cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of in-Plane Properties on the Ballistic Response of Polyethylene Composites

Using developed experimental and analytical methods for in-plane shear characterization of quasi-statically loaded polyethylene laminates, this work seeks to evaluate the effect the in-plane shear behavior has on ballistic performance (resistance to penetration and back face deflection). In-plane shear is a matrix-dominated phenomena and processing pressure is known to influence noticeable changes in the shear properties of polyethylene composites, so by varying matrix materials and processing conditions it is possible to probe an array of configurations. Quasi-static tensile tests of laminates with [±45°] orientation are performed to obtain the in-plane shear properties. To evaluate the ballistic response, a high pressure helium laboratory gas gun is used to accelerate 0.22 caliber spherical steel projectiles toward specimen panels to characterize the V50 ballistic limit velocity and back-face deflection.
Modeling Mutual Coupling Capacitance Effects of Package RDL to Chip on Radio Frequency ICs

As technology continues to scale, radio frequency (RF) applications are moving towards higher frequencies and increased levels of integration. This leads to interconnect wiring effects which impact circuit performance significantly. Chip package coupling is one of the major factors in successfully predicting final product performance. This chip-package interaction is difficult to incorporate into post-layout simulation flow; therefore, it is typically ignored. The most common solution is to use an Electromagnetic (EM) simulator to model package effects for the coupling to chip die. Challenges in EM simulations are time consuming to solve, and difficult to seamlessly integrate into parasitic extraction (PEX) simulation flows. Therefore, PEX accuracy and design automation enablement becomes more critical with the increase in performance, density, complexity and integration in analog mixed signal and radio frequency (RF) designs. A PEX solution is preferred over complicated EM tools for handling highly integrated parasitic networks. A truly comprehensive extraction solution allows design houses to have reliable parasitic analysis to reduce silicon spins and facilitate time-to-market. This paper will describe a methodology of modeling mutual coupling effects between on-chip circuits and the chip package, which enables a post-layout simulation flow with incorporating chip and package interactions simultaneously.PEX technology files provided by foundries do not account for package layer effects on a chip, especially with re-distribution layers (RDL). In this paper, we will describe the methodology used for enabling a PEX deck to account for the mutual coupling effects with both test structures and a circuit in practical applications.
Within-Group Differences of Engineering Identity for Latinx Engineering Students

The purpose of this Work in Progress paper is to investigate on within-group differences in the way that Latinx students identified as engineers for students who were, at the time of the study, members of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). Researchers have shown that there is a link between identification with engineering for college students and persistence in the field. As such, the study of engineering identity is timely and critical. Previous work in this area has shown that there are dimensions of engineering identity development that are key to Latinx students’ success. These dimensions include: professional and leadership, community wellbeing, engineering familia, and role modeling. Using a culturally-situated survey of engineering identity, we surveyed undergraduate students who identify as Latinx. The results show the ways in which the Latinx undergraduate population surveyed is non-monolithic and the statistically significant within-group differences that exist within this student population.
Hidden Markov Contour Tree: A Spatial Structured Model for Hydrological Applications

Spatial structured models are predictive models that capture dependency structure between samples based on their locations in the space. Learning such models plays an important role in many geoscience applications such as water surface mapping, but it also poses significant challenges due to implicit dependency structure in continuous space and high computational costs. Existing models often assume that the dependency structure is based on either spatial proximity or network topology, and thus cannot incorporate complex dependency structure such as contour and flow direction on a 3D potential surface. To fill the gap, this paper proposes a novel spatial structured model called hidden Markov contour tree (HMCT), which generalizes the traditional hidden Markov model from a total order sequence to a partial order polytree. HMCT also advances existing work on hidden Markov trees through capturing complex contour structures on a 3D surface. We propose efficient model construction and learning algorithms. Evaluations on real world hydrological datasets show that our HMCT outperforms multiple baseline methods in classification performance and that HMCT is scalable to large data sizes (e.g., classifying millions of samples in seconds).
Negotiating peacekeeping consent: Information and peace outcomes:

The mixed record on civil war termination shows that it is a difficult task, one fraught with uncertainty and risk. Gaining consent for peacekeeping is one strategy policymakers and scholars forwar...
Considering the Correctional Context: Security Issues in Prison-Based Dog Training Programs

The popularity of prison-based dog training programs as a new and innovative approach toward offender rehabilitation has led to the growth of these programs nationally and internationally. Despite the overwhelmingly positive perception of dog programs by prison administrators, the introduction of dogs into any correctional setting does raise some security concerns. Such concerns include perimeter security, control of inmate movement and potential for escape, control of contraband, and issues with staff perceptions of dog training programs. Additionally, when implementing a dog training program, correctional administrators must consider the potential for abuse, inmate conflict, and concerns regarding the dogs injuring inmates, staff, or visitors. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss some of the security issues that have arisen when dogs are introduced to a correctional facility. Furthermore, this chapter will discuss efforts made in successful programs to alleviate or minimize such security concerns. Thus far, the evidence has indicated that if implemented properly, not only are the security concerns of dog training programs quite manageable but these innovative programs can provide a number of positive results that could enhance the security of a correctional facility.
Distilling weighted finite automata from arbitrary probabilistic models

