cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pharmacologic Basis for the Treatment of Cardiac Arrhythmias

The treatment of many cardiac arrhythmias occurring in the pediatric population is often a perplexing therapeutic problem. An apparent increase in the incidence of these arrhythmias is occurring, probably for several reasons. Physicians have attained a greater awareness of the problem of cardiac arrhythmias in the young; diagnostic capabilities have been improved; and large numbers of patients with congenital cardiac malformations now undergo total surgical correction and experience postoperative cardiac arrhythmias. The pharmacotherapy of cardiac arrhythmias in pediatric patients is determined by multiple factors. Probably foremost among these is the clinical efficacy of a given drug in the hands of an individual pediatrician; that is, his personal experience in antiarrhythmic therapy. Information and experience here are often limited, however, and in many instances the determining factor in selection and method of administration of a drug to the pediatric patient is its use in the treatment of arrhythmias in the adult. Additional requirements for the rational choice of the proper antiarrhythmic agent are (1) an accurate diagnosis of the cardiac arrhythmia; (2) a knowledge of the mechanism for initiation and maintenance of an arrhythmia; (3) an understanding of the electrophysiologic effects, pharmacologic properties and metabolism of the drugs available; and (4) the clinical status of the patient. Any electrolyte imbalance, concomitant drug therapy or organ system dysfunction may alter the absorption and metabolism of the drug. In the past decade there has been a large increment in the literature concerning mechanisms underlying the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias and their therapy. Our purpose in this review is to familiarize pediatricians with the electrophysiologic basis for arrhythmias, with the mechanisms of action of the commonly used antiarrhythmic drugs, and with their administration, metabolism, excretion and undesirable effects.
Artificial Chromosomes Coming to Life

One of the biggest obstacles to gene therapy is the delivery of the therapeutic gene to the target tissue so that it is appropriately expressed. In his Perspective, Willard looks at the potential advantages of using a human artificial chromosome to maintain expression of a therapeutic gene and discusses some of the hurdles yet to be overcome before this gene delivery system can be tried out in the clinic.
Considering Residential Treatment for Youth in the Continuum of Care: A Systems Perspective

This article examines the residential treatment alternative in social and historical contexts. It provides recommendations for clearly defining residential treatment services and measuring the effectiveness of residential treatment programs. The study suggests models for family involvement, after care, and follow-up that may enhance the long term success of residential treatment. The research has been designed to assist Orion House, Inc., a residential treatment center for male youth in Newport, New Hampshire, and therefore the study includes information about the macro-environment in which Orion House operates. However, suggested methods may be generalized and applied to other residential treatment facilities.
Chapter 25. Reactions of Interest in Medicinal Chemistry

Publisher Summary This chapter describes various synthetic procedures for reaction of interests in medicinal chemistry. A stable storable hydroborating and reducing agent which is liquid at room temperature is provided by dimethylsulfide-borane. An excellent reagent for the oxidation of Schiff bases to oxaziridines, nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocycles to N -oxides, and nitrosamines to nitramines is t-amylhydroperoxide with MOCl 5 . T1(NO 3 ) 3 is useful for (1) the degradation of monoalkylacetylenes to carboxylic acids containing one less carbon atom, (2) synthesis of acyloins from dialkylacetylenes, and (3) synthesis of methyl arylacetates from acetophenones. The acetylenic linkage in compounds containing both double and triple bonds can be protected as the acetylene–dicobalt hexacarbonyl complex by treatment with cobalt carbonyl. A single-step reductive elimination of epoxides to olefins with Zn–Cu couple in ethanol has been described. Sulfoxides, including the conformationally restricted thioxanthine sulfoxide, are quantitatively deoxygenated with NaBH 4 -CoCl 2 in 95% ethanol. A one-step four-carbon homologation leading to a variety of 4-alkyl-2-buten-1-ols is provided by reaction of 1,3-butadiene monoxide with primary or secondary trialkylboranes in the presence of catalytic amounts of O 2 or other free-radical initiator.
MARIT : the design, implementation and trajectory generation with NTG for small UAVs.

MARIT: THE DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION AND TRAJECTORY GENERATION WITH NTG FOR SMALL UAVS Yinan Cui 2013-04-18 This dissertation is about building a Multiple Air Robotics Indoor Testbed (MARIT) for the purpose of developing and validating new methodologies for collaboration and cooperation between heterogeneous Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) as well as expandable to air-and-ground vehicle teams. It introduces a mathematical model for simulation and control of quadrotor Small UAVs (SUAVs). The model is subsequently applied to design an autonomous quadrotor control and tracking system. The dynamics model of quadrotor SUAV is used in several control designs. Each control design is simulated and compared. Based on the comparison, the superior control design is use for experimental flights. Two methods are used to evaluate the control and collect real-time data. The Nonlinear Trajectory Generation (NTG) software package is used to provide optimal trajectories for the SUAVs in MARIT. The dynamics model of the quadrotor is programmed in NTG and various obstacle avoidance scenarios are modeled to establish a platform for optimal trajectory generation for SUAVs. To challenge the capability of NTG for real-time trajectory generation, random obstacles and disturbances are simulated. Various flight simulations validate this trajectory tracking approach.
Atomic scale modeling of shock response of fused silica and α-quartz

