cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attenuated efficacy of pediatric obesity treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether the efficacy of a standard-of-care pediatric obesity treatment was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Analyses leveraged data from an ongoing pediatric obesity treatment trial involving 230 lower-income, urban children aged 6 to 12 years. Mixed-effects regression models compared children who participated in a 12-month weight-management intervention before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic on change from baseline in BMI z score (ΔzBMI) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS: The observed pattern of ΔzBMI was significantly different before versus during the pandemic (χ2 = 22.73, p < 0.0001). Children treated before the pandemic maintained an average weight loss of -0.06 ΔzBMI at 12 months, whereas children treated during the pandemic steadily gained weight over time, averaging a net gain of 0.11 ΔzBMI at 12 months (χ2 = 34.99, p < 0.0001). Treatment session completion did not differ before versus during the pandemic (60.4% vs. 55.7%, respectively; p = 0.30) or account for differences in ΔzBMI. CONCLUSIONS: Similar reductions in intervention efficacy may be anticipated in other pediatric obesity treatment trials conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many families that have struggled with managing their child's weight during this period may need encouragement to continue engaging in structured weight management as society renormalizes.
Mechanics of Nonlinear Crack Growth: Effects of Specimen Size and Loading Step

Nonlinear global load and displacement behaviour of metals is not exclusively associated with yielding of material. It can arise in the case of material damage by nonselfsimilar crack growth whereby the influence of the plastic deformation is negligible. The process of yielding and crack growth are inherently interwoven such that their individual effects cannot be readily separated either experimentally and/or analytically. This has led to frequent misinterpretation of the observed data on material behaviour. Unless the combined influence of loading rate, specimen size and material properties are understood, little progress can be made to translate small specimen data to the design of larger size structural components.
Challenges of teaching in a small computing department

Teaching in a small computing department (typically 3 or less faculty) has many unique challenges and rewards. CCSC has formed a committee to identify these areas and develop ways to help meet the challenges. The first task of this committee was to develop and distribute a survey to better understand these challenges and rewards. This panel will presents the results of that survey, give their personal perspectives, and discuss the future direction(s) of this work. Feedback from the conference attendees will be very important to the success of this project.
Suppression of replication-deficient mutants of IncFII plasmid NR1 can occur by two different mechanisms that increase expression of the repA1 gene.

Abstract Replication-proficient (Rep+) revertants were isolated from mutants of IncFII plasmid NR1 that were replication defective (Rep-). The parental Rep- plasmids contained a mutation that inactivated promoter PE for transcription of RNA-E, a trans-acting repressor of translation of the essential RepA1 replication initiation protein of NR1. The PE mutation also introduced a nonsense codon into a leader peptide gene that precedes and slightly overlaps the repA1 translation initiation site in the mRNA. This reduced the rate of synthesis of RepA1 by uncoupling its translation from that of the leader peptide. The reduced rate of RepA1 synthesis was responsible for the Rep- phenotype. All Rep+ revertants retained the PE mutation and contained second-site mutations responsible for suppression of the Rep- phenotype. One Rep+ revertant contained a second mutation adjacent to the Shine-Dalgarno sequence of repA1. Another Rep+ revertant contained a mutation in the repA2 gene, which encodes the trans-acting repressor of transcription of repA1. By using translational lacZ gene fusions, it was found that both kinds of suppressor mutation increased the expression of repA1 to a level sufficient to support replication. In both cases, the synthesis of RepA1 remained uncoupled from that of the leader peptide. The Shine-Dalgarno mutation increased the rate of leader peptide-independent translation of repA1 mRNA and also reduced the sensitivity of repA1 mRNA to inhibition by RNA-E. The repA2 mutation inactivated the RepA2 repressor and increased the rate of transcription of repA1 mRNA. The translational lacZ gene fusions were used to assess the range of regulation of expression of repA1 provided by each of the RNA-E and RepA2 regulatory circuits. By constructing miniplasmids that contained various combinations of the mutations, the contributions of the RNA-E and RepA2 regulatory circuits were assessed with respect to control of plasmid copy number and stable inheritance. Plasmids that lacked either circuit were less stable than wild-type plasmids.
TCR-Dependent and -Independent Activation Underlie Liver-Specific Regulation of NKT Cells

The fate of invariant NKT (iNKT) cells following activation remains controversial and unclear. We systemically examined how iNKT cells are regulated following TCR-dependent and -independent activation with α-galactosylceramide (αGC) or IL-18 plus IL-12, respectively. Our studies reveal activation by αGC or IL-18 plus IL-12 induced transient depletion of iNKT cells exclusively in the liver that was independent of caspase 3-mediated apoptosis. The loss of iNKT cells was followed by repopulation and expansion of phenotypically distinct cells via different mechanisms. Liver iNKT cell expansion following αGC, but not IL-18 plus IL-12, treatment required an intact spleen and IFN-γ. Additionally, IL-18 plus IL-12 induced a more prolonged expansion of liver iNKT cells compared with αGC. iNKT cells that repopulate the liver following αGC had higher levels of suppressive receptors PD-1 and Lag3, whereas those that repopulate the liver following IL-18 plus IL-12 had increased levels of TCR and ICOS. In contrast to acute treatment that caused a transient loss of iNKT cells, chronic αGC or IL-18 plus IL-12 treatment caused long-term systemic loss requiring an intact thymus for repopulation of the liver. This report reveals a previously undefined role for the liver in the depletion of activated iNKT cells. Additionally, TCR-dependent and -independent activation differentially regulate iNKT cell distribution and phenotype. These results provide new insights for understanding how iNKT cells are systemically regulated following activation.
Normal forms for description logic expressions of clinical concepts in SNOMED RT.

