cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Voltage-Controlled Antiferromagnetism in Magnetic Tunnel Junctions.

We demonstrate a voltage-controlled exchange bias effect in $\mathrm{CoFeB}/\mathrm{MgO}/\mathrm{CoFeB}$ magnetic tunnel junctions that is related to the interfacial $\mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{Co}){\mathrm{O}}_{x}$ formed between the CoFeB electrodes and the MgO barrier. The unique combination of interfacial antiferromagnetism, giant tunneling magnetoresistance, and sharp switching of the perpendicularly magnetized CoFeB allows sensitive detection of the exchange bias. We find that the exchange bias field can be isothermally controlled by magnetic fields at low temperatures. More importantly, the exchange bias can also be effectively manipulated by the electric field applied to the MgO barrier due to the voltage-controlled antiferromagnetic anisotropy in this system.
Concurrent Use of Videolaryngoscope and Fiberoptic Bronchoscope in a Child with Neurofibromatosis to Facilitate Endotracheal Intubation

Abstract Introduction In children who have craniofacial asymmetry secondary to neurofibromatosis type 1, the securing of the airway can be challenging. These patients have varying degrees of head and neck tumors that complicate endotracheal intubation. Anesthesiologists have many techniques and devices that assist us in securing adult airways and these devices are available in pediatric sizes which can also be used to safely secure the smaller airways. Case This 13-year-old male patient with Neurofibromatosis presented with a 2 cm mouth opening, Mallampati IV assessment, and thyromental distance of 2 cm for surgery. During the previous management of this child's airway it was found to be difficult using the fiberoptic bronchoscope or the Glidescope alone. Discussion This is a case report of improvement of intubating conditions using both devices concurrently.
Controlling emerging zoonoses at the animal-human interface.

For many emerging or re-emerging pathogens, cases in humans arise from a mixture of introductions (via zoonotic spillover from animal reservoirs or geographic spillover from endemic regions) and secondary human-to-human transmission. Interventions aiming to reduce incidence of these infections can be focused on preventing spillover or reducing human-to-human transmission, or sometimes both at once, and typically are governed by resource constraints that require policymakers to make choices. Despite increasing emphasis on using mathematical models to inform disease control policies, little attention has been paid to guiding rational disease control at the animal-human interface. We introduce a modeling framework to analyze the impacts of different disease control policies, focusing on pathogens exhibiting subcritical transmission among humans (i.e. pathogens that cannot establish sustained human-to-human transmission). We quantify the relative effectiveness of measures to reduce spillover (e.g. reducing contact with animal hosts), human-to-human transmission (e.g. case isolation), or both at once (e.g. vaccination), across a range of epidemiological contexts. We provide guidelines for choosing which mode of control to prioritize in different epidemiological scenarios and considering different levels of resource and relative costs. We contextualize our analysis with current zoonotic pathogens and other subcritical pathogens, such as post-elimination measles, and control policies that have been applied. Our work provides a model-based, theoretical foundation to understand and guide policy for subcritical zoonoses, integrating across disciplinary and species boundaries in a manner consistent with One Health principles.
A Case Report of Venoarterial ECMO as Salvage Therapy for Prolonged Cardiac Arrest Following Post-Reperfusion Intracardiac Thrombosis During Orthotopic Liver Transplantation:

In this report we describe the use of intraoperative venoarterial ECMO as salvage therapy in a unique case of post-reperfusion intracardiac thrombosis during liver transplantation with prolonged ACLS and coagulopathy. The limited literature on intraoperative ECMO as salvage therapy in liver transplantation is reviewed.
Uncertain Adolescent Educational Expectations and College Matriculation in the Wake of the Great Recession

Though contemporary adolescents in the United States have ambitious educational goals, a sizable number of youth express uncertainty about their future educational attainment. Using data from the H...
Invisibility and Indexicality: Reflections on the Aesthetics and Politics of Schiller’s Theater

This paper argues that Schiller’s theater develops a political semiosis organized around operations of indexicality, understood as the attempt to trace a figure back to its invisible conditions of ...
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common hereditary motor and sensory neuropathic disorder. While several subtypes and inheritance patterns have been identified, the majority of cases demonstrate an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The pathophysiologic hallmarks of the disorder include its early and symmetric presentation involving the distal aspect of the extremities. Patients often present complaining of foot pain or deformity in the setting of frequent ankle sprains. Diagnostic workup includes a comprehensive history and physical examination, radiographs, and consultation with a neurologist. Initial treatment relies on conservative management with surgical intervention used in the setting of refractory cases or ones demonstrating rapid deformity progression.
Vascular thrombosis in the upper extremity. A case report implicating a relationship between trauma, oral contraceptives, and smoking.

A 40-year old white female who was a heavy smoker and who was on oral contraceptives presented at the Maine Medical Center Emergency Room with widespread vascular thrombosis in the forearm and hand six days after injury. Brachial ulnar and radial arteriotomies were performed and blood flow was restored to all of the hand except the distal ring finger. The patient was forbidden to smoke but resumed smoking on the 8th postoperative day. Thrombosis rapidly progressed and 4 weeks later she underwent amputation of the ring and little fingers. The widespread thrombosis on the patients hand was attributed to nicotine which increases peripheral vasoconstriction. Smoking has been associated with increased platelet adhesions and subsequent coagulation. It has also been implicated in occlusive vascular disease of the hand and is said to have a mark effect on both digital perfusion and digital wound healing in a patient with ulnar artery thrombosis. Pills also increase coagulability and contributes to widespread thrombotic disease. Early diagnosis of patients thrombosis and aggressive management including arteriography would have prevented our patients thrombosis with its sequelae of loss of 2 digits and cold sensitive hand.
John Roth’s Paths and Pathways *

Bacterial genetics has been strongly influenced by the work of John Roth and his laboratory. Work in John’s laboratory has covered a large number of topics, beginning with the genetic regulation of the histidine (his) biosynthetic operon and extending to many other metabolic pathways and genetic processes. John became interested in bacterial genetics while an undergraduate at Harvard University. The regulatory mutations were scattered widely around the genome and affected functions involved in translation (e.g., histidyl-tRNA synthetase, tRNAHis, and tRNA modifying and processing enzymes). Interest in genetics of tRNA led John’s lab to work on a variety of informational suppressors, including recessive nonsense suppressors and many classes of frameshift suppressors in which altered tRNAs caused translation to shift reading phase. John became interested in chromosomal duplications during early studies on nonsense suppressor tRNAs. Suppressor mutations that alter an essential tRNA type are lethal unless they arise in one copy of a preexisting duplication of the tRNA gene. The genetic tools developed in John’s lab helped change the perspectives on the pulsating rhythms of chromosome organization. Other work led to ideas on the evolution of bacterial operons by horizontal transfer and origins of new genes by selective amplification. In addition to his research accomplishments, John is an enthusiastic, stimulating speaker and teacher.
Polynucleotide Ligase Activity in Cells Infected with Simian Virus 40, Polyoma Virus, or Vaccinia Virus

The conversion of simian virus 40 (SV40) component II deoxyribonucleic acid to component I has been used to assay polynucleotide ligase in extracts of tissue culture cells. All cell types examined, including chicken, hamster, mouse, monkey, and human cells, contained adenosine triphosphate-dependent ligase. After infection of mouse embryo, monkey kidney, and HeLa cells with polyoma virus, SV40, and vaccinia virus, respectively, the enzyme activity increased, but its cofactor requirement was unchanged. In vaccinia virus-infected cells, the increased activity was localized in the cytoplasm. Ligase induction occurred in the presence of cytosine arabinoside but was prevented by puromycin. Rifampicin blocked the production of infectious vaccinia particles but had little effect on the induction of ligase.
Nanosecond, pulsed, frequency-modulated optical parametric oscillator

Summary form only given. For certain applications, a spectrum comprised of several longitudinal modes from an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is desirable. For example, a broad spectrum can reduce speckle in remote sensing. This can be done by seeding the OPO on several longitudinal modes simultaneously so the spectrum is broad but does not fluctuate. This can be done by frequency modulating a cw seed laser so the sidebands and carrier all match longitudinal modes of the signal wave in the OPO. Such an FM OPO would also have applications in FM-modulation absorption measurements. We have demonstrated frequency modulation in a ring-cavity KTiOPO/sub 4/ OPO seeded by frequency-modulated light.
Simulation and validation of interior and exterior navigational strategies for autonomous robotic assessments of energy

Approximately 40% of all US energy usage and carbon emissions are attributed to buildings. Energy audits of buildings are an effective way to identify significant energy savings, but the extensive training of auditors and cost of the audits result in only a very small fraction of buildings receiving an audit. Automation of the audit process using robots can offer more detailed information for better recommendations and greatly reduce the cost of audits. This paper discusses navigational strategies that would be used by ground and aerial robots as they conduct automated energy audits. The strategies are split into two scenarios: interior and exterior navigation. Simulations for both the interior and exterior navigational algorithms are presented. Lastly, a ground robot platform is developed to validate the navigational strategies.
Measuring the Trajectories of a Circadian Clock

If, in context of real laboratory experiments, we wish to seriously contemplate models with more than one degree of freedom, then we must find two or more independent empirical measures corresponding to the movements of the system in its state space. We must seek to plot a trajectory in a space of two or more measureable quantities. If we can find a way to do this, then we can distinguish the quickly attracting cycle of Chapter 6 from the orbitally stable kinetic schemes of Chapters 4 and 5.
It works and it's affordable: low cost distributed aircraft control systems

In 1986 it was anticipated that fly-by-light and fiber optic based aircraft sensors and data transfer would be in full scale production in a few years. However, by 1997 this widely acclaimed vision has yet to be realized. This paper considers what has transpired during this time and discusses why this technology has not yet fulfilled its vision. Additionally, current efforts to use commercial off the shelf(COTS) hardware to reduce costs and standardize systems are described.
Cloning of a carbofuran hydrolase gene from Achromobacter sp. strain WM111 and its expression in gram-negative bacteria.

Abstract A 14-kilobase-pair (kbp) EcoRI DNA fragment that encodes an enzyme capable of rapid hydrolysis of N-methylcarbamate insecticides (carbofuran hydrolase) was cloned from carbofuran-degrading Achromobacter sp. strain WM111. When used to probe Southern blots containing plasmid and total DNAs from WM111, this 14-kbp fragment hybridized strongly to a 14-kbp EcoRI fragment from the greater than 100-kbp plasmid harbored by this strain but weakly to EcoRI-digested total DNA from Achromobacter sp. strain WM111, indicating that the gene for N-methylcarbamate degradation (mcd) is plasmid encoded. Further subcloning localized the mcd gene on a 3-kbp ScaI-ClaI fragment. There was little or no expression of this gene in the alternative gram-negative hosts Pseudomonas putida, Alcaligenes eutrophus, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, and Achromobacter pestifer. Western blotting (immunoblotting) of the protein products produced by low-level expression in P. putida confirmed that this 3-kbp fragment encodes the two 70+-kilodalton protein products seen in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified carbofuran hydrolase.
A molecular dynamics study of ejection of molecules from a vibrationally excited “track” in an amorphous solid

A molecular dynamics program is developed to study the ejection of molecules from a weakly bound, amorphous solid made up of diatomic molecules. The ejection is calculated in response to an amount of energy deposited, presumably by an incident fast particle, in vibrational excitation of the molecules within a cylindrical volume about the particle's “track”. The anharmonic distortion of the “excited” molecules in the “track” can lead to rapid energy transfer to the center of mass motion producing to sputtering. When the level of vibration excitation is small, nearly harmonic motion, virtually no energy transfer occurs in the time scales of interest. At the larger energy depositions considered, the number of molecules ejected vs. energy deposited per unit path length is consistent with recent simulations using structureless particles and with an analytic model for ejection due to a “pressure pulse”.
Fast algorithms for ridge construction

Ridges are generalizations of local maxima for smooth functions of n independent variables. At a ridge point x the function has a local maximum when restricted to an affine (n - d)- dimensional plane located at x, the plane varying with x. The set of ridge points generically lie on d-dimensional manifolds. The ridge definition is extremely flexible since the dimension d and the affine planes can be chosen to suit an application's needs. Fast algorithms for constructing 1-dimensional ridges in n-dimensional images are presented in this paper. The algorithms require an initial approximation to a ridge point, which can be supplied interactively or via a model of a previously analyzed image. Similar algorithms can be implemented for higher dimensional ridges.
Toward a memory model for autonomous topological mapping and navigation: The case of binary sensors and discrete actions

We propose a self-organizing database for perceptual experience capable of supporting autonomous goal-directed planning. The main contributions are: (i) a formal demonstration that the database is complex enough in principle to represent the homotopy type of the sensed environment; (ii) some initial steps toward a formal demonstration that the database offers a computationally effective, contractible approximation suitable for motion planning that can be accumulated purely from autonomous sensory experience. The provable properties of an effectively trained data-base exploit certain notions of convexity that have been recently generalized for application to a symbolic (discrete) representation of subset nesting relations. We conclude by introducing a learning scheme that we conjecture (but cannot yet prove) will be capable of achieving the required training, assuming a rich enough exposure to the environment.
Ultrastructural evidence that substance P neurons form synapses with noradrenergic neurons in the A7 catecholamine cell group that modulate nociception.

Abstract Potent antinociception can be produced by electrical stimulation of spinally projecting noradrenergic neurons in the A7 catecholamine cell group and this effect is blocked by intrathecal injection of α 2 -adrenoceptor antagonists. Microinjection of substance P near A7 neurons also produces antinociception that is blocked by intrathecal injection of α 2 -adrenoceptor antagonists. These observations suggest that substance P produces antinociception by activating noradrenergic A7 neurons. However, it is not known whether this effect of substance P is produced by a direct or an indirect action on A7 neurons. Although light microscopic studies have demonstrated the existence of both substance P-containing axon terminals and neurokinin-1 receptors in the region of the A7 cell group, it is not known whether substance P terminals form synapses with noradrenergic A7 neurons. These experiments used double-labeling immunocytochemical methods and electron microscopic analysis to determine whether substance P-containing axons form synapses with noradrenergic neurons in the A7 cell group. Pre-embedding immunocytochemistry, combined with light and electron microscopic analysis, was used to provide ultrastructural evidence for synaptic connections between substance P-immunoreactive terminals labeled with immunoperoxidase and tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive A7 neurons labeled with silver-enhanced immunogold. Tyrosine hydroxylase labeling was found in perikarya and dendrites in the A7 region, and substance P labeling was found in axons and synaptic terminals. Substance P-labeled terminals formed asymmetric synapses with tyrosine hydroxylase-labeled dendrites, but only a few of these were present on tyrosine hydroxylase-labeled somata. Substance P-labeled terminals also formed asymmetric synapses with unlabeled dendrites, and many unlabeled terminals formed both symmetric and asymmetric synapses with tyrosine hydroxylase-labeled dendrites. These results demonstrate that substance P neurons form a significant number of synapses with the dendrites of noradrenergic A7 neurons and support the conclusion that microinjection of substance P in the A7 cell group produces antinociception by direct activation of spinally projecting noradrenergic neurons.
Gaussian basis sets for use in correlated molecular calculations. VII. Valence, core-valence, and scalar relativistic basis sets for Li, Be, Na, and Mg

Correlation consistent basis sets of double-ζ through quintuple-ζ quality for the alkali and alkaline earth metals Li, Be, Na, and Mg have been developed, including the valence (cc-pVnZ), augmented valence (aug-cc-pVnZ), core-valence (cc-pCVnZ), and weighted core-valence (cc-pwCVnZ) basis sets. The basis sets are also re-contracted for Douglas–Kroll scalar relativistic calculations and are found to be superior to non-relativistic basis sets in recovering scalar relativistic effects. CCSD(T) computations have been performed with these basis sets, and a series of properties have been examined, including atomic ionization potentials and electron affinities, optimized molecular geometries, harmonic vibrational frequencies, atomization energies, and enthalpies of formation for the molecules Li2, LiF, BeO, BeF, BeH2, BeF2, Na2, NaF, MgO, MgF, MgH2, and MgF2.
Computational applications of a coupled plasticity-damage constitutive model for simulating plain concrete fracture

A coupled plasticity-damage model for plain concrete is presented in this paper. Based on continuum damage mechanics (CDM), an isotropic and anisotropic damage model coupled with a plasticity model is proposed in order to effectively predict and simulate plain concrete fracture. Two different damage evolution laws for both tension and compression are formulated for a more accurate prediction of the plain concrete behavior. In order to derive the constitutive equations and for the easiness in the numerical implementation, in the CDM framework the strain equivalence hypothesis is adopted such that the strain in the effective (undamaged) configuration is equivalent to the strain in the nominal (damaged) configuration. The proposed constitutive model has been shown to satisfy the thermodynamics requirements. Detailed numerical algorithms are developed for the finite element implementation of the proposed coupled plasticity-damage model. The numerical algorithm is coded using the user subroutine UMAT and then implemented in the commercial finite element analysis program Abaqus. Special emphasis is placed on identifying the plasticity and damage model material parameters from loading–unloading uniaxial test results. The overall performance of the proposed model is verified by comparing the model predictions to various experimental data, such as monotonic uniaxial tension and compression tests, monotonic biaxial compression test, loading–unloading uniaxial tensile and compressive tests, and mixed-mode fracture tests.
A Life‐Cycle Approach to Purchasing and Using Environmentally Preferable Paper

Summary The PaperTask Force, a group of major U.S. paper purchasers convened by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), recently completed a life cycle-based study of various grades of paper that examined a broad range of economic, functional, and especially environmental issue. This 28-month effort culminated in the release of a final report and recommendations intended to educate paper purchasers about the consequences of their paper purchasing decisions. The report also provides actionable steps that can be taken to increase the purchase and use of environmentally preferable paper; defined as paper that reduces environmental impacts while meeting business needs. The technical basis for the PaperTask Force recommendations is an analysis of environmental impacts associated with the entire life cycle of several major grades of paper; reaching literally from the forest to the 1andfill. The Task Force's findings and recommendations cover each of the major areas of opportunity to lessen the environmental impacts of using paper: reduction in paper use; paper recycling and buying recycled paper: forest management; and pulp and paper manufacturing. journal of Industrial Ecology I5 paper recycling
Effects of hydration on mechanical properties of a highly sclerotized tissue.

The jaws of the bloodworm Glycera dibranchiata consist principally of protein and melanin scaffolds with small amounts of unmineralized copper (Cu) and mineralized atacamite (Cu2Cl(OH)3) fibers in distinct regions. Remarkably, when tested in air, the regions containing unmineralized Cu are the hardest, stiffest, and most abrasion resistant. To establish the functions of jaw constituents in physiologically relevant environments, this study examines the effects of hydration on their response to indentation, scratching, and wear. Although all jaw regions are degraded by the presence of water, the ones containing unmineralized Cu are affected least. Notably, scratch depths in the bulk and the atacamite-containing regions double when wet, whereas the corresponding increase in the regions with unmineralized Cu is ∼20%. The results support the view that Cu ions are involved in the formation of intermolecular coordination complexes, creating a cross-linked molecular network that is both mechanically robust and resistant to water ingress. Hydration effects are greatest during wear testing, rates of material removal in water being about three times those in air. The mechanism underlying accelerated wear is suspected to involve coupled effects of near-surface damage and enhanced water ingress, resulting in increased plasticization and susceptibility to plastic plowing.
Ocular surface impressions using cellulose acetate filter material. Ocular pemphigoid

Abstract A technique for obtaining ocular surface impressions using cellulose acetate filter material is described. A representative ocular surface impression obtained by this technique from a patient with cicatricial ocular pemphigoid is shown, and contrasted to a normal ocular surface impression.
Tu1579 Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Barrett's and EGJ Early Neoplasia - What Have We Learned to Date?

surveillance using chromoendoscopy with iodine staining was scheduled every 6 months after ESD. Patients with an invasion depth over LPM underwent additional treatment and periodic computer tomography was performed. Main outcomes were the 5-year overall and cause-specific survival rates. Secondary outcomes were the cumulative incidence rates of MEC, en bloc, complete (R0) resection rates and adverse events. We defined a second multiple cancers found at first endoscopic surveillance using chromoendoscopy after the initial ESD as synchronous ESCC and at after that as MEC. Results: Fourteen patients were given chemoradiotherapy, surgery or chemotherapy. The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with EP/LPM, MM/SM1 (submucosal invasion % 200 mm) and SM2 (deeper than SM1) were 95.0%, 84.2% and 60.0%, respectively, whereas the cause specific survival rate was 100% during the follow up period (median 72.9, IQR 63.0-85.7 months). Causes of death were: 2 lung cancer, 1 gastric cancer, 1 pancreatic cancer, 1 heart disease, 1 pneumonia, 1 side effect of radiotherapy for ESSC after ESD and 1 patient’s cause of death was unknown. The median interval to detection of MEC was 34.2 (IQR, 29.256.6) months. The cumulative incidence rates of MEC at 3 and 5 years were 9.9% and 15.1%. Most MEC could be controlled by repeat ESD. En bloc and complete resection rates were 100% and 90.5% respectively and no local recurrence was encountered. With respect to adverse events, stricture was encountered in 15 cases (17.9%), whereas there was no occurrence of perforation or delayed bleeding. Conclusion: ESD for superficial ESCC is suggested as a curative treatment with favorable 5-year survival rate for patients with invasion depths of EP/LPM. In addition, ESD with additional therapy for patients with MM/SM1 might be an appropriate therapy.
Androstanediol Glucuronide Plasma Clearance and Production Rates in Normal and Hirsute Women

We studied the kinetics and metabolism of tritiated 5α-androstane-3α-17/3-diol glucuronide (3αrdiolG) in normal and hirsute women. We found no difference in the MCR of 3adiolG betweennormal and hirsute women [130 ±; 39 (±SD) vs. 157± 81; P = NS]. The blood production rate was markedly increased in hirsute women (187 ± 50 vs. 604 ± 355 μg/day; P < 0.01) and correlated well with the plasma 3βdiolG level (r = 0.96).In women, the conversion ratio of 3αdiolG to unconjugated 3αdiol or dihydrotestosteronewasless than 1%, while the conversion ratio to dihydrotestosterone glucuronide was about 6%. We conclude that the elevated plasma levels of 3αdiolG characteristic of hirsutism reflect increased production of this androgen metabolite.
NIR DLP® Hyperspectral Imaging System for Medical Applications

DLP® hyperspectral reflectance imaging in the visible range has been previously shown to quantify hemoglobin oxygenation in subsurface tissues, 1 mm to 2 mm deep. Extending the spectral range into the near infrared reflects biochemical information from deeper subsurface tissues. Unlike any other illumination method, the digital micro-mirror device, DMD, chip is programmable, allowing the user to actively illuminate with precisely predetermined spectra of illumination with a minimum bandpass of approximately 10 nm. It is possible to construct active spectral-based illumination that includes but is not limited to containing sharp cutoffs to act as filters or forming complex spectra, varying the intensity of light at discrete wavelengths. We have characterized and tested a pure NIR, 760 nm to 1600 nm, DLP hyperspectral reflectance imaging system. In its simplest application, the NIR system can be used to quantify the percentage of water in a subject, enabling edema visualization. It can also be used to map vein structure in a patient in real time. During gall bladder surgery, this system could be invaluable in imaging bile through fatty tissue, aiding surgeons in locating the common bile duct in real time without injecting any contrast agents.
Linear and non-linear optical properties of capped CdTe nanocrystals prepared by mechanical alloying

Abstract CdTe nanocrystals were prepared by mechanical alloying the elemental Cd and Te powders. The formation of CdTe with a single cubic phase after 20 h of ball milling was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface of as-milled CdTe nanoparticles was then capped with polarization TOP/TOPO or (Na3PO4)n organic ligand, which resulted in colorful dispersion solution with optical absorption peaks located at 573 nm and 525 nm, respectively. The third-order non-linearity, namely, the non-linear refraction and two-photon absorption (TPA) coefficient, of the capped CdTe dispersion samples were evaluated using Z-scan technique. The fitting of Z-scan experimental data with a special equation demonstrated that the capped CdTe nanocrystals possess large third-order susceptibilities at resonant wavelength. The non-linear figure of merit (γ/β) for 20 h as-milled CdTe nanocrystals after capping with TOP/TOPO was determined to be ∼ −2 × 10−5 m, which is nearly 215 times larger than the value reported for bulk CdTe crystals.
On a sequential test procedure with delayed observations

This paper considers sequential test procedures to decision problems where there exists time delays in obtaining observations.
Architecting, developing and testing for performance of tiered collaboration products

The collaboration industry has seen an unimaginable explosion since the basic e-mail clients were introduced decades back. The products are now loaded with powerful features and have fierce competition in the market. To win in the marketplace, the offerings have to meet user expectations and demonstrate a high level of performance. The collaboration products aim at personal productivity, group networking and basic communication flow in the enterprise. They form the nerve-system of an organization, with processes of companies constructed around them, therefore ensuring performance-centric development of such products would be a key to their success. In this paper, we discuss the performance-oriented design, development and testing considerations that can find its application in large-scale multi-tiered collaboration products. We present a methodology termed as "Performance in Each Tier" (PET), which encompasses performance throughout the entire development process. PET concentrates on individual and holistic transactions. The paper describes strategies for dealing with performance issues at early as well as later stages of product development. The approach is applicable to products that have evolved over time with growing customer needs and changing business realities. Finding root causes of performance issues in a large product base and regressing functions for performance fixes, would prove more expensive as compared to prioritizing performance considerations along with feature development. This affirms the Performance Engineering concept that performance shall have priority as the functional features do from the commencement of the product development.
Dissociation of the effects of p-chlorophenylalanine on self-stimulation and on brain serotonin.

Abstract PCP inhibited self-stimulation in rats and dogs with chronically implanted electrodes in the posterior hypothalamic area. PCP lowered serotonin in both species, but had little or no effect on norepinephrine in brain. The depression of self-stimulation and the lowering of brain serotonin were not related temporally. Self-stimulation in rats was depressed at 1 and 6 hrs, but had returned to normal by 24 hrs; in contrast, brain serotonin was only slightly lowered by 6 hrs and markedly lowered by 24 hrs. In dogs, self-stimulation was depressed at 6 and 24 hrs but had returned almost to normal rates at 96 hrs; brain serotonin, on the other hand, declined steadily throughout the 96 hour period. The depression of self-stimulation by PCP is not a consequence of its depletion of brain serotonin.
The use of legal opinions to test sociobiological theory: Contract law regarding reciprocal relationships in a household

Abstract The author illustrates the use of written legal opinions to test sociobiological hypotheses with a body of cases extending over 100 years in which judges from all over the United States appear to have been of the unanimous opinion that close genetic and in-law relationships were positively correlated to ongoing reciprocal aid-giving relationships. The universe of the sample projected in the judicial opinions included relatives and nonrelatives all living in the same household, so the possibility that such correlations could be attributed completely to the comparative geographic proximity that would be expected between close relatives is essentially eliminated. The author suggests that similar bodies of cases, which could be used to test behavioral hypotheses, exist in the more than three million indexed U.S. legal opinions.
The use of a fully integrated electronic medical record to minimize cumulative lifetime radiation exposure from CT scanning to detect urinary tract calculi

In order to determine the effects of implementation of an electronic medical record on rates of repeat computed tomography (CT) scanning in the emergency department (ED) setting, we analyzed the utilization of CT of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (CT KUB) for the detection of urinary tract calculi for periods before and after the implementation of a hospital-wide electronic medical record system. Rates of repeat CT scanning within a 6-month period of previous scan were determined pre- and post-implementation and compared. Prior to implementation, there was a 6-month repeat rate of 6.2 % compared with the post-implementation period, which was associated with a 6-month repeat rate of 4.1 %. Statistical analysis using a two-sample, one-tailed t test for difference of means was associated with a p value of 0.00007. This indicates that the implementation of the electronic medical record system was associated with a 34 % decrease in 6-month repeat CT KUB scans. We conclude that the use of an electronic medical record can be associated with a decrease in utilization of unnecessary repeat CT imaging, leading to decreased cumulative lifetime risk for cancer in these patients and more efficient utilization of ED and radiologic resources.
Novel catalysis of o-nitrophenyl carbonates by p-dimethlaminonopyridine

Abstract Transesterification reactions of o-nitrophenyl carbonates have been found to be greatly facilitated by use of p-dialkylaminopyridines as catalysts. A 20-fold rate increase is observed using 0.01 eq. of p-dimethylaminopyridine in place of 2.00 eq of triethylamine. Such rate enhancement is not observed with p-nitrophenyl carbonates: 2.00 eq of Et 3 N causes reaction to occur 8.5 times faster than 0.01 eq of DMAP. DMAP catalyzed reactions of o-nitrophenyl carbonate have been used to prepare aromatic carbonates of 0° in high yields, and avoid the necessity of using 2 equiv. of base.
Microwave heating synthesis of supported sorbents

This paper reports a microwave heating method for effective synthesis of supported sorbents and catalysts. This microwave synthesis process is based on thermal dispersion of active species, facilitated by the microwave energy, into the internal pore surface of microporous ous support. Dealuminated Y (DAY) zeolite-supported CuO and CuCl sorbents were prepared by this method for SO2 removal and industrial gas separation, respectively. The prepared sorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption/desorption to obtain information about their pore structure and the degree of dispersion of the active species on the surface of support. Dispersion of CuO and CuCl was achieved on the internal pore surface of the DAY zeolite by the microwave heating method. The DAY zeolite-supported CUO sorbents prepared by the microwave heating method adsorb up to 2.18 mmol/g SO2 when exposed to air containing 0.8% SO2 at 500°C. The DAY zeolite-supported CuCl sorbent adsorbs 2.29 mmol/g of C2H4 at 98 kPa of C2H4 pressure and room temperature. Much shorter processing time and lower heating temperature are required by the microwave heating method than the conventional heating method for preparation of both sorbents prepared in this work.
Isolation of the Promoter for Type I Hexokinase from Rat

Abstract A genomic clone containing sequence identical to the 5′ region of the cDNA for rat Type I hexokinase was isolated from a λ Charon 4A library. A 5.4-kbEcoRI fragment from this clone, containing the matching sequence, was sequenced in its entirety. Rapid amplification of 5′ cDNA ends (5′ RACE), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and ribonuclease protection experiments were consistent with the existence of multiple transcriptional start sites clustered in three regions approximately 460, 300, and 100 nucleotides upstream from the translational start codon. Together with results of previous work, the 5′ untranslated sequence defined in the present study accounts for the 4.3-kb mRNA for Type I hexokinase seen on Northern blots. Fragments from the 5′ flanking region were cloned into a reporter vector containing the luciferase coding region. Based on transfection experiments with both PC12 and H9c2 cells, promoter activity was associated with a region lying between nucleotide positions −742 and −516 (with A of the ATG codon at the translational start site defined as +1). The promoter region lacks a TATA sequence and, together with the transcriptional start sites, is located within a GC rich segment (a “CpG island”) approximately 1 kb in length. These characteristics have previously been associated with the promoter and transcriptional start sites of genes for “housekeeping enzymes.”
Comparative Studies of Quercetin Interactions with Monophosphate Nucleotides Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy and Electrochemical Techniques

The nature and extent of the interactions of phytoestrogens such as quercetin (Q) with monophosphate nucleotides have implications in cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and inhibition of intracellular enzymes involved with cell proliferation. We have studied the interactions of quercetin with individual RNA/DNA monophosphate nucleotides using UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) under physiological conditions. The monophosphate nucleotides studied included: guanosine 5-monophosphate (GMP), adenosine 5-monophosphate (AMP), deoxythymidine 5-monophosphate (TMP), and cytidine 5-monophosphate (CMP). Based on the characteristic absorption spectra isobestic points, hypochromism phenomenon, electrochemical shifts in peak potential and the changes in forward-to reverse peak currents (Δ Ipc/Ipa), the order of the affinity recorded was GMP>AMP>TMP>CMP respectively. The % Δ Ipc/Ipa recorded were 42.8, 78.6, 57.1, and 21.4 for Q:AMP, Q:GMP, Q:TMP, and Q:CMP respectively, indicating an overall higher affinity for the purine nucleotides which is consistent with UV-vis results. The DPV data showed that the peak potentials shifted more positive with a simultaneous decrease in peak currents with increasing nucleotide concentrations, which were attributed to the Q-nucleotide adduct formation.
Implementation of a universal cervical length screening program for the prevention of preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this article is to evaluate the implementation and acceptability of a universal cervical length (CL) screening program for prediction and prevention of preterm birth (PTB). STUDY DESIGN We performed a prospective observational study to evaluate the implementation and acceptability of a universal CL screening program. Between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012, women with singleton gestations, without a cerclage or prior spontaneous PTB, were offered transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) for CL between 18(0/7) and 23(6/7) weeks' gestation. Sonographers and medical staff received education before implementation. Intervention for a short CL was interpreted according to a standard protocol. On June 1, 2012, our program was modified from "opt-in" to "opt-out." SPSS 20.0 (released 2011, IBM statistics for Windows version 20, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used for analysis. RESULTS Over 12 months, 1,484 (87%) of 1,706 eligible women were offered CL screening, and 1,119 (75%) were actually screened. Women were more likely to accept CL screening if they were nulliparous versus multiparous (83 vs. 68%, p < 0.001) and if the sonographer was female versus male (83 vs. 42%, p < 0.001). Implementation of an "opt-out" protocol did not increase the overall number of women accepting CL screening compared with an "opt-in" approach (76 vs. 75%, p = 0.81) CONCLUSION: Universal CL screening can be feasibly implemented and is acceptable to most women.
A COMPARISON OF ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC INDICES OF THE NONRACING, HEALTHY GREYHOUND TO REFERENCE VALUES FROM OTHER BREEDS

Echocardiographic evaluation of healthy, nonexercising, awake greyhounds revealed substantial differences in left ventricular cavity dimensions, wall thickness, systolic time intervals and fractional shortening as compared to previously reported normal echocardiographic values obtained from mongrels and various other dog breeds. Despite corrections for body surface area and body weight, these differences remained, suggesting that breed and body conformation should be considered when interpreting echocardiographic studies in the dog.
Receipt of the C-terminal Tail from a Neighboring λ Int Protomer Allosterically Stimulates Holliday Junction Resolution

Bacteriophage λ integrase (Int) catalyzes the integration and excision of the phage λ chromosome into and out of the Esherichia coli host chromosome. The seven carboxy-terminal residues (C-terminal tail) of Int comprise a context-sensitive regulatory element that links catalytic function with protein multimerization and also coordinates Int functions within the multimeric recombinogenic complex. The experiments reported here show that the β5-strand of Int is not simply a placeholder for the C-terminal tail but rather exerts its own allosteric effects on Int function in response to the incoming tail. Using a mutant integrase in which the C-terminal tail has been deleted (W350ter), we demonstrate that the C-terminal tail is required for efficient and accurate resolution of Holliday junctions by tetrameric Int. Addition of a free heptameric peptide of the same sequence as the C-terminal tail partially reverses the W350ter defects by stimulating Holliday junction resolution. The peptide also stimulates the topoisomerase function of monomeric W350ter. Single residue alterations in the peptide sequence and a mutant of the β5 strand indicate that the observed stimulation arises from specific contacts with the β5 strand (residues 239–243). The peptide does not stimulate binding of W350ter to its cognate DNA sites and therefore appears to recapitulate the effects of the normal C-terminal tail intermolecular contacts in wild-type Int. Models for the allosteric stimulation of Int activity by β5 strand contacts are discussed.
Querying Complex Federated Clinical Data Using Ontological Mapping and Subsumption Reasoning

The secondary use of clinical data is an essential part of translational and comparative effectiveness research. In designing user interfaces for querying clinical data, we found challenges in managing disease classification codes, medication history, and computed indices, which were amplified by the longitudinal nature of clinical care. In order to address these challenges, we integrate domain-specific and standardized ontological/terminological systems as plug-and-play components in the system architecture for data exploration and user interface support. We present an ontology-driven query interface framework called VISAGE+ (Visual Aggregator and Explorer Plus), which is capable of: (a) mapping multiple data sources and database columns to single concepts in an ontological system, (b) querying multi-dimensional data using concept attributes, and (c) supporting queries that require transitive closure over the ontology class hierarchy (a.k.a. subsumption reasoning). Three VISAGE+ instances have been deployed for large-scale multi-center projects in Sleep Medicine, Epilepsy, and for exploring Medicare and Medicaid data. These instances demonstrate the generality and flexibility of the VISAGE+ framework in supporting large-scale data federation, novel user-interface features, and the usability of the interfaces and systems for clinical research.
Intravenous Dezocine for Postoperative Pain: A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Comparison With Morphine

Dezocine, a new mixed agonist-antagonist opioid analgesic, and morphine were compared in a double-blind study in 206 patients with postoperative pain. The analgesic efficacy of single intravenous injections of dezocine (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg), morphine (5.0 mg), and placebo was assessed by verbal and visual scales at regular intervals for six hours after administration. All active treatments provided greater pain relief than placebo. Pain relief with dezocine 5 and 10 mg was significantly greater (P less than .05) than with placebo for up to four and five hours, respectively, and with morphine up to one hour. Pain relief scores were significantly higher (P less than .05) with morphine than with placebo at all observations except that of the fifth hour, and higher with dezocine 2.5 mg than with placebo for the first 30 minutes. Doses of 5 and 10 mg of dezocine produced approximately the same peak analgesic effect, with the larger dose having a longer duration of effect. All active treatments produced mild to moderate sedation. Side effects were few and mild or moderate with all of the treatments. The physician's and the patients' evaluations favored dezocine in a dose-dependent order, with morphine 5 mg rated lower than dezocine 5 mg and higher than dezocine 2.5 mg.
Underwater electromagnetic communications using conduction: channel characterization

This paper explores the properties of short-range broadband wireless communications for underwater operations using electric conduction. Electric field in the water is generated by a pair of electrodes with opposite current and detected by two receiving electrodes. Ranges of operation can be shorter than 1 m, suitable for contactless data collection by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and even as short as 1-10 cm, suitable for contactless riser health monitoring for deep sea drilling sensors. Experiments were conducted at frequencies between 100 kHz and 6.5 MHz, using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Our lab tests were performed in a plastic tank filled with salt water, and our sea test at the ocean surface and 5 m depth (boundary free). Magnitude and phase-delay of the channel transfer function were modeled based on inference from dipole radiation theory in a conducting medium. An exponential attenuation model fitted to the lab measurements indicated inverse cubic range dependence (near-field compliant). A rational-polynomial model provided the best match for the recorded magnitude, especially at low frequencies. The phase characteristic obtained from the ocean measurements exhibited a minimum around 2 MHz, which agrees with theory.