cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Droplet Digital PCR Is an Improved Alternative Method for High-Quality Enumeration of Viable Probiotic Strains.

Traditional microbiological enumeration methods have long been employed as the standard evaluation procedure for probiotic microorganisms. These methods are labor intensive, have long-time to results and inherently have a high degree of variability – up to 35%. As clinical probiotic and microbiome science continues to grow and develop, it is increasingly important that researchers thoroughly define and deliver the targeted probiotic dose. Furthermore, to establish high quality commercial products, the same dosage level must be administered to consumers. An ISO method for the use of flow cytometry has been established which does speed up the time to results and reduce variability, but the method has not yet gained widespread adoption across the probiotic industry. This is possibly due to expertise needed to implement and maintain a new testing platform in an established quality system. In this study we compare enumeration using plate counts and flow cytometry to the use of digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), which in addition to giving faster time to results than plate count and less variability than both plate count and flow cytometry, has additional benefits such as strain-specific counts. Use of ddPCR gives the ability to design primers to target deletions and single base pair differences which will allow for strain profiling in microbiome analyses. We demonstrate that ddPCR probiotic enumeration results are positively correlated to both plate count and flow cytometry results and should be considered a viable, next generation enumeration method for the evaluation of probiotics.
Insulin resistance and impaired lipid metabolism as a potential link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

Diabetes disrupts organs throughout the body including the brain. Evidence suggests diabetes is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neurodegeneration. In this review, we focus on understanding how diabetes contributes to the progression of neurodegeneration by influencing several aspects of the disease process. We emphasize the potential roles of brain insulin resistance, as well as cholesterol and lipid disruption, as factors which worsen AD.
The Gospel Truth: An Inquiry into Free Thought, Musical Preferences, and Social Mobility

1993 US-American GSS data is analyzed using joint correspondence analysis in order to explore motivations governing musical preferences and identify differences in worldviews typically espoused by individuals who experience various degrees of upward and downward educational or occupational mobility. The sample is partitioned into classes based upon these types of mobility in order to cross-control the two constructs. Musical preferences of predominantly educationally mobile individuals are shown to be structured by a formal characteristic of the music (i.e. beat), whereas preferences of the occupationally mobile appear to be driven by status considerations. The predictability of strongly regimented music is hypothesized to be distasteful, or uninteresting, to individuals who desire intellectual stimulation, here represented by openness to ambiguity. The aversion to beat-laden musical genres is theorized to be better explained with recourse to stimulus-response theories, whereas it is proposed that expectancy-value theories, including rational choice, more accurately describe status-maximizing behavior and, therefore, musical preferences which are founded upon their general level of social acceptability. In other words, psychological theories of choice may not be universally applicable, but rather simultaneously inform and depend upon the social structure. As such, this article proposes that musical preferences can be fruitfully interpreted as a cognitive and social field displaying dynamic bidirectionality between micro (cognitive theories) and macro (social mobility) levels. Quantitative evidence of micro-macro links is a rarity in the literature, and while some assumptions of this article can, and should, be questioned, the conclusions drawn by this article open doors to corollaries in several lines of thought. A serendipitous discovery provides new insights into the omnivore hypothesis.
Multivalent-Ion versus Proton Insertion into Battery Electrodes

For a sustainable future in energy storage technology, alternative battery chemistries, such as those based on the insertion chemistry of multivalent (MV) ions (i.e., Mg, Zn, Ca, and Al ions), have...
Instant AoI Optimization in IoT Networks with Packet Combination

This paper studies the freshness of data delivery, measured by the recently proposed Age of Information (AoI) metric, in Internet of Things (IoT) networks. Given IoT networks with plenty of edge devices to upload their sealed packets, re-packing multiple packets into one at each sink node by removing redundant packet headers could significantly improve transmission efficiency. We investigate such packet combination behaviors in transmitting the monitored/collected data from sensing nodes to accelerate data delivery, enabling the IoT edge server to acquire the latest updates timely. Two data acquisition modes, i.e., Periodic Request and Proactive Request, at the IoT edge server are considered. Under each mode, we derive the AoI formula, develop mathematical modeling, formulate the problem, and propose a low-complexity scheduling algorithm by leveraging packet combination with an aim to minimize the Instant AoI at the edge server. Through numerical results, we demonstrate the advantages of packet combination behaviors for AoI performance improvement.
Turnover Events, Vicarious Information, and the Reduced Likelihood of Outlet-Level Exit Among Small Multiunit Organizations

