cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sleep deprivation but not a whisker trim increases nerve growth factor within barrel cortical neurons

Sleep is hypothesized to influence activity-driven changes in the brain microcircuitry. A change in the barrel cortex following the removal of the mystacial whiskers in rats is a model for synaptic plasticity. This model was combined with sleep deprivation and immunoreactivity for nerve growth factor (NGF) was determined. Sleep deprivation for 6 h after light onset significantly increased the number of NGF-immunoreactive pyramidal neurons in layer V of the barrel cortex. However, unilateral trimming of mystacial whiskers did not affect NGF immunoreactivity in the contralateral or ipsilateral barrel cortices when rats were allowed to sleep. If the rats received a unilateral whisker cut at light onset, and subsequently were deprived of sleep, increases in the NGF-immunoreactive neurons were only observed in the barrel cortex on the side that received input from the remaining intact whiskers. In contrast, NGF immunoreactivity on the side contralateral to the cut whiskers decreased in sleep-deprived animals to levels below those observed in the control animals that were allowed to sleep. These results suggest that NGF expression is influenced by the interaction of sleep, afferent input and the nature of ongoing synaptic reorganization. Further, results are consistent with the hypothesis that growth factors, such as NGF, form part of the mechanism responsible for sleep regulation and that they also form one facet of sleep-related synaptic plasticity.
High-resolution wide-field imaging of retinal and choroidal blood perfusion with optical microangiography

We present high-resolution wide-field imaging of retinal and choroidal blood perfusion with optical microangiography (OMAG) technology. Based on spatial frequency analysis, OMAG is capable of visualizing the vascular perfusion map down to capillary-level resolution. An OMAG system operating at 840 nm is used with an A-scan rate of 27,000 Hz, axial resolution of 8 µm, and sensitivity of 98 dB. To achieve wide-field imaging, we capture 16 optical coherence tomography (OCT) 3-D datasets in a sequential order, which together provide an area of ~7.4×7.4 mm2 at the posterior segment of the human eye. For each of these datasets, the bulk tissue motion artifacts are eliminated by applying a phase compensation method based on histogram estimation of bulk motion phases, while the displacements occurring between adjacent B-frames are compensated for by 2-D cross correlation between two adjacent OMAG flow images. The depth-resolved capability of OMAG imaging also provides volumetric information on the ocular circulations. Finally, we compare the clinical fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography imaging results with the OMAG results of blood perfusion map within the retina and choroid, and show excellent agreement between these modalities.
Error analysis of tiled overlapped subarrays

In designing large phased arrays, it is common to design and construct a basic building block, or tile, and use duplicate tiles to build the final array. This method is important in both contiguous and overlapped subarrays. In stripline technology, the tile consists of a subarray of several elements on the top layer followed by the beamformer on the lower layers. Line bends, impedance transformers, and mutual coupling between adjacent lines can cause errors in the amplitude and phase distribution to the individual radiating elements. These errors can lead to other errors in phased arrays such as sidelobe levels and directivity. This paper presents a review of array theory as applied to both contiguous and overlapped subarrays. It also presents a method to help array designers differentiate between errors within the tile and others caused by crossovers between tiles.
Assessing the soap opera frame: Audience perceptions of value structures in soap operas and prime‐time serial dramas

This study examines audience perceptions of which values characterize soap operas in general and which values distinguish daytime from prime‐time offerings. An empirical method guided by critical concerns reveals meaningful differences between daytime soap operas and prime‐time serial dramas. The study considers the implications of both the method and the results for media scholars of critical and empirical inclinations.
The weaknesses of the small high school

Alabama -------------65 8 19 32 1 4 Florida_.--------------97 20 33 30 11 3 Georgia -------------95 13 37 31 14 Kentucky_------------103 23 36 35 6 3 Louisiana--------------_ 92 19 43 21 6 2 1 Mississippi -----------49 19 16 15 1 North Carolina....----------83 17 17 36 10 3 South Carolina..---------... 53 5 16 27 4 1 Tennessee_ -------------66 12 29 18 3 4 Texas. ---------------155 14 46 53 24 18 Virginia--------------- 75 17 31 17 6 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 _
FALCON: an interactive library instruction tutorial

Bowling Green State University Jerome Library’s Web tutorial, FALCON, models a standard library instructional session on the use of the library’s Web‐based catalog. Tutorials can be particularly helpful in reaching large numbers of students. The degree of interactivity and the design of a tutorial are dependent on the goals of its creators and the intended audience of the product. Several features make FALCON unique. It is interactive, self‐contained and focuses on a single resource. Interactivity is accomplished without scripts or forms. The tutorial’s self‐containment, achieved with a complex system of files and without a live catalog connection, enables users to learn how to search the catalog at their own pace, at a time or place of their choosing and without the threat of venturing into cyberspace. Future enhancements to the tutorial will include assessment and evaluation materials.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics: A European Perspective

