cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Telomere length shortening in hospitalized preterm infants: A pilot study

Leukocyte telomere length is a biomarker of aging-related health risks. Hospitalized preterm infants frequently experience elevated oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which contribute to telomere shortening. Our aim was to examine changes in telomere length during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization in a cohort of preterm infants <32 weeks' gestation. We conducted a longitudinal study of 10 infants (mean gestational age 27 weeks, range 23.5 to 29, at birth). We isolated DNA from dried blood spots and used Real Time Quantitative PCR to measure relative leukocyte telomere length in triplicate at three time points for each participant. From birth to discharge, infants experienced an average decline in relative telomere length of 0.021 units per week (95% CI -0.040, -0.0020; p = 0.03), after adjustment for gestational age at birth. Our results suggest a measurable decline in telomere length during NICU hospitalization. We speculate that telomere length change may convey information about NICU exposures that carry short- and long-term health risks.
Development of a Smart Hospital Assistant: Integrating artificial intelligence and a voice-user interface for improved surgical outcomes

Efficiency and patient safety are top priorities in any surgical operation. One effective way to achieve these objectives is automating many of the logistical and routine tasks that occur in the operating room. Inspired by smart assistant technology already commonplace in the consumer sector, we engineered the Smart Hospital Assistant (SHA), a smart, voice-controlled virtual assistant that handles natural speech recognition while executing a plurality of functions to aid surgery. Simulated surgeries showed that the SHA reduced operating time, optimized surgical staff resources, and reduced the number of major touch points that can lead to surgical site infections. The SHA not only shows its potential in the operating room, but also in other healthcare environments that may benefit from having virtual smart assistant technology.
“Multi-Agent” Screening Improves the Efficiency of Directed Enzyme Evolution

Abstract Enzyme evolution has enabled numerous advances in biotechnology. However, directed evolution programs can still require many iterative rounds of screening to identify optimal mutant sequences. This is due to the sparsity of the fitness landscape, which in turn, is due to “hidden” mutations that only offer improvements synergistically in combination with other mutations. These “hidden” mutations are only identified by evaluating mutant combinations, necessitating large combinatorial libraries or iterative rounds of screening. Here, we report a multi-agent directed evolution approach that incorporates diverse substrate analogues in the screening process. With multiple substrates acting like multiple agents navigating the fitness landscape, we are able to identify “hidden” mutant residues that impact substrate specificity without a need for testing numerous combinations. We initially validate this approach in engineering a malonyl-CoA synthetase for improved activity with a wide variety of non-natural substrates. We found that “hidden” mutations are often distant from the active site, making them hard to predict using popular structure-based methods. Interestingly, many of the “hidden” mutations identified in this case are expected to destabilize interactions between elements of tertiary structure, potentially affecting protein flexibility. This approach may be widely applicable to accelerate enzyme engineering. Lastly, multi-agent system inspired approaches may be more broadly useful in tackling other complex combinatorial search problems in biology. Highlights - “Multi-agent” screening improves directed evolution. - The incorporation of multiple substrates leads to the identification of “hidden” mutations, which can be hard to identify through one substrate. - “Hidden” mutations are often remote from the active site and are expected to interrupt stabilizing side-chain interactions, thus increasing enzyme flexibility.
“I just re-evaluated what was beautiful when I went through treatment:” an analysis of Elly Mayday’s ovarian cancer narrative

This study examines how the ovarian cancer narrative of Canadian model and body-positive advocate, Elly Mayday, disrupted and also intervened in discourses about ovarian cancer, celebrity cancer ex...
Increasing a Dermatologist's Footprint on Instagram: An Analysis of Top Influencers Performing Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedures.

Background Patients use social media to find information about cosmetic procedures, yet dermatologists historically lack a social media presence. Misleading information from nonexperts is potentially harmful. Objective To identify the top influencers posting about nonsurgical cosmetic procedures on Instagram, verify their credentials, and analyze their content to empower dermatologists to effectively join the online conversation, combat harmful misinformation, and preserve the expertise and influence of board-certified dermatologists. Methods and materials Using the Klear marketing platform, Instagram influencers with more than 50,000 followers were identified. Influence rating, top posts, and other metrics were extracted using proprietary algorithms. Results Ninety nine influencers were identified. Of the top 10, 70% were board-certified plastic surgeons. Physicians not board-certified in a core cosmetic specialty had the highest influencer rating and number of followers. The most popular posts were of before and after photographs and personal posts. Conclusion Dermatologists may be able to increase their Instagram footprint by posting frequently, especially of before and after and personal photographs, using hashtags, Instagram live and Instagram television, and Instagram stories. It is important for the dermatology community to find a way to ethically navigate social media to have a seat at the table and meet patients where they are.
Incremental aspect models for mining document streams

In this paper we introduce a novel approach for incrementally building aspect models, and use it to dynamically discover underlying themes from document streams. Using the new approach we present an application which we call “query-line tracking” i.e., we automatically discover and summarize different themes or stories that appear over time, and that relate to a particular query. We present evaluation on news corpora to demonstrate the strength of our method for both query-line tracking, online indexing and clustering.
Boundary Behavior of H∞-Functions

