cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Orientation distribution functions obtained via polarized Raman spectroscopy of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers

Polarized Raman microspectroscopy was used to analyze uniaxially oriented fibers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). A full analysis of bands at 1616, 998, and 1096 cm-1 is reported for cylindrically symmetric PET fibers. Average orientation and crystal orientation are obtained from the 1616 and 998 cm-1 band, respectively. Although both the 1096 and the 998 cm-1 bands are related to the crystallinity, the second Legendre polynomial of the 1096 cm-1 band, P2,1096, is substantially smaller than for the 998 cm-1 band, P2,998. In addition, P2,1096 is not related to the birefringence of the samples, and there is no simple relationship between P2,1096 and P2,998. The orientation distribution functions (ODFs) for these vibrations were obtained by assuming a Gaussian distribution with a tilt angle relative to the fiber axis and specific to each vibration. The 1616 cm-1 band has a tilt angle of 23 ± 4°, and the ODF becomes narrower as molecular orientation increases. The 998 cm-1 band has a tilt angle of appro...
Quasi-static manipulation of a Kirchhoff elastic rod based on a geometric analysis of equilibrium configurations

Consider a thin, flexible wire of fixed length that is held at each end by a robotic gripper. Any curve traced by this wire when in static equilibrium is a local solution to a geometric optimal control problem, with boundary conditions that vary with the position and orientation of each gripper. We prove that the set of all local solutions to this problem over all possible boundary conditions is a smooth manifold of finite dimension that can be parameterized by a single chart. We show that this chart makes it easy to implement a sampling-based algorithm for quasi-static manipulation planning. We characterize the performance of such an algorithm with experiments in simulation.
The Role of in Vitro Gene Expression Profiling in Particulate Matter Health Research

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is consistently associated with increased morbidity and mortality rate. The mechanisms for these adverse health effects have been vigorously investigated for many years, but remain uncertain, in part due to the complex interactions between host and exposure. Over the past decade, the use of global gene expression profiling has increased to investigate molecular changes in an attempt to gain more insight into the complex mechanisms that underlie the adverse health effects induced by PM. These experiments have been performed mostly in cell cultures, in part due to the easy availability and maneuverability of different cell types. Whether or not the results obtained from these in vitro experiments are relevant to human exposure is unclear. In this study, cell culture studies were reviewed that used microarray technology to measure global gene expression in response to PM and the findings discussed in the context of global gene expression results obtained from animal and human exposure studies. Ten in vitro studies were identified from PubMed that reported global gene expression results in response to PM exposure. Despite difference in cell types, microarray platforms, incubation time, and PM sources and doses, these experiments showed commonality in the expression of genes and pathways, especially xenobiotic metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These gene expression profiles were consistent with results from animal and human controlled exposure experiments. The in vitro experiments also uncovered novel biological mechanisms that may be important in PM-induced health effects reported in epidemiological studies. Data indicate that in vitro microarray experiments complement animal and human exposure studies and allow the PM-associated health research to focus on the "toxic" components in PM and novel mechanisms, and may enhance risk assessment beyond the current mass-based standards.
Late Holocene paleoecology of the Southern Plains

Analyses of pollen and land snails from rocksheter sites in the Osage Hills of northeastern Oklahoma indicate that the period 2000-1000 yr B.P. was moister than today. During that time, colonies of the prairie vole Microtus ochrogaster were present in the Texas Panhandle. About 1000 yr B.P. the climate changed to dry conditions that have persisted to the present. Disjunct colonies of small mammals in Texas became extinct at the beginning of the dry episode, thereby establishing the composition of the modern fauna. The climatic model for the origin of the Panhandle Aspect (A.D. 1200–1500) is questioned on the grounds that the Southern Plains experienced a long period of dry climate commencing A.D. 950.
Recent results on the deposition of diamond thin films by arcjet plasmas and diagnostic measurements of the plasma-surface region

Abstract A gas jet is extracted from a dc arc in hydrogen with approximately 1% added hydrocarbons; polycrystalline diamond grows below the stagnation point of the jet on silicon and tantalum substrates. The diamond film is studied by ex-situ surface Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The arcjet is examined by optical emission spectroscopy, laser induced fluorescence, mass spectroscopy and electrostatic probes. We discuss the results of the deposition experiments and correlations with the diagnostic measurements. Comparisons with model predictions are also made.
A Refined Method for the Determination of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cell Wall Composition and β-1,6-Glucan Fine Structure

