cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reliability of Physical-Activity Measures Over Six Months in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: Implications for Designing Behavioral Interventions

Reliability estimates are important parameters for power analyses and sample-size calculations in behavioral interventions for increasing physical activity among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study involved a secondary data analysis for providing reliability estimates for measures of physical activity over a six-month period in MS. On two occasions separated by six months, participants completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and wore an ActiGraph model 7164 accelerometer on a belt around the waist for a seven-day period. The outcomes from the accelerometer were total activity counts and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day. The main analyses involved two-way, random effects intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). The ICCs for GLTEQ scores, total activity counts, and minutes of MVPA were .66, .84, and .84, respectively. Additionally, the sample was less physically active than adults without MS, and correlation analyses supported the valid...
c -axis stress dependence of normal and superconducting state properties of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7

We have applied pressure (i.e., stress) to single-crystal ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ along the c axis to reduce the separation between the copper-oxygen planes. For the normal state, increasing pressures up to \ensuremath{\sim}1 kbar causes the c-axis resistivity to decrease dramatically and tend toward a metalliclike temperature dependence. No change is observed in the ab-plane resistivity. The superconducting ${T}_{c}$ increases with decreasing interplane separation with ${\mathrm{dT}}_{c}$/dP\ensuremath{\approxeq}0.1 K/kbar. Some implications of these findings for normal-state conduction mechanisms and models of high-${T}_{c}$ superconductivity for ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ are discussed.
Breeding programs of dairymen selecting Holstein sires by computer.

Abstract A computerized linear program (MAXBULL) selects groups of sires to attain or exceed goals of dairymen and maximize weighted average Predicted Difference for milk. Goals for 196 dairymen with Holsteins in the spring of 1982 averaged −.05 Predicted Difference fat percent, .85 Predicted Difference type, $17.52 per unit, and percents net superiority 29, 35, 36, 27, 33, and 46 for descriptive traits udder support, rear udder, fore udder, teats, hind legs, and feet. Percent net superiority is the percentage of units from sires having a significant number of superior daughters in a trait, reduced by the percentage of units from sires having a significant number of inferior daughters. Associated Predicted Difference milk, fat, and dollars were 789 kg, 25 kg, and $215. All goals exceeded averages of artificial insemination sires available, and Predicted Difference dollars exceeded Virginia service sire averages by $44 and the 90th percentile sire by $6. Predicted Difference fat percent was the most frequently binding production trait, whereas udder support was the most frequently binding type trait. Predicted Difference fat percent and price were most influential on maximum Predicted Difference milk. Breeding programs of dairymen using bulls from one organization differed from those using bulls from several organizations.
Live images of RNA polymerase II transcription units

The nucleus of an amphibian oocyte can be manually isolated in mineral oil where it maintains all its activities for several hours. These undisrupted (live) nuclei have been used successfully in recent years to analyze the dynamic organization of several non-chromosomal nuclear organelles. Here, we describe an improved procedure for imaging an oil-isolated nucleus by light microscopy and we use it to produce the very first images of lampbrush chromosomes in an in vivo–like condition. These chromosomes are morphologically identical to those observed in conventional nuclear spread preparations. Importantly, their lateral loops, which are active RNA polymerase II transcription units, are readily distinguished by differential interference contrast microscopy.
Edward Banfield on the Promise of Politics and the Limits of Federalism

Edward Banfield is generally considered to be a conservative, but this assumption is problematic. This essay examines his views on federalism and local politics in an attempt to better understand his orientation. While he holds views on federalism and localism that are not liberal, by post-Second World War American standards, his lack of interest in constitutional rules, acceptance of national expansion, and lack of enthusiasm about local government put him at odds with mainstream conservatism. Ultimately, Banfield's suggestion that politics (local and national) can improve the character of human beings places him outside both conservatism and liberalism, and within an older tradition. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.
Alterations in the size of the poly(a) segment in newly-synthesized messenger RNA of mouse sarcoma 180 ascites cells.

The size of the poly(A) segment present at the 3′-end of mRNA molecules decreases gradually after entry of the mRNA into the cytoplasm. The size reduction seems to occur equally in free and polysome-bound mRNA. It is not affected by conditions that inhibit protein synthesis, such as treatment with cycloheximide and amino acid deprivation. The latter condition leads to a substantial increase in the size of nuclear poly(A). The rate of poly(A) cleavage could determine the length of time a mRNA molecule remains functional in the cytoplasm.
Luminescent images of single gold nanoparticles and their labeling on silica beads

Luminescent Au nanoparticles were synthesized in a modified Brust method (average diameters of metal core = 1.6 nm). The fluorescence images were measured using scanning confocal microscopy and validated as compared with organic fluorophores. The metal particles were functionalized with succinimidyl ester terminated ligands and bound as fluorophores on surface-aminated silica beads to mimic labeling of biological functionalities. The labeled silica beads were shown to display bright signals and good photostability. Our results indicate that the luminescent metal nanoparticles can be employed as the probes to label the biological functionalities in developing molecule imaging agents.
Mapping vegetation in an urban area with stratified classification and multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis

Abstract Vegetation is a fundamental element in urban ecosystems, and vegetation mapping is critical for urban and landscape planning and management. While remote sensing has increasingly been used for vegetation mapping, this spatially explicit approach can be challenging due to the spectral similarity between various vegetation types and the presence of complex features in the urban environment. The objective of this study is to develop a method that can help improve vegetation mapping in urban areas from medium-resolution remote sensor imagery. Central to our method is the combined use of stratified classification and multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) techniques. Specifically, we firstly partition the entire landscape into rural and urban subsets using road network density so that each subset can be processed independently to minimize the spectral confusion between some urban features and agricultural land covers. Secondly, we carefully extract all vegetation covers at the sub-pixel level for the urban subset by using the MESMA technique in order to account for small, fragmented vegetation patches that would be classified as non-vegetated classes otherwise. Thirdly, we adopt a separate supervised classification protocol to the rural subset and the vegetation covers extracted from the urban subset. Finally, we combine the classified outcomes from the two subsets to produce a complete map. We have implemented this method to produce a land cover map including various vegetation types from a Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) image covering a large metropolitan area. It is found that this method has substantially outperformed two related ones that use the same supervised protocol to the entire area directly or to the rural subset and the urban subset without being MESMA processed. The advantage of our method is that it has extended the capability of sub-pixel analysis beyond vegetation abundance estimation and into the area of mapping thematic vegetation types in urban areas.
Liquid Squeeze Film Damping in Microsystems Applications

Squeeze film damping (SFD) in microscale systems employing plates parallel to a substrate and operating in a liquid environment is theoretically investigated. Previous analytical or numerical studies of SFD in microsystems are mainly focused on devices working in a compressible fluid, such as air [1–3], where fluid inertia is negligible. However, liquid inertia appears to significantly affect the dynamic response of a microsystem operating in liquid environment. This paper outlines a theoretical framework that takes into account the inertia effects on dynamic response and illustrates this effect presenting the magnification factor for media with high and low density.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Cyclotron wave amplifiers at microwave and millimeter wave frequencies

Summary form only given, as follows. Cyclotron wave parametric, and cyclotron wave electrostatic amplifiers were developed in Russia and the United States in the late 50's and early 50's. The application was for input amplifiers in the receivers of radar and communication systems. While work in the west was abandoned in favor of solid state, it continued in Russia; these are important components of many Russian military and civilian systems. Advantages include low noise temperature, high degree of linearity, receiver protection and very fast recovery time after a microwave overload. The basis of the device is the parametric amplification of the fast cyclotron wave on an electron beam. The beam is cooled in one of two ways to achieve low noise temperature. Recently, a summary of the theory and behavior of these devices have appeared in the United States. They have been developed only at microwave frequencies as high as 35 GHz. To go to higher frequencies means still higher magnetic fields, which is difficult to do with permanent magnets. An alternative is to operate at harmonics of the cyclotron frequency. The theory of cyclotron wave amplifiers at harmonics of the cyclotron frequency has recently been worked out.
A Comparative Study of Large-Amplitude Gravity-Wave Events

Abstract Two large-amplitude gravity waves were observed over the midwestern United States on 5 and 14 January 1989 during the University of Illinois Winter Precipitation Program. On both days, an extensive amount of data was recorded, including data from two radars and a radiosonde facility. The waves originated near Missouri, registered pressure fluctuations as large as 10 mb, and produced distinct precipitation bands along their updraft regions. The waves were long-lived and maintained their identity over 1000 km, a distance several times their wave-lengths. The synoptic features at the surface were dissimilar. A deep cyclone was present on 5 January, while a leeside trough was present on 14 January. However, the middle- and upper-tropospheric flow patterns were similar. In both cases, the axis of a trough was immediately upstream of the gravity-wave genesis area and a jet streak had just propagated through the base of the trough toward a downstream ridge. Soundings taken near the gravity waves were re...
Glucocorticoid induced expression of connective tissue growth factor contributes to lactogenic differentiation of mouse mammary epithelial cells

The response of mammary epithelial cells to basement membrane and stroma induced signals contributes to the degree of differentiation in this tissue. The studies reported here indicate that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is highly elevated during lactogenic differentiation of the HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cell line. In addition, CTGF is expressed in the mouse mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation and it is expressed in primary mammary epithelial cell cultures established from pregnant mice. In HC11 cells CTGF is transcriptionally regulated by dexamethasone, but not by estrogen or progesterone, and CTGF expression is not dependent on TGFβ. CTGF contributes to and is required for lactogenic differentiation of HC11 cells, as demonstrated by increased differentiation following expression of plasmid-encoded CTGF and decreased differentiation following depletion of endogenous CTGF with siRNA. Moreover, HC11 mouse mammary epithelial cells infected with an adenoviral vector encoding CTGF exhibit increased lactogenic differentiation. Plasmid vector-induced elevation of CTGF levels also increased the level of β1 integrin in HC11 cells. Because the production of stromal factors is an important component of differentiation in mammary epithelial cells, the regulation of CTGF by glucocorticoids may play a critical role in this aspect of the control of differentiation. The studies reported here provide important information on the role of CTGF in mammary epithelial cell differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 214:38–46, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
White Space Networks: Architecture, Application, and Opportunity

