cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospects for machined immersion gratings in the near infrared and visible

Immersion gratings machined in germanium have demonstrated excellent performance in the 8 to 13 μm band. The machining precision is adequate for use down 2μm, the short wavelength limit of germanium. Materials exist (Si, GaAs, GaP, ZnSe and ZnS) that could enable gratings to be made for near infrared and visible wavelengths. Work needs to be done to determine the optimal machining conditions. Commercial forms of these materials are optimized for other applications and may need some development to improve their performance at the shortest wavelengths. Current machining precision is adequate in most aspects. The surface figure of the groove facets (i.e. wavefront error) would need just over a factor of 2 improvement at the shortest wavelengths to maintain diffraction limited performance. The tolerance in random groove position error may be the most difficult to achieve.
A theory for concentrated fiber suspensions with strong fiber‐fiber interactions

A theory is presented for the flow-induced fiber orientation and stress in fiber-reinforced polymer composites with planar fiber orientation. The rate of change of fiber orientation is given as a function of the strain rate in the continuum and the probabilistic effects of physical inter-fiber contacts. The continuum stress is calculated from the stress in the fluid and fibers, where fiber stress is a result of the local disturbance in the fluid velocity field and of the inter-fiber contact forces. Fiber orientation is described via a probability density function whose transport equation has the form of a standard advection-diffusion equation with an orientation-dependent rotary diffusion. This equation is solved using a finite difference scheme and the results are presented.
Protocols for RFID tag/reader authentication

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are poised to supplant barcodes in the very near future. Their information storage capacity as well as their ability to transfer information through contactless means without line-of-sight translates to significant advantage over barcodes. However, cost and privacy issues are major impediments to their widespread use. We consider the latter issue, specifically those that relate to securely authenticating RFID tags and readers. Light-weight authentication protocols are necessary in RFID applications due to tag-level constraints. Over the past few years, several streams of research have emerged approaching the RFID tag/reader privacy/security problem from different perspectives. We study and evaluate a few protocols from each of those streams, identify possible vulnerabilities, and provide alternate solutions when possible. We provide security analysis of the proposed solutions.
The Arabidopsis PEAPOD2 transcription factor interacts with geminivirus AL2 protein and the coat protein promoter

The TrAP protein of bipartite begomoviruses activates the coat protein (CP) promoter in mesophyll and derepresses the promoter in vascular tissue through two sequences, located 60-125 bp and 1.2-1.5 kbp respectively, upstream of the CP gene. TrAP does not, however, exhibit specific binding to either sequence directly. We have identified a plant-specific DNA-binding protein, Arabidopsis PEAPOD2 (PPD2), that specifically binds sequences mediating activation of the CP promoter of Tomato golden mosaic virus (TGMV) and Cabbage leaf curl virus in mesophyll. This protein does not however, bind sequences required for TrAP-mediated derepression in phloem. TGMV TrAP interacts with the PPD2/CP promoter complex in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. PPD2 is associated with the nucleus, as expected for a transcription factor, but is not capable of activating transcription directly. Thus, geminivirus TrAP is likely targeted to the CP promoter through interaction with PPD2, leading to activation of CP gene expression.
Determination of fat content in fish feed by supercritical fluid extraction and subsequent lipid classification of extract by thin layer chromatography-flame ionization detection

Abstract A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method employing carbon dioxide with an alcohol modifier was developed to determine fat content in fish feed. Fat content was determined for 14 dry extruded salmon or trout grower feeds with advertised fat contents ranging from 14% to 33% (w/w). Results with the new method were significantly higher than those obtained from Soxhlet extractions (AOCS Method Ba 3–38) with a difference in mean fat content of 1.9% ( P P P
A linearized theory for materials undergoing microstructural change

A general framework has recently been developed within the context of large deformations, for the study of the mechanics of materials capable of undergoing microstructural changes. On being deformed the material suffers, fully or partially, a microstructural change, with the response of the new microstructure being determined from a different preferred configuration. Thus, once a partial microstructural change has taken place, there is essentially a mixture of two bodies, but their stress-free states are different. This theory has the ability to describe phenomena, like permanent set and hysteresis, that are exhibited by inelastic materials. Here, we present a simplification of the theory that is valid for infinetesimal strains when the process of microstructural change is discrete. The concepts inherent in the theory are illustrated by presenting solutions to the boundary value problems of torsion and the pressurized cylinder.
THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG SELECTED SUPERVISOR, THERAPSIT, AND CLIENT BEHAVIORS*

This study examined the extent to which supervisory phone-ins were related to change in both immediate therapist behaviors and subsequent change in resistant behaviors of client family members. Of specific interest was whether the congruence of supervisor and therapist behaviors (referred to as isomorphism by some family therapy authors) would be related to immediate change in client resistance. The quality of supervisor's Support and Teach behaviors was foundj to be significantly related to the change in the quality of the threrapists' Support and Teach behaviors. Moreover, in instances where both supervisors and their supervises demonstrated effective Support and Teach behaviors, clients generally tended to either remain cooperative or become cooperative more frequently than when both effective supervisor and supervisee behaviors where not present.
Unexpected cocaine intoxication presenting as seizures in children

