cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phenolic Resin/Octa(aminophenyl)-T8-Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Hybrid Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Morphology, Thermal and Mechanical Properties

Octa(aminophenyl)-T8-polyhedral silsesquioxane, 1, can serve as a cross-linking agent for organic polymeric resins. Amino functional groups of 1 can form chemical bonds or hydrogen-bonds to appropriate matrix polymers or resins. Various resole phenolic resin/1 nanocomposites (0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 wt% 1) were prepared. Hydrogen bonding between phenolic hydroxyls and the amino groups of 1 in these nanocomposites were investigated by FT-IR. The aggregation morphologies of 1 within these samples were examined using SEM, TEM, and Wide Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD) studies. Small quasispherical nanometer-sized POSS particles which were further aggregated into clusters, like individual grapes in a bunch, formed into phase-separated domains as large as 400 nm in diameter as the loading of 1 increased. These particles exhibited a broad 2θ = 5.8° WAXD peak indicating the presence of some crystalline order within the nanoparticles of 1 making up the aggregates. This corresponds to an average crystalline plane lattice distance of 17.5 A. However, extraction of the finely powdered nanocomposites by refluxing THF failed to remove 1 indicating the vast majority of 1 must be chemically bound. Thus, the aggregates must have resin within their structure. The storage modulus (E') in both the glassy and rubbery regions, thermal stability, and glass transition temperature of the composites were improved by 1 wt% 1. However, at high loadings of 1, these properties gradually decreased. Surface extractions by THF removed only a portion of the 1 in the surface regions based on X-EDS analyses for Si, suggesting that a portion of 1 might chemically bond into the phenolic resin matrix during the cure. As the loading of 1 increased, the content of 1 at specific surface locations gradually tends to increase and confirmed excellent dispersion of 1 in the micron size-scale at all locations.
New organic non-linear optical materials of stilbene and diphenylacetylene derivatives☆

Abstract We report a series of new optically non-linear organic molecules of stilbene and diphenylacetylene derivatives. We have measured their powder second-harmonic generation efficiency and, in certain cases, the second-order molecular polarizability, β. This series of molecules is characterized by: (1) very large non-linearity, (2) high probability of forming non-centrosymmetric crystal structures, and (3) polymorphism. A number of relatively weaker donors: methoxy, bromo, and iodo, have been identified as effective moieties to enhance the intrinsic molecular non-linearity. Using weak donors to prepare highly non-linear optical materials provides advantages of having better optical transparency and high probability of forming acentric structures.
Pulmonary fibrosis: pathogenesis, etiology and regulation

Pulmonary fibrosis and architectural remodeling of tissues can severely disrupt lung function, often with fatal consequences. The etiology of pulmonary fibrotic diseases is varied, with an array of triggers including allergens, chemicals, radiation and environmental particles. However, the cause of one of the most common pulmonary fibrotic conditions, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), is still unclear. This review examines common mechanisms of pulmonary wound-healing responses following lung injury, and highlights the pathogenesis of some of the most widespread pulmonary fibrotic diseases. A three phase model of wound repair is reviewed that includes; (1) injury; (2) inflammation; and (3) repair. In most pulmonary fibrotic conditions dysregulation at one or more of these phases has been reported. Chronic inflammation can lead to an imbalance in the production of chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, and disrupt cellular recruitment. These changes coupled with excessive pro-fibrotic IL-13 and/or TGFβ1 production can turn a well-controlled healing response into a pathogenic fibrotic response. Endogenous regulatory mechanisms are discussed including novel areas of therapeutic intervention. Restoring homeostasis to these dysregulated healing responses, or simply neutralizing the key pro-fibrotic mediators may prevent or slow the progression of pulmonary fibrosis.
Detection of DNA damaging agents using layer-by-layer assembly

Abstract The layer-by-layer (LBL) electrostatic deposition method was used to fabricate multilayer films of pentaerythritol-based metallodendrimer with Ru II terpyridine subunits (RuDen) that has a positive charge and ds-DNA (ds, double-stranded) that has a negative charge due to its phosphate backbone. Evidence of assembly was obtained by fabrication of (DNA | RuDen) n on quartz treated with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), PDDA. The absorbance at 263 nm varied linearly with n in the range 1–6. For electrochemical monitoring of damage by styrene oxide, the assembly was on a glassy carbon electrode that was coated with a monolayer of aminobenzoic acid. The measurement was based upon the RuDen-catalyzed oxidation of sites, e.g. guanine, that are exposed when ds-DNA is damaged. The peak current at 1.07 V versus Ag | AgCl in square wave voltammetry increases with incubation time for 30 min. The process was also monitored by the shift in the spectrum of a long period grating (LPG) fiber coated with (DNA | RuDen) 5 . A typical shift, which is due to changes in the refractive index of the coating, was 0.3 and 1.8 nm for 5 and 30 min exposures, respectively, using an algorithm that can measure a shift of 10 −4 nm.
Reply to ‘C5L2 receptor is not involved in C3a/C3a-desArg-mediated enhancement of bone marrow hematopoietic cell migration to CXCL12’ by Honczarenko et al