Prototype installations demonstrate that white space networks' range, speed, and obstacle penetration make them attractive options to complement and extend wireless and wired networks in diverse applications and settings.
Lefschetz and Nielsen coincidence numbers on nilmanifolds and solvmanifolds, II

Abstract McCord (1991) claimed that Nielsen coincidence numbers and Lefschetz coincidence numbers are related by the inequality N(f, g) ⩾ ¦L(f, g)¦ for all maps f , g : S 1 → S 2 between compact orientable solvmanifolds of the same dimension. It was further claimed that N(f, g) = ¦L(f, g)¦ when S 2 is a nilmanifold. A mistake in that paper has been discovered. In this paper, that mistake is partially repaired. A new proof of the equality N(f, g) = ¦L(f, g)¦ for nilmanifolds is given, and a variety of conditions for maps on orientable solvmanifolds are established which imply the inequality N(f, g) ⩾ ¦L(f, g)¦ . However, it still remains open whether N(f,g) ⩾ ¦L(f,g)¦ for all maps between orientable solvmanifolds.
Elucidation of a Sc(I) complex by DFT calculations and reactivity studies.

Sc(BrMgL)2Br (L = (R2NCH2CH2NCMe)2CH, R = H) was studied by DFT methods leading to the conclusion that this diamagnetic formal scandium(I) system enjoys stabilization of its Sc-based filled dyz orbital by a δ-acceptor linear combination of BrMgL ring orbitals. Investigation of the reactivity of Sc(BrMgL)2Br (L = (R2NCH2CH2NCMe)2CH, R = Et) with H2O·B(C6F5)3 and (HOCH2)2CMe2, respectively, led to decomposition, with LMgBr being isolated in the latter case.
Ampakines promote spine actin polymerization, long-term potentiation, and learning in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome.

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder largely due to abnormal maternal expression of the UBE3A gene leading to the deletion of E6-associated protein. AS subjects have severe cognitive impairments for which there are no therapeutic interventions. Mouse models (knockouts of the maternal Ube3a gene: ‘AS mice’) of the disorder have substantial deficits in long-term potentiation (LTP) and learning. Here we report a clinically plausible pharmacological treatment that ameliorates both deficits. AS mice were injected ip twice daily for 5 days with vehicle or the ampakine CX929; drugs of this type enhance fast EPSCs by positively modulating AMPA receptors. Theta burst stimulation (TBS) produced a normal enhancement of field EPSPs in hippocampal slices prepared from vehicle-treated AS mice but LTP decreased steadily to baseline; however, LTP in slices from ampakine-treated AS mice stabilized at levels found in wild-type controls. TBS-induced actin polymerization within dendritic spines, an essential event for stabilizing LTP, was severely impaired in slices from vehicle-treated AS mice but not in those from ampakine-treated AS mice. Long-term memory scores in a fear conditioning paradigm were reduced by 50% in vehicle-treated AS mice but were comparable to values for littermate controls in the ampakine-treated AS mice. We propose that AS is associated with a profound defect in activity-driven spine cytoskeletal reorganization, resulting in a loss of the synaptic plasticity required for the encoding of long-term memory. Notably, the spine abnormality along with the LTP and learning impairments can be reduced by a minimally invasive drug treatment.
READING AND (RE)WRITING CLASS: ELIZABETH GASKELL'S WIVES AND DAUGHTERS

His anatomy was philosophic, or transcendent, because transcending the vision of the eye, it had the vision of the mind, seeing what the eye alone could never see.—G. H. Lewes, “Life and Doctrine of Geoffroy St. Hilaire”Scientific material does not have clear boundaries once it enters literature.—Dame Gillian Beer, Open Fields
Gauss-Kronrod quadrature formulae for weight functions of Bernstein-Szego¨ type, II

We study the Kronrod extensions of Gaussian quadrature rules whose weight functions on ( - 1, l) consist of any one of the four Chebyshev weights divided by an arbitrary quadratic polynomial that remains positive on ( - 1, 11. We show that in almost all cases these extended "Gauss-Kronrod" quadrature rules have all the desirable properties: Kronrod nodes interlacing with Gauss nodes, all nodes contained in ( - 1, 11, and all weights positive and representable by semiexplicit formulas. Exceptions to these properties occur only for small values of n (the number of Gauss nodes), namely n < 3, and are carefully identified. The precise degree of exactness of each of these Gauss-Kronrod formulae is determined and shown to grow like 4n, rather than 3n, as is normally the case. Our findings are the result of a detailed analysis of the underlying orthogonal polynomials and "Stieltjes polynomials". The paper concludes with a study of the limit case of a linear divisor polynomial in the weight function.
The specific capsular polysaccharide of Pneumococcus type IV.