Large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are carried out using the Tersoff potential to understand the shock wave propagation behavior and the microstructural response of amorphous silica (a-SiO2) and α-quartz. The effect of shock pressure on the densification and phase transformation behavior is investigated using impact velocities of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 km/s for a-SiO2 and using impact velocities of 2.0 and 3.0 km/s for α-quartz. MD simulations for a-SiO2 suggest that impact velocities of 1.5 km/s and higher result in average pressures that are greater than 9 GPa for the compressed material leading to permanent densification of the material behind the shock front. In addition, the high peak pressures render a phase transformation of the amorphous phase to the high-pressure stishovite phase, and the microstructure corresponds to a heterogeneous mixture of stishovite and liquid SiO2. Spall failure due to the interaction of the reflected tensile waves, however, is not observed for any of the velocities considered for amorphous silica as the peak tensile pressure generated is insufficient to nucleate cracks. This is verified through MD simulations of uniaxial expansion of fused silica to compute the spall strength at the strain rates generated during shock simulations (109 to 1010 s−1). The uniaxial expansion simulations suggest a brittle mode of failure for a-SiO2, as observed experimentally. In comparison, shock-induced densification and phase transformation behavior to the high-pressure stishovite phase are also observed for α-quartz for an impact velocity of 3.0 km/s. The threshold pressures for the densification and phase transformation behavior for amorphous silica and α-quartz compare very well with those observed experimentally.
Further Confusion Over Confrontation

This article analyzes the recent Supreme Court decision in Michigan v. Bryant. It concludes that the dissent is correct in concluding that the victim’s statement in this case was primarily for the purpose of developing a case against the defendant, not to defuse an emergency, and consequently was “testimonial” and shouldn’t have been admitted into evidence. More importantly, it argues that the Supreme Court’s “testimonial/non-testimonial” misses the point of the Sixth Amendment and should be abandoned, in favor of an approach that focuses on the defendant’s need to cross-examine.
Differential space-time modulation with transmit-beamforming for correlated MIMO fading channels

While the knowledge of each channel realization is not available in a system with differential space-time modulation, channel correlation can be easily estimated without training at the receiver, and exploited by the transmitter to enhance the error probability performance. We develop a transmission scheme that combines transmit-beamforming with differential space-time modulation based on orthogonal space-time block coding. Error probability is analyzed for both correlated and independent channels. Based on the error probability analysis, we derive power loading coefficients to improve performance.
Mutual relationships in neighborhood socioeconomic change

In this article, we investigate the factors that lead to changes in the socioeconomic complexion of urban neighborhoods along four critical dimensions: crime, youth social distress, home ownership, and economic conditions. We argue that the dynamics of these dimensions are better apprehended simultaneously considering their potential mutual relationships and we propose a cross-lagged panel model approach within a structural equation modeling framework. Neighborhoods in Charlotte, North Carolina, are used as a case study, and change is modeled at several time lags throughout the 2000–2010 decade. Findings indicate that the model performs well and that it offers a very promising avenue for modeling the socioeconomic changes of neighborhoods that accounts for complex longitudinal effects as well as spatial dependencies. Specifically, it shows that lower human capital manifested by a decline in youth indicators is significant in explaining subsequent increases in crime and declines in economic indicators. Als...
Carotenoid deposition in pen-reared salmonids fed diets containing oil extracts of red crab (Pleuroncodes planipes)

Abstract The rate of deposition of carotenoids in pen-reared coho salmon was investigated by the addition of known carotenoid levels to diets. The carotenoids added to the diets were derived from red crab (P. planipes), and a process is described for the preparation of a soya oil carotenoid concentrate. Using a 3-stage counter-current extraction process, extracts containing 155 mg/100 g oil were prepared from red crab (P. planipes). Oregon moist pellets containing 3, 6, and 9 mg carotenoid/100 g were prepared using these extracts and were fed to coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) for 120 days. The amount of carotenoid deposited in the flesh of the fish was related to the carotenoid content of the diet and to the weight of the fish. Fish fed diets containing 6 and 9 mg carotenoid/100 g for the same length of time contained 60% more flesh carotenoids than those fed 3 mg/100 g. In general, after 120 days of feeding, only those fish feeding on diets containing 6.0 and 9.0 mg carotenoid/100 g and weighing over 215 g were assessed as having good-to-excellent coloration. Analysis of the flesh showed that there was no correlation between its carotenoid and fat contents.
Kinetics and Mechanism of Phosphate Photorelease from Benzoin Diethyl Phosphate: Evidence for Adiabatic Fission to an α-Keto Cation in the Triplet State

