cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance anxiety and the plasticity of emotional responses

Current psychological theories of performance anxiety focus heavily on relating performers' physiological and mental states to their abilities to maintain focus and execute learned skills. How task-specific expertise and past experiences moderate the degree to which individuals become anxious in a given performance context are not well accounted for within these theories. This review considers how individual differences arising from learning may shape the psychobiological, emotional, and cognitive processes that modulate anxious states associated with the performance of highly trained skills. Current approaches to understanding performance anxiety are presented, followed by a critique of these approaches. A connectionist model is proposed as an alternative approach to characterising performance anxiety by viewing performers' anxious states at a specific time point as jointly determined by experience-dependent plasticity, competition between motivational systems, and ongoing cognitive and somatic states. Clarifying how experience-dependent plasticity contributes to the emergence of socio-evaluative anxiety in challenging situations can not only help performers avoid developing maladaptive emotional responses, but may also provide new clues about how memories of past events and imagined future states interact with motivational processes to drive changes in emotional states and cognitive processing.
In Vitro Immunization for Immunotherapy

The role of the normal immune response in controlling the development of malignant tumors has not yet been defined. However, the increased incidence of malignancy in individuals whose immune response is impaired suggests that this system may be of some importance. Originally demonstrated in experimental animals subjected to thymectomy or irradiation, etc., astonishingly high incidences of malignancy have now been found in patients with congenital or acquired immunologic deficiency diseases or undergoing deliberate immunosuppression for organ transplantation. Regardless of what influence the intact immune response may have on the incidence of new tumors, it is obvious from patients with clinical cancer that it is of little value once a tumor is evident. A rapidly expanding list of human tumors have been found capable of inducing a detectable immune response and the question now underlying any attempt at immunotherapy is whether or not this immune response can be augmented and better adapted to the advantage of the patient.
Development of Second-degree Frostbite in Two Service Members Wearing Issued Cold Weather Footgear Traversing Sea Ice.

Frostbite, or the freezing of the tissues by exposure to conditions below the freezing point of water, is an unsettling and potentially dangerous condition that one can develop while living and working in cold environments below 0°C without proper protections. Civilians and military personnel operating in prolonged field conditions in temperatures below freezing rely on advanced fabrics and multiple layers to maintain body heat around the extremities to prevent frostbite. Here, we detail the situation and findings of frostbite in 2 American service members who were exposed to temperatures of approximately -19.5°C for 5 hours while hiking on frozen sea ice. Notably, these members were wearing their issued cold weather equipment at the time of their injury. The personnel presented with the classic signs and symptoms of second-degree frostbite with blistering and tingling but went on to have no lasting serious sequelae. We find these cases important as it documents the inadequacy of the footgear utilized, despite being operated in weather conditions within the range of the manufacturer's safety recommendations. Sea ice and other very cold, conducting surfaces may require other gear considerations when operating in this unique terrain type.
Assessing Academic Law Libraries' Performance and Implementing Change: The Reorganization of a Law Library

The confluence of the crisis in legal education and the evolution of legal information presents the perfect opportunity for law schools to actively decide what the role of the law library should be, and to make considered, deliberate changes based on the best interests of the institution. The Dale E. Fowler School of Law at Chapman University recognized the opportunity to strengthen the institution by creating, essentially, a brand new law library. When I started at Chapman, I began a comprehensive assessment of law library operations; after six months, I recommended a complete reorganization, including the budget, collection, staff, and services. The reorganization was designed to be budget neutral; it is worth noting that even with hiring additional staff, purchasing new databases, and despite the exorbitant inflation rate for legal materials, our total library expenditures decreased by 16% from fiscal year 2010-11 to 2015-16. The purpose of this article is to provide law school deans with information to help them work with library directors to create the best library possible for their institutions without additional funding.
Blends of Poly(butylene glutarate) and Poly(lactic acid) with Enhanced Ductility and Composting Performance

Blends of poly(lactide) (PLA) with poly(butylene glutarate) (PBG) have been investigated with a focus on the improvement of PLA brittleness and an enhancement of the degradation rate under industri...
0046 Overdose deaths involving alcohol in US Veterans

