cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro polyoma DNA synthesis: discontinuous chain growth.

Abstract Using an in vitro system for polyoma DNA synthesis from polyoma-infected mouse BALB/3T3 cells, we have shown that short pulses of radioactively labeled deoxynucleoside triphosphates are incorporated into viral replicative intermediates. Upon denaturation, the pulse-labeled replicative intermediates yield two size classes of growing DNA chains, namely a heterogeneous long class with S values up to unit viral DNA length (16 S) and a rather discrete short class of 5 S pieces. We have shown that these short fragments are involved as precursors in viral DNA chain elongation and that they can be chased into mature viral DNA. The fragments are found in replicative intermediates at all stages of replication and are therefore presumably not involved in specialized initiation or termination processes. Kinetic analysis of the appearance of radioactivity in short and long chains shows that initially approximately equal amounts are incorporated at a linear rate into the two classes. Subsequently, the rate of incorporation into long chains approximately doubles, while the amount of radioactivity in short chains reaches a plateau. This not only suggests that short chains are precursors to long chains, but that the synthesis of long chains occurs as a separate event and is not simply a result of joining of short fragments. Under the in vitro labeling conditions the time taken for radioactivity in short chains to reach a constant level can be used as a measure of the average lifetime of a 5 S piece. Our analysis indicates that there may be a considerable lag between the completion of a 5 S piece and its joining into longer DNA. Estimates of the self-annealing of the short chains showed approximately 20% self-complementarity. Thus, polyoma synthesis in vitro appears to proceed predominantly by a semi-discontinuous mechanism in which the nascent DNA on one side of the growing fork is elongated continuously, while on the other side of the fork DNA is synthesized discontinuously as 5 S fragments, which are subsequently joined. Both the short and the long chains are synthesized in the 5′ to 3′ direction. A fraction of the pulse-labeled material is found as free 3 to 5 S single-stranded DNA. These pieces are of both viral and cellular origin. A majority of them appear to be involved as precursors in DNA chain elongation.
Synthesis, characterization and properties of intensified plasma-assisted nitrided superalloy Inconel 718

Superalloy Inconel 718 (IN-718) was nitrided at relatively low temperatures (< 500 °C) by intensified plasma-assisted processing (IPAP). The structural characteristics of the nitrided layers at the surface were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The IPAP-treated alloy was composed of a ∼4 μm thick single-phase layer followed by a ∼25 μm nitrogen diffusion zone. The results showed that the nitride phase formed from the anisotropic expansion of the original alloy unit cell in a similar way to that observed in the Fe–Cr–Ni system (AISI 316 austenitic stainless steel). The electron binding energy characteristics of the various elements involved in the single-phase were revealed for the first time. Micro indentation experiments showed that IPAP nitriding for 3 h caused at least a four-fold increase in the surface hardness. The nitrided surfaces were found to possess significantly improved wear and corrosion resistance. The present results show that low temperature IPAP nitriding is an effective surface treatment for IN-718.
Vibrational–rotational distributions of NO formed from N+O2 reactive collisions

Abstract We present the results of quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) calculations for the N ( 4 S )+ O 2 reaction over a broad range of collision energies with scaled ab initio potential energy surfaces of the 2 A ′ and 4 A ′ electronic states. The analysis of product rovibrational distributions support the suggestion that this reaction is a source of highly excited NO in the upper atmosphere. The computed NO vibrational distribution is found to be in good agreement with a recent measurement.
Automatic source code specialization for energy reduction

This paper presents a framework to reduce the computational effort of software programs, using value profiling and partial evaluation. Our tool reduces computational effort by specializing a program for highly expected situations and such a reduction translates into both energy and performance improvement. Procedure calls executed frequently with same parameter values are defined as highly expected situations (common cases). The choice of the best transformation of common cases is achieved by solving three search problems. The first identifies effective common cases to be specialized, the second searches for an optimal solution for effective common case, and the third examines the interplay among the specialized cases. Our technique improves both energy consumption and performance of the source code up to more than twice and in average about 25% over the original program. Also, our pruning techniques reduce the searching time by 80% compared to exhaustive approach.
Psychiatric diagnoses in adolescents seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus.