The photodissociation of benzoin diethyl phosphate (1, “caged” phosphate) was studied by nanosecond and picosecond laser flash photolysis. The lowest triplet state of 1, 31, was identified as the reactive excited state with an absorption maximum around 340 nm and a lifetime of 10−25 ns, depending on the solvent. Two different reaction paths were identified, both of which involve the release of diethyl phosphoric acid from 31 within 25 ns. In addition to a fast cyclization−elimination process leading to 2-phenylbenzofuran (2) and diethyl phosphoric acid, heterolytic adiabatic dissociation of 31 yields a triplet cation and diethyl phosphate anion in water, trifluoroethanol, and hexafluoro-2-propanol solutions. The triplet cation (570 nm, τ ≈ 430 ns in water) undergoes intersystem crossing to the singlet ground state before it reacts with the solvent molecules.
Microbial metabolism in surface sediments and its role in the immobilization of phosphorus in oligotrophic lake sediments

Rapid microbial metabolism and a large phosphorus uptake potential were observed in surface sediments of Lake George, New York. This sediment (termed the flocculent layer) also exhibited a phosphorus limited condition and a large reservoir of inorganic phosphorus associated with humic substances. These observations suggest that the empirically observed phosphorus retention in oligotrophic lake sediments may be promoted by a rapid cycling of phosphorus between microflora and its associated organic matter.
Rapid changes in gene expression in differentiating tissues of Drosophila.

Abstract In this report we present evidence to show that the process of differentiation of wing cells to produce hairs in Drosophila pupae is accompanied by rapid changes in patterns of synthesis of all of the most abundant proteins. Additional evidence from in vitro translation of mRNA extracted from the differentiating wing tissue shows that most if not all of the rapid changes result from regulation at the transcriptional level. We have also made use of heat shock-induced phenocopies and the mutant mwh to show that different cell types have similar patterns of change in protein synthesis which are related to phenocopy sensitivity on a temporal basis. It appears that regulation in the system as evaluated by the phenocopies and the mutant may involve transcription concerned with structural materials involved in morphogenesis but it may just as well involve cytoskeleton components responsible for cell movements and/or cell surface receptors.
Glucose Oxidase Multilayer Modified Microcantilevers for Glucose Measurement

We report a novel enzyme-based microcantilever sensor by using layer-by-layer nanoassembly modification. A glucose oxidase (GOx) functionalized microcantilever underwent bending when it was exposed to glucose solutions. The magnitudes of bending were proportional to the concentrations of glucose. The cantilever bending was specific toward glucose, but not to other sugars such as mannose, fructose, or galactose. The flow rate effect on the cantilever bending response is also discussed. The bending mechanism was investigated, and the kinetic and thermodynamic analysis and experimental results showed that the conformational change of GOx and gluconic formation were the origin of cantilever deflection.
Evaluating the evidence for over-the-counter alternatives for relief of hot flashes in menopausal women

Abstract Objective To review the literature on alternative over-the-counter (OTC) therapies for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women. Data sources A literature search was conducted using PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Medline from inception to June 2010, combining the term hot flash individually with black cohosh , isoflavones , red clover , soy , vitamin E , ginseng , dong quai , evening primrose oil , wild yam , kava , and melatonin . All publication types including human participants and published in English were eligible for review. These articles, relevant abstracts, and additional references were used to collect pertinent data. Study selection and data extraction Clinical trials comparing the above single-ingredient agents with placebo or active treatment were selected. In addition, only studies assessing the effects of these single-ingredient agents on vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women were included. Data synthesis Since the Women's Health Initiative and Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study II, women have sought lifestyle changes and other drug therapies as alternatives to menopausal hormone therapy to relieve hot flashes associated with menopause. The currently available literature is conflicting in regard to efficacy and does not support the use of alternative OTC therapies for hot flash management associated with menopause. In addition, long-term safety data are lacking for any of these therapies. Conclusion Women should be encouraged to implement therapeutic lifestyle changes to assist them with hot flash management. Based on the current literature, alternative OTC therapies do not have consistent, beneficial data to support their use in hot flash management.
Editorial Comment—Stroke Cost-Effectiveness Research: Are Acceptability Curves Acceptable?

In this issue of Stroke , Patel et al examine the cost-effectiveness of 3 different care strategies for patients with moderately disabling stoke: stroke unit care, stroke team care, and domiciliary care.1 The results show that stroke unit care was more effective and more costly than the other 2 competing strategies, and based on the incremental comparison of stroke unit care compared with domiciliary care (stroke team care was dominated because it was less effective and more costly than stroke unit care), stroke unit care costs an additional £64 000 to £136 000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. The authors rightly point out several limitations that need to be kept in mind, the most important of which is limited generalizability given the known differences in stroke care patterns across countries. Another important limitation not mentioned is that different methods of eliciting health state preferences yield different estimates of QALYs for equivalent health states, and such differences need to be kept in mind, considering the authors used only the EuroQol (EQ-5D) as a …
Abstract PR03: Selective sensitization of mutant K-Ras cancer cells to DNA damage based therapies by targeting wild type H- and N-Ras.

