cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A study on the high rate deposition of CrNx films with controlled microstructure by magnetron sputtering

Abstract High rate deposition of CrNx films with control of microstructure was carried out by magnetron sputtering. For these purposes, the deposition processes parameters were varied: N2 flow rate and especially substrate bias voltage, duty cycle and frequency using a pulsed DC power supply. The microstructure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical properties were evaluated by a microhardness test and adhesion test. The maximum deposition rate for CrNx compound films could be reached to nearly 90% compared with that for pure Cr coating due to the increase of ionization efficiency caused by a negative-pulsed DC bias. As N2 flow rate is increased, the microstructure of CrNx films was changed from Cr+Cr2N to CrN. Also, a phase transformation occurred between Cr2N+CrN multi-phase and CrN mono-phase by control of a negative DC and/or pulsed DC bias voltage, duty cycle and frequency. Microhardness for CrNx films were measured to be up to 1600 kg/mm2 and the maximum hardness value of 2250 kg/mm2 was obtained for CrNx film deposited with a N2 flow rate of 20 sccm at a negative DC bias of −100 V.
Self-assembled hybrid solids of luminescent Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes and polyoxometalates

Abstract Two new hybrid compounds, [Ru(bpy)3][W6O19] (1) and [Ru(bpy)3]2[Mo8O26]∙6H2O (2) (bpy = 2, 2′-bipyridyl) have been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction, TG, IR, FL, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Their crystal structures exhibit unique supramolecular interactions between [Ru(bpy)3]2 + and polyoxometalate units. Compound 1 shows anion–π interactions between the Linqvist unit W6O192 − and the aromatic ring of the [Ru(bpy)3]2 + complex. In compound 2, no significant anion–π interactions between the β-isomer of [Mo8O26]4 − and the [Ru(bpy)3]2 + unit were observed. Upon excitation at the λmax (450 nm) of the MLCT band of the [Ru(bpy)3]2 +, compound 1 shows an emission centered at 599 nm and compound 2 displays an emission centered at 613 nm.
Digital Aggression: Cyberworld Meets School Bullies

Cyberbullying is a category of bullying that occurs in the digital realm and affects students at astonishing rates. Unlike traditional bullying, in which displays of aggression may be evident to bystanders, the ramification of cyberbullying occurs through unconventional strategies (e.g., text messaging, online Web logs, video sharing). As a result, episodes of digital aggression may be camouflaged by the advancement in technology. Nonetheless, the effects of this digital form of peer aggression can be as detrimental as face-to-face bullying.
Surgical treatment of brain laceration in 1513

Abstract A detailed case history of the surgical treatment of brain laceration in the early sixteenth century is presented.
Jupiter's great red spot revisited

On the original Taylor column theory of Jupiter's Great Red Spot, the fixed latitude of the Spot is taken to imply that the Taylor column in Jupiter's atmosphere is associated with a disturbance such as a topographic feature of the surface Q underlying the atmosphere. The alternative suggestion that the Taylor column is produced by a solid raft floating at depth in the atmosphere is somewhat easier to reconcile with the approximately 10s difference between the respective rotation periods P sub S and P sub R of the Red Spot and of the radio sources, but it does not account so readily for the fixed latitude of the Spot unless it can be shown that the raft is in stable equilibrium under the north-south components of the dynamical forces, including wind effects, acting upon it. A slight wavering of the upper end of the Taylor column relative to the lower end could account at least in part for the most rapid variations in P sub S, but the slow large-amplitude variations in P sub S must reflect changes in the longitudinal motion of either the surface Q or of the raft. By generalizing the Proudman-Taylor theorem to the case of a non-homogeneous fluid it is shown that the Taylor column theory does not imply very special and therefore unlikely horizontal and vertical temperature variations in Jupiter's atmosphere, thus refuting a widely-held belief to the contrary.
Speaking of Nothing

Russell tells us in ‘On Denoting’ to test our logical theories by their ‘capacity for dealing with puzzles’.1 In this paper I raise the question of how a theory of reference, one of recent origin, might handle one of the major puzzles Russell mentioned. The theory of reference that I have in mind — and one I subscribe to — I will call ‘the historical explanation theory’. (It, or ones similar to it in important respects, has also been called the ‘causal theory’. For various reasons, I prefer a different title.2)
Two-dimensional crystallization of streptavidin: in pursuit of the molecular origins of structure, morphology, and thermodynamics.

