cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Dual-Polarized 2–18-GHz Vivaldi Array for Airborne Radar Measurements of Snow

This communication presents the experimental results of a ultrawideband 2–18-GHz dual-polarized Vivaldi antenna array for airborne radar measurements of snow. The antenna design is based on the previously reported all-metal flared-notch array by Kindt and Pickles for operation over the frequency range 0.7–9 GHz. An antenna array prototype consisting of $8 \times 8$ active dual-polarized elements was fabricated with precise aluminum machining and tested in the anechoic chamber. Beamsteering upto 30° was experimental demonstrated from 2 to 18 GHz. The measurement results are in a good agreement with the full-wave simulation results in both polarization configurations. Preliminary sample results from data collected using the Vivaldi array are also presented. The antenna array enables full polarimetric measurements of snow-over-sea-ice for estimating the snow-water-equivalent (SWE), as well as fine-resolution mapping of snow-air and snow-ice interfaces for estimating thickness.
A Computational Approach for a Wireless Power Transfer Link Design Optimization Considering Electromagnetic Compatibility

This paper presents an electromagnetic-artificial intelligence design optimization approach of a wireless power transfer link (WPTL). Electromagnetic solutions from a 3-DFE model of the WPTL were utilized to minimize the field signature around each design while maintaining high efficiency. The reduced field signatures around the WPTL would enable the achievement of designs that are in accordance with international electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards such as international commission on non-ionizing radiation protection guidelines with respect to public exposure levels of EM signatures below 27 $\mu \text{T}$ . As the optimization process involved utilizing a large number of fitness function evaluations, numerous 3-DFE solutions were required increasing the computational burden. Artificial neural networks were developed, trained, and used to produce the required equivalent 3-DFE solutions to evaluate the fitness function. As a result, this process significantly reduced the computational time by nearly 90%. The genetic algorithm-based optimization process yielded the desired results of electromagnetically compatible WPTL designs at the early development stage satisfying EMC standards.
Role of thioctic acid in the transfer of acyl groups.

SummaryWhen examined in a purified oxidase preparation from the ciliate Tetrahyvzelza pyrijormis S, thioctic acid is required for acyl transfer from pyruvate and z-ketoplutarate, but not for oxidative activity as measured by reduction of 2,6-dichlorohenolindophenol. 2. The end product of the oxidative phase of pyruvate metabolism is acetate. However, a small amount of acetaldehyde is formed from pyruvate via a side reaction. It is probable that the product of z-ketoglutarate oxidation is succinate and that succinic semialdehyde is formed as a side reaction of this oxidation. 3. Thioctic acid is not required for the acetylation of sulfanilamide from acetyl~ Co A.
Acoustic Efficiency of Tensile Fracture in Glass

When glass is fractured under tension, much of the applied elastic strain energy (80 percent or more) is converted into acoustic energy.
Growth Stimulating Effect of Soybean Oil and Unextracted Soybean Flakes in Chick Rations

Abstract A marked growth stimulating effect of certain fats in purified chick diets has been reported by Rand et al. (1958), and Dam et al. (1959). The latter workers have also shown that soybean oil, effective in purified diets, produces a significant improvement of growth rate when added to a ration composed of practical feedstuffs and typical of those used in commercial broiler production. Further studies in this laboratory have been conducted to investigate the use of heat-treated ground soybeans as a source of soybean oil for improving growth on practical rations, but without success (Norris et al., 1958). A possible explanation of these findings has been found in other work (Renner and Hill, 1959) in which the metabolizable energy of heated ground soybeans was substantially less than that expected from prior knowledge of the values of soybean oil meal and soybean oil, due to poor digestibility of the oil in …
Single and pairwise motion of particles near an ideally polarizable electrode.

Single-particle longitudinal motion and pairwise lateral motion was investigated while the particles were excited by an oscillating electric field directed normally to an electrode proximate to the particles. The electrode was polarized over a range of potential insufficient to drive electrochemical reactions, a range called the “ideally polarizable region”. The particles’ motion was qualitatively dependent on the choice of electrolyte despite the absence of electrochemical reactions. As when electrochemical reactions were not explicitly excluded, the phase angle θ between particle height and electric field correlated with the particlesʼ separation or aggregation during excitation. A simple harmonic oscillator model of the particles’ response, including colloidal and hydrodynamic forces and including the Basset force not previously cited in this context, showed how θ can increase from 0° at low frequencies, cross 90° at ∼100 Hz, and then increase to 180° as frequency was increased. The model captured the ...
Circulation of Blood in Wings and Wing Pads of the Cockroach, Periplaneta Americana Linn

