cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A SANS Study of the Self-Assembly in Solution of Syndiotactic Polypropylene Homopolymers, Syndiotactic Polypropylene-block-poly(ethylene-co-propylene) Diblock Copolymers, and an Alternating Atactic−Isotactic Multisegment Polypropylene

We have studied by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) the crystallization of syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) homopolymer in dilute hydrocarbon solution in parallel with the self-assembling behavior of crystalline−amorphous block copolymers of (syndiotactic propylene)-block-poly(ethylene-co-propylene) [sPP−P(E-co-P)] and atactic−isotactic multiblock polypropylene copolymers (aPP−iPP). Homopolymers and diblock copolymers of various molecular weights and volume fractions were investigated in decane over a wide temperature range (between 160 and −20 °C) while the temperature evolution of the aPP−iPP aggregates was studied in dodecane starting from 175 °C. The homopolymer crystallizes by forming platelets of a thickness of about 60−65 A, independent of the molecular weight or polymer volume fraction in solution. The diblock copolymers aggregate by forming a complex morphology that shows a multilevel structure. This was investigated with SANS and ultra-SANS (USANS) over 3 orders of magnitude in size scale. ...
A confidence interval for the maximal mean QT interval change caused by drug effect

A statistical problem of primary interest in a thorough QT/QTc study is that of deciding if a drug is noninferior to placebo in terms of QT/QTc prolongation. A standard way of approaching this problem is to construct a 90% two-sided (or a 95% one-sided) confidence interval, using the t distribution, at each time point in the study for the difference in mean QTc between drug and placebo and to conclude that the drug is noninferior to placebo if the upper end points of all of these confidence intervals is less than a prespecified constant, such as 10 ms. Under standard normality assumptions, this procedure corresponds to both an intersection-union test and the likelihood ratio test of size .05. It is not without its drawbacks, however. It is conservative in that the probability of a type I error may be smaller than the intended level .05. It is also biased, which means that the power function, for some values of parameters in the alternative space, takes values less than .05. The May 12, 2005, draft of the International Conference on Harmonisation E14 guidance states: “a negative ‘thorough QT/QTc study’ is one in which the upper bound of the 95% one-sided confidence interval for the largest time-matched mean effect of the drug on the QTc interval excludes 10 ms.” In this article, we show how an approximate confidence interval can be constructed for the largest difference in population mean QT/QTc between drug and placebo. The interval is approximate in the sense that, as sample sizes increase, the asymptotic probability of coverage is at least as large as intended. The results of simulations on a proposed one-sided 95% confidence interval are provided and discussed. Situations in which this interval works well, and does not work well, are delineated.
Bacterial Expression and Characterization of the Mitochondrial Outer Membrane Channel EFFECTS OF N-TERMINAL MODIFICATIONS

Abstract Several forms of the voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC) have been expressed at high yield in Escherichia coli. Full-length constructs of the proteins of Neurospora crassa andSaccharomyces cerevisiae (ncVDAC and scVDAC) have been made with 20-residue-long, thrombin-cleavable, His6-containing N-terminal extensions. ncVDAC purified from bacteria or mitochondria displays a far-UV CD spectrum (in 1% lauryl dimethylamine oxide at pH 6–8) similar to that of bacterial porins, indicating extensive β-sheet structure. Under the same conditions, the CD spectrum of bacterially expressed scVDAC indicates lower β-sheet content, albeit higher than that of mitochondrial scVDAC under the same conditions. In phospholipid bilayers, the bacterially expressed proteins (with or without N-terminal extensions) form typical VDAC-like channels with stable, large conductance open states (4–4.5 nanosiemens in 1m KCl) and voltage-dependent transitions to a predominant substate (about 2 nanosiemens). A variant of scVDAC missing the first eight residues and having no N-terminal extension also has been expressed in E. coli. The truncated protein has a CD spectrum similar to that of mitochondrial scVDAC, but its channel activity is abnormal, exhibiting an unstable open state and rapid transitions between multiple subconductance levels.
Measurement of the thermal contribution to the nonlinear refractive index of air at 1064 nm

The thermal contribution to the nonlinear refractive index of air at 1.064 µm was measured with a high-finesse Fabry–Perot cavity and a 500-mW cw laser beam. At room temperature and pressure, the nonlinear refractive-index coefficient of air was found to be n2th=-1.9±0.2×10-14 cm2/W for a beam waist radius of 0.23 mm and was found to be independent of the relative humidity. The thermal nonlinearities of N2, O2, and CO2 were also measured, and it was found that the dominant contribution to air is its O2 content.
Postural Dependence of Muscle Actions: Implications for Neural Control

