cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
One institution's experience with self-audit of opioid prescribing practices for common cervical procedures.

BACKGROUND We aim to audit our institution's opioid prescribing practices after common cervical procedures. METHODS Retrospective cohort study from one medical center. Reviewed records from 2016-2019 for 472 patients who underwent one of several common cervical procedures. Data collected on demographics, perioperative details, in-hospital pain medication use, and opioids prescribed at discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was run. RESULTS In hospital, median daily milligram morphine equivalents (MME) was 4 (IQR 0-15). Median MME prescribed at discharge was 112.5 MME (IQR 75-150). 3/472 patients received NSAIDs. Predictors of decreased discharge MME were age 70 and older (OR 0.33, p = 0.037) and more recent year (compared to 2016, OR 0.23 [p = 0.031] for 2017, OR 0.13 [p = 0.001] for 2018, and OR 0.070 [p < 0.001] for 2019). CONCLUSIONS MME prescribed at discharge was 28 times the daily in-hospital MME. Only 3/472 patients received postoperative NSAIDs. Self-auditing of opioid prescribing practices identifies actionable items for change.
Banking regulation and the output cost of banking crises

Abstract Using a cross-section time-series of 47 banking crisis episodes in 35 industrial and emerging market economies between the 1970s and 2003, this study analyses the relationship between banking regulation and supervision, and the severity of banking crises measured in terms of the magnitude of output loss. The empirical results show that countries that provide comprehensive deposit insurance coverage and enforce strict bank capital adequacy requirements experience a smaller output cost of crises. Restrictions on bank activities also influence the severity of crises. The results, however, do not suggest that there is a significant impact of bank supervision. In addition, there is no robust evidence that the magnitude of the output cost of crises depends on the extent of banks’ financial intermediation.
Eeg Evidence of 1st Order Phase Transitions by Neural Populations in Gamma Activity of Sensory Neocortices of Trained Rabbits and Cats

Multichannel EEG recordings from trained animals with high-density epipial arrays of electrodes fixed on cortical sensory areas reveal spatiotemporal patterns. These patterns have the form of temporal modulations of the phase (PM) and amplitude (AM) of spatially coherent carrier waves with frequencies in the gamma range. The patterns form and dissolve at rates in and below the theta range. AM patterns serve to classify EEG segments with conditioned stimuli (CSs). Phase patterns (radially symmetric) show episodic synchronization. Fine temporal resolution of the analytic phase using the Hilbert transform indicates that pattern formations are by 1st order phase transitions.
Lightweight Interface for In Situ Analysis and Visualization of Particle Data

As simulations get larger and produce more data, domain scientists are increasingly using in situ methods to analyze and visualize data as they are being produced. Most tools for in situ, which allow domain scientists to monitor their simulations, such as ParaView Catalyst and VisIt Libsim, tend to be bulky and require the scientist to request and wait for compute nodes or download full datasets (of the order of terabytes or petabytes) on desktops/laptops for analysis. In this paper, we present a very lightweight framework that allows users to visualize snapshots of a simulation without having to request additional compute nodes from a supercomputer when analysis or visualization is needed or download full datasets. We extend the Seer framework, an open-source in situ framework, to sub-sample and store simulation data, which can then be accessed and manipulated from the user’s local machine using a dashboard created using Plotly’s Dash interface.
A Knowledge-based System For Development Of Nonlinear Input-Output Models

Development of input-output models for nonlinear systems have gained attention recently. A knowledge-based system (KBS) is being developed for constructing input-output models of nonlinear dynamic processes. The KBS automates outlier detection and triggers the execution of advanced nonparametric modeling techniques, such as parsimonious polynomial approximation and multivariable adaptive regression splines. The software combines heuristic search methods and reasoning ability of the KBS with statistical inferences to detect outliers, determine the nonlinearity of the system, identify the nonlinear or linear models and validate them automatically.
Historical emissions of black and organic carbon aerosol from energy‐related combustion, 1850–2000

[1] We present an emission inventory of primary black carbon (BC) and primary organic carbon (OC) aerosols from fossil fuel and biofuel combustion between 1850 and 2000. We reconstruct fossil fuel consumption and represent changes in technology on a national and sectoral basis. Our estimates rely on new estimates of biofuel consumption, and updated emission factors for old technologies. Emissions of black carbon increase almost linearly, totaling about 1000 Gg in 1850, 2200 Gg in 1900, 3000 Gg in 1950, and 4400 Gg in 2000. Primary organic carbon shows a similar pattern, with emissions of 4100 Gg, 5800 Gg, 6700 Gg, and 8700 Gg in 1850, 1900, 1950, and 2000, respectively. Biofuel is responsible for over half of BC emission until about 1890, and dominates energy-related primary OC emission throughout the entire period. Coal contributes the greatest fraction of BC emission between 1880 and 1975, and is overtaken by emissions from biofuel around 1975, and by diesel engines around 1990. Previous work suggests a rapid rise in BC emissions between 1950 and 2000. This work supports a more gradual increase between 1950 and 2000, similar to the increase between 1850 and 1925; implementation of clean technology is a primary reason.
Beiträge zur Theorie der polarographischen Stromstärke Allgemeine Formel der diffusionsbedingten Stromstärke und ihre Anwendung