Develops and tests a theory about market-levelturnover events, focusing on ownership transfers and outlet exits and entrieswithin the same industry and market. The authors argue that market-levelturnover events create and release "vicarious" information that smallorganizations may use to increase the chances of survival. The focus of the study is on the survival and exit of non-franchised outletsin three industries in Texas between 1991 and 1999, using data provided by theState Comptroller’s Office for (1) drug stores, (2) pizza restaurants, and (3)video rental outlets. These particular industries were chosen for theirextensive turnover, including many entries, exits, and ownership transfers.Using an event history analysis, three hypotheses were tested: (1) the effectsof ownership transfers on the likelihood of exit; (2) ownership transfers withand without changes of business name; and (3) exit-entry pairs within amarket. The findings suggest that outlets of multiunit owners are less likely toexit if ownership transfers or contemporaneous exits and entries happen in theproximity of other outlets in different markets operated by the same multiunitowner. The theory developed stipulates that vicarious information is the causalmechanism that determines the above relationship. Both the theory and theresults point to innovative ways of combining a theory of relationships betweenturnover events in different geographies. (CBS)
Joining of Nanostructured Ferritic 14YWT Alloys by Spark Plasma Technique

Spark plasma joining of nanostructured ferritic 14YWT alloys has been carried out at 800°C, 1020 °C and 1030 °C in vacuum. The characteristics of joining as a function of temperatures were investigated using bulk density, nanoindentation and electron backscattered diffraction techniques. Joining performed at 1020 °C and 1030 °C shows a complete, uniform bonding of the samples, whereas the samples joined at 800 °C showed a visible crack that runs along the entire sample length. Bulk density measurements indicate that the reduction in density of samples joined at 800 °C is due to the presence of voids at the interface. The presence of columnar grains only close to the interface at 800 °C suggests the possibility of a steep temperature rise locally at the interface that is attributed to high electrical contact resistance at the interface.
Preventing Engrailed-1 activation in fibroblasts yields wound regeneration without scarring

Skin scarring, the end result of adult wound healing, is detrimental to tissue form and function. Engrailed-1 lineage-positive fibroblasts (EPFs) are known to function in scarring, but Engrailed-1 lineage-negative fibroblasts (ENFs) remain poorly characterized. Using cell transplantation and transgenic mouse models, we identified a dermal ENF subpopulation that gives rise to postnatally derived EPFs by activating Engrailed-1 expression during adult wound healing. By studying ENF responses to substrate mechanics, we found that mechanical tension drives Engrailed-1 activation via canonical mechanotransduction signaling. Finally, we showed that blocking mechanotransduction signaling with either verteporfin, an inhibitor of Yes-associated protein (YAP), or fibroblast-specific transgenic YAP knockout prevents Engrailed-1 activation and promotes wound regeneration by ENFs, with recovery of skin appendages, ultrastructure, and mechanical strength. This finding suggests that there are two possible outcomes to postnatal wound healing: a fibrotic response (EPF-mediated) and a regenerative response (ENF-mediated).
Migration of Injected Wastewater with High Levels of Ammonia in a Saline Aquifer in South Florida.

Treated wastewater with high levels of ammonia has been injected, since March 1983 into the deep saline units of the Lower Floridan aquifer (LFA) from a treatment plant near the east coast of Miami-Dade County in southeastern Florida. Monitoring wells in the plant recorded ammonia concentrations above ambient levels at hydrogeologic units located about 1000 ft (304.8 m) above injection depths between 2500 and 2800 ft (762 and 853 m) below sea level. A solute-transport model was developed to assess the horizontal and vertical extent of the injected ammonia, with ammonia moving from the injected zone into the overlying units: the upper semiconfining unit, the uppermost permeable zone of the LFA, and the middle semiconfining units of the Avon Park Formation. Ammonia is assumed to be transported under the effects of local heterogeneity in a porous limestone aquifer with high-salinity ambient groundwater and via upward migration through quasi-vertical pathways. A flow model of the migration of the injected ammonia was calibrated with PEST using head, salinity, and ammonia concentration data measured from 1983 to 2013. Borehole geophysical data support the high permeability of the uppermost permeable zone in the LFA. Average simulated head, normalized salinity, and ammonia concentration residuals over all monitoring wells were -1.37 ft, 0.01, and -0.67 mg/L, respectively. Model results are consistent with undetectable ammonia concentrations in the Upper Floridan aquifer.
von Bezold, Johann Friedrich Wilhelm 1837–1917

Johann Friedrich Wilhelm von Bezold was born on June 21, 1837, in Munchen where his father was a minister of state in the Kingdom of Bavaria. He studied natural sciences in Munchen and Gottingen from 1856 to 1860. Already as a child, he was interested in painting, and during his studies at the University of Gottingen, he attended lectures in optics and the physiology of the sensory organs. In 1868, he was named professor of technical physics at the Munchen Polytechnikum.
Fraud, Piracy and Priority in Science