Abstract The specific, capsular polysaccharide (SIV) of Pneumococcus Type IV is shown to contain acetal-linked pyruvic acid, d -galactose, 2-amino-2-deoxy- d -galactose, 2-amino-2-deoxymannose, and 2-amino-2,6-dideoxy- d (?)-galactose in the molar ratios 3:3:3:2:3, the amino sugars presumably being N -acetylated.
Unique Signaling Logic within a Bacterial Cell Cycle Circuit

A fundamental hallmark of diverse organisms from stem cells to bacteria is asymmetric cell division orchestrated by subcellular protein localization. One of the simplest organisms to undergo an asymmetric cell division is the gram-negative bacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Critically, Caulobacter's asymmetric cell pole development is coordinated with cell division by a network of localized two-component systems (TCS). While many of the signaling players are known, the mechanistic wiring within this network is poorly understood.Here we examined the role of how the pseudokinase DivL couples together two signaling pathways through binding to the response regulator DivK. We identified point mutations that disrupt DivL-DivK binding, and evaluate the ability of these DivL mutants to localize to the cell poles. Unexpectedly, we observed DivL's sensor domain plays a role in specifically binding DivK∼P over unphosphorylated DivK. As well, we characterize the impact of the cell cycle histidine kinase CckA upon the DivL-DivK interaction. Taken together we propose a model for how the pseudo-kinase DivL has re-wired it's catalytic HK domain to detect the cytokinesis signal DivK∼P and directly modulate the activity of CckA enabling complex cell-fate decision making.
Theater of power: writing and representing the auto de fe in colonial Mexico.

On the morning of November 19, 1659, the Inquisitors of the Tribunal of the Holy Office in the City of Mexico celebrated Mass. Then, the prisoners were fed and lined up for the procession of the auto de fe that was to be celebrated that day. The procession of the familiares (officers of the Inquisition) and those to be reconciled or relaxed went by some streets, and the Tribunal of the Inquisition by others. The parade of gentlemen, including more than 500 individuals on horseback, was comprised of the nobility, the knights of the military orders, the Consulate, the University, the Cathedral Chapter, the municipal authorities, the Audiencia, and, finally, the Tribunal of the Holy Inquisition with the viceroy riding in their midst.
Thermal hydraulic performance testing of printed circuit heat exchangers in a high-temperature helium test facility

Abstract In high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, such as a very high temperature reactor (VHTR), an intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) is required to efficiently transfer the core thermal output to a secondary fluid for electricity generation with an indirect power cycle and/or process heat applications. Currently, there is no proven high-temperature (750–800 °C or higher) compact heat exchanger technology for high-temperature reactor design concepts. In this study, printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE), a potential IHX concept for high-temperature applications, has been investigated for their heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics under high operating temperatures and pressures. Two PCHEs, each having 10 hot and 10 cold plates with 12 channels (semicircular cross-section) in each plate are fabricated using Alloy 617 plates and tested for their performance in a high-temperature helium test facility (HTHF). The PCHE inlet temperature and pressure were varied from 85 to 390 °C/1.0–2.7 MPa for the cold side and 208–790 °C/1.0–2.7 MPa for the hot side, respectively, while the mass flow rate of helium was varied from 15 to 49 kg/h. This range of mass flow rates corresponds to PCHE channel Reynolds numbers of 950 to 4100 for the cold side and 900 to 3900 for the hot side (corresponding to the laminar and laminar-to-turbulent transition flow regimes). The obtained experimental data have been analyzed for the pressure drop and heat transfer characteristics of the heat transfer surface of the PCHEs and compared with the available models and correlations in the literature. In addition, a numerical treatment of hydrodynamically developing and hydrodynamically fully-developed laminar flow through a semicircular duct is presented. Relations developed for determining the hydrodynamic entrance length in a semicircular duct and the friction factor (or pressure drop) in the hydrodynamic entry length region for laminar flow through a semicircular duct are given. Various hydrodynamic entrance region parameters, such as incremental pressure drop number, apparent Fanning friction factor, and hydrodynamic entrance length in a semicircular duct have been numerically estimated.
Identification and mechanism of regulation of the zebrafish dorsal determinant