The objective was to provide a descriptive analysis of the prevalence of past and current psychiatric disorders in adolescents positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Structured interview in a convenience sample in a primary care urban adolescent clinic in Washington DC. Thirty-four HIV-seropositive adolescents ranging in age from 16 to 21 years. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders–Patient Edition (SCID-P) was administered by a child psychiatrist or a clinical child psychologist. Extensive review of medical records was also conducted. A majority of the HIV-infected adolescents in our sample had received psychiatric diagnoses prior to their treatment at the clinic (53%) had a documented history of sexual abuse (50%) and had a history of substance use (82%). Psychiatric diagnoses determined by the SCID-P indicated that 85% of the sample had a current Axis I disorder with 44% reporting ongoing depressive disorders. The majority of subjects in this sample had had a previous psychiatric diagnosis and almost half had a current affective disorder. Psychiatric disorders especially affective disorders may be a risk factor for highrisk sexual behaviors and substance use that increases the risk for HIV infection in adolescent populations. (authors)
Marketing on the internet: looking back and looking forward

This paper represents a condensed version of the keynote address given by the author at the 2003 E-commerce Research Conference in Taichung, Taiwan. Donning a critic's glasses, the author views the e-commerce phenomenon and comments on its future.
Relationships among xylem transport, biomechanics and storage in stems and roots of nine Rhamnaceae species of the California chaparral.

Summary • Here, hypotheses about stem and root xylem structure and function were assessed by analyzing xylem in nine chaparral Rhamnaceae species. •T raits characterizing xylem transport efficiency and safety, mechanical strength and storage were analyzed using linear regression, principal components analysis and phylogenetic independent contrasts (PICs). • Stems showed a strong, positive correlation between xylem mechanical strength (xylem density and modulus of rupture) and xylem transport safety (resistance to cavitation and estimated vessel implosion resistance), and this was supported by PICs. Like stems, greater root cavitation resistance was correlated with greater vessel implosion resistance; however, unlike stems, root cavitation resistance was not correlated with xylem density and modulus of rupture. Also different from stems, roots displayed a trade-off between xylem transport safety from cavitation and xylem transport efficiency. Both stems and roots showed a trade-off between xylem transport safety and xylem storage of water and nutrients, respectively. • Stems and roots differ in xylem structural and functional relationships, associated with differences in their local environment (air vs soil) and their primary functions.
Transferable Potentials for Phase Equilibria. 6. United-Atom Description for Ethers, Glycols, Ketones, and Aldehydes

The extension of the transferable potentials for phase equilibria−united atom (TraPPE−UA) force field to the ether, glycol, ketone, and aldehyde functionalities is presented. New parameters for the ether oxygen, the carbonyl carbon (ketones), the carbonyl methine (aldehydes), and a special intramolecular hydrogen-bond term were fitted to the vapor−liquid coexistence curves for selected one-component systems. Coupled−decoupled configurational bias Monte Carlo simulations in the Gibbs or grand canonical ensemble were used to compute the vapor−liquid coexistence curves for the neat systems of dimethyl ether, ethyl methyl ether, diethyl ether, dipropyl ether, diisopropyl ether, methyl tert-butyl ether, 1,2-ethanediol, 2-methoxyethan-1-ol, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,3-propanediol, acetone, 2-pentanone, 2-octanone, acetaldehyde, pentanal, and octanal. Additional simulations were performed for the binary mixtures of diethyl ether + ethanol and acetone + hexane. Excellent agreement with experimental results was found...
Suicide attempts among individuals with opiate dependence: The critical role of belonging

This study explored the role of three theoretically important interpersonal variables in attempted suicide and unintentional overdose using a diverse sample of one hundred thirty-one (69 women) methadone patients at an urban university hospital. Subjects completed a standardized interview including self-report measures of perceived 1) belonging 2) burdensomeness, and 3) loneliness. In separate multivariate logistic regression analyses, individuals with a history of attempted suicide were compared to non-attempters, and individuals with a history of unintentional overdose were compared to individuals without such a history. As hypothesized, low belonging distinguished suicide attempters but not individuals with a history of unintentional overdose, after accounting for covariates. Results concerning burdensomeness and suicide attempt were also suggestive. Findings underscore the relevance of a sense of belonging to vulnerability to suicidal behavior, and lend further support to the notion that suicide attempts and unintentional overdose have dissimilar correlates.
A reservation mac protocol for ad-hoc underwater acoustic sensor networks

In this paper we propose a new MAC protocol for ad-hoc underwater acoustic sensor networks that segregates the available bandwidth into a (small) control channel and a (majority bandwidth) data channel. Reservations for main channel time are made by transmission of request-to-Send(RTS) packets on the control channel. The effects of channel segregation are explored and simulation results are presented. We find that such a reservation MAC generally achieves good channel utilization with an optimal control channel bandwidth for a given data bandwidth.
Populations of Lady Beetles and Lacewings in Sweet Corn Using 2-Phenylethanol Based Benallure® Beneficial Insect Lures