Reply to ‘C5L2 receptor is not involved in C3a/C3a-desArg-mediated enhancement of bone marrow hematopoietic cell migration to CXCL12’ by Honczarenko et al
On the ‘excess white noise’ in MOS transistors☆

Abstract Special silicon MOS transistors are fabricated to demonstrate that the proposed ‘excess white noise’ attributed to the mobility fluctuation does not exist. The previously observed excess noise over the white thermal noise is shown to be caused by a 1/f-type noise component due to noise measurements at insufficiently high frequencies on devices which have very high 1/f noise.
Applications of Radarsat¿1 synthetic aperture radar imagery to assess hurricane¿related flooding of coastal Louisiana

The Louisiana coast is subjected to hurricane impacts including flooding of human settlements, river channels and coastal marshes, and salt water intrusion. Information on the extent of flooding is often required quickly for emergency relief, repairs of infrastructure, and production of flood risk maps. This study investigates the feasibility of using Radarsat‐1 SAR imagery to detect flooded areas in coastal Louisiana after Hurricane Lili, October 2002. Arithmetic differencing and multi‐temporal enhancement techniques were employed to detect flooding and to investigate relationships between backscatter and water level changes. Strong positive correlations (R 2 = 0.7–0.94) were observed between water level and SAR backscatter within marsh areas proximate to Atchafalaya Bay. Although variations in elevation and vegetation type did influence and complicate the radar signature at individual sites, multi‐date differences in backscatter largely reflected the patterns of flooding within large marsh areas. Prelim...
Left atrial reservoir function as a potent marker for first atrial fibrillation or flutter in persons > or = 65 years of age.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the incremental value of left atrial (LA) function for the prediction of risk for first atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter. Maximum and minimum LA volumes were quantitated by echocardiography in 574 adults (mean age 74 +/- 6 years, 52% men) without a history or evidence of atrial arrhythmia. During a mean follow-up period of 1.9 +/- 1.2 years, 30 subjects (5.2%) developed electrocardiographically confirmed AF or atrial flutter. Subjects with new AF or atrial flutter had lower LA reservoir function, as measured by total LA emptying fraction (38% vs 49%, p or =38 ml/m(2): hazard ratio 2.0, p = 0.07), with the risk being highest for subjects with concomitant LA emptying fractions or =38 ml/m(2) (hazard ratio 9.3, p = 0.003). LA emptying fraction (p = 0.002) was associated with risk for first AF or atrial flutter after adjusting for baseline clinical risk factors for AF or atrial flutter, left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic function grade, and LA volume. In conclusion, reduced LA reservoir function markedly increases the propensity for first AF or atrial flutter, independent of LA volume, left ventricular function, and clinical risk factors.
Tandem carrying, a new foraging strategy in ants: description, function, and adaptive significance relative to other described foraging strategies.

An important aspect of social insect biology lies in the expression of collective foraging strategies developed to exploit food. In ants, four main types of foraging strategies are typically recognized based on the intensity of recruitment and the importance of chemical communication. Here, we describe a new type of foraging strategy, “tandem carrying”, which is also one of the most simple recruitment strategies, observed in the Ponerinae species Pachycondyla chinensis. Within this strategy, workers are directly carried individually and then released on the food resource by a successful scout. We demonstrate that this recruitment is context dependent and based on the type of food discovered and can be quickly adjusted as food quality changes. We did not detect trail marking by tandem-carrying workers. We conclude by discussing the importance of tandem carrying in an evolutionary context relative to other modes of recruitment in foraging and nest emigration.
Nonexistence of a regular graph design with v =17 and k =6

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop some notions related to measuring the balance of incomplete block designs and to present a set of parameters for which a certain type of incomplete block design called a regular graph design cannot exist. The nonexistence of the design cannot be deduced from any currently available general theory.
Innovation timing advantages: From economic theory to strategic application

Abstract First and second mover theory, as developed in industrial organization economics, maintains that firms can gain competitive advantage by using optimal timing in the introduction of innovations. Because the industry is the unit of analysis, the theory does not provide specific guidance for individual firms. We analyze the underlying sources of first and second mover timing advantages and clarify several issues regarding the basic theory. We then identify a variety of factors at the industry, firm and product/service levels and develop propositions showing their relations to individual firms in their efforts to benefit from timing advantages. We discuss the link which these indicator factors provide between economic theory and strategic timing choices. Finally, we suggest directions for research which would assist firms and their managers in selecting and pursuing innovation timing strategies.
Does feroxyhyte occur on the surface of Mars

