cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do Pharmacogenetics Have a Role in the Dosing of Vitamin K Antagonists

Vitamin K plays a single role in human biology — as a cofactor for the synthesis of γ-carboxyglutamic acid. This amino acid is a component of at least 14 proteins, including 4 blood-coagulation proteins (factor IX, factor VII, factor X, and prothrombin) and 2 regulatory proteins (protein C and protein S), and it is critical for the physiologic function of these proteins. Humans do not synthesize vitamin K. Rather, we ingest it in our diet. The vitamin K quinone is reduced to the semiquinone, and this reduced vitamin K is a cofactor that is required for the conversion of specific . . .
Tolerance in methylphenidate-induced locomotion in prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus).

After a five-day adaptation period in activity wheels, four prairie dogs were assigned to a methylphenidate group (2.5 mg/kg, s.c.) and four prairie dogs were assigned to a saline group for ten consecutive daily injections. Half-revolutions of locomotor activity were recorded during seven measurement periods taken daily. During the third measurement period, from 1–3 hrs following injection, the methylphenidate group declined in locomotor activity over the first three days of drug administration.
Clostridium difficile colitis: Factors influencing treatment failure and relapse a prospective evaluation

Clostridium difficile colitis: factors influencing treatment failure and relapse—a prospective evaluation
Detection of microwave radiation by electronic fluid in high electron mobility transistors

The authors present a microwave detector which utilises the nonlinear properties of 2D electronic fluid in a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). The detector operates between 8 and 18 GHz and the measured responsivity is in good agreement with the recent theory of 2D electronic fluids.
Simulation of wave damping during a cold front over the muddy Atchafalaya shelf

Abstract The Atchafalaya Shelf off the Louisiana coast in the United States is characterized by fine grained sediments dispersing into the shelf from the lower Atchafalaya River and Wax Lake outlets. Rapid seaward flushing of the sediment-laden river plumes, due to water level set-down during cold front passages forms a fluid mud layer close to the bottom, which effectively dampens the wave energy. In this study, the performance of a phase-averaged spectral wave model was skill assessed based on the wave data recorded close to the southern periphery of the mud zone during several days in March 2009. Separation of wave spectra into sea and swell partitions showed that the wave model overestimated the sea waves generated by northerly wind during the cold front passage. A non-stationary scheme was needed to solve the wave action balance equation to include the wind dynamics during the cold front passages over the study area. A recently developed mud-induced dissipation term was improved by modifying its algorithm for solving the implicit dispersion equation. The modified model became efficient enough to be used for non-stationary calculations. The thickness, density, kinematic viscosity of the mud layer, and its offshore extent were determined by trial and error. The mud-induced energy dissipation term enabled the model to reproduce the energy attenuation of short waves by the fluid mud. A high value of mud viscosity (0.01–0.1 m2/s) was required to obtain good agreement with in situ measurements when the maximum wave height occurred. However, the model using lower values of mud viscosity (0.001–0.01 m2/s) was more successful in reproducing the measured wave spectra from a few hours after the maximum wave activity. The simulation results also showed that presence of fluid mud with high value of mud viscosity hindered the wave growth in shallow water due to suppression of high frequency waves.
Automatic emotion regulation

How do people effectively regulate their emotional reactions? Why are some people better at this than others? Most prior research has addressed these questions by focusing on deliberate forms of emotion regulation. We argue that this focus has left out an important aspect of emotion regulation, namely, automatic emotion regulation (AER). Our review of the behavioral literature suggests that AER is pervasive in everyday life, and has far-reaching consequences for individuals’ emotions. However, the behavioral literature has yet to address the mechanisms underlying the observed effects. Because it is difficult to directly measure the processes involved in AER, evidence from neuroscientific studies is particularly helpful in addressing these questions. Our review of the neuroscientific literature suggests distinct neural bases for different types of AER, which provides important clues about the cognitive and behavioral processes that might be involved in AER.
East∼West Epistemological Convergence of Humanism in Language, Identity, and Education: Confucius∼Makiguchi∼Dewey

In this article, the author explores an East∼West epistemological convergence of humanism illuminated in three main themes in the works of Confucius (551–479 BC), Makiguchi Tsunesaburo (1871–1944), and John Dewey (1859–1952): human-nature interconnection, associated self-cultivation, and value creation. She contends that these thinkers’ shared perspectives, which transcend language, culture, and history create an “East∼West epistemological convergence of humanism.” The author considers this convergence of humanism as “the common heritage of humanity” (UNESCO, 2009) that should become the epistemological foundation that influences the ideologies of identity, language, and culture in 21st century educational policy, practice, and research.
Factor VIIa/tissue factor generates a form of factor V with unchanged specific activity, resistance to activation by thrombin, and increased sensitivity to activated protein C.