In recent years there has been much discussion by the media, The United States Congress and in the general scientific journals of what is termed “fraud in science.” We use quotation marks here because the issue can be a complex one in some cases. There are two general categories of what is termed fraud.
The Risks of Traditional Mentoring in a Troubled Context

Once we understand how microaggressions, the history of academic exclusion, and deficit discourses can complicate mentoring relationships across difference, it is easier to appreciate how difficult it can be to find a way through the tangled context in which mentors usher outsiders into the academy.
Feasibility study of an attention training application for older adults

Background Technology-based attention training has demonstrated promise in its potential to improve cognitive functioning in older people. Developing mobile applications, with older users specifically in mind, may support future dissemination of these interventions and integration into daily life. Aims and objectives The purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of an Attention Training Application (ATA) for community-dwelling older adults using mobile technology. Design A descriptive, mixed-methods design was used to capture older adults' feedback on the usability and acceptability of the ATA. Methods A convenience sample of older adults (n = 9) from two independent living facilities participated in a 2-hour training and practice session with the ATA. Participants were given personally tailored instructions for using the mobile device and the ATA specifically. Following a practice session, participants provided ratings on multiple components of the ATA and completed an audio-recorded, semi-structured interview to provide detailed descriptions of their experience and perceptions. An iterative process of content analysis was used to characterise the open-ended responses. Results Participants rated the ATA favourably overall on several 0–10 scales including likeability [8.5 (1.6)], interest [8.8 (2.3)] and satisfaction [8.2 (1.9)]. The qualitative analyses revealed several issues relevant to the feasibility of the ATA among older people including the importance of the technological background of the user, limiting negative feedback, challenges with the touch screen interface, personal preferences for challenge, extending the practice period and the difficulty of the dual-task condition. Conclusions The use of the ATA is feasible in the older adult population. Future development should specifically consider personal characteristics as well as preferences to maximise usability and acceptability among older people. Implications for practice Older adults enjoyed the ATA. This opens doors to user-friendly technological interventions that may be effective in assisting older adults maintain and possibly even improve their cognitive function.
Ultrafast electronic dynamics in helium nanodroplets

Helium nanodroplets have emerged as a test bed for the study of isolated quantum liquids and as an ideal matrix for trapping atoms and molecules in a weakly interacting, cryogenic environment. Their high transparency at visible and infrared wavelengths facilitates the study of dissolved species with traditional spectroscopy techniques. At photon energies above ~21 eV, however, the droplets themselves begin to absorb to form complex excited states that have proven a challenge for both experiment and theory. A variety of frequency- and time-domain methods have been used to characterise electronically excited droplet states and their relaxation channels. This review focuses on a recent series of time-domain experimental studies that have revealed several phenomena such as interband relaxation dynamics within the droplet environment, and provided deeper insight into previously detected relaxation channels, including the ejection of Rydberg atoms (He*) and molecules (), the dynamics of highly excited droplet s...
Neurophysiology of Breathing in Mammals

The sections in this article are: 1 Respiratory Homeostasis and Control of Respiratory Movements 1.1 Effectors of Ventilation 1.2 Respiratory Muscles and Their Innervation 1.3 Summary 2 Central Location of Respiratory Controller 2.1 Historical Background 2.2 Summary 2.3 Modern View 2.4 Brain Stem Anatomy 2.5 Classification of Respiratory Neurons 2.6 Connections Between Respiratory Neurons 2.7 Location and Mechanisms for Generation of Respiratory Patterns 2.8 Production of Respiratory Pattern 2.9 Central Pattern Generation and Respiration 2.10 Hypothesis for Role of Dorsal and Ventral Respiratory Groups in Generating Respiratory Pattern 3 Sensors 3.1 Time Course of Responses to Respiratory Afferent Stimulation 3.2 Integrated Responses to Changes in Carbon Dioxide 3.3 Integrated Responses to Changes in Oxygen 3.4 Summary 4 Mechanoreceptors 4.1 Pulmonary Stretch Receptors 4.2 Summary 5 Exercise—An Example of an Integrated Response 5.1 Critique 6 State Dependence 7 Conclusion
Electronic properties of amino acid side chains: quantum mechanics calculation of substituent effects

Electronic properties of amino acid side chains such as inductive and field effects have not been characterized in any detail. Quantum mechanics (QM) calculations and fundamental equations that account for substituent effects may provide insight into these important properties. PM3 analysis of electron distribution and polarizability was used to derive quantitative scales that describe steric factors, inductive effects, resonance effects, and field effects of amino acid side chains. These studies revealed that: (1) different semiempirical QM methods yield similar results for the electronic effects of side chain groups, (2) polarizability, which reflects molecular deformability, represents steric factors in electronic terms, and (3) inductive effects contribute to the propensity of an amino acid for α-helices. The data provide initial characterization of the substituent effects of amino acid side chains and suggest that these properties affect electron density along the peptide backbone.
The effects of rock climbing on cliff‐face vegetation