Abstract Modern clinical terminologies organize concepts into multi-hierarchy structures that are defined by logic-based expressions, enabling compositional representation of clinical statements and supporting more complete and consistent retrieval of clinical data. The Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine, Reference Terminology (SNOMED RT) gives each concept code a semantic definition stated in description logic. The process of development, testing and distribution of these definitions has highlighted the fact that a concept definition may take many different but logically equivalent forms, and has revealed a need for a set of normal forms for authoring, distribution, and other purposes. This paper describes the difference between a choice of syntax and a choice of normal form, and defines several different normal forms, including a short canonical form, a long canonical form, and a distribution normal form.
ALLOCATION RULES FOR SEQUENTIAL CLINICAL TRIALS

Consider the following simplified model of a clincial trial. Patients arrive sequentially at a treatment center and receive one of two treatments: A or B. The (immediate response of the ith patient to receive treatment A is xi, i = l,2,..., that of the jth patient to receive treatment B is yj, j = 1,2,.... At any stage of the process, having observed x1,...,xm, y1,...,yn, the experimenter can stop the experiment and declare (1) A is the better treatment, (2) B is better, or (3) there is essentially no difference between A and B; or he can continue the experiment and assign the next patient to treatment A or B according to some allocation rule. In this paper we shall be primarily interested in the experimenter’s allocation rule, which should be selected insofar as possible (i) to permit valid inferences upon termination of the experiment and (ii) to minimize in some sense the number of patients receiving the inferior treatment during the course of the experiment.
Endometrial carcinoma: an aberration of endometrial cell differentiation.

Abstract A model of endometrial cell differentiation is being proposed. It is in agreement with the available information on the concentrations of female sex steroid receptors in the human endometrium and the effects of estradiol and progesterone during the normal menstrual cycle. The scheme is extended to include endometrial carcinoma as a derangement of normal cell differentiation. Evidence is cited, from various studies on estradiol and progesterone receptor measurements and hormone responses of human endometrial carcinoma, in support of this hypothesis. This concept provides a rational basis for the selection of patients for hormonal (progestin) therapy.
Magnetism at Interfaces and Surfaces, as Probed by Neutron Scattering

The diffraction of polarized neutrons from metal-metal superlattices, with one of the two metal magnetic, has yielded significant information on the microscopic distribution of magnetism, although the ultimate possibilities of the technique are yet sample-limited. Fresnel reflection of polarized neutrons from superconductors and ferromagnets is providing the depth profile of the magnetization close to the surface of these materials.
Kinship, Contract, Community, and State: Anthropological Perspectives on China

Kinship, Contract, Community, and State: Anthropological Perspectives on China. Myron L. Cohen. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 2005. 359 pp.
Nursing curriculum development in remote southwest Uganda.

Purpose/Aim To describe an intercollaborative outreach between the USA and a school of nursing in Uganda. Introduction Ugandan nurses are essential providers of health care in remote regions. High vacancy rates in health centers impacts care in rural areas. Background A 112-bed health center in southwest Uganda supports village health teams that visit remote villages and provides medical, surgical, and maternal-child services to a population of 250,000. A new Ugandan school of nursing has aligned with the hospital to prepare graduates to provide primary care in remote villages. A team from the USA visited the school and hospital to assess the curriculum and offer educational strategies and support to the school's leadership. Evidence Provision of primary health care in the developing world is a longstanding global priority. Nurses are at the center of primary care in remote regions. Educational support for advanced nursing and strategic international relationships can positively impact nursing education in both high and low-income countries. Discussion The USA team took part in assessments, teaching, simulation, and remote village outreach. Educational strategies and modalities were shared. Conclusions The Ugandan nursing school is established and affiliated with another Ugandan university. Standardized curriculum is in place, however continued collaboration is needed for program adaptation to accommodate the unique border region environment. Implications for Health Policy and Nursing Intercollaborative sharing of information and resources between schools of nursing can have a direct impact on global health initiatives in both high-income and low-income countries.
Results from recent vacuum testing of an on-orbit absolute radiance standard (OARS) intended for the next generation of infrared remote sensing instruments

