cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial activity of long-chain alcohols: the role of hydrophobic alkyl groups

Abstract The role of hydrophobic alkyl groups of long-chain alcohols to antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes is discussed. the maximum activity was found to deped on the chain length from the hydrophilic hydroxyl group, and also the bacteria tested.
Agglomeration and ignition mechanism of aluminum particles in solid propellants

Aluminum powders added to conventional rocket propellants burn either as single particles or agglomerates which contain hundreds or even thousands of the original particles. Combustion efficiency and acoustic stability characteristics are very dependent on the final Al/Al2O3 particle size injected into the chamber flowfield. High-speed photographs of burning homogeneous propellants provided data on agglomeration size and visualization of the flow processes as a function of pressure (1 to 10 MPa), initial particle size (5 to 100 μm), and aluminum mass fraction (0.1 to 13%). Photomicrographs of extinguished surfaces revealed the importance of particle accumulation in a thin mobile reaction layer adjacent to the burning surface. A model was developed that interpreted data and observations from several sources. The model accounts for accumulation of aluminum particles in the mobile reaction layer, retention of particles by surface tension forces, melting, and ignition at the surface. The following agglomeration and particle behavior items are categorized: decreasing agglomerate size with increasing pressure, minimum mass loading required for agglomeration, prominent agglomeration for particles with diameters less than the reaction layer thickness, and sharply reduced agglomeration for larger particles. The model provides an approach for controlling and interpreting agglomerate size behavior.
Effects of drinking and central angiotensin II stimulation on organ blood flow in conscious rats.

Abstract While the hemodynamic response pattern accompanying feeding behavior has been well characterized, there is less information about the hemodynamic changes associated with drinking. In the present study, we have measured organ blood flows in conscious, unrestrained rats during schedule-induced drinking behavior, using the tracer microsphere technique (diameter of spheres 15 ±3μm;labels:141Ce, 113Sn). In addition, we determined the hemodynamic response pattern following intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of 100 ng angiotensin II (ANG II) (a dose known to the dipsogenic) in rats that were not allowed to drink during the experiment. The hemodynamic responses during drinking behavior included (a) significant increases in blood flow through the kidney, stomach and small intestine, (b) a decrease in blood flow through skeletal muscle, and (c) no significant in the rest of the organs. ANG II i.c.v. elicited (a) significant decreases in blood flow through the kidney, stomach, small intestine and skin, (b) a significant increase in blood flow through the liver (hepatic artery), and (c) no significant changes in blood flow through the brain, heart, lung (bronchial arteries), colon, skeletal muscle (biceps) and testis. We conclude that spontaneous drinking behavior in rats is associated with a characteristic hemodynamic drinking response, which resembles a classical feeding reaction. In non-drinking rats the hemodynamic pattern following ANG II i.c.v. was different from the drinking response, providing further evidence, that the behavioral and cardiovascular effects of the neuropeptide can be dissociated.
Generation of plasma columns for shorter-wavelength capillary discharge soft x-ray lasers utilizing a high-power Blumlein generator

Capillary discharge plasmas were generated with current pulses up to 200 kA and 10 - 90% rise time of about 10 ns using a water dielectric Blumlein generator. Time resolve spectra and pinhole images of the plasma columns generated in ceramic capillaries are presented. The data indicates that the plasma obtain in ceramic capillaries are hotter than those generated in polyacetal capillaries. The maximum degree of ionization, plasma dimensions and time evolution are in general agreement with model computations and show the generation of plasma columns 250 - 300 micrometers diameter with temperatures is congruent to 250 eV.
Bending effects on flow localization in metallic sheets

In the present work the dependence of critical strain on thickness in finitely stretched metallic sheets is investigated. A finite strain axisymmetric shell theory is developed for the modelling of the punch stretching of a thick circular plate and a consistent onset of localization criterion for the shell is proposed. Experimental results as well as numerical calcutions, in the case of mild steel plates deforming under the action of a frictionless hemispherical punch, show that if the onset of strain localization is used as the failure criterion, the material’s thickness has very little influence for plate thicknesses usually used in sheet forming. The opposite held viewpoint in the literature that the sheet thickness significantly affects the critical strain is due to the experimental use of the fracture strain as the failure strain.
Interactivity and its Facets Revisited: Theory and Empirical Test

(2006). Interactivity and its Facets Revisited: Theory and Empirical Test. Journal of Advertising: Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 35-52.
The Nordic Contribution to the English Language Twin Literature

This project was inspired by the extensive contribution of Nordic researchers to the English language twin literature. the purpose of the study was to compile a source bibliography of twin literature written at Nordic institutions. the bibliography compiled as a supplement for this paper provides as complete a survey as is possible to obtain in the United States. Our search began with a Medline Computer data base. to make our survey more complete, we cross-referenced and added to this using the Index Medicus, the National Institute of Mental Health Bibliography, Excerpta Medica, specific article references, references provided by Nordic university libraries and Gedda's Estudio dei Gemelli. the full bibliography of 313 references is available at no cost from the Center for the study of multiple Birth, Rm. 476, 333 E. Superior, Chicago, III. 60611, U.S.A.
Effects of GTP gamma S and fMet-Leu-Phe on rat PMN phospholipase C (PLC) activity.