Question What are the effects of rock climbing on diversity, abundance and composition on cliff-face vegetation along environmental and use gradients typical of modern climbing? Location New River Gorge National River, WV, US. Methods We compared species richness, abundance and composition of vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens on 79 pre-established rock climbs and 32 unclimbed ‘control’ sites across potential climb-use intensity and cliff structure using linear models, residual analysis and NMDS ordination. Results Differences in species richness and abundance associated with potential climb-use intensity and cliff structure were variable across taxonomic groups. Linear models indicated that cliff angle was the strongest explanatory variable of species richness and abundance for all three taxonomic groups. Once the effects of biophysical variables were modelled, analysis of the residuals indicated that potential climbing-use intensity had a small but negative effect on species richness and abundance of vascular plants (range 3–6%), no effect on bryophytes (0%) and a substantial effect on lichens (range 10–12%). Similarly, NMDS ordination indicated that cliff angle, canopy height and aspect were the primary drivers of species composition. We observed no change in community composition due to climbing. Conclusions Other studies have observed significant impacts of climbing on vegetation at the base of cliffs. Here, we observe that potential climbing-use intensity has some impact on species richness and abundance of vascular plants and more significant impacts on lichens, however cliff angle is a fundamental control on cliff vegetation. Because of the challenge in sampling steep and overhanging cliffs, we recommend that climbers be directly involved in the assessment, monitoring and management of cliff resources in order to ensure that the full range of biophysical conditions of cliff ecosystems are considered.
The GABAA antagonist bicuculline attenuates progesterone-induced memory impairments in middle-aged ovariectomized rats.

In women, high levels of natural progesterone have been associated with detrimental cognitive effects via the “maternal amnesia” phenomenon as well as in controlled experiments. In aged ovariectomized (Ovx) rats, progesterone has been shown to impair cognition and impact the GABAergic system in cognitive brain regions. Here, we tested whether the GABAergic system is a mechanism of progesterone’s detrimental cognitive effects in the Ovx rat by attempting to reverse progesterone-induced impairments via concomitant treatment with GABAA antagonist, bicuculline. Thirteen month old rats received Ovx plus daily vehicle, progesterone, bicuculline, or progesterone+bicuculline injections beginning two weeks prior to testing. The water radial-arm maze was used to evaluate spatial working and reference memory. During learning, rats administered progesterone made more working memory errors than those administered vehicle, and this impairment was reversed by the addition of bicuculline. The progesterone impairment was transient and all animals performed similarly by the end of regular testing. On the last day of testing, a six-hour delay was administered to evaluate memory retention. Progesterone-treated rats were the only group to increase working memory errors with the delay; the addition of bicuculline prevented the progesterone-induced impairment. The vehicle, bicuculline, and progesterone+bicuculline groups were not impaired by the delay. The current rodent findings corroborate prior research reporting progesterone-induced detriments on cognition in women and in the aging Ovx rat. Moreover, the data suggest that progesterone-induced cognitive impairment is, in part, related to the GABAergic system. Given that progesterone is included in numerous clinically-prescribed hormone therapies and contraceptives (e.g. micronized), and as synthetic analogs, further research is warranted to better understand the parameters and mechanism(s) of progesterone-induced cognitive impairments.
Simultaneous solvent screening and reaction optimization in microliter slugs

An automated, continuous flow droplet screening system is presented, enabling real-time simultaneous solvent and continuous variable optimization. An optimal design of experiments strategy is applied to the alkylation of 1,2-diaminocyclohexane in 16 μL droplets, with scale-up demonstrated. Analysis of segmented flow results suggests correlation of yield with solvent hydrogen bond basicity.
Marine Protected Areas Beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction: What's Mine is Mine and What You Think is Yours is also Mine

The article analyses the progress and challenges related to the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs), in particular beyond national jurisdiction, in light of relevant global goals. A number of myths related to MPAs are highlighted, as well as issues of a legal and institutional nature that have arisen recently as a result of proposals to establish MPAs beyond national jurisdiction. In particular, the article focuses on issues relating to the establishment of these MPAs as they relate to the on-going process of establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf of coastal States pursuant to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Hamiltonian and phenomenological models of microemulsions

Abstract We review briefly a phenomenological microemulsion model, its phase diagram, and its interfacial tensions. We then describe a lattice model of a microemulsion, based on a prescribed Hamiltonian equivalent to that of an Ising model with competing nearest- and further-neighbor interactions. Its phase diagram and interfacial tensions are compared with those in the phenomenological model.
Physics of heat generation using magnetic nanoparticles for hyperthermia

Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia and thermal ablation have been actively studied experimentally and theoretically. In this review, we provide a summary of the literature describing the properties of nanometer-scale magnetic materials suspended in biocompatible fluids and their interactions with external magnetic fields. Summarised are the properties and mechanisms understood to be responsible for magnetic heating, and the models developed to understand the behaviour of single-domain magnets exposed to alternating magnetic fields. Linear response theory and its assumptions have provided a useful beginning point; however, its limitations are apparent when nanoparticle heating is measured over a wide range of magnetic fields. Well-developed models (e.g. for magnetisation reversal mechanisms and pseudo-single domain formation) available from other fields of research are explored. Some of the methods described include effects of moment relaxation, anisotropy, nanoparticle and moment rotation mechanisms, interactions and collective behaviour, which have been experimentally identified to be important. Here, we will discuss the implicit assumptions underlying these analytical models and their relevance to experiments. Numerical simulations will be discussed as an alternative to these simple analytical models, including their applicability to experimental data. Finally, guidelines for the design of optimal magnetic nanoparticles will be presented.
Student In-Class Texting Behavior: Associations with Instructor Clarity and Classroom Relationships

This investigation explored instructor clarity and classroom relationships as motivators for student in-class texting. Results suggest that nearly half of students text at least once per class session. Instructor clarity and perceptions of a connected classroom climate were negatively associated with overall texting frequency and frequency relative to other courses. Differences were found between those who reported never texting and those who text at levels lower than or comparable to other courses, but not with those who reported texting more frequently.
Perception and practical knowledge

According to G.E.M. Anscombe, an agent's knowledge of his own intentional actions differs from his knowledge of his unintended behaviors as well as the knowledge others can have of what he intentionally does, in being known “without observation”. I begin by posing a problem for any conception of this theory according to which non-observational knowledge must be independent of sense perception, and criticize several recent attempts to get around the problem. Having done this, I develop an alternative account of non-observational knowledge according to which it consists in the particular causal role of an agent's self-awareness in bringing his intentional actions about.
Theoretical analysis of a novel ultrasound generator on an optical fiber tip

A novel ultrasound generator consisting of a single mode optical fiber with a layer of gold nanoparticles on its tip has been designed. The generator utilizes the optical and photo-acoustic properties of gold nanoparticles. When heated by laser pulses, a thin absorption layer made up of these nanoparticles at the cleaved surface of a single mode fiber generates a mechanical shock wave caused by thermal expansion. Mie's theory was applied in a MATLAB simulation to determine the relationship between the absorption efficiency and the optical resonance wavelengths of a layer of gold nanospheres. Results showed that the absorption efficiency and related resonance wavelengths of gold nanospheres varied based on the size of the gold nanosphere particles. In order to obtain the bandwidths associated with ultrasound, another MATLAB simulation was run to study the relationship between the power of the laser being used, the size of the gold nanosphere, and the energy decay time. The results of this and the previous simulation showed that the energy decay time is picoseconds in length.
Achieving Safe Femoral Arterial Access

Percutaneous coronary intervention can lead to vascular access complications that prolong patient hospital stay and costs as well as increase patient morbidity and mortality. Given its ease of use and familiarity, transfemoral access is still the preferred method of approach by many operators. The transfemoral approach is used when large bore access is required or if transradial access is not feasible due to variations in the anatomy of the upper extremity artery. The use of fluoroscopy, ultrasonography, and femoral angiography can help the operator obtain proper arteriotomy of the common femoral artery. Measures to decrease vascular access complications include proper technique, optimal pharmacotherapy, and avoiding the use of arterial sheaths >6 Fr. Optimal pharmacotherapy includes the use of bivalirudin and weight-based unfractionated heparin to avoid supratherapeutic activated clotting times, and to avoid glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors. When used appropriately, vascular closure devices can decrease the risk of bleeding complications. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these recommendations.
Perceptions of friendship among youth with distressed friends

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between a friend’s level of internalizing distress and the focal child’s perceptions of friendship amongst 5th, 8th, and 11th grade youth. Participants completed the Youth Self-Report to assess internalizing distress and measures assessing perceptions of friendship quality, social support, and self-disclosure within reciprocal, same-sex friendship dyads. Results indicated that youth with friends experiencing low levels of internalizing distress reported poorer friendship quality and decreased levels of social support and self-disclosure within the friendship compared to youth with friends experiencing average or high internalizing distress. In a second set of analyses controlling for the focal child’s own internalizing symptoms, gender, and age, friend’s level of internalizing distress remained a significant, unique predictor of target participants’ self-disclosure about their own problems within the friendship. The findings suggest that a mild degree of internalizing distress may enhance, rather than harm, friendships amongst youth.
Understanding social network site users' privacy tool use

Every day hundreds of millions of people log into social network sites and deposit terabytes of data as they share status updates, photographs, and more. This article explores how background factors, motivations, and social network site experiences relate to people's use of social network site technology to protect their privacy. The findings indicate that during technology-mediated communication on social network sites, not only do traditional privacy factors relate to the technological boundaries people enact, but people's experiences with the mediating technology itself do, too. The results also identify privacy inequalities, in which certain groups are more likely to take advantage of the technology to protect their privacy-suggesting that some individuals' information and reputations may be more at risk than others'.
Electronic Helping Behavior: The Virtual Presence of Others Makes a Difference.