The objective of this preliminary section is Theorem 11.1.2, a one-variable Fatou-type theorem for nonholomorphic functions that will be needed in the proof of Theorem 11.2.4.
Semiconductor specialty technologies in IOT era

Internet of Things (IOT) has caught a lot of attention recently due to tremendous business opportunities. In this talk, the speaker intends to give the historical figures in PC/ NB and smartphones at first, and then bring in the overall view of IOT. And then it will deploy to various semiconductor technology challenges and opportunities for IOT applications, including micro-controllers, micro-processors, wireless technologies, sensors, power managements, etc. The audience should expect to get clearer pictures of devices in IOT from this talk.
Systematic Test of Neurotoxin Dose and Volume on Muscle Function in a Rat Model

Introduction Botulinum toxin serotype A (BT-A) is used for a variety of motor and sensory disorders related to abnormal muscle activity.
Compatibility of paraldehyde with plastic syringes and needle hubs

The compatibility of paraldehyde with plastic syringes and needle hubs was evaluated. Paraldehyde, USP, was stored in three types of 5-ml syringes: Plastipak, Glaspak, and all glass; the latter type served as the control. At specified times up to 24 hours, the contents of the syringes was evaporated to constant weight, and the residue was weighed. To evaluate the effect of paraldehyde on plastic needle hubs, needles with plastic and metal hubs were immersed in paraldehyde for 24 hours, and the paraldehyde was evaporated. No measurable change in residue weight was noted in any syringes for up to three hours. Compared with the control, there was a significant increase in the average weight of residue in the Glaspak and in the Plastipak syringes at 6, 12, and 24 hours. There was no significant difference in the weight of residue between the Glaspak and Plastipak syringes at those times, however. The amount of residue for the plastic and metal needle hubs was not significantly different. The source of the extractive residue appeared to be the rubber plunger tip. Since the nature of the extractive material in the residue is not known, paraldehyde should be administered in all-glass syringes if possible; other syringe types can be used only if the drug is administered immediately. The use of needles with plastic hubs is acceptable.
The Effects of Crayfish Predation and Vegetation Cover on Tadpole Growth, Survival, and Nonlethal Injury

Abstract Predator–prey interactions play an important role in structuring larval anuran communities in ephemeral wetlands. The type of interaction often depends on the predator species and the complexity of the aquatic habitat. We experimentally evaluated the effects of Panhandle Crayfish (Procambarus evermanni) predation on larval Southern Leopard Frogs (Lithobates sphenocephalus) and larval Ornate Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris ornata). We performed separate experiments for each anuran species and used multiple vegetation treatments to examine whether vegetation could provide refugia from crayfish predation. Our results indicate that crayfish are effective predators of anuran larvae regardless of the amount of vegetation present. Encounters between tadpoles and crayfish often resulted in nonlethal tail injury for tadpoles, suggesting that crayfish predation is prominent in ephemeral wetland communities. Leopard frog tadpoles in predator treatments also grew larger than their counterparts in nonpredator treatm...
Consumer Behavior Applications to Real Estate Education

Executive Summary. Most real estate study is based on neoclassical economics. Consumers are expected to make decisions that maximize utility and wealth, given price and income constraints. Tastes a...
Fetal and ovarian radiation dose in patients undergoing gamma knife radiosurgery

BACKGROUND It is difficult to estimate the fetal or ovarian radiation dosage for female patients undergoing Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Our goals are to determine the fetal and ovarian radiation dose at various distances from a cranial isocenter, to provide a reference for practitioners to estimate the fetal dose with respect to gestational age, and to identify the components of pelvic extracranial radiation. METHODS An anthropomorphic phantom and ion chamber were used to measure the dose at 50, 60, and 70 cm from a cranial isocenter and at three points within the transverse plane for the supine position. Each measurement consisted of a 5-minute exposure. Additional measurements were taken for four collimator sizes, the prone position, off-axis, and with one-half of all collimator holes plugged. RESULTS The values of the fetal and ovarian dose rates ranged from 0.27 cGy/min to 0.05 cGy/min based on distance from the isocenter. The fetal and ovarian dose can be up to 8.1 cGy for a 30-minute Gamma Knife treatment. The dose fell off more rapidly than predicted by the inverse square law. There was no dependence of fetal dose rate on collimator size. No advantage to the prone position could be shown. Leakage and collimator scatter are the main components of extracranial dose 50 to 70 cm from the isocenter. CONCLUSIONS The fetal and ovarian dose is a function of treatment time and distance from the isocenter. We recommend pregnancy status assessment in women of reproductive age and treatment plan design using large volume shots in order to minimize treatment time.
Usefulness of compensatory hyperkinesis in the noninfarcted left ventricular wall in separating single from multivessel coronary artery disease in patients with initial ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.