Abstract Sweet corn was grown in 9.3 m2 replicated plots following National Organic Program Standards. Plots were baited with Benallure® beneficial insect lures containing 2-phenylethanol or were left as non baited controls. Beneficial insects were sampled weekly during silking using 232 cm2 yellow sticky traps placed at ear height directly in the plot center and 0.9 m from plot center in each cardinal direction. Pink lady beetles [Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer)], multicolored Asian lady beetles [Harmonia axyridis (Pallas)], and green lacewings [Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens)], were the predatory insects collected on the traps. The pink lady beetle was the most abundant predator caught. Multicolored Asian lady beetles and green lacewings were caught in low numbers during both years of the study. However, multicolored Asian lady beetles were more abundant in Benallure baited plots than non baited plots early during anthesis in 2006. Benallure lures did not attract pink lady beetles or green lacewings during...
Superconducting generators for airborne applications and YBCO coated conductors

With the development of high-power applications, especially those on air platforms, power generation systems above the megawatt level will be required. Superconducting generators can address this need. Recently, several successful rotating machinery projects demonstrated the practicality and feasibility of the technology using the high temperature superconducting BSCCO wire. With progress of the newer superconducting YBCO coated conductor to longer lengths, addition improvement can be made to these superconducting devices. This presentation will address the use of the superconducting generator from an airborne perspective and then address the benefits and some issues for the employment of YBCO coated conductors in future demonstrations.
Multiple surface‐plasmon‐polariton waves localized to a metallic defect layer in a sculptured nematic thin film

The propagation of a surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) wave guided by a thin metallic defect layer in a sculptured nematic thin film (SNTF) - a periodically nonhomogeneous, anisotropic, dielectric material - was studied theoretically. If the defect layer is sufficiently thick, SPP waves propagate independently along the two metal/SNTF interfaces formed by the presence of the defect layer in the SNTF. As the thickness of the defect layer is reduced, SPP wave propagation is modified by the coupling of the two interfaces. The number of SPP waves increases and lower attenuation rates along the direction of propagation become possible.
Short-term outcome of very low birth weight infants in a developing country: comparison with the Vermont Oxford Network.

OBJECTIVES To determine the outcome of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) admitted to a level III NICU in UAE and compare the results to percentiles published by the Vermont Oxford Network (VON). METHOD Outcome data were collected retrospectively, using standard definitions, on a cohort of VLBWI 500-1500 g admitted between January 2004 and December 2006. RESULTS Of the 173 infants weighing 501-1500 g at birth, 85.6% survived until discharge, which corresponds to the 50th percentile (P50) of VON. Chronic lung disease (CLD) occurred in 12.1% (<P25), death or CLD 26.6%, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) 5.8% (<P50), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of any grade 17.5% (P25), grade III or IV IVH in 5% (P25), periventricular leucomalacia (PVL) 2.8% (P50), retinopathy of prematurity stage (ROP) 11.3% (<P10). The mortality and morbidity data for the subgroups of 501-1000 g and 1001-1500 g birth weight are also reported. CONCLUSION We report the outcome of VLBWI born in a developing country with high resources. The rates of CLD, IVH and ROP were < or =25th percentile of the VON and mortality, NEC and PVL were in the 50th percentile.
Effects of recombinant insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and growth hormone on serum IGF-binding proteins in calorically restricted adults.

To determine the effects of exogenous insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and GH on IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP)-1, -2, and -3, six healthy nonobese adult volunteers underwent two 2-week periods of diet restriction (20 Cal/kg.day), and during the last 6 days of the first period received either IGF-I (12 micrograms/kg.h by iv infusion over 16 h) or GH (0.05 mg/kg.day by sc injection). During the second 2-week study period, the alternate hormone was given. IGFBP-1 and -2 concentrations were determined by specific RIA, and changes in IGFBP-3 were assessed by ligand blotting. Free IGF-I concentrations were measured by size-exclusion high pressure liquid chromatography, followed by RIA. Diet restriction alone did not affect either IGFBP-1 or -2 significantly. IGF-I treatment increased IGFBP-1 from 78 +/- 46 ng/mL (mean pretreatment) to 137 +/- 64 ng/mL (P less than 0.001; mean for the last 4 days of IGF-I). IGF-I also caused an increase in IGFBP-2 from 315 +/- 136 to 675 +/- 304 ng/mL (P less than 0.001). GH injections caused a modest decline in IGFBP-1 concentrations but had no effect on IGFBP-2 concentrations. By ligand blotting, both IGF-I and GH caused a modest increase in IGFBP-3 band intensity. In three subjects diet restriction alone caused a small decrease in IGFBP-3 hand intensity, and this was reversed by hormone treatment. Free IGF-I concentrations in serum were increased from 1.6% to 4.4% of the total IGF-I during IGF-I infusions. GH injections caused a smaller increase in free IGF-I concentrations. The results show significant increases in IGFBP-1 and -2 during IGF-I infusion. The change in IGFBP-3, while significant, is quantitatively less than that in experimental animals that have been given IGF-I while undergoing dietary restriction. The net effect of the changes in these three forms of IGFBPs is not sufficient to maintain a normal IGF-I-binding capacity in serum, because free IGF-I levels were increased disproportionately during the IGF-I infusions. Because hypoglycemia was noted in these subjects despite insulin suppression, these alterations in IGFBPs might have changed the tissue bioavailability of IGF-I and facilitated its hypoglycemic effects.
Impact of Distributed Generators on Protective Devices in Radial Distribution Systems

