cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exact finite-range DWBA analyses of (12C, 11B) and (12C, 13C) reaction from 208Pb

Abstract A fast way to carry out the exact-finite range DWBA calculation is discussed, and is applied to the analyses of (12C, 11B) and (12C, 13C) reaction from 208Pb.
Effects of particle drift on the transport of cosmic rays. IV. more realistic diffusion coefficients

Results from numerical simulations of cosmic-ray modulations by the solar wind are presented which show that the scattering mean free path should be larger than the particle gyroradius in the average magnetic field. It is found that the difference between drift and no-drift solutions is not as great as in previous simulations, which violated the mean free path constraint stated. Profound effects are still noted for the drifts, which determine the origin of the bulk of the cosmic rays seen at any given time in the inner solar system. Accordingly, during the 1975 solar minimum, the positively charged cosmic rays seen in the inner solar system came primarily from the outer boundary near the heliospheric poles while negative particles came from the equatorial regions of the boundary.
FACTOR ANALYSIS OF THE TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE FOR SEVERAL LANGUAGE GROUPS

A factor analytic study of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) was undertaken to determine the component abilities that underly performance on the test for several major language groups. Alternative analytic procedures were employed that included (a) computing separate factor solutions for each language group, (b) rotating separate solutions to a common target, and (c) examining the relationships between factors and a variety of candidate background variables. The structure of the test is discussed in terms of the similarities and differences found in each language group. The implications of the results for test development, for the interpretation of TOEFL subscores, and for English language training are presented.
Optimization of surface condensate production from natural gases using artificial intelligence

Abstract The selection of operating pressures in surface separators can have a remarkable impact on the quantity and quality of the oil produced at the stock tank. In the case of a three-stage separation process, where the operating pressures of the first and third stage (stock tank) are usually set by process considerations, the middle-stage separator pressure becomes the natural variable that lends itself to optimization. Middle-stage pressure is said to be optimum when it maximizes liquid yield in the production facility (i.e., CGR value reaches a maximum) while enhancing the quality of the produced oil condensate (i.e., API is maximized). Accurate thermodynamic and phase equilibrium calculations, albeit elaborate and computer-intensive, represent the more rigorous and reliable way of approaching this optimization problem. Nevertheless, empirical and quasi-empirical approaches are typically the norm when it comes to the selection of the middle-stage surface separation pressure in field operations. In this study, we propose the implementation of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) technology for the establishment of an expert system capable of learning the complex relationship between the input parameters and the output response of the middle-stage optimization problems via neuro-simulation. During the neuro-simulation process, parametric studies are conducted to identify the most influential variables in the thermodynamic optimization protocol. This study presents a powerful optimization tool for the selection of the optimum middle-stage separation pressure, for a variety of natural gas fluid mixtures. The developed ANN is able to predict operating conditions for optimum surface condensate recovery from typical natural gases with condensate contents between 10
TRITON‐X is most effective among three decellularization agents for ACL tissue engineering

Ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are still associated with high rates of long-term complications, even in patients undergoing modern, state-of-the-art replacement. Tissue-engineering approaches have been shown to be of value in improving treatment of ACL ruptures. However, the success of tissue-engineering procedures depends on the choice of an appropriate biomaterial. Decellularized ACL tissue potentially combines the structural composition of the targeted tissue with a reduced risk of graft rejection or disease transmission. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of currently available decellularization methods based on TRITON-X, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and trypsin. After identifying the most effective decellularization method, the capacity for reseeding with ACL fibroblasts was studied. All decellularization protocols reduced DNA content, with TRITON-X treatment having the greatest effect. Concurrently, decellularization did not affect tissue collagen or total protein content, but did decrease glycosaminoglycan content. TRITON-X also resulted the least glycosaminoglycan depletion. Porcine ACL tissue after decellularization with TRITON-X could be successfully reseeded with human ACL fibroblasts as demonstrated by steady DNA content and increasing pro-collagen expression.
Inhibition of Synthesis of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Receptors by a Down-Regulating Dose of LH

Although LH is known to cause down-regulation of the LH/human CG (hCG) receptor, the mechanisms underlying this process are not well understood. Here we have analyzed the effects of LH on the turnover of LH receptors in cutured granulosa cells. Down-regulation was stimulated in FSH-primed granulosa cells by exposure to LH for 1 h. By 24 h after LH exposure, the LH/hCG receptor content, as measured using [125I]iodo-hCG was 70% less than controls. To determine whether this loss of LH/hCG recepors was due to accelerated receptor degradation, turnover measurements were made using tunicamycin to inhibit LH/hCG receptor synthesis. Under these conditions, there was a small (16%) increase in the rate of degradation of LH/hCG receptors in LH-treated cells compared to controls. By contrast, the rate of LH/hCG receptor synthesis, estimated mathematically, was reduced by 75% in the LH-treated cells. LH treatment had no effect on the incorporation of [35S]methionine into total cellular protein. Withdrawing FSH from th...
Engineering Organizational Resilience to Enhance Safety: A Progress Report on the Emerging Field of Resilience Engineering:

Resilience Engineering is an emerging discipline (Hollnagel et al., 2006) which aims to enhance an organization's ability to target safety investments proactively in the face of ongoing production and economic pressures. Synthesizing across studies of successful and unsuccessful organizations reveals that failures emerge from breakdowns in the normal adaptive processes used to cope with complexity. Success belongs to organizations, groups and individuals who are resilient in the sense that they recognize, adapt to, and absorb variations, changes, disturbances, disruptions, and surprises – especially disruptions that fall outside of the set of disturbances the system is designed to handle (Rasmussen, 1990; Rochlin, 1999; Weick et al., 1999; Sutcliffe & Vogus, 2003; Cook and Rasmussen, 2005). Resilience Engineering seeks to measure and enhance an organizations ability to adapt to change and surprise. Resilience Engineering represents a paradigm shift for safety management. In a world of finite resources, of...
Time of salt stress affects growth and yield components of irrigated wheat

Salt tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is known to change during different stages of growth. The effects of salinity on growth and yield components of wheat at different stages of growth were determined in a 2-yr field plot study at Brawley, CA. Four salinity levels were imposed on a Holtville silty clay [clayey over loamy, montmorillonitic (calcareous), hyperthermic Typic Torrifluvent] by irrigating with waters salinized with NaCl and CaCl 2 (1:1 w/w). Electrical conductvities of the irrigation waters were 1.4, 10.0, 20.0, and 30.0 dS m −1 in 1989), and 1.4, 8.0, 16.0, and 24.0 dS m −1 in 1990. The three irrigation treatments were (i) salinity imposed throughout the growing season, (ii) szaline irrigation initiated after terminal spikelet differentiation (TSD), and (iii) saline irrigation discontinued at TSD [...]
Phenotypic variation in the phosphotransferase activity of human red cell acid phosphatase ( ACP1 )

Red cell acid phosphatase (ACP1) catalyses the transfer of phosphate from phosphate ester substrates to suitable acceptor alcohols such as methanol and glycerol. The rate of substrate turnover in the presence of acceptors is increased by the increment of the phosphotransferase reaction, thus allowing this activity to be measured. There is specificity with regard to acceptors: (a) polyols (e.g., glycerol) are better acceptors than the corresponding n-alcohols, and (b) polyol configuration and chain length determine acceptor activity. Ribitol was the most efficient acceptor found. Each of the three common ACP1 alleles is represented electrophoretically by two isozyme bands; the phosphotransferase activity of the anodal isozyme was found to be more than twice that of the cathodal isozyme. The extent of phosphotransferase activity is also genotype dependent. In the presence of 2M glycerol, the relative phosphotransferase efficiencies for the three homozygote types were: ACP1*B=3.7, ACP1*A=3.4, and ACP1*C =2.5. This pattern of B>A>C is the same as found for the modulation of ACP1 by purines and folates.
Standby power optimization via transistor sizing and dual threshold voltage assignment

This paper presents a novel enumerative approach, with provable and efficient pruning techniques, for dual threshold voltage (V/sub t/) assignment at the transistor level. Since the use of low V/sub t/ may entail a substantial increase in leakage power, we formulate the problem as one of combined optimization for leakage-delay tradeoffs under V/sub t/ optimization and sizing. Based on an analysis of the effects of these two transforms on the delay and leakage, we justify a two-step procedure for performing this optimization. Results are presented on the ISCAS85 benchmark suite favorably comparing our approach with an existing sensitivity-based optimizer.
Oscillation in resting tension of chick skeletal muscle treated with toxin v from scorpion venom, reduced [calcium]0 and cadmium

1. An oscillation in resting tension of the chick biventer cervicis muscle is induced by scorpion toxin (CsT-V), reduced [Ca]o and by Cd2+. Other chick muscles, e.g. semispinalis cervicis, anterior and posterior latissimus dorsi, also oscillate with the same treatments. The period of the oscillation in the biventer cervicis muscle is uniform, averaging 5-6 min. 2. The oscillation and the period are very sensitive to changes in temperature, [Ca]o, [K]o, ouabain and tetrodotoxin [TTX]. The oscillation is resistant to twitch blocking dosages of nicotinic antagonists. 3. The period of the oscillation varies inversely as the temperature (26-37 degrees C), log [K]o and [ouabain] and directly as the log [Ca]o and [TTX]. 4. These data support the inference that the oscillator is postjunctional and results from fluctuation in the electrochemical gradient of ions across the muscle cell membrane. The role, if any, of the Na+, K+ pump in the primary oscillogenic mechanism is not evident from our data.
The increasing burden of phlebotomy in the development of anaemia and need for blood transfusion amongst trauma patients.

