cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Roebel bars aged under service conditions in large hydrogenerators

The evaluation of high-voltage groundwall insulation aged under long-term operating conditions is addressed using three sets of Roebel bars removed from large hydrogenerators after several decades of service. To cover an important cross-section of the possible operating regimes for typical hydros, the units involved in the study were selected to represent (i) the air-cooled Pumped-storage, (ii) the air-cooled base-load and (iii) the water-cooled base-load service regimes. Experimental techniques were used to permit assessment of the insulation condition under visual, electrical and morphological aspects. Contrary to what is usually assumed, the results suggest that the pumped-storage operating regime, with its repeated thermal-mechanical cycles of start-stops may create only minimum aging to the groundwall insulation while, in some particular cases, units operating at relatively low temperatures and under mild base-load conditions, may be found to exhibit a more severe insulation degradation in the long run.
Perceptions of Cancer Risk, Cause, and Needs in Participants from Low Socioeconomic Background at Risk for Hereditary Cancer

The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions of cancer risk, cause, and needs in participants from a low socioeconomic background at risk for hereditary cancer. We surveyed 307 individuals with the Cancer Awareness and Needs survey and received 128 responses (41.6% response rate). Family history, genetics, and tobacco use were selected most frequently as a cause of cancer; 36% (n = 46) selected fate and/or God's will. A total of 87.5% (n = 112) understood that having a close family member with breast cancer could increase personal risk; however responses were varied when asked if this was related to risk for other cancers. Most participants had undergone cancer screening, half reported undergoing breast magnetic resonance imaging, which was associated with personal (p < 0.01) and family cancer history (p = 0.03). An additional 76.6% (n = 98) felt informed about cancer screening and most received information from health care providers and family or friends. Ensuring that patients and clinicians are educated about hereditary cancer risk, detection, and prevention should be priorities for future research.
Structural analysis of a glycoprotein by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Application to recombinant human thrombomodulin.

Abstract Using recombinant human thrombomodulin (rhTM) expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, we studied the structural analysis of a glycoprotein by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS). First, we analyzed the structure of both the O - and N -linked glycans in rhTM by oligosaccharide mapping using LC–MS equipped with a graphitized carbon column (GCC–LC–MS). Major O - and N -linked glycans were determined to be core 1 structure and fucosyl biantennary containing NeuAc 0–2 , respectively. Next, the post-translational modifications and their heterogeneities, including the site-specific glycosylation, were analyzed by mass spectrometric peptide/glycopeptide mapping of trypsin-digested rhTM and precursor-ion scanning. Precursor-ion scanning was successful in the detection of five glycopeptides. Four N -glycosylation sites and their site-specific carbohydrate heterogeneity were determined by their mass spectra. O -Glycosylation could be estimated on the basis of its mass spectrum. We were able to identify partial β-hydroxylation on Asn324 and Asn439, and O -linked glucose on Ser287 from the peptide/glycopeptide map and their mass spectra. We demonstrated that a sequential analysis of LC–MS and LC–MS–MS are very useful for the structural analysis of O - and N -linked glycans, polypeptides, and post-translational modifications and their heterogeneities, including site-specific glycosylation in a glycoprotein. Our method can be applied to a glycoprotein in biological samples.
Solid-State 25Mg, 45Sc and 93Nb MAS NMR Studies: Local B-Site Chemical Environments and Ordering in PB(MG1/3NB2/3)O3 (PMN) and Related Relaxor Ferroelectrics

Solid-state 25Mg, 45Sc and 93Nb NMR spectroscopic studies of the local chemical environments and relative degree of B-site ordering in lead-based perovskite relaxor ferroelectrics are reported. 93Nb MAS NMR spectra of PMN and PZN provide conclusive evidence for significant B-site disorder, while 93Nb and 45Sc MAS NMR indicate B-site ordering in PSN. 93Nb MAS NMR spectra of PMN show resonances with different CQ values assigned to different types of Nb(V) B-sites of pseudo-cubic, axial and rhombic symmetry. For PSN, 93Nb and 45Sc MAS NMR spectra support the presence of predominantly a single Nb(V) and Sc(III) site with intermediate CQ values assigned to axially distorted B-sites. 25Mg MAS NMR of PMN also show evidence for at least two different Mg(II) sites of local cubic and axial symmetry due to partial B-site disorder in PMN. 25Mg and 93Nb NMR spectra of La3+-substituted PMN (at 25 mol%) show that A-site substitution by La(III) leads to increased B-site ordering in the Mg-rich and Nb-rich nanodomains of PMN. By contrast, the 25Mg and 93Nb NMR spectra of BMN, a Ba2+ A-site analog of PMN, demonstrate that BMN has a more highly ordered Mg/Nb B-site distribution than PMN. These multinuclear NMR approaches demonstrate the enormous potential of solid-state NMR spectroscopy to provide both qualitative and quantitative information about the chemical environments, cation ordering and motional behavior of the B-site cations in a diverse range of perovskite relaxor ferroelectrics.
Stepfamilies in the Law of Intestate Succession and Wills