We assessed the contractility of the contralateral wall on 2-dimensional echocardiography in 50 patients with an initial ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction who underwent coronary angiography. Compensatory hyperkinesis, which we defined as a fractional thickening of ≥60% in the contralateral wall, was a strong predictor of single-vessel coronary artery disease, with a positive predictive value of 85%.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds as Sterilizing Agents for Bacterial Spores

Summary Eight quaternary ammonium compounds and two quaternary-containing detergents were studied in respect to their spore-killing activity in buffer or distilled water solutions. The sporocidal activity increased with temperatures at 30, 60, 80 and 95° C. The sporocidal activity increased with the degree of alkalinity at pH 6.4, 8.0 and 9.6. Traces of skim milk and the protection afforded by milk films, in general, decreased the sporocidal activity of the quaternaries. At the highest observed temperature (95° C.) and most favorable pH (9.6), concentrations of quaternaries up to 1–20 did not kill all the spores of all test samples within 30min. Quaternaries were highly sporostatic in nutrient broth and had relatively low sporostatic activity in skim milk. Discrepancies in the reported sporocidal activity of quaternary ammonium compounds are discussed.
Semantics happen: knowledge building in spatial hypertext

Hypertext represents ideas through chunks of text or other media interconnected by relations, typically navigational links. The similarity to knowledge representations such as frames and semantic nets has led to much effort in using hypertext systems for knowledge representation and extending hypertext systems to make them able to express more. This work has met with limited success due to difficulties including the tacit and situated nature of much knowledge. Instead of viewing knowledge expression as an all at once event, we view it as a constructive process, i.e. knowledge building. The Visual Knowledge Builder (VKB) lets users express content via visual or textual means and later formalize that content in the form of attributes, values, types, and relations. VKB proactively supports this process through a set of suggestion agents whose interaction with the user is mediated by the suggestion manager. Preliminary evaluation of the suggestion manager and suggestion agents yields positive results but further confirms that there is no "silver bullet" for knowledge engineering -- semantic expression is most likely to happen during, and is driven by, task performance.
Timing and Mode of Delivery in Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease- an Analysis of Practices within the University of California Fetal Consortium (UCfC)

Prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with decreased morbidity. It is also associated with lower birth weights and earlier gestational age at delivery. The University of California Fetal Consortium (UCfC) comprises five tertiary medical centers, and was created to define treatment practices. We utilized this consortium to assess delivery patterns and outcomes in subjects with prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of CHD. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on maternal–neonatal pairs diagnosed with complex CHD prenatally (n = 186) and postnatally (n = 110) from 2011 to 2013. Outcomes were assessed between groups after adjusting for disease severity. Prenatally diagnosed subjects were born earlier (38.1 ± 0.11 vs. 39 ± 0.14 weeks, p = < 0.001), and had lower birth weights (2853 ± 49 vs. 3074 ± 58 g, p = 0.005) as compared to postnatal diagnosis. For every week increase in gestational age and 100 g increase in birth weight, length of stay decreased by 12.3 ± 2.7% (p < 0.001) and 3.9 ± 0.9% (p < 0.001). Subjects with prenatal diagnosis were more often born via cesarean both planned (35.6 vs. 26.2%, p = 0.004) and after a trial of labor (13 vs. 7.8%, p = 0.017). Neonates with cesarean delivery trended toward a longer length of stay (2.6 days longer), and were born earlier as compared to other modalities (37.7 ± 0.22 weeks, p = 0.001). Management after prenatal diagnosis of CHD appears to have modifiable disadvantages for maternal and neonatal outcomes. The UCfC provides a platform to study best practices and standardization of care for future studies.
Raman scattering from phonons in iron pyrite (FeS2)

Abstract We have measured the Raman spectra of the phonons in FeS 2 at room temperature, using the 4880A and 5145A lines of an argon ion laser in reflection from a sample surface. Out of the five distinct phonon lines expected from group theory, we were able to observe two lines of symmetry A g and E g at 351 cm −1 and 386 cm −1 , and one line of symmetry T g at 443 cm −1 . Two other modes of symmetry T g predicted to be Raman active by group theory were not observed.
Kernel Isolation for the PDP-11/70

A security kernel is that part of operating system software responsible for controlling access to files and other resources. This report gives a paradigm for showing that a kernel can protect itself from destruction or tampering by user software, on the basis of the hardware and kernel software properties. An illustrative proof is carried out for DEC PDP-11 /70 hardware, with kernel properties that would be typical for this machine.
Inflow of Ocular Surface Fluid Into the Anterior Chamber After Phacoemulsification Through Sutureless Corneal Cataract Wounds

Purpose To report inflow of extraocular fluid after phacoemulsification with use of sutureless corneal incisions. Design Interventional case series. Methods setting : Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. patients : Eight patients (three women), aged 58 to 91 years, showing minimal bleeding from the limbal capillary bed during phacoemulsification. intervention: Surgery was performed through a 2.8-mm limbal incision. External pressure simulating patient manipulation was applied before and after wound hydrosealing with an irrigation cannula. main outcome measures: Inflow of blood-tinged tear fluid into the anterior chamber through the wound was monitored by using digital video. Results Inflow of extraocular fluid was observed in all eyes when the cannula was released, even after wound hydrosealing. Two patients showed spontaneous fluid inflow. Conclusions Tested sutureless corneal incisions allow inflow of extraocular fluid into the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification. This may permit intraocular contamination leading to endophthalmitis.
The release and unsuccessful establishment of the Melaleuca biological control agent Fergusonina turneri and its mutualistic nematode Fergusobia quinquenerviae.