The neural control of reaching entails the specification of a precise pattern of muscle activation distributed across the many muscles of the arm. Musculoskeletal geometry limits the possible solutions to this problem. Insight into the nature of this constraint was obtained by quantifying the postural variation in the mechanical actions of six human shoulder muscles. Estimates of muscle mechanical actions were obtained by electrically stimulating muscles to the point of contraction and recording the resulting forces and torques with a six-degree-of-freedom force-torque transducer. In a given experiment, data were obtained for up to 29 different arm postures. The mechanical actions of each muscle varied systematically with arm posture, regardless of the frame of reference used to define these actions. The nature of this dependence suggests that a relatively simple strategy can be used by the nervous system to account for the changing mechanical actions of arm muscles.
Evaluation of sampling tools for environmental sampling of bacterial endospores from porous and nonporous surfaces

Aims: Having and executing a well-defined and validated sampling protocol is critical following a purposeful release of a biological agent for response and recovery activities, for clinical and epidemiological analysis and for forensic purposes. The objective of this study was to address the need for validated sampling and analysis methods called out by the General Accounting Office and others to systematically compare the collection efficiency of various swabs and wipes for collection of bacterial endospores from five different surfaces, both porous and non-porous. This study was also designed to test the collection and extraction solutions used for endospore recovery from swabs and wipes. Methods and Results: Eight collection tools were used, five swabs and three wipes. Three collection/preservation solutions were evaluated: sterile E-pure® water, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and phosphate buffered saline with 0.3% Tween (PBST). An Ink Jet Aerosol Generator (IJAG) was used to apply Bacillus subtilis endospores to five porous and non-porous surfaces. The collection efficiencies of the swabs and wipes were compared using a statistical multiple comparison analysis. Results indicated that wipes tend to have higher collection efficiency than swabs. Of the swabs tested, the recovery from most of the surfaces was highest with the polyurethane foammore » swab. Conclusions: The ScottPure® wipe had the highest collection efficiency and PBST was the best collection solution of those tested. Significance and Impact of Study: Validated sampling for potential biological warfare is of significant importance and this study answered some relevant questions.« less
Interaction of Synthetic Polymers with Cell Membranes and Model Membrane Systems I. Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Preliminary successes in the development of biologically active synthetic polymers have demonstrated a need for a deeper understanding of the interactions between soluble synthetic polymers and biological molecules or biological surfaces. For example, we have shown that some polymeric derivatives of salicylic acid exhibit antibacterial activity specifically against Gram-negative strains, while the low molecular weight analogues are non-specific. A plausible interpretation of this result is that polymerization produces an antibacterial ,agent which is highly hydrophobic, and which therefore interacts more strongly with the lipid-rich wall of the Gram-negative cell than with the lipid-poor wall of the Gram-positive cell. Unfortunately, there exists in the literature very little, if any, information which one can use to assess this idea; virtually nothing is known about the nature and magnitude of the interactions of soluble synthetic polymers with cell surfaces. The situation is quite different with natural polymers: intense study of natural macromolecules such as insulin, bacterial toxins and various plant and animal lectins has in some cases yielded quite thorough understanding of their cell-surface interactions. The objective of our work in this area is to bring the understanding of synthetic polymer-membrane interactions to a comparable level. Using prior work on natural polymers as a guide, we have undertaken experiments of three kinds: i) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which allows one to observe structural changes in the membrane which result from interaction with a polymeric solute, ii) cell agglutination (aggregation) measurements, which allow a rapid assessment of the magnitude of interaction and which can identify specific binding sites, and iii) direct binding (adsorption) measurements using radiolabelled synthetic polymers. In all of these experiments, we are using human red blood cells (erythrocytes), or red cell "ghosts" prepared by hypotonic hemolysis; that is, we have selected the human red cell membrane as a model natural membrane. This selection was based on three factors: i) the erythrocyte membrane is readily isolated, ii) calorimetry has been used previously to investigate the interaction of small molecules with erythrocyte and iii) systemic use of polymeric drugs can produce undesirable side effects which may be related to interaction with the red blood cell. The present paper demonstrates the use of high-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry in the study of the interaction of synthetic polymers with cell surfaces.
Explication of Inductive Probability

Inductive probability is the logical concept of probability in ordinary language. It is vague but it can be explicated by defining a clear and precise concept that can serve some of the same purposes. This paper presents a general method for doing such an explication and then a particular explication due to Carnap. Common criticisms of Carnap's inductive logic are examined; it is shown that most of them are spurious and the others are not fundamental.
TAMER: Training an Agent Manually via Evaluative Reinforcement