Many modern families do not take the form of the traditional nuclear family. A common variant is the stepfamily, formed when the parent of a minor child marries an individual who is not the other natural parent. In many cases, the relationship that forms between stepparent and child is an important family relationship. Nevertheless, the laws regulating the rights and duties of family members generally exclude stepfamily members.The law of intestate succession illustrates the peremptory manner in which the legal system ignores stepfamilies. Stepfamily members are not eligible to inherit from each other under modern intestate succession statutes. Unfairly, they are excluded from the rights of inheritance. The related law of wills also has evidenced some bias against the treatment of steprelatives as family members. While recognition of nontraditional family members would necessarily complicate the statutory intestacy scheme, the legal system must be responsive to the changing nature of families, in a thoughtful and constructive manner. Laws in the areas of intestate succession and wills seek to accomplish the testamentary intentions of property owners, and to provide certainty and financial protection for surviving family members. This Article demonstrates that these goals are best accomplished when lawmakers recognize that for many individuals steprelatives are family members.
The Have Nots Have It: Triumph Of Developing Countries At The World Trade OrganizationMeeting In Geneva

In July 2004, 147 World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries met in Geneva where the developed countries agreed to cut back and eventually eliminate an estimated $350 billion of their farm and export subsidies. The accord was hammered out by five WTO members including India and Brazil and submitted to the WTOs plenary session where it was finally ratified on July 31, 2004. The Fifth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization held in Cancun in September 2003 collapsed from inside as internal squabbles and irreconcilable philosophical differences developed between the developed countries and the developing countries. The WTO, which started with noble objectives of raising the global standards of living through international trade agreements and cooperation among the WTO member countries, appeared to be teetering on the verge of a complete collapse. Over the past decade, through five ministerial conferences, the WTO member countries gradually got polarized into two main blocks, the haves and the have nots, the developed countries and the still developing countries respectively. One of the important items of contention was the issue of reduction and elimination of the huge farm subsidies in the European Union (EU) and the United States (US). At the 2003 WTO conference in Cancun, 21 of the developing countries formed a group, known as G-21 initiated under the leadership of Brazil and India, and insisted on discussions for elimination of the farm subsidies of the EU-US combine. The EU and US governments give billions of dollars worth of agricultural and export subsidies annually to their farmers that allow them to have a competitive advantage in international markets in effect preventing agricultural producers in developing countries from having access to global markets. The EU delegates insisted that the four Singapore issues must be dealt with first before including any discussions on the issues of farm subsidies on the agenda. The G-21 over night swelled into G-70. The developing countries refused to be pushed into a corner and have proved that they are now a force to reckon with. The WTO Cancun conference came to a dramatic end without any agreement, leaving the negotiations in a deadlock. At the historic July 2004 WTO negotiations in Geneva, an accord has been reached under which the developed countries agreed to reduce and eventually eliminate their export and farm subsidies. The developing countries also agreed to lower their tariffs on imports from EU-US and other developed countries. The accord is expected to pave the way for the resumption of the WTO Doha Round of multilateral negotiations to liberalize world trade.
Succession History: Some Early Baptist Perspectives

Most modern researchers have been dismissive of connexions between seventeenth-century English Baptists and the Anabaptists. It is often assumed that the eighteenth-century historian, Thomas Crosby, was the first to suggest a type of succession between the English Baptists and other religious radicals of centuries past. This article explores the historical theory of some early English Baptists who regarded the Anabaptists and other sects as their forebears. Some early leaders of the English Baptists did not embrace successionism, but others did, and their presence reveals an acceptance of Anabaptism that is seldom acknowledged in contemporary historiography.
TWO CASES OF MESENTERIC CYSTOMA PRESENTING WITH ACUTE APPENDICITIS-LIKE SYMPTOMS

Mesenteric cystoma is a relatively rare abdominal tumor commonly seen in children, and has a serious problem that, in many cases, some manifestations due to associated diseases first lead to the definite diagnosis. This time we experienced 2 typical cases of the disease symbolizing this problem. The 2 cases were 5-year-old boys. Case 1 was admitted because of lasting abdominal pain after appendectomy performed under a diagnosis of appendicitis at the other hospital. From minute examination the case was diagnosed as mesenteric cystoma. Case 2 was first found to be the disease by laparotomy for a diagnosis of appendicitis. In addition, we think that surgical resection of the cystoma can offer no problem in the treatment of the disease, however, ethanol infusion therapy may be a valuable alternative measure as a non-surgical treatment, because most of the patients are in their childhood.
Path Length Sensitivity in Coherent Laser Beam Combining: Comparison between Architectures

The effect of path length errors on coherent beam combining performance is analyzed and measured for several combining architectures. Cavity loss and coherence characteristics are highly dependent on design, and can often be optimized.
Traumatic Injuries Office Treatment of Dislocations

Common dislocations that can usually be managed in the office include anterior dislocations of the shoulder, posterior dislocations of the elbow and joints of the fingers and toes, and lateral dislocations of the patella. A systematic approach based on an understanding of the mechanism of injury, roentgenographic documentation of the extent of injury, reduction, immobilization, and rehabilitation is recommended.
Survey of medical services at major league baseball stadiums.