Factor VIIa, in complex with tissue factor (TF), is the serine protease responsible for initiating the clotting cascade. This enzyme complex (TF/VIIa) has extremely restricted substrate specificity, recognizing only three previously known macromolecular substrates (serine protease zymogens, factors VII, IX, and X). In this study, we found that TF/VIIa was able to cleave multiple peptide bonds in the coagulation cofactor, factor V. SDS-PAGE analysis and sequencing indicated the factor V was cleaved at Arg679, Arg709, Arg1018, and Arg1192, resulting in a molecule with a truncated heavy chain and an extended light chain. This product (FVTF/VIIa) had essentially unchanged activity in clotting assays when compared to the starting material. TF reconstituted into phosphatidylcholine vesicles was ineffective as a cofactor for the factor VIIa cleavage of factor V. However, incorporation of phosphatidylethanolamine in the vesicles had little effect over the presence of 20% phosphatidylserine. FVTF/VIIa was as sensitive to inactivation by activated protein C (APC) as thrombin activated factor V as measured in clotting assays or by the appearance of the expected heavy chain cleavage products. The FVTF/VIIa could be further cleaved by thrombin to release the normal light chain, albeit at a significantly slower rate than native factor V, to yield a fully functional product. These studies thus reveal an additional substrate for the TF/VIIa complex. They also indicate a new potential regulatory pathway of the coagulation cascade, i.e., the production of a form of factor V that can be destroyed by APC without the requirement for full activation of the cofactor precursor.
Use of Mesoscale Climatology in Mountainous Terrain to Improve the Spatial Representation of Mean Monthly Temperatures

Abstract Using regularly collected climatological data, mean monthly temperatures as a function of elevation are estimated for the period 1958–73 over a portion of Virginia and West Virginia. These data can be used to make improved climatological maps of mean temperature distribution over the region. The application of this method to other geographical regions is straightforward.
LOCALIZATION OF SYNTHETIC SURFACTANT PROTEIN SP-B IN PHOSPHOLIPID VESICLES.|[dagger]| 1947

Surfactant subtypes have been identified by gradient centrifugation and characterized by differences in protein composition, vesicle size, and surface activity. The presence of surfactant proteins in each subtype is thought to be critical to the formation of aggregates and their function (Baritussio, Am J Physiol 1994;266:L436). To evaluate whether synthetic surfactant peptides interact with lipids in a manner comparable to native surfactant proteins, we prepared surfactant vesicles containing synthetic 125I-SP-B1-78 and phospholipids (DPPC:PG:Palmitic acid, 7:2:1) [PL], with and without palmitoylated synthetic SP-C1-34. We separated the aggregates by continuous sucrose gradient (0.1-0.8 M; 100,000 g for 48 h), collecting 50 fractions, and analyzed the PL and peptide profile. The PL peak appeared in fraction 17 and > 80% of PL was recovered in fractions 15-17, at a density of 1.07 g/mL, irrespective of the presence of SP-C. In the SP-B/PL aggregates, SP-B peaked at 51% in fraction 15 and > 95% of SP-B appeared in fractions 11-17. In the SP-B&SP-C/PL aggregates, 17% of the SP-B was detected at the bottom of the gradient with <5% PL and ≈78% was recovered in fractions 5-15 with a peak of 28% in fraction 13. In both aggregates, small amounts of PL, but no SP-B, were recovered at the top of the gradient, at a density of about 1.010 g/mL. In summary, synthetic SP-B associates with phospholipid aggregates at a density of about 1.07 g/mL, as shown by the overlapping peaks. The presence of SP-C does not affect the phospholipid distribution, but changes the SP-B profile significantly. These data are consistent with those obtained for term rabbit surfactant and suggest that the insertion of synthetic surfactant proteins in a simplified phospholipid dispersion reproduces important characteristics of native surfactant.
The aftermath of violence: Children, disaster, and posttraumatic stress disorder

Terrorist attacks, situations of armed conflict, and all forms of catastrophe tax our abilities to cope, understand, and respond. Because of their developmental status, children are even more emotionally vulnerable to the devastating effects of a disaster. When tragedy strikes a family, community, or the nation, helping children cope and regain a sense of safety is critical. A child with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops symptoms such as intense fear, disorganized and agitated behavior, emotional numbness, anxiety, or depression after being directly exposed to or witnessing an extreme traumatic situation involving threatened death or serious injury. Victims of repeated abuse or children who live in violent neighborhoods or war zones, or who have witnessed extensive media coverage of violent events, may experience PTSD.
Paleoenvironment of Fort Union Formation, South Dakota: ABSTRACT

