cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in Rovibrationally Resolved FTIR Supersonic Jet Spectroscopy of Transients, Weakly Bound Dimers and Trimers

Recent advances in the development and application of a highly sensitive near infrared FTIR supersonic jet spectrometer are reported. Investigations of: v 1 OC-HF; v 1 + v 2 OC-HCl; v 1 + v 2 ± (HCl) 2 ; v 1 , v 2 ± v 1/2 Ar-HCl and v 1 N 2 -HCl will be presented. In specific cases, a direct comparison with corresponding spectra recorded using tunable near infrared laser supersonic jet and molecular beam absorption spectrometers will be made to illustrate the current capabilities and limitations of the FTIR supersonic jet spectrometer. As an example of the application of the technique to clusters, we report a study of the v 5 HCl asymmetric stretching band in the trimer, (HCl) 3 . Some preliminary studies of discharge-generated species will also be reported using the jet spectrometer. The latter include: i) the investigation of vibrational hot bands in CO and ii) A 2 Π 3/2,1/2 → X 2 Σ + rovibronic transitions in the CN radical
Towards a self-consistent theory of turbulent reconnection

Abstract Fast reconnection due to turbulent dissipation has long been hypothesized. This classic idea is critically examined in 3D reduced magnetohydrodynamic turbulence, by taking into account the backreaction of small-scale magnetic fields. We find that the backreaction leads to such a dramatic reduction in a global reconnection rate as to recover the original Sweet–Parker scaling. In 2D limit, the global reconnection rate is shown to be enhanced over the Sweet–Parker result by a factor of magnetic Mach number. These results are consequences of mean square magnetic potential balance.
DIFFUSION PLATE ASSAY FOR MEASUREMENT OF POLYGALACTURONASE ACTIVITIES IN PICKLE BRINES

A modified diffusion plate assay was evaluated for its efficacy in measuring polygalacturonase (PG) activities in simulated and commercial cucumber pickle brines. The diffusion plate assay was capable of detecting low PG activities (7 × 10-5 PG units/mL). Clear zone diameters formed in the diffusion plate assay were highly correlated to changes in specific viscosity obtained by the conventional viscometry assay procedure. Slight, dark-stained zones appeared with an ionic strength of 1.6 (NaCl) and increased in diameter with increasing ionic strength. Ionic strengths of commercial pickle brines (0.9–1.8) did not interfere with the diffusion plate assay for detecting PG activity. The diffusion plate assay was observed to be a suitable and convenient alternative to the viscometry procedure for monitoring PG activities in brines used for the bulk storage of pickles.
On two distinct types of drag-reducing fluids, diameter scaling, and turbulent profiles

Two distinct scaling procedures were found to predict the diameter effect for different types of drag-reducing fluids. The first one, which correlates the relative drag reduction (DR) with flow bulk velocity ( V), appears applicable to fluids that comply with the 3-layers velocity profile model. This model has been applied to many polymer solutions; but the drag reduction versus V scaling procedure was successfully tested here for some surfactant solutions as well. This feature, together with our temperature profile measurements, suggest that these surfactant solutions may also show this type of 3-layers velocity profiles (3L-type fluids). The second scaling procedure is based on a correlation of w versus V, which is found to be applicable to some surfactant solutions but appears to be applicable to some polymer solutions as well. The distinction between the two procedures is therefore not simply one between polymer and surfactants. It was also seen that the w versus V correlation applies to fluids which show a stronger diameter effect than those scaling with the other procedure. Moreover, for fluids that scale according to the w versus V procedure, the drag-reducing effects extend throughout the whole pipe cross section even at conditions close to the onset of drag reduction, in contrast to the behavior of 3L fluids. This was shown by our measurements of temperature profiles which exhibit a fan-type pattern for the w versus V fluids (F-type), unlike the 3-layers profile for the fluids well correlated by drag reduction versus V. Finally, mechanically-degraded polymer solutions appeared to behave in a manner intermediate between the 3L and F fluids. Furthermore, we also showed that a given fluid in a given pipe may transition from a Type A drag reduction at low Reynolds number to a Type B at high Reynolds number, the two types apparently being more representative of different levels of fluid/flow interactions than of fundamentally different phenomena of drag reduction. After transition to the non-asymptotic Type B regime, our results suggest that, without degradation, the friction becomes independent of pipe diameter and that the drag reduction level becomes also approximately independent of the Reynolds number, in a strong analogy to Newtonian flow. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Ion-exchange chromatography in lunar organic analysis.

