cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth and desorption of aluminum oxide layers investigated on tungsten ?110?, ?112? and ?100? planes by means of field emission microscopy

The growth of aluminum oxide started, in the case of tungsten {110} and {100} faces, at first in the vicinal areas∗ of these planes. The layer formation on a crystallographically perfect crystal face could be studied best on the (011) face. Initial nucleation occurred in the two corners located on the [0—1] zone. The fastest growing edges were the [011] followed by [100]. The initially rectangular shaped uncovered area within the growing layer changed into an oval form and finally became circular before it disappeared. The {110} layer growth followed first order kinetics. When the uncovered area, however, reached a diameter of about 400 A, the growth speed increased steadily, showing a deviation from the linear first order plot. These growth experiments were performed without and with applying a high electric field (F ≈ 30 MV/cm). In the latter case, an increase of the growth speed could be observed at larger diameters of the uncovered area. The desorption of the (011) layer started out with the [100] edges. The last two patches remaining, before complete disappearance, were located in the same corners in which the nucleation was initiated. The majority of the {112} layers were formed within t < 0.03 sec. In a large number of cases layer boundaries∗∗ could be observed. No coalescence of the separated {112} layer parts could be detected, not even at temperatures where layer mobility became visible. The measured activation energies for the desorption of {110}, {112}, and {100} layers were 79, 95, and 104 kcal/mol, respectively.
Extending BPEL for Interoperable Pervasive Computing

The widespread deployment of mobile devices like PDAs and mobile phones has created a vast computation and communication platform for pervasive computing applications. However, these devices feature an array of incompatible hardware and software architectures, discouraging ad-hoc interactions among devices. The Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) allows users in wired computing settings to model applications of significant complexity, leveraging Web standards to guarantee interoperability. However, BPEL's inflexible communication model effectively prohibits its deployment on the kinds of dynamic wireless networks used by most pervasive computing devices. This paper presents extensions to BPEL that address these restrictions, transforming BPEL into a versatile platform for interoperable pervasive computing applications. We discuss our implementation of these extensions in Sliver, a lightweight BPEL execution engine that we have developed for mobile devices. We also evaluate a pervasive computing application prototype implemented in BPEL, running on Sliver.
Transient responses of combined regenerative and rheostatic braking for DC chopper-fed motors

The possible modes of operation are explained and the dynamic equations for the combined regenerative and rheostatic braking of dc chopper controlled series motor are derived. A computer-based piecewise linear technique is used to analyze the transient responses, taking the full account of nonlinearities such as the magnetic saturation and the product of variable terms. The responses in the transient conditions, which occur in practical situations, are predicted by a computer model and are compared with the practical measurement.
Mice with targeted deletion of eNOS develop hyperdynamic circulation associated with portal hypertension.

Systemic vasodilation is the initiating event of the hyperdynamic circulatory state, being most likely triggered by increased levels of vasodilators, primarily nitric oxide (NO). Endothelial NO syn...
Erratum to “Serotype-specific identification of enterovirus 71 by PCR”: [JCV 16 (2000) 107–112]

Erratum Erratum to ‘‘Serotype-specific identification of enterovirus 71 by PCR’’ [JCV 16 (2000) 107–112] Betty A. Brown *, David R. Kilpatrick, M. Steven Oberste, Mark A. Pallansch Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch, Di ision of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Pre ention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop G-1 7, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA www.elsevier.com/locate/jcv
Learning to identify video shots with people based on face detection

We examine how to identify video shots with at least two humans using only detected face information. While face detection is much more reliable than shape based people classification in broadcast video, one particular difficulty is that, when there are several humans in an image, the accuracy of face detection is usually significantly degraded, which leads to poor performance in identifying shots of 'people'. Furthermore, while our standard face detector works from individual still images, we propose using the statistics of face information of images within a whole shot as additional evidence in deciding whether or not a video shot belongs to the 'people' category. Empirically, we studied which statistics of face information are more informative than others and how to combine different statistics together in order to achieve better prediction.
Salmonella enterica Diversity in Central Californian Coastal Waterways

Salmonella enterica is one of the most important bacterial enteric pathogens worldwide. However, little is known about its distribution and diversity in the environment. The present study explored the diversity of 104 strains of Salmonella enterica isolated over 2 years from 12 coastal waterways in central California. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing were used to probe species diversity. Seventy-four PFGE patterns and 38 sequence types (STs) were found, including 18 newly described STs. Nineteen of 25 PFGE patterns were indistinguishable from those of clinical isolates in PulseNet. The most common ST was consistent with S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and other frequently detected STs were associated with the serovars Heidelberg and Enteritidis; all of these serovars are important etiologies of salmonellosis. An investigation into S. enterica biogeography was conducted at the level of ST and subspecies. At the ST and subspecies level, we found a taxon-time relationship but no taxon-area or taxon-environmental distance relationships. STs collected during wet versus dry conditions tended to be more similar; however, STs collected from waterways adjacent to watersheds with similar land covers did not tend to be similar. The results suggest that the lack of dispersal limitation may be an important factor affecting the diversity of S. enterica in the region.
The Madden-Julian Oscillation's Impacts on Worldwide Tropical Cyclone Activity

