cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PFunkel: Efficient, Expansive, User-Defined Mutagenesis

We introduce PFunkel, a versatile method for extensive, researcher-defined DNA mutagenesis using a ssDNA or dsDNA template. Once the template DNA is prepared, the method can be completed in a single day in a single tube, and requires no intermediate DNA purification or sub-cloning. PFunkel can be used for site-directed mutagenesis at an efficiency approaching 100%. More importantly, PFunkel allows researchers the unparalleled ability to efficiently construct user-defined libraries. We demonstrate the creation of a library with site-saturation at four distal sites simultaneously at 70% efficiency. We also employ PFunkel to create a comprehensive codon mutagenesis library of the TEM-1 s-lactamase gene. We designed this library to contain 18,081 members, one for each possible codon substitution in the gene (287 positions in TEM-1 x 63 possible codon substitutions). Deep sequencing revealed that ∼97% of the designed single codon substitutions are present in the library. From such a library we identified 18 previously unreported adaptive mutations that each confer resistance to the s-lactamase inhibitor tazobactam. Three of these mutations confer resistance equal to or higher than that of the most resistant reported TEM-1 allele and have the potential to emerge clinically.
Effect of NO2 on the ignition delay of CH4-air mixtures

Abstract The ignition delay for methane-air mixtures is found to be reduced by the addition of nitrogen dioxide. Reflected shock wave experiments indicate that a reduction of 1 2 – 1 3 in ignition delay can be realized when 1–2% NO2 is added to stoichiometric mixtures at a temperature range of 1300–1800°K and pressures around 14 atms.
Entanglement and the generation of random states in the quantum chaotic dynamics of kicked coupled tops

We study the dynamical generation of entanglement as a signature of chaos in a system of periodically kicked coupled tops, where chaos and entanglement arise from the same physical mechanism. The long-time-averaged entanglement as a function of the position of an initially localized wave packet very closely correlates with the classical phase space surface of section---it is nearly uniform in the chaotic sea, and reproduces the detailed structure of the regular islands. The uniform value in the chaotic sea is explained by the random state conjecture. As classically chaotic dynamics take localized distributions in phase space to random distributions, quantized versions take localized coherent states to pseudorandom states in Hilbert space. Such random states are highly entangled, with an average value near that of the maximally entangled state. For a map with global chaos, we derive that value based on analytic results for the entropy of random states. For a mixed phase space, we use the Percival conjecture to identify a ``chaotic subspace'' of the Hilbert space. The typical entanglement, averaged over the unitarily invariant Haar measure in this subspace, agrees with the long-time-averaged entanglement for initial states in the chaotic sea. In all cases the dynamically generated entanglement is that of a random complex vector, even though the system is time-reversal invariant, and the Floquet operator is a member of the circular orthogonal ensemble.
Bayesian combination method of classifiers for cluster validation problem

As a rigorous mathematical formulation of the correspondence technique given in1 and inspired from the data fusion methods, a new approach to detect the robust estimated number of clusters is proposed in this paper. The idea is to make a correspondence between clusters of different classification results obtained with different numbers of clusters, which are superior or equal to the number of land-cover classes. To formulate this idea in a rigorous mathematical framework, we consider the classification results as classifiers we want to combine to obtain the more precise classification result. The combination procedure used is inspired from the recent development in artificial intelligence methods of classifiers combination. Since the Bayesian method uses more information on classifiers in the combination of their results; we have adopted this method in the elaboration of our classifiers combination approach. We demonstrate our methodology by classifying real SAR data provided by the SIR-C sensors.
Blood gases and pH in patients with artificial arteriovenous fistulas.

Since Brescia et al [1] introduced the use of surgically- created arteriovenous (A–V) fistulas for hemodialysis, such fistulas have become increasingly popular because of their advantages over the external silasticteflon shunt [2, 3].Some complicated and seriously ill patients who require hemodialysis need frequent determination of arterial blood gas composition.The present study was designed to compare the values obtained for pH, P O 2 , and P CO 2 from the arterialized vein of the A–V shunt with those from the femoral artery.If the venous outflow from the fistula can be used in this way, painful and difficult arterial punctures may be avoided.
System for the Measurement of Spectral Emittance at High Temperature

A system for measuring the emittance of refractory materials in vacuum for temperatures up to 3000C in the wavelength range of 0.4-5.0 has been developed and tested. In preferred operation, the specimen is machined to contain its own reference cavity. An optical nulling measurement system was developed in which the radiation from the sample and a reference lamp are focused alternately on the entrance aperture of a monochromator. Detailed error analysis and comparison with literature data for tungsten showed the system to be accurate to ± 0.02 for emittances above 0.50. Graphite, carbon foam, and aluminum oxide also were measured.
Nursing leadership in radiology: applying the art of chaortic leadership