Statement of purpose Alcohol-involved overdose deaths have increased in recent years and often occur in combination with other substances. To inform overdose prevention efforts, this study assessed patient characteristics and treatment utilization among Veterans who died from alcohol-involved overdoses nationally. Methods/Approach Using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) records linked to National Death Index data from 2012 to 2017, trends in overdose mortality were examined and patient characteristics and treatment receipt were compared across alcohol overdose categories (alcohol alone, alcohol+opioids, alcohol+other substances). Results Across the study period, 1497 Veterans died from alcohol overdose alone, 1078 Veterans died from alcohol+opioids and 289 died from alcohol+other substances. Veterans who overdosed on alcohol+opioids and alcohol+other substances were more likely to be homeless, live in urban areas, and more likely to have comorbid depressive disorder and stimulant use disorder. Only a minority of patients who died from alcohol-involved overdose were seen in substance use disorder treatment settings within a year before their death, but the majority were seen in either mental health or primary care settings. Only about 7% of Veterans who died from alcohol overdose received any medication treatment for alcohol use disorder in the year prior to their deaths. Conclusions The vast majority of patients who died from alcohol overdose did not receive treatment in substance use disorder settings or effective medication treatments. Significance This study is the first to examine treatment characteristics of people who died from alcohol-involved overdose and suggests further efforts are needed to prevent the spectrum of alcohol overdose deaths including implementing alcohol use disorder treatment in settings outside of substance use disorder settings.
Optimal surgeon-volume threshold for neck dissections in the setting of primary thyroid malignancies.

Abstract Background Although the surgeon-volume relationship is well documented for thyroidectomy, less is known about central neck and lateral neck dissections. The aim of this study was to evaluate and determine the surgeon-volume threshold for central neck and lateral neck dissections for thyroid cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with thyroid malignancies who received a central or lateral neck dissection in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System was performed (2007–2017). Demographic variables included age, sex, race, and a Charlson Comorbidity Score. Thirty-day complications were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for central neck, lateral neck, and other surgical complications. Optimal surgeon-volume threshold was estimated using a change-point logistic regression. Using the identified threshold, surgeons were then classified to low versus high volume surgeons. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the effect of high-volume status on outcomes. Results In total, 3,808 patients who underwent neck dissections (3,485 central neck dissections and 977 lateral neck dissections) were analyzed. Surgeon–volume threshold to distinguish high volume surgeons for central neck dissections and lateral neck dissections was 7.0 (95% bootstrap confidence interval 1.3–7.5) and 3.3 (1.2–4.8) neck dissections/year, respectively. For central neck dissection, high volume surgeons were associated with a lower rate of vocal cord paralysis (odds ratio 0.45 [0.24–0.82]), hypocalcemia (0.31 [0.14–0.65]), and all-cause complications (0.42 [0.29–0.59]). For lateral neck dissection, high volume surgeons were associated with a lower odds all-cause complications (0.42 [0.23–0.74]) but not lateral neck specific complications (0.18 [0.01–1.07]). Conclusion A threshold of 7.0 central neck dissections and 3.3 lateral neck dissections for thyroid cancer per year improves outcomes. Guidelines for training and centralization of care can be guided by these results to reduce complications.
Reestablishing natural fire regimes to restore forest structure in California’s red fir forests: The importance of regional context

Abstract The reestablishment of natural fire regimes can have numerous benefits for forest ecosystems, including the restoration of stand structure through a reduction in tree densities and increased representation of large diameter trees. However, fire effects may depend on how departed the ecosystem is from its historical fire frequency. Red fir (Abies magnifica) forests occupy a broad geographic area across which historical fire return intervals and stand structures vary. Using historical stand inventory data from the Vegetation Type Mapping (VTM) project, we evaluated red fir forests in the Sierra Nevada in California and the Cascade-Klamath region of northwestern California and southern Oregon to determine how reintroduced fire effects vary regionally and if these differences are related to historical fire return intervals or structural conditions. We sampled a total of 29 overlapping fires and found that reestablishing fire in red fir forests consistently restored historical forest structure across a wide geographic range by reducing the density of small trees and maintaining large trees. However, the effect of fire was most evident in the Sierra Nevada where the percent difference in total tree density between unburned and burned plots was significantly greater (77% difference) than in the Cascade-Klamath (53% difference), and burned plots in the Sierra Nevada had significantly lower densities of both small (
Simulation and Experimental Verification of an Argon DC Glow Discharge

A coordinated experimental-simulation study was carried out to explore the relationship between plasma conditions and ion angular energy distributions incident on a DC glow discharge cathode. Langmuir probe measurements of the Electron Energy Distribution Functions (EEDF) validated a COMSOL simulation’s accuracy which confirmed the proper methodology for reproducing discharge dynamics. 1 The simulation was a coupling between COMSOL’s Plasma module and Boltzmann Equation, Two-Term Approximation module allowing for accurate calculations of the Townsend coefficients. Proper Townsend coefficients are necessary to represent the kinetics of DC discharges with low ionization fractions and species mobility that are highly dependent on the electric field, e.g., ions transiting the plasma sheath. The EEDFs were measured along the cathode dark space and negative glow regions using the Druyvesteyn method. 2 After the trend of EEDFs were validated, the model was expanded to extract ion angular energy distributions in conditions where measuring plasma properties became no longer feasible.
The Activation Process of Theory of Power: An Integrative Framework for Power in the Channels Setting

