cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffusion in microstructured block copolymer solutions

This work explores the effect of heterogeneity of chemical composition on tracer diffusion, when the characteristic size of the heterogeneities approaches that of the diffusing molecule. A heterogeneous environment is created by the self-assembly of diblock copolymers in solution. The system chosen for this study is polystyrene-polyisoprene diblock copolymers in toluene, which is a common solvent for the two blocks. Above a certain critical concentration, these systems are known to microphase separate into swollen domains of polystyrene and polyisoprene. Diffusion of homopolystyrene through the microstructure is measured in this work. The characteristics of the microstructure are varied by studying block copolymers of different molecular weights and compositions. The tracer diffusion coefficients of the labelled polystyrenes are measured by forced Rayleigh scattering, while the microstructure of the matrix is inferred from small angle X-ray scattering measurements. In this paper, we report results for the diffusion of polystyrenes (molecular weights 3.2 × 104 and 9.0 × 104) in microstructured solutions of three copolymers. Two copolymer samples forming lamellae of alternating polystyrene and polyisoprene microphases and one sample forming polystyrene cylinders embedded in a polyisoprene matrix have been examined. The data indicate that the tracer diffusion coefficient of 3.2 × 104 molecular weight polystyrene in lamellar and cylindrical solutions is comparable to that of the homopolymer in a homogeneous solution of the same concentration. In contrast, the diffusion of 9.0 × 104 molecular weight polystyrene is substantially slower in the structured solutions than in unstructured solutions of the same concentration. For example, the diffusion coefficient of 9.0 × 104 molecular weight polystyrene in a 47% block copolymer solution with cylindrical microstructure is lower than its value in a homogeneous solution of the same concentration by a factor of 30.
Hispanic Immigration and Black Violence at the Macro-Level: Examining the Conditioning Effect of Victim Race/Ethnicity

Much attention has been devoted to the relationship between Hispanic immigration and violent offending at the macro-level, including how it varies across racial and ethnic groups. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the conditioning effect of the race/ethnicity of the victim, or how Hispanic immigration is associated with crime by one racial/ethnic group against members of the same or different groups. Using National Incident-Based Reporting System offending estimates and American Community Survey data, we examine the association between Hispanic immigration and black intra- and intergroup (black-on-white and black-on-Hispanic) homicide, robbery, and serious index violence in over 350 U.S. communities. We employ advanced imputation methods to address missing data that have constrained much prior research, as well as utilize crime measures adjusted for the likelihood of random contact between groups. Findings suggest that (1) Hispanic immigration has a positive association with black violence on the whole, but that (2) this association is conditioned by the race/ethnicity of the victim. Our results reinforce the importance of distinguishing across offender–victim dyads in research on the immigration–crime nexus, particularly in light of competing theoretical expectations. Directions for future research and policy are discussed.
Persistent Cultural Systems

I have indicated here some features of a kind of entity which I have called a cultural identity system, and I have focused on a variety of this general type—the persistent system. In general terms it is best described as a system of beliefs and sentiments concerning historical events. I suggest using the term "a people" for the human beings who, at any given time, hold beliefs of this kind. These are phenomena with which we have been long familiar, but they have not been systematically studied by any but a few investigators. I have emphasized that a persistent system is a cumulative cultural phenomenon, an open-ended system that defines a course of action for the people believing in it. Such peoples are able to maintain continuity in their experience and their conception of themselves in a wide variety of sociocultural environments. I hold that certain kinds of identifiable conditions give rise to this type of cultural system. These may best be summarized as an oppositional process involving the interactions of individuals in the environment of a state or a similar large-scale organization. The oppositional process frequently produces intense collective consciousness and a high degree of internal solidarity. This is accompanied by a motivation for individuals to continue the kind of experience that is "stored" in the identity system in symbolic form. The persistent identity system is more stable as a cultural structure than are large-scale political organizations. When large-scale states disintegrate, they often appear to decompose into cultural systems of the persistent type. Large-scale organizations also give rise to the kind of environment that can result in the formation of new persistent systems. It is possible that, while being formed, states depend for their impetus on the accumulated energy of persistent peoples. A proposition for consideration is that states tend to dissipate the energy of peoples after transforming that energy into state-level integrations, and then regularly break down in the absence of mechanisms for maintaining human motivations in the large-scale organizations that they generate.
The Exploration of Venus

The paper outlines the evolution of the Pioneer Venus program from the initial meeting of a consortium of scientists to study the feasibility of a simple entry probe to Venus, through the Planetary Explorer missions, to the Orbiter Mission proposals. Major recommendations of the 1970 National Academy of Sciences study on Venus exploration planning and of the 1972 Pioneer Venus Science Steering Group report are mentioned.
Some interesting properties of vapor-liquid or liquid-liquid coexistence curves for ionic and non-ionic fluids

Abstract Comparisons are made between the recently measured coexistence curves for ionic fluids with the well-known features of such curves for non-ionic fluids. Both vapor-liquid curves for pure fluids and liquid-liquid curves for mixtures are considered. Further comparisons are then made with recently developed theory for each type of fluid.
beta-Adrenoceptor blocking agents as partial agonists in isolated heart muscle: dissociation of stimulation and blockade.