In yeast and other fungi, cell division, cell shape, and growth depend on the coordinated synthesis and degradation of cell wall polymers. We have developed a reliable and efficient micro method to determine Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall composition that distinguishes between beta1,3- and beta1,6-glucan. The method is based on the sequential treatment of cell walls with specific hydrolytic enzymes followed by dialysis. The low molecular weight (MW) products thus separated account for each particular cell wall polymer. The method can be applied to as little as 50-100 mg (wet wt) of radioactively labeled cells. A combination of chitinase and recombinant beta-1,3-glucanase is initially used, releasing all of the chitin and 60-65% of the beta1,3-glucan from the cell walls. Next, recombinant endo-beta-1,6-glucanase from Trichoderma harzianum is utilized to release all the beta-1,6-glucan present in the wall. The chromatographic pattern of endoglucanase digested beta-1,6-glucan provides a characteristic "fingerprint" of beta-1,6-glucan and the fine structure of the oligosaccharides in this pattern was determined by 1H NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. The final enzymatic step uses laminarinase and beta-glucosidase to release the remaining beta-1,3-glucan. The cell wall mannan remains as a high MW fraction at the end of the fractionation procedure. Good sensitivity and correlation with cell wall composition determined by traditional methods were observed for wild-type and several cell wall mutants.
Design of a Novel Prosthetic Socket: Assessment of the Thermal Performance

Abstract Prosthetic liners and sockets insulate the residual limb, causing excessive sweating and concomitant skin maceration. When coupled with atypical loading conditions, further dermatologic problems can arise. This can significantly reduce the quality of life of an amputee patient. Improving the design of the prosthetic socket has been proposed as a means of reestablishing a normal thermal environment around the residual limb. In this study, a prosthetic socket was modified by incorporating a helical cooling channel within the socket wall using additive manufacturing techniques. Two sockets were modeled: a control socket, and a modified socket containing a 0.48 cm diameter cooling channel. Computer simulations and bench-top testing were used to assess the design׳s ability to create a greater temperature differential across the socket wall. A greater temperature drop across the socket wall suggested that the socket could provide cooling benefits to the residual limb by allowing for heat to be drawn away from the limb. The temperature difference across the socket wall was calculated for both sockets in each aspect of the study. Both socket type ( p =0.002) and location on the socket ( p =0.014) were statistically significant factors affecting the temperature difference between inner and outer socket walls. Compared with the control socket, the modified socket containing a helical cooling channel exhibited greater temperature differences across its wall of 11.1 °C and 6.4 °C in the computer simulations and bench-top testing, respectively. This finding suggested that socket modifications, such as the cooling channel presented, could provide a beneficial cooling effect to an amputee patient׳s residual limb.
Iliac fracture after a bone marrow biopsy.

Rehabilitation care and consultations for oncology patients are expanding as both patients and physicians determine which ongoing therapies may be appropriate, and consultations for these patients will continue to increase as quality-of-life expectations and optimal post-treatment function are addressed. Physiatrists are consulted to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of multiple issues that may be contributing to a patient’s failure to progress in therapy or recover from an illness, as well as to aid in the patient’s transition to the next level of care. It is important to realize that iatrogenic complications are a consideration for this population, given the variety of treatments and invasive procedures to which they are subjected. Along with bone marrow aspiration, a bone marrow trephine biopsy (ie, the removal of a small core of bone marrow) may be indicated in persons with hematopoietic malignancies to evaluate bone marrow cellularity and involvement and to search for evidence of infiltration [1]. Although these procedures are not without risk, complications are rare and include bleeding with reports of retroperitoneal hemorrhage, infection, tumor seeding, and needle breakage. Sternal aspiration poses special risks because of the relatively thin layer of bone at the site of evaluation, which may lead to penetration of the sternum, with potentially fatal cardiovascular complications. Performing a sternal biopsy is contraindicated for this reason [2,3]. The most typical bone marrow biopsy site is the posterior iliac crest. Postprocedure pain at this site is common. Very rare complications have been reported in the literature, such as gluteal compartment syndrome with transient neuropathy caused by bleeding after the biopsy [4], osteomyelitis, and fracture thought to be a result of osteoporosis [5]. We report an iatrogenic fracture that occurred at the biopsy site and was diagnosed while the patient was in acute care, preparing for his course of rehabilitation.
Interaction between scene-based and array-based contextual cueing