We report four cases of unexpected cocaine intoxication in children manifested by the sudden development of seizures. Each patient presented with seizure activity of unknown etiology. Toxicology screens were positive for cocaine and its metabolites. All four had normal head computed tomography scans and have not required long-term use of anticonvulsants. One infant developed a mild learning disability. Cocaine intoxication should be considered in the differential diagnosis of new onset seizure activity in children. Child protection agencies should be consulted in all cases due to a high probability of abuse or neglect.
Scaling of enzyme activity in larval herring and plaice: effects of temperature and individual growth rate on aerobic and anaerobic capacity

Herring Clupea harengus and plaice Pleuronectes platessa were reared at 8 and 12° C from the fertilized egg to a larval age of up to 600 degree-days. Soluble protein as well as the activities of both citrate synthetase (CS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured in homogenate supernatants of individual larvae at 10° C. Scaling factors were calculated using the expression y=ax b where y is the enzyme activity, x the protein content of the larva a is a constant and b the scaling factor. All scaling factors showed significant differences between the species. Within species, the scaling factors for CS activity were either small or not significantly different between the two rearing temperatures, but the scaling factors for the LDH activities were significantly different at the two temperatures for both species. Herring larvae, which had higher LDH activities when newly hatched, showed smaller scaling factors for LDH (b=1.42 at 8° C and b=1.07 at 12°C) than plaice (b=2.11 at 8° C and b=1.45 at 12° C). Activities converged as the larvae grew. The results of the current study together with reanalysis of data from the literature indicate an increasing aerobic and anaerobic capacity during the larval stage of fishes (positive allometry).
Studies in epinephrine

Abstract 1.1. Epinephrine in aqueous solution and in blood can be measured chemically in amounts of the order of 0.02 microgram, within an error of 5 per cent. 2.2. Samples of commercial epinephrine solutions which had become brown with age were found to have lost nearly one-third of their epinephrine content. 3.3. Various amounts of epinephrine added to trichloracetic acid extracts of dog's blood and to freshly drawn dog's blood were recovered practically completely. 4.4. Following the injection of epinephrine solutions of various strengths into the veins of dogs, epinephrine was recovered from the venous blood in amounts from 0 to 90 per cent, with an average recovery of 25 per cent one minute after injection, 21 per cent five minutes after injection, and 14 per cent twenty minutes after injection. One-half of the blood samples showed no epinephrine at the end of twenty minutes. 5.5. After epinephrine solutions were injected subcutaneously in dogs, epinephrine was recovered from the venous blood in amounts varying from 0 to 25 per cent, with an average recovery of 7 per cent five minutes after injection, 5 per cent ten minutes after injection, and 1.5 per cent twenty minutes after injection. In all except one experiment, no epinephrine was found twenty minutes after the injection. 6.6. Normally, in dogs and human beings there is no epinephrine in the peripheral venous blood (or at least less than one part in a thousand million). 7.7. On the basis of the chemical findings, some of the commonly observed therapeutic effects of epinephrine are discussed.
The role of screening sinus computed tomography in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate pretransplant sinus computed tomography (CT) as predictor of post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant sinusitis. METHODS We evaluated pretransplant and posttransplant CT findings in 100 children using the Lund-Mackay system and "common-practice" radiology reporting and correlated these with the presence of acute sinusitis. RESULTS Fourteen percent of patients with normal screening CT developed posttransplant sinusitis, compared with 23% with radiographic abnormalities and 22% with clinical sinusitis alone, not statistically significant. Sensitivity of CT findings for clinical sinusitis ranged between 19% and 56%. Except for mucosal thickening (71% specificity), other findings had high specificity between 92% and 97%, particularly when combined. Lund-Mackay score change of 10 or greater from baseline was associated with a 2.8-fold increased likelihood of having sinusitis (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Screening CT can serve as a baseline, with a Lund-Mackay score change of 10 or greater constituting a significant threshold. The strongest correlation with the presence of acute sinusitis was seen with combined CT findings.
Correlates of Poverty: The Interaction of Individual and Family Characteristics

Characteristics of the family head are compared with those of the family as a unit in extent to which they are associated with three criteria of family poverty. Analysis of data from a sample of 561 welfare applicants in four states reveal substantial interaction effects among the two sets of variables. Sex of family head is a major conditional variable. For female-headed families, characteristics of the family largely account for variation in family income, work history of the head, and welfare history of the family. For maleheaded families, individual characteristics of the family head take precedence over family characteristics. There is little difference in family economics by race among male-headed families. But if black families have any additional disadvantage, they show a much more pronounced decline in economic status than do white families.
Are energy efficiency standards within the electricity sector a form of regulatory capture