The physical, chemical and paragenetic properties of delta-FeOOH in the form of the mineral feroxyhyte are discussed in relation to the possible composition of the red-brown surface coating of Mars. It is pointed out that the deep-brown ferromagnetic FeOOH polymorph will adhere to magnets such as those on the Viking Lander at Mars ambient temperatures and exhibits spectral maxima in the range 2.95-3.4 m similar to those observed in remote sensing spectra of Mars. The redox properties of the formation of feroxyhyte are shown to be compatible with postulated processes on the Martian surface, and with the results of some of the Viking biological experiments. It is thus concluded that feroxyhyte has the magnetic, chemisorption, spectral, redox and paragenetic properties to suggest its consideration as a possible component of the Martian surface.
Junior Partner or Empowered Community? The Role of Non-profit Social Service Providers amidst State Restructuring in the US:

Public—private partnerships have excited discussion about the possibilities of creating a more responsive welfare state in contemporary American society that empowers local communities. Sceptics see these partnerships as inherently unequal such that non-profit organisations play `junior partner' to government agencies by prioritising governments' agendas. This paper contributes to the debate by examining the role of non-profit organisations that work with government agencies to provide social services. It is argued that non-profits attempt to balance both roles—playing `junior partner' and empowering community. The experiences and practices of non-profits thus show that the role of non-profits amidst state restructuring is to negotiate the multiple obligations they have to funding agencies and local communities that seek assistance. The paper draws on a case study of non-profits providing social services to immigrant and refugee communities in Minneapolis—St Paul in order to develop the argument.
Assessing spectral algorithms to predict atherosclerotic plaque composition with normalized and raw intravascular ultrasound data

Spectral analysis of backscattered intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) data has demonstrated the ability to characterize plaque. We compared the ability of spectral parameters (e.g., slope, midband fit and y-intercept), computed via classic Fourier transform (CPSD), Welch power spectrum (WPSD) and autoregressive (MPSD) models, to classify plaque composition. Data were collected ex vivo from 32 human left anterior descending coronary arteries. Regions-of-interest (ROIs), selected from histology, comprised 64 collagen-rich, 24 fibrolipidic, 23 calcified and 37 calcified-necrotic regions. A novel quantitative method was used to correlate IVUS data with corresponding histologic sections. Periodograms of IVUS samples, identified for each ROI, were used to calculate spectral parameters. Statistical classification trees (CT) were computed with 75% of the data for plaque characterization. The remaining data were used to assess the accuracy of the CTs. The overall accuracies for normalized spectra with CPSD, WPSD and MPSD were, respectively, 84.7%, 85.6% and 81.1% (training data) and 54.1%, 64.9% and 37.8% (test data). These numbers were improved to 89.2%, 91.9% and 89.2% (training) and 62.2%, 73% and 59.5% (test) when the calcified and calcified-necrotic regions were combined for analysis. Most CTs misclassified a few fibrolipidic regions as collagen, which is histologically acceptable, and the unnormalized and normalized spectra results were similar.
Coreceptor use in nonhuman primate models of HIV infection

SIV or SHIV infection of nonhuman primates (NHP) has been used to investigate the impact of coreceptor usage on the composition and dynamics of the CD4+ T cell compartment, mechanisms of disease induction and development of clinical syndrome. As the entire course of infection can be followed, with frequent access to tissue compartments, infection of rhesus macaques with CCR5-tropic SHIVs further allows for study of HIV-1 coreceptor switch after intravenous and mucosal inoculation, with longitudinal and systemic analysis to determine the timing, anatomical sites and cause for the change in envelope glycoprotein and coreceptor preference. Here, we review our current understanding of coreceptor use in NHPs and their impact on the pathobiological characteristics of the infection, and discuss recent advances in NHP studies to uncover the underlying selective pressures for the change in coreceptor preference in vivo.
Prospective Study of 2 Bed Alarms for Detection of Nocturnal Seizures

For parents of children with epilepsy, seizures occurring in sleep are a major concern. Risk factors for sudden unexplained death in epilepsy patients include being in bed and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. A device for detecting nocturnal seizure activity would be valuable. Children with various seizure types undergoing evaluation had standard video electroencephalography (EEG), cardiopulmonary and nursing monitoring, and 1 of 2 models (ST-2 and MP5) of a Medpage bed alarm. The video EEG record was reviewed to detect any seizures missed by the bed alarms or caregivers. The ability of the bed alarms to detect motor seizures in general and specific seizure types was tested. In 15 patients, 69 seizures were recorded by video EEG. The ST-2 did not detect any nocturnal seizures. The MP5 alarm detected 1 of 15 in sleeping patients: a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The Medpage seizure alarms do not appear to adequately detect nocturnal seizures.
Phase I Clinical and Pharmacology Study of Clofarabine in Patients With Solid and Hematologic Cancers