Objective:To analyze the availability and level of medical services for fans at major league baseball games in the United States.Methods:A 10-item questionnaire was sent to the operations managers of each of 28 major league baseball stadiums. The survey was distributed in cooperation with a major league baseball club. Telephone follow-up was used to complete missing responses. The survey addressed five areas of fan medical services: 1) health-care provider availability and compensation; 2) advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) capabilities, including equipment; 3) presence of on-site ambulance(s); 4) fan fatalities; and 5) alcohol consumption limitations.Results:Survey response was 100%. Healthcare providers are on-site at all stadiums: nurses (86%), physicians (75%), emergency medical technicians (EMTs, [68%]), and paramedics (50%). Ninety-six percent use a combination of health-care providers. The most common medical teams are nurse + EMT + physician (25 %) and nurse + EMT + paramedic + physician (18%). All health-care providers receive some form of compensation. All stadiums have at least one ACLS-certified provider; 96% have ACLS equipment. Ambulances are on-site 75% of the time. Sixty-eight percent of the clubs reported at least one fan fatality through the 1992 and 1993 seasons (mean 1.1, range 0–4). All clubs limit alcohol consumption; 96% use multiple approaches. The various approaches include: 1) specific inning discontinuation (86%); 2) maximum purchase (68%); 3) restricted sale locations (64%); and 4) crowd conduct (57%). Advertisement for responsible alcohol consumption is displayed at 75% of the stadiums; designateddriver programs exist at 46%.Conclusions:All major league baseball clubs provide medical services for fans. Furthermore, almost all stadiums have ACLS capabilities. Responsible alcohol consumption also is a recognized priority for fan safety.
Endoscopic therapy of gastric outlet obstruction

Up to 25 % of patients with pancreatic malignancy will develop gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), which may further be complicated by concomitant biliary obstruction, especially in locally advanced pancreatic head cancers. Palliation of pancreatic mass-associated GOO involves either placement of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) or a surgical bypass (gastrojejunostomy). The minimally invasive approach of endoscopic SEMS placement can provide prompt relief of GOO, and postsurgical morbidity is avoided in the setting of a condition with dismal prognosis. On the basis of published data and clinical experience, endoscopic stent placement has emerged as first-line therapy for GOO caused by unresectable pancreatic malignancy. Herein, the technical aspects and outcomes related to palliative stent placement for GOO are highlighted, with special consideration given to the issue of combined duodenal and biliary obstruction.
Learning pedestrian dynamics from the real world

In this paper we describe a method to learn parameters which govern pedestrian motion by observing video data. Our learning framework is based on variational mode learning and allows us to efficiently optimize a continuous pedestrian cost model. We show that this model can be trained on automatic tracking results, and provides realistic and accurate pedestrian motions.
Color filtering metallization for optoelectronic 100nm CMOS circuits

We show a novel color filter system that can be implemented in a standard CMOS process without any additional chemicals and processing, using standard CMOS metals like aluminum. The filter uses sub-wavelength aperture and grating arrays allowing some light wavelengths through while blocking others. Furthermore, we show an integrated photo-detector, both as a standard junction diode and an MSM diode which combines the filters and detector into the simplest color imaging system. The experimental data is explained with simulations and electromagnetic theory.
Trends in Fluoroscopy Time in Fluoroscopy-Guided Lumbar Punctures Performed by Trainees Over an Academic Year.

Rationale and Objectives Fluoroscopy-guided lumbar puncture (FGLP) is an operator-dependent procedure that can contribute to lifetime cumulative radiation dose. Benchmark fluoroscopic times (FTs) have been published for ranges of body mass index (BMI), but trends in FT in FGLPs performed by neuroradiology trainees during their training have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the trends in FTs in FGLPs performed by neuroradiology fellows in an academic year. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed FGLPs performed at our institution from July 2013 to June 2015 and determined the FT average and standard deviation of residents and non-neuroradiology fellows, neuroradiology fellows, and neuroradiology attendings. We used the Kruskal-Wallis test to evaluate group differences in FT in operator groups and academic quarters and by patient age, BMI, and needle length. Linear and Poisson regression analyses were performed to directly examine the relationship between the number of FGLPs performed and FTs. Results A total of 776 patients had successful FGLPs; 594 cases (77%) were performed by neuroradiology fellows ( n = 14). The average FT and variance for neuroradiology fellows significantly decreased over the year ( P = 0.004 and P P = 0.03, P P Conclusions FT in FGLP cases performed by neuroradiology fellows decreases during the year. Our data can be utilized by radiology training programs and practices as a benchmark to monitor individual operator FT.
VisualCloud Demonstration: A DBMS for Virtual Reality