There is a growing trend to introduce energy efficiency standards at the state level. We examine why electricity utilities may be in favor of such a standard and conclude that energy efficiency standards may be a form of regulatory capture.
Probing of two-dimensional grid patterns by means of camera-based image processing

Camera based probes and machine vision have found increased use in coordinate measuring machines over the past years and the calibration of artifacts for these probes has become an important task for NIST. Until recently these artifacts have been calibrated using one or two dimensional measuring machines with electro-optic microscopes or scanning devices as probes. These sensors evaluate only a small section of the edge of a grid mark, and irregularities in this particular spot from local deformations or contamination influence the measurement result. Since these measurements result in a single number based on the entire field of view, the influence of small irregularities are not easily detected. Since different probes scan different parts of the grid mark edge they may give systematically different positions of the mark. The conversion to video based sensors has allowed more flexibility it edge detection, although most instruments still use least squares fits as the substitute geometry of straight edges. This method is very susceptible to noise and edge irregularities. We present some experiments for finding the sub-pixel edge point locations and fitting the set of edge points to a line using a fairly simple least sum of absolute deviations fit. Data from a high accuracy 2D measuring machine is used to show the strengths of the algorithms.
Considering run-time reconfiguration overhead in task graph transformations for dynamically reconfigurable architectures

In modern dynamic FPGA-based platforms where multiple processes may be executing concurrently, partial dynamic reconfiguration (RTR) is a key technique for maximizing application performance under resource constraints. For platforms with column-based partial RTR, we propose a new technique to statically transform linear task graphs (common in image processing applications). In our approach, the granularity of data parallelism for each task is determined while considering the reconfiguration overhead along with architectural constraints imposed by partial RTR. On JPEG applications, our technique can improve the execution time by up to 37% by choosing the right granularity of task parallelism.
Navigational needs for current and future high-G inertial measurement units

The author uses the ADKEM (advanced kinetic energy missile) IMU (inertial measurement unit) performance requirements as a platform to discuss various error sources and their contribution to the ADKEM system performance and to indicate possible applications of this technology for the future. Particular attention is given to the ADKEM IMU error budget. >
Brain games to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disease which is the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Currently available, Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies for AD provide symptomatic benefits for some but are neither preventative nor diseasemodifying. Once a clinician makes a clinical diagnosis of AD in an older adult, adult children often want to know what can be done nonpharmacologically to slow cognitive decline. They also want to know what they can do to delay onset or decrease their risk of AD. Although genetic vulnerability plays a role even in late-onset or sporadic AD, there is evidence that certain life-style modification techniques may slow progression of cognitive decline in AD patients and may delay or decrease risk of AD in family members. The strongest evidence for efficacy exists for physical activity (exercise) and brain activity. Relative to the latter, it is postulated that by stimulating the brain throughout life, we can slow cognitive decline and possibly delay/decrease risk of AD. In recent years, there has been a growth in computer-based brain games or challenges. These “games” can be played on a daily basis to “exercise” the brain. The “games” range in complexity from easy to moderate to difficult. The themes vary, with some being word-based or number-based, while others are more visual/problem-solving focused. Some are free and others charge a fee, especially to move beyond the opening stages.
Characterization of cells shed from the ocular surface in normal eyes.

The corneal and conjunctival epithelia constitute the ocular surface, which is a dynamic layer under constant renewal. As corneal epithelial cells migrate anteriorly and centripetally,1,2 the cells terminally differentiate and flatten. Cells reach the surface, tight junctions form between adjacent epithelial cells, and cells apically differentiate. Older surface cells, presumably the large, dark squamous cells viewed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM),3–5 slough into the tear film as new epithelial cells move anteriorly to replace them. The conjunctiva replaces itself similarly,6 although the cells may be more cuboidal7 or polyhedral8 in shape. The renewal process of the normal ocular surface can be studied by examination of cells shed from the surface.
Attenuation-Based Estimates of Rainfall Rates Aloft with Vertically Pointing Ka-Band Radars

Abstract An approach is suggested to retrieve low-resolution rainfall rate profiles and layer-averaged rainfall rates, Ra, from radar reflectivity measurements made by vertically pointing Ka-band radars. This approach is based on the effects of attenuation of radar signals in rain and takes advantage of the nearly linear relation between specific attenuation and rainfall rate at Ka-band frequencies. The variability of this relation due to temperature, details of raindrop size distributions, and the nature of rain (convective versus stratiform) is rather small (∼10%) and contributes little to errors in rainfall rate retrievals. The main contribution to the retrieval errors comes from the uncertainty of the difference in the nonattenuated radar reflectivities in the beginning and the end of the range resolution interval. For 2- and 1-dB uncertainties in this difference, the retrieval errors due to this main contribution are less than 34% and 17%, correspondingly, for rains with Ra ≈ 10 mm h−1 at a 1-km reso...
Two Decades of RNA Catalysis