Though computers have surpassed humans at many tasks, especially computationally intensive ones, there are many tasks for which human expertise remains necessary and/or useful. For such tasks, it is desirable for a human to be able to transmit knowledge to a learning agent as quickly and effortlessly as possible, and, ideally, without any knowledge of the details of the agentpsilas learning process. This paper proposes a general framework called Training an Agent Manually via Evaluative Reinforcement (TAMER) that allows a human to train a learning agent to perform a common class of complex tasks simply by giving scalar reward signals in response to the agentpsilas observed actions. Specifically, in sequential decision making tasks, an agent models the humanpsilas reward function and chooses actions that it predicts will receive the most reward. Our novel algorithm is fully implemented and tested on the game Tetris. Leveraging the human trainerspsila feedback, the agent learns to clear an average of more than 50 lines by its third game, an order of magnitude faster than the best autonomous learning agents.
Biochemical mechanisms related to the homeostatic regulation of lipogenesis in animals

Since most animals are intermittent eaters, they are confronted with the problem of temporarily storing much of the chemical eriergy ingested as food. Fat takes up less volume and weighs less per calorie of stored chemical energy than either carbohydrate or protein. Thus, in animals whose major foodstuff is carbohydrate, the use of lipogenesis as the primary means by which the energy of dietary carbohydrate is stored affords maximum efficiency. The major honieostatic function of lipogenesis is to store as fat the chemical energy of carbohydrate ingested in excess of the immediate energy requirements of the organism. Clearly, a process as vital to caloric balance as fat synthesis must be precisely regulated to meet the everchanging energy needs of the organism. While the experimental data on the regulation of lipogenesis are vast, they present a far from complete picture. The purpose of this review is to analyze these data and, when possible, formulate some general concepts concerning the biochemical mechanisms involved in this homeostatic regulation. EFFECT OF FASTING ON LIPOGENESIS
Effects of mycorrhizal inoculant, N:P supply ratio, and water depth on the growth and biomass allocation of three wetland plant species

In the greenhouse, we investigated the growth and biomass allocation of three juvenile wetland species (Carex tribuloides Wahl., Phalaris arundinacea L., and Rumex orbiculatus Gray) under three dif...
nonunilinear descent groups in the plateau culture area

Evidence is presented that nonunilinear descent groups existed in the traditional Plateau Culture Area and still persist today. Each extended family traces itself through either males or females back to a founding ancestor, making such a group a nonunilinear descent group. This is noteworthy because most such descent groups have been identified among horticulturalists, whereas traditional Plateau societies had a fishing-gathering-hunting economy. [Plateau, nonunilinear descent groups, extended families, land tenure, naming, family historians]
Exploring Fijian's sense of place after exposure to tourism development

Tourism, Fiji's largest foreign exchange earner, is growing rapidly. Remote and less developed villages in Fiji's Yasawa archipelago are experiencing some of the greatest tourism growth and impacts on residents' sense of place. This paper uses photo elicitation to address the meanings that residents attach to their “place” (i.e. villages). Photo elicitation provides residents with a “visual voice” and gives researchers insights into the social or cultural characteristics of the village believed to be integral to sustainability. The results indicated that residents value the Fijian village and way of life, the culture and history associated with traditions, and also new technology and its impact on daily life. They also spoke of the importance of protecting the physical environment as central to the continued maintenance of their traditions and lifestyle as well as tourism. These findings would not have been apparent had traditional methods been used to capture the meanings of sense of place. They lend sup...
No‐net‐loss not met for nutrient function in freshwater marshes: recommendations for wetland mitigation policies

Wetlands provide many important services throughout the world, with an estimated economic value that, in comparison to other ecosystems, far exceeds their relatively small global extent. In recognition of their importance, both national and international regulations exist to protect the world's remaining wetlands. Of growing interest is the “no-net-loss” policy which permits unavoidable destruction of wetlands if compensated by restoration of degraded wetlands or creation of new wetlands. The fundamental assumption of no-net-loss is that wetlands can be created which function equivalently to natural wetlands. One integral function that wetlands perform is cycling of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Here we demonstrate that loss of this nutrient-related function is not being mitigated by creation or restoration of wetlands. We compare indicators of plant- and microbial-mediated functions, as well as abiotic (e.g., soil character, hydrology) and biotic (e.g., plant community composition) structure, between 10 created or restored and 5 natural freshwater depressional wetlands in central Ohio, USA. Nutrient stocks were generally smaller and transformations slower in created wetlands than in natural wetlands, with little development over time. Of particular concern were differences in C- and N-related function. Created wetlands stored 90% less C within litter and 80% less C within soil and processed 60% less N through denitrification, on average compared to natural wetlands. Our study suggests that subversion of natural wetlands into restored or created wetlands could have large-scale environmental consequences such as reduced capacity for nitrate removal and C sequestration.
OPC and image optimization using localized frequency analysis

A method of assist feature OPC layout is introduced using a frequency model-based approach. Through low-pass spatial frequency filtering of a mask function, the local influence of zero diffraction energy can be determined. By determining isofocal intensity threshold requirements of an imaging process, a mask equalizing function can be designed. This provides the basis for frequency model-based assist feature layout. By choosing assist bar parameters that meet the requirements of the equalizing function, through-pitch focus and dose matching is possible for large two dimensional mask fields. The concepts introduced also lead to additional assist feature options and design flexibility.
The Logic of Strategic Defection: Court-Executive Relations in Argentina Under Dictatorship and Democracy