Rocks of Paleocene age are represented in the Cave Hills of northwestern South Dakota by the Ludlow, Cannonball, and Tongue River members of the Fort Union Formation. The Cave Hills are situated within the southern margin of the Williston basin, 80 mi (130 km) north of the Black Hills, South Dakota. Numerous fine-grained, fining-upward sedimentary sequences comprise the Ludlow Member and are attributed to meandering streams occupying a low-gradient lower alluvial to upper deltaic plain. Major channel sandstones measuring up to 40 ft (12 m) in thickness, crop out and trend markedly to the northeast. Thinner sandstones adjacent to the large channel sandstones vary considerably in geometry and paleocurrent direction and are commonly associated with alternating siltstone, mudstone, claystone, and lignite deposits of levee, overbank, swamp, and possibly lacustrine origin. The Cannonball Member is 130 ft (40 m) thick in the North Cave Hills and is represented by two fine-grained, coarsening-upward sandstone-mudstone sequences. A distinct vertical succession of sedimentary facies occur within each sequence representing offshore/lower shoreface through upper shoreface/foreshore depositional environments. A north to northeast depositional strike for the Cannonball shoreline is inferred from ripple crest and cross-bed orientations. Numerous tree stumps in growth position are preserved along the upper surface of the Cannonball Member in the North and South Riley Pass mining districts. These stumps probably represent remnants of a cypress (Metasequoia) forest or swamp that stabilized the uppermost sands of the Cannonball shoreline. Figure The basal part of the Tongue River consists of approximately 40 to 50 ft (12 to 15 m) of lenticular sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, thin-bedded lignite, and kaolinite beds representing thin broad channels, point-bar, levee, overbank, and nearshore swamp depositional environments. Massive fluvial channel sandstones measuring several tens of ft in thickness overlie the fine-grained basal Tongue River lithologies. These channel sandstones represent the continued progradation of continental/fluvial/coastal plain depositional environments eastward over the marine sandstones of the Cannonball Member. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1339------------
Controlled grain growth in granular FePt–SiO2 thin films under single pulsed laser anneals

Abstract The high magnetocrystalline phase of L10 FePt has received considerable attention for achieving stable magnetization states in small volumes which could increase magnetic areal storage densities. When FePt is sputter-deposited, it adopts a magnetically soft A1 phase requiring annealing to phase transform to the L10 phase; this annealing results in detrimental grain growth which reduces the capacity for high areal storage densities. In the current work, a series of 10 nm thick granular FePt–SiO2 thin films with various silica contents has been annealed at different fluences using a 10 ms pulse width, 1064 nm wavelength laser to determine if the silica matrix could inhibit this grain growth. The A1 to L10 phase transformation was confirmed by selected area electron diffraction. In general, the films annealed with approximately 25 J/cm2 exhibited the highest L10 c/a tetragonality, 0.97, and coercivity of approximately 875 kA/m (11 kOe). For these films, the 38 vol.% silica incorporation resulted in a FePt grain size of approximately 8.5 nm as compared to 30 nm for films with no silica. The granular encasement of the FePt grains was effective at reducing but unable at inhibiting grain growth using single pulsed laser anneals.
Complete Genome Sequence of SS52, a Strain of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Recovered from Supershedder Cattle

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 causes foodborne infections, and cattle are the primary reservoir. Some animals, known as supershedders, excrete orders of magnitude more E. coli O157:H7 in the feces than normal. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the SS52 supershedder strain of E. coli O157:H7.
Early circulating erythroid progenitors (BFU-E) in sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia (SS) patients can be divided into two sub-populations according to peripheral HbF levels. Patients with low ( 9%) HbF levels (HFSS) are normal in number, largely in resting phase, and their LD cells do not release BPA-like activity.
An image background detection project for a visual exploration of DFS and BFS

We outline a Data Structures project that visualizes the operation of depth first search (DFS) and breadth first search (BFS). We use color to illustrate how these two techniques differ as they traverse a search space. We present additional exercises that outline how students can further explore the underlying data structures, algorithmic concepts, and efficiency issues. We also provide a limited amount of student assessment to gauge the effectiveness of our approach.
CELLO-EM: Adaptive sensor models without ground truth

We present an algorithm for providing a dynamic model of sensor measurements. Rather than depending on a model of the vehicle state and environment to capture the distribution of possible sensor measurements, we provide an approximation that allows the sensor model to depend on the measurement itself. Building on previous work, we show how the sensor model predictor can be learned from data without access to ground truth labels of the vehicle state or true underlying distribution, and we show our approach to be a generalization of non-parametric kernel regressors. Our algorithm is demonstrated in simulation and on real world data for both laser-based scan matching odometry and RGB-D camera odometry in an unknown map. The performance of our algorithm is shown to quantitatively improve estimation, both in terms of consistency and absolute accuracy, relative to other algorithms and to fixed covariance models.
Laser absorption of nitric oxide for thermometry in high-enthalpy air