Twenty years have passed since the initial discovery of catalytic RNA. Although initial discoveries of ribozymes (RNA enzymes) involved phosphoryl transfer reactions on RNA substrates, our knowledge of the biological repertoire of these enzymes was expanded recently as a result of new evidence suggesting that the RNA component of the ribosome catalyzes peptide bond formation. Ribozymes have posed novel challenges for mechanistic studies, but recent investigations have yielded increasing support for chemical mechanisms involving precisely positioned nucleic acid bases with environmentally perturbed pKa values and metal ions. A continuing challenge for RNA enzymologists is the separation of the structural and chemical effects in interpreting experimental results, a challenge that will be overcome as the intriguing fields of RNA enzymology and structural biology continue to expand.
Ovarian Development and Ovulation in Hens Treated with Synthetic (Porcine) Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone/Follicle Stimulating Hormone Releasing Hormone (LH-RH/FSH-RH)

Abstract Thirty five hens were equally divided into seven groups and injected intramuscularly with various doses of synthetic LH-RH/FSH-RH following the terminal egg of an ovulatory sequence (tC egg), as determined by previous oviposition pattern. The birds were maintained on a daily photoperiod of 14 hr. light starting at 0800 hr. and all injections were performed at 1800 hr. on the tC day. Ovulation induced prematurely by 6–9 hr. on the first day of a clutch (tC day) was detected by presence of a soft-shelled egg in either the magnum or uterus. Levels of LH-RH/FSH-RH injected into each of five birds in each group as follows: 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 60 μg. The number of premature ovulations induced by the treatments of LH-RH/FSH-RH were 0/5, 0/5, 3/5, 4/5, 3/5, 5/5 and 5/5, respectively. Nonovulatory hens maintained on a daily photoperiod of 6 hr. light were injected subcutaneously for 14 consecutive days with either 3.4 μg. LH-RH/FSH-RH or an equal volume (0.5 ml.) of saline. The birds were sacrificed on day 15 for observation of ovarian changes. No significant differences were noted between LH-RH/FSH-RH and saline injected hens in either largest ovarian follicular diameter, follicle diameter of ten largest follicles or ovarian weight.
EFFECTS OF LOW‐LEVEL EXPOSURE TO IONIZING RADIATION: CURRENT CONCEPTS AND CONCERNS FOR VETERINARY WORKERS

The issue of biological effects caused by low-level exposure to ionizing radiation (0.1Sv/yr or 10 rem) is a concern of veterinary radiologists, clinicians and radiotherapists. Cellular damge from ionizing radiation is mediated by injury to DNA, some of which can be repaired. The most important harmful effects attributed to low-level exposure are carcinogenesis and mutation. Ionizing radiation may also cause embryonic and fetal damage, life span shortening and cataractogenesis. The estimated excess risk of mortality for all human cancers is 0.8% (800 deaths per 100,000) per 0.10 Sv of acute exposure; at low dose-rates, risk is presumed to be less. Ionizing radiation increases the frequencey of spontaneous genic and chromosomal mutations in man and animals. Studies of atomic bomb survivors imply that at least 1 Sv would be needed to double the spontaneous mutation rate for acute exposure to low-LET radiation. However, the doubling dose for chronic, low-level exposure may be 4 Sv or more. The human embryo and fetus are sensitive to excessive doses of ionizing radiation, with mental retardation the main concern in the low dose range. Paradoxically, there is scientific evidence that in some instances, chronic low-level exposure to ionizing radiation causes a beneficial or hormonic effect. For veterinary workers, occupational exposures appear to be well below the maximum permissible dose limit and the risk or probability of harmful effects is low if stringent radiation safety practices are maintained.
Metalloproteinase levels are decreased in symptomatic carotid plaques.

Background. Matrix metalloproteinase enzymes (MMP) have been identified in carotid atherosclerotic plaques, but their role in the development of clinical symptoms remains ill defined. We correlated the activity and levels of metalloproteinase enzymes and their inhibitors in human carotid plaques to ischemic neurologic events. Methods. Carotid plaques were collected at the time of endarterectomy from 23 patients with carotid stenosis. Sixteen patients were asymptomatic and 7 patients had symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack within 6 weeks of surgery. Protein was extracted from the plaques, proteolytic activity was determined by gelatin zymography, and pro-MMP and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) enzyme content were measured by ELISA assay. Macrophage accumulation in the plaque was determined using immunohistochemistry. Results. Plaques from symptomatic patients had decreased proteolytic activity on substrate gel zymography at the 62- and 92-kDa regions (corresponding to active MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9). A decrease in pro-MMP-9 (8.21 ± 2.35 vs 17.42 ± 3.14 ng, P < 0.05) and an increase in TIMP-2 protein (12.62 ± 0.58 vs 10.56 ± 0.77 ng, P < 0.05) were noted on ELISA in plaques from symptomatic patients. No difference was noted in macrophage accumulation in the plaques between the two groups. Conclusions. Plaques from patients who present with ischemic neurologic symptoms have decreased proteolytic activity associated with decreased pro-MMP-9 and increased TIMP-2 protein levels. These data suggest that metalloproteinase enzymes are not responsible for plaque instability in the carotid circulation and may in fact promote plaque stability.
Phase II Trials of the Serotonin Antagonist GR38032F for the Control of Vomiting Caused by Cisplatin