Abstract The Art of Chaortic Leadership is from an article by Dee Houck that first appeared as "The Art of Chaortic Leadership" (Chapter 7) in On Mission and Leadership . Chaortic leadership is a term that highlights the link between chaos and order. It allows the class to understand the role and effect that chaos has in the field of health care and helps students to understand how you can bring about order in any chaotic situation. Chaortic leadership skills are something that every radiology nurse and nurse manager must have to understand and survive in the ever-changing chaotic world of radiology nursing. It helps you to understand the sources of chaos in radiology, your role in chaos, and steps you can take to manage chaos in your department. Even though there have been radiology nurses for over 20 years, the role of the radiology nurse is to provide stability and continuity (order) to patient care, but, in the radiology environment, we are a source of chaos unto ourselves. The presenter gave an overview of the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, a 500-bed regional trauma center and a top hospital in the country according to US News and World Report . The presenter discussed chaortic leadership theory and practice that was first described by Dee Houck and showed how to apply the principles of chaortic leadership. Finally, the presenter discussed strategies for success as a radiology nurse when working in a small facility and for radiology nursing leaders whether they are supervisors of a small staff or managers of a large diagnostic and interventional department.
Left ventricular dynamics during long-term digoxin treatment in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Abstract Ten patients with stable coronary artery disease who did not have clinical congestive heart failure and had recovered (3 or more months) from coronary bypass graft surgery were given both intravenous and oral digoxin. Left ventricular performance was assessed weekly for 3 control weeks, during 4 weeks of long-term oral digoxin treatment and during 2 to 3 weeks of recovery. Serial noninvasive measurements of velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume and cardiac output were obtained with computer-assisted fluoroscopic analysis of the motion of surgically implanted mid wall myocardial markers that outline the left ventricular cavity. During 4 weeks of oral digoxin therapy, mean serum digoxin levels were maintained between 1.2 ± 0.1 and 1.4 ± 0.1 ng/ml (mean ± standard error of the mean). Mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening increased 15.6 percent from 0.65 ± 0.05 to 0.75 ± 0.05 circumferences/sec (P
THE CONCEPT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN PRIMARY PRODUCTION1

The use of efficiency factors in primary productivity studies is discussed. A coefficient kb is defined which measures the contribution of photosynthetic processes to the total optical attenuation coefficient. It is shown that to a first order approximation, kb at any depth is given by the ratio of the primary production to the incident radiation at that depth, when both are expressed in calories. Values of kb are calculated for two stations in St. Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia. At any depth, kb depends linearly on the chlorophyll concentration at that depth. Errors involved in measuring kb are discussed and suggestions made for increasing precision. It is suggested that kb could be used as an index to compare the primary productivity of waters and that the regression of kb on the chlorophyll concentration could be used as a predictive tool in primary production research.
Defect structure of NiO and rates and mechanisms of formation from atomic oxygen and nickel

The oxidation of nickel by atomic oxygen at pressures from 6×10−3 to 0.33 Torr between 1050 and 1250 K has been investigated. In these ranges, the oxidation was found to follow the parabolic rate law, viz.kp = 1.14×10−5 exp(−13410/T)g2 cm−4sec−1 for films of greater than 1 μm thickness and was pressure-independent. The activation enthalpy for the oxidation reaction was 27±3 kcal mole−1. Of a number of possible mechanisms and defect structures considered, it was shown that, based on reaction activation enthalpies, impurity effects, pressure independence, and magnitudes of the rates, the most likely was a saturated surface defect model for atomic oxidation. A possible model judged somewhat less likely was one having equilibrium concentrations of doubly ionized cationic defects rate-controlling in both atomic and molecular oxygen. From comparisons of the appropriate processes, the following enthalpy values were derived: ΔH* (Ni diffusion in NiO) = 26.5 ± 8 kcal mole−1 and ΔHf0 (doubly ionized cation vacancies in NiO from atomic oxygen) = − 2.1 ± 6.0 kcal mole−1. The recombination coefficient of atomic oxygen on oxidized nickel was determined to be 0.14 ± 0.06 in the temperature range 985 to 1100 K.
Evaluation of the fluctuation enhancement factor

The width fluctuation correction enhances, sometimes by large factors, small compound cross sections that compete with channels having much larger transmission coefficients. The effect is demonstrated by the results of statistical computer experiments. A simple numerical quadrature of the width fluctuation integral describes the effect much more accurately than the formula proposed by Tepel et al. (AIP)
Prevention of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome by use of high sodium concentration in the dialysate

