cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Materials and approaches for on-body energy harvesting

The human body is a challenging platform for energy harvesting. For thermoelectrics, the small temperature differences between the skin and air necessitate materials with low thermal conductivities in order to maintain useful output powers. For kinetic harvesting, human motion is not strongly tonal, the frequencies are very low, and the accelerations are modest. Kinetic harvesting can be split into two categories—inertial, in which human motion excites an inertial mass–the motion of which is transduced to electricity, and clothing integrated, in which the harvesting material is integrated with a garment or other flexible wearable system. In the first case, key issues are the electromechanical dynamics of the system and materials with improved electromechanical transduction figures of merit. In the second case, materials that provide flexibility, stretchability, and comfort are of primary importance.
Longevity, Genetics of

Genes influence human longevity through their effects on development, maturation, metabolic rate, and behavior, on the basic mechanisms affecting the rate of aging (e.g., oxidative damage), and on disease susceptibility (e.g., breast cancer, Huntington's disease). This article is organized into five sections, the first of which introduces the topic and provides a brief conceptual framework for both genetic and demographic components. The second section contains an overview of the genetics of longevity in model systems (i.e., yeast, fruit flies, mice) including an explanation of various approaches to understanding the genetic determinants of extended longevity—polygenics, mutants, transgenics, gene expression and regulation, and mitotic clocks. The third section focuses on the genetics of human longevity including a summary of the concept of gerontogenes in humans, age-related genetic diseases (e.g., progeroid syndromes, Huntington's disease), and genealogical studies concerned with the longevity resemblance of kin. The fourth section describes the two main theories in the evolutionary biology of aging (i.e., negative pleiotropy, mutation accumulation) and gives a brief account of empirical studies of selection for extended longevity in fruit flies. The final section is concerned with the longevity implications of the emerging area of molecular medicine.
INDUCTION OF MOLECULAR AND MECHANICAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN CANINE SKELETAL MUSCLE BY CHRONIC NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION

The canine latissimus dorsi was stimulated at 1 Hz via the thoracodorsal nerve for 70 days. Seven days of muscle stimulation caused muscle mass, fibre cross-sectional areas, and tetanic tensions to decrease. Fourteen days of stimulation produced marked decreasesin Ca2+-uptake rates in a membrane fraction containing sarcoplasmic reticulum. At this time there was a decline infusion frequency, but no statistically significant changes in time-to-peak tension, total contraction times, or half-relaxation times. With 42 days of stimulation a switch from the fast-twitch to the slow-twitch phenotype was indicated by elevations in the levels of expression of the slow-twitch isoform of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and myosin heavy chain-I, and increases in half-relaxation times, total contraction times and time-to-peak tensions. Decreases in muscle shortening velocity correlated negatively with increases in myosin heavy chain-I levels. Up-regulation of the slow-twitch isoform of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase protein positively correlated with increases in half-relaxation times. The changes in the slow-twitch isoform of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and myosin heavy chain-I levels indicated coordinate expression of these two proteins in chronically stimulated muscles
The role of bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling in the diagnostic evaluation of Cushing syndrome

Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling is the gold standard diagnostic assay in identifying the pituitary source of adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion in Cushing syndrome. The noninvasive assays used in the workup of Cushing syndrome are often misleading or ambiguous, yielding sensitivities of up to only 80%. Inferior petrosal sinus sampling, however, is highly accurate and safe when performed in experienced centers. We review here the historical and technical details of the procedure, with emphasis on the relevant anatomy and a discussion of possible rare complications.
Ovarian Toxicity: Effects on Sexual Maturation, Reproduction and Menopause

The ability to become pregnant requires the integrated functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix. Successful completion of reproduction with the birth of a living infant requires a more complex sequence of integrated events involving the complete maternal organism. The ovary as the repository of oocytes, as well as the source of hormones which control the functional development of the maternal organs, plays a major role in fertility and initiation of a successful gestation. In this section, I will review the development of the ovary, and mechanisms of integrated function along the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-uterine axis in the sexually mature individual. Selected examples of reproductive dysfunction following prenatal and/or postnatal exposure to toxins, including metals, or experiments of nature will be discussed. The comparison of these examples of toxic and spontaneous reproductive dysfunction help in assigning the site of reproductive toxicity. Cooperation between reproductive biologists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists will be required to explore the mechanisms of reproductive toxicity. Hazards to human reproduction can only be determined by extrapolation from experiments in rodents, carefully designed studies in non-human primates, or close observation and follow up of environmentally, accidentally or occupationally exposed populations.
Forecasting Standards Checklist

An electronic version of this checklist is available on the Forecasting Principles Web site.
Mechanism of Action of Phenytoin: Evidence for a Cerebellar Locus