Three phase II studies of the serotonin antagonist GR38032F were conducted. In trial 1, 20 patients given initial chemotherapy with cisplatin at doses greater than or equal to 100 mg/m2 were randomized to receive three GR38032F doses (0.18 mg/kg) on an every-2-hour or every-4-hour schedule. In trial 2, eight similar patients were given three 0.04-mg/kg doses every 2 hours. In trial 3, 12 previously treated patients receiving cisplatin at 20-25 mg/m2 on 4 or 5 consecutive days each received three daily GR38032F doses (0.15 mg/kg) every 2 hours. In trial 1, 35% of the patients had no emesis [95% confidence interval (CI), 16%-58%] and 55% had one or two emetic episodes (95% CI, 32%-76%). Results were similar between the every-2-hour and every-4-hour schedules. In trial 2, only one of eight patients (13%) had no vomiting (95% CI, 1%-50%). In trial 3, in which previously treated patients were studied, complete control ranged from 75% on day 1 to 33% on day 3. Mild sedation, headache, and transient elevations of serum SGOT (AST) were observed. No extrapyramidal symptoms occurred. A dose of 0.15-0.18 mg/kg every 2 hours for three iv doses is recommended. Further comparison and combination studies of GR38032F are warranted.
Readiness for Behavioral Changes in Patients With Heart Failure

• BACKGROUND Successful self-care in heart failure often requires lifestyle changes such as avoiding sodium, excess fluid intake, alcohol, and tobacco; exercising regularly; and losing weight. The Transtheoretical Model, a framework for making behavioral changes, proposes that change requires a series of stages. • OBJECTIVES To identify the stage of readiness for change in 6 lifestyle behaviors important in heart failure and to determine differences in signs and symptoms of heart failure, self-reported knowledge of the disease, and self-reported behavior between patients who have taken action and patients who have not. • METHOD A mail survey of 250 patients with heart failure. • RESULTS Most respondents reported consistent avoidance of tobacco (90.6%), alcohol (87.9%), sodium (81%), and excess fluid (72.6%) and regular participation in exercise (67.1%) and trying to lose weight (64.7%). Yet only 38.7% had a regular exercise program, and 94.2% had eaten high-sodium foods in the preceding 24 hours. Knowledge of heart failure was low (mean score, 67.4%) and did not differ by stage of change. Only 30.4% of the respondents were at their desired weight, and most overweight subjects had been trying to lose weight for more than 6 months. • CONCLUSIONS Although respondents thought they were consistently adhering to recommended guidelines for changes in lifestyle, actual reported behaviors did not always support this evaluation. Use of the stage of change tool to assess stage of readiness to make lifestyle changes may not work well in patients with heart failure, perhaps because of the number and complexity of the changes needed. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2003;12:444-453)
The Effect of Immobilization Devices and Left-Foot Adapter on Brake-Response Time

Background: The ability to perform an emergency stop is essential for safe driving and can be represented by total brake-response time, reaction time, and braking time. Immobilization of the lower extremities is routinely performed for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. This study sought to investigate the effect of immobilization with a left-foot driving adapter, a controlled-ankle-motion device, and a short leg cast on braking times. Our hypothesis was that there would be a significant difference in braking-time values between individuals utilizing a left-foot driving adapter or immobilization device and control individuals wearing normal footwear. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted to assess the effect of the immobilization devices on braking times. A driving simulator was used to assess total brake-response time, reaction time, and braking time in thirty-five volunteers. Volunteers were assessed while (1) wearing normal footwear (control group), (2) wearing a controlled-ankle-motion boot, (3) wearing a removable short leg cast, and (4) employing a left-foot driving adapter. Results: The mean total brake-response time was significantly increased as compared with that of the control group in all three study groups. The mean reaction time was significantly increased for the short leg cast and controlled-ankle-motion groups as compared with reaction time in the control group. The mean braking time was significantly increased in the controlled-ankle-motion and left-foot driving-adapter groups as compared with braking time in the control group. Conclusions: Total brake-response time while wearing a controlled-ankle-motion boot or a short leg cast or while utilizing a left-foot driving adapter is significantly increased, or worsened, as compared with the response time while wearing normal footwear. This information may prove valuable to physicians when counseling patients on when it may be safe to return to driving. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Maintenance of Treatment Effects: Introduction to the Special Series