The 30‐60-day Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) has been documented in previous research to impact tropicalcyclone(TC) activityfor varioustropicalcyclone basinsaroundthe globe.TheMJO modulateslargescale convective activity throughout the tropics, and concomitantly modulates other fields known to impact tropicalcycloneactivitysuchasverticalwindshear,midlevelmoisture,verticalmotion,andsealevelpressure. The Atlantic basin typically shows the smallest modulations in most large-scale fields of any tropical cyclone basins; however, it still experiences significant modulations in tropical cyclone activity. The convectively enhanced phases of the MJO and the phases immediately following them are typically associated with aboveaverage tropical cyclone frequency for each of the global TC basins, while the convectively suppressed phases of the MJO are typically associated with below-average tropical cyclone frequency. The number of rapid intensification periods are also shown to increase when the convectively enhanced phase of the MJO is impacting a particular tropical cyclone basin.
Development of an interest in spinal muscular atrophy and disabilities.

As First Vice-President of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM), I have the privilege of writing the editorial for the September issue of Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (DMCN) which coincides with the annual meeting of the Academy. My interest in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and children with disabilities was spurred by one patient, whom I met early in my career at Newington Children's Hospital, Connecticut, USA. Although DMCN has not published many articles on the subject of SMA in the past 10 years (8 of 1389 articles), I would like to take this opportunity to discuss my experience of this condition. This autosomal recessive disease, of which our knowledge has changed greatly over the past 30 years, is the second most common recessive disease in infancy and childhood.
Studies on the mechanism of action of salicylates IV: Effect of salicylates on oxidative phosphorylation

The hydrolysis of acetylsalicylic acid and the oxidative-phosphorylation uncoupling activity of salicylic acid and acetylsalicylic acid in rat liver mitochondrial preparations at pH 7.4 and 25° have been studied. The rate of hydrolysis of acetylsalicylic acid in mitochondrial preparations under these conditions is fairly slow. The uncoupling activity observed in the presence of acetylsalicylic acid is due to the salicylic acid produced during the experiment. The results obtained in the present study support some recent findings on the effect of salicylates on several other biologic activities.
Preschoolers' oral language abilities: A multilevel examination of dimensionality

Abstract This study explored the dimensionality of children's oral language using a fully crossed design, where modality (expressive versus receptive) was crossed with linguistic domain (grammar, semantics and phonology). The present study was also the first of its kind to employ multilevel factor analysis to control confounding classroom effects. Assessments of oral language were completed by 529 children who attended 85 preschool classrooms. The sample was heterogeneous with regard to language ability, ethnicity, sex and SES. Classroom membership was more highly associated with preschoolers' semantics and grammar than with preschoolers' phonological systems. A general language ability was found to drive preschoolers' performances on tests of semantics and grammar, regardless of modality. Furthermore, articulation and speech perception were found separate but correlated abilities. Implications for assessment and diagnosis of oral language impairments are discussed.
Dynamic voltage scaling with links for power optimization of interconnection networks

Originally developed to connect processors and memories in multicomputers, prior research and design of interconnection networks have focused largely on performance. As these networks get deployed in a wide range of new applications, where power is becoming a key design constraint, we need to seriously consider power efficiency in designing interconnection networks. As the demand for network bandwidth increases, communication links, already a significant consumer of power now, will take up an ever larger portion of total system power budget. In this paper we motivate the use of dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) for links, where the frequency and voltage of links are dynamically adjusted to minimize power consumption. We propose a history-based DVS policy that judiciously adjusts link frequencies and voltages based on past utilization. Our approach realizes up to 6.3/spl times/ power savings (4.6/spl times/ on average). This is accompanied by a moderate impact on performance (15.2% increase in average latency before network saturation and 2.5% reduction in throughput.) To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that targets dynamic power optimization of interconnection networks.
The Relationship Between Joint Attention and Language in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

The relationship between initiation of and response to joint attention and components of receptive and expressive language in 20 children with autism between the ages of 3 and 5 years were examined. Receptive language skills were assessed using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL). Expressive language skills were evaluated by examining Mean Length of Utterance and Type Token Ratio. These variables, along with data on responses to joint attention bids and initiation of joint attention were analyzed using Spearman calculations. The ability to respond to the joint attention bids of others was positively correlated with receptive language scores on the MSEL and mean length of utterance in children with autism. There was no relationship between the ability to initiate joint attention and the selected components of language examined.
A 12-bit hybrid DAC with 8GS/s unrolled pipeline delta-sigma modulator achieving >75dB SFDR over 500MHz in 65nm CMOS