This article deals with perception. Perceptions influence attitude and behaviour. As nations move inexorably towards a world community, it is important to try to clarify how Americans perceive the rest of the world and, perhaps more importantly, to increase our understanding of the manner in which America is perceived by the rest of the world.
Phenotype of entero-endocrine L cells becomes restricted during development

Background: Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are hormones secreted by L and K cells, respectively, and by LK cells. To characterize L and K cells during development, we examined ileum from embryonic (e)- 12 to e-17. Results: GLP-1 cells were first seen at e-15 and their number increased at e-17. At e-17, most GLP-1 cells co-expressed GIP. The transcription factors Pax6 and Pdx-1 are required for GIP expression, while Pax6 activates the expression of GLP-1. At e-17, the mucosa has GIP+ Pax6+, GIP+ Pdx-1+, GLP-1+ Pax6+, and GLP-1+ Pdx-1+ cells. Unlike ileal L cells of postnatal and adult mice, a subset of ileal L cells of e-17 embryos co-expressed GLP-1 and glucagon (Glu). Glu-positive cells contain proprotein-convertase 2 (PC2) and PC3/1, the enzymes responsible for Glu and GLP-1 synthesis, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that most GLP-1+ cells of ileum of e-17 embryos co-express GIP and, therefore, are LK cells. In addition, a subset of GLP-1+ cells of embryos but not of neonates co-express glucagon, indicating that the expression of Glu in GLP-1+ cells disappears after birth. Developmental Dynamics, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ventricular Ectopic Rhythms following Vagal Stimulation in Dogs with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Vagal stimulation inducing significant bradycardia did not precipitate ventricular fibrillation in any of 34 dogs subjected to ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Vagal stimulation, however, did result in two distinct types of ventricular arrhythmias occurring at different times following coronary occlusion. Within 3 hours, couplets and salvos were provoked which were overdriven by pacing at slow rates. From 4.5 to 9 hours ventricular tachycardia resulted which was slower in rate than the intrinsic sinus rhythm and could be overdriven only by pacing at rates faster than the ectopic mechanism. The response to acetylcholine administration was similar to that of vagal stimulation. By pacing in the presence of complete heart block or by the use of beta-adrenergic blockade, bradycardia was shown to be the basis for the ventricular arrhythmias. Reentry is believed to be the mechanism for the ectopics provoked by bradycardia early after coronary acclusion, while enhanced Purkinje fiber auto...
Optimization and Applications of CDAP Labeling for the Assignment of Cysteines

The aim of the study is to provide a methodology for assigning unpaired cysteine residues in proteins formulated in a variety of different conditions to identify structural heterogeneity as a potential cause for protein degradation. 1-Cyano-4-dimethylaminopyridinium tetrafluoroborate (CDAP) was employed for cyanylating free cysteines in proteins and peptides. Subsequent basic cleavage of the peptide bond at the N-terminal side of the cyanylated cysteines provided direct information about their location. CDAP was successfully employed to a wide variety of labeling conditions. CDAP was reactive between pH 2.0 and 8.0 with a maximum labeling efficiency at pH 5.0. Its reactivity was not affected by excipients, salt or denaturant. Storing CDAP in an organic solvent increased its intrinsic stability. It was demonstrated that CDAP can be employed as a thiol-directed probe to investigate structural heterogeneity of proteins by examining the accessibility of unpaired cysteine residues. CDAP is a unique cysteine-labeling reagent because it is reactive under acidic conditions. This provides an advantage over other sulfhydryl labeling reagents as it avoids potential thiol-disulfide exchange. Optimization of the cyanylation reaction allowed the utilization of CDAP as a thiol-directed probe to investigate accessibility of sulfhydryl groups in proteins under various formulation conditions to monitor structural heterogeneity.
Intense rapid eye movements during active sleep: An index of neurobehavioral instability

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Storms, intense REM bursts during Active Sleep (or REM Sleep), were investigated as an expression of the neural mechanisms involved in overall control of the sleep and waking states. Twenty normal full-term infants were observed in their homes for a 7-hr period when they were 2, 3, 4, and 5 weeks old. Sleep and waking states, and co-occurring behaviors of the mother, were recorded at 10-sec intervals throughout the observation day. During each 10-sec epoch of Active Sleep a rating was made of the infant's rapid eye movements, as follows: No REM, Light REMs, Moderate REMs, or intense REMs (REM Storms). REM Storm rates were related to a measure of stability in the distribution of the sleep and wake states over weeks, derived separately for time the infant was alone and for time the infant was with its mother. REM Storm rates were negatively correlated with state stability in each of these contexts. The results demonstrated a commonality between the incidence of REM Storms and overall sleep-wake state regulation.
β2-Adrenoreceptor blockade improves early posttrauma hyperglycemia and pulmonary injury in obese rats

