cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control structure interaction in the nonlinear analysis of flexible mechanical systems

The effect of the control structure interaction on the feedforward control law as well as the dynamics of flexible mechanical systems is examined in this investigation. An inverse dynamics procedure is developed for the analysis of the dynamic motion of interconnected rigid and flexible bodies. This method is used to examine the effect of the elastic deformation on the driving forces in flexible mechanical systems. The driving forces are expressed in terms of the specified motion trajectories and the deformations of the elastic members. The system equations of motion are formulated using Lagrange's equation. A finite element discretization of the flexible bodies is used to define the deformation degrees of freedom. The algebraic constraint equations that describe the motion trajectories and joint constraints between adjacent bodies are adjoined to the system differential equations of motion using the vector of Lagrange multipliers. A unique displacement field is then identified by imposing an appropriate set of reference conditions. The effect of the nonlinear centrifugal and Coriolis forces that depend on the body displacements and velocities are taken into consideration. A direct numerical integration method coupled with a Newton-Raphson algorithm is used to solve the resulting nonlinear differential and algebraic equations of motion. The formulation obtained for the flexible mechanical system is compared with the rigid body dynamic formulation. The effect of the sampling time, number of vibration modes, the viscous damping, and the selection of the constrained modes are examined. The results presented in this numerical study demonstrate that the use of the driving forees obtained using the rigid body analysis can lead to a significant error when these forces are used as the feedforward control law for the flexible mechanical system. The analysis presented in this investigation differs significantly from previously published work in many ways. It includes the effect of the structural flexibility on the centrifugal and Coriolis forces, it accounts for all inertia nonlinearities resulting from the coupling between the rigid body and elastic displacements, it uses a precise definition of the equipollent systems of forces in flexible body dynamics, it demonstrates the use of general purpose multibody computer codes in the feedforward control of flexible mechanical systems, and it demonstrates numerically the effect of the selected set of constrained modes on the feedforward control law.
Implications of The Nature of Technology for Teaching and Teacher Education

Beyond deeply understanding content and effective teaching strategies, teachers must understand the nature of their discipline as well as the nature of learning (Borko & Putnam, 1996). Genuinely understanding the nature of learning is the foundation for informed decision-making that takes into account students’ struggles and the dynamic classroom context (Clough, Berg & Olson, 2009).
Allowable limits for toxic leachables: practical use of ISO 10993-17 standard

Abstract: This chapter describes an approach for setting tolerable intake (TI) values for chemical compounds released from medical device materials based on the method described in the ISO 10993-17 standard (Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 17: Establishment of allowable limits for leachable substances). Practical advice is provided on how to derive both non-cancer and cancer-based TI values and recommendations are offered on how to account for potential toxicological interactions among the chemical constituents of an extract, how to derive a TI from an LD50 value (i.e., a dose associated with 50% death in exposed animals), and how to conduct route-to-route extrapolation of dose. The chapter also explores how the approach outlined in the ISO 10993-17 standard for derivation of TI values compares with methods developed by other groups for the establishment of safe exposure levels for environmental pollutants and impurities in drug substances and how to identify a key toxicity study to serve as the basis for the TI value.
Learning Through Play – A Delicate Matter: Experience-Based Recursive Learning in Computer Games

In the last several years, the debate on learning through digital games has reached a new quality on an interdisciplinary level. Computer games with an educational approach have managed to awaken the interests of the game industry, politicians, educators, and players. It is argued that computer games are a constructive tool to foster learning and to motivate learners. However, it remains basically uncharted which pathway experience takes within the playful learning process. While in present-day investigations learning is mostly understood as an act of acquiring knowledge and information, the following chapter will outline a novel but essential understanding of learning through play. It will be shown that “negative experiences,” such as irritations, failures, and disillusionments, enable learners to foster deep learning experiences. By referring to an educational and phenomenological understanding of experience-based learning, a concept of circular and recursive learning will be examined. Based on these educational investigations on learning, it will be outlined how deep and recursive processes of experiencing and learning proceed and how they affect our future research on learning in computer games.
NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCE OF THE glg C GENE CODING FOR ADP-GLUCOSE SYNTHETASE FROM E. COLI

Publisher Summary The majority of the nucleotide sequence of the glg C gene in the glycogen operon of E. coli has been determined by the method of Maxam and Gilbert. This chapter illustrates the sequenced regions. The sequence that codes for ADP-glucose synthetase has been used to predict the primary structure of this allosteric protein. The previously determined amino acid sequences of four cyanogen bromide peptides from ADP-glucose synthetase have aided in confirming portions of the nucleotide sequence. One of these amino acid sequences has previously been identified as a portion of the active site of the enzyme, while another has been shown to be involved with the binding of allosteric activators. An ultimate objective of this study is to determine the organization of the coding regions from the nucleotide sequence for the relative positions of the effector and the substrate sites of glg C gene product.
Perfectionism, Self-Esteem, and Self-Perception of Weight Combine to Predict Bulimic Symptoms

Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) is considered one of the most effective treatments in eliminating the core features of Bulimia Nervosa (Wilson & Fairburn, 1998). However, even here, effectiveness is limited. According to Wilson & Fairburn (1998), approximately half of all patients treated with CBT cease to binge and purge. Of the other half, some show slight improvement, while the others show no improvement at all. Of those women that are successfully treated, longitudinal studies are lacking in the literature to tell us if the treatment gains are long-standing and resilient. Amidst this lack of knowledge, there is hope and promise for cognitive psychotherapy in improving the treatment for bulimic individuals. Recent models of bulimia have emphasized social/personality factors that may underlie the processes associated with this disorder. These social/personality factors may be amenable to cognitive psychotherapy.
Optimized Stress Testing for Flexible Hybrid Electronics Designs

Flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) is emerging as a promising solution to combine the benefits of printed electronics and silicon technology. FHE has many high-impact potential areas, such as wearable applications, health monitoring, and soft robotics, due to its physical advantages, which include light weight, low cost and the ability conform to different shapes. However, physical deformations in the field can lead to significant testing and validation challenges. For example, designers must ensure that FHE devices continue to meet their specs even when the components experience stress due to bending. Hence, physical deformation, which is hard to emulate, has to be part of the test procedures for FHE devices. This paper is the first to analyze stress experience at different parts of FHE devices under different bending conditions. We develop a novel methodology to maximize the test coverage with minimum number of text vectors with the help of a mixed integer linear programming formulation. We validate the proposed approach using an FHE prototype and COMSOL Multiphysics simulations.
Can't see the wood for the trees: confounders, colliders and causal inference - a clinician's approach.

See companion article.1 The world cannot revolve and medicine cannot advance using randomised controlled trial (RCT) data alone. Increasing weight is, quite appropriately, being given to observational research. This is both in the context of answering important clinical questions and in the development of guidelines and policy. With that in mind, the quality of these observational studies is paramount, and quality needs to be appreciated at several levels, including methodology, interpretation and data transparency. There are plenty of examples of observational studies and RCTs failing to reach the same conclusions.2–4 Based on multifaculty input from 47 editors of the main respiratory, critical care and sleep journals, in a recent consensus statement in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society , Lederer and colleagues publish guidance on how to control for confounders and report results in observational studies.5 Investigation of the causal effect of an exposure (eg, risk factor) on a health outcome in observational studies is not straightforward. Despite a very rich epidemiological and statistical literature covering all issues and methods available to address them, this literature can be a difficult read for clinical researchers—and help from a methodologist is not always at hand. By simplifying complex statistical concepts using accessible language and simple graphical displays, articles like the review by Lederer and colleagues play an important role in making clinical researchers aware of the main …
Visual temporal frequency preference shows a distinct cortical architecture using fMRI

Abstract Studies of visual temporal frequency preference typically examine frequencies under 20 Hz and measure local activity to evaluate the sensitivity of different cortical areas to variations in temporal frequencies. Most of these studies have not attempted to map preferred temporal frequency within and across visual areas, nor have they explored in detail, stimuli at gamma frequency, which recent research suggests may have potential clinical utility. In this study, we address this gap by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure response to flickering visual stimuli varying in frequency from 1 to 40 Hz. We apply stimulation in both a block design to examine task response and a steady-state design to examine functional connectivity. We observed distinct activation patterns between 1 Hz and 40 Hz stimuli. We also found that the correlation between medial thalamus and visual cortex was modulated by the temporal frequency. The modulation functions and tuned frequencies are different for the visual activity and thalamo-visual correlations. Using both fMRI activity and connectivity measurements, we show evidence for a temporal frequency specific organization across the human visual system.
Novel Type II Bragg Grating Structures in Silica Fibers Using Femtosecond Lasers and Phase Masks

This review paper presents recent developments on the fabrication of novel thermally stable Type II fiber Bragg grating structures using femtosecond lasers and the phase mask technique. By manipulating the inscription beam and phase mask designs, exotic grating structures, such as ultrashort gratings <100 μm in length, Fabry-Perot structures or π-phase shifted structures can be created that are stable at high temperatures. These novel structures can also be created directly through protective polymer coatings such as polyimide, thus simplifying their manufacture.
A network-centric perspective on the microscale mechanisms of complex impedance in carbon nanofiber-modified epoxy