Abstract The streptavidin two-dimensional (2D) crystallization model has served as a paradigm for molecular self-assembly at interfaces. We have developed quantitative Brewster angle microscopy for the in situ measurement of spatially resolved relative protein surface densities. This allows investigation of both the thermodynamics and morphologies of 2D crystal growth. For crystal structure analysis, we employ TEM on grown crystals transferred to solid substrates. Comparison of results between commercially available streptavidin, recombinant streptavidin, and site-directed streptavidin mutants has provided insight into the protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions that underlie 2D crystallization.
Reaping the Whirlwind: The Wind That Shakes the Barley, Liberation and After in the Movies

Popular culture includes stories that define and justify the existence of groups and nations. Among those stories are creation accounts, especially stories of the forming of nations through struggles for liberation from oppression. The useful liberation myths are exemplified by two recent films: V for Vendetta and Children of Men. Another recent film, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, gives a sober and nuanced account of the Irish Rebellion. It includes the ambiguities of liberation events and the problems that arise and continue after the glorious moment of liberation.
Senior adult oncology program

This paper describes the development of the first Senior Adult Oncology Program (SAOP) that was developed in Tampain 1994. The experience of the program established: 1. That a geriatric assessment is a key to taylor the management of older individuals, because it provides an estimate of life-expectancy and tolerance of treatment and unearth a number of conditions that may interefere with the management of cancer; 2. That a screening test to determine which patients may benefit from a full assessment is desirable. The current research projects of the SAOP include prediction of complications of chemotherapy, quantification of comorbidity and support of the caregiver.
Schwinger multichannel study of the 2Pi(g) shape resonance in N2

We report the results of a study on electron-target correlations in the 2Πg shape resonance of elastic e-N2 scattering, using the Schwinger multichannel formulation. The effects of basis set, orbital representation, and closed-channel configurations are delineated. The different roles of radial and angular correlations are compared. Our results are in good agreement with a recent calculation by Schneider and Collins [Phys. Rev. A 30, 95 (1984)] using the linear algebraic-optical potential method whereas calculations using radial correlations alone agree well with previous calculations based on a variety of different approaches.
Maximal Invariants and Performance of Some Invariant Hypothesis Tests for an Adaptive Detection Problem

Maximal invariants for adaptive detection of a signal in unknown interference from multiple observations is derived. Given coherent samples from P sets of observations, it is shown that a maximal invariant statistic for the detection problem is a 2P × 1-dimensional vector comprising the eigenvalues of two Hermitian positive definite matrices obtained from the data set. Two invariant detectors, well known for P=1, are generalized for the case of multiple observations and closed form expressions for the probability of detection and probability of false alarm are derived along with the distributions of the signal-to-interference-plus-noise loss factors. Several novel invariant detectors are constructed from the maximal invariants and the receiver operating characteristics of the detectors compared.
Carbon-13 NMR studies of oxo-centered trinuclear chromium(III) complexes of the general formula [Cr3O(O2CR)6(L)3]+ (R = Me, Ph; L = H2O, py)

13C NMR resonances of a series of oxo-centered trinuclear chromium complexes have been observed and assigned. A π-delocalization mechanism dominates where ligands contain aromatic substituents or bridging carboxylate functionalities, consistent with the presence of a metal center where to first approximation unpaired electrons reside solely in t2g. orbitals. A contrast is made between the delocalization mechanism in these complexes and those of their isostructural Mn and Fe analogues.
Geometric and electronic structure of the heme-peroxo-copper complex [(F8TPP)FeIII-(O22-)-CuII(TMPA)](ClO4).

The geometric and electronic structure of the untethered heme−peroxo−copper model complex [(F8TPP)FeIII−(O22-)−CuII(TMPA)](ClO4) (1) has been investigated using Cu and Fe K-edge EXAFS spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations in order to describe its geometric and electronic structure. The Fe and Cu K-edge EXAFS data were fit with a Cu···Fe distance of ∼3.72 A. Spin-unrestricted DFT calculations for the ST = 2 spin state were performed on [(P)FeIII−(O22-)−CuII(TMPA)]+ as a model of 1. The peroxo unit is bound end-on to the copper, and side-on to the high-spin iron, for an overall μ-η1:η2 coordination mode. The calculated Cu···Fe distance is ∼0.3 A longer than that observed experimentally. Reoptimization of [(P)FeIII−(O22-)−CuII(TMPA)]+ with a 3.7 A Cu···Fe constrained distance results in a similar energy and structure that retains the overall μ-η1:η2-peroxo coordination mode. The primary bonding interaction between the copper and the peroxide involves electron donation into the half-occupied...
Optical channel capacity: 100 Gb/s, Tb/s and beyond

100-Gb/s per channel optical transport technology development has experienced a long journey from purely academic interests to commercially viable solutions. In near future, 100-Gb/s channel will be one of the major building blocks for the next generation transport network. Beyond 100 Gb/s optical channel designs may, however, experience a paradigm change. So far, almost all commercially available optical channels, with capacity up to 100 Gb/s, are single-optical-carrier ETDM (electrical time domain multiplexing) channels. Optical channels with capacities beyond 100 Gb/s, however, will most likely be a superchannel with multiple optical carriers based on our analysis.
Staphylococcus aureus Screening and Decolonization in Orthopaedic Surgery and Reduction of Surgical Site Infections

Background Staphylococcus aureus is the most common organism responsible for orthopaedic surgical site infections (SSIs). Patients who are carriers for methicillin-sensitive S. aureus or methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) have a higher likelihood of having invasive S. aureus infections. Although some have advocated screening for S. aureus and decolonizing it is unclear whether these efforts reduce SSIs.
Blood glutathione decreases in chronic diseases.