This article introduces the special series on maintenance of gains following psychosocial interventions. The special series covers specific, prevalent disorders— unipolar depression, substance abuse, obesity, and conduct disorders—and treatments that have shown positive outcomes for follow-up periods as long as 1 year. The focus is on longer term maintenance, where much less is known. Promising strategies proposed in this series to extend treatment effects are highlighted, as are research strategies that have broad application across disorders.
A Sales Processing Simulation Exercise And Database For The Accounting Information Systems Course

This paper presents a classroom simulation of a sales processing system, with an inter-active database, that was designed to enhance the learning of several important con-cepts in the introductory accounting information systems course. The experience of actually participating in the business process and interacting with the database can help students achieve a better understanding of business processes, internal control concepts, data modeling, and database software. Educational research suggests that simulations are an active teaching strategy that can be effective in teaching factual course material, and that they help stimulate students interest in the classroom expe-rience. As designed, the exercise illustrates selected system and control weaknesses that should foster critical thinking and discussion. Additionally, the database is built on the REAL model and provides students with a working example as they later learn to design and develop databases themselves.
Sequencing of lariat termini in S. cerevisiae reveals 5′ splice sites, branch points, and novel splicing events

Pre-mRNA splicing is a central step in the shaping of the eukaryotic transcriptome and in the regulation of gene expression. Yet, due to a focus on fully processed mRNA, common approaches for defining pre-mRNA splicing genome-wide are suboptimal-especially with respect to defining the branch point sequence, a key cis-element that initiates the chemistry of splicing. Here, we report a complementary intron-centered approach designed to more efficiently, simply, and directly define splicing events genome-wide. Specifically, we developed a method distinguished by deep sequencing of lariat intron termini (LIT-seq). In a test of LIT-seq using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we not only successfully captured the majority of annotated, expressed splicing events but also uncovered 45 novel splicing events, establishing the sensitivity of LIT-seq. Moreover, our libraries were highly enriched with reads that reported on splice sites; by a simple and direct inspection of sequencing reads, we empirically defined both 5' splice sites and branch sites, as well as their consensus sequences, with nucleotide resolution. Additionally, our study revealed that the 3' termini of lariat introns are subject to nontemplated addition of adenosines, characteristic of signals sensed by 3' to 5' RNA turnover machinery. Collectively, this work defines a novel, genome-wide approach for analyzing splicing with unprecedented depth, specificity, and resolution.
Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deficiencies: Surgical, Prosthetic, and Rehabilitation Principles, ed 3

Smith DG, Michael JW, Bowker JH, eds. Rosemont, IL 60018, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,2004, hardcover, 965 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-89203-313-4, $215. Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deficiencies: Surgical, Prosthetic, and Rehabilitation Principles, ed 3 Smith DG, Michael JW, Bowker JH, eds. Rosemont, IL 60018, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons,2004, hardcover, 965 pp, illus, ISBN: 0-89203-313-4, $215. The third edition of the Atlas of Amputations and Limb Deficiencies is intended to “present the major advances of the past decade” for all members of the rehabilitation team. Many of the chapters of this book do meet that intention. Several chapters, however, are extremely brief in content and lack research published in the past decade. In this newest edition, contributors were recruited in the areas of care of people with wartime amputations, the role of the Krukenberg procedure in developing countries, the rise of the consumer movement for people with amputations, and the rapidly expanding role of sports and recreation, as well as osseointegration and transplantation. This atlas is organized into 5 sections and 1 appendix. The appendix, titled “Terminology in Acquired Limb Loss,” is disappointing. It directs the reader to the Web site for the International Organization for Standardization and lists the organization's mailing address in Switzerland. Section I, “Introduction,” includes 7 chapters on the history of amputations and prosthetics, the causes of amputations, and care of people with wartime amputations. A connection is made between armed conflicts and the improvements in prosthetics, including the increase in education for doctors, therapists, and patients, …
A Lapse in Judgment: Ruotolo v. Tietjen and Interpretation of Connecticut's Anti-Lapse Statute

The Connecticut case of Ruotolo v. Tietjen concerns a will providing a bequest to a named individual "if she survives" the testator, language commonly employed in traditional estate planning documents. The named beneficiary did not survive the testator, raising the question of who should receive her "lapsed" bequest. Connecticut's "anti-lapse" statute drafted in 1821, provided that the beneficiary's surviving children would take the bequest unless the will effectively directed another result. The crucial question therefore was whether the affirmative condition "if she survives" negated operation of this default statute. The Connecticut Appellate Court, in a case of first impression, concluded that such words of survivorship failed to effectively negate application of the anti-lapse statute. The Supreme Court agreed, affirming the Appellate Court's opinion and sending shockwaves through the state's estate planning bar. In this Article, I contend that the Appellate Court's opinion reached the wrong result, and that the Connecticut Supreme Court was unwise to embrace it. The judges of the Appellate Court adopted a widely-criticized minority rule without indicating, and perhaps without even realizing, they were doing so. The result potentially impacts the future interpretation of countless existing estate planning documents and leaves the Connecticut bar struggling to respond. In addition, the opinion casts a wider pall by according too little respect to the traditional role of estate planning attorneys in communicating their client's testamentary desires, while giving too much deference to the modern proposals reflected in the 1990 version of the Uniform Probate Code (hereinafter "the UPC"). While the case most directly impacts Connecticut probate practice, it implicates broader themes concerning the interaction between traditional estate planning principles and modern probate legislation.
"Flor de otoño": example of play adapted to film before reaching the stage