Years of research have demonstrated that the physical presence of others can reduce the tendency to help individuals needing assistance. This study examined whether the diffusion of responsibility phenomenon extends beyond face-to-face environments and helps explain the lack of responsiveness often demonstrated by Internet users who receive e-mail requests sent to multiple people simultaneously. Participants were sent an e-mail message requesting assistance with an online library search task. Each person received the message along with an indication that 0, 1, 14, or 49 others were also contacted. The results demonstrated partial support for the study hypothesis. As expected, the virtual presence of many others significantly reduced e-mail responsiveness; however, nonresponse did not directly increase in proportion with group size.
Why not use mobile phones: an observational study of medical work

Previous studies suggest that mobile phones could prevent many communication and information breakdowns that commonly occur in a hospital environment. However, the actual benefits of mobile phones in medical work remain unexplored. We studied mobile phone usage among nurses in an Emergency Department (ED). Surprisingly, mobile phones were not favored by our study participants. We found that mobile phones do not support essential characteristics of nursing work in ED because they lack support for group awareness, informative interruption, and role-based calling. The findings suggest that the design of mobile devices should support nurses' share of work responsibilities and the need for information transparency.
String-induced gravity and ghost-freedom

The order α′k^4 four-point graviton amplitudes calculated from the bosonic, heterotic and supersymmetric strings are shown to be derivable from effective gravitational actions in which multiples of the Gauss-Bonnet quadratic curvature contribution are added to the Einstein action. However, it is also explicitly shown that on Einstein shell, the terms proportional to R_(μν)^2 and R^2 do not contribute to the amplitudes. This result implies that the effective graviton propagator is always non-ghost, a conclusion which remains valid for all higher orders. The calculations provide explicit diagrammatic verification of the field redefinition mechanism and of the fact that the exchange plus contact terms generated by the effective action yield the (expanded) string amplitudes.
Reconciling the paradox of rotator cuff repair versus debridement: A unified biomechanical rationale for the treatment of rotator cuff tears

"Cover the hole in the cuff." Echoes from the past and voices from the present blend to give us the same message. The message is firm and authoritative, almost mesmerizing, yet almost unchanged since the time the edict was first issued by Codman (1) almost 60 years ago. We all understand the concept of rotator cuff repair. It makes sense to repair a torn rotator cuff to its anatomic location. We restore the anatomy and hence restore the mechanics of the cuff. However, when faced with a massive tear that cannot be completely repaired, most orthopedic surgeons continue to be swayed by that ancient irresistible siren song of "cover the hole." A number of clever techniques have been used to cover the hole, including supraspinatus muscle slide (2), fascial graft (3), freeze-dried allograft (4), and tendon transposition (5,6). However, most of these techniques either ignore or openly violate the mechanics of the shoulder. A major purpose of this article is to encourage us as orthopedic surgeons to consider the multidisciplinary dimensions of a biologic problem: Too often we seek biologic solutions to mechanical problems. For years, engineers have used professional horizontal cross-integration on major projects by employing experts from diverse fields to approach complex engineering problems. This allows the engineering team to evaluate a problem from a number of different perspectives. This approach reduces the possibility of overlooking some critically important
Silicon CMOS optical receiver circuits with integrated thin-film compound semiconductor detectors

While many circuit designers have tackled the problem of CMOS digital communications receiver design, few have considered the problem of circuitry suitable for an all CMOS digital IC fabrication process. Faced with a high speed receiver design the circuit designer will soon conclude that a high speed analog-oriented fabrication process provides superior performance advantages to a digital CMOS process. However, for applications where there are overwhelming reasons to integrate the receivers on the same IC as large amounts of conventional digital circuitry, the low yield and high cost of the exotic analog-oriented fabrication is no longer an option. The issues that result from a requirement to use a digital CMOS IC process cut across all aspects of receiver design, and result in significant differences in circuit design philosophy and topology. Digital ICs are primarily designed to yield small, fast CMOS devices for digital logic gates, thus no effort is put into providing accurate or high speed resistances, or capacitors. This lack of any reliable resistance or capacitance has a significant impact on receiver design. Since resistance optimization is not a prerogative of the digital IC process engineer, the wisest option is thus to not use these elements, opting instead for active circuitry to replace the functions normally ascribed to resistance and capacitance. Depending on the application receiver noise may be a dominant design constraint. The noise performance of CMOS amplifiers is different than bipolar or GaAs MESFET circuits, shot noise is generally insignificant when compared to channel thermal noise. As a result the optimal input stage topology is significantly different for the different technologies. It is found that, at speeds of operation approaching the limits of the digital CMOS process, open loop designs have noise-power-gain-bandwidth tradeoff performance superior to feedback designs. Furthermore, the lack of good resisters and capacitors complicates the use of feedback circuits. Thus feedback is generally not used in the front-end of our digital process CMOS receivers.
Tubulin synthesis in fertilized sea urchin eggs