Purpose: To define the maximum-tolerated doses (MTDs) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of clofarabine, given as a 1-hour infusion daily for 5 days, in patients with solid tumors and with acute leukemia. Patients and Methods: The initial part of the study defined the MTD and DLT in solid tumors. The second part of the study defined the MTD and DLT in acute leukemia. Results: The starting dose of clofarabine (15 mg/m2) was myelosuppressive, requiring several dose de-escalations to 2 mg/m2, the dose suggested for phase II studies in solid tumors. Dose escalation in acute leukemia started at 7.5 mg/m2, with several escalations to 55 mg/m2. The DLT was reversible hepatotoxicity at 55 mg/m2. The recommended dose for acute leukemia phase II studies was 40 mg/m2. Among 32 treated patients with acute leukemia, two achieved a complete response and three had a marrow complete response without platelet recovery (hematologic improvement), for an overall response rate of 16%. At 40 mg/m2, the median plasma clofarabi...
Novel Organic–Inorganic Layered Compounds Derived from Simple Coordination Building Blocks: Synthesis and Structural Characterization of (H3NCH2CH2NH3)[Fe(C2O4)MoO4] and Fe(H2NCH2CH2NH2)MoO4

Abstract Two new hybrid organic–inorganic compounds (H 3 NCH 2 CH 2 NH 3 )[Fe(C 2 O 4 )MoO 4 ] (1) and Fe(H 2 NCH 2 CH 2 NH 2 ) (2) were synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction between Fe(C 2 O 2 )·2H 2 O, molybic acid, and ethylenediamine. The structure of 1 consists of 2-D layers formed by [Fe(C 2 O 4 )MoO 4 ] 2− nets with H 3 N + CH 2 CH 2 N + H 3 dications situated in the gaps. The structure of 2 features a double-layered structure formed by FeMoO 4 units that are capped by cis -coordinated H 2 NCH 2 CH 2 NH 2 molecules.
Automatic extraction of destinations, origins and route parts from human generated route directions

Researchers from the cognitive and spatial sciences are studying text descriptions of movement patterns in order to examine how humans communicate and understand spatial information. In particular, route directions offer a rich source of information on how cognitive systems conceptualize movement patterns by segmenting them into meaningful parts. Route directions are composed using a plethora of cognitive spatial organization principles: changing levels of granularity, hierarchical organization, incorporation of cognitively and perceptually salient elements, and so forth. Identifying such information in text documents automatically is crucial for enabling machine-understanding of human spatial language. The benefits are: a) creating opportunities for large-scale studies of human linguistic behavior; b) extracting and georeferencing salient entities (landmarks) that are used by human route direction providers; c) developing methods to translate route directions to sketches and maps; and d) enabling queries on large corpora of crawled/analyzed movement data. In this paper, we introduce our approach and implementations that bring us closer to the goal of automatically processing linguistic route directions. We report on research directed at one part of the larger problem, that is, extracting the three most critical parts of route directions and movement patterns in general: origin, destination, and route parts. We use machine-learning based algorithms to extract these parts of routes, including, for example, destination names and types. We prove the effectiveness of our approach in several experiments using hand-tagged corpora.
The free amino acid pool of cultured human cells.

Growth of CeZZs-The cell lines used were strain HeLa, derived from uterine carcinoma (3), a variant HeLa strain which arose spontaneously (2), and two cultures derived from normal liver and conjunctiva (4). The cells were grown, adherent to glass, in a synthetic medium consisting of salts, vitamins, glucose, and the thirteen essential amino acids, supplemented with 5 per cent dialyzed human serum as previously described (5). Harvesting of Cells--In growth experiments, the cells were harvested during the logarithmic growth phase 6 or 24 hours after the last change of medium. In experiments which involve deficient media, the cells were harvested 24 hours after being overlaid with medium which lacked one or more of the essential amino acids. Preparation of Free Amino Acid Pools-The effects of temperature, mechanical disruption, and washing on the composition of the free amino acid pools were examined. When the cells were harvested by scraping them free from the glass in salt solution at room temperature before precipitation with cold trichloroacetic acid, the supernatant fluid contained up to 30 per cent of the protein nitrogen. This rapid and extensive autolysis was prevented by precipit,ating the protein without mechanically disturbing the cell layer. The 1 liter Blake bottles in which the cells were grown were drained for about 5 minutes, chilled rapidly in ice, and washed quickly with a balanced salt solution. Cold 8 per cent trichloroacetic acid was then added and the cell coagulum was scraped free of the glass, the vol
Feasibility of a walking workstation to increase daily walking