We demonstrate VisualCloud, a database management system designed to efficiently ingest, store, and deliver virtual reality (VR) content at scale. VisualCloud targets both live and prerecorded spherical panoramic (a.k.a. 360°) VR videos. It persists content as a multidimensional array that utilizes both dense (e.g., space and time) and sparse (e.g., bitrate) dimensions. VisualCloud uses orientation prediction to reduce data transfer by degrading out-of-view portions of the video. Content delivered through VisualCloud requires up to 60% less bandwidth than existing methods and scales to many concurrent connections. This demonstration will allow attendees to view both live and prerecorded VR video content served through VisualCloud. Viewers will be able to dynamically adjust tuning parameters (e.g., bitrates and path prediction) and observe changes in visual fidelity.
Oral melphalan for the treatment of relapsed canine lymphoma

Oral melphalan has been included in multi-agent rescue protocols for canine lymphoma but its activity as a single-agent for this purpose has not been established. Inexpensive cost, ease of administration and tolerability make oral melphalan an attractive candidate for single-agent rescue therapy of canine lymphoma. Retrospective evaluation of 19 cases of relapsed canine lymphoma treated with oral melphalan was performed. Melphalan was primarily administered (n = 16) via a high dose protocol (HDM) with a median dosage of 19.4 mg m-2 . Fifteen dogs (78.9%) were treated concurrently with corticosteroids. Response evaluation was possible for all dogs with a calculated overall clinical benefit (partial response [PR] + stable disease [SD]) of 31.6% (PR 3/19; SD 3/19). Times to progression following melphalan (TTP-M) were 14, 24 and 34 days for responders and 20, 28 and 103 days for dogs experiencing SD. Twelve of 17 dogs evaluable for toxicity experienced an adverse event (AE) with only 3 dogs experiencing a grade III or higher AE. Haematologic toxicity was common (11/17) while gastrointestinal toxicity was rare (1/17). Although treatment resulted in limited clinical benefit and non-durable responses, oral melphalan was well-tolerated and may be a reasonable rescue option in cases where minimal effective agents remain.
The Effects of Naturalization and Documentation Status on the Participation of Latino Immigrants

In recent decades, the number of immigrants in the U.S. has climbed dramatically. Research suggests that the foreign-born, and especially immigrants without citizenship rights, approach American politics with a great deal of uncertainty and ambivalence, which ultimately leads to disengagement from election-year politics, with potentially significant longer-term consequences. Using the 2012 Latino Immigrant National Election Study, a large nationally representative survey conducted in parallel with the 2012 American National Election Study, this paper examines this "disengagement hypothesis." We focus in particular on how formal civic status (i.e., whether an immigrant has citizenship rights, is a legal permanent resident, is a non-citizen but has some form of legal documentation, or is undocumented) influences involvement, both in electoral and non-electoral activities. Multivariate models of participation provide little support for the “disengagement hypothesis,” and for some modes of involvement, non-citizens are actually more engaged than naturalized citizens. This study adds to the growing body of work in political science on how governmental policies shape political behavior and public opinion.
The First 0.14-dB/km Loss Optical Fiber and its Impact on Submarine Transmission

We achieved the lowest-ever transmission losses of 0.1419 dB/km at 1560 nm wavelength and 0.1424 dB/km at 1550 nm in a Ge-free silica-core optical fiber. It was an improvement by 4 mdB/km from the previous record realized in 2015. The Ge-free silica core included fluorine co-doping, which helps to reduce disorder in the microscopic glass network structure that causes Rayleigh scattering loss without a significant increase in waveguide imperfection loss. A two-layered polymer coating with an inner layer having lower elastic modulus than before also contributed to the ultralow loss without influence of microbending loss increase even with an enlarged effective area of 147 μm2. The present fiber with ultralow loss and a large effective area benefits an ultralong haul optical transmission system including transoceanic submarine cable systems. We estimate system performance based on the fiber figure of merit theory that the present fiber enables a 0.10 bit/s/Hz increase in spectral efficiency or 7% reduction in the number of repeaters, compared to the previous record-loss fiber.
A Control-Based Modeling Approach for Simulating Reaction to Stress Interventions