Previously a high blood glutathione level was correlated with long life span in the mouse and rat and in healthy elderly human beings. This raised the question of whether low glutathione levels occur in unhealthy subjects. To this end, 74 consecutive patients newly admitted to the hospital, with ages ranging from 21 to 89 years and diagnosed with chronic diseases, were studied along with 32 healthy control subjects. Blood samples were analyzed for reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione with a high-performance liquid chromatography-dual electrochemical method. The data were integrated with the clinical diagnoses and statistically analyzed. Marked total glutathione decreases from the control levels occurred in over 36% of the patients with chronic diseases including cancer and genitourinary, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal diseases (P < .001). The deficit was due to low GSH concentrations and not to GSSG, which was the same as that in the control subjects. The conclusion is that a decrease in GSH is a risk factor for chronic diseases that may be used to monitor the severity and progress of the diseases. Future work is necessary to elucidate the mechanism of action.
Live attenuated HIV as a vaccine for AIDS: pros and cons

Abstract Anti-HIV-1 vaccines must be safe and effective. In macaques, live attenuated simian immunodeficiency viruses have provided the best protection to date. Similar results were obtained earlier in murine leukemia virus systems in which protection correlated with cellular immunity but not with neutralizing antibodies. Attenuated primate lentiviruses tested thus far have been replication-impaired but may still harbor genetic determinants encoding virulence. Other safety issues concern insertional oncogenesis, genetic instability, vertical transmission and differential pathogenicity in adults and newborns, and viral persistence with possible reactivation during intercurrent illness. Long term safety studies are needed to assess the risks associated with live attenuated retrovirus vaccines.
Charge transfer fluorescent probes using boronic acids for monosaccharide signaling

We have developed a new series of glucose sensitive fluorophores that display shifts in emission wavelengths and/or intensity change upon the binding of monosaccharides. Complexation of glucose with the boronic acid moiety changes both its orbital hybridization and its ability to accept and donate electrons. This change results in distinct emission spectra for the fluorophores when free in solution or complexed with monosaccharide. The spectral changes upon saccharide binding can be modified by substitution of electron donor or acceptor group on the fluorophore allowing rational design of the spectral response.
The Constituency Component A Comparison of Service in Great Britain and the United States

The policymaking component of representation in the United States and Great Britain has been closely studied and compared, but the constituency component—the handling of constituent complaints and ...
The Joint Influence of Brand, Package Size, and Price on Consumer Decision Behavior

Summary Experienced American grocery shoppers (N = 48) were presented with choices among typical consumer items which differed systematically in brand (national or store), container size (small, medium, or large) and price (0%, 15%, or 30% discount). Within each item category appearing on their shopping lists, these consumers were requested to select the “best bargain” from the shelves of a simulated convenience store. A previous scaling study established based prices and the best buy was operationally defined as that item having the lowest unit price within each product category. The results showed that consumers preferred nationally advertised brands regardless of container size when price discounts were moderate and avoided private labels more with large containers than with smaller when the discount was substantial. The findings can be explained in terms of prevailing consumer behavior theory involving the reduction in perceived risk.
Hemodynamic responses and linear and non-linear dynamics of cardiovascular autonomic regulation following supramaximal exercise

The purpose of this study was to examine hemodynamic responses and cardiovascular autonomic regulation following supramaximal exercise. Electrocardiographic R-R intervals and beat-to-beat hemodynamics were recorded before and for 10 min after a 30-s Wingate test in 11 males. Spectral analysis of heart rate (HR) and arterial pressure variability, analysis of HR complexity, the sequence technique and the cross-spectral transfer function were used to quantify autonomic regulation and baroreflex sensitivity. After exercise, the high frequency component of HR variability (vagal-related index) was lower than pre-exercise values, whereas the ratio low frequency to high frequency (index of sympathovagal balance) and the low frequency component of blood pressure variability (index of sympathetic vasomotor tone) were greater than baseline (p < 0.05). Post-exercise HR complexity and baroreflex sensitivity were reduced compared to baseline, p < 0.05. Cardiovascular autonomic control requires more than 10 min to fully recover after intense physical exertion of only 30-s in young healthy males.
Predictors of emergency department visit disposition for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Study objectives The study objective was to validate among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) clinical predictors of emergency department (ED) disposition (admission vs discharge) found in a previous study. We hypothesized that the initial heart rate (HR) at presentation and the number of nebulizer treatments would predict visit disposition adequately and that existing triage criteria would not. Methods In this correlational study, all ED visits to a university medical center related to a diagnosis of COPD over a 2-year period were identified and reviewed retrospectively (N = 114 patients and 226 visits). Associations of clinical predictors with visit disposition was by contingency table or receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results The overall admission rate was 60.2%. An initial HR slightly greater than normal limits (HR ≥ 106 vs HR ≤ 105 beats/min) predicted visit disposition; receiver operating characteristic area under curve (95% confidence interval) = .67 (.60-.73); sensitivity = .61 (.52-.69); and specificity = .68 (.57-.77). Likelihood ratios for positive and negative tests were 1.93 and 0.57, corresponding to posterior probabilities of admission = .74 and .46, respectively. Triage classification did not adequately predict visit disposition. Patients receiving three or more nebulized bronchodilator treatments were more likely to be admitted than those receiving fewer treatments, but this predictor had low sensitivity and was no more discriminating than the initial HR. Women were more likely than men to be admitted, odds ratio = 2.66 (1.54-4.61), but there were few clinically meaningful differences between sexes. Conclusions The initial HR on arrival predicted disposition of ED visits for patients with COPD with operating characteristics that were superior to the existing triage criteria. Triage of patients with COPD could be improved simply, and at no additional expense, by recognizing that almost any degree of tachycardia in a patient with COPD substantially increases the likelihood of admission.
Cutaneous mechanoreceptors of the hand: experimental studies and their implications for clinical testing of tactile sensation

