cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanics of oblique fracture fixation using a finite-element model

Abstract An investigation of the mechanics of a compression-plated oblique fracture using a finite-element stress analysis model is described. Three aspects of compression plating are considered: the effect of tension in the plate on stresses at the fracture site, the effects of placing bone screws across the fracture surface at different angles to the plane of the fracture, and the effect of a uniform end loading to represent weight bearing on the plated bone. In addition to stress distributions and deformations, the model predicts the contact area between the fractured surfaces. In one case, the predicted area shows good comparison with a range of values for a related case reported in the literature. Results of the model show that stress distributions at the fracture surfaces were not uniform and influenced by the tension in the plate, the bone screws, and the forces applied to the bone. The regions of contact between the fracture surfaces and the orientations of stress trajectories in terms of how these are influenced by plate tension, placement of bone screws, and applied loads are also shown. Clinically related aspects of the results are discussed.
Increased thromboxane biosynthesis in normal pregnancy is mainly derived from platelets.

Thromboxane biosynthesis was determined in normal pregnant subjects by measurement of its major urinary and plasma metabolites, 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B 2 and 11-dehydro-thromboxane B 2- Urinary 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B 2 increased early in pregnancy (731 ± 124 pg/mg creatinine) compared with nonpregnancy ( 2 were increased in pregnancy. To determine the cellular origin of the increase in thromboxane biosynthesis in pregnancy, platelet cyclooxygenase was selectively inhibited with aspirin in a dose of 120 mg orally followed by 20 mg twice daily for 7 days (n = 4). Selectivity was confirmed by measurement of urinary 2,3-dinor-6-keto-prostagland in F 1α , an index of prostacyclin biosynthesis. Coincident with a 97% inhibition of serum thromboxane B 2 , urinary 2,3-dinor-thromboxane B 2 was almost completely inhibited and paralleled the recovery of platelet cyclooxygenase after withdrawal of aspirin. This study demonstrates that thromboxane biosynthesis is increased in pregnancy. The increase is mainly platelet derived and is consistent with increased platelet activation throughout pregnancy.
Variational approximations for renormalization group transformations

Approximate recursion relations which give upper and lower bounds on the free energy are described. Optimal calculations of the free energy can then be obtained by treating parameters within the renormalization equations variationally. As an example, a particularly simple lower bound approximation which preserves the symmetry of the Hamiltonian (the one-hypercube approximation) is described. The approximation is applied to both the Ising model and the Wilson-Fisher model. At the fixed point a parameter is set variationally and critical indices are calculated. For the Ising model the agreement with the exact results atd = 2 is surprisingly good, 0.1%, and is good atd=3 and evend=4. For the Wilson-Fisher model the recursion relation is reduced to a one-dimensional integral equation which can be solved numerically givingv=0.652 atd=3, or by ɛ expansion in agreement with the results of Wilson and Fisher to leading order in ɛ. The method is also used to calculate thermodynamic functions for thed = 2 Ising model; excellent agreement with the Onsager solution is found.
Identification of active site residues in E. coli ketopantoate reductase by mutagenesis and chemical rescue

Ketopantoate reductase (EC 1.1.1.169) catalyzes the NADPH-dependent reduction of alpha-ketopantoate to D-(-)-pantoate in the biosynthesis of pantothenate. The pH dependence of V and V/K for the E. coli enzyme suggests the involvement of a general acid/base in the catalytic mechanism. To identify residues involved in catalysis and substrate binding, we mutated the following six strictly conserved residues to Ala: Lys72, Lys176, Glu210, Glu240, Asp248, and Glu256. Of these, the K176A and E256A mutant enzymes showed 233- and 42-fold decreases in V(max), and 336- and 63-fold increases in the K(m) value of ketopantoate, respectively, while the other mutants exhibited WT kinetic properties. The V(max) for the K176A and E256A mutant enzymes was markedly increased, up to 25% and 75% of the wild-type level, by exogenously added primary amines and formate, respectively. The rescue efficiencies for the K176A and E256A mutant enzymes were dependent on the molecular volume of rescue agents, as anticipated for a finite active site volume. The protonated form of the amine is responsible for recovery of activity, suggesting that Lys176 functions as a general acid in catalysis of ketopantoate reduction. The rescue efficiencies for the K176A mutant by primary amines were independent of the pK(a) value of the rescue agents (Bronsted coefficient, alpha = -0.004 +/-0.008). Insensitivity to acid strength suggests that the chemical reaction is not rate-limiting, consistent with (a) the catalytic efficiency of the wild-type enzyme (k(cat)/K(m) = 2x10(6) M(-1) s(-1) and (b) the small primary deuterium kinetic isotope effects, (D)V = 1.3 and (D)V/K = 1.5, observed for the wild-type enzyme. Larger primary deuterium isotope effects on V and V/K were observed for the K176A mutant ((D)V = 3.0, (D)V/K = 3.7) but decreased nearly to WT values as the concentration of ethylamine was increased. The nearly WT activity of the E256A mutant in the presence of formate argues for an important role for this residue in substrate binding. The double mutant (K176A/E256A) has no detectable ketopantoate reductase activity. These results indicate that Lys176 and Glu256 of the E. coli ketopantoate reductase are active site residues, and we propose specific roles for each in binding ketopantoate and catalysis.
Comprehensive profiling of radiosensitive human cell lines with DNA damage response assays identifies the neutral comet assay as a potential surrogate for clonogenic survival.

In an effort to explore the possible causes of human radiosensitivity and identify more rapid assays for cellular radiosensitivity, we interrogated a set of assays that evaluate cellular functions involved in recognition and repair of DNA double-strand breaks: (1) neutral comet assay, (2) radiation-induced γ-H2AX focus formation, (3) the temporal kinetics of structural maintenance of chromosomes 1 phosphorylation, (4) intra-S-phase checkpoint integrity, and (5) mitochondrial respiration. We characterized a unique panel of 19 “radiosensitive” human lymphoblastoid cell lines from individuals with undiagnosed diseases suggestive of a DNA repair disorder. Radiosensitivity was defined by reduced cellular survival using a clonogenic survival assay. Each assay identified cell lines with defects in DNA damage response functions. The highest concordance rate observed, 89% (17/19), was between an abnormal neutral comet assay and reduced survival by the colony survival assay. Our data also suggested that the neutral...
Gamma decay of the 5.16 MeV state in 10B

Abstract A transition from the 5.16 MeV state to the 3.58 MeV state in 10 B was sought and found; the strength of this transition is in agreement with the theoretical predictions of Cohen and Kurath. It is shown that the entire gamma decay scheme from the 5.16 MeV level is consistent with the theory.
The self-consistent geomagnetic tail under static conditions

Abstract A self-consistent calculation of the magnetic field and plasma distribution in the magnetotail has been undertaken for static conditions. We find the best agreement with experimental observations by satellite in the tail for an isotropic particle pitch angle distribution, a slow decrease of magnetic field intensity as a function of distance from the Earth |x|−0.3, and a northward field in the equatorial plane of about 1 gamma at the position of the lunar orbit. Knowing the field and plasma distribution we calculate the sources of the electrical current and find that the magnetic field in the tail can be supported entirely by solar wind drifting into the curved and diminishing magnetic field of the magnetotail. Furthermore the plasma present in the tail at any one instant is swept out in a very short time due to its large curvature drift velocity; the constant plasma sheet is maintained by constant renewal of entering solar wind plasma.
Spontaneous resolution of bilateral Stage 1 macular holes documented by optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE: To describe a case of spontaneous resolution of bilateral stage 1 macular holes documented using optical coherence tomography. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A patient presented with blurring and distortion in the right eye. Optical coherence tomography showed a stage 1 macular hole manifested as a foveal pseudocyst. The left eye appeared normal. RESULTS: On 6-month follow-up, symptoms had resolved in the right eye but had developed in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography revealed normal anatomy in the right eye with a foveal pseudocyst in the left eye. At 10 months, the patient was asymptomatic and had normal foveal anatomy in both eyes on optical coherence tomography. CONCLUSION: Stage 1 macular holes may appear as foveal pseudocysts on optical coherence tomography. In such cases, optical coherence tomography can provide definitive diagnostic information when clinical examination is equivocal. The observation and spontaneous resolution of bilateral stage 1 holes documented by optical coherence tomography are unique and interesting events of which a MEDLINE search found no previous reports.
Semantic generalization of a voluntary response: Effects of responding in training and rate of presentation

This study was designed to determine whether the motor response made during the learning stage of the semantic-generalization experiment affects the amount of generalization obtained in the test stage, and to investigate the effect of word-presentation rate on the extent of generalization in such an experiment. Two response conditions during learning (lever press or no lever press) and two rates of word presentation (1.5 sec and 2.2 sec) were combined in a factorial arrangement of treatments. Semantic generalization was reliably obtained in all four experimental groups. Further analyses of the results indicated that presentation time had a significant effect on the amount of generalization (the fast rate yields more generalization), but response condition during learning did not.
Minireview: Basal-Like Breast Cancer: From Molecular Profiles to Targeted Therapies

The classification of breast cancer into molecular subtypes with distinctive gene expression signatures that predict treatment response and prognosis has ushered in a new era of personalized medicine for this remarkably heterogeneous and deadly disease. Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is a particularly aggressive molecular subtype defined by a robust cluster of genes expressed by epithelial cells in the basal or outer layer of the adult mammary gland. BLBC is a major clinical challenge because these tumors are prevalent in young woman, often relapsing rapidly. Additionally, most (but not all) basal-like tumors lack expression of steroid hormone receptors (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, limiting targeted therapeutic options for these predominantly triple-negative breast cancers. This minireview will focus on new insights into the molecular etiology of these poor-prognosis tumors that underlie their intrinsic genomic instability, deregulated cell proliferation and apoptosis, and invasive tumor biology. We will also review ongoing efforts to translate these fundamental insights into improved therapies for women with BLBC.
A narrowly endemic photosynthetic orchid is non‐specific in its mycorrhizal associations

Mycorrhizal association is a common characteristic in a majority of land plants, and the survival and distribution of a species can depend on the distribution of suitable fungi in its habitat. Orchidaceae is one of the most species-rich angiosperm families, and all orchids are fully dependent on fungi for their seed germination and some also for subsequent growth and survival. Given this obligate dependence, at least in the early growth stages, elucidating the patterns of orchid-mycorrhizal relationships is critical to orchid biology, ecology and conservation. To assess whether rarity of an orchid is determined by its specificity towards its fungal hosts, we studied the spatial and temporal variability in the host fungi associated with one of the rarest North American terrestrial orchids, Piperia yadonii. The fungal internal transcribed spacer region was amplified and sequenced by sampling roots from eight populations of P. yadonii distributed across two habitats, Pinus radiata forest and maritime chaparral, in California. Across populations and sampling years, 26 operational taxonomic units representing three fungal families, the Ceratobasidiaceae, Sebacinaceae and Tulasnellaceae, were identified. Fungi belonging to the Sebacinaceae were documented in orchid roots only at P. radiata forest sites, while those from the Ceratobasidiaceae and Tulasnellaceae occurred in both habitats. Our results indicate that orchid rarity can be unrelated to the breadth of mycorrhizal associations. Our data also show that the dominance of various fungal families in mycorrhizal plants can be influenced by habitat preferences of mycorrhizal partners.
Constructing constructivism: how student- teachers construct ideas of development, knowledge, learning, and teaching

This case study investigates the development of the understanding of constructivist theory among students in a Masters level elementary teacher education program within a particular course. The focus of the study is a seminar entitled ‘Advanced Seminar in Child Development’. The questions explored include: How do students’ ideas of teaching, learning and knowledge develop within the context of their experience in this course? How do they come to understand constructivism? What are their definitions of constructivism? What is the course of the development of this understanding? The nature of the students’ learning processes is examined through three sources of data: dialog journals, videotaped sessions and the instructor’s reflective teaching journal. The study looks both at student development and instructional practice to further understanding of how student‐teachers can learn to apply constructivist theory to their teaching and to understand the learning process, both within themselves and their student...
Development and parameterization of a time-invariant (equilibrium) material model for segmented elastomeric polyureas

A time-invariant (equilibrium) material mechanical model for segmented polyureas, a class of thermoplastically linked co-polymeric elastomers, is developed and parameterized using experimental data available in open literature. The key components of the model are developed by first constructing a simple molecular-level microstructure model and by relating the microstructural elements and intrinsic material processes to the material mechanical response. The new feature of the present material model relative to the ones currently used is that the physical origin and the evolution equation for the deformation-induced softening and inelasticity observed in polyureas are directly linked to the associated evolution of the soft-matrix/hard-segment molecular-level microstructure of this material. The model is first developed for the case of uniaxial loading, parameterized using one set of experimental results, and finally validated using another set of experimental results. The validation procedure suggested that...
Course Composition Based on Semantic Topical Dependency

This paper describes an approach that can facilitate composition of course materials by machine assistance over the web using semantic web technology. A Semantic Topic Graph (STG) that encodes the conceptual knowledge metadata space is used as the front-end to the course resources. STG provides ontologies and properties of the concepts space and course materials are then connected with respect to their relation to this concept space. A course composer system is demonstrated which can intelligently compose various course materials based on pedagogical consideration. Some interesting comparisons of human guided machine-composed courses with real human composed courses in use in US graduate programs are shown.
Higher-order dielectrically transduced bulk-mode ring resonator with low motional resistance

This paper reports internal dielectric transduction of the 41st radial bulk-mode of a ring resonator at 2.79GHz with a quality factor exceeding 11,500 in air. The transducer electrodes are integrated within the vibrating structure in a dense serpentine pattern, with the dielectric-filled gaps strategically placed on the nodal lines to excite the 41st order bulk radial mode. The serpentine dielectric transduction results in a low motional resistance of less than 500Ω, which can be detected by direct two-port transmission measurements. The “notched” ring design allows for anchoring this resonator at the center nodal line of the ring, resulting in higher Q and lower motional resistance. This resonator is fabricated by a double nanogap process, where 30nm silicon nitride sidewall layers are formed using a combination of optically defined trenches and deposition of a high-к dielectric followed by a doped polysilicon layer.
A study of pest oxidation in polycrystalline MoSi2

MoSi2 is a promising high-temperature material with low density (6.3 g/cm3), high melting point (2020 °C), and good oxidation resistance at temperatures to about 1900 °C. However, in the intermediate temperature range between 400 and 600 °C, it is susceptible to a “pest” reaction which causes catastrophic disintegration by a combination of oxidation and fracture. In this study, we have used polycrystalline MoSi2, produced by arc-casting of the pure elements and by cold and hot pressing of alloy powders, to characterize the pest reaction and to determine the roles of composition, grain or phase boundaries, and physical defects on the oxidation and fracture of specimens exposed to air at 500 °C. It was found that pest disintegration occurs through transport of oxygen into the interior of the specimen along pre-existing cracks and/or pores, where it reacts to form MoO3 and SiO2. The internal stress produced during the formation of MoO3 results in disintegration to powder. Near the stoichiometric ratio, the susceptibility to pest disintegration increases with increasing molybdenum content and with decreasing density. Silicon-rich alloys were able to form protective SiO2 and showed no indication of disintegration, even at densities as low as 60%.
Surface Melting of Ice and Thunderstorm Electrification

In a typical thunderstorm the cloud is mainly electrically dipolar, with the principal positive charge in the upper reaches, and the main negative charge near the base. There is active ice formation due to the strong updraft and adiabatic cooling of humid air; temperatures in the negative zone range from about −5°C to −25°C. In this zone there are two main types of ice; small particles which are being carried upward in the updraft, and larger agglomerates, ‘soft hail’, which are falling. The principal charging occurs at collision sites between the two types: the small particles come away positively charged, and the hail negatively charged. Then the small particles continue upward, leaving a net negatively charged zone [1]. Lightning discharges occur between the two charge centers in the cloud and between the negative zone and the ground, so that the ground becomes negatively charged. Thunderstorms are most active during afternoons on seacoasts world wide, and hundreds of storms are active at all times; lightning discharges are so continuous that the Earth is more or less constantly negative with respect to the upper atmosphere. Without the storms, the Earth’s charge would decay in a couple of hours. So much is known and accepted [2].
Fetal Electrolyte and Acid-Base Responses to Amnioinfusion: Lactated Ringer's Versus Normal Saline in the Ovine Fetus:

We hypothesized that amnioinfusion with normal saline would increase fetal plasma sodium and chloride concentrations, resulting in a hyperchloremic acidosis, and that these alterations would not occur after amnioinjusion with lactated Ringer’s solution. Chronically catheterized fetal sheep (131 ± 1 days’ gestation; mean ± SE) were divided into three groups: control (n - 8), infused with normal saline (n = 10), and infused with lactated Ringer’s solution (n = 10). The protocol consisted of a 30-minute pre-infusion period, a 1-hour amnioinfusion, and a 1-hour recovery period. During amnioinjusion, warmed solution was infused at a rate of 100 mL/minute for 1 hour. Fetal plasma and amniotic fluid electrolyte concentrations and osmolalities were measured every 20 minutes. Statistical analysis was by analysis of variance and linear regression. Amniotic fluid electrolyte concentrations changed significantly (P <.001) in both amnioinfusion groups, resulting in amniotic fluid compositions that were essentially the same as the infused fluid 20 minutes after starting the amnioinjusion. Significant increases in fetal plasma Na + and Cl- concentrations (2-3 mEq/L) occurred in the normal-saline injusion group relative to both the control and lactated Ringer’s groups (P <.001). The lactated Ringer’s group demonstrated only a modest increase in plasma Na+ (P =.04) and no change in plasma Cl- concentration. Fetal arterial pH decreased ( - 0.015 U) in the normal-saline group, and the change in fetal pH was linearly related to the change in plasma Cl- concentration (r = - 0.532, P =.004). Normal-saline amnioinfusion can significantly alter fetal plasma electrolyte concentrations and blood pH, whereas amnioinjusion with lactated Ringer’s solution results in minimal changes in fetal electrolytes and acid-base balance. The fetal plasma changes that occur during saline injusion are in the physiologic but not the pathologic range.
Approximate 3D Body-Wave Synthetics for Tomographic Models

We present a new method of generating analytical synthetics for tomographic-style models. These models are perturbations to a 1D layered model involving changes in block velocities producing 3D images. The procedure is broken into three steps: (1) construction of ray paths for the reference 1D layered model, (2) generation of perturbed paths and the construction of 2D synthetics in the plane containing the source and receiver, and (3) addition of out-of-plane contributions (2D) from virtual receivers weighted by diffraction operators. In step 1, the ray paths reflecting from the various interfaces are established with ray parameter (p_o) and travel time (t_o). Next, these values are corrected after adding the velocity perturbations where ray segments in faster blocks grow relative to slower blocks. This new set of ray parameters can be used to generate 2D Cagniard-deHoop synthetics or WKM synthetics. Contributions from virtual receivers at neighboring azimuths are added by convolving with diffraction operators that are defined by the source duration and travel time to the 3D structure. We suggest a particularly simple approximation based on four virtual receivers which produces synthetics in agreement with 3D numerical synthetics.
Human Papillomavirus as a Marker of the Natural History and Response to Therapy of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

There has been a gradual change in the demographics of head and neck carcinoma. Although relatively uncommon, the incidence of oropharyngeal carcinoma has been increasing despite declining tobacco consumption and contrary to a diminishing incidence of cancers at other head and neck sites. It is now clear that the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancers is rising, likely as a consequence of changing life styles and sexual behaviors. Many studies have contributed to understanding the characteristics of HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma, which usually presents as nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of low to intermediate T-category and affects middle-aged white men, having higher socioeconomic status and no or brief history of tobacco consumption. The diagnosis of this distinct neoplastic entity can be firmly established by a combination of p16 immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization assays. Compared with the traditional smoking-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma has a favorable natural history and responds better to treatment. Consequently, patients with this cancer have better long-term survival than those with HPV-unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (eg, 5-year overall survival rate of >80% versus ∼40% for patients with stage III-IV tumors), and hence they are more likely to experience chronic therapy-induced morbidity. Therefore, changes in evaluation, staging, and treatment are needed for this patient group. However, attempts to change the treatment for HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma should take place in a closely monitored clinical trial setting. In this article, we summarize the epidemiology, diagnosis, and clinical behavior of HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma, with emphasis on prognostic and biomarker discovery aspects, and discuss briefly the current thoughts on changing the treatment paradigms aimed at reducing morbidity while preserving the high tumor control probability through well-coordinated prospective trials.
When parenting becomes unthinkable: intervening with traumatized parents and their toddlers.

Intervention with infants, preschoolers, and their families requires that the child and adolescent psychiatrist shift perspective from a one-person psychology to a multiperson or Brelational[ psychology. Assessment and intervention with children younger than 5 years therefore necessitate that the clinician pay close attention to the unique characteristics of the parentYchild relationship. These characteristics include adaptation to each other’s temperaments, developmental capacities, and biological and psychological needs and desires, and to the demands of the particular environment with which the parentYchild relationship contends. Central to this work is the observation of parentY child interactionVholding, communicating, feeding, grooming/diapering, dressing, and, of course, playing. For those who practice in clinics or private offices, these observations occur during free and unstructured interactions in an environment where age-appropriate toys are available for the child. The content of the child’s spontaneous play; the parent’s affective, behavioral, and verbal responses to the child and their play; the child’s response during play while the parent speaks with the therapist; and the child’s direct response to the parentVall are key sources of information regarding the nature of the interaction. The child and adolescent psychiatrist alternately considers the child’s and parent’s perspectives, while also stepping outside of both individual perspectives to view the childYparent relationship. Thus, in addition to developmental and psychiatric vantage points, a relational vantage point is adopted. In an effort to maximize the potential for adaptive socialYemotional functioning of parent and child, particular attention is paid to both protective and risk factors within the relationship. One such factor, the presence of which is considered a protective element and the absence of which implies risk, is that of Bmentalization.[ Mentalization is the capacity to reflect on, and hold in mind, the mental states (i.e., feelings, thoughts, beliefs) of oneself and others. Empirical research suggests that this capacity is a parental trait that forms in the first years of life within the context of the attachment relationship with the parent’s own caregivers. The parent’s mentalization capacity affects the parent’s caregiving behavior with her own child and, in turn, the child’s attachment behavior with the parent. The processes involved in mentalization have been operationalized as a range of Bself-reflective functioning[ or BRF.[ Reflective functioning was originally developed as a codification of verbal examples of mentalization ranging from examples of low RF to high RF. It was used to code narrative content from the Adult Attachment Interview (C. George et al., unpublished, 1984). High RF was found to correlate significantly with secure adult attachment and subsequently with the Assistant Editors
Theory of synthetic aperture radar imaging of a moving target

Two novel image processing techniques have been developed to refocus a moving target image from its smeared response in the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image which is focused on the stationary ground. Both approaches may be implemented with efficient fast Fourier transform (FFT) routines to process the Fourier spatial spectrum of the image data. The first approach utilizes a matched target filter that is derived from the signal history along the range-Doppler migration path mapped onto the SAR image from the moving target trajectory in real space. The coherent spatial filter is specified by the apparent target range in the image and the magnitude of the relative target-to-radar velocity. The second approach eliminates the range-dependence by reconstructing the moving target image from a spectral function that is obtained from the SAR image data spectrum via a spatial frequency coordinate transformation.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT OF CAREGIVING FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY ILL ADULTS: AN AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

Most people with severe mental illness depend on family to provide care. Although an increasing amount of research has examined caregiving, there is much to be discovered about the caregiving experience of African American families. This ethnographic study reports findings from 16 African American caregivers, presenting a picture of how they navigate through their environment to meet the needs of caregiving. Formal resource selection and use, and perceived barriers to and facilitators of care within an urban environment, are discussed. The impact of the African American community's perception of mental illness on caregiving and involvement in policy change also is discussed.
Dynamic current distribution controls of a parallel connected converter system

Based on the central-limit control algorithm for the parallel connected converter system, two improved dynamic current distribution control methods are introduced: the programmable current distribution control (PCDC) and the maximum current limit control (MCLC). In PCDC, the ratio of the output current of each converter to the total output current can be programmed according to the desired application objective while the output voltage remains regulated. In the MCLC, all converters in the system may not be turned on at the same time depending on the load conditions. The steady-state analyses and design consideration of the PCDC controlled converter system are presented. The steady-state current distribution error (CDE) between the output current of converters is used as a criterion to evaluate the system performance. The design consideration of choosing proper loop compensators, and scaling factors to reduce the CDE is also introduced. These two schemes can be combined to achieve better system performance, which increase the life-time, reliability, and efficiency of the overall converter system. >
Uniting Active and Deep Learning to Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Strategic Tools and the Learning Spiral

This article describes an innovative strategic tools course designed to enhance the problem-solving skills of marketing majors. The course serves as a means of preparing students to capitalize on o...
Constitutions and Democratic Performance in Semi-Presidential Democracies

In 1946 there were three democracies in the world with constitutions that, on the one hand, required the government to obtain the support of a legislative majority in order to come to and remain in power and, on the other hand, established a popularly elected president. In 2002, this number had grown to 25. Constitutions with this feature are often considered to be problematic, and, given the number of new democracies that have adopted them, have received considerable attention from political scientists. The primary concern has to do with the potential for conflict between the assembly supported government and the popularly elected president, which may lead to unstable governments, policy paralysis, and the eventual undermining of the democratic regime. Concern has also been raised regarding the negative role a popularly elected president may have on party development and the ‘chain of delegation’ that in a pure parliamentary democracy runs from voters to government through political parties. In this paper, we examine the effect the combination of assembly confidence with a popularly elected president has on government instability, accountability, legislative effectiveness, and democratic survival. We also examine the impact on these outcomes of different combinations of presidential powers. We find that the introduction of a popularly elected president in parliamentary constitutions is of little significant impact and that the preoccupation with the specific powers of the president is mostly overblown.
Accuracy and Reliability of Drawing Central Sacral Vertical Line on Scoliosis Radiographs in Clinical Practice

Abstract Study Design Retrospective cross-sectional assessment of radiographs of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Objective To assess accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of the central sacral vertical line (CVSL) on scoliosis radiographs and its influence on determining clinically relevant parameters: stable vertebra (SV) and lumbar modifier (LM). Background Summary The central sacral vertical line is frequently used on scoliosis radiographs for surgical planning. However, no studies have assessed how accurately and reliably a physician draws CSVL in routine clinical practice. Methods We provided 30 digital posteroanterior X-rays of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to 5 raters (3 fellowship-trained spine surgeons and 2 fellows) at 2 different times (3-week interval) to determine SV and LM. An independent observer then assessed the accuracy of CSVL drawn by the raters. The CSVL was considered accurate when it was drawn vertical from the middle of the S1 vertebra. To avoid conscious bias, we kept raters blinded as to the actual purpose of the study. To avoid technical bias, the study was conducted with research Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) software and raters used desktop computers similar to those in clinics or operating rooms. Results Based on absolute values, the CSVL was drawn on average 2.3 (±1.9) mm away from the center. Based on raw values, the lines were drawn on average 1.0 (±2.8) mm left of the center. We observed fair inter-rater reliability among the 5 raters, with an intra-class correlation of 0.23 (95% confidence interval, −0.33–0.59). Intra-rater reproducibility was moderate across 2 assessments, with an ICC of 0.47 (95% confidence interval, 0.27–0.62). Variation in drawing CSVL from center was not significantly associated with the selection of SV (r=−0.02; p=.78) or LM (r=−0.02; p=.78). Conclusion Although, physicians draw CSVL significantly away from the center of the S1 vertebra (mean, 2.3 mm), its influence on determining SV or LM is not affected in routine practice.
Effects of the ResQPOD on Kinetics, Hemodynamics of Vasopressin, and Survivability in a Porcine Cardiac Arrest Model.

ABSTRACT Background: Ventilation through an impedance threshold device (ITD) purportedly improves hemodynamics and survivability and is given a Class IIb recommendation by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology for adult cardiac arrest. No studies have investigated the effects of an ITD with vasopressin. Methods and Results: This study compared return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), time to ROSC, hemodynamics, and pharmacokinetics with and without the use of a ResQPOD ITD. Swine were randomized to three groups: cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation alone, vasopressin with ResQPOD, and vasopressin without ResQPOD. Survival differences between the cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation group versus with and without ResQPOD groups were found (p = 0.001, FET; p = 0.021, FET, respectively) but no differences between with and without ResQPOD groups (p = 0.462). A test of Cmax between the IV and IV/ResQPOD group provided limited evidence that the IV/ResQPOD group at...
Learning Spatial Knowledge for Text to 3D Scene Generation

We address the grounding of natural language to concrete spatial constraints, and inference of implicit pragmatics in 3D environments. We apply our approach to the task of text-to-3D scene generation. We present a representation for common sense spatial knowledge and an approach to extract it from 3D scene data. In text-to3D scene generation, a user provides as input natural language text from which we extract explicit constraints on the objects that should appear in the scene. The main innovation of this work is to show how to augment these explicit constraints with learned spatial knowledge to infer missing objects and likely layouts for the objects in the scene. We demonstrate that spatial knowledge is useful for interpreting natural language and show examples of learned knowledge and generated 3D scenes.
Development of an Intermittent-Flow Enantioselective Aza-Henry Reaction Using an Arylnitromethane and Homogeneous Brønsted Acid–Base Catalyst with Recycle

A stereoselective aza-Henry reaction between an arylnitromethane and Boc-protected aryl aldimine using a homogeneous Bronsted acid–base catalyst was translated from batch format to an automated intermittent-flow process. This work demonstrates the advantages of a novel intermittent-flow setup with product crystallization and slow reagent addition which is not amenable to the standard continuous equipment: plug flow tube reactor (PFR) or continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). A significant benefit of this strategy was the integration of an organocatalytic enantioselective reaction with straightforward product separation, including recycle of the catalyst, resulting in increased intensity of the process by maintaining high catalyst concentration in the reactor. A continuous campaign confirmed that these conditions could effectively provide high throughput of material using an automated system while maintaining high selectivity, thereby addressing nitroalkane safety and minimizing catalyst usage.
The Gender Nonconformity Theory: A Comprehensive Approach to Break Down the Maternal Wall and End Discrimination Against Gender Benders

Recent studies indicate that many female workers are hitting the maternal wall because employers often presume that mothers are natural caregivers and are incapable of fulfilling the role of ideal worker. Similarly, some male employees, who are fighting to dismantle traditional norms about the proper role of working fathers, are being denied family leave benefits automatically granted to new mothers. When these mothers and fathers bring employment discrimination actions, they meet with mixed success. Even feminist theorists cannot agree about how women can best be protected from discrimination and achieve equality. "Difference feminists" believe that the ideal worker norm, which is not designed with the child bearing/child rearing mother in mind, undervalues activities typically associated with women and it is this norm that must be challenged. "Sameness feminists" believe that women will be empowered by giving them greater access to traditional masculine roles and feminist energies should be focused on shattering the glass ceiling so that women are truly allowed access to the same opportunities offered to men. This article proposes that different feminist groups join forces together and with queer theorists to develop a theoretical approach that can be used to dismantle glass ceilings, accommodate mothers and fathers who fail to meet the traditional norms of caregiver and breadwinner, and effectively challenge discriminatory employment practices based on sex, gender, sexual orientation and sexual identity discrimination. Feminists and LGBT advocates should focus their energies on developing the gender nonconformity theory that has been gaining acceptance in a number of federal and state courts. This theory has the most promise for eliminating all types of discrimination "because of sex."
Seattle, Berkeley, and the Fighting Librarians

ABSTRACTThis is the fourth installment in a series of articles about the education of a law librarian: me. This essay covers my departure from Harvard Law Library, my short stay at the University of Washington Law School, and my first years at Berkeley. The series is designed to sketch the development of digital information and the changes in law libraries by following my adventures in the profession.
Bootstrapping while barefoot (crime models vs. theoretical models in the hunt for serial killers)

Investigating random homicides involves constructing models of an odd sort. While the differences between these models and scientific models are radical, calling them models is justified both by functional and structural similarities. Serial homicide investigations illustrate the marked difference between theoretical models in science and the models applied in these criminal investigations. This is further illustrated by considering Glymourian bootstrapping in attempts to solve such homicides. The solutions that result differ radically from explanations in science that are confirmed or disconfirmed by occurrences. Unlike the scientist, the flatfoot gumshoe is also barefoot: he is bereft of a general, determinative theoretical frame. This result shows that criminal investigations do not apply ‘science’ in the Galilean sense.
Cis-Dichlorodiammineplatinum [II]: Inhibition of Nucleic Acid Synthesis in Lymphocytes Stimulated with Phytohemagglutinin

Summarycis-Dichlorodiammineplatinum (II) (cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2]0) is a potent and probably irreversible inhibitor of deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in cultures of human lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin mitogen. At low concentration (3 × 10-6M), selectivity for this process is quite evident; rates of synthesis of ribonucleic acid and protein are only slightly diminished. No resolvable cytologic lesion coincident with the action of the inhibitor was observed by electron microscopy. It was proposed that cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2]0 may undergo two sequential transformations, with the loss of one Cl- ion at each step, and that the resultant platinum species may act bifunctionally to cross-link adjacent nucleophilic centers through covalent binding.
Designing Websites for Older Adults: The Relationship between Guideline Compliance and Usability

Three senior websites with varying levels of compliance to “senior-friendly” guidelines were evaluated for efficiency and usability with older adults. Results indicate that the website compliant with the most senior-friendly“ guidelines resulted in higher task success, but did not result in significantly lower time on task or fewer number of pages visited. In addition, the site compliant with the most ”senior-friendly“ guidelines did not result in higher satisfaction or preference. The importance of adding usability testing to the website design process, especially for this target audience, is highlighted.
BLESS 2: Accurate, memory-efficient, and fast error correction method

UNLABELLED The most important features of error correction tools for sequencing data are accuracy, memory efficiency and fast runtime. The previous version of BLESS was highly memory-efficient and accurate, but it was too slow to handle reads from large genomes. We have developed a new version of BLESS to improve runtime and accuracy while maintaining a small memory usage. The new version, called BLESS 2, has an error correction algorithm that is more accurate than BLESS, and the algorithm has been parallelized using hybrid MPI and OpenMP programming. BLESS 2 was compared with five top-performing tools, and it was found to be the fastest when it was executed on two computing nodes using MPI, with each node containing twelve cores. Also, BLESS 2 showed at least 11% higher gain while retaining the memory efficiency of the previous version for large genomes. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Freely available at https://sourceforge.net/projects/bless-ec CONTACT dchen@illinois.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Simultaneous Detection of Distinct Ubiquitin Chain Topologies by 19F NMR

The dynamic interplay between ubiquitin (Ub) chain construction and destruction is critical for the regulation of many cellular pathways. To understand these processes, it would be ideal to simultaneously detect different Ub chains as they are created and destroyed in the cell. This objective cannot be achieved with existing detection strategies. Here, we report on the use of 19F Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to detect and characterize conformationally distinct Ub oligomers. By exploiting the environmental sensitivity of the 19F nucleus and the conformational diversity found among Ub chains of different linkage types, we can simultaneously resolve the 19F NMR signals for mono-Ub and three distinct di-Ub oligomers (K6, K48, and K63) in heterogeneous mixtures. The utility of this approach is demonstrated by the ability to interrogate the selectivity of deubiquitinases with multiple Ub substrates in real time. We also demonstrate that 19F NMR can be used to discern Ub linkages that are formed...
Ion-Implantation/Annealing-Induced Precipitation of Nanophase Ferromagnetic Particles In Yttrium-Stabilized ZrO2

Ion implantation and thermal processing techniques have been used to form embedded ferromagnetic nanophase precipitates and thereby create magneto-optically active near-surface regions on otherwise inactive materials. Ferromagnetic precipitates were formed by first implanting Fe+ or Ni− into Y0.15Zr0.85O1.93(YSZ) with an implant energy of 140 keV, a fluence of 8.0 × 1016 ions/cm2, and at a temperature of-189°C. After implantation, the specimens were annealed at temperatures ranging from 500 to 1100°C in several types of reducing atmospheres. X-ray diffraction and TEM analysis of the Fe- or Ni-implanted/annealed specimens revealed that crystallographically coherent precipitates of metallic α-Fe, magnetite (Fe3O4), or Ni could be formed in YSZ depending on the annealing conditions. In particular, the cooling rate was established as the critical factor that determined whether Fe or Fe3O4 precipitates were created. Magneto-optical effects arising from ferromagnetic precipitates of Fe, Fe3O4, and Ni in the near-surface region of YSZ were observed and characterized using magnetic circular dichroism (MCD). The magneto-optical response of the α-Fe, Fe3O4, and Ni precipitates was markedly different as indicated by the MCD-detected hysteresis curves. The precipitation mechanism, the chemical nature of the precipitates, and the particle-size distributions resulting from different annealing conditions were investigated and correlated with the precipitate magneto-optical properties.
Determination of 8 Trace Element Contents in Pollens by ICP-AES

[Objective] To discuss to the determination of trace element contents in pollens by using ICP-AES method,and understand the nutritional value of pollens.[Methods] 23 different types of pollen samples from different areas were bought in various markets in Shijiazhuang city,then they were digested by microwave digestion method,contents of Cd,Cu,Fe,Mn,Zn,Al,Pb and As were determined by ICP-AES.[Results] nutrient elements such as Fe,Cu,Zn and Mn were rich in pollens,while the contents of toxic elements Cd and Pb are very few,content of As was few,Al was rich.The recovery of standard addition of 8 trace elements in pollens was 93.4%~109.4%,the standard deviation was 1.11%~4.36%.[Conclusion]ICP-AES can determine 8 trace elements at the same time,also save time and effort with low detection line and high precision.the pollens can be confirmed as a good nutrition through market pollens monitoring.