Es wird die Volterrasche Integralgleichung unter der Voraussetzung abgeleitet, das die Elektrode nur einen einzigen potentialbestimmenden Vorgang enthalt und der Transport der am Elektrodenvorgang beteiligten Stoffe ausschlieslich durch Diffusion und der durch das Tropfenwachstum verursachten Konvektion erfolgt. Die Losung dieser Integralgleichung liefert eine allgemeine Funktion fur den Stromstarke-Zeit-Verlauf. Weiter wird die Integralgleichung fur die Elektrodenvorgange mit reversibler Entladungsreaktion gelost und eine allgemeine Formel fur den Stromstarke-Zeit-Verlauf gegeben. Die so erhaltene Formel wird dann auf die heute im polarographischen Bereich zur Verfugung stehenden Methoden, d.h. auf die gewohnliche Polarographie, die Randles-Sevciksche Kathodenstrahl-Polarographie und die Wechselspannungs-Polarographie, angewandt. In jedem Falle werden die expliziten Ausdrucke fur die Stromstarke-Zeit-Funktionen und fur die uber die Tropfzeit gemittelte Stromstarke gegeben. Bei den Elektrodenvorgangen mit gehemmter Entladungsreaktion ist es sehr schwierig, die allgemeine Losung der Volterraschen Integralgleichung zu finden. Daher werden hier nur einige Beispiele gezeigt, fur die die Integralgleichung gelost werden kann.
The Real Exchange Rate and Fiscal Policy During the Gold Standard PeriodEvidence from the United States and Great Britain

We study the determinants of the dollar/pound real exchange rate from 1879 to 1914 focusing on the role of fiscal policy. We present a simple dynamic model of the real exchange rate to frame our analysis. The econometric results are based upon the decomposition of the sources of the innovation of the real exchange rate drawn from a structural vector autoregression model. We find little evidence that changes in tariffs and government spending affected the real exchange rate. There is some stronger empirical evidence that shocks to deficits were associated with the fluctuations in the real exchange rate.
Current Management of Left Ventricular Assist Device Erosion

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pocket infection is a serious and potentially fatal complication. Not infrequently, the device erodes externally through the thoracoabdominal wall or internally into the peritoneum. In this article, we report two cases to illustrate the presentation and challenges associated with management of LVAD-pocket infection and wound necrosis. Afterward, we review the current therapeutic strategies for LVAD erosion. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12207 (J Card Surg 2013;28:776–782)
Applications of Large Optical 3-D MEMS Switches in Radio-over-Fiber in-Building Networks

We describe the advantages of using large 3-D MEMS switches in in-building Radio-over-Fiber networks, where the large number of users can be interconnected through the switch, thus avoiding hardware intensive and expensive electro-optic conversions.
Nanoscale Patterning of Barium Titanate on Block Copolymers

A triblock copolymer of polystyrene−polybutadiene−polystyrene (Kraton D1102) has been used to pattern barium titanate precursor with nanoscale modulations. The copolymer self-assembles to yield cylindrical polystyrene nanodomains in a polybutadiene matrix. The preorganized thin films of polymer are then selectively OH-functionalized in situ on the unsaturated carbon bonds in the polybutadiene matrix with antistereochemistry. Anchoring the barium titanate precursor onto the hydroxylated polymer thin films is possible only in the trans-1,2 polybutadiol matrix through the condensation between the barium titanium double alkoxides and the hydroxyl groups. The regioselective deposition of the barium titanium double alkoxides on the original polybutadiene matrix of the Kraton thin films was verified by transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. The spacing of the coordinated barium titanium double alkoxide pattern was ∼23 nm, equivalent to the interdomain spacing of the original poly...
The role of the psychiatrist in the care of women with breast cancer

Psychiatric consultation and supportive psychotherapy provide many benefits for women with breast cancer including an opportunity to address existential, physical, emotional, social, psychosexual and relationship (family and others) concerns. The psychiatrist is a source of meaningful information and helps the patient challenge pessimistic thoughts and consider life, health, family and career priorities. The management of psychiatric symptoms and the treatment of side effects helps promote adherence to cancer treatment.
Amino acid studies in relation to yolk utilization in the chick embryo

On demontre que les acides amines libres du vitellus liquefie augmentent pendant le developpement de l'embryon, ce qui suggere une hydrolyse de ses proteines.
Theory of domain walls in ordered structures—I. Properties at absolute zero

Abstract The energy and entropy of domain walls in ordered structures at 0°K are computed as a function of orientation and composition. Structures, in which each atom is at a center of symmetry, are treated generally. For these the surface energy, as a function of orientation, has grooved minima for orientations containing bond direction. The surface entropy has cusped minima of zero entropy for the same orientations. Sharp peaks in surface energy as a function of composition occur at the stoichiometric point, and domain walls in nonstoichiometric crystals will have negative surface entropies. Some examples of structures in which some atoms are not at centers of symmetry are given, illustrating the major complications.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-4-one derivatives with dual activity at angiotensin II type 1 receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ

Identification of a series of imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-4-one derivatives that act as dual angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) partial agonists is described. Starting from a known AT1 antagonist template, conformational restriction was introduced by incorporation of an indane ring that when combined with appropriate substitution at the imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-4-one provided novel series 5 possessing the desired dual activity. The mode of interaction of this series with PPARγ was corroborated through the X-ray crystal structure of 12b bound to the human PPARγ ligand binding domain. Modulation of activity at both receptors through substitution at the pyridone nitrogen led to the identification of potent dual AT1 antagonists/PPARγ partial agonists. Among them, 21b was identified possessing potent dual pharmacology (AT1 IC(50) = 7 nM; PPARγ EC(50) = 295 nM, 27% max) and good ADME properties.
Quantitative Analysis of Amelogenin Solubility

Amelogenins are a group of extracellular enamel matrix proteins which are believed to be involved in the regulation of the size and habits of forming enamel crystals. The aim of this study was to compare the solubility properties of several amelogenins at various pH (from 4.0 to 9.0) at constant ionic strength (IS), and to examine the influence of buffer composition, IS, and divalent metal ions (including Ca2+, Mg2+, and Zn2+) on amelogenin solubility. The solubility of the recombinant murine amelogenin ("rM179") was minimum near its isoelectric point and increased rapidly below and above, regardless of buffer composition. A similar trend was observed for the native porcine ("25K") amelogenin. Porcine "23K" amelogenin was only sparingly soluble from pH of 4.0 to 9.0, in contrast to the analogous recombinant "rM166", which was more soluble in acidic solutions. The synthetic amelogenin polypeptide "TRAP" was extremely insoluble, while synthetic LRAP was readily soluble. Porcine "20K" amelogenin solubility i...
Nonlinear dynamical behavior of the limited Explodator in a CSTR under square wave perturbation of the flow rate

Abstract Results of studies of the limited Explodator model in a continuous-flow stirred tank reactor (CSTR) under square wave perturbation of the flow rate are reported. The perturbation is applied in such a way that the system is alternately attracted to two different periodic attractors in the parameter region close the Hopf bifurcation point. The system is shown to display a variety of entrainment bands, birhythmicity, quasiperiodicity, resonance-like phenomenon, period doubling and intermittency routes to chaos, and a complicated window structure of the chaotic region. In addition, a novel phenomenon, “intermittent alternative laminar oscillations”, was observed in a chaotic regime sandwiched between two entrainment bands. Transient chaos occurs in one of the entrainment bands, which intimates chaos in the adjacent regime. Positive Lyapunov exponents were found to be associated with the chaotic behavior. The folding and stretching property of the chaotic attractors was analyzed through stroboscopic representations. The deterministic nature of the chaotic behavior was confirmed by the quadratic-like curve formed in the one-dimensional map.
Humoral immune responses to the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) in the genital tract compared to other mucosal sites

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) must be considered as a primarily mucosal disease. On a worldwide basis, the absolute majority of HIV infections occur through mucosal surfaces of the genital and intestinal tracts, and the earliest and most dramatic immunologic alterations are induced by the virus in mucosal tissues. However, individual compartments of mucosal components of the immune system display remarkable differences with respect to dominant antibody isotypes, virus phenotypes, densities and origins of cells involved in innate and specific immunity, presence or absence of inductive sites, and routes of immunizations that induce humoral and cellular responses. In this regard, the mucosal immune system of the female and male genital tracts exhibit several features which are distinct from other mucosal tissues, including dominance of the IgG isotype, local as well as pronounced systemic origin of antibodies, the absence of organized lymphoepithelial inductive sites and limited humoral responses stimulated by local antigen administration. Furthermore, it is evident that, irrespective of the route of infection, HIV-1 induces easily detectable IgG but not IgA specific antibody responses. These differences must be considered in the design of protective vaccines against infection with HIV and other agents of sexually transmitted diseases.
Modelling employee withdrawal behaviour over time: A study of turnover using survival analysis

Survival analysis techniques were used to test a model of turnover with a sample of 244 staff nurses. Estimates of survival and hazard functions indicated that withdrawal was not uniform over time, but rather occurred in distinct waves. Formal hypotheses were tested with a regression analogue of survival analysis, proportional hazards regression, and provided little support for a reasoned action model of turnover. Specifically, job satisfaction emerged as predictive of turnover while job search behaviour did not. Results from OLS and logistic regressions were consistent with prior research findings in that job search behaviour was a strong influence of employee turnover. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Developmental origins of species differences in telencephalon and tectum size: Morphometric comparisons between a parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus) and a quail (Colinus virgianus)