The PLC activities associated with the cytosol and plasma membrane subcellular fractions of rat PMN were tested for sensitivity to stimulation by GTPγS and/or fMet-Leu-Phe. PMN plasma membrane PLC was stimulated 10–20% by 50 μM GTPγS (p<0.02). fMet-Leu-Phe alone had no effect on the plasma membrane PLC activity, but addition of fMet-Leu-Phe and GTPγS together stimulated PLC activity by 20–30% (p<0.05). Neither GTPγS nor fMet-Leu-Phe had any significant effect on the cytosolic PLC activity. These data demonstrate the presence of a PLC activity in rat PMN plasma membranes that is sensitive to stimulation by GTPγS and fMet-Leu-Phe.
Analysis of the flow and energy separation in a turbulent vortex

Abstract An analysis is made of the velocity, temperature and pressure distributions in a turbulent vortex with radial and axial flow. For making the calculations the vortex is divided into a core and an annular region, each with a different uniform axial mass velocity, although the equations obtained are applicable to an arbitrary axial mass velocity distribution. Tangential velocity, temperature and pressure distributions, as well as curves for overall energy or temperature separation, are presented and compared with experiment. Using the analytical results, the causes of the energy separation are studied. It is concluded that the most important factor affecting the total temperature of a fluid element in a compressible vortex is the turbulent shear work done on or by the element.
The transport of L‐alanine by the integument of the marine polychaete, Glycera dibranchiata

The unidirectional influx of14C-L-alanine into the external integument surface of Glycera dibranchiata was measured in the presence and absence of sodium using lucite influx chambers which permitted brief exposures of only the external surface of the body wall to isotope. The influx of alanine was the sum of a mediated component obligatorily dependent on sodium in the external medium, and a nonsaturable sodium-independent diffusion component. The mediated component was inhibitable by other amino acids, lacked transconcentration effects, and had a Q10 of 9.64 near the acclimation temperature of 12°C. The diffusion component was not competitively inhibitable and had a Q10 of 0.99 at 12°C. The saturable component had a Kt = 8.63 × 10−5 M and Jmax = 1.38 × 10−7 mol/hr · cm2. The Kt falls within the physiological range of free amino acid concentrations to which the worm would be exposed in its habitat.
Affordability and Obesity: Issues in the Multifunctionality of Agricultural/Food Systems.

The conference discussed public goods and externalities created as by-products of the food system, including local development, obesity, air and water pollution, climate change, antibiotic resistance, and other public health issues. Multifunctionality is a framework that integrates these diverse issues and has been influential in international policy. This commentary focuses on arguably the most prominent public health issue at the moment: obesity. Though obesity could be considered another multifunctional dimension, its link to other conference topics is tenuous. Using obesity as an argument to promote local produce or achieve other multifunctional outcomes is very questionable. Framing obesity as an issue of poverty or food insecurity trivializes the continuing major problem of hunger worldwide.
Adsorption of 2-Mercaptopyrimidine on Silver Nanoparticles in Water

Adsorption of 2-mercaptopyrimidine (2-MP), a prototype of biologically important N-heterocyclic aromatic thiols, has been examined on 100−120 nm silver particles in aqueous solution. Density functional calculations (UBPW91/6-31+G**) on various thione and thiol tautomers of the molecule have been performed to augment experimental data on reference vibrational frequencies. Criteria for determining the structural form of the molecule on the metal−water interface and its binding site and strength have been developed. The frequencies of the ring stretching Wilson modes 8a and 8b and their separation (Δv8a-8b) are good indicators of the protonation state of the molecule. The experimental Δv8a-8b for the Ag-bound 2-MP (20(±2) cm-1 in the pH range 4−11) identifies the structural form with the neutral thiol (C4H3N2S−), rather than thiolate (C4H3N2S-−). The molecule bonds with the Ag surface at its S site. A noticeable change in the SERS intensity pattern occurs around pH 6.5 due to the change in the surface enviro...
Cyclo-oligomerization of veratryl alcohol with triflouroacetic acid

Abstract Treatment of veratryl alcohol with a dilute solution of triflouroacetic acid in chloroform yields a mixture of oligomers. Four major products have been separated and identified as the new cyclohexaveratrylene 6 and cyclopentaveratrylene 5 , in addition to the known cyclic tetramer 4 and cyclic trimer 3
Determinants of physical activity among women treated for breast cancer in a 5-year longitudinal follow-up investigation.