The design and demonstration of a laser absorption sensor for thermometry in high-enthalpy air is presented. The sensor exploits the highly temperature-sensitive and largely pressure-independent concentration of nitric oxide in air at chemical equilibrium. Temperature is thus inferred from an in situ measurement of nascent nitric oxide. The strategy is developed by utilizing a quantum cascade laser source for access to the strong fundamental absorption band in the mid-infrared spectrum of nitric oxide. Room temperature measurements in a high-pressure static cell validate the suitability of the Voigt lineshape model to the nitric oxide spectra at high gas densities. Shock-tube experiments enable calibration of a collision-broadening model for temperatures between 1200–3000 K. Finally, sensor performance is demonstrated in a high-pressure shock tube by measuring temperature behind reflected shock waves for both fixed-chemistry experiments where nitric oxide is seeded, and for experiments involving nitric oxide formation in shock-heated mixtures of N2 and O2. Results show excellent performance of the sensor across a wide range of operating conditions from 1100–2950 K and at pressures up to 140 atm.
What can turtles teach us about the theory of ecological stoichiometry

SUMMARY 1. Vertebrate skeletons have high phosphorus (P) content relative to other tissues. Variation in skeletal investment within and among species is hypothesised to predict variation in P demand, standing stock and recycling. These relationships have been examined among fish, but not in vertebrates with more robust skeletons, such as turtles. 2. Our objectives were to (i) describe freshwater turtle stoichiometry relative to skeletal mass, (ii) compare turtle body and excreta stoichiometry to patterns among fish and (iii) relate turtle skeletal stoichiometry to turtle nutrient storage and recycling. 3. Skeleton constituted 82% of turtle dry mass. Total body %P increased ontogenetically with turtle mass and 93% of all P resided in the skeleton. Phosphorus storage within turtle assemblages was high (0.2–0.45 kg ha 1 ). Turtles excreted lower concentrations of P than fish. Excreta N:P was positively correlated with body N:P, suggesting that increased skeletal P investment was inversely related to P demand. 4. Our results demonstrate that P stored in the bone of turtles can represent a large standing stock of P in fresh waters. Further, our work suggests skeletal investment alone is not sufficient to predict an animal’s P demand and, by extension, their effects on nutrient recycling. Instead, our results indicate P demand is determined by both skeletal investment and growth rate. Consequently, taxa with high body P, extreme longevity and slow growth rates, such as adult turtles, may serve as stable standing stocks of nutrients while also contributing proportionately to nutrient remineralisation.
Fabrication, structure, and performance of a microfabricated gallium electrical switch contact

A contact for a micromechanical switch has been fabricated using electroplated gallium (Ga) on silicon to create an electrical switch contact that can be annealed to recover its original properties after mechanical damage. The resistivity of the electroplated Ga appears to be similar to pure Ga. The resistance increased with cycling but recovered to the original value after a thermal reflow process at 120 °C for 10 min. The hardness of thermally reflowed Ga droplets was 2 MPa when the droplets were unconstrained and was up to 95 MPa for constrained droplets, suggesting that all switching in this study caused permanent deformation at room temperature and that defects formed during plastic deformation are likely candidates for the increased resistance during cycling. Up to 300 switching cycles were investigated for contacts involving up to four Ga droplets to measure contact behavior under high-current and load-switching applications. Oxidation behavior was characterized for the thermal reflow process on the Ga droplets, suggesting a passivating 30-nm oxide form at 100 °C, and electrical contact resistance nanoindentation suggests the oxide breaks during mechanical contact.
Bayesian sample size calculations for binomial experiments

Abstract This paper proposes new methodology for calculating the optimal sample size when a hypothesis test between two binomial proportions is conducted. The problem is addressed from the Bayesian point of view. Following the formulation by DasGupta and Vidakovic (1997, J. Statist. Plann. Inference 65, 335–347), the posterior risk is determined and set not to exceed a prespecified bound. A second constraint deals with the likelihood of data not satisfying the bound on the risk. The cases when the two proportions are equal to a fixed or to a random value are examined.
Aging, sexual dimorphism, and hemispheric asymmetry of the cerebral cortex: replicability of regional differences in volume

We examined age-, sex-, and hemisphere-related differences in the cerebral cortex. Volumes of the cerebral hemispheres and 13 regions of interest (ROIs) were measured on magnetic resonance images of 200 healthy adults. The strength of association between age and volume differed across ROIs. The lateral prefrontal cortex exhibited the greatest age-related differences, whereas significantly weaker associations were observed in the prefrontal white matter, sensory-motor, and visual association regions. The hippocampal shrinkage was significant in people in their mid-fifties. The primary visual, anterior cingulate, the inferior parietal cortices, and the parietal white matter showed no age-related differences. The pattern of age-related regional differences replicated the findings previously obtained on an independent sample drawn from the same population. Men evidenced larger volumes in all ROIs except the inferior parietal lobule, even after sexual dimorphism in body size was statistically controlled. In some regions (hippocampus and fusiform gyrus) men exhibited steeper negative age-related trends than women. Although a typical pattern of global hemispheric asymmetry was observed, the direction and magnitude of regional volumetric asymmetry was as inconsistent as in the previous reports. Thus, a pattern of age-related shrinkage suggesting increased vulnerability of the lateral prefrontal cortex to aging appears stable and replicable, whereas little consistency exists in sex-related and hemispheric differences in regional cortical volumes.
Occurrence of a porphyrin pigment in streptomycetes.

