cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
German Studies, for Example

In the famous chapter “Sense-Certainty” of the Phenomenology of Spirit, Hegel expends a great deal of dialectical energy to show that we make contradictory use of examples (Beispiele): on the one hand, we invoke the concreteness and distinctiveness of a singular datum; on the other, we imply that it has general significance. Examples confuse our thinking because they claim to be valid for a larger set of instances (thus approaching the validity of a concept), but unlike concepts they do not let us understand how this claim can be substantiated. I begin my contribution to the conversation “The Changing Face(s) of Graduate Studies” with this reference to Hegel for the obvious reason that our experiences with a new PhD program in German studies at the University of Colorado (CU) Boulder cannot readily be generalized. We had the fortune of being able to start, in 2013, with a clean slate and very few restrictions as far as the intellectual profile and the administrative format of the program were concerned. Not only were we able to think about what kind of interdisciplinary collaborations could be built into its design, what kind of students we wanted to attract, and what we could offer these students as a significant advantage over other existing programs; we could more fundamentally ask ourselves – and would be asked by the various committees through which we had to shepherd the proposal – why a university in the United States needed a PhD program in German in the first place. The way this question was, and often still is, answered is the less obvious reason why I began with the trite and pointless reference to Hegel. It goes something like this: German philosophical aesthetics is foundational for all literary theory; literary studies without this foundation are blind. The question why a university in the United States needs a German Department must be stood on its head: without a German Department, other literature departments do not fully understand what they are doing. The first time I was involved in building a PhD program in German, almost a quarter of a century ago, that was the rationale with which we were able to convince administrators in a university without a strong tradition in the humanities. We also had the backing of faculty in other literature programs, who were relieved to send students interested in Derridean and de Manian deconstruction our way. It was already then a slightly embarrassing argument, for on the one hand it embraced the most hackneyed trope of German literary and cultural (not to mention musical) superiority, while on the other hand insinuating to administrators that universities could save money by letting one department do all the
Lattice dynamics of bcc Cs

A large single crystal of bcc Sr was grown in situ and was used to study the lattice dynamics of this divalent metal by coherent inelastic neutron scattering. The phonon dispersion curves were measured, at 930 K, along the (xi00), (xixi0), and (xixixi) symmetry directions. Along the (xi00) symmetry direction, the frequencies of the longitudinal curve are higher than those of the transverse branch, whereas in bcc Ba, the relative ordering of these branches is reversed. This result is consistent with the assumption that the anomalous behavior of the (xi00) dispersion curves in bcc Ba is due to the hybridization of the free-electron-like states with the d bands. The data were used to evaluate the elastic constants, the phonon density of states, and the lattice specific heat of bcc Sr.
Why equity is a pipedream: Analysis of the dynamics of overscheduled NAS resources

One of the major issues in the proposed concepts-of-operations for NEXTGEN is the equitable allocation of overscheduled National Airspace System (NAS) resources. Although federal regulations, Congressional policies, and modernization plans call for equitable allocation of publicly held resources, the mechanisms for equitable allocation, and the trade-offs that must be made between stakeholders, exhibit a high degree of social, political, and economic complexity. Further, the allocations that are routinely made in Traffic Flow Management (TFM) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) are subject to widespread perceptions of systemic inequity and economic inefficiency. This paper describes the properties associated with the dynamic allocation of an overscheduled resource. The mathematical model demonstrates that (i) a natural asymmetry exists in the allocation, (ii) this asymmetry results in a low probability (≪ 10%) of an equitable allocation of resources amongst groups of flights (e.g. airlines), and (iii) increased competition reduces the likelihood of equitable allocations. These theoretical results establish the “feasible space” in which claims of equity can be made, suggests refinements of the existing allocation schemes, and establishes the framework for a regulatory role in proposed market-based mechanisms.
Ethnicity, Ethnic Identity, and Adolescent Narcissism

The present study explored the influence of ethnicity and ethnic identity on adolescent narcissism, as well as the role of these variables in the link between narcissism and adolescent aggression. Participants were 348 at-risk adolescents (278 males, 70 females), ranging in age from 16 to 18 (M = 16.7 years; SD = 0.69 years) who were enrolled in a community-based residential program. Results revealed significant ethnic differences on narcissism, such that Black participants scored higher than White participants. Ethnic identity partially explained why ethnicity was associated with narcissism. Overall, the findings of this study speak to the importance of considering cultural context in narcissism, as well as other forms of self-perception. However, the limitations, particularly regarding the generalizability of these findings, are also discussed.
2′ Substituted sergeants influencing the deoxy soldiers in folded oligonucleotides