Mutations in Kras are highly prevalent in human cancers and are strongly predictive of resistance to chemotherapy. As the constitutive activation of K-Ras has been believed to confer functional autonomy and dominance over the wild type Ras forms, it has been thought that wild type Ras forms are dispensable to the mutant K-Ras driven tumorigenic phenotype. Here we demonstrate a functional dependence of mutant K-Ras driven tumors on wild type Ras for the activation of the DNA damage response, and that this dependence can be exploited to specifically sensitize K-Ras cancers to DNA[[Unable to Display Character: –]]damage-inducing agents. We show that in mutant K-Ras cancer cells, wild type H-Ras and N-Ras are required for the activation of Chk1, the G2 DNA damage checkpoint, and the cellular response to DNA-damage-inducing chemotherapy. Specifically, we show that targeted depletion of wild type H- and N-Ras in mutant K-Ras cancer cells leads to the hyperactivation of the Erk/p90RSK and PI3K/Akt pathways, and as a consequence, the phosphorylation of Chk1 at an inhibitory site, Ser 280. The resulting inhibition of ATR/Chk1 signaling abrogates the activation of the G2 DNA damage checkpoint, and confers a specific sensitization of mutant K-Ras cancer cells to DNA damage therapeutic agents both in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for wild type Ras in the DNA damage response of mutant K-Ras cancer cells and reveal a promising approach for targeting K-Ras-driven tumors. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):PR03. Citation Format: Elda Grabocka, Yuliya Pylayeva-Gupta, Eyoel Yemanaberhan, Veronica Lubkov, Laura Taylor, Dafna Bar-Sagi. Selective sensitization of mutant K-Ras cancer cells to DNA damage based therapies by targeting wild type H- and N-Ras. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr PR03.
Simultaneous video and thermal imaging of cryogen spray cooling

In order to understand better the dynamic interaction of cryogen spray cooling of skin, video and thermal images were obtained simultaneously. The cryogen spurt was applied either to skin phantoms (gelatin, 70% water by mass) or in vivo human skin; imaging was performed with a CCD camera (30 frames per second) and a high-speed infrared camera (100 - 850 frames per second). Acquired thermal images were compared to visible images, and a time sequence of different events (ice formation, ice temperature changes, etc.) was developed and used as an input into computer models to provide a more realistic estimation of cryogen spray cooling dynamics. Ice formation, which was present for durations on the order of seconds, had the greatest effect on the theoretical temperature distribution.
The effect of incentive regulation on productive efficiency in telecommunications

Abstract Incentive regulation is now an important regulatory tool in the telecommunications industry in the United States. The issue explored here is whether incentive regulation has resulted in an increase in productive efficiency. After providing an overview of the nature of incentive regulation, one methodology for measuring the effects of incentive regulation on productive efficiency is reviewed. This methodology is data envelopment analysis (DEA) and allows for the measurement of both scale efficiency and technical efficiency of individual local exchange carriers (LECs). The results indicate that most LECs were technically efficient over the 1988–1998 period. Four LECs, however, consistently demonstrate scale inefficiency. In the aggregate, however, based on the DEA results there was no identifiable improvement in aggregate LECs' technical efficiency between 1988 and 1998. Subsequently, an alternative methodology, a stochastic frontier production function approach, is considered. The results from this methodology confirm that there was no change in technical efficiency over the period of study, something that incentive regulation was specifically designed to enhance.
Fully dynamic algorithms for permutation graph coloring

We introduce a dynamic model for maintaining permutation graph coloring. Our motivation comes from the strait type river routing problem in VLSI. This paper presents fully dynamic algorithms for the permutation graph coloring problem. These algorithms are designed to handle Insert and Delete operations and answer some queries. The aim is to provide for running times that are asymptotically more efficient than recomputation (off-line algorithms that run in 0(n logw) time, are known [5,6,10,3]). First, the algorithm A^ that runs in 0(n) uniform running time per Insert/Delete operation is presented. Second, a more sophisticated data structure leads to the algorithm A2 that runs in (9(m logw) uniform running time per Insert I Delete, where m denotes the number of chains in the decomposition. It follows from [7,4] that the running time of A2 when the points from the dynamically changing set are drawn independently from a uniform distribution on the unit square is G(yfn logn) per Insert/Delete in probability. T...
Effects of Temperature on Viscoelastic Properties and Activation Energies of Whey Protein Gels

The creep behavior of gels prepared with 10-15% whey protein was measured at 15-75°C. Gels prepared with 12-15% protein were thermorheologically simple, although their action was not totally consistent with Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) criteria. Gels made with less than 11% protein were more sensitive to temperature than those containing more than 11% protein and their thermal viscoelastic action was not consistent with polymer theory. The apparent activation energy (ΔHa) of the gels decreased with increasing temperatures and noncovalent forces were important in maintaining gel structures.
A 280mV-to-1.1V 256b reconfigurable SIMD vector permutation engine with 2-dimensional shuffle in 22nm CMOS