The Australian tree Melaleuca quinquenervia is an invasive weed in wetland systems of Florida, USA. A biological control program targeting M. quinquenervia resulted in the simultaneous release of the gall-fly Fergusonina turneri and the nematode Fergusobia quinquenerviae. Fergusonina (Diptera: Fergusoninidae) flies are gall formers that exploit plants in the Myrtaceae through a mutualistic association with nematodes in the genus Fergusobia (Tylenchida: Neotylenchidae). With a limited number of founding individuals, a risk-spreading release strategy was employed in 2005 by liberating a total of 1996 adult flies across seven locations in southern Florida. However, all release efforts failed to establish a viable population at any of the sites despite variation in location. In an effort to increase founding population size and improve phenological synchrony, 1,432 individual flies and associated nematodes were released within a single M. quinquenervia stand during the early winter months of 2006–2007. The population of F. turneri and F. quinquenerviae persisted at the field site for between two and three generations and, in accordance with the ca. 2-month generation time, emergence of F generation flies peaked in March, May and July 2007. Population growth rate increased with each succeeding generation up to the F3, after which the population went extinct. Both the F1 and F2 generations expanded spatially when compared to the distribution of their respective parental generations. The field population failed to spread after the F2 generation, with F3 generation galls found entirely within the spatial distribution of F2 galls. The release of F. turneri and F. quinquenerviae represent the first obligate mutualism used in weed biological control. Factors contributing to the failure of these species to establish are discussed.
Accurate transcription of homologous 5S rRNA and tRNA genes and spllcing of tRNA in vitro by soluble extracts of Neurospora

We have developed soluble extracts from Neurospora crassa capable of accurately and efficiently transcribing homologous 5S rRNA and tRNA genes. The extracts also appear to quantitatively end-process and splice the primary tRNA transcripts. Although the extracts could not transcribe a heterologous (yeast) 5S rRNA gene, they did transcribe a yeast tRNALeu gene and slowly process the transcripts. In addition, we have developed a novel strategy for rapidly sequencing uniformly labelled RNAs using base-specific ribonucleases. We have used this procedure to verify the identity of the in vitro transcripts and processing products.
A holder for simultaneous fluid processing or carbon coating of electron microscope grids in lots of 10 or more.

A piece of polyethylene tubing about 14 cm long, ID 3 mm and with a 1.5 mm wall is shaped to hold grids in a linear series as follows. A series of pairs of transverse cuts I mm apart are made across and about $3/4 through the tubing at intervals of 1 cm. After making diagonal cuts on either side of each pair of cuts, wedge-shaped pieces of tubing are removed to leave free-standing 1 mm widths of the tubing wall. Each arch of wall is then bisected by a cut in the longitudinal direction of the tubing, thus providing the jaws of a clamp for a grid. By spreading the jaws with forceps, the grid can be inserted. On removal of the forceps, the grid is held firmly and when the holder is filled, the grids face in a direction perpendicular to its long dimension. By inserting a piece of glass tubing into the lumen of the holder, it is held straight and can be placed in a test tube for fluid processing. Stains or other fluids can be introduced through the glass tube, thus allowing fluid changes without exposure to ai...
We need to change the way rma does business

For years, organizations such as the government, have been trying to improve product and system reliability by specifying MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure) as a TPM (Technical Performance Measure). Yet, looking at papers and presentations from NASA on Ultra Reliability and ATRIP (Army Transformation Reliability Improvement Program) from the Army, system reliability has been declining. More and more systems are not meeting their reliability goals. As an alternative approach, government contract officers need to follow the lead of the medical community and change behaviors as soon as possible on how to obtain improved equipment life expectancy along with all of the benefits that go along with good, reliable, equipment. The government equipment procurers need to say in the contract what they want done in the SOW (Statement Of Work) that would lead to more reliable products along with less risky development programs. The purpose of this paper is to show that the commercial practice of using the SOW for specifying good design practices leads to good reliability as a byproduct and that using the SOW methodology works and that it is a much better approach than only specifying MTBF as TPM
TNFR and LTβR agonists induce Follicle-Associated Epithelium and M cell specific genes in rat and human intestinal epithelial cells