Future NASA infrared remote sensing missions will require better absolute measurement accuracies than now available, and will most certainly rely on the emerging capability to fly SI traceable standards that provide irrefutable absolute measurement accuracy. To establish a CLARRREO-type climate benchmark, instrumentation will need to measure spectrally resolved infrared radiances with an absolute brightness temperature error of better than 0.1 K, verified onorbit. This will require an independent high-emissivity (<0.999) verification blackbody with an emissivity uncertainty of better than 0.06%, an absolute temperature uncertainty of better than 0.045K (3 sigma), and the capability of operation over a wide range of (Earth scene) temperatures. Key elements of an On-Orbit Absolute Radiance Standard (OARS) meeting these stringent requirements have been demonstrated in the laboratory at the University of Wisconsin and have undergone further refinement under funding from NASA’s Earth Science and Technology Office, culminating in an end-to-end demonstration under vacuum with a prototype climate benchmark instrument. We present the new technologies that underlie the OARS, and the results of testing that demonstrate the required accuracy is being met in a vacuum environment. The underlying technologies include: on-orbit absolute temperature calibration using the transient melt signatures of small quantities (<1g) of reference materials (gallium, water, and mercury) imbedded in the blackbody cavity; and on-orbit cavity spectral emissivity measurement using a carefully baffled heated halo placed in front of the OARS blackbody viewed by the infrared spectrometer system. Emissivity is calculated from the radiance measured from the blackbody combined with the knowledge of key temperatures and radiometric view factors.
Transcriptional Interactions Between Yeast tRNA Genes, Flanking Genes and Ty Elements: A Genomic Point of View

Retroelement insertion can alter the expression of nearby genes. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae retrotransposons Ty1–Ty4 are transcribed by RNA polymerase II (pol II) and target their integration upstream of genes transcribed by RNA polymerase III (pol III), mainly tRNA genes. Because tRNA genes can repress nearby pol II-transcribed genes, we hypothesized that transcriptional interference may exist between Ty1 insertions and pol III-transcribed genes, the preferred targets for Ty1 integration. Ty1s upstream of two pol III-transcribed genes (SNR6 and SUP2) were recovered and analyzed by RNA blot analysis. Ty1 insertions were found to exert a neutral or modest stimulatory effect on the expression of these genes. Further RNA analysis indicated a modest tRNA position effect on Ty1 transcription. To investigate the possible genomic relevance of these expression effects, we compiled a comprehensive tRNA gene database. This database allowed us to analyze a genome's worth of tRNA genes and Ty elements. It also enabled the prediction and experimental confirmation of tRNA gene position effects at native chromosomal loci. We provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that tRNA genes exert a modest inhibitory effect on adjacent pol II promoters. Direct analysis of PTR3 transcription, promoted by sequences very close to a tRNA gene, shows that this tRNA position effect can operate on a native chromosomal gene. [The following individuals kindly provided reagents, samples, or unpublished information as indicated in the paper: S. Sandmeyer and J. McCusker.]
Cycloalkyl-AminoMethylRhodamines: pH Dependent Photophysical Properties Tuned by Cycloalkane Ring Size

A series of fluorescent pH probes based on the spiro-cyclic rhodamine core, aminomethylrhodamines (AMR), was synthesized and the effect of cycloalkane ring size on the acid/base properties of the AMR system was explored. The study involved a series of rhodamine 6G (cAMR6G) and rhodamine B (cAMR) pH probes with cycloalkane ring sizes from C-3 to C-6 on the spiro-cyclic amino group. It is known that the pKa value of cycloalkylamines can be tuned by different ring sizes in accordance with the Baeyer ring strain theory. Smaller ring amines have lower pKa value, i.e., they are less basic, such that the relative order in cycloalkylamine basicity is: cyclohexyl > cyclopentyl > cyclobutyl > cyclopropyl. Herein, it was found that the pKa values of the cAMR and cAMR6G systems can also be predicted by Baeyer ring strain theory. The pKa values for the cAMR6G series were shown to be higher than the cAMR series by a value of approximately 1.
VisualEPG: Informing the TV Experience with Web Metadata

Video can increasingly be watched from Internet streamed, downloaded and recorded sources in addition to live broadcast television. The quantity and heterogeneity of these often long-tail video sources are likely to spur the creation of new methods to browse and consume video. In addition, as television advertising moves closer to the Web model of targeted advertising, an interactive television experience that integrates both kinds of content in an open way is required. In particular, users can now move between watching video and browsing the Web. These two media experiences can be made synergistic if we think of Web content as informing the video experience and vice versa. We illustrate this idea with a system for browsing live HDTV based on Web metadata and suggest it as a basis for a combined system for viewing both diverse video sources and related Web content.
The fine structure of the Saturnian ring system

A dust disk within a planetary magnetosphere constitutes a novel type of dust-ring current. Such an azimuthal current carrying dust disk is subject to the dusty plasma analog of the well known finite-resistivity 'tearing' mode instability in regular plasma current sheets, at long wavelengths. It is proposed that the presently observed fine ringlet of the Saturnian ring system is a relic of this process operating at cosmogonic times and breaking up the initial proto-ring (which may be regarded as an admixture of fine dust and plasma) into an ensemble of thin ringlets. It is shown that this instability develops at a rate that is many orders of magnitude faster than any other known instability, when the disk thickness reaches a value that is comparable to its present observed value.
Regeneration of perchlorate (ClO4-)-loaded anion exchange resins by a novel tetrachloroferrate (FeCl4-) displacement technique.