Proper protection of distribution systems is essential to ensure high reliability and power quality. With the proposed migration to the inclusion of distributed generation in distribution systems, it is critical that the protection schemes be adapted to address these new and very different system characteristics. The authors of this paper have studied the impact of the integration of DGs in radial distribution systems on the selectivity and coordination of existing overcurrent protection schemes. Studies were conducted using the IEEE 34 node test feeder. Protective devices and distributed generators were added to the test feeder. Normal and short circuit characteristics of the feeder with and without distributed generators were analyzed. The analysis is being used to determine how overcurrent protection must be modified to properly protect distribution systems with DGs. This presentation discusses the findings of these studies
Modified bead spring theory of dilute polymer solutions. III. Inclusion of multiple relaxation times

A previously derived constitutive equation, representing a blending of the molecular dumbbell theory and a continuum theory of anisotropic fluids, has been extended to the multidumbbell (Rouse-Zimm) case. The equation thus derived yields predictions equivalent to the Rouse-Zimm theory in small-amplitude dynamic shearing, with the exception that the introduction of an “effective molecular weight” as the concentration of polymer is increased is no longer required. In simple shearing flow, the theory predictions are far superior to those of the Rouse-Zimm model, yielding realistic non-Newtonian viscosity behavior, a positive primary normal stress difference, and a negative secondary normal stress difference. In stress relaxation following the cessation of steady shearing flow, the rate of relaxation is found to depend to the initial velocity gradient, but the effect is predicted to be too small to be observed experimentally in typical dilute polymer solutions. The effects of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and polymer–solvent interaction are explicitly accounted for, and in all cases the theory predictions are in excellent qualitative agreement with accepted experimental behavior.
Ionospheric effects on SAR imaging: a numerical study

There has been an increasing interest in the use of spaceborne very high frequency ultra high frequency (VHF-UHF) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for measuring forest biomass and for detecting underground facilities. The propagation characteristics of the low-frequency electromagnetic wave are severely affected by the ionosphere. Recently, Faraday rotation effects and SAR image degradation have been studied using an analytical model and a homogeneous ionosphere. In this paper, a numerical model is developed to investigate the SAR image degradation caused by an inhomogeneous ionosphere. Both horizontal and vertical structures of the ionosphere are considered in this model. Three different cases are studied. The first is a vertically homogenous ionosphere, where the simulation condition is the same as in the analytical study by Ishimaru and others. The second is a vertical profile, which is introduced using the Chapman formula. The ray-bending effect is added for the ionosphere with a layered structure. Finally, both the vertical profile in electron density and the horizontal gradient in total electron content are considered in the simulation. Simulation results show good agreement with the theoretical analysis under the same conditions of the ionosphere. When both horizontal and vertical structures and the inhomogeneity of the ionosphere are considered in the model, the simulation result shows further image degradation and shift caused by the ray-bending effect. The simulation results also show the strong frequency dependence of the SAR image resolution.
Multi-organ involvement of Heterobilharzia americana infection in a dog presented for systemic mineralization.

Canine schistosomiasis due to Heterobilharzia americana is a clinically underdiagnosed disease in dogs, which is found primarily in the Gulf Coast and south Atlantic region of the United States. A ...
Fermentation, biogas and biohydrogen production from solid food processing.

Publisher Summary Food processing waste has significant potential to pollute land, air, and water because of its high Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and sheer volume. The fact that food waste is generally organic and non-toxic means it lends itself to biological treatment. Biological wastewater treatment is primarily used to remove dissolved and colloidal organic substances in a wastewater stream. Anaerobic processes are regarded as the most efficient of biological technologies. In contrast to aerobic biological treatment, anaerobic fermentation processes do not require air input and generate considerably smaller amounts of sludge. The anaerobic process is accomplished through biological conversion of organics to methane and carbon dioxide in an oxygen-free environment. The overall conversion process is often described as a three-stage process, which may occur simultaneously in an anaerobic digester. This chapter discusses biogas and biohydrogen production from solid food processing by anaerobic fermentation.
Severe Coronary Vasculitis During a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare Improved Angiographically With Immune-Suppressant Therapy.

