cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel biomimetic design inspired by nested cylindrical structures of spicules

Abstract Among the major groups of materials, some polymers and resins are limited in usage due to their brittleness. To date, we lack a comprehensive solution to overcome brittleness. Mimicking from biological structures made up of ceramics with excellent strength and flexibility can help us to find a solution to this problem. In this study, for the first time, we mimicked the structure of spicules in Euplectella aspergillum (EA) sponges and developed a novel structure to improve the mechanical properties of brittle rods. In the newly developed structure, cylinders with various diameters were printed by a 3D printer and then inserted into each other. The nested cylindrical structures (NCSs) with optimized mechanical properties had a cylinder wall thickness of 1.30 mm with a density of 1.27 ± 0.01 g/cm3 (approximately 8.6% less than that of solid rods (SRs)). The flexural strength, strain, modulus and toughness of SR were improved in the NCSs from 108.04 ± 11.30 MPa, 1.95 ± 0.20%, 3.98 ± 0.05 GPa and 1.42 ± 0.20 kJ/m3 to 168.45 ± 14.45 MPa, 4.10 ± 0.41%, 5.52 ± 0.05 GPa and 6.71 ± 0.80 kJ/m3, respectively. The NCSs showed a lower density as well as improved mechanical properties compared to SRs. According to the SEM observations, the dominant mechanisms on the toughening of NCSs with a cylinder wall thickness of 0.80 mm were crack branching, crack bridging, and crack deflection. However, for NCSs with a cylinder wall thickness of 1.00 and 1.30 mm the dominant mechanism was crack deflection. The results of this paper open a new horizon for designing new structures from brittle materials with higher strength and flexibility.
Blind Doppler Tracking from OFDM Signals Transmitted by Broadband LEO Satellites

An algorithm for blind Doppler frequency estimation from orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals transmitted by low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites is developed. A method for resolving the ambiguity in the Doppler estimate is also discussed. Two sets of experimental results are presented. The first demonstrates blind Doppler estimation from terrestrial fifth-generation (5G) signals on a mobile ground vehicle, achieving 14.5 Hz Doppler root mean-squared error (RMSE). The second demonstrates an unmanned aerial vehicle navigating using the proposed approach with emulated 5G signals from two Orbcomm LEO satellites for a period of 2 minutes, achieving 15.16 m position RMSE.
Understanding the Impact of Individual Users’ Rating Characteristics on Predictive Accuracy of Recommender Systems

In this study, we investigate how individual users' rating characteristics affect the user-level performance of recommendation algorithms. We measure users' rating characteristics from three perspectives: rating value, rating structure and neighborhood network embeddedness. We study how these three categories of measures influence the predictive accuracy of popular recommendation algorithms for each user. Our experiments use five real-world datasets with varying characteristics. For each individual user, we estimate the predictive accuracy of three recommendation algorithms. We then apply regression-based models to uncover the relationships between rating characteristics and recommendation performance at the individual user level. Our experimental results show consistent and significant effects of several rating measures on recommendation accuracy. Understanding how rating characteristics affect the recommendation performance at the individual user level has practical implications for the design of recommender systems.
A 2-1/2 Dimensional Model of Miram Curves *

This paper reports recent developments of a semi-analytic 2-1/2D model which could provide a realistic description of the Miram curves. We solve the Vlasov and Poisson equations in 3-dimensions assuming an infinite magnetic field, but include electron thermal emission and non-uniform distribution of work function on the cathode surface. This 2-1/2 D theory will be compared with 3D MICHELLE runs.
Contribution of a positive psychology-based conceptual framework in reducing physician burnout and improving well-being: a systematic review.

Background The PERMA Model, as a positive psychology conceptual framework, has increased our understanding of the role of Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievements in enhancing human potentials, performance and wellbeing. We aimed to assess the utility of PERMA as a multidimensional model of positive psychology in reducing physician burnout and improving their well-being. Methods Eligible studies include peer-reviewed English language studies of randomized control trials and non-randomized design. Attending physicians, residents, and fellows of any specialty in the primary, secondary, or intensive care setting comprised the study population. Eligible studies also involved positive psychology interventions designed to enhance physician well-being or reduce physician burnout. Using free text and the medical subject headings we searched CINAHL, Ovid PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar (GS) electronic bibliographic databases from 2000 until March 2020. We use keywords for a combination of three general or block of terms (Health Personnel OR Health Professionals OR Physician OR Internship and Residency OR Medical Staff Or Fellow) AND (Burnout) AND (Positive Psychology OR PERMA OR Wellbeing Intervention OR Well-being Model OR Wellbeing Theory). Results Our search retrieved 1886 results (1804 through CINAHL, Ovid PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and 82 through GS) before duplicates were removed and 1723 after duplicates were removed. The final review included 21 studies. Studies represented eight countries, with the majority conducted in Spain (n = 3), followed by the US (n = 8), and Australia (n = 3). Except for one study that used a bio-psychosocial approach to guide the intervention, none of the other interventions in this review were based on a conceptual model, including PERMA. However, retrospectively, ten studies used strategies that resonate with the PERMA components. Conclusion Consideration of the utility of PERMA as a multidimensional model of positive psychology to guide interventions to reduce burnout and enhance well-being among physicians is missing in the literature. Nevertheless, the majority of the studies reported some level of positive outcome regarding reducing burnout or improving well-being by using a physician or a system-directed intervention. Albeit, we found more favorable outcomes in the system-directed intervention. Future studies are needed to evaluate if PERMA as a framework can be used to guide system-directed interventions in reducing physician burnout and improving their well-being.
Changes in the Structure and Function of the Red Cell Membrane Skeleton and Hemolytic Anemias