Selective ion exchange is one of the preferred treatment technologies for removing low levels of perchlorate (ClO4-) from contaminated water because of its high efficiency and minimal impact on water quality through the addition or removal of chemicals and nutrients. However, the exceptionally high affinity of ClO4- for type I anion-exchange resins makes regeneration with conventional NaCl brine extremely difficult and costly for practical applications. The present study entails the development of a novel regeneration methodology applicable to highly selective anion-exchange resins. Tetrachloroferrate (FeCl4-) anions, formed in a solution of ferric chloride and hydrochloric acid (e.g., 1 M FeCl3 and 4 M HCl), were found to effectively displace ClO4- anions that were sorbed on the resin. A mass-balance analysis indicated that a nearly 100% recovery of ion-exchange sites was achieved by washing with as little as ∼5 bed volumes of the regenerant solution in a column flow-through experiment. There was no sign...
Effects of inner hair cell loss on inferior colliculus evoked potential thresholds, amplitudes and forward masking functions in chinchillas

Abstract The effects of outer hair cell (OHC) loss on evoked potential (EVP) thresholds, amplitudes and forward masking (FWM) functions have been fairly well characterized. In contrast, the effects of inner hair cell (IHC) losses are largely unknown, primarily due to the difficulty of producing selective IHC lesions. Recent studies have shown that IHCs of the chinchilla are preferentially damaged by the anticancer drug, carboplatin. In this study, we administered a single 100 mg/kg dose of carboplatin to four chinchillas, to examine the effects of IHC lesions on EVPs measured from the inferior colliculus (IC-EVPs). Thresholds and amplitude functions were measured for 0.25–16 kHz tone bursts, and FWM functions were measured at 1, 2 and 4 kHz, using masker–probe intervals of 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 ms, before and 1–2 months after carboplatin treatment. Histology revealed IHC lesions ranging from approximately 15 to 90%, with virtually no loss of OHCs. Surprisingly, even massive IHC lesions were not associated with elevations of IC-EVP thresholds. IC-EVP amplitudes at suprathreshold levels were sometimes depressed, sometimes enhanced, and in some cases unchanged. IHC lesions increased susceptibility to FWM, particularly at intermediate (10–20 ms) masker-probe intervals, without significantly changing the overall time course of FWM. The results provide new perspectives on the contribution of IHCs to FWM, and on the ability of the central auditory system to adapt to a significant reduction of neural input from the cochlea.
Liquid Deuterium Neutron Attenuator for Broad-Band Photon Beam Facility

The photo-production facility at Fermilab utilizes a two section liquid deuterium attenuator, 103 feet in length, to reduce the neutron flux and produce a pure high energy photon beam. The facility is located in the Proton East experimental hall. The facility also includes nine 10 foot long sweeping magnets. A unique refrigeration system supplies mechanically refrigerated helium gas trace cooling to condense deuterium directly in a flask. The control system permits remote operation of the cryogenic system and also acts as an interface to the Proton Area operations computer. The computer can be used to monitor the operating parameters and for partial control of the system. The facility is presently in use as part of the Proton Area experimental program.
Discrimination learning by normal and brain operated monkeys.

(1952). Discrimination Learning by Normal and Brain Operated Monkeys. The Pedagogical Seminary and Journal of Genetic Psychology: Vol. 81, No. 1, pp. 45-52.
Effect of ovarian regression and molt on plasma concentrations of thymosin β4 in domestic hens (Gallus domesticus)

Molt induced by infusion of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-A, ([D-leu6,Pro9]-GnRH N-ethylamide]) or feed withdrawal (FW) has been used as a model to study interactions between ovarian activity and thymosin beta 4 during molting in domestic hens. Thirty-three laying hens were divided into three groups: 1, controls, 2, GnRH-A infusion induced molt (GnRH-A), or 3, FW induced molt. All groups had reduced daylength. Blood was sampled weekly and assayed for concentrations of thymosin beta 4 and progesterone (P4). Plasma P4 concentrations were significantly depressed in both treatment groups compared to controls, indicating ovarian regression. Plasma P4 concentrations had returned to control values in the GnRH-A group by 28 d after the start of treatment, while P4 was still depressed in the FW group at day 42 when the experiment ended. Plasma concentrations of thymosin beta 4 were elevated relative to controls from day 7 through day 14 in the GnRH-A group and from day 7 until day 28 in the FW group. It is concluded that plasma concentrations of thymosin beta 4 are elevated during molting in domestic hens, but the elevation is not attributable to depressed P4 concentrations.
Utilization of serum proteins by normal and poliovirus infected monkey kidney cells.