Although ion exchange chromatography has been used in separating amino acids from mineral salts, quantitative recovery has not been possible for the basic amino acids or for subnanomole concentrations of amino acids. As an analytical tool for amino acid analysis, ion-exchange chromatography has made it possible to resolve a relatively complex mixture of amino acids in less than an hour with detection limits of less than 10−12 moles of amino acids. Reasonable specificity for amino acids is achieved by multiple wavelength detection of the reaction product found with ninhydrin. Unequivocal specificity must be obtained in conjunction with other methods such as mass spectrometry. In the analysis of subnanomole levels of amino acids, it is necessary to carry both reagent blanks and low-level amino acid standards through the entire sample preparation step since both contamination and selective losses occur and must be monitored.
Imaging of High-Power Microwave-Induced Surface Flashover on a Corrugated Dielectric Window

Dielectric window flashover is a severe pulse-shortening phenomenon limiting the power levels radiated in high power microwave (HPM) systems. This type of flashover develops in regions under high field stress coinciding with the dielectric interfaces separating the vacuum and atmospheric pressure sections of a microwave system. The formation of plasma at the exit aperture of a transmitting system can have several detrimental effects, including premature termination of the radiated pulse and/or the reflection of potentially damaging levels of radiation back toward the microwave source. Experimental studies of HPM surface flashover have been conducted under a variety of conditions in the S-band at power levels up to 5 MW with the aim of quantifying the relative impact of parameters such as gas pressure, type, and window geometry. One particular geometry variant designed with grooves perpendicular to the major electric field component at the window surface exhibited superior flashover suppression characteristics when compared with smooth window geometries. Images of HPM surface flashover evolution on this corrugated dielectric window geometry are presented.
Dynamic-range figure of merit in high-gain amplifiers

An optimum scaling that maximizes the (output and input) two-tone third-order intercept point of an amplifier with respect to DC power consumption is derived. The expression for spurious-free dynamic range of a high-gain amplifier is factored to separate effects of device parameters on dynamic range and to derive a new figure of merit. Based on this figure, the low-noise, linearized pulse-doped FET is judged to be the best high-dynamic-range device. >
Quantitative phase-contrast imaging of cells with phase-sensitive optical coherence microscopy

We describe a method for en face phase-contrast imaging of cells with a fiber-based differential phase-contrast optical coherence microscopy system. Recorded en face images are quantitative phase-contrast maps of cells due to spatial variation of the refractive index and (or) thickness of various cellular components. Quantitative phase-contrast images of human epithelial cheek cells obtained with the fiber-based differential phase-contrast optical coherence microscopy system are presented.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Moderately Virulent Aeromonas hydrophila Strain, pc104A, Isolated from Soil of a Catfish Pond in West Alabama.

ABSTRACT Aeromonas hydrophila pc104A is a moderately virulent strain isolated from the soil of a catfish pond in west Alabama in 2010. Its full genome is 5,023,829 bp. The availability of this genome will allow comparative genomics to identify the virulence genes that are important for pathogenesis or immunogens for the purpose of vaccine development.
Replication of Neisseria meningitidis within Epithelial Cells Requires TonB-Dependent Acquisition of Host Cell Iron

Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus [MC]) is able to enter and replicate within epithelial cells. Iron, an essential nutrient for nearly all organisms, is an important determinant in the ability of MC to cause disease; however, its role in MC intracellular replication has not been investigated. We analyzed the growth of MC within the A431 human epithelial cell line and the dependence of this growth on iron uptake. We present evidence here that chelation of iron from infected tissue culture cells with Desferal strongly inhibited intracellular replication of wild-type (wt) MC. We also provide genetic evidence that iron must be acquired by MC from the host cell in order for it to replicate. An hmbR mutant that is unable to use hemoglobin iron and could not grow in tissue culture media without iron supplementation replicated more rapidly within epithelial cells than its wt parent strain. An fbpA mutant that is unable to utilize human transferrin iron or lactoferrin iron replicated normally within cells. In contrast, a tonB mutant could not replicate intracellularly unless infected cultures were supplemented with ferric nitrate. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that MC intracellular replication requires TonB-dependent uptake of a novel host cell iron source.
Between Yesterday and Today: Contemporary Art in Nepal

This paper examines works from the last decade by six Nepalese artists and delves into questions such as how today’s artists align themselves between their ancient arts and their contemporary context. What is the conversation about globalism and its impact on artists? How do artists deal with social pressures and is the content of their work directly affected by these pressures? Through in-country research and subsequent study and interviews with artists, what is revealed is an energetic art scene that draws much of its inspiration from a local context, whether that be affirmation of or protest against that context to some degree. When visiting Kathmandu Nepal, one is bound to discover that like the ancient sculptures, paintings and temple architecture that exist on every corner, the art of contemporary Nepal is everywhere as well.
Agricultural management training

Abstract The increasing need for training in agricultural management was recognised in 1972 by the Commonwealth Development Corporation. A short-course, post-experience international training centre was set up in Swaziland. A number of conflicting criteria were reviewed before deciding upon the level and duration of courses, including consideration of the effect of distance on total cost, which, in turn, influenced the duration of courses and the management level for which they needed to be designed. From the outset, human relationships in work situations were of equal importance in the training programme with economic planning and control. In the event, the Centre has concentrated on middle/senior level management, and it is suggested that junior managers should be trained in their own national agricultural management training units. agger;
“A Sink of All Filthiness”: Gender, Family, and Identityinthe British Atlantic, 1688–1763

(2006). “A Sink of All Filthiness”: Gender, Family, and Identityinthe British Atlantic, 1688–1763. The Historian: Vol. 68, No. 1, pp. 66-88.
Tetralogy of Fallot; especially the care of the cyanotic infant and child.