This chapter reviews three molecular defects of the red cell membrane skeleton. In all three cases, the immediate cause of hemolysis are the abnormalities of skeletal protein interactions. However, only in one case, the primary cause of hemolysis is a hereditary defect of a molecule of the membrane skeleton, while in the other two cases the skeletal defect is either potentiated by an acquired disorder or caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin molecule. The first case reviewed is a strictly hereditary defect of the skeleton: A mutation of the protein spectrin which is expressed clinically as a severe elliptocytic hemolytic anemia. The second one involves a combination of an inherited spectrin defect with an acquired circulatory disorder which manifests as a severe life-threatening hemolytic anemia. Finally, an example is given of a defect in skeletal protein interactions which is not caused by mutations of skeletal proteins. In this case, irreversible hemichromes, the final products of intracellular hemoglobin denaturation, were found to release hemin which decreases the skeletal stability by weakening the spectrin-protein 4.1-actin interaction.
Chromatography Coldhn Design

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the chromatography column design. The heart of the chromatograph is the column where the separation takes place. Two processes must occur simultaneously and progressively during the development of the chromatogram in order to achieve a separation. These two processes proceed more or less independently of one another. Firstly, the individual solutes are moved spatially apart as a result of the different molecular interactions that take place between the molecules of the two phases and those of the solutes. Secondly, by careful column design, the migrating solute bands are kept sufficiently narrow such that each band is eluted discretely. Unless exclusion processes are being employed to aid in the separation, the movement of the peaks apart in the column is solely controlled by the phase system selected.
Activation and desensitization of acid-sensing ion channels

This thesis is centered on acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and their properties of activation and desensitization. These channels are acid gated channels that are expressed throughout the nervous system. Although their physiological role is unclear, it is thought that they may be sensors of nociceptive signals brought on by changes in extracellular pH. What these channels are doing in the central nervous system is less clear. Recently, it has been proposed that they may play a pathological role during such ischemic conditions as stroke and seizure. Under ischemic conditions in the CNS, several ionic changes occur which may activate or enhance activation of ASICs: 1) anaerobic respiration causes the extracellular pH to decrease to 6.3, from a resting level of pH 7.4, 2) extracellular calcium can fall as low as 0.1 mM 3) extracellular zinc can increase to as high as 300 11M. In this thesis, I look at how these conditions affect activation of ASIC1a and ASIC1a/2a. I find that all of these conditions can activate or enhance ASICs in the CNS. In addition, these ASICs also exhibit a voltage dependent block by magnesium, which would be relieved by depolarizations induced during ischemia. Entry of sodium or calcium through ASICs during ischemia could then act to cause or enhance neuronal death through both necrotic and apoptotic pathways. ASICs exhibit desensitization under prolonged acidification. The time course of this can vary depending on the subtype from milliseconds to tens of seconds. I performed some structure function experiments to try and uncover both the mechanism of desensitization as well as identify what creates the distinct kinetics seen in different subtypes. I found a conserved region (T75-S82 in ASIC3) outside the first
The origin of the 'FUN' anomalies and the high temperature inclusions in the Allende meteorite

The discovery of isotopic anomalies in white inclusions of the meteorite Allende has led to fundamental questions concerning the origin of these anomalies and of the white inclusions themselves. An analysis of the ‘FUN’ anomalies in the inclusions C1 and EK1-4-1 demonstrates that these isotopic anomalies may be decomposed into individual nucleosynthetic components, which have been subjected to separate mass and component fractionations. There is no evidence that any freshlysynthesized material injected into the primitive solar nebula was of abnormal isotopic composition, or that the FUN anomalies were due to an injection of unusual material. Rather, they show the effects of form of interstellar grains whose size or chemistry served as a memory for the nucleosynthetic origins of their constituent atoms. Giant gaseous protoplanets, as described for the early solar nebula by Cameron (1978), are a potential site for achieving both mass and component fractionations, and for producing white inclusions in general.
Susceptibility to Plasmodium liver stage infection is altered by hepatocyte polyploidy