Energy-efficient SIMD permutation operations are key for maximizing high-performance microprocessor vector datapath utilization in multimedia, graphics, and signal processing workloads [1–3]. A wide SIMD vector permutation engine is required to achieve high-throughput data rearrangement operations on large data sets, with scaled supply voltages to deliver high energy efficiency. An ultra-low-voltage reconfigurable 4-way to 32-way SIMD vector permutation engine consisting of a 32-entry × 256b 3-read/1-write ported register file with a 256b byte-wise any-to-any permute crossbar for 2-dimensional shuffle is fabricated in 22nm CMOS. The register file integrates a vertical shuffle across multiple entries into read/write operations, and includes clockless static reads with shared P/N dual-ended transmission gate (DETG) writes, improving register file V MIN by 250mV across PVT variations with a wide dynamic operating range of 280mV-1.1V. The permute crossbar implements an interleaved folded byte-wise multiplexer layout forming an any-to-any fully-connected tree to perform a horizontal shuffle with permute accumulate circuits, and includes vector flip-flops, stacked min-delay buffers, shared gates to average min-sized transistor variation, and ultra-low-voltage split-output (ULVS) level shifters improving logic V MIN by 150mV, while enabling peak energy efficiency of 585GOPS/W measured at 260mV, 50°C. The permutation engine occupies a dense layout of 0.048mm2 (Fig. 10.1.7) while achieving: (i) nominal register file performance of 1.8GHz, 106mW measured at 0.9V, 50°C; (ii) robust register file functionality measured down to 280mV (subthreshold) with peak energy efficiency of 154GOPS/W; (iii) scalable permute crossbar performance of 2.9GHz, 69mW measured at 1.1V, 50°C with deep sub-threshold operation at 240mV, 10MHz consuming 19μW; and (iv) a 64b 4×4 matrix transpose algorithm with 53% energy savings and 42% improved peak throughput of 263Gbps measured at 1.8GHz, 0.9V.
Evidence for slow oxygen exchange between multiple adsorption sites at high oxygen coverages on Pt(111)

Abstract Thermal desorption (TPD) measurements using isotopically labeled oxygen were carried out on a Pt(1 1 1) surface for oxygen coverages ΘO between 0.25–0.7 monolayers (ML, 1 ML corresponds to 1.505×10 15 cm −2 ). In these experiments, 18 O2 was used to produce ΘO=0.25 ML and then N 16 O2 was used to obtain larger values of ΘO at the surface. We observed differences in the peak shapes and temperatures maxima of the O2 TPD peaks from the different combinations of labeled O2 molecules ( 16 O2, 16 O 18 O, and 18 O2), and this provides direct evidence for multiple adsorption sites and slow oxygen exchange between these sites during dosing or heating in TPD. Also, we have reinvestigated the high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) spectra of these surfaces. We find that there is only a 22 cm−1 shift of the loss peak due to Pt–O stretching vibrations for ΘO between 0.25–0.55 ML, consistent with similar Pt–O bond energies at the different sites occupied by oxygen adatoms at these coverages on the Pt(1 1 1) surface.
The Effect of Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty on the Rate of Filtering Surgery

Abstract We examined the impact of argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) on the overall rate of filtering surgery on a resident service. From 1981 through 1984, 121 eyes underwent ALT for treatment of uncontrolled primary openangle glaucoma despite maximum tolerated medical therapy. Mean intraocular pressure decreased from 27 ± 4 mmHg to 20 ± 5 mmHg (median follow-up, 9 months). From 1978 through 1981, the mean annual rate of filtering surgery was 16. Only one filtering procedure was performed in 1982, the first full year of ALT use. However, 15 filtering procedures were performed in 1983 and 18 were performed in 1984. Despite a large number of apparently effective ALT treatments and despite an overall reduction in outpatient visits of 20%, the rate of filtering surgery has returned to the pre-ALT level. This suggests that ALT may be effective in delaying the need for surgery, but in many cases it probably does not prevent surgery.
Action of pancreatic deoxyribonuclease I on crab d(A-T) polymer

A modified procedure is described that allows the use of the Varian Aerograph for the determination of the composition of fragments of the crab d(A-T) polymer. 1 A270 nm unit of material is a convenient amount and the unfavorable distribution of component nucleosides (1 : 30) is overcome by switching the recorder deflection. The composition of the digest of crab d(A-T) polymer by pancreatic deoxyribonuclease I was affected by the concentration of Mg2+. To obtain fragments in the range of di- to hexanucleotides, 10 mM Mg2+ was required; lower Mg2+concentrations favored longer fragments. With controlled hydrolysis hexanucleotides with 8.2 mole% of C+G were obtained in 14 % yield. Linkages involving G were more resistant to deoxyribonuclease I than linkages involving A regardless of the combination in which G occurred. Some of the linkages involving C, presumably d(A-pC), were more susceptible than the d(A-pT), the major linkage cleaved by deoxyribonuclease I.
Two-dimensional heat transfer study on the keyhole plasma arc welding process