Early hyperglycemia after trauma increases morbidity and mortality. Insulin is widely used to control posttrauma glucose, but this treatment increases the risk of hypoglycemia. We tested a novel me...
Recombinant vaccinia viruses co-expressing dengue-1 glycoproteins prM and E induce neutralizing antibodies in mice

Abstract Four recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing different portions of the dengue type 1 virus (DEN-1) genome (C-prM-E-NS1-NS2A-NS2B; prM-E; prM-E-NS1-NS2A
Daytime Sleepiness in Obesity: Mechanisms Beyond Obstructive Sleep Apnea—A Review

Increasing numbers of overweight children and adults are presenting to sleep medicine clinics for evaluation and treatment of sleepiness. Sleepiness negatively affects quality of life, mental health, productivity, and safety. Thus, it is essential to comprehensively address all potential causes of sleepiness. While many obese individuals presenting with hypersomnolence will be diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and their sleepiness will improve with effective therapy for sleep apnea, a significant proportion of patients will continue to have hypersomnolence. Clinical studies demonstrate that obesity without sleep apnea is also associated with a higher prevalence of hypersomnolence and that bariatric surgery can markedly improve hypersomnolence before resolution of obstructive sleep apnea. High fat diet in both humans and animals is associated with hypersomnolence. This review critically examines the relationships between sleepiness, feeding, obesity, and sleep apnea and then discusses the hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory mechanisms potentially contributing to hypersomnolence in obesity, independent of sleep apnea and other established causes of excessive daytime sleepiness.
“Host–guest” interaction between cyclohexasilane and amphiphilic invertible macromolecules

Liquid cyclohexasilane (Si6H12) is localized within polymeric templates from amphiphilic invertible polymers (AIPs) to form a stable composition. NMR study reveals Si6H12 primarily interacts with ester group-containing polymeric fragments. Interaction with ether group-containing fragments occurs at higher silane concentration. AIP self-assembly gives rise to an additional interaction between cyclohexasilane and hydrophobic polymeric domains.
Heat balance and transfer in men and women exercising in hot--dry and hot--wet conditions.

Sex-related differences in heat balance and transfer were studied in nine female and ten male heat-acclimatized subjects exposed to two hot-dry (HD) conditions(49°C, 20% rh; 54°C, 10% rh) and three hot-wet (H W) conditions (32°C, 80% rh; 35°C, 90% rh; 37°C, 80%rh). Exposures lasted 120min: l0min rest, 50min walk, l0min rest, 50min walk. Walking speed was 1 34 ms-1 (level), and for 49°C, 20% rh, in addition, 1-34ms-l, 5% grade. No sex-related differences were found in metabolic heat production (M), nor in heat exchange by radiation and convection (R + C)or evaporation (E), when expressed per unit body weight (wt). However, E per unit body surface area (A D) was lower in females by 9–13% (P<0 05 in all HD conditions and for the 32°C, 80% rh condition) due to their lower M/A D, and 4-6% lower (R + C)/A D in HD. Core-to-periphery heat conductance was similar in both sexes despite a lower core-to-skin temperature gradient for women in HD. It was suggested that women have an advantage over men in heat transfer ...
Determination of iodine number of microgram quantities of fat

A method is described by which the iodine number may be determined with a reproducibility of ± 1% with as little as 1γ of fat. It was tested by performing 25 determinations on 6 different oils of known iodine number. By combination with appropriate extraction procedures the method was adapted to determining the iodine number of liver fat in small solid samples.
Coordinate transform invariance

A four-dimensional operator is shown to contain the operator-generators for rotation, scale, reflections, and boosts. The hypothesis is advanced that a physical system changes under this operator by at most a complex phase factor due to invariance against the choice of menial frame. A canonical transform gives a simple relation between space-time and energy-momentum. The basic conserved quantity is a four-dimensional angular momentum and/or coupling constant. The differential of this function contains a second-order differential product which is constrained as a power series in the independent variable. The analysis explores the consequences of the model and shows its degree of correspondence to the standard models.
Rationale for use of local hyperthermia with radiation therapy and selected anticancer drugs in locally advanced human malignancies

The addition of local hyperthermia to radiation therapy has significantly improved the ability of oncologists to control superficial malignancies. Large tumours, tumours which cannot be heated adequately, and those situated in areas where surrounding normal tissues have decreased radiation tolerance, however, are difficult to eradicate even with this combination treatment. We believe that properly selected and scheduled anticancer drugs will add substantially to the efficacy of local hyperthermia and radiation. A review of the literature concerning the cytotoxic interactions of various anticancer agents with hyperthermia, with radiation and with relevant physiological parameters is presented. From this review, anticancer drugs which are good candidates for trimodality therapy are identified and a general approach to trimodality scheduling is suggested.
Socially mediated authenticity