The metabolic events in the brain associated with experimental seizures have been the subject of recent investigations in this laboratory. Maximal electroconvulsive shock (MES) has been used to induce seizures in mice (8, 9, 10). While the stimulus to the brain is undoubtedly excessive and does not exactly mimic the true seizure state, the nature and characteristics of the response are highly reproducible. Using this model, the effect of MES on cerebral and cerebellar energy metabolites and cyclic nucleotides has been investigated. The anticonvulsant, phenytoin, was demonstrated to have a locus of action in the whole cerebellum. Consequently, further studies were made on the effect of MES in the absence and presence of phenytoin on the layers of frozen-dried sections of the cerebellum in an attempt to localize more accurately the effects of convulsions and drug actions (4, 11).
Organophosphorus Hydrolase: A Multifaceted Plant Genetic Marker Which Is Selectable, Scorable, and Quantifiable in Whole Seed

Organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH, EC 3.1.8.1) provides a novel function as an alternative genetic marker system for use in many types of plant transformations. OPH is a high-capacity hydrolase with multiple organophosphorus substrates, many of which are neurotoxins and thus used extensively as pesticides. This spectrum of organophosphates includes compounds that are phytotoxic as well as those that are hydrolyzed to products that are easily detected visually without significant disruption of plant health. This dichotomy gives OPH the features of both a selectable marker as well as that of a scorable marker system, and these characteristics have been tested at several stages during the plant transformation and regeneration process. Finally, it is possible to quantify hydrolytic activity in the seed without interfering with its subsequent growth and regeneration.
Racial/ethnic variation of APOE alleles for lobar intracerebral hemorrhage.

Objective APOE e2 and e4 alleles have been associated with lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in predominately white populations; we sought to evaluate whether this held true among black and Hispanic populations. Methods The Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage study is a prospective, multicenter case-control study of ICH among white, black, and Hispanic participants. Controls were recruited to match cases based on age, ethnicity/race, sex, and geographic location. APOE genotyping and ICH location was determined blinded to clinical data. Results There were 907 cases of lobar ICH and 2,660 controls with APOE results. Both APOE e 2 (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–2.0, p = 0.01) and APOE e 4 (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5–2.6, p −4 ) were associated with lobar ICH among white participants. Among black participants, neither APOE e 2 (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7–1.5, p = 0.97) nor APOE e 4 (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7–1.4, p = 0.90) were independent risk factors for lobar ICH. Similarly, among Hispanic participants, neither APOE e 2 (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.6–1.8, p = 0.89) nor APOE e 4 (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8–1.7, p = 0.36) were associated with lobar ICH. Hypertension was a significant risk factor for lobar ICH in all 3 racial/ethnic groups. Conclusion In contrast to Caucasian patients, in which amyloid risk factors predominate in lobar ICH, we found that hypertension was the predominant risk factor for lobar ICH. While APOE alleles are a risk factor for lobar ICH in white patients, they appear to have a much lower effect in lobar ICH in African American and Hispanic American populations. This suggests APOE e 2 and APOE e 4 do not affect lobar ICH risk homogeneously across ethnic populations. In addition, hypertension has a prominent role in lobar ICH risk, particularly among minorities.
The effect of nanoconfinement on the glass transition temperature of ionic liquids

This work is concerned with investigating the glass transition behavior of ionic liquids as a function of nanoconfinement. The glass transition temperature was found to increase with a decrease in confinement length, below a critical confinement of 40–50 nm and 80–90 nm for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoro-borate and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoro-borate between alumina surfaces, respectively.
Drivers’ assessments of the risks of distraction, poor visibility at night, and safety-related behaviors of themselves and other drivers

Abstract A nationwide survey of 492 drivers, ages 18–76 yrs., assessed their understanding of risks associated with (a) driver distraction and (b) poor visibility at night, as well as performance of common safety-related behaviors by themselves and other drivers. Drivers of all ages rated use of smart phones to be significantly more distracting than tasks such as listening to music, interacting with a passenger, or talking on a phone. They reported performing safety-positive behaviors (e.g., check blind spots, use turn signals) at a high frequency, and performing safety-negative behaviors (e.g., talk on phone or send text messages) at very low frequency, although younger drivers admitted use of smart phones more frequently than older drivers. Respondents estimated that other drivers are more likely than themselves to engage in safety-negative behaviors and less likely to perform safety-positive behaviors. Differences between self and others were smaller if others were rated first. Respondents also reported that most driving tasks are easier in daylight than at night, and that they drive more slowly at night. However, they greatly overestimated how far they can see a pedestrian at night, and their lack of awareness of poor visibility at night was confirmed by insufficient use of high-beam headlights and trivial reductions in the maximum “comfortable” speeds at night. These findings indicate that most drivers are fully aware of the risks associated with distraction through use of smart phones, although younger drivers admit using those devices. Moreover, although they are dimly aware of increased difficulty when driving at night, respondents greatly overestimated the visibility of pedestrians at night, and they generally fail to compensate for limited night vision through use of high-beam headlights and reduction of speed.
What Antigens to Avoid in Heart Transplant to Optimize Outcome via the Virtual Crossmatch