Film adaptation of plays generally reveals tension between fidelity to previous stage performances and desire to avoid “canned theatre”. Less common is the reverse chronology when a text, written as a stage play, is made into a movie before it reaches theatre audiences. An example of this exception is Rodriguez Mendez’s Flor de Otono . Written in 1972, Rodriguez Mendez’s play was not staged until 1982. In 1978, it was made into the movie, Un hombre llamado Flor de Otono , directed by Pedro Olea. Our analysis of this film version of a play script considers how it follows anticipated adaptation strategies and whether the absence of prior stage performances facilitated greater freedom in the process.
Comparison of Two Nesting Materials for Broiler Breeders

Abstract The performance of broiler breeders, when exposed to either shavings or artificial nest pads and factors affecting nest preference, were studied in four trials. When given a choice, hens preferred shavings to nest pads but eggs laid on nest pads exhibited reduced contamination. When exposed to either material exclusively, hens laid fewer floor eggs and exhibited increased hatch of fertile eggs (percent) in the presence of nest pads. Painting galvanized nests flat black reduced preference regardless of nest material. Placing the artificial nest pad over a concave rather than flat bottom in the nest increased preference.
Core/Shell Au/CuPt Nanoparticles and Their Dual Electrocatalysis for Both Reduction and Oxidation Reactions

We report a facile synthesis of monodisperse core/shell 5/1.5 nm Au/CuPt nanoparticles by coreduction of platinum acetylacetonate and copper acetylacetonate in the presence of 5 nm Au nanoparticles. The CuPt alloy effect and core/shell interactions make these Au/CuPt nanoparticles a promising catalyst for both oxygen reduction reaction and methanol oxidation reaction in 0.1 M HClO4 solution. Their specific (mass) reduction and oxidation activities reach 2.72 mA/cm2 (1500 mA/mg Pt) at 0.9 V and 0.755 mA/cm2 (441 mA/mg Pt) at 0.8 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode), respectively. Our studies show that the existence of the Au nanoparticle core not only minimizes the Pt usage but also improves the stability of the Au/CuPt catalyst for fuel cell reactions. The results suggest that the core/shell design is indeed effective for optimizing nanoparticle catalysis. The same concept may be extended to other multimetallic nanoparticle systems, making it possible to tune nanoparticle catalysis for many different chem...
Guidelines counseling: A comparative analysis and evaluation of EAD implementation guidelines

A sample of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) encoding guidelines is examined in order to identify the differences and similarities across multiple repositories in their approaches to EAD. The comparative analysis reveals some areas of consistency in encoding practices among the institutions represented, as well as some points of divergence. The implications of these patterns that emerge from the analysis are considered.
Agents of Change: How Immigrant-Run Ethnic Food Retailers Improve Food Environments

Immigrant-run ethnic food retail stores, which are often located in urban neighborhoods, are reported to provide healthy foods. Yet, there is little research on how these stores manage to operate successfully in low-resource environments, which are reported to have poor access to healthy foods, and the challenges they must overcome in a broken food system. Based on a qualitative pilot case study of Middle Eastern stores in Buffalo, New York, the authors report factors that enable immigrant entrepreneurs to operate healthy food retail stores in low-income urban neighborhoods and the challenges they must overcome in the process. Factors for success include store owners’ membership in ethnic networks, prior business experience, and understanding of niche market opportunities. This article reports policy suggestions for how local governments can help ethnic food retailers to create healthier food environments and foster economic and community development.
Systems Virology: Why everybody wants to measure everything

Virologists have long known that viral pathogenesis must be studied from the standpoint of both the virus and the host. Nevertheless, given its relative simplicity, studying the virus has always been more tractable. As outlined in the previous chapters, virus-centric approaches have yielded a tremendous amount of information about viral genetics, viral replication cycles, and host and tissue tropisms. Along the way have come insights into host innate and adaptive immune responses and the many ways in which viruses antagonize these responses while exploiting other cellular processes to their advantage. The sequencing of the human genome, however, dramatically changed the field of viral pathogenesis. Virologists are now able to move beyond virus-centric or single-gene approaches and instead investigate the host response to infection on a genome-wide scale. In this chapter, we focus on the insights into viral pathogenesis that are provided by examining the host transcriptional response, including the dynamics of innate and acquired immunity, diagnostic signatures, and the identification of targets for antiviral drugs.
Analysis of Relevant Specifications for Dynamic Performance Index of Excitation System