This paper reviews selected research on the neurophysiology of cutaneous mechanoreceptors and their relationship to tactile sensations. Particular emphasis is placed on studies in which neurophysiological results are directly comparable to psychophysical results. These studies provide the strongest evidence for correlating mechanoreceptor function with specific tactile sensations. Furthermore, these studies have implications for how one should administer tactile stimuli in order to selectively stimulate particular groups of mechanoreceptors.
HERBIVORY, DISEASE, RECRUITMENT LIMITATION, AND SUCCESS OF ALIEN AND NATIVE TREE SPECIES

The Enemies Hypothesis predicts that alien plants have a competitive ad- vantage over native plants because they are often introduced with few herbivores or diseases. To investigate this hypothesis, we transplanted seedlings of the invasive alien tree, Sapium sebiferum (Chinese tallow tree) and an ecologically similar native tree, Celtis laevigata (hackberry), into mesic forest, floodplain forest, and coastal prairie sites in east Texas and manipulated foliar fungal diseases and insect herbivores with fungicidal and insecticidal sprays. As predicted by the Enemies Hypothesis, insect herbivores caused significantly greater damage to untreated Celtis seedlings than to untreated Sapium seedlings. However, contrary to predictions, suppression of insect herbivores caused significantly greater in- creases in survivorship and growth of Sapium seedlings compared to Celtis seedlings. Regressions suggested that Sapium seedlings compensate for damage in the first year but that this greatly increases the risk of mortality in subsequent years. Fungal diseases had no effects on seedling survival or growth. The Recruitment Limitation Hypothesis predicts that the local abundance of a species will depend more on local seed input than on com- petitive ability at that location. To investigate this hypothesis, we added seeds of Celtis and Sapium on and off of artificial soil disturbances at all three sites. Adding seeds increased the density of Celtis seedlings and sometimes Sapium seedlings, with soil disturbance only affecting density of Celtis. Together the results of these experiments suggest that the success of Sapium may depend on high rates of seed input into these ecosystems and high growth potential, as well as performance advantages of seedlings caused by low rates of herbivory.
On the accuracy of admission control tests

In guaranteed performance networks, a connection admission control (CAC) algorithm determines whether or not a new connection can be admitted to the network such that all connections will obtain their required quality of service (QoS) guarantees. However, inaccuracies in a CAC algorithm lead to either under utilization of resources or violations of the promised QoS guarantees. We evaluate the accuracy of a broad range of CAC algorithms that have been proposed in the literature. Our approach is to perform experiments with long traces of MPEG compressed video, considering both heterogeneous traffic streams and priority schedulers. We compare the admissible regions and QoS parameters predicted by our implementations of the CAC algorithms with those obtained from trace driven simulations. We then identify the key aspects of a CAC test for achieving a high degree of accuracy and hence a high statistical multiplexing gain.
Cardiac function in alcohol-associated systemic hypertension