M cells assist mucosal immune surveillance by transcytosis of particles to underlying lymphoid tissue, but the mechanisms of M cell differentiation are poorly understood. To develop a better defined cell culture model of M cell differentiation, we treated human (Caco-2BBe) and rat (IEC-6) intestinal epithelial cell lines with lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR) and TNF receptor (TNFR) agonists. Treated cells were studied for regulation of genes associated with M cell and follicle-associated epithelium (FAE). We found that LTbetaR and TNFR agonists induce transcription of FAE-specific genes (Ccl20 and Lamb3) in Caco2-BBe cells and IEC-6 cells as well as rodent M cell specific genes such as Sgne-1/Scg5, Cldn4, and Gp2. The cytokines have distinct but complementary effects; TNFR agonists mainly induced FAE-specific genes, while the LTbetaR agonist induced M cell specific genes. The combination of cytokines showed additive induction of the FAE-associated Ccl20, Lamb3 and a surprising induction of CD137/Tnfrsf9. On the other hand TNF agonists appeared to suppress expression of some LTbetaR-induced genes. Functionally, cytokine treatment led to the reorganization of microvilli and Claudin-4 redistribution. These studies suggest complex interactions between these cytokines in the context of either inflammation or tissue differentiation.
Therapeutic Cardiac Catheterization for Congenital Heart Disease—A New Era in Pediatric Care

In recent years, enormous technological advances have occurred that allow intervention for many congenital heart defects in the pediatric cardiac catheterization laboratory. Therapeutic catheterization procedures, including valvuloplasty, angioplasty, stent implantation, coil embolization, and device occlusion, are employed to treat heart defects in infants and children. This report describes these interventional procedures, outcomes, potential complications, and implications for nursing care.
Increased cortico-subcortical functional connectivity in schizophrenia

It has been widely reported that structural and functional connectivities are disturbed in cortical networks in schizophrenia (SZ). However, much less is known about the structural and functional connectivities between cortical and subcortical regions in SZ. Here, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data was used to identify consistent cortico-subcortical structural connection patterns across SZ patients and controls, and thus 13 common cortical Regions of Interest (ROIs) were determined. DTI and resting state fMRI (R-fMRI) datasets were used to assess the structural and functional connectivities between the 13 cortical ROIs and 12 subcortical regions in 8 SZ patients and 10 normal controls. It was found that there are significantly increased functional connectivities for 7 cortico-subcortical connections between the 13 cortical ROIs and 12 subcortical regions. Among most of these connections, the functional connectivity strength was doubled in SZ in comparison to controls. The cortical ROIs with functional hyper-connectivities to subcortical regions are localized in frontal and parietal lobes. However, no significant difference in the structural connectivity between these cortical and subcortical regions was found between SZ and controls. Additional analysis results showed 4 significantly increased and 2 significantly decreased cortico-cortical connections. Our study results suggest the functional hyper-connectivity between cortical and subcortical regions, adding further evidence to literature findings that SZ is a disorder of connectivity between components of large-scale brain networks. The result of either increased or decreased functional connectivities among cortical ROIs exhibits the complex pattern of disturbance of brain networks in SZ.
Relationships among body weight, joint moments generated during functional activities, and hip bone mass in older adults

Objective To investigate the relationships among hip joint moments produced during functional activities and hip bone mass in sedentary older adults.
Thoracic enteric cysts and diverticulae.

Six cases of thoracic enteric cysts and diverticulae are described to illustrate a manifestation of the split notochord syndrome. The varied clinical, radiological, and operative picture in these cases is emphasized, the common triad being respiratory symptoms, a posterior mediastinal mass, and a vertebral anomaly. The symptoms may, however, be entirely gastrointestinal in the form of abdominal enlargement or gastro-intestinal haemorrhage. Because of the diversity of presentation these patients may come under the domain of the paediatric surgeon, the thoracic surgeon, or the neurosurgeon, and occasionally a combined team approach may be required to obtain satisfactory results in surgical treatment, which is mandatory.
Utilization of amino acids by Frankia sp. strain CpI1

The utilization of some amino acids, added at 1 mM and 10 mM concentrations, as the sole combined nitrogen sources by Frankia sp. strain CpI1, has been investigated. Glutamine, like NH 4 + , provided rapid growth without N2 fixation. Histidine at 1 mM yielded poor N2-fixing activity but better cell growth than N2. Aspartate, glutamate, alanine, proline, each at 1 mM concentration, supported similar levels of N2 fixation and growth. Growth on 10 mM glutamate, proline, or histidine resulted in poor N2-fixing activity and poor cell growth. Cells grown on 10 mM alanine had about half the N2-fixing activity of cells grown on N2 but growth was good. Aspartate at 10 mM concentration, however, stimulated N2-fixing activity dramatically and promoted faster growth. Enzyme analysis suggested that asparate is catabolized by glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), since GOT specific activity was induced, and aspartase activity was not detected, in cells grown on aspartate as the sole combined nitrogen source. Thinlayer chromatography (TLC) of metabolites extracted from N2-grown cells fed with [14C]-aspartate showed that label was rapidly accumulated mainly on aspartate and/or glutamate, depending on the cells' physiological state, without detectable labeling on fumarate or oxaloacetate (OAA). These findings provide evidence that aspartate is catabolized by GOT to OAA which, in turn, is rapidly converted to α-ketoglutarate through the TCA cycle and then to glutamate by GOT or by glutamate synthase (GOGAT). The stimulation of N2 fixation and growth by aspartate is probably caused by an increased intracellular glutamate pool.
INVESTIGATION OF NONBUOYANT LAMINAR JET DIFFUSION FLAMES: A PARADIGM FOR SOOT PROCESSES IN TURBULENT FLAMES