Weighted finite automata (WFA) are often used to represent probabilistic models, such as n-gram language models, since they are efficient for recognition tasks in time and space. The probabilistic source to be represented as a WFA, however, may come in many forms. Given a generic probabilistic model over sequences, we propose an algorithm to approximate it as a weighted finite automaton such that the Kullback-Leibler divergence between the source model and the WFA target model is minimized. The proposed algorithm involves a counting step and a difference of convex optimization, both of which can be performed efficiently. We demonstrate the usefulness of our approach on some tasks including distilling n-gram models from neural models.
Immunobiology and Immunotherapeutic Targeting of Glioma Stem Cells

For decades human brain tumors have confounded our efforts to effectively manage and treat patients. In adults, glioblastoma multiforme is the most common malignant brain tumor with a patient survival of just over 14 months. In children, brain tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor cancer death and gliomas account for one-fifth of all childhood cancers. Despite advances in conventional treatments such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and systemic chemotherapy, the incidence and mortality rates for gliomas have essentially stayed the same. Furthermore, research efforts into novel therapeutics that initially appeared promising have yet to show a marked benefit. A shocking and somewhat disturbing view is that investigators and clinicians may have been targeting the wrong cells, resulting in the appearance of the removal or eradication of patient gliomas only to have brain cancer recurrence. Here we review research progress in immunotherapy as it pertains to glioma treatment and how it can and is being adapted to target glioma stem cells (GSCs) as a means of dealing with this potential paradigm.
The Ethical Quandary of the Clinician Researcher: Is the Conflict Too Great?

Joint Bone Spine - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since mercredi 11 decembre 2019
Momentary patterns of impulsivity and alcohol use: A cause or consequence?

Abstract Background Impulsivity is a robust risk factor for alcohol use, but significant gaps remain in our understanding of the way that impulsivity relates to alcohol harms. Most prior research has been limited to between-level differences; thus, within-person variability in impulsivity at the momentary level and its bidirectional association with alcohol use has not been examined. The present research used a 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) design to determine the bidirectionality of impulsivity and alcohol use and alcohol problems. Methods Participants were 89 (47 women) heavy-drinking college students. The mean age was 19.80 (SD = 1.76) years. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and 14 consecutive days of momentary reports sent in the morning, afternoon, and evening; participants also completed two user-initiated reports during a drinking occasion at the beginning and the end of their drinking. Results Multilevel modeling results indicated that greater levels of impulsivity experienced during the day was not associated with alcohol use or problems experienced that night. However, level of alcohol use and the number of alcohol problems experienced predicted greater variability in impulsivity the next day. Conclusions Overall, this study was the first to examine the bidirectional relationship between impulsivity and alcohol use using EMA. Findings supported impulsivity’s conceptualization as a state construct and fluctuations in alcohol use behaviors coinciding with states of impulsivity the next day after drinking. Findings from the present study contributed to conceptual daily process models of drinking by identifying how alcohol behaviors unfold in the real world.
Blurred boundaries: Zoomorphic masking rituals and the human-animal relationship in ancient Cyprus

Worked bucrania and figural representations of masked men dating from the 12th-5th centuries BCE provide striking evidence for ritual performances using animal masks in ancient Cyprus. This study f...
Faster geospeedometry: A Monte Carlo approach to relaxational geospeedometry for determining cooling rates of volcanic glasses

Abstract The thermal history of natural glasses is critical to understanding a wide range of geologic processes. Relaxation geospeedometry has been used to infer the cooling rates of naturally formed glasses across a wide range of compositions and geologic settings. However, using the Tool-Narayanaswamy (TN) geospeedometer is time consuming, requiring multiple isobaric heat capacity (CP) measurements to constrain four sample-specific model parameters, before quantifying natural cooling history of a sample. Here we present a Monte Carlo-inspired numerical solver called CoolMonte, which automates the fitting procedure of experimental CP measurements, and is capable of determining an unknown cooling rate using a single CP measurement. We compare quantitative cooling rates of four naturally cooled obsidian lava samples determined using the traditional approach with multiple CP measurements, to cooling rates determined using a single CP measurement without sample-specific model calibration. Cooling rates calculated using a single CP measurement are within 0.1 to 1.3 log10 K s−1 of cooling rates determined using multiple CP measurements. We also assessed CoolMonte using 50 synthetic datasets with known cooling rates (≳0.1 K per year) and 10 previously published natural cooling rates which were reproduced within 0.8 log10 K s−1. CoolMonte reduces the time necessary to determine cooling rates of natural samples, improves the reproducibility of cooling rate estimates, and makes relaxational geospeedometry a more accessible method for the study of thermal histories of geologic systems.
Large-scale discovery of recombinases for integrating DNA into the human genome