Abstract The quantitative utilization of serum protein by epithelial-like cells in monkey kidney cell cultures in vitro has been studied. It was found that all electrophoretically separable serum components were utilized by the cells during the most active growth phase, namely the first 3 days. During the second three days of growth very little protein was utilized. After infection of the cells serum protein utilization was restricted to the first day, namely the period of virus multiplication. A continuous monolayer of epithelial like cells was obtained in 6 days without the 3 day routine fluid change. Since approximately half of the 10 per cent added calf serum was utilized it appears that the addition of 5 per cent calf serum would eliminate the necessity of a fluid change.
High temperature transport properties of air - N-O interaction energies and collision integrals

Potential curves for the higher-lying states of NO are used together with a general scattering code to compute accurate values of transport collision integrals for N(4S/0/)-O(3P) interactions. It is found that the major contribution to the collision integrals comes from these higher-lying states of NO. New values of the collision integrals for N(4S/0/)-N(4S/0/) and O(3P)-O(3P) interactions are computed as well. The tabulations of the collision integrals cover a broad range of temperatures from 250 to 100,000 K and can be used to determine transport properties such as viscosity, thermal conductivity, and the diffusion coefficient to the second order.
An Analytical Nonlinear Theory of Thin Film Rupture and Its Application to Wetting Films

A formalism is developed to investigate the instability and the time of rupture of thin films which are subjected to finite amplitude perturbations. The hydrodynamic and the interaction force nonlinearities cannot be ignored in such an event. The key idea of the approach is that, for a finite amplitude perturbation, one needs to study the instability of the corresponding finite amplitude, spatially nonhomogeneous stationary solution of the governing equations. It is in the event of infinitesimal perturbations that the nonhomogeneous stationary state reduces to the planar interface, the stability issue of which is addressed by the linear stability analysis. Thus the essential idea is to account for a part of the finite disturbance of the interface in the base state itself, thereby facilitating the solution for a finite amplitude disturbance. This procedure brings the base state (or the zeroth order solution) closer to the initial perturbation, in contrast to the choice of the base state as an undisturbed, planar interface. The formalism gives the growth rate of the initial perturbations as a function of various system parameters, the wave number, and the amplitude of the initial perturbation. As opposed to the linear theory then, both the neutrally stable state of the thin film and the dominant growth rate of the perturbations are functions of the amplitude of the perturbations. The time of rupture is derived for a thin film in contact with a solid and bounded by a thick bulk phase, with soluble surfactants present in both the film and the bounding fluid. The analytical expressions for a thin film devoid of surfactants are in good agreement with the numerical calculations of Williams and Davis for the same case. The nonlinear effects of the surfactant concentration driven Marangoni-motion (surface elasticity) and the surface shear viscosity are then considered. It is shown that for large initial perturbations, both the Marangoni-flow and the surface viscosity may prolong the time of rupture of a thin film by as much as a factor of 10, whereas the linear theory predicts this factor to be 4. Finally, the time of rupture of the mucus layer covering the corneal epithelium is derived and the effects of alterations in various characteristics of the external eye on the time of tear film breakup are studied. It is shown that large quantitative discrepancies exist between the time of tear film breakup computed by the linear and the nonlinear theories, if the amplitude of perturbations at the mucousaqueous interface is relatively large.
Antiproliferative Prenylated Stilbenes and Flavonoids from Macaranga alnifolia from the Madagascar Rainforest#,1

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an extract of the fruit of Macaranga alnifolia from Madagascar led to the isolation of four new prenylated stilbenes, schweinfurthins E−H (1−4), and one new geranylated dihydroflavonol, alnifoliol (5). The known prenylated stilbene vedelianin (6) and the known geranylated flavonoids bonanniol A (7), diplacol (8), bonannione A (9), and diplacone (10) were also isolated. All 10 compounds were tested for antiproliferative activity in the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line assay. Vedelianin (IC50 = 0.13 μM) exhibited the greatest activity among all isolates, while schweinfurthin E (IC50 = 0.26 μM) was the most potent of the new compounds.
The Dynamics of P-Rex 2 Membrane and Protein Interactions

P-Rex 2 (phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate Rac exchanger 2) protein is a Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) whose activity is tightly regulated through activation by PI(3,4,5)P3 (phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate) and G-protein βγ subunits along with phosphorylation and domain-domain interactions. A previous study has shown that P-Rex 2 DH-PH domains interacts with PTEN (phosphate and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10), which is a frequently mutated tumor suppressor in human cancer that dephosphorylates PI(3,4,5)P3 and antagonizes PI3K signaling. P-Rex 2 binds to PTEN through its DH-PH domain, inhibits PTEN's lipid phosphatase activity and activates the PI3K pathway. This suggests that P-Rex 2 may function as a regulator of PTEN and activator of the PI3K pathway, thereby, contributing to a variety of pathological and physiological processes, such as tumorigenesis, diabetes, and aging. We are investigating the role of P-Rex 2 DH-PH domains in lipid binding and PTEN protein binding using steady-state fluorescence, stopped flow photometry, and ITC (isothermal titration calorimetry). This study aims to delineate P-Rex 2 membrane and protein interactions at the molecular level.
Conversion of a TEM10 beam into two nearly Gaussian beams