Contextual cueing refers to the cueing of spatial attention by repeated spatial context. Previous studies have demonstrated distinctive properties of contextual cueing by background scenes and by an array of search items. Whereas scene-based contextual cueing reflects explicit learning of the scene–target association, array-based contextual cueing is supported primarily by implicit learning. In this study, we investigated the interaction between scene-based and array-based contextual cueing. Participants searched for a target that was predicted by both the background scene and the locations of distractor items. We tested three possible patterns of interaction: (1) The scene and the array could be learned independently, in which case cueing should be expressed even when only one cue was preserved; (2) the scene and array could be learned jointly, in which case cueing should occur only when both cues were preserved; (3) overshadowing might occur, in which case learning of the stronger cue should preclude learning of the weaker cue. In several experiments, we manipulated the nature of the contextual cues present during training and testing. We also tested explicit awareness of scenes, scene–target associations, and arrays. The results supported the overshadowing account: Specifically, scene-based contextual cueing precluded array-based contextual cueing when both were predictive of the location of a search target. We suggest that explicit, endogenous cues dominate over implicit cues in guiding spatial attention.
Diabetic hepatosclerosis: a novel entity or a rare form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Objective This study sought to characterize a noncirrhotic form of hepatic sinusoidal fibrosis in patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus (DM) who underwent liver biopsy. The authors suggest that diabetic hepatosclerosis is distinct from other hepatic manifestations of DM. Methods Clinical records, detailed light microscopy results, and immunohistochemical preparations of twelve diabetic patients presenting with characteristic histologic findings were reviewed. Liver biopsy slides were evaluated for the degree of perisinusoidal, perivenular, and portal fibrosis, along with other histologic findings. When available, unstained biopsy sections were used for additional immunohistochemical analyses. Medical records were examined for relevant clinical data. Patients were chosen from Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. Results All patients presented with a long-standing history of DM and most had evidence of microvascular complications resulting in end-organ damage. Alkaline phosphatase elevation was common. Immunohistochemical staining of liver biopsies showed basement membrane components in a perisinusoidal distribution. Hematoxylin-eosin and trichrome staining of the biopsies revealed dense perisinusoidal fibrosis while lacking other features commonly seen in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Conclusions These findings suggest a form of diabetic microangiopathy affecting the liver, described as diabetic hepatosclerosis. Further investigation must be done to understand the pathogenesis and clinical significance of this novel entity.
Spatial structure changes in /sup 4/He at fixed density as a function of temperature

X-ray scattering techniques have been used to determine changes in spatial order when cooling /sup 4/He below T/sub lambda/ at several fixed values of the density. The results show surprisingly little density dependence and are relevant to the discussion of condensate fraction determinations in /sup 4/He.
SLOW DEVELOPMENT AND SPECIAL INTERESTS

This article argues that a natural implication of an innovation-based theory of growth is that slow development facilitates the formation of special interest groups. We demonstrate this in a growth model where innovations take the form of new goods and new production processes, and where factor suppliers in individual industries can organize to form rent-extracting special interest groups. We then examine the effect these groups have on an economy's subsequent development. We find that these groups can retard an economy's development for extended periods, but not permanently. Their long-run effect is to increase the volatility of the development process.
Globalization, Vulnerability to Climate Change, and Perceived Injustice

ABSTRACT As the earth's climate begins to shift into a hotter and less predictable period, there is a basic injustice in who will suffer worst and first. Nations facing rising oceans and drought are those least responsible for the problem, and they have the least resources to cope with them. To evaluate claims of environmental injustice, we examine three cases where the first signs of climate change are being felt worst and first: murderous flooding from Hurricane Mitch in Honduras, rising sea levels swamping entire Pacific Island atoll nations, and devastation from flooding among squatter settlements in Mozambique. In each case these nations are suffering not only because of bad geography or management. Rather, because of their colonial past and current positions in the world economy, they are brutally vulnerable to forces outside their control. We conclude by offering an explanation for generalized mistrust among Southern nations vis-a-vis Northern nations and the Kyoto treaty.
Solution for plane strain forward and backward extrusions with a fractional reduction R =0.5 by the integartion depending on a parameter

A parameter t is introduced to boundary slip line of rigid regions for plane strain and indirect extrusions with a fractional reduction R=0.5. Integration by substitution has been used along the boundary slip line in order to obtain the extrusion pressure. By the integration depending on a parameter, the following results are obtained, $$\bar p/2R = 1.29$$ and die pressure is 5.14k for backward extrusion; $$\bar p/2R = 1.29$$ and pad average pressure is 2.57k for forward extrusion. All the results from this method are the same as those of the conventional solution.
Two theorems on interpolation of operators

Let b,(t) denote special atoms, b: I-x, II) + R, b(t) = 1/2x or for any interval I in I--n, n), b(t) = -IIl-““xR(t) + IZI-“P~L(t), L is the left half of I, R the right half; 111 denotes length of I and xB the characteristic function of E. For f < p < co, let BP= (f: I-n,~)-+ R; f(t)=Ca,b,(t), (*) JJa,l < co). We endow B’ with the norm [lfllsD = Inf C la,I, where the infimum is taken over all possible representations off: If (*) is replaced by C la,lp < co, the space BP will be called Cp with “norm” IIf&., = Inf 2 la,lp. Then we have
Solutions to Affine Generalized Equations Using Proximal Mappings

The normal map has proven to be a powerful tool for solving generalized equations of the form: find z e C, with 0 e F(z) + NC(z), where C is a convex set and NC(z) is the normal cone to C at z. In this paper, we use the T-map, a generalization of the normal map, to solve equations of the more general form: find z e dom(T), with 0 e F(z) + T(z), where T is a maximal monotone multifunction. We present a path-following algorithm that determines zeros of coherently oriented piecewise-affine functions, and we use this algorithm, together with the T-map, to solve the generalized equation for affine, coherently oriented functions F, and polyhedral multifunctions T. The path-following algorithm we develop here extends the piecewise-linear homotopy framework of Eaves to the case where a representation of a subdivided manifold is unknown.
Direct growth of aligned carbon nanotubes on bulk metals

