cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using nonthermal plasma treatment to improve quality and durability of hydrophilic coatings on hydrophobic polymer surfaces

Abstract Low surface energy substrates, which include many polymers in medicine/industry, present challenges toward achieving uniform, adherent, durable coatings, thus limiting intended coating function. Examples include hydrophobic polymers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polydimethylsiloxane. These inert materials are used in various biomedical implants due to favorable bulk properties despite perhaps unfavorable surface properties. The capability to coat such materials holds great value as the surface heavily influences biological response and implant function in vivo. Likewise, paint/ink coatings are often necessary on these same plastics, as their final appearance can be critical for automotive, packaging, and consumer products. Substrate exposure to nonthermal plasma was explored here as a means to improve quality of coatings, specifically cyclodextrin-based polyurethanes previously explored for biomedical applications such as controlled drug delivery and anti-biofouling, upon otherwise incompatible polypropylene substrates. Plasma treatment was found to increase wettability and oxygen content on substrate surfaces. These plasma-induced surface alterations were associated with enhanced coating uniformity, and improved coating/substrate adherence – determined to derive partly from interfacial covalent bond formation. Findings demonstrate the utility of plasma-based surface activation as a strategy to improve coating quality on polymeric substrates, and reveal insights regarding mechanisms by which plasma improves polymer coating adherence.
Reducing Antibiotic Use in Ambulatory Care Through Influenza Vaccination.

Background Improving appropriate antibiotic use is crucial for combating antibiotic resistance and unnecessary adverse drug reactions. Acute respiratory illness (ARI) commonly causes outpatient visits and accounts for ~41% of antibiotics used in the United States. We examined the influence of influenza vaccination on reducing antibiotic prescriptions among outpatients with ARI. Methods We enrolled outpatients aged ≥6 months with ARI from 50-60 US clinics during 5 winters (2013-2018) and tested for influenza with RT-PCR; results were unavailable for clinical decision making and clinical influenza testing was infrequent. We collected antibiotic prescriptions and diagnosis codes for ARI syndromes. We calculated vaccine effectiveness (VE) by comparing vaccination odds among influenza-positive cases with test-negative controls. We estimated ARI visits and antibiotic prescriptions averted by influenza vaccination using estimates of VE, coverage, and prevalence of antibiotic prescriptions and influenza. Results Among 37 487 ARI outpatients, 9659 (26%) were influenza positive. Overall, 36% of ARI and 26% of influenza-positive patients were prescribed antibiotics. The top 3 prevalent ARI syndromes included: viral upper respiratory tract infection (47%), pharyngitis (18%), and allergy or asthma (11%). Among patients testing positive for influenza, 77% did not receive an ICD-CM diagnostic code for influenza. Overall, VE against influenza-associated ARI was 35% (95% CI, 32-39%). Vaccination prevented 5.6% of all ARI syndromes, ranging from 2.8% (sinusitis) to 11% (clinical influenza). Influenza vaccination averted 1 in 25 (3.8%; 95% CI, 3.6-4.1%) antibiotic prescriptions among ARI outpatients during influenza seasons. Conclusions Vaccination and accurate influenza diagnosis may curb unnecessary antibiotic use and reduce the global threat of antibiotic resistance.
The interrater reliability of dynamic leap and balance test in healthy and chronic ankle instability.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the interrater reliability of the Dynamic Leap and Balance Test (DLBT) in chronic ankle instability (CAI) and healthy groups. The secondary aim was to assess the differences in errors and time taken to complete the DLBT between the two groups for both raters and to identify cutoff scores to distinguish between patients with CAI and healthy controls. This was a controlled laboratory reliability analysis study. Fourteen healthy college-aged subjects (9 women 5 men; weight = 62.10 ± 8.03; height = 168.35 ± 6.0) and sixteen with a history of CAI (9 women, 7 men; weight = 68.01 ± 10.74; height = 172.08 ± 11.37) participated. Interrater reliability was determined by independent raters for both total time taken to complete the task and errors made. The most optimal score to discriminate between two groups was determined by receiver operator curve analysis. Total time taken and errors made were also documented for group differences as secondary analysis. A strong agreement was found between the two raters for time and errors with intraclass correlation coefficient >0.80. Significantly (P < .05) higher number of errors were made and greater time taken by the CAI subjects when compared with healthy for both raters. The most optimal score to discriminate between CAI and healthy control was 43.28s and 4 errors. Excellent interrater reliability substantiates that it can be used confidently by different clinicians for testing dynamic balance. CAI group took more time and made more errors to complete the DLBT.
Physical theories, eternal inflation, and the quantum universe