To achieve high output power and/or high efficiencies, laser systems are often designed to operate with either high-order or multiorder transverse modes. This comes at the expense of beam quality. Herein, a technique for converting the two lobes of a higher-order (Hermite-Gaussian TEM10) beam into two TEM00 beams is discussed. It is shown that nearly 94% of the power in a single lobe of the TEM10 beam spatially overlaps an appropriately chosen TEM00 beam. Beam quality (defined by the M2 beam quality factor) is increased by separating the two TEM10 lobes with an edge aperture. A single-mode optical fiber can be used as a spatial filter to eliminate residual higher-order mode content. This study suggests that more than 90% of the power in a TEM10 beam can be converted into two separate TEM00 beams.
Analysis of bearing configuration effects on high speed spindles using an integrated dynamic thermo-mechanical spindle model

This work presents the effects of bearing configuration on the thermo-dynamic behavior of high speed spindles using the comprehensive dynamic thermo-mechanical model. The dynamic thermo-mechanical model consists of a comprehensive bearing dynamic model, a shaft dynamic model and a thermal model. The thermal model is coupled with the spindle dynamic model through bearing heat generation and thermal expansion of the whole system based on the bearing configuration. Thus the entire model becomes a comprehensive dynamic thermo-mechanical model. The new thermo-mechanical model also considers a pertinent mapping between bearing stiffness and shaft stiffness matrices based on bearing configurations, so that more general cases of bearing configurations can be modeled. Based on this model, the effects of bearing orientation on the spindle dynamics are systematically described and experimentally validated. It is shown that bearing orientation has a significant effect on spindle stiffness. Finally, the effects of various bearing configurations on spindle thermal and dynamic behavior are illustrated through numerical analysis with three different spindles.
Impact of Exchange Rate Uncertainty on Trade Flows: Evidence from Commodity Trade between the United States and the United Kingdom

Previous studies that investigated the impact of exchange rate volatility on the trade flows employed aggregate trade data and standard estimation techniques. They provided mixed results. In this paper we use disaggregated import and export data for 177 commodities traded between the United States and the United Kingdom to investigate whether volatility of the real bilateral dollar–pound exchange rate has any detrimental effect on trade flows at the commodity level. Additionally, we employ the bounds testing approach to cointegration and error-correction modelling that is suitable for the models used mostly because it does not require pre-unit-root testing and variables in the model could be stationary, non-stationary or a combination of the two. In most trade flow models estimated, we found a negative effect of exchange rate volatility on commodity trade.
Experimental validation of a nonlinear backstepping liquid level controller for a state coupled two tank system

This paper addresses the nonlinear control design problem for a state-coupled, two-tank, liquid level system. Motivated by a desire to provide precise liquid level control, a set of nonlinear backstepping techniques is developed for the state-coupled, two-tank, liquid level system dynamics. Specifically, a model-based backstepping controller and an adaptive backstepping controller are designed for the two-tank, liquid level system. Utilizing the Lyapunov machinery, the set of backstepping control schemes is proven to yield exponentially/asymptotically stable tracking response for trajectories that are continuous and have bounded derivatives up to second order. To show the efficacy of the adaptive backstepping control design, detailed experimental comparisons vis-a-vis a proportional plus integral controller are provided.
Hydrogen absorption-desorption characteristics of misch metal-nickel-silicon alloys

Abstract The hydrogen absorption and desorption characteristics of misch metal-nickel-silicon alloys were investigated. The alloys MmNis5−ySiy (Mm denotes misch metal and 0.4 ⩽ y ⩽ 0.8) were found to have the same hexagonal structure as LaNi5 and MmNi5, and they reacted readily with hydrogen to form the hydrides MmNi4.6 Si0.45H4.35, MmNi4.5 Si0.5H3.8, MmNi4.4Si0.6H2.1 and MmNi4.2Si0.8H3.1 (hydrogen contents of 1.0 wt.%, 0.9 wt.%, 0.5 wt.% and 0.7 wt.% respectively) under a hydrogen pressure of 60 atm at room temperature. The dissociation pressures of these hydrides were dependent on the silicon content (the silicon partially substitutes for nickel), and the value of log P became lower than that for MmNi5 hydride as y was increased. The enthalpy changes on hydride formation as determined from the dissociation isotherms for the MmNi4.5Si0.5-H and MmNi4.2Si0.8-H systems were −6.6 kcal (mol H2)−1 and −9.0 kcal (mol H2)−1 respectively; the value for the former was smaller than that for LaNi5, and the value for the latter was greater than those for LaNi5 and MmNi5. The dissociation pressures of these hydrides at 20 °C were 7.5 atm and 1.5 atm respectively. The desorption rate of hydrogen for MmNi4.2Si0.8 was larger than those for LaNi5 and MmNi5, and a value of 10.9–12.0 kcal mol−1 was obtained for the apparent activation energy of hydrogen desorption. The hydrides of MmNi4.6Si0.4, MmNi4.5Si0.5 and MmNi4.5Si0.8 have properties which make them suitable as stationary hydrogen storage materials.
A model of audio-frequency vibration of buildings