A 12-bit Hybrid DAC architecture with split Nyquist (1 GS/s) and delta-sigma modulator path (8 GS/s) has been proposed and implemented in 65 nm CMOS. Based on the hybrid architecture, the delta-sigma assisted pre-distortion scheme compensates for the current steering cell mismatch that further reduces the analog circuit complexity and area. The proposed 8X unrolled pipeline delta-sigma modulator allows for high-speed third-order noise shaping with digital standard cell design flow. The measured SFDR achieves record 91-75 dB over 500 MHz Nyquist band.
Fixed-Dose Combinations and Hypertension Control in Community-Based Practices: Application of the “Keep-It-Simple” Principle

The article by Feldman et al1 in the present issue of Hypertension documents that solo practitioners in the community can control blood pressure in more than half (≈53%) of their uncomplicated, uncontrolled hypertensive patients by following the well-established, guideline-recommended, stepped-care algorithm. The solo practitioners achieved even better results, controlling ≈65% of these uncomplicated hypertensives, using fixed-dose combination-based therapy and a simplified management algorithm. This study adds to the literature on fixed-dose combinations by demonstrating that the superior efficacy2 documented in controlled clinical trials translates into improved blood pressure control in community-based practices. It also demonstrates that primary care providers using the fixed-dose combination simplified algorithm are more satisfied with the care provided to their hypertensive patients, perceive it to be …
The Journey of SMDS -- A LAN Interconnect Solution

SMDS is a switched, high-speed, connectionless data service and is based on the IEEE 802.6 metropolitan area network specification [1,2,3]. The SMDS system is composed of several major components: a subscriber-network interface (based on subset of 802.6), a switching system (SS), an inter-switching system interface (ISSI), and an Inter-carrier interface (ICI), as shown in Figure 1. An important characteristic of this structure is its compatibility with Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) which is the building block for cell-switching based BISDN services. Bellcore has defined the Switching System, the Inter-Switching System Interface, and the Inter-Carrier Interface in the Technical References. However, it is clear that the strategic direction is to allow easy migration from SMDS to ATM [7,19].
Competitive effects of the invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder (Caprifoliaceae), on the growth and survival of native tree seedlings

Invasive plants are often associated with reduced cover of native plants, but rarely has competition between invasives and natives been assessed experimentally. The shrub Lonicera maackii, native to northeastern Asia, has invaded forests and old fields in numerous parts of eastern North America, and is associated with reduced tree seedling density in Ohio forests. A field experiment was conducted to test the effects of established L. maackii on the survival and growth of transplanted native tree species. The experiment examined above-ground competition (by removing L. maackii shoots) and below-ground competition (by trenching around transplanted seedlings). The effects of above-ground competition with L. maackii were generally more important than below-ground competition, though both were detected. Shoot treatment was the key determinant for the survival of all species except P. serotina, whereas trenching only enhanced survival for A. saccharum caged and P. serotina, and only in the shoot removal treatment. For the surviving seedlings, L. maackii shoot removal increased growth of A. saccharum seedlings protected with cages, but actually reduced the growth of unprotected Q. rubra and A. saccharum seedlings, indicating that L. maackii shoots confer some protection from deer browsing. Significant interactions between root and shoot treatment on Q. rubra growth parameters, specifically greatest growth in the shoot present & trenched treatment, is attributed to protection from deer browsing combined with release from below-ground competition. Despite this protective function of L. maackii shoots, the overall effect of this invasive shrub is increased mortality of native tree seedlings, suggesting it impacts the natural regeneration of secondary forests.
The dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus and its role in ingestive behavior and body weight regulation: lessons learned from lesioning studies.

This review article discusses the well-established role of the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMN) in feeding, drinking and body weight (BW) regulation. DMN lesions (L) in both weanling and mature rats of both sexes produce hypophagia, hypodipsia and reduced ponderal and linear growth in the presence of normal body composition. The growth reduction is not due to a deficient secretion of growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, thyroxine, triiodothyronine or insulin. DMNL rats actively defend their lower BW (BW settling point) by becoming either hyper- or hypophagic, depending on the experimental manipulation, thereby defending both lean and fat mass. They also regulate their 24-h caloric intake, but they may overeat during the first hour of refeeding following a fast, possibly due to a reduced ability to monitor blood glucose or to respond to cholecystokinin (CCK). 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) increases c-fos expression in orexin-A neurons in the DMN, and DMNL eliminated the orexigenic effect of 2DG. DMNL rats on high-fat diets do not get as obese as controls, which may be due to a reduction of DMN neuropeptide Y (NPY). Rats lacking DMN CCK-A receptors are obese and have increased expression of NPY in the DMN, supporting earlier data that CCK may act at the DMN to suppress food intake. Excitotoxin studies showed that loss of DMN cell somata, and not fibers of passage, is important in the development of the DMNL syndrome. The DMN is a site where opioids increase food intake and knife-cut studies have shown that fibers traveling to/from the DMN are important in this response. An interaction of glucose and opioids in DMN may also be involved in the control of food intake. DMN knife cuts interrupting fibers in the posterior and ventral directions additively produce the hypophagia and reduced linear and ponderal growth observed after DMNL. Ventral cuts may interrupt important connections with the arcuate nucleus. Lateral and posterior DMN cuts additively produce the hypodipsic effect seen after DMNL, but DMNL rats respond normally to all water-regulatory challenges, i.e., the hypophagia is not due to a primary hypodipsia. The DMN has been shown to be involved in the rat's feeding response to an imbalanced amino acid diet. These data show the DMN has an important role in many processes that control both food intake and BW regulation.
Observed Shapes of Crab Nebula Radio Pulses