Parrots, including parakeets, evolved significantly larger brains than other birds, relative to their body size, and they possess a proportionately larger telencephalon. For example, the telencephalon occupies approximately 68% of the brain in parakeets but only 52% in bobwhite quail. The present study was designed to determine when and how this difference in brain region proportions arises during development. To that end, we present volumetric data on the major brain regions in parakeets and bobwhite quail at several stages of embryogenesis, at hatching and, for the parakeets, 1 week after hatching. We also report on the proportional sizes of each region's proliferative and postproliferative zones. One major finding is that parakeets develop a proportionately larger telencephalon relatively late in development and that this late increase correlates with a delay in telencephalic neurogenesis. The most prominent aspect of this delayed telencephalic development is a tremendous expansion of the proliferative subventricular zone in the telencephalon of late embryonic and posthatching parakeets. The second major finding is that the tectum is much smaller in parakeets than in quail at all developmental stages examined, suggesting that the tectum's reduced size is due to an evolutionary change in how much tissue was allocated to become tectum at the time of brain regionalization. Collectively these findings indicate that evolutionary changes in brain region proportions are caused not by a single type of change but by several distinct developmental mechanisms, including changes in brain regionalization and neurogenesis timing.
A conserved sequence at c-myc oncogene chromosomal translocation breakpoints in plasmacytomas.

Many recent studies have shown that chromosomal translocation breakpoints frequently occur near cellular proto-oncogenes (reviewed in ref. 1). In both mouse plasmacytomas and Burkitt lymphomas, the c-myc oncogene becomes joined to an immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene in a head-to-head configuration2–7. Within c-myc, the breaks frequently occur near the first exon–intron boundary8, while within the immunoglobulin gene the breaks usually involve sequences directing heavy-chain switching2,3,9,10. It has been assumed that the translocations represent abortive immunoglobulin switching events which have activated the c-myc gene for a role in tumour formation. However, sequence analysis of the c-myc gene does not reveal any apparent similarity to the immunoglobulin switch signals11–13. With these results in mind, we have determined the precise breakpoints within c-myc for two plasmacytoma lines in order to search for any common features that may shed some light on the mechanism of chromosomal translocation. We report here that the tetranucleotide sequence GAGG occurs close to the breakpoint in five out of six translocations, and so may be a sequence recognized by either the enzymes that catalyse immunoglobulin heavy-chain switching, or some other DNA-cleaving activity.
Marine Habitat Classification for Ecosystem-Based Management: A Proposed Hierarchical Framework

Creating a habitat classification and mapping system for marine and coastal ecosystems is a daunting challenge due to the complex array of habitats that shift on various spatial and temporal scales. To meet this challenge, several countries have, or are developing, national classification systems and mapping protocols for marine habitats. To be effectively applied by scientists and managers it is essential that classification systems be comprehensive and incorporate pertinent physical, geological, biological, and anthropogenic habitat characteristics. Current systems tend to provide over-simplified conceptual structures that do not capture biological habitat complexity, marginalize anthropogenic features, and remain largely untested at finer scales. We propose a multi-scale hierarchical framework with a particular focus on finer scale habitat classification levels and conceptual schematics to guide habitat studies and management decisions. A case study using published data is included to compare the proposed framework with existing schemes. The example demonstrates how the proposed framework’s inclusion of user-defined variables, a combined top-down and bottom-up approach, and multi-scale hierarchical organization can facilitate examination of marine habitats and inform management decisions.
Uniqueness and stability in multi-dimensional inverse problems

Recent results on uniqueness and stability of identification of coefficients and right sides of partial differential equations from overdetermined boundary data are described. Elliptic, hyperbolic, and parabolic equations and scattering theory are considered. Proofs are given or outlined whenever they contain a new and fruitful idea and are sufficiently short. This review is supposed to be quite comprehensive. In fact, we do not cover only inverse spectral theory. Some interesting numerical methods are mentioned, but numerics is also beyond the scope of this paper. A significant part is dedicated to so-called many boundary measurements (equations with given Dirichlet-to-Neumann map), but we also discuss results about single boundary measurements. An extensive bibliography contains basic papers in the field.
XXXIX. The constitution and stability of atom nuclei. (A contribution to the subject of inorganic evolution.)

1. 1. The paper presents seven experimental correlations which are believed to exhibit the fundamental relations between the stability and composition of atom nuclei. These are summarized near the ...
Economies of scope and the cash crop - Food crop debate in Senegal

Abstract The government of Senegal plans to achieve national food self-sufficiency by inducing farmers to switch away from cash crops toward food-crop production. This paper examines selected economic consequences of the planned substitution using empirical data recently collected in southeastern Senegal. Cost function estimates suggest that farmers are currently producing “too much” food-crop and “too little” cash-crop output, given existing technology and observed relative prices. Moreover, economies of scope in producing both food crops and cash crops on the same farm result in a 22% cost saving relative to growing both types of crops on separate, specialized farms.
An Ultrastructural Study of the Localization of Acid Phosphatase Activity in the Untreated and Vitamin a Acid Treated Keratoacanthoma