Prevention of dialysis disequilibrium syndrome by use of high sodium concentration in the dialysate. Nine patients, including four undergoing their first hemodialysis, were observed clinically and by hourly electroencephalographic recordings before, during, and three hours after highly efficient hemodialyses during which plasma osmolality was maintained by use of a dialysate with increased concentrations of sodium and chloride. As a control group, 8 patients (five undergoing their first hemodialysis) were similarly studied but with a dialysate of standard composition (Na=133 mEq/liter). The EEG showed definitely increased abnormality in 10 of 13 control dialyses and in 2 of 9 dialyses in the experimental group (P Prevention du syndrome de desequilibre de la dialyse au moyen d'une concentration de sodium elevee dans le dialysat. Neuf malades, dont quatre subissaient leur premiere hemodialyse, ont ete observes cliniquement et au moyen d'enregistrements electro-encephalographiques horaires pendant et trois heures apres des hemodialyses tres efficaces ou l'osmolalite plasmatique etait maintenue constante grace a un dialysat dont les concentrations de sodium et de chlore etaient augmentees. Un groupe controle de 8 malades, dont cinq subissaient leur premiere hemodialyse, a ete etudie de la meme facon alors que le dialysat avait une composition standard (Na = 133 mEq/1). L'electroencephalogramme a montre une augmentation patente des anomalies chez 10 des 13 controles et chez deux des neuf sujets du groupe experimental (P
Solvent and pH effects on fast and ultrasensitive 1,1'-oxalyldi(4-methyl)imidazole chemiluminescence.

Solvent and pH effects on fast and ultrasensitive 1,1′-oxalyldi(4-methyl)imidazole chemiluminescence (OD4MI–CL) were studied. The influences of these two factors on the complex OD4MI–CL reaction are discussed within a conceptual prototype for developing aqueous and non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis (ACE and NACE) devices with OD4MI–CL detection. The reaction channel length and OD4MI yield from the reaction between bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl) oxalate (TCPO) and 4-methylimidazole in the channel will be influenced by pH, water volume fraction, and cosolvent properties of the solution. Optimum OD4MI–CL efficiency is observed at pH 6.5 when 1-propanol, which has a low dielectric constant (e = 20.8), is used as the NACE solvent in the separation channel. Water (e = 80.1), the solvent in the ACE separation channel, acts similarly to a high dielectric constant organic solvent in NACE because the disadvantages normally associated with TCPO–CL reactions in water disappear due to the faster OD4MI–CL reaction versus OD4MI decomposition in aqueous solution. Therefore, it is expected that the OD4MI–CL detection system can be used in both NACE and ACE devices without requiring detector modifications. We also conclude that OD4MI–CL detection in NACE and ACE devices will be much more sensitive than the TCPO–CL detection used in current NACE devices.
A Framework for Golf Training Using Low-Cost Inertial Sensors

Body Sensor Networks are rapidly expanding to everyday applications due to recent advancements in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensing, wireless communication and power management technologies. We leverage these advancements to develop a framework for the use of MEMS inertial sensors as a low-cost putting coach for golf. Accurate putting requires substantial control and precision that is acquired via significant practice. Unfortunately, many golfers are not aware that they are practicing flawed mechanics. An electronic coach has the capability to point out these flawed movements before they become the norm. Our framework is the first step to an electronic coach and consists of a model for a putting swing, the design of a custom sensor platform and the implementation of signal processing functions to accurately estimate the trajectory of the golf club. Based upon our model we propose the use of sensor fusion algorithms to increase accuracy without increasing hardware demands. The accuracy of the system is experimentally evaluated using a controlled test platform.
Reconcilable Differences? Incorporating a Trade-Environment Simulation into a Management Course

Challenges in reconciling trade liberalization policies and efforts to protect the natural environment provide useful illustrations to underscore important concepts in management education. In particular, the three-way interactions among government, business, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) over economic and environmental trade-offs serve to reinforce the managerial complexities of resolving disputes between parties over differences in economic and social priorities. This article describes a simulation on trade-environment interactions in which student groups prepare and present arguments before a global trade (GATT/WTO) panel. The article provides instructions for conducting the simulation, actual simulation materials, and an appendix containing supplementary information on trade-environment tensions.
Predicting Adaptive Behavior in the Environment from Central Nervous System Dynamics

To generate adaptive behavior, the nervous system is coupled to the environment. The coupling constrains the dynamical properties that the nervous system and the environment must have relative to each other if adaptive behavior is to be produced. In previous computational studies, such constraints have been used to evolve controllers or artificial agents to perform a behavioral task in a given environment. Often, however, we already know the controller, the real nervous system, and its dynamics. Here we propose that the constraints can also be used to solve the inverse problem—to predict from the dynamics of the nervous system the environment to which they are adapted, and so reconstruct the production of the adaptive behavior by the entire coupled system. We illustrate how this can be done in the feeding system of the sea slug Aplysia. At the core of this system is a central pattern generator (CPG) that, with dynamics on both fast and slow time scales, integrates incoming sensory stimuli to produce ingestive and egestive motor programs. We run models embodying these CPG dynamics—in effect, autonomous Aplysia agents—in various feeding environments and analyze the performance of the entire system in a realistic feeding task. We find that the dynamics of the system are tuned for optimal performance in a narrow range of environments that correspond well to those that Aplysia encounter in the wild. In these environments, the slow CPG dynamics implement efficient ingestion of edible seaweed strips with minimal sensory information about them. The fast dynamics then implement a switch to a different behavioral mode in which the system ignores the sensory information completely and follows an internal “goal,” emergent from the dynamics, to egest again a strip that proves to be inedible. Key predictions of this reconstruction are confirmed in real feeding animals.
Analysis of magnetic proportional drive circuits for bipolar junction transistors