A 47-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus with nephritis, maintained on prednisone, experienced transient chest pain radiating to her left arm and shoulder. She was hospitalized for a potassium level of 6.1 mEq/dL. She lost consciousness after receiving sodium polystyrene enemas. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed briefly. …
Relationship between the depth of a target in a turbid medium and the fluorescence measured using a variable aperture method

This study shows the relationship between the depth of a target in a turbid medium and the fluorescence ratio profile measured using illumination and collection apertures with variable diameters and the same optical path. The forward problem was studied by performing Monte Carlo simulations of fluorescent light propagation through a model of a biologically relevant system for a range of aperture diameters. The normalized fluorescence ratio versus aperture diameter is characterized by a maximum / minimum point and its position shifts linearly with the depth of the target. Furthermore, the position of the maximum/minimum is observed to be insensitive to variations in the fluorescence efficiency and the optical properties of the target layer or the entire medium.
Agreement between current and active asthma classification methods, Asthma Call-back Survey, 2011-2012.

AbstractObjective: Various approaches have been developed to identify persons with asthma using survey data. To assess agreement between current and active asthma classifications, 2011–2012 Asthma Call-back Survey landline telephone household data from 38 states, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico for adults aged ≥18 years who have ever been told by a health professional they have asthma were analyzed. Methods: Respondents were classified to have current asthma if they reported still having asthma, and active asthma if they reported within the past year: 1) talking to a doctor about asthma, 2) taking asthma medication, or 3) having any symptoms of asthma. Agreement between classifications was assessed using the Kappa statistic. Results: Among adults ever told by a health professional they have asthma, an estimated 72% had current asthma and 75% had active asthma. Overall, 67% of individuals met classifications of both current and active asthma and 20% had neither current nor active asthma (Kappa = 0.68...
Dehydrogenase Systems from Fat Body of Susceptible and Chlordane. Resistant Blattella germanica (L.)

The presence and levels of diphosphopyridine nucleotide malic dehydrogenase and triphosphopyridine nucleotide glucose- 6-phosphate and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenases have been established in the fat body of a susceptible and a chlordane resistant strain of cockroach ( Blattella germanica (L.)). The method used was spectrophotometric measurement of the enzymatically reduced nucleotides. A statistically significant difference between male insects of the susceptible and resistant strains was found for malic dehydrogenase. It is not known how the difference is related to resistance.
Blood levels of pentobarbital sodium, meprobamate, and tybamate in relation to clinical effects.

Experiments are reported in which single therapeutic doses of central depressant drugs were given to normal volunteers with simultaneous measurement of blood levels of drug and clinical effects. In the case of pentobarbital, only one of nine possible correlations was significant; after eight hours, high serum levels of pentobarbital were correlated with high aggressive scores on a mood scale. In the case of meprobamate, none of six possible correlations at two time periods was significant, although the relationship between sleepy scores and high plasma levels approached significance both times. This relationship was confirmed for meprobamate in a third study, in which the presence of sleepiness as a symptom was associated with significantly higher levels of drug than its absence. Similar findings applied to tybamate in regard to the symptom of drowsiness. The relatively poor correlation between blood levels of central depressant drugs and clinical symptoms may be related in part to the difficulty of measuring relevant effects in normal men. In larger part, however, it may be due to the fact that social and personal factors more strongly influence the appearance of clinical effects from mild central depressants than do serum levels of the drugs.
Physiological inputs regulate species-specific anatomy during embryogenesis and regeneration

A key problem in evolutionary developmental biology is identifying the sources of instructive information that determine species-specific anatomical pattern. Understanding the inputs to large-scale morphology is also crucial for efforts to manipulate pattern formation in regenerative medicine and synthetic bioengineering. Recent studies have revealed a physiological system of communication among cells that regulates pattern during embryogenesis and regeneration in vertebrate and invertebrate models. Somatic tissues form networks using the same ion channels, electrical synapses, and neurotransmitter mechanisms exploited by the brain for information-processing. Experimental manipulation of these circuits was recently shown to override genome default patterning outcomes, resulting in head shapes resembling those of other species in planaria and Xenopus. The ability to drastically alter macroscopic anatomy to that of other extant species, despite a wild-type genomic sequence, suggests exciting new approaches to the understanding and control of patterning. Here, we review these results and discuss hypotheses regarding non-genomic systems of instructive information that determine biological growth and form.
Synthesis of clock and power/ground networks

Publisher Summary There is a rich body of work in the general areas of automated modeling and synthesis of clock distribution networks and power/ground (P/G) delivery systems. Clock distribution networks and power delivery systems are the two largest types of on-chip interconnect networks. They both play a crucial role in the correct operation of a circuit. A clock network delivers a synchronizing signal across the chip to coordinate the flow of data. A P/G supply network provides a reference voltage for determining the status of a transistor (on or off), and also the current for switching a transistor. This chapter focuses mainly on the modeling and synthesis of clock and (P/G) networks composed of RC elements. Many issues that affect the integrity of clock networks or P/G networks are addressed. The timing, power, and robustness issues that one must consider when designing a clock network or P/G network are discussed as well. The chapter then examines the automated analysis, synthesis, and optimization of such large-scale interconnection networks, one for clock networks, and the other one for power supply networks. After presenting the modeling and analysis techniques for such networks, the chapter describes algorithms to synthesize and optimize these networks.
Follicle cell processes: a shark thing?