Power exists in sociological and the channels setting as an implied operant. This has posed much difficulty among researchers in its conceptualization and measurement. This paper is an attempt to transcend some of the conceptual problems and position power as the degree to which performance varies from expectations.
A volume integral equation method for periodic scattering problems for anisotropic Maxwell's equations

This paper presents a volume integral equation method for an electromagnetic scattering problem for three-dimensional Maxwell's equations in the presence of a biperiodic, anisotropic, and possibly discontinuous dielectric scatterer. Such scattering problem can be reformulated as a strongly singular volume integral equation (i.e., integral operators that fail to be weakly singular). In this paper, we firstly prove that the strongly singular volume integral equation satisfies a Garding-type estimate in standard Sobolev spaces. Secondly, we rigorously analyze a spectral Galerkin method for solving the scattering problem. This method relies on the periodization technique of Gennadi Vainikko that allows us to efficiently evaluate the periodized integral operators on trigonometric polynomials using the fast Fourier transform (FFT). The main advantage of the method is its simple implementation that avoids for instance the need to compute quasiperiodic Green's functions. We prove that the numerical solution of the spectral Galerkin method applied to the periodized integral equation converges quasioptimally to the solution of the scattering problem. Some numerical examples are provided for examining the performance of the method.
Chapter 9 Uncertainty in trade models

Publisher Summary The chapter evaluates variety of models, each involving uncertainty in the context of international trade. Uncertainty has many potential roles in microeconomic models of international trade. It creates a rationale for additional markets and hence both added dimensions for potential gains from trade and a plethora of results contingent upon the particular market structure assumed. In addition, uncertainty arises in issues concerning the existence and form of extra market organizations and institutions. The role of uncertainty, and its policy implications, varies both across models of a given type—considering the advisibility of free trade with and without complete markets—and across types of models. For some purposes, results are preserved by treating trade and production in equities rather than in the traditional physical commodities. In other areas, the presence of uncertainty increases the possible explanations of market failure—considering the role of pecuniary externalities with incomplete markets. In addition, uncertainty is linked to the existence and extent of extra market institutions and organizations. The variety of potential models, even within the context of uncertainty and international trade, suggests that it must forgo the comfort of strong conclusions, either positive or normative. The outcome often depends on the extent of markets and/or the extent of extra market institutions, with their implicit patterns of potential externalities—yet perhaps the justification for the study of international economics is that national boundaries do affect the nature and extent of markets and institutions in many ways.
Performance Evaluation and Optimization of Join Queries for Association Rule Mining

The explosive growth in data collection in business organizations introduces the problem of turning these rapidly expanding data stores into nuggets of actionable knowledge. The state-of-the-art data mining tools available for this integrate loosely with data stored in DBMSs, typically through a cursor interface. In this paper, we consider several formulations of association rule mining (a typical data mining problem) using SQL-92 queries and study the performance of different join orders and join methods for executing them. We analyze the cost of the different execution plans which provides a basis to incorporate the semantics of association rule mining into future query optimizers. Based on them we identify certain optimizations and develop the Set-oriented Apriori approach. This work is an initial step towards developing "SQL-aware" mining algorithms and exploring the enhancements to current relational DBMSs to make them "mining-aware" thereby bridging the gap between the two.
Coexisting bacterial populations responsible for multiphasic mineralization kinetics in soil.

Experiments were conducted to study populations of indigenous microorganisms capable of mineralizing 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) in two soils. Previous kinetic analyses indicated the presence of two coexisting populations of DNP-mineralizing microorganisms in a forest soil (soil 1). Studies in which eucaryotic and procaryotic inhibitors were added to this soil indicated that both populations were bacterial. Most-probable-number counts with media containing different concentrations of DNP indicated that more bacteria could mineralize low concentrations of DNP than could metabolize high concentrations of it. Enrichments with varying concentrations of DNP and various combinations of inhibitors consistently resulted in the isolation of the same two species of bacteria from soil 1. This soil contained a large number and variety of fungi, but no fungi capable of mineralizing DNP were isolated. The two bacterial isolates were identified as a Janthinobacterium sp. and a Rhodococcus sp. The Janthinobacterium sp. had a low μmax and a low Km for DNP mineralization, whereas the Rhodococcus sp. had much higher values for both parameters. These differences between the two species of bacteria were similar to differences seen when soil was incubated with different concentrations of DNP. Values for μmax from soil incubations were similar to μmax values obtained in pure culture studies. In contrast, Ks and Km values showed greater variation between soil and pure culture studies. The results of this study help to confirm predictions that two physiologically distinct bacterial populations are responsible for the multiphasic mineralization kinetics observed in the soil studied.
Structure-based functional inference in structural genomics.