Purpose The virtual crossmatch is predicated on the threshold to avoid antigens (Ags) against which the recipient has preformed antibodies (Abs). The MFI threshold for avoids is correlated with the size of the available donor pool- the lower the MFI threshold, the more avoids and so the smaller the pool. Alternatively, a program may opt to avoid only Ags where corresponding Abs are positive at 1:8 dilution or on C1q assay to minimize the number of avoided Ags and hence expand the pool. However, these highly sensitized pts may mandate a prospective donor-specific crossmatch (DSXM) - which may limit donor pool expansion - as limited surrounding OPOs will be able to perform the DSXM. We assessed the MFI threshold for Ag avoidance to increase the possibility of receiving a donor heart, and evaluated post-transplant outcomes. Methods Between 2010-17, we assessed 245 heart transplant (HTx) pts with pre-HTx peak PRA>10%. We grouped these pts with Abs into categories of corresponding Ag avoids; Group 1: Abs between 5,000-10,000 MFI (n=19), Group 2: Abs > 10,000 MFI (n=11), Group 3: Abs positive at 1:8 dilution (>2500 MFI) (n=8) or Group 4: Abs positive on C1q assay (n=6). For each group, the pre-HTx calculated PRA (cPRA) was performed to assess donor pool size. Post-HTx, one-year outcome was assessed including survival, freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) (angiographic stenosis≥30%), NF-MACE (myocardial infarction, new congestive heart failure , percutaneous coronary intervention, defibrillator/pacemaker implant, stroke), any-treated rejection (ATR), acute cellular rejection (ACR), antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Results cPRA decreased significantly as MFI threshold increased, including 1:8 dilution and C1q-positive assays. Post-HTx outcomes at one year were comparable among all 4 groups. Conclusion Increasing the MFI threshold and/or utilizing 1:8 dilution and C1q-positive assay may increase the donor pool. Further investigation is warranted to assess a larger group of pts to confirm these findings.
Favoritism and cooperation

In a series of laboratory experiments, two types of players were created randomly. Participants of one type were selected for a group based on performance on a task, whereas participants of the other type were selected automatically without prerequisite. In the main experiment, such favoritism induced a decline in cooperation, measured as contributions in pairwise public goods games, compared to when all participants were treated equally. The reduction in cooperation was observed both for those participants who did not benefit from the favoritism and for those who did, and regardless of whether a player was matched with someone who was favored or not. In extensions of the original experiment, the main results were replicated. Furthermore, the negative effect on cooperation was shown to exist also continue when a rationale was given for the use of favoritism, but to be turned off when selection was random instead of performance-based.
The Kindness of Strangers: The Perils of Generosity in John Lydgate’s Fabula Duorum Mercatorum

John Lydgate’s Fabula Duorum Mercatorum is often read as a text that is antithetical to economic values. On the surface, it seems to be the quintessential story of the value of generosity, promoting friendship between men above all other desires and needs, not only fiscal and amatory, but also the need for life itself. However, I argue that Lydgate’s narrator expresses a sustained unease over the easy friendship between these merchants who are virtual strangers. The text presents their economic generosity and their friendship as excessive, an excess that the text suggests is rooted in their Middle Eastern origins and queer desire. In the end, the text underscores the importance of property and wealth for masculine (and by extension, English) identity and the dangers—monetary and sexual—of being too generous.
The role of carbon dioxide in nematode behaviour and physiology

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important sensory cue for many animals, including both parasitic and free-living nematodes. Many nematodes show context-dependent, experience-dependent and/or life-stage-dependent behavioural responses to CO2, suggesting that CO2 plays crucial roles throughout the nematode life cycle in multiple ethological contexts. Nematodes also show a wide range of physiological responses to CO2. Here, we review the diverse responses of parasitic and free-living nematodes to CO2. We also discuss the molecular, cellular and neural circuit mechanisms that mediate CO2 detection in nematodes, and that drive context-dependent and experience-dependent responses of nematodes to CO2.
Protein‐inorganic calcium‐phosphate supraparticles as a robust platform for enzyme co‐immobilization

Immobilization of enzymes provides many benefits, including facile separation and recovery of enzymes from reaction mixtures, enhanced stability, and co-localization of multiple enzymes. Calcium-phosphate-protein supraparticles imbued with a leucine zipper binding domain (ZR ) serve as a modular immobilization platform for enzymes fused to the complementary leucine zipper domain (ZE ). The zippers provide high-affinity, specific binding, separating enzymatic activity from the binding event. Using fluorescent model proteins (mCherryZE and eGFPZE ), an amine dehydrogenase (AmDHZE ), and a formate dehydrogenase (FDHZE ), the efficacy of supraparticles as a biocatalytic solid support was assessed. Supraparticles demonstrated several benefits as an immobilization support, including predictable loading of multiple proteins, structural integrity in a panel of solvents, and the ability to elute and reload proteins without damaging the support. The dual-enzyme reaction successfully converted ketone to amine on supraparticles, highlighting the efficacy of this system.
Enlargement of Mitochondrial Compartment in Iron and Copper Deficiency