ON time-scales of 0.1 to 10 ms radio signals from pulsars exhibit irregularities which include sub-millisecond bursts1,2, marching subpulses3, and variations of polarization4,5. We now describe a search for such irregularities in signals from the pulsar NP 0532 in the Crab Nebula.
Differential Behavioral Responses of Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) Modulate Mortality Caused by Pyrethroid-Treated Bednets

Direct observations of individual Anopheles gambiae s.s. (Diptera: Culicidae) females fleetingly but repeatedly alighting on pyrethroid-treated fabric of long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) fitted over a human hand proved that onset of behavioral effects modulated mortality. For Olyset Net, containing 1,000 mg of permethrin per m2, mosquitoes reduced landing attempts and elevated frequency of flight within 3 min. This kinetic disengagement resulted in little mortality. In contrast, mosquito landing attempts on PermaNet (containing 55 mg of deltamethrin per m2) were sustained for up to 6 min before disengagement, and mortality was a frequent outcome. The likely disengagement mechanism was loss of response to host cues, which was restored within 24 h. We conclude that optimal LLIN formulations should maximize engagement so as to maximize mortality.
Positive linear correlation between the length of truncated apolipoprotein B and its secretion rate: in vivo studies in human apoB-89, apoB-75, apoB-54.8, and apoB-31 heterozygotes

Apolipoprotein B (apoB), the major protein com- ponent of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins secreted from the liver, plays crucial roles in the secretion, transport, and recep- tor-mediated clearance of lipoproteins. A minority of cases of familial hypobetalipoproteinemia is due to genetically deter- mined truncations of apoB-100 that range in size from apoB-9 to apoB-89, but truncated apoBs smaller than apoB-27.6 were not detected in plasma. To ascertain the physiologic bases of the hypobetalipoproteinemia, we studied in vivo metabolic parameters of the products of both the normal and mutant apoB alleles in human apoB truncation/apoB-100 heterozy- gotes (apoB-89/apoB-100, n = 2, apoB-75/apoB-100, n = 2; apoB-54.8/apoB-100, n = 6; apoB-Sl/apoB-lOO, n = 1) using endogenous labeling with (13C)leucine, mass spectrometry, and multicompartmental modeling. All truncated forms of apoB were secreted at reduced rates. The secretion rates of apoB-89, apoB-75, apoB-54.8, and apoB-31 were 92%, 64%, 37%, and 12%, respectively, of the respective apoB-100s on a molar basis. Additionally, particles containing apoB-89, apoB- 75, and apoB-54.8 had increased fractional catabolic rates (FCR), while apoB-3 l-containing particles had a decreased FCR. On regression analysis, the secretion rate was linearly linked to the length of the truncated apoB (? = 0.86, P < O.OOOl), with secretion being reduced by 1.4% for each 1% of apoB truncated. The linear regression line of apoB size versus apoB secretion rate has a zero intercept for apoB secretion at apoB-28, which is consonant with the apparent absence in plasma of truncations smaller than apoB-25. I We conclude
Distribution of cardiac output during diurnal changes of activity in rats.

Rat locomotor and feeding behavior varies on a diurnal basis; at night the animals actively forage and eat, whereas during the day they are more inactive and somnolent. At night, cardiac output is higher, presumably for enhanced perfusion of the active muscles to support increased metabolism and for enhanced perfusion of the digestive organs to support increased digestion and nutrient absorption. Conversely, it is hypothesized that during the daytime, blood flow to these two tissues is relatively low. The purpose of this study was to test these hypotheses by measuring cardiac output and the distribution of cardiac output in rats at various times in the diurnal cycle (8:00 A.M., 4:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M.). The radiolabeled microsphere technique was used to measure cardiac output and distribution of blood flow to the tissues. Distribution of the total cardiac output was accounted for by complete dissection, weighing, and counting of organs and carcass. Cardiac output at 8:00 P.M. (136 +/- 9 ml/min) was elevated 13% (P less than 0.05) over that at 4:00 P.M. The proportion of the cardiac output distributed to the skeletal muscles (4:00 P.M.: 25%; 8:00 P.M.: 27%) and to the digestive tract (4:00 P.M.: 14%; 8:00 P.M.: 14%) did not change between the two time periods. Thus total muscle blood flow increased (P less than 0.05) from 31 +/- 2 at 4:00 P.M. to 36 +/- 4 ml/min at 8:00 P.M.; the only digestive organ to show a significant increase in blood flow from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. was the stomach (133 +/- 17 to 166 +/- 19 ml/min, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reflex cardiovascular response to exercise is modulated by circulating vasopressin