There are several advantages of growing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) directly on bulk metals, for example in the formation of robust CNT-metal contacts during growth. Usually, aligned CNTs are grown either by using thin catalyst layers predeposited on substrates or through vapour-phase catalyst delivery. The latter method, although flexible, is unsuitable for growing CNTs directly on metallic substrates. Here we report on the growth of aligned multiwalled CNTs on a metallic alloy, Inconel 600 (Inconel), using vapour-phase catalyst delivery. The CNTs are well anchored to the substrate and show excellent electrical contact with it. These CNT-metal structures were then used to fabricate double-layer capacitors and field-emitter devices, which demonstrated improved performance over previously designed CNT structures. Inconel coatings can also be used to grow CNTs on other metallic substrates. This finding overcomes the substrate limitation for nanotube growth which should assist the development of future CNT-related technologies.
Photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy of multiple Nd 3 + sites in Nd-implanted GaN

Site-selective photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectroscopies were carried out at 6 K on the ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ emissions from the ${}^{4}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{{F}_{3/2}}}^{4}{I}_{11/2}$ transition in Nd-implanted GaN grown by metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition. A detailed investigation of the ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ PL spectra excited by selected wavelengths of above-gap and below-gap pump light has detected multiple, distinct ${}^{4}{\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{{F}_{3/2}}}^{4}{I}_{11/2}$ ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ emission spectra characteristic of five different ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ sites in the Nd-implanted GaN. The site-selective PLE spectra detected at emission wavelengths characteristic of each of these distinct ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ PL bands include spectral features representative of excitation by above-gap absorption, by direct sharp-line ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ $4f$-shell absorption, and by broad, below-gap absorption bands attributable to defects and impurities and a possible isoelectronic trap associated with one of the five ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ sites. It is concluded that the ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ site that is excited by direct sharp-line ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ $4f$-shell absorption is the dominant or highest concentration ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ center. The excitation mechanisms for the other four ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ sites all involve the nonradiative transfer of energy from impurity- or defect-related traps to neighboring rare-earth atoms. These multiple excitation mechanisms closely parallel those observed previously in the PLE studies of GaN:Er. The similarities and relationships between the ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{3+}$ and ${\mathrm{Er}}^{3+}$ PL and PLE spectra in GaN, and the implications for the trap-mediated excitation mechanisms, are discussed.
The Histology of Human Glaucoma Cupping and Optic Nerve Damage: Clinicopathologic Correlation in 21 Eyes

We have examined by light and electron microscopy the retina, optic nervehead, and optic nerves of 21 human eyes from glaucoma patients in whom clinical information was available for comparison. In several cases it was possible to correlate the degree and distribution of optic nerve damage with the clinical appearance of the optic disc and visual field studies. There was no selective loss of astrocytes of the optic nervehead in early glaucoma cupping. Acquired increases in optic disc cup size prior to detectable visual field loss probably represent loss of ganglion cell axonal fibers which is not yet significant enough to produce field defects. It is unlikely that the mechanism of axonal damage in chronic human glaucoma involves early loss of astrocytic glial cells at the optic nervehead. At the level of the retrobulbar optic nerve, the ganglion cell axonal fibers of the superior and inferior quadrants seem to be lost earlier than the fibers of the nasal and temporal nerve periphery. Since the superior and inferior poles of the optic nerve may contain the fibers of arcuate area ganglion cells, these data confirm the presumption from visual field testing that arcuate area ganglion cell fibers are selectively more susceptible to damage in chronic glaucoma.
Isolation of podophyllotoxin from Callitrus drummondii.

Aqueous suspensions and extracts of the dried needles of Callitrus drummondii have been shown to be tumor inhibiting against Sarcoma 37 in mice. Hydrolysis of the water extract has given a good yield of podophyllotoxin which is a known tumor-inhibiting substance.
Modular conformal scaling group evidenced in lepton-quark mass

Lepton-quark mass may reflect a correspondence in spacetime structure described by a modular conformal scaling group. Stemming in part from a spacetime line element correspondenceds → (expλ n)ds in which the eight quantitiesλ 0,λ 1, ...,λ 7 constitute a closed set under a modular addition, the associated formula for lepton-quark mass (yielding values at the 1 GeV scale for the leptons and lighter quarks and at the physical pole for the top) is conjectured to bem=m fQ2(exp −λ n), wherem f=10.245 TeV is the progenitor fermion mass,Q is the charge number of the lepton or quark, and the modular group parameterλ n is indexed by a fermion principal quantum numbern that depends on three mutually independent projection operators.
Truncated taylor series approximation to the state transition matrix of a continuous parameter finite Markov chain