A comparison is presented of some advantages and disadvantages of three popular magnetic proportional drive circuits for bipolar junction transistors (BJT) used in spacecraft switched mode power supplies (SMPS). A generic classification of these drives is introduced. A novel adaptation of one of these drives, the multiple mode proportional drive (MMPD), is developed to provide a total proportional drive for BJT's using resonant turn-off snubbers. Circuit operational description and design rational is presented for this new MMPD.
Sharp Corner Functions for Mindlin Plates

Transverse displacement and rotation eigenfunctions for the bending of moderately thick plates are derived for the Mindlin plate theory so as to satisfy exactly the differential equations of equilibrium and the boundary conditions along two intersecting straight edges. These eigenfunctions are in some ways similar to those derived by Max Williams for thin plates a half century ago. The eigenfunctions are called corner functions, for they represent the state of stress currently in sharp corners, demonstrating the singularities that arise there for larger angles. The corner functions, together with others, may be used with energy approaches to obtain accurate results for global behavior of moderately thick plates, such as static deflections, free vibration frequencies, buckling loads, and mode shapes. Comparisons of Mindlin corner functions with those of thin-plate theory are made in this work, and remarkable differences are found.
Perceived Problems of Public School Prekindergarten Teachers

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify and validate the work-related problems of public school prekindergarten teachers. The study was designed to answer two questions: (a) what problems are perceived to be most bothersome and occur most frequently, and; (b) what global areas of concern can be inferred from these teachers' perceptions of their problems? The results identified 37 problems that occurred significantly more frequently than others and 36 problems that were significantly more bothersome. The global areas perceived to be of most concern were: (a) parent relationships and home conditions, (b) control and discipline, (c) program, (d) student success, (e) time, (f) classroom personnel, (g) affiliation, and (h) facilities.
A quantitative model of dynamical sediment deposition and erosion in three dimensions

Abstract Modeling of sediment deposition in three dimensions is accomplished by taking quanta of sediments, released at different locations on a basinal slope, and allowing the sediments to flow constrained by the existing topography of basin slope and previously deposited sediment flows. Sediments released in each quanta are transported downslope and deposited when their flow energy drops below a critical value. The sediment flow also can cause erosion of the existing basin slope, and the total mass of sediments then follows the transport rules. Each quantum of sediment can be composed of variable fractions of up to ten lithologic types, ranging from very fine-grained material to coarse-grained sediments. Deposition takes place dependent upon the parameter values assigned to each lithologic type; default values are arranged so that coarse-grained material is deposited first and fine-grained material last. The computer program, named MOSED3D (MOdel of SEdiment Deposition in 3-Dimensions), is written in C with an X Window System Toolkit, which provides a user-friendly interface for MOSED3D. Model results can be displayed in contour map form, as isopachs, and also as 2 D cross sections drawn in arbitrary, user-defined, directions across the system. The code is fast, requiring about 2 min CPU time on a SUN SPARC 3 for a typical run, so that many different geological scenarios with multiple parameter assignments can be investigated quickly for accordance with either required behaviors or with observed patterns of deposition. This paper describes the mathematical formulation, program structure, and some test cases designed to illuminate individual factors the code is capable of handling.
Equilibria and kinetics of hydrolysis of ebifuramin (NSC-201047) an azomethine-containing structure exhibiting a reversible degradation step in acidic solutions

Abstract During development of a parenteral formulation of ebifuramin (I, ethyl 4-hydroxy-2-(5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidinyli-minomethyl)furo[2,3b]pyridine-5-carboxylate), a sparingly soluble experimental cytotoxic agent, hydrolysis kinetics were found to be initial-concentration-dependent and to not follow first order kinetics. The present study was, therefore, carried out to evaluate the stability of ebifuramin at 37° C at different acidic pH values and initial concentration. The primary route of degradation under acid conditions was found to involve equilibrium hydrolysis of an azomethine bond with subsequent apparent first-order degradation of at least one of the initial hydrolysis products. Forward and reverse rate constants and the equilibrium constant for the primary reversible step, as well as pseudo-first-order rate constants for the secondary hydrolysis, were determined. One of the primary degradation products was isolated and characterized. The sites of protonation-deprotonation equilibria in aqueous solution were defined by pKa determinations of ebifuramin and model compounds.
Clonal selection based Artificial Immune System for generalized pattern recognition