Peripheral vasopressin (AVP) can act centrally to sensitize the arterial baroreflex and/or peripherally to attenuate regional blood flow by a direct vascular effect. Because plasma concentrations of AVP increase during exercise, this study examined the possibility that AVP is capable of modulating the reflex cardiovascular response to static muscle contraction. Thus, in anesthetized cats, the pressor [mean arterial pressure (MAP)], myocardial contractile (dP/dt), and heart rate responses to 30-45 s of electrically induced static contraction of the hindlimb muscles were compared before and after intravenous injection of the V1 receptor antagonist d[CH2)5Tyr(Me)]-AVP (V1-x, n = 7), V1-x plus the V2 receptor antagonist [d(CH2)5,D-Phe2,Ile4,Arg8,Ala9]vasopressin (V2-x, n = 5), or the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium chloride (n = 5). In three additional cats, the contraction-induced cardiovascular response was monitored before and after injection of V1-x + V2-x and after hexamethonium. Subsequent to treatment with V1-x, the MAP and dP/dt responses to contraction were augmented by 18 +/- 5 and 22 +/- 10%, respectively (P < 0.05). After injection of V1-x + V2-x, the MAP and dP/dt responses were augmented to a similar extent (32 +/- 6 and 40 +/- 17%, respectively; P < 0.05). However, there was no difference in the magnitude of augmentation of these responses between the two conditions. The heart rate response was not altered by either treatment. Ganglionic blockade eliminated the cardiovascular responses to contraction. Last, when the pressor and contractile responses to contraction were initially augmented by administration of V1-x + V2-x, subsequent ganglionic blockade abolished the entire cardiovascular response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Affect-preserving privacy protection of video

The prevalence of wireless networks and the convenience of mobile cameras enable many new video applications other than security and entertainment. From behavioral diagnosis to wellness monitoring, cameras are increasing used for observations in various educational and medical settings. Videos collected for such applications are considered protected health information under privacy laws in many countries. At the same time, there is an increasing need to share such video data across a wide spectrum of stakeholders including professionals, therapists and families facing similar challenges. Visual privacy protection techniques, such as blurring or object removal, can be used to mitigate privacy concern, but they also obliterate important visual cues of affect and social behaviors that are crucial for the target applications. In this paper, we propose a method of manipulating facial expression and body shape to conceal the identity of individuals while preserving the underlying affect states. The experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.
Development of equation-of-state and transport properties for molecular plasmas in pulsed plasma thrusters part II: A two-temperature equation of state for Teflon

The equation of state for gas phase polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is calculated with a two-temperature LTE formulation. Twenty-five chemical species are included in the analysis. Sample calculations are performed for pressures from 0.001 atm to 1.0 aim and for temperature ranges of 0.1 ev to 4 ev for both heavy particle and electron temperatures. The preliminary results using the Mach2 MHD simulation program show large discrepancies between the calculated equation of state and that in the LANL SESAME tables used by Mach2. The results clearly show the importance of including complex molecular plasma effects in the simulation of the pulses plasma thrusters and related devices.
Bilayer mass transport model for determining swelling and diffusion in coated, ultrathin membranes.

Water transport and swelling properties of an ultrathin, selective polyamide layer with a hydrophilic polymer coating, i.e., a polymer bilayer, are studied using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). Specifically, QCM-D is used to measure the dynamic and equilibrium change in mass in a series of differential sorption experiments to determine the dependence of the apparent diffusion coefficient and equilibrium swelling of the bilayer as a function of the water vapor activity. To determine transport properties specific to the polyamide layer, sorption kinetics of the bilayer was modeled with a bilayer mass transport model. The swelling and water diffusion coefficients are interpreted according to the Painter–Shenoy polymer network swelling model and the solution-diffusion model, respectively.
Glucose-Sensitivity of Boronic Acid Block Copolymers at Physiological pH

Well-defined boronic acid block copolymers were demonstrated to exhibit glucose-responsive disassembly at physiological pH. A boronic acid-containing acrylamide monomer with an electron-withdrawing substituent on the pendant phenylboronic acid moiety was polymerized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to yield a polymer with a boronic acid pKa = 8.2. Below this value, a block copolymer of this monomer with poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) self-assembled into aggregates. Addition of base to yield a pH > pKa or addition of glucose at pH = 7.4 resulted in aggregate dissociation that may prove promising for controlled delivery applications under physiological relevant conditions.
Neurobehavioral Outcome after Early Childhood Head Injury

Neurobehavioral function following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a school-aged population, recovery over a period of 30 months post-injury, and predictors of outcome were studied in three groups of children treated at University of Melbourne, Royal Children’s Hospital, Australia.
Supplements/Diet/Other Integrative Method Vernacular and Controversies from A to Z: What is the Latest or Greatest, or Not So Great?!