Abstract Background Diagnostic laboratory tests are an integral part of the management of trauma patients, however, may be responsible for significant iatrogenic blood loss. The purpose of this study was to examine how phlebotomy practises have changed over time, and to assess the impact of these practises on patient outcomes. Methods A continuous series of injured patients admitted to a level I trauma centre (March–April 2004) was compared to the same period in 2009. All diagnostic tests and blood volumes withdrawn for each patient were tabulated. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS); secondary outcomes were development of anaemia (Hgb Results The 360 patients in 2009 and 384 patients in 2004 demonstrated no significant differences in demographics or clinical data. When outcomes were compared, there were no significant differences in hospital LOS, ICU LOS or mortality. From 2004 to 2009, the mean number of laboratory tests per patient increased significantly (21.2 ± 32.5 to 28.5 ± 44.4, p = 0.003). The total blood volumes drawn during the hospital stay also increased significantly (144.4 ± 191.2 ml to 187.3 ± 265.1 ml, p = 0.025). For ICU patients (329.7 ± 351.0 ml to 435.9 ± 346.3 ml, p = 0.048). There was a 25% increase in costs due to laboratory blood tests over the study period. For ICU patients, a 36% increase in costs was observed. Conclusions From 2004 to 2009, there was a significant increase in the utilisation of diagnostic laboratory tests in the management of the injured patient with no demonstrable improvements in mortality or LOS. Further prospective evaluation of these results is warranted.
P2-13-05: Breast Cancer, BRCA Mutations and Attitudes Regarding Pregnancy and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.

Background.Women with premenopausal breast cancer may face treatment-related infertility and have a higher likelihood of a BRCA mutation, which may affect their attitudes toward future childbearing. Methods. Premenopausal women were invited to participate in a questionnaire study administered before and after BRCA genetic testing. We used the Impact of Event Scale (IES) to evaluatethepre-andpost-testingimpactofcancerorcarrying aBRCAmutationonattitudestowardfuturechildbearing.The likelihood of pursuing prenatal diagnosis (PND) or preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was also assessed in this setting. Univariate analyses determined factors contributing to attitudes toward future childbearing and likelihood of PND or PGD. Results. One hundred forty-eight pretesting and 114 posttesting questionnaires were completed. Women with a personalhistoryofbreastcancerhadlesschangeinIESthanthose with no history of breast cancer (p 5 .003). The 18 BRCApositive women had a greater change in IES than the BRCAnegative women (p 5 .005). After testing, 31% and 24% of womenwouldusePNDandPGD,respectively.BRCAresultsdid not significantly affect attitudes toward PND/PGD. Conclusion. BRCA results and history of breast cancer affect the psychological impact on future childbearing. Intentions to undergo PND or PGD do not appear to change after disclosure of BRCA results. Additional counseling for patients who have undergone BRCA testing may be warranted to educate patients about available fertility preservation options.The Oncologist 2014;19:1–8 Implications for Practice: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how BRCA genetic test result disclosure and patient characteristicsinfluenceattitudesaboutpreimplantationgeneticdiagnosisandfuturechildbearing.Suchanunderstandingcould significantlyimprovetheabilityofgeneticcounselorsandhealthcareproviderstocounselwomenwithpossibleoridentifiedBRCA mutations. Capturing the opinions on this topic, both before genetic counseling and after result disclosure, can help determine effectsondecisionstowardsfuturereproduction.Theseresultshelphealthcareprofessionalsprovidetheappropriateinformation
Simplification of a gaussian puff model for real-time minicomputer use

Abstract Simplifications are described that will substantially reduce the computation time and memory requirements of a Gaussian puff diffusion model without impairing its ability to simulate temporally and spatially changing conditions. Among the more important simplifications are: a variable puff generation rate, merging of closely spaced puffs, nonuniform spatial resolution of the wind field and the use of integers to represent some of the variables. A model using the simplifications was able to simulate the 24-h behavior of emissions from a power plant; concentrations were calculated at 25 points and at 48 different times. The time required on a Data General Nova 1200 minicomputer is about 6 min, but varies with different sequences of meteorological conditions. The memory required is about 24,000 words.
Evaluation of electronic biopsy for clinical diagnosis in virtual colonoscopy

Virtual colonoscopy provides techniques not available in optical colonoscopy, an exciting one being the ability to perform an electronic biopsy. An electronic biopsy image is created using ray-casting volume rendering of the CT data with a translucent transfer function mapping higher densities to red and lower densities to blue. The resulting image allows the physician to gain insight into the internal structure of polyps. Benign tissue and adenomas can be differentiated; the former will appear as homogeneously blue and the latter as irregular red structures. Although this technique is now common, is included with clinical systems, and has been used successfully for computer aided detection, there has so far been no study to evaluate the effectiveness of a physician using electronic biopsy in determining the pathological state of a polyp. We present here such a study, wherein an experienced radiologist ranked polyps based on electronic biopsy alone per scan (supine and prone), as well as both combined. Our results show a correct identification 77% of the time using prone or supine images alone, and 80% accuracy using both. Using ROC analysis based on this study with one reader and a modest sample size, the combined score is not significantly higher than using a single electronic biopsy image alone. However, our analysis indicates a trend of superiority for the combined ranking that deserves a follow-up confirmatory study with a larger sample and more readers. This study yields hope that an improved electronic biopsy technique could become a primary clinical diagnosis method.
A Sublethal Dose of TNFα Potentiates Kainate-Induced Excitotoxicity in Optic Nerve Oligodendrocytes