Follicle cell processes (FCP) are identified in two species of carcharhinid shark (Selachii) but are absent in the little skate Leucoraja erinacea (Batoidea). This suggests that FCPs are either a unique structure that evolved in selachians or were lost by the batoids after their divergence, some 280 mya. The presence of FCPs in the selachians would be consistent with the evolution of large oocytes in this group of animals.
Dartos Fascia Interposition Flap for Penetrating Cavernosal and Urethral Trauma

We present an unusual case of a single gunshot to the genitalia in which the bullet trajectory injured the urethra, corpus cavernosum, and both testicles. All injuries were successfully repaired during initial exploration. Our report serves as a reminder to clinicians to have a high index of suspicion in this circumstance and consider immediate exploration of all the injured areas. We also demonstrate the use of a dartos fascia interposition flap to cover and separate the concomitant urethral and corporal sutures lines. Our dartos flap bolstered the urethral and cavernosal repairs and helped prevent postoperative corporourethral fistula formation.
`Giant' nanocrystal quantum dots (gNQDs) as FRET donors

High-quality core/shell CdSe/xCdS quantum dots (QDs) ranging from 3 to 20 nm in diameter were synthesized for use as Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) donors. gNQDs are carefully characterized for size, emission, absorption, QY, and brightness in both organic and aqueous solution. FRET has been verified in optimally designed systems that use short capping ligands and donor-acceptor pairs that have well-matched emission and absorption spectra. The interplay between shell thickness, donor-acceptor distance, and particle brightness is systematically analyzed to optimize our biosensor design.
Electrodynamics of High-Spin Molecular Magnet Materials: What’s New With Mn12-Acetate?

High-spin nanomagnets are fascinating materials due to the synthetic and design challenges inherent in the preparation of these materials, the cornucopia of novel low-temperature physical properties, and the propensity to tune and control the magnetic interactions and physical properties from the molecular level. In this paper, we summarize our recent spectroscopic work on Mn12-acetate, including (1)—far-infrared measurements in high magnetic fields which highlight several novel field-sensitive absorptions and (2) -visible optics experiments that allow us to investigate the charge degrees of freedom, assign the electronic excitations, and provide information on the spin minority and majority gaps. Taken together, these studies show that the spectroscopic investigation of molecular magnets is a rich area of work with tremendous future opportunities.
Assessing reproductive choices of women and the likelihood of oocyte cryopreservation in the era of elective oocyte freezing

Objective To assess reproductive choices of reproductive-age women in the United States and factors that influence consideration of elective egg freezing (EF). Design Cross-sectional internet-based survey. Setting Not applicable. Patients One thousand women aged 21–45 years. Intervention(s) An anonymous 63-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a representative cross-section of women aged 21–45 years, stratified by age Main Outcome Measure(s) Ordinal logistic regression was performed to characterize the association of population characteristics and reproductive knowledge with likelihood to consider EF. Willingness to pay was assessed with the use of a linear prediction model that calculated dollar amounts at varying success rates. Result(s) Overall, 87.2% of the sample reported awareness of EF for fertility preservation and 25% would consider this option, yet only 29.8% knew what the EF process entails. Once informed of the process, 30% of women changed their level of consideration. In a multivariable model, Asian race, single status, and infertility increased the likelihood of considering EF. Women likely to consider egg freezing would be willing to pay $3,811.55 (95% confidence interval $2,862.66–$4,760.44). If the total cost were $10,000, 91% of the cohort would accept at minimum a 50% chance of successful delivery. Conclusion(s) This study is one of the largest cohorts of reproductive-age women in the United States addressing reproductive choices and factors associated with the importance of having a biologically related child and the likelihood of considering EF to preserve fertility. This study provides important insight into the willingness to pay for this elective endeavor.
Model predictive PseudoSpectral Optimal Control with semi-parametric dynamics