Recent microbial genome sequencing efforts have revealed a vast reservoir of mobile genetic elements containing integrases that could be useful genome engineering tools. Large serine recombinases (LSRs), such as Bxb1 and PhiC31, are bacteriophage-encoded integrases that can facilitate the insertion of phage DNA into bacterial genomes. However, only a few LSRs have been previously characterized and they have limited efficiency in human cells. Here, we developed a systematic computational discovery workflow that searches across the bacterial tree of life to expand the diversity of known LSRs and their cognate DNA attachment sites by >100-fold. We validated this approach via experimental characterization of LSRs, leading to three classes of LSRs distinguished from one another by their efficiency and specificity. We identify landing pad LSRs that efficiently integrate into native attachment sites in a human cell context, human genome-targeting LSRs with computationally predictable pseudosites, and multi-targeting LSRs that can unidirectionally integrate cargos with similar efficiency and superior specificity to commonly used transposases. LSRs from each category were functionally characterized in human cells, overall achieving up to 7-fold higher plasmid recombination than Bxb1 and genome insertion efficiencies of 40-70% with cargo sizes over 7 kb. Overall, we establish a paradigm for the large-scale discovery of microbial recombinases directly from sequencing data and the reconstruction of their target sites. This strategy provided a rich resource of over 60 experimentally characterized LSRs that can function in human cells and thousands of additional candidates for large-payload genome editing without double-stranded DNA breaks.
Management and strategy of library services

The article deals with the management and strategy of public lending library, its significance in regional development, spreading of culture, informations, education and knowledge. The stages of development of the Regional Public Library Tabor, its organizational structure, new organizational elements and their evaluation are also mentioned. Development of the Regional Public Library Tabor is weighed up in compliance with the model of strategic management of Thompson and Stricklad. The main strategic projects for the Public Lending Library Tabor are suggested in the article.
Outcome of Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation for Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Headache: A Clinical Replication Series

Preliminary evidence exists through single case reports that psychophysiological interventions may be useful in the treatment of syncope (fainting). To explore this possibility, a case series of ten patients with histories of recurrent unexplained syncope or near syncope, headache, and a poor response to or tolerance for medication was performed. All patients were treated with electromyographic, thermal, biofeedback as well as progressive and autogenic relaxation. Six of the ten patients showed a major decrease in symptoms at the end of treatment. Descriptive comparisons between the improved and unimproved group were made and a detailed case study of one improved patient is presented. The results suggested that biofeedback-assisted relaxation treatment was most effective in younger patients whose syncope was associated with a strong psychophysiological response and whose headaches were intermittent, not daily occurrences.
A determinate logic

Let L be a fixed language and K be a set of structures related to L . A sentence in L is said to be K -valid if and only if for every structure in K ,
The professor doth protest too much, methinks: Problems with the Foster `response'

In “Response to Elliott and Valenza, 'And Then There Were None'”, (1996) Donald Foster has taken strenuous issue with our Shakespeare Clinic's final report, which concluded that none of the testable Shakespeare claimants, and none of the Shakespeare Apocrypha poems and plays – including Funeral Elegy by W.S. – match Shakespeare. Though he seems to accept most of our exclusions – notably excepting those of the Elegy and A Lover's Complaint – he believes that our methodology is nonetheless fatally flawed by “worthless figures ... wrong more often than right”, “rigorous cherry–picking”, “playing with a stacked deck”, and “conveniently exil[ing] ... inconvenient data.” He describes our tests as “foul vapor” and “methodological madness.”
Chapter 7 Altered T-lymphocyte calcium signaling and age-related disease

Abstract Calcium signaling is an integral part of the T-lymphocyte response to mitogenic stimulation. During senescence, the activation-induced calcium flux is diminished compared to young T-cells. This reflects, in part, age-related changes in the composition of T-lymphocyte subpopulations with a larger fraction of memory T-cells that display lower mitogen responses. Additionally, cumulative oxidative damage causes a proximal defect in T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) mediated signal transduction that leads to compromised recruitment of phospholipase C, reduced generation of inositol trisphosphate, and diminished activation-induced calcium flux. As a consequence, transcription of the interleukin-2 gene by activated T-lymphocytes declines during senescence. T-lymphocyte costimulation also undergoes age-related alterations that may affect signal transduction in response to mitogens. In synergy, these factors may contribute to the increased susceptibility to infectious diseases and autoimmunity observed in aged individuals.
Validation of a Fashion Brand Image Scale Capturing Cognitive, Sensory, and Affective Associations: Testing Its Role in an Extended Brand Equity Model