The structure and soot properties of steady nonbuoyant round laminar jet diffusion flames at microgravity were studied based on measurements obtained on orbit during three flights of the Space Shuttle Columbia (Flights STS-83, 94 and 107). The test conditions included ethylene- and propane-fueled flames burning in still air at ambient temperature of 300 K and ambient pressures of 35-130 kPa, for jet exit diameters of 0.40- 2.70 mm and jet exit Reynolds numbers of 46-1186, to yield steady nonbuoyant round laminar jet diffusion flames with most of the flames near the laminar smoke- point. The first phase of the study involved evaluation of the classical analysis of the structure of steady nonbuoyant round laminar jet diffusion flames due to Spalding (1979), after empirically extending it to account for the presence of luminosity due to the presence of soot within the flames. It was found that the extended Spalding (1979) analysis provided excellent predictions of the flame shape properties of the test flames when radiative heat losses were small so that quenching and flame-tip opening were avoided. This analysis also shows that flame properties are identical functions of time for nonbuoyant laminar *
Hemolytic disease in the neonatal period and early infancy.

Summary A basic understanding of the consequencesof hemolysis and of their intensification in infancy together with an awareness of the etiology and ultimate prognosis of each particular disorder is necessary to optimal management of infants in whom hemolytic disease occurs.
An adaptive, Courant-number-dependent implicit scheme for vertical advection in oceanic modeling

Abstract An oceanic model with an Eulerian vertical coordinate and an explicit vertical advection scheme is subject to the Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) limitation. Depending on the horizontal grid spacing, the horizontal-to-vertical grid resolution ratio and the flow pattern this limitation may easily become the most restrictive factor in choosing model time step, with the general tendency to become more severe as horizontal resolution becomes finer. Using terrain-following coordinate makes local vertical grid spacing depend on topography, ultimately resulting in very fine resolution in shallow areas in comparison with other models, z-coordinate, and isopycnic, which adds another factor in restricting time step. At the same time, terrain-following models are models of choice for the fine-resolution coastal modeling, often including tides interacting with topography resulting in large amplitude baroclinic vertical motions. In this article we examine the possibility of mitigating vertical CFL restriction, while at the same time avoiding numerical inaccuracies associated with standard implicit advection schemes. In doing so we design a combined algorithm which acts like a high-order explicit scheme when Courant numbers are small enough to allow explicit method (which is usually the case throughout the entire modeling domain except just few “hot spots”), while at the same time has the ability to adjust itself toward implicit scheme should it became necessary to avoid stability limitations. This is done in a seamless manner by continuously adjusting weighting between explicit and implicit components.
Approach to three-dimensional noise spectral analysis

The 3-dimensional noise model developed by D'Agostino and Webb is rapidly becoming the standard metric used to characterize the temporal and spatial noise present in modern day FLIR imagery. This model separates the noise components into seven directionally dependent noise terms. These terms are isolated into spatial and temporal components dependent on their directional characteristics. A value in units of temperature is determined for each component. This approach gives substantial insight into the workings of the sensor and its nonuniformity correction capabilities. Without knowledge of the spectrum of each of these components though, the impact of each on the minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD) results may be misinterpreted or misconstrued. Knowledge of the spectrum of the 3-D noise is also imperative when the 3-D noise model is used as the basis for noise generation in sensor simulation algorithms. This paper presents a method of obtaining 3-D noise spectrum for each of the seven noise components by first isolating each noise term. Once the individual noise component frames have been isolated, the spectrum of that component is determined. The determination of the noise spectra of each of the components is then discussed. Sample 3-D noise spectrum data are presented.
Compliant motions and force/moment constraints in the presence of uncertainties

In robotic operations, it is often desired to use compliant motions to keep a moving object (held by a manipulator hand) in contact with, or constrained by its environment. There have been considerable studies on implementing compliant motions. However, little attention has been given to the issue of ensuring successful implementation in the presence of uncertainties. This paper studies the relationships among the commanded force/moment and the sensing, modeling and control uncertainties, and shows that when certain constraints are satisfied, compliant translations/rotations can be ensured in spite of uncertainties.
FEM/BEM impedance and power analysis measured LGS SH-SAW devices