Abstract A readily computable bound is established for the error in approximating the transition matrix for a continuous parameter Markov chain.
Creep–Environment Interactions in Dwell-Fatigue Crack Growth of Nickel Based Superalloys

A multi-scale, mechanistic model is developed to describe and predict the dwell-fatigue crack growth rate in the P/M disk superalloy, ME3, as a function of creep–environment interactions. In this model, the time-dependent cracking mechanisms involve grain boundary sliding and dynamic embrittlement, which are identified by the grain boundary activation energy, as well as, the slip/grain boundary interactions in both air and vacuum. Modeling of the damage events is achieved by adapting a cohesive zone (CZ) approach which considers the deformation behavior of the grain boundary element at the crack tip. The deformation response of this element is controlled by the surrounding continuum in both far field (internal state variable model) and near field (crystal plasticity model) regions and the intrinsic grain boundary viscosity which defines the mobility of the element by scaling up the motion of dislocations into a mesoscopic scale. This intergranular cracking process is characterized by the rate at which the grain boundary sliding reaches a critical displacement. A damage criterion is introduced by considering the grain boundary mobility limit in the tangential direction leading to strain incompatibility and failure. Results of simulated intergranular crack growth rate using the CZ model are generated for temperatures ranging from 923 K to 1073 K (650 °C to 800 °C), in both air and vacuum. These results are compared with those experimentally obtained and analysis of the model sensitivity to loading conditions, particularly temperature and oxygen partial pressure, are presented.
Regulation of the Acute Phase Response by Cytokines

Cytokines appear to function as part of a complex regulatory network, a signaling language in which informational content resides in the combinations, and perhaps sequence, of cytokines and other extracellular messenger molecules received by a cell. The effects of combinations of cytokines are complex and often differ from their in vitro effects or when administered by themselves. (From this perspective, to use a somewhat crude simile, individual cytokines can be thought of as words which bear informational content. Although individual cytokines may, on occasion, communicate a complete message, more commonly the actual messages received by cells probably resemble sentences, in which it is the combination and sequence of words which convey information.) Currently available data suggest an in vivo scenario in the acute phase response in which the hepatocyte receives a complex mixture of humoral or paracrine signals which are integrated by multiple interacting post-receptor and gene regulatory mechanisms to cause finely regulated changes in plasma protein synthesis. Regulation often occurs by transcriptional control, but post-transcriptional mechanisms, including translational regulation, may participate. Both the extracellular and intracellular mechanisms that mediate the response of the hepatocyte to inflammatory stimuli appear to be highly complex and involve multiple overlapping, concurrent, and parallel pathways. Enough is known at present to conclude that IL-6 is a major participant in these changes in man. Regulation of non-hepatocyte acute phase phenomena has not been delineated as thoroughly, but clearly involves a number of cytokines.
The characterization of mutant Bacillus subtilis adenylosuccinate lyases corresponding to severe human adenylosuccinate lyase deficiencies.

Adenylosuccinate lyase is a homotetramer that catalyzes two discrete reactions in the de novo synthesis of purines: the cleavage of adenylosuccinate and succinylaminoimidazole carboxamide ribotide (SAICAR). Several point mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme have been implicated in human disease. Bacillus subtilis adenylosuccinate lyase was used as a model system in which mutations were constructed corresponding to those mutations associated with severe human adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency. Site-directed mutagenesis was utilized to construct amino acid substitutions in B. subtilis adenylosuccinate lyase; Met10, Ile123, and Thr367 were replaced by Leu, Trp, and Arg, respectively, and the altered enzymes were expressed in Escherichia coli. These purified enzymes containing amino acid substitutions were found to have substantial catalytic activity and exhibit relatively small changes in their kinetic parameters. The major deviations from the wild-type-like behavior were observed upon biophysical characterization. All of these enzymes with amino acid replacements are associated with marked thermal instability. I123W adenylosuccinate lyase exhibits notable changes in the circular dichroism spectra, and a native gel electrophoresis pattern indicative of some protein aggregation. T367R also exhibits alterations at the quarternary level, as reflected in native gel electrophoresis. Experimental results, combined with homology modeling, suggest that the altered enzymes are primarily structurally impaired. The enzyme instability was found to be lessened by subunit complementation with the wild-type enzyme, under mild conditions; these studies may have implications for the in vivo behavior of adenylosuccinate lyase in heterozygous patients. Residues Met10, Ile123, and Thr367 appear to be located in regions of the enzyme important for maintaining the structural integrity required for a stable, functional enzyme.
Safe Patient Handling and Movement: A Literature Review