We demonstrate that conformational-biased monomers can alter neighboring monomer conformation leading to globe changes in polymer topology. This work is compared to the “sergeants and soldiers” effect observed when a small percentage of optically active monomers control a polymer's helical handedness. Specifically, we show that one biased monomer in a sequence of flexible monomers yields an oligonucleotide block copolymer that folds into two topologies with competitive free energies and activation barriers (from an unfolded state). Double substitutions, on the other hand, have varying degrees of influence depending on the position of the second substitution. Substitutions within the same guanosine block have a lesser effect relative to substitutions in different blocks. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3271–3278, 2006
MEDICARE AND MANAGED CARE

▪ Abstract Medicare offers nearly universal, but limited, coverage for the elderly. The vast majority of beneficiaries therefore obtain supplemental coverage, or they enroll in HMOs to gain extra benefits at substantially lower or zero cost. This is possible because of reduced utilization and costs, as well as favorable selection of lower-risk enrollees into HMOs. Competition from HMOs may lower local fee-for-service costs as well. Quality and satisfaction measures are quite balanced, with some results showing better HMO performance and some worse. The absence of adequate risk-adjusted payments to HMOs, however, gives them little incentive to develop high-quality programs for the sickest enrollees.
Networking Goes International: An Update

▪ Abstract This literature review asks three questions of the scholarship on the regulatory networks that have so transformed global governance. First, what are these networks good for? We summarize the state of the literature on regulatory races, the fit between networks and the process of globalization, and the crucial role of the revolution in communications in the development of networks, introducing the topics with a brief intellectual history of regulatory network analysis in international relations and international law scholarship. Second, we examine how we can make sure that regulatory networks are good by asking this question: How might necessary and appropriate accountability mechanisms for the networks be constructed? The answers to these questions are at the foundation of a global administrative law, which is itself the subject of a burgeoning scholarly literature. Our third question concerns the way regulatory networks fit into a world where traditional intergovernmental relations and formal...
Current pulses during water treeing procedures and results

The procedures and results are described for an experiment to seek electrical current signals during water treeing, and to characterize any that exist. The apparatus was described in the companion paper Part 1 (see ibid., vol.3, no.4, pp.515-22, 1996), where the sensitivity characteristics, and noise effects were assessed carefully because such signals had not been detected before. In this Part 2, the use of the several modes of the apparatus is described for various conditions of signal, noise, and phase resolution. Methods of identifying and eliminating noise artifacts are described. A method is described for resolving the HV phase existing when a fast event occurs. Four types of pulsed currents are studied; two are noise (1-channel and 2-channel noise) and two are signal (fast and slow pulses). Each has unique characteristics as to the channel(s) in which it occurs, amplitude, shape, and phase of the 60 Hz HV when it occurs. It is observed that two types of pulsed signals originate only in the region where water treeing is occurring; any conclusion that they are produced by the water treeing process is inferred from that observation. The 'fast pulse' signal lasts only a few days, is <25 ns wide, contains 1 to 4 fC charge, and occurs only at the water treeing region and only when the 60 Hz HV waveform is zero and falling. The 'slow pulse' signal appears after a few days, is 35 to 60 /spl mu/s wide, has 70 to 125 nA peak, and occurs only at the water treeing region and only when the 60 Hz HV waveform is at the negative minimum.
Individual donor nucleic acid amplification testing for detection of West Nile virus.

We have developed an economical, high-throughput nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) for blood-borne viruses, suitable for use in the screening of plasma samples from individual blood donors. This assay system includes a semiautomated procedure, using 96-well glass fiber plates for the extraction of viral nucleic acids from plasma and “universal beacon” technology which permits the detection of all genotypes of highly variable viruses (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus). In this detection system, two fluorescent- detection technologies were employed successfully in a single tube: molecular beacon for West Nile virus (WNV) detection using a 6-carboxyfluorescein fluorophore and TaqMan for internal control detection using a VIC fluorophore. To establish proof of concept, we focused on the development of a robust individual donor NAT for WNV. The assay showed no reactivity to 15 other viruses tested or to 420 blood donor samples from the WNV pre-epidemic season. No cross-contamination was observed on an alternating positive-/negative-well test. The sensitivity (limit of detection, 95%) of the assay for WNV is between 3.79 and 16.3 RNA copies/ml, depending on which material was used as a standard. The assay detected all positive blood donation samples identified by the Roche WNV NAT. The assay can be performed qualitatively for screening and quantitatively for confirmation.
Comment on the Proposed Update on the Horizontal Merger Guidelines: Accounting for Out-of-Market Efficiencies