This research validated a new 16-item brand image scale that captures cognitive, sensory, and affective dimensions (i.e., mystery, sensuality, intimacy) of tangible and intangible attributes of fashion brands. Three studies were conducted to develop a holistic, yet parsimonious, fashion brand image measure. The initial subthemes of brand image and representative items were based on a review of scholarly literature and industry-based information and on interview findings. Reliability and validity of the new scale were confirmed using data from 218 college students and a national sample of 2,373 respondents. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported through confirmatory factor analysis. Nomological validity was supported through testing a structural model containing the three brand image dimensions, Roberts’ (2005) lovemarks experience, and brand equity variables. The new brand image scale is different from existing scales because it incorporates Roberts’ industry-based perspective, including more comprehensive sensory and affective dimensions than found in past brand image scales. This study provides support for Roberts' lovemarks model and the contributors to brand equity, which has implications for theory and for marketing firms that endeavor to build an effective fashion brand image.
Frequencies of Seven Muscle Enzyme Deficiencies in Samples Tested for Myoglobinuria in a Clinical Laboratory (P3.298)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency distribution of seven enzymes deficiencies including phosphorylase (PAT, myophosphorylase), phosphorylase b kinase (PBK), phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT II), and myoadenylate deaminase (MAD) in muscle biopsy samples sent to a commercial laboratory for evaluation of myoglobinuria. BACKGROUND: Myoglobinuria is a relatively uncommon manifestation of muscle disease caused by excessive release of myoglobin from muscle during periods of rapid muscle destruction (rhabdomyolysis). The most common causes of hereditary recurrent myoglobinuria are defects of glycogen breakdown or lipid/fatty acid utilization. The diagnosis of these rare disorders is confirmed by either molecular or enzyme activity analysis. The detection rate of enzymatic assays on muscle specimens and the frequencies of the enzymatic deficiencies are not well established. The results of this study may guide the use of these enzymatic tests as diagnostic tools. DESIGN/METHODS: We analyzed the frequencies of enzyme deficiencies using de-identified results of tests ordered for the evaluation of myoglobinuria at a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory ordered . The data included biochemical test results for PAT, PBK, PGK, PGM, LDH, CPT II, and MAD. RESULTS: PAT was deficient in 5.24% of samples (82/1,565), PBK in 0.06% (1/1,600), PGK in 0.26% (4/1,514), PGM in 0.07% (1/1,512), and MAD in 1.2% (19/1,540). None of the samples had deficiencies in LDH (n=1,527) or CPT II (n=1,623). The highest rates of partial enzyme deficiencies were detected for MAD (8.2%), PGK (5.5%), and LDH (4%). CONCLUSIONS: In this study PAT deficiency (McArdle disease) was the most frequent cause of suspected myoglobinuria. This finding differs from previously published data where CPT II deficiency was the most frequent finding, followed by PAT. The negligible frequencies of the other enzyme deficiencies suggest that they are extremely rare. Study Supported by: Quest Diagnostics Disclosure: Dr. Jaremko has received personal compensation for activities with Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Burnham has received personal compensation for activities with Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Tatis has received personal compensation for activities with Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Willis has received personal compensation for activities with Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Batish has received personal compensation for activities with Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Batish holds stock and/or stock options in Quest Diagnostics, which sponsored research in which Dr. Batish was involved as an investigator. Dr. Batish has received research support from Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Higgins has received personal compensation for activities with Quest Diagnostics. Dr. Higgins has received license fee payments from Jackson Laboratories. Dr. Higgins has received research support from Quest Diagnostics.
Properties of Carbachol-Induced Oscillatory Activity in Rat Hippocampus

Williams, John H. and Julie A. Kauer. Properties of carbachol-induced oscillatory activity in rat hippocampus. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 2631–2640, 1997. The recent resurgence of interest in carbachol o...
Acanthonus armatus, a deep-sea teleost fish with a minute brain and large ears

Acanthonus armatus , a deep-water benthopelagic fish, has, per unit body weight, the smallest brain and largest semicircular canals of any known teleost and possibly any vertebrate. Pertinent areas of the brainstem and the cerebellum are large; this observation suggests that the fish’s lateral line and vestibular senses are particularly acute. The huge cranial cavity also contains heavy saccular otoliths, which may indicate that the fish is sensitive to low-frequency sound. Brain size and specialization are consistent with an apparent pattern of low energy requirement, hovering and slow movement over the deep-sea floor, and consumption of small benthic prey in a dark environment.
Modeled trace element concentrations and partitioning in the San Francisco estuary, based on suspended solids concentration.

Although trace element (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations have been systematically sampled 1−3 times per year throughout the San Francisco Bay estuary for more than two decades, those collections do not capture episodic events that may govern the biogeochemical cycles of these elements in the Bay and adjacent Pacific coastal waters. Analyses of the partitioning of in situ elemental concentrations between particulate and total dissolved (<0.45 μm) phases coupled with optically based measurements of suspended solids concentration (SSC) showed highly significant (p < 0.001) associations between all elemental concentrations and SSC in the Bay. Predictive models were developed to estimate the distribution ratio (D), or partition coefficient (Kd), and total concentration of each element in the water column based solely on SSC measurements. Modeled predictions of total element concentrations and distribution ratios were then coupled with measured SSC ...
When an ICD is not the answer... hypothyroidism-induced cardiomyopathy and torsades de pointes.