Objective: To estimate the 5-year trajectory of physical activity among women with breast cancer, and to evaluate biopsychosocial variables (health status, physical symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQL), depressive symptoms, and social support), measured soon after breast cancer diagnosis, as predictors of the 5-year trajectory. Methods: Women diagnosed with Stage II or III regional breast cancer (n=227), surgically treated and awaiting the start of adjuvant therapy completed baseline assessments of medical, psychological, and behavioral functioning. Follow-up evaluations were conducted every 4 months during the first year and every 6 months during the subsequent 4 years (12 assessments total during the 5-year study). Mixed-effects modeling was utilized to estimate the baseline level of physical activity as well as rate of change over time. Measures of physical health status, HRQL, depressive symptoms, and social support were included as predictors of the physical activity trajectory. Results: A curvilinear pattern of change in physical activity was evident over the 5-year follow-up (p=0.002). Physical activity increased gradually during the first 18 months, then declined steadily over the subsequent 42 months. Poor physical health, depressive symptoms, and lower emotional HRQL were associated with less physical activity. Higher family support was associated with a slower decline in physical activity in the latter 42 months of the study. Conclusions: Emotional HRQL following diagnosis with breast cancer appears to be important for sustaining physical activity in the first 1–2 years following diagnosis. Physical activity interventions among breast cancer survivors should address depressive symptoms early in the course of treatment. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold Surface Adsorption Properties of the Enzymatically Polymerized Amphiphilic Decyl Ester of L‐Tyrosine

In aqueous solution, both amphiphilic decyl esters of the amino acids D & L‐Tyrosine have been shown to self‐assemble at identical low mM range c.m.c. values to form similar rod or plate‐like fibers a few microns wide and with lengths ranging from tens to hundreds of microns [Mat. Sci. Eng. C11 2000 155–163]. These monomers have only slightly different rates of polymerization with horseradish peroxidase below their c.m.c. and have been shown to possess pH dependent self‐assembly properties, as well as significantly increased binding to the gold surface of a quartz crystal microbalance with increasing pH [Biotech. Progress 15 1999 522–528]. In the present study, we quantitate the pH dependence and gold surface adsorption kinetics of the decyl ester of L‐tyrosine using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and then correlate these data with monomer solution titration studies. These data support the notion of increasing gold surface adsorption with increasing pH in the range from 5–8. We present evidence th...
Chronic Exposure to Adenosine Receptor Agonists and Antagonists Reciprocally Regulates the A1 Adenosine Receptor-Adenylyl Cyclase System in Cerebellar Granule Cells

Chronic treatment with the adenosine receptor antagonist caffeine evokes an up-regulation of A1 adenosine receptors and increased coupling of the receptor to G proteins in rat brain membranes. However, chronic agonist exposure has not been explored. Primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells were exposed chronically to A1 adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists. Exposure to the A1 adenosine receptor agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine resulted in (1) a time- and concentration-dependent reduction in the density of receptors labeled by 1,3-[3H]dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine, (2) an enhanced ability of guanyl nucleotides to decrease the fraction of A1 adenosine receptor sites displaying high affinity for 2-chloroadenosine, and (3) a functional uncoupling of receptors from adenylyl cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1). The adenosine antagonists caffeine and 8-p-sulfophenyltheophylline produced alterations in A1 adenosine receptor homeostasis that were antipodal to those associated with agonist treatment. Antagonist exposure (1) increased the density of A1 adenosine receptors in cerebellar granule cell membranes, (2) blunted the effect of guanyl nucleotides on receptor coupling to G proteins, and (3) increased the functional coupling of receptors to adenylyl cyclase inhibition. Forskolin treatment of cerebellar granule cells did not affect receptor density, suggesting that cyclic AMP is not involved in the regulation of A1 adenosine receptor expression.
Design of a stable adaptive nonlinear observer for an exothermic stirred tank reactor

A stable nonlinear adaptive observer is constructed to estimate reactant composition and uncertain model parameters from temperature measurements in an exothermic stirred tank reactor. The construction is based on an adaptive observer canonical formulation proposed in the literature. Only a very limited class of nonlinear systems are known to be transformable to this canonical form, the exothermic reactor with first order irreversible kinetics however reveals itself to be suitable for the transformation. The utility of the adaptive observer is demonstrated by simulations while implementing feedback linearizing control of the reactor in the presence of state and parametric uncertainties.
CANDI: A System for Classifying the Security Risks in Network Appliances

Internet security is of utmost importance in today's e-commerce environment. Many different avenues are being taken in an attempt to secure the systems of both the end user as well as the server of information. The operating system, as well as application software, provide holes through which security is breached. One vulnerable part of the system that has not received much attention is the hardware. This study examines how various Internet appliances can be classified according to their vulnerabilities.
Conference Scene: Histopathology: advances in research and techniques

Immunohistochemistry together with in situ hybridization remain essential technologies. Their sphere of influence is continually widening with the application of increasingly sophisticated image analysis capabilities. This 8th annual event, the flagship meeting for EuroSciCon, drew together international experts to discuss the most recent updates and attracted clinical, academic and pharmaceutical delegates. The advantage of this meeting was the high quality of invited presentations interspersed with commercial presentations, not forgetting the ‘question and answer’ session. The breaks afforded sufficient time both to visit the trade stands and for discussion with colleagues.
A Common Network in the Left Cerebral Hemisphere Represents Planning of Tool Use Pantomimes and Familiar Intransitive Gestures at the Hand-Independent Level