The formation of an intramycelial red pigment of coproporphyrin type in submerged cultures of Streptomyces griseus and S. fradiae was detected. Its production is more intensive in the variants of S. griseus Z38 that give a low yield of streptomycin, and in the absence of Fe++ in fermentation media.
Sustainability by combining nuclear, fossil, and renewable energy sources

Abstract The energy industries face two sustainability challenges: the need to avoid climate change and the need to replace traditional crude oil as the basis of our transport system. Radical changes in our energy system will be required to meet these challenges. These challenges may require tight coupling of different energy sources (nuclear, fossil, and renewable) to produce liquid fuels for transportation, match electricity production to electricity demand, and meet other energy needs. This implies a paradigm shift in which different energy sources are integrated together, rather than being considered separate entities that compete. Several examples of combined-energy systems are described. High-temperature nuclear heat may increase worldwide light crude oil resources by an order of magnitude while reducing greenhouse gas releases from the production of liquid fossil fuels. Nuclear–biomass liquid-fuels production systems could potentially meet world needs for liquid transport fuels. Nuclear–hydrogen peak power systems may enable renewable electricity sources to meet much of the world's electric demand by providing electricity when the wind does not blow and the sun does not shine.
Suppression of sexual receptivity in the female hamster: neuroanatomical projections from preoptic and anterior hypothalamic electrode sites.

Abstract Electrical simulation (ES) through fine-wire electrodes chronically implanted in the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus suppressed the lordosis response in freely moving hormone-primed female hamsters. ES at these sites never induced or facilitated lordosis. When behavioral testing was completed small lesions were made at the tips of the electrodes, and the Fink-Heimer method was used to trace degenerating axons away from the sites of ES. This was done in an effort to determine the neural pathways important for the modulation of this behavior. The hypothalamic distribution of the stria terminalis was also charted for the hamster and was found to be similar to that in the rat, including projections to both the shell and core of the ventromedial nucleus (VMN). No single pattern of degeneration was common to all females showing ES-produced lordosis suppression. These data demonstrate that stimulation of several different pathways can produce behavioral states that are incompatible with the lordosis response. We suggest that ES in the medial preoptic-medial anterior hypothalamic continuum suppresses sexual receptivity by influencing neurons in the VMN region, while ES through more laterally placed electrodes suppresses receptivity by producing an incompatible state of behavioral activation, without directly influencing VMN region neural activity.
Perspectives On... Professional development opportunities for new academic librarians

This paper outlines professional development activities for new academic librarians. The authors review and critique various professional development activities including publishing, presentations, involvement in professional organizations, continuing education, and institutional and community service. Includes descriptions of activities and a resource list.
Development of cryogenic phased array feeds for Radio Astronomy antennas

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Brigham Young University are jointly working to develop phased array feed systems for use on radio astronomy reflector antennas. This paper describes recent progress in development of a cryogenically cooled L-band PAF receiver. Noise test results for dipole elements and cryogenic low-noise amplifier assemblies are presented. The results indicate it will be possible to achieve PAF system noise temperature competitive with the best single-beam radio astronomy receivers.
Folie acid deficiency and methyl group metabolism in rat brain: Effects of l-dopa

Abstract Rats deficient in folic acid were found to have decreased concentrations of S-adenosylmethione in brain, kidney, and liver. They also showed decreased concentrations of methionine in serum, but not in brain. Administration of l -dopa (a methyl acceptor) in doses comparable to those used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease caused significant reductions in the concentrations of brain methionine in rats deficient in folic acid (45%, 45 min after administration), but failed to alter methionine concentrations in control animals. The changes in brain methionine brought about by l -dopa were not paralleled by similar changes in serum methionine, which decreased by only 20%. These observations suggest that de novo methyl group synthesis contributes significantly to the maintenance of brain methionine concentrations. The possibility is raised that the daily requirements for folic acid and for vitamin B12 may be increased in human patients treated chronically with large doses of l -dopa.
Recovery of the Endogenous β Cell Function in the NOD Model of Autoimmune Diabetes

In light of accumulating evidence that the endocrine pancreas has regenerative properties and that hematopoietic chimerism can abrogate destruction of beta cells in autoimmune diabetes, we addressed the question of whether recovery of physiologically adequate endogenous insulin regulation could be achieved in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice rendered allogeneic chimerae. Allogeneic bone marrow (BM) was transplanted into NOD mice at the preclinical and overtly clinical stages of the disease using lethal and nonlethal doses of radiation for recipient conditioning. Islets of Langerhans, syngeneic to the BM donors, were transplanted under kidney capsules of the overtly diabetic animals to sustain euglycemia for the time span required for recovery of the endogenous pancreas. Nephrectomies of the graft-bearing organs were performed 14 weeks later to confirm the restoration of endogenous insulin regulation. Reparative processes in the pancreata were assessed histologically and immunohistochemically. The level of chimerism in NOD recipients was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. We have shown that as low as 1% of initial allogeneic chimerism can reverse the diabetogenic processes in islets of Langerhans in prediabetic NOD mice, and that restoration of endogenous beta cell function to physiologically sufficient levels is achievable even if the allogeneic BM transplantation is performed after the clinical onset of diabetes. If the same pattern of islet regeneration were shown in humans, induction of an autoimmunity-free status by establishment of a low level of chimerism, or other alternative means, might become a new therapy for type 1 diabetes.
Debenzylation of carbohydrate benzyl ethers and benzyl glycosides via free-radical bromination