Abstract Carbon nanofiller-modified polymers have received enormous attention from the research community for a diverse range of applications including self-sensing and structural health monitoring (SHM). It is well known that nanocomposites become electrically conductive with the addition of sufficiently many nanofillers to surpass the percolation threshold. The relation between direct current (DC) conductivity and nanofiller networking has been thoroughly elucidated via expansive efforts aimed at electrically modeling the microstructure of nanofiller-modified polymers. Beyond DC conductivity, it is also well known that nanocomposites exhibit complex, frequency-dependent electrical properties. However, the underlying network-centric mechanisms of complex impedance have received less dutiful treatment. Most work on nanocomposite alternating current (AC) properties have emphasized the development of macroscale equivalent circuit models. Even though such models can adeptly replicate net input-output responses, they ignore the microstructure of the material. This is an important oversight because the microstructure intrinsically drives the macroscale response. Therefore, the work herein presented seeks to advance the state of the art by developing a microscale computational percolation model to understand the underlying network-centric mechanisms of nanocomposite complex impedance. The proposed network connectivity model is calibrated against experimental data obtained from carbon nanofiber (CNF)-modified epoxy, and a sensitivity study is conducted in order to elucidate how network properties impact overall impedance. This results in key revelations not available from prevailing macroscale equivalent circuit models. Insights herein obtained could be critically important to producing exotic, next-generation nanocomposites with highly optimized or application-specific electrical admittivity and/or piezoimpedivity.
“La lucha todavía no ha terminado”/The struggle has not yet ended: Teaching immigration through testimonio and difficult funds of knowledge

In spite of immigration’s influential role in American history and politics, contemporary issues in immigration are rarely addressed in elementary classrooms. This instrumental case study of a bilingual social studies methods course in an elementary teacher preparation program examined projects focused on immigration and related executive orders issued by newly elected President Trump in the spring of 2017. The lessons and student conversations analyzed revealed the importance of providing young learners with nuanced and thoughtful opportunities for testimonio , or personal narrative, that address the difficult funds of knowledge that immigrant children and the children of immigrants may possess, such as personal experiences with deportation and detention. In the midst of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States and around the world, the preservice teachers’ work offers possibilities for powerful, student-centered pedagogies and counter-narratives at the elementary level.
A Data Driven Approach for Smart Lighting

Smart lighting for commercial buildings should consider both the overall energy usage and the occupants' individual lighting preferences. This paper describes a study of using data mining techniques to attain this goal. The lighting application embraces the concept of Office Hotelling, where employees are not assigned permanent office spaces, but instead a temporary workplace is selected for each check-in staff. Specifically, taking check-in workers' light requirements as inputs, a collective classification strategy was deployed, aiming at simultaneously predicting the dimming levels of the shared luminaries in an open office sharing light. This classification information, together with the energy usages for possible office plans, provides us with lighting scenarios that can both meet users' lighting comfort and save energy consumption. We compare our approach with four other commonly used lighting control strategies. Our experimental study shows that the developed learning model can generate lighting policies that not only maximize the occupants' lighting satisfaction, but also substantially improve energy savings. Importantly, our data driven method is able to create an optimal lighting scenario with execution time that is suitable for a real-time responding system.
Risky Business: Assessing the Generalizability of the PCAOB's Risk-Based Inspection Reports for Annually Inspected Audit Firms

Existing research has found that the PCAOB inspection results of small (triennially inspected) audit firms provide incremental information about audit quality, but research has not documented a sim...
Finite volume based asymptotic homogenization theory for periodic materials under anti-plane shear

Abstract A finite volume based approach is employed in the solution of unit cell problems at different orders of the asymptotic field expansion to construct a homogenization theory for anti-plane shear loading of unidirectional fiber-reinforced periodic structures. This new construction complements and further extends our recent contribution to asymptotic homogenization based on locally-exact elasticity unit cell solutions, He and Pindera (2020), to unit cells with multiple inclusions of arbitrary shapes. The present approach builds upon the previously developed finite-volume direct averaging micromechanics theory applicable under uniform strain fields, and extends it to account for strain gradients and non-vanishing microstructural scale relative to structural dimensions. The unit cell problems at different orders of the asymptotic field expansion are solved by satisfying local equilibrium equations in each subvolume of the discretized microstructure in a surface-averaged sense. This facilitates construction of local stiffness matrices at the subvolume level and subsequent assembly into the global stiffness matrix for the unit cell response under uniform and gradient strain fields. Comparison of the calculated microfluctuation functions and associated stress fields under uniform and gradient strain fields with those reported in the literature verifies the finite volume asymptotic solutions. The new theory's ability to accurately recover local fields is further illustrated through comparison with the direct numerical solution of a periodic structure with varying number of inclusions under gradient loading. The proposed homogenization approach is an efficient and accurate alternative to current numerical techniques for the analysis of periodic materials experiencing strain gradients regardless of microstructural scale, inclusion shape and number, demonstrated by analyzing arrays characterized by elliptical and square inclusions and multi-inclusion unit cells.
Deep Learning Basics