The dramatically increasing number of new protein sequences arising from genomics 4 proteomics requires the need for methods to rapidly and reliably infer the molecular and cellular functions of these proteins. One such approach, structural genomics, aims to delineate the total repertoire of protein folds in nature, thereby providing three-dimensional folding patterns for all proteins and to infer molecular functions of the proteins based on the combined information of structures and sequences. The goal of obtaining protein structures on a genomic scale has motivated the development of high throughput technologies and protocols for macromolecular structure determination that have begun to produce structures at a greater rate than previously possible. These new structures have revealed many unexpected functional inferences and evolutionary relationships that were hidden at the sequence level. Here, we present samples of structures determined at Berkeley Structural Genomics Center and collaborators’ laboratories to illustrate how structural information provides and complements sequence information to deduce the functional inferences of proteins with unknown molecular functions. Two of the major premises of structural genomics are to discover a complete repertoire of protein folds in nature and to find molecular functions of the proteins whose functions are not predicted from sequence comparison alone. To achieve these objectives on a genomic scale, new methods, protocols, and technologies need to be developed by multi-institutional collaborations worldwide. As part of this effort, the Protein Structure Initiative has been launched in the United States (PSI; www.nigms.nih.gov/funding/psi.html). Although infrastructure building and technology development are still the main focus of structural genomics programs [1−6], a considerable number of protein structures have already been produced, some of them coming directly out of semi-automated structure determination pipelines [6−10]. The Berkeley Structural Genomics Center (BSGC) has focused on the proteins of Mycoplasma or their homologues from other organisms as its structural genomics targets because of the minimal genome size of the Mycoplasmas as well as their relevance to human and animal pathogenicity (http://www.strgen.org). Here we present several protein examples encompassing a spectrum of functional inferences obtainable from their three-dimensional structures in five situations, where the inferences are new and testable, and are not predictable from protein sequence information alone.
Shear rate dependence of the viscoelasticity of polymer solutions.: II. xanthan gum

Abstract The shear rate dependent rheological properties of aqueous solutions of xanthan gum are measured. The steady flow viscosity is non-Newtonian and the oscillatory flow viscoelasticity is strongly dependent upon the amplitude of the shear rate as well as the frequency. A method for characterization and analysis of these nonlinear viscoelastic properties is described. The analysis is based upon a generalized Maxwell model in which the relaxation processes truncate in a manner dependent on the shear rate. The same relaxation processes are responsible for both the steady and the oscillatory flow behavior. With the xanthan gum solution at a concentration of 1000 ppm, the relaxation spectrum can be approximated by three discrete relaxation processes which have relaxation times of 0.531 s, 0.092s, and 0.0066 s. These three processes are sufficient to describe how the viscoelasticity changes with both shear rate and frequency and how the steady flow viscosity changes with shear rate.
Design of a Gimbaled Compliant Mechanism Stage for Precision Motion and Dynamic Control in Z, ΘX and ΘY Directions

Obtaining precise motion control of a compliant mechanism is often hindered by competing kinematic, mechanic and dynamic requirements. Resonances limit the control bandwidth while compliance requirements limit the mechanism’s directional stiffness. This paper investigates the improvements possible for three-axis Z, θX and θY diaphragm flexure stages through the use of a design (T-Flex) with members complaint in bending and torsion. According to analytical modeling and FEA, the T-Flex is capable of removing problematic resonant modes of vibration without significantly increasing the axial or tilt stiffness. Bench-level experimentation was conducted on various configurations of compliant mechanisms to determine their effects on the motion characteristics for precision engineering applications. The results indicate that by pairing the T-Flex with a radially stiff compliant mechanism, gimbaled motion can be achieved, providing 7.0 nm/μm lateral cross-axis (parasitic) motions. The mechanism exhibits linear axial and tilt stiffness of 0.195 N/μm and 5.37×10−6 N-m/μrad, respectively. Dynamic testing agreed with the FEA prediction of the first natural frequency to within 10%. The T-Flex coupled with the stiff radial flexure has the potential to provide a precise three-axis configuration with a fundamental resonant frequency of 600 Hz.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
EGF and TGF stimulate proabsorption of glucose and electrolytes by Na+/glucose cotransporter in awake canine model.

Growth factor-stimulated intestinal absorption has recently been described, but the cellular transport mechanisms mediating this response are unknown. The purposes of this study were to examine the effect that intraluminal and systemic EGF and TGF have in intestinal absorption, elucidate a possible mechanism through which they exert their activity, and compare this response to that of a mixed meal only. Jejunal and ileal Thiry-Vella intestinal segments were constructed in six dogs. Absorption was measured by infusing the loops with a physiological electrolyte solution containing either 10 mmol or 50 mmol glucose and [14C]PEG as the impermeant marker. In vivo studies show that the addition of either EGF or TGF resulted in increased absorption of Na+, Cl−, H2O, and glucose in the intestine. This response was significantly greater than that seen when giving a mixed meal alone. Luminal phloridzin, an inhibitor of the SGLT-1 transporter, inhibited intestinal absorption observed in response to EGF and TGF. In conclusion, these results suggest that growth factors are capable of up-regulating intestinal absorption of electrolytes and nutrients and, these effects are mediated, at least in part, by SGLT-1 pathways.
Influence of Modified Atmosphere Storage on Aflatoxin Production in High Moisture Corn