It has been recognized for over a hundred years that blood (hemolymph) circulates within the insect body. One problem of circulation about which there yet seems to be a diversity of opinion is that of blood circulation in wing and elytron. This paper is a report of results obtained with a simple but effective method of studying the scheme of blood circulation in the elytra, wings and wing pads of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana .
Journalistic Licensing as a Balance to Open-Source Journalism Practices

Copyright: © 2012 Dillon J. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. At the risk of oversimplification, “open-source journalism” can be thought of as the technique of newsgathering, fact-checking, and news dissemination on the part of a wide variety of people, without necessary application of some stringent rules of Western journalism. Whereas news gathering has long been the domain of trained news reporters and editors -with the goal of presentation of objective facts -today’s Internet environment includes bloggers and pundits whose main sourcing of information may well be borrowed or presented with a subjective agenda [1].
Epidemic situation analysis on tuberculosis from 1990 to 2013 in Huangpu District of Shanghai

[Objective] To investigate epidemic characteristics of tuberculosis( TB) in Huangpu District of Shanghai,and evaluate the effects of its prevention and control. [Methods] Ecology research method was used to analyze epidemic characteristics of TB from 1990 to 2013 in Huangpu District.[Results] In 1990- 2013,the average incidence rate of TB was 37. 37 /105,showing a trend of gradual decline as a whole and the average death rate was 0. 47 /105. The incidence rate in elderly males aged over65 was the highest. Those with the highest morbidity were accordingly retirees,workers,housekeeping and the unemployed. [Conclusion] The overall effect of control of TB was obvious in Huangpu District from1990 to 2013. While public 's lack of knowledge and awareness,non-standard cure,high rate of drug resistance and large numbers of floating population posed challenge for prevention and control. TB cure and control still need to be improved.
Visualization of electrical field of electrode using voltage-controlled fluorescence release

In this study we propose an approach to directly visualize electrical current distribution at the electrode-electrolyte interface of a biopotential electrode. High-speed fluorescent microscopic images are acquired when an electric potential is applied across the interface to trigger the release of fluorescent material from the surface of the electrode. These images are analyzed computationally to obtain the distribution of the electric field from the fluorescent intensity of each pixel. Our approach allows direct observation of microscopic electrical current distribution around the electrode. Experiments are conducted to validate the feasibility of the fluorescent imaging method. We developed a method to image electrical current distribution of electrode.We coated electrode with voltage-controlled fluorescent tracer.Current distribution was observed by high-speed imaging after tracer release.A computational method was derived to calculate the distribution from acquired images.
Evolution of neuropeptide concepts illustrated by MIF-1 and MSH

Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) release-inhibiting factor (MIF)-1 is a tripeptide mainly produced by the hypothalamus. Since its discovery in 1968, MIF-1 has invoked a rich body of literature elucidating its biochemical properties, cellular actions, effects on animal behavior, and therapeutic potential in the human disorders Parkinson’s disease and mental depression. The chemical synthesis of MIF-1 analogs and isolation of naturally occurring peptides with potent biological activities have yielded a family of Tyr-MIF-1 peptides. Among these, endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 show selective agonistic activity for the µ-opiate receptor and therapeutic potential in pain and addiction. Overall, the structural-functional analyses of MIF-1 and other members in this peptide family during the past four decades clearly demonstrate the evolution of the concepts of peptides during our lifetime. This review will summarize some of the concepts, from their initial controversy to widely accepted facts nowadays.
Determining barriers to creating an enabling environment in Cambodia: results from a baseline study with key populations and police