Building on the separation-of-powers approach in American politics, this article develops a new micro-level account of judicial decision-making in contexts where judges face institutional insecurity. Against conventional wisdom, I argue that under certain conditions the lack of judicial independence motivates judges to “strategically defect” against the government once it begins losing power. The result is a reverse legal‐political cycle in which antigovernment decisions cluster at the end of weak governments. Original data on more than 7,500 individual decisions by Argentine Supreme Court justices (1976‐1995) are used to test hypotheses about why, when, and in which types of cases judges are likely to engage in strategic defection. Consistent with the theory’s predictions, the results of the analysis show a significant increase in antigovernment decisions occurring at the end of weak dictatorships and weak democratic governments. Examining subsets of decisions and controlling for several additional variables further corroborate the strategic account.
A technique for estimating the parameters of multiple polynomial phase signals

An iterative algorithm for estimating the parameters of multiple superimposed polynomial phase signals is presented. The algorithm is based on the ability of the discrete polynomial transform (DPT) to estimate the parameters of a polynomial phase signal in the presence of other interfering signals. The parameters of one of the signals having been estimated, it can be filtered out from the composite signal. The procedure is then applied to the remainder, which contains a smaller number of components. In extensive testing it was found that the algorithm works very well in general. It is able to reliably separate multiple signals and to accurately estimate their parameters. >
Influence of CBCT exposure conditions on radiation dose

Background Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been changing the way dental practitioners use imaging. The radiation dose to the patient and how to effectively reduce the dose is still not completely clear to most users of this technology. Objective The objective of this study was to quantitate the change in radiation dose when using different CBCT settings. Methods A CBCT machine was modified to allow different setting combinations. The variables consisted of 4 different mA choices (2, 5, 10, and 15), 2 kVp choices (100 and 120), and 3 fields of view (6 inches, 9 inches, and 12 inches). A radiation phantom with 10 thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) was used to measure radiation dose. One specific setting (15 mA, 120 kVp, and 12-inch FOV) was scanned 3 times to determine consistency. Results The CBCT showed less than 5% variance in radiation dose values. An overall reduction in dose of about 0.62 times was achieved by reducing the kVp from 120 to 100. When reducing the field size the dose decreased 5% to 10%, while for organs that escaped the direct beam the reduction was far greater. Conclusions A reduction in radiation dose can be achieved by using the lowest exposure settings and narrow collimation.
Seston essential fatty acids and carbon to phosphorus ratios as predictors for Daphnia pulex dynamics in a large reservoir, Lake Berryessa

We examined whether seston food quality was a significant factor to predict zooplankton, specifically Daphnia pulex, biomass dynamics in Lake Berryessa, California, U.S.A. The seston composition changed dramatically during the study period. Total macrozooplankton to seston biomass ratios were high during the springtime, as was D. pulex biomass. In monthly growth experiments using natural seston, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentration was best in explaining D. pulex growth, although α-linolenic acid (ALA) also showed considerable relationship with D. pulex growth. We built D. pulex growth models using combinations of EPA concentration, C:P ratio, and water temperature. The model using EPA concentration, C:P ratio and water temperature was best in explaining D. pulex biomass in springtime in Lake Berryessa. However, this model did not work for other seasons, suggesting that resource control via seston food quality was prevalent in springtime, but other factors may also become important in other seasons in this reservoir.
Hierarchical Finite-Element Reduction-Recovery Method for Large-Scale Transient Analysis of High-Speed Integrated Circuits

This paper proposes a hierarchical finite-element reduction-recovery method for large-scale transient analysis of high-speed integrated circuits. This method rigorously reduces the matrix of a multilayer system of O(N) to that of a single-cell system of O(1) regardless of the original problem size. More important, the matrix reduction is achieved analytically, and hence the CPU and memory overheads are minimal. In addition, the reduction preserves the sparsity of the original system matrix. As a result, the matrix factorization cost is reduced to O(1) by the proposed method. The CPU cost at each time step scales linearly with the number of unknowns. The method is applicable to any Manhattan-type integrated circuit embedded in layered dielectric media. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate the performance of the proposed method.
Feasibility and relevance of examining lymphoblastoid cell lines to study role of microRNAs in autism

To assess the feasibility and relevance of using lymphoblastoid cell lines to study the role of noncoding RNAs in the etiology of autism, we evaluated global expression profiling of 470 mature human microRNAs from six subjects with autism compared with six matched controls. Differential expression (either higher or lower) for 9 of the 470 microRNAs was observed in our autism samples compared with controls. Potential target genes for these microRNAs were identified using computer tools, which included several autism susceptibility genes. Our preliminary results indicate microRNAs should be considered and evaluated in the etiology of autism. In addition, analysis of this class of noncoding RNAs in lymphoblastoid cells has the potential to reveal at least a subset of brain-related microRNAs implicated in autism. Subsequently, this model system should allow for detection of complex subtle changes in susceptibility genes/pathways contributing to autism.
Spatial localization of the first and last enzymes effectively connects active metabolic pathways in bacteria.