Samples of freshly harvested corn and remoistened corn were inoculated with Aspergillus flavus and stored for 4 weeks at about 27 C in air and three modified atmospheres. Aflatoxins and fat acidity were determined weekly. Corn stored in the modified atmospheres did not accumulate over 15 μg of aflatoxin B1 per kg and 20 μg of total aflatoxins per kg. Corn from the high CO2 treatment (61.7% CO2, 8.7% O2, and 29.6% N2) was visibly molded at 4 weeks and had a higher fat acidity than the other treatments. In the N2 (99.7% N2 and 0.3% O2) and controlled atmosphere (13.5% CO2, 0.5% O2, 84.8% N2) treatments, a fermentation-like odor was detected. When the corn was removed from the modified atmospheres it deteriorated rapidly and was soon contaminated with aflatoxins.
Reciprocal Control of Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation by ERK/MAP Kinase Phosphorylation of Runx2 and PPARγ Transcription Factors

In many skeletal diseases, including osteoporosis and disuse osteopenia, defective osteoblast differentiation is associated with increased marrow adipogenesis. The relative activity of two transcription factors, RUNX2 and PPARγ, controls whether a mesenchymal cell will differentiate into an osteoblast or adipocyte. Herein we show that the ERK/MAP kinase pathway, an important mediator of mechanical and hormonal signals in bone, stimulates osteoblastogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis via phosphorylation of RUNX2 and PPARγ. Induction of osteoblastogenesis in ST2 mesenchymal cells was associated with increased MAPK activity and RUNX2 phosphorylation. Under these conditions PPARγ phosphorylation also increased, but adipogenesis was inhibited. In contrast, during adipogenesis MAPK activity and phosphorylation of both transcription factors was reduced. RUNX2 phosphorylation and transcriptional activity were directly stimulated by MAPK, a response requiring phosphorylation at S301 and S319. MAPK also inhibited PPARγ-dependent transcription via S112 phosphorylation. Stimulation of MAPK increased osteoblastogenesis and inhibited adipogenesis, while dominant-negative suppression of activity had the opposite effect. In rescue experiments using Runx2−/− mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs), wild type or, to a greater extent, phosphomimetic mutant RUNX2 (S301E,S319E) stimulated osteoblastogenesis while suppressing adipogenesis. In contrast, a phosphorylation-deficient RUNX2 mutant (S301A,S319A) had reduced activity. Conversely, wild type or, to a greater extent, phosphorylation-resistant S112A mutant PPARγ strongly stimulated adipogenesis and inhibited osteoblastogenesis in Pparg−/− MEFs, while S112E mutant PPARγ was less active. Competition between RUNX2 and PPARγ was also observed at the transcriptional level. Together, these studies highlight the importance of MAP kinase signaling and RUNX2/PPARγ phosphorylation in the control of osteoblast and adipocyte lineages. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 587–596, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new vector-host system for construction of lacZ transcriptional fusions where only low-level gene expression is desirable ☆

We improved a multicopy vector, pRS415 [Simons et al., Gene 53 (1987) 85-96], for use in operon fusion constructions by introducing a new multiple cloning site (MCS) containing eight unique restriction sites upstream from the promoterless reporter gene lacZ. In order to reduce plasmid copy number, a new Escherichia coli strain SP2 (pcnB, delta lac, recA) was constructed. This strain permits analysis of fusions in cases where high gene dosage may be detrimental.
Functional characterization of the atypical integral membrane lipid phosphatase PDP1/PPAPDC2 identifies a pathway for interconversion of isoprenols and isoprenoid phosphates in mammalian cells

The polyisoprenoid diphosphates farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) are intermediates in the synthesis of cholesterol and related sterols by the mevalonate pathway and precursors for the addition of isoprenyl anchors to many membrane proteins. We developed tandem mass spectrometry assays to evaluate polyisoprenoid diphosphate phosphatase activity of an unusual integral membrane lipid enzyme: type 1 polyisoprenoid diphosphate phosphatase encoded by the PPAPDC2 gene (PDP1/PPAPDC2). In vitro, recombinant PDP1/PPAPDC2 preferentially hydrolyzed polyisoprenoid diphosphates, including FPP and GGPP over a variety of glycerol- and sphingo-phospholipid substrates. Overexpression of mammalian PDP1/PPAPDC2 in budding yeast depletes cellular pools of FPP leading to growth defects and sterol auxotrophy. In mammalian cells, PDP1/PPAPDC2 localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope and, unlike the structurally related lipid phosphate phosphatases, is predicted to be oriented with key residues of its catalytic domain facing the cytoplasmic face of the membrane. Studies using synthetic isoprenols with chemical properties that facilitate detection by mass spectrometry identify a pathway for interconversion of isoprenols and isoprenoid diphosphates in intact mammalian cells and demonstrate a role for PDP1/PPAPDC2 in this process. Overexpression of PDP1/PPAPDC2 in mammalian cells substantially decreases protein isoprenylation and results in defects in cell growth and cytoskeletal organization that are associated with dysregulation of Rho family GTPases. Taken together, these results focus attention on integral membrane lipid phosphatases as regulators of isoprenoid phosphate metabolism and suggest that PDP1/PPAPDC2 is a functional isoprenoid diphosphate phosphatase.
Local Order in the Unfolded State: Conformational Biases and Nearest Neighbor Interactions