Evidence from neuropsychology and neuroimaging implicates parietal and frontal areas of the left cerebral hemisphere in the representation of skills involving the use of tools and other artifacts. On the basis of neuropsychological data, it has been claimed that 1) independent mechanisms within the left hemisphere may support the representation of these skills (transitive actions) versus meaningful gestures that do not involve manipulating objects (intransitive actions), and 2) both cerebral hemispheres may participate in the representation of intransitive gestures. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to test these hypotheses in 12 healthy adults while they planned and executed tool use pantomimes or intransitive gestures with their dominant right (Exp. 1) or nondominant left (Exp. 2) hands. Even when linguistic processing demands were controlled, planning either type of action was associated with asymmetrical increases in the same regions of left parietal (the intraparietal sulcus, supramarginal gyrus, and caudal superior parietal lobule) and dorsal premotor cortices. Effects were greater for tool use pantomimes, but only when the right hand was involved. Neither group nor individual analyses revealed evidence for greater bilateral activity during intransitive gesture planning. In summary, at the hand-independent level, transitive and intransitive actions are represented in a common, left-lateralized praxis network.
Differential regulation of Ca2+-activated K+ channels by β-adrenoceptors in guinea pig urinary bladder smooth muscle

Stimulation of β-adrenoceptors contributes to the relaxation of urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) through activation of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels. We examined the mechani...
ENZYMATIC SULFATION OF STEROIDS. IV. CONTROL OF THE HEPATIC GLUCOCORTICOID SULFOTRANSFERASE ACTIVITY AND THE INDIVIDUAL GLUCOCORTICOID SULFOTRANSFERASES FROM MALE AND FEMALE RATS BY ADRENAL GLANDS AND CORTICOSTEROIDS

Adrenalectomy, 28–30 days after birth, diminishes hepatic cortisol sulfotransferase activity (HCSA) 50–60% and 63-76% in male and female rats, respectively. HCSA is due to three glucocorticoid sulfotransferases—STI, STII, and STIII. In intact males, STII and STIII comprise 10–25% and 75–90% of the HCSA, respectively. In intact females, large amounts of all three enzymes are present. Diminished HCSA in adrenalectomized females is due to loss of all three enzyme activities. The order of decrease is STIII > STII » STI. In adrenalectomized males, decreased HCSA is due mostly to loss of STIII activity. Simultaneous adrenalectomy and castration of females results in data similar to those obtained after adrenalectomy alone. In males, however, the double operation results in a large elevation of HCSA, due mostly to increased STII activity. The interrelation of adrenal and gonadal control of HCSA is discussed. The adrenals seem to be the main determinant of HCSA in females. In males, although adrenals are a major ...
Fractionation and characterization of gold nanoparticles in aqueous solution: asymmetric-flow field flow fractionation with MALS, DLS, and UV–Vis detection

Asymmetrical-flow field flow fractionation (AFFF) separates constituents based on hydrodynamic size and is emerging as a powerful tool for obtaining high-resolution information on the size, molecular weight, composition, and stability of nanoscale particles in liquid media. We employ a customized AFFF system combining on-line detectors for multi-angle light scattering, dynamic light scattering, and UV–Vis absorption. Our objective is to develop optimized measurement protocols for the characterization of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), which are widely utilized in biomedical research and other nanotechnology applications. Experimental conditions have been optimized by controlling key parameters, including injection volume and solids concentration, mobile phase composition, membrane type and pore size, and ratio of channel-to-cross-flow rates. Individual citrate-stabilized GNP components (nominally 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 nm) and GNPs functionalized with polyethylene glycol were separated from multicomponent GNP mixtures by AFFF and subsequently characterized. We discuss the effects due to variations in measurement parameters and GNP surface modification on observed retention, recovery, and peak resolution.
Efficient super resolution time delay estimation techniques

In this paper, an efficient Weighted Fourier transform and RELAXation based algorithm (referred to as WRELAX) is first proposed for the well-known time delay estimation problem. WRELAX involves only a sequence of weighted Fourier transforms. Its resolution is much higher than that of the conventional matched filter approach. One disadvantage associated with WRELAX is that it converges slowly when the signals are spaced very closely. To overcome this problem, the well-known high resolution MODE (method of direction estimation) algorithm, which was originally proposed for angle estimation in array processing, is modified and used with WRELAX for super resolution time delay estimation. The latter method is referred to as MODE-WRELAX. MODE-WRELAX provides better accuracy than MODE and higher resolution than WRELAX. Moreover, it applies to both complex- and real-valued signals (including those with highly oscillatory correlation functions). Numerical results show that the MODE-WRELAX estimates can approach the corresponding the Cramer-Rao bounds.
Analysis of the Internet Key Exchange protocol using the NRL Protocol Analyzer