The cardiac stimulant actions of nine β-adrenoceptor blocking agents were examined in kitten papillary muscles and in isolated atria of kittens and guinea pigs to determine to what extent these drugs behaved as classical partial agonists. In many ways the agents do appear to comprise a spectrum of partial agonists with widely differing efficacies. However, in one respect the actions of some of the β-blockers did not fit into the classical mold. Several β-blockers were found to exert stimulant effects only in concentrations appreciably higher than those required for substantial β-adrenoceptor blockade. These observations suggest that more than one type of β-adrenoceptor may be involved in the production of sympathomimetic effects on cardiac muscle.
Apparent energy deficiency in mono- and sesqui-terpene biosynthesis in peppermint

Radioactivity from mevalonate-2-14C is incorporated into the mono- and sesqui-terpenes of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) cuttings when this precursor is fed through the cut stems. When unlabeled sucrose is fed along with labeled mevalonate, the incorporation of mevalonate into mono- and sesqui-terpenes is markedly increased, the turnover period of the labeled terpenes is extended by with little change in turnover rate, and the proportion of label in the two major sesquiterpenes is shifted. These results are discussed in relation to the morphology of peppermint secretory structures and in relation to possible compartmentalization of mono- and sesqui-terpene biosynthesis within these structures, and it is suggested that sucrose may be satisfying an energy requirement at the biosynthetic sites. Exposure to 5% CO2 in the light, coupled with mevalonate-2-14C feeding, produces results similar to the co-administration of sucrose. The addition of unlabeled sodium acetate slightly increases incorporation of mevalonate-2-14C into mono- and coupled with mevalonate-2-14C feeding, produces results similar to the co-administration of sucrose. The addition of unlabeled sodium acetate slightly increases incorporation of mevalonate-2-14C into mono- and sesqui-terpenes, probably by 'sparing' mevalonate rather than by satisfying an energy requirement.
An extension of the superposition method for plane anisotropic elastic bodies

Abstract The determination of the elastic field in anisotropic bodies subjected to mixed and nonhomogeneous boundary conditions has not been developed to the extent of its isotropic counterpart. This is mainly due to the complexity of the anisotropic fundamental solution. In this paper, the superposition method (SUP) is extended to allow for anisotropy. In particular, the method is developed for the plane orthotropic case. Using some examples, it is shown that the method is both efficient and very accurate. A general FORTRAN computer program based on the formulation presented here is included.
Complexities in the Relationship Between Infection and Autoimmunity

The possible role of infections in driving autoimmune disease (AD) has long been debated. Many theories have emerged including release of hidden antigens, epitope spread, anti-idiotypes, molecular mimicry, the adjuvant effect, antigenic complementarity, or simply that AD could be a direct consequence of activation or subversion of the immune response by microbes. A number of issues are not adequately addressed by current theories, including why animal models of AD require adjuvants containing microbial peptides in addition to self tissue to induce disease, and why ADs occur more often in one sex than the other. Reviews published in the past 3 years have focused on the role of the innate immune response in driving AD and the possible role of persistent infections in altering immune responses. Overall, recent evidence suggests that microbes activating specific innate immune responses are critical, while antigenic cross-reactivity may perpetuate immune responses leading to chronic autoinflammatory disease.
MODERATE RENT CONTROL: Sixty Cities over 20 Years

ABSTRACT:Studies of rent control have utilized limited samples of cities over short timespans. Many are limited in value because of crude or poorly specified statistical analyses and a majority tend to focus on the most extreme form of rent control, that of New York City, and ignore more typical kinds. This study addresses these shortcomings by analyzing them over a 20-year timespan and using regression analysis which specifies the independent variable rent control as both a nominal and an ordinal variable. This is the largest sample using regression analysis over so long a period. The authors give an overview of the impacts of moderate rent control in 60 New Jersey cities. Their regression analysis reveals that moderate rent control laws in New Jersey have had only a small impact.
SU‐GG‐BRC‐05: The Role of Hypoxia in Radiation Treatment Planning. A Simulation Study