Marked enlargement of the mitochondrial compartment is present in heart muscle, liver, and erythroblasts of iron- and copper-deficient rats. Mitochondria are increased in size, and may also be increased in number, particularly in heart muscle and erythroid cells. The enlarged mitochondria are more electron-lucent and in the hepatocyte may have sparser packing of cristae than in animals on a complete diet. Morphologic changes in the erythroid percursors of three iron-deficient patients are similar to those observed in the experimental animal. The morphologic response is not attributable to anemia or inanition but appears more specifically related to the lack of trace metals or cofactors required for the synthesis of certain mitochondrial enzymes.
Soviet-Tajik writing Intelligentsia in the late 1930s

This paper looks at the formation of a Tajik-Soviet writing elite in the 1930s, exploring how a new generation of Soviet writers in the late 1930s emerged out of new state institutions. Prior to their emergence, the founders of Tajik literature - Sadriddin Aini and Abolqosim Lahuti - used their unique position vis-a-vis Moscow to shape the direction of Tajik literature. Despite the former’s important place in Soviet hagiography, it was the younger generation of Tajik writers - including writers like Mirzo Tursunzoda, Jalol Ikromi, Sotim Ulughzoda, and others - that emerged on the all-Union writing scene in the late 1930s and became key cultural and political fi gures in the post-war era. While the role of the Tajik writer inevitably became the portrayal of the national subject in the modern context of Soviet development, this article shows how comparing the themes and writings of these two generations in the 1930s demonstrates how Tajik national identity building related to the nationalities policies of the early Soviet Union and, in particular, the relationship between Tajik national identity and territory. This paper relies on a few primary source materials the Central State Archive of the Republic of Tajikistan, but also online archives, newspapers/periodicals, and published Books and collections. This paper fi nds that the mobilization of a younger generation of Tajik-Soviet Writing Intelligentsia led to the creation of a new vision of Tajik national identity unfolding in a Soviet space. Unlike the early writers Sadriddin Aini and Abolqosim Lahuti, these younger writers emerged in new Soviet institutions and therefore projected a new Soviet-Tajik identity in the late 1930s and eventually became leaders of Central Asian literature in the post WWII period
Head and Neck Tumor Resection and Free Flap Reconstruction in Low-Volume Center.

Objective:To determine the surgical outcomes of free tissue transfer surgery following head and neck tumor extirpation in a low-volume medical center.Methods:Retrospective chart review of patients ...
Topology optimization of multiple deformable bodies in contact with large deformations

Abstract Previous works in topology optimization of structures with contact boundary conditions have concentrated on the two-dimensional rigid obstacle problem. This is because the contact analysis of multiple three-dimensional deformable bodies with meshes that are non-matching across the contact interface requires computationally complex contact algorithms beyond the scope of previous optimization investigations. Our research is devoted to addressing topology design problems with multiple deformable three-dimensional components in contact using state-of-the-art contact algorithms. We formulate and resolve the design simulation problem using large deformation continuum mechanics and the finite element method. To account for large sliding that can occur during the design optimization process here, the mortar segment-to-segment approach was used to discretize the contact surface due to its numerical robustness in this regime. Since, mortar integrals provide smooth contact forces as nodes slide on/off the surface, solution convergence is well behaved. Considering the contact problem is computationally expensive to solve, we solve the optimization problem using efficient nonlinear programming algorithms which require the sensitivities of the cost and constraint functions. To this end, we formulate analytical adjoint sensitivity expressions to compute the gradients of general functionals. As expected and corroborated in this work, the adjoint method is computationally efficient. Additionally, we use a B-spline design parameterization to regularize the topology optimization problem. We show that this parameterization reduces the number of design variables compared to usual element-wise parameterizations and provides a precise and smooth description of the design boundary. We present numerical example problems of multiple deformable three-dimensional bodies in contact with large deformations and find optimal topologies that maximize the total contact force, maximize the strain energy, and minimize the compliance.
Newton’s Apple and Other Myths about Science: edited by Ronald L. Numbers and Kostas Kampourkis, Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press, 2015, 287 pp., $27.94 (hardcover), ISBN: 9780674967984

This book contains 27 essays dealing with “myths” about scientists found in textbooks and other educational resources. The myths challenged in this book are false statements about scientific findin...
L^1-spectrum of Banach space valued Ornstein-Uhlenbeck operators