In vertebrates, the animal–vegetal axis is determined during oogenesis and at ovulation, the egg is radially symmetric. In anamniotes, following fertilization, a microtubule-dependent movement leads to the displacement of maternal dorsal determinants from the vegetal pole to the future dorsal side of the embryo, providing the initial breaking of radial symmetry [Weaver C, Kimelman D (2004) Development 131:3491–3499]. These dorsal determinants induce β-catenin nuclear translocation in dorsal cells of the blastula. Previous work in amphibians has shown that secreted Wnt11/5a complexes, regulated by the Wnt antagonist Dkk-1, are required for the initiation of embryonic axis formation [Cha et al. (2009) Curr Biol 29:1573–1580]. In the current study, we determined that the vegetal maternal dorsal determinant in fish is not the Wnt11/5a complex but the canonical Wnt, Wnt8a. Translation of this mRNA and secretion of the Wnt8a protein result in a dorsal-to-ventral gradient of Wnt stimulation, extending across the entire embryo. This gradient is counterbalanced by two Wnt inhibitors, Sfrp1a and Frzb. These proteins are essential to restrict the activation of the canonical Wnt pathway to the dorsal marginal blastomeres by defining the domain where the Wnt8a activity gradient is above the threshold value necessary for triggering the canonical β-catenin pathway. In summary, this study establishes that the zebrafish maternal dorsal determinant, Wnt8a, is required to localize the primary dorsal center, and that the extent of this domain is defined by the activity of two maternally provided Wnt antagonists, Sfrp1a and Frzb.
Data decomposition of Monte Carlo particle transport simulations via tally servers

An algorithm for decomposing large tally data in Monte Carlo particle transport simulations is developed, analyzed, and implemented in a continuous-energy Monte Carlo code, OpenMC. The algorithm is based on a non-overlapping decomposition of compute nodes into tracking processors and tally servers. The former are used to simulate the movement of particles through the domain while the latter continuously receive and update tally data. A performance model for this approach is developed, suggesting that, for a range of parameters relevant to LWR analysis, the tally server algorithm should perform with minimal overhead on contemporary supercomputers. An implementation of the algorithm in OpenMC is then tested on the Intrepid and Titan supercomputers, supporting the key predictions of the model over a wide range of parameters. We thus conclude that the tally server algorithm is a successful approach to circumventing classical on-node memory constraints en route to unprecedentedly detailed Monte Carlo reactor simulations.
Synthesis of Poly(isobutylene-block-methyl methacrylate) by a Novel Coupling Approach

The synthesis of poly(isobutylene-b-methyl methacrylate) has been accomplished by a novel coupling approach combining living cationic and anionic polymerization techniques. By capping living polyisobutylene (PIB) with 1,3-butadiene, a chloroallyl chain-end-functionalized PIB (PIB−AllylCl) was prepared. Coupling of the purified and isolated product and living poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMALi) was then attempted in tetrahydrofuran at −78 °C. However, coupling was absent, and the addition of cesium iodide as a catalyst to increase the coupling rate was also unsuccessful. Halogen exchange reaction of PIB−AllylCl using an excess of lithium bromide proceeded quantitatively to yield the bromoallyl counterpart (PIB−AllylBr). The PIB−AllylBr was coupled with PMMALi in THF at −78 °C with high efficiency (>95%) and yielded the expected diblock copolymer.
Redundancy enhances emotional inferencing by right- and left-hemisphere-damaged adults.

This study investigated the influence of enhanced textual redundancy on affective interpretations made by unilaterally right or left hemisphere brain-damaged adults and normally aging control subje...
Isolation and characterization of a glutamate-glycine transaminase from human liver☆☆☆

Abstract An irreversible glutamate-glyoxylate transaminase has been isolated from human liver and purified 290-fold. Glutamate, glutamine, alanine, arginine, and methionine were active as amine group donors. The Michaelis constant was 2 × 10 −3 m for glutamate and glyoxylate, and the pH optimum was 7.3. Pyridoxal phosphate is required as a coenzyme and is tightly bound to the apoenzyme. The enzyme may function in the control of oxalic acid synthesis in man by providing an alternate pathway for glyoxylate metabolism. The ability of vitamin B 6 administration to alleviate hyperoxaluria may be explained by the activation of this enzyme.
New graduate nurses' perceptions of the effects of clinical simulation on their critical thinking, learning, and confidence

Critical thinking has been a crucial outcome of nursing educational programs. Effective nurses should be knowledgeable about complex patient situations and confident in their skills. One teaching strategy recently adopted by some educators to develop nurses' critical thinking, learning, and confidence is simulation. Simulation incorporates scenarios and case studies developed to replicate real-life clinical situations. Learners are asked to solve clinical problems and make critical decisions based on the information provided. Little research has been done on how simulation experiences promote critical thinking, learning, and confidence, especially in new graduate nurses. This study explored the perceptions of new graduate nurses of how clinical simulation developed their critical thinking skills, learning, and confidence throughout their hospital clinical training. Ten new baccalaureate nursing graduates voluntarily participated in this study, which used an exploratory descriptive design. Data were collected by demographic questionnaires and semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using content analysis. Participants reported that simulation prepared them well to care confidently for critically ill patients. Simulation also helped them learn to make sound clinical decisions to improve patient outcomes. The findings have crucial implications for nursing education, practice, and research. They provide evidence to support the use of simulation as a teaching strategy to promote critical thinking skills, learning, and confidence.
Obesity-Related Factors in the Repair and Healing of Recurrent Incisional Hernia: A Summary of Risk Factors and Perioperative Strategies