Introduction: An increasing number of patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction are referred for placement of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Case Report: A 78-year-old female with fatigue, palpitations, and presyncope was referred for consideration of an ICD because of a cardiomyopathy and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). Her evaluation revealed severe hypothyroidism, marked QT prolongation, and episodes of torsades de pointes. With levothyroxine therapy, her ventricular arrhythmias rapidly abated, with subsequent normalization of LV function and the QT interval. Conclusions: This report highlights the critical importance of detecting hypothyroidism as an unusual cause for reversible cardiomyopathy and ventricular arrhythmias.
Semi-boundedness of Ordinary Differential Operators

Abstract The boundedness from above and from below of very general symmetric quasi-differential operators S is studied. Here we show that (i) if S is regular, of even order, and has positive leading coefficient, then it is bounded below; (ii) if the order of S (which may be regular or singular) is odd, then S is unbounded both above and below; and (iii) if S is of even order, regular or singular, but with a leading coefficient which changes sign, then S is unbounded both above and below.
Strategies to Reduce the Tampering and Subsequent Abuse of Long-acting Opioids: Potential Risks and Benefits of Formulations With Physical or Pharmacologic Deterrents to Tampering

Increased prescribing of opioid analgesics for chronic noncancer pain may reflect acceptance that opioid benefits outweigh risks of adverse events for a broadening array of indications and patient populations; however, a parallel increase in the abuse, misuse, and diversion of prescription opioids has resulted. There is an urgent need to reduce opioid tampering and subsequent abuse without creating barriers to safe, effective analgesia. Similar to the “magic bullet” concept of antibiotic development (kill the bacteria without harming the patient), the idea behind reformulating opioid analgesics is to make them more difficult to tamper with and abuse by drug abusers but innocuous to the compliant patient. As antibiotics exploit differences in bacterial and human physiology, tamper-resistant formulations depend on differences in the way drug abusers and compliant patients consume opioids. Most opioid abusers tamper with tablets to facilitate oral, intranasal, or intravenous administration, whereas compliant patients usually take intact tablets. Pharmaceutical strategies to deter opioid abuse predominantly focus on tablet tampering, incorporating physical barriers (eg, crush resistance) or embedded chemicals that render tampered tablets inert, unusable, or noxious. Deterring tampering and abuse of intact tablets is more challenging. At present, only a few formulations with characteristics designed to oppose tampering for abuse have received approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, and none has been permitted to include claims of abuse deterrence or tamper resistance in their labeling. This review discusses the potential benefits, risks, and limitations associated with available tamper-resistant opioids and those in development.
Assessing the heterogeneity of treatment effects via potential outcomes of individual patients

There is growing interest in understanding the heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE), which has important implications in treatment evaluation and selection. The standard approach to assessing HTE (i.e. subgroup analyses based on known effect modifiers) is informative about the heterogeneity between subpopulations but not within. It is arguably more informative to assess HTE in terms of individual treatment effects, which can be defined by using potential outcomes. However, estimation of HTE based on potential outcomes is challenged by the lack of complete identifiability. The paper proposes methods to deal with the identifiability problem by using relevant information in baseline covariates and repeated measurements. If a set of covariates is sufficient for explaining the dependence between potential outcomes, the joint distribution of potential outcomes and hence all measures of HTE will then be identified under a conditional independence assumption. Possible violations of this assumption can be addressed by including a random effect to account for residual dependence or by specifying the conditional dependence structure directly. The methods proposed are shown to reduce effectively the uncertainty about HTE in a trial of human immunodeficiency virus.
Computing radical expressions for roots of unity

We present an improvement of an algorithm given by GAUSS to compute a radical expression for a p-th root of unity. The time complexity of the algorithm is O (p3m6 log p), where m is the largest prime factor of p - 1.On current workstations the given implementation of the algorithm can be used to obtain radical expressions for p-th roots of unity for p up to about 100 in the general case and p up to about 250 if p - 1 has only small prime factors.Moreover, the algorithm allows the use of coarse grained parallel computation in various ways that would allow one to compute bigger examples on a network of workstations.
On the Problem of Linear Widths of the Classes B p , θ r of Periodic Functions of Many Variables

We establish order estimates for the linear widths of the classes B , of periodic functions of many variables in the space L q for some relationships between the parameters p, q, and θ.
Limited proteolysis of calf thymus terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase

Abstract Controlled, limited proteolysis of homogeneous calf thymus terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (EC 2.7.7.31) using immobilized Staphylococcus aureus V-8 protease results in a low molecular weight form of the enzyme which possesses unaltered catalytic activity. Analysis of the products of limited proteolysis using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicates that only the large subunit, β, is modified from a molecular weight of 30,500 to 25,500. The small subunit, α, which has a molecular weight of 9500, is unchanged. A shift in the apparent isoelectric pH of the calf enzyme following proteolysis is observed from pI = 8.2 to 7.8. Both forms of the enzyme are homogeneous in the isoelectric focusing gel system, as determined by coincidence of single protein bands with terminal transferase activity on the gel. The specific activities of cleaved and uncleaved terminal transferase proteins, as well as their thermal stabilities, are comparable. These results suggest that the polypeptide domain involved in terminal transferase enzymatic activity can be probed further by novel methods involving limited proteolysis without concomitant loss in enzymatic function.
Leading with charisma