Abstract This paper presents a two-dimensional, quasi-stationary finite element numerical model to study the fluid flow and the heat transfer phenomena which occur during constant travel speed, keyhole plasma arc welding of metal plates. A Newton-Raphson iteration procedure was developed in this model to accurately identify the solid-liquid interface location during welding. The finite element method was applied to the study of typical keyhole welding process of an AISI 304 stainless plate. The results show that the method can be used to predict the shape of the welding pool as a function of welding parameters and that the widths of both the fusion zone and the heat effected zone decrease as the welding speed increases while the power required for welding increases with an increase in welding speed.
Associations Between Counting Ability in Preschool and Mathematic Performance in First Grade Among a Sample of Ethnically Diverse, Low-Income Children

This study explores the effects of counting objects and reciting numbers in preschool on 1st-grade math performance. Data on 3,125 low-income preschoolers’ (4- to 5-year-olds) counting abilities (orally reciting numerals in chronological order and counting blocks) were collected during a fall session (between September 15 and December 15) and were associated with 1st-grade math performance 2 years later. Children's counting abilities were organized into five ordinal categories (from lowest to highest): (1) cannot recite or count to 10, (2) can only recite to 10, (3) can count and recite to 10, (4) can recite (but not count) to 20, and (5) can count and recite to 20. Results of hierarchical regression analyses, controlling for sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and days absent in 1st grade, yielded a significant linear relation across the five counting ability categories. Children who were able to count and recite to 20 during the first half of preschool had the highest math performance in 1st grad...
COEXISTENCE OF β-KETOTHIOLASE DEFICIENCY AND A NEUTRAL AMINO ACID TRANSPORT DEFECT IN TWO SIBLINGS

A presumptive intrauterine diagnosis of β-ketothiolase deficiency based on decreased ability to oxidize isoleucine by amniotic fluid cells was made in the sib of a known case. The diagnosis has been supported in the infant by studies of his urine metabolites, which show α-methyl β-OH butyrate, α-methyl acetoacetate, and tiglic acid. On a low protein diet the child shows few clinical symptoms at six months of age and does not have hyperglycinemia. We had previously reported that the first sibling's fibroblasts had decreased isoleucine transport and were unable to concentrate isoleucine after several passages in culture. The new infant's cells show a more severe transport defect even in early culture. The transport defect appears to be loss of the high affinity transport system (Km ∼ 0.01 mM) for neutral amino acids seen in normal cell lines. Whether these combined defects represent close linkage of two genes or a secondary transport deficiency due to the biochemical lesion is unclear.
The relation of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol to childhood cognitive flexibility

Identification of health behaviors and markers of physiological health associated with childhood cognitive function has important implications for public health policy targeted toward cognitive health throughout the life span. Although previous studies have shown that aerobic fitness and obesity exert contrasting effects on cognitive flexibility among prepubertal children, the extent to which diet plays a role in cognitive flexibility has received little attention. Accordingly, this study examined associations between saturated fats and cholesterol intake and cognitive flexibility, assessed using a task switching paradigm, among prepubertal children between 7 and 10 years (N = 150). Following adjustment of confounding variables (age, sex, socioeconomic status, IQ, VO2max, and BMI), children consuming diets higher in saturated fats exhibited longer reaction time during the task condition requiring greater amounts of cognitive flexibility. Further, increasing saturated fat intake and dietary cholesterol were correlated with greater switch costs, reflecting impaired ability to maintain multiple task sets in working memory and poorer efficiency of cognitive control processes involved in task switching. These data are among the first to indicate that children consuming diets higher in saturated fats and cholesterol exhibit compromised ability to flexibly modulate their cognitive operations, particularly when faced with greater cognitive challenge. Future longitudinal and intervention studies are necessary to comprehensively characterize the interrelationships between diet, aerobic fitness, obesity, and children's cognitive abilities.
Estimation of excitatory drive from sparse motoneuron sampling

It is possible to replace amputated limbs with mechatronic prostheses, but their operation requires the user's intentions to be detected and converted into control signals sent to the actuators. Fortunately, the motoneurons (MNs) that controlled the amputated muscles remain intact and capable of generating electrical signals, but these signals are difficult to record. Even the latest microelectrode array technologies and targeted motor reinnervation (TMR) can provide only sparse sampling of the hundreds of motor units that comprise the motor pool for each muscle. Simple rectification and integration of such records is likely to produce noisy and delayed estimates of the actual intentions of the user. We have developed a novel algorithm for optimal estimation of motor pool excitation based on the recruitment and firing rates of a small number (2–10) of discriminated motor units. We first derived the motor estimation algorithm from normal patterns of modulated MN activity based on a previously published model of individual MN recruitment and asynchronous frequency modulation. The algorithm was then validated on a target motor reinnervation subject using intramuscular fine-wire recordings to obtain single motor units.
Tar yields from low-temperature carbonization of coal facies from the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, USA