The impact of a variety of integrative medicines on breast cancer prevention, ancillary treatment, and the treatment of side effects has arguably more research accumulated compared to any other cancer. The field moves quickly and the ability to learn about the latest options that work and are worthless need to be reviewed whether they impact the consult with a patient directly or indirectly. Numerous integrative medicine terms or vernacular, along with lifestyle, diet, dietary supplement, environmental and other alternative medicine need a quick review and these can be found in this chapter and other sources [1–4].
The impact of surgeon volume on colostomy reversal outcomes after Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis.

Background Colostomy reversal after Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis is a morbid procedure, and studies investigating factors associated with outcomes are lacking. This study identifies patient, surgeon, and hospital-level factors associated with perioperative outcomes after stoma reversal. Methods The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System was queried for urgent/emergency Hartmann's procedures for diverticulitis between 2000–2012 in New York State and subsequent colostomy reversal within 1 year of the procedure. Surgeon and hospital volume were categorized into tertiles based on the annual number of colorectal resections performed each year. Bivariate and mixed-effects analyses were used to assess the association between patient, surgeon, and hospital-level factors and perioperative outcomes after colostomy reversal, including a laparoscopic approach; duration of stay; intensive care unit admission; complications; mortality; and 30-day, unscheduled readmission. Results Among 10,487 patients who underwent Hartmann's procedure and survived to discharge, 63% had the colostomy reversed within 1 year. After controlling for patient, surgeon, and hospital-level factors, high-volume surgeons (≥40 colorectal resections/yr) were independently associated with higher odds of a laparoscopic approach (unadjusted rates: 14% vs 7.6%; adjusted odds ratio = 1.84, 95% confidence interval = 1.12, 3.00), shorter duration of stay (median: 6 versus 7 days; adjusted incidence rate ratio = 0.87, 95% confidence interval = 0.81, 0.95), and lower odds of 90-day mortality (unadjusted rates: 0.4% vs 1.0%; adjusted odds ratio = 0.30, 95% confidence interval = 0.10, 0.88) compared with low-volume surgeons (1–15 colorectal resections/yr). Conclusion High-volume surgeons are associated with better perioperative outcomes and lower health care utilization after Hartmann's reversal for diverticulitis. These findings support referral to high-volume surgeons for colostomy reversal.
Mating Systems and Reproductive Strategies in Tetrahymena

Understanding the evolution of mating systems and reproductive strategies has long been of interest to biologists. When, with whom, and how often organisms engage in sexual reproduction are critical in determining the genetic composition and future evolutionary potential of populations. Studies of these features in Tetrahymena have provided a variety of insights into the evolutionary forces driving the evolution of sex and sexual systems. This chapter explores the evolutionary causes and consequences of T. thermophila’s unusual mechanism of sex determination, the choice of when and with whom to mate, and mechanisms that may allow Tetrahymena to go for millions of years with no sexual reproduction.
Intellectual Functioning in Midlife

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the intellectual functioning in midlife. Research findings from the Seattle Longitudinal Study serve as the primary database for this chapter. The focus of the SLS has been on individual change and generational differences in functioning on a set of basic mental abilities. These abilities have been studied primarily within a psychometric approach to cognition. The findings focus on six of these basic mental abilities: Vocabulary, Verbal Memory, Number, Spatial Orientation, Inductive Reasoning, and Perceptual Speed. The significant increase in level of functioning in early middle age suggests that experiences associated with early career development and the assumption of adult responsibilities (for example, managing finances) may contribute significantly to cognitive functioning.
The evolutionary history of Beringian Smelowskia (Brassicaceae) inferred from combined microsatellite and DNA sequence data

We used the genus Smelowskia, which is distributed in Asia and North America and comprises both diploids and polyploids, as an example to address phylogeny, biogeography and polyploidization in the recently (ca. 3 million years ago) formed arctic biome with particular reference to the Beringian area. We combined data from high-resolution nuclear markers (seven SSR loci) with sequences from two nuclear regions (the low copy RPA2 region and the multicopy nrITS region) and five plastid regions (trnL UAA and rps16 introns, trnH GUG -psbA, trnL UAA -trnF GAA , and 5'prs12-rpl20 spacers). The different nuclear markers showed a congruent pattern that fits well with that observed in morphology and geography, while the plastid data showed some incongruence. Both sequence and SSR data support merging of Smelowskia porsildii, S. spathulatifolia, and S. jurtzevii into a single species (S. porsildii). An Asian origin of the Beringian taxa was inferred, resulting in two separate lineages of American-Beringian/American taxa. The SSR data confirmed polyploidy in several species, supporting the major role of this process in the evolution of the arctic flora.
The Taxonomy of International Money

In this chapter, clear distinctions are made between open and closed economies and between unionised monetary systems (UMS) and non-unionised monetary systems (NUMS). Table 4.1 presents the four possible combinations of these features.
Psychometric Analysis of the Subscales of the Thoughts and Real-Life Experiences Scale