Objective: The number of calories expended in the workplace has declined significantly in the past 75 years. A walking workstation that allows workers to walk while they work has the potential to increase caloric expenditure. We evaluated whether employees can and will use walking workstations while performing their jobs. Methods and procedures: We studied nurses, clinical assistants, secretaries and appointment secretaries using the StepWatch Activity Monitor System (which accurately measures steps taken at slow speeds) while performing their job functions in their usual fashion and while using the walking workstation. Results: Subjects increased the number of steps taken during the workday by 2000 steps per day (p Discussion: Walking workstations have the potential for promoting physical activity and facilitating weight loss. Several subjects in this study expended more than 200 extra calories daily using such a system. Further trials are indicated.
A statistical mechanical model for hydrogen exchange in globular proteins

We develop a statistical mechanical theory for the mechanism of hydrogen exchange in globular proteins. Using the HP lattice model, we explore how the solvent accessibilities of chain monomers vary as proteins fluctuate from their stable native conformations. The model explains why hydrogen exchange appears to involve two mechanisms under different conditions of protein stability: (1) a “global unfolding” mechanism by which all protons exchange at a similar rate, approaching that of the denatured protein, and (2) a “stable-state” mechanism by which protons exchange at rates that can differ by many orders of magnitude. There has been some controversy about the stable-state mechanism: does exchange take place inside the protein by solvent penetration, or outside the protein by the local unfolding of a subregion? The present model indicates that the stable-state mechanism of exchange occurs through an ensemble of conformations, some of which may bear very little resemblance to the native structure. Although most fluctuations are small-amplitude motions involving solvent penetration or local unfolding, other fluctuations (the conformational distant relatives) can involve much larger transient excursions to completely different chain folds.
Assessing Juvenile Salmon Rearing Habitat and Associated Predation Risk in a Lower Snake River Reservoir

Subyearling fall Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Columbia River basin exhibit a transient rearing strategy and depend on connected shoreline habitats during freshwater rearing. Impoundment has greatly reduced the amount of shallow-water rearing habitat that is exacerbated by the steep topography of reservoirs. Periodic dredging creates opportunities to strategically place spoils to increase the amount of shallow-water habitat for subyearlings while at the same time reducing the amount of unsuitable area that is often preferred by predators. We assessed the amount and spatial arrangement of subyearling rearing habitat in Lower Granite Reservoir on the Snake River to guide future habitat improvement efforts. A spatially explicit habitat assessment was conducted using physical habitat data, two-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling and a statistical habitat model in a geographic information system framework. We used field collections of subyearlings and a common predator [smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)] to draw inferences about predation risk within specific habitat types. Most of the high-probability rearing habitat was located in the upper half of the reservoir where gently sloping landforms created low lateral bed slopes and shallow-water habitats. Only 29% of shorelines were predicted to be suitable (probability >0.5) for subyearlings, and the occurrence of these shorelines decreased in a downstream direction. The remaining, less suitable areas were composed of low-probability habitats in unmodified (25%) and riprapped shorelines (46%). As expected, most subyearlings were found in high-probability habitat, while most smallmouth bass were found in low-probability locations. However, some subyearlings were found in low-probability habitats, such as riprap, where predation risk could be high. Given their transient rearing strategy and dependence on shoreline habitats, subyearlings could benefit from habitat creation efforts in the lower reservoir where high-probability habitat is generally lacking. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Observed high-altitude warming and snow cover retreat over Tibet and the Himalayas enhanced by black carbon aerosols

Abstract. Himalayan mountain glaciers and the snowpack over the Tibetan Plateau provide the headwater of several major rivers in Asia. In situ observations of snow cover extent since the 1960s suggest that the snowpack in the region have retreated significantly, accompanied by a surface warming of 2–2.5 °C observed over the peak altitudes (5000 m). Using a high-resolution ocean–atmosphere global climate model and an observationally constrained black carbon (BC) aerosol forcing, we attribute the observed altitude dependence of the warming trends as well as the spatial pattern of reductions in snow depths and snow cover extent to various anthropogenic factors. At the Tibetan Plateau altitudes, the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration exerted a warming of 1.7 °C, BC 1.3 °C where as cooling aerosols cause about 0.7 °C cooling, bringing the net simulated warming consistent with the anomalously large observed warming. We therefore conclude that BC together with CO2 has contributed to the snow retreat trends. In particular, BC increase is the major factor in the strong elevation dependence of the observed surface warming. The atmospheric warming by BC as well as its surface darkening of snow is coupled with the positive snow albedo feedbacks to account for the disproportionately large role of BC in high-elevation regions. These findings reveal that BC impact needs to be properly accounted for in future regional climate projections, in particular on high-altitude cryosphere.
Stereotactic radiosurgery of intracranial chordomas, chondrosarcomas, and glomus tumors.