The discovery of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins, which contain significant levels of disorder yet perform complex biologically functions, as well as unwanted aggregation, has motivated numerous experimental and theoretical studies aimed at describing residue-level conformational ensembles. Multiple lines of evidence gathered over the last 15 years strongly suggest that amino acids residues display unique and restricted conformational preferences in the unfolded state of peptides and proteins, contrary to one of the basic assumptions of the canonical random coil model. To fully understand residue level order/disorder, however, one has to gain a quantitative, experimentally based picture of conformational distributions and to determine the physical basis underlying residue-level conformational biases. Here, we review the experimental, computational and bioinformatic evidence for conformational preferences of amino acid residues in (mostly short) peptides that can be utilized as suitable model systems for unfolded states of peptides and proteins. In this context particular attention is paid to the alleged high polyproline II preference of alanine. We discuss how these conformational propensities may be modulated by peptide solvent interactions and so called nearest-neighbor interactions. The relevance of conformational propensities for the protein folding problem and the understanding of IDPs is briefly discussed.
A simplified method of attaching accelerometer packages to bone.

Experimental studies in impact biomechanics often require the rigid fixation of accelerometers to specific bones. Some of the existing techniques involve considerable dissection and damage to supporting soft tissues. Thus, the mounting procedure may affect the accuracy of the results. Gregerson and Lucas (1967) studied spinal rotation by inserting a Steinmann pin into the spinous process of vertebrae. The technique described in this note utilized this pin and provides a rigid mounting platform without any dissection. Threaded Steinmann pins are readily available in sizes from approximately 0.7-5 mm in diameter, from any orthopedic supplier. Using X-ray control, it is possible to insert two threaded Steinmann pins into almost any bone. An accelerometer package can then be fixed to the pins. The attachment of a nine accelerometer package to the first thoracic vertebra of a human cadaver is described. However, this method can be easily modified for long bones, ribs, other vertebrae and the skull. A radio opaque marker is placed on the skin as shown in Fig. 1. X-rays are taken in two planes at right angles to determine the exact location of the marker. A P-A view of the thorax with a marker in place is shown in Fig. 2. Using the marker as a guide, it is then possible to percutaneously insert a threaded Steinmann pin of appropriate diameter into the lamina of T-1,t as shown in Fig. 3. The position is then checked on X-ray. The accelerometer mount is placed over the wire and used as a template for the insertion of the second Steinmann pin, as shown in Fig. 4. The final location of the mount is documented on X-ray. The P-A view is shown in Fig. 5. Figure 6 summarizes the technique. It is an exploded view of the entire assembly. The holding strength of the Steinmann pins was tested by lifting the cadaver by the mount, as shown in Fig. 7. This technique can be easily
193 + 222 nm enhanced photolysis of selectively deuterated 2-chloropropane. A direct investigation of site-specific bond cleavage in the intermediate photofragment (s)

Abstract Selectively deuterated 2-chloropropane (CD 3 CHClCD 3 ) is used to investigate photoinduced, site-specific CH (or CD) bond cleavage. In this study, a two-color photolysis approach is employed to create an intermediate photofragment(s) and then produce a neutral H or D atom from that photofragment(s). On a per site basis, the experimental results suggest that 222 nm photolysis of an intermediate, most likely the isopropyl radical, will preferentially induce carbon-hydrogen bond cleavage at the 2-position — not the lowest energy pathway.
LOGICAL CONNECTIVES FOR INTUITIONISTIC PROPOSITIONAL LOGIC

In classical propositional logic it is well known that {7, ⊃ } is a functionally complete set with respect to a two-valued truth function modeling. I.e. all definable logical connectives are definable from 7 and ⊃. Other modelings of classical type propositional logics may have different functionally complete sets; for example, multivalued truth function modelings.This paper examines the question of a functionally complete set of logical connectives for intuitionistic propositional logic with respect to S. Kripke's modeling for intuitionistic logic.
U.S. board-certified pain physician practices: uniformity and census data of their locations.