Introduction : Cambodian law enforcement’s limited acceptance of harm reduction has hindered HIV program effectiveness. With funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, FHI 360 supported the Ministry of Interior to implement the Police Community Partnership Initiative (PCPI) in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh. To guide this, FHI 360 conducted a baseline study examining police and key populations’ attitudes and practices towards one another, including fear and occurrence of arrest. Methods: Between December 2012 and January 2013, a cross-sectional survey of 199 police post officers, 199 people who use drugs (PWUD) including people who inject drugs (PWID), 199 men who have sex with men (MSM), 200 transgender women (TGW) and 200 female entertainment workers (FEW) was conducted in five Phnom Penh districts. Eligible participants were ≥18 years, members of a key population from selected hotspots or police officers, deputy chiefs or chiefs. Results: Key populations’ median age was 25 years (IQR: 22–30); 40% had completed only primary school. Police were male (99.5%), with median age 43 years (IQR: 30 to 47), and 45 and 25% high school and university completion rates, respectively. Key populations feared arrest for carrying needles and syringes (67%), condoms (23%) and 19% felt afraid to access health services. Close to 75% of police reported body searching and 58% arresting key populations in the past six months for using drugs (64%), selling or distributing drugs (36%) or being violent (13%). Self-reported arrests (23% PWUD, 6% MSM, 6% TGW, 12% FEW; p <0.05), being verbally threatened (45% PWUD, 21% MSM, 25% TGW, 27% FEW; p <0.001) and body searched (44% PWUD, 28% MSM, 23% TGW, 8% FEW; p <0.001) was significantly higher among PWUD than other key populations. The majority (94%) of police believed arrest was an appropriate solution to reduce HIV and drug use and reported selling sex (88%) and carrying needles and syringes (55%) as valid reasons for arrest. Conclusions: Key populations’ fear of accessing harm reduction and health services and police’s negative attitudes and practices towards key populations present major barriers to HIV prevention efforts in Cambodia. To create an enabling environment and ensure police are allies in the Cambodian HIV response, interventions should tackle underlying negative attitudes among police towards key populations and vice versa. Keywords: key populations; enabling environment; police; law enforcement; harm reduction; drugs; sex work; HIV. (Published: 18 July 2016) Citation: Schneiders ML and Weissman A. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2016, 19(Suppl 3) :20878 http://www.jiasociety.org/index.php/jias/article/view/20878 | http://dx.doi.org/10.7448/IAS.19.4.20878
Effects of Polymer Conjugation on Hybridization Thermodynamics of Oligonucleic Acids.

In this work, we perform coarse-grained (CG) and atomistic simulations to study the effects of polymer conjugation on hybridization/melting thermodynamics of oligonucleic acids (ONAs). We present coarse-grained Langevin molecular dynamics simulations (CG-NVT) to assess the effects of the polymer flexibility, length, and architecture on hybridization/melting of ONAs with different ONA duplex sequences, backbone chemistry, and duplex concentration. In these CG-NVT simulations, we use our recently developed CG model of ONAs in implicit solvent, and treat the conjugated polymer as a CG chain with purely repulsive Weeks–Chandler–Andersen interactions with all other species in the system. We find that 8–100-mer linear polymer conjugation destabilizes 8-mer ONA duplexes with weaker Watson–Crick hydrogen bonding (WC H-bonding) interactions at low duplex concentrations, while the same polymer conjugation has an insignificant impact on 8-mer ONA duplexes with stronger WC H-bonding. To ensure the configurational spa...
Literary Coteries of Mary Sidney Herbert, Countess of Pembroke and William Herbert, Third Earl of Pembroke

Coteries, as well as circles and networks, are formative to the act of writing. If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a Penshurst to write an Arcadia. One of the most known of these literary societies in the late sixteenth century was gathered around Mary Sidney Herbert, Countess of Pembroke, and was described thus by John Aubrey: 'In her time Wilton House was like a college, there were so many learned and ingenious persons. She was the greatest patroness of wit and learning of any lady in her time'.1 Her major activity as a patron began after the death of her brother Philip in 1586 and ended at her husband’s death in 1601. At that time her son William Herbert, as the third Earl of Pembroke, became master of Wilton House. Aubrey describes his patronage in similarly hyperbolic terms: 'He was the greatest Maecenas to learned men of any peer of his time or since. He was very generous and open handed'.2 This essay takes as its topic the literary societies surrounding the Countess of Pembroke and then her son, the third Earl of Pembroke, to consider their structure and purposes, the social dynamics that led to the production of texts within them, and the extent to which the term “coterie” may usefully apply.
Computational Issues in the Robust Stability Analysis and Design of Interval Paramater Systems

Abstract This paper addresses the computational issues related to computing a bound on the size of structured real parameter perturbations under which a nominally stable matrix remains stable. First, a computationally more efficient method is presented for computing existing bounds, requiring less time and storage than other methods. Then the possibility of obtaining an extreme point solution for the case of checking the robust stability of 'Interval Matrices' is explored and the associated computational implications are discussed.
Comparing Visual and Digital Counting Methods to Estimate Horn Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Populations on Cattle.