The last two decades has seen a rapid increase in the application of AIS (Artificial Immune Systems) modeled after the human immune system to a wide range of areas including network intrusion detection, job shop scheduling, classification, pattern recognition, and robot control. JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) has developed an integrated pattern recognition/classification system called AISLE (Artificial Immune System for Learning and Exploration) based on biologically inspired models of B-cell dynamics in the immune system. When used for unsupervised or supervised classification, the method scales linearly with the number of dimensions, has performance that is relatively independent of the total size of the dataset, and has been shown to perform as well as traditional clustering methods. When used for pattern recognition, the method efficiently isolates the appropriate matches in the data set. The paper presents the underlying structure of AISLE and the results from a number of experimental studies.
A note on component-wise kronecker designs

The paper investigates the particular case of symmetrical block designs with block size two. It is shown that the component-wise Kronecker product of two such designs (c.f. Mukerjee 1981) is connected if and only if the numbers of treatments are relatively prime.
Isometric strength and dynamic back extensor endurance are unrelated in children ages 6-10 years: a pilot study.

Summary.-This study assessed the correlation between back extensor isometric force and dynamic endurance in 69 children 6-10 years of age. Subjects were positioned prone with legs and hips supported and restrained on two folded 6-in. mats. 42 subjects (20 girls; 22 boys) performed three 5-sec. isometric back extension efforts against a calibrated dynamometer and peak force values were averaged. An additional 27 subjects (9 girls; 18 boys) also performed a dynamic (0°+450 flexion+O0) back extension test at a frequency of 20 per minute, and the number of repetitions was recorded. Both tests were repeated at a 1-wk. interval. Pearson correlations for the endurance, the isometric force test, and test-retest, and between the functional concentric endurance vs isometric force were .55, .79 (both p< .01), and .03, respectively. These tests have moderate to high reliability but they examine different aspects of back muscle fitness. They should not be used interchangeably to assess back extensor muscle fitness. Further investigation must determine whether different dynamic test frequencies and mat heights yield different results.
Adventures in Physical Chemistry

My research has included chemical physics, electron and NMR spectroscopy, membrane biophysics, and immunology. This research was curiosity driven as well as problem and technique oriented. A theoretical equation was developed for relating nuclear hyperfine splittings to electron spin distributions in free radicals. Another equation was developed to relate NMR spectra to chemical reaction rates. Early evidence for the liquid-like properties of cell membranes was obtained through the use of paramagnetic probes (spin labels). Spin labels were used in measurements of lateral as well as transverse diffusion of phospholipids in bilayer membranes. Liquid-liquid phase separations were discovered in monolayer membranes containing phospholipids and cholesterol. In the area of immunology, it was shown that antigenic peptides bind to reconstituted class II MHC molecules in membranes and trigger specific T-helper cells.
The EC social charter, social democracy and post‐1992 Europe

The proposal by the EC Council of Ministers to establish a 'Social Charter' has the intention of harmonising various aspects of working conditions in the member states. However, the Social Charter, and the philosophy underlying it, can be criticised on several grounds for its restrictive implications and undesirable economic, legal and political effects. It also leans towards favouring a social democratic ideology and particular organised interests at the expense of general public ones. Attention should be given to securing effective decentralisation in the EC to counteract the dangers implicit in bureaucratisation and social regulation.
First Report of Impatiens necrotic spot virus Infecting Lettuce in California.

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV; family Bunyaviridae, genus Tospovirus) is an important pathogen of ornamental plants in North America and Europe, particularly in the greenhouse industry (2,3). However, INSV is now emerging as a pathogen of vegetable crops. During the 2006 and 2007 growing seasons, lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in Monterey County, CA showed necrotic spotting, leaf chlorosis, and plant stunting typical of symptoms induced by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). Significant and damaging outbreaks of these disease symptoms were found in numerous romaine, greenleaf, redleaf, butterhead, and iceberg lettuce fields in Monterey and San Benito counties. Samples from symptomatic plants from 21 of 27 fields in Monterey County were negative when tested with TSWV immunostrips (Agdia, Elkhart, IN); however, tests of the TSWV-negative samples with INSV immunostrips were positive. In most fields where INSV was detected, disease development was limited to the edges of fields and disease incidence was <5%; ho...
3D GRB Jets Drilling Through The Progenitor

We present, for the first time, three dimensional (3D) adaptive mesh refinement simulations of a GRB jet crossing a pre-SN progenitor (with resolutions comparable to the resolutions of 2D simulations) (Lopez-Camara et al. 2012). The morphology, Lorentz factor, and symmetries, will be discussed in this presentation. Basically the evolution is divided into three main phases: the jet moving inside the progenitor; the jet just about break out of the progenitor; and the phase where the jet has broken out of the star and is now moving through the circumstellar medium. The resolution and 3D effects are also discussed. Still, as with all numerical work, the current investigation lacks in several aspects and needs improvement as well as further investigations.
A previous unknown 1855 Albion Notice: Whitman Outed as His Own Reviewer

Examines a previously unrecorded notice of the first edition of Leaves of Grass published in the September 8, 1855, issue of The Albion, which “becomes the earliest known outing of Whitman as a writer of his own reviews”; goes on to discuss the history of Whitman writing reviews of his own work.
Energy gaps and cohesive energy of Ge from the optimized effective potential.