Trajectory optimization of a controlled dynamical system is an essential part of autonomy, however many trajectory optimization techniques are limited by the fidelity of the underlying parametric model. In the field of robotics, a lack of model knowledge can be overcome with machine learning techniques by utilizing measurements to build a dynamical model from the data. This paper aims to take the middle ground between these two approaches by introducing a semi-parametric representation of the underlying system dynamics. Our goal is to leverage the considerable information contained in a traditional physics based model and combine it with a data-driven, non-parametric regression technique known as a Gaussian Process. Integrating this semi-parametric model with PseudoSpectral Optimal Control (PSOC), we demonstrate model learning in an episodic and receding horizon fashion. In order to manage parametric uncertainty, we introduce an algorithm that utilizes Sparse Spectrum Gaussian Processes (SSGP) for incremental learning after each rollout. The goal of this paper is to motivate and demonstrate the constrained optimization techniques with semi-parametric models for online learning.
Water column processes differentially influence richness and diversity of neutral, lumpy and intransitive phytoplankton assemblages

Abstract Neutrality, lumpy coexistence and intransitive population dynamics are mechanisms that, in theory, influence biodiversity. In this research, we focus on simulated phytoplankton assemblages that are species-supersaturated because of these mechanisms. We investigate how various water column processes alter mechanism functioning and consequently biodiversity. The water column processes on which we focus are extinguishing light availability with depth, vertical diffusivity, upward diffusive flux of nutrients from lower layers and/or the benthos, particle sinking, and a rescue effect. We explore the influence of these water column processes on phytoplankton biodiversity by characterizing assemblages’ α- and β-level richness and diversity. Previous work found that intransitive systems’ richness and biodiversity were more sensitive to hydraulic mixing and immigration than those of neutrality and lumpy coexistence. With our expanded modeling framework, our findings are similar in regards to α richness and diversity, but have a more complicated story from the perspective of β richness and diversity where the influence of spatial heterogeneity arising from various water-column processes is dependent upon the phytoplankton assemblage type.
Role of P2X4 Receptor in Mouse Voiding Function

Purinergic signalling plays an important role in the regulation of bladder smooth muscle (BSM) contractility, and P2X4 receptor is expressed in the bladder wall, where it may act by forming heteromeric receptors with P2X1, the major purinergic force-generating muscle receptor. To test this hypothesis, we examined mouse BSM contractile properties in the absence and presence of selective P2X1 (NF449 & NF279) and P2X4 antagonists (5-BDBD). These drugs inhibited BSM purinergic contraction only partially, suggesting the possibility of a heteromeric receptor. However, carefully controlled co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that P2X1 and P2X4 do not form physically linked heteromers. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining showed that P2X4 is not present in mouse BSM per se, but in an unknown cellular structure among BSM bundles. To investigate whether deletion of P2X4 could impact voiding function in vivo, P2X4 null mice were characterized. P2X4 null mice had normal bladder weight and morphology, normal voiding spot size and number by voiding spot assay, normal voiding interval, pressure and compliance by cystometrogram, and normal BSM contractility by myography. In conclusion, these data strongly suggest that P2X4 is not present in mouse BSM cells, does not affect smooth muscle contractility and that mice null for P2X4 exhibit normal voiding function.
Grape Root Borer

Over a century ago, a statement by the observant entomologist F. E. Brooks from West Virginia, the US, captured one of the fundamental issues underlying the infestation of vineyards in the eastern US by larvae of the grape borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris): ‘So inconspicuous is the insect itself, and its manner of working, that a vineyard may be suffering greatly from its attacks and yet those who have the care of the vines remain entirely ignorant of the cause of the trouble’ (Brooks 1907). Seven decades later, Dutcher and All (1979a) reiterated this ongoing problem, stating that ‘Due to the cryptic nature of the grape root borer larva and the chronic, yet pernicious impact of larval feeding on vine vigor, infestations are often not noticed until severe damage has occurred’. Despite long-standing recognition of the potential threat from grape root borer (reviewed in Brooks 1907) and a considerable body of published research and observations on aspects of its biology, behavior and management, the deleterious effects from this troublesome pest continue to plague many eastern US vineyards. This is likely due to a combination of factors, not least of which is the insidious nature of the development of a grape root borer infestation. Detection of, and early intervention against, infestations requires experience and education that many growers or crop consultants do not possess and a continuing level of diligence that many have not applied. Furthermore, the expansion of the eastern US wine grape industry since the 1970s has focused primarily on European grape (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties and their hybrids, many of which are grafted to rootstocks developed from crosses of American grape species considered susceptible to grape root borer. Such factors would be expected to increase the incidence and severity of problems from the pest, especially as vineyards age. Perhaps most importantly however, the development and delivery of monitoring and management tactics for grape root borer based on modern IPM principles have not kept pace with those now considered routine for controlling many other lepidopteran pests of agricultural crops. A truly integrated strategy for managing grape root borer is not presently available. This, I believe, is due to some fundamental knowledge gaps concerning the ecology and behavior of the grape root borer that have impeded the development of best management practices.
Factors associated with marked reduction in mortality for Fontan operations in patients with single ventricle.