Traditionally, leaders have used characteristics related to authority, control, competition and logic. Such approaches are more autocratic, and task-oriented. With changes in society, employers are focusing less on tasks and more on job satisfaction. Leaders are focusing on co-operation versus competition. Human relations and recognition are being used as motivators. Charisma is an important characteristic for leaders who wish to motivate by interpersonal characteristics. Transformational leadership is an emerging paradigm for modern management and can be important to the modern nurse manager as well. This paper describes charisma and how it can be useful to the nurse manager.
Epicardial administration of ibutilide from polyurethane matrices: effects on defibrillation threshold and electrophysiologic parameters.

Polymer-drug composites known as controlled-release systems have been used effectively to prevent and treat ventricular arrhythmias in experimental studies. We wished to determine if such systems could be useful in reducing ventricular defibrillation energy requirements in an acute canine model without producing undesirable electrophysiologic effects. Ibutilide-polyurethane monolithic controlled-release matrices were formulated with ibutilide fumarate and a polyether polyurethane. In vitro drug-release characteristics of the drug matrices were determined. Two formulations were investigated: (a) 20% ibutilide by weight in polyether polyurethane, and (b) 4% ibutilide/16% dimethyl tartrate in polyurethane. Based on in vitro release studies, 20% ibutilide matrices (25 mg) would provide a 25-kg dog with a dose of 25 micrograms/kg ibutilide in a 2-h acute experimental period, and 4% ibutilide matrices were estimated to provide 3.5 micrograms/kg. We used each of these types of matrices in acute open-chest dog studies to assess electrophysiologic effects and the influence of epicardial controlled-release ibutilide, as compared with intravenous (i.v.) administration, on defibrillation energy thresholds (DFTs), using epicardial defibrillation electrodes. In monophasic defibrillation waveform studies, 20% matrices significantly decreased DFT as compared with a predrug control period [2.54 +/- 0.59 (mean +/- SEM) vs. 7.23 +/- 1.73 J, respectively, p = 0.038]. Administration of the same dose i.v. did not cause significant reduction in energy requirement. With a biphasic defibrillation waveform, 4% ibutilide matrices significantly decreased DFT as compared with control (2.53 +/- 0.34 vs. 3.42 +/- 0.46 J, respectively, p = 0.003). Administration of an equivalent i.v. dose did not cause a significant reduction in biphasic energy requirement. Both types of controlled-release systems significantly prolonged refractoriness and conduction times of ventricular extrastimuli as compared with vehicle. No proarrhythmia events were observed. Epicardial polymeric controlled-release ibutilide significantly prolonged ventricular refractoriness and conduction and thus may enhance antiarrhythmia activity. In addition, controlled-release ibutilide formulations significantly decreased DFT requirements. Thus, ibutilide-polymeric controlled-release matrix systems may be useful in conjunction with implantable defibrillators in preventing ventricular arrhythmias and reducing defibrillation energy requirements.
Pulpal studies. I. Passage of 3H-tetracycline into circulatory system through rat molar pulps

Abstract Rats were used to study the fate of a radioactive antibiotic placed on injured pulpal tissue. Radioactivity found in the general circulation within 10 minutes after application was shown to be due to protein-bound, native, tritiated antibiotic.
Effects of transfer of Ostertagia ostertagi between northern and southern U.S.A. on the pattern and frequency of hypobiosis.

Abstract The degree of hypobiosis was determined from worm burdens recovered at necropsy in tracer calves allowed to graze plots contaminated by northern and southern cattle in both zones during the autumn of 1982 and spring of 1983. In the northern autumn, the northern (Ohio) isolate attained a significantly higher percentage of hypobiosis (15.5%) than the southern (Louisiana) isolate (1.3%). In the southern autumn, no significant difference was seen as the percentage of hypobiosis reached 5.3% and 12.9% for the northern and southern isolates, respectively. The southern isolate attained significantly higher percentages of hypobiosis at both sites in the spring with peak levels of 71.8% (north) and 80.4% (south) compared to 0.5% (north) and 5.2% (south) for the northern isolate. The different response by northern and southern isolates of O. ostertagi when compared side by side in the north and south indicates the existence of genetic differences between the two isolates. Thus, the northern isolate exhibited a greater degree of hypobiosis in the northern autumn, the season when northern larvae usually repond to conditioning, while the southern isolate did not respond as strongly. In the south, neither of the isolates exhibited appreciable hypobiosis in the autumn as they were not subjected to stimuli that normally trigger inhibition. The southern isolate exhibited a marked degree of hypobiosis in the spring at both locations, indicating that spring stimuli present in the south were also present at the northern site.
Multidimensional Expectations of Student Supervision in Social Work

Supervision is an integral part of the social work profession and has played a significant role in the education and socialization of new members. Focusing on expectations of the supervisory conference, the authors explored multidimensional perceptions of supervision from the student, faculty and field instructor's perspective. The findings underscore the importance of communication and the need for more attention to some of the less well defined variables of supervision, such as the way supervision is conducted and the content of supervisory sessions.
Oxidative-induced calcium mobilization is dependent on annexin VI release from lipid rafts.