Recurrent incisional hernias are a clinical and surgical challenge in obese patients. In addition to tension on the repair created by abdominal girth, poor wound healing and immobility also contribute to recurrence in these patients. Specific postoperative nursing care strategies to prevent complications in complex hernia repairs are discussed. Surgical considerations including concomitant repair of hernia with bariatric surgery, panniculectomy, and individual care planning are also discussed.
Is High Involvement at Work and Home So Bad? Contrasting Scarcity and Expansionist Perspectives

Using the scarcity and enhancement paradigms, this study examined whether high involvement in both work and home roles would be related to negative or positive outcomes for individuals. Data were collected from 356 working adults through an online survey. Work involvement and home involvement and their interaction were hypothesized to be related to time-, strain-, and behavior-based work-to-home and home-to-work conflict and positive affective and instrumental work-to-home and home-to-work spillover. Both work and home involvement had statistically significant positive relationships with positive spillovers. The interaction terms between work and home involvement were unrelated to the dependent variables. Overall, the results were supportive of a more positive enhancement view of involvement in multiple domains.
The effect of Tris-buffered media and Tyrode physiologic saline solution on the antigenic release of histamine from human leukocytes

Allergic histamine release from leukocytes was compared in three different media: Tyrode physiologic saline solution, Tris-buffered saline containing human albumin, calcium, and magnesium (Tris-ACM), and Tris-ACM with homologous serum. In a selected group of low histamine releasers, the maximal amount of antigenic histamine release was significantly higher in Tyrode solution as compared to Tris-ACM buffer. When homologous serum was added to Tris-acm, an enhancement of histamine release greater than with Tyrode solution was obtained. These results suggest that Tris-ACM may not be the optimal buffer for leukocyte histamine release experiments. Since Tyrode solution contains no serum proteins that bind slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis or prostaglandins, the use of this medium may be advantageous for the study of the release of the chemical mediators from human leukocytes.
Scalability of planar FDSOI and FinFETs and What's in store for the future beyond that?

Conventional planar transistors have been used throughout the semiconductor industry for the past several decades. Further miniaturization of conventional devices has been proven to be a significant challenge and thus the industry has transitioned to Planar Fully Depleted FETs and FinFETs. As we look out at technologies beyond 7nm node there are many barriers which appear to limit the scalability of FinFETs. Therefore it is important to consider the device architecture options that can serve as a replacement and enable further scaling to meet future technology requirements. This invited talk discusses the scalability of Fully Depleted FETs and FinFETs and also proposes options to enable continued scaling beyond 7nm node.
Modulated generalized ellipsometry

We extend ellipsometry to the direct measurement of small perturbations of the Jones matrix of any linear nondepolarizing optical sample (system) subjected to a modulating stimulus such as temperature, stress, or electric or magnetic field. The methodology of this technique, to be called Modulated Generalized Ellipsometry (MGE), is presented. First an ellipsometer with arbitrary polarizing and analyzing optics is assumed, and subsequently the discussion is specialized to a conventional ellipsometer having either the polarizer-sample-analyzer (PSA) or the polarizer-compensator-sample-analyzer (PCSA) arrangement. MGE provides the tool for the systematic study of thermo-optical, piezo-optical, electro-optical, magneto-optical, and other allied effects for both isotropic and anisotropic materials that may be examined in either transmission or reflection. MGE is also applicable to (1) modulation spectroscopy of anisotropic media, (2) the study of electrochemical reactions on optically anisotropic electrodes, and (3) the extension of AIDER (angle-of-incidence-derivative ellipsometry and reflectometry) to the determination of the optical properties of anisotropic film-substrate systems.
Impact of cost cutting on laboratories: new business strategies for laboratories.

Cost reduction is the primary force driving healthcare reform. To survive and thrive in these tumultuous times, laboratories must adapt and implement new business strategies. Business paradigm shifts create opportunities for organizations with a plan; a wait-and-see attitude forecasts failure. Drawing upon an 11-year experience with the "ARUP business model," this work will highlight business strategies that have contributed to the success of this university-based reference laboratory. In the future, successful laboratories will implement new business strategies to become more effective members of the emerging integrated healthcare delivery teams. Within the laboratory, traditional organizational disciplinary boundaries, i.e., chemistry, microbiology, and hematology, are melding together to increase efficiency. Laboratorians must become influential members of institutional healthcare delivery teams formed to control utilization. Laboratory services are being adjusted to optimize patient care. Incremental pricing is only one of the strategies to be implemented to expand outpatient business to those in the region. Expanded computer capabilities, client services, specimen handling, marketing, and sales are also required. On a regional basis, service laboratories are increasingly joining forces to increase efficiency while at the same time improving the quality of patient care.
Reduced Germline Mobility of a mariner Vector Containing Exogenous DNA: Effect of Size or Site?