The pathogenesis of alcohol cardiomyopathy is obscure. Because systemic hypertension is observed in one-third of alcoholics, the relation of this finding to left ventricular (LV) function was analyzed in 66 alcoholics (26 with a blood pressure of 160/95 mm Hg or higher) 4 to 5 days after alcohol withdrawal. Hypertensive alcoholics had a more abnormal ratio of preejection period/LV ejection time (PEP/ET) (0.398 ± 0.01 vs 0.35 ± 0.01, p <0.02) than normotensive alcoholics (matched normal 0.290 ± 0.01). Hypertensive alcoholics (transitory hypertension) with blood pressures of 120/80 mm Hg or less at time of study also had more abnormal PEP/LVET than matched normotensive alcoholics (0.415 ± 0.03 vs 0.331 ± 0.01, p <0.05). In both hypertensive (77 ± 6 dynes/cm2 × 103) and normotensive alcoholics (67 ± 4 dynes/cm2 × 103) LV stress was elevated (normal 46 ± 3 dynes/cm2 × 103, both p <0.02). However, LV mass was not increased (hypertensive 96 ± 4 g/m2 vs normotensive 100 ± 4 g/m2; (normal 92 ± 5 g/m2), resulting in a markedly Increased stress to mass ratio (hypertensive 0.8 ± 0.06; Normal 0.5 ± 0.05, p <0.02). Hypertensive alcoholics also had LV “hyperfunction,” with an Increased stress/LV end-systolic volume ratio (1.7 ± 0.1 vs 1.3 ± 0.1 dynes/cm2 × 103/ml, p <0.02). Thus, hypertensive alcoholics, even those with transitory hypertension, have more abnormal cardiac function than normotensive alcoholics. Presence of hypertension with hyperdynamic LV features may be a prelude to heart failure.
Distinguishing statistical significance from clinical importance: the value of the P value.

1. Sharon R. Ghazarian, PhD* 1. *Director, Bayview Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Data Management Core, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. You have been providing handouts on infant massage to your families who have newborns for several years. You had read about the benefits of infant massage, including increased bonding between parent and child, improved infant digestion, facilitation of attachment, improved sleep, and better infant weight gain. (1) However, you recently read an article showing the results of a comparative panel design study in which the association between infant massage and weight gain was statistically significant at 2 months but not at 4 months of age for mothers and their infants in Santiago, Chile. (2) You now wonder whether infant massage is as beneficial as you once thought and whether you should continue to provide the information to parents of newborns. Many practitioners wonder whether a lack of statistical significance means a lack of clinical importance for their patients. If …
On a reformulation of Cournot-nash equilibria

Abstract We present variations on a theme of Mas-Colell and report results on the existence of Cournot-Nash equilibrium distributions in which individual actions and the payoffs are represented by relations that are not necessarily complete or transitive.
Intestinal Macrophages: Specialized Antigen-Presenting Cells at the Front Line

Mammals are eukaryotic organisms, yet they can harbor up to hundreds of trillions of prokaryotes. The majority of these prokaryotes are bacteria that reside within the alimentary/intestinal tract. During the course of evolution these bacteria (collectively referred to as the microbiota) have established a mutualistic relationship with the mammalian host. For the host to reap maximal benefits provided by the microbiota, the mucosal immune system must react in a tolerogenic manner towards these beneficial bacteria, while remaining poised to respond to pathogens. Macrophages are specialized antigen-presenting immune cells located directly beneath the epithelial layer in the intestine, which play a key role in directing innate and adaptive immune responses towards tolerance or inflammation depending on the context. Below we summarize several important features of intestinal macrophages with special emphasis on their phenotypes and functions during health and disease.
Analysis of novel geometry-independent method for dialysis access pressure-flow monitoring

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) confers a large health-care burden for the United States, and the morbidity associated with vascular access failure has stimulated research into detection of vascular access stenosis and low flow prior to thrombosis. We present data investigating the possibility of using differential pressure (ΔP) monitoring to estimate access flow (Q) for dialysis access monitoring, with the goal of utilizing micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) pressure sensors integrated within the shaft of dialysis needles. Methods: A model of the arteriovenous graft fluid circuit was used to study the relationship between Q and the ΔP between two dialysis needles placed 2.5–20.0 cm apart. Tubing was varied to simulate grafts with inner diameters of 4.76–7.95 mm. Data were compared with values from two steady-flow models. These results, and those from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of ΔP as a function of needle position, were used to devise and test a method of estimating Q using ΔP and variable dialysis pump speeds (variable flow) that diminishes dependence on geometric factors and fluid characteristics. Results: In the fluid circuit model, ΔP increased with increasing volume flow rate and with increasing needle-separation distance. A nonlinear model closely predicts this ΔP-Q relationship (R2 > 0.98) for all graft diameters and needle-separation distances tested. CFD modeling suggested turbulent needle effects are greatest within 1 cm of the needle tip. Utilizing linear, quadratic and combined variable flow algorithms, dialysis access flow was estimated using geometry-independent models and an experimental dialysis system with the pressure sensors separated from the dialysis needle tip by distances ranging from 1 to 5 cm. Real-time ΔP waveform data were also observed during the mock dialysis treatment, which may be useful in detecting low or reversed flow within the access.
Socioeconomic position and incident mobility impairment in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Background We investigated if personal socioeconomic position (SEP) factors and neighborhood characteristics were associated with incident mobility impairment in the elderly.
Digestibility of Forages by the Meadow Vole (Microtus Pennsylvanicus)

Abstract Meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus ) were fed semipurified diets of alfalfa, brome grass, and orchardgrass hays in concentrations between 20 and 100%. The hays were the only source of cell walls in the diet. Dry matter digestibility decreased as the cell wall content in the diets increased. Cell walls and cellulose increased in digestibility as cell wall in the diets increased. Hemicellulose digestibility in the diets followed a curvilinear pattern. Hemicellulose decreased in digestibility as the cell wall content of the diets increased to approximately 28% and then digestibility of hemicellulose increased. Most voles survived on diets with up to 50% cell walls but died on diets with more than 55% cell wall contents. The vole digestibility results were compared with digestibilities from sheep, swine, horses and rats fed hay of similar composition.
Analysis of childhood brain tumour data in New York City using frailty models.