Abstract Sea urchin zygotes incorporate 14C-amino acids into tubulin (microtubule protein). The rate of tubulin synthesis increases after fertilization, but shows a pronounced depression during cell division. The amount of 3H-colchicine binding material in 15 000 g supernatants fluctuates in the same way.
Quantitation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA) by a two-site enzyme immunoassay, in parallel with EBV-DNA.

Abstract A two-site enzyme (TSE) immunoassay was developed for the quantitation of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-determined nuclear antigen (EBNA) using a rabbit serum raised against a synthetic peptide derived from the Bam HI K region of the viral genome. Comparison of 12 EBNA-positive and 3 negative cell lines proved that the test was EBV-specific. A dot-blot assay utilizing cloned and nick translated EBV-DNA Bam HI M fragment confirmed the EBV-carrier status of the EBNA-positive lines. The results obtained with both the TSE immunoassay and dot-blot assay were in agreement with published values. In contrast to earlier reports, we could not demonstrate any correlation between the content of EBNA and the number of viral genome copies.
Models for Ecological Data: An Introduction

(2008). Models for Ecological Data: An Introduction. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 103, No. 483, pp. 1326-1326.
Biliary multifocal chromosomal polysomy and cholangiocarcinoma in primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Biliary Multifocal Chromosomal Polysomy and Cholangiocarcinoma in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Similarity and Generalized Finite-Difference Solutions of Parabolic Partial Differential Equations

Techniques are presented for obtaining generalized finite-difference solutions to partial differential equations of the parabolic type. It is shown that the advantages of similarity in the solution of similar problems are generally not lost if the solution to the original partial differential equations is effected in the physical plane by finite-difference methods. The analysis results in a considerable saving in computational effort in the solution of both similar and nonsimilar problems. Several examples, including both the heat-conduction equation and the boundary-layer equations, are given. The analysis also provides a practical means of estimating the accuracy of finite-difference solutions to parabolic equations.
The future in manufacturing

The Semiconductor Industry is marked with huge investments in manufacturing equipment and fastest innovation cycles. For capital and operational efficiency reasons, today, we are observing the trend to bigger entities. Gigafabs with output in excess of 1 Million Wafers per year are seen as an important factor of success for manufacturing excellence.
Polymerization reactor control using autoregressive‐plus Volterra‐based MPC

A nonlinear model-predictive control scheme based on the autoregressive-plus Volterra model is proposed. A “plant-friendly,” yet persistently exciting, input sequence is designed for model identification. A second feature of this work is that the control action is determined by solving a less computationally burdensome nonlinear programming problem than the optimization problems associated with Newton-type controllers and polynomial ARMA model nonlinear MPC. A third contribution is that semiglobal closed-loop stability conditions are derived and are shown to be less conservative than those previously published. The control scheme is shown to outperform a feedback strategy using proportional integral control and a linear model-predictive control design for the control of two polymerization reactor case studies. The complex features of the latter case study [multivarible (3 × 3), recycle loop, high-order (24) dynamics] motivate the applicability of this approach for industrial problems.
A Novel Lens Epithelium Gene, LEP503, is Highly Conserved in Different Vertebrate Species and is Developmentally Regulated in Postnatal Rat Lens