This chapter provides a brief introduction to deep learning. We introduce different types of deep neural networks, including feedforward neural networks, convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and Transformer networks, describe the training and optimization of deep neural networks, and discuss the advantages of deep neural networks.
Attaining interprofessional competencies by connecting oral health to overall health

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an annual oral-systemic health interprofessional education (IPE) clinical simulation and case study experience with nurse practitioner/midwifery (NP/MW), dental (DDS), medical (MD), and pharmacy (PharmD) students. METHODS The Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Scale (ICCAS) was used to measure students' self-reported attainment of interprofessional competencies before and after the IPE experience. Pre- and post-test surveys were completed by NP/MW, DDS, MD, and PharmD student cohorts from 2017 to 2019. Students also had the opportunity to provide qualitative feedback about their experience at post-test. Data were collected from IPE faculty facilitators to assess their perception of the value of the Teaching Oral-Systemic Health (TOSH) program. RESULTS Student ICCAS results demonstrated statistically significant improvement in self-reported interprofessional competencies among all types of students across all 3 years (P < 0.001); qualitative student comments reflected positive experiences with the TOSH program. Survey data from IPE faculty facilitators supported the value of the IPE experience for all students. CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the TOSH program in using oral-systemic health as a clinical exemplar to develop interprofessional competencies. The 2017-2019 data reinforce the credibility of scaling the TOSH model for developing interprofessional competencies with students from different health professions.
Management of Postoperative Hypercalcitoninemia in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is an uncommon tumor, representing 1–3% of human thyroid cancers, which derives from calcitonin-producing parafollicular C-cells. Twenty-five percent of MTC cases are familial and bear activating germline mutations in the RET gene, encoding a receptor tyrosine kinase. Among nonfamilial cases, 40% of tumors have somatic RET mutations, predominantly the high-risk M918T allele. Early nodal metastasis is a characteristic feature of MTC. Distant metastases involving the mediastinum, lung, liver, and bone become prevalent in patients with calcitonin levels >500 pg/mL. Management of postoperative hypercalcitoninemia in MTC focuses on initial prognostic assessment, based on TNM stage, calcitonin doubling time, and RET mutation status. Imaging decisions are keyed by the degree of calcitonin and CEA elevation. Treatment options include watchful waiting in many cases, reoperation with palliative or occasionally curative intent, rarely external beam radiation therapy, and oral tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Vandetanib and cabozantinib are first-generation, multikinase inhibitors with RET inhibitory activity. Selpercatinib is a second-generation, highly selective RET inhibitor.
Nanoporous Gold Monolith for High Loading of Unmodified Doxorubicin and Sustained Co-Release of Doxorubicin-Rapamycin

Nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely explored for delivering doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, to minimize cardiotoxicity. However, their efficiency is marred by a necessity to chemically modify DOX, NPs, or both and low deposition of the administered NPs on tumors. Therefore, alternative strategies should be developed to improve therapeutic efficacy and decrease toxicity. Here we report the possibility of employing a monolithic nanoporous gold (np-Au) rod as an implant for delivering DOX. The np-Au has very high DOX encapsulation efficiency (>98%) with maximum loading of 93.4 mg cm−3 without any chemical modification required of DOX or np-Au. We provide a plausible mechanism for the high loading of DOX in np-Au. The DOX sustained release for 26 days from np-Au in different pH conditions at 37 °C, which was monitored using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Additionally, we encased the DOX-loaded np-Au with rapamycin (RAPA)-trapped poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) to fabricate an np-Au@PLGA/RAPA implant and optimized the combinatorial release of DOX and RAPA. Further exploiting the effect of the protein corona around np-Au and np-Au@PLGA/RAPA showed zero-order release kinetics of DOX. This work proves that the np-Au-based implant has the potential to be used as a DOX carrier of potential use in cancer treatment.
Clinical and videofluoroscopic outcomes of laparoscopic treatment for sliding hiatal hernia and associated gastroesophageal reflux in brachycephalic dogs

Objective To describe a laparoscopic technique for treatment of sliding hiatal hernia (SHH) and associated gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in brachycephalic dogs and document clinical and videofluoroscopic outcomes postoperatively. Study design Prospective clinical trial. Animals Eighteen client-owned dogs. Methods A three-port laparoscopic approach was used. Intracorporeal suturing was used for hiatal plication and esophagopexy, and left-sided laparoscopic or laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy was performed. A standardized canine dysphagia assessment tool (CDAT) questionnaire was completed by owners pre- and postoperatively. Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) were used to evaluate esophageal function, and impedance planimetry was used to assess lower esophageal sphincter geometry preoperatively and in a subset of dogs postoperatively. Results Median age was 27.5 (range 5-84) months. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 1 (5.5%) of 18 dogs. Regurgitation after eating, and associated with activity/exercise, improved significantly when comparing pre- and postoperative CDAT assessments. Hiatal hernia and GER severity scores improved significantly between pre- and postoperative VFSS assessments, whereas SHH and GER frequency scores did not. One dog developed pneumothorax intraoperatively, underwent cardiopulmonary arrest, and died. Minor complications included splenic (n = 6) and hepatic lacerations (n = 3) that did not require specific therapy. Conclusion A laparoscopic approach to treatment of SHH and GER led to improvements in clinical and VFSS indices in the majority of brachycephalic dogs. However, a subset of dogs still demonstrated some clinical signs postoperatively. Clinical relevance In experienced hands, laparoscopic treatment of SHH and GER offers a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery.
Improving the Medium-Term Forecasting of Space Weather: A Big Picture Review From a Solar Observer's Perspective