Germline mobilization of the transposable element mariner is severely inhibited by the insertion of a 4.5- to 11.9-kb fragment of exogenous DNA into a unique Sac1 site approximately in the middle of the 1286bp element. In the presence of transposase driven by the germline-specific hspZGsgs? promoter, mobilization of the MlwB construct (containing a 11.9-kb insertion) is detected at low frequency. Analysis of a mobilized MlwB element indicated that mobilization is mediated by the marinertransposase. However, transposed MlwB elements are also defective in germline mobilization. Rare, transposase-induced germline excision events were also recovered for such vectors. The estimated rate of excision is <0.1% per chromosome per generation. Excision appears to be accompanied by gap repair if a suitable template is available. The data imply that the reduced mobility of mariner vectors with exogenous DNA in the SacI site results from disruption of sequences necessary for efficient mobilization. The relative stability may be a valuable property in the uses of mariner-like elements in genetic engineering of insects of economic importance.
Undergraduate Latina/o Students A Systematic Review of Research Identifying Factors Contributing to Academic Success Outcomes

A systematic review was conducted to produce an up-to-date and comprehensive summary of qualitative and quantitative evidence specific to the factors related to undergraduate Latina/o student academic success outcomes during college. The purpose of the study was to make sense of and provide critique to this rapidly growing body of research, as well as to direct future research efforts. Findings indicate that a combination of (a) sociocultural characteristics; (b) academic self-confidence; (c) beliefs, ethnic/racial identity, and coping styles; (d) precollege academic experiences; (e) college experiences; (f) internal motivation and commitment; (g) interactions with supportive individuals; (h) perceptions of the campus climate/environment; and (i) institutional type/characteristics are related to one or more academic success outcomes for Latina/o students. The article concludes with specific recommendations including the use of additional methods, frameworks and perspectives that we hope will be useful in ...
Mandibular biomechanics and temporomandibular joint function in primates

There is disagreement as to whether the mandibular condyles are stress-bearing or stress-free during mastication. In support of alternative models, analogies have been drawn with Class III levers, links, and couple systems. Physiological data are reviewed which indicate that maximum masticatory forces are generated when maxillary and mandibular teeth are in contact, and that this phase lasts for over 100 msec during many chewing strokes. During this period, the mandible can be modeled as a beam with multiple supports. Equations of simple beam theory suggest that large condylar reaction forces are present during mastication. With unilateral molar biting in man, the total condylar reaction force may be over 75% of the bite force. Analysis of a frontal projection demonstrates that up to 80% of the total condylar reaction force is borne by the contralateral (balancing side) condyle during unilateral molar biting. A comparison of human, chimpanzee (P. troglodytes), spider monkey (A. belzebuth), and macaque (Macaca sp.) morphology indicates that the frugivorous chimpanzee and spider monkey have a relatively lower condylar reaction force than the omnivorous macaque or man during molar biting. The percentage reaction force during incisal biting is lower in man than in the other primates, and lower in the frugivorous primates than in the macaque.
Supportive empirical modelling for the forecast of monsoon precipitation in Nepal

Seasonal prediction of the monsoon precipitation in Nepal has been a challenge. That is partly because Nepal's monsoon precipitation exhibits a distinct and strong quasi-decadal oscillation while not correlated with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation. The existing global and regional climate models are insufficient in deriving reliable precipitation prediction. This paper examines the prediction of Nepal's July to August (JA) mean precipitation using five different methods: three time series models in comparison with a persistence forecast (PF) and a climatology forecast (CF). The first model (P-AR) uses past precipitation data to forecast the future, based upon the recently uncovered quasi-periodic feature of the JA mean precipitation. The other two models (ARX-SST and ARX-GQ) add covariate sea surface temperature (SST) and global water vapour flux circulation (GQ) respectively. Based upon the evaluation of 1-year-ahead forecast, the three time series models performed better than PF and CF. Of those, the P-AR model has the least mean absolute error (MAE) of <1 mm day–1. Based upon the 2-year-ahead forecast results, the P-AR model performs slightly better than ARX-SST and ARX-GQ models. The forecast ability of the time series models appears better than that of operational numerical models such as the NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFS) and so, can be used as an effective alternative in predicting monsoon precipitation for Nepal.
Construction of nonbinary cyclic, quasi-cyclic and regular LDPC codes: a finite geometry approach

This paper presents five methods for constructing nonbinary LDPC codes based on finite geometries. These methods result in five classes of nonbinary LDPC codes, one class of cyclic LDPC codes, three classes of quasi-cyclic LDPC codes and one class of structured regular LDPC codes. Experimental results show that constructed codes in these classes decoded with iterative decoding based on belief propagation perform very well over the AWGN channel and they achieve significant coding gains over Reed-Solomon codes of the same lengths and rates with either algebraic hard-decision decoding or Kotter-Vardy algebraic soft-decision decoding at the expense of a larger decoding computational complexity.
Global aerosol distribution from the GLAS polar orbiting lidar instrument

The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) launched in 2003 has provided the first global aerosol profiling from space. GLAS is a two wavelength nadir viewing instrument. The measurement requirement to profile all radiatively significant aerosol layers has been exceeded. Data processing algorithms have provided aerosol scattering cross section profiles, boundary detection and height for all aerosol layers, aerosol optical depth and extinction cross section for data from 2003. The data products are openly available to the global science community.
Adsorption of polygalacturonase from recycled cucumber pickle brines by Pure-Flo B80 clay.