Infinities in eternal inflation have long been plaguing cosmology, making any predictions highly sensitive to how they are regulated. The problem exists already at the level of semi-classical general relativity, and has a priori nothing to do with quantum gravity. On the other hand, we know that certain problems in semi-classical gravity, for example physics of black holes and their evaporation, have led to understanding of surprising, quantum natures of spacetime and gravity, such as the holographic principle and horizon complementarity. In this paper, we present a framework in which well-defined predictions are obtained in an eternally inflating multiverse, based on the principles of quantum mechanics. We propose that the entire multiverse is described purely from the viewpoint of a single “observer,” who describes the world as a quantum state defined on his/her past light cones bounded by the (stretched) apparent horizons. We find that quantum mechanics plays an essential role in regulating infinities. The framework is “gauge invariant,” i.e. predictions do not depend on how spacetime is parametrized, as it should be in a theory of quantum gravity. Our framework provides a fully unified treatment of quantum measurement processes and the multiverse. We conclude that the eternally inflating multiverse and many worlds in quantum mechanics are the same. Other important implications include: global spacetime can be viewed as a derived concept; the multiverse is a transient phenomenon during the world relaxing into a supersymmetric Minkowski state. We also present a model of “initial conditions” for the multiverse. By extrapolating our framework to the extreme, we arrive at a picture that the entire multiverse is a fluctuation in the stationary, fractal “mega-multiverse,” in which an infinite sequence of multiverse productions occurs. The framework discussed here does not suffer from problems/paradoxes plaguing other measures proposed earlier, such as the youngness paradox and the Boltzmann brain problem.
A scoping review of interventions targeting small-scale, individual-initiated burning practices.

Abstract Background Ambient outdoor air pollution has been identified as a key risk factor for adverse health outcomes and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Small-scale, individual-initiated burning activities are significant contributors to local pollutant emissions but are not well studied. We identified articles that describe small-scale burning interventions in order to characterize current trends, implementation science perspectives, and gaps in the literature. Methods We conducted a global search of interventions to reduce ambient air pollution, and then conducted a keyword search among these articles to identify literature regarding interventions to reduce individual-initiated burning. We categorized these articles based on whether burning was discussed as an explicit focus or incidental finding and conducted a full-text analysis. We conducted a supplementary review on anthropological aspects of burning behaviors and burning interventions not captured in our review to inform future recommendations. Results Ten articles describing interventions for small-scale, individual-initiated burning were identified. Four articles examined burning as an explicit focus and six discussed burning as an incidental finding. China was the country most represented in our review. All but one of the articles discussed emissions-related outcomes, while only one article discussed health outcomes. Four articles explored factors affecting implementation of interventions and regulations, but none included implementation as a primary objective. The supplementary review revealed a large amount of literature about burning in the context of spiritual and agricultural practices. However, less is known about everyday burning behaviors, such as trash burning and household burning, as well as reasons why people burn. Conclusion There is a paucity of research that explicitly discusses interventions for small scale, individual-initiated burning practices. Gaps remain in interventions in LMICs most affected by individual-initiated burning, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of the current literature does not analyze factors affecting effectiveness of interventions and regulations and does not clearly identify reasons why people choose to burn. More research is needed on how to effectively implement interventions to reduce individual-initiated burning, as well as to target key geographic regions and burning sources that continue to be neglected.
"The Back-up Vasectomy Reversal." Simultaneous Sperm Retrieval and Vasectomy Reversal in the Couple With Advanced Maternal Age: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

Abstract Objective To determine the cost-effectiveness of different fertility options in men who have undergone vasectomy in couples with a female of advanced maternal age (AMA). The options include vasectomy reversal (VR), sperm retrieval (SR) with in vitro fertilization (IVF), and the combination of VR and SR with IVF, which is a treatment pathway that has been understudied. Materials and Methods Using TreeAge software, a model-based cost-utility analysis was performed estimating the cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) in couples with infertility due to vasectomy and advanced female age over a period of one year. The model stratified for female age (35-37, 38-40, >40) and evaluated four strategies: VR followed by natural conception (NC), SR with IVF, VR and SR followed by failed NC and then IVF, and VR and SR followed by failed IVF and then NC. QALY estimates and outcome probabilities were obtained from the literature and average patient charges were calculated from high-volume centers. Results The most cost-effective fertility strategy was to undergo VR and try for NC (cost-per-QALY: $7,150 (35-37 y), $7,203 (38-40 y), and $7,367 (>40 y)). The second most cost-effective strategy was the “back-up vasectomy reversal”: undergo VR and SR, attempt IVF and switch to NC if IVF fails. Conclusion In couples with a history of vasectomy and female of AMA, it is most cost-effective to undergo a VR. If the couple opts for SR for IVF, it is more cost-effective to undergo a concomitant VR than SR alone.
Temporal Trends in Prescribing of Bone-Directed Therapies in the United States, 2009–2020