Our scientific understanding of the solar drivers of Space Weather, i.e. Coronal Mass Ejections, flares, and solar energetic particles, has improved considerably in the last 20+ years thanks to a plethora of space missions and modeling advances. Yet, there has been no major breakthrough in assessing the geo-effectiveness of a given CME and associated phenomena, largely holding back actionable medium-term (up to 7 days) forecasting of Space Weather. Why is that? To search for answers, I first summarise the results of the last 20+ years of research on solar drivers by collecting lessons-learned and identifying paradigm shifts in our view of solar activity, always in relation to Space Weather concerns. Then, I review the state of the key observational-based quantities used in forecasting, which allows me to identify the choke points and research gaps that drive the current medium-term forecasting performance. Finally, I outline a path forward consisting of the measurements with the strongest potential to improve space weather forecasting horizon and robustness.
Advancing Equity Planning Now

In a career that spanned more than 54 years, Norman Krumholz (1927–2019) led the way for municipal planners seeking to plan and build neighborhoods and cities that were more responsive to our socie...
Digital Diasporas: Identity and Transnational Engagement

In the first full-length scholarly study of the increasingly important phenomenon of digital diasporas, Jennifer M. Brinkerhoff examines how immigrants who still feel a connection to their country of origin use the internet. She argues that digital diasporas can ease security concerns in both the homeland and the host society, improve diaspora members' quality of life in the host society, and contribute to socio-economic development in the homeland. Drawing on case studies of nine digital diaspora organizations, Brinkerhoff's research supplies new empirical material regarding digital diasporas and their potential security and development impacts. She also explores their impact on identity negotiation, arguing that digital diasporas create communities and organizations that represent hybrid identities and encourage solidarity, identity, and material benefits among their members. The book also explores these communities' implications for policy and practice.
Differential induction of apoptosis in undifferentiated and differentiated HL-60 cells by DNA topoisomerase I and II inhibitors

The effects of monocytic/macrophage and granulocytic differentiation induced by phorbol myristate acetate (TPA) and all-trans retinoic acid, respectively, were tested on the induction of apoptosis in human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells treated with topoisomerase I and II inhibitors. Using a filter-binding assay, we observed a strong inhibition of DNA fragmentation induced by 3- and 24-hour continuous exposure to camptothecin, VP-16, VM-26, and m-AMSA in TPA-differentiated cells. The inhibition of the typical internucleosomal DNA fragmentation was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. By contrast, drug-induced DNA fragmentation was not inhibited in retinoic acid-differentiated cells, and apoptosis occurred in these cells after 4 to 5 days in the absence of drug treatment. The TPA inhibitory effect was maximal after 24 hours of treatment and was correlated with differentiation, because phorbol dibutyrate ester was active, whereas 4-alpha-TPA, a nontumor promoter that does not induce differentiation, was not active. Using alkaline elution, we observed that TPA and retinoic acid differentiation were associated with changes in topoisomerase-mediated DNA breaks that were not correlated with their differential effects on drug-induced DNA fragmentation. Moreover, TPA also inhibited DNA fragmentation induced by vinblastine, cycloheximide, calphostin C, and x-rays. Using a cell-free system, we observed that DNA fragmentation was not inhibited in nuclei from TPA-differentiated cells. Rather, inhibition of apoptosis seemed to take place in the cytoplasm. We conclude that phenotypic changes associated with TPA-induced differentiation include inactivation of a cytoplasmic activity that can induce DNA fragmentation associated with apoptosis.
Establishing health standards for indoor foreign proteins related to asthma: dust mite, cat and cockroach.