Background Oxidative stress results in macrophage reprogramming through the formation of focal adhesion–like complexes on lipid rafts. Although the cellular mechanisms responsible for this reprogramming remain unknown, oxidative stress is known to result in a transient increase in intracellular calcium. This transient flux is thought to occur through the membrane dissociation of the calcium-bound protein annexin VI. The purpose of this study is to clarify the source of the calcium, and determine if it is responsible for the formation of focal adhesion–like complexes during oxidative stress through the activation of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II). Methods THP-1 cells were stimulated with hydrogen peroxide. Selected cells were pretreated with methyl beta-cyclodextrin (MβCD), a cholesterol-depleting agent; 1,2-bis aminophenoxy ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, an intracellular calcium chelator; or autocamtide 2-related inhibitory peptide, a CaMK II inhibitor. Intracellular calcium flux was determined by a Fluo-3 technique. Lipid raft and cellular protein were extracted and analyzed for active CaMK II, annexin VI, and components of focal adhesion–like complexes. Results Hydrogen peroxide exposure led to mobilization of annexin VI from lipid rafts to the cytosol, which was followed by an increase in cytosolic calcium, phosphorylation of CaMK II, and formation of focal adhesion–like complexes. Cholesterol depletion from lipid rafts attenuated all of these effects. 1,2-bis Aminophenoxy ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid and autocamtide 2-related inhibitory peptide pretreatment attenuated CaMK II phopshorylation and formation of focal ahdesionlike complexes. Conclusions Macrophage reprogramming during oxidative stress occurs through the cytosolic mobilization of annexin VI from lipid rafts. As a result, bound calcium dissociates, resulting in the activation of CaMK II and the formation of focal adhesion–like complexes.
Calculable nonminimal coupling of composite scalar bosons to gravity

Abstract The nonminimal coupling to gravity −ξRφ 2 2 of a composite scalar field φ is calculated in the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio model. We find ξ = 1 6 . The result is exact in a leading large-N approximation, or in a fully improved one-loop renormalization group approximation. We briefly discuss some related cosmological implications.
Anatomical targets associated with abrupt versus gradual washout of subthalamic deep brain stimulation effects on bradykinesia.

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a common anatomical target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, the effects of stimulation may spread beyond the STN. Ongoing research aims to identify nearby anatomical structures where DBS-induced effects could be associated with therapeutic improvement or side effects. We previously found that DBS lead location determines the rate – abrupt vs. gradual – with which therapeutic effect washes out after stimulation is stopped. Those results suggested that electrical current spreads from the electrodes to two spatially distinct stimulation targets associated with different washout rates. In order to identify these targets we used computational models to predict the volumes of tissue activated during DBS in 14 Parkinson’s patients from that study. We then coregistered each patient with a stereotaxic atlas and generated a probabilistic stimulation atlas to obtain a 3-dimensional representation of regions where stimulation was associated with abrupt vs. gradual washout. We found that the therapeutic effect which washed out gradually was associated with stimulation of the zona incerta and fields of Forel, whereas abruptly-disappearing therapeutic effect was associated with stimulation of STN itself. This supports the idea that multiple DBS targets exist and that current spread from one electrode may activate more than one of them in a given patient, producing a combination of effects which vary according to electrode location and stimulation settings.
1256 RESPONSE TO MILD HYPOXIA DIFFERS IN SIBLINGS OF SIDS

To find out whether an abnormal response to mild hypoxia is related to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) we studied the respiratory response to 17% O2 in 30 infants (2-25wk). All were term and healthy at the time of study. Twelve had had a prolonged apneic spell requiring resuscitation(A), 8 were siblings of SIDS victims(SS) and 10 were normal(C). We measured end-tidal PO2 and PCO2, respiratory rate, pattern and heart rate during sleep, 5 mins breathing 21% and 10 mins 17% O2. The incidence of periodic breathing(PB) and the number of apneas ≥ 3 sec were compared among the 3 groups. Before 6 wk of age, all 3 groups tended to breathe periodically with 17% O2. However, in infants > 6 wk, there was a dramatic difference in SS compared to C. The difference in respiratory rate in 21% vs 17% O2 (ΔRR) was significant in both A and SS but not C. We conclude that in infants > 6 wk the response to mild hypoxia is markedly different in siblings of SIDS and may identify infants at risk for significant apnea.
Efficient Timing Budget Management for Accuracy Improvement in a Collaborative Object Tracking System