Although much is understood about the enzymatic cascades that underlie cellular biosynthesis, comparatively little is known about the rules that determine their cellular organization. We performed a detailed analysis of the localization of E.coli GFP-tagged enzymes for cells growing exponentially We found that out of 857 globular enzymes, at least 219 have a discrete punctuate localization in the cytoplasm and catalyze the first or the last reaction in 60% of biosynthetic pathways. A graph-theoretic analysis of E.coli’s metabolic network shows that localized enzymes, in contrast to non-localized ones, form a tree-like hierarchical structure, have a higher within-group connectivity, and are traversed by a higher number of feed-forward and feedback loops than their non-localized counterparts. A Gene Ontology analysis of these enzymes reveals an enrichment of terms related to essential metabolic functions in growing cells. Given that these findings suggest a distinct metabolic role for localization, we studied the dynamics of cellular localization of the cell wall synthesizing enzymes in B. subtilis and found that enzymes localize during exponential growth but not during stationary growth. We conclude that active biochemical pathways inside the cytoplasm are organized spatially following a rule where their first or their last enzymes localize to effectively connect the different active pathways and thus could reflect the activity state of the cell’s metabolic network.
SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING NEEDS: A CASE STUDY

Russia, East Germany, and India are just a few of the many countries around the world which have opened up their economies to global trade in the last decade. This trend has forced organizations, especially state-owned enterprises, to face a changing environment, one driven by innovation, efficiency, competition, and marketing. Privatization of these enterprises has been taking place at record speed. National and multinational organizations have replaced state-owned operations in hopes of boosting a nation’s interantional competitiveness and economic growth. However, privatization alone will not solve the many problems created by open market trade. The vitality of these economies may well depend on the nation’s ability to foster its own entrepreneurial sector of small businesses. Continual training of these business is needed to ensure economic goals are reached. Each nation must determine the training needs of these businesses through needs analysis studies. A framework, based on a study conducted for the South Texas Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located in San Antonio, Texas, is provided. Results indicate that the most frequently cited problem areas by small businesses fall into two general categories: Finance and Governmental Relations. The level of concern for the areas identified has been found to vary by the age of the business. However, the need for basic business skills, such as marketing, finance, and accounting, is ever present in differing degrees of specialization. Seminars and a mixture of communicational tools were found to be the most effective delivery system for the information required by businesses in the region. In addition, factor analysis was used to group together specific problematic areas for small businesses in the region. Seven dimensions were identified and include the following: Work force development, financing and legal issues, marketing, technology issues, daily operations, and selling.
Resource Quality Information and Validity of Willingness to Pay in Contingent Valuation

Elicitation of valid statements of contingent value requires survey participants who are familiar with the environmental resource change. A primary purpose of the contingent market must be to assure familiarity by providing information. Information about resource quality is important when incompletely informed respondents, say nonusers, perceive resource quality which diverges from true quality. Differences in perceived quality and true quality can be influenced as respondents learn from information in the contingent market. By presenting survey participants with information about four wetlands of varying qualities we test for information effects in a dichotomous choice contingent market for wetlands allocation. We find that information about quality is a determinant of willingness to pay for wetland preservation. Information about resource quality presented in contingent markets will result in more valid valuations of changes in allocations of environmental resources.
Egg Transport Through the Ampullae of the Oviducts of Rabbits Under Various Experimental Conditions

Muscle contractility of the ampulla was minimal, and the egg transport was slower in normal, unstimulated, estrous rabbits at a time when estrogens in the plasma and target tissues are presumed to be at a relatively high level. There is an increasing body of data indicating a significant increase in the secretion of progestins in the ovaries as ovulation approaches. We suggest that the increase in vigor and orderly programming of muscle contraction as well as the acceleration of egg transport at the time of ovulation may be related to an increase in the secretion of progestins and a fall in the level of estrogens.
Traveling Wave Phenomenon Through Piezoelectric Actuation of a Free-Free Cylindrical Tube