A patient with a tetralogy of Fallot may be greatly improved by operation. Childhood is the ideal time for operation. In infancy the mortality rate is high and the long-time results are less satisfactory. Therefore, whenever possible it is wise to postpone operation until childhood. An infant with a tetralogy of Fallot may not be cyanotic at birth. Difficulty in feeding may be the initial complaint. Digestion is difficult; small and frequent feedings are usually indicated. Attacks of cyanosis and paroxysmal dyspnea are prone to occur as the ductus arteriosus undergoes obliteration. Paroxysmal dyspnea is best treated by placing the child in a kneechest position. If this does not give immediate relief, morphine should be used. A dose of 1.0 mg./5 kg. body weight is almost specific for the relief of paroxysmal dyspnea. Anemia is treated by blood transfusions. Cerebral thromboses when they occur in an infant with polycythemia should be treated with oxygen, venesection and the replacement of blood by plasma, 5% glucose or saline solution. Heparin may be a great help in the prevention of residual cerebral thrombosis. If an infant is in great danger of dying of anoxemia, surgery holds the possibility of tremendous benefit. Two such cases are cited.
Chaperones and Polyglutamine Expansion Disorders

Polyglutamine expansion disorders are caused by the misfolding of proteins with abnormally long polyglutamine regions. This misfolding produces toxicity and leads to the dysfunction and ultimately to the demise of neurons in affected individuals. The molecular basis for polyglutamine toxicity is unclear and the number and complexity of documented cellular pathways involved in polyglutamine expansion disorders is daunting. However, the use of effective experimental model systems is rapidly advancing our understanding of polyglutamine misfolding and the cellular factors that govern the related toxicity. Molecular chaperones, the central regulators of cellular protein quality control, improve polyglutamine misfolding and hence ameliorate polyglutamine toxicity. Additionally, polyglutamine expansion proteins overwhelm molecular chaperones and thereby reduce their capacity to execute protein quality control. Hence, dysfunctional cellular protein quality control presents a very basic and fundamental problem of protein misfolding and therefore of polyglutamine toxicity. Thus, the elucidation of the interplay between polyglutamine expansion proteins and molecular chaperones contributes profoundly to our understanding of polyglutamine expansion disorders and offers great promise for developing effective therapeutic strategies in the treatment of these devastating maladies
Effect of Angiostatin 4.5 on endometrial adenocarcinoma

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 3025 Tumors depend on the formation of a functioning microvascular network in order to grow and metastasise. The anti-angiogenic agent Angiostatin4.5 (AS4.5) is the naturally occurring isoform of Angiostatin in human plasma. AS4.5 is a distinct compound from the highly publicised Angiostatin owned at the time by Entremed. AS4.5 is a 55kD protein comprising kringles 1 to 4 plus 85% of kringle 5 of plasminogen. In vitro , AS4.5 induces endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis, inhibits EC proliferation and migration but has no direct effect on a range of tumor cell types. In vivo administration of AS4.5 results in inhibited tumor growth, presumably as a result of changes to the tumor vasculature. In this in vivo study we have investigated the effects of AS4.5 on the developing tumor vasculature. Dorsal skin-fold window chambers were surgically implanted in SCID mice under Hypnorm/midazolam anaesthesia. A small (≈1 mm) tumor fragment of human endometrial adenocarcinoma (EA) was transplanted into the chamber. Mice were treated with AS4.5 2mg/kg/day s.c. for 10 consecutive days starting 24hr after surgery (day 1). Controls received saline only. Control n = 3, AS4.5 treated n = 3. Shortly before intravital imaging, each mouse was injected i.v. with fluorescently (DiI) labelled erythrocytes. Video and still images were captured on days 1 to 11 at a range of objective magnifications (2.5x-20x) using both transmitted and fluorescent light. Vascular morphometry was analysed using in-house developed computer software. EA tumors treated with AS4.5 grew significantly slower than controls (by day 11, they were 156±13% and 282±46% of their initial area, respectively). Vascularization commenced on day 3 in controls and on day 4 in treated tumors. On days 6 to 8, treated tumors had fewer small calibre capillaries (length < 80 μm; diameter < 12 μm) and, on days 7 and 8, greater interstitial distance (average distance of a tumor cell from the nearest vessel; day 7, treated: 83±29; control: 20±3, day 8, treated: 43±6; control: 19±3 μm). Also during that period erythrocyte velocity was lower in treated tumors in comparison to controls (day 8, treated: 221±23; control: 384±31, day 9, treated: 210±14; control: 337±29 μm/min). However, when tumors were fully vascularized, treated tumors appeared more efficiently vascularized, in terms of both number of small calibre vessels and erythrocyte velocity, then the equivalent sized controls on an earlier day. Here we show that administration of AS4.5 to developing tumors slows the vascularization process, as manifested by a reduced rate of development of small calibre vessels, higher interstitial distance and lower erythrocyte velocity. These effects are sufficient to produce substantial tumor growth inhibition. The possibility that blood flow of treated tumours, once fully vascularised, is higher than in untreated tumours requires further investigation.
Pariahs of the Empire: Settler ambivalences in T.C. Haliburton’s The Clockmaker