Rabbit ear auricles were painted, twice weekly, with dimethylbenzanthracene to induce the formation of the skin tumor, keratoacanthoma. The application of vitamin A acid to the keratotic keratoacanthoma results in metaplasia with production of a thick viscous mucus. The purpose of this investigation was to confirm the presence of lysosomes in the untreated and treated keratoacanthoma using the lead capture method for acid phosphatase activity as a lysosomal marker. This study shows that there is a gradual increase in lysosomes in the keratoacanthoma when compared to normal rabbit follicular epithelium. However, when the tumor is treated with vitamin A acid, there is a marked increase in the quantity of lysosomes. In normal follicular epithelium acid phosphatase activity is greatest in the stratum granulosum. However, in the keratoacanthoma, lead reaction product is observed in the hyperplastic stratum granulosum as well as the stratum spinosum and stratum corneum. Topical application of vitamin A acid to the keratoacanthoma produces the greatest amount of lead reaction product in the stratum spinosum. The increase of lysosomes in the keratoacanthoma, along with a further increase in the vitamin A acid treated tumor, possibly may be one factor which augments the marked regression of the keratoacanthoma.
Lisfranc's or tarsometatarsal fracture-dislocation

Lisfranc's injuries are one of the most commonly missed fractures in a multitrauma patient. Failure to recognize and treat such an injury can lead to acute (e.g., compartment syndrome of the foot) and chronic problems (e.g., arthritis). A list of reminders is included to help with the recognition and treatment of Lisfranc's injuries (Table 1).
PERCUTANEOUS ABLATION OF CALICEAL DIVERTICULUM: LONG-TERM FOLLOWUP

Purpose: A caliceal diverticulum is a nonsecretory cavity that serves as a conduit for urinary stasis and its ensuing complications. Indications for intervention and modes of therapy are controvers...
Ultratrace determination of selected lanthanides by luminescence enhancement.

The luminescence intensity of trivalent lanthanides, especially terbium(III) and europium(III), is shown to be enhanced by coordination with the ligand 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (DPA). Further enhancement can be obtained by forming a columinescent complex aggregate with ions such as gadolinium(III), terbium(III), lanthanum(III), or yttrium(III), where the Y(III) complex shows the greatest enhancement. A surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), can be added to the solution to enhance the luminescence intensity of many lanthanide−ligand complexes by segregating the complex from quenchers. In this study, SDS has little effect on the limit of detection, but it does act to extend the linear dynamic range to include higher concentrations. The combination of columinescent complex with surfactant resulted in decreased luminescence intensity coupled with an increase in the background due to the light scattered by the surfactant micelles. A mechanism for the enhancement of the lanthanide luminescent intensity ...
Managing security technology in the workplace

Provides details of the different systems that can be used in order to provide maximum security in the workplace. Sets out the systems under the headings of access control, intrusion detection and visual systems. Concludes with a summary to be used as workplace security guidelines.
Studies in Cyclocopolymerization. VIII. Solvent Effects in Cyclocopolymerization of Maleic Anhydride with Divinyl Ether

Abstract Solvent effects in the cyclopolymerization of maleic anhydride (MA) with divinyl ether (DVE) were systematically studied. Evidence is presented which supports a charge-transfer (CT) complex formed between the comonomers as the active species in the cyclocopolymerization. The equilibrium constants (K) of CT complexation with MA was measured in n-heptane by UV spectrophotometry for tetra-hydrofuran, ethyl vinyl ether, DVE, furan, and dihydropyran. K-values increased in the above order. K of the MA-DVE pair was measured by UV and NMR in polyhaloalkanes as solvents. K-values decreased with increase of the dielectric constant of the solvent. The rate of copolymerization and number-average molecular weights decreased in more polar solvents. The initial rate was about 100 times faster in CHCl3 than in DMF. In dilute solution, [M1 + M2]=0.57 mole/liter, the initial overall rate of copolymerization was maximum in DVE-rich feed in CHC13, CH2C12, and DMF. Kinetical derivation failed to explain the rate prof...
Growth of iron oxide on Cu(001) at elevated temperature

Abstract The morphology of ultrathin Fe oxide films grown on Cu(001) was studied by STM and LEED. The oxide was grown in situ by high-temperature oxidation of Fe films deposited on a Cu(001) substrate at room temperature. The Fe films were observed to grow in a layer-by-layer manner as observed previously. Oxidation was accomplished by annealing the sample to 810 K in ambient oxygen. Two distinct oxide structures were observed depending on the initial Fe coverage. For Fe films with a thickness of less than 2 ML, Fe 1 − x O(111) forms with preferential island growth along the {110} directions. These narrow strips of oxide exhibit antiphase domain boundaries producing dark stripes running along the island, as well as a hexagonal superstructure. For initial Fe coverage exceeding 2 ML, a new oxide phase forms, consisting of uniformly thick patches of oxide with large, atomically flat terraces. This oxide also grows in strips, but these are oriented 15° from the [010] azimuth, and the hexagonal superstructure is rotated by 30° from the Fe 1− x O. The second phase is identified as Fe 3 O 4 (111), consistent with STM, LEED, and thermodynamic data.
Postmolding and load‐induced deformation analysis of plastic parts in the injection molding process