Tar yields from low-temperature carbonization correlate with the amount of crypto-eugelinite in samples selected to represent petrographically distinct coal facies of the Wyodak-Anderson coal zone. Tar yields from Fischer Assay range from <1 to 11 wt.% on a dry basis and correspond (r=0.72) to crypto-eugelinite contents of the coal that range from 15 to 60 vol.%. Core and highwall samples were obtained from active surface mines in the Gillette field, Powder River Basin, Wyoming. Because the rank of the samples is essentially the same, differences in low-temperature carbonization yields are interpreted from compositional differences, particularly the crypto-eugelinite content. In the Wyodak-Anderson coal zone, crypto-eugelinite probably was derived from degraded humic matter which absorbed decomposition products from algae, fungi, bacteria, and liptinitic plant parts (materials possibly high in hydrogen). Previous modeling of the distribution of crypto-eugelinite in the discontinuous Wyodak-Anderson coal zone indicated that tar yields should be greater from coal composing the upper part and interior areas than from coal composing the lower parts and margins of the individual coal bodies. It is possible that hydrocarbon yields from natural coalification processes would be similar to yields obtained from laboratory pyrolysis. If so, the amount of crypto-eugelinite may also be an important characteristic when evaluating coal as source rock for migrated hydrocarbons.
Power Dynamics and Questioning in Elementary Science Classrooms

We describe the dynamic discourse interactions between a teacher and her students in a third-grade science classroom. We focused on how the teacher and students initiate, prompt, respond, and provide feedback; use questioning and power strategies; and how questions are associated with power dynamics. We relate the consequences of teacher use of power to the engagement of student with subject matter. Two classroom sessions were observed and teacher–student interactions audio recorded. Data were transcribed and a method was developed for analyzing teacher-student interactions, power dynamics, and types of questions asked. Results revealed that teacher talk was twice as frequent as students’ talk; questions were primarily closed-ended and task-oriented; and students asked few questions. The teacher exercised power by keeping activities organized and conventional, and utilizing subject matter. The developed methods showed us the complexity of question and power dynamics in classroom discourse and have implications for professional development and research.
The Judicial and Ancient Game: James Wilson, John Marshall Harlan, and the Beginnings of Golf at the Supreme Court

Golf has a long history at the Supreme Court simply as an entertaining pastime for some of its members. Yet the Justices' interest in the sport can also be viewed as a reflection of the evolving work and culture of the institution and of the nation it serves. This article revisits a few early developments involving the first golfer on the Court (Justice James Wilson), the first golf enthusiast (the first Justice John Marshall Harlan), and the first golfing majority (October Term 1906).
The design and performance of near micron SOS MOSFETs

SOS MOSFETs with excellent high speed operation capability (>1GHz) have been designed using computer aided process design techniques and fabricated using state of the art processing technology. The process was optimised for 0.8 to 1.0μm channel length SOS devices. The subthreshold current slope of these devices pushes the theoretical limit at 60 millivolts per decade of current which is further evidenced by ring oscillator single stage delays as low as 85 picoseconds. The leakage current of these devices ranged from 1 to 20 picoamps at 1.0μm channel length as the channel width decreased from 10 to 2μm. Additional data is presented on the channel length and width dependence of the threshold voltage, source-drain breakdown voltage, effective channel mobility, and subthreshold current slope.
Predicting forest dieback in Maine, USA: a simple model based on soil frost and drought

Tree roots of northern hardwoods are shallow rooted, winter active, and minimally frost hardened; dieback is a winter freezing injury to roots incited by frost penetration in the absence of adequate snow cover and exacerbated by drought in summer. High soil water content greatly increases conductivity of frost. We develop a model based on the sum of z-scores of soil frost (December-February) and drought in summer (May-September) that accurately predicts timing and severity of dieback on sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), Betula spp., Fraxinus spp., and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) in Maine, USA, during 1920-1995. Discrepancies between predicted and actual dieback relate largely to tree population dynamics. Extraordinary levels of dieback on Betula during 1935-1950 occurred under low stress but in mature populations; under high climate stress during 1951-1975, younger surviving Betula proved resistant and showed little dieback. Severe dieback in Acer stands during 1975-1995 may relate to extensive partial cutting, leaving stands open to frost and high water tables. Widespread use of forwarder feller/buncher and wheeled skidders after 1960 commonly left hummocky, irregular surfaces subject to pooling and accelerated frost penetration. Silvicultural applications include modifying harvesting practices to minimize frost complications and use of the model to track and map climatic risk to avoid conditions and locales subject to dieback.
Microbial oxidation of protoporphyrinogen, an intermediate in heme and chlorophyll biosynthesis