We show how the NRL Protocol Analyzer, a special-purpose formal methods tool designed for the verification of cryptographic protocols, was used in the analysis of the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol. We describe some of the challenges we faced in analyzing IKE, which specifies a set of closely related subprotocols, and we show how this led to a number of improvements to the Analyzer. We also describe the results of our analysis, which uncovered several ambiguities and omissions in the specification which would have made possible attacks on some implementations that conformed to the letter, if not necessarily the intentions, of the specifications.
Registration and Immobilization in Robot-Assisted Surgery

Robotic systems for computer-assisted surgery involve both tools and techniques that are new to the surgical arena. Registration and immobilization in particular are key problems. Registration is the spatial alignment of the coordinate frames of the robot, an anatomic object (e.g., a bone), and the preoperative plan (a computer model). Immobilization is necessary to maintain that alignment. We discuss various approaches to registration and immobilization and solutions appropriate for an orthopedic surgical system.
Expedited Programs for Serious Conditions: An Update on Breakthrough Therapy Designation.

Abstract Purpose Our aim was to describe the regulatory pathways made available by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the drug development and approval process, with a focus on the benefits and limitations of the Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) pathway. Methods Published materials consisting of journal articles, press releases, government documents, and news articles from pharmaceutical publishers were identified through online databases (ie, Medline and Scopus), the FDA website, and Internet search engines (eg, Google). Findings To encourage pharmaceutical innovation and increase the number of products being approved each year, the FDA has introduced 4 expedited regulatory pathways to accelerate the drug development and approval process. The most recent program, enacted in July 2012, was BTD that is given to drugs that treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition; and preliminary clinical evidence suggests the potential for these drugs to provide a substantial improvement over the current standard of care. The primary basis for the creation of BTD is to provide patients with serious conditions with earlier access to FDA-approved medications. In 2014, 22% of the new molecular entities approved within the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research had BTD status, as opposed to only 11% in 2013, which indicates both the popularity and success of this expedited pathway. Additionally, the creation of BTD has produced a more collaborative working relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA because both parties have a vested interest in the drug’s success. Some of the more notable concerns surrounding these approved breakthrough therapies have been the abbreviated tolerability and efficacy evidence available from accelerated clinical development programs, ensuring the manufacturing aspects keep pace with these accelerated clinical programs, and finally, managing the strain on resources for both the pharmaceutical companies and the FDA. Implications BTD has already had many positive and negative impacts on various stakeholders, including sponsors, investors, regulatory agencies, third-party payors, and patients. The ultimate goal of the BTD program is to identify promising drug candidates early in the clinical development timeline, expedite the development and review processes via intensive guidance from the FDA, and provide patients access to approved therapies as quickly as possible. With the first few batches of BTD product approvals, the FDA and other stakeholders have been working collaboratively to address the various expected and unexpected challenges that have arisen during the BTD process in order to refine and improve this already successful program.
A Probabilistic On-Line Mapping Algorithm for Teams of Mobile Robots:

An efficient probabilistic algorithm for the concurrent mapping and localization problem that arises in mobile robotics is presented. The algorithm addresses the problem in which a team of robots builds a map on-line while simultaneously accommodating errors in the robots’ odometry. At the core of the algorithm is a technique that combines fast maximum likelihood map growing with a Monte Carlo localizer that uses particle representations. The combination of both yields an on-line algorithm that can cope with large odometric errors typically found when mapping environments with cycles. The algorithm can be implemented in a distributed manner on multiple robot platforms, enabling a team of robots to cooperatively generate a single map of their environment. Finally, an extension is described for acquiring three-dimensional maps, which capture the structure and visual appearance of indoor environments in three dimensions.
Spall strength of a zirconium-based bulk metallic glass under shock-induced compression-and-shear loading

We present results of a series of plate-impact experiments conducted to understand spall 18 threshold in a zirconium-based bulk metallic glass (BMG), Zr41.25Ti13.75Ni10Cu12.5Be22.5, fol19 lowing normal shock-induced compression and combined compression-and-shear loading. 20 The experiments were conducted using a 82.5 mm bore single-stage gas-gun. A multi21 beam VALYN VISAR was used to measure the particle–velocity at the free-surface of the 22 target plate. For the normal shock-compression experiments, the impact velocities were 23 chosen to span the elastic to the elastic–plastic range of the BMG during impact; the spall 24 strength was inferred, at different levels of shock-induced compression, from the measured 25 particle–velocity history of the free-surface of the target plate. For the combined compres
Noncovalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes for highly specific electronic biosensors