A recent study showed that around 77% of the US population experiences regularly physiological symptoms of stress such as sleep deprivation, fatigue, and migraines and 73% psychological symptoms such anxiety, angry, and lack of focus. Thus, psychological stress remains an important issue of public health. In this paper, we propose a dynamical system based on control theory for simulating and testing the human reaction to stress interventions. We use the well-known analogy of a fluid reservoir or tank to model the user’s accumulation of stress. In this model, inputs correspond to stressors which increase the level of fluid, and the outputs correspond to interventions which release stress and drain the tank. Thus, we tackle the problem keeping a user’s healthy stress level by using a fuzzy logic approach. Through several examples and extensive simulations, we evaluate the performance of our proposed mechanism.
The Human Development Index: Objective Approaches (2)

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite social indicator/wellbeing index. Its intellectual/disciplinary roots lie in welfare economics, development economics, and the social indicators movement of the 1960s and 1970s. The objective of the HDI is to rank countries on a scale of human development conceptualized in terms of capabilities of humans within the countries to function. Because it seeks to be as inclusive as possible of the countries of the world, the general HDI is based on only four statistics measuring life expectancy, education, and income at the country level. The HDI and its associated Report have been calculated and published annually since 1990 by the United Nations Human Development Programme. In recent years, the general HDI has been supplemented with three specialized indices: (1) the Inequality-Adjusted HDI (IHDI); (2) the Gender Inequality Index (GII); and (3) the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).
Currently Inactive HELP Programs

A program was written [1] that uses laboratory data, ECG findings, pharmacy and drug interaction data, history, physical findings, and a knowledge base to monitor patients automatically for existing signs of, and predisposing factors to, digoxin intoxication. The program was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind study. Patients receiving a computer-generated alert were more likely to receive an appropriate physician action.
The Future of Phosphate Fibers

The future of phosphate fibers should be very bright when the patents on the composition expire in 1999. In the author’s mind there has never been a safety issue with phosphate fibers or any other inorganic phosphate that does not contain a toxic cationic or anionic function. Phosphates such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium, and hydrogen have never caused a problem of any type with perhaps the exception of renal stones. In this case it may be more of a condition than the cause of a condition. Urine is known to be saturated with respect to calcium phosphates. Some threshold agent or other mechanism that is poorly understood keeps kidneys from becoming completely calcified even in the healthiest of persons.
Pyridoxine-responsive Anemia: Influence of Tryptophan on Pyridoxine Responsiveness

This study presents evidence that the indolic amino acid, tryptophan, critically influences pyridoxine responsiveness in a patient with pyridoxine-responsive anemia. Continuing observations for 18 yr on this now 54-yr-old white man have shown responsiveness to oral crude liver extract and to pyridoxine. In addition, remissions of 8-mo duration followed oral administration of fractions of liver extract in doses of 2 mg daily. These nonprotein fractions contained acidic substances characterized as indoles. From 1959 to 1970, oral pyridoxine, in daily doses of 12.5 mg for 5 days, predictably produced prompt reticulocytosis, fall in serum iron content, and rise in hematocrit to nearly normal levels. Such responses to pyridoxine consistently lasted less than 2 mo. More recently, relative refractoriness to this dose of pyridoxine has developed. However, responsiveness has been restored by oral administration of I -tryptophan, 750 mg daily, an amount alone insufficient to maintain the hematocrit at optimal levels. These observations indicate relationships of tryptophan and pyridoxine in erythropoiesis that have not been recognized previously. Addition of I -tryptophan to the therapy of certain pyridoxine-responsive and other sideroblastic anemias might be considered.
Investigating the Accuracy, Precision, and Cooling Rate Dependence of Laboratory‐Acquired Thermal Remanences During Paleointensity Experiments

Author(s): Santos, Christeanne Nicole | Advisor(s): Tauxe, Lisa | Abstract: Magnetic field intensity is one of Earth's fundamental properties and its temporal behavior has implications in fields ranging from geodynamics to archeology. Thermal remanent magnetization (TRM) has the strongest theoretical basis of all the forms of natural remanent magnetization, and natural and archeological materials have been used to estimate paleointensities for decades. Although founded on sound theory for ideal samples (those that produce linear Arai plots), paleointensity estimation is challenging with non-ideal samples, which are more abundant in nature and widely used in experiments.We examined the behavior of natural samples using both original and laboratory- acquired TRMs during paleointensity experiments and characterized them based on proxies for domain state including curvature, k, and bulk domain stability parameters. We then investigated their capacity to retain a record of the magnetic field. Samples taken from previous experiments were separated into straight and curved groups representing single-domain-like from multi-domain-like remanences, respectively, based on a critical threshold value, k = 0.164.Specimens from the two sets were given a fresh TRM in a 70 μT laboratory field and subjected to an infield-zerofield, zerofield-infield (IZZI)-type paleointensity experiment. Straight specimens recovered the laboratory field with high precision while curved specimens produced more scattered results. However, both sets closely recovered the average laboratory field, which suggests that experiments containing a sufficient number of specimens can avoid large biases in the field estimate.We also found that the dependence of cooling rate on the laboratory TRM was significant in most samples. However, it did not depend on their inferred domain states and should be estimated for all samples whose cooling rates differ from the laboratory field. Our results confirm that while ideally behaved specimens can produce accurate and precise paleofield estimates, non-ideal, or curved, specimens produce more scattered, although unbiased, estimates.
Thin-Film Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells

Abstract In under a decade, progress in quantum dot (QD) solar cell design and fabrication have increased PbS QD solar cell efficiencies from 3% to 11.3%. Such solar cells based on colloidal quantum dots offer the potential for a higher limiting power conversion efficiency through the enhancement of multiple exciton generation (MEG). In the MEG process, one photon produces two or more excitons that can contribute to power generation when the photon energy exceeds the semiconductor bandgap. The efficiency of the MEG process has also increased through the design and fabrication of new nanostructures. The fast pace at which QD devices are improving and the potential for a higher limiting efficiency—as MEG can increase the limiting power conversion efficiency (PCE) for a single-junction solar cell from 33% to ~ 45%—demonstrate the large potential of these systems.
Maximizing gene expression on a plasmid using recombination in vitro

Recombination in vitro has been used to place one or more copies of a strong promoter, the lac promoter, at varying distances from the cl (repressor) gene of bacteriophage lambda on the E. coli plasmid pMB9. In all constructions, lambda repressor synthesis is driven wholly or predominantly by the inserted lac promoter. One of our fusions directs the synthesis of very high levels of lambda repressor. In this case, the fused DNA encodes a ribosome binding site which is a "hybrid" of lambda and lac sequences. In principle, this method of construction should elicit high levels of expression in E. coli of any gene, whatever its source. We also described strains with different sequence arrangements that, for reasons not completely understood, produce less repressor.
Association of Pediatric Patient Demographic Factors and Scar Anatomic Features With Scar Outcomes After Surgical Repair of Cleft Lip

ImportanceScar outcomes following cleft lip repair are an important component of pediatric patient and family satisfaction and indicate the need for future surgical interventions. ObjectiveTo asses...
TWO-DIMENSIONAL VIDEO ANALYSIS IS COMPARABLE TO 3D MOTION CAPTURE IN LOWER EXTREMITY MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT.

Background Although 3D motion capture is considered the "gold standard" for recording and analyzing kinematics, 2D video analysis may be a more reasonable, inexpensive, and portable option for kinematic assessment during pre-participation screenings. Few studies have compared quantitative measurements of lower extremity functional tasks between 2D and 3D. Purpose To compare kinematic measurements of the trunk and lower extremity in the frontal and sagittal planes between 2D video camera and 3D motion capture analyses obtained concurrently during a SLS. Study design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Twenty-six healthy, recreationally active adults volunteered to participate. Participants performed three trials of the single leg squat on each limb, which were recorded simultaneously by three 2D video cameras and a 3D motion capture system. Dependent variables analyzed were joint displacement at the trunk, hip, knee, and ankle in the frontal and sagittal planes during the task compared to single leg quiet standing. Results Dependent variables exhibited moderate to strong correlations between the two measures in the sagittal plane (r = 0.51-.093), and a poor correlation at the knee in the frontal plane (r = 0.308) at (p ≤ 0.05) All other dependent variables revealed non-significant results between the two measures. Bland-Altman plots revealed strong agreement in the average mean difference in the amount of joint displacement between 2D and 3D in the sagittal plane (trunk = 1.68 o, hip = 2.60 o, knee = 0.74 o, and ankle = 3.12 o). Agreement in the frontal plane was good (trunk = 7.92 °, hip = -8.72 o, knee = -6.62 o, and ankle = 3.03 °). Conclusion Moderate to strong relationships were observed between 2D video camera and 3D motion capture analyses at all joints in the sagittal plane, and the average mean difference was comparable to the standard error of measure with goniometry. The results suggest that despite the lack of precision and ability to capture rotations, 2D measurements may provide a pragmatic method of evaluating sagittal plane joint displacement for assessing gross movement displacement and therein risk of lower extremity injury. Level of evidence 3.
Feeling Manipulated: How Tip Request Sequence Impacts Customers and Service Providers?:

Technology is changing frontline service scripts. Businesses are now using mobile point-of-sale applications (e.g., Square) and mobile technology (e.g., iPad) to prompt customers for tips. Tip requ...
Compensation Method for High Voltage Switchgear Temperature Measuring System with Dual Surface Acoustic Wave Chip

The temperature measurement system for switch gear based on surface acoustic wave (SAW) is gradually mature. The feedback frequency of the SAW chip represents the temperature measured by the sensor. However there is a common issue that the SAW chip feedback frequency will appear a deviation in temperature measurement after running for a period. This paper firstly research on the phenomenon of frequency deviation, then provide a method to compensate this deviation. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show the effectiveness of this method.
The Lock-In Effect of the Capital Gains Tax: Some Time Series Evidence