Purpose – Use of digital media channels is growing in public communication. Given the importance of public trust in government figures and agencies, combined with the risk and fear of misrepresentation inherent in online interaction, it is important to develop theoretical frameworks for investigating the ways in which authenticity is constructed in online public affairs communication. The purpose of this paper is to produce a preliminary model of authenticity in online communication, with particular emphasis on public institutions.Design/methodology/approach – The paper first develops a theoretical model of authenticity from existing literature in various disciplines. It then uses that model to explore a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of the comments on the US State Department blog, DipNote, from its inception to the end of the Bush Administration.Findings – Despite limited interactions between DipNote authors and commenters, the types and quantity of responses to posts indicate a desire by...
45-km horizontal-path optical link experiment

Mountain-top to mountain-top optical link experiments have been initiated at JPL, in order to perform a systems level evaluation of optical communications. Progress made so far is reported. The NASA, JPL developed optical communications demonstrator (OCD) is used to transmit a laser signal from Strawberry Peak (SP), located in the San Bernadino mountains of California. This laser beam is received by a 0.6 m aperture telescope at JPL's Table Mountain Facility (TMF), located in Wrightwood, California. The optical link is bi-directional with the TMF telescope transmitting a continuous 4-wave (cw) 780 nm beacon and the OCD sending back an 840 nm, 100 - 500 Mbps pseudo noise (PN) modulated, laser beam. The optical link path is at an average altitude of 2 Km above sea level, covers a range of 46.8 Km and provides an atmospheric channel equivalent to approximately 4 air masses. Average received power measured at either end fall well within the uncertainties predicted by link analysis. The reduction in normalized intensity variance ((sigma) I2) for the 4- beam beacon, compared to each individual beam, at SP, was from approximately 0.68 to 0.22. With some allowance for intra-beam mis-alignment, this is consistent with incoherent averaging. The (sigma) I2 measured at TMF approximately 0.43 plus or minus 0.22 exceeded the expected aperture averaged value of less than 0.1, probably because of beam wander. The focused spot sizes of approximately 162 plus or minus 6 micrometer at the TMF Coude and approximately 64 plus or minus 3 micrometer on the OCD compare to the predicted size range of 52 - 172 micrometer and 57 - 93 micrometer, respectively. This is consistent with 4 - 5 arcsec of atmospheric 'seeing.' The preliminary evaluation of OCD's fine tracking indicates that the uncompensated tracking error is approximately 3.3 (mu) rad compared to approximately 1.7 (mu) rad observed in the laboratory. Fine tracking performance was intermittent, primarily due to beacon fades on the OCD tracking sensor. The best bit error rates observed while tracking worked were 1E - 5 to 1E - 6.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Performance of the Mantel-Haenszel and simultaneous item bias procedures for detecting differential item functioning

Two nonparametric procedures for detecting differ ential item functioning (DIF)—the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) procedure and the simultaneous item bias (SIB) procedure—were compared with respect to their Type I error rates and power. Data were simulated to reflect conditions varying in sample size, ability distribution differences between the focal and reference groups, pro portion of DIF items in the test, DIF effect sizes, and type of item. 1,296 conditions were studied. The SIB and MH procedures were equally powerful in detecting uniform DIF for equal ability distributions. The SIB procedure was more powerful than the MH procedure in detecting DIF for unequal ability distributions. Both procedures had sufficient power to detect DIF for a sample size of 300 in each group. Ability distribution did not have a significant effect on the SIB procedure but did affect the MH procedure. This is important because ability distribu tion differences between two groups often are found in practice. The Type I error rates f...
Alterations of heart rate and of heart rate variability after radiofrequency catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia. Delineation of parasympathetic pathways in the human heart.

BACKGROUNDPersistent inappropriate sinus tachycardia has been reported as a complication after radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the fast atrioventricular (AV) nodal pathway. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of this complication and its mechanism using heart rate variability analysis.METHODS AND RESULTSTime and frequency domain analysis of heart rate was performed in the electrophysiology laboratory immediately before and immediately after RF ablation in 64 patients with supraventricular tachycardia. Ablation targets in these 64 patients included the fast AV nodal pathway (n = 3), the slow AV nodal pathway (n = 14), a posteroseptal accessory pathway (n = 23), and a left lateral accessory pathway (n = 24). A control group of 21 patients undergoing diagnostic study but not ablation underwent identical analysis immediately before and at the conclusion of their procedure. Patients undergoing ablation also had time and frequency domain analysis performed on ambulatory 24-hour Holter tapes...
Maternal effects and cytoplasmic inheritance of oleic and linoleic acid contents in sesame

Responses to selection may be affected by cytoplasmic inheritance and maternal effects. Their effect on the content of oleic and linoleic acids in sesame seed oil (Sesame indicum L.) was studied using reciprocal crosses and reciprocal backcrosses. Separation of fatty acid methyl esters was carried out by gas liquid chromatography. Cytoplasmic inheritance for oleic and linoleic acids was found to be negligible in both types of crosses. Maternal effects were not observed in reciprocal crosses, however, they were detected in reciprocal F1's for both oleic and linoleic acids. This may be due to differences in phenological development of the parental lines affecting reciprocal crosses, but not reciprocal backcrosses.
Propane absorption band intensities and band model parameters from 680 to 1580cm-1 at 296 and 200 K