This paper reports on the reliability, validity, and factor analysis of the subscales of the Thoughts and Real-Life Experiences Scale (THARL Scale). Two hundred and twenty-three subjects completed the THARL Scale. Of these, 86 subjects also completed anxiety, stress, depressive cognitions, well-being, and general psychological health scales. Six weeks later, 174 subjects completed the THARL Scale again. The four subscales of the THARL Scale were found to be reliable. Thought-related distress and real life related distress correlated positively with anxiety, stress, and depressive cognitions, and the thought-related positive affect and real life related positive affect correlated negatively with anxiety, stress, and depressive cognitions. High distress was associated with low well-being and low psychological health, and high positive affect was associated with high well-being and high psychological health. Results of multiple regression analyses showed that positive affect due to thoughts was the best predictor of anxiety, while positive affect due to day-to-day experiences was the best predictor of stress and depressive cognitions. Positive and negative affect caused by thoughts were the two significant predictors of well-being while negative affect caused by thoughts and positive affect caused by day-to-day experiences were the two significant predictors of general psychological health. It was concluded that the THARL Scale may be employed as an instrument for the diagnosis of psychological problems and emotional health.
Fragile X-Associated Tremor-Ataxia Syndrome: Linking Ca2+ Dysregulation and DNA Damage Responses

Fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset, neurodegenerative disorder that affects carriers of the premutation CGG-repeat allele (preCGG; 55-200 repeats) of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Early abnormal growth and Ca2+ dynamics in FMR1 premutation preCGG knock-in mice and human iPSCs-derived preCGG neurons precede neurodegeneration and FXTAS. Whether intra-nuclear inclusions containing DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, pathologic hallmark of FXTAS, causally link Ca2+ dysregulation with abnormal neuronal growth and survival is unknown. We hypothesize a role for CdK5 and ATM in FXTAS pathogenesis, two key signaling kinases involved in both DDR and synaptic signaling. FMRP expression in postnatal day 0 (P0), 6-week- and 6-month-old preCGG mouse brain is reduced 60-, 50- and 30% compared to wt, respectively. In primary hippocampal neurons, FMRP reduction is more pronounced in preCGG soma (80%, p<0.0001) compared to neurites (94%, p=0.0177). Resting cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in preCGG hippocampal neurons is chronically elevated 3-fold compared to wt at 7 DIV and 14 DIV, and can be reversed by acute exposure to 10μM dantrolene. Elevated [Ca2+]i-dependent calpain activity (120%-140%) and p25/p35 (120%) at 6-weeks and 6-months in preCGG cortex indicate abnormal CdK5 regulation. CdK5 substrate ATM is upregulated 150 to 200% and P-Ser1981-ATM is 150% (p= p<0.01-0.007) of wt at P0 and 6 months in preCGG brain. We propose that chronic Ca2+ dysregulation amplifies Cdk5/ATM signaling pathway activity possibly linking impaired DDR and neurodegeneration leading to FXTAS with early abnormal [Ca2+]i and synaptic activity.
LOCALIZED SWITCHING RAMP-METERING CONTROL WITH QUEUE LENGTH ESTIMATION AND REGULATION AND MICROSCOPIC SIMULATION RESULTS

Abstract In this paper, we first review a localized ramp-metering strategy for freeways that achieves the goal of reducing the spatial and temporal span of traffic congestion, using locally available information. The control scheme is composed of a switching mainline-traffic responsive ramp-metering controller that adapts to the different traffic dynamics under different congestion conditions—free-flow or congested—and a queue length regulator that yields improved performance over the currently used ad hoc “queue-override” scheme and prevents the queue from exceeding the ramp storage capacity. Subsequently, a queue length estimator is designed to provide feedback to the queue length regulator, using the queue-detector speed data that are available in the field. Test results on a calibrated microscopic traffic simulator demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the switching ramp-metering controller, the queue length estimator and regulator, and the overall control strategy. The Total Vehicle and Passenger Delays are both reduced by 16%, while the Total Vehicle Time and the Total Average Vehicle Speed are improved by 5.6% and 5.8%, respectively. As a comparison, simulation results of ALINEA are also presented.
Nuclear Condensation during Mouse Erythropoiesis Requires Caspase-3 Mediated Nuclear Opening Formation