To assess warpage and shrinkage of an injection-molded plastic part, an integrated computer-aided engineering (CAE) system has been developed. This integrated system employs a simultaneous analysis of the compressible fluid flow, heat transfer, and residual stresses in the polymer during the filling and postfilling stages of the injection molding process and of mold cooling/heating that occurs throughout the entire process. Using the polymer temperature and pressure distributions as a function of time, an analysis has been performed to predict the residual stresses, treating the polymer as a viscoelastic material. The resultant loading is interfaced with the structural analysis program ABAQUSTM to predict the postmolding shape of the plastic part. Analysis has also been performed to evaluate the load-deflection behavior of a molded part and the effects of different degrees of material anisotropy.
Formation and thermal stability of 2D ordered SiC/Si(001) nanodots

Precise spatial ordering of quantum dots (QDs) may enable predictable quantum states due to direct exchange interactions of confined carriers. The realization of predictable quantum states may lead to unique functionalities such as spin cluster qubits and spintronic band gap systems. To define exemplary quantum architectures, one must develop control over QD size and spatial arrangement on the sub-35-nm length scale. We use fine-probe electron beam irradiation to locally decompose ambient hydrocarbons onto a bare Si(001) surface. These carbonaceous patterns are annealed in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV), forming ordered arrays of nanoscale SiC QDs. We have achieved sub-10-nm diameter epitaxially oriented 3C-SiC nanodots with interdot spacings down to 22.5 nm. We investigate the templated feature evolution during UHV annealing and subsequent Ge epitaxial overgrowth to identify key mechanisms that must be controlled to preserve pattern fidelity and reduce broadening of the nanodot distribution.
Sensors and actuators based on carbon nanotubes and their composites: A review

With advances in nanotechnology enabling us to structure new materials at the nanoscale, the opportunity exists for developing novel material systems and devices capable of self-sensing and active response. Intrinsic coupling of electrical properties and mechanical deformation in carbon nanotubes makes them ideal candidates for future multi-functional material systems that combine adaptive and sensory capabilities. For development of these material systems with multi-functional constituents for sensing and actuation a fundamental knowledge of their structure/property relations is necessary. In this article, we review some of the recent advances in nanotube and nanotube-based composite sensors and actuators, with a particular emphasis on their electromechanical behavior. The fundamentals of carbon nanotube electromechanical behavior and its application towards the development of nanoscale sensor and actuator systems are first introduced. Then, research on the electrical percolation behavior of carbon nanotube-based composites is reviewed. Finally, the development of carbon nanotube-based composites and their potential use as macroscopic actuators and sensors is highlighted.
Resident involvement and experience do not affect perioperative complications following robotic prostatectomy

Most urologic training programs use robotic prostatectomy (RP) as an introduction to teach residents appropriate robotic technique. However, concerns may exist regarding differences in RP outcomes with resident involvement. Our objective was therefore to evaluate whether resident involvement affects complications, operative time, or length of stay (LOS) following RP. Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005–2011), we identified patients who underwent RP, stratified them by resident presence or absence during surgery, and compared hospital LOS, operative time, and postoperative complications using bivariable and multivariable analyses. A secondary analysis comparing outcomes of interest across postgraduate year (PGY) levels was also performed. A total of 5,087 patients who underwent RPs were identified, in which residents participated in 56 %, during the study period. After controlling for potential confounders, resident present and absent groups were similar in 30-day mortality (0.0 vs. 0.2 %, p = 0.08), serious morbidity (1.8 vs. 2.1 %, p = 0.33), and overall morbidity (5.1 vs. 5.4 %, p = 0.70). While resident involvement did not affect LOS, operative time was longer when residents were present (median 208 vs. 183 min, p < 0.001). Similar findings were noted when assessing individual PGY levels. Regardless of PGY level, resident involvement in RPs appears safe and does not appear to affect postoperative complications or LOS. While resident involvement in RPs does result in longer operative times, this is necessary for the learning process.
The AD8: A brief informant interview to detect dementia

Background: Brief measures that accurately discriminate normal cognitive aging from very mild dementia are lacking. Cognitive tests often are insensitive to very mild dementia. Informant-based measures may be more sensitive in detecting early dementia. Objective: To identify informant-reported clinical variables that differentiate cognitively normal individuals from those with very mild dementia. Methods: A 55-item battery of informant queries regarding an individual9s cognitive status was derived from a semistructured interview and a consensus panel of dementia experts. The battery was evaluated with informants for 189 consecutive participants of a longitudinal study of memory and aging and compared with an independently obtained Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score for the participant. Multiple regression and receiver operator characteristic curves assessed subsets of the items to discriminate between CDR 0 (no dementia) and CDR 0.5 (very mild dementia). Results: The final version (AD8) querying memory, orientation, judgment, and function was administered to an additional sample of 112 CDR 0 and 68 CDR 0.5 participants. Using a cut-off of two items endorsed, the area under the curve was 0.834, suggesting good to excellent discrimination, sensitivity was 74%, and specificity was 86% (prevalence of 0.38 for very mild dementia). Inclusion of 56 additional individuals with mild to severe dementia (increasing dementia prevalence to 0.53) increased sensitivity to 85%. Conclusions: The AD8 is a brief, sensitive measure that reliably differentiates between nondemented and demented individuals. Use of the AD8 in conjunction with a brief assessment of the participant could improve diagnostic accuracy in general practice.
Vegetative growth and sporulation ofBipolaris sorokiniana on sequentially older infected leaves ofPoa pratensis exposed to postemergence herbicides