Factors affecting adsorption of polygalacturonase (PG) in recycled cucumber pickle brine by an alumino-silicate clay (Pure-Flo B80) were investigated. Adsorption of PG by Pure-Flo B80 was affected by concentration of clay, NaCl, pH and mixing time. Mixing 5 mg clay/mL of brine for one hour eliminated PG activity in most commercial recycled pickle brines that were tested. Maximum adsorption occurred in brines from pH 3 to 4. 5. NaCl greatly enhanced PG and total protein adsorption capacity of the clay. Adsorption of PG did not appear to be affected by source of the commercial brines. Spent clay adsorption was restored by washing the clay in alkaline (pH 12) solution. The results demonstrated that the salt and pH conditions of commercial recycled pickle brines were favorable for adsorption of PG by Pure-Flo B80 and that the clay could be reused after treatment. Cette etude determine les facteurs affectant l'adsorption de la polygalacturonase (contamination provenant des concombres eux-memes ou de microorganismes) a partir de saumures recyclees par une argile alumino-silicate identifiee dans des etudes preliminaires comme ayant des caracteristiques d'expansion faible. L'adsorption d'albumine de serum bovin est evaluee pour avoir une estimation de la capacite d'adsorption. De plus, des traitements pour regenerer l'adsorption de l'argile usagee sont recherches.
Metal-Oxide Interfacial Structures Produced By Internal Oxidation

Interfaces in Cu/MgO, Pd/MgO, Pd/Al2O3, Ni/NiAl2O4 and Ni/Al2O3 systems produced by internal oxidation have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. For the Cu/MgO system, the MgO particles, with a cube-on-cube orientation with respect to Cu matrix, are faceted with principal faces parallel to {111} lattice planes of Cu and MgO. For the Pd/MgO system, the MgO particles, with a cube-on-cube orientation with Pd matrix, are faceted with interfaces parallel to the {100} and {111} lattice planes of MgO and Pd. Additional plate-like MgO particles with main facets parallel to {111} lattice planes possess a twin orientation relationship with the Pd matrix. Interfaces in Cu/MgO and Pd/MgO systems are all partially coherent with interfacial misfit dislocations. For the Pd/Al2O3 system, various transition oxide phases such as η, δ, and θ-Al2O3 and stable α-Al2O3 phase have been observed. The [1100] direction of α-Al2O3 is parallel to the [110] direction of Pd and the (0001) plane of α-Al2O3 is parallel or nearly parallel to the (110) plane of Pd. The NiAl2O4 spinel phase and Al2O3 phases are formed in Ni-Al alloys under two different oxidation conditions. The NiAl2O4 particles have a plate-like morphology with a cube-on-cube orientation relationship with the Ni matrix, while Al2O3 particles are randomly oriented.
Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A RELAX Trial Ancillary Study

Background—Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common among patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but its clinical profile and impact on exercise capacity remain unclear. RELAX (Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition to Improve Clinical Status and Exercise Capacity in HFpEF) was a multicenter randomized trial testing the impact of sildenafil on peak VO2 in stable outpatients with chronic HFpEF. We sought to compare clinical features and exercise capacity among patients with HFpEF who were in sinus rhythm (SR) or AF. Methods and Results—RELAX enrolled 216 patients with HFpEF, of whom 79 (37%) were in AF, 124 (57%) in SR, and 13 in other rhythms. Participants underwent baseline cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiogram, biomarker assessment, and rhythm status assessment before randomization. Patients with AF were older than those in SR but had similar symptom severity, comorbidities, and renal function. β-blocker use and chronotropic indices were also similar. Despite comparable left v...
Monitoring integrated networks for performance management

An object-oriented model for network independent monitoring and performance evaluation in real-time is presented. the model describes the behavior of network objects by a set of state variables and a set of invariants. The model is used to evaluate quality-of-service characteristics of different classes of traffic in an integrated network testbed. An objective-driven measurement strategy to establish the dynamic database of the network is discussed. A statistical database derived from the dynamic database is also obtained. >
Clinical Implementation of Pharmacogenetics: More than One Gene at a Time

Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) clinical pharmacogenetic implementation guidelines for CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genotypes highlight the importance of both genes. However, studies of the combined impact of the two genes are sparse, limiting the ability to make strong recommendations based on both genes. The warfarin pharmacogenetics literature highlights the strength of a multigenic approach for discovery and clinical implementation. For optimal impact and interpretation, investigators are encouraged to conduct studies in the context of previously well-defined pharmacogenetics markers.
Characterization of counterion distribution in polyelectrolyte solutions by the rate of reaction of two charged species

It is shown that second-order rate constants of reactions of two charged, small molecules yield parameters characterizing the counterion distribution in solutions of polyelectrolytes. The rates constant is larger than in conventional buffers if the reagents carry charges of the same sign and smaller if they carry charges of opposite sign.