Abstract The oxidation of protoporphyrinogen to protoporphyrin, a late step in heme and chlorophyll synthesis, is catalyzed aerobically by a particulate fraction of Escherichia coli at a rate significantly higher than the rate of autooxidation. This activity is heat labile and is markedly inhibited by addition of respiratory substrates such as NADH. NADH is oxidized at a rate 100-fold higher than protoporphyrinogen. Particles from a cytochrome-less mutant of E. coli were markedly deficient in protoporphyrinogen oxidizing activity. Particles from a quinone-deficient mutant were also deficient. These findings suggest a possible role for the electron transport system in aerobic protoporphyrinogen oxidation. This activity was also examined in a variety of other bacteria. Particles from Streptococcus faecalis , which does not synthesize heme, were unable to oxidize protoporphyrinogen, confirming the specificity of this activity. Particles from aerobically grown Staphylococcus aureus exhibited protoporphyrinogen oxidizing activity, but particles from anaerobically grown cells had no activity above that of the nonenzymatic control. This indicates the repressible nature of this activity, and may also explain why Staphylococci synthesize cytochromes during aerobic, but not during anaerobic growth. Particles from photosynthetically grown Rhodopseudomonas spheroides , which contain both chlorophyll and heme, oxidized protoporphyrinogen at a rate no higher than the nonenzymic control. However, particles from cells grown aerobically, when bacteriochlorophyll synthesis is markedly repressed, readily exhibited protoporphyrinogen oxidizing activity. These initial findings suggest that this activity is detectable in cells primarily synthesizing heme, but not in cells primarily synthesizing bacteriochlorophyll, and could have implications both for the mechanism and regulation of the heme and bacteriochlorophyll pathways.
Review: In benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the Epley maneuver increases symptom resolution

Source Citation Hilton MP, Pinder DK. The Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;12:CD003162. 25485940
Gay Stereotypes: The Use of Sexual Orientation as a Cue for Gender-Related Attributes

This study investigated whether gay men and lesbians are assumed to have attributes stereotypically associated with the other gender. Participants were 110 male and female undergraduates from a private, Midwestern, U.S. university. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions (i.e., gay male, lesbian, heterosexual female, heterosexual male) and rated their given target on possession of traditionally masculine and feminine occupational interests, activities, and traits. Results revealed that, despite some changes in the status of gay men and lesbians in society, stereotypes regarding sexual orientation were similar to those seen in studies conducted 20 years ago. Specifically, gay males were viewed as less masculine/more feminine than heterosexual males, and lesbians were viewed as more masculine/less feminine than heterosexual females.
The EDAM project: mining mass spectra and more

The EDAM project is a collaborative effort between computer scientists and environmental chemists at Carleton College and UW-Madison. The goal is to develop data mining techniques for advancing the state of the art in analyzing atmospheric aerosol datasets. The traditional approach for particle measurement, which is the collection of bulk samples of particulates on filters, is not adequate for studying particle dynamics and real-time correlations. This has led to the development of a new generation of real-time instruments that provide continuous or semi-continuous streams of data about certain aerosol properties. However, these instruments have added a significant level of complexity to atmospheric aerosol data, and dramatically increased the amounts of data to be collected, managed, and analyzed. We are investigating techniques for automatically labeling mass spectra from different kinds of aerosol mass spectrometers, and then analyzing and exploring the rich spatiotemporal information collected from multiple geographically distributed instruments. In this talk, I will present an overview of some novel data mining problems, describe some of the techniques we are developing to address them, and discuss the broader applicability of these techniques to problems from other domains.
A ‘Goldilocks’ hypothesis for dispersal of biological control agents

The rate at which biological control agents disperse from release sites has important implications for their establishment and spread. Low rates of dispersal can yield spread that is too slow and may necessitate redistribution efforts for importation biological control and a high density of release sites for augmentation. Low dispersal rates may also lead to inbreeding at the site of release. On the other hand, high rates of dispersal can lead to Allee effects at the leading edge of the invasion front, potentially reducing the likelihood of establishment. Given these disadvantages associated with both low and high dispersal rates, we argue that intermediate rates of dispersal are likely to maximize the probability of establishment and appropriate spread for biological control agents released in the context of either importation or augmentative biological control. We consider this putative relationship a ‘Goldilocks hypothesis’ since it posits an optimum at intermediate values. In this review paper we begin by discussing the rationale for the Goldilocks hypothesis and then provide a case study from our work on importation biological control of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines. Work on the soybean aphid parasitoid Binodoxys communis has shown that long-distance dispersal of immature parasitoids within winged migrating aphids is unlikely. This is likely good news for importation biological control because parasitoids dispersed in this manner would likely encounter crippling Allee effects. On the other hand, results from a field release study also suggest that female B. communis females (but not males) disperse actively from release sites. This female-biased dispersal may lead to strong mate-finding Allee effects and therefore may make establishment less likely.