This article uses the concept of settler-colonialism to revisit the work of Nova Scotian writer T.C. Haliburton in its cultural and political context and to argue for his continuing relevance for students of colonialism and postcolonialism. Haliburton’s The Clockmaker exposes the synchronic existence of parallel cultural geographies in the first half of the 19th century on the North American continent. Applying a settler-colonial reading to Haliburton’s political satire reveals the contradictions and fractures within 19th-century definitions of Britishness, exposes the importance of political ideologies in the early articulation of British North American and US settlerhoods, and illuminates the triangulation of both these settler-colonial identities with one another and with Britain.
A 46 Year Old African American Woman with White Spots

A 46 year old African American female presents for evaluation of white spots on both her arms that have been spreading. She says that she first noted the spots 2 years ago. There were initially two spots on her right arm and three on her left arm. They have combined and become larger. Before this, she says she had perfect skin and did not even have acne as a teenager. She denies any pain or trauma to the areas. She says she has tried to scrub the spots when showering but it has not helped. She has also applied several name brand lotions to the spots daily. While her skin has remained moisturized, her lesions have not improved. She is very self-conscious about the lesions and is afraid that it may be “some type of cancer.” She tries to wear long sleeve shirts to avoid having her arms seen because she feels it makes her look deformed. She is upset because the weather is getting warm but she is embarrassed to wear short sleeve t-shirts. She does feel she gained weight over the last several months and becomes fatigued very quickly. She denies any fever, chills, headache, shortness of breath, palpitations, or excessive sweating. She feels her menses have been less frequent. She has no allergies and does not take any medications.
Weakness in Depth: A Voting Machine's Demise

Every voting system examined over the past decade has had severe security vulnerabilities. Virginia's government recently examined the AVS WinVote and learned that the vulnerabilities are more serious than any other voting system, allowing complete exploitation over a Wi-Fi network. The combination of vulnerabilities exhibits "weakness in depth," rather than the "defense in depth" frequently suggested as a model. The lessons learned are applicable to other emerging technologies, including the Internet of Things.
On a martensitic phase transformation in zirconia (ZrO2)—I. Metallographic evidence

The tetragonal-monoclinic phase transformation in ZrO2 single crystals and polycrystals has been studied in both the forward and reverse directions and found to be martensitic. A large hysteresis is involved in the transformation, the As and Ms temperature being ~1050 and ~950°C respectively; surface relief accompanies the transformation in both directions. A high-temperature metallographic study established the athermal and shear-type nature of the transformation and was consistent with a diffusionless reaction. Two different habit planes were found and their orientations have been determined by two-surface optical analysis as ~(106) and ~(010) (referred to the monoclinic phase). Fully transformed single crystals and polycrystals have been studied by transmission electron microscopy and the microstructural features resulting from the phase transformation analyzed. In addition to confirming the two habit planes, the electron microscopy indicated that the lattice invariant shear usually occurs by slip rather than by twinning. Deformation twins have been observed in all the electron microscope foils, however, and are believed to arise from accommodation stresses generated during the transformation.
Collagen-binding proteins of Streptococcus mutans and related streptococci

The ability of Streptococcus mutans to interact with collagen through the expression of collagen-binding proteins (CBPs) bestows this oral pathogen with an alternative to the sucrose-dependent mechanism of colonization classically attributed to caries development. Based on the abundance and distribution of collagen throughout the human body, stringent adherence to this molecule grants S. mutans with the opportunity to establish infection at different host sites. Surface proteins, such as SpaP, WapA, Cnm and Cbm, have been shown to bind collagen in vitro, and it has been suggested that these molecules play a role in colonization of oral and extra-oral tissues. However, robust collagen binding is not achieved by all strains of S. mutans, particularly those that lack Cnm or Cbm. These observations merit careful dissection of the contribution from these different CBPs towards tissue colonization and virulence. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of mechanisms used by S. mutans and related streptococci to colonize collagenous tissues, and the possible contribution of CBPs to infections in different sites of the host.
Fuel Injection and Emissions Characteristics of a Commercial Microturbine Generator