There is no doubt that a large number of individuals become allergic to foreign proteins that are predominantly or exclusively present indoors. In each case this immune response can be demonstrated either by immediate skin test responses or by measuring serum IgE antibodies. It has also been obvious for some time that patients presenting with asthma, perennial rhinitis and atopic dermatitis have an increased prevalence of IgE antibodies to these indoor allergens. More recently several epidemiological surveys have suggested that both mite exposure and IgE antibodies are important risk factors for asthma. The present situation is that assays have been developed capable of measuring the presence of mite, cockroach and cat allergens in house dust. Further clinical studies will be necessary to test the proposed standards for mite allergens and to define risk levels for other allergens.
Origins of Trade-offs in Maternal Care

Mother Nature A History of Mothers, Infants, and Natural Selection. Sarah Blaffer Hrdy. Pantheon, New York, 1999. 745 pp. $35, C$49.95. ISBN 0-679-44265-0. Through her discussions of a wide range of ethnographic and historical summaries and anecdotes, Hrdy presents an evolutionary perspective on the diverse decisions women reach on when and how much to invest in children.
Spatially resolved studies of charge-density-wave dynamics and phase slip in NbSe 3

Phase slip is a process of fundamental importance in charge-density-wave (CDW) systems, allowing addition and removal of CDW phase fronts and conversion between single-particle and CDW current [1]. Here we describe spatially-resolved measurements of CDW structure and transport in NbSe3 that illuminate the mechanisms underlying phase slip and the effects of slip on other CDW phenomena in this material.
Electroreflectance in metals

A brief outline of developments in the past ten years in the field of electromodulation spectroscopy of metals is given, emphasizing only those points the authors believe are important for future work in this field. Attention is directed primarily to the determination of modulation mechanisms in the metal.
Characterization of the F198S prion protein mutation: enhanced glycosylation and defective refolding.

Prion diseases are associated with the accumulation of a misfolded, protease resistant form of the prion protein, PrP res . In humans there are a variety of different prion related diseases that are sporadic, inherited, or acquired by infection. Gerstmann- Straussler-Sheinker syndrome (GSS) is an inherited prion disease in which PrP res accumulates as amorphous aggregates as well as in amyloid plaques. GSS has been associated with a variety of point mutations in the prion protein: 102, 105, 117, 131, 145, 187, 198, 202, 212, 217, and 232. The F198S mutation was discovered in a large Indiana kindred. Previous studies in vitro have shown that the 198 mutation results in structural instability of the prion protein. In the current study, we demonstrate in a cell model that the F198S mutant protein can be folded properly in a cellular context, but is unable to refold to a native state after denaturation. Further, the F198S mutation significantly affects glycosylation of the mutant protein.
Microprocessor interfacing laboratory

This paper summarizes the rationale behind the revision of a microcomputer laboratory course involving hardware software co-design and the integration of microcontroller based systems with a general-purpose microprocessor System. The revised course replaces aging custom hardware with a high-performance PDA running Linux and a feature rich FPGA prototyping board. The resulting course objectives and content as well as early experiences are highlighted.
LUNG COMPLIANCE AND LUNG VOLUME MEASURED CONCURRENTLY IN NORMAL FULL-TERM AND PREMATURE INFANTS.

Lung compliance and functional residual capacity have been measured simultaneously, using a body plethysmograph, in 35 full-term and 29 premature infants. The results suggest the following conclusions: 1. Lung compliance increases in the early hours of life, while no significant change of FRC is demonstrated. This may reflect a true alteration of lung tissue properties. 2. Specific lung compliance in full-term infants older than 24 hours of age is similar to that of older children and young adults. 3. Premature infants have a larger FRC/kg of body weight than full-term infants, but, when lung weight is used as the basis for comparison, the FRC in infants of all weights is similar. 4. In evaluating infants with the respiratory distress syndrome, one should be aware of the small specific lung compliance noted in full-term infants younger than 3 hours of age.
Ab initio studies of F−(H2O)n and Cl−(H2O)n clusters for n = 1, 2

Ab initio Hartree–Fock calculations are performed on hydrates of the F− and Cl− ions using 6-31G, 6-31G**, and 6-21G basis sets. Geometries and binding energies are obtained. An estimate of the correlation energy is provided by an MP2/6-31G (Moller-Plesset second-order perturbation) calculation. Comparisons are made between the Cl−(SO2) and the Cl−(H2O) complexes.
Creation and functional analysis of new Puroindoline alleles in Triticum aestivum

The Hardness (Ha) locus controls grain texture and affects many end-use properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The Ha locus is functionally comprised of the Puroindoline a and b genes, Pina and Pinb, respectively. The lack of Pin allelic diversity is a major factor limiting Ha functional analyses and wheat quality improvement. In order to create new Ha alleles, a 630 member M(2) population was produced in the soft white spring cultivar Alpowa using ethylmethane sulfonate mutagenesis. The M(2) population was screened to identify new alleles of Pina and Pinb. Eighteen new Pin alleles, including eight missense alleles, were identified. F(2) populations for four of the new Pin alleles were developed after crossing each back to non-mutant Alpowa. Grain hardness was then measured on F(2:3) seeds and the impact of each allele on grain hardness was quantified. The tested mutations were responsible for between 28 and 94% of the grain hardness variation and seed weight and vigor of all mutation lines was restored among the F(2) populations. Selection of new Pin alleles following direct phenotyping or direct sequencing is a successful approach to identify new Ha alleles useful in improving wheat product quality and understanding Ha locus function.
Transurethral injection of bulking agents for stress urinary incontinence following orthotopic neobladder reconstruction in women