Purpose: To assess the importance of hypoxia imaging for radiation treatment planning by evaluation of the effectiveness of modulated radiation treatments targeting hypoxia with increased doses.Method and Materials: Starting with a two‐dimensional diffusion model of tissue oxygenation, a planar tumor model was developed to simulate chronic and acute hypoxia as well as oxygenation/reoxygenation effects on the microscopic scale. Tumor cell radiation response was evaluated using linear quadratic model taking into account individual cell oxygenation levels. Cell repopulation/tumor shrinkage was not considered, as to represent a slow‐growing tumor. Using this model, we evaluated the effectiveness of intensity modulated radiation therapytreatments targeting hypoxia with increased radiationdoses. We compared different approaches to targeting hypoxia, including fixed dose modulation based on the pre‐treatment imaging of hypoxia and adaptive dose modulation based on interfraction imaging of hypoxia. Furthermore, to study the importance of hypoxia imaging resolution we compared two scenarios: 1. microscopic, where cell‐by‐cell imaging of hypoxia and dosedelivery is possible, 2. macroscopic, where both imaging and irradiation can be conducted with 1mm resolution. Results: For a total tumordose of 30Gy, the adaptive hypoxia‐targeting therapy provided the best tumor control for the microscopic scenario with SF 30 =4.46⋅10 −5 compared to SF 30 =9.44⋅10 −5 for the treatment with uniform dose of 2Gy per fraction. However, for a more realistic macroscopic scenario, the finite resolution of hypoxia imaging and dosedelivery significantly reduced the therapeutic advantage of adaptive hypoxia targeted therapy resulting in SF 30 =4.85⋅10 −5 compared to 7.09⋅10−5 for the uniform dosetreatment.Conclusion: We have demonstrated that the adaptive dose modulation based on oxygenation map acquired before each fraction does results in slightly better tumor control compared to uniform dosedelivery. However, the tumor control improvement is yet to be proven significant enough to justify the clinical implementation of hypoxia‐targeting dose modulation.
Robust predictive cruise control for commercial vehicles

Abstract In this paper we explore learning-based predictive cruise control and the impact of this technology on increasing fuel efficiency for commercial trucks. Traditional cruise control is wasteful when maintaining a constant velocity over rolling hills. Predictive cruise control (PCC) is able to look ahead at future road conditions and solve for a cost-effective course of action. Model- based controllers have been implemented in this field but cannot accommodate many complexities of a dynamic environment which includes changing road and vehicle conditions. In this work, we focus on incorporating a learner into an already successful model- based predictive cruise controller in order to improve its performance. We explore back propagating neural networks to predict future errors then take actions to prevent said errors from occurring. The results show that this approach improves the model based PCC by up to 60% under certain conditions. In addition, we explore the benefits of classifier ensembles to fur...
Gastric and intestinal dysmotility syndromes

Disorders of motility of the stomach and small intestine are quite common, and patients often present with a variety of nonspecific symptoms.
Non-Identity of Vitamin B 2 and Flavines

DURING the past two years, we have been working on the isolation of vitamin B2, using the chick for assay work. Only those fractions which had the power of preventing pellagra and allowing normal growth in chicks on the vitamin B2 low ration described by Kline, Keenan, Elvehjem and Hart1 were considered to be potent in vitamin B2. All our results point to the fact that vitamin B2 and flavine are not identical.
Spiritual crises facing surgical patients

The surgical patient, then, offers the chaplain a rather special challenge. While most patients suffer a disruption of life and community, this disruption may be particularly trying to the surgical patient due to its suddenness. While most patients undergo certain fears and apprehensions upon hospitalization, it is the surgical patient who must pass through realms of the unknown and never know when this may occur. While virtually anyone may lose his desire to live, the patient who suffers severe emotional trauma in surgery, along with severe distortions of his body, may be particularly susceptible to this apprehensiveness. And while guilt is a common feeling, surgery usually presupposes a disease or accident about which the patient is prone to ask, “What did I do to cause this?” And finally, there are spiritual crises peculiar to particular kinds of surgery.
What research suggests for depressed women with children.

Background: The strong association between maternal and offspring depression has been observed in numerous studies. Understanding this association has implications for early intervention and prevention. Method: Findings from our community-based epidemiologic studies and high-risk and longitudinal studies of families with depression are reviewed. Results and Conclusions: The childbearing years are the high-risk period for major depression in women. The offspring of depressed women are at high risk for depression. The risk begins before puberty in the offspring and is transmitted to the grandchildren. Depression that begins in childhood or adolescence is continuous and is associated with considerable morbidity. Despite the availability of efficacious treatment, the majority of depressed adults and children remain untreated. Without a clear commitment to mental health parity and an effective service system for intervention, little progress will occur in improving the treatment of depression. There are numerous opportunities for research on the etiology, treatment, and prevention of depression in mothers and their children.
Global pointwise error estimates for uniformly convergent finite element methods for the elliptic boundary layer problem