Microturbine generators (MTGs) offer an attractive alternative for addressing future demand for electrical power. However, increasingly stringent emission regulations such as those found in California pose a major technical challenge that these devices must overcome if they are to make significant market penetrations. In the context of these regulations, the present study characterizes the exhaust emissions and mixing capability of a commercial MTG and assesses (1) the ability of this device to meet future emissions regulatory requirement and (2) the extent to which mixing can be used to reduce emissions. The results establish that, for this MTG, both NOx and CO are minimized for 80–100% load. Kinetics and CFD analysis illustrate how NOx emissions are affected by local equivalence ratios and how fuel staging and local quenching impact CO emissions. Measured injector premixing levels indicate a standard deviation of less than 4% relative to the mean. Subsequent analysis using a well-stirred reactor approach suggests a maximum of a 10% reduction in NOx could be achieved with further improved premixing.© 2004 ASME
Viral-encoded genes and cancer

Cancer is a multistage process. Most cancers do not arise from mutation of a single gene, but rather from cumulative accumulation of multiple gene mutations. Mutations that contribute to tumorigenesis generally occur in one of three types of genes – a proto-oncogene; a tumor suppressor gene; or genes involved in DNA replication and repair, chromosome segregation, or cytokinesis. The definition of a proto-oncogene is a wild-type gene, which when mutated can give rise to an oncogene. Proto-oncogenes include genes that encode for proteins involved in cell growth, cell survival, or cell signaling. The accumulation of multiple genetic insults in a single cell leads to the loss of cell cycle checkpoints and the loss of programmed cell death (or apoptosis), which consequently results in continual cell proliferation. In contrast, tumor suppressors are proteins that normally function to inhibit cell growth and enhance cell death pathways. When mutated, tumor suppressors lose the ability to block cell growth or activate apoptosis; thereby, contributing to the proliferative phenotype of a cancer cell.
Phonon anharmonicity and negative thermal expansion in SnSe

The anharmonic phonon properties of SnSe in the $Pnma$ phase were investigated with a combination of experiments and first-principles simulations. Using inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and nuclear resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (NRIXS), we have measured the phonon dispersions and density of states (DOS) and their temperature dependence, which revealed a strong, inhomogeneous shift and broadening of the spectrum on warming. First-principles simulations were performed to rationalize these measurements, and to explain the previously reported anisotropic thermal expansion, in particular the negative thermal expansion within the Sn-Se bilayers. Including the anisotropic strain dependence of the phonon free energy, in addition to the electronic ground state energy, is essential to reproduce the negative thermal expansion. From the phonon DOS obtained with INS and additional calorimetry measurements, we quantify the harmonic, dilational, and anharmonic components of the phonon entropy, heat capacity, and free energy. The origin of the anharmonic phonon thermodynamics is linked to the electronic structure.
Massacre at Waco: Biker Violence and Police Overreaction

The research is a qualitative content analyis of articles identified through Google alerts and Proquest searches one year before and two years after the deadliest biker violence in US history. The police biker shootout left 9 dead--four by police--and 18 wounded. The arrest of 177 persons--173 male and 4 females--from a variety of motorcycle clubs appears to be an overeacten by the police. The research examines the public policy issue: Law enforcement authorities made a Type 1 error during the mass arrests thereby misclassifying many of those arrested, causing severe consequences to innocent persons and committing numerous civil rights violations.
Monte Carlo Simulation of OLS and Linear Mixed Model Inference of Phenotypic Effects on Gene Expression

Background Self-contained tests estimate and test the association between a phenotype and mean expression level in a gene set defined a priori. Many self-contained gene set analysis methods have been developed but the performance of these methods for phenotypes that are continuous rather than discrete and with multiple nuisance covariates has not been well studied. Here, I use Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the performance of both novel and previously published (and readily available via R) methods for inferring effects of a continuous predictor on mean expression in the presence of nuisance covariates. The motivating data are a high-profile dataset which was used to show opposing effects of hedonic and eudaimonic well-being (or happiness) on the mean expression level of a set of genes that has been correlated with social adversity (the CTRA gene set). The original analysis of these data used a linear model (GLS) of fixed effects with correlated error to infer effects of Hedonia and Eudaimonia on mean CTRA expression. Methods The standardized effects of Hedonia and Eudaimonia on CTRA gene set expression estimated by GLS were compared to estimates using multivariate (OLS) linear models and generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. The OLS estimates were tested using O'Brien's OLS test, Anderson's permutation [Formula: see text]-test, two permutation F-tests (including GlobalAncova), and a rotation z-test (Roast). The GEE estimates were tested using a Wald test with robust standard errors. The performance (Type I, II, S, and M errors) of all tests was investigated using a Monte Carlo simulation of data explicitly modeled on the re-analyzed dataset. Results GLS estimates are inconsistent between data sets, and, in each dataset, at least one coefficient is large and highly statistically significant. By contrast, effects estimated by OLS or GEE are very small, especially relative to the standard errors. Bootstrap and permutation GLS distributions suggest that the GLS results in downward biased standard errors and inflated coefficients. The Monte Carlo simulation of error rates shows highly inflated Type I error from the GLS test and slightly inflated Type I error from the GEE test. By contrast, Type I error for all OLS tests are at the nominal level. The permutation F-tests have ∼1.9X the power of the other OLS tests. This increased power comes at a cost of high sign error (∼10%) if tested on small effects. Discussion The apparently replicated pattern of well-being effects on gene expression is most parsimoniously explained as "correlated noise" due to the geometry of multiple regression. The GLS for fixed effects with correlated error, or any linear mixed model for estimating fixed effects in designs with many repeated measures or outcomes, should be used cautiously because of the inflated Type I and M error. By contrast, all OLS tests perform well, and the permutation F-tests have superior performance, including moderate power for very small effects.
Fluctuation-barrier model for rotational relaxation