Summary Plasmodium parasites infect hepatocytes of their mammalian hosts and undergo obligate liver stage development. The specific host cell attributes that are important for liver infection remain largely unknown. Several host signalling pathways are perturbed in infected hepatocytes, some of which are important in the generation of hepatocyte polyploidy. To test the functional consequence of polyploidy on liver infection, we infected hepatocytes with the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii both in vitro and in vivo and examined the ploidy of infected and uninfected hepatocytes by flow cytometry. In both hepatoma cell lines and in the mouse liver, the fraction of polyploid cells was higher in the infected cell population than in the uninfected cell population. When the data were reanalysed by comparing the extent of Plasmodium infection within each ploidy subset, we found that infection rates were elevated in more highly polyploid cells and lower in diploid cells. Furthermore, we found that the parasite's preference for host cells with high ploidy is conserved among rodent malaria species and the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This parasite preference for host cells of high ploidy cannot be explained by differences in hepatocyte size or DNA replication. We conclude that Plasmodium preferentially infects and develops in polyploid hepatocytes.
Mobility and sub-threshold characteristics in high-mobility dual-channel strained Si/strainef SiGe p-MOSFETs

In this work, for the first time, a comprehensive study of mobility, sub-threshold slope and off-state leakage current in high Ge content dual-channel strained Si/strained Si1-yGe on relaxed Si1-xGex p-MOSFETs is presented. Hole mobility enhancements of 3X are observed at high inversion charge densities (N inv=1013 cm-2) for the strained Si0.3Ge0.7 on relaxed Si0.7Ge0.3 (70/30) structure with 2 nm-thick cap, and 3 nm-thick gate oxide. A wide range of Ge fractions and Si cap thicknesses are studied. The mobility enhancement is dominated by the Ge fraction in the strained Si 1-yGey layer, while the level of strain is a second order effect. The off-state drain leakage is studied in detail. At low drain-to-gate bias (VDG), off-state leakage is attributed to a trap assisted tunneling (TAT) mechanism at the Si surface, and is sensitive to Si cap layer thickness. At high VDG the leakage increases with the Ge fraction in the strained Si1-yGey and strain in the Si cap layer, consistent with band-to-band tunneling (BTBT). The data illustrates trade-offs critical to optimizing the structures with respect to mobility, charge control, and leakage
Accounting Issues: An Essay Series Part V--Intangible Assets.

This article represents the fifth in a series of theoretical essays intended to supplement the introductory financial accounting course and investigates the accounting treatment and related conceptual connections for intangibles. In addition, intangibles present unique accounting issues, conceptual challenges, and measurement dilemmas not found with most other assets, warranting special coverage. The paper also presents scandalous accounting episodes that have made the headlines as well as both theoretical and empirical studies that might be of interest to both students and professors.
Younger workers’ metastereotypes, workplace mood, attitudes, and behaviors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of age-related stereotyping processes on younger workers’ mood, attitudes, and impression management behaviors at work. Design/methodology/approach – Using survey data from 281 younger workers, the hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling. Findings – As younger workers are more self-conscious about being age stereotyped, they are less likely to be satisfied with older co-workers, which is partly explained by negative mood associated with that metastereotype consciousness. Also, chronological age, age-group identification, and age prejudice, were critical influences on the emergence of metastereotype consciousness. Research limitations/implications – Unexpected findings point to: experiences of younger workers which may not follow the same patterns found with older groups and unique operation of age as a dynamic social category that may not parallel findings regarding other social categories. Practical implications – Th...
Advances in targeted genome editing

New technologies have recently emerged that enable targeted editing of genomes in diverse systems. This includes precise manipulation of gene sequences in their natural chromosomal context and addition of transgenes to specific genomic loci. This progress has been facilitated by advances in engineering targeted nucleases with programmable, site-specific DNA-binding domains, including zinc finger proteins and transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs). Recent improvements have enhanced nuclease performance, accelerated nuclease assembly, and lowered the cost of genome editing. These advances are driving new approaches to many areas of biotechnology, including biopharmaceutical production, agriculture, creation of transgenic organisms and cell lines, and studies of genome structure, regulation, and function. Genome editing is also being investigated in preclinical and clinical gene therapies for many diseases.
A boundary integral method for a dynamic, transient mode I crack problem with viscoelastic cohesive zone

We consider the problem of the dynamic, transient propagation of a semi-infinite, mode I crack in an infinite elastic body with a nonlinear, viscoelastic cohesize zone. Our problem formulation includes boundary conditions that preclude crack face interpenetration, in contrast to the usual mode I boundary conditions that assume all unloaded crack faces are stress-free. The nonlinear viscoelastic cohesive zone behavior is motivated by dynamic fracture in brittle polymers in which crack propagation is preceeded by significant crazing in a thin region surrounding the crack tip. We present a combined analytical/numerical solution method that involves reducing the problem to a Dirichlet-to-Neumann map along the crack face plane, resulting in a differo-integral equation relating the displacement and stress along the crack faces and within the cohesive zone.
Modulation of dural nociceptor mechanosensitivity by the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP signaling cascade.

The role of the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP signaling cascade in modulation of peripheral nociception is controversial. Although behavioral studies have suggested both pro- and anti-nociceptive effects,...
Julia sets and periodic kneading sequences

We construct abstract Julia sets homeomorphic to Julia sets for complex polynomials of the form fc(z) = z2 + c, having an associated periodic kneading sequence of the form \({\overline{\alpha\ast}}\) which is not a period n-tupling. We show that there is a single simply-defined space of “itineraries” which contains homeomorphic copies of all such Julia sets in a natural combinatorial way, with dynamical properties which are derivable directly from the combinatorics. This also leads to a natural definition of abstract Julia sets even for those kneading sequences which are not realized by any polynomial fc, with similar dynamical properties.
A Mechanisms-Based Approach to Detecting Recent Anthropogenic Hydroclimate Change

AbstractBoth naturally occurring La Nina events and model-projected anthropogenic-driven global warming are associated with widespread drying in the subtropics to midlatitudes. Models suggest anthropogenic drying should already be underway but climate variability on interannual to multidecadal time scales can easily obscure any emerging trend, making it hard to assess the validity of the simulated forced change. Here, the authors address this problem by using model simulations and the twentieth-century reanalysis to distinguish between natural variability of, and radiatively forced change in, hydroclimate on the basis of the mechanisms of variations in the three-dimensional moisture budget that drive variations in precipitation minus evaporation (P − E). Natural variability of P − E is dominated by the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle and is “dynamics dominated” in that the associated global P − E anomalies are primarily driven by changes in circulation. This is quite well reproduced in the multi...
An Apparent General Solution for the Kinetic Models of the Bacteriorhodopsin Photocycles

For the past decade, the field of Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) research has been influenced by a kinetic view of the photocycle as a reversible, homogeneous, model (RHM) with a linear sequence of intermediates. More recently, we proposed a much different model which consists of essentially unidirectional, parallel (i.e., heterogeneous) cycles (UPM) (Hendler, R. W.; Shrager, R. I.; Bose, S. J. Phys. Chem. B 2001, 105, 3319−3328). It is important to try to resolve which of the two models is more likely to be correct, because models influence and provide a basis for further experimentation. Therefore, in this communication, we reexamine the basis for the RHM with a focus on the most recent and complete description of this model (van Stokkum, I., H., M.; Lozier, R. J. Phys. Chem. B 2002, 106, 3477−3485) vis a vis the UPM in an in-depth study. We show that (i) the tested RHM does not really work for the data of van Stokkum and Lozier nor ours; (ii) no previously published RHM model has been shown to work for data un...
Mechanism of Glucose Oxidation by Quinoprotein Soluble Glucose Dehydrogenase: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Studies

We have generated 3 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, in aqueous solution, of the bacterial soluble glucose dehydrogenase enzyme·PQQ·glucose complex and intermediates formed in PQQ reduction. In the MD structure of enzyme·PQQ·glucose complex the imidazole of His144 is hydrogen bonded to the hydroxyl hydrogen of H−OC1(H) of glucose. The tightly hydrogen-bonded triad Asp163-His144-glucose (2.70 and 2.91 A) is involved in proton abstraction from glucose concerted with the hydride transfer from the C1−H of glucose to the >C5O quinone carbon of PQQ. The reaction is assisted by Arg228 hydrogen bonding to the carbonyl oxygen of >C5O. The rearrangement of −(H)C5(O-)−C4(O)− of II to −C5(OH)C4(OH)− of PQQH2 hydroquinone is assisted by general acid protonatation of the >C4O oxygen by protonated His144 and hydrogen bonds of Arg228 to the oxyanion O5. The continuous hydrogen bonding of the amide side chain of Asn229 to >C4O4 oxygen and that of the O5 oxygen of the cofactor to Wat89 is observed throughout the enti...
Toward a more precise, clinically—informed pathophysiology of pathological laughing and crying

Abstract Involuntary emotional expression disorder (IEED) includes the syndromes of pathological laughing and crying (PLC) and emotional lability (EL). Review of the lesion, epilepsy, and brain stimulation literature leads to an updated pathophysiology of IEED. A volitional system involving frontoparietal (primary motor, premotor, supplementary motor, posterior insular, dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), primary sensory and related parietal) corticopontine projections inhibits an emotionally–controlled system involving frontotemporal (orbitofrontal, ventral ACG, anterior insular, inferior temporal, and parahippocampal) projections targeting the amygdala–hypothalamus–periaqueductal gray (PAG)–dorsal tegmentum (dTg) complex that regulates emotional displays. PAG activity is regulated by glutamatergic NMDA, muscarinic M1-3, GABA-A, dopamine D2, norepinephrine alpha-1,2, serotonin 5HT1a, 5HT1b/d, and sigma-1 receptors, with an acetylcholine/GABA balance mediating volitional inhibition of the PAG. Lesions of the volitional corticopontine projections (or of their feedback or processing circuits) can produce PLC. Direct activation of the emotional pathway can result in EL and the laughing or crying of gelastic and dacrystic epilepsy. A criterion-based nosology of PLC and EL subtypes is offered.
A high-throughput screen for the engineered production of β-lactam antibiotics

High-throughput screens and selections have had profound impact on our ability to engineer proteins possessing new, desired properties. These methods are especially useful when applied to the modification of existing enzymes to create natural and unnatural products. In an advance upon existing methods we developed a high-throughput, genetically regulated screen for the in vivo production of β-lactam antibiotics using a green fluorescent protein (gfp) reporter. This assay proved reliable and sensitive and presents a dynamic range under which a wide array of β-lactam architectural subclasses can be detected. Moreover, the graded response elicited in this assay can be used to rank mutant activity. The utility of this development was demonstrated in vivo and then applied to the first experimental investigation of a putative catalytic residue in carbapenem synthase (CarC). Information gained about the mutability of this residue defines one parameter for enzymatic activity and sets boundaries for future mechani...
Power system stabilizer tuning based on frequency response method

Stability phenomena of the power system are largely studied by the researchers over the last few decades. In order to ensure a stable power system, power system stabilizer (PSS) is adopted which can increase the stability margin by providing supplementary feedback signal. For an efficient stabilization, the proper tuning of PSS parameters is very important. Now a days, the tuning appears a big challenge as the changes in power requirement take place continually. This paper deals with the tuning process of PSS connected to the single machine infinite bus (SMIB) system. The tuning method is decided based on the transfer function from SMIB model and the system frequency response. Simulation results are presented with and without PSS to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed tuning method.
Improving a multi-objective differential evolution optimizer using fuzzy adaptation and $$K$$K-medoids clustering

The research presented in this article focuses on the development of a multi-objective optimization algorithm based on the differential evolution (DE) concept combined with Mamdani-type fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs) and $$K$$ K -medoids clustering. The FLCs are used for adaptive control of the DE parameters; $$K$$ K -medoids clustering enables the algorithm to perform a more guided search by evolving neighboring vectors, i.e., vectors that belong to the same cluster. A modified version of the $$DE/best/1/bin$$ D E / b e s t / 1 / b i n algorithm is adopted as the core search component of the multi-objective optimizer. The FLCs utilize Pareto dominance and cluster-related information as input in order to adapt the algorithmic parameters dynamically. The proposed optimization algorithm is tested using a number of problems from the multi-objective optimization literature in order to investigate the effect of clustering and parameter adaptation on the algorithmic performance under various conditions, e.g., problems of high dimensionality, problems with non-convex Pareto fronts, and problems with discontinuous Pareto fronts. A detailed performance comparison between the proposed algorithm with state-of-the-art multi-objective optimizers is also presented.
SEC Market-Risk Disclosures: Enhancing Comparability

In 1997, the U.S. SEC mandated through Financial Reporting Release No. 48 (FRR48) the disclosure of forward-looking market risk information. Because of the recency of the required risk disclosures, little has been written about them or about how analysts might use them. FRR48 allows three disclosure formats—sensitivity measures, value at risk, and a tabular format. The issue is that variations among the disclosure formats and the discretion allowed about assumptions underlying sensitivity and VAR measures may impair analysts' use of the disclosures. We demonstrate how sensitivity and VAR measures can be derived from the tabular format. Our methodology allows financial analysts to derive risk measures based on consistent assumptions among companies. Tabular data provide a common denominator by which companies may be compared and provide a means of overcoming the limitations of sensitivity and VAR measures.
Prognostic Utility of Metabolic Exercise Testing in Minimally Symptomatic Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) are at increased risk of death or severe symptoms. Although metabolic exercise testing is routinely used in the evaluation of a variety of cardiac diseases, data on the prognostic information that can be derived from such testing in HC is lacking. We examined 182 patients (mean age 53 ± 15 years; 65% men) with obstructive HC and minimal or no cardiovascular symptoms. Each patient underwent maximum exercise testing with simultaneous metabolic gas exchange measurement. Follow-up (mean 4.0 ± 3.0 years; 100% complete) was performed to determine the vital status and occurrence of severe symptoms, defined as class III or IV symptoms of dyspnea or angina. Multiple parameters of metabolic exercise were associated with a risk of death and the development of severe symptoms. On multivariate analyses, the independent predictors of death and severe symptoms were the severity of the left ventricular outflow tract gradient at rest and the percentage of predicted peak myocardial oxygen consumption achieved during exercise. For patients with a percentage of predicted peak myocardial oxygen consumption of <60%, the 4-year survival rate free of death and severe symptoms was only 59%. In conclusion, among patients with obstructive HC and mild or no symptoms, a low metabolic exercise capacity is associated with an increased risk of death and the subsequent development of severe symptoms.
Geographic variations and temporal trends of Salmonella -associated hospitalization in the U.S. elderly, 1991-2004: A time series analysis of the impact of HACCP regulation

Background About 1.4 million Salmonella infections, a common food-borne illness, occur in the U.S. annually; the elderly (aged 65 or above) are most susceptible. In 1997, the USDA introduced the Pathogen Reduction and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points Systems (PR/HACCP) which demands regular Salmonella testing in various establishments processing meat products, such as broiler chickens. Impact evaluations of PR/HACCP on hospitalizations related to Salmonella are lacking.
A Gamma Radiation Detector With Orthogonally Arrayed Micromachined Electrodes

Microfabricated radiation detectors can be used to provide first alert information about presence of harmful radiation. This paper describes a micromachined gamma detector that operates in the Geiger–Muller (G–M) regime. Gamma rays eject photoelectrons from the cathode material through the photoelectric effect and/or Compton scattering, which in turn ionize the Ar fill-gas providing a current pulse. The detector utilizes cathode stacks that are micromachined from stainless steel #304 foil. Micromachined glass fingers with thin-film anode metal traces are positioned transversely through aligned perforations in the stacked cathodes. This orthogonal array of anodes and cathodes effectively distinguishes electron avalanche regions from drift regions despite the miniaturization, thereby reducing the likelihood of spurious discharges. Overall, the detector diameter and height are 9 and 2.5 mm, respectively. Detector performance is characterized using a 99- $\mu $ Ci 137Cs source placed at a distance of 3 cm from the detector. In an integration time of 10 min at an applied voltage of 630 V, a source:background ratio of 89:1 is achieved—a fivefold improvement over the previously reported micromachined devices operating in the G–M regime. This architecture also reduces the typical charge per discharge to 6.6 pC, allowing the estimated dead time between detection events to be $\sim 1 \mu $ s. [2014-0333]
Bayesian analysis of prevalence from the results of small screening samples

Bayesian analysis is applied to the number of cases screened positive to estimate the disease prevalence and to predict the number of future cases with disease. The analysis makes use of additional experimental information about the test’s sensitivity and specificity and of prior information on the prevalence of disease. Prior and posterior probability distributions of disease prevalence are conjugate mixtures of Beta densities and can be expressed in exact algebraic form.
Clinical utility and the predictors of outcome of overdrive transesophageal atrial pacing in the treatment of atrial flutter

Transesophageal atria pacing (TEAP) using a pill electrode was performed in 49 patients with atrial flutter. The responses observed were (1) immediate sinus rhythm in 17 (35%), (2) delayed sinus rhythm in 13 (27%), (3) atrial fibrillation in 11 (22%), and (4) no success in 8 (16%) patients. Sinus rhythm was thus restored in 30 patients (61%). In group A, 12 of 17 patients (p < 0.05) had coronary artery disease. The patients in group D had echocardiographic evidence of right atrial enlargement (2.56 +/- 0.29 cm, p = 0.007), left atrial enlargement (4.6 +/- 0.12 cm, p < 0.0001), right ventricular dilatation (3.41 +/- 0.45 cm, p < 0.05), left ventricular dilatation (6.39 +/- 0.66 cm, p < 0.05), and depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (32 +/- 7%, p < 0.05). Optimal pacing rate (375 +/- 54 beats/min) was 41% higher than the mean atrial flutter rate (266 +/- 37 beats/min) for cardioversion to immediate sinus rhythm. Pacing current strength and the pulse width had no influence on the final outcome. On the basis of the result of the initial attempt, patients undergoing TEAP repetitively had an almost predictably similar outcome on the subsequent attempts. Thus, normal sinus rhythm could be resumed in most patients with atrial flutter by TEAP. It does not require general anesthesia and can be performed even in patients who have undergone digitalization, when a direct-current countershock may be of some concern.
Imageability and Justice in Contemporary New Orleans

In the highly contentious rebuilding debates that emerged in New Orleans after the 2005 hurricanes, neighbourhoods were compelled to use rhetorical methods to solicit funding and municipal support for reconstruction. The stakes were particularly high for the Lower Ninth Ward; a neighbourhood the city was reluctant to rebuild. In New Orleans, notions of ‘justice’ were multiple, variable, and instrumental to the Lower Ninth Ward's ‘right to remain’ assertions. To discuss the ways in which the ‘just city’ was conceived after the hurricanes, the paper draws from the work of John Rawls, Iris Marion Young and Hannah Arendt. Kevin Lynch's notion of imageability is employed to discuss the centrality of spatial representations in debates over justice and rebuilding. The paper concludes by illustrating this theoretical framework in Lower Ninth Ward efforts to circumvent the municipality's exclusionary rebuilding plans.
Resistance Training During Pregnancy

RESEARCH SHOWS WOMEN WHO maintain physical activity during pregnancy have more energy and feel better throughout gestation, gain less subcutaneous fat, have fewer cases of gestational diabetes, have less incidence of postterm and cesarean delivery, deliver fewer large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants, and experience fewer complications of delivery, including fetal distress, presence of meconium, and low APGAR scores. Resistance training is one form of exercise that should not be overlooked as an essential prenatal activity. Resistance training during pregnancy gives expectant mothers additional advantages. First is a swifter recovery from labor and delivery. Labor is an endurance event, lasting on average about 12 hours. No athlete in the world would perform a marathon without training for it, and neither should pregnant women avoid training for their unique endurance event. Skeletal muscles throughout the body contract during labor because of the intensity of the uterine contractions. With each labor contraction lasting 30–90 seconds and being about 30–60 seconds apart over several hours, muscles become fatigued rapidly. Even women who have mastered relaxation techniques for labor or who have had very short labors report feeling muscular aches the day following delivery. Prenatal resistance training can ameliorate this muscular soreness. Second, resistance training has been shown to increase bone mineral density. People with greater bone density have less chance of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects more than 25 million people in the United States, and 80% of those are females. Research has shown that women experience a measurable lactation-induced loss of bone density in the postpartum period. Resistance training during pregnancy helps build extra bone density to offset this loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Muscular endurance training (low resistance and high repetitions) is the most appropriate way to prepare for labor and delivery. Every muscle group needs to be targeted and a few emphasized. Adductors, hamstrings, gluteals, upper back, and posterior deltoids will most certainly be used during labor. The transverse abdominal muscle, if trained properly, can be used to help push out the baby. Strength professionals should take the time to become familiar with the unique physiology of pregnancy (such as increased laxity in the joints due to the hormone relaxin) before prescribing a resistance exercise routine for a prenatal client. Proper form is especially important in this population. Once a specific exercise becomes uncomfortable to perform or if the abdomen prevents proper alignment, the exercise should be discontinued. ▲
Characterization of NOBOX DNA Binding Specificity and Its Regulation of Gdf9 and Pou5f1 Promoters

Nobox (newborn ovary homeobox gene) deficiency disrupts early folliculogenesis and the expression of oocyte-specific genes in mice. Here, we identified several cis-acting sites, TAATTG, TAGTTG, and TAATTA as NOBOX DNA binding elements (NBEs) using a library of randomly generated oligonucleotides by cyclic amplification of sequence target assay and mutation analyses. We show that NOBOX preferentially binds to the NOBOX binding elements with high affinity. In addition, we found that promoter regions of mouse Pou5f1 and Gdf9 contain one (–426) and three NOBOX binding elements (–786, –967, and –1259), respectively. NOBOX binds to these putative NOBOX binding elements with high affinity and augmented transcriptional activity of luciferase reporter driven by mouse Pou5f1 and Gdf9 promoters containing the NOBOX binding elements. In chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, DNA sequences from Pou5f1 and Gdf9 promoters co-precipitated with anti-NOBOX antibody. These results suggest that NOBOX directly regulates the transcription of Pou5f1 and Gdf9 in oocytes during early folliculogenesis.
Fast and accurate flow-insensitive points-to analysis

In order to analyze a program that involves pointers, it is necessary to have (safe) information about what each pointer points to. There are many different approaches to computing points-to information. This paper addresses techniques for flow- and context-insensitive interprocedural analysis of stack-based storage.The paper makes two contributions to work in this area: - The first contribution is a set of experiments that explore the trade-offs between techniques previously defined by Lars Andersen and Bjarne Steensgaard. The former has a cubic worst-case running time, while the latter is essentially linear. However, the former may be much more precise than the latter. We have found that in practice, Andersen's algorithm is consistently more precise than Steensgaard's. For small programs, there is very little difference in the times required by the two approaches; however, for larger programs, Andersen's algorithm can be much slower than Steensgaard's. - The second contribution is the definition of two new algorithms. The first algorithm can be "tuned" so that its worst-case time and space requirements, as well as its accuracy range from those of Steensgaard to those of Andersen. We have experimented with several versions of this algorithm; one version provided a significant increase in accuracy over Steensgaard's algorithm, while keeping the running time within a factor of two. The second algorithm uses the first as a subroutine. Its worst-case time and space requirements are a factor of log N (where N is the number of variables in the program) worse than those of Steensgaard's algorithm. In practice, it appears to run about ten times slower than Steensgaard's algorithm; however it is significantly more accurate than Steensgaard's algorithm, and significantly faster than Andersen's algorithm on large programs.
Thermal equilibrium concentration fluctuations above the critical temperature in a NiCu alloy

Abstract Thermal equilibrium concentration fluctuations in a Ni-50 at. %Cu alloy above the critical temperature are measured by an atom-probe field-ion microscope (APFIM). Considering the relationship between a concentration fluctuation measured by APFIM and a statistics of a grand-canonical ensemble, the Gaussian distribution is used to describe the frequency distribution of concentration fluctuations. The Gaussian distribution becomes broader with decreasing the annealing temperature, suggesting a possibility of clustering in NiCu alloys. By making the best fit between the theoretically calculated Gaussian distribution and the experimentally determined Gaussian distribution, the interaction energy between Ni and Cu is determined at each annealing temperature. Using these values for the interaction energy, the calculated temperature dependence of the variance is compared with the results previously obtained by other experimental techniques.
Akt interacts directly with Smad3 to regulate the sensitivity to TGF-β-induced apoptosis

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) induces both apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in some cell lines, but only growth arrest in others. It is not clear how this differential response to TGF-beta is specified. Smad proteins are critical mediators of TGF-beta signalling. After stimulation by TGF-beta, Smad2 and Smad3 become phosphorylated by the activated TGF-beta receptor kinases, oligomerize with Smad4, translocate to the nucleus and regulate the expression of TGF-beta target genes. Here we report that the sensitivity to TGF-beta induced apoptosis is regulated by crosstalk between the Akt/PKB serine/threonine kinase and Smad3 through a mechanism that is independent of Akt kinase activity. Akt interacts directly with unphosphorylated Smad3 to sequester it outside the nucleus, preventing its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. This results in inhibition of Smad3-mediated transcription and apoptosis. Furthermore, the ratio of Smad3 to Akt correlates with the sensitivity of cells to TGF-beta induced apoptosis. Alteration of this ratio changes the apoptotic, but not the growth-inhibitory, responses of cells to TGF-beta. These findings identify an important determinant of sensitivity to TGF-beta-induced apoptosis that involves crosstalk between the TGF-beta and phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI(3)K) pathways.
Carbon monoxide expulsion on electron‐impact: Hybrid fragmentation of α‐keto hemithioketals

The fragmentation pattern and mass spectrum of 1-(ethylene-1′-oxy-2′-thio)-cyclohexan-2-one differ markedly from those of the related mono-functional cyclohexane derivatives, cyclohexanone and (ethylene-1′-oxy-2′-thio)-cyclohexane. This investigation delineates facile expulsion of carbon monoxide as the major hybrid fragmentation. The possibility of ring recyclization accompanying the expulsion is discussed.
Parent-Child Relationships and Single and Two Parent Families: Implications for Substance Usage.

This article examines the relationship between substance usage and parent-child relationships and the number of parents with whom the child lives. These relationships were examined through initial and cross-validation studies. Findings disclosed that youngsters who lived with both parents were less likely to report higher substance usage than those who lived with one parent. Also, youngsters who reported better parent-child relationships were more likely to report lower substance usage. Evidence is offered that parent-child relationships may be more important in predicting substance usage than the number of parents at home.
Hepatic lymphangiomatosis mimicking polycystic liver disease

Hepatic lymphangiomatosis is a rare disorder characterized by cystic dilatation of the lymphatic vessels in the hepatic parenchyma. It can occur in the liver alone, in the liver and spleen, or in multiple organs. Clinically, diagnosis can be difficult because of the rarity and protean manifestations of this disorder. We describe a 53-year-old woman with hepatic lymphangiomatosis in whom polycystic liver disease had been previously diagnosed. In addition, we review 12 cases of hepatic, splenic, and hepatosplenic lymphangiomatosis with or without systemic lymphangiomatosis and discuss the differential diagnosis.
Calcium Inhibition of Potassium Absorption in Corn Roots

Calcium (or magnesium) sulfate or chloride was found to inhibit energy dependent potassium transport in excised corn roots. This Ca(2+) inhibition of K(+) transport was most pronounced during the initial phases of transport. As the absorption periods were lengthened the effect of Ca(2+) gradually changed from an inhibition to a typical promotion (after about 30-45 mins) of K(+) transport. Kinetic analysis indicated the inhibition to be of a non-competitive nature.Identical experiments with excised barley roots showed that CaSO(4) had no effect on K(+) absorption whereas CaCl(2) had a typical stimulatory effect on K(+) absorption. Kinetic analysis indicated that both corn and barley have efficient K(+) transporting systems but barley roots are approximately 5 times more active (on a fr wt basis) than corn roots.These results illustrate the hazards involved in applying results obtained with 1 (or even several) plant species to all species.
Potato quality XIX: A preliminary study of the Browning reaction in potato chips using radiophosphorus

Potatoes grown in sand culture and treated with radiophosphorus were found to give chip colors that were usually well correlated with their radiophosphorus content. Potatoes containing a large amount of radiophosphorus usually produced light colored potato chips while potatoes containing a relatively small amount of radiophosphorus usually produced dark color potato chips. No suitable explanation can be given for the observed results, but by some mechanism, currently unknown, the browning reaction apparently is affected by phosphorus.
Two-Tiered Constrained Relay Node Placement in Wireless Sensor Networks: Computational Complexity and Efficient Approximations

In wireless sensor networks, relay node placement has been proposed to improve energy efficiency. In this paper, we study two-tiered constrained relay node placement problems, where the relay nodes can be placed only at some prespecified candidate locations. To meet the connectivity requirement, we study the connected single-cover problem where each sensor node is covered by a base station or a relay node (to which the sensor node can transmit data), and the relay nodes form a connected network with the base stations. To meet the survivability requirement, we study the 2-connected double-cover problem where each sensor node is covered by two base stations or relay nodes, and the relay nodes form a 2-connected network with the base stations. We study these problems under the assumption that R \ge 2r > 0, where R and r are the communication ranges of the relay nodes and the sensor nodes, respectively. We investigate the corresponding computational complexities, and propose novel polynomial time approximation algorithms for these problems. Specifically, for the connected single-cover problem, our algorithms have {\cal O}(1)-approximation ratios. For the 2-connected double-cover problem, our algorithms have {\cal O}(1)-approximation ratios for practical settings and {\cal O}(\ln n)-approximation ratios for arbitrary settings. Experimental results show that the number of relay nodes used by our algorithms is no more than twice of that used in an optimal solution.