The Fontan operation was originally employed for patients with tricuspid atresia, but its application has been extended to those with a variety of complex defects in which there is functionally only a single ventricular chamber. The outcome of 225 modified Fontan operations carried out between 1984 and 1990 at the Children's Hospital, Boston, for patients with defects other than tricuspid atresia was reviewed. Overall 30 patients (13.3 %) had failure of this operation (death or takedown). Results improved significantly during the period of the study, with failure rates of 6.5% (2 of 31) and 3.4% (2 of 59) in the last 2 years of the review. Multivariate analysis showed that pulmonary artery distortion, pulmonary artery pressure, age less than 3 years, use of a nonoxygenated glucose K+ cardioplegic solution, and cardiopulmonary bypass time greater than 180 minutes were associated with worse outcome, while “favorable” atrioventricular valve anatomy (non-left atrioventricular valve stenosis/ atresia or common atrioventricular valve) and age greater than 9 years were associated with improved outcome. Excluding cardiopulmonary bypass time from the multivariate analysis, the technique of atrial partitioning for patients with left atrioventricular valve atresia/stenosis became the most important variable, followed by the others noted in the initial multivariate analysis except for age greater than 9 years. In the last 2 years of the study 31.1 % of patients were less than 3 years of age. During the period of the study there was no significant decline in preoperative risk factors. These results show that modified Fontan operations can be carried out with a high likelihood of success in properly selected patients with complex defects in whom there is functionally a single ventricle. (J T horac C ardiovasc S urg 1992;103:444-52)
A framework to evaluate the informatization level

INTRODUCTION As information and communication technologies have rapidly developed in the 1990s, enormous changes have taken place everywhere. At work environment, these have been newer tools for increasing organizational productivity, and these are transforming organizations to the degree that Taylorism once did (Davenport, 1998). These trends have spread over various fields of society, and have over countries caused economical and cultural innovation and reformation. These phenomena can be summarized as informatization. Informatization is defined as converting the main goods and energy of a social economy to information through the revolution of high data communication technology and utilizing information produced by gathering, processing and distributing data within the vast fields of the society (National Computerization Agency [NCA], 1997). Since The United States NII project has been evaluated as one of the important success factors for economical growth, most countries have considered informatization as one of the most effective means for improving a nations competitiveness. Similarly, many organizations have considered informatization as a strategy to improve quality of public service and productivity. They have tried to implement informatization and extensive investments are often budgeted and expanded to acquire information technology (IT). An Information Strategy Plan (ISP) is needed at first to implement informatization of an organization. ISP usually includes business strategy,
The Existential Sources of Rhetoric: A Comparison between Traditional Epic and Modern Narrative

As an introduction to the following reflections, a distinction between higher and lower figures of speech must be established here. The study of rhetoric as tropology has traditionally consisted in a definition and enumeration of images in a text. Images, in turn, have been seen, following Aristotle, as extensions that contradict the semantic correctness dictated by the control that ontological categories exercise over the division and coordination of the parts of the speech. Thus, metonymies, metaphors, synecdoches, and even personifications are seen as substitutions of words for words within the sentnece. Figures like irony and hyperbole, which rely on tone and emotion, appear as equivocations that require a context larger than the sentence, but can be constructed by linking several phrases.
Creating Software Applications for Children: Some Thoughts About Design

The last decade has seen an explosion in the number, variety, and complexity of software applications. While this phenomenon has been most pronounced in the world of professional software (i.e., commercial software aimed at adult professionals), it is no less true in educational software. Moreover, the trends visible in commercial application design—notably, an increase in interface complexity, and proliferation of narrowly domain-specific packages—are likewise visible in the educational realm.
What is Eurasia to US (the U.S.)

This article will analyze U.S. efforts to promote Eurasian integration since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 to the present as well as how Washington has reacted to integration efforts led by other major powers, notably China and Russia. The narrative draws special attention to the period after 2001 since this marked a dramatic departure for U.S. policy toward Eurasia to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. We will conclude with an effort to examine more closely U.S. policy debates and responses to China’s Brick and Road Initiative since its initial articulation in the fall of 2013. The central argument suggests U.S. efforts while experiencing some modest success at times have been limited first by Washington’s lack of strategic vision and unwillingness to allocate adequate diplomatic and material resources to make a significant difference. In addition, U.S. policies are being contested with growing pushback from Russia and what appears to be an overwhelming initiative from China designed to play out over the Eurasian supercontinent over the next three decades. Finally, the Trump administration’s ongoing trade war with China and stronger sanctions against both Russia and Iran, all implemented for different regions, would have the cumulative effect of subverting any broader strategy toward Eurasia, if Washington indeed wanted to have one.