Poa pratensis was exposed to the postemergence herbicides 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba at concentrations of 10−6 M applied to the soil surface. Sequentially older leaf blades were inoculated withBipolaris sorokiniana and detached to determine the effect of the herbicides on saprophytic hyphal growth and sporulation on the tissue of each older leaf. 2,4-D and dicamba stimulated hyphal growth in vitro from leaf tissue of all ages; MCPP had no effect on hyphal growth. All herbicides increased sporulation byB. sorokiniana on leaf tissue of all ages. Both hyphal growth and sporulation increased progressively on tissue from sequentially older leaves ofP. pratensis exposed to dicamba.
Thin film voltammetry of spinach photosystem II. Proton-gated electron transfer involving the Mn4 cluster.

Thin film voltammetry was used to obtain direct, reversible, electron-transfer peaks between electrodes and the spinach photosystem II (PS II) reaction center in lipid films for the first time. Three well-defined pairs of reduction−oxidation peaks were found using cyclic and square wave voltammetry at 4 °C at pH 7.5, reflecting direct, reversible electron transfer involving cofactors of PS II. These peaks were assigned to the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) tetramanganese cluster (Em = 0.2 V vs NHE), quinones (Em = −0.29 V), and pheophytin (Em = −0.72 V). PS II that was depleted of the OEC did not give the peak at 0.2 V. Observed Em values, especially for the OEC, may be influenced by protein−lipid interactions and electrode double-layer effects. Voltammetry at pH 6 and at pH 7.5 with a time window of >100 ms revealed that the manganese cluster oxidation is gated by slow deprotonation of a reduced form. Additional rapid protonation/deprotonation steps are also involved in the electrochemical reduction−oxida...
Genes encoding a fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase and a fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase are present within the gene cluster for mimosine degradation in Rhizobium sp. strain TAL1145

Rhizobium sp. strain TAL1145 can catabolize mimosine, a toxic amino acid produced by the tree-legume leucaena. The mid and pyd genes involved in mimosine degradation in TAL1145 are located in two clusters within a 25-kb region in the chromosome, which was cloned in plasmid pUHR263. A 5.5-kb EcoRI fragment, located between the mid and pyd genes in pUHR263, was characterized by sequencing and transposon-insertion mutagenesis and six open reading frames (ORF) were identified. Based on high homologies with other known proteins and conserved signature domains, ORF1 and ORF2 were identified as fba and fbp genes, encoding fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA) and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP), respectively. The fba mutant showed a slightly reduced growth rate compared to TAL1145 while the fbp mutant did not show any growth defects. Both mutants could catabolize mimosine and formed normal nitrogen-fixing nodules on leucaena, suggesting that these genes are not involved in mimosine degradation and symbiosis.
Design Without Borders

Summary form only given. Electrical engineers have learned how to build amazingly complex systems by assembling transistors, wires, and passive components into intricate networks. While solidly founded in semiconductor physics, pure engineering has made possible the design of multi-billion transistor chips in a repetitive, reliable and cost-effective way. A comprehensive "design methodology" was developed based on modularization, hierarchy and abstraction. Today this story is repeating itself. Physicists, chemists and biologists are exploring entirely different components such as molecules, atoms, and enzymes. Systems built from those will most probably impact our lives and society in a profound way. Outcomes will influence the ways we build mechanical structures, do computing, make drugs, generate energy and take care of our environment. Yet, while the basic components are dramatically different from our silicon devices, the basic strategy for building very complex systems from them remains unchanged. The art of design, as was developed in the silicon era, is just as applicable to these nano- or bio-constructions. Design methodology is a legacy that will live long after Moore's law has come to a halt. To quote the late Richard Newton, "The Future is BDA (Bio Design Automation) ".
Combining anticancer agents photodynamic therapy and LCL85 leads to distinct changes in the sphingolipid profile, autophagy, caspase-3 activation in the absence of cell death, and long-term sensitization

Two anticancer agents, LCL85 and photodynamic therapy (PDT) were combined to test whether the combination PDT/LCL85 evokes changes in the sphingolipid (SL) profile and promotes cell death. Treatment of SCCVII mouse squamous carcinoma cells using the silicone phthalocyanine Pc 4 for PDT induced increases in the prodeath global ceramides/dihydroceramides (DHceramides), and no changes in the prosurvival sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). In contrast, after LCL85, the levels of most ceramides and DHceramides were reduced, whereas the levels of S1P were increased. After PDT/LCL85 the levels of global ceramides and DHceramides, and of S1P, were restored to resting levels. PDT/LCL85 also enhanced the levels of C18-, C20-, and C20:1-ceramide, and C18-DHceramide. Treatment with PDT, with or without LCL85, led to substantial reductions in sphingosine levels. PDT/LCL85 induced enhanced autophagy and caspase-3 activation. None of the treatments affected short-term viability of cells. In contrast, long-term clonogenic survival was reduced not only after PDT or LCL85, but even more after PDT/LCL85. Overall, our data show that short-term exposure to PDT/LCL85 led to distinct signature effects on the SL profile, enhanced autophagy, and caspase-3 activation without cell death. Long-term exposure to PDT/LCL85 enhanced overall cell killing, supporting translational potential of PDT/LCL85.
The value of life at the end of life: a critical assessment of hope and other factors