Glutamate receptor-induced cell death, known as excitotoxicity in both neurons and oligodendrocytes, has been implicated as a common pathway of cell death in numerous central nervous system (CNS) diseases and trauma. Research in both neuronal and oligodendrocyte excitotoxicity has examined glutamate’s receptor-mediated effects on CNS cells, and explored strategies to protect cells exposed to the elevated glutamate levels that occur in CNS trauma and disease. Proinflammatory cytokines are also elevated in the injured CNS, and have also been implicated in CNS cell death. Recently, several laboratories have examined cytokines’ effects on neuronal and glial excitotoxicity. Here, we review literature concerning the dynamic susceptibility of both neurons and oligodendrocytes to excitotoxicity, and present new data from our laboratory showing that the susceptibility of oligodendrocytes to excitotoxicity is acutely potentiated by the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα.
On the Gibbs phenomenon I: recovering exponential accuracy from the Fourier partial sum of a nonperiodic analytic function

It is well known that the Fourier series of an analytic or periodic function, truncated after 2N+1 terms, converges exponentially with N, even in the maximum norm, although the function is still analytic. This is known as the Gibbs phenomenon. Here, we show that the first 2N+1 Fourier coefficients contain enough information about the function, so that an exponentially convergent approximation (in the maximum norm) can be constructed.
Viroplasm and large virus-like particles in the dinoflagellateGymnodinium uberrimum

Virus-like particles (VLPs) measuring 385±5 nm in diameter are described in the freshwater dinoflagellateGymnodinium uberrimum. The VLPs are found in association with, and “budding” from a vesicular viroplasmic area. A similar viroplasm was also found in a chrysophycean alga,Mallomonas sp. collected from the same general area in Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron. The nature of these VLPs and their virogenic stroma, in these algae from the Laurentian Great Lakes are discussed in the present report.
TAXES AND INCOME: A MICROUNIT ANALYSIS

The paper details the methodology used and the results obtained in a recently completed study of the total U.S. tax burden based on microdata survey files. The method of constructing the data base—the 1966 MERGE file—is discussed, and the needed imputations and adjustments to income and taxes to bring the file totals up to national income aggregates are described. An explanation is included of adjusted family income, a unique income concept used in the study to measure and compare tax burdens. The study involved the evaluation of errective tax burdens under eight different assumptions regarding the incidence of the various major taxes. Those assumptions are detailed and the results of the study are presented. The essential conclusion of the study is that the overall impact of the tax system is virtually proportional for 90 percent of the families in the United States regardless of the incidence assumptions used. However, substantial differences in tax burdens were found among various subgroups of the population.
Optoelectronic backplane for parallel computing

Summary form only given. Optical interconnects can support a larger number of I/O and can achieve higher bandwidths for less power than electrical interconnects. Fixed receiver path (FRP) networks, where each processor in the network has a unique receive path, reduce the complexity of on-chip data-path and control logic, as well as exploit the I/O count and bandwidth advantages of optoelectronics to increase the network bandwidth and to reduce node latencies. We show the backplane components of a 64-processor FRP-network having four processors per processor board and 16 switch ICs providing the optical-to-electrical interface and network switching. With eight-bit wide datapaths, this network requires 512 (64/spl times/8) optical lines.
Expression of seasonal and ENSO forcing in climatic variability at lower than ENSO frequencies: evidence from Pleistocene marine varves off California

Abstract Upper Pleistocene marine sediments along the upper continental slope off northern and central California contain alternations of varved and bioturbated sediments and associated changes in biota and sediment composition. These alternations can be related to conditions that accompany El Nino and anti-El Nino (ENSO) circulation. Anti-El Nino conditions are characterized by increased upwelling and productivity and by low concentrations of dissolved oxygen in the oxygen minimum zone that resulted in varve preservation. El Nino conditions are characterized by little or no upwelling, low productivity, and higher concentrations of dissolved oxygen that resulted in zones of bioturbation. Alternations of varves and zones of bioturbation, that range from decades to millennia, occur through the upper Pleistocene section. The inferred long-term alternations in El Nino and anti-El Nino conditions appear to be a re-expression of ENSO's primary 3–7 year cycle. Decadal to millennial cycles of productivity associated with El Nino and anti-El Nino conditions may have served as a “carbon pump” and transferred atmospheric CO 2 to the marine reservoir. Changes in sediment composition and organisms associated with El Nino or anti-El Nino conditions can be related to both seasonal and ENSO phenomena. Expression of these changes at lower-than-ENSO frequencies may be partly explained by adding the effects of seasonal variability to effects produced by a self-oscillating ENSO system. However, deterministic mechanisms, including solar modulation of ENSO, may also contribute to long-term alternations of El Nino and anti-El Nino conditions.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE BLOWGUN

ABSTRACT The blowgun appears to have been invented in Southeast Asia in relatively ancient times. Its elaboration took place in the Malaysian culture area, particularly in Borneo. Double-tube bamboo types, split-and-grooved wooden weapons, and solid bored wooden blowguns evolved from simple reed and bamboo forms. Clay pellets probably preceded darts as missiles; darts were eventually poisoned. Indonesian trade and migrations took the blowgun to Japan, South India, Madagascar, and Melanesia. Blowguns were also widespread in northwestern South America (the core area), much of Middle America, and the eastern United States. American forms and uses are similar to Malaysian ones and may reflect early transpacific contacts.
Oxygen Delignification Chemistry and Its Impact on Pulp Fibers