The market definition analysis endorsed by the 2010 Proposed Horizontal Merger Guidelines (“new HMGs”) tends toward narrower relevant markets. Because the merging parties cannot point to the consumer gains outside of the narrowly defined product market, the new approach could lead to Section 7 liability for mergers that result in net increases in consumer welfare. This “out of market” efficiency problem obviously does not originate with the new HMGs, nor with the HMGs at all. However, the value of diversion approach to market definition is likely to dramatically increase its practical significance. Failure to incorporate “out of market” efficiencies into merger analysis flies in the face of the modern trend in favor of analyzing actual competitive effects rather than adopting simplifying and potentially misleading proxies. Further, the value of diversion approach adopted by the new HMGs is likely to increase the need for guidance on this score. This comment proposed that the new HMGs amend note 11 to make clear that they would not bring enforcement actions where the Agencies can prove anticompetitive effects in a narrower market, but where the evidence also supports the conclusion that out of market efficiencies are sufficient to eliminate consumer harm in the aggregate. A commitment to forbear from challenging mergers where out of market efficiencies outweigh anticompetitive effects merely updates the new HMGs in a manner consistent with the modern intellectual foundation of merger analysis.
The banality of displacement: Discourse and thoughtlessness in the internal refugee crisis in Colombia

Abstract Colombia has one of the largest internal refugee populations in the world. For years government agencies and NGOs presented vastly disparate statistics, with government figures showing much lower estimates of the amount of internally displaced persons, or IDPs. In this article I suggest that the discourse of displacement in Colombia was dominated by a “war over numbers” at the expense of a more complex characterization of the displaced population. Drawing on Hannah Arendt's suggestive ideas on the banality of evil, I propose the notion of the “banality of displacement” to examine two distinct but related processes. First, the normalization of violence over time has made forced displacement appear as a mundane social fact in Colombia. Second, this banality is actively produced through an “attitudinal thoughtlessness” in government and NGO circles. To illustrate this banality at play, I focus on two interrelated aspects. First, I examine the history of IDP management in Colombia, in particular the disputes over displacement statistics. Second, I explore the “colour-blindness” in the counting strategies and the lack of reliable data regarding displaced Afro-Colombians. In a final section I discuss ways in which the banality of displacement has been contested, both from civil society and by the Constitutional Court, which has challenged the Colombian government over its handling of the displacement crisis. I also suggest more broadly how a re-reading of Arendt brings a critical sensibility to other geopolitical contexts, exemplified by geographers' engagement with the “war on terror.”
In vitro studies of complement function in sera of C4-deficient guinea pigs.

In vitro studies were performed utilizing sera from a strain of guinea pigs with a total absence of hemolytically active C4. Previous studies in these animals have demonstrated normal complement-dependent inflammatory reactions, suggesting that they are able to bypass their deficiency of C4. In vitro studies with C4-deficient serum also indicate normal activation of late-acting C components. Thus, endotoxin was capable of fixing normal amounts of the late components of complement (C3-9) in these sera, but did not fix C1 and C2. Antigen-antibody complexes fixed both early and late components of complement, although components beyond C4 were fixed less efficiently than in normal sera. Therefore, both in vivo and in vitro evidence indicates that the C4-deficient guinea pigs possess an alternate pathway for activation of late-acting complement components. Antigenic analysis of C4-deficient serum utilizing both guinea pig anti-C4 antibody and rabbit anti-C4 antibody suggests an absolute deficiency of C4-like molecules. Sera from animals with C4-deficiency were found to have one-half the normal level of C2. Sera from five of eight animals tested had 10–20% normal C1 activity. C3-9 assayed as a complex was normal.
Low Cognitive Ability And Poor Skill With Numbers May Prevent Many From Enrolling In Medicare Supplemental Coverage

Because traditional Medicare leaves substantial gaps in coverage, many people obtain supplemental coverage to limit their exposure to out-of-pocket costs. However, some Medicare beneficiaries may not be well equipped to navigate the complex supplemental coverage landscape successfully because of their lower cognitive ability or numeracy—that is, the ability to work with numbers. We found that people in the lower third of the cognitive ability and numeracy distributions were at least eleven percentage points less likely than those in the upper third to enroll in a supplemental Medicare insurance plan. This result means that many Medicare beneficiaries do not have the financial protections and other benefits that would be available to them if they were enrolled in a supplemental insurance plan. Our findings suggest that policy makers may want to consider alternatives tailored to these high-need groups, such as enhanced education and enrollment programs, simpler sets of plan choices, or even some type of aut...
Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy: Double‐blind, randomized clinical trial of safety and effectiveness

The need, safety, and effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy remain controversial. In this randomized, controlled trial, women with a singleton pregnancy at 12 to 16 weeks' gestation received 400, 2000, or 4000 IU of vitamin D3 per day until delivery. The primary outcome was maternal/neonatal circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration at delivery, with secondary outcomes of a 25(OH)D concentration of 80 nmol/L or greater achieved and the 25(OH)D concentration required to achieve maximal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] production. Of the 494 women enrolled, 350 women continued until delivery: Mean 25(OH)D concentrations by group at delivery and 1 month before delivery were significantly different (p < 0.0001), and the percent who achieved sufficiency was significantly different by group, greatest in 4000-IU group (p < 0.0001). The relative risk (RR) for achieving a concentration of 80 nmol/L or greater within 1 month of delivery was significantly different between the 2000- and the 400-IU groups (RR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.24–1.86), the 4000- and the 400-IU groups (RR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.32–1.95) but not between the 4000- and. 2000-IU groups (RR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.93–1.19). Circulating 25(OH)D had a direct influence on circulating 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations throughout pregnancy (p < 0.0001), with maximal production of 1,25(OH)2D3 in all strata in the 4000-IU group. There were no differences between groups on any safety measure. Not a single adverse event was attributed to vitamin D supplementation or circulating 25(OH)D levels. It is concluded that vitamin D supplementation of 4000 IU/d for pregnant women is safe and most effective in achieving sufficiency in all women and their neonates regardless of race, whereas the current estimated average requirement is comparatively ineffective at achieving adequate circulating 25(OH)D concentrations, especially in African Americans. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Comparing the qualitatively different effects rapidly evolving and rapidly induced defences have on predator―prey interactions