This study presents time-series evidence indicating that capital gains taxation reduces the realization of capital gains. The "lock-in" effect is detectable once we divide individuals into categories on the basis of how much recent capital gains tax in- creases have affected them. Since the tax law changes, those individeals who are affected have realized significantly ldss capital gains relative to those not affected. This analysis, in `ddition to evidence fpom cross-sectional research reported in Feldstein and Yitzhaki (1978) and Feldstein, Slemrod and Qitzhaki (1978),indicates that estimates of the tax revenue change resulting from a reduction in capital gains taxation based on the assumption of unchanged realized gains may be misleading.
Hans Staden's True History: An Account of Cannibal Captivity in Brazil – By Hans Staden

Teachers and scholars of Brazilian history can rejoice that Hans Staden's True History is once again in print. This is one of only a handful of sixteenth‐century chronicles written by Europeans abo...
Chronic folic acid administration confers no treatment effects in either a high or low dose following unilateral controlled cortical impact injury in the rat.

Purpose Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health concern today and effective treatments must be developed in order to combat the numerous TBIs that occur each year. Multiple b-vitamins have been shown to have neuroprotective effects, however, folic acid (B9) has not been widely studied. The current study examined two different doses in a rodent model of controlled cortical impact (CCI) TBI. Methods Sham procedures or a unilateral parietal controlled cortical impact injury was induced. Rats were administered either vehicle or folic acid in an 80 μg/kg or 800 μg/kg dose. Rats were tested on the bilateral tactile adhesive removal task, rotarod task and the Morris water maze. Brains were examined to determine lesion size and neuronal loss. Results Neither of the folic acid-treated groups showed improvement on any behavioral task or anatomical measure post-CCI and the high dose group had increased neuronal loss compared to the vehicle. Administration of the high dose in sham animals resulted in some behavioral dysfunction and significant neuronal loss. Conclusions The results from this study suggest that folic acid may not represent an effective avenue for treatment and that higher doses may actually be detrimental following TBI.
Urban Policy: Does Political Structure Matter?

An interrupted time-series quasi-experiment is employed to test the basic hypothesis that reformed cities (with city manager, at-large elections, and nonpartisan ballots) tax and spend less than unreformed communities. Eleven cities with populations of 25,000 and above which significantly changed their political structure between 1948 and 1973 are compared with 11 matched control cities that made no changes. We found that over an 11-year period, variations in fiscal behavior were virtually unaffected by changes in city government structure.
Lessons of Burography

A burography is a description and analysis of the intersections of biography and bureaucracy that articulates the organizational experience and meaning from the actor's perspective. In this burography, the author discusses his experiences with and/or participant-observer study of bureaucracies in the U.S. Navy, public welfare agencies, evangelical organizations, movements on behalf of abused children and battered wives, and academia. Within the context of an organization, using biased or false reports in constructing official information is often considered a feature of organizational competence, based on one's understanding of the context. The process of critical reflection on the author's career has revealed to him that the motives for and results of his actions are more complex—and less completely altruistic—than previously imagined, both practically and morally.
P2-01-16: Dissecting the Cellular Mechanism of Induction and Sustenance of Dormancy by Rho GTPases in Breast Cancer.

Tumor dormancy has been a very real problem in breast cancer survivors where recurrences are common and usually fatal. Molecular mechanisms involved in this process are often poorly understood and are a hot spotin breast cancer research today. We have found that Rho GTPases, specifically RhoC, is hyperactivated in low metastatic dormant breast tumor cells while RhoA is downregulated. We also found RhoC causes phosphorylation of c-jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK) in these cells which in turn activates the process of autophagy, a possible mode of cell survival in dormant tumor cells. Modulating RhoC affected phosphorylation of JNK. Also, abrogating JNK by a pharmacological inhibitor SP600125 inhibited expression of the autophagy marker LC3B-II. Autophagy genes like Atg 5 and Atg 12 were expressed along with the autophagy marker LC3B-II. On inhibiting autophagy by a specific inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), cells did not readily undergo apoptosis but on stressing them doubly with LY294002, an inhibitor of Class I PI3K, along with 3-MA (inhibitor of Class III PI3K), significant number of dormant cells underwent apoptosis as observed by TUNEL staining. We also found that p190RhoGAP was activated in these dormant cells which may lead to the observed downregulation of RhoA activation levels. Involvement of beta-1 integrin along with c-src in activation of RhoC was observed in these dormant cells. We are in the process of further elucidating these signal transduction processes that might be involved in cellular dormancy of breast cancer. A better understanding of some of the cellular mechanisms of induction and sustenance of dormancy may aid in formulating therapies for annihilating these dormant tumor cells thus preventing the often fatal relapses in breast cancer survivors. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-16.
Differential response of miRNA-21 and its targets after traumatic brain injury in aging mice.