Purpose Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) as a result of patient handling tasks occur at high rates for nursing staff and other patient care providers. Patient care providers perform high-risk patient handling tasks including lifting, transferring, ambulating, and repositioning patients. Continuous performance of these tasks places a patient care provider at risk for development of a MSD. MSDs affect a healthcare organization financially and impact the core of a hospital—the health of the workforce. The purpose of this research was to study the impact of a safe patient handling and movement program on healthcare worker injury, costs and job satisfaction. Methods A critical review of the safe patient handling literature was conducted. Findings A safe patient handling and movement (SPHM) program decreases overall work injury costs and improves healthcare worker job satisfaction. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Reduced work injuries, decreased injury costs, improved patient outcomes validated in research and employees feeling the support of their employer all contribute to a program that moves an organization toward a culture of safety.
Transnational campuses: Obstacles and opportunities for institutional research in the global education market

This chapter highlights some of the issues that need to be addressed when operating international campuses and provides a list of questions to help guide relevant institutional research.
Hydroxyurea synchronization of bovine fetal spleen cells

Abstract Hydroxyurea (HU) was shown to be an effective synchronization agent for bovine fetal spleen (BFS) cells. Following exposure of cells to 2 mM HU for 32 h, DNA synthesis above background levels was not observed. BFS cells released from the HU block by washing began to synthesize DNA immediately. Within 2 h, 80–85% of the cells were in S phase, as determined by autoradiography, and the maximum rate of DNA synthesis occurred 2–4 h following removal of HU. The rapid induction of DNA synthesis in BFS cells and the high percentage of cells synthesizing DNA immediately after removal of HU demonstrate that HU produces a highly synchronized population of S phase BFS cells. Although RNA and protein synthesis were maintained at near normal rates early after cells were exposed to HU, the rates decreased to 40–50% of those observed in cells seeded in medium without HU by the time of release. These reduced rates of synthesis of RNA and protein in the absence of DNA synthesis may account for the low toxicity of HU for BFS cells.
Finite element modeling and in vivo analysis of electrode configurations for selective stimulation of pudendal afferent fibers

Intraurethral electrical stimulation (IES) of pudendal afferent nerve fibers can evoke both excitatory and inhibitory bladder reflexes in cats. These pudendovesical reflexes are a potential substrate for restoring bladder function in persons with spinal cord injury or other neurological disorders. However, the complex distribution of pudendal afferent fibers along the lower urinary tract presents a challenge when trying to determine the optimal geometry and position of IES electrodes for evoking these reflexes. This study aimed to determine the optimal intraurethral electrode configuration(s) and locations for selectively activating targeted pudendal afferents to aid future preclinical and clinical investigations. A finite element model (FEM) of the male cat urethra and surrounding structures was generated to simulate IES with a variety of electrode configurations and locations. The activating functions (AFs) along pudendal afferent branches innervating the cat urethra were determined. Additionally, the thresholds for activation of pudendal afferent branches were measured in α-chloralose anesthetized cats. Maximum AFs evoked by intraurethral stimulation in the FEM and in vivo threshold intensities were dependent on stimulation location and electrode configuration. A ring electrode configuration is ideal for IES. Stimulation near the urethral meatus or prostate can activate the pudendal afferent fibers at the lowest intensities, and allowed selective activation of the dorsal penile nerve or cranial sensory nerve, respectively. Electrode location was a more important factor than electrode configuration for determining stimulation threshold intensity and nerve selectivity.
A NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE BREAKOUT MODEL FOR CORONAL MASS EJECTION INITIATION

A leading theory for the initiation of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) is the breakout model, in which magnetic reconnection above a filament channel is responsible for disrupting the coronal magnetic field. We present the first simulations of the complete breakout process including the initiation, the plasmoid formation and ejection, and the eventual relaxation of the coronal field to a more potential state. These simulations were performed using a new numerical code that solves the numerical cavitation problems that prevented previous simulations from calculating a complete ejection. Furthermore, the position of the outer boundary in the new simulations is increased out to 30 R☉, which enables determination of the full structure and dynamics of the ejected plasmoid. Our results show that the ejection occurs at a speed on the order of the coronal Alfven speed and hence that the breakout model can produce fast CMEs. Another key result is that the ejection speed is not sensitive to the refinement level of the grid used in the calculations, which implies that, at least for the numerical resistivity of these simulations, the speed is not sensitive to the Lundquist number. We also calculate, in detail, the helicity of the system and show that the helicity is well conserved during the breakout process. Most of the helicity is ejected from the Sun with the escaping plasmoid, but a significant fraction (of order 10%) remains in the corona. The implications of these results for observation and prediction of CMEs and eruptive flares is discussed.
A Hybrid Approach for Land Use/Land Cover Classification

Atlanta has continuously changed its physical landscape as well as its socioeconomic appearance over the past decades. A hybrid image processing approach, which integrated unsupervised, supervised, and spectral mixture analysis (SMA) classification methods, was used to identify urban land use/land cover changes over a decade (from 1990 to 2000) in the Atlanta metropolitan area. During this process, SMA was proven to be an effective analytical approach for characterizing mixed feature areas, such as a metropolitan area. According to accuracy assessment, the classification results were acceptable.
The caking of granular fertilizers: An investigation on a laboratory scale