Abstract We determined the profiles of the board-certified pain physician workforce and the profiles of those residing near medical pain practices. Data from a mail survey of U.S. pain specialists were compared with U.S. Census data, and different settings and types of practices were contrasted. The 750 respondents (32.1%) were similar to the entire board-certified group in age, geographic distribution, and primary specialty. Although pain practices were underrepresented in rural areas, their prevalence was unrelated to other demographic data. Ninety-six percent of pain physicians treated chronic pain; 84% followed patients longitudinally; 31% worked in an academic environment; 50% had an interdisciplinary practice; and 29% focused on a single modality. Academics were more likely to be neurologists ( P P ≤ .0001). Modality-oriented practitioners were more likely to be anesthesiologists ( P ≤ .0001) and were less likely to follow patients with chronic pain longitudinally ( P ≤ .0001), provide training to fellows, prescribe controlled substances ( P ≤ .0001, respectively), or require an opioid contract ( P ≤ .01). Although boarded specialists learn from similar curricula and must pass a certifying examination, their practices vary considerably. Data are needed to further clarify the nature of workforce variation, its impact on patient care, and the role of other pain management clinicians. Perspective A survey of board-certified pain specialists reveals considerable variation in practice and a total number of specialists that is probably insufficient to meet the needs of the population with chronic pain. The location of pain management practices largely corresponds to census data, with the exception of underrepresentation in rural areas.
Optical measurements of ion trajectories through the vacuum interface of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer

A flexible laser excited fluorescence system has been used to trace ion trajectories in the first vacuum stage of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The system has been used to record the spatial distributions of ions immediately upstream from the sampling cone and in the 10 mm downstream from the cone for a variety of positions of the plasma with respect to the sampling cone. The data were used in turn to test the efficacy of scanning the plasma across the sampling cone to generate maps of ion distributions in the plasma. The maps generated by scanning the plasma across the cone are close approximations of the ion distribution immediately upstream from the sampling cone, but are not representative of distributions in an unperturbed plasma.
Bilateral synchronous sporadic renal tumors: pathologic concordance and clinical implications.

Objective To determine the pathologic concordance rates in patients with bilateral synchronous sporadic renal tumors (BSSRT) and to determine factors predictive of concordance. Methods A retrospective chart review from 1985 to 2008 was completed with search criteria of all patients diagnosed with bilateral renal tumors. We included patients who had image-documented BSSRT or via reported history. We excluded patients with bilateral metachronous renal tumors, cystic renal masses, familial renal cell carcinoma (RCC) syndromes, urothelial cell carcinomas, and other variant histology. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to assess for factors predictive of concordance. Results We identified 297 patients eligible for analysis. RCC concordance was exhibited in 222 of 249 (89%) of patients. Benign tumor concordance, specifically oncocytoma, was found in 41 of 59 (71%) of patients. Factors such as age, gender, and tumor size on imaging did not have an association with concordance rates for bilateral RCC or bilateral oncocytoma. On multivariate analysis, multifocal tumors were associated with benign concordance (OR = 6.9, 95% CI=1.6-29.2, P = .009). Conclusion Malignant and benign concordance rates are high for patients with BSSRT. Given the high concordance of RCC, the data support a management approach consisting of bilateral nephron-sparing surgery whenever possible. However, given the high concordance rate of oncocytoma in this population as well, less aggressive management (renal mass biopsy and surveillance) of the contralateral kidney may be considered after histologic confirmation of one side.
Survey of methods for study of intestinal absorption.

In conclusion it is hoped that this survey of methods for the study of intestinal absorption will stimulate further evaluation and refinement of present techniques and the development of simpler and more precise tools for the future. The ultimate goal is to acquire data for an accurate classification of the various disease states which fall into the category of malabsorption syndromes and, more important, to increase our basic knowledge of the physiology of intestinal absorption.
Quantum Error Correction and Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing

It was once widely believed that quantum computation would never become a reality. However, the discovery of quantum error correction and the proof of the accuracy threshold theorem nearly ten years ago gave rise to extensive development and research aimed at creating a working, scalable quantum computer. Over a decade has passed since this monumental accomplishment yet no book-length pedagogical presentation of this important theory exists. Quantum Error Correction and Fault Tolerant Quantum Computing offers the first full-length exposition on the realization of a theory once thought impossible. It provides in-depth coverage on the most important class of codes discovered to datequantum stabilizer codes. It brings together the central themes of quantum error correction and fault-tolerant procedures to prove the accuracy threshold theorem for a particular noise error model. The author also includes a derivation of well-known bounds on the parameters of quantum error correcting code. Packed with over 40 real-world problems, 35 field exercises, and 17 worked-out examples, this book is the essential resource for any researcher interested in entering the quantum field as well as for those who want to understand how the unexpected realization of quantum computing is possible.
Low Background Spectral Response Of 30-130 μm Detectors From Blackbody Measurements