Abstract A model is proposed wherein audio-frequency vibrations in buildings are transmitted by column motion in the fixed-fixed mode. Transmission and attenuation depend on the relative tuning of neighboring storey columns.
An Examination of the Role of HRD in Voluntary Turnover in Public Service Organizations

In this study I examine the role of HRD, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment in voluntary turnover decisions. A sample of managers from public service agencies who voluntarily left their job in the previous year is compared to a sample of currently employed managers in the same or equivalent position. Both quantitative and qualitative methods are used to determine if attitudes towards HRD were a factor in the turnover decision for those who voluntarily left and if it would be a factor in influencing turnover intentions in those currently employed in comparable positions. The level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment are also compared between the two groups of respondents. The implications of attitudes towards HRD and levels of job satisfaction and organizational commitment in the decision to turnover among public service managers are examined along with recommendations for further research on the role of HRD in turnover decisions.
Optimal Real-Time Control of Wind Turbine During Partial Load Operation

A wind turbine achieves its highest energy efficiency during partial load operation when it operates at the optimal tip speed ratio (TSR), thus the optimal power coefficient. In this paper, real-time controllers are developed to improve the performance of tracking the optimal TSR during partial load operation. Dynamic programming (DP) is first applied to determine the control actions that maximize wind energy capture. A DP-based real-time controller (DPRC) is then explored to overcome the high computational expense associated with DP, which limits DP to be an offline optimization algorithm. However, the DPRC is not robust against plant-model mismatch and model uncertainties. A gain-modified optimal torque controller (GMOTC) is subsequently designed as an alternative to the DPRC. The GMOTC applies internal Proportional-Integral technique to track a reference TSR, and adapts the reference TSR to the optimal TSR in real time to improve the controller robustness. The light detection and ranging technology is used to further strengthen the controller performance by providing reliable previewed wind speed measurements. Simulation results show that the DRPC generates more wind power than the standard torque controller (STC), while the GMOTC demonstrates a performance similar to that of the DRPC on wind power generation with much better robustness in the presence of modeling error. Fatigue loading on a wind turbine is another important issue that needs to be considered during control design. The analysis shows that both the DRPC and the GMOTC are comparable with the STC in generating variable torsional loads due to the torque commands.
Diffraction of elastic waves by two coplanar griffith cracks in an infinite elastic medium

Abstract The problem of diffraction of normally incident longitudinal and antiplane shear waves by two parallel and coplanar Griffith cracks embedded in an infinite, isotropic and homogeneous elastic medium is solved. Approximate formulas are derived for the displacement field, stress tensor, stress intensity factors, farfield amplitudes and scattering cross section when the wave lengths are large compared to the distance between the outer edges of the two cracks. By taking appropriate limits we derive various interesting and new results. Furthermore, we derive the solution of the corresponding problem of diffraction of a plane acoustic wave by two rigid coplanar and parallel strips.
A Pedagogical Model for Transitional English Bilingual Classrooms.

Abstract A pedagogical model for transitional English bilingual classrooms is developed to meet the goals of teacher training and guidance, program evaluation, and empirical validation of bilingual theories. The pedagogical model consists of four dimensions: (a) Activity Structures, (b) Language of Instruction, (c) Language Content, and (d) Communication Mode. The model defines and integrates those theoretical principles which show most promise for pedagogical usefulness, (i.e. notions which can be translated into manipulable elements of the classroom environment). Model elements also can be adjusted or manipulated by teachers to enhance student learning. Teachers can monitor themselves through model-based observation and use the results prescriptively in planning. Importantly, the model can be translated into reliably observable and codable elements. This permits its potential use in program evaluation (formative evaluation of the learning process) and in theory validation.
New anti-epileptic drugs in treating the epilepsies of childhood