This paper presents a fluctuation model of molecular relaxation processes. It specifically considers the “rigid rod” or a relaxation in paraffin-like solids,1 but the treatment is easily generalized to other relaxation processes.
Integrated Synchronization and Control

The integrated synchronization and control (ISC) method presented in this chapter resembles an enhanced phase-locked loop (EPLL). The chapter shows that similar analysis and design methods developed for the EPLL are applicable to the ISC as well. The method is discussed in the context of a grid-connected single-phase inverter. A grid-connected converter (GCC) is responsible for (i) DC/AC conversion, (ii) controlling flow of power, and (iii) ensuring satisfactory quality of power. The ISC method works directly on the inverter voltage. The chapter presents a theorem that plays a key role in stability analysis of the ISC system. The ISC method can be improved to reject or mitigate possible current harmonics if they are beyond the admissible limits. The analysis presented here concerns impacts of uncertainties in the filter reactance and the grid voltage magnitude on the steady state accuracy of the ISC method in following external real and reactive commands.
Ethical Aspects of Withdrawing Cardiac Device Therapy at End of Life

Cardiac device therapies are associated with improved survival in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias. The number of implants for both primary and secondary prevention continues to rise both in the United States and European countries. As the population ages and technology advances, patients with implantable devices continue to live longer. When terminal illness becomes apparent, patient’s goals may change to comfort care and painful shocks from ICDs become unwanted and inappropriate. This chapter discusses the challenges that patients and medical caregivers face as these patients deal with terminal illnesses. It also discusses the latest information available in the medical literature related to ethics and patient’s and physician’s attitudes. Ethics will aid the clinician’s management of the goals of care related to potentially complex end-of-life issues. With some pre-planning a potentially stressful situation can become more manageable for all those involved.
Minocycline in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage: An Early Phase Randomized Trial

Background and Purpose— Minocycline is under investigation as a neurovascular protective agent for stroke. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic, anti-inflammatory, and safety profile of minocycline after intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods— This study was a single-site, randomized controlled trial of minocycline conducted from 2013 to 2016. Adults ≥18 years with primary intracerebral hemorrhage who could have study drug administered within 24 hours of onset were included. Patients received 400 mg of intravenous minocycline, followed by 400 mg minocycline oral daily for 4 days. Serum concentrations of minocycline after the last oral dose and biomarkers were sampled to determine the peak concentration, half-life, and anti-inflammatory profile. Results— A total of 16 consecutive eligible patients were enrolled, with 8 randomized to minocycline. Although the literature supports a time to peak concentration (T max ) of 1 hour for oral minocycline, the T max was estimated to be at least 6 hours in this cohort. The elimination half-life (available on 7 patients) was 17.5 hours (SD±3.5). No differences were observed in inflammatory biomarkers, hematoma volume, or perihematomal edema. Concentrations remained at neuroprotective levels (>3 mg/L) throughout the dosing interval in 5 of 7 patients. Conclusions— In intracerebral hemorrhage, a 400 mg dose of minocycline was safe and achieved neuroprotective serum concentrations. However, oral administration led to delayed absorption in these critically ill patients and should not be used when rapid, high concentrations are desired. Given the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of minocycline in intracerebral hemorrhage and promising data in the treatment of ischemic stroke, intravenous minocycline is an excellent candidate for a prehospital treatment trial. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01805895.
A method for quantitative real-time evaluation of measurement reliability when using atomic force microscopy-based metrology