Abstract Two southern pine kraft pulps with kappa numbers of 30.0 (SW1-0) and 48.0 (SW2-0) were oxygen delignified by 30–60% by varying the reaction temperature (78–110°C) and charge of sodium hydroxide (1.6–4.4%). O-bleachability was found to be correlated to the incoming kappa number and charge of sodium hydroxide employed. In general, a lower charge of caustic and a higher brownstock kappa number improved pulp bleachability. The residual lignin in the brownstocks and O-delignified kraft pulp samples was isolated and characterized by 13C and 31P NMR. 13C NMR analysis of the residual lignin samples indicated that the post-oxygen delignified pulps were enriched with α-carbonyl groups and carboxylic acid groups. The content of β-O-aryl structures was increased by 23–36% depending on the extent of oxygen delignification. The post-oxygen delignified pulps were also shown to have increased substituted aryl carbons. 31P NMR indicated that the relative content of condensed phenolic units increased by 9–20% afte...
Multilevel Si doping in GaAs using a single AsCl3:SiCl4 doping source

Multilevel Si‐doped GaAs epitaxial layers with abrupt interfaces can be grown using a single AsCl3:SiCl4 liquid doping source with a constant doping flow rate in an AsCl3/H2/Ga chemical vapor deposition system. Doping variations are achieved by adjustments in the HCl to H2 partial pressure ratios. The H2 is injected between the source and substrate to vary the HCl partial pressure. Si concentrations in these layers vary inversely as approximately the cube of the H2 to HCl partial pressure ratio for a fixed SiCl4 inlet flow.
Binge ethanol exposure delays development of GABAergic miniature postsynaptic currents in septal neurons.

Abstract Whole cell GABA A R currents of septal neurons isolated from rat pups increase rapidly during the first weeks of life when inhibitory synapses are forming. Early postnatal binge ethanol intubation on days 4–9 delays this maturational up-regulation in septal neurons isolated several days later suggesting inhibitory synapse formation could be disrupted [S.–H. Hsiao, J.L. Acevedo, D.W. DuBois, K.R. Smith, J.R. West, G.D. Frye, Early postnatal ethanol intubation blunts GABA A receptor upregulation and modifies 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one sensitivity in rat MS/DB neurons, Brain Res. Dev. Brain Res. 130 (2001) 25–40]. Surprisingly, whole cell GABA A R function does not increase rapidly when septal neurons are grown for the same period in vitro and is not blunted by comparable ethanol exposure of the cultures [S.–H. Hsiao, D.W. DuBois, R.C. Miranda, G.D. Frye, Critically timed ethanol exposure reduces GABA A R function on septal neurons developing in vivo but not in vitro, Brain Res Dev. Brain Res. 1008 (2004) 69–80]. Because GABAergic miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) show parallel patterns of maturation whether cortical neurons are growing in vivo or in vitro [D.D. Dunning, C.L. Hoover, I. Soltesz, M.A. Smith, D.K. ODowd, GABA A receptor-mediated miniature postsynaptic currents and α–subunit expression in developing cortical neurons, J. Neurophysiol. 82 (1999) 3286–3297], we examined the impact of binge ethanol exposure on synaptic receptors activated by these currents in septal cultures. Binge ethanol treatment of embryonic septal neurons over 6–11 days in vitro (DIV) slightly reduced GABA A R-mediated mPSC amplitude and frequency, but also substantially slowed decay kinetics when mPSCs were recorded later on DIV 13–18. Decreased frequency and slowed mPSC decay kinetics after ethanol were consistent with parameters measured in immature neurons. Untreated septal neurons exhibited decreased mPSC amplitude and frequency with acute 30–100 mM ethanol, without changing decay kinetics suggesting a direct inhibition of postsynaptic receptors. Sustained inhibition of GABA A Rs with 100 μM picrotoxin on DIV 6–11 decreased mPSC amplitude and frequency and slowed decay kinetics similar to binge ethanol exposure. These results suggest that binge ethanol exposure delays mPSC maturation by interfering with trophic postsynaptic GABA A R signaling during the early development of septal neurons.
Seeking an Understanding with Silicones

In 1973 my Father was at university studying microbiology. In one of his chemistry courses, his lecturer had generously devoted a day to synthetic polymers. Within that small segment, the topic of polysiloxanes came up very briefly and was summarized in a line; “Silicones show great potential”. That one-liner stuck in my Father’s head and years later he would still use it as an example of how far we had come technologically in a world now filled with all manner of advanced synthetic polymers including the ubiquitous, yet forever misnamed ‘Silicones’. The anonymous lecturer from Heriot-Watt who made this statement in the 1970’s was right. Silicones did show great potential, still do today and the tale of how they got everywhere from shampoo to Space is an interesting one that’s much better off told by more authoritative sources than myself. In all honesty, I’m still not sure what polysiloxanes and their various derivatives even are from a physical standpoint at times, despite working with them my whole career. My lack of understanding of all aspects of their true nature is one of these nagging little things that surfaces now and again but I never quite capture. And it probably says more about my misspent university days and continuously increasing paperwork load than anything else. Nevertheless, I have decided to try and formalize my thoughts on at least one aspect of their properties in this brief editorial for our Special Issue on Silicones and Silicone Modified
Methanofullerenes and Methanofulleroids Have Different Electrochemical Behavior at Negative Potentials