Summary The treatment of epilepsy in children begins with the correct diagnosis of epilepsy and identification of the epilepsy syndrome and any underlying cause. Seizure control is clearly important and, in most children, is probably the key factor in determining their quality of life, but this should not be at the expense of the child's general health and ability to function, both in and out of school. The introduction of the newer anti-epileptic drugs has obviously improved the seizure control of many children with epilepsy but none of these drugs have yet replaced the older drugs, specifically sodium valproate and carbamazepine. In addition, the use of these new drugs has paradoxically (but not unexpectedly) contributed to a therapeutic confusion that may occasionally result in the inappropriate treatment of some of the paediatric epilepsies. Finally, there remains a clear need to undertake robust but pragmatic clinical trials of any novel and emerging anti-epileptic drugs in children as well as in adults.
Influence of Chondrocyte Zone on Co-Cultures With Mesenchymal Stem Cells in HA Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive cell type for cartilage tissue engineering in that they can undergo chondrogenesis in a variety of 3D contexts [1]. Focused efforts in MSC-based cartilage tissue engineering have recently culminated in the formation of biologic materials possessing biochemical and functional mechanical properties that match that of the native tissue [2]. These approaches generally involve the continuous or intermittent application of pro-chondrogenic growth factors during in vitro culture. For example, in one recent study, we showed robust construct maturation in MSC-seeded hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels transiently exposed to high levels of TGF-β3 [3]. Despite the promise of this approach, MSCs are a multipotent cell type and retain a predilection towards hypertrophic phenotypic conversion (i.e., bone formation) when removed from a pro-chondrogenic environment (e.g., in vivo implantation). Indeed, even in a chondrogenic environment, many MSC-based cultures express pre-hypertrophic markers, including type X collagen, MMP13, and alkaline phosphatase [4]. To address this issue, recent studies have investigated co-culture of human articular chondrocytes and MSCs in both pellet and hydrogel environments. Chondrocytes appear to enhance the initial efficiency of MSC chondrogenic conversion, as well as limit hypertrophic changes in some instances (potentially via secretion of PTHrP and/or other factors) [5–7]. While these findings are intriguing, articular cartilage has a unique depth-dependent morphology including zonal differences in chondrocyte identity. Ng et al. showed that zonal chondrocytes seeded in a bi-layered agarose hydrogel construct can recreate depth-dependent cellular and mechanical heterogeneity, suggesting that these identities are retained with transfer to 3D culture systems [8]. Further, Cheng et al. showed that differences in matrix accumulation and hypertrophy in zonal chondrocytes was controlled by bone morphogenic protein [9]. To determine whether differences in zonal chondrocyte identity influences MSC fate decisions, we evaluated functional properties and phenotypic stability in photocrosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels using distinct, zonal chondrocyte cell fractions co-cultured with bone marrow derived MSCs.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Therapy-associated polyposis as a late sequela of cancer treatment.

Survivors of childhood cancers are at increased risk of developing secondary gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal cancer, later in life, possibly from exposure to abdominopelvic radiotherapy and/or alkylating chemotherapy. Profuse gastrointestinal polyposis is associated with rare, inherited colorectal cancer predisposition syndromes, most commonly caused by mutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) or mutY homolog (MUTYH) genes. We describe 5 patients who developed gastrointestinal polyposis many years after radiotherapy and chemotherapy for a childhood cancer. Genetic analysis of all 5 subjects did not identify pathogenic germline mutations in APC or MUTYH. Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy therefore might cause gastrointestinal polyposis in some patients by undiscovered mechanisms.
Well-defined colloidal tin(IV) oxide particles

Spherical and rod-like SnO2 particles of narrow size distribution have been obtained by aging at 100°C acidified tin(IV) chloride solutions in the presence of urea or formamide. It was shown that spherical particles, the x-ray diffraction of which was characteristic of cassiterite, consisted of a large number of much smaller subunits. The rod-like particles had the same structure, but of higher degree of crystallinity. Infrared spectra of these powders were evaluated in terms of the theory of the average dielectric constant (TADC), in order to gain additional information on the particle morphology and the state of aggregation.
Managing Conflict of Interest Issues in Purchasing

SUMMARY One of the most important elements of ethical purchasing behavior is conflict of interest. In response to the heightened regulatory environment, many organizations have initiated reviews of their conflict of interest policies and ethical codes of behavior in supply management. The goal of the current exploratory study is to determine the most common approaches used to promote compliance with ethical codes of conduct (specifically conflict of interest policies) in supply management. Questionnaires were administered to eight “typical” Fortune 500 companies. Current conflicts of interest policies were identified, in addition to spotlighting common approaches to enforcing ethical behavior, including multiple communication and reporting channels, formal procedures, effective sanctions against violators and regular training of employees in ethical policies. Survey results were used to generate a scoring system that compares the overall level of ethics management maturity based on profiles of the companies studied in the research.
Effects of differential experience on neuronal nuclear and perikarya dimensions in the rat cerebral cortex.

Littermate, S1, male rats were exposed to enriched or impoverished environments for varying periods of time. From photomicrographs of the occipital cortex, neuronal parikarya and neuronal nuclear measurements were taken. In the 25- to 105-day age group, the neuronal nuclear area of the enriched animal was greater than that of the impoverished by 11.7% (P
Effects of electron band structure on neutrino pair bremsstrahlung in neutron star crusts

We calculate the rate of energy emission by bremsstrahlung of neutrino pairs by electrons moving in the crystalline lattice of ions in dense matter in the crust of a neutron star. Since the periodic potential in the solid gives rise to electronic band gaps which can be as large as about 1 MeV, it is necessary in estimating the bremsstrahlung rate at low temperatures to take into account band structure in detail. We find that, in the densest parts of the inner crust of a neutron star, neutrino emission at temperatures of about $2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{9}\mathrm{K}$ or less is much suppressed compared with earlier estimates that treated the electron-lattice interaction perturbatively, and conclude that neutrino pair bremsstrahlung by electrons in the crusts of neutron stars is much less important for neutron star thermal evolution than was previously thought.