Interspecific interactions depend not only on the population densities of the interacting species, but on their phenotypes as well. Phenotypic variation can be plastic or heritable and both mechanisms can drive phenotypic change at rates comparable to or faster than those of ecological dynamics (e.g. changes in population abundances or spatial distributions). In this study, we compare the effects rapidly induced and rapidly evolving defences have on community dynamics by considering the fast phenotypic change limit using fast-slow systems theory. Our approach allows us to study phenotypically plastic and evolving systems with one overarching theory, thus capturing the effects rapidly induced defences have on ecological dynamics and how those effects differ from the effects of evolving defences. Our results show that rapidly induced defences tend to stabilize community dynamics and that some behaviours observed in rapidly evolving systems cannot be produced by phenotypic plasticity.
A Reproducible Model of Circulatory Arrest and Remote Resuscitation in Rats for NMR Investigation

Background and Purpose—Because noninvasive physiological monitoring of cerebral blood flow, metabolic integrity, and brain ion and water homeostasis can now be accomplished with new, state-of-the-art MR spectroscopy and imaging techniques, it is appropriate to develop controllable and reproducible animal models that permit prolonged circulatory arrest and resuscitation in the magnet and also allow for studies of long-term survival and outcome. We have developed such a model in rats that involves minimal surgical preparations and can achieve resuscitation remotely within precisely controlled time. Methods—Cardiac arrest was induced by asphyxiation, the duration of which ranged from 8 to 24 minutes. Resuscitation was achieved remotely by a slow, intra-aortic infusion of oxygenated blood (withdrawn either from the same rat before asphyxia or from a healthy donor rat) along with a resuscitation cocktail containing heparin (50 U/100 g), sodium bicarbonate (0.1 mEq/100 g), and epinephrine (4 μg/100 g). The body...
Issues of Power, Equity, and Empathy: Lessons From the Classroom

While the global community has made some progress in eradicating poverty and getting more children into school since the launch of the Millennium Development Goals in 2000, every day we learn of new conflicts, crises, and attacks on human rights. In a year that has seen the largest refugee migration in generations, the importance of building peaceful, sustainable societies that respect the rights of all people is clear. One of the best ways to build brighter futures is to focus on the education, development, and well-being of children. Even young children can build the empathy, understanding, and emotional literacy that will help them to live peacefully and make positive contributions to their communities and to the world. Quality educational experiences that help children develop an understanding of their rights and the rights of others can make them advocates for caring and compassion.
p53 and Ha-ras mutations in chemically induced hamster buccal pouch carcinomas

Well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas were induced in hamster buccal pouch epithelium by twice weekly topical applications of N-methyl-N-benzylnitrosamine (MBN) or 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) over a period of 15 weeks. Each of the 22 tumors induced (14 MBN and eight DMBA) were evaluated by single-strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing to identify mutations in conserved exons (E5-E8) of the p53 tumor suppressor gene and codons 12/13 and 61 of Ha-ras. In addition, Northern blot analysis of 10 MBN tumors and five DMBA tumors was performed to determine whether the mdm-2 gene was overexpressed, p53 mutations were detected in five of 14 (35%) MBN-induced carcinomas and in two of eight (25%) DMBA-induced carcinomas. Ha-ras mutations were detected in three of 14 (21%) MBN-induced carcinomas and in three of eight (37%) DMBA-induced carcinomas. One MBN-induced carcinoma exhibited a mutation in both the p53 and Ha-ras genes. The majority (five of seven of p53/Ha-ras mutations induced by MBN were G->A transitions and two of these occurred at hamster p53 codon 248, which corresponds to human p53 codon 245, a known mutational tumor 'hot spot'. A->T transversion at Ha-ras codon 61 accounted for three of five (60%) DMBA-induced mutations. There was no evidence of mdm-2 overexpression in any of the tumors evaluated. Overall, the results provide additional support for the validity of the hamster buccal pouch model of oral carcinogenesis, as applied to sequential cellular and molecular analysis and cancer chemoprevention studies.
Updip limit of the seismogenic zone beneath the accretionary prism of southwest Japan: An effect of diagenetic to low-grade metamorphic processes and increasing effective stress