Abstract The development of the lens is dependent on the proliferation of lens epithelial cells and their differentiation into fiber cells near the lens bow/equator. Identification of genes specifically expressed in the lens epithelial cells and their functions may provide insight into molecular events that regulate the processes of lens epithelial cell differentiation. In this study, a novel lens epithelium gene product, LEP503, identified from rat by a subtractive cDNA cloning strategy was investigated in the genome organization, mRNA expression and protein localization. The genomic sequences for LEP503 isolated from rat, mouse and human span 1754 bp, 1694 bp and 1895 bp regions encompassing the 5′-flanking region, two exons, one intron and 3′-flanking region. All exon-intron junction sequences conform to the GT/AG rule. Both mouse and human LEP503 genes show very high identity (93% for mouse and 79% for human) to rat LEP503 gene in the exon 1 that contains an open reading frame coding for a protein of 61 amino acid residues with a leucine-rich domain. The deduced protein sequences also show high identity (91% between mouse and rat and 77% between human and rat). Western blot shows that LEP503 is present as a specific ∼6.9 kDa band in the water-insoluble-urea-soluble fraction of lens cortex where lens epithelium is included. Immuno-staining shows that LEP503 is localized in the epithelial cells along the entire anterior surface of rat lens. Developmentally, LEP503 is expressed at a low level at newborn, and then the expression level increases by about ten-fold around postnatal day 14 and remains at this high level for about 25 days before it drops back to the low level by postnatal day 84. These data suggest that the LEP503 may be an important lens epithelial cell gene involving the processes of epithelial cell differentiation.
The surface tension of liquid gallium

The surface tension of liquid gallium has been measured using the sessile drop technique in an Auger spectrometer. The experimental method is described. The surface tension in mJ/sq m is found to decrease linearly with increasing temperature and may be represented as 708-0.66(T-29.8), where T is the temperature in centigrade. This result is of interest because gallium has been suggested as a model fluid for Marangoni flow experiments. In addition, the surface tension is of technological significance in the processing of compound semiconductors involving gallium.
Estimated blood loss and transfusion requirements of radical cystectomy

Purpose: Radical cystectomy has been associated with significant blood loss and/or transfusion requirement. We defined and characterized blood loss and transfusion parameters in this population.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 304 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion between October 1995 and July 2000. Charts were examined, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate estimated blood loss and the transfusion requirement.Results: Complete blood loss data were available in 297 cases. Overall 45% of patients had anemia preoperatively. Median estimated blood loss was 600 ml. (range 100 to 3,000). On univariate analysis increased estimated blood loss was related to patient age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, longer operative time and paralytic ileus. Overall transfusion was done in 88 of 297 cases (30%) with a median requirement of 2 units (range 1 to 10). The transfusion rate in male and female pati...
Government Ponzi games and the sustainability of public deficits under uncertainty

Abstract This paper reconsiders the conditions under which a government may engage in debt roll-over schemes by financing interest payments through the issue of new debt. Output growth rates in excess of interest rates on government debt have traditionally been considered grounds for sustaining such schemes. A government may avoid debt repayment, or even run a primary deficit forever, and yet maintain a bounded debt-to-income ratio. Recent research has pointed at the stronger constraints placed on government behaviour by uncertain output growth. We show that this is not the case when an alternative criterion for solvency is used, namely that the debt-to-income ratio converges almost surely in the long run. In this case, the government is solvent when the asymptotic growth rate of the economy exceeds the asymptotic interest rate on debt, a natural extension of a familiar criterion in a deterministic environment. Convergence to the long-run outcome may, however, be a slow process. For realistic parameter values, long-run-stable fiscal plans may resemble unsustainable plans over long horizons. This circumstance may explain the observed poor performance of debt ratios as indicators of fiscal sustainability.
Self-rated likelihood of raping and the social perception of rape

Abstract Three hundred ninety-two junior college students responded to a questionnaire concerning a depiction of a rape incident in which a photograph of the supposed victim was included. A manipulation of the attractiveness of the victim produced several findings indicating that views of rape as a sexually motivated crime mediate attributions of blame to the rape victim. Gender differences in attitudes toward rape were also prevalent throughout the factor structure of beliefs which was found. Male subjects also rated their own likelihood of raping, “if they could be certain they would not be caught”. The results of a discriminant analysis indicated that high scorers on this self-rating showed a pattern of disinhibitory beliefs about the normality and acceptability of rape, and the seductiveness of rape victims. High self-rated likelihood of raping among males also correlated negatively with scores on the femininity scale of the BSRI.
Lessons about Effluent Trading from a Single Trade

Despite many years of existence, programs that allow transferable discharge permits to control water pollution have had quite limited success. This paper discusses a single trade that recently took place in the Lake Dillon drainage basin between point and nonpoint pollution sources. This trade demonstrates many of the challenges that are faced in effluent trading but also highlights the potential efficiency gains that can be achieved through such programs.
Factors affecting the use of information technology in business process reengineering

Rapid changes in the business environment are causing organizations to dramatically redesign how they do business. Business process reengineering is the fundamental redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in organizations. Business process reengineering cannot redesign business processes without the support of fundamental aspects of the organization, such as strategic planning, personnel, change management, and information technology. This research project surveyed 43 companies and identified six factors that impact the use of information technology in business process reengineering: IT-based reengineering modeling and methodologies; direct IT business process support; IT supported change; reengineering directed IT/IS development; post-reengineering IT impact; and comprehensiveness of strategic IT support.