Chordomas and chondrosarcomas are rare, slow-glowing, locally aggressive tumors with high recurrence rates that may prove disabling or fatal. Patients with intracranial chordomas and chondrosarcomas often require multimodality treatment, including surgical resection, fractionated radiation therapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). SRS is an important management option for patients with recurrent or residual chordomas and chondrosarcomas that failed to respond to initial surgical resection and adjuvant radiation therapy. The local tumor control rate and prognosis is generally better for patients with chondrosarcomas than for those with chordomas. SRS can be used as an up-front treatment or as an adjuvant treatment for patients with recurrent or residual glomus jugulare tumors after surgical resection.
Comparative assessment of plasmid and oligonucleotide DNA substrates in measurement of in vitro base excision repair activity

Mammalian base excision repair (BER) is mediated through at least two subpathways designated ‘single-nucleotide’ (SN) and ‘long-patch’ (LP) BER (2-nucleotides long/more repair patch). Two forms of DNA substrate are generally used for in vitro BER assays: oligonucleotide- and plasmid-based. For plasmid-based BER assays, the availability of large quantities of substrate DNA with a specific lesion remains the limiting factor. Using sequence-specific endonucleases that cleave only one strand of DNA on a double-stranded DNA substrate, we prepared large quantities of plasmid DNA with a specific lesion. We compared the kinetic features of BER using plasmid and oligonucleotide substrates containing the same lesion and strategic restriction sites around the lesion. The Km for plasmid DNA substrate was slightly higher than that for the oligonucleotide substrate, while the Vmax of BER product formation for the plasmid and oligonucleotide substrates was similar. The catalytic efficiency of BER with the oligonucleotide substrate was slightly higher than that with the plasmid substrate. We conclude that there were no significant differences in the catalytic efficiency of in vitro BER measured with plasmid and oligonucleotide substrates. Analysis of the ratio of SN BER to LP BER was addressed using cellular extracts and a novel plasmid substrate.
Maximum oxygen consumption during exercise and cold exposure in deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus.

Abstract Convenient methods were developed for measuring maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in untrained small mammals during treadmill exercise and cold exposure. Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were run once, for 6-min periods at velocities exceeding maximal aerobic running speed, while instantaneous oxygen consumption was measured. The VO2max during cold exposure was determined using high wind speeds to increase heat loss rates. During running, the kinetics of gas exchange were rapid and similar to those observed in larger mammals. Half-times of the VO2 and VO2 on responses were about 20 sec. The VO2 also increased rapidly during suddenly imposed cold stress, reaching VO2max within 1–1.5 min. Values of VO2max obtained during exercise were similar to the VO2max measured during cold exposure.
Development of a scale for estimating procedural distress in the newborn intensive care unit: The Procedural Load Index

Abstract Background Infants in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) are exposed to routine procedures that often cause distress and carry a negative burden or load on the infant's neurodevelopment. Aim A ratio level index is introduced to estimate procedural load so as to begin to develop a system to monitor the intensity of distress associated with common NICU procedures. Study design Two psychophysical methods, magnitude estimation (ME) and the general labeled magnitude scale (gLMS) were used to survey 86 clinicians via the internet to estimate the distress associated with 55 common NICU procedures. Results gLMS and ME estimations correlated highly across all procedures (r = 0.97). gLMS values were used to derive the procedural load index (PLI) as a ratio level estimation of procedural distress. Conclusion The PLI ranks and differentiates distress among common NICU procedures more precisely than current tools. This methodology, if correlated with infant physiological indices and health outcomes, may be operationalized at the bedside to measure procedural distress, and help to guide the ideal timing to perform procedures and minimize their negative consequence.
Foreign body ingestions in the pediatric population and techniques of endoscopic removal

Abstract Foreign body ingestions are common in pediatric patients and represent a challenge for the pediatric endoscopist. The most common objects ingested by children in the United States are coins, although toys and batteries account for a significant fraction of ingestions. The timing of and requirement for endoscopy is based on the type of foreign body ingested, its location, and the presence or absence of symptoms. In some cases, ingested foreign bodies require urgent removal even in asymptomatic patients. This is the case, for example, with esophageal batteries. In smaller pediatric patients, the size of the foreign body is an important factor in determining the timing and requirement for endoscopy, and the management may differ as compared with adults. Areas of anatomic narrowing or disease may be an underlying reason why a foreign body becomes lodged, and endoscopists are cautioned against blindly advancing a foreign body or meat impaction distally. Various techniques and endoscopic equipment are used to remove ingested foreign bodies in children, including specialized forceps, baskets, snares, nets, and friction fit adapters, and these are discussed.
The anterior intermeniscal ligament of the knee : An anatomic study