Abstract The dealkylation of benzylated carbohydrates by free-radical bromination and hydrolysis has been further examined. Free-radical bromination of methyl 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -benzyl-α- D -glucopyranoside ( 1 ) methyl 2,3-di- O -benzyl-α- D -glucopyranoside ( 2 ) 6- O -benzyl-3,5- O -benzylidene-1,2- O -isopropylidene-α- D -glucofuranose ( 4 ) and 6- O -benzyl- D -glucose ( 3 ) appears to be quantitative. Spectroscopic evidence of a CBr bond indicates that an α-bromobenzyl ether is the product. Alkaline hydrolysis yielded methyl α- D -glucopyranoside from 1 and 2 and D -glucose from 3 and 4 . A benzyl group present as an aglycon could be removed in the same way. Reaction of benzyl α- D -glucopyranoside tetraacetate ( 6 ) with bromine and chlorine under free-radical conditions and examination of the products by t.l.c. and i.r. spectrophotometry indicated that the first product was an α-halobenzyl glycoside and that the aglycon could be displaced by Br - or Cl - to form the tetra- O -acetyl- D -glucopyranosyl halide, undoubtedly with anomerization. Treatment of the mixture of products with moist ether and silver carbonate yielded only 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl- D -glucopyranose.
ETHNICITY, GENDER, AND MARITAL VIOLENCE South Asian Women's Organizations in the United States

Based on a two-stage questionnaire with six South Asian organizations that focus on South Asian women, this article examines the factors that determined the creation of such organizations. Through an analysis of their organizational ideology, structure, goals, and strategies, the article demonstrates their relevance and the instrumental role they play in shifting marital violence among South Asians in the United States from a “private problem” to a “social issue.” Central to the analysis is how ethnicity and gender intersect in addressing social change. These organizations are a growing social movement.
Quantum deflagration and supersonic fronts of tunneling in molecular magnets

The theory of magnetic deflagration taking into account dipolar-controlled spin tunneling has been applied to the realistic model of molecular magnet Mn${}_{12}$Ac. At small transverse field, the front speed $v$ has tunneling maxima on the bias field ${B}_{z}$, reflecting those of the molecular spin's relaxation rate calculated from the density-matrix equation. At high transverse field, spin tunneling directly out of the metastable ground state leads to front speeds that can exceed the speed of sound. Both for the weak and strong transverse fields, the spatial profile of the deflagration front near tunneling resonances shows a front of tunneling that triggers a burning front behind it.
Cytologic findings of myxoid neurothekeoma: case report based on fine-needle aspiration cytology, immunohistochemistry, and correlating histopathology.

Myxoid neurothekeomas (nerve sheath myxomas) are rare benign cutaneous neoplasms that may morphologically mimic other myxoid neoplasms of skin and soft tissue. The cytologic and histopathologic features of this lesion may resemble various myxoid sarcomas, chordoma, myxoid neurofibroma, dermal cutaneous mucinosis, and cutaneous myxoma as well as other myxoid or chondroid neoplasms. In this study, a myxoid neurothekeoma was analyzed using multiple techniques. We found that myxoid neurothekeomas reveal a nonspecific pattern by fine-needle aspiration, including stellate cells embedded within an abundant metachromatic myxoid stromal matrix. These are cytologic features shared by various other subcutaneous neoplasms and thus may not be helpful in forming a definitive diagnosis. Histopathologically, the tumor is composed of nodules of myxoid stroma containing interspersed bland spindled and stellate cells. Immunohistochemical studies show tumor cell positivity for S-100 protein and vimentin, a profile shared by other neoplasms with similar cytologic features and therefore of little diagnostic value. The histologic and cytologic differential of subcutaneous and soft tissue myxomatous lesions is broad and, therefore, is of unique value to the cytopathologist to consider myxoid neurothekeomas among the differential of other myxomatous neoplasms.
Smokers ages 50+: who gets physician advice to quit?