We characterize the L^1(E,μ_∞)-spectrum of the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck operator Lf(x) = (1/2)TrQD^(2) + , where μ_∞ is the invariant measure for the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroup generated by L. The main result covers the general case of an infinite-dimensional Banach space E under the assumption that the point spectrum of A* is nonempty and extends several recent related results.
A Reflow-capable, Embedded 8Mb STT-MRAM Macro with 9nS Read Access Time in 16nm FinFET Logic CMOS Process

In this paper, we present the design and silicon characterization results of an 8Mb STT-MRAM macro in 16nm FinFET Logic CMOS process. The STT-MRAM film stack is carefully designed to achieve both solder-reflow tolerance and short write pulse of 50nS. A merged reference scheme with reverse connected reference cells are proposed for read-disturb immunity. A read access time of 9nS is achieved from -40C to 125C and Vdd=0.8V±10%, making it suitable for high performance MCU applications. Silicon data measurement is presented to demonstrate a logic-process compatible, perpendicular STT-MRAM in 16nm FinFET CMOS process. The bit-error-rate has achieved zero fail-bit-count at 50-percentile for the 8Mb test-chip at wafer level.
The Relationship Between Consumer Behaviour, Attitudes and Acceptance of Public Policy Tools Advancing Sustainable Food Consumption

Research background: The great importance of food consumption for the sustainability of food systems means that active public policy in this area can have a lot of positive effects.
A Pilot Study of Latinx Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adolescent Patients’ Goal Prioritizations in Patient-Provider Sexual Orientation and Health Disclosures

This pilot study provides a theoretically-driven explanation of the dilemmas young Latinx LGB patients may experience surrounding disclosure of personal sexual orientation and sexual health informa...
Elevated nocturnal NEFA are an early signal for hyperinsulinaemic compensation during diet-induced insulin resistance in dogs

A normal consequence of increased energy intake and insulin resistance is compensatory hyperinsulinaemia through increased insulin secretion and/or reduced insulin clearance. Failure of compensatory mechanisms plays a central role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus; consequently, it is critical to identify in vivo signal(s) involved in hyperinsulinaemic compensation. We have previously reported that high-fat feeding leads to an increase in nocturnal NEFA concentration. We therefore designed this study to test the hypothesis that elevated nocturnal NEFA are an early signal for hyperinsulinaemic compensation for insulin resistance. Blood sampling was conducted in male dogs to determine 24 h profiles of NEFA at baseline and during high-fat feeding with and without acute nocturnal NEFA suppression using a partial A1 adenosine receptor agonist. High-fat feeding increased nocturnal NEFA and reduced insulin sensitivity, effects countered by an increase in acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg). Pharmacological NEFA inhibition after 8 weeks of high-fat feeding lowered NEFA to baseline levels and reduced AIRg with no effect on insulin sensitivity. A significant relationship emerged between nocturnal NEFA levels and AIRg. This relationship indicates that the hyperinsulinaemic compensation induced in response to high-fat feeding was prevented when the nocturnal NEFA pattern was returned to baseline. Elevated nocturnal NEFA are an important signal for hyperinsulinaemic compensation during diet-induced insulin resistance.
Academic rhinology: a survey of residency programs and rhinology faculty in the United States.

Background Rhinology has rapidly evolved as a subspecialty over the past decade. The professional activities of rhinology faculty in otolaryngology residency programs is an important defining feature of this process but remains incompletely understood. Methods An examination of faculty profiles of otolaryngology residency programs in the United States was performed to examine the professional activities of rhinologists. An anonymous, web-based survey of rhinology faculty was also performed to query professional activities and career satisfaction. Results Nine percent of chairmen and 12% of residency program directors were rhinologists. The number of full-time rhinology faculty members varied significantly among departments (mean 1; range, 0-4). Rhinology faculty members were noted to have a high number of scientific publications over the past 5 years (mean 15 per faculty), a high level of membership to the American Rhinologic Society (90%) and modest levels of membership to other societies. As reported by the 45 respondents who successfully completed the survey, higher percentages of professional time was devoted to clinical medicine when compared with administrative and research activities. Inflammatory sinusitis represented the most common clinical condition treated, and there was variability with respect to other disorders and procedures. Career satisfaction scores were highest for medical and surgical care, teaching activities, financial and emotional well being, and overall career to date. Lower satisfaction scores were noted for research and administrative activities and for balance of personal life with work. Conclusion This study further defines the professional, clinical, and surgical activities of academic rhinologists. Continued analysis of the subspecialization of rhinology is required.
“Airline Magazine Syndrome”: Reading a myth of mismanagement