Mammalian erythropoiesis is a dynamic process in which erythroid progenitors proliferate and differentiate into mature enucleated red blood cells. In the late stage of terminal erythropoiesis, erythroblasts undergo cell-cycle exit, chromatin condensation, and extrusion of the pycnotic nucleus via an asymmetric cell division. Recent genetic and biochemical studies illustrated that various signaling pathways, including histone deacetylation and other chromatin modifications, are involved in chromatin condensation and enucleation. However, it is unclear the global dynamic changes of the nucleosome and how different histones are regulated during chromatin condensation. We proposed to directly characterize the expression levels and localization of different histones and their variants during erythropoiesis. Using a mouse fetal liver erythroblast in vitro culture system and immunofluorescence analysis, we found an unexpected, gradually enlarged nuclear opening through which most histones, except H2AZ, were released out of the nucleus. The same phenotype was observed in freshly purified fetal liver and bone marrow erythroblasts (Figure 1). These openings lack nuclear lamina, nuclear pore complexes, and nuclear membrane but are distinct from nuclear envelope changes during apoptosis and mitosis. Western blot analysis also demonstrated the nuclear release of a fraction of the major histones, however, many well-known nuclear proteins remained in the nucleus in this process. We also demonstrated that the histone release was cell cycle regulated and independent of nuclear exportin. Using micrococcal nuclease digestion of chromatin followed by next generation sequencing (MNase-seq) technique, we demonstrated that histone release from the nuclear opening is associated with dynamic nucleosomal changes during mouse terminal erythropoiesis. Mechanistically, caspase-3 is involved in the regulation of nuclear openings during erythropoiesis. Inhibition or knockdown of caspase-3 completely blocked nuclear opening formation and histone release, which led to inhibition of chromatin condensation, cell differentiation, and ultimate cell death. In summary, our study revealed a caspase-3 mediated nuclear opening formation with histone release in mouse erythroblasts that is unique in mammalian cells. The dynamic nuclear opening formation is required for fast release of major histones into cytoplasm to facilitate chromatin condensation throughout erythropoiesis. This “prokaryotic phase” of erythroblast is also associated with genome wide nucleosome localization changes that correlate with the size of the nuclear opening and histone release, which may provide clues for the pathogenesis of erythroid related diseases with unknown etiology. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Spectral action gravity and cosmological models

This paper surveys recent work of the author and collaborators on cosmological models based on the spectral action functional of gravity. A more detailed presentation of the topics surveyed here will be available in a forthcoming book [1].
Sleep phenotypes in infants and toddlers with neurogenetic syndromes.

Abstract Background Although sleep problems are well characterized in preschool- and school-age children with neurogenetic syndromes, little is known regarding the early emergence of these problems in infancy and toddlerhood. To inform syndrome-specific profiles and targets for intervention, we compared parent-reported sleep problems in infants and toddlers with Angelman syndrome (AS), Williams syndrome (WS), and Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) with patterns observed among same-aged typically developing (TD) controls. Methods Mothers of 80 children (18 AS, 19 WS, 19 PWS, and 24 TD) completed the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. Primary dependent variables included (1) sleep onset latency, (2) total sleep duration, (3) daytime and nighttime sleep duration, and (4) sleep problem severity, as measured by both maternal impression and National Sleep Foundation guidelines. Results Sleep problems are relatively common in children with neurogenetic syndromes, with 41% of mothers reporting problematic sleep and 29% of children exhibiting abnormal sleep durations as per national guidelines. Across genetic subgroups, problems are most severe in children with AS and WS, particularly in relation to nighttime sleep duration. Although atypical sleep is characteristically reported in each syndrome later in development, infants and toddlers with PWS exhibited largely typical patterns, potentially indicating delayed onset of sleep problems in concordance with other medical features of PWS. Conclusions Our findings suggest that sleep problems in neurogenetic syndromes emerge as early as infancy and toddlerhood, with variable profiles across genetic subgroups. This work underscores the importance of early sleep screenings as part of routine medical care of neurosyndromic populations and the need for targeted, syndrome-sensitive treatment.
Enhancement of electrical conductivity of epoxy using graphene and determination of their thermo-mechanical properties:

A three-roll mill processing technique was used to disperse graphene nanoplatelets into epon 828 epoxy system. As a first step of this research, processing of graphene/epoxy nanocomposites was expl...
O Cdc7 kinase where art thou

Although Cdc7 protein kinase is important for regulating DNA replication in all eukaryotes and is a target for cancer therapy, it has never been localized in cells. Recently, a novel molecular genomic method used by our laboratory to localize Cdc7 to regions of chromosomes. Originally, mutations in the CDC7 gene were found in the classic cdc mutant collection of Hartwell et al. (Genetics 74:267-286, 1973). The CDC7 gene was found to encode a protein kinase called DDK that has been studied for many years, establishing its precise role in the initiation of DNA replication at origins. Recently, clinical studies are underway with DDK inhibitors against DDK in cancer patients. However, the conundrum is that Cdc7 has never been detected at origins of replication even though many studies have suggested it should be there. We used "Calling Card" system in which DNA binding proteins are localized to the genome via retrotransposon insertion and deep-sequencing methods. We have shown that Cdc7 localizes at many regions of the genome and was enriched at functional origins of replication. These results are consistent with DDK's role in many additional genomic processes including mutagenesis, chromatid cohesion, and meiotic recombination. Thus, the main conclusion from our studies is that Cdc7 kinase is found at many locations in the genome, but is enriched at functional origins of replication. Furthermore, we propose that application of the Calling Card system to other eukaryotes should be useful in identification of functional origins in other eukaryotic cells.