The purpose of this study was to identify the presence of the anterior intermeniscal ligament of the knee and to study its attachment patterns and relationships to other anatomic structures within the knee. Fifty unpaired cadaveric knees were dissected. An identifiably distinct anterior intermeniscal ligament was found in 47 specimens (94%). The average length was 33 mm and the average midsubstance width was 3.3 mm. The average perpendicular distance from the anterior intermeniscal ligament to the anterior margin of the tibial insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament was 7.8 mm (range, 2.0 to 13.5). The anterior intermeniscal ligament was the primary attachment for the anterior horn of the medial meniscus in 12 knees (24%); 7 knees (14%) had no tibial insertion and 5 knees (10%) had only a fine fascial tibial connection. Successful arthroscopic evaluation, surgical repair, and meniscal allograft reconstruction can be enhanced by a precise knowledge of the anterior intermeniscal ligament anatomy, especially when identifying the various insertion patterns of the anterior horn of the medial meniscus. A correct understanding of these patterns is helpful for avoiding patient injury during surgical procedures (particularly arthroscopic ACL reconstructions) performed in close proximity to the anterior intermeniscal ligament of the knee.
A phase variable model of brushless dc motors based on finite element analysis and its coupling with external circuits

This paper presents a fast and accurate brushless dc motor (BLDC) phase variable model for drive system simulations. The developed model was built based on nonlinear transient finite-element analysis to obtain the inductances, back electromotive force as well as the cogging torque. The model was implemented in a Simulink environment through the creation of an adjustable inductance component to account for the dependence of inductances on rotor position. Since no dq model for BLDC actually exists, the significance of this work is that it provides an accurate equivalent circuit model of BLDC motors for utilization in simulation environments. Using the developed model, the sensorless control and the torque ripple control issues were investigated and the simulation results show its practical effectiveness.
Mothers with intellectual limitations and their 2-year-old children’s developmental outcomes

The aims of this study were to describe and to quantify the risk for developmental delay in young children born to mothers with intellectual limitations and to control for the confounding effects of poverty. This prospective two group study compared 38 low income mothers with intellectual limitations and 32 low income mothers without intellectual limitations. Groups were matched for age, race, and parity or the number of pregnancies carried to the point of viability. A multimethod research design emphasized longitudinal, observational, and casefinding strategies. The primary focus was a mother-child dyad through assessments in the home during the child's first 2 years of life. Developmental delay was identified by the age of 2 years in 42 % of children born to mothers with intellectual limitations and 12 % of children born to mothers without intellectual limitations. Results supported previous research that found that children born to mothers with intellectual limitations were more likely to experience de...
The influence of high performance work systems on voluntary turnover of new hires in US state governments

Purpose – This article aims to examine factors associated with new employee turnover in US state governments, where turnover is often highest in organizations. Building on existing studies of high performance work systems (HPWS) turnover, this article develops a set of hypotheses to explain new hire turnover.Design/methodology/approach – The proposed model has been analyzed with a sample of 42 of the 50 US state governments.Findings – Practices associated with HPWS influence turnover of new hires. State governments that operate centralized college recruiting programs, pay higher salaries, offer pay for performance incentives, award group bonuses, invest more in training, and allow job rotation lose significantly fewer new hires.Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to specific variables collected in an online survey of states' central human resource departments. Future research may want to focus on other levels of government, include additional practices associated with HPWS, and exami...
Human Computer Music Performance

Human Computer Music Performance (HCMP) is the study of music performance by live human performers and real-time computer-based performers. One goal of HCMP is to create a highly autonomous artificial performer that can fill the role of a human, especially in a popular music setting. This will require advances in automated music listening and understanding, new representations for music, techniques for music synchronization, real-time human-computer communication, music generation, sound synthesis, and sound diffusion. Thus, HCMP is an ideal framework to motivate and integrate advanced music research. In addition, HCMP has the potential to benefit millions of practicing musicians, both amateurs and professionals alike. The vision of HCMP, the problems that must be solved, and some recent progress are presented.
Apparent and Genuine Affluence: Their Relation to Energy Consumption

The twentieth century rise in energy consumption appears to be due more to rises in affluence than changes in energy technology. This conclusion is disputed by suggesting that the rise in energy consumption is due not to a genuine rise in affluence, but to the use of energy to produce goods and services that only compensate for the poorer character of new products and the environment within which they function. This thesis is examined using data on durability of products, and a measure of affluence that takes account of changes in the socioeconomic environment. These data indicate that changes in the environment can partly explain the rise in energy consumption, whereas changes in durability have had little if any effect.
Optimal UAS Path Planning for Convoy Overwatch

The optimal path to fly a small unmanned aerial system (SUAS) for convoy overwatch is determined. The optimal path is approximated and demonstrated onboard a SUAS in hardware in-the-loop simulations and flight test. The optimization algorithm minimizes a cost function consisting of the SUAS control effort and deviation from a desired slant range. Due to several hardware and software limitations, the SUAS autopilot is currently incapable from implementing the optimal controller onboard. Therefore, a heuristic-based algorithm is developed through a series of three iterative steps and implemented onboard the autopilot to approximate the optimal solution. The first step manipulates the autopilot loiter logic to allow target tracking. The second step identifies three parameters in the loiter logic that are tuned using a Design of Experiments (DOE) methodology. Lastly, a finite state machine (FSM) is created based on the DOE results to further optimize the real-world convoy overwatch algorithm. Each iteration is flight tested to evaluate how well they approximate the optimal path. The final algorithm using the FSM exhibits a 65% improvement in tracking performance and demonstrates an implementable, near-optimal convoy overwatch algorithm.
Axisymmetric deformation of a materially nonlinear circular plate