Abstract The present study investigated the possible role of miR-21, a miRNA that has known prosurvival function, in poor outcomes in the elderly following traumatic brain injury compared to adults. Controlled cortical impact injury was induced in adult (5–6 months) and aged (22–24 months) C57/BL6 mice. miR-21 and four of its targets (PDCD4, TIMP3, RECK, PTEN) were analyzed at 1, 3, 7 days post injury in samples of injured cortex using real-time PCR analysis. Basal miR-21 expression was higher in the aged brain than in the adult brain. In the adult brain, miR-21 expression increased in response to injury, with the maximum increase 24 hours after injury followed by a gradual decrease, returning to baseline 7 days post-injury. In contrast, in aged mice, miR21 showed no injury response, and expression of miR-21 target genes (PTEN, PDCD4, RECK, TIMP3) was up-regulated at all post injury time points, with a maximal increase at 24 hours post injury. Based on these results, we conclude that the diminished miR21 injury response in the aged brain leads to up-regulation of its targets, with the potential to contribute to the poor prognosis following TBI in aging brain. Therefore, strategies aimed at up-regulation of miR-21 and/or down regulation of its targets might be useful in improving outcomes in the elderly following TBI.
Quality assessment system for curved crystal X-ray optics

Doubly curved crystal X-ray optics provide intense focused monochromatic beams from laboratory X-ray tube sources. These optics are employed in crystallography and X-ray fluorescence systems and may find application to imaging. It is increasingly important to understand how optic defects impact performance for these systems. A simulation model was developed to assess the effects of misalignment and optic defects on system parameters such as intensity, beam size and resolution. Simulation results were compared to optics measurements. Rapid reproducible measurements of optics quality are important both for performing systematic studies of optics defects and for assessing individual optics. A simple operator-independent alignment technique was developed that was also beneficial in ensuring optimal beam intensity in analysis systems. The measurements and simulations were in good agreement and provided insight into essential optics parameters.
Rape Myths and Beyond: A Commentary on Edwards and Colleagues (2011)

This article comments on Edwards et al. (2011) who review the state of the current literature on rape myths, defined as “prejudicial, stereotyped or false beliefs about rape, rape victims, and rapists” (Burt 1980; p. 217). I argue that while studying rape myths is important to understanding the persistence of sexual assault against women in Western societies, other factors that contribute to this problem need to be considered. Specifically, I focus on the importance of examining societal messages regarding women’s sexuality, as well as examining how individuals conceptualize and define rape more broadly. I conclude by discussing directions for moving toward producing real changes in the prevalence of sexual violence as well as ways to intervene more effectively with victims of sexual violence.
STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF CHARGED MACROMOLECULES : MINIMAL REPRESENTATION OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Structures and functions of various biological macromolecules at cellular levels are controlled by electrostatic, excluded-volume, macromolecular topological connectivity, and hydrodynamic forces. Some aspects of these challenging issues will be addressed. Specifically we will focus our discussions on (a) pattern recognition by macromolecules and complexation, (b) coupling between conformational transitions and phase transitions, (c) chromosomal condensation, (d) collective behavior of charged macromolecules in crowded environments, (e) coupled dynamics of macromolecular assemblies in charged solutions, and (f) polymer transport through pores. Even the simpler synthetic systems exhibit many puzzles which will be resolved using our theoretical formulation. In addition to exploring an understanding of biological processes, the context of fabrication of new synthetic materials will be remarked.
The lattice Gel'fand-Dikii hierarchy

Using the direct linearization method the authors construct lattice versions of the hierarchy of Gel'fand-Dikii equations, the first members being the lattice KdV equation and the lattice Boussinesq equation. The (local) initial value problem on the lattice of this family of equations is formulated, giving rise to integrable multi-dimensional mappings. The involutivity of the invariants of these mappings is established on the basis of a novel classical tau -matrix structure.
Postglacial changes in El Niño and La Niña behavior

Paleoclimate reconstructions suggest distinctive changes in the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the dominant mode of tropical climate variability, over the last glacial cycle and throughout the Holocene. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies provide parallel reconstructions of warm (El Nino) and cold (La Nina) phase variability, thus precluding distinction between variations in ENSO activity and the mean state of the tropical Pacific. Here we provide the first such records, generated using molecular organic geochemical proxies in a sediment core from the Peru margin region. The opposing influences of El Nino and La Nina on coastal upwelling and phytoplankton community structure produce distinct sedimentary sterol records describing the evolution of each ENSO phase. We document changes in surface ocean productivity on the Peru margin over the past 16 ka that indicate enhanced La Nina–like conditions alone during deglaciation, but concomitant increases in both El Nino and La Nina activity during the past 2 ka. We propose that the preponderance of La Nina–like conditions prior to 11.5 ka reflects the influence of waning glacial boundary conditions. By contrast, warm and cold phase covariability during the late Holocene suggests centennial-scale changes in ENSO activity, rather than the Pacific mean state, driven by tropical insolation.