cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fiction: The Major Chord

HARDY’S SIX major novels differ from the minor fiction principally in the increased creative energy and tension he brings to them. The plots are similarly complex but do not dominate the work to the enervation of character; the characters are enmeshed in situations compounded out their own weaknesses and the fell clutch of circumstance but retain their individuality and force; setting takes its proper place as symbolic and metaphoric of the lives of the characters; myth and symbol are integral to the total construction of the novel rather than being merely interesting for their own sake. In addition, the tragic themes which infuse the major novels give them a massiveness not to be found in Hardy’s other fiction where he either essays the uncongenial mode of comedy or shilly-shallies between comedy and tragedy. Comedy, to be sure, does appear in the major novels (with the exception of Jude. the Obscure); but it is complementary, a commentary on the principal theme rather than a rival.
Role of Microbes in B-Cell Lymphopoiesis and Early Ig Repertoire Development

Progenitor (pro-) and precursor (pre-) B cells express the recombination-activating gene (RAG1/RAG2) endonuclease, which initiates the V(D)J recombination reaction that assembles Immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) and light (IgL) chain variable region exons from germline gene segments. Expression of productively assembled IgH μ chains and IgL (Igκ or Igλ) chains generates IgM molecules that form the B-cell antigen binding receptor (BCR) with a diverse primary repertoire of binding specificities. As the newly assembled and expressed IgM interacts with local antigens, RAG expression can continue, allowing continued Igκ V(D)J recombination that can replace the previously assembled VκJκ exon with one that generates a new specificity. This "receptor editing" process provides an antigen-mediated regulatory checkpoint that helps shape the pre-immune BCR repertoire. As the principal location of early B-cell development, the bone marrow antigenic environment is the main force affecting receptor editing. However, the extent to which self-antigens outside of the bone marrow — as well as environmental antigens — may shape the primary Ig repertoire is not known. Here we show that early B-cell development takes place in peripheral sites, including the small intestinal mucosa, in young mice. Cells in these sites co-express RAG with cytoplasmic Igκ and Igμ, indicating active receptor editing; and, correspondingly, they have significant differences in Vκ usage compared to RAG2-expressing bone marrow B-lineage cells and other RAG2-expressing B-lineage cells from other peripheral sites. In addition, the luminal microbial environment appears to also affect Igλ/Igκ ratios. We conclude that early B-cell development can occur in the periphery, including the intestinal mucosa, where commensal microbes may influence BCR diversification and gut pre-immune Ig repertoires. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Closing the Advanced Manufacturing Talent Gap

Abstract Evidence exists that a thriving manufacturing sector increases the number of stable, well-paying jobs leading to the growth of the US economy. The manufacturing industry is the fifth largest employer in Massachusetts and benefits from the state's diversified economy, according to a recent Jobs For the Future (JFF) report. At the same time, several states in the US, including Massachusetts, are consistently reporting a skills gap that results in a shortage of a skilled workforce leading to thousands of unfilled positions in this sector. This paper describes an innovative approach that prepares college graduates to launch a second career in the growing advanced manufacturing sector while bringing together various stakeholders including higher education institutions, workforce investment boards and industry. The paper describes the range of services provided to students in the new manufacturing certificate programs at a community college in Massachusetts and opportunities that exist for additional collaboration.
Should embryos with autosomal monosomy by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy be transferred?: Implications for embryo selection from a systematic literature review of autosomal monosomy survivors.

Objective To review the literature for survival and phenotypes of liveborns with autosomal monosomy to inform decisions regarding transfer of in vitro fertilization-derived embryos reported as monosomic on preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Method Ovid-Medline and EMBASE were systematically searched to identify published case reports of liveborn individuals with autosomal monosomy, full or mosaic, for a whole chromosome. Results Fifty-three reports describing 56 individuals with autosomal monosomy met the selection criteria: 1 case each of monosomy 14 and 16, 3 each for monosomy 15 and 18, 1 for group “E”, 5 for monosomy 20, 24 for monosomy 21, 7 for monosomy 22, and eleven for a “G” group chromosome. There were no reports with monosomy for the larger chromosomes 1 through 13, nor for chromosomes 17 or 19, autosomes with highest gene density. Most reported individuals had severe handicaps and died in infancy with some surviving longer. Conclusion Given potential for survival of handicapped individuals with autosomal monosomy for chromosomes 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, and 22, low priority should be given to transfer of embryos apparently monosomic for these chromosomes. Couples electing transfer of monosomic embryos should consider amniocentesis for ongoing pregnancies but should be informed of its limitations.
Refinding Leadership in Refounding Public Administration

The refounding movement emerged the same time as Leadership Studies. As leadership practices were conflated with management practices, much of what might be useful in the refounding in the literatu...
Structural Health Monitoring of Additively Manufactured Parts Using Fiber Bragg Gratings

Many industries are moving toward the opportunities afforded by additive manufacturing (AM) techniques as a primary manufacturing method for components. Additionally, AM continues to be an effective option for rapid prototyping in many applications. Some advantages AM processes have over traditional manufacturing include the ability to create highly complex and multi-material parts with little or no restriction on the geometry of the object at a relatively low price point. However, one of the main challenges that from AM techniques is the relatively high variation, in both material properties and exact geometry, from part to part. This variation calls for structural health monitoring of each individual part. In this paper, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) -- chosen because they can be embedded with minimal effect on the desired structure -- are inserted into AM geometries between layers, allowing for strain readings to be taken in situ. These measurements provide empirical data of incipient failure as AM parts tend to fail between layers. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is used, as it is relatively common and inexpensive, to create parts into which the FBGs are embedded. Measurements taken under a variety of tests are compared to analogous finite element as well as analytical models allowing for model accuracy evaluation for AM parts. This work provides experimental data to validate models, in addition to forming a better understanding of the validity and procedure of embedding FBGs into FDM parts. Additionally, this work serves as a proof of concept and calls for more work to be done in the field.
Cultural Inheritance and Male and Female Fertility

Taking a coevolutionary approach, this chapter examines how cultural inheritance affects male and female fertility. The coevolutionary approach argues that similar to genes, cultural traits inherited from parents rather than other non-parental sources lead to a greater resemblance in evolutionary outcome between parents and offspring. If the fertility transition is considered as part of the evolutionary process, then it is expected that the fertility outcome of offspring and parents are more similar if offspring inherit cultural traits directly from parents. Following this rationale, in the regime of declining fertility, offspring who inherit cultural traits from parents are expected to have a higher fertility. Using data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) Cycle 6, this chapter investigates the capability of the coevolutionary theory in explaining male and female fertility. The results show that if religion is considered as a cultural trait, then the cultural inheritance hypothesis proposed by coevolutionary theory is generally supported by empirical evidence. That is, individuals who reported the same religious affiliations as those of their parents tend to have a greater number of children than those who reported different religions than those of their parents. Such a positive effect of cultural inheritance on fertility does not vary by gender. These findings contribute to the existing fertility literature in several aspects, which will be discussed in the conclusion and discussion part of the chapter.
Current development of biodegradable polymeric materials for biomedical applications

In the last half-century, the development of biodegradable polymeric materials for biomedical applications has advanced significantly. Biodegradable polymeric materials are favored in the development of therapeutic devices, including temporary implants and three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering. Further advancements have occurred in the utilization of biodegradable polymeric materials for pharmacological applications such as delivery vehicles for controlled/sustained drug release. These applications require particular physicochemical, biological, and degradation properties of the materials to deliver effective therapy. As a result, a wide range of natural or synthetic polymers able to undergo hydrolytic or enzymatic degradation is being studied for biomedical applications. This review outlines the current development of biodegradable natural and synthetic polymeric materials for various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, temporary implants, wound healing, and drug delivery.
Immediate Hypersensitivity to Polyethylene Glycols and Polysorbates: More Common Than We Have Recognized.

Background The most common immediate hypersensitivity to macrogols is associated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350; however, the epidemiology, mechanisms, and cross-reactivity are poorly understood. Thousands of medications contain either PEGs or structurally similar polysorbates. Objective Our objective was to better understand the mechanism, cross-reactivity, and scope of PEG hypersensitivity. Methods Two cases with a past history of immediate hypersensitivity to PEG-containing medications were used to study potential mechanisms and cross-reactivity of immediate reactions to PEG 3350. Skin testing and oral challenges with PEG and polysorbate-containing agents were employed to determine clinical reactivity and cross-reactivity between the 2 allergens. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and electrochemiluminescent immunoassay were used to detect anti-PEG specific IgG and IgE, respectively, using PEGylated protein or PEG alone as antigens in 2 cases and 6 PEG 3350 tolerant controls. We searched US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adverse event reports for immediate reactions to PEG 3350 to determine the potential scope of this problem in the United States. Results Skin and provocation testing demonstrated symptomatic reactivity in both cases to PEG 3350 and polysorbate 80. Plasma samples were positive for anti-PEG specific IgE and IgG antibodies only in cases and binding increased directly proportional to the molecular weight of PEG tested. FDA adverse event reports revealed 53 additional cases of possible PEG 3350 anaphylaxis. Conclusions Immediate hypersensitivity to PEG 3350 with cross-reactive polysorbate 80 hypersensitivity may be underrecognized in clinical practice and can be detected with clinical skin testing. Our studies raise the possibility of an IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity mechanism in some cases.
Introduction and Prior Research Review

Games are not just a vehicle to enhance learning but a new way of understanding and organizing learning. The starting point of an optimal integration of learning and play in the game setting is to identify the salient elements of learning itself and the inherent learning processes in gameplay. In this introductory chapter, we discuss relevant theoretical perspectives on the nature of knowledge and learning that guide the exploration of playful elements in learning and consequently the opportunities for learning that games offer. We then provide a conceptual review of prior research of game design and discuss the challenges and the interdisciplinary nature of educational game development. In the end, we introduce the overall goal, structure, and chapters of this book.
Turbulence modeling effects on the aerodynamic characterizations of a NASCAR Generation 6 racecar subject to yaw and pitch changes

The characterization of a racecar’s aerodynamic behavior at various yaw and pitch configurations has always been an integral part of its on-track performance evaluation in terms of lap time predict...
Building Computer Science K-12 PLCs in Rural Communities

Computer science is in increasing demand at the K-12 level. However, due to a lack of qualified educators, numerous programs (e.g., Google's CS4HS, NSF's CSForAll) have been created to train teachers and increase student access to computer science. Although these programs have seen some success, schools in areas with lower population density continue to struggle to offer computer science opportunities. These schools face unique challenges due to their low population density, including increasing teaching demands in core subjects, smaller teaching staff, and a smaller pipeline of students, making it difficult to justify offering a course in computer science. This poster draws on our experience of collaborating with K-12 teachers in rural schools in western Wisconsin to help mitigate these unique challenges. We have obtained two Google CS4HS grants to hold educational computer science workshops with teachers from across the region. These workshops allowed us to work closely with teachers and help them become more comfortable with incorporating computer science into their classrooms, while also helping us to form relationships with both teachers and administrators in a number of districts. Building on these relationships, we are taking the next step of working more closely with individual school districts to form professional learning communities. Our goal in this work is to connect K-12 teachers within each district and help facilitate a robust pipeline of students interested in computer science and justify offering AP CS courses at the high school level.
Diagnostic yield of deep biopsy via endoscopic submucosal dissection for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background Conventionally, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and biopsy (EUS-FNA)/EUS-FNB) has been used for tissue diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal (GI) subepithelial tumors (SETs). However, deep biopsy (DB) via endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is emerging as an alternative technique, given the inadequate tissue sampling with EUS-FNA/EUS-FNB. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to report the overall diagnostic yield of DB via ESD for upper GI SETs. Methods PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies (from commencement to Oct 2017) that reported the DB via ESD technique for diagnosis of upper GI SETs. The primary outcome of interest was the method's overall diagnostic yield and the secondary outcome was to the occurrence of complications. The meta-analysis was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model. Results A total of 7 studies, comprising 209 patients with a mean age of 57.3 years, were included in the final meta-analysis. The overall pooled diagnostic yield of DB via ESD for upper GI SETs was 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] 84.91-99.98, I2=78.2%). Overall, pooled outcomes of major bleeding and perforation in our meta-analysis was noted in 0.07% (95%CI 0.00-2.32, I2=0%) and 0% (95%CI 0.00-1.70, I2=0%) respectively. Data regarding major bleeding and perforation rates were not reported in 2 studies. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in our meta-analysis. Conclusion DB via ESD is an effective and safe procedure for diagnosing upper GI SETs. Further multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.
Developmental Differences: The Role of Institutions in Oil and Gas Operations within the State of Colorado

I argue differences in institutional design choices governing western lands have demonstrable effects in the extraction of shale resources. Using GIS data on geographic characteristics and shale development data, I create a dataset which allows a spatial link between institutions, natural resource development, and other parcel metrics. This allows for a test of how institutions governing property affect shale development. Employing a border discontinuity, I indicate that Native American land experiences extensively more shale development, compared to the neighboring private, state, and federal lands containing similar potential for shale development. In sum, this study contributes to the property rights scholarship by providing empirical evidence on how institutional design choices governing property rights affect the development of a natural resource. My analysis further suggests how institutional choices over the governance of natural resources can increase the cost of extracting the resource within one institutional choice, while also transferring development to the less costly institutional choice.
Developing a Community-Based Research Project Proposal to Build Public Health Educator Capacity: A Graduate Student Perspective:

This article is the author's first-person perspective of completing an Applied Practice Experience (APE) at an accredited public health program. Graduate-level public health students in the United States are mandated by the Council on Education for Public Health to complete this supervised field experience to apply knowledge and concepts to real-world public health practice. For his APE, the author worked with a faculty advisor and two community groups to facilitate and submit a community-based participatory research grant proposal. This article discusses the author's experiences before, during, and after the APE. The author outlines challenges and success of working on this applied project. The article concludes with implications for public health education specialists regarding experiential learning and applied practice experiences for graduate students.
Approaches to Monitor Circuit Disruption after Traumatic Brain Injury: Frontiers in Preclinical Research

Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in pathophysiological damage that can manifest as both acute and chronic neurological deficits. In an attempt to repair and reconnect disrupted circuits to compensate for loss of afferent and efferent connections, maladaptive circuitry is created and contributes to neurological deficits, including post-concussive symptoms. The TBI-induced pathology physically and metabolically changes the structure and function of neurons associated with behaviorally relevant circuit function. Complex neurological processing is governed, in part, by circuitry mediated by primary and modulatory neurotransmitter systems, where signaling is disrupted acutely and chronically after injury, and therefore serves as a primary target for treatment. Monitoring of neurotransmitter signaling in experimental models with technology empowered with improved temporal and spatial resolution is capable of recording in vivo extracellular neurotransmitter signaling in behaviorally relevant circuits. Here, we review preclinical evidence in TBI literature that implicates the role of neurotransmitter changes mediating circuit function that contributes to neurological deficits in the post-acute and chronic phases and methods developed for in vivo neurochemical monitoring. Coupling TBI models demonstrating chronic behavioral deficits with in vivo technologies capable of real-time monitoring of neurotransmitters provides an innovative approach to directly quantify and characterize neurotransmitter signaling as a universal consequence of TBI and the direct influence of pharmacological approaches on both behavior and signaling.
Expanding our understanding of the impact of insomnia on early child development.

CITATIONBecker RE. Expanding our understanding of the impact of insomnia on early child development. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020;16(2):165–166.
A plant pentatricopeptide repeat protein with a DYW-deaminase domain is sufficient for catalyzing C-to-U RNA editing in vitro .

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins with C-terminal DYW domains are present in organisms that undergo C-to-U editing of organelle RNA transcripts. PPR domains act as specificity factors through electrostatic interactions between a pair of polar residues and the nitrogenous bases of an RNA target. DYW-deaminase domains act as the editing enzyme. Two moss (Physcomitrella patens) PPR proteins containing DYW-deaminase domains, PPR65 and PPR56, can convert Cs to Us in cognate, exogenous RNA targets co-expressed in Escherichia coli. We show here that purified, recombinant PPR65 exhibits robust editase activity on synthetic RNAs containing cognate, mitochondrial PpccmFC sequences in vitro, indicating that a PPR protein with a DYW domain is solely sufficient for catalyzing C-to-U RNA editing in vitro. Monomeric fractions possessed the highest conversion efficiency, and oligomeric fractions had reduced activity. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP)–MS analysis indicated a stoichiometry of two zinc ions per highly active PPR65 monomer. Editing activity was sensitive to addition of zinc acetate or the zinc chelators 1,10-o-phenanthroline and EDTA. Addition of ATP or nonhydrolyzable nucleotide analogs stimulated PPR65-catalyzed RNA-editing activity on PpccmFC substrates, indicating potential allosteric regulation of PPR65 by ATP. Unlike for bacterial cytidine deaminase, addition of two putative transition-state analogs, zebularine and tetrahydrouridine, failed to disrupt RNA-editing activity. RNA oligonucleotides with a single incorporated zebularine also did not disrupt editing in vitro, suggesting that PPR65 cannot bind modified bases due to differences in the structure of the active site compared with other zinc-dependent nucleotide deaminases.
248 – Carboxypeptidase E

Publisher Summary This chapter examines activity, specificity and structural chemistry of carboxypeptidase E (CPE). CPE removes C-terminal basic residues from a variety of substrates, with no detectable activity towards nonbasic residues. All residues are tolerated in the PI position, although the Pro–Arg bond is cleaved several orders of magnitude more slowly than substrates with other residues in PI. Amongst N-terminally blocked small peptides, CPE shows lower activity with dipeptides than with tri- or tetrapeptides. The optimal pH for CPE activity is 5.0–5.5, and activity falls off dramatically with increasing pH. The sensitivity of CPE to pH over the range 5.5–7 may serve as a mechanism to keep CPE inactive in the Golgi and allow for the activation of CPE in mature secretory vesicles. As found with other metallocarboxypeptidases, CPE is stimulated by millimolar concentrations of Co2+ and inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline. CPE is potently inhibited by some thiol-directed reagents. CPE is a single-chain protein of 52–56 kDa, with a pi around 5. It is likely that CPE contains lmol of zinc per mol of protein based on the homology between CPE and other metallocarboxypeptidases.
Quality of Service Optimization in Mobile Edge Computing Networks via Deep Reinforcement Learning

Mobile edge computing (MEC) is an emerging paradigm that integrates computing resources in wireless access networks to process computational tasks in close proximity to mobile users with low latency. In this paper, we propose an online double deep Q networks (DDQN) based learning scheme for task assignment in dynamic MEC networks, which enables multiple distributed edge nodes and a cloud data center to jointly process user tasks to achieve optimal long-term quality of service (QoS). The proposed scheme captures a wide range of dynamic network parameters including non-stationary node computing capabilities, network delay statistics, and task arrivals. It learns the optimal task assignment policy with no assumption on the knowledge of the underlying dynamics. In addition, the proposed algorithm accounts for both performance and complexity, and addresses the state and action space explosion problem in conventional Q learning. The evaluation results show that the proposed DDQN-based task assignment scheme significantly improves the QoS performance, compared to the existing schemes that do not consider the effects of network dynamics on the expected long-term rewards, while scaling reasonably well as the network size increases.
On the properties of the toxicity index and its statistical efficiency.

Cancer clinical trials typically generate detailed patient toxicity data. The most common measure used to summarize patient toxicity is the maximum grade among all toxicities and it does not fully represent the toxicity burden experienced by patients. In this article, we study the mathematical and statistical properties of the toxicity index (TI), in an effort to address this deficiency. We introduce a total ordering, (T-rank), that allows us to fully rank the patients according to how frequently they exhibit toxicities, and show that TI is the only measure that preserves the T-rank among its competitors. Moreover, we propose a Poisson-Limit model for sparse toxicity data. Under this model, we develop a general two-sample test, which can be applied to any summary measure for detecting differences among two population of toxicity data. We derive the asymptotic power function of this class as well as the asymptotic relative efficiency (ARE) of the members of the class. We evaluate the ARE formula empirically and show that if the data are drawn from a random Poisson-Limit model, the TI is more efficient, with high probability, than the maximum and the average summary measures. Finally, we evaluate our method on clinical trial toxicity data and show that TI has a higher power in detecting the differences in toxicity profile among treatments. The results of this article can be applied beyond toxicity modeling, to any problem where one observes a sparse array of scores on subjects and a ranking based on extreme scores is desirable.
Effective non-reflective boundary for Lamb waves: Theory, finite element implementation, and applications

Abstract This article presents a new approach to designing non-reflective boundary (NRB) for inhibiting Lamb wave reflections at structural boundaries. Our NRB approach can be effectively and conveniently implemented in commercial finite element (FE) codes. The paper starts with a review of the state of the art: (a) the absorbing layers by increasing damping (ALID) approach; and (b) the Lysmer–Kuhlemeyer absorbing boundary conditions (LK ABC) approach is briefly presented and its inadequacy for Lamb wave applications is explained. Hence, we propose a modified Lysmer–Kuhlemeyer approach to be used in the NRB design for Lamb wave problems; we call our approach MLK NRB. The implementation of this MLK NRB was realized using the spring–damper elements which are available in most commercial FE codes. Optimized implementation parameters are developed in order to achieve the best performance for Lamb wave absorption. Our MLK NRB approach is compared with the state of the art ALID and LK ABC methods. Our MLK NRB shows better performance than ALID and LK ABC for all Lamb modes in the thin-plate structures considered in our examples. Our MLK NRB approach is also advantageous at low frequencies and at cut-off frequencies, where extremely long wavelengths exist. A comprehensive study with various design parameters and plate thicknesses which illustrates the advantages and limitations of our MLK NRB approach is presented. MLK NRB applications for both transient analysis in time domain and harmonic analysis in frequency domain are illustrated. The article finishes with conclusions and suggestions for future work.
Terahertz electrical and optical properties of LiNbO3 single crystal thin films

A study of Terahertz response of single crystal LiNbO3 thin films subjected to different structural and experimental configuration has been conducted in this work. In this work z-cut and x-cut ion-sliced Lithium Niobate thin films with and without embedded electrodes have been studied employing both Transmission and Reflection mode of Terahertz Spectroscopy along with z-cut single crystal in bulk form. The measurements have been performed in room temperature to probe distinctive THz-material interactions in the frequency range of 0.1-3 THz (3.34cm-1 - 100cm-1). The information thus obtained from the experimental investigation has been used to deduce a conclusive study on the influence of different polar domains on electrical and optical properties in THz frequency regime. Single Lorentzian oscillator model has also been used to define the THz signature thus acquired.
Autobiographical Imprints in Nineteenth-Century Canadian Drama: Sarah Curzon's Laura Secord: Heroine of 1812

This essay examines Sarah Anne Curzon’s artistic and political “obsession” with the story of Laura Secord. The essay argues the potential for auto/biographical criticism and performance theory to (re)create a point of access into Curzon’s work that suggests a personal bond between the mythic heroine and the 19th-century woman writer. Cette communication analyse "l’obsession" politico-artistique de Sarah Anne Curzon a travers l’histoire de Laura Secord. Elle met en evidence le potentiel de la critique auto/biographique et de la theorie de la performance afin d’introduire un point de depart qui interroge le lien personnel et etroit entre l’heroine mythique et l’auteur de la piece du 19eme siecle.
Uranyl–Organic Hybrids Designed from Hydroxyphosphonate

A series of phosphonate-based uranyl–organic hybrids has been assembled based on the reaction of uranyl cations with 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzenediphosphonic acid in the presence of a variety of alkali metal and organoammonium cations: K[(UO2)2F2{H0.5O3PC6H2(OH)2PO3H0.5}](H2O)2 (1), Cs[(UO2)2{H0.75O3PC6H2(OH)2PO3H0.75}](H2O)4·2H2O (2), [(CH3)4N]2[UO2{HO3PC6H2(OH)2PO3H}2] (3), [(CH3CH2)4N][UO2F{HO3PC6H2(OH)2PO3H}] (4), and [(CH3CH2)2N(CH3)2][UO2F{HO3PC6H2(OH)2PO3H}] (5). In compounds 1, 4, and 5, chains of UO5F2 pentagonal bipyramids are linked by the hydroxyphosphonate moiety into three-dimensional frameworks, and compound 4 is isostructural with 5. However, the structures of 2 and 3 are composed of monomeric UO7 pentagonal bipyramids assembled to form layered structural units. Additional steric influences from the –OH groups appended on the diphosphonate species play a vital role in directing the structure topologies.
NASA supersonic STOVL propulsion technology program

Supersonic capable STOVL fighter/attack aircraft can provide capabilities for close support and air superiority which will be highly desirable in the future. Previous papers in this session described the historical aspects, trade-offs, and requirements for powered lift propulsion systems, and it is shown that propulsion technology is more key to the success of this type of aircraft than for any previous fighter/attack aircraft. The NASA Lewis Research Center program activities which address required propulsion technology development are discussed. Several elements of this program were initiated which address hot gas ingestion and ejector augmenter performance and some preliminary results are shown. In addition, some additional near-term research activity plans and the new Powered Lift Facility (PLF) research capability are presented.
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of angiotensin II receptor antagonists in human plasma and urine. I: DuP 532 (L-694,492)

Abstract A sensitive reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection was developed for the analysis of a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist, DuP 532 (L-694,492), in human plasma and urine. The analyte and internal standard are extracted from plasma and urine at a pH between 3.3 to 3.6 by liquid—liquid extraction and analyzed on a C 6 column with ultraviolet detection at 254 nm. The mobile phase is composed of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer at pH 2.5. The limits of quantification are 6 and 7.5 ng/ml for plasma and urine, respectively.
Defibrillation threshold testing does not predict clinical outcomes during long-term follow-up: a meta-analysis.

Background Defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing at the time of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation is widely used in clinical practice, but reliable data supporting its routine use are lacking. We undertook a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of DFT testing compared to no DFT testing at the time of ICD implantation. Methods We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for studies evaluating the effect of DFT testing on total mortality and ventricular arrhythmias during follow-up. Risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random effects modeling. Results Eight studies involving 5,020 patients (3,068 undergoing DFT and 1,952 not undergoing DFT) were included. Of those, only one study was randomized. Reasons for not performing DFT included patient characteristics (four studies), center's standard practice (three studies), or randomization (one study). Median follow-up was 24 months. Overall, the quality of the included studies was rather poor. On the basis of the pooled estimate across the studies, DFT testing did not reduce total mortality or ventricular arrhythmias at follow-up (RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.74–1.21; P = 0.65 and RR = 1.19, 95% CI 0.85–1.68; P = 0.30, respectively). No individual study had a major impact on the estimated RR or the statistical significance based on a sensitivity analysis. Conclusion Recognizing the limited quality of current studies in the area of DFT testing and outcomes, available data suggest that DFT testing at the time of ICD implantation does not appear to predict total mortality and ventricular arrhythmias during follow-up. Large randomized controlled trials, adequately powered to detect clinical outcomes, are warranted.
United States-China Trade Litigation in the WTO

The two most intriguing aspects of today's global trading system are the convergence of the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) litigation and United States-China bilateral trade relations. The U.S. has made WTO litigation a major component of its trade policy of active engagement to meet the new challenges of East Asia. A response to the historic change of control within the Congress at the 2006 mid-term elections, the policy has become a central aspect of U.S.-China trade policy.
Flame Dynamics With Hydrogen Addition at Lean Blowout Limits

Lean premixed combustion is widely used in power generation due to the low nitric oxide emissions. Recent interest in syngas requires a better understanding of the role of hydrogen addition on the combustion process. In the present study, the extinction process of hydrogen enriched premixed flames near Lean Blow Out (LBO) in a swirl-stabilized combustor has been examined in both unconfined and confined configurations. High speed images of the flame chemiluminescence are recorded and a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) procedure is used to extract the dominant flame dynamics during the LBO process. By examining the POD modes, the spectral information and the statistical properties of POD coefficients, the effect of hydrogen addition on the LBO processes are analyzed and described in the paper. Results show that in unconfined flames, the shear layer mode along with flame rotation with local quenching and re-ignition is dominant in the methane-only case. For the open hydrogen enriched flames, the extinction times are longer and are linked to the lower minimum ignition energy for hydrogen that facilitates re-ignition events. In confined methane flames, a conical flame is observed and the POD mode representing the burning in the central recirculation zone appears to be dominant. For the 60% hydrogen enriched flame, a columnar burning pattern is observed and the fluctuation energies are evenly spread across several POD modes making this structure more prone to external disturbances and shorter extinction times.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The effects of healthy aging on the mnemonic benefit of survival processing

A number of studies have shown that information is remembered better when it is processed for its survival relevance than when it is processed for relevance to other, non-survival-related contexts. Here we conducted three experiments to investigate whether the survival advantage also occurs for healthy older adults. In Experiment 1, older and younger adults rated words for their relevance to a grassland survival or moving scenario and then completed an unexpected free recall test on the words. We replicated the survival advantage in two separate groups of younger adults, one of which was placed under divided-attention conditions, but we did not find a survival advantage in the older adults. We then tested two additional samples of older adults using a between- (Exp. 2) or within- (Exp. 3) subjects design, but still found no evidence of the survival advantage in this age group. These results suggest that, although survival processing is an effective encoding strategy for younger adults, it does not provide the same mnemonic benefit to healthy elders.
Effect of spin-orbit and spin-flip scattering on conductance fluctuations.

We discuss the effect of the spin-dependent scattering on conductance fluctuations in the regime where the spin-orbit scattering length ${\mathit{l}}_{\mathrm{so}}$ and the magnetic spin-flip scattering length ${\mathit{l}}_{\mathit{S}}$ are comparable to the electron-phase-breaking length ${\mathit{l}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\varphi}}}$. In addition to affecting the magnitude of the fluctuations, we find that the presence of spin-dependent scattering changes the characteristic magnetic-field scale of fluctuations. Our results provide a simple way of interpreting experimental results for any sample geometry.
The genus of subgraphs ofK 8

A graph of genus 2 which is irreducible with respect to this property must have at least eight vertices. It is shown here that there are exactly three such 2-irreducible graphs having eight vertices. The description of these three graphs, together with the Kuratowski theorem, leeds to a determination of the genus of each graph having fewer than nine vertices.
Ice Sheet Bed Mapping With Airborne SAR Tomography

We develop and then demonstrate a 3-D tomographic ice sounding method applied to very high frequency (VHF) radar data that produces swath measurements of ice sheet surface topography, ice thickness, and radar reflectivity of both the surface and bed of the ice sheet. First, we formulate the ice sheet imaging problem as a problem of estimating signal arrival angles and illustrate how the method resolves ambiguous echoes arriving simultaneously from the left and right sides of the aircraft, as well as from the surface and base of the ice sheet. We then discuss why we chose the time-domain subaperture method for 2-D image formation for ice sounding. We apply the tomographic technique to the data that we collected in May 2006 and again in July 2008 from a multiple-phase-center VHF radar system. We present 3-D images of the upper and lower surfaces of the ice sheet and compare the estimated surface topography with Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite altimeter nadir track measurements and the measured swath ice thickness with independent nadir depth sounder tracks. We achieved a 5-m surface topography accuracy and a 14-m ice thickness accuracy.
Ring enlargement and ring opening over mono- and bifunctional catalysts

Abstract Ring enlargement and ring opening of methylcyclopentane (MCP) have been studied at atmospheric pressure, 250°C and a H 2 /MCP molar ratio of 20 with monofunctional HY, Pt/SiO 2 or Pt/NaY, bifunctional Pt/HY catalysts, and physical mixtures or layered beds of HY and Pt/SiO 2 . For ring enlargement the acidic function is found indispensable; only trace amounts of benzene are observed with monofunctional Pt/SiO 2 . However, the rate of ring enlargement is higher with bifunctional Pt/HY than with monofunctional HY. A mechanism is proposed in which two paths interconverting (cyclo)paraffins and carbenium ions are operative, one via olefins and one via direct hydride-ion transfer. For rinq opening of MCP the metal function displays highest activity; with highly dispersed Pt/SiO 2 the products 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane and n-hexane are formed in nearly statistical distribution (1.0:0.5:1.0, respectively). Acidic sites catalyze the ring opening at a much lower rate, and in the product the branched isomers, 2- and 3-methylpentane and 2,3-dimethylbutane prevail as was observed in liquid superacids. In the bifunctional Pt/HY catalyst, Pt protects acidic sites against deactivation by carbonaceous overlayers, but Pt is deactivated by coke precursors from the acidic sites. Only the (de)hydrogenation activity of Pt, characterized by a very low ensemble requirement, survives considerable de- activation. An almost identical performance of bifunctional Pt/HY and a physical mixture of HY and Pt/SiO 2 with respect to activity, selectivity and deactivation leaves only little room for speculations on significant metal/zeolite interactions such as the model of “electron deficient Pt”.
STATE SUPREME COURT APPLICATIONS OF TROXEL v. GRANVILLE AND THE COURTS' RELUCTANCE TO DECLARE GRANDPARENT VISITATION STATUTES UNCONSTITUTIONAL

In this article, the author reviews state supreme court applications of Troxel v. Granville, analyzing the impact of the decision on the courts' ongoing efforts to adjudicate visitation disputes between parents and grandparents. Set against a background of legislative recognition of grandparents' rights and judicial uncertainty regarding the appropriate role of nonparents in children's lives, Troxel reaffirmed the constitutional right of parents to direct their children's upbringing. The author argues that state supreme courts evaluating gradparent visitation statutes and seeking to enforce Troxel's presumption in favor of parents should be more willing to strike down overly broad statutes. Such an approach would be a positive step toward addressing the excessive judicial discretion that the Troxel Court found so problematic, and would signal to state legislatures the need for statutes that both provide for the needs of children and protect parental rights.
Twisting Light with Metamaterials

Recent developments in the field of metamaterials have revealed unparalleled opportunities for "tailoring" space for light propagation, opening a new paradigm in spin- and quantum-related phenomena in optical physics. We show that unique optical properties of metamaterials open unlimited prospects to "tailor" light itself.
Bcl-2 expression is altered with ovarian tumor progression: an immunohistochemical evaluation

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. The ovarian tumor microenvironment is comprised of tumor cells, surrounding stroma, and circulating lymphocytes, an important component of the immune response, in tumors. Previous reports have shown that the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 is overexpressed in many solid neoplasms, including ovarian cancers, and contributes to neoplastic transformation and drug-resistant disease, resulting in poor clinical outcome. Likewise, studies indicate improved clinical outcome with increased presence of lymphocytes. Therefore, we sought to examine Bcl-2 expression in normal, benign, and cancerous ovarian tissues to determine the potential relationship between epithelial and stromal Bcl-2 expression in conjunction with the presence of lymphocytes for epithelial ovarian tumor progression. Ovarian tissue sections were classified as normal (n = 2), benign (n = 17) or cancerous (n = 28) and immunohistochemically stained for Bcl-2. Bcl-2 expression was assessed according to cellular localization, extent, and intensity of staining. The number of lymphocyte nests as well as the number of lymphocytes within these nests was counted. While Bcl-2 staining remained cytoplasmic, both percent and intensity of epithelial and stromal Bcl-2 staining decreased with tumor progression. Further, the number of lymphocyte nests dramatically increased with tumor progression. The data suggest alterations in Bcl-2 expression and lymphocyte infiltration correlate with epithelial ovarian cancer progression. Consequently, Bcl-2 expression and lymphocyte status may be important for prognostic outcome or useful targets for therapeutic intervention.
Optical pumping by excitation of molecular vibrations

Abstract A new optical pumping mechanism is observed for dilute Yb 3+ impurities in a single crystal of yttrium ethyl sulphate at low temperatures. The polarization of Yb 3+ spins is reduced by illumination with near infrared radiation. This reduction in spin polarization is caused by excitation of molecular vibrations of the ligand molecules surrounding the paramagnetic impurity.
Cerebral ventricular injections of pentobarbital, glucose, and sodium chloride into sheep and calves, and feeding.

Abstract Experiments determined if areas of ovine and bovine brain can be inactivated, thereby releasing the inhibition on eating in a satiated animal. Pentobarbital sodium, a neural depressant, was injected into a lateral cerebral ventricle to test this possibility. Glucose and NaCl solutions of osmolality (2,650 milliosmoles/kg H 2 0) similar to the pentobarbital were also tested. Eating began within 7min after injection of 29.4mg of pentobarbital and continued intermittently for averages of 27 and 32min in sheep and calves. Average food intake of sheep (18 observations) for the half-hour following pentobarbital injection versus the same time on non-injection days was 344.5±SE. 44.8g versus 42.8±6.6g (P
Chemosensory Lasing Action for Detection of TNT and Other Analytes

We demonstrate that attenuated luminescence and lasing in optically excited organic thin films is a sensitive probe to vapours of explosives, such as trinitrotoluene (TNT). The combined chemosensing gains from organic amplifying materials and the lasing action, promise to deliver sensors that can detect explosives with unparalleled sensitivity.
Feasibility of detecting mineral content in turbid medium using stimulated Raman photoacoustic imaging

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that leads to the increasing risk of bone fracture. It is associated with a reduced mineral content, which results in the change of the bone architecture. Raman spectroscopy has an intrinsic sensitivity to the chemical content of the bone, but its application to study bones in vivo is limited due to strong optical scattering in tissue. It is proposed that Raman excitation with photoacoustic detection can successfully address the problem of chemically specific imaging in deep tissue. In this report, the principal possibility of such approach is evaluated.
Use of a Maize Advanced Intercross Line for Mapping of QTL for Northern Leaf Blight Resistance and Multiple Disease Resistance

Northern leaf blight [NLB; caused by Exserohilum turcicum (Pass) K.J. Leonard and E.G. Suggs] is an important fungal disease of maize (Zea mays L.) in the United States and worldwide. The IBM population, an advanced intercross recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between the lines Mo17 and B73, was evaluated in three environments (Aurora, NY, in 2006 and 2007 and Clayton, NC in 2007) for two traits related to NLB resistance, weighted mean disease (WMD) and incubation period (IP), and for days to anthesis (DTA). Two WMD quantitative