Off southwest Japan the seaward limit of coseismic displacement (or updip limit of the seismogenic zone) of the 1946 Mw 8.3 thrust earthquake reaches to 4 km depth and ∼40 km landward of the trench. This limit coincides with the estimated location of the 150 °C isotherm, and has been linked to changes in physical properties associated with the smectite to illite clay-mineral transition. Here we show that this limit correlates with a suite of diagenetic to low-grade metamorphic processes characterized by (1) declining fluid production and decreasing fluid pressure ratio (λ*) and (2) active clay, carbonate, and zeolite cementation and the transition to pressure solution and quartz cementation. These diagenetic to low-grade metamorphic changes cause the onset of velocity weakening during thrust faulting, an increase in effective stress, and strengthening of the hanging wall, which together combine to produce recordable earthquakes.
Independent control of EDFA gain shape and magnitude using excited-state trapping

Controlled use of excited-states of erbium are used to decouple the magnitude and shape of the gain spectrum of an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) containing a low phonon energy glass. This makes it possible to operate a single EDFA at multiple gains without the gain flatness degradation referred to as dynamic gain-tilt. Dynamic gain-tilt free operation is demonstrated in the long-wavelength portion of the erbium gain spectrum using an erbium-doped ZBLAN fiber.
Spiritual Assessment in Mental Health Recovery

Mental health recovery-oriented and strengths model proponents recognize spirituality to be a key aspect of the recovery process. In order to incorporate spirituality in practice, practitioners need to know how to conduct spiritual assessment effectively. Although implicit and explicit spiritual assessment approaches have been identified as useful frameworks for conducting spiritual assessment, there is a gap in knowledge about what constitutes effective approaches and questions for addressing spirituality in the lives of people with psychiatric disabilities. To address this gap, focus group interviews were conducted with providers and consumers of mental health services in order to develop practical guidance for spiritual assessment. Focus group participants provided feedback about a list of sample spiritual assessment questions and then suggested principles and questions for practitioners to use. Collective insights from the focus groups formed the basis for recommendations for spiritual assessment.
Relating Eddington factors to flux limiters

Abstract Variable Eddington factors and flux-limiters have been introduced in the P-1 and diffusion equations, respectively, to handle situations when the underlying intensity is too anisotropic for the unmodified theories to remain valid. We present a derivation of a relation between the two for which a new approach to the diffusion approximation is used. Algebraic expressions for Eddington factors satisfying the moment conditions are not satisfactory for closing the P-1 equations but, by using the derived relation, yield acceptable flux-limited diffusion theories.
Energy taxis is the dominant behavior in Azospirillum brasilense.

Energy taxis encompasses aerotaxis, phototaxis, redox taxis, taxis to alternative electron acceptors, and chemotaxis to oxidizable substrates. The signal for this type of behavior is originated within the electron transport system. Energy taxis was demonstrated, as a part of an overall behavior, in several microbial species, but it did not appear as the dominant determinant in any of them. In this study, we show that most behavioral responses proceed through this mechanism in the alpha-proteobacterium Azospirillum brasilense. First, chemotaxis to most chemoeffectors typical of the azospirilla habitat was found to be metabolism dependent and required a functional electron transport system. Second, other energy-related responses, such as aerotaxis, redox taxis, and taxis to alternative electron acceptors, were found in A. brasilense. Finally, a mutant lacking a cytochrome c oxidase of the cbb3 type was affected in chemotaxis, redox taxis, and aerotaxis. Altogether, the results indicate that behavioral responses to most stimuli in A. brasilense are triggered by changes in the electron transport system.
The Other Side of the Veil North African Women in France Respond to the Headscarf Affair

The “headscarf affair,” Muslim girls wearing veils to school, has generated a storm of controversy in France. This study uses the headscarf affair to explore Muslim immigrant women's views of their place in French society and reveals that even those who disagree with French public opinion often invoke arguments that are more French than North African. Interviews with 41 North African women show that younger, well-educated women defend the headscarf as a matter of personal liberty and cultural expression. Older, poorly educated women either defend or reject the veil but never discuss the issue of secularism. In dismissing the veil, they rely on a different understanding of Muslim womanhood. A third group opposes the veil, arguing that the goal of school is integration. Respondents' answers are interpreted according to structural factors and cultural repertoires, both North African and French.
Epstein-Barr HR-1 Virion DNA Is Very Highly Methylated

The virion DNA of Epstein-Barr virus strain HR-1 was found to be methylated to a very large extent, approaching 15%. This extent of methylation is in great contrast to other classes of tumor viruses, and it is the highest that we know of in any mammalian system.
Complications Associated with the Treatment of the Multiple Ligament Injured Knee

Knee dislocations are rare injuries but are being seen with increasing frequency. These injuries are usually caused by high-energy mechanisms; associated cerebral and visceral injuries are common. Neurovascular injury in the involved extremity can result in long-term disability. Failure to identify a popliteal artery vascular injury may lead to devastating complications. Nerve injury is also common in knee dislocation and can result in significant morbidity. The common peroneal nerve is the most frequent injured peripheral nerve.
Increased Complications in Trapeziectomy With Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition Compared With Trapeziectomy Alone.