Previous work has demonstrated that piezoceramics are capable of generating net wave propagation without reflections in one-dimensional structures. The investigation into cylindrical traveling waves provides insight into unique dynamics (i.e., symmetric and non-symmetric modes) that have yet to be fully defined for two and three dimensional systems. The work herein will focus on the generation and characterization of traveling waves that propagate along the circumferential direction. The coupled system, given by a free-free cylinder with multiple piezoelectric actuator (PZT) patches, is used to evaluate several traveling wave modes in the cylinder. The use of structurally integrated piezoelectric patches as actuators has many advantages over the conventional shakers. Apart from the small, low weight, low cost and the size of these ceramic plates, PZTs can also generate waves over a wide frequency range. The use of multiple PZTs can be leveraged to excite the systems at a given frequency with a defined phase difference between them in order to generate highly controlled directional traveling waves in the cylindrical structure without reflections. Finite Element Modeling (FEM), in conjunction with experiments, were conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the generation and propagation behavior of the traveling wave modes in a thin walled cylinder.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Case 2: Early Neonatal Seizures

A 403/7-week, 3,660-g, appropriate for gestational age girl presents with early-onset seizures in the nursery. The mother is a 28-year-old, primigravida woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy except for a low amniotic fluid index in the third trimester. The infant was born by spontaneous vaginal delivery 5 hours after rupture of membranes. Approximately 2 hours after birth, the infant is noticed to have twitching of extremities by the lactation consultant. The infant is transferred to the newborn nursery and on admission is noted to have some duskiness and jitteriness of the upper extremities that subside within a minute. Vitals signs are stable at the time, and she is kept under observation. At 3½ hours after birth, she has a 14-minute seizure activity that manifests as left eye and facial twitching, drooling from the mouth, constant blinking, repetitive twitching of upper and lower extremities, and the entire torso posturing to the right. The patient is given 20 mg/kg of phenobarbital at the time. The bedside dextrose level is 72 mg/dL. An intravenous catheter is placed, and blood gas analysis, basic metabolic profile, complete blood cell count with differential count, and a blood culture are performed. Ampicillin and gentamicin are administered empirically along with dextrose 10% at 60 mL/kg/d. Laboratory results are significant for a sodium level of 119 mEq/L (119 mmol/L) and a chloride level of 88 mEq/L (88 mmol/L). A subsequent point-of-care blood test confirms hyponatremia. The fluids are switched to 0.9% saline at that time, and an immediate request is made to have the maternal basic metabolic profile evaluated. Maternal blood work reveals a sodium level of …
Analysis and Assessment of Comprehensive Error Uncertainty of 500 kV Energy Metering Device

The comprehensive error of metering device need to be calculated by energy buyer and seller for energy correction in block energy trading.But the uncertainty of the comprehensive error result is not analyzed which lead to the unknown uncertainty in energy trading.With the uncertainty analysis of comprehensive error of metering device on N0.1 main transformer in 500kV Qinzhou power plant as an example,the process and step of uncertainty analysis are described.The result of uncertainty analysis is helpful to judge the performance of metering device and provide key reference to both buyer and seller in trading which if dependable and effective.
An Unusual Ligand Oxidation by a (μ-η2:η2-Peroxo)dicopper Compound: 1° > 3° C−H Bond Selectivity and a Novel Bis(μ-alkylperoxo)dicopper Intermediate

Oxygenation at the methyl instead of the usually more reactive methine position of a ligand isopropyl substituent occurred upon treatment of [(LCu)2(μ-η2:η2-O2) (L = 1,4,7-triisopropyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) with 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol at −78 °C during purging with O2. Confirmation of this unexpected regioselectivity was obtained from the X-ray structure of the shown bis(μ-alkoxo)dicopper(II) compound, which was derived from the initial reaction product, a unique bis(μ-alkylperoxo)dicopper(II) species.
Neuropathology of JC virus infection in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in remission.

Neuropathology of JC virus infection in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in remission
Study protocol for a randomized clinical trial of a fatherhood intervention for African American non-resident fathers: Can we improve father and child outcomes?

PURPOSE: African American (AA) fathers who live apart from their children face multiple obstacles to consistent and positive involvement with their children. Consequently, significant numbers of children are bereft of their father's positive involvement. Intervention research that is explicitly focused on promoting the positive involvement of non-resident AA fathers with their young children is limited. The purpose of this article is to describe the study protocol of a randomized trial (RCT) designed to test the Building Bridges to Fatherhood program against a financial literacy comparison condition; and discuss early implementation challenges. METHODS: Fathers (n=180) are recruited to attend 10 group meetings, reimbursed for transportation, given dinner and activity vouchers for spending time with their child, and incentivized with a $40 gift card at each data collection time point. Mothers are incentivized ($40 gift card) at data collection and must be amenable to father child interaction. Intervention targets include father psychological well-being, parenting competence, communication, problem-solving ability; father-mother relationship quality; and child behavioral and emotional/social development. RESULTS: To date, 57 fathers have been randomized to study condition. Recruitment has been influenced by father and mother hesitancy and the logistics of reaching and maintaining contact with participants. Strategies to surmount challenges to father and mother recruitment and engagement have been developed. CONCLUSIONS: The prospective benefits of positive father involvement to children, fathers and families outweigh the challenges associated with community-based intervention research. The findings from this RCT can inform the body of knowledge on engaging AA non-resident fathers in culturally relevant fatherhood programming.Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc. Language: en
Abstract P290: Low and High Birth Weight in Relationship to BMI and Risk of Obesity as Adult in U.S. Black Women