Horn fly, Haematobia irritans (L.), population estimates often serve as a diagnostic tool prior to implementing managerial control options available to researchers and producers. Digital photographs taken of cattle infested with horn flies have been suggested to provide similarly accurate population estimates as compared with traditional visual assessments. The objective of this study was to compare visual and digital techniques used to estimate horn fly populations. Sixteen Angus × Hereford yearling heifers artificially infested with four levels of horn flies (Low = 0 flies; Medium = 250 flies; High = 500 flies; Extreme = 1,000 flies) were evaluated. Population estimates were taken visually by experienced (VE1) and inexperienced (VE2) technicians, as well as digitally, with photographs taken on both lateral sides of the south-facing animal. Horn flies were counted in both photographs and combined (CDC) for full body estimates. In addition, the highest photographed side population times two (DDC) was used for comparison. Estimations were made at 0700, 1200, and 1900 h the day following infestation. A time of observation × infestation level interaction (P < 0.01) was detected. On average, VE1 population estimates were greater (P < 0.01) than any other counting method observed. Morning estimates were greater (P < 0.05) than those taken at noon or in the early evening regardless of counting method. Further research regarding the standardization of these techniques to ensure more accurate population estimates is needed before these methods can be incorporated into integrated pest management programs.
Airgap-less electric motor: A solution for high-torque low-speed applications

This paper proposes a new category of electric motors able to generate high torque with reduced volume, i.e., high torque density. Such a new design is denominated as an airgapless electrical motor since the rotor touches the stator as it spins. Due to its zero airgap, the proposed motor will maximize the generated torque, allowing such type of motors to be competitive in applications where hydraulic motors are prevalent, i.e., low-speed and high-torque requirements. Unlike hydraulic motor systems that face two major problems with their braking system and also with low efficiency due to a large number of energy conversion stages (i.e., motor-pump, hydraulic connections and the hydraulic motor itself), the proposed electric motor converts electrical energy directly to mechanical energy with no extra braking system necessary and with higher efficiency. A proof-of-concept electric motor prototype along with its drive system is built to validate the theoretical assumptions proposed in this paper.
Suction and Blowing Flow Control on Airfoil for Drag Reduction in Subsonic Flow

Lift force is produced from a pressure difference between the pressures acting in upper and lower surfaces. Therefore, flow becomes detached from the surface of the airfoil at separation point and form vortices. These vortices affect the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil in term of lift and drag coefficient. Therefore, this study is investigating the effect of suction and jet blowing in boundary layer separation control on NACA 0012 airfoil in a subsonic wind tunnel. The experiment examined both methods at the position of 25% of the chord-length of the airfoil at Reynolds number 1.2 × 105. The findings show that suction and jet blowing affect the aerodynamic performance of NACA 0012 airfoil and can be an effective means for boundary layer separation control in subsonic flow.
Role of Chronic Suprapubic Tube in the Management of Radiation Induced Urethral Strictures

AbstractIntroduction: We examined the role of chronic suprapubic tube drainage in patients with radiation induced urethral stricture disease.Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing evaluation and treatment of radiation induced urethral stricture. Differences in patient and stricture characteristics among those treated with chronic suprapubic tube vs urethral reconstruction were evaluated.Results: Among 75 patients who received suprapubic tube for radiation induced urethral stricture 37 (49%) selected chronic suprapubic tube and 38 (51%) ultimately underwent urethroplasty. Mean age was 70.9 years and mean followup was 25.3 months after suprapubic tube placement. Preoperative stress urinary incontinence improved after suprapubic tube placement in 20 of 33 (61%) patients. Accordingly, men with stress urinary incontinence were significantly more likely to be treated with chronic suprapubic tube (73%) compared to those proceeding to reconstruction (27%, p <0.001). Among those with ...
Predicting Intelligibility Deficit in Dysphonic Speech with Cepstral Peak Prominence.

Objectives:The aim of this study was to examine the potential of cepstral peak prominence (CPP) for predicting the intelligibility deficit in dysphonic speech.Methods:Sentences from Hearing-in-Noise Test were recorded from 18 speakers with dysphonia and 18 speakers with normal voice. These samples were presented to 60 adults with normal hearing in quiet and noise at signal to noise ratio of +0 dB. Intelligibility was measured by orthographic transcription. Cepstral peak prominence was measured for all samples. Correlation between CPP and intelligibility score was examined.Results:Intelligibility was significantly lower in dysphonic speech than normal speech in the presence of background noise. The correlation between CPP and intelligibility score was moderate when the intelligibility scores were averaged per speaker.Conclusions:Cepstral peak prominence only moderately predicts intelligibility deficit in dysphonic speech. Accordingly, CPP alone is not sufficient for describing the deficit.
Conscious Perception of Facial Asymmetry in a Unilateral Cleft Lip Model.

Objective:Lip asymmetry after a unilateral cleft lip repair can be perceived as an unsatisfactory result. The objective of this study is to determine the degree of upper lip asymmetry and/or nasal alar hooding required for recognition of asymmetry in a simulated model of unