cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction between zinc and iron in rats: experimental results and mathematical analysis of blood parameters.

The importance of interactive effects, of minerals in general, on nutrient requirements is becoming increasingly recognized. The interaction between iron and zinc has not been as widely investigated. The metabolic interrelationships between dietary iron and zinc have been known for years, but some subtle relationships may have gone unrecognized. Because nutrient interactions are not necessarily linear in nature, it may be inadequate to apply linear statistical models to study the interaction between zinc and iron. In this study, we used traditional as well as a nonlinear approach in analyzing experimental results from groups of rats fed a wide range of dietary zinc and iron. Male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were used in a 5 x 4 factorially arranged experiment. Dietary variables were iron (as ferric citrate) at 4, 12, 24, 48, or 96 microg Fe/g diet and zinc (as zinc carbonate) at 5, 10, 20, or 40 microg Zn/g diet. After 7 wk, hematological parameters were measured and plasma ceruloplasmin and cholesterol were determined. In addition to interactive effects as shown by analysis of variance, the application of log-linear analysis to the experimental data revealed a far broader range of interactions between dietary iron and zinc. As a result of our experiment and its quantitative analysis, we conclude that the interaction between iron and zinc is nutritionally important and that dietary iron affected the response of many blood parameters to dietary zinc. The complete dataset can be found at http://www.gfhnrc.ars.usda.gov/fezn.
Effect of thiazolidinediones on skeletal health in women with Type 2 diabetes.

Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are associated with increased fracture risk in women, and, for rosiglitazone, more rapid bone loss. Negative skeletal effects of these thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have also been observed in animal and in vitro models. A central mechanism of action appears to be reduced bone formation, resulting in bone loss. The source of this reduced bone formation may be a shift in the lineage allocation of marrow stems cells away from osteoblasts and towards adipocytes, caused by activation of PPAR-γ with these TZDs. Research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of bone loss and to identify factors that influence susceptibility to TZD-induced osteoporosis. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for increased fracture risk when prescribing TZDs, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Variance Estimation for Statistics Computed from Single Recurrent Event Processes

This paper is concerned with variance estimation for statistics that are computed from single recurrent event processes. Such statistics are important in diagnosis for each individual recurrent event process. The proposed method only assumes a semiparametric form for the first-order structure of the processes but not for the second-order (i.e., dependence) structure. The new variance estimator is shown to be consistent for the target parameter under very mild conditions. The estimator can be used in many applications in semiparametric rate regression analysis of recurrent event data such as outlier detection, residual diagnosis as well as robust regression. A simulation study and application to two real data examples are used to demonstrate the use of the proposed method.
Vasodilator-Responsive Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Evidence for a New Disease?

In this issue, Langleben and colleagues suggest that idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension may manifest as 2 different vascular phenotypes and perhaps different diseases, depending on whether ...
Preliminary Studies of the Use of an Automated Flow‐Cell Electrodeposition System for the Formation of CdTe Thin Films by Electrochemical Atomic Layer Epitaxy

This paper is the first report of the formation of thin films, thicker than ten monolayers, using electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (ECALE). Thin films of CdTe have been electrodeposited on polycrystalline gold substrates in an electrochemical thin-layer flow-cell deposition system using the ECALE methodology. Studies of the deposit morphology have been performed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope. Significant improvements in deposit morphology are reported as a result of changes to the ECALE cycle program and deposition hardware. Deposit compositions analyzed using electron probe microanalysis and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, were found to be stoichiometric and nearly independent of the number of cycles and the Cd deposition potential. In addition, the deposition rate was shown to be one CdTe monolayer per cycle (half monolayer of Cd and half monolayer of Te per ECALE cycle).
And Here the World Ends

And Here the World Ends: The Life of an Argentine Village. Kristen Hoffmann Ruggiero. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1988. 248 pp. $32.50 (Cloth). ISBN 0-8047-1379-0
Pre-operative dopamine agonist therapy improves post-operative tumor control following prolactinoma resection

Objective Normalization of serum prolactin concentrations in patients with prolactinomas is an accepted endpoint of therapy. Clinical signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinemia are usually resolved when prolactin levels are lowered to within the normal range. While most patients are treated with dopamine agonist drugs, some patients require surgical resection of their tumors. We sought to determine whether preoperative treatment with dopamine agonists alters the outcome of surgical intervention. Methods and results We present an analysis of 253 patients with prolactinomas treated surgically during the period of time when dopamine agonist therapy was first introduced and prior to its widespread use as first-line therapy. We compared both short- and long-term outcomes of patients treated with dopamine agonists prior to surgery with those undergoing surgery as their initial treatment modality. Our data showed that that patients treated with dopamine agonists prior to surgery experienced greater reductions in prolactin levels, had lower prolactin levels, were more likely to have normal prolactin levels at long term follow-up, and were less likely to require additional therapy to control their prolactin levels. Conclusion Our study provides strong evidence suggesting that, regardless of initial prolactin level, preoperative dopamine agonist therapy is not detrimental. In fact, pretreatment with dopamine agonist drugs, possibly by inducing tumor regression, seemed to improve the surgeon’s ability to resect a greater percentage of the tumor and led to better control of the prolactin level.
Applications Of Integrated Optical Spatial Light Modulators (IOSLM) To Analog Computation

Applications of an electrooptic-grating-based integrated optical spatial light modulator (IOSLM) to analog numerical computation are discussed. Characterization of a grating array for use in an engagement-type matrix-vector multiplier are presented and discussed.
Lehmer pairs of zeros, the de Bruijn-Newman constant Λ, and the Riemann Hypothesis

We give here a rigorous formulation for a pair of consecutive simple positive zeros of the functionH0 (which is closely related to the Riemann ξ-function) to be a “Lehmer pair” of zeros ofH0. With this formulation, we establish that each such pair of zeros gives a lower bound for the de Bruijn-Newman constant Λ (where the Riemann Hypothesis is equivalent to the assertion that Λ≤0). We also numerically obtain the following new lower bound for Λ: $$ - 4.379 \cdot 10^{ - 6}< \Lambda $$
Fibroblast growth factor–binding protein expression changes with disease progression in clinical and experimental human squamous epithelium

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is synthesized by a wide variety of normal and malignant cells. However, bFGF cannot exert its effects unless it gets outside of the cell. Since it lacks a signal sequence to direct secretion, the method by which cells release it remains unclear. A 17 kDa secreted binding protein for bFGF (FGF-BP, HBp-17) is expressed at high levels in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and transformed keratinocytes and may act as a chaperone to transport bFGF outside of the cell. In our study, FGF-BP mRNA expression in normal keratinocytes was higher than in 5/5 SCCs. Using a new monoclonal antibody, we demonstrate that FGF-BP can dimerize. Immunoassays demonstrate that normal keratinocytes have a higher level of FGF-BP than SCCs. In normal human squamous epithelium, we observed diffuse, moderate to intense cytoplasmic and membranous expression of FGF-BP. Expression decreased and became focal with disease progression to invasive cancer. Injection of immortalized but non-tumorigenic HaCaT cells transduced with FGF-BP into normal human skin xenografts failed to result in tumors. Transfection of FGF-BP into the SCCs Det 562 and FaDu did not promote tumor growth more than controls, and peri-tumoral microvessel density was lower in FGF-BP-transfected than in control tumors. Taken together, these data suggest that FGF-BP expression in squamous epithelium does not play an important role in progression to invasive carcinoma.
Multiple Mechanisms Provide Tolerance to Environmental Sulfide in Urechis caupo

SYNOPSIS. During tidal exposure the echiuran worm Urechis caupo encounters toxic sulnde in its burrow microhabitat on the marine mudflat. Although sulnde freely penetrates the two respiratory epithelia (the body wall and hindgut) and tissue cytochrome oxidases are extremely sulnde sensitive, the worm tolerates sulnde concentrations which exceed environmental exposures. Sulnde tolerance results from a suite of sulnde detoxification mechanisms that extend from the coelomic fluid to the epithelial surfaces. The coelomic fluid is rich in hemoglobin and hematin, both of which bind sulfide and catalyze the oxidation of sulfide to thiosulfate in vitro . Peripheral defense mechanisms responsible for protection of aerobic epithelia from sulfide poisoning may include mucus secretion, sulfide oxidation by symbiotic bacteria and/or specialized organelles termed SOBs, and sloughing of sulfide damaged cells. Thiosulfate, the principal detoxification endproduct produced in vivo, is eliminated primarily by diffusion across the hindgut, and sulfur metabolites may be sequestered and eliminated by the anal sacs. Based on a hypothetical model, we conclude that sulfide tolerance in U. caupo is due primarily to the sulfide oxidation activity of the coelomic fluid and that the specialized integument and hindgut protect the metabolically active, sulfide-exposed epithelial cells. These sulfide detoxification mechanisms may allow populations of this filter-feeding worm to exploit nutrient-rich, sulfidic environments.
Design method for color-corrected layered spherical lenses

We consider the problem of designing imaging lenses consisting of thin, concentric, spherical annuli, each having a constant refractive index at a specified wavelength. For single-wavelength designs, we describe a recursive algorithm capable of generating the annular layer structure required to achieve arbitrarily low aberration levels, based on a specified structure of the outer layers. For the design of color-corrected lenses, we show how the single-wavelength design method can provide a parsimonious parametrization scheme that can be used in conjunction with a global optimization process to search for designs exhibiting minimal aberrations over the desired waveband of operation and that also satisfy design constraints.
Variations in Holocene sedimentation in the North American Basin determined from 230Th measurements

Abstract Excess 230Th was measured in 20 sediment samples from the upper 251 cm of KNR31 GPC5, a giant piston core taken at a depth of 4583 m from a drift deposit on the northeastern Bermuda Rise, in an attempt to determine the cause of fluctuations in calcium carbonate percentage within the Holocene section. The excess 230Th activity, corrected for radioactive decay since the time of deposition, is strongly correlated with CaCO3 percentage, suggesting that both are controlled by the same factor(s). We conclude that the fluctuations in CaCO3 percentage are due primarily to variations in the supply of the terrigenous (non-carbonate) components. From a simple model that assumes a constant supply of excess 230Th, we estimate that during the past 11,000 years the CaCO3 flux in this region has remained within the narrow range 0.58– 0.79 g cm−2 ky−1. Non-carbonate flux, on the other hand, has varied during the same period by as much as a factor of 2.3 (1.25–2.84 g cm−2 ky−1). Non-carbonate flux maxima occur at ∼1580 and ∼3360 years BP and coincide with enrichments of high latitude clay minerals. These features may reflect variations in the rate at which terrigenous sediment has been resuspended from the continental slope and transported to the interior of the basin. From the measured accumulation of excess 230Th in radiocarbon-dated intervals, it can be shown that the degree of sediment focusing at the core site has increased by more than a factor of three since the beginning of the Holocene.
Elastic interactions in particulate composites with perfect as well as imperfect interfaces

Abstract We describe a method for computing interactions among spherical particles embedded in an elastic matrix. The interfaces between the particles and the matrix may or may not be perfect. The method is applied to the problem of determining the effective elastic moduli of composites when the interfaces satisfy a linear law. The effective properties are computed as functions of the volume fraction of the particles, the ratio of shear moduli, the Poisson ratios, and two parameters describing the linear interfacial characteristics of the inclusion-matrix interface. The results for the effective elastic properties for a wide range of these parameters are compared with effective-medium approximations and an agreement to within 30% is observed for the special case of hard-sphere random arrays considered in the study. We also consider a case of a three-phase composite material containing equal amounts of rigid inclusions and voids. The results for this case are compared with the predictions of a modified effective-medium approximation theory, and once again a similar level of agreement is found between the two.
Time-varying digital signal processing

The present paper develops a framework for the analysis and synthesis of linear time-varying (LTV) digital filters in the frequency domain. LTV filters are modeled by the successive use of linear time-invariant (LTI) filters. The time-varying digital filtering is also discussed in relation to the notion of the short-time spectrum and the generalized frequency function. In addition, we present an efficient implementation procedure which reduces the number of filter coefficients.
Fatigue crack growth resistance of several neutron irradiated pressure vessel steels and welds

Pre and postirradiation fatigue crack growth rates in A302-B, A533-B, and A543 steel plate and in two A543 welds (submerged arc and electroslag) were determined at 550 deg F (288 deg C) in air. The fracture mechanics approach was used to analyze the experimental data. Neutron irradiation at 585 deg F (307 deg C) to 2.5 × 1019 n/cm2 , > 1 MeV produced no significant effect on resistance to crack growth in A302-B steel and caused only a slight decrease in crack growth resistance of A533-B and A543 steels. Also, the resistance to crack growth of the submerged arc weld was unaffected by the irradiation, but that of the electroslag weld was substantially improved. The crack growth rate versus stress intensity factor range curve for the A302-B steel represents an upper bound for the pre and postirradiation data for the steels and welds of this study.
A miniature photorefractive circuit for principal component extraction

The optical feature extractor is a photorefractive ring oscillator that can identify the strongest spatio-temporal component of its input space. The theoretical sections discuss the design and performance limitations of the signal extractor. A simple model of the filter’s nonlinear functioning enables the reader to go directly to the experimental section that describes the making of the filter and experimental results. The device, also called the auto-tuning filter, is 5 cm2 in size, has a 3 GHz processing bandwidth, and requires less than 5 mW of continuous optical power to operate.
Therapy of chronic relapsing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with prednisone and azathioprine

As a 51-year-old woman recovered from an initial acute episode of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), her plasma was found to contain unusually large von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers. Clinical, hematological, and vWF studies of her siblings and children were normal. The unusually large vWF forms were presumably derived from endothelial cells, persisted in her plasma after recovery, and were associated with recurrent episodes of TTP during the subsequent 6 months. After the last episode of relapse they disappeared from her plasma following 3 1/2 weeks of therapy with prednisone and did not return during 17 months of treatment with prednisone and/or azathioprine. She is now receiving no drugs, has normal plasma vWF forms, and has not had any more episodes of TTP. We conclude that our patient had an acquired defect in the conversion of unusually large vWF multimers derived from endothelial cells to the somewhat smaller vWF forms usually present in circulation. The defect may have been immune-mediated, because it was eliminated during therapy with immunosuppressive drugs.
Fattening Queer Theory: Review of Queering Fat Embodiment, by Cat Pausé, Jackie Wykes, and Samantha Murray (Editors)

It’s been almost three years since Duke University Press ended Series Q, the formidable queer book series that began with Sedgwick’s (1993) influential Tendencies. In Queering Fat Embodiment, Pause...
Two-stage control of an oxidative stress regulon: the Escherichia coli SoxR protein triggers redox-inducible expression of the soxS regulatory gene.

Escherichia coli responds to the redox stress imposed by superoxide-generating agents such as paraquat by activating the synthesis of as many as 80 polypeptides. Expression of a key group of these inducible proteins is controlled at the transcriptional level by the soxRS locus (the soxRS regulon). A two-stage control system was hypothesized for soxRS, in which an intracellular redox signal would trigger the SoxR protein as a transcriptional activator of the soxS gene and the resulting increased levels of SoxS protein would activate transcription of the various soxRS regulon genes (B. Demple and C.F. Amabile Cuevas, Cell 67:837-839, 1990). We have constructed operon fusions of the E. coli lac genes to the soxS promoter to monitor soxS transcription. Expression from the soxS promoter is strongly inducible by paraquat in a manner strictly dependent on a functional soxR gene. Several other superoxide-generating agents also trigger soxR(+)-dependent soxS expression, and the inductions by paraquat and phenazine methosulfate were dependent on the presence of oxygen. Numerous other oxidative stress agents (H2O2, gamma rays, heat shock, etc.) failed to induce soxS, while aerobic growth of superoxide dismutase-deficient bacteria triggered soxR-dependent soxS expression. These results indicate a specific redox signal for soxS induction. A direct role for SoxR protein in the activation of the soxS gene is indicated by band-shift and DNase I footprinting experiments that demonstrate specific binding of the SoxR protein in cell extracts to the soxS promoter. The mode of SoxR binding to DNA appears to be similar to that of its homolog MerR in that the SoxR footprint spans the -10 to -35 region of the soxS promoter.
Association between medical home enrollment and health care utilization and costs among breast cancer patients in a state Medicaid program

BACKGROUNDThe patient-centered medical home (PCMH) is increasingly being implemented in an effort to improve and coordinate primary care, but its effect on health care utilization among breast cancer patients remains unclear. The objective of this study was to examine health care utilization and expenditures as a function of PCMH enrollment among breast cancer patients in North Carolina's Medicaid program. METHODSNorth Carolina Medicaid claims linked to North Carolina Central Cancer Registry records (2003-2007) were used to examine monthly patterns of health care use and expenditures. Controlling for a selection bias for time-invariant characteristics, fixed effects regression models analyzed associations between PCMH enrollment and utilization of outpatient, inpatient, and emergency department (ED) services and Medicaid expenditures during the 15 months after the diagnosis of breast cancer. RESULTSAmong 758 breast cancer patients, 381 (50%) were enrolled in a PCMH at some time in the 15 months after diagnosis. After controlling for individual fixed effects, PCMH enrollment was significantly associated with greater outpatient service use, but there was no difference in the probability of inpatient hospitalizations or ED visits. Enrollment in a PCMH was associated with increased average expenditures of $429 per month during the first 15 months. CONCLUSIONSGreater outpatient care utilization and increased average expenditures among breast cancer patients enrolled in a PCMH may suggest that these women have improved access to primary and specialty care. Expanding PCMHs may change patterns of service utilization for Medicaid breast cancer patients but may not be associated with lower costs. Cancer 2015;121:3975-3981. (c) 2015 American Cancer Society. Medical home enrollment is associated with greater outpatient service use and increased average expenditures among breast cancer patients. This may suggest that these women are more likely to be connected to primary and specialty care during the immediate postdiagnosis period.
RFID tag antenna based temperature sensing in the frequency domain

The efficiency of cold supply chain operations can be improved with pervasive temperature sensing. In this paper, we investigate the design of a low-cost, single-use RFID based temperature threshold sensor that is capable of relating the violation of a temperature threshold to a shift in the optimal operating frequency at which the tag antenna is well matched to the tag IC. This shift is detectable by commercial UHF RFID readers operating in the 902–928 MHz frequency band. We will illustrate how state change information is preserved using a nonelectric memory mechanism that works even in the absence of reader transmitted power. We demonstrate that the sensor works reliably for a read distance of over 3 m and in noisy environments.
Ureteroscopic biopsy in theupper urinary tract

Abstract Objectives To determine the optimal instruments and techniques for biopsy of upper urinary tract lesions through the small working channel in flexible and small semirigid ureteroscopes. Methods Urinary tract filling defects and other lesions were accessed with rigid or flexible ureteroscopy and biopsies were done using one or more devices: a 3 F cup biopsy forceps, 2.5 F and 3 F baskets, 2.5 F and 3 F graspers, 3 F snare, brush, and aspiration catheters. All samples, including the cup forceps samples, were sent for cytopathologic study, with those containing grossly visible tissue particles processed as a cell block. Only those specimens reported definitely positive or negative were considered diagnostic, whereas the others were grouped as nondefinitive. Not all sampling techniques could be used in every patient because of the size of the lesion and the technical limitations, including bleeding and instrument position during biopsy. Results There were 55 procedures in 43 patients. The indications included hematuria,filling defect, abnormal cytology, and periodic surveillance. A basket was used in 22 procedures and gave unequivocal results in 15. The other samples were equivocal, nondiagnostic, or unsuitable. The biopsy forceps provided a definitive result in 16 of 21 samples and the grasper was definitive in 5 of 6 samples. We could not obtain a suitable specimen using a snare in 2 cases and the brush gave a definitive result in only 5 of 11 cases. Samples of aspirate and washings were definitive in less than 50% of instances but detected some tumors for which other techniques were equivocal. Conclusions For the best results, the largest biopsy specimen possible should be obtained.Aspiration or wash alone is often not diagnostic but can give a diagnosis in some patients. Tissue sampling devices, such as the forceps and basket, have an advantage in obtaining a larger sample. Cytopathologic techniques are particularly useful for handling and interpreting the small specimens obtained with ureteroscopic biopsy techniques.
Synthesis of poly(azaalkylene aldaramide)s and poly(oxaalkylene aldaramide)s derived fromD-glucaric andD-galactaric acids

Some novel polyhydroxypolyamides were prepared by the condensation polymerization of esterified D-glucaric and galactaric acid with 1° diamines containing one or more heteroatoms. The polymers then were compared according to their molecular weights, thermal properties (glass-transition temperature and melting points), and solubilities in water and methanol. The influence on the solubility brought about by the introduction of a charge onto the polymers possessing a tertiary nitrogen in their primary structure was investigated. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 604–613, 2000
Clinician-Performed Thyroid Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) is the key step in selecting most patients with thyroid nodules for or against surgery. Accurate acquisition of cytologic samples from suspicious lesions is achieved by adding ultrasound guidance to optimize targeting as well as to enable sampling from nonpalpable lesions. This article discusses the indications, variations, and technical details of ultrasound-guided FNA.
IS integration: Your most critical M&A challenge?

One of the most critical challenges companies face during a merger is integrating their information systems. Seventy-five percent of merging companies run into problems—causing delays, lost opportunities, and decreased revenues. The authors present a comprehensive strategy for avoiding these pitfalls. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Coincident DiGeorge anomaly and renal agenesis and its relation to maternal diabetes

We describe 2 cases of DiGeorge anomaly with bilateral renal agenesis–one, who also had hemivertebrae, in an infant of an insulin–dependent diabetic mother (IDDM). In a review we identified 2 other instances of this combination, both in IDDMs. The currently accepted notion that DiGeorge anomaly and renal agenesis are developmental field defects, coupled with their coincidence in IDDM, suggests that this combination is an association. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Breast-feeding Initiation in Women With Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus:

Objective. To examine feeding practices and factors associated with breast-feeding initiation (BFI) in women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) and their infants. Methods. In all, 392 PGDM (135 late preterm and 257 term) pregnancies were studied. Infant feeding preference was ascertained on admission. Results. After birth, 166 (42%) of the infants received well-baby care, whereas 226 (58%) were admitted to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). Hypoglycemia (blood glucose <40 mg/dL), which occurred in 128 (33%) of all infants, did not influence BFI. Of 257 women who intended to BF, 55% initiated BF. Also, 5% of 105 women who intended to feed formula and 13% of the 30 undecided later initiated BF. Conclusions. The BFI rate for women with PGDM is remarkably low even among those who intended to BF. Factors associated with BFI failure in this population were primiparity, African American race, lower education, smoking, lack of intention to BF, and NICU admission.
Biomedical anthropology: An emerging synthesis in anthropology

Biomedical anthropology is a newly emerging focus within anthropology, combining concepts of physical anthropology and medical anthropology in the study of disease and health among human populations. It grows out of the tradition in anthropology of holism and related attempts to develop biocultural approaches to anthropological issues. While these issues have been studied by physical and cultural anthropologists working independently of each other, the synthesis of the two areas can provide a clearer understanding of the role of disease and responses to it among human groups.
Regions of significant influence on unforced global mean surface air temperature variability in climate models

We document the geographic regions where local variability is most associated with unforced global mean surface air temperature (GMT) variability in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 coupled global climate models (GCMs) at both the subdecadal and interdecadal timescales. For this purpose, Regions of Significant Influence on GMT are defined as locations that have a statistically significant correlation between local surface air temperature (SAT) and GMT (with a regression slope greater than 1), and where local SAT variation leads GMT variation in time. In both GCMs and observations, subdecadal timescale GMT variability is most associated with SAT variation over the eastern equatorial Pacific. At the interdecadal timescale, GMT variability is also linked with SAT variation over the Pacific in many GCMs, but the particular spatial patterns are GCM dependent, and several GCMs indicate a primary association between GMT and SAT over the Southern Ocean. We find that it is difficult to validate GCM behavior at the interdecadal timescale because the pattern derived from observations is highly depended on the method used to remove the forced variability from the record. The magnitude of observed GMT variability is near the ensemble median at the subdecadal timescale but well above the median at the interdecadal timescale. GCMs with a stronger subdecadal relationship between GMT and SAT over the Pacific tend to have more variable subdecadal GMT while GCMs with a stronger interdecadal relationship between GMT and SAT over parts of the Southern Ocean tend to have more variable GMT.
Frequently asked questions about conscious will

The commentators' responses to The Illusion of Conscious Will reveal a healthy range of opinions – pro, con, and occasionally stray. Common concerns and issues are summarized here in terms of 11 “frequently asked questions,” which often center on the theme of how the experience of conscious will supports the creation of the self as author of action.
Introductory Business Textbook Revision Cycles: Are They Getting Shorter?

The rate of textbook revision cycles is examined in light of the recent trend towards more rapid revisions (and adoptions of textbooks). The authors conduct background research to better understand the context for textbook revision cycles and the environmental forces that have been influencing what appears to be more rapid textbook revisions. A study methodology is designed, data are collected and analyzed, and the results are reported, eventually supporting the contention that textbook revision cycles are indeed becoming more frequent. The managerial implications of the findings are discussed, along with future areas for research.
Evaluating nonlinear effective stress site response analyses using records from the Canterbury earthquake sequence

Abstract A widely used one-dimensional nonlinear effective stress site response analysis program is used to model the response of potentially liquefiable soils during strong shaking. Ground motion records from six events of the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence and the extensive site investigation data that have been obtained for the Christchurch area provide the basis for the analyses. The results of the analyses depend significantly on the input motions and soil profile characterization, so these important aspects are examined. Deconvolved Riccarton Gravel input motions were generated, because recorded rock or firm layer motions were not available. Nonlinear effective stress seismic site response analyses are shown to capture key aspects of the observed soil response through the comparison of acceleration response spectra of calculated surface motions to those of recorded surface motions; however, equivalent-linear and total stress nonlinear analyses capture these aspects as well. Biases in the computed motions compared to recorded motions were realized for some cases but they can be attributed primarily to the uncertainty in the development of the input motions used in the analyses.
A new species of marsupial frog (Anura: Hemiphractidae: Gastrotheca ) from the Andes of southern Peru

Gastrotheca nebulanastes sp. nov. from cloud forests in the upper Kosnipata Valley, Manu National Park, in the Andes of southern Peru is similar to G. excubitor, which inhabits grasslands in higher elevations than the cloud forests. The two species differ in relative lengths of the fingers, skin texture, coloration, and advertisement call. Although the new species has an elevational range of 2000–3300 m, it is most abundant at 2400–2800 m. A phylogenetic analysis of a previously defined clade of Gastrotheca based on a fragment of 16S mitochondrial gene provides strong support that the sister taxon to the new species is G. atympana, a species from farther north in the Cordillera Oriental in Peru.
Piezoelectric actuator capable of inducing torsional and bending control loads with no structural coupling

The objective of this paper is to show the feasibility of a novel method to achieve complete vibration control of a thin-walled structural member using piezoelectric elements. It is found that the control of combined torsional, bending and longitudinal vibrations of thinwalled members without inducing structural coupling is technically feasible. Numerical, analytical and experimental validation of the concept are presented.
Development of an optimized intermolecular potential for sulfur dioxide.

A new force field for sulfur dioxide, capable of predicting accurately the vapor−liquid equilibria, critical properties, vapor pressure, and heats of vaporization is presented. The new force field reproduces the saturated liquid densities, vapor pressures and heats of vaporization to within 0.5, 2, and 2% of experiment, respectively. The predicted critical properties and the normal boiling point are in excellent agreement with experimental results. Pair distribution functions are calculated for the S−S, S−O, and O−O interactions are in close agreement with neutron and X-ray scattering experiments. In addition to the new force field, similar calculations are performed for four SO2 intermolecular potentials proposed by Sokolic et al. (Sokolic, F.; Guissani, Y. and Guillot, B.J. Phys. Chem. 1985, 89, 3023], which show that these models work reasonably well near the state point where they were originally parametrized, but large errors in the predicted coexistence properties are displayed at higher and lower t...
Synthesis and Self-Assembly of the "Tennis Ball" Dimer and Subsequent Encapsulation of Methane. An Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory Experiment

While important to the biological and materials sciences, noncovalent interactions, self-folding, and self-assembly often receive little discussion in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. The synthesis and NMR characterization of a molecular "tennis ball" in an advanced undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory is a simple and effective way to introduce the relevance of these concepts. In appropriate solvents, the monomer dimerizes through a seam of eight hydrogen bonds with encapsulation of a guest molecule and symmetry reminiscent of a tennis ball. The entire experiment can be completed in three lab periods, however large-scale synthetic preparation of the starting monomer by a teaching assistant would reduce the laboratory to a single lab period for NMR studies.
New axisymmetric containers for isochronous sloshing: a tribute to B. Andreas Troesch

Two new families of axisymmetric isochronous containers for first-mode sloshing about nodal circles are found using the inverse method of solution. These containers support standing waves in annular geometries which separate naturally into even ( and ) and odd () series with increasing radius. It is convenient to present results by fixing , where is the isochronous frequency and g is gravity. In this formulation, the maximum asymptotic widths of the containers monotonically decrease from to . For , both the even and odd containers take the shape of the planar isochronous container. A simple analysis reveals that mass is conserved for first-mode sloshing about the respective nodal circles.
Drug therapy for acute stroke

Drug therapy for acute stroke will continue to evolve as major clinical trials are completed and compared. The efficacy of drug therapy discussed in this article focuses on preventing further thrombotic events through the use of anticoagulation and antithrombotic agents augmenting blood flow through recanalization and reperfusion therapies and protecting neurons damaged, but not destroyed using metabolic adjustment. As investigators provide information about how to alter chemical regimens to enhance recovery, it will be the primary responsibility of nursing to maintain vigilance and good judgment in keeping ourselves and the public informed about the therapeutic options available. We will need to further educate the public about the importance of early recognition of signs and symptoms. Stroke survivors and their families will depend upon us to keep them informed and involved, as will our professional colleagues. This article should provide updated knowledge about drug therapy that makes this possible.
A quantitative metric for conjugation in polyene hydrocarbons having a single classical structure.

A quantitative measure of the extent of conjugation is introduced. The number of Dewar resonance structures (DS) in a conjugated hydrocarbon quantitatively determines its extent of conjugation interaction. The greater the degree of conjugation the more stable is the conjugated hydrocarbon. The number of single bonds joining the exo-double bonds of a purely cross-conjugated hydrocarbon is equal to its number of Dewar resonance structures (DS). Polyene cross-conjugated hydrocarbons are minimally conjugated and possess only one classical structure with a succession of fixed single and exo-double bonds. There are three increasing levels of conjugation for systems with a single classical structure according to whether they are cross-conjugated, linear extended two-way conjugated, and ring-enhanced conjugated. Numerous analytical expressions have been derived. Our valence-bond (VB) approach involves studying the interrelationship of several well-known series of conjugated hydrocarbons having only a single class...
Cognitive Function in Pediatric Onset MS Is Largely Independent from Routine Clinical Parameters (P1.378)

Objective: To determine the factors that predict cognitive impairment in pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS). Background: POMS is associated with cognitive impairment in at least 30[percnt] of cases. Predictors have varied across studies and based from relatively small samples. Here, we tested clinical and demographic correlates of a screening measure for cognitive impairment, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test or SDMT. Methods: Confirmed pediatric onset MS patients were consecutively evaluated and administered the SDMT, repeated at a second visit (alternate form) for a subset. Scores were converted to age-normative z scores for analyses. Results: Participants were n=100 and 59[percnt] female, mean age 16.3± 2.8 (range 6 to 21) years. Mean disease duration was 2.2 ± 2.4 years with a median EDSS score=1.0 (range 0.0 to 6.0). Initial SDMT M=51.3 ±1.5, z score=-0.54±1.5, indicating low average performance overall. Lower SDMT z score was predicted by higher EDSS (r=-0.44, p 1 SD. Change in SDMT was not linked to any clinical or demographic predictors. Conclusions: In a consecutive outpatient POMS sample, cognitive impairment is linked to disease severity but not age of onset or disease duration or demographic feature. At least initially, cognitive functioning remains stable for most and routine clinical parameters do not identify those at risk for decline. Disclosure: Dr. Elgallab has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schwarz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shaw has nothing to disclose. Dr. Porter has nothing to disclose. Dr. Krupp has received licensing and/or royalty fees from Johnson and Johnson, AbbVie, and Grifols. Dr. Leigh Elkins Charvet has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen as a consultant.
Spatiotemporal analysis of photo contribution patterns to Panoramio and Flickr

Photo-sharing services provide a rich resource of crowdsourced spatial data consisting of georeferenced imagery and metadata. Shared photos can provide valuable information for a variety of applica...
Prospective Secondary Mathematics Teacher Preparation and Technology

A systematic literature review suggests three positive conclusions. First, engagement with technologies could enhance PSMTs’ understanding of subject knowledge and develop their positive attitudes toward using technologies. Second, incorporation of mathematics technology and practice-based video cases in teaching methods courses could help PSMTs develop their pedagogical knowledge and knowledge about student learning. Moreover, incorporating technologies in mathematics and methods courses and connecting courses with field experiences could promote PSMTs’ awareness of implementing student-centered mathematics instruction and help them identify as technology innovators. Third, PSMTs’ progress in facilitating student thinking, reasoning, and problem solving seemed elusive. Preparing PSMTs to teach secondary mathematics with technology remains an important endeavor and an emerging research area in need of systematic studies and a global effort to develop a cohesive body of literature.
80 nm gate-length Si/Si0.7Ge0.3 n-MODFET with 194 GHz fmax

DC and RF performance of scaled n-channel Si/SiGe modulation-doped field effect transistors (n-MODFETs) grown by ultra-high vacuum chemical vapour deposition is reported. Devices with source-to-drain spacing of 300 nm, and gate length of 80 nm (70 nm) displayed fmax=194 GHz (175 GHz) and fT=70 GHz (79 GHz).
Targeting the Motorola RISC compiler for the PowerPC architecture

Compiler technology has proven to be an integral part of overall performance in RISC systems. Motorola is providing highly optimizing C and FORTRAN compilers as part of the overall solution for the PowerPC and 88000 RISC architectures. This paper gives an introduction to the Motorola RISC compiler technology and describes how the technology was extended to support the PowerPC architecture in addition to the 88000. >
This is a Tricky Situation: Situationism and Reasons-Responsiveness

Situations are powerful: the evidence from experimental social psychology suggests that agents are hugely influenced by the situations they find themselves in, often without their knowing it (this, roughly-speaking, is the thesis of situationism). In our paper, we evaluate how situational factors affect our reasons-responsiveness, as conceived of by John Fischer and Mark Ravizza, and, through this, how they also affect moral responsibility. We argue that the situationist experiments suggest that situational factors impair, among other things, our moderate reasons-responsiveness, which is plausibly required for moral responsibility. However, even though we argue that situational factors lower the degree of our reasons-responsiveness, we propose that agents remain moderately reasons-responsive to the degree required for moral responsibility. Nonetheless, those (adversely) affected by situational factors are arguably less morally responsible than those who are not subject to similar situational factors. We further evaluate an understanding of reasons-responsiveness (developed by Manuel Vargas in the light of situationist data) which relativizes reasons-responsiveness to agents’ circumstances. We argue that the situationist data do not warrant this kind of divergence from Fischer’s and Ravizza’s account. We conclude by discussing what situationist experiments tell us about our relationship to non-reasons.
Estimation of articulatory gesture patterns from speech acoustics

We investigated dynamic programming (DP) and statemodel (SM) approaches for estimating gestural scores from speech acoustics. We performed a word-identification task using the gestural pattern vector sequences estimated by each approach. For a set of 75 randomly chosen words, we obtained the best word-identification accuracy (66.67%) using the DP approach. This result implies that considerable support for lexical access during speech perception might be provided by such a method of recovering gestural information from acoustics. Index Terms: gestural patterns, acoustic to gesture inversion
The triggering, curving and stopping of excitable waves during cell migration

Recent advances in the understanding of cell migration in amoeboid cells have demonstrated the existence of excitable dynamics in the regulation of the extension and retraction of pseudopodia. In particular, traveling waves of biochemical signaling and actin polymerization have been observed in a number of different cell types. These waves appear to be triggered at a point on the cell cortex and propagate along the perimeter of the cell, pushing the membrane outward to create pseudopods. These waves, however, do not always spread throughout the entire cell cortex. More often than not, they stop after traveling a certain distance along the membrane. In this paper, we look at the factors that create the traveling front, and influence the stopping of the wave. We show that the speed of the wave is controlled by the initial set point of the excitable system, as well as the existence of a critical point for each system, that governs the stopping of the wave.
Frequency of small-colony variants and antimicrobial susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in cystic fibrosis patients

Abstract Background Small-colony variants (SCVs) are a distinct phenotype of Staphylococcus aureus, known for their role in chronic, difficult to treat infections, including cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The goal of this study was to characterize SCV MRSA infection in an adult and pediatric CF population and to identify antibiotic susceptibility patterns unique to SCV MRSA. Methods We recovered methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from respiratory culture samples from CF patients at the Johns Hopkins Hospital during a 6 month study period. Results Of 1161 samples, 200 isolates (17%) were identified as MRSA, and 37 isolates from 28 patients were identified as SCV MRSA. A higher proportion of MRSA was found among SCV isolates (37/66, 56%) compared to normal colony variant (NCV) isolates (163/417, 39%), p = 0.02. All SCV MRSA isolates from individual patients were susceptible to vancomycin and ceftaroline, but they demonstrated higher rates of antibiotic resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, moxifloxacin, and erythromycin, compared to NCV MRSA isolates. Additionally, individuals with SCV MRSA had lower lung function, higher rates of persistent MRSA infection, and higher rates of previous antibiotic use, compared to individuals with NCV MRSA. Conclusions A significant proportion of MRSA isolates recovered from patients with CF have the SCV morphology. Compared to individuals with NCV MRSA, those with SCV MRSA have higher rates of persistent MRSA infection and lower lung function. SCV MRSA isolates were more resistant than NCV, but they are highly susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid and ceftaroline.