Background: Obesity occurs disproportionately among African-American (AA) women. Although a westernized life-style (e.g. low physical activity and high energy diet) is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic, the higher incidence of obesity in AA women is not fully explained by behavioral factors. Growing evidence indicates that events in the perinatal period may have long-term effects on an individual’s metabolism. In particular, extremes of the birth weight distribution may alter programming of the neuroendocrine system. We postulate that both low and high birth weights result in greater weight gain and obesity risk in adulthood. Methods: We assessed the association of birth weight with adult body mass index (BMI) and risk of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) in the Black Women’s Health Study (BWHS), an ongoing prospective cohort study that began in 1995 (baseline). We used general linear regression models to estimate mean BMI (baseline) across categories of birth weight (very low birth weight (≤1500 g), low birth weight (1500-2499 g), normal birth weight (2500-3999 g; referent), high birth weight (4000+ g)). We also estimated risk ratios (RR) for obesity (baseline) using log-binomial regression models. Models were adjusted for age at baseline, parental education, maternal age at birth, and energy intake at baseline. The present analyses included 24,089 women who reported their birth weights on a self-administered questionnaire in 1997. We validated self-reported birth weight for the subset of BWHS participants from Massachusetts using birth registry data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Pearson correlation coefficient between self-reported birth weight and registry data was 0.88 and there were no significant differences across BMI categories. Results: At baseline, mean BMI (±SE, standard error) was 28.0 ± 0.03, and about 28% of the participants were obese. Approximately 2.5% had very low birth weight, 24.3% had low birth weight, 65.2% had normal birth weight, and 8.1% had high birth weight. In multivariate analyses, mean BMI was 0.40 units higher among women with very low birth weight relative to women with normal birth weight (95% CI = -0.08, 0.88); mean BMI was 1.07 units higher among women with high birth weight (95% CI = 0.79, 1.35). Women with very low birth weight had 9% higher risk of obesity (RR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.97, 1.23) relative to women with normal birth weight; women with high birth weight had 22% higher risk of obesity (RR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.30). Conclusions: Women with very low or high birth weight had higher mean BMI and greater obesity risk as adults compared with women of normal birth weight. Our results suggest that extremes of the birth weight distribution may inversely affect metabolism over the long-term. Further study is needed to assess the extent to which birth weight explains the higher incidence of obesity in black women.
Enzyme-Less Growth in Chara and Terrestrial Plants

Enzyme-less chemistry appears to control the growth rate of the green alga Chara corallina. The chemistry occurs in the wall where a calcium pectate cycle determines both the rate of wall enlargement and the rate of pectate deposition into the wall. The process is the first to indicate that a wall polymer can control how a plant cell enlarges after exocytosis releases the polymer to the wall. This raises the question of whether other species use a similar mechanism. Chara is one of the closest relatives of the progenitors of terrestrial plants and during the course of evolution, new wall features evolved while pectate remained one of the most conserved components. In addition, charophytes contain auxin which affects Chara in ways resembling its action in terrestrial plants. Therefore, this review considers whether more recently acquired wall features require different mechanisms to explain cell expansion.
Prevention of Power Grid Blackouts Using Intentional Islanding Scheme

Intentional islanding is often conducted as the last resort to preserve the electric grid from severe blackouts. The intentional islanding scheme deliberately segregates the power system into a number of self-sustained islands to enhance the transient stability of the power network. In this study, a spectral clustering algorithm is presented to obtain an islanding solution, which results in minimal power flow disruption across boundaries of islands. The constraint in the spectral clustering method is introduced based on generator coherency grouping. The proposed scheme ensures that each island is only comprised of generators, which are synchronized with each other. The proposed clustering scheme utilizes a more computationally efficient and accurate k -medoids algorithm comparing to k -means ones. The proposed intentional islanding method is scrutinized using the IEEE 9-bus and IEEE 118-bus models. The results of simulations demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively prevent blackouts by separating the systems into stable islands.
Bee Natural Uganda: Unlocking the Potential of Smallholder Farmers in the West Nile

Bee Natural Uganda, Ltd. (BNU) is the largest producer of quality honey and honey products in Uganda, selling 61 tonnes of honey in 2012 with an average growth in sales of 20% per year. BNU’s unique business model follows their honey from the hives of smallholder farmers trained by BNU to a state of the art processing facility in Arua, West Nile, Uganda. The company attributes its success to this model, which allows employees to continue checking the quality of their product at every step leading to the sale of BNU’s products. In a highly competitive honey market, this consistency in quality has set BNU high above their competition. As Bee Natural Uganda looks to the future, management must develop a strategy to overcome the challenges associated with continued growth and unmet demand in Uganda and the East Africa region.
Cost analysis of ankle syndesmosis internal fixation.