Preliminary consideration suggested a technique for studying the caking of granular fertilizers on a laboratory scale similar to that used in soil mechanics. An apparatus and technique were devised, and details of these are given. Time of storage of the fertilizer is found to be an important factor, and caking is rapid in the first few days. Preliminary investigations on the effect of chemical composition showed setting to be more serious when ammonium sulphate (I), superphosphate (2) and muriate of potash (3) were all present than when only (I) and (2), or (2) and (3) were included. Free acid content seemed to have little effect nor had light ammoniation of the superphosphate. Moisture content is related to caking, which has been reduced to negligible amounts by drying down to less than I% free moisture. Caking increases with the temperature, and this indicates the desirability of cooling. The correlation between the test developed and the results obtained on the large scale is discussed, and is shown to be sufficiently good for the test to be of considerable value.
Civil-Military Relations: How Wide Is the Gap?

Kudos to International Security for addressing the important issue of civil-military relations and to Ole R. Holsti for carefully marshaling data on that subject over a period of two decades. With so much ferment in this aeld, the appearance of Holsti’s “A Widening Gap between the U.S. Military and Civilian Society? Some Evidence, 1976– 96” was most timely.1 The question mark in the title was also well considered. Holsti attempted to prove that “partisan and ideological chasms dividing civilian and military leaders have widened substantially”; that there have been “some substantial differences between civilian and military leaders” on foreign and domestic policy issues; and that we urgently need to “bridge or at least narrow the chasm between” civilian and military leaders (p. 8). These “themes,” however, require, even in Holsti’s view, so much qualiacation that one wonders whether any fact or trend that he has discovered has ever had or will ever have a signiacant impact on public policy, the acid test of any major problem in civil-military relations. Let me arst confess a predisposition to skepticism on the “gap” issue. During a military career that spanned twenty-eight years, I spent nearly eight of them in the Pentagon where I observed high-level civil-military relations from the vantage points of the Army Staff (1985–89), the Oface of the Secretary of Defense (1989–91), and the Oface of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1996–98). In October 1997, at the Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society conference in Baltimore, I encountered a group of academic experts who believed that the military had exceeded its professional boundaries on the formulation of national policy during General Colin Powell’s tenure as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Many of them also believed that there was a growing and dangerous gap between civilian and military perspectives or preferences on any number of issues. Although all of them were quick to add that they did not see an imminent danger of a revolt or mutiny by the armed forces, it was clear that many of them did see serious problems in the ofang.
High Energy Phosphate Metabolism in Experimental Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia: An in vivo 31P Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study

Relative levels of phosphate metabolites in the brain were examined in vivo by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in 50 Sprague-Dawley rats before, during, and after induction of focal permanent cerebral ischemia. After acquisition of baseline spectra, rats were subjected to injury within the core of the MR spectrometer, and 31P spectra were collected for 60 min after injury: in 7 rats, permanent, acute focal cerebral ischemia was induced (ischemia group); in 6 rats, mild hypoxia (FiO2 14%) was induced at the time of the ischemic insult and was maintained for 20 min (ischemia-hypoxia group); in 6 rats, mild hypoxia (FiO2 14%) only was induced for 20 min (hypoxia group). Control studies were performed in 25 rats. Cerebral intracellular pH, calculated from the chemical shift of inorganic phosphate (Pi), decreased immediately after injury in the ischemia and ischemia-hypoxia groups. The first 31P spectrum obtained after injury was characterized by an increase in Pi and a decrease in phosphocreatine (P...
A Possible Association between Melanoma and Prostate Cancer. Results from a Case-Control-Study

Melanoma and prostate cancer are the fifth and first most common cancers in men within the United States, respectively. The association between the two cancers lies in the mutual androgen-dependence. However, the relationship between prostate cancer history and melanoma development remains to be further elucidated. We aim to determine the odds of history of prostate cancer among men with melanoma as compared to time-frame, clinic, and provider-matched controls without melanoma within a single academic surgical center. We present a case-control study comparing men treated for melanoma and non-melanoma cancer by a single provider between 2010 and 2014 within an academic dermatologic surgical center. Overall, there were nine cases of prostate cancer among the melanoma group and two cases amongst the controls—a statistically significant difference in both uni- and multivariable analyses (p = 0.057 [95% CI 1, 23.5], p = 0.042 [95% CI 1.1, 129], respectively). Body mass index, alcohol use, and skin type II were significant risk factors for melanoma (p = 0.011 [95% CI 1, 1.3], 0.005 [95% CI 1.4, 7], 0.025 [95% CI 1.1, 3.3], respectively). There were more immunosuppressed controls (p = 0.002); however, the melanoma patients had a significantly longer duration of immunosuppression (11.6 vs. 1.9 years, p < 0.001 [95% CI 0.03, 0.5]). Melanoma screenings for men should include questions on prostate cancer history. Prostate cancer patients may benefit from more frequent and comprehensive melanoma screening.
Performance analysis of Bessel beamformer with LMS algorithm for smart antenna array

The objective of this paper is to analyze the mathematical model of Bessel beamformer with least mean square (LMS) beamforming algorithm using offset quadrature phase shift keying (OQPSK)which is one of the efficient digital modulation techniques. The desired user is placed at an angle 20 degree and all other users as interfering signals in a Rayleigh fading scenario. The performance is judged in terms of signal recovery, directive gain, minimum mean square error (MMSE), saving in transmitted power and rate of convergence. The analysis demonstrates that minimization of MSE can be an important technique for the optimization of a weight vector to enhance gain and capacity.
DNA polymerase III of Gram-positive eubacteria is a zinc metalloprotein conserving an essential finger-like domain.

DNA polymerase III (pol III) of Gram-positive eubacteria is a catalytically bifunctional DNA polymerase:3‘-5‘ exonuclease [Low, R. L., Rashbaum, S. A., and Cozzarelli, N. R. (1976) J. Biol.Chem. 25...
Virally-directed fluorescent imaging (VFI) can facilitate endoscopic staging

Replication-competent, tumor specific herpes simplex virus NV1066 expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) in infected cancer cells. We sought to determine the feasibility of GFP-guided imaging technology in the intraoperative detection of small tumor nodules. Human cancer cell lines were infected with NV1066 at multiplicities of infection of 0.01, 0.1 and 1. Cancer cell specific infectivity, vector spread and GFP signal intensity were measured by flow cytometry and time-lapse digital imaging (in vitro); and by use of a stereomicroscope and endoscope equipped with a fluorescent filter (in vivo). NV1066 infected all cancer cell lines and expressed GFP at all MOIs. GFP signal was significantly higher than the autofluorescence of normal cells. One single dose of NV1066 spread within and across body cavities and selectively infected tumor nodules sparing normal tissue. Tumor nodules undetectable by conventional thoracoscopy and laparoscopy were identified by GFP fluorescence. Virally-directed fluorescent imaging (VFI) is a real-time novel molecular imaging technology that has the potential to enhance the intraoperative detection of endoluminal or endocavitary tumor nodules.
A matched-pairs comparison of single and multichannel cochlear implants in children.

Auditory capabilities of Nucleus 22 ® multichannel cochlear implant users were compared to those of matched 3M/house ® single-channel users. Six children who received either the 3M/House or Nucleus 22 cochlear implants were separated into three matched pairs. Group 1 consisted of two postlinguistically deafened adolescents, group 2 consisted of two prelinguistically deafened school-age children, and group 3 consisted of two perilinguistically deafened preschoolers
The importance of differentiating urban and rural phenomena in examining the unequal distribution of locally desirable land

Previous research addressing the unequal distribution of locally desirable land (LDL) has mainly ignored their associated environments (i.e., rural or urban). However, this study proposed a new framework that treats rural and urban regions separately. In rural areas, the LDLs included all public lands. In urbanized areas, the LDLs were defined as green open spaces. Potential inequities in the distribution of LDL were assessed with respect to socioeconomic characteristics of residents in the State of Georgia. Using US Census Bureau Data (2000), Census Block Groups (CBGs) adjacent to LDLs were compared to CBGs outside of LDLs on four socioeconomic variables (per capita income, occupation, education, and race) in urban, suburban and rural environments. Results showed that CBGs adjacent to LDLs were composed of statistically significant upper-class communities containing fewer blue-collar workers, more whites, and higher income and higher educated people in rural, suburban and urban areas.
Dependence of bacteriophage ø29 DNA packaging on ionic conditions studied by optical tweezers manipulation of single DNA molecules

The bacteriophage φ29 portal motor is capable of packaging the φ29, 19.3 Kbp, genome to high density into its preformed capsid. The packaging process must overcome the forces due to confining the highly negative charge of the DNA to a small volume, as well as the forces due to bending the DNA on length scales smaller than one persistence length. Both of these energetic considerations can be modulated by the ionic nature of the buffer DNA packaging occurs in. To measure the effects of DNA charge shielding on the packaging process, we studied the dynamics of DNA packaging by optical tweezers in a variety of different ionic conditions. We looked at the effects monovalent, divalent, and trivalent cations have on the motor function and its dependence on external force and, we observed the rate of DNA packaging at nominal force as a function of capsid filling. Specifically, we varied the concentrations of Na + , Mg +2 , and cobalt hexamine in the solution bathing the bacteriophage during packaging to see what effects, if any, these cations have. From these measurements, we present an inferred internal force as a function of percent filling of the bacteriophage capsid in a variety of ionic environments. Preliminary analysis suggests the ionic environment can modulate internal pressure, with the presence of higher valence cations better shielding the packaged DNA resulting in lower internal pressures.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw--do bisphosphonates pose a risk?

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a potential complication of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates. Dr. John Bilezikian asks whether there is a relationship between bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw and what might explain it.