The optimized effective potential (OEP) yields eigenfunctions which minimize the expectation value of the Hartree-Fock Hamiltonian (in this case with an added local-density-approximation correlation energy functional). Using an approximate OEP, which yields Ge eigenvalues and total energies to within a few meV of the exact OEP, we find the Ge indirect gap close to the experimental value and the direct gap somewhat too large. The cohesive energy is 1.2 eV less than the experimental value from which we conclude that standard correlation energy density functionals are inadequate for covalently bonded systems.
Amplitude distortion in transistor feedback amplifiers

The effects of amplitude distortion are frequently of considerable importance in the design of transistor feedback amplifiers. The analysis of distortion in a transistor amplifier is inherently more complex than in the vacuum-tube counterpart because of two factors. First, the transistor has an input conductance which is nonlinear and of appreciable magnitude in the normal operating frequency range of the device. Second, the device has internal coupling from output to input connections.
Electrophile tocopheryl quinones in apoptosis and mutagenesis: thermochemolysis of thiol adducts with proteins and in cells.

Electrophile tocopheryl quinones from the phenolic antioxidants γ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol form Michael adducts with the thiol nucleophile glutathione. These tocopheryl quinones are involved in cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and mutagenesis, and their biologic properties are associated with the depletion of intracellular thiols. We now show that both proteins and tissues treated with the electrophile γ-tecopheryl quinone (γ-TQ) form thiol adducts. The monoglutathion-S-yl derivative of γ-TQ was subjected to thermochemolysis with the strong methylating base tetramethylammonium hydroxide. GC/MS showed four signature peaks and a fragmentation pattern characteristic of the thiol adduct. Similarly, pure monoglutathion-S-yl and diglutathion-S-yl derivatives of δ-TQ were subjected to thermochemolysis, and GC/MS showed characteristic fragmentation patterns for thiol adducts. The four signature peaks were identified when pure proteins with accessible thiol groups (hemoglobin and histone), FBS, and tissue culture medium and cell preparations were treated with γ-TQ. Signature peaks in both complete medium and washed cells showed the presence of both soluble and insoluble thiol adducts. The effective or free arylating electrophile concentration in complete medium should always be evaluated in tissue culture studies. γ-TQ is a mutagen but not a genotoxin; therefore, the histone adduct may be a previously unrecognized histone modification involved in chromatin dynamics leading to mutagenesis.
MemorySanitizer: fast detector of uninitialized memory use in C++

This paper presents MemorySanitizer, a dynamic tool that detects uses of uninitialized memory in C and C++. The tool is based on compile time instrumentation and relies on bit-precise shadow memory at run-time. Shadow propagation technique is used to avoid false positive reports on copying of uninitialized memory. MemorySanitizer finds bugs at a modest cost of 2.5× in execution time and 2× in memory usage; the tool has an optional origin tracking mode that provides better reports with moderate extra overhead. The reports with origins are more detailed compared to reports from other similar tools; such reports contain names of local variables and the entire history of the uninitialized memory including intermediate stores. In this paper we share our experience in deploying the tool at a large scale and demonstrate the benefits of compile-time instrumentation over dynamic binary instrumentation.
CRT-125 The Role of Conventional Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Manual Thrombectomy and Mechanical Thrombectomy during Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

The evidence for the use of conventional percutaneous coronary intervention (cPCI), manual thrombectomy (MT) and mechanical thrombectomy (McT) during primary PCI (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is conflicting. Moreover, there is a dearth of direct evidence comparing MT
What not to wearable: using participatory workshops to explore wearable device form factors for blind users

In this paper we document two participatory design workshops conducted with a team of eight visually impaired adults that explored features and form factors for a wearable navigation technology. We compare and contrast our experiences conducting a low-fidelity prototyping activity using office supplies and a medium-fidelity prototyping activity using electronic components and a scenario-based approach. While both sessions produced designs with similar features and form factors, participant engagement was much higher during the medium-fidelity session primarily due to the tangible materials used and the more directed structure of the activity. We present the resulting designs as well as recommendations for participatory design prototyping methods for wearable technology development, particularly for people with vision impairments.
The Seduction of Self-Control: Hermas and the Problem of Desire

In both narrative passages and ethical precepts, the early Christian text The Shepherd of Hermas places great emphasis on the virtue of enkrateia, self-control or self-restraint. At the same time, surprisingly erotic elements appear, beginning with an opening scene in which Hermas observes a woman of beauty and character emerging from her bath. Epithumia, desire, is immediately problematized. Though the text?s continuing interplay between motifs of desire and self-restraint at times seems clumsy, one can argue that it is nevertheless coherent and linked to the text?s depiction of masculinity. In the end, The Shepherd of Hermas seems to narrate the key task in Christian self-formation not as the suppression or repression of desire, but as the exercise of techniques of self scrutiny that lead to the seductions of self-control, the luxuriousness of virtue, the manly surrender to holy desire.
Bone marrow metastases. A review