Multiple new osteoporosis therapies, including some with novel mechanisms of action, have been introduced in the past decade. However, little is known about temporal trends in prescribing these new medications. Using claims data from the Clinformatics Data Mart (Optum, Inc.), we determined the number of enrolled individuals over age 50 who were prescribed any osteoporosis medication during each quarter between January 1, 2009 and March 31, 2020. Of all individuals receiving therapy, we then calculated the percent receiving each medication. In subgroup analyses, we limited the population to (1) only those with ICD codes for osteoporosis in the current or previous three quarters and without codes for active malignancy during the current or previous quarter, and (2) only those with ICD codes from an oncology provider for active malignancy likely to metastasize to bone during the current or previous quarter. In the all-user cohort, a total of 15.48 million unique prescription or medication administration claims from 1.46 million unique individuals during the study period were analyzed. Of these, 89% were women and 71% over the age of 65, with a mean age of 69. Alendronate was the most common medication used, representing >50% of all treated individuals, and its use increased over time. Percent of users receiving zoledronic acid doubled during this period but remained <5%. Use of other bisphosphonates declined steadily. By comparison, after its approval in 2010, denosumab use increased rapidly, reaching 10% of users in 2015 and 15% of users in 2018. Percent of individuals treated with raloxifene declined after 2013. Use of teriparatide, abaloparatide, and romosozumab remained less than 2% throughout the study period. Trends in the osteoporosis cohort paralleled those in the all-user cohort. In the malignancy cohort, alendronate and zoledronic acid were each used in approximately 30% of individuals at the onset of the study, and both declined over the decade. By contrast, denosumab use rapidly increased after introduction and surpassed use of either bisphosphonate by 2013. Denosumab use continued to increase over time and reached approximately 50% of all bone-directed medication use in the malignancy cohort. Use of other medications, mainly alternate bisphosphonates, was low and declined throughout the study period. In a privately insured cohort between 2009–2020, denosumab use increased significantly in both osteoporosis and malignancy populations, outpacing gains in use of other agents, despite guidelines suggesting that either bisphosphonates or denosumab could be considered first-line therapy for osteoporosis.
The Son Billy

The family returned to California in 1913. Shockley did not enter elementary school at the usual age, however, because, as he frequently said: “My parents had the idea that the general educational process was not as good as would be done at home.” May and William Hillman loved their son but they had their own ideas about how the child should be brought up.
Power Supply Reliability Evaluation Method for DC Distribution Network with Power Energy Router

In this paper, a power supply reliability evaluation method for DC distribution network with power energy router is proposed. Firstly, the indexes of power supply reliability evaluation for DC distribution system are introduced. Then, combined with the actual demand of the power supply reliability evaluation calculation, the equivalent simplified model of the power energy router for power supply reliability evaluation is built. In order to analyze the power supply reliability of the system, time-series model of each component in the system is established. State sequences of each element in the system are generated by using sequential Monte Carlo method. The power supply reliability result of the whole system can be obtained based on the FMEA based interruption duration analysis of each load, which takes load priority into consideration. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by MATLAB simulation case study.
Who is Protected? What's Wrong with Exclusionary Policies

Many employers have excluded women whose infertility is not medically documented from allegedly hazardous work claiming they feared if the women became pregnant, their fetuses would be harmed. In United Auto Workers v. Johnson Controls, the Supreme Court held in 1991 that so-called "fetal protection policies" are unlawful sex discrimination. After examining four cases challenging exclusionary policies in Britain and the United States, this article unmasks and argues against the assumptions underlying such policies. By returning to well-established sex discrimination doctrine, moving away from a male norm, and reaffirming women's right to both work and have children, the Supreme Court's decision in VA W v. Johnson Controls is an important victory. The decision should help to break down job segregation, prompt the EEOC to act, and clear the way for addressing questions of health and safety rather than equality and difference.
Determination and study the energy characteristics of vibrational- rotational levels and spectral lines of GaF, GaCl, GaBr and GaI for ground state

A theoretical study of four gallium monohalides molecules (GaF, GaCl, GaBr and GaI) of ground state 1 ∑ + by using computer model is presented to study the energy characteristics of vibrational-rotational levels as a function of the vibrational and rotational quantum number , respectively. The calculations has been performed to examine the vibrational- rotational characteristics of some gallium halides molecules. These calculations appeared that all energies (Gv, Ev,J, and Fv,J) increase with increasing vibrational and rotational quantum number and by increasing the vibrational quantum number, and by increasing the vibrational quantum number, the vibrational constant will decrease. Also theoretical study of spectra of these molecules for ground state 1 ∑ + has been carried out. The values of spectral lines R(J) and P(J) were calculated and the relationship between the spectral lines and the rotational quantum number was established. The results appeared the spectra line values R(J) increases when the values of rotational quantum number decrease but the spectra line values P(J) decrease when the values of rotational quantum number increase, also the spectra line values P(J) decrease when the values of (m) increase, while the values of R(J) increase at first, then decrease showing Fortrar parabola.
Islamic Law, Globalization and Emerging Electronic Commerce Technologies

Network effects created by the use of electronic commerce technologies may put pressure on the community of the Muslim faithful to assimilate into global markets that do not comply with the requirements of Islamic law. At the same time, however, they hold the promise of greater access to global markets constituted in a manner that comports with Islamic law. There are significant structural differences in commercial transactions conducted in conformity with Islamic law and those conducted according to Western secular norms. As a result, the automation of Islamic commercial transactions will require the development and implementation of significantly different technical standards. Many Muslim countries now have low penetration rates for electronic commerce technologies, and the development of technical standards to support automated transaction processing in a manner that conforms to Islamic law does not appear to be a policy priority in those countries. If such standards are developed, then strategy and relative bargaining power will determine whether secular Western organizations wishing to trade with Islamic organizations are required to implement both Western and Islamic technologies in order to gain access to markets in Islamic nations, or organizations in Islamic nations are required to implement both in order to gain access to global markets.
Parameter tuning: Exposing the gap between data curation and effective data analytics

The “big data” movement promises to deliver better decisions in all aspects of our lives from business to science health, and government by using computational techniques to identify patterns from large historical collections of data. Although a unified view from curation to analysis has been proposed, current research appears to have polarized into two separate groups: those curating large datasets and those developing computational methods to identify patterns in large datasets. The case study presented here demonstrates the enormous impact that parameter tuning can have on the resulting accuracy, precision, and recall of a computational model that is generated from data. It also illustrates the vastness of the parameter space that must be searched in order to produce optimal models and curated in order to avoid redundant experiments. This highlights the need for research that focuses on the gap between collection and analytics if we are to realize the potential of big data.
Seismic Verification of Underground Explosions

Bans or limitations on nuclear weapons tests are one of the many types of arms control measures that have been attempted over the years. The first nuclear test agreement, the test moratorium, was made in 1958 and lasted until the Soviet Union unilaterally resumed testing in the atmosphere in 1961. It was followed by the Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963, which prohibited nuclear tests in the atmosphere, in outer space, and underwater. In 1974 the Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT) was signed. This treaty limited underground tests after March 1976 to a maximum yield of 250 kilotons (kt). The TTBT was followed by a treaty limiting peaceful nuclear explosions and, although neither of these was ever ratified by the U.S. Senate, both the United States and the Soviet Union claim to be abiding by the 150-kt yield limit. A comprehensive test ban treaty (CTBT), prohibiting all testing of nuclear weapons, has also been discussed and there is widespread public interest in this idea. However, a verifiable CTBT is a contradiction in terms. No monitoring technology can offer absolute assurance that very-low-yield illicit explosions have not occurred.
Micrometeorological Observations of a Soil Surface during the Partial Phases of the Total Solar Eclipse of March 7, 1970

Summary Simultaneous observations of net radiation and temperature for the entire partiaI eclipse were obtained at a site with maximum obscuration of 92 0/0 of the direct solar radiation. A strongly negative net radiation of --96 mly/min comparable to nocturnal conditions (--110 mly/min) was found at minimum light. Since lowlight levels under normal daytime conditions (thick clouds) coincide with weak temperature gradients, organisms with both optical and thermal sensors may show a confused behavior under eclipse conditions. The contribution of direct solar radiation to the net radiation was computed using limb-darkened solar eclipse functions (included in an appendix) which show considerable departures from the uniform disk approximation.
Effect on the weights of fetuses and fetal lymphoid organs of adrenalin given to rabbits at a critical period of pregnancy: observations on spontaneous and induced runting.

The effect of injecting adrenalin at a critical period in pregnant rabbits was investigated. This critical period is around the twenty-second day of pregnancy, when the maternal blood supply to the uterus is naturally low. The relative weights of thymus, spleen and appendix and the total body weights of the fetuses were measured both one week after the injection and eight weeks after birth to examine long range effects. Controls consisted of saline-injected and untreated rabbits. The adrenalin injection reduced significantly the fetal weight compared with that of the controls. The relative thymus weight was found to be significantly correlated positively with fetal weight in both adrenalin-treated animals and controls. However, there was no significant difference in relative thymus weight between the two groups. Of the two litters raised to eight weeks, the young of the untreated litter showed a fairly constant growth rate. The pups of the adrenalin-treated litter started out smaller than the controls but at about three and one-half weeks the former overtook the controls; at eight weeks they were, on the average, larger. With this small sample size, the difference in weights cannot be shown to be statistically significant, but the litters show consistent differences.
Synthesis and characterization of barium silicide (BaSi2) nanowire arrays for potential solar applications

In order to utilize nanostructured materials for potential solar and other energy-harvesting applications, scalable synthetic techniques for these materials must be developed. Herein we use a vapor phase conversion approach to synthesize nanowire (NW) arrays of semiconducting barium silicide (BaSi2) in high yield for the first time for potential solar applications. Dense arrays of silicon NWs obtained by metal-assisted chemical etching were converted to single-crystalline BaSi2 NW arrays by reacting with Ba vapor at about 930 °C. Structural characterization by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirm that the converted NWs are single-crystalline BaSi2. The optimal conversion reaction conditions allow the phase-pure synthesis of BaSi2 NWs that maintain the original NW morphology, and tuning the reaction parameters led to a controllable synthesis of BaSi2 films on silicon substrates. The optical bandgap and electrochemical measurements of these BaSi2 NWs reveal a bandgap and carrier concentrations comparable to previously reported values for BaSi2 thin films.
Differential regulation of inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase by kinin B1 and B2 receptors.

Kinins are vasoactive peptides that play important roles in cardiovascular homeostasis, pain and inflammation. After release from their precursor kininogens, kinins or their C-terminal des-Arg metabolites activate two distinct G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), called B2 (B2R) or B1 (B1R). The B2R is expressed constitutively with a wide tissue distribution. In contrast, the B1R is not expressed under normal conditions but is upregulated by tissue insult or inflammatory mediators. The B2R is considered to mediate many of the acute effects of kinins while the B1R is more responsible for chronic responses in inflammation. Both receptors can couple to Gαi and Gαq families of G proteins to release mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), arachidonic acid, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor and can induce the release of other inflammatory agents. The focus of this review is on the different transduction events that take place upon B2R and B1R activation in human endothelial cells that leads to generation of NO via activation of different NOS isoforms. Importantly, B2R-mediated eNOS activation leads to a transient (∼5 min) output of NO in control endothelial cells whereas in cytokine-treated endothelial cells, B1R activation leads to very high and prolonged (∼90 min) NO production that is mediated by a novel signal transduction pathway leading to post-translational activation of iNOS.
Platinum Monolayer Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction

Abstract We have synthesized a new class of electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction, consisting of a monolayer of Pt or mixed monolayer of Pt and another late transition metal (Au, Pd, Ir, Ru, Rh, Re or Os) deposited on a Pd(1 1 1) single crystal or on carbon-supported Pd nanoparticles. Several of these electrocatalysts exhibited very high activity, amounting to 20-fold increase in a Pt mass activity, compared with conventional all-Pt electrocatalysts. Their superior activity reflects a low OH coverage on Pt, caused by the lateral repulsion between the OH adsorbed on Pt and the OH or O adsorbed on neighboring, other than Pt, late transition metal atoms. The origin of this effect was identified through a combination of experimental and theoretical methods, employing electrochemical techniques, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and periodic, self-consistent density functional theory calculations. This new class of electrocatalysts promises to alleviate some major problems of existing fuel cell technology by simultaneously decreasing materials cost and enhancing performance.
Integration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) with grid connected residential photovoltaic energy systems

This paper proposes an approach for integrating Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) to an existing residential photovoltaic system, to control and optimize the power consumption of residential load. Control involves determining the source from which residential load will be catered, where as optimization of power flow reduces the stress on the grid. The system built to achieve the goal is a combination of the existing residential photovoltaic system, PHEV, Power Conditioning Unit (PCU), and a controller. The PCU involves two DC-DC Boost Converters and an inverter. This paper emphasizes on developing the controller logic and its implementation in order to accommodate the flexibility and benefits of the proposed integrated system. The proposed controller logic has been simulated using MATLAB SIMULINK and further implemented using Digital Signal Processor (DSP) microcontroller, TMS320F28035, from Texas Instruments
Intrinsic fluorescence biomarkers in cells treated with chemopreventive drugs

Non-invasive monitoring of cellular metabolism offers promising insights into areas ranging from biomarkers for drug activity to cancer diagnosis. Fluorescence spectroscopy can be utilized in order to exploit endogenous fluorophores, typically metabolic co-factors nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and estimate the redox status of the sample. Fluorescence spectroscopy was applied to follow metabolic changes in epithelial ovarian cells as well as bladder epithelial cancer cells during treatment with a chemopreventive drug that initiates cellular quiescence. Fluorescence signals consistent with NADH, FAD, and tryptophan were measured to monitor cellular activity, redox status, and protein content. Cells were treated with varying concentrations of N-4-(hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR) and measured in a stable environment with a sensitive fluorescence spectrometer. A subset of measurements was completed on a low concentration of cells to demonstrate feasibility for medical application such as in bladder or ovary washes. Results suggest that all of the cells responded with similar dose dependence but started at different estimated redox ratio baseline levels correlating with cell cycle, growth inhibition, and apoptosis assays. NADH and tryptophan related fluorescence changed significantly while FAD related fluorescence remained unaltered. Fluorescence data collected from approximately 1000 - 2000 cells, comparable to a bladder or ovary wash, was measurable and useful for future experiments. This study suggests that future intrinsic biomarker measurements may need to be most sensitive to changes in NADH and tryptophan related fluorescence while using FAD related fluorescence to help estimate the baseline redox ratio and predict response to chemopreventive agents.
Theoretical calculation of the conformation and crystal structure of poly-L-hydroxyproline

Abstract The intra-and intermolecular forces determining the conformation of poly-L-hydroxyproline have been examined. The vacuum conformation of the isolated molecule has the left-hand trans configuration of poly-L-proline II with Ψ = 295°. A second less favorable low-energy form is the right-hand superhelix, also previously described for polyproline. No cis conformation was found to be feasible. Introduction of intermolecular interaction functions shows that the conformation in the solid state is strongly modified to accommodate such interactions. The rotation angle corresponding to the minimum energy in the solid is found to be Ψ = 343°. The crystal structure predicted from these calculations is a hexagonal lattice with a0 = 12.5 A and c0 = 9.1 A with space group P32. Three helices are required in the fundamental structural unit. These results are in excellent agreement with X-ray evidence.
Nurses and assertive community treatment teams: A critical combination

Edited byMona M. Shattell, PhD, RN University of North Carolina at Greensboro, School of Nursing, Greensboro, North Carolina, USAPersons with severe mental illness have high rates of physical healt...
Structural Components of Humic Acids as Determined by Chemical Modifications and Carbon-13 NMR, Pyrolysis-, and Thermochemolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

The chemical structure of humic adds (HAs) extracted from a grassland surface soil and peat were studied using bleaching (NaClO 2 oxidation) and acid hydrolysis (6 M HCI) in combination with advanced analytical techniques: solid-state C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/ MS), and tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) thermochemolysis-GC/MS. The purpose of the chemical treatments was to remove known structural fragments from the HA to study the building blocks and components of the macromolecule. Bleaching the peat HA resulted in an attack on the lignin structures leading to a significant reduction in the C-substituted and O-substituted aromatic C peaks (128 and 150 ppm) in the 13 C NMR spectrum. However, the bleached soil HA still contained residual aromatic C, suggesting that part of its aromaticity had originated from aromatic structures resistant to bleaching, possibly black C (charcoal). The pyrolysates of the bleached HAs contained mainly alkanes and alkenes (C 8 to C 29 ), whereas TMAH thermochemolysis yielded a homologous series of long-chain fatty add methyl esters (FAMEs) (C 8 to C 32 ) and dicarboxylic add dimethyl esters (DAMES). The data are comparable with those obtained from pyrolysis and thermochemolysis of plant cuticular materials, and therefore suggest that cuticular residues are an integral part of the HA macromolecule. The add hydrolysis treatment removed esters, amides, carbohydrates, and some of the N-containing compounds from the HAs. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of bleaching and hydrolysis treatments together with advanced analytical techniques for characterization of aliphatic, lignin-derived (LG) and nonhydrolyzable N-containing structures associated with the HA macromolecule.
Changes in plasma estriol and progesterone during labor induced with prostaglandin F2α or oxytocin

A double-blind study was conducted to determine the effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha on the levels of estriol and progesterone in the peripheral venous blood during term pregnancy and to compare the effects of PGF2 alpha with that produced by oxytocin. 32 multiparous volunteers in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups the first group of 12 women receiving oxytocin for labor induction and the 2nd group of 20 women receiving PGF2 alpha. The subjects in both groups were of comparable age parity. and weight. 3 inductions failed in the oxytocin group compared to 8 in the PGF2 alpha group. As the process of delivery itself may alter plasma steroid levels both groups were further subdivided into those subjects who delivered and those who did not deliver. The data suggest that neither oxytocin nor PGF2 alpha given intravenously to term pregnant women for labor induction significantly altered the plasma levels of estriol or progesterone.
Synthesis, crystal structures, and characterization of 4,5-diaza-9-[4,5-bis(methylthio)-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene]-fluorene (L) metal complexes [(TPyA)MII(L)](SbF6)2 (MII = Mn, Fe, Co; TPyA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine)

Abstract Transition metal complexes incorporating 9′-(4,5-dimethyl-1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-4′,5′-diazafluorene (L) have been synthesized and single crystal structures of [(TPyA)MnII(L)](SbF6)2 (1), [(TPyA)FeII(L)](SbF6)2 (2), and [(TPyA)CoII(L)](SbF6)2 (3) (where TPyA = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine) have been characterized. In addition, spectroscopic analysis (IR and UV–Vis) and temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements are reported for all new complexes. Compounds 1–3 are isostructural. Solid-state IR and solution UV–Vis spectra in dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) are consistent with other metal complexes with the ligand L bound to the metal. However, when complexes 1–3 are dissolved in acetone and acetonitrile the ligand L is labile enough to result in a complex with C3H6O or MeCN in the coordination sphere, respectively. This suggests L is more substitutionally labile than C3H6O and MeCN. Magnetic analyses of 1–3 revealed weak ferromagnetic interactions for 1 and 3 and weak antiferromagnetic interactions for 2. These new molecular synthons may have further applications in the synthesis of new heterobimetallic dinuclear complexes by removal of the methyl group from the dithiolate-end of the ligand L that is unbound to a metal ion at this point.
Association of Symptoms of Depression with Diagnostic Test Charges among Older Adults

Background: Previous studies have documented greater use of health services by depressed persons and have postulated that health care costs could be reduced overall through better recognition and t...
Relating Dynamic Properties to Atomic Structure in Metallic Glasses

Atomic packing in metallic glasses is not completely random but displays various degrees of structural ordering. While it is believed that local structures profoundly affect the properties of glasses, a fundamental understanding of the structure–property relationship has been lacking. In this article, we provide a microscopic picture to uncover the intricate interplay between structural defects and dynamic properties of metallic glasses, from the perspective of computational modeling. Computational methodologies for such realistic modeling are introduced. Exploiting the concept of quasi-equivalent cluster packing, we quantify the structural ordering of a prototype metallic glass during its formation process, with a new focus on geometric measures of subatomic “voids.” Atomic sites connected with the voids are found to be crucial in terms of understanding the dynamic, including vibrational and atomic transport, properties. Normal mode analysis is performed to reveal the structural origin of the anomalous boson peak (BP) in the vibration spectrum of the glass, and its correlation with atomic packing cavities. Through transition-state search on the energy landscape of the system, such structural disorder is found to be a facilitating factor for atomic diffusion, with diffusion energy barriers and diffusion pathways significantly varying with the degree of structural relaxation/ordering. The implications of structural defects for the mechanical properties of metallic glasses are also discussed.
Fast Maximum Likelihood Algorithm for Localization of Fluorescent Molecules

In super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, one key objective is to localize fluorescent molecules as quickly and precisely as possible. The most common approaches involve fitting an image of a molecule to a point spread function, often a Gaussian for simplicity. The separable property of the 2D Gaussian function allows us to separate the tasks of estimating the x and y coordinates. We did this by summing the columns of an image, then we used a maximum likelihood algorithm to estimate the position of the molecule along the x axis. Because we were able to separate the Gaussian, our computational time went from O(L2) to O(L) where L is the width (in pixels) of the pixel array. This algorithm gives us precision close to the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound, and is robust against variations of pixel size, window size, or displacements of the molecule relative to the center of the computational window.
Pollen morphology and ultrastructure of the Cabombaceae : correlations with pollination biology

Of all species comprising the two genera of the Cabombaceae, only Brasenia schreberi J. F. Gmel. and Cabomba caroliniana Gray have been critically investigated with regard to their pollination biology. Brasenia schreberi has been shown to be anemophilous, while C. caroliniana has an entomophilous (myophilous) pollination syndrome. In the present paper, a number of pollen and pollen-related characters, including pollen size, shape, quantity, terminal settling velocity, pollen-ovule ratios, and overall exine architecture of B. schreberi and C. caroliniana are evaluated. Pollen from both species is elliptic, monosulcate, and has a tectate-columellate sporoderm with supratectal surface ornamentation. Grains of B. schreberi are small, produced in copious amounts, and settle relatively slowly. Flowers of this species have large pollen-ovule ratios. The exine of B. schreberi pollen is scabrate, relatively thin, has a uniformly thick sexine composed of a two-zoned (homogeneous/granular) tectum and distinct columellae, and a homogeneous nexine. Pollen of C. caroliniana is relatively large, produced in small quantities, and has a rapid terminal settling velocity. Flowers exhibit small pollen-ovule ratios. Exine organization of C. caroliniana pollen is typically two times thicker than that of B. schreberi; ornamentation is striate. Nonapertural sexine regions have a thick tectum and well-defined columellae, with both sexine components traversed by a dense system of channels. The nexine is relatively thin. All of the palynological characters examined correlate well with the anemophilous and entomophilous syndromes of B. schreberi and C. caroliniana, respectively. Moreover, several other parameters of exine ultrastructure from each species exhibit positive correlations with the respective pollination mechanisms, including: tectum thickness, columellae diameter, tectum-nexine ratios, and the consistency, distribution, and total amount of pollenkitt present. Overall exine ultrastructure is also discussed from a historical perspective as well as with respect to its phylogenetic significance.
Data mining as a foundation for science-enabling autonomy

In-situ exploration by spacecraft and planetary rovers will increasingly require knowledge "on demand" in the future as downlinlk constraints limit the amount of information that can be transmitted from these platforms back to Earth. Several on-board processing methods have the potential to significantly enhance scientific results in these settings. They include automatic detection of natural satellites of planetary bodies, investigation of possible surface motions on planets and planetary moons, and directed acquisition of scientific data by planetary rovers. The key ingpredient in all three cases is the need to process scientific data directly on-board, so that information can be rapidly provided to an automated spacecraft executive and/or to ground-based principal inesiators (pis). We discuss, herein, recent developments in data mining technology that were designed initially for ground-based scientific data analysis. We then outline how these ideas can be migrated to on-board platforms to dramatically enhance the scientific capabilities of autonomous spacecraft.
Protein translocation in vitro: biochemical characterization of genetically defined translocation components.

Recent years have seen the convergence of both genetic and biochemical approaches in the study of protein translocation inE. coli. The powerful combination of these approaches is exemplified in the use of anin vitro protein synthesis-protein translocaltion system to analyze the role of genetically defined components of the protein translocation machinery. We describe in this review recent results focusing on the function of thesecA, secB, andsecY gene products and the demonstration of their requirement forin vitro protein translocation. The SecA protein was recently shown to possess ATPase activity and was proposed to be a component of the translocation ATPase. We present a speculative working model whereby the translocator complex is composed of the integral membrane proteins SecY, SecD, SecE, and SecF, forming an aqueous channel in the cytoplasmic membrane, and the tightly associated peripheral membrane protein SecA functioning as the catalytic subunit of the translocator or “protein-ATPase.”
Lead-insensitive fiber optic pH sensor and performance under bending

We have designed and tested a lead-insensitive fiber optic pH sensor that is based on the absorption of an indicator dye immobilized in a polymer bead. The fiber optic pH sensor uses two wavelengths; one senses the change in absorption of the indicator dye and the other provides a reference signal. In a view to desired time modulation and the dual wavelength time division multiplexing, we used light emitting diodes for sources, a phototransistor for the detector, and electronics process the detected signal. The sensor has demonstrated fast response, repeatable calibration, reversibility, and stability. This inexpensive device may also be used during bending of the optical fiber for applications in the field.
Beyond role models: An examination of cultural influences on the pedagogical perspectives of black teachers

This article posits that the increasing alienation and school failure of minorities, particularly the growing numbers of at-risk black students, is directly related to the decline of minority teachers who bring to the classroom unique, culturally based pedagogical approaches that are often compatible with the learning needs of their minority students. The article argues that black teachers, as one example of a minority teacher, are more than mere role models. They are cultural translators and intercessors for black students, thereby directly contributing to their school achievement. Black teachers are more likely to understand black students' personal style of presentation as well as their language. They frequently exhibit a teaching style that attends to cultural differences in perceptions of authority, instructional delivery and teacher performance, and in their use of culturally familiar speech and events.
Intelligent agents in a goal finding application for homeland security

Orderly and efficient evacuations are the key in saving lives and are of considerable interest to homeland security. There has been a considerable interest in simulation of intelligent agent behavior in the context of agent based modeling. This paper combines Genetic Algorithm (GA) with Neural Networks (NN) to explore how intelligent agents can look for exits during an evacuation. The agents have the capability to adapt their behavior in the environment and formulate their response by learning from the environment. Our approach focuses on modeling individual behavior as well as group behavior. Individuals constantly adjust their behavior according to the dynamic factors in the environment. We are developing crowdmodeling and emergency behavior modeling capability in a goal finding application. This paper examines an intelligent agentbased evacuation that can help plan emergency evacuations, run numerous event-driven evacuation scenarios, support research in the areas of human behavior, and model the movement of responders and security personnel. The result of this simulation was very promising as we are able to observe the agents use GA and NN to learn how to find the various exits.