While on a business flight, a CEO reads in an airline magazine about an information technology innovation that promises fabulous returns to the adopting corporation. Returning home, the CEO demands immediate action from the senior information systems executive. So goes a story current among systems practitioners. This tale of “Airline Magazine Syndrome” is analyzed here as an instance of narrative, through research informed by innovation theory and field interviews with business executives and systems practitioners. The analysis considers both how the story depends for its meaning on the sociotechnical context of innovation, and how that context is illuminated by the listener’s engagement with the story. “Airline Magazine Syndrome” is a kind of moral drama, in which misdeeds portend crisis and failure. As such, there are also lessons for a happier ending, in the domain of real practice, in which organizational innovation with information technology can have better prospects for success.
Restructuring the US telecommunications industry: Impact on innovation☆

The Communications Act of 1934, which regulates the United States telecommunications industry, is becoming less able to deal with the changes brought by modern technology. Therefore, proposals are being made to restructure the industry. Breaking up AT&T into smaller firms would have only minor effects, since its ratio of R and D to sales has been near the median for large telephone companies. Restructuring AT&T into subsidiaries dealing at arms' length might cause a reordering of priorities toward more directly marketable and useful products, but too extensive a break-up could endanger Bell Labs' commitment to basic research. Regulation leads a firm to ignore true social value of possible products, expand into low profit markets, and favor capital-intensive over labor-intensive innovation. If regulatory lag occurs, a firm will produce cost-reducing innovation in order to increase its profit.
Effect of exercise stress on carotid, uterine, and iliac blood flow in pregnant and nonpregnant ewes

Abstract Maternal blood pressure, cardiac output, and carotid, iliac, and uterine blood flow were measured in pregnant and nonpregnant ewes before and during exercise on a treadmill. Mean arterial pressure remained unchanged while cardiac output and carotid and iliac blood flow were increased. Uterine flow was not impaired by maternal exercise.
Identification of mouse adenovirus type 1 early region 1: DNA sequence and a conserved transactivating function.

Abstract The left end of the genome of mouse adenovirus type 1 (also known as strain FL) was characterized by determination of the DNA sequence, amino acid similarities with early region proteins of primate adenoviruses, and a functional assay. Several specific DNA sequence features were similar to those found in human adenoviruses, and open reading frames from this region could encode proteins similar to human adenovirus early region 1A and early region 1B proteins. DNAs from this region were tested in transient-expression assays in human and mouse cells were found to transactivate the human adenovirus type 5 early region 3 promoter fused to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. The data indicate structural and functional homologies between mouse adenovirus type 1 early region 1 and early region 1 of primate adenoviruses.
A new simple immunoassay for human chorionic gonadotropin.

Abstract A new simple immunoassay for HCG merely requires addition of a drop of urine to the lyophilized contents of a unique capsule. Wooden sticks and slides are not required. No reagents have to be added. Reaction patterns are read at one hour. Results obtained on 1,000 specimens were 96 per cent accurate with 1.3 per cent false positives and 2.8 per cent false negatives when compared against two other immunoassays and clinical evidence collected over several months.
Global surface eddy diffusivities derived from satellite altimetry

[1] Velocities derived from AVISO sea-surface height observations, adjusted to be nondivergent, are used to simulate the evolution of passive tracers at the ocean surface. Eddy mixing rates are derived from the tracer fields in two ways. First, the method of Nakamura is applied to a sector in the East Pacific. Second, the Osborn-Cox diffusivity is calculated globally to yield estimates of diffusivity in two dimensions. The results from the East Pacific show weak meridional mixing at the surface in the Southern Ocean (<1000 m2 s−1, consistent with previous results) but higher mixing rates (~3000–5000 m2 s−1) in the tropical ocean. The Osborn-Cox diagnostic provides a global picture of mixing rates and agrees reasonably well with the results from the East Pacific. It also shows extremely high mixing rates (~104 m2 s−1) in western boundary current regions. The Osborn-Cox diffusivity is sensitive to the tracer initialization, which we attribute to the presence of anisotropic mixing processes. The mixing rates are strongly influenced by the presence of a mean flow nearly everywhere, as shown by comparison with an eddy-only calculation, with the mean flow absent. Finally, results are compared with other recent estimates of mixing rates using Lagrangian and inverse methods.
Landowner Satisfaction with the Wetland Reserve Program in Texas: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

Using mail survey data and telephone interviews, we report on landowner satisfaction with permanent easements held by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) throughout Texas. This study found that landowners were dissatisfied with the NRCS Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), conflicting with results of previous studies. The objective of this study was to explore specific reasons for frustration expressed by landowners with the program. We found three predominant themes underpinning program dissatisfaction: (1) upfront restoration failures, (2) overly restrictive easement constraints, and (3) bureaucratic hurdles limiting landowners' ability to conduct adaptive management on their easement property. The implications of this study suggest that attitudes of landowners participating in the WRP may limit the long-term effectiveness of this program. Suggestions for improving the program include implementing timely, ecologically sound restoration procedures and streamlining and simplifying the approval process for management activity requests. In addition, the NRCS should consider revising WRP restriction guidelines in order to provide more balance between protection goals and landowner autonomy.
Stress compensation and noise reduction algorithms for robust speech recognition

The problem of speech recognition in noisy, stressful environments is addressed. The main contribution is the achievement of robust recognition in diverse environmental conditions through the formulation of a series of speech-enhancement and stress-compensation preprocessing algorithms. These preprocessors produce speech or recognition features less sensitive to varying factors caused by stress and noise. Results from four recognition scenarios based on such preprocessing are reported. Neutral, stressful, noisy neutral, and noisy stressful speech styles are considered. Noise reduction is based on constrained iterative speech enhancement. Stress compensation algorithms are based on formant location, bandwidth, and intensity. >
Role of organic acids and peroxyacetic acid as antimicrobial intervention for controlling Escherichia coli O157:H7 on beef trimmings

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the antimicrobial efficacies of peroxyacetic acid and other organic acids (fumaric acid; malic acid; citric acid; gluconic acid; levulinic acid; pyruvic acid; caprioc acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid) with and without a non-ionic surfactant (EG) on reduction of coliform , Escherichia coli O157:H7, and aerobic plate count (APC) bacteria on beef trimmings. Inoculated beef trimmings with E. coli O157:H7 were processed with antimicrobial treatments for 15 s with 0.2 g/L peroxyacetic acid and other organic acids (30 g/L) in combination with or without a non-ionic surfactant. Results suggest that most organic acids were effective in reducing the bacterial populations on inoculated beef trimming. Among organic acids, 30 g/L caprylic acid was highly effective in reducing more than 4.78, 4.73, and 2.48-logs of coliform , E. coli O157:H7, and APC populations respectively. The 30 g/L of the pyruvic acid was also found to be effective and reduced 1.84, 1.68, and 1.08 log 10 CFU/g of coliform , E. coli O157:H7, and APC counts compared to the control. The highest concentration (at 30 g/L level) of the gluconinc acid tested in this study resulted in no reduction in coliform , E. coli O157:H7, and APC counts.
Generative/discriminative models for nucleosome positioning

DNA of eukaryotic cells is organized into repeating nucleosomes. As nucleosomes significantly limit the accessibility of their DNA to transcription factors and other DNA-binding proteins, their positions play an essential role in regulations of gene activities [4, 8]. Recent genome wide experiments indicate that DNA sequences themselves strongly influence nucleosome positioning by enhancing or reducing their binding affinity to nucleosomes, therefore providing an intrinsic cell regulatory mechanism. Some sequence features are known to be nucleosome forming or nucleosome inhibiting. In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient method for nucleosome positioning. By using generative/ discriminative models, the proposed methods can categorize nucleosome forming and nucleosome inhibiting local DNA sequences in a much lower dimensional feature space. Experiment results shows our methods have better performance than discriminative methods.
A hypothesis and an experiment on the origin of the genetic coding process

Abstract From thermodynamic considerations it is argued that the earliest templates for protein synthesis were very unlike present nucleic acids. It is suggested that they were composed of linked uracil derivatives bearing hypothetical side chains that could specifically recognize and interact with individual amino acid side chains (Fig. 1). An experiment supporting the possibility of such a specific interaction is described. The hypothesis accounts for the grouping of amino acids in the present codon table according to their relative hydrophobic character.
Solid Model Reconstruction of Wireframe CAD Models Based on Topological Embeddings of Planar Graphs

This paper describes a robust and versatile method based on graph embedding for reconstructing a solid model from a wireframe model. The robustness and versatility of the conventional methods are limited in that: (I) most of them are heuristic and thus less robust, and (2) the rest, deterministic ones, can handle only small class of wireframes. Unlike the conventional methods, our approach is deterministic and covers a larger class of wireframes that are topologically 2-connected planar multigraphs. The class includes wireframes that can be interpreted as a closed two-manifold in multiple ways. The proposed algorithm consists of three steps : (1) all topological solutions are exhaustively generated using triconnected component decomposition; (2) the surface geometries for all the topological solutions are generated; and (3) the solutions are pruned down to geometrically valid ones. We also show the algorithm is extendable to the class of general planar multigraphs. The approach is characterized by generating the complete set of topological solutions without referring to the geometry of the wireframe, which makes the process free from geometric errors and instabilities. The algorithm is also fast, because even when there are many topological solutions, the total number of different faces is very small. The proposed approach provides a method for easy and intuitive geometric modeling as well as a conversion tool for legacy wireframes.
A rapid method for detection of Y-chromosomal DNA from dried blood specimens by the polymerase chain reaction.

The alphoid satellite family is the only repetitive DNA family showing chromosome specificity. We have developed a simple, rapid, and reliable test for sex diagnosis based on detection of these sequences in undigested genomic DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. In our test, dried blood specimens were the source of DNA. When female DNA was used as a template for the reaction, only the expected 130-bp X-chromosome-specific fragment was detected, while with male DNA both the expected 170-bp Y-chromosome-specific and X-chromosome-specific fragments were detected. The Y-chromosome-specific fragment was further characterized by restriction enzyme analysis. The Y fragment was detectable when DNA obtained from an equivalent of 10 μl of spotted blood was used in the reaction, whereas detection of the X fragment was possible with DNA from an equivalent of 5 μl of blood. Our test may find various applications in newborn screening and in forensic science.
Analysis of Aftershock and Foreshock Activity in Stable Continental Regions: Implications for Aftershock Forecasting and the Hazard of Strong Earthquakes

The Omori-law aftershock parameters for 13 earthquakes in stable continental regions (SCRs) globally are found to distribute in the same way as those for California aftershock sequences. Of 19 SCR mainshocks with M ≥ 6.0 since 1968, eight had their largest aftershock within five days of the mainshock and 11 within 30 days of the mainshock. The mean magnitude difference between the mainshock and the largest aftershock of these 19 SCR events is 1.4 ± .7 magnitude units, with a range from 0.3 to 3.6 magnitude units. From 1968 to 2003 the rate at which SCR earthquakes of M ≥ 4.5 worldwide were followed by a comparable or larger earthquake within the next 30 days is 5%. These statistics can be used to produce aftershock forecasts for strong SCR earthquakes and to estimate the chances that an SCR earthquake of M ≥ 4.5 will be followed by a larger seismic event within the next month.
Genetic and phenotypic variation in weight of brain and spinal cord between inbred strains of mice.

Abstract Mice of both sexes from 25 inbred strains and 1 distantly related stock were studied for their adult brain weight, spinal cord weight, ratio of brain weight to spinal cord weight, and ratio of brain weight to body weight. Females were significantly greater than males for brain weight, spinal cord weight, and ration of brain weight to body weight. Sizeable strain differences were shown for all traits. The largest coefficients of genetic determination were + 0.62 and + 0.67 for brain weight for males and females, respectively. The two ratios, brain weight to spinal cord weight and brain weight to body weight, were quite different for different strains and showed no correlation between strains. This suggests they are different measures and cannot be considered genetically similar. The weights and volumes of brains were highly correlated.
Cheating and Moral Judgment in the College Classroom: A Natural Experiment

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a natural experiment involving academic cheating by university students. We explore the relationship of moral judgment (as measured using the defining issues test) to actual behavior, as well as the relationship between the honesty of students self-reports and the extent of cheating. We were able to determine the extent to which students actually cheated on the take-home portion of an accounting exam. The take-home problem was not assigned with the intent of inducing cheating among students. However, the high rate of observed cheating prompted the instructor to return to class and ask the students to provide information on their motivation. The students' responses are the data analyzed in this natural experiment. We found that in a simple regression the relationship between moral judgment scores and cheating behavior was insignificant. However, when we tested whether including Utilizer scores (i.e. the extent to which people select actions based on notions of justice) affected the relationship of cheating and moral judgment we found that Utilizer affected the relationship significantly. Finally, we found that moral judgment and honesty were not related, but higher levels of cheating behavior related to less honesty.
Thermally Responsive Injectable Hydrogel Incorporating Methacrylate-Polylactide for Hydrolytic Lability

Injectable thermoresponsive hydrogels are of interest for a variety of biomedical applications, including regional tissue mechanical support as well as drug and cell delivery. Within this class of ...
Massive Upper Extremity Edema Following Vascular Access Surgery

We recently treated three patients with chronic renal failure who required subclavian vein cannulation with Uldall catheters following thrombosis of their arteriovenous fistulae. New arteriovenous fistulae were created in each patient following removal of the Uldall catheters. The patients were seen subsequently with massive, painful edema in the ipsilateral upper extremities from one to 10 weeks following creation of the arteriovenous fistulae. Radiographic studies documented stenosis or occlusion of the ipsilateral proximal subclavian vein. The arteriovenous fistula was ultimately ligated in each patient, which promptly resolved the pain and edema. Because subclavian vein thrombosis following temporary hemodialysis through an indwelling catheter is frequently asymptomatic until an arteriovenous fistula is constructed, venography should be considered in patients requiring upper extremity vascular access procedures. Demonstration of subclavian vein stenosis or occlusion would either preclude use of the upper extremity for an arteriovenous fistula or would require a concomitant procedure to relieve the venous obstruction.
Understanding the Genetic Determinants of Pain and Pain Management

Objectives To review the role of inter-individual differences in responses to pain and analgesics and to describe how these differences impact the effectiveness of therapies for patients who have cancer pain. Data Sources Published research articles and clinical experience. Conclusion Individuals' genetic predisposition can affect their therapeutic response to analgesics. With the rapidly advancing field of pharmacogenetics, soon our therapeutic strategies will be targeted based on patients' genetics. Implications for Nursing Practice Oncology nurses will be better able to individualize their therapeutic strategies for patients in pain.