Background: In the treatment of basal joint arthritis of the thumb, recent studies suggest equivalent outcomes with regard to long-term pain, mobility, and strength, in patients undergoing either trapeziectomy alone or trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI). The goal of this study was to investigate risk factors for complications in carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 5 surgeons at a single institution performing CMC arthroplasties from November 2006 to November 2012. A total of 200 thumbs in 179 patients underwent simple trapeziectomy with or without LRTI and with or without Kirschner wire stabilization, or a Weilby procedure. The average follow-up was 11.6 months (range = 1-69 months). Data collection included sex, age, history of smoking or diabetes, and any other surgeries performed on the hand at the time of arthroplasty. Furthermore, we collected outcomes involving any adverse events, paying attention to those ...
Performance evaluation and tuning of BioPig for genomic analysis

In this study, we aim to optimize Hadoop parameters to improve the performance of BioPig on Amazon Web Service (AWS). BioPig is a toolkit for large-scale sequencing data analysis and is built on Hadoop and Pig that enables easy parallel programming and scaling to datasets of terabyte sizes. AWS is the most popular cloud-computing platform offered by Amazon. When running BioPig jobs on AWS, the default configuration parameters may lead to high computational costs. We select the k-mer counting as it is used in a large number of next generation sequence (NGS) data analysis tools. We tuned Hadoop parameters from five different perspectives based on a baseline configuration. We found tuning different Hadoop parameters led to various performance improvements. The overall job execution time of k-mer counting on BioPig was reduced by 50% using an optimized set of parameters. This paper documents our tuning experiments as a valuable reference for future Hadoop-based analytics applications on genomics datasets.
Feasibility study of thermal energy harvesting using lead free pyroelectrics

Energy harvesting has significant potential for applications in energizing wireless sensors and charging energy storage devices. To date, one of the most widely investigated materials for mechanical and thermal energy harvesting is lead zirconate titanate (PZT). However, lead has detrimental effects on the environment and on health. Hence, alternative materials are required for this purpose. In this paper, a lead free material, lithium niobate (LNB) is investigated as a potential material for pyroelectric energy harvesting. Although its theoretical pyroelectric properties are lower compared to PZT, it has better properties than other lead free alternatives such as ZnO. In addition, LNB has a high Curie temperature of about 1142 °C, which makes it applicable for high temperature energy harvesting, where other pyroelectric ceramics are not suitable. Herein, an energy harvesting and storage system composed of a single crystal LNB and a porous carbon-based super-capacitor was investigated. It is found that with controlled heating and cooling, a single wafer of LNB (75 mm diameter and 0.5 mm thickness) could generate 437.72 nW cm–3 of power and it could be used to charge a super-capacitor with a charging rate of 2.63 mV (h cm3)–1.
Low-mass molecular dynamics simulation for configurational sampling enhancement: More evidence and theoretical explanation

Abstract It has been reported recently that classical, isothermal–isobaric molecular dynamics (NTP MD) simulations at a time step of 1.00 fs of the standard-mass time (Δ t =1.00 fs smt ) and a temperature of ≤340 K using uniformly reduced atomic masses by tenfold offers better configurational sampling than standard-mass NTP MD simulations at the same time step. However, it has long been reported that atomic masses can also be increased to improve configurational sampling because higher atomic masses permit the use of a longer time step. It is worth investigating whether standard-mass NTP MD simulations at Δ t =2.00 or 3.16 fs smt can offer better or comparable configurational sampling than low-mass NTP MD simulations at Δ t =1.00 fs smt . This article reports folding simulations of two β-hairpins showing that the configurational sampling efficiency of NTP MD simulations using atomic masses uniformly reduced by tenfold at Δ t =1.00 fs smt is statistically equivalent to and better than those using standard masses at Δ t =3.16 and 2.00 fs smt , respectively. The results confirm that, relative to those using standard masses at routine Δ t =2.00 fs smt , the low-mass NTP MD simulations at Δ t =1.00 fs smt are a simple and generic technique to enhance configurational sampling at temperatures of ≤340 K.
Influence of Temperatures on the Transmission Velocity of Ultrasonic Wave in 16MnR Steel

The influence of temperature change on the detection allocation of ultrasonic wave and the transmission velocity law of the shear wave of ultrasonic wave in 16MnR steel in the range of 20～450℃ were studied.Three kinds of relations of velocity law were fitted using the least square method,and compared.The accurately calculated fitted formula of the velocity of the shear wave was derived,i.e.VT = 3253.31-1.8114T+1.18193×10-2T2-3.51474×10-5T3+3.05267×10-8T4.Meanwhile,it is concluded that the influence of the radius change of the sample induced by the heat expansion on the speed measuring error is 10-1mm,its influence on the flaw position and sizes is not important.The relations of the actual wave velocity,the range correction,and the error amplitude were given. The influences of the changes of elastic ratio,Poisson's ratio and density change induced by temperature changes on the velocity change were analyzed,the theoretical correction formula of ultrasonic wave in high temperature steels was obtained.
Total synthesis of quinolizidine alkaloids(-)-lasubine II