Low background far infrared detector responsivity and low background spectral response calibrations can be performed simultaneously with a cooled, temperature-swept blackbody. This makes the use of a cooled, low background spectrometer unnecessary in many applications. Calibrations of a beryllium-doped germanium detector showing unwanted 100-micron response, and of a gallium-doped germanium detector, are described.
Atomic-scale diffusion mechanisms via intermediate species

We theoretically investigate the relationship between impurity diffusion profiles and the underlying atomic-scale diffusion mechanisms that occur via intermediate species in elemental semiconductors. We focus particularlyon diffusion regimes characterized by short versus long diffusion times and low versus high transport capacities. Based on analytic derivations and numerical simulations, we show that, in the absence of any external point defect perturbation, there is usually no unique correspondence between a microscopic diffusion mechanism and a macroscopic impurity diffusion profile. Complementary experiments have to be performed to gain more conclusive information about the microscopic diffusion mechanisms. Examples of these experiments are perturbing the point defect concentrations from equilibrium by thermal oxidation and nitridation, particularly in the short-time diffusion regime, and studying the growth or shrinkage of stacking faults and dislocation loops. Finally, a wide range of impurity diffusion phenomena result from the presence of intermediate species, and can be analytically derived or numerically computed starting from the same set of diffusion equations.
Refractive index as a variable in the numerical design of optical thin film systems

The role of the refractive index in the design of optical multilayer coatings is discussed. The theory of the Herpin equivalent-index concept is reviewed. New results are presented for an extension of this concept first proposed by Ikeda. A computer program is described which automatically transforms a multilayer design utilizing many refractive indices into a system based on the use of two materials only. Experimental results are given to illustrate this. It is shown how, by the use of Herpin equivalent indices, computation time during thin film synthesis can be drastically reduced.
A Shared Assignment to Integrate Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice Course Concepts

Objective. To demonstrate for first-year pharmacy students the relevance of pharmaceutics course content to pharmacy practice by implementing a joint, integrated assignment in both courses and assessing its impact.Design. Medication errors and patient safety issues relevant to ophthalmic and otic formulations were selected as the assignment topic. A homework assignment based on a mock court case involving a patient who was given an inappropriate formulation because of a pharmacist's medication error was given to students. The scenario was followed by essay and calculation questions linking physical pharmacy concepts with patient safety recommendations.Assessment. Students’ average score on the crossover assignment was 88.7%. Minute papers completed before and after the assignment showed improvement in student learning. Students’ scores on examination questions related to the assignment topic were significantly higher than the previous year's students’ performance on similar questions. In a survey conducte...
Javanese Messianic Expectations: Their Origin and Cultural Context

When a generation ago G. W. J. Drewes brought to a close his trailblazing study of Javanese millenarian concepts he predicted their decline. As a propaganda device in the arena of modern politics they might perhaps retain some value, he believed, but their inherent strength and uniqueness would gradually diminish. Perhaps Drewes' philological pre-occupation led him to neglect the anthropological dynamics of the messianic currents that he studied in the Javanese religious records. In any event his prediction seemed to assume that the efficacy of the millenarian expectations as propaganda could be independent of the enduring cultural matrix of which these expectations are an inseparable part. Far from losing their inherent vitality the messianic ideas of the Javanese have, as the following pages will argue, remained strong and influential; only the cultural forms by which they are nowadays expressed have changed. In this analysis attention will first be paid to the traditional cosmology of the Javanese as it is reflected in their major cultural motifs. Next the impact of Hindu-Indian, Islamic and Western (both religious and secular) influences on this cosmology will be considered. Finally, the nature of the messianic expectations in the Javanese experience will be described, also in terms of their contemporary manifestations.
Mechanisms of local thermal stability in high temperature superconductors

Abstract The impact of high temperature ceramic superconductors on the thermal stability of superconducting devices is two-fold. Firstly, nitrogen becomes the probable cryogenic coolant, and secondly, the new materials exhibit thermophysical properties different from conventional superconductors. This work analyses transient heat transfer to subcooled and supercritical nitrogen and compares the results to those for helium. An extensive review of the thermophysical properties of YBa2Cu3O7 assesses their effect on thermal stability. Anisotropic thermal conductivity is shown to strongly influence the intrinsic thermal stability of a composite strip superconductor.
Detection of atomic oxygen trails of small comets in the vicinity of Earth

Transient trails of emissions at far-ultraviolet wavelengths have been detected by the Earth Camera on board the Polar spacecraft. These emissions are interpreted in terms of resonantly scattered solar radiation from atomic oxygen at 130.4 nm. The temporal durations of the emission trails are typically tens of seconds. The maximum brightnesses of the shorter trails are usually lesser than those of the longer trails which indicate that the shorter trails are farther from the spacecraft. The rate of occurrence of these trails is approximately 5 to 10 each day. These events are interpreted as the signatures of the disruption and rapid dissipation of small comets in the vicinity of Earth.