This paper uses frailty models to analyse overall survival and progression-free survival times for children with a brain tumour. We are interested in how surgery resection affects survival times. We are also interested in how strong a child's progression-free survival correlates with his/her overall survival and if the association differs with age. Traditionally the frailty is modelled parametrically and a maximum likelihood approach is used to estimate the parameters of interest. However, the result is sensitive to the misspecification of the frailty distribution and the currently developed algorithms for the maximum likelihood approach do not allow the association parameter to depend on covariates. Xue formulates a Poisson regression model and applies an estimating equation approach to obtain a consistent estimate of the covariate effect on survival. This paper extends that approach to obtain consistent and efficient estimates of the association parameter as well as the covariate effect and to allow the association parameter to depend on the covariates. The approach does not require the specification of the frailty distribution. The performance of the method is evaluated through simulation studies. We apply this method to a childhood brain tumour data set in New York City.
Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex Resolves Conflict from Distracting Stimuli by Boosting Attention toward Relevant Events

In everyday life, we often focus greater attention on behaviorally relevant stimuli to limit the processing of distracting events. For example, when distracting voices intrude upon a conversation at a noisy social gathering, we concentrate more attention on the speaker of interest to better comprehend his or her speech. In the present study, we investigated whether dorsal/caudal regions of the anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), thought to make a major contribution to cognitive control, boost attentional resources toward behaviorally relevant stimuli as a means for limiting the processing of distracting events. Sixteen healthy participants performed a cued global/local selective attention task while brain activity was recorded with event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging. Consistent with our hypotheses, greater dACC activity during distracting events predicted reduced behavioral measures of interference from those same events. dACC activity also differed for cues to attend to global versus local features of upcoming visual objects, further indicating a role in directing attention toward task-relevant stimuli. Our findings indicate a role for dACC in focusing attention on behaviorally relevant stimuli, especially when the achievement of our behavioral goals is threatened by distracting events.
Isolation and partial characterization of the Campylobacter rectus cytotoxin.

Abstract Previously, we reported the antigranulocytic activity of Campylobacter rectus media supernatants containing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and a 104 kDa protein. Here, we monitored the release of protein and LPS through the growth cycle of C. rectus ATCC 33238 and identified the 104 kDa protein as the cytotoxin. LPS in media supernatants was quantitated by a KDO assay; the 104 kDa protein was detected on immunoblots with specific antibody (A104) and quantitated by amino acid analysis of membrane immobilized protein bands. C. rectus cell product release was independent of cell lysis, Over 24 h, the 104 kDa protein was released linearly while LPS was released in two plateaus; both increased in C. rectus culture supernatants 3 h after inoculation achieving maximum concentrations at 21 h of 3.1 μg/ml and 14.6 μg/ml, respectively, In 2 h, trypan blue viability assays, 37-47 μg of 12, 18 and 24 h supernatant protein killed 33-43% of HL-6O cells. Supernatant toxicity was heat sensitive and inhibited by A104. Sequencing the 16 N-terminal amino acids of the cytotoxin distinguished it from described C. rectus proteins, Similarities between epitopes and amino acid compositions of the Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin and C. rectus cytotoxin were observed. These data indicate that C. rectus secretes a 104 kDa cytotoxin.
Expression of constitutively active 4EBP-1 enhances p27Kip1 expression and inhibits proliferation of MCF7 breast cancer cells

Background Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is essential for cap-dependent initiation of translation. Cell proliferation is associated with increased activity of eIF4E and elevated expression of eIF4E leads to tumorigenic transformation. Many tumors express very high levels of eIF4E and this may be a critical factor in progression of the disease. In contrast, overexpression of 4EBP, an inhibitor of eIF4E, leads to cell cycle arrest and phenotypic reversion of some transformed cells.
History and liability in Aceh, Indonesia: Single bad guys and convergent narratives

In this article, I explore the complicity of history and violence in Aceh, Indonesia, to consider the role of narrative logics in accountability. Through a careful reading of official and archival documents, I argue that narrative logics have corrupted forensic evidence and limited efforts to hold perpetrators accountable for acknowledged acts of violence. I consider how different narratives about past violence have important implications for accountability and future violence. I situate my examination of the Aceh case in a broader context by considering how anthropology produces knowledge about violence, especially its evidentiary basis, and what effect such expertise may have on conflict situations. I develop the concept of “liability” to explore how the state is legally answerable for what it acknowledges.
Combining Income and Wealth: An Analysis of Farm Family “Well-Being”