Novel nanomaterials for bioassay applications represent a rapidly progressing field of nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology. Here, we present an exploration of single-walled carbon nanotubes as a platform for investigating surface-protein and protein-protein binding and developing highly specific electronic biomolecule detectors. Nonspecific binding on nanotubes, a phenomenon found with a wide range of proteins, is overcome by immobilization of polyethylene oxide chains. A general approach is then advanced to enable the selective recognition and binding of target proteins by conjugation of their specific receptors to polyethylene oxide-functionalized nanotubes. This scheme, combined with the sensitivity of nanotube electronic devices, enables highly specific electronic sensors for detecting clinically important biomolecules such as antibodies associated with human autoimmune diseases.
A Model of Stochastic Variety-Seeking

In this paper, we propose and test a stochastic model of consumer choice that incorporates attribute-based variety seeking. Our stochastic variety-seeking model SVS has nested within it a fixed variety-seeking model, a zero-order model of choice, and a first-order "pure variety" model. We compare the SVS model to alternative models. Under stochastic variety seeking, we examine the nature of the variety sought and provide a test of the "satiation" hypothesis. Unlike fixed variety-seeking models, our model allows variety seeking to vary in intensity and consistency over individuals as well as over purchase occasions. We show that the model is equivalent to a random utility model with the features that the attributes of brands relative to those of the brand previously bought influence choice, and the extent of variety seeking is random over choice occasions for a given individual. The model permits a closed-form solution to the conditional switching probabilities parameterized by variety-seeking parameters, and dependent on brand attributes. We apply our model to individual choice data obtained from a field study specifically designed for the purpose at hand.
The Efficacy of Routine Screening for High-Frequency Hearing Loss in Adults and Children

Purpose This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of routine screening for high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) including 3000, 6000, and 8000 Hz frequencies with conventional test frequencies (1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz) in adults and children in a university outreach program. Method Screening outcomes were examined in 2 cohorts of adults (Cohort 1, N = 315, M = 66.2 years; Cohort 2, N = 67, M = 68.3 years) and children (Cohort 1, N = 177, M = 6.5 years; Cohort 2, N = 57, M = 6.9 years) with a high-frequency screen protocol (1000–8000 Hz at 25 dB HL for adults and 20 dB HL for children) using supra-aural headphones. A rescreen was conducted in Cohort 2 with a modified protocol using insert earphones and monitored ambient noise levels. Results Average total test time significantly increased (p < .0001) and nearly doubled with inclusion of 3000-, 6000-, and 8000-Hz frequencies, adding approximately 1 min. Rescreen referral rates decreased by approximately 2%–16% at 1000–8000 Hz (approximately 13%–16%...
Comparison of Information Structures in Decentralized Dynamic Systems

This paper deals with the optimization problems we face when operating and designing a decentralized dynamic system. The system is controlled by a set of controllers—each having different information and control variables. Data acquisition and communication mechanisms of the controllers are specified by the information structure, which plays a very important role in the system performance. Through the study of a class of linear-quadratic regulator problems, we have demonstrated the relation of the merit of a structure versus its complexity, and have discussed various concepts in designing an efficient system.
Ethics, Evolved: An International Perspective on Copying in the Networked Age

This chapter examines international trends in adoption, attitudes and ethics surrounding "configurable" cultural forms, which blur the lines between traditional notions of production and consumption. In order to understand these trends, I analyze qualitatively and quantitatively the results of a survey fielded in 2014 and 2015 to 1,397 English-speaking adults in 11 different nations in Europe, North America, Africa and the Asia/Pacific region. The survey is substantially similar to earlier ones fielded by the author in 2006 and 2010. The survey combines quantitative, multiple-choice questions regarding the prevalence of configurable cultural practices and attitudes with qualitative, open-ended, questions in which respondents’ write-in responses reflect their ethical beliefs regarding these practices. As I will argue below, configurable culture has emerged as a definitively mainstream global phenomenon in the past five years, and despite global efforts to “harmonize” IP laws, residents of different nations and regions continue to employ a variety of different ethical frameworks – most of which bear very little resemblance to the contours of the law – when evaluating the validity of these emerging cultural behaviors.
Output optimization in the Irish plural system

In this paper I argue that a subpattern of Irish plural allomorphy should be analyzed as output optimizing in character. Specifically, I claim that stress-sensitive alternations between the plural suffixes -(e)anna and -(e)acha are conditioned by constraints on metrical well-formedness. This analysis connects with independent facts about the the prosodic prominence of [ax] sequences in Irish phonology. I further argue that an explanatory analysis of these patterns must make use of the notion of surface optimization. Alternative frameworks that eschew surface-oriented optimization mechanisms fail to account for synchronic and diachronic properties of the Irish plural system.
Power Properties of Four-Wire Systems at Nonsinusoidal Supply Voltage

Powers of three-phase aggregates of single-phase static linear loads supplied with a nonsinusoidal voltage are the subject of this paper. It is demonstrated in this paper that the supply current of such systems with a nonsinusoidal voltage can be decomposed into six mutually orthogonal components associated with distinctive physical phenomena in the load, two of which do not exist at a sinusoidal voltage. Such decomposition enables evaluation of contribution of these phenomena to the supply-current rms value increase and the power factor decline. A power equation and definitions of powers in such systems in the presence of voltage harmonics are proposed. This paper shows that all powers can be expressed in terms of load parameters, which can be identified by a measurement at the load terminals.
SELECTION INTENSITY IN NORTH AMERICAN HOUSE SPARROWS (PASSER DOMESTICUS).