Cathodic electrochemistry was performed for two methanofullerene derivatives, 3 and 4. Since it was possible to isolate the [6,6] closed isomeric forms of these derivatives (called simply methanofullerenes), the electrochemistry of the pure isomers was recorded. The electrochemical behavior of the corresponding mixtures, which also contained the [5,6] open forms (simply referred to as methanofulleroids), was also obtained. In the solvent mixture used, acetonitrile:toluene (1:5), no difference was observed for the potentials of the first four electrochemical waves of the two isomers. However, the methanofulleroid exhibited an anodically-shifted fifth reduction wave, relative to that corresponding to the methanofullerene. This difference in potential was 0.20 V for the fullerene-fulleroid isomers of both 3 and for those of 4. On the basis of the voltammetric data, the fulleroids behave more as triply degenerate systems, very much like the behavior for C[sub 60]. This was anticipated, since they are, as is the parent C[sub 60], 60 [pi] electron systems. However, the methanofullerenes have 58 [pi] electrons, and part of their conjugated network is destroyed. The fullerenes exhibit what appear to be doubly degenerated LUMOs with a LUMO[sup +] that is some 4-5 kcal/mol higher in energy. 17 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
THE PRODUCTION OF PURPURA BY DERIVATIVES OF PNEUMOCOCCUS : III. FURTHER STUDIES ON THE NATURE OF THE PURPURA-PRODUCING PRINCIPLE.

1. The purpura-producing principle of Pneumococcus is non-antigenic in the sense that it does not stimulate the formation of antibodies. 2. White mice acquire an increased resistance to purpura as a result of repeated injections of toxic doses of the purpura substance. 3. The serum of rabbits immunized with the purified purpura principle, with "S" and "R" strains of Pneumococcus or with cell extracts, autolysates or the nucleoprotein fraction of the organism does not confer upon white mice protection against purpura. 4. The purpura principle does not exist preformed in the cell, but is rather an autolytic derivative; since it is formed only when pneumococci undergo autolysis, and it is not found when the autolytic ferments are inactivated. 5. The purpura substance is associated with the proteose fraction of active pneumococcus extracts.
Human resource practices and service quality in theme parks

This paper examines the linkage between human resource practices and the delivery of guest services in hospitality using a case study approach. In particular, these practices at a large theme park operation are presented in terms of their significance for service quality. The managerial implications attendant to following such practices are discussed. The paper suggests that other types of hospitality operations might compare their own human resource practices to those outlined in this paper as a benchmark to guide their planning.
Phase Time Prediction for Traffic-Actuated Intersections

The Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) provides a methodology in Chapter 9 to estimate the capacity and level of service at a signalized intersection as a function of traffic characteristics and signal timing. At traffic-actuated intersections, the signal timing changes from cycle to cycle in response to traffic demand. An accurate prediction of average phase times and their corresponding cycle length is required to assess the performance of intersections controlled by traffic-actuated signals. The current technique suggested in Appendix II of HCM Chapter 9 for this purpose has not been well accepted. A more comprehensive methodology and a more satisfactory analytical model are described that predict traffic-actuated signal timing for both isolated and coordinated modes with actuated phases. The proposed methodology and model have been verified by simulation augmented by limited field studies. The results are encouraging with respect to their general reliability and their compatibility with the current HCM Cha...
Cost-Effectiveness of Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Cell Autotransplantation for the Treatment of Minimal Change Chronic Pancreatitis

The current standard of care for the management of minimal change chronic pancreatitis (MCCP) is medical management. Controversy exists, however, regarding the use of surgical intervention for MCCP. We hypothesized that total pancreatectomy and islet cell autotransplantation (TPIAT) decreases long-term resource utilization and improves quality of life, justifying initial costs and risks. Detailed perioperative outcomes from 46 patients with MCCP populated a Markov model comparing medical management to TPIAT. Mortality, complications, readmission rates, insulin and narcotic use, imaging, and endoscopy were included in the model. Outcomes reported were survival, measured in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs, in 2013 US dollars. In medical patients, annual mean hospital admissions were 1.6 (range = 0–11), endoscopy 1.4 (0–6), and imaging (CT/MRI) 1.5 (0–4). In surgical patients, there were no perioperative deaths, with complication and 30-day readmission rates of 47 and 37 %. One year after TPIAT, annual mean admissions, endoscopy, and imaging had decreased to 0.9 (0–4), 0.4 (0–2), and 0.9 (0–5); monthly narcotic use decreased from 138 to 37 morphine equivalents (p = 0.012). Cost and survival for TPIAT versus medical management were $153,575/14.9 QALYs and $196,042/11.5 QALYs, respectively. In patients with MCCP, TPIAT is associated with decreased cost and increased quality-adjusted survival. Providers and insurers should more enthusiastically embrace TPIAT use as a more effective cost-saving strategy.
The colony of the colonized: the Duchy of Courland's Tobago colony and contemporary Latvian national identity