Abstract Background Unstable ankle syndesmosis injuries are common, and the optimal surgical fixation is controversial. The two main options for stabilization of syndesmotic injuries are suture button fixation and screw fixation. Suture button fixation has a higher initial cost, but may have a lower hardware removal rate. The purpose of this study was to compare the costs of syndesmotic fixation. Methods A cost analysis was performed at a single university-affiliated hospital. Variables included the number of suture buttons, the number and type of syndesmosis screws used, and the frequency of hardware removal and operative time required for hardware removal. There were four clinical scenarios evaluated: (A) one suture button versus one cortical screw; (B) two suture buttons versus two cortical screws; (C) one suture button versus one locking screw; (D) two suture buttons versus two locking screws. Suture button removal rate was assumed to be 0% in the analysis. Results Cost equivalence was achieved at an 18 to 53% syndesmotic screw removal rate depending on the fixation construct used and the amount of time required for hardware removal. When the syndesmosis screws were removed 100% of the time, suture button fixation was more economical by $85,000–$194,656 per 100 ankles. When hardware was never removed, suture button fixation was more expensive by $169,844–$295,500 per 100 ankles. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the costs associated with syndesmosis fixation are more dependent on the rate of hardware removal than the type of hardware utilized. Routine removal of syndesmosis screws is clearly less economical than suture button fixation.
Developmental outcomes of cord blood transplantation for Krabbe disease: A 15-year study

Objective: To describe long-term outcomes of children with early-infantile Krabbe disease who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the first 7 weeks of life. Methods: In this prospective longitudinal study, evaluations performed at baseline and follow-up included brain imaging, neurodiagnostic tests, and neurobehavioral evaluations. Results: Of the 18 patients in this study (11 girls, 7 boys; mean follow-up 9.5 years, range 4–15), 5 died (3 of peritransplant complications, 1 of a surgical complication unrelated to Krabbe disease, 1 of disease progression). One of the surviving patients has normal cognitive function and 10 continue to develop cognitive skills at a slightly slower rate than normal. All surviving patients continue to gain receptive language skills, with 7 falling within the normal range. Ten patients receive speech therapy, and 2 of these patients require augmentative communication devices. Gross motor development varies widely, but 3 patients can walk independently, and 7 walk with assistive devices. Spasticity ranges from mild to severe, and 12 patients wear orthotics. Fine motor skills are generally preserved. Brain myelination and atrophy stabilized in 8 patients, improved in 4 patients, and worsened in 1 patient. Nerve conduction velocities initially improved but continue to be abnormal in most patients. Conclusions: The surviving patients function at a much higher level than untreated children or symptomatic children who underwent HSCT. These results show that early HSCT changes the natural history of this disease by improving both lifespan and functional abilities. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that for children with early-infantile Krabbe disease, early HSCT improves lifespan and functional abilities.
A 65-nm CMOS $I/Q$ RF Power DAC With 24- to 42-dB Third-Harmonic Cancellation and Up to 18-dB Mixed-Signal Filtering

A 700-MHz to 1.6-GHz RF power digital-to-analog converter with programmable integrated harmonic cancellation and mixed-signal filtering is presented. Harmonic cancellation is implemented by splitting the power amplifier (PA) into segments, driving different segments of the PA with phase-shifted versions of the local oscillator (LO) signals, and summing at the output. Mixed-signal filtering is realized in a similar fashion but with segments driven with delayed versions of the input data. The phase shift and data delays are reconfigurable and implemented to operate across a wide frequency range. To boost efficiency, 25% duty cycle LO signals are used. A technique to correct for IQ constellation distortion induced by these 25% duty cycle LO signals is introduced and verified in measurements. The transmitter (TX) operates at a maximum sample rate of 500 MSa/s and achieves an output power of 25.6 dBm for an output load of 100 $\Omega $ when harmonic cancellation is enabled. The TX demonstrates 24–42 dB of 3rd harmonic cancellation for continuous wave signals across a 700-MHz to 2-GHz frequency range, achieving an HD3 as low as −57 dB. The TX achieves an HD3 reduction of 33 dB and an 18-dB notch at 40-MHz offset with 20-MHz long-term evolution data.
Dynamic Stereoscopic 3D Parameters

Stereoscopic 3D displays present two images offset to the left and right eye of the user and these images are then fused by the brain to give the perception of 3D depth. The generation of these two images uses two stereo parameters: separation and convergence. Currently, most stereoscopic 3D applications fix convergence and separation values for optimal viewing during usage time. However, this approach reduces stereo depth in certain scenarios. This chapter discusses work related to dynamic stereoscopic 3D parameters to generate better 3D images. We present our experiment which aims to improve depth perception using dynamic stereoscopic parameters.