In atomic force microscopy (AFM) and metrology, it is known that the radius of the scanning tip affects the accuracy of the measurement. However, most techniques for ascertaining tip radius require interruption of the measurement technique to insert a reference standard or to otherwise image the tip. Here we propose an inline technique based on analysis of the power spectral density (PSD) of the topography that is being collected during measurement. By identifying and quantifying artifacts that are known to arise in the power spectrum due to tip blunting, the PSD itself can be used to determine progressive shifts in the radius of the tip. Specifically, using AFM images of an ultrananocrystalline diamond, various trends in measured PSD are demonstrated. First, using more than 200 different measurements of the same material, the variability in the measured PSD is demonstrated. Second, using progressive scans under the same conditions, a systematic shifting of the mid-to-high-frequency data is visible. Third, using three different PSDs, the changes in radii between them were quantitatively determined and compared to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the tips taken immediately after use. The fractional changes in tip radii were detected; the absolute values of the tip radii could be matched between the two techniques, but only with careful selection of a fitting constant. Further work is required to determine the generalizability of the value of this constant. Overall, the proposed approach represents a step towards quantitative and inline determination of the radius of the scanning tip and thus of the reliability of AFM-based measurements.
Forum on Policy Systems Analysis: An Introduction

(1986). Forum on Policy Systems Analysis: An Introduction. The Journal of the American Forensic Association: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 123-124.
Pyriform aperture stenosis repair in infants

Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis is a rare developmental anomaly, which is considered a variant of holoprosencephaly. It is characterized by a pyriform aperture width of 11 mm or less on maxillofacial computed tomography, and is frequently associated with a solitary median maxillary central incisor. It presents with cyclical cyanosis, feeding difficulty, and respiratory distress. Conservative management includes nasal decongestant, saline and steroid drops, or a McGovern nipple. When conservative management fails, surgical intervention is indicated. Various methods of surgical repair have been described, 2 of which—nasal dilation and bone resection via a sublabial approach—are described in this article. The role of postoperative stenting is also discussed.
The Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase (EC 1.14.13.8)

The flavin-containing monooxygenase (EC 1.14.13.8) (FMO), originally described as an amine oxidase, was subsequently shown to be a versatile sulfur oxidase, the early studies being summarized by Ziegler (1). The FMO has been shown more recently to be a phosphorus oxidase (2,3). This enzyme and the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase system are the two principal enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of lipophilic xenobiotics to electrophilic products capable of further metabolism, either to readily excretable conjugation products or to reactive intermediates with potential for adverse effects. Much of what is known about the substrate specificity of the FMO, is summarized in a recent review (4). Purification of pig liver FMO was accomplished some time ago (5) and the ability of the solubilized enzyme to catalyze the oxidation of the same wide variety of nucleophilic nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus compounds as the membrane-bound enzyme has been established (1-5). The physiological role for this enzyme is not well known but may be involved in the maintenance of cellular thiol:disulfide ratios by the oxidation of cysteamine to cystamine (6).
Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors and the Retina

Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors have slowly been moving to the forefront of gene therapy experiments. Given the non-pathogenic nature, low immunogenicity, ease of delivery, persistence, and targeting possibilities of rAAV, it is poised to become a major player in retinal gene therapy.
Workshop II. Psychopathology of Adaptive Learning

The early papers emphasized that both the occurrence and character of bodily disturbances associated with the threatening life experiences must be seen as the result of the interaction of several factors, demanding on the one hand and supportive on the other. Moreover the prevailing state of the individual as well as quantitative and timing factors themselves may be crucial to the outcome. So may the degree of novelty or familiarity of the experience. In the case of a repeated experience the important factor may be whether the individual is sensitized or habituated to it. As Selye put it, “The main thing is not what happens to you but how you take it.” He further pointed out that intensely pleasant experiences, while often accompanied by pronounced autonomic and endocrine changes are rarely productive of symptoms of bodily disease. Dr. Isaac Marks recalled the well-known observation that individuals with clinically evident anxiety states are not especially likely to acquire psychosomatic illnesses.
Robotic delivery of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for sensitive chlorine measurement in dry cask storage systems

Abstract Chlorine-induced stress corrosion cracking is a degradation mechanism of concern for dry storage of used nuclear fuel. Remote detection of chlorine deposited on the stainless steel canister surface presents a challenge, since no direct line-of-sight is available. We demonstrate the design and use of double-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy installed on a robotic system for remote detection and measurement of the canister surface chlorine concentration. The system meets the stringent requirements of dry cask storage inspection environment, especially the constrained space. The externally located pulsed laser, spectroscopic instrumentation, and data acquisition setup were interfaced to a robotic delivery car using a pair of 25-m long optical fibers. We discuss the design and construction details of the chlorine detection system and its detection performance in both laboratory and field-deployable configurations. We show that chlorine concentrations as low as 10 mg/m2 can be measured in field-compatible operations.
Under the face mask: Racial-ethnic minority student-athletes and mental health use.