Abstract Background . Smoking-related morbidity and mortality, and benefits associated with quitting, extend across the life span. Health care provider interventions enhance quitting. The present study examined perceived influence of physician advice to quit and characteristics of subjects receiving this advice. Methods . Subjects were 1,454 smokers ages 50+ with at least one physician visit in the past year. Subjects were surveyed at baseline for receipt of and reactions to physician advice to quit and for smoking, health, and demographic characteristics. Results . Over half of subjects welcomed physician advice to quit, about half said the advice influenced their quitting decision “extremely” or “quite a lot,” and about one-third indicated that it increased their confidence in quitting. Physicians were more likely to advise sicker patients, indicated by poorer health status, at least one past year hospitalization, and presence of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or respiratory diseases. Conclusions . Midlife and older smokers reacted generally favorably to physician advice to quit. Physicians were more likely to advise patients with commonly recognized smoking-related diseases. Discrepancies were noted in advice given to sicker vs healthier patients. Additional physician training in less commonly recognized smoking-related illnesses, intervening with healthier patients to prevent disease, and enhancing patients' confidence in quitting may improve outcomes.
Wirebonding at higher ultrasonic frequencies: reliability and process implications

Abstract Higher-frequency ultrasonics have been utilized to improve the bondability of difficult substrates, i.e., substrates that would not bond or that bonded poorly using conventional ultrasonics (nominally at 60 kHz). A systematic study of the influence of higher-frequency ultrasonics on bond strength and the bondability of various substrates is reported. The studies were carried out using two essentially identical thermosonic ball bonding machines, one bonding at nominally 60 kHz and the other at 100 kHz. The only differences between the bonding machines were the ultrasonic generators’ operating frequency and the transducer horns. Key to the study was the ability to make the bonding experiments as controlled, repeatable, and independent of all variables (except frequency) as possible. Control techniques included setting the electronic flame-off to produce consistently sized free-air balls; monitoring the ultrasonic voltage and current waveforms; and picking force, dwell, energy, and substrate heat settings that would allow strong bonds to be formed at both frequencies. Wirebonds (ball bonds) in this study were evaluated primarily by the ball bond shear test. Statistical methods were used to determine whether the differences in the means and variances between comparable samples sets (one bonded at 60 kHz and the other bonded at 100 kHz) were significant. Results of our studies indicate that significant differences exist between bonding at nominally 60 kHz and bonding at 100 kHz. In particular, we describe effects associated with (1) the ball shear strength before and after thermal aging (temperatures up to 200 °C) for both 60- and 100-kHz bonds, (2) the influence of substrate-metallizations combinations on the geometry and strength of the bonds at the different frequencies, and (3) the sensitivity and control of the overall bonding processes.
Examining the timing of changes in cigarette smoking upon learning of pregnancy

Abstract Objective and method Timeline Follow-back interviews were conducted with 107 pregnant women enrolling in smoking cessation and relapse prevention clinical trials in the Burlington, VT area between 2006 and 2009 to examine the time course of changes in smoking between learning of pregnancy and the first prenatal care visit. We know of no systematic studies of this topic. Results Women reported learning of pregnancy at 5.1 ± 2.2 weeks gestation and attending a first prenatal care visit at 10.1 ± 3.6 weeks gestation. In the intervening five weeks, 22% of women became abstainers, 62% reduced their smoking, and 16% maintained or increased their smoking. Women who made changes typically reported doing so within the first 2 days after learning of pregnancy, with few changes occurring beyond the first week after learning of pregnancy. Conclusion In this first effort to systematically characterize the time course of changes in smoking upon learning of pregnancy, the majority of pregnant smokers who quit or made reductions reported doing so soon after receiving the news. Further research is needed to assess the reliability of these results and to examine whether devising strategies to provide early interventions for women who continue smoking after learning of pregnancy is warranted.
Prospective Reciprocal Relations between Physical Activity and Depression in Female Adolescents.

Objective Although research has found an inverse correlation between physical activity and depression among adolescents, few studies have examined this relation prospectively. Thus, we tested whether physical activity reduces risk for future escalations in depression and whether depression decreases likelihood of future change in physical activity.
A problem-solving model for episodic skeletal-plan refinement

Abstract PROTEGE is a meta-level program that generates knowledge-acquisition tools that are based on the method of skeletal-plan refinement. In this paper, we propose a flexible and extensible architecture that allows the problem-solving method to be assembled from more basic methods. In this architecture, we emphasize (1) a uniform view of problem solving at different levels of granularity, (2) an explicit data model that allows construction of complex datatypes from predefined datatypes and (3) the inclusion of domain-dependent control information within a domain-independent problem-solving method. We show how such a model of problem solving can drive the generation of knowledge-acquisition tools.
GidA Posttranscriptionally Regulates rhl Quorum Sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes two interconnected acyl-homoserine lactone quorum-sensing (acyl-HSL QS) systems, LasRI and RhlRI, to regulate the expression of hundreds of genes. The QS circuitry itself is integrated into a complex network of regulation by other factors. However, our understanding of this network is still unlikely to be complete, as a comprehensive, saturating approach to identifying regulatory components has never been attempted. Here, we utilized a nonredundant P. aeruginosa PA14 transposon library to identify additional genes that regulate QS at the level of LasRI/RhlRI. We initially screened all 5,459 mutants for loss of function in one QS-controlled trait (skim milk proteolysis) and then rescreened attenuated candidates for defects in other QS phenotypes (LasA protease, rhamnolipid, and pyocyanin production) to exclude mutants defective in functions other than QS. We identified several known and novel genes, but only two novel genes, gidA and pcnB, affected all of the traits assayed. We characterized gidA, which exhibited the most striking QS phenotypes, further. This gene is predicted to encode a conserved flavin adenine dinucleotide-binding protein involved in tRNA modification. Inactivation of the gene primarily affected rhlR-dependent QS phenotypes such as LasA, pyocyanin, and rhamnolipid production. GidA affected RhlR protein but not transcript levels and also had no impact on LasR and acyl-HSL production. Overexpression of rhlR in a gidA mutant partially restored QS-dependent phenotypes. Taken together, these results indicate that GidA selectively controls QS gene expression posttranscriptionally via RhlR-dependent and -independent pathways.
User perspectives on the usability of a regional health information exchange.