Although bone marrow examination is a common procedure in the evaluation of patients with cancer, its role and contribution have been questioned in recent years. This review deals with the clinical and biologic aspects of metastasis to the bone marrow. The discussion is focused on the common tumor types that involve marrow and the application of newer techniques for tumor detection in the marrow. Therapeutic and prognostic implications of bone marrow metastasis are significant in several clinical settings. The mechanisms by which tumor cells affect marrow function have not been completely defined.
Negotiating Gendered Religious Space: The Particularities of Patriarchy in an African American Mosque

Much research on women’s religious participation centers on their abilities to act within constricted institutional spaces. Drawing on five years of ethnographic fieldwork, this study analyzes how African American Muslim women use the mosque as a physical space to enact public performances of religious identity. By occupying, protecting, and appropriating spaces in the mosque for meaningfully gender-specific ways of engaging Islam, the women further a project of religious self-making that bonds African American Muslim women together. In their maneuverings of different forms of physical space as a sisterhood, the women enable themselves to resist gender, economic, and racial oppression. This study reveals that even within men-dominated religious organizations with limited symbolic and material spaces for women, women participants successfully exert agency over their own religious experiences.
“When I have a Bad Dream, Mommy Holds Me”: Preschoolers’ Conceptions of Emotions, Parental Socialisation, and Emotional Competence:

Described preschoolers' conceptions of the consequences of their own emotions within the family demonstrated the linkage between this aspect of social cognition and emotional competence with peers, and examined contributions of parental emotion to both child variables. A total of 77 4- and 5-year-olds enacted dollhouse vignettes depicting consequences of their emotions. Parents completed questionnaires on negative emotion and sharing of positive affect, and teachers rated children's emotional competence with peers. Children attributed plausible parental reactions to their own emotions; affective sharing/distress relief conceptions of parents' reactions were most strongly associated with emotional competence in the preschool classroom. Socialisation of emotion indices exerted both direct and indirect influences on emotional competence, and conceptions of parents' positive reactions also exerted a direct effect, as expected.
Simple Clinical Criteria to Determine the Prognosis of Heart Failure

Objective: To determine whether easily obtained clinical parameters serve as predictors of survival in patients with congestive heart failure. Several scoring systems to predict heart failure survi...
Materials Research for High Energy Density Electrochemical Capacitor

In April 2007, the Office of Basic Energy Science, United States Department of Energy organized and conducted a Basic Energy Sciences Workshop for Electrical Energy Storage at which basic research needs for capacitive energy storage were considered in detail. This paper is intended to highlight the materials research findings/needs of the workshop and to relate them to the development of high energy density capacitors that can have an energy density approaching that of lead acid batteries, a power density greater than that of lithium ion batteries, and cycle life approaching that of carbon/carbon double-layer capacitors. Capacitors inherently have long cycle life and high power capability so the key issue is how to increase their energy density with minimum sacrifice of their inherent cycle life and power advantages. This requires the development of electrode charge storage materials with an effective high specific capacitance (F/g) and high electronic conductivity. The most promising electrode materials appear to be optimized activated carbons, graphitic carbons, nanotube carbons, and metal oxides. Cells can be assembled that utilize one of these materials in the one electrode and another of the material in the other electrode. Such hybrid cells can operate at 3-4V using organic electrolytes and potentially can have energy densities of 15-25 Wh/kg. Initial research is also underway on solid-state, high energy density devices utilizing high dielectric materials (K>15000) which would operate at very high cell voltage. If such dielectric materials can be developed, these devices may have energy densities approaching those of lithium batteries.
A multidisciplinary approach to toxicological screening: III. Neurobehavioral toxicity

The neurobehavioral effects of 10 known toxicants were examined as part of a multidisciplinary screening battery. The toxicants included carbaryl (CAR), triadimefon (TDM), heptachlor (HEP), chlordane (CDN), diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), phenol, trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PER or perchlorethylene), and dichloromethane (DCM or methylene chloride). A functional observational battery and motor activity measurements were conducted before exposure, at specified times after an acute exposure, and during and after 14-d exposure. Severity scoring analysis was used to generate profiles of effect. The pesticides, CAR, TDM, HEP, and CDN, displayed the most acute neurotoxicity and were active at lower proportions of their respective acute LD50 values than were the solvents or the industrial chemicals. Although CAR and TDM showed little or no neurobehavioral effects with repeated dosing, cumulative neurotoxicity and lethality were evident with HEP and CDN. Phenol produced acute convulsive effects, and the most prominent finding with repeated exposure was lethality. DEHP displayed no neurobehavioral toxicity. The organic solvents, TCE, PER, CCl4, and DCM, produced various degrees of general nervous system depression following acute administration of high dose levels. Repeated dosing produced little or no effect with TCE or PER, marked physiological changes with CCl4, and cumulative toxicity and lethality with DCM. Some results of these studies were unexpected and should provide impetus for further research. Overall, these findings illustrate the utility of these screening methods.
An approach to anal sac diseases