Pure shear horizontal piezoelectrically active surface and bulk acoustic waves (SH-SAW and SH-BAW) exist along rotated Y-cuts, Euler angles (0/spl deg/, /spl theta/, 90/spl deg/), of trigonal class 32 group crystals, which include the LGX family of crystals (langasite, langatate, and langanite). In this paper both SH-SAW and SH-BAW generated by finite-length, interdigital transducers (IDTs) on langasite, Euler angles (0/spl deg/, 22/spl deg/, 90/spl deg/), are simulated using combined finite- and boundary-element methods (FEM/BEM). Aluminum and gold IDT electrodes ranging in thickness from 600 /spl Aring/ to 2000 /spl Aring/ have been simulated, fabricated, and tested, with both free and metalized surfaces outside the IDT regions considered. Around the device's operating frequency, the percent difference between the calculated IDT impedance magnitude using the FEM/BEM model and the measurements is better than 5% for the different metal layers arid thicknesses considered. The proportioning of SH-SAW and SH-BAW power is analyzed as a function of the number of IDT electrodes; type of electrode metal; and relative thickness of the electrode film, h//spl lambda/, where /spl lambda/ is the SH-SAW wavelength. Simulation results show that moderate mechanical loading by gold electrodes increases the proportion of input power converted to SH-SAW. For example, with a split-electrode IDT, comprising 238 electrodes with a relative thickness h//spl lambda/ = 0.63% and surrounded by an infinitesimally thin conducting film, nearly 9% more input power is radiated as SH-SAW when gold instead of aluminum electrodes are used.
Identification of a Potassium Channel Site That Interacts with G Protein βγ Subunits to Mediate Agonist-induced Signaling

Activation of heterotrimeric GTP-binding (G) proteins by their coupled receptors, causes dissociation of the G protein alpha and betagamma subunits. Gbetagamma subunits interact directly with G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels to stimulate their activity. In addition, free Gbetagamma subunits, resulting from agonist-independent dissociation of G protein subunits, can account for a major component of the basal channel activity. Using a series of chimeric constructs between GIRK4 and a Gbetagamma-insensitive K+ channel, IRK1, we have identified a critical site of interaction of GIRK with Gbetagamma. Mutation of Leu339 to Glu within this site impaired agonist-induced sensitivity and decreased binding to Gbetagamma, without removing the Gbetagamma contribution to basal currents. Mutation of the corresponding residue in GIRK1 (Leu333) resulted in a similar phenotype. Both the GIRK1 and GIRK4 subunits contributed equally to the agonist-induced sensitivity of the heteromultimeric channel. Thus, we have identified a channel site that interacts specifically with Gbetagamma subunits released through receptor stimulation.
THE RENAL ALPHA (α) ADRENOCEPTOR MEDIATING SODIUM TRANSPORT

The putative roles of α-1 and α-2 adrenoceptors in renal tubular sodium transport led us to compare the effects of intrarenal infusions in adult dogs of phentolamine (Ph), an α-1, α-2 adrenergic antagonist (n=6), prazosin (Pr) an α-1 antagonist (n=6), and yohimbine (Y), an α-2 antagonist (n=6) on renal hemodynamics and sodium excretion. Mean arterial blood pressure, renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate did not change during the infusions. Sodium excretions (UNaV-uEq/min/g kidney) were M±SEM:
Methamphetamine-Involved Parents in the Child Welfare System: Are They More Challenging Than Other Substance-Involved Parents?

Although methamphetamine use has been declining, it continues to be problematic among parents in the child welfare system. We examined the assertion that parental methamphetamine use is more detrimental for children than abuse of other substances. Using administrative data (N = 2,465) from a treatment program, we compared parents reporting abuse of methamphetamine (48%) with parents reporting alcohol only (11%) or abuse of other illegal drugs (41%) on a number of variables. Methamphetamine users were more likely to be female, White, have less education, be unemployed, and not be in a committed relationship, and their children were significantly more likely to be placed.
Monte Carlo simulations of supercoiled DNAs confined to a plane.

Abstract Recent advances in atomic force microscopy (AFM) have enabled researchers to obtain images of supercoiled DNAs deposited on mica surfaces in buffered aqueous milieux. Confining a supercoiled DNA to a plane greatly restricts its configurational freedom, and could conceivably alter certain structural properties, such as its twist and writhe. A program that was originally written to perform Monte Carlo simulations of supercoiled DNAs in solution was modified to include a surface potential. This potential flattens the DNAs to simulate the effect of deposition on a surface. We have simulated transfers of a 3760-basepair supercoiled DNA from solution to a surface in both 161 and 10mM ionic strength. In both cases, the geometric and thermodynamic properties of the supercoiled DNAs on the surface differ significantly from the corresponding quantities in solution. At 161mM ionic strength, the writhe/twist ratio is 1.20–1.33 times larger for DNAs on the surface than for DNAs in solution and significant differences in the radii of gyration are also observed. Simulated surface structures in 161mM ionic strength closely resemble those observed by AFM. Simulated surface structures in 10mM ionic strength are similar to a minority of the structures observed by AFM, but differ from the majority of such structures for unknown reasons. In 161mM ionic strength, the internal energy (excluding the surface potential) decreases substantially as the DNA is confined to the surface. Evidently, supercoiled DNAs in solution are typically deformed farther from the minimum energy configuration than are the corresponding surface-confined DNAs. Nevertheless, the work ( ΔA int ) done on the internal coordinates, which include uniform rotations at constant configuration, during the transfer is positive and 2.6-fold larger than the decrease in internal energy. The corresponding entropy change is negative, and its contribution to ΔA int is positive and exceeds the decrease in internal energy by 3.6 fold. The work done on the internal coordinates during the solution-to-surface transfer is directed primarily toward reducing their entropy. Evidently, the number of configurations available to the more deformed solution DNA is vastly greater than for the less deformed surface-confined DNA.
Comparison of the Hansen-Sengupta and the Frommer-Lang-Schnurr existence tests