This paper continues our discussion for the anisotropic model problem −(e2∂2u∂x2 + ∂2∂y2) + a(x,y)u = f(x,y) in [1]. There we constructed a bilinear finite element method on a Shishkin type mesh. The method was shown to be convergent, independent of the small parameter ϵ, in the order of N−2ln2N in the L2-norm, where N2 is the total number of mesh points. In this paper, the method is shown to be convergent, independent of ϵ, in the order of N−2ln3 N in the L∞-norm in the whole computational domain, which explains the uniform convergence phenomena we found in the numerical results in [1]. Another numerical experiment is presented here, which confirms our theoretical analysis. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Model for a macroscopically disordered conductor with an exactly linear high-field magnetoresistance

We calculate the effective resistivity of a macroscopically disordered two-dimensional conductor consisting of two components in a perpendicular magnetic field. When the two components have equal area fractions, we use a duality theorem to show that the magnetoresistance is nonsaturating and at high fields varies exactly linearly with the magnetic field. At other compositions, an effective-medium calculation leads to a saturating magnetoresistance. We briefly discuss possible connections between these results and magnetoresistance measurements on heavily disordered chalcogenide semiconductors.
Constrained Control Design for Magnetic Bearing Systems

We study control problems in magnetic bearing systems that are subject to both input and state constraints. Apart from the usual restrictions on voltages and currents in the circuit systems, most magnetic bearing systems are subject to a severe state constraint: the motion of the rotor (the suspended object) is only allowed in an extremely small airgap, otherwise the collision of the rotor and the stator would cause severe damages. Traditional methods for avoiding a collision include increasing the airgap and increasing the currents, which would usually result in unnecessarily large capacity of power supply and power loss. In this paper we present a systematic approach for dealing with all the input and state constraints by using some recently developed tools for constrained control design. Issues on the stability region, robustness, disturbance rejections, and transient response are addressed. We hope that by dealing with the constraints properly, safety operation can be ensured with relatively small currents and power consumption. Experiments on the balance beam test rig in our laboratory show that the design techniques are effective.
Zombies in TCGA

Next-generation sequencing results obtained to detect somatic mutations in human cancers can also be searched for viruses that contribute to cancer. Recently, human papillomavirus 18 RNA was detected in tumor types not typically associated with HPV infection. Analyses reported in this issue of Journal of Virology demonstrate that the apparent presence of HPV18 RNA in these atypical tumors is due in at least some cases to contamination of samples with HeLa cells, which harbor HPV18.
Observation of long range surface plasmon decay length by optical second harmonic generation.

We report the observation of the spatial decay of the long range surface plasmon mode using optical second harmonic generation. The surface wave is excited at 1.06 μm with prism coupling in a multilayer geometry consisting of a quartz crystal substrate, a thin silver film, and an index-matched liquid. From the asymmetry in the reflected second harmonic profile a decay length of 0.8 mm is determined. This value is a factor of 3 smaller than that predicted due to the effect of surface roughness scattering on the propagation of the long range surface plasmon mode.
The Business Cycle And Impacts Of Economic News On Financial Markets

By jointly modeling returns and volatilities, we find that unemployment news has no significant impact on US stock market returns, but instead on stock market volatility. There is also a significantly positive relation between the long-term bond return and unemployment news during economic expansions, indicating that U.S. government bonds might be a hedge against unemployment news. Inflation news affects both stock and bond market returns negatively during expansions. Both unemployment and inflation news surprises also have more impact on volatility during economic recessions than during expansions.
Delay analysis of series-connected MOSFET circuits

In order to derive analytical delay expressions for CMOS gates in the submicrometer region, a realistic MOS model which incorporates an nth power law MOS model is developed. Closed-form delay formulas are obtained for CMOS inverters and series-connected MOSFET structures (SCMSs) that include short-channel effects. It is shown that the ratio of the delay of NAND/NOR to the delay of the inverter becomes smaller in the submicrometer region, because the V/sub DS/ and V/sub GS/ of each MOSFET in the SCMS are smaller than those of an inverter MOSFET. The smaller voltages in turn mitigate and relax the severe carrier velocity saturation in miniaturized MOSFETs. The results of the analysis for submicrometer VLSI designs show that if the maximum number of series-connected MOSFETs is considered to be five in 2- mu m designs, then the number can be increased to six or seven in the submicrometer circuit design. In typical cases in VLSI designs, the delay ratio for N-SCMS is much less than N/sup 2/. The delay dependence on input terminal position for SCMS structures is also described. >
Helical surface-acoustic-wave delay line

A 2-port helical surface-acoustic-wave delay line operating at 50 MHz and having a 182 μs time delay on a thin Bi12GeO20 plate with face dimensions slightly under 5 × 2.5 cm is described, in which crosstalk suppression of more than 50 dB is achieved without introducing loss into the desired output signal.
Performance and scalability of a replica location service

We describe the implementation and evaluate the performance of a replica location service that is part of the Globus Toolkit Version 3.0. A replica location service (RLS) provides a mechanism for registering the existence of replicas and discovering them. Features of our implementation include the use of soft state update protocols to populate a distributed index and optional Bloom filter compression to reduce the size of these updates. Our results demonstrate that RLS performance scales well for individual servers with millions of entries and up to 100 requesting threads. We also show that the distributed RLS index scales well when using Bloom filter compression for wide area updates.
Deblocking of DCT-compressed images using noise injection followed by image denoising

A new approach is proposed to solve the blocking artifact problem that results from block transform-based image compression at very low bit-rates. In our approach, we attempt to recover the quantization noise for the transform coefficients by adding uniform random noise to them. This results in a decompressed image that is corrupted by noise of the AWGN type, rather than a blocky image. This recasting of the blocking artifact problem into the domain of AWGN reduction allows any algorithm that has been developed for image denoising to now be a candidate solution for the blocky image problem. In this paper we present initial experiments for this novel approach, using a recently reported denoising algorithm. Results indicate that the algorithm offers both objective and subjective improvements to the blocky image. Additionally, the approach may be generalized to solve artifact problems in other transform domain-based image compression methods.
Learning as adaptation of the infant

The present report advocates an adaptive, ecological approach to the study of learning in infants. Concepts of developmental niche and ontogenetic adaptation are applied to early mammalian development. Within this conceptual framework, it is asserted that learning cannot be fully understood separately from a behaving body; that learning is a dimension of behavior and physiology. The role of learning in the development of ingestive behavior, especially suckling and the transition to solid food, is used to illustrate the potential of studying learning in development. These considerations are offered as examples of an alternative approach to the empirical study of learning by infants. The approach advocated herein can be applied to clinical issues: developmental adaptations evolved in contexts that differ from our modern environments. Exposure to contexts or contingencies that are evolutionarily unexpected may inadvertently create pathology.
Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) social organization: Intergroup patterns of association

Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) social organization was studied at the Natai Lengkuas station, Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia. Data were collected on ten one-male groups and two all-male groups using scan sampling and event sampling during follows, and through evening census surveys. Proboscis monkeys were found to form stable one-male groups. Specific groups associated at their sleeping sites, in a manner similar to the fission-fusion pattern described for hamadryas and gelada baboons. Analyses performed on these associations indicated that the groups formed two separate bands. These separate bands appear to be a secondary level of organization, distinct from the primary level of organization, the one-male and all-male groups. This is the first evidence for such a two-tiered system of organization in an arboreal colobine species. Proboscis monkeys closely resemble gelada baboons in their organizational pattern. In both species, adult females direct the majority of their affiliative behavior towards their offspring and other adult females, males do not engage in active herding, all-male groups are present, and one-male groups do spend time apart from other groups. Home ranges of both groups and of bands of proboscis monkeys overlapped extensively; temporal avoidance between bands may have been mediated by early morning vocalizations and branch shaking displays.
Gas phase spectroscopy of the pentapeptide FDASV

Abstract IR–UV double resonance spectroscopy of the laser-desorbed, jet-cooled pentapeptide FDASV shows only one type of conformer in the gas phase. Comparison with computations at the B3LYP/6-31G ∗∗ level suggests formation of an α -turn in the absence of solvent stabilization.
Antisense Inhibition and Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Delivery for Reducing Hypertension

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides have been designed to inhibit the production of specific proteins. In models of hypertension, we have targeted the renin-angiotensin system at the level of synthesis (angiotensinogen) and the receptor (AT 1 receptor). The design of antisense oligonucleotides requires choosing a site to inhibit mRNA processing or translation. The strategy we use is to make three oligonucleotides of antisense sequences, upstream and downstream from the AUG site and over the AUG site. The oligonucleotides are tested in a screening test. Antisense oligonucleotides to AT 1 -receptor mRNA and to angiotensinogen mRNA reduce blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats when injected into the brain. They significantly reduce the concentration of the appropriate protein. The oligonucleotides are also effective when administered systemically. The decrease in blood pressure with antisense oligonucleotides delivered in blood or brain lasts 3 to 7 days. To prolong the action, direct injection of naked DNA and injection of DNA in liposome carriers have been tested. Viral vectors have been developed to deliver antisense DNA. The viral vectors available include retroviruses and adenovirus, but the adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector is the vector of choice for ultimate use in gene therapy. It offers safety because it is nonpathogenic, has longevity because it integrates into the genome, and has sufficient carrying capacity to carry up to 4.5 kb antisense or gene in a recombinant AAV. Using rAAV-antisense to AT 1 mRNA, there is efficient transfection into cells and an inhibition of AT 1 receptor number. In in vivo tests, rAAV-AS AT 1 -receptor when injected into the brains of SHR reduces blood pressure for more than 2 months. In young rats (3 weeks old), rAAV-AS AT 1 -receptor decreases blood pressure and slows the development of hypertension. While further experiments need to be done on dose-response relationships and on the cellular mechanisms of these effects, the results show the feasibility of AAV as a vector for antisense inhibition, which may ultimately be used in gene therapy for hypertension.
Analog VLSI neural networks for impact signal processing

The architecture and operation of the 80170NX electrically trainable analog neural network, which recognizes objects in real time, are discussed. The 80170NX uses a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) to preprocess an accelerometer output waveform that is subsequently recognized through a multilayer perceptron neural network. It is shown that neural network hardware operating in a linear mode can perform conventional signal processing functions. The similarity of neural network computations to linear signal processing functions makes it exceedingly straightforward to integrate neural networks and conventional signal processing in the system. >
R-matrices for the semicyclic representations of Uqsl(2)

Abstract R-matrices for the semicyclic representations of Uq sl (2) are found as a specialization in the R-matrices of the checkerboard chiral Potts model.
DNA‐Catalyzed Reductive Amination

We have initiated a comprehensive effort to identify deoxyribozymes that catalyze reactions of amino acid side chains, initially focusing on small peptide substrates and with the longerterm goal of covalently modifying large proteins. [10] Towards this goal, as part of a recent study we examined the ability of several new deoxyribozymes to modify tyrosine (or serine) side chains of tripeptide substrates that are not covalently tethered to the deoxyribozyme, although the tether was required to enable the selection process. [11] Deoxyribozymes identified using tethered peptide substrates were also active with untethered peptide substrates, but with substantially lower rate and yield. Therefore, in new experiments, here we performed in vitro selection directly using untethered peptide substrates. This effort required a modified selection procedure that was intended to involve reductive amination as a step merely to “capture” catalytically active DNA sequences. Surprisingly, this selection process provided deoxyribozymes that operate entirely independently of the tripeptide substrate and instead catalyze a Ni 2+ -dependent reductive amination involving the N 2 -amine
Primary volcaniclastic rocks: COMMENT and REPLY: COMMENT

[White and Houghton (2006)][1] propose to expand broad terms like “ash” and “lapilli” into the detail of classic [Wentworth (1922)][2] sedimentary grain-size terms. Creating a scheme where none has existed is laudable, but this one is flawed. Use of terms like ash and lapilli for volcanic
The Shanghai Badlands: The puppet police and 76 Jessfield Road

If communications between the Shanghai Municipal Police and the Japanese Military Police were much more expeditious after the Craigie-Arita formula went into effect, International Settlement police and Chinese puppet police relations were increasingly strained. This was partly owing to the expansive growth of the Chinese police, which in turn reflected a widening of its jurisdiction outside of Shanghai proper. The extension occurred as a result of regular Japanese forces’ defeat or cooptation of Chinese loyalist guerrillas operating in the Shanghai suburbs. Before March 1939 Fengxian district in Pudong, for example, was completely under the control of guerrillas. But after military forces under General Nakajima launched a one-month mopping-up operation, the district was cleared of resistance. The Japanese continued to station 120 troops from the Songjiang Garrison in Fengxian, but in May 1939 Mayor Fu Xiaoan ordered Shanghai police chief Colonel Lu Ying to establish a new branch bureau there at Nanqiao. The bureau had 220 constables armed with about 100 rifles of miscellaneous types, all under the command of Yin Zhongli, advised by a Special Services Section agent named Yamashita. Meanwhile Shanghai city law enforcement personnel grew. By June 1939 the police bureau of the Shanghai city government comprised eleven branch bureaus, five police stations, and eight other police units (detective corps, garrison, reserve unit, river corps, training depot, police van, detention house, and police hospital) with a total roster of 5,662 men and women, an increase of 507 persons since April. In July, the Shanghai police bureau enjoyed another increase in strength after Interior Minister Chen Qun ordered Chief Lu Ying to assume jurisdiction over Jiading prefecture and Chongming Island.
The hazard of fetal-maternal transfusion after transabdominal amniocentesis.

Abstract Fifty-four amniocenteses in 34 women were preceded and followed by direct staining of maternal blood for fetal cells. Transplacental fetal to maternal bleeding consequent to the procedure was uncommon, exceeding 0.1 ml. in only 2 instances (4 per cent). The immunologic hazard of amniocentesis appears to be no greater than that of pregnancy.
Regulatory B cells in allergic airways disease and asthma.

Abstract B cells have long been known to participate in both innate and adaptive immune responses by contributing to antigen presentation and by producing antigen-specific antibodies. Recent evidence shows that certain B-cell subsets can also inhibit T-cell immune responses. Like regulatory T cells (Treg), these regulatory B cells (Breg) appear to comprise several subpopulations. How Breg cells are generated and how they control immune responses in vivo are just beginning to be elucidated. Here, we provide detailed instructions for the identification, isolation, and functional characterization of Breg cells in a murine model of allergic airway disease.
Activation of Sirtuin-1 Promotes Renal Fibroblast Activation and Aggravates Renal Fibrogenesis

Although activation of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) has been shown to protect the kidney from acute injury, its role in renal fibrosis remains controversial since both inhibition and activation of SIRT1 have been reported to attenuate renal fibrosis. To resolve this conflict, we further examined the effect of SIRT1 activators on the activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and development of renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. In a murine model of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction, administration of SRT1720 (N-[2-[3-(piperazin-1-ylmethyl)imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]thiazol-6-yl]phenyl]quinoxaline-2-carboxamide), a potent activator of SIRT1, accelerated deposition of collagen fibrils and increased expression of fibroblast activation markers (α-smooth muscle actin [α-SMA], collagen I, and fibronectin) in the obstructive kidney of mice. In cultured rat renal interstitial fibroblasts (NRK-49F), exposure of cells to SRT1720 or YK-3-237 (B-[2-methoxy-5-[(1E)-3-oxo-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1-propen-1-yl]phenyl]-boronic acid), another SIRT1 activator, also resulted in enhanced expression of α-SMA and fibronectin. Mechanistic studies showed that augmentation of renal fibrogenesis by SRT1720 is associated with elevated phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ). SRT1720 treatment also increased the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and protein kinase B in the fibrotic kidney and NRK-49F cells. However, SRT1720 treatment did not affect expression of proliferating cell nuclear protein, a proliferation marker and activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that SIRT1-activating compounds can provoke renal fibrogenesis through a mechanism involved in the activation of EGFR and PDGFR signaling pathways and suggest that long-term use of SIRT1 activators risks the development and progression of chronic kidney disease.
Photorefractive laser beam modulator

We create an interferometric closed-loop by recording a set of three volume gratings inside a photorefractive BaTiO3 crystal. These gratings divide a single input beam into two beams that interfere in the far-field. The diffraction efficiency of the gratings depends on the angle between the grating vector and the c-axis, the full angle between the writing beams and their intensity ratio. A PZT-driven mirror phase modulates one of the writing beams that result in a beam modulation rate of up to 700 Hz. This demonstrates the feasibility of a photorefractive crystal as a laser beam modulator. Laser beam modulation is also carried out in LiNbO3 crystal. Two physical geometries have been considered with this crystal. We record only two gratings to form an interferometric path. In this case, applying an external ac electric field to the crystal along the path of one arm of the interferometer results in the desired modulated output. We also describe a theoretical model for an efficient photorefractive beam modulator.
Studies on Dark Fixation of Carbon Dioxide in Kalanchoë: II. Effect of Interaction of Photoperiodic Induction with Water Stress and Growth Retardants

In Kalanchoe blossfeldiana von Poellnitz cv. Tom Thumb and cv. Feuer Blute interaction of C02 fixation with photoperiodic induction and water stress was examined. It was found that Tom Thumb raised in dilute culture solution and kept in photoinductive cycles (8 h light and 16 h dark) flowered but failed to show a net dark C02 fixation. A net dark fixation was observed when the concentration of the culture solution was increased or plants were sprayed with 300 or 750 mg 1_1 CCC or 300 or 2000 mg l-1 B-9. In a non-inductive photoperiod no net dark fixation was observed with these treatments although there was a tendency for dark fixation to increase. Feuer Blute did not flower in inductive photoperiods when kept in half strength solution. It is suggested that in Tom Thumb both photoperiodic induction and water stress are required for initiation of net C02 dark fixation. In Feuer Blute where CAM is occurring normally photo-induction is sufficient to induce flowering. In half strength solution C02 dark fixation is disturbed and floral induction also does not occur.
Faraday Rotation in p-Type Semiconductors

Faraday rotation has been investigated for $p$-type germanium, gallium arsenide, gallium antimonide, indium arsenide, and zinc telluride from the neighborhood of intrinsic absorption edge up to 20 \ensuremath{\mu}. The spectra show maxima and minima resulting from electron transitions between various sets of Landau levels which are associated with the two degenerate hole bands and the spin-orbit band. Transitions between levels in the same sets correspond to the free-carrier effect of a simple energy band, giving a rotation proportional to ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}$. Transitions between the levels of the spin-orbit band and those of the two hole bands produce a structure in the rotation spectrum which is observed in the case of Ge and GaAs, where the spin-orbit splitting is smaller than the energy gap. At long wavelengths, transitions between levels associated with different hole bands are important. In ZnTe, a different spectrum is observed at low temperature, which is produced by holes bound to impurities. The dependence of Faraday rotation on carrier relaxation time has been studied for germanium. The magnitude of rotation is found to decrease with decreasing relaxation time. Theoretical calculations are made for germanium. Satisfactory agreement with the experimental data is obtained.
The peculiar hemodynamics of septic shock.

An analysis of clinical and hemodynamic findings in 20 patients with septic shock showed good correlation between survival and initial cardiac index. Clinical signs did not correlate with measured hemodynamics and were not helpful in predicting outcome. Although underlying disease had a significant hemodynamic effect, the sepsis itself accounted for many of the unusual features.
An Interpretation of Code-switching from the Perspective of Language Memetic Theory

Following the instruction of Language Memetic Theory,the paper illustrates that code-switching occurs in order to adapt to the cultural context,reiterate the cultural connotation,and comment the socio-cultural value.The implication of this study is that Language Memetic Theory can be of much help to the interpretation of code-switching phenomenon.
Hospital characteristics and 30-day all-cause readmission rates.

BACKGROUND The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) publicly reports hospital-wide all-cause readmission rates, which are key indicators of quality and waste. Understanding hospital characteristics that are associated with lower readmission rates is important. OBJECTIVES The main objective of this article is to identify hospital characteristics associated with lower readmission rates. Specifically, we focus on the relationship between hospitalist staffing levels, the level of physician integration, and physician ownership with hospital-wide all-cause readmissions. METHODS We rely on data from CMS, American Hospital Association Annual Survey Database, and Area Health Resource File. We use ordinary least square regression to assess the association between readmission rates and hospitalist staffing levels, physician integration, physician ownership, and the presence of a medical home model, while controlling for key organizational and market factors such as registered nurse (RN) staffing levels and competition. RESULTS Higher hospitalist staffing levels, the fully integrated physician model, and physician ownership were associated with lower readmission rates. The addition of 1 hospitalist per general and surgical bed was associated with a 0.77 percentage-points decrease in adjusted 30-day all-cause readmission rates. Fully integrated hospitals had adjusted 30-day all-cause readmission rates 0.09 percentage points lower than non–fully integrated hospitals, and hospitals partially or fully owned by physicians had adjusted readmission rates 0.36 percentage points lower than non–physician-owned hospitals. CONCLUSIONS Hospitals should focus on modifiable organizational factors that influence patient outcomes such as hospitalist and RN staffing levels and explore hospital-physician arrangements that result in the greatest alignment between hospital and physician incentives. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:682–687. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Introducing Neural Computing in Governance Research: Applying Self-Organizing Maps to Configurational Studies

Manuscript Type Empirical Research Issue/Question Self-organizing maps (SOMs), a neural computing paradigm, were introduced as a methodology to enhance and extend configurational governance research. The capabilities of SOMs include assessment of nonlinear relationships among study variables and projection of firms and clusters in two-dimensional space based on their relative similarity. Research Findings/Insights To demonstrate their application to governance research, SOMs were used to study patterns of immunity to institutional governance logics in the financial services industry. Firm sensemaking and governance logics were assessed by analyzing the language and meaning of corporate codes of conduct. Content analysis was guided by the DICTION software program. DICTION uses data dictionaries to analyze the meaning of text documents based on word usage. Our results supported a configurational model characterized by distinct groupings of firms with varying degrees of acceptance of prevailing institutional governance logics. Practitioner/Policy Implications SOM analysis demonstrated that context influences firm governance logics. Specifically, different interpretations of environmental pressures led to different adaptive responses suggesting reconsideration of the notion of universal or best governance practices.
Endoscopic Tools: Instruments

As a prelude to any focused discussions of endoscopic procedures, one must be familiar with the instrumentation necessary to complete those tasks. This chapter provides a cursory overview of endoscopic instrumentation and creates a basis for tools which are available to an endoscopist. This chapter is not meant to be exhaustive, but provides a framework from which to draw upon as one begins to perform endoscopic techniques within their practice. Each instrument discussed provides a description of the instrument as well as a brief overview of potential applications. Images are provided to assist in the reader’s familiarity with the instrument, but will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Many of the procedures and techniques mentioned will be discussed in-depth in chapters later in the handbook. As endoscopic procedures continue to evolve, the instrumentation will continue to change and adapt to meet the endoscopist’s specific needs.
The Psychological Assessment of Dissociation

The five dissociative disorders included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) [dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, depersonalization disorder, dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality disorder), and dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (DDNOS)] are characterized by disturbances in the integrative functions of memory, consciousness, and/ or identity (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). In recent years, mental health professionals and researchers have found that dissociative disorders occur frequently in psychiatric patients, and comprise as much as 10% of inpatient psychiatric populations (Bliss & Jeppsen, 1985). Moderate-to-severe dissociative symptoms are also common in patients with other psychiatric disorders, particularly the anxiety disorders (including posttraumatic stress disorder), mood disorders, eating disorders, and borderline personality disorder (Coons, 1984; Fink, 1991; Horevitz & Braun, 1984; Kluft, 1987c; Putnam, Guroff, Silberman, Barban, & Post, 1986; Schultz, Braun, & Kluft, 1989; Torem, 1986; Steinberg, 1995).