Governing equations are developed for small strain moderately large axisymmetric deflections of a class of isotropic homogeneous materially nonlinear elastic circular plates. These equations are found to contain through thickness integrals which cannot always be carried out in closed form. Important special cases of the governing equations are identified. The utility of the class of material nonlinearities considered is illustrated by presenting an exact solution for small deflection pure bending, an approximate solution for small deflection bending due to a uniform pressure, and an exact elastic stability analysis. Some of these solutions are simplified for specific elements of the class of material nonlinearities employed.
A Magnetic Attraction to High-Throughput Genomics

In the two decades since the invention of DNA sequencing, only a tiny fraction of the human genome has been decoded—about 1% of the 3000 mega-base pair (Mbp) total. It is therefore somewhat daunting to consider that the Human Genome Project [[HN1][1]] has committed to completing the remaining 99%
The Role of Experimentation in Shell Research: Mirabile Dictu—Mirabile Visu

Summary This paper discusses a philosophy which has worked well in studies relating to the instability of thin-shell structures and which should be considered in any complex structural problem. The key theme is that, instead of being adversaries in a research program, theory and experiment should be used to supplement and complement one another. The results due to such synergistic cooperation will always be more valuable than the information gained by summing the knowledge obtained from isolated theoretical and experimental research.
Recounting Others, Recounting Self: Montaigne and the Conteurs of his Century

In the first chapter, we explored how Montaigne seeks to engage the receptive skills of the reader when he reworks tales he appropriates from Antiquity. It is evident that he seeks to inspire the reader, his “suffisant lecteur,” to find meanings not intended by the author (I, 24, 127A). He tells us that it is not only in medicine, but in other arts as well that fortune plays a part. Those graceful and beautiful touches (“graces et beautez”) that the audience discovers in a work are put there often “non seulement sans l’intention, mais sans la cognoissance mesme de l’ouvrier” ‘not only without the workman’s intention, but even without his knowledge’ (I, 24, 127A/93). This is a part of the process of renewing the source material mentioned previously. Integral to this process is Montaigne’s reshaping of stories he borrows to fit the design of his essays—a design that values self-awareness and self-reflection. He takes hold of tales that mirror his singular efforts at self-portraiture in order to advance his growing interest in human behavior. As mentioned earlier, Gabriel-Andre Perouse reminds us that in order to trace the essayist’s connection to the storytellers who preceded him, we should choose examples from his immediate predecessors, Des Periers, Marguerite de Navarre, and the early Du Fail, along with the propos bigarres, those mixtures of conversation and brief narrative that were so popular at the time at which Montaigne was composing his Essais.
Cardiac Multiple Gated Ultrasonography

Cardiac gated ultrasonography is a technique for processing two dimensional cross-sectional stop-action images of cardiac anatomy. More recently, a process of providing simultaneous stop-action scans of nine equallv spaced points in the cardiac cycles has been developed (Cardio-Niner GateR). The technique allows for quantitative comparison of the cardiac geometry. Cardiac motion is simulated by stepping through the images sequentially. Comparison with angiographic data and images are demonstrated. Several patient studies are used to illustrate the systems performance.
Evolutionary response when selection and genetic variation covary across environments

Although models of evolution usually assume that the strength of selection on a trait and the expression of genetic variation in that trait are independent, whenever the same ecological factor impacts both parameters, a correlation between the two may arise that accelerates trait evolution in some environments and slows it in others. Here, we address the evolutionary consequences and ecological causes of a correlation between selection and expressed genetic variation. Using a simple analytical model, we show that the correlation has a modest effect on the mean evolutionary response and a large effect on its variance, increasing among-population or among-generation variation in the response when positive, and diminishing variation when negative. We performed a literature review to identify the ecological factors that influence selection and expressed genetic variation across traits. We found that some factors - temperature and competition - are unlikely to generate the correlation because they affected one parameter more than the other, and identified others - most notably, environmental novelty - that merit further investigation because little is known about their impact on one of the two parameters. We argue that the correlation between selection and genetic variation deserves attention alongside other factors that promote or constrain evolution in heterogeneous landscapes.
Williams and Down Syndromes

The neurological features of the Williams (WS) and Down (DS) syndromes were compared as part of a large multidisciplinary research center study and reported from the Departments of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California School of Medicine, San Diego, CA.
Medication-induced acute kidney injury.

Purpose of reviewThe present article will review the current state of our understanding of nephrotoxic medication-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) and provide strategies to reduce its impact.Recent findingsNephrotoxic medications contribute to a substantial proportion of AKI in hospitalized pati