Band intensities and profiles have been measured for the propane absorption bands from 680 to 1580/cm at 296 and 200 K. This work was stimulated by the discovery of several propane bands in the spectrum of Titan by the Voyager 1 spacecraft. The low temperature laboratory data show that the bands become narrower and the Q branches of the bands somewhat stronger than they are at room temperature. Random band model parameters were determined over the entire region from the 42 spectra obtained at room temperature.
Plasmacytoma of the Ovary: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Background. Ovarian plasmacytomas are a unique and unusual presentation of extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMP). A report of the seventh such case is presented with review of the previous six cases. Methods. Surgical and medical staging were performed on the present case. The literature is reviewed. Results. EMP involving the ovary is usually large at the time of presentation, more likely involving the left side, and without evidence of disseminated disease. As in other plasma cell dyscrasia, IgG paraprotein is more frequently involved. Conclusion. Adjuvant treatment for ovarian plasmacytomas is not clearly established; however, if complete surgical resection is achieved and no evidence of multiple myeloma is found, observation should be strongly considered.
Impulsivity and modelling in hyperactive and normal children

Abstract This research tested the hypothesis that in hyperactive and normal children a cognitive modelling treatment procedure would produce improved scores on the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFF), a primary index of impulsivity. The hypothesis was based on earlier findings that modelling was found to be a successful treatment procedure for eliminating other behaviour disorders. The hypothesis was verified in that the cognitive modelling procedure reduced the number of errors on the MFF. Based on the present research, it was recommended that future studies evaluate the efficacy of modelling techniques to problem solving tasks utilized in the school setting.
The DoD GPS Support Center

In June 1999, United States Space Command took formal steps to set up a support center for military and government Global Positioning System (GPS) users worldwide. The center was created to meet three main objectives: · Detect, analyze, report, and facilitate the resolution of GPS anomalies · Monitor and report GPS performance · Provide GPS status, constellation status, and tactical support This article is intended to provide a brief overview of the GPS Support Center (GSC), outlining its creation and products and services, and providing a more detailed discussion of its objectives. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nano-Watt silicon-on-sapphire ADC using 2C-1C capacitor chain

An analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) in a 0.5 /spl mu/m silicon-on-sapphire CMOS technology is reported. This innovative ADC uses a 2C-1C capacitor chain and a switched capacitor comparator. The ADC is capable of sampling at 409 kS/s, consuming 900 nW at 1.1 V power supply and 1.35 /spl mu/W at 1.5 V. It uses an active area of 300/spl times/700 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ and 640/spl times/1070 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ with pads.
Problems Deciding: How the Structure of Make-or-Buy Decisions Leads to Transaction Misalignment

This paper explores how the structure of decision making affects the way that firms manage their boundaries. Achieving transaction alignment requires firms to balance multiple goals. Drawing on the behavioral theory of the firm, I note that firms often assign different goals to different organizational units. As a consequence, simple problems about whether to make or buy can be affected by multiple decisions taken by multiple, locally rational units. I use a case study of the management of IT consultants in a financial services firm to explore how make-or-buy decisions are made. I find that senior managers at the firm focused on cost and organizational flexibility, whereas frontline managers concentrated on exploiting workers' existing knowledge. The narrow focus of these two groups interacted with the complex demands of transaction alignment to create three problems: separation of related decisions about internal capacity and project staffing, incomplete information when deciding on organizational capacity, and incentive misalignment in staffing consultants. These problems led the firm to become dependent on its consultants. I build on the case study to develop theoretical propositions about the characteristics of decisions and organizational structure that are most likely to lead boundary decisions to deviate from existing predictions.
Profit Aware Load Balancing for Distributed Cloud Data Centers

The advent of cloud systems has spurred the emergence of an impressive assortment of Internet services. Recent pressures on enhancing the profitability by curtailing surging dollar costs on energy have posed challenges to, as well as placed a new emphasis on, designing energy-efficient request dispatching and resource management algorithms. What further adds to the design challenge is the highly diverse nature of Internet service requests in terms of Quality-of-Service (QoS) constraints and business values. Nonetheless, most of the existing job scheduling and resource management solutions are for a single type of request and are profit oblivious. They are unable to reap the benefit of multi-service profit-aware algorithm designs. In this paper, we consider a cloud service provider operating geographically distributed data centers in a multi-electricity-market environment, and propose an energy-efficient, profit-and cost-aware request dispatching and resource allocation algorithm to maximize a service provider's net profit. We formulate the net profit maximization issue as a constrained optimization problem, using a unified task model capturing multiple cloud layers (e.g., SaaS, PaaS, IaaS.) The proposed approach maximizes a service provider's net profit by judiciously distributing service requests to data centers, powering on/off an appropriate number of servers, and allocating server resources to dispatched requests. We conduct extensive experiments to validate our proposed algorithm. Results show that our proposed approach can improve a service provider's net profit significantly.
Improving trajectory tracking for systems with unobservable modes using command generation

Trajectory tracking with flexible systems is extremely difficult. This difficulty is increased when there are unobservable modes. Optimal PID control can be used for standard trajectory tracking, whereas sliding mode control can be used in systems with parametric uncertainties. Command shaping has been proven to be beneficial in eliminating unwanted vibration. This paper shows that command generation can be utilized to eliminate unwanted vibration from a system with an unobservable mode. Both optimal PID and sliding mode control can be used in conjunction with command generation for enhanced system performance.
Synthesis of (+)-dynemicin A and analogs of wide structural variability: establishment of the absolute configuration of natural dynemicin A

A highly convergent synthetic route to the potent natural antitumor agent (+)-dynemicin A (1) is described. Key features of the synthesis include: (1) the condensation of the potassium enolate of menthyl acetoacetate with trans-ethyl crotonate, providing the optically pure trans-disubstituted 1,3-cyclohexanedione 38; (2) the palladium-catalyzed coupling of the enol triflate 37 with t-butyl 2-borono-4-methoxycarbanilate to furnish 35, followed by the thermolysis of the latter to afford the quinolone 34; (3) the stereoselective acetylide addition of the (Z)-enediyne bridge to an acylquinolinium intermediate derived from quinoline 60, affording the addition product 61; (4) the acetylide-mediated closure of the (Z)-enediyne bridge of ketone 65 to produce 66; (5) the carboxylation and subsequent methylation of ketone 69, providing the vinylogous carbonic acid 70; (6) the oxidation of the phenol 73 to furnish the enone 74, as well as the reductive deprotection of 75 to afford the quinone imine 77; and (7) the Diels-Alder cycloaddition reaction of the quinone imine 77 with 1,4,7-tris(trimethylsiloxy)isobenzofuran, followed by the desilylation and oxidation of the resultant adduct to complete the synthesis of 1. The preparation of structurally diverse analogs of 1 by late-stage modification of the synthetic route is detailed. The absolute configuration of natural 1 is determined to be 2S, 3S, 4S, 7R, 8R, by the comparison of circular dichroism spectra of synthetic and authentic 1.
Retrovirus-mediated gene expression during chick visual system development.

Abstract The chick embryo is an excellent model for studying eye morphogenesis, retinal cell fate determination, and retinotectal projections due to its accessibility and the available molecular tools. Avian replication-competent retroviruses allow efficient infection of proliferating cells and stable integration of the viral genome, including up to 2.3 kb of foreign cDNA, into the host chromosome. High-titer retroviruses are produced by transient transfection of avian DF-1 cells followed by centrifugation of the culture medium. Targeted infection of the optic vesicle, the lens vesicle, the retina and pigmented epithelium, the periocular mesenchyme, and the tectum can be performed at different developmental stages in ovo. In addition, retroviruses can be used to transduce genes of interest into various ocular tissue explants or cells in vitro. Virus-mediated gene expression can be detected within 12 h of infection. Therefore, avian replication-competent retroviruses serve as powerful tools to misexpress wild-type and mutant gene products and to study molecular mechanisms underlying vertebrate visual system development.
Improving telerobotic touch via high-frequency acceleration matching

Humans rely on information-laden high-frequency accelerations in addition to quasi-static forces when interacting with objects via a handheld tool. Telerobotic systems have traditionally struggled to portray such contact transients due to closed-loop bandwidth and stability limitations, leaving remote objects feeling soft and undefined. This work seeks to maximize the user's feel for the environment through the approach of acceleration matching; high-frequency fingertip accelerations are combined with standard low-frequency position feedback without requiring a secondary actuator on the master device. In this method, the natural dynamics of the master are identified offline using frequency-domain techniques, estimating the relationship between commanded motor current and handle acceleration while a user holds the device. During subsequent telerobotic interactions, a high-bandwidth sensor measures accelerations at the slave's end effector, and the real-time controller re-creates these important signals at the master handle by inverting the identified model. The details of this approach are explored herein, and its ability to render hard and rough surfaces is demonstrated on a standard master-slave system. Combining high-frequency acceleration matching with position-error-based feedback of quasi-static forces creates a hybrid signal that closely corresponds to human sensing capabilities, instilling telerobotics with a more realistic sense of remote touch
Intrahepatic portal venous systems in children with noncirrhotic prehepatic portal hypertension: Anatomy and clinical relevance

Abstract Background Children with extrahepatic portal hypertension typically present with cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein and a poorly defined intrahepatic portal vein system on conventional imaging. With the Meso-Rex Bypass becoming the gold-standard intervention for a cure, a precise assessment of the intrahepatic portal vein system provides helpful data for deciding whether a Meso-Rex Bypass is feasible or not. Methods All children with extrahepatic portal hypertension were prospectively assessed by wedged hepatic venous portography. Venous anatomy was categorized into five subtypes (A to E), depending on the presence of thrombosis in the Rex recessus, or not, and its extension within the intrahepatic portal venous system. Results Eighty-nine children entered the study. Previous umbilical vein catheterization is usually associated with Rex thrombosis, while the Rex recessus and the intrahepatic portal venous system are patent in idiopathic cases, thus allowing for the performance of a Meso-Rex Bypass with a good outcome. Conclusions Wedged hepatic venous portography is a very effective tool for detailed preoperative assessment and identification of children being considered for Meso-Rex Bypass surgery. An anatomic–radiological classification is useful in selecting patients for Meso-Rex Bypass with anticipation of a high rate of success.
Intricarene, an unprecedented trispiropentacyclic diterpene from the Caribbean Sea plume Pseudopterogorgia kallos.

A novel trispiropentacyclic diterpene, intricarene (1), was isolated from the hexane extract of the Caribbean gorgonian octocoral Pseudopterogorgia kallos. Its highly entangled structure was establ...
A flexible C-terminal linker is required for proper FtsZ assembly in vitro and cytokinetic ring formation in vivo.

Summary Assembly of the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ into a ring-like structure is required for bacterial cell division. Structurally, FtsZ consists of four domains: the globular N-terminal core, a flexible linker, 8–9 conserved residues implicated in interactions with modulatory proteins, and a highly variable set of 4–10 residues at its very C terminus. Largely ignored and distinguished by lack of primary sequence conservation, the linker is presumed to be intrinsically disordered. Here we employ genetics, biochemistry and cytology to dissect the role of the linker in FtsZ function. Data from chimeric FtsZs substituting the native linker with sequences from unrelated FtsZs as well as a helical sequence from human beta-catenin indicate that while variations in the primary sequence are well tolerated, an intrinsically disordered linker is essential for Bacillus subtilis FtsZ assembly. Linker lengths ranging from 25 to 100 residues supported FtsZ assembly, but replacing the B. subtilis FtsZ linker with a 249-residue linker from Agrobacterium tumefaciens FtsZ interfered with cell division. Overall, our results support a model in which the linker acts as a flexible tether allowing FtsZ to associate with the membrane through a conserved C-terminal domain while simultaneously interacting with itself and modulatory proteins in the cytoplasm.
MoS2-wrapped silicon nanowires for photoelectrochemical water reduction

Integration of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) onto high surface area photocathodes is highly desired to minimize the overpotential for the solar-powered hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) are beneficial for use in photoelectrochemistry because of their large electrochemically available surface area and inherent ability to decouple light absorption and the transport of minority carriers. Here, silicon (Si) NW arrays were employed as a model photocathode system for MoS2 wrapping, and their solar-driven HER activity was evaluated. The photocathode is made up of a well-defined MoS2/TiO2/Si coaxial NW heterostructure, which yielded photocurrent density up to 15 mA/cm2 (at 0 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) with good stability under the operating conditions employed. This work reveals that earth-abundant electrocatalysts coupled with high surface area NW electrodes can provide performance comparable to noble metal catalysts for photocathodic hydrogen evolution.
Risk of Discharge to Postacute Care A Patient-Centered Outcome for the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator

Importance Individualized risk prediction tools have an important role as decision aids for use by patients and surgeons before surgery. Patient-centered outcomes should be incorporated into such tools to widen their appeal and improve their usability. Objective To develop a patient-centered outcome for the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Surgical Risk Calculator, a web-based, individualized risk prediction tool. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study using data from the ACS NSQIP, a national clinical data registry. A total of 973 211 patients from July 2010 to June 2012, encompassing 392 hospitals, were used in this analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures Risk of discharge to a postacute care setting. Results The overall rate of discharge to postacute care was 8.8%. Significant predictors of discharge to postacute care included being 85 years or older (odds ratio [OR] = 9.17; 95% CI, 8.84-9.50), the presence of septic shock (OR = 2.43; 95% CI, 2.20-2.69) or ventilator dependence (OR = 2.81; 95% CI, 2.56-3.09) preoperatively, American Society of Anesthesiologists class of 4 or 5 (OR = 3.59; 95% CI, 3.46-3.71), and totally dependent functional status (OR = 2.27; 95% CI, 2.11-2.44). The final model predicted risk of discharge to postacute care with excellent accuracy (C statistic = 0.924) and calibration (Brier score = 0.05). Conclusions and Relevance Individualized risk of discharge to postacute care can be predicted with excellent accuracy. This outcome will be incorporated into the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator.
Inferences for the Lead Time in Breast Cancer Screening Trials under a Stable Disease Model

We estimated the effects on the lead time for women participating in a long-term breast cancer screening program when the screening sensitivities and disease progression are independent of age. The lead time, or time by which a diagnosis is advanced by screening, is one of the major concerns of any cancer screening program, which we consider to include both a mammogram and physical examination. Using estimates of test sensitivities and mean sojourn times previously calculated by other authors from observed data, we estimated properties of the lead time. We utilized the model for the lead time derived by other authors and ran simulations for different screening program designs, concentrating on screening interval lengths of 0.5 years, 1 year, 1.5 years, and 2 years. These estimates were based on a long-term screening program from age 50 to 80. For each six-month decrease in screening interval length, we estimated the percent increase in mean lead time, as well as the percent increase in the proportion of clinical patients who will have their cancer detected at a screening exam.
A PSYCHOLOGICAL MODEL OF STUDENT PERSISTENCE

The present study examines the validity of the Eccles model of achievement behaviors (model of academic choice) for its predictive validity when the outcome (behavior) is student persistence in the postsecondary educational system to completion of at least the baccalaureate degree. Patterns of effects hypothesized by the theoretical model were only partially supported by the results forthcoming from the estimation of the model. Of the two constructs hypothesized to directly influence persistence—the value placed on college attendance and expectations for success in college—only value had significant influence. Two measures of goal orientations—business/financial and humanitarian/social—exerted indirect influence as hypothesized, but level of degree aspirations had as strong a direct influence on persistence as did value. Prior achievement had the strongest total effects of any of the variables in the model.
Development of the Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments

Abstract Background Despite the widely known benefits of physical activity, people with disabilities are more likely to be inactive when compared to people without disabilities. Previous questionnaires that measure barriers physical activity for people with disabilities do not measure barriers from an ecological perspective. Objective The purpose of this study was to develop the Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire for People with Mobility Impairments (BPAQ-MI) that measures barriers using an ecological framework. Methods This study consisted of two phases. In Phase one, developed the content validity by (a) developing an item bank, (b) identifying missing items and combining items using a Delphi panel, and (c) refine item wording via cognitive interviews. In Phase two, people with mobility impairments took part in in-person interviews to establish test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the BPAQ-MI. Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed the BPAQ-MI was comprised of eight subscales or factors: health; beliefs and attitudes; family; friends; fitness center built environment; staff and policy; community built environment; and safety. The BPAQ-MI demonstrated very good test-retest reliability. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.792 to 0.935. The BPAQ-MI showed significant negative correlations with exercise (minutes/week) and significant positive correlations between BPAQ-MI subscales and inactivity (hours/day). Conclusions The BPAQ-MI is the first questionnaire that places greater equity at measuring barriers to physical activity across the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community domains. The BPAQ-MI has the potential to assist researchers in understanding the complex relationship between barriers and ultimately develop physical activity interventions that address these barriers.
IN VITRO COMPARISON OF STONE RETROPULSION AND FRAGMENTATION OF THE FREQUENCY DOUBLED, DOUBLE PULSE ND:YAG LASER AND THE HOLMIUM:YAG LASER

ABSTRACTPurpose:: The frequency doubled, double pulse Nd:YAG (FREDDY) laser (World of Medicine, Berlin, Germany) functions through the generation of a plasma bubble. Upon bubble collapse a mechanical shock wave is generated, causing stone fragmentation. This mechanism of action is in contrast to the holmium laser, which cause stone destruction by vaporization. Observed clinical stone retropulsion and fragmentation with the FREDDY and holmium lasers has prompted a series of in vitro experiments designed to compare laser induced retropulsion and fragmentation with those of a holmium laser and pneumatic lithotrite.Materials and Methods:: For retropulsion a hands-off underwater laboratory setup, including a horizontally oriented silicone tube 1.3 cm in diameter and a holder to keep the stone phantom in contact with the quartz laser fiber or pneumatic probe, was used. Previously weighed, cylindrical Bego stone phantoms (Bego USA, Smithfield, Rhode Island) were placed in the apparatus. Stone fragmentation was p...
Sonographic findings in infants with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Background: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) results from several autosomal recessive errors in adrenal steroidogenesis, leading to masculinization of female fetuses and potential salt-losing crises in male and female infants. Definitive diagnosis of CAH is made with biochemical studies, but results are not immediately available. Our purpose is to assess the utility of sonography in the accurate diagnosis of CAH. Patients and methods: Sixteen patients with diagnosis of adrenogenital syndrome or ambiguous genitalia from January 1990 to January 1998 were identified: 9 patients with CAH, 7 patients without CAH who served as controls. Prospective sonographic diagnoses were correlated with biochemical diagnoses. Results: Of the 16 patients, 8 had prospectively enlarged adrenal glands, subsequently shown to have CAH due to 21-hydroxylase or 11β-hydroxylase deficiency. Adrenals were normal in a pretreated infant, and in available follow-up scans. The seven patients without CAH had prospectively normal adrenal ultrasounds. Conclusions: These data support the premise that sonography can be utilized as a rapid and accurate diagnostic tool in infants suspected of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.