Objective We assessed the usability of a health information exchange (HIE) in a densely populated metropolitan region. This grant-funded HIE had been deployed rapidly to address the imminent needs of the patient population and the need to draw wider participation from regional entities. Design We conducted a cross-sectional survey of individuals given access to the HIE at participating organizations and examined some of the usability and usage factors related to the technology acceptance model. Measurements We probed user perceptions using the Questionnaire for User Interaction Satisfaction, an authorgenerated Trust scale, and user characteristic questions (eg, age, weekly system usage time). Results Overall, users viewed the system favorably (ratings for all usability items were greater than neutral (one-sample Wilcoxon test, p<0.0014, Bonferronicorrected for 35 tests). System usage was regressed on usability, trust, and demographic and user characteristic factors. Three usability factors were positively predictive of system usage: overall reactions (p< 00 .01), learning (p<0.05), and system functionality (p<0.01). Although trust is an important component in collaborative relationships, we did not find that user trust of other participating healthcare entities was significantly predictive of usage. An analysis of respondents’ comments revealed ways to improve the HIE. Conclusion We used a rapid deployment model to develop an HIE and found that perceptions of system usability were positive. We also found that system usage was predicted well by some aspects of usability. Results from this study suggest that a rapid development approach may serve as a viable model for developing usable HIEs serving communities with limited resources.
Surface Finish Effects and the Strength‐Grain Size Relation in SiC

The effect of surface finish on the strength-grain size relation was investigated for dense hot-pressed SiC. Failure initiated predominantly via the propagation of extrinsic machining-induced flaws for the range of grain sizes and machining grit sizes studied. These results are consistent with the region of large-grain-size flaw control as delineated by Prochazka and Charles. The severity of machining-induced flaws, relative to the machining grit size, decreased with increasing machining grit size and decreasing SiC grain size.
From phosphorous to arsenic: changing the classic paradigm for the structure of biomolecules

Biomolecules are composed primarily of the elements carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. The structured assembly of these elements forms the basis for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids. However, the recent discovery of a new bacterium, strain GFAJ-1 of the Halomonadaceae, has shaken the classic paradigms for the architecture of life. Mounting evidence supports the claim that these bacteria substitute arsenic for phosphorus in macromolecules. Herein, we provide a brief commentary and fuel the debate related to what may be a most unusual organism.
Effect of the thermal history of polymers on their dynamic mechanical properties

A torsion pendulum was used to compare quenched and annealed specimens of representative polymers with respect to their dynamic mechanical properties. Among amorphous polymers, the effects of thermal history appear to be both moderate and similar for different polymers. For some crystalline polymers, the effects of thermal history are again moderate. However, the effects are very great in one of the crystalline polymers selected, presumably because it is easily supercooled below its melting point.
CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO : YOUNG WOMEN AND MEN IN BLACK CONSCIOUSNESS COMMUNITY WORK, 1970s SOUTH AFRICA *

Young activists who took part in South Africa's Black Consciousness movement challenged the apartheid status quo with their bold calls for black psychological liberation. This article uses new evidence to elucidate the work these youthful activists did in health and economic projects in the rural Eastern Cape that, in part, upheld certain customs. The article also brings young professional women into the history of African youth, arguing that the involvement of professional black female activists changed the way activists and villagers perceived the abilities and roles of young black women.
Image-Based Strength Assessment of Bone

A patient's bone status is commonly assessed by radiologic methods. Although the desired information concentrates on the probability of future fractures, the radiologic density is widely used as a surrogate for bone strength. There have been attempts to develop new parameters that have a closer relationship with bone strength, but the investigators tend to use a linear relationship between measured density and their strength-related parameter. We briefly discuss the background of mechanical deformation as it relates to bone and point out some of the basic principles involved in the assessment of strength. We then show that the relevant connection between strength and density makes use of the elastic modulus, which relates to density in a power law with an exponent of close to 2. We suggest modifications of some of the widely used strength-related parameter expressions that follow the theory more closely and will, thus, have the potential to better reflect the patient's bone status.