The Krawczyk and the Hansen-Sengupta interval operators are closely related to the interval Newton operator. These interval operators can be used as existence tests to prove existence of solutions for systems of equations. It is well known that the Krawczyk operator existence test is less powerful that the Hansen-Sengupta operator existence test, the latter being less powerful than the interval Newton operator existence test. In 2004, Frommer et al. proposed an existence test based on the Poincare-Miranda theorem and proved that it is more powerful than the Krawczyk existence test. In this paper, we complete the classification of these four existence tests showing that, in practice, the Hansen-Sengupta existence test is actually more powerful than the existence test proposed by Frommer et al.
A Comparison of the Effects of Fluency Training and Accuracy Training on Application and Retention

The effects of fluency training on the acquisition and retention of a composite skill were compared with those of training to accuracy only. Participants were 30 college students, and the task was a stimulus equivalence task, similar to the one used by Binder (1995) in earlier assessments. Participants learned associations between Hebrew symbols and nonsense syllables and between nonsense syllables and Arabic numerals. Immediately after training and every 2 or 4 weeks for 16 weeks, they were tested on a composite task that required both associations. Retention of the original component associations was also assessed after 4 months. With respect to the composite skill, fluency training resulted in: a) higher response rates immediately after training and across the 16 weeks; b) better accuracy 4 and 16 weeks after training; and c) less deterioration of accuracy after 16 weeks. Effects on the component skills were similar. The results document that for skilled adult learners, fluency training can aid the acquisition of a higher level skill and increase the retention of accuracy for both the component and composite skills.
Phasing the Keck Telescope with out-of-focus images in the infrared

We describe a method for phasing segmented optics which makes use of a novel variation of the established technique of curvature sensing. In traditional curvature sensing, the difference between inside-of-focus and outside-of-focus images provides a direct measure of the curvature of a relatively smooth wavefront. We illustrate how this approach can be extended to enable one to measure and correct the discontinuous wavefronts associated with segmented mirrors. A detailed algorithm, based not on curvature measurement, but on correlation of the `difference image' with theoretical images or templates, is presented. In a series of tests of this `Phase Discontinuity Sensing' or PDS algorithm at the Keck 1 Telescope, at a wavelength of 3.3 microns, the RMS piston error (averaged over the 36 primary mirror segments) was repeatedly reduced from about 230 nm to 40 nm or less. Furthermore the PDS phasing solution was shown to be consistent with our previous `phasing camera' results (to within 66 nm RMS), providing strong independent confirmation of this earlier approach.
Trust and a School-Located Immunization Program

Abstract Purpose To determine variables associated with parental trust in a school-located immunization program (SLIP) and the effect of trust-building interventions on trust and participation in SLIPs. Methods Parents among eight schools randomized to a trust-building intervention or a control condition (four schools each) completed a five-item trust survey before SLIP implementation both in year 1 (fall 2012) and in year 2 (fall 2013). Mean trust scores were calculated. Associations between baseline demographic and experiential variables and mean trust scores were analyzed. Mean trust scores in intervention and control schools were compared before SLIP in years 1 and 2, and SLIP participation rates were noted. Results From year 1, 1,608 parent surveys were analyzed. Baseline mean trust score across schools was 3.59 of 5 (5 = highest trust). In a multiple linear regression model, annual household income, survey language version, participation in a previous SLIP, child's health insurance status, and perceived vaccine importance were significantly associated with parental trust in SLIPs ( R 2 = .06, p p = .8). In year 2, 844 surveys were analyzed, and a modest difference was observed between intervention and control schools (mean trust score = 3.66 and 3.57, respectively, p = .07). SLIP participation rates appeared higher in intervention (7.7%) versus control schools (4.3%) in year 1. Conclusions Baseline trust in SLIPs among a low-income, largely Hispanic group of parents in Texas was moderately high. Factors associated with trust included demographic and experiential variables, and interventions aimed at increasing parents' perception of vaccine importance and participation in SLIPs may be effective in increasing parental trust in SLIPs.
The infrared coronal lines of recent novae

IR coronal line emissions are reported in the novae V1819 Cyg and V827 Her; high-resolution near-IR spectra of coronal line emission in the nova QU Vul have also been obtained, increasing the number of known IR coronal line novae from two to four. Each of the four is found to be characterized by approximately the same Si VI/Si VII line-intensity ratio, which indicates a common coronal-zone electron temperature of 300,000 K. The coronal-line novae are noted to possess a remarkably similar near-IR spectrum, suggesting that their coronal line emission will only occasionally be observed at optical wavelengths.