learning after each lab. Written comments were analyzed, and themes from each time were compared. Findings were taken back to participants for validation. Results Students' comments indicated a progression of learning from the what, when, how, and why of psychomotor skills in the static lab to more complex concepts such as assessing, prioritizing, relating information, and formulating therapeutic interventions in the high-fidelity simulation lab. Conclusions Study results confirm that students are able to recognize progression in learning, from performing psychomotor skills to making clinical judgments, as they engage in strategically planned lab experiences.
Financial Pricing of Insurance

Financial pricing models bring together the underwriting and investment components of an insurance contract. These models are used to attempt to determine the appropriate rate of return for a line of business, the minimum premium level at which an insurer would be willing to write a policy, or target rate of return for an insurance company in aggregate. Keywords: underwriting profit margin; rate of return; capital asset pricing model; discounted cash flow model; internal rate of return; arbitrage pricing model; option pricing model
Powder Suspension Method for Critically Re-Examining the Two-Site Model for Hydroxyapatite Dissolution Kinetics

A powder dissolution method has been developed, and experiments with the hydroxyapatite suspensions confirm earlier conclusions based on dissolution from hydroxyapatite disks. Although a quantitative assessment of the properties of site 1 was not possible from the data obtained in the present study, a rather accurate and independent evaluation of the properties and the behavior of site 2 of the two-site model for hydroxyapatite dissolution was possible, and the results clearly validate the original two-site model. The present work together with the earlier disk studies show that dissolution from site 2 is well described by a first-order expression, rate = kc2 (Cs2 - C), where kc2 is a first-order rate constant, Cs2 is the apparent solubility for site 2 (defined by an ion activity product, KHAP, of the form a10Ca2+ a6PO43−a2OH−, and the solution conditions), and C is the microenvironmental solution concentration of hydroxyapatite. For four different precipitated hydroxyapatite preparations, a single KHAP value of 1 × 10−128 ± 1 was found to be consistent with experiments using solutions covering wide ranges of partial saturation and calcium-phosphate ratios. The hydroxyapatite powder and pellet methods (including the data evaluation procedures) now offer a powerful combination for investigating the complex kinetics associated with dental enamel dissolution in particular and enamel chemistry in general.
Designing the parameters of high dimensional consensus: Multi-objective optimization and pareto-optimality

In this paper, we study the synthesis problem in linear high dimensional consensus (HDC) algorithms for large-scale networks. In HDC, we partition the network nodes into leaders and followers. Each follower updates its state as a linear combination of its neighboring states, whereas, the state of the leaders remains fixed. Hence, linear HDC can be thought of as a linear time-invariant (LTI) system. The synthesis problem for this LTI system is to design its parameters such that the system converges to a desired pre-specified state. We cast this synthesis problem as a multi-objective optimization problem (MOP) to which we apply Pareto-optimality. We show that the optimal solution of the synthesis problem is a Pareto-optimal (P.O.) solution of the MOP. We then provide a graphical method to extract the optimal MOP solution from the set of all P.O. solutions. Casting the synthesis problem as an MOP naturally lends itself to interesting performance vs speed trade-offs in HDC.
Acifluorfen Sorption and Sorption Kinetics in Soil

Factors which influence kinetics of sorption for acifluorfen, a postemergence herbicide, in soil were evaluated. Twelve soils of varying characteristics were used in this study. Sorption kinetics experiments with 5.86 μM 14 C-labeled (19.6 Bq mL -1 ) acifluorfen were conducted for equilibration times up to 96 h. Sorption was rapid for all soils, and most soils reached a pseudo-equilibrium after 24-48 h of equilibration. Apparent sorption increased at later times, possibly reflecting sorption of acifluorfen or metabolites, since acifluorfen is subject to biotransformation. Further investigation comparing sorption at 4 and 25 °C indicated that microbial metabolism was occurring for some soils at equilibration times longer than 24-48 h. Aminoacifluorfen was observed in methanol extracts of soils equilibrated 96 h. Soils were equilibrated for 24 h with 14 C-labeled acifluorfen (2.6-65.8 μM, 19.5 Bq mL -1 ) to obtain sorption isotherms. Capacity for acifluorfen sorption in these soils generally increased with increasing soil organic carbon content, cation exchange capacity, and soil acidity.