ABSTRACT Purpose: The clinical efficacy of transurethral bulking agents for the treatment of new onset urinary incontinence following radical cystectomy and orthotopic lower urinary tract reconstruction in women was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Between 1990 and 2002, 101 female patients with primary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were treated with radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction. Of the 101 patients 12 (12%) underwent treatment for new onset urinary incontinence following exenterative surgery with transurethral injection of bulking agents, including collagen in 11 and nonabsorbable pyrolytic carbon coated beads in 1. Results: A total of 25 injections were administered to 12 female patients with a mean age of 75.4 years following orthotopic neobladder reconstruction. Mean followup was 22.5 months (range 2 to 51). Two of the 12 patients (16.7%) reported complete continence and were considered cured, although subjective complaints of urinary frequency persisted. Four patients (33%) had decreased objective average daily pad use (6.75 to 2.25) and 6 (50%) showed no subjective or objective improvement in symptomatology. Conclusions: Although injection of urethral bulking agents is a minimally invasive treatment for stress urinary incontinence following orthotopic neobladder reconstruction, long-term results in patients with severe disease show a less than optimal durable response.
Influence of hydrogen bonding on excitonic coupling and hierarchal structure of a light-harvesting porphyrin aggregate

Helical porphyrin nanotubes of tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP) were examined in DCl/D2O solution using resonance Raman and resonance light scattering spectroscopy to probe the influence of hydrogen bonding on the excitonic states. Atomic force microscopy reveals similar morphology for aggregates deposited from DCl/D2O and from HCl/H2O solution. Deuteration results in subtle changes to the aggregate absorption spectrum but large changes in the relative intensities of Raman modes in the J-band excited resonance Raman spectra, revealing relatively more reorganization along lower-frequency vibrational modes in the protiated aggregate. Depolarization ratio dispersion and changes in the relative Raman intensities for excitation wavelengths spanning the J-band demonstrate interference from overlapping excitonic transitions. Distinctly different Raman excitation profiles for the protiated and deuterated aggregates reveal that isotopic substitution influences the excitonic structure of the J-band. The deuterated aggregate exhibits a nearly two-fold increase in intensity of resonance light scattering as a result of an increase in the coherence number, attributed to decreased exciton-phonon scattering. We propose that strongly coupled cyclic N-mers, roughly independent of isotopic substitution, largely decide the optical absorption spectrum, while water-mediated hydrogen bonding influences the further coherent coupling among them when they are assembled into nanotubes. The results show that, similar to natural light-harvesting complexes such as chlorosomes, hydrogen bonding can have a critical influence on exciton dynamics.
Syncope and orthostatic hypotension

Abstract purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the postural blood pressure response over time, the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in patients with syncope, and the relationship of orthostatic hypotension to recurrence of symptoms. patients and methods: We prospectively evaluated 223 patients with syncope in a standardized manner. Orthostatic responses were measured in a standardized fashion at 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 minutes or until symptoms occurred. Follow-up was obtained at 3-month intervals. Causes of syncope were assigned by predetermined criteria. results: Orthostatic hypotension (20 mm Hg or greater systolic blood pressure decline) was found in 69 patients (31%). The median time to reach minimal standing systolic blood pressure was 1 minute for all subjects. In patients with orthostatic hypotension (20 mm Hg or greater), mean time to reach minimum blood pressure was 2.4 minutes. The vast majority of patients with significant orthostatic hypotension had this finding within 2 minutes of standing. Orthostatic hypotension was common in patients for whom other probable causes of syncope were assigned. The recurrence of syncope was not related to the degree of orthostatic hypotension; however, the recurrence of dizziness and syncope as endpoints was lower in patients with 20 mm Hg or greater systolic blood pressure reductions as compared with patients with lesser degrees of orthostatic blood pressure declines. conclusion: Orthostatic hypotension is common in patients with syncope and is detected in the vast majority of patients by 2 minutes. Although symptom recurrence on follow-up was lower in patients with more severe orthostatic hypotension, the clinical significance of this finding needs to be further defined by future studies.
The ultrastructure of lobule boundary cells and Leydig cell homologs in the testis in a cichlid fish, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum.

The ripe testis of Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum was found to contain both lobule boundary cells and interstitial Leydig cells. The latter possessed large quantities of cytoplasmic smooth membrane suggestive of steroid secretion, and mitochondria with both tubular and vesicular cristae. A large proportion of the mitochondria from mature Leydig cells contained microtubule-like inclusions of unknown function, which were absent from cells still in the process of differentiation. It is suggested that the Leydig cells may be responsible for testicular androgen production. Lobule boundary cells were somewhat variable in fine structure, some cells possessing mainly cisternal granular endoplasmic reticulum while the majority contained considerable amounts of tubular smooth membrane and little of the granular form. Clear evidence was found of an intimate association of the developing spermatids with the lobule boundary cells which may therefore be homologous with the Sertoli cells of other groups. Most lobule boundary cells contained granules thought to represent deposited glycogen but there was no indication of transfer of nutrients to the spermatids. The ultrastructure of the lobule boundary cells is compatible with a possible steroidogenic function.
Effect of Altered Thyroid Status on Desmethylimipramine Mortality in Mice

IN previous papers we have directed attention to the enhancement of imipramine mortality in mice by hyper-thyroidism and its diminution by propylthiouracil pre-treatment1,2. One of the major metabolites of imipramine is its demethylated product, desmethylimipramine (DMI)3, and this compound is said to be responsible for the antidepressant effect of the drug4,5. DMI is more potent than imipramine in antagonizing reserpine sedation in rats4 and in potentiating the reaction of cat nictitating membrane to norepinephrine6. For these reasons it seemed of interest to ascertain the effect of thyroid status on DMI mortality according to the previous technique.
A review of nursing interventions to foster becoming a mother.

Objective To determine the current state of knowledge of nursing interventions that foster the process of becoming a mother. Data Sources A literature search was conducted using CINAHL and PubMed electronic databases and other key references. Study Selection Reports on nursing intervention research published in English that focused on a facet of maternal behavior in the process of becoming a mother during pregnancy or during the first 4 months following birth, or both, were included. Twenty eight reports were found. Data Extraction Studies were reviewed, categorized, and analyzed and interventions synthesized to determine the current knowledge base for fostering becoming a mother. Categories included instructions for infant caregiving, building awareness of and responsiveness to infant interactive capabilities, promoting maternal‐infant attachment, maternal/social role preparation, and interactive therapeutic nurse‐client relationships. Data Synthesis Interactive therapeutic nurse‐client relationships and maternal/social role preparation had greater impact on variables indicating progress in becoming a mother than formal teaching. Instructions without nurse input were ineffective. Conclusions Interactive reciprocal nursing interventions are the most effective in enhancing mother‐infant interactions and maternal knowledge about infant care. Evidence is limited on how to foster the mother's feelings about herself in becoming a mother and attachment to her infant. JOGNN, 35,568‐582; 2006. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552‐6909.2006.00080.x
What niche will newer class III antiarrhythmic drugs occupy

The decline in the use of sodium channel blockers has led to an expanding use of β-blockers and complex class III agents such as sotalol and amiodarone for controlling cardiac arrhythmias. Success with these agents in the context of their side effects has spurred the development of compounds with simpler ion channel-blocking properties with less complex adverse reactions. The resulting so-called pure class III agents were found to have antifibrillatory effects in atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter, as well as in ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Pure class III compounds are effective in inducing acute chemical conversion of AF, in preventing paroxysmal AF, and in maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with persistent AF restored to sinus rhythm. Examples of such compounds are dofetilide, which selectively blocks IKr, and ibutilide, available only as an intravenous agent, which blocks the IKr and augments the inactivated Na+ current in atrial myocytes. Dofetilide and ibutilide have been introduced into clinical practice. Azimilide is the first of the class III agents that blocks both components (IKr and IKs) of the delayed rectifier current, which may confer certain electrophysiologic advantages. The potential therapeutic niche of ibutilide, dofetilide, and azimilide in the control of cardiac arrhythmias forms the basis of this review.
The role of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate in dopaminergic inhibition of prolactin release in anterior pituitary cells.

The relationship between cAMP stimulation and dopaminergic inhibition of PRL release was studied in primary cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells. Bromocriptine, a dopaminergic agonist, and cholera enterotoxin, isobutylmethylxanthine, theophylline, and 8-bromo-cAMP, agents which mimic cAMP action or cause increases in cAMP, were used. Short term PRL release (that which occurs within 1 or 2 h) was stimulated 1.5- to 2-fold by all of the cAMP agents. Bromocriptine (5 nM) decreased basal release and completely abolished any short term stimulation above basal caused by cholera enterotoxin and 8-bromo-cAMP. Isobutylmethylxanthine and theophylline did cause some stimulation of PRL release above basal, but the magnitude of the increase was half that in the absence of bromocriptine. The short term release stimulated by 8-bromocAMP was dependent on extracellular calcium. PRL accumulation in the medium for 1–3 days was increased by all of the cAMP agents. A long term increase caused by these agents was also obse...