Objective: To investigate racial-ethnic minority student-athletes’ (REMSA) symptoms of distress (mental health need), mental health use (usage rate), and factors that influence mental health usage....
Community Gardening in a Society With High Malnutrition Prevalence Helps Reduce Malnutrition but Increases Obesity

Background: Malnutrition is a leading cause of childhood mortality worldwide in children under 5 years. While many efforts have been made to address malnutrition, with varying success, few have tried a community garden approach. Objective: To determine if the introduction of a community garden with concurrent education on plant care/proper diet affects the rate of malnutrition and food security in a rural Filipino village. Methods: Families of 67 children participated in a community garden program where each family was given 6 crops to tend (okra, …
Adolescent and young adult oncology—past, present, and future

There are nearly 70,000 new cancer diagnoses made annually in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in the United States. Historically, AYA patients with cancer, aged 15 to 39 years, have not shown the same improved survival as older or younger cohorts. This article reviews the contemporary cancer incidence and survival data through 2015 for the AYA patient population based on the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry program and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries. Mortality data through 2016 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics are also described. Encouragingly, absolute and relative increases in 5-year survival for AYA cancers have paralleled those of childhood cancers since the year 2000. There has been increasing attention to these vulnerable patients and improved partnerships and collaboration between adult and pediatric oncology; however, obstacles to the care of this population still occur at multiple levels. These vulnerabilities fall into 3 significant categories: research efforts and trial enrollment directed toward AYA malignancies, access to care and insurance coverage, and AYA-specific psychosocial support. It is critical for providers and health care delivery systems to recognize that the AYA population remains vulnerable to provider and societal complacency.
Minuet: Multimodal Interaction with an Internet of Things

A large number of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices will soon populate our physical environments. Yet, IoT devices’ reliance on mobile applications and voice-only assistants as the primary interface limits their scalability and expressiveness. Building off of the classic ‘Put-That-There’ system, we contribute an exploration of the design space of voice + gesture interaction with spatially-distributed IoT devices. Our design space decomposes users’ IoT commands into two components—selection and interaction. We articulate how the permutations of voice and freehand gesture for these two components can complementarily afford interaction possibilities that go beyond current approaches. We instantiate this design space as a proof-of-concept sensing platform and demonstrate a series of novel IoT interaction scenarios, such as making ‘dumb’ objects smart, commanding robotic appliances, and resolving ambiguous pointing at cluttered devices.
Elucidating the Molecular Rheology of Entangled Polymeric Fluids via Comparison of Atomistic Simulations and Model Predictions

The startup and steady shear flow properties of an entangled, monodisperse linear polyethylene liquid (C1000H2002) were investigated via virtual experimentation using nonequilibrium molecular dynam...
Enabling Courteous Vehicle Interactions Through Game-Based and Dynamics-Aware Intent Inference

This article concerns the open question of creating control policies of autonomous vehicles (AVs) that lead to courteous motion. The study is built on a two-agent interaction between two agents (M and H), where each agent plans its motion by optimizing a trade-off of goal fulfillment, safety, and courtesy losses. The paper has three contributions: First, the “double-blindness” issue in intent inference, i.e., inferring H's intent requires knowledge about H's inference of M's intent, is addressed. An empathetic intent inference algorithm is proposed, where H's intent, along with its inference of M's intent, are jointly inferred. Second, vehicle dynamics is explicitly incorporated into intent inference to acknowledge its influence on decision making in driving by the drivers’ knowledge about dynamical properties of surrounding vehicles. Lastly, a courtesy loss that leverages intent inference is introduced. This loss measures the expected additional loss to H caused by M's motion from a baseline where M behaves rationally and in favor of H. Simulation studies are conducted to demonstrate that (1) joint inference and knowledge about vehicle dynamics are important to intent decoding and motion planning, and (2) the proposed courtesy definition leads to more rational motions than those from an existing definition.
A Metric Space of Ranked Tree Shapes and Ranked Genealogies

Genealogical tree modeling is essential for estimating evolutionary parameters in population genetics and phylogenetics. Recent mathematical results concerning ranked genealogies without leaf labels enable new opportunities in the analysis of evolutionary trees. In particular, comparisons between ranked genealogies facilitate the study of evolutionary processes for organisms sampled in multiple time periods. We propose a metric space on ranked genealogies for lineages sampled from both isochronous and time-stamped heterochronous sampling. Our new tree metrics make it possible to conduct statistical analyses of ranked tree shapes and timed ranked tree shapes, or ranked genealogies. Such analyses allow us to assess differences in tree distributions, quantify estimation uncertainty, and summarize tree distributions. We show the utility of our metrics via simulations and an application in infectious diseases.
Chapter 4 – Cetacean Innovation

In this chapter, we explore examples of novel, unusual, and atypical behavior by both wild and captive whales and dolphins in an effort to inform our understanding of cetacean innovative and creative abilities. While innovative and perhaps creative behavior occurs in a variety of contexts for both suborders, far more examples have been observed in odontocetes than mysticetes, which may be due to differences in ecology, morphology, life history, and/or cognitive ability, or simply reflect biases in the available data. In comparison to other taxa, data from cetacean research is less complete, but does provide important comparative insights into who innovates and why.