Personal distribution of well-being of farm families relative to all U. S. families is substantially improved when wealth is considered along with money income. The "live poor and die rich" paradox facing older farm families could often be overcome by providing an easier means whereby they could use up equity in family living.
An analog leaf cell for analog circuit design

In this paper, we describe an analog leaf cell (ALC) that was created to facilitate teaching analog circuit design to senior/graduate EE. It is intended as a teaching tool to introduce the student to the design, fabrication and test cycle in a simple yet complete manner. The ALC is a sea-of-gates semi-custom IC design approach that reduces design and fabrication time.
Sensitivity analysis of a proposed model mechanism for newly created glucose‐6‐oxidases

Parametric sensitivity analysis of a proposed model mechanism can serve as a valuable diagnostic for studying the fundamental characteristics of an enzymatic reaction. As the first step toward understanding the kinetics of a series of newly engineered glucose-6-oxidases, the activity of which has never been found in nature, we have proposed a mechanistic kinetic model and performed a parametric sensitivity analysis. The mechanism of our model consists of two enzyme conformations, namely “less active” and “more active,” and is shown to be consistent with experimental observations of prolonged periods of enzyme induction. The extended lag phase phenomenon was found to be well described mechanistically by a slow rate of interconversion between the two enzyme conformations (relative to the rate of product formation), and this prediction was further supported by our experimental results. The proposed enzymatic model will serve as a blueprint with which to better understand the mechanistic behavior of newly generated glucose-6-oxidases. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2303–2308, 2012
Pleiotropic benefits of moderate salt reduction.

The report by He and colleagues provides additional support for reducing daily salt intake from the ≈9 g/d typical of UK and US populations to <6 g recommended by health authorities in both countries.1,2 In their study, moderate sodium reduction lowered clinic blood pressure −4.8/−2.2 mm Hg and daytime ambulatory blood pressure a nearly identical −4.7/−2.2 mm Hg. The blood pressure benefits of moderate sodium restriction were clinically and statistically significant in middle-aged hypertensive adults with predominantly Stage 1 disease. And, the blood pressure changes were significant not only in self-identified blacks and whites, which is consistent with previous reports,2 but also Asians, which adds new information. The mean sodium intake on slow sodium and placebo in this study were comparable to the high (target 150 mmol/d) and intermediate (100 mmol/d) intake in DASH sodium.2 …
Cellular UHMW Polyethylene Produed by Non-Foaming Leaching Technique: Morphology and Properties

The objective of the research was to develop and study the properties of cellular or porous Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) Polyethylene for biomedical applications. The process, based on the leaching technique, does not require any modification in processing equipment, is environment-friendly and uses raw materials approved by the FDA for in vivo medical applications. It is possible to produce porous polymers having predetermined pore size, pore shape and porosity using the leaching technique. The pores are interconnected and well-distributed throughout the threedimensional volume of the sample. The size, shape and content of the porogen in the molding mixture greatly affect the physical properties of the pores in the final porous sample. Maximum porosity of 60% was obtained. The developed porous UHMW Polyethylene, which is permeable by liquids, can be used as a substrate matrix in bone regeneration and in hip-and knee joint replacements. With adequate lubrication, the porous implants would prevent th...
Fiscal Policy over the Real Business Cycle: A Positive Theory ∗

This paper presents a political economy theory of the behavior of fiscal policy over the business cycle. The theory predicts that, in both booms and recessions, fiscal policies are set so that the marginal cost of public funds obeys a submartingale. In the short run, fiscal policy can be pro-cyclical with government debt spiking up upon entering a boom. However, in the long run, fiscal policy is counter-cyclical with debt increasing in recessions and decreasing in booms. Government spending increases in booms and decreases during recessions, while tax rates decrease during booms and increase in recessions. Data on tax rates from the G7 countries supports the submartingale prediction, and the correlations between fiscal policy variables and national income implied by the theory are consistent with much of the existing evidence from the U.S. and other countries.
Experimentally Derived Kinetic Model for Sensor-Based Gait Monitoring

A method for estimating gait parameters (shank, thigh and stance leg angles) from a single, in-situ, scalar acceleration measurement is presented. A methods for minimizing the impact of errors due to unpredictable variations in muscle actuation and acceleration measurement biases is developed. This is done by determining the most probable gait progression by minimization of a cost function that re ects the size of errors in the gait parameters. In addition, a model for gait patterns that takes into account their variations due to walking speed is introduced and used. The approach is tested on data collected from subjects in a gait study. The approach can estimate limb angles with errors less than 6° (one standard deviation) and, thus, is suitable for many envisioned gait monitoring applications in non-laboratory settings. Language: en
Life Cycle Assessment

This chapter discusses the “cradle-to-grave” approach to environmental management of products or processes. It focuses on tracing the environmental burden presented by a product and process and tracks the management of its raw materials, energy and material usage and waste management with a view to developing programs for environmental improvement. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is discussed by looking at its three main stages namely inventory analysis, impact assessment, and improvement assessment
Effects of Cardiac Surgery on Duty Status in the Active Duty Military Population.