Low opportunity cost, weak influence of quality of life in the face of death, the social value of life extension to others, shifting psychological reference points, and hope have been proposed as factors to explain why people apparently perceive marginal life extension at the end of life to have disproportionately greater value than its length. Such value may help to explain why medical spending to extend life at the end of life is as high as it is, and the various factors behind this value might provide normative rationale for that spending. Upon critical analysis, however, most of these factors turn out to be questionable or incompletely conceived; this includes hope, which is examined here in special detail. These factors help to explain complexity and nuance in the normative issues, but they do not provide adequate justification for spending as high as it often is. In any case, two additional factors must be added to the descriptive explanation of high spending, and they throw its normative justification into further doubt: the "insurance effect" and provider-created demand. Overall, the perception of especially high value of life at the end of life provides some normative justification for high spending, but seldom strong justification, and not for spending as high as it often is.
Development of artificial neural networks for real time, in situ ellipsometry data reduction

Development of real time in situ monitoring and control of thin film depositions using ellipsometry requires both data acquisition and processing to be rapid. Present speeds of measurement and computation of basic parameters, Ψ and Δ, are sufficient for data acquisition which is essentially real time. However, computation of film parameters, such as thickness and optical properties, generally cannot keep up with the incoming data and must be performed in a batch mode after the deposition. This work describes the development of enhanced, high speed data reduction algorithms using artificial neural networks (ANN). The networks are trained using computed data and subsequently give values of film parameters in the millisecond time regime. The ANN outputs are used as initial estimates in a variably damped least squares algorithm for accuracy improvement. The combination of these two algorithms provides very accurate solutions in 75 ms per point on a DEC VAX 8800 multiprocessor system running at a combined 12 Mips. This speed is suitable for real time film monitoring and control for growth rates up to 10 nm per second. Results for fixed angle of incidence, single wavelength, in situ data for Ni deposited on BK7 substrates are presented.
Heat treatment could affect the biochemical properties of caldesmon.

Abstract Smooth muscle caldesmon (CaD) exhibits apparent heat stability. A widely used purification procedure of CaD involves extensive heat treatment (Bretscher, A. (1984) J. Biol. Chem. 259, 12873-12880). CaD thus purified co-sediments with actin, inhibits actomyosin ATPase activity, and interacts with Ca2+/calmodulin, similarly to the unheated protein. On the other hand, heat-treated CaD binds to actin filaments in a tether-like fashion, whereas lengthwise binding dominates in vivo (Mabuchi, K., Lin, J. J.-C., and Wang, C.-L. A. (1993) J. Muscle Res. Cell Motil. 14, 54-64), suggesting that differences do exist between heat-purified CaD and the native protein. We have isolated, without heat treatment, full-length recombinant chicken gizzard CaD overexpressed in insect cells (High-Five™) using a baculovirus expression system. We found that such unheated CaD interacts with calmodulin 10 times stronger than does the heated CaD; its inhibitory action on actomyosin ATPase is reversed by a much lesser amount of calmodulin. Moreover, electron microscopic examination indicated that actin binding at the N-terminal region is more frequent in the unheated CaD, resulting in more lengthwise binding. These findings point to the fact that CaD is not entirely heat-stable; the C-terminal CaM-binding regions and the N-terminal actin-binding region are possibly affected by heat treatment.
K-shell resonant transfer and excitation in calcium ions

We have calculated {ital L}-shell cross sections for the process of resonant transfer excitation followed by x-ray stabilization (RTEX) in collisions of Nb{sup {ital q}+} ions ({ital q}=28--32) with H{sub 2}. The {ital LMn} plateau cross section is nearly constant ((4.5--5.2){times}10{sup {minus}20} cm{sup 2}) for {ital q}=29--32 and is consistent with the results of the recent experiment by Bernstein {ital et} {ital al}. (Phys. Rev. A 40, 4085 (1989)) for {ital q}=31 and 32, but our results for {ital q}=28--30 are substantially larger than experiment. For Ne-like niobium ({ital q}=31), the inclusion of RTEX contributions from higher transitions ({ital LNn}, {ital LOn}, etc.) leads to good agreement with the experiment by Bernstein {ital et} {ital al}. in the high-energy tail. This implies that only a small contribution is possible from the uncorrelated transfer excitation process.
Frobenius numbers of numerical semigroups generated by three consecutive squares or cubes

We establish and prove polynomial formulas for the Frobenius numbers of numerical semigroups generated by \(n^2, (n+1)^2, (n+2)^2\) and by \(n^3, (n+1)^3, (n+2)^3\). The formulas depend on the residue class of \(n\) modulo 4 and 18, respectively.