House sparrows (Passer domesticus) were first introduced at New York City in 1852 and have since colonized most of North America. Present North American populations are mostly descendent from birds from central England (Barrows, 1889). As house sparrows dispersed, populations responded to different selective regimes determined by local conditions. In little more than 100 generations since its introduction, Johnston and Selander ( 1971 ) showed that development of morphological variation has approached the amount seen in this species for the whole of Europe. They related geographic trends in morphological variation to environmental factors, and their interpretations of trends in body size and proportions for North American populations are generally consistent with the ecogeographic rules of Bergmann and Allen. Selection pressures on sparrow populations must vary considerably throughout the continent. A method of measuring such selection intensity is provided by O'Donald (1968a, b, 1970a, 1972, 1973) that uses the proportionate change in fitness, Ar7/rw, as a measure of selection intensity. The model assumed for fitness is a quadratic fitness function, w = 1 a K( -)2. As a character-state, x, deviates from an optimum phenotype, 0, fitness of the individual decreases. Actual fitness is given if the constant a is known, or if a = 0, then fitnesses are relative; K is a constant. From this model, O'Donald (1970b) shows that the change in mean fitness is A?v = Vwl/r, where w7v is mean fitness and Vw is variance in fitness. If the character x is normally distributed, then Afvlfv/ = (x-'C)2/ V + 1/2{ [(X-)2 + (V $-V )V]/ V,}2, where x and V$ are the initial mean and variance of the character and x' and V'$ are these values after some period of selection (O'Donald, 1973). Death can occur for any member of a population through predation, disease, environmental stresses, starvation or accidents. Certain elements of populations may be more susceptible to mortality and in such cases selective deaths will occur. Since Johnston and Selander (1971) have shown that patterns of morphological and climatic variation are highly congruent, suggesting a cause-effect relationship, I felt that any geographic variation in selection on house sparrows was caused primarily by environmental mortality factors. Such influences continuously affect species' populations, and I initially investigated selection in house sparrows with the view of determining relationships between selection intensities and climatic factors. Additionally the questions of when selection initially operated in adapting North American sparrows and to what extent selection still operates on house sparrows were examined.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FALSE ST-SEGMENT ELEVATION MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (STEMI) CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION LABORATORY (CCL) ACTIVATIONS AT A MAJOR LOS ANGELES COUNTY STEMI-RECEIVING CENTER (SRC)

Cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) activation for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) based on pre-hospital ECG has reduced door-to-balloon times, but CCL-cancellations remain a challenging problem and adversely effect staff morale. We examined the economic impact of CCL-cancellations
Abstract P1-07-09: Estrogen receptor positivity: 10% or 1%?

Background. Guidelines by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the College of American Pathologists recently recommended that estrogen receptor (ER) status should be considered positive if 1% of tumor cells demonstrate positive nuclear staining by immunohistochemistry. Historically, 10% nuclear staining defined ER-positive status and impacted decision-making regarding endocrine therapy. Currently, no optimal threshold exists for ER either by clinically validating patient outcomes in prospective clinical trials or independently validated from systematically collected archived specimens from randomized clinical trials. In this study, we examined patient, tumor and treatment differences among patients by ER status: ER-positive ≥10%, ER-positive 1–10% and ER negative ( Method. Patients with primary breast carcinoma treated at our center who had complete ER status from January 1990 to December 2011 were included in this study. Patients were excluded if they presented with recurrent or metastatic disease. For statistical analyses, patients who underwent surgery for breast cancer were separated into three groups: ER-positive ≥10%, ER-positive 1–10% and ER negative. Analyses comparing various clinical and pathologic characteristics among patients with different ER status were performed. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Result. Patients whose tumors were ER-positive 1–10% (2.7%) were younger (median age 53 Vs. 56 years, P Conclusion. Patients whose tumors are ER-positive at 1–10% have clinical and pathologic characteristics different from those whose tumors are ER-positive ≥10%. Similar to patients whose tumors are ER negative, those with ER-positive disease at 1–10% do not appear to benefit from endocrine therapy. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-09.
FINE-SCALE GENETIC AND PHENOTYPIC STRUCTURE IN NATURAL POPULATIONS OF BACILLUS SUBTILIS AND BACILLUS LICHENIFORMIS: IMPLICATIONS FOR BACTERIAL EVOLUTION AND SPECIATION