ABSTRACT No modern studies have addressed the impact of cardiac surgery on military duty status, which is associated with constraints not applicable to the general population. A review of all active duty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), mitral valve repair (MVrep), bioprosthetic valve replacement (BIOVALVE), mechanical valve replacement (MECHVALVE), and septal defect closure (ASD/VSD) at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2011 was used to determine final duty status: Return to Full Duty (RTFD), Medical Board Separation or Planned Retirement/Separation. Complete data on final disposition was available for 99% (75/76) of patients. There were 9 Planned Retirement/Separation patients. There was a 100% rate of RTFD for all MVrep, BIOVALVE, and ASD/VSD patients. Patients undergoing CABG had an 83% (20/23) rate of RTFD. MECHVALVE patients had RTFD in only 23% (5/21) of cases. Patients undergoing MECHVALVE are unlikely to be suitable for continued s...
Clinical Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Therapy in Rectal Cancer: Is Surgery Needed?

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by proctectomy is the recommended treatment plan for locally advanced rectal cancer in the USA. After chemoradiation, approximately 20 % of patients experience a complete pathologic response, which is associated with improved oncological outcomes. This observation prompted questions about the necessity of surgery if the tumor has completely regressed. Using clinical complete response as a surrogate for pathologic response, the watch and wait approach was introduced as an attempt at organ preservation utilizing active surveillance protocols rather than surgery. Prospective studies have highlighted the potential benefits of this approach, with successful organ preservation and comparable oncologic outcomes. Non-operative protocols are based on thorough response assessment using clinical exam, imaging, and laboratory tests with frequent repeat examinations to detect residual or recurrent disease in a timely manner. Although a subset of patients benefit from this approach, accurate identification of appropriate patients remains challenging. Debate continues regarding use of non-operative surveillance or standard proctectomy in patients deemed to have a complete clinical response. This review discusses the current data as well as the challenges of this approach.
115-mJ, 2-µm Pulses by Optical Parametric Oscillator in KTP

We generated 115 mJ of OPO energy at 2 µm from a two-crystal, two-pass, walkoff-compensated KTP pumped multimode at 1.06-µm. The phase matching angle for degeneracy in the X-Z plane of flux grown Chinese KTP is found to be 50.25 ± 0.25 °, smaller than previously reported for KTP.
Women's health: pregnancy and childbirth. The use of drugs during pregnancy and lactation.

Only 14 drugs in the US have been approved for use during pregnancy and none of these is recommended for lactating women. There is a serious need for more epidemiological research on problems connected with exposure to specific drugs during pregnancy and on the amount of drugs that is excreted into human milk. Most available data on drug effects are based on studies involving young adult males. However there is reason to believe that the altered physiological states of pregnancy and lactation change drug absorption distribution kinetics metabolism and excretion. There is some concern that these states may also alter the mode of drug action. Anticancer drugs thalidomide and certain antiseizure medications are known to have teratogenic effects on the developing fetus. In addition there is concern about possible delayed effects of other drugs taken during pregnancy especially on more subtle intellectual and behavioral functioning. The data on the effects of drugs on lactation are of better quality because it is possible to measure the amount of drug in the mother and in her milk as well as in the infant. An unexplored area concerns the exposure of lactating women to environmental agents especially those that are soluble in body fat.
The Anterior Pituitary Sex Hormone of Normal and Semicastrated Rats

SummaryThe amount of anterior pituitary sex hormone in the pituitaries of normal male and female rats was not noticeably changed after semicastration. This hormone has not been found in the blood serum of normal or semicastrated nullipara females, or in normal or semicastrated males. The need for a greater amount of the hormone in the Mood of semicastrated animals is pointed out.
Preliminary Observations on the Morphology and Cytology of an Undescribed Heterobasidiomycete from Washington State

(1948). Preliminary Observations on the Morphology and Cytology of an Undescribed Heterobasidiomycete from Washington State. Mycologia: Vol. 40, No. 4, pp. 478-481.
Protein engineering and site-directed mutagenesis. Patents and literature.

Protein engineering and site-directed mutagenesis is becoming immensely important in both fundamental studies and commercial applications involving proteins and enzymes in biocatalysis. Protein engineering has become a powerful tool to help biochemists and molecular enzymologists elucidate structure-function relationships in enzymic active sites, to understand the intricacies of protein folding and denaturation, and to alter the selectivity of enzymatic catalysis. Commercial applications of engineered enzymes are being developed to increase protein stability, widen or narrow substrate specificity, and to develop novel approaches for use of enzymes in organic synthesis, drug design, and clinical applications. In addition to protein engineering, novel expression systems have been designed to prepare large quantities of genetically engineered proteins. Recent US patents and scientific literature on protein engineering, site-directed mutagenesis, and protein expression systems related to protein engineering are surveyed. Patent abstracts are summarized individually and a list of literature references are given.