Aim:To study and improve enantioselective total synthesis of quinolizidine alkaloid(-)-lasubine Ⅱ.Methods:A new approach to total synthesis of (-)-lasubine Ⅱ was established from readily available starting materials,via the new synthetic sequence including the creation of stereogenic centers through two sequential highly stereoselective Roush allylborations,SN2 cyclization and ring-closing metathesis reactions for the construction of the lasubine′s quinolizidine skeleton.Results and Conclusion: The synthesis of natural product(-)-lasubine Ⅱ has been accomplished by a new synthetic route in an overall yield of 15.3% and its spectrum data,including 1H NMR,13C NMR,EI-MS,IR and optical rotation,is in agreement with the literature data.
The Coalition of Essential Schools and Rural Educational Reform

The Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) has existed for thirty years and includes hundreds of public schools that are diverse in size, population, and programmatic emphasis. A qualitative grounded theory approach is utilized to describe how three rural (non-urban/suburban) high schools operationalize CES Common Principles. This research documents that the CES reform network may be both a viable and underutilized reform model for rural school districts to assist them in achieving educational excellence. Empirical data came from school site visits, interviews and school documents. Grounded theory identifies four working hypothesis that explain how these schools, as CES members, aim to be true to the Coalition’s principles. The working hypotheses are: (1) Educational justice, democracy, and citizenship, (2) The educational value of interpersonal relationships between teachers and students, (3) Pedagogical and curricular organization to enhance student engagement and learning, and (4) Pathways to adulthood via the world.
Complexity Dichotomies of Counting Problems.

In order to study the complexity of counting problems, several interesting frameworks have been proposed, such as Constraint Satisfaction Problems (#CSP) and Graph Homomorphisms. Recently, we proposed and explored a novel alternative framework, called Holant Problems. It is a refinement with a more explicit role for constraint functions. Both graph homomorphism and #CSP can be viewed as special sub-frameworks of Holant Problems. One reason such frameworks are interesting is because the language is expressive enough so that they can express many natural counting problems, while specific enough so that it is possible to prove complete classification theorems on their complexity, which are called dichotomy theorems. From the unified prospective of a Holant framework, we summarize various dichotomies obtained for counting problems and also proof techniques used. This survey presents material from the talk given by the author at the 4-th International Congress of Chinese Mathematicians (ICCM 2010).
The validity of reported tensile bond strength utilizing non-standardized specimen surface areas. An analysis of in vitro studies.

Purpose To assess and discuss the true value and perceived relevance of present day dental adhesive tensile bond strength studies. There are flaws and inconsistencies present in the data due to the inherent variations in testing methods, conditions, and types of samples prepared. In particular, surface areas of specimens need to be standardized. This review considers the significant impact of different surface areas of tooth specimens utilized in testing. Results On review of the data, relatively higher MPa values do not necessarily indicate improved dental adhesive products or procedures.
Storing Information at the Molecular Level: Efficient Synthesis of “Barcode” Polymers

The ability to synthesize precisely controlled copolymers would prove a critical step toward effective information storage at a molecular level. In this issue of Chem , Lutz and colleagues disclose an efficient synthesis of uniform, sequence-specific polyurethanes and discuss their applications as "molecular barcodes."
Density of liquid—Inorganic compounds

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the density of liquid for inorganic compounds in tabular form. For the tabulation, an equation is selected for correlation of liquid density as a function of temperature. The tabulation is arranged by alphabetical order such as Ag, Al, Ar, and Zr to provide ease of use in quickly locating the data by using the chemical formula. The compound name and chemical abstracts registry number (CAS No) are also provided in columns. Values for regression coefficients are given in the adjacent columns. The temperature range for use is also given in columns (TMIN and TMAX). The equation should not be used for temperatures outside this range. The next column provides the code for the tabulation. The last two columns provide a representative temperature and value for liquid density at the representative temperature. The compilations of CRC, Daubert and Danner, Janz et al., Landolt and Bornstein, Vargaftik, and Yaws are used extensively for liquid density. Estimates of liquid density are primarily based on the Schroeder correlation, Le Bas method, and Tyn-Calus equation. For the high melting compounds, most of the data for liquid density are only available in the region of the melting point. In the absence of data, the estimates at temperature much higher than melting point should be considered rough approximations. A comparison of calculated and data values is also presented for a representative compound. The graph shows favorable agreement of equation and data.
Distal Interphalangeal Joint Reduction

Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint dislocation is rare. It occurs when an axial force is applied to the distal phalanx (Fig. 102.1).
Potassium isotopic evidence for a high-energy giant impact origin of the Moon

The Earth-Moon system has unique chemical and isotopic signatures compared with other planetary bodies; any successful model for the origin of this system therefore has to satisfy these chemical and isotopic constraints. The Moon is substantially depleted in volatile elements such as potassium compared with the Earth and the bulk solar composition, and it has long been thought to be the result of a catastrophic Moon-forming giant impact event. Volatile-element-depleted bodies such as the Moon were expected to be enriched in heavy potassium isotopes during the loss of volatiles; however such enrichment was never found. Here we report new high-precision potassium isotope data for the Earth, the Moon and chondritic meteorites. We found that the lunar rocks are significantly (>2σ) enriched in the heavy isotopes of potassium compared to the Earth and chondrites (by around 0.4 parts per thousand). The enrichment of the heavy isotope of potassium in lunar rocks compared with those of the Earth and chondrites can be best explained as the result of the incomplete condensation of a bulk silicate Earth vapour at an ambient pressure that is higher than 10 bar. We used these coupled constraints of the chemical loss and isotopic fractionation of K to compare two recent dynamic models that were used to explain the identical non-mass-dependent isotope composition of the Earth and the Moon. Our K isotope result is inconsistent with the low-energy disk equilibration model, but supports the high-energy, high-angular-momentum giant impact model for the origin of the Moon. High-precision potassium isotope data can also be used as a 'palaeo-barometer' to reveal the physical conditions during the Moon-forming event.
Cocaine promotes primary human astrocyte proliferation via JNK-dependent up-regulation of cyclin A2.

Purpose Astrocytes perform a plethora of important functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and are involved in cocaine-evoked synaptic plasticity. Previously, we showed that while cocaine decreased cyclin A2 expression in primary human neural progenitor cells, it increased cyclin A2 expression in human astrocytes. Since cyclin A2 is an essential regulator of the cell cycle, the aim of the present study is to clarify the effect of cocaine on proliferation of human astrocytes and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods Primary human astrocytes were treated with either 1, 10, or 100 μM cocaine for 48 hr, and cell proliferation was measured using the CyQUANT cell proliferation assay. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which cocaine affects the proliferation of astrocytes, we analyzed gene expression profiles in cocaine-treated primary human astrocytes using a human focused cDNA array. Gene ontology/pathway enrichment analysis, STRING protein-protein interaction analysis, RT-qPCR, and western blotting were used to identify signal transduction pathways that are involved in cocaine-induced astrocyte dysfunction. Results Cocaine at 10 and 100 μM significantly increased human astrocyte proliferation. Gene expression profiling revealed the JNK MAP kinase pathway as a driver of cell proliferation affected by cocaine in human astrocytes. Further experiments showed that cocaine-induced JNK activation induced up-regulation of cyclin A2, leading to enhanced proliferation of human astrocytes. Conclusion Cocaine-induced abnormal increases in the number of astrocytes may cause disruption in neuron-glia signaling and contribute to synaptic impairment in the CNS. Understanding the mechanisms of cocaine's effects on human astrocytes may help to reveal the involvement of glial cells in addictive behaviors.
Modular Assembly of the Bacterial Large Ribosomal Subunit

Summary The ribosome is a complex macromolecular machine and serves as an ideal system for understanding biological macromolecular assembly. Direct observation of ribosome assembly in vivo is difficult, as few intermediates have been isolated and thoroughly characterized. Herein, we deploy a genetic system to starve cells of an essential ribosomal protein, which results in the accumulation of assembly intermediates that are competent for maturation. Quantitative mass spectrometry and single-particle cryo-electron microscopy reveal 13 distinct intermediates, which were each resolved to ∼4–5 A resolution and could be placed in an assembly pathway. We find that ribosome biogenesis is a parallel process, that blocks of structured rRNA and proteins assemble cooperatively, and that the entire process is dynamic and can be "re-routed" through different pathways as needed. This work reveals the complex landscape of ribosome assembly in vivo and provides the requisite tools to characterize additional assembly pathways for ribosomes and other macromolecular machines.
Recommendations for Patient-reported Outcome Measures for Head and Neck Cancer-related Shoulder Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACTBackground:Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) often experience significant postoperative limitations in shoulder function and ability to participate in daily activities due to spinal accessory nerve (SAN) damage. Physical therapists must use valid and reliable outcome measures to quant
The Truth about Tesla: The Myth of the Lone Genius in the History of Innovation [Book Reviews]

This book is part of a small but growing critical historiography of Nikola Tesla – a kind of Reformation in Tesla Studies. The volume derives its thesis from something all serious student of the history of science and technology know: most breakthroughs are overdetermined. Overlooking the introduction, we can say that this book is a welcome and much needed addition to the Tesla literature. It’s attractive and generally clear and unhurried in its discussion of electricity and electromagnetic theory.