This paper examines the legacy of the Duchy of Courland's overseas colony of Tobago as it relates to present-day Latvian national identity using the ethno-symbolist approach of Anthony D. Smith and comparative cases. As Latvia is a small nation that has been an independent nation-state for only two short periods, national legitimacy and pride pose particular problems for Latvians. To this end, Latvian historians have worked to reinterpret the Baltic German-dominated Duchy of Courland as a positive period of Latvian national history and have sought to emphasize ethnic Latvian involvement in the Duchy's colonial endeavors, especially on the island of Tobago. Their efforts have then filtered into the general Latvian consciousness through books, film, plays, and place names. Since Latvia's independence from the USSR, the former colony of Tobago has gained renewed importance for Latvians who are experiencing a widely perceived notion of postcolonialism. This paper concludes that the appropriated colony of Toba...
Molecular Pathways Underlying Cardiac Remodeling During Pathophysiological Stimulation

Cardiac remodeling involves molecular, cellular, and interstitial changes that manifest clinically as changes in size, shape, and function of the heart after injury or stress stimulation.1 Although the term cardiac remodeling was initially coined to describe the prominent changes that occur after myocardial infarction,2,3 it is clear that similar processes transpire after other types of injury such as with pressure overload (aortic valve stenosis, hypertension), inflammatory disease (myocarditis), idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, and volume overload (valvular regurgitation). Although the causes of these diseases are different, they share molecular, biochemical, and cellular events to collectively change the shape of the myocardium. Cardiac hypertrophy is a common type of cardiac remodeling that occurs when the heart experiences elevated workload. The heart and individual myocytes enlarge as a means of reducing ventricular wall and septal stress when faced with increased workload or injury. Cardiac hypertrophy is classified as “physiological” when it occurs in healthy individuals after exercise or pregnancy and is not associated with cardiac damage. In contrast, hypertrophy that results from pressure or volume overload or after myocardial infarction is usually referred to as “pathological.” This name may be misleading, however, because pathological hypertrophy may also involve a compensatory and adaptive phase that tends to reduce wall stress and maintain output, although ultimately these positive aspects are lost and ventricular function declines, often leading to heart failure. In addition to ventricular remodeling, pathological cardiac hypertrophy involves cellular and molecular remodeling such as myocyte growth without significant proliferation, reexpression of fetal genes, alterations in the expression of proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling, and changes in the energetic and metabolic state of the myocyte. These cellular and molecular changes within the myocyte are accompanied by changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and by myocyte death caused by necrosis or apoptosis. As …
Evaluating and Comparing Bidding Optimization Effectiveness

Competitive bidding is the means by which pricing of numerous services takes place. Optimization models have been developed to support bidding, but no consistent and structured methodology has been followed in evaluating those models. This paper provides such a methodology and demonstrates it in the comparison of three bidding optimization approaches aimed at profit maximization. The methodology represents a modification and refinement of previously used evaluation approaches. In addition, the methodology incorporates the determination of an upper bound on effectiveness in order to provide an indicator of how much improvement in effectiveness remains. Real construction bidding data are used to demonstrate the comparison of the optimization procedures.
COMPARING COMPUTER COSTS AMONG LIBRARIES? GOOD LUCK!

The exponential growth of computers in all phases of library operations has brought with it need for library managers to analyze computing and related costs and to compare them with other institutions. To accurately assess internal efficiency, evaluate changes in levels of operations, or justify budget requests, comparative data are a useful tool. Computers often compete for funding against other mediums of information storage, such as the card catalog or books. Each medium deserves consistent analysis based on objective data, both internal and external, to ensure fair comparisons and sound management decisions. Managers should strive for the ideal system of cost data collection and reporting.
A Zipper Network Model of Extracellular Matrix Failure Reveals a New Role for Proteoglycans

Mechanical failure of soft tissues is characteristic of life threatening diseases, including emphysema and vessel wall aneurysms. Failure occurs when mechanical forces are sufficient to rupture the enzymatically weakened extracellular matrix (ECM). Elastin is an important structural protein of the ECM, and is known to stretch beyond 200% strain before failing. However, ECM constructs and native vessel walls composed primarily of elastin and proteoglycans (PGs) have been found to fail at much lower strains. In this study, we hypothesized that PGs significantly contribute to tissue failure. To test this, we developed a novel Zipper Network Model (ZNM), in which springs representing elastin are organized into long wavy fibers in a zipper-like formation and placed within a network of springs mimicking PGs. Elastin and PG springs possessed distinct mechanical and failure properties. The elastin does not percolate while the PGs can serve as bridges between elastin fibers as well as hinder folding of the fibers via bond-bending. During stretching, elastin fibers first become straight, then start stretching the PG bridges. Simulations using the ZNM showed that the failure of PGs alone reduces the global failure strain of the ECM well below that of elastin and hence digestion of elastin does not influence the failure strain. Network analysis also suggested that elastin determines the peak and failure stress while PGs transmit the load and define the failure strain of the network. Predictions of the ZNM were experimentally confirmed by measuring the failure properties of engineered ECM constructs before and after digestion with trypsin that cleaves the core protein of PGs without affecting elastin. This study reveals a novel role for PGs in the failure mechanics of engineered and native ECM with implications for the design of engineered tissues.
Bilateral anterior abdominal bipedicle flap with permanent prosthesis for the massive abdominal skin-grafted hernia.

Abstract Background Fascial closure after damage control or decompression laparotomy is not always possible. The result is a ventral hernia covered with skin grafts. Massive hernias impair bowel, bladder, and respiratory function and are displeasing aesthetically. Most repair methods provide inadequate closure of large full-thickness abdominal wall defects. We describe our method of repair using bilateral anterior abdominal bipedicle flaps over permanent mesh. Methods We reviewed 6 patients who underwent this repair method. This staged repair first involves flap elevation followed by delay. In the next stage, the hernia skin graft is excised, mesh is placed, and flaps are advanced to midline to cover the mesh. Results The average hernia size was 885 ± 274 cm2 (28-cm wide × 31-cm vertical), with a range of up to 37-cm wide. An average of 3 surgeries were required for closure, with a mean hospital stay of 22 days. No patients developed hernia recurrence with a mean follow-up period of 23 months. Conclusions This method provides successful and durable closure of massive skin-grafted hernias.
Ketamine blocks a taste recognition memory in fetal rats.

Decisions about novelty/familiarity are critical in determining whether or not information should be attended to, and possibly encoded, for long-term storage. We have reported that fetal and neonatal rats exhibit an increase in orofacial movements (e.g., perseverative mouthing and mouth movements, and licks) upon tasting saccharin (SAC), if it was experienced previously. E19 rat fetuses can acquire this taste recognition memory and retain it for at least 5 days (P3). In the current study, we sought to evaluate the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in establishing a taste recognition memory. Pregnant Sprague ‐ Dawley rats received ketamine (NMDA receptor antagonist) (doses: 0, 50, or 100 mg/kg, ip). One-half hour later, we performed a reversible spinal block on each pregnant dam, and E19 fetuses received an oral injection of 10 ml, 0.3% SAC or water (control) while in utero. The uterus was replaced and the pups were later born via a normal vaginal delivery. On P3, all pups experienced oral lavage of 10 ml, 0.3% SAC, and motor responses were recorded. As expected, non-drugged control neonates tasting familiar SAC exhibited significantly more perseverative mouth movements, as well as total mouth movements and licks, than did pups tasting novel SAC. However, this taste recognition memory response was not observed in rats exposed to ketamine in utero. The data suggest that early non-associative taste memories may be disrupted by NMDA receptor blockade. D 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
On clustering fMRI using potts and mixture regression models

In this paper, we propose a model based clustering method for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to detect the functional connectivity network. The Potts model, which represents spatial interactions of neighboring voxels, is introduced to integrate the temporal mixture regression modeling into one single unified model. The estimation of the parameters is achieved through a restoration maximization (RM) algorithm for computation efficiency and accuracy. Additional features of our method include: the optimal number of clusters can be automatically determined; global trends and informative paradigms of the data are extracted by a dimension reduction algorithm based on principal component analysis (PCA) and a statistical significance test. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach can lead to robust and sensitive detection of functional networks.
C-glycoside syntheses, IV. Henry condensation of nitroethane and nitropropane with 4,6-O-benzylidene-D-glucopyranose†

The condensation of 4,6-O-benzylidene-D-glucopyranose (1) with nitroethane gave the diastereomeric α-nitroethyl1 β-C-glucosides 2 (minor), and 6. The latter was only obtained pure by an acetylation-deacetylation procedure and was reduced by a mixture of elemental Fe0/Ni0 in aqueous THF under CO2 to α-aminoethyl β-C-glucoside 7, with retention of the 4,6-O-benzylidene blocking group. Acetylation of 2 produced an open-chain compound 3. An oxime derivative 5 was separated as a byproduct from the acetylation. The condensation of 1-nitropropane with 1, followed by acetylation, similarly gave diastereomers 8 and 9. Deacetylation of 8 gave 10.
Depolymerization of β-1,6-N-Acetyl-d-Glucosamine Disrupts the Integrity of Diverse Bacterial Biofilms

Polymeric β-1,6-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (poly-β-1,6-GlcNAc) has been implicated as an Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm adhesin, the formation of which requires the pgaABCD and icaABCD loci, respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysis of poly-β-1,6-GlcNAc, demonstrated for the first time by chromatography and mass spectrometry, disrupts biofilm formation by these species and by Yersinia pestis and Pseudomonas fluorescens, which possess pgaABCD homologues.
A model of rental and owner-occupied housing

Abstract A complete model of owner-occupied and rental housing is developed. The model allows for the endogenous determination of rents, the user cost of owner-occupied housing and housing tenure choice by individuals. In the short run, structure prices are endogenous, while in the long run the size of the housing stock adjusts to equate structure prices to exogenous construction costs. Comparative static results emphasize the importance of marginal tax rates and distinguishing between the short and long run for a complete understanding of the impacts of inflation on housing markets.