Disease of the anal sacs is a common reason for presentation of dogs to a veterinary surgeon. It is less common in the cat. Little is known of the aetiology or pathogenesis of anal sac disease. Management of anal sac disease is, therefore, often symptomatic, frequently ending with surgical removal of the sacs as a response rather than a planned strategy.
Feedback effects between similarity and social influence in online communities

A fundamental open question in the analysis of social networks is to understand the interplay between similarity and social ties. People are similar to their neighbors in a social network for two distinct reasons: first, they grow to resemble their current friends due to social influence; and second, they tend to form new links to others who are already like them, a process often termed selection by sociologists. While both factors are present in everyday social processes, they are in tension: social influence can push systems toward uniformity of behavior, while selection can lead to fragmentation. As such, it is important to understand the relative effects of these forces, and this has been a challenge due to the difficulty of isolating and quantifying them in real settings.We develop techniques for identifying and modeling the interactions between social influence and selection, using data from online communities where both social interaction and changes in behavior over time can be measured. We find clear feedback effects between the two factors, with rising similarity between two individuals serving, in aggregate, as an indicator of future interaction -- but with similarity then continuing to increase steadily, although at a slower rate, for long periods after initial interactions. We also consider the relative value of similarity and social influence in modeling future behavior. For instance, to predict the activities that an individual is likely to do next, is it more useful to know the current activities of their friends, or of the people most similar to them?
Transarterial chemoembolization using DEBIRI for treatment of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

Purpose To establish the safety and efficacy of chemoembolization with drug eluting beads loaded with irinotecan (DEBIRI) in the treatment of hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of DEBIRI Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) was performed using LC beads loaded with 100mg of irinotecan. Twenty-eight patients were treated with 47 DEBIRI TACE procedures and followed from September 2008 to February 2012. Twenty-two (78.5%) had colon cancer metastases; 6 (21.5%) had metastases from rectal cancer. Age range was 43-82 years. Male to female ratio was 17:11. m-RECIST criteria was used to assess response. The Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program Common Terminology Criteria Adverse Events (CTCAE), Version 3.0 was used for capturing toxicity. Overall and progression free survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator using the SPSS 17.0 software. Results Three patients (15%) showed a complete response, 6 had a partial response (30%), disease progression was seen in 7 (35%) and 4 (20%) had stable disease; follow up CT scans were not available for 8 patients. Adverse effects (AE’s) included, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, epigastric pain and HTN, fever, insomnia, constipation, chest pain, pruritus, acid-base disturbances and grade 1 neutropenia; 5 patients did not have any adverse event. Median follow up was 6.9 months (range 0.2-35). The mean and median progression free survival were 5.2 months (95% CI: 3.0-7.3m) and 4.0 months (95% CI: 3.4-4.6m) respectively. The mean and median overall survival from date of first TACE procedure in our study were 14.1 months (95% CI 9.5-18.6 months) 13.3 months (95% CI 6.8-19.8 months) respectively. Conclusion DEBIRI can be used safely in the palliative treatment of hepatic metastases from mCRC. It is a well-tolerated feasible treatment option with a low AE profile.
Noncontact measurement of charge induced voltage shift in capacitive MEM-switches

The use of a modulated microwave signal to directly measure the voltage shift induced by charge in the dielectric layer of a capacitive microelectromechanical (MEM) switch is presented. This method does not require the metal bridge to contact the dielectric layer and is thus much less intrusive than previously reported measurements. The technique is a useful tool for understanding charge build up and dissipation in capacitive MEM switches.
Voices of the New Arab Public: Iraq, Al-Jazeera, and Middle East Politics Today

Voices of the New Arab Public: Iraq, Al-Jazeera, and Middle East Politics Today. By Marc Lynch. New York: Columbia University Press, 2006. 293p. $ 24.50.The book delves into the crucial subject of the new independent media and politics in the Middle East. It examines the changing landscape of Arab public discourse consequent to the proliferation of the new Arab media—al-Jazeera, Abu Dubai TV, al-Manar, al-Arabiya, al-Hurra, and a host of other satellite television stations—over the past decade. The study contends that these new Arab media outlets have freed the dissemination of information from the shackles of state control, challenged old taboos on open discussion, and generated free debate about pertinent political and social issues—culture and identity, political reform, Palestine, Islam and modernity, and Iraq, among others. All this marked the birth of a new diverse Arab public sphere, which ended the previously controlled and muted Arab public discourse and posed a challenge to the future of Arab politics and to U.S. diplomacy.