This paper presents the idea of managing the comprising computations of an application performed by an embedded networked system. An efficient algorithm for exploiting the timing slack of building blocks of the application is proposed. The slack of blocks can be utilized by replacing them with slower but cheaper, i.e. better, modules and by assigning the computations to the proper resources. Thus, our approach manages the comprising computations and system resources and can indirectly assist the realtime scheduling of computations on system resources. This is performed without compromising the timing constraints of the application and can lead to significant improvements in power dissipation, computation accuracy or other metrics of the application domain. Our algorithm is well-suited for arbitrary tree computations. Moreover, it delivers solutions that are desirably close to the optimal solution. Experimental results for a number of object tracking applications implemented in an networked system with embedded computation resources, exhibit a significant amount of slack utilization.
Dextran and PEG Coating Reduced Nanoparticle Toxicity to Cells

Iron oxide nanoparticles are of interest for drug delivery, since they can be targeted using a magnetic field. However, prior to using nanoparticles in vivo, they must be shown as relatively non-toxic to cells. We and others have shown that bare iron oxide nanoparticles are readily taken up by cells, where they catalyze production of highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). This oxidative stress disrupts the cell cytoskeleton and alters cell mechanics. [1] Iron oxide nanoparticles under current development for in vivo biomedical applications are often coated with a polysaccharide (eg. dextran) or a polymer (eg. polyethylene glycol, PEG). Both the size and the surface coating of nanoparticle may play an important role in cell toxicity.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A reinvestigation of the fossil viguiera cronquistII (Compositae)

In view of the significance recently ascribed to the uppermost Oligocene-lowermost Miocene fossilViguiera cronquistii, a putative composite head, a reinvestigation of the type material was considered desirable. The type specimen was obtained on loan from the New York Botanical Garden and investigated with all applicable standard paleobotanical techniques. The specimen consists of a laterally compressed globular head terminally attached to a short stalk. The head is composed of from 5–7 ranks of from 12–15 spirally arranged linear-lanceolate bracts with some smaller ovate bracts near the base. The stalk bears bracts that are proximally appressed and free distally. There is no sign of cuticle, pollen, detailed impressions of cells or any structural presevation beyond gross morphology. There is no structural corroboration for the presumption that the head is composed of anything besides bracts. The type specimen is indeed similar in gross morphology to heads ofViguiera. It is equally similar to the inflorescences of angiosperms other than the composites and even to the cones of certain gymnosperms. This fossil cannot be considered unequivocally to be the remains of a composite.
Ligand redistribution reactions of tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)hydroboratomagnesium alkyl derivatives: crystal structure of {η3-HB(3,5-Me2pz)3}2Mg

Abstract Tris(pyrazolyl)hydroboratomagnesium alkyl derivatives {η 3 -HB(3,5-Me 2 pz) 3 }-MgR (3,5-Me 2 pz = 3,5-C 3 N 2 Me 2 H; R = CH 3 , CH 2 CH 3 , (CH 2 ) 3 CH 3 , CH(CH 3 ) 2 , C(CH 3 ) 3 , CHCH 2 , C 6 H 5 ) undergo ligand redistribution reactions, analogous to the Schlenk equilibrium, to give the bis complex {η 3 -HB(3,5-Me 2 pz) 3 } 2 Mg. In contrast, magnesium alkyl derivatives of the more sterically demanding tris(3-t-butylpyrazolyl)hydroborato ligand, {η 3 -HB(3-Bu t pz) 3 }MgR (3-Bu t pz = 3-C 3 N 2 Bu t H 2 ), are stable with respect to the formation of {η 3 -HB(3-Bu t pz) 3 } 2 Mg.
Studies on class III gene transcription.

In an attempt to understand the functional role of individual transcription factors, we have carried out S1 nuclease analyses ofin vitro synthesized RNA using partially purified HeLa cell factors and truncated 5S and tDNA. The results indicate that faithful initiation of 5S gene transcription depends on the presence of IIIA, IIIB and IIIC in addition to RNA polymerase III. On the other hand, tDNA transcription initiation requires IIIB and IIIC and RNA polymerase III. In addition, we found that either ‘A’ block promoter or ‘B’ block alone can not serve as a template for the initiation of tDNA transcription. When an ultraviolet irradiated 5S DNA was used as a template, transcription is minimally affected at a lower dose suggesting that small differences in the helical structure may not have much effect on the transcription machinery. These results along with anin vitro attempt to reproduceXenopus 5S RNA gene regulation are presented. (Mol Cell Biochem121: 135–141, 1993)
On consistent estimates of linear processes with unknown correction terms

The problem of estimating time varying parameters when the dynamics of the time variation is incompletely specified is considered. A stochastic approximation algorithm is given that yields estimates that are consistent in mean square. Rates of convergence are derived and an application to a class of polynomial regression problems is given.