The genetic and phenotypic structure of sympatric populations of wild bacteria tradi- tionally identified as Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis was analyzed. Small soil samples were taken from a single, tiny site in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, USA, to provide a true population analysis, in contrast to many analyses of genetic structure using bacterial strain collections of widely heterogeneous origin. Genetic analyses of isolates used multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, mis- matches in restriction fragment length polymorphism, and variants from Southern hybridization with B. subtilis DNA probes. Phenotypic analyses of isolates used the API test system for detection of growth and acid production on specific carbon sources. The two species were distinct both phenotypically and genetically, despite their known potential for genetic exchange in laboratory experiments. Genic and genotypic diversity were high in both species, and only 16% of observed allozyme variants might possibly be common to both species. Hence, there is probably modest genetic exchange, if any, between the species in nature. Clear hierarchies of population-genetic structure were found for both species. Different types of genetic data yield concordant population structures for B. subtilis. For both species, two-locus and multilocus statistical analyses of linkage demonstrated modest to strong disequilibrium at the species level but truly panmictic subunits within each species. The evidence for extensive genetic recombination within these fine-scale subdivisions is unequivocal, indicating that the sexuality of these bacteria can be well expressed in nature. The relation of these results to processes of bacterial evolution and speciation is discussed.
Changes in bicycling over time associated with a new bike lane: Relations with kilocalories energy expenditure and body mass index

Although bicycling has been related to positive health indicators, few studies examine health-related measures associated with non-competitive community cycling before and after cycling infrastructure improvements. This study examined cycling changes in a neighborhood receiving a bike lane, light rail, and other "complete street" improvements. Participants wore accelerometers and global positioning system (GPS) data loggers for one week in both 2012 and 2013, pre- and post- construction completion. Participants sampled within 2 km of the complete street improvements had the following patterns of cycling: never cyclists (n=434), continuing cyclists (n= 29), former cyclists (n=33, who bicycled in 2012 but not 2013), and new cyclists (n=40, who bicycled in 2013 but not 2012). Results show that all three cycling groups, as identified by GPS/accelerometry data, expended more estimated kilocalories (kcal) of energy per minute during the monitoring week than those who were never detected cycling, net of control variables. Similar but attenuated results emerged when cycling self-report measures were used. BMI was not related to cycling group but those who cycled longer on the new path had lower BMI. Although cyclists burn more calories than non-cyclists across the week, among cyclists, their cycling days involved more calories expended than their non-cycling days. The new cyclists account for 39% of the cyclists identified in this study and former cyclists account for 32% of cyclists. These results suggest that cycling is healthy, but that sustaining rates of cycling will be an important goal for future policy and research.
Clinical and safety outcomes of laparoscopic nephrectomy with renal autotransplantation for the loin pain‐hematuria syndrome: a 14‐year longitudinal cohort study

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to assess clinical and safety outcomes after laparoscopic nephrectomy with autotransplantation for loin pain-hematuria syndrome (LPHS). METHODS We conducted telephone interviews using structured questionnaires and retrospectively reviewed data on all patients who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy with autotransplantation for LPHS between January 2000 and May 2014. RESULTS A total of 24 laparoscopic nephrectomies with renal autotransplantation of 21 patients with LPHS were reviewed. Eighty-three per cent were female with a mean age of 31 years. Postoperatively, graft loss resulting in subsequent nephrectomy occurred in two patients; However, no patients died (median follow-up = 22 months, range 5 to 78 months) or required dialysis (median follow-up = 10 months, range 0.2 to 178 months). There was no significant difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and after surgery (100 ± 22 vs. 97 ± 23 mL/min/1.73 m2 ; P = 0.37). Among 14 patients (16 autotransplantation) with telephone follow-up, 14 (88%) resulted in pain relief and no operation resulted in worsening pain. All procedures resulted in immediate pain relief; pain recurrence was reported after two procedures. However, those patients had pain-free period up to 36 months. The quality of life was better after 15 (94%) autotransplantation with higher employment rate (44% vs. 69%; P = 0.04). Two patients with graft loss reported better pain control and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Renal autotransplantation is a possible treatment option for LPHS refractory to conservative medical treatment. It can offer pain relief and better quality of life. Despite postoperative risk, it seems to be safe for survival and renal outcomes.
Antibiotic management of acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in children.

Summary Optimal antibiotic management of children with acute bone and joint infections depends on early clinical diagnosis, careful search for the infecting organism, and institution of vigorous surgical therapy. Because antibiotic treatment must be initiated before confirmatory laboratory data are available, clues to the bacteriologic etiology must be sought. Knowledge of the patient's age, the clinical circumstances of the infection, and the associated physical findings may provide a presumptive bacteriologic diagnosis. Gram-staining of the surgical aspirate or tissue may provide immediate information about the nature of the pathogen. Definitive culture results and antibiotic sensitivities may be useful in modifying therapy, if necessary. It is advocated that antibiotics be given parenterally for the full course of therapy because of the seriousness of the infection and the importance of high blood and tissue levels. To determine a response to therapy, frequent careful physical examinations along with periodic roentgenograms and sedimentation rate determinations are indicated. Because long-term, high-dose antibiotic therapy can produce side effects, it is essential that studies be done to monitor any potentially harmful effects on organ systems.