This paper discusses the relevant specifications of IEC, IEEE standard, national and power industry standard for dynamic performance index of generator excitation system, and analyzes the differences of each standard. The duration, 0.2-0.3 s, for the ceiling voltage during hand over test is put forward; performance index for small disturbance stipulated by each standard is discussed. To adopt the step response index of generator as a measure for dynamic performance index of small disturbance of excitation control system is suggested in the paper.
Application of patient-controlled analgesia pump in patients with superatentorial tumor study on indwelling catheter extraction time

Objective:To discuss the best time to remove the indwelling urethral catheter on the patients who were used the patient-controlled analgesia pumps(PCA) after the operation for supratentorial tumor resection.Methods: According to whether PCA was applied to them,123 postoperative patients with indwelling catheter were divided into two groups: the experimental group and the controlled group.All the catheters were removed on the next day's morning that is at the 24 hours after operation.Observed the occurance of urinary retention between these two groups.Results: There was no statistical significance between these two groups on the occurance of urinary retention(χ2=2.856,P0.05).Conclusion: In order to make the patients who were used the PCA feel more comfortable and decrease the infection in urinary system,we should removed the urinary catheter on the next day after operation.
Ablative therapy for movement disorders. Thalamotomy for Parkinson's disease

Thalamotomy for Parkinson's disease is a well-established procedure that has been in use for more than 40 years. Technologic advances, such as computerized and magnetic resonance imaging, and refinement of stereotactic techniques have increased the safety and efficacy of this procedure. Current studies reveal good results in 70% to 90% of patients. Reported transient neurologic deficits occur in up to 60% of patients undergoing this procedure, although the highest permanent complication rates have decreased to around 10% to 20%. These data suggest the safety and efficacy of thalamotomy as a primary therapeutic option for selected patients with parkinsonian tremor.
Heterodimerization of wild-type and mutant fibroblast growth factor receptors in cell-derived vesicles.

Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) heterodimers are necessary for proper cell function and have properties unique from those of the better-studied homodimer. However, the heterodimer species’ propensity for formation and physicochemical properties remain largely unknown, because traditional methods struggle to distinguish between hetero- and homo-dimers. In this project, we overcome that challenge by fluorescently labeling each receptor in the heterodimer and employing Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET); this technique reports on the formation of heterodimers but not homodimers. Experiments are performed in cell-derived vesicles, which closely mimic the structure and composition of the native membrane, and over a wide range of receptor concentrations. In this system, homodimers also form, though they do not contribute to FRET, and are accounted for in thermodynamic equilibrium equations. Here, we examine heterodimers in the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) family of RTKs, which regulates development of the skeletal system. In addition to the wild-type FGFR1, FGFR2, and FGFR3 heterodimer species, we consider the heterodimers formed in the presence of two different mutations in the transmembrane domain of FGFR3. The first mutation, FGFR3 G380R, is responsible for achondroplasia, the most common form of human dwarfism, and disrupts proper development of the long bones. The second mutation, FGFR3 A391E, is responsible for Crouzon syndrome with acanthosis nigricans, a disorder characterized by prematurely ossified skull bones accompanied by a skin disorder. We show that heterodimers form between both wild-type and mutant receptors. This work enhances our understanding of heterodimerization in the FGFR family.
TH-CD-BRA-07: MRI-Linac Dosimetry: Parameters That Change in a Magnetic Field

Purpose: In MRI-linac integrated systems, the presence of the magnetic (B-)field has a large impact of the dose-distribution and the dose-responses of detectors; yet established protocols and previous experience may lead to assumptions about the commissioning process that are no longer valid. This study quantifies parameters that change when performing dosimetry with an MRI-linac including beam quality specifiers and the effective-point-of-measurement (EPOM) of ionization chambers. Methods: We used the Geant4 Monte Carlo code for this work with physics parameters that pass the Fano cavity test to within 0.1% for the simulated conditions with and without a 1.5 T B-field. A point source model with the energy distribution of an MRI-linac beam was used with and without the B-field to calculate the beam quality specifiers %dd(10)× and TPR2010, the variation of chamber response with orientation and the how the B-field affects the EPOM of ionization chambers by comparing depth-dose curves calculated in water to those generated by a model PTW30013 Farmer chamber. Results: The %dd(10)× changes by over 2% in the presence of the B-field while the TPR2010 is unaffected. Ionization chamber dose-response is known to depend on the orientation w.r.t. the B-field, but two alternative perpendicular orientations (anti-parallel to each other) also differ in dose-response by over 1%. The B-field shifts the EPOM downstream (closer to the chamber center) but it is also shifted laterally by 0.27 times the chamber's cavity radius. Conclusion: The EPOM is affected by the B-field and it even shifts laterally. The relationship between %dd(10)× and the Spencer-Attix stopping powers is also changed. Care must be taken when using chambers perpendicular to the field as the dose-response changes depending on which perpendicular orientation is used. All of these effects must be considered when performing dosimetry in B-fields and should be accounted for in future dosimetry protocols. This project was partially funded by Elekta Ltd.