cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design procedures for a fully differential folded-cascode CMOS operational amplifier

A fully differential folded-cascode op. amp. is analyzed, and the results are presented in the form of design equations and procedures. Tradeoffs among such factors as bandwidth, gain, phase margin, bias currents, signal swing, slew rate, and power are made evident. Closed-form expressions are developed, and a sequence of design steps is established. A graphical representation of the relationships among the gain, power, and phase margin for different capacitive loadings is presented to illustrate visually one form of design optimization. The results of SPICE simulations are shown to agree very well with the design equations presented. >
Genetic algorithm for network cost minimization using threshold based discounting

We present a genetic algorithm for heuristically solving a cost minimization problem applied to communication networks with threshold based discounting. The network model assumes that every two nodes can communicate and offers incentives to combine flow from different sources. Namely, there is a prescribed threshold on every link, and if the total flow on a link is greater than the threshold, the cost of this flow is discounted by a factor &#x3B1;. A heuristic algorithm based on genetic strategy is developed and applied to a benchmark set of problems. The results are compared with former branch and bound results using the CPLEX&#xAE; solver. For larger data instances we were able to obtain improved solutions using less CPU time, confirming the effectiveness of our heuristic approach.
Electronic structure of ferric heme nitrosyl complexes with thiolate coordination.

The effect of trans thiolate ligation on the coordinated nitric oxide in ferric heme nitrosyl complexes as a function of the thiolate donor strength, induced by variation of NH−S(thiolate) hydrogen bonds, is explored. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations (BP86/TZVP) are used to define the electronic structures of corresponding six-coordinate ferric [Fe(P)(SR)(NO)] complexes. In contrast to N-donor-coordinated ferric heme nitrosyls, an additional Fe−N(O) σ interaction that is mediated by the dz2/dxz orbital of Fe and a σ*-type orbital of NO is observed in the corresponding complexes with S-donor ligands. Experimentally, this is reflected by lower ν(N−O) and ν(Fe−N) stretching frequencies and a bent Fe−N−O moiety in the thiolate-bound case.
Perceptions of Urban versus Rural Hospital Patients about Return to Their Communities

During a two-month period in 1976, male patients scheduled to be discharged from two Veterans Administration Hospitals, who were aged 55 or older, chronically ill, able to communicate rationally, and had been hospitalized at least a week for the current illness, were interviewed prior to discharge. Information was sought regarding their feelings about admission and discharge, the availability of and their need for 13 related health-related services at home, and the informal support systems available to them in their local communities. Comparisons were made between patients from distinctly rural settings (communities with less than 5,000 population) and those from larger towns or cities. Both urban and rural patients were modest in assessment of their own health-related needs, especially their need for social and ancillary health services. In almost all instances, the perceived availability exceeded perceived needs. Rural dwellers reported somewhat less apprehension about entering the hospital; they also reported more social contact in their home communities despite the fact that in this sample the rural dwellers were more likely to be older, widowed, and living alone. Rural dwellers were slightly more likely to have their own family doctor.
Malonate-assisted purification of human caspases

Caspases have in the past decade become some of the most intensely pursued targets for the design of small-molecule inhibitors. Two significant technological roadblocks to developing caspase-binding molecules are the poor solubility of a subset of the bacterially expressed proteins and the instability of the renatured proteins that results from rapid inactivating autolysis at high protein concentrations. In this report, we present a generalized method of renaturing human caspases and inhibiting the self-proteolytic activity of the enzymes without a need for covalent active-site inhibitors. Our method, which involves blocking the S1 region of the active site with malonate, enables one to inhibit fully the inactivating autolysis in human caspases and increases the yields of renatured active enzyme. It furthermore does not necessitate removal of malonate prior to setting up enzymatic assays since as high as 100-mM concentrations of malonate do not compete efficiently with caspase substrates or larger caspase inhibitors for binding to the active site. The method described in this report simplifies greatly caspase purification and makes it possible to stabilize the enzymes against autolysis without a need for costly, and frequently synthetically challenging, small-molecule inhibitors.
Lasing in a ternary mixture of He‐Ne‐O2 at pressures up to 200 Torr

Addition of large amounts of helium to the Ne‐O2 8446‐A laser has used the multiple resonances of helium and neon excited states to improve lasing output by a factor of 3. A lower power supply voltage requirement was also obtained and lasing in a mixture of He‐Ne‐O2 was found for total pressures well over 200 Torr. Stable pulsed operation for periods of greater than one week are now possible in sealed‐off laser cells due to the higher‐pressure operation.
Shelfbreak frontal eddies over the continental slope north of Cape Hatteras

[1] Shelfbreak and slope eddies have been implicated as important agents in the exchange of water between the shelf and slope domains of the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB). Here we present temperature, salinity, and velocity data from a series of shipboard transects that intercepted a rich eddy field over the slope of the southern MAB. Attention is focused on a well-sampled cyclonic eddy, of roughly 60-km diameter and 300-m depth, that translated southward at 0.1 m s−1. The eddy was composed of a mix of water masses including MAB shelf and slope water, Gulf Stream water, and water from the MAB shelfbreak front. Gradient Richardson numbers suggest that these water masses were subject to vigorous turbulent vertical mixing. The transport of shelfbreak frontal water contained within the eddy was substantial. In the upper 100 m, shelfbreak frontal water comprised ∼75% of the eddy's volume. This frontal water fraction moved southward with a transport of ∼0.4 Sv, comparable with the volume transport within the shelfbreak frontal jet. A number of factors indicate that this highly energetic eddy, with maximum azimuthal velocity of 0.7 m s−1, was generated through instability of the shelfbreak frontal jet. The eddy had apparently developed rapidly (in <3 days), consistent with models of eddy generation through baroclinic instability of the shelfbreak frontal jet. The eddy's potential temperature/salinity (θ/S) properties and energy density closely matched the θ/S properties and energy density found in the frontal jet to the north of the eddy.
Analysis of MHC class I genes across horse MHC haplotypes

The genomic sequences of 15 horse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes and a collection of MHC class I homozygous horses of five different haplotypes were used to investigate the genomic structure and polymorphism of the equine MHC. A combination of conserved and locus-specific primers was used to amplify horse MHC class I genes with classical and nonclassical characteristics. Multiple clones from each haplotype identified three to five classical sequences per homozygous animal and two to three nonclassical sequences. Phylogenetic analysis was applied to these sequences, and groups were identified which appear to be allelic series, but some sequences were left ungrouped. Sequences determined from MHC class I heterozygous horses and previously described MHC class I sequences were then added, representing a total of ten horse MHC haplotypes. These results were consistent with those obtained from the MHC homozygous horses alone, and 30 classical sequences were assigned to four previously confirmed loci and three new provisional loci. The nonclassical genes had few alleles and the classical genes had higher levels of allelic polymorphism. Alleles for two classical loci with the expected pattern of polymorphism were found in the majority of haplotypes tested, but alleles at two other commonly detected loci had more variation outside of the hypervariable region than within. Our data indicate that the equine major histocompatibility complex is characterized by variation in the complement of class I genes expressed in different haplotypes in addition to the expected allelic polymorphism within loci.
Predictors of depression among non-Hispanic Whites, Mexicans and Puerto Ricans: A look at race/ethnicity as a reflection of social relations

Although there have been a number of studies examining depression among Latinos, and Mexican Americans in particular, there is still a modest understanding of Latino subgroup variation. Research on Latinos and depression typically focuses on clinical samples or nonrandom samples in specific cities. Using 1994 data from the National Survey of Family and Households, we evaluate whether factors typically associated with depression operate similarly for a nationally representative sample of Puerto Ricans, Mexicans and non-Hispanic whites. Our multivariate analyses reveal that ethnic group membership moderates the relationship between nativity, gender and depression. Being born in the Continental U.S. has a negative effect on depression for Puerto Ricans. For Mexicans, it has a positive effect on depression. For all racial/ethnic groups, men are less depressed than women. However, the results reveal that the gender gap in depression is greater for Mexicans and Puerto Ricans than it is for non-Hispanic whites.
Effects of uridine on the performance and the metabolism of oxygenated and hypoxic rabbit hearts.

Abstract Since uridine is involved in the synthesis of tissue glycogen, which is the major source of energy for hypoxic myocardium, we investigated effects of this nucleoside on myocardial performance and metabolism in isolated rabbit hearts perfused under oxygenated and hypoxic conditions. Uridine (10 −5 m ) increased myocardial performance, glucose uptake, glycolysis, glycogen content and the breakdown of ATP in oxygenated hearts. While myocardial performance declined, glucose uptake with glycolysis, glycogenolysis and the breakdown of adenine nucleotides increased in rabbit hearts exposed to hypoxia. Uridine increased myocardial performance, glucose uptake and glycolysis, as well as diminished the disappearance of glycogen and adenine nucleotides from hypoxic hearts. Uridine also increased glucose uptake, glycolysis, contents of ATP and glycogen, as well as myocardial performance in propranolol-treated hearts. The activity of cardiac membrane Na + , K + -activated ATPase was increased by 10 −4 to 10 −6 m uridine, even in the presence of 10 −5 m ouabain. Increased glucose uptake and glycolysis in isolated rabbit atria due to 10 −5 m ouabain were inhibited in the presence of 10 −4 m uridine. The uptake of ouabain H 3 (G) by non-contracting rabbit atria was unaffected by 10 −4 to 10 −5 m uridine. While the mechanism of action of uridine still remains unknown, it seems to be different from the one of catecholamines or cardiac glycosides. Since greater stores of glycogen or higher supply of glucose is known to protect the heart against anoxia or ischemia, present results suggest that uridine might have similar salutary effects.
Purification of Antibody to Galactosyl-Protein Conjugates

A rapid procedure for purification of rabbit antibody to β-D-galacto-sylphenylazo-bovine serum albumin is described. Antibody was precipitated with a heterologous antigen and was then dissociated from the precipitated complex with hapten. The antigen was partially removed by p H adjustment, and antibody was separated from residual antigen and from hapten by partition chromatography on Sephadex G-25. The antibody, obtained in 50 to 55 percent over-all yield, was 96 percent reactive with homologous antigen. It appeared to consist, of 95 percent of a single component, based upon physicochemical measurements.
Pre-Holocene raised beaches at Cape Ross, Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica

Raised marine beach deposits along the coast of the Ross Embayment are important for relative sea-level reconstructions and for determining the timing of deglaciation following the last glacial maximum (LGM). Flights of beaches from McMurdo Sound to Terra Nova Bay long have been thought to be of Holocene age. However, new data from Cape Ross indicate that pre-Holocene beach material is common and may be predominant at elevations greater than 23 m above mean sea level. This discovery leads to unanswered questions regarding the full spatial extent of pre-Holocene beaches in the Antarctic and other formerly glaciated areas. More important, it indicates that undated raised beaches cannot be assumed to result from isostatic uplift following the LGM and should not be used for relative sea-level reconstructions.
Electronic structure of solids

Abstract A review of progress in calculating properties related to the electronic structure of solids is presented with emphasis on the pseudopotential method.
AN ALGORITHM FOR THE NUMERICAL DETECTION OF SIMPLEX OVERLAP

Abstract A method is presented for testing whether or not two n-simplices in R n intersect, and if so, deciding whether or not the intersection has a nonempty interior. The algorithm is an application of a method by Stewart for solving linear inequalities [1].
Evaluation and Treatment of Autoimmune Neurologic Disorders in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Autoimmunity is being increasingly recognized as a cause of neurologic presentations both inside and outside the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Pediatric autoimmune neurologic diseases likely to be seen in the ICU include autoimmune encephalitidies such as N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis, central nervous system vasculitis, demyelinating disorders, and neurologic involvement of systemic autoimmune disorders. In addition, there are conditions of suspected autoimmune etiology such as febrile infection–related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) and rapid-onset obesity, hypoventilation, hypothalamic dysfunction, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) syndrome that are rare, but when they do present, it is often to the ICU. Refractory seizures, altered mental status, and disordered breathing are the most common indications for intensive care for these patients.
MR imaging of tibial collateral ligament injury: comparison with clinical examination

We sought to clarify the capability of routine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the knee to detect and grade tibial collateral ligament (TCL) injury. We also wanted to define the exact MR findings that were the most important for diagnosis. Sixty-three patients were clinically evaluated for TCL injury prior to MR imaging of the knee on a 1.5-tesla system. MR studies were scored with respect to multiple direct and indirect findings. By discriminant analysis, the overall accuracy of classification (into clinical grades 1, 2, 3 and normal) on the basis of MR was 65%. Accuracy for detection of abnormal TCLs was 87%. The most useful MR findings for detection and grading of TCL injury were direct signs: subcutaneous edema over the TCL, focal disruption of the TCL, increased signal in the TCL on T2-weighted images, and longitudinal striations within the TCL. Indirect signs such as trabecular trauma were less useful for TCL evaluation. The presence of a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, however, correlated with TCL injury of a higher grade. T2-weighted coronal images, by better depicting intraligamentous edema and fiber disruption, improved the MR assessment of the TCL.
Nanoparticle-Mediated Coupling of Light into a Nanowire

We show that a nanoparticle can serve as an efficient antenna for coupling of visible light into propagating plasmons of an Ag nanowire. For long wires, the coupling is maximal for incident light polarized perpendicular to the nanowire. For sub-10-μm nanowires, the polarization corresponding to maximum emission from the ends of the nanowire was found to be strongly dependent on the nanowire geometry and position of the vicinal nanoparticle. This nanoparticle antenna-based approach offers a potential strategy for optimizing plasmon coupling into nanoscale metallic waveguides.
Technology-enabled interprofessional education for nursing and medical students: A pilot study

The US Joint Commission, a non-profit healthcare accreditation organization, identified miscommunication as the main cause of serious, unexpected patient injuries (The Joint Commission, 2007), and ...
The Effect of Functional Family Therapy for Delinquents on Adult Criminal Behavior

Functional family therapy, based on Alexander's model for treating families of juvenile delinquents, was provided to 27 rural, lower socioeconomic status delinquents and their families. A compariso...
Power-Commutative Nilpotent R-Powered Groups

If R is a binomial ring, then a nilpotent R-powered group G is termed power-commutative if for any α ∈ R, [gα, h] = 1 implies [g, h] = 1 whenever gα 6= 1. In this paper, we further contribute to the theory of nilpotent R-powered groups. In particular, we prove that if G is a nilpotent R-powered group of finite type which is not of finite π-type for any prime π ∈ R, then G is PC if and only if it is an abelian R-group.
Neuronal expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) and 15d-prostaglandin J2—Mediated protection of brain after experimental cerebral ischemia in rat

Abstract Existing experimental evidence suggests that PPARγ may play a beneficial role in neuroprotection from various brain pathologies. Here we found that focal cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral/common carotid arteries occlusion (MCA/CCAo) induced up-regulation of PPARγ messenger RNA in the ischemic hemisphere as early as 6 h after the ischemic event. The increased PPARγ mRNA expression was primarily associated with neurons in the ischemic penumbra, suggesting an important role for PPARγ in neurons after ischemia. Intraventricular injection of 15d-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), a proposed endogenous PPARγ agonist, into the ischemic rat brains significantly increased the PPARγ-DNA-binding activity and reduced infarction volume at 24 h after reperfusion. We propose that PPARγ up-regulation in response to ischemia may contribute to PPARγ activation in the presence of PPARγ agonists. Activation of PPARγ in neurons at an early stage after ischemia may represent a pro-survival mechanism against ischemic injury.
Investigation of the geochemistry of dissolved organic matter in coastal waters using optical properties

Accurate characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) optical properties is crucial for accurate measurement of chlorophyll from remotely sensed color data and for modelling spectral light penetration in the ocean. In coastal areas, changes in the humic acid: fulvic acid ratio of gelbstoff from riverine to marine environments cause significant changes in the spectral slope parameter but are difficult to predict a priori and impossible to measure without extracting gelbstoff from seawater. Our recent results from a wide variety of natural waters show that DOM optical properties are a function of physical, chemical, and biological processes. Detailed fluorescence spectroscopy shows changes in the optical properties of gelbstoff related to the onset of marine productivity in coastal transition zones which are indicative of changes in chemical composition of DOM. In this paper, we discuss our efforts to use fluorescence to aid interpretation of variability in gelbstoff spectral slopes for development of next generation chlorophyll algorithms and for development of an optical tracer of geochemical processes involving dissolved organic carbon.
1616 REYE'S SYNDROME SERA: EFFECT ON RESPIRATION

The effect on the respiration of isolated rat liver mitochondria of sera from 6 patients in profound coma due to Reye's syndrome (R.S.) was assessed. Respiration was measured polarographically with 5 mg of mitochondrial protein. Active respiration was initiated with 3mM of glutamate and 0.1 mM ADP. 10λ of 5x concentrated control or R.S. serum was added to the resting state. R.S. serum initially produced a profound stimulation of respiration (5.65 ± 0.18 nmol O2/mg protein, control = 2.11 ± 0.15, p<0.0001) lasting 1-3 minutes with a slight increase in respiration thereafter. This effect was diminished but not ablated with the addition of 1 mM EgTA to the incubating medium. Increasing [EgTA] to 30 mM or adding 5 nmol ruthenium red to inhibit calcium uptake did not further diminish the initial stimulation of respiration. Stimulation by R.S. sera occurred in the presence of rotenone and antimycin, suggesting that the effect was beyond Site I and II in the respiratory chain. Respiration was also stimulated in the presence of rutamycin, suggesting that R.S. sera might transiently uncouple oxidative phosphorylation. These findings confirm Aprille's observations (Science 197:908, 1977) in part, except that the effect of R.S. sera on respiration was transient. Entry of calcium into the mitochondria plays some role in this phenomenon, but the principal effect appears to be secondary to a transient stimulant of respiration or a weak uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation that is consumed or inactivated within 1-3 minutes.
Nonequivalence of Classical MHC Class I Loci in Ability to Direct Effective Antiviral Immunity

Structural diversity in the peptide binding sites of the redundant classical MHC antigen presenting molecules is strongly selected in humans and mice. Although the encoded antigen presenting molecules overlap in antigen presenting function, differences in polymorphism at the MHC I A, B and C loci in humans and higher primates indicate these loci are not functionally equivalent. The structural basis of these differences is not known. We hypothesize that classical class I loci differ in their ability to direct effective immunity against intracellular pathogens. Using a picornavirus infection model and chimeric H-2 transgenes, we examined locus specific functional determinants distinguishing the ability of class I sister genes to direct effective anti viral immunity. Whereas, parental FVB and transgenic FVB mice expressing the H-2Kb gene are highly susceptible to persisting Theiler's virus infection within the CNS and subsequent demyelination, mice expressing the Db transgene clear the virus and are protected from demyelination. Remarkably, animals expressing a chimeric transgene, comprised primarily of Kb but encoding the peptide binding domain of Db, develop a robust anti viral CTL response yet fail to clear virus and develop significant demyelination. Differences in expression of the chimeric Kbα1α2Db gene (low) and Db (high) in the CNS of infected mice mirror expression levels of their endogenous H-2q counterparts in FVB mice. These findings demonstrate that locus specific elements other than those specifying peptide binding and T cell receptor interaction can determine ability to clear virus infection. This finding provides a basis for understanding locus-specific differences in MHC polymorphism, characterized best in human populations.
Muslim-Christian Relations in Medieval Southern Italy

Abstract: This article examines the nature of relations between Muslims and Christians in southern Italy during the thirteenth century. In response to uprisings in Sicily, the emperor Frederick II transferred an estimated 20,000 Muslims to the city of Lucera in Apulia. Outside the Iberian Peninsula, Lucera came to have the largest Muslim population of any city in western Europe. Although the formation of the colony led to competition for resources between its inhabitants and the local Christian population, the members of the two religious communities often traded and collaborated. Social mobility was possible for the Lucerine Muslims, particularly through military service. Like Christians and Jews living in the dar al-Islam, the Muslims of Lucera had a protected status, and they paid a tax called the jizya. They remained free to practice their religion. The heavy taxes paid by the Muslim colony at Lucera during its almost eighty-year existence made it a valuable asset to the Hohenstaufen and Angevin crowns. Nevertheless, the settlement was dismantled in 1300 on the order of the Angevin king, Charles II, who gave a religious justification. The colony's history provides insight into the complex relations between Muslims and Christians in medieval Mediterranean Europe.
Involvement of spectrin in the maintenance of phase-state asymmetry in the erythrocyte membrane

Abstract The fluorescent probe merocyanine 540 does not stain the plasma membrane of normal human or murine erythrocytes, nor of genetically abnormal human spherocytic erythrocytes. It does, however, stain erythrocyte membranes in several systems in which the underlying spectrin network is altered or missing. Because of the greater affinity of merocyanine 540 for fluid—phase lipid bilayers, these results suggest that the external leaflet of erythrocyte membranes becomes more disordered upon alteration or loss of the internal spectrin network. Analysis of the transbilayer arrangement of membrane phospholipids by digestion with phospholipase A2 suggests that lipid compositional asymmetry of the erythrocyte membrane is responsible for a phase-state asymmetry between the two lipid leaflets, and that spectrin is required to maintain this asymmetry and the gel-like state of the external leaflet.
Soft tissue tumors: Resection and reconstruction

Soft tissue masses often present both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for treating physicians. Many soft tissue lesions in the extremity are benign; others represent a broad spectrum of malignant sarcomas. Although treatment of sarcomas is often best delivered at specialized centers with adequate support in pathology, medical oncology, and radiation therapy, a basic understanding of the principals and the surgical steps necessary to remove soft tissue sarcomas is important. This article reviews the initial evaluation, biopsy, and treatment of soft tissue sarcomas of the lower extremity. In addition, the principals presented here outline appropriate staging and subsequent resection of an adequate margin of normal tissue to prevent local recurrence, followed by reconstruction options for soft tissue defects.
The dawn of the SPPARMs

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are used as antidiabetic agents in the treatment of type II diabetes. These compounds are ligands for the nuclear hormone receptor PPARgamma, which is highly expressed in adipose tissue. PPARgamma acts as a molecular switch in the process of fat cell development. The quest for the ideal antidiabetic agent is challenged by the need to develop PPARgamma ligands that improve insulin sensitivity, but do not promote fat cell formation. A newly described PPARgamma ligand may represent an initial step in this direction and could lead to improved agents for treating insulin resistance in type II diabetes.
Medical Care of Hepatitis B among Asian American Populations: Perspectives from Three Provider Groups

Physicians can play a significant role in helping to decrease the hepatitis B virus (HBV) burden among Asian Americans. Few studies have described knowledge and practice patterns in the medical community among different provider types regarding HBV and liver cancer. Our study explores the HBV beliefs, attitudes and practice patterns of medical providers serving Asian American communities. We conducted three focus groups with primary care providers, liver specialists, and other providers predominantly serving Asian American community. We asked about practices and barriers to appropriate medical care and outreach. We moderated three focus groups with 23 participants, 18 of whom completed and returned demographic surveys. Twelve were of Asian ethnicity and 13 spoke English as a second language. Only eight screened at least half of their patients, most (72%) using the hepatitis B surface antigen test. We used grounded theory methods to analyze focus group transcripts. Participants frequently discussed cultural and financial barriers to hepatitis care. They admitted reluctance to screen for HBV because patients might be unwilling or unable to afford treatment. Cultural differences were discussed most by primary care providers; best methods of outreach were discussed most by liver specialists; and alternative medicine was discussed most by acupuncturists and other providers. More resources are needed to lower financial barriers complicating HBV care and encourage providing guideline-recommended screenings. Other providers can help promote HBV screening and increase community and cultural awareness.
Modulation of human α-thrombin activity with phosphonate ester inhibitors

Abstract Enantiomers of 4-nitrophenyl 4-X-phenacyl methylphosphonate esters (X = H, PMN; CH3; and CH3O) inactivate human α-thrombin with rate constants 4–235 M−1 s−1 in pH 6.5, 0.025 M citrate buffer, and 0.15 M NaCl at 7.0±0.1 °C. Stereoselectivity of the inactivation of thrombin is 2–39 and favors the levorotatory enantiomers. The pH-dependence of inactivation of thrombin by (−)-PMN is sigmoidal and consistent with the participation of a catalytic residue with a pKa of 8.0±0.1 in 0.15 M NaCl and a pKa of 7.4±0.2 in 0.15 M choline chloride in the nucleophilic attack of the catalytic Ser at phosphorus. The solvent isotope effect on k i K i in the pH-independent region of the reaction is 2.26±0.17. Thrombin activity returns from the adducts on the 2–7 h time scale at 25.0±0.1 °C via a self-catalyzed intramolecular reaction. The pH dependence of reactivation is significant from the adduct formed with (−)-CH3O-PMN and (−)-CH3-PMN and less so from the adducts formed with the other enantiomers of the inhibitors. Kinetic pKs ∼ 7.2, with the exception of the adducts with (−)-PMN and (−)-CH3O-PMN, indicate that a pH-dependent conformational change affects the rate of dephosphonylation. A structural interpretation of the stereoselectivity and other mechanistic features is provided based on the energy-optimized structures of the adducts. Pharmaco-medical use of human α-thrombin covalently modified by the PMNs is suggested.
B’More healthy communities for kids: design of a multi-level intervention for obesity prevention for low-income African American children

Childhood obesity rates in the U.S. have reached epidemic proportions, and an urgent need remains to identify evidence-based strategies for prevention and treatment. Multi-level, multi-component interventions are needed due to the multi-factorial nature of obesity, and its proven links to both the social and built environment. However, there are huge gaps in the literature related to doing these kinds of interventions among low-income, urban, minority groups. The B’More Healthy Communities for Kids (BHCK) intervention is a multi-level, multi-component intervention, targeting low-income African American youth ages 10–14 and their families in Baltimore, Maryland. This intervention prevents childhood obesity by working at multiple levels of the food and social environments to increase access to, demand for, and consumption of healthier foods. BHCK works to create systems-level change by partnering with city policy-makers, multiple levels of the food environment (wholesalers, corner stores, carryout restaurants), and the social environment (peers and families). In addition, extensive evaluation will be conducted at each level of the intervention to assess intervention effectiveness via both process and impact measures. This project is novel in multiple ways, including: the inclusion of stakeholders at multiple levels (policy, institutional, and at multiple levels of the food system); that it uses novel computational modeling methodologies to engage policy makers and guide informed decisions of intervention effectiveness; it emphasizes both the built environment (intervening with food sources) and the social environment (intervening with families and peers). The design of the intervention and the evaluation plan of the BHCK project are documented here. NCT02181010 (July 2, 2014).
Efficient Gigabit Ethernet Switch Models for Large-Scale Simulation

Ethernet is the most widely implemented low-level networking technology used today, with Gigabit Ethernet seen as the emerging standard implementation. The backbones of many large scale networks (e.g., data centers, metro-area deployments) are increasingly made up of Gigabit Ethernet as the underlying technology, and Ethernet is seeing increasing use in dynamic and failure-prone settings (e.g., wireless backhaul, developing regions) with high rates of churn. Correspondingly, when using simulation to study such networks and applications that run on them, the switching makes up a significant fraction of the model, and can make up a significant amount of the simulation activity. This paper describes a unique testbed that gathers highly accurate measurements of loss and latency through a switch, experiments that reveal the behavior of three commercial switches, and then proposes simulation models that explain the observed data. The models vary in their computational complexity and in their accuracy with respect to frame loss patterns, and latency through the switch. In particular, the simplest model predicts a frame's loss and latency immediately at the time of its arrival, which keeps the computational cost close to one event per frame per switch, provides excellent temporal separation between switches (useful for parallel simulation), while providing excellent accuracy for loss and adequate accuracy for latency.
A DIRECT-STEAM LINEAR FRESNEL PERFORMANCE MODEL FOR NREL'S SYSTEM ADVISOR MODEL

This paper presents the technical formulation and demonstrated model performance results of a new direct-steam-generation (DSG) model in NREL’s System Advisor Model (SAM). The model predicts the annual electricity production of a wide range of system configurations within the DSG Linear Fresnel technology by modeling hourly performance of the plant in detail. The quasi-steady-state formulation allows users to investigate energy and mass flows, operating temperatures, and pressure drops for geometries and solar field configurations of interest.The model includes tools for heat loss calculation using either empirical polynomial heat loss curves as a function of steam temperature, ambient temperature, and wind velocity, or a detailed evacuated tube receiver heat loss model. Thermal losses are evaluated using a computationally efficient nodal approach, where the solar field and headers are discretized into multiple nodes where heat losses, thermal inertia, steam conditions (including pressure, temperature, enthalpy, etc.) are individually evaluated during each time step of the simulation.This paper discusses the mathematical formulation for the solar field model and describes how the solar field is integrated with the other subsystem models, including the power cycle and optional auxiliary fossil system. Model results are also presented to demonstrate plant behavior in the various operating modes.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Vegetation responses in Alaskan arctic tundra after 8 years of a summer warming and winter snow manipulation experiment

We used snow fences and small (1 m2) open-topped fiberglass chambers (OTCs) to study the effects of changes in winter snow cover and summer air temperatures on arctic tundra. In 1994, two 60 m long, 2.8 m high snow fences, one in moist and the other in dry tundra, were erected at Toolik Lake, Alaska. OTCs paired with unwarmed plots, were placed along each experimental snow gradient and in control areas adjacent to the snowdrifts. After 8 years, the vegetation of the two sites, including that in control plots, had changed significantly. At both sites, the cover of shrubs, live vegetation, and litter, together with canopy height, had all increased, while lichen cover and diversity had decreased. At the moist site, bryophytes decreased in cover, while an increase in graminoids was almost entirely because of the response of the sedge Eriophorum vaginatum. These community changes were consistent with results found in studies of responses to warming and increased nutrient availability in the Arctic. However, during the time period of the experiment, summer temperature did not increase, but summer precipitation increased by 28%. The snow addition treatment affected species abundance, canopy height, and diversity, whereas the summer warming treatment had few measurable effects on vegetation. The interannual temperature fluctuation was considerably larger than the temperature increases within OTCs (<2°C), however. Snow addition also had a greater effect on microclimate by insulating vegetation from winter wind and temperature extremes, modifying winter soil temperatures, and increasing spring run-off. Most increases in shrub cover and canopy height occurred in the medium snow-depth zone (0.5–2 m) of the moist site, and the medium to deep snow-depth zone (2–3 m) of the dry site. At the moist tundra site, deciduous shrubs, particularly Betula nana, increased in cover, while evergreen shrubs decreased. These differential responses were likely because of the larger production to biomass ratio in deciduous shrubs, combined with their more flexible growth response under changing environmental conditions. At the dry site, where deciduous shrubs were a minor part of the vegetation, evergreen shrubs increased in both cover and canopy height. These changes in abundance of functional groups are expected to affect most ecological processes, particularly the rate of litter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and both soil carbon and nitrogen pools. Also, changes in canopy structure, associated with increases in shrub abundance, are expected to alter the summer energy balance by increasing net radiation and evapotranspiration, thus altering soil moisture regimes.
Increase in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: echoes of a bygone era? Surgical trends for unilateral breast cancer.

Surgical therapy for invasive breast cancer includes breast conservation therapy (BCT), unilateral mastectomy (UM), or bilateral mastectomy, including contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) with or without reconstruction (±R). The goal of this study was to determine factors associated with CPM. A breast cancer database collected from 2000 through 2008 was retrospectively reviewed. Treatment groups analyzed included BCT, UM ± R, and CPM ± R. Variables were compared using ANOVA F-tests and chi-square tests. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression. A total of 1,391 patients underwent surgery for invasive breast cancer: 69% BCT, 21% UM, and 10% bilateral mastectomy. Of those undergoing bilateral mastectomy, 30% had bilateral cancer and were excluded from analysis. The rate of CPM increased significantly from 0 to 20% (p < 0.001), whereas the rate of UM remained relatively stable. Factors associated with CPM included younger age, significant family history, genetic testing, positive BRCA gene mutation, and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tumor characteristics associated with CPM included positive axillary lymph node metastases and triple-negative disease (ER-/PR-/HER2 normal). Breast reconstruction was more common among women who underwent CPM (p < 0.001). On multivariate regression comparing BCT with CPM, younger age, larger tumors, multifocal disease, and MRI significantly predicted CPM. Comparing UM with CPM, only age and genetic testing significantly predicted CPM. The rate of bilateral mastectomy for unilateral breast cancer is increasing. This is particularly true for younger patients with strong family history. The availability of breast reconstruction may play a role and the effects of stage and multifocal disease needs further exploration.
Polarized Parties, Politics, and Policies: Fragmented Federalism in 2013–2014

Polarized parties, politics, and policies at the federal and state levels of government continue to affect the nature of federalism and intergovernmental relations in the United States. Although polarization and fragmentation are prevalent, there are important instances of cooperation and collaboration. But bottom-up state activism has yielded polarized policies across the states in important issue areas such as same-sex marriage and marijuana policy. And even as states collaborate on implementation of the Common Core standards for K-12 education, the rhetoric remains politicized. The effects of polarization have also been significant for fiscal policies and budgeting. We conclude that, even as states push forward their agendas in light of a gridlocked national government, federalism faces continued challenges, remaining fragmented in both theory and practice.
CDMA power control, interleaving, and coding

Models of power control are developed and analyzed working with other aspects of CDMA (code division multiple access) systems, such as interleaving and coding on the land mobile radio channel. The basic view is that a power control scheme is keeping the received powers at the base station almost equal, and the performance degradation incurred will be quantified if the powers are not exactly equal. The performance implications of control latency and a maximum speech delay constraint is considered. It is shown that power control and interleaving operate, to some degree, in complementary parameter regions. >
It’s a Profane Life: Giorgio Agamben on the freedom of im-potentiality in education

AbstractIn this article, I explore the importance of Giorgio Agamben’s theory of potentiality for rethinking education. While potentiality has been a long-standing concern for educational practitioners and theorists, Agamben’s work is unique in that it emphasizes how potentiality can only be thought of in relation to impotentiality. This moment of indistinction—what I refer to as im-potential—has important implications. First, I argue that if potentiality and impotentiality are separated from one another, the result is a stratified educational system where some students are commanded to actualize their potentiality in the form of standardized tests while others are abandoned by the system. Second, thinking im-potentiality enables us to move beyond problematic formulations of learning and rediscover the uniqueness of studying. Here, I offer a brief example of study through an analysis of ‘Tinkering Schools’, an alternative program founded by Gever Tulley in San Francisco. And finally, without a concept of ...
Tdap coverage in a military beneficiary population: room for improvement

ABSTRACTPertussis has had a resurgence in recent years. Women of child-bearing age and adults with infant contact are important reservoirs of infection because of waning immunity. Recent infant deaths and outbreaks led to new tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine recommendations, but vaccination rates remain low. A performance improvement project was started at Walter Reed Army Medical Center to target women of child-bearing age. Women treated in Gynecology had their electronic medical record screened for Tdap during their vital signs assessment. Those eligible for vaccination were directed to the Immunization Clinic. The intervention was considered successful if the patient received the vaccine within 30 days of the visit. Data were compiled on vaccination rates 1 month before and 1 and 3 months after the start of the performance improvement project. Only 13.9% of all patients had a documented Tdap at any time. During the first month following the intervention, vaccination rates wit...
Crisis child care: Implications for family interventions

Abstract Background: Crisis child care programs provide caregiving respite on an emergency basis and counseling and referral services to stressed parents who are at risk for maltreating their children. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to describe the sociodemographic and stress characteristics of rural parents who accessed crisis child care services and to determine if the utilization of these services would reduce the reported incidence of child maltreatment. Study Design: Parents completed a basic sociodemographic questionnaire and the Parenting Stress Inventory (PSI). Child maltreatment reporting statistics were used to determine if there was a significant decrease in the reported incidence of child maltreatment. Results: The demographic data painted a portrait of economic disadvantage. The data indicated that parents perceived external stressors, those outside of the parent-child relationship, as the major contributor to their current life crisis. Comparison of child maltreatment rates between rural communities that did and did not receive crisis child care preventive interventions indicated that the programs were effective in preventing child maltreatment. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide support for the ecological model of child maltreatment which posits that availability of social support for families who experience high stress or crisis can decrease the incidence of child maltreatment. (J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [2001]. 7, 196-204.)
Suppressive writing in lithium-doped NaF

It is shown that the effects of MF band light on the reorientation of the MA center in lithium-doped NaF can be suppressed by simultaneous M-band illumination. However, the process is quite different from the suppression of M-center reorientation. On demontre que les effets de la lumiere MF-bande sur la reorientation du centre MA en NaF dope avec Li peuvent ětre supprimes par l'illuminatoire simultane en la bande B. Le proces est different de la suppression de la reorientation du centre M.
Negotiating reproductive rights: women's perspectives across countries and cultures

Introduction, Rosalind P. Petchesky "not like our mothers" - reproductive choice and the emergence of citizenship among Brazilian rural workers, domestic workers and urban housewives, Simone Grilo Diniz et al "women's wit over men's" - trade-offs and strategic accommodations in Egyptian women's reproductive lives, Aida Seif El Dawla et al between modernization and patriarchal revivalism - reproductive negotiations among women in peninsular Malaysia, Rita Raj et al "because they were born from me" - negotiating women's rights in Mexico, Adriana Ortiz-Ortega et al women's sexuality and fertility in Nigeria - breaking the culture of silence, Grace Osakue and Adriane Martin-Hilber from Sanas to Dapat - negotiating entitlement in reproductive decision making in the Philippines, Mercedes Lactao-Fabros et al the South within the North - reproductive choice in three US communities, Dianne Jnti Forte and Karen Judd cross country comparisons and political visions, Rosalind P. Petchesky.
Management strategies in wide QRS complex tachycardia

A wide complex tachycardia is defined as a QRS complex with a width greater than 120 milliseconds and a rate greater than 100 beats per minute.’ Usually an obvious sinus mechanism is not evident. When a patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with a wide complex tachycardia, a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma often results. The dilemma usually involves distinguishing ventricular tachycardia (VT) from supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). If SVT is present, the decision then revolves around the question of whether there is aberrant conduction through a bypass tract, or whether a preexisting bundle branch block (BBB) is present. These questions are important because treatment may vary depending on the situation. Many physicians have difficulty differentiating VT from SVT with aberration. Unfortunately the ED physician often has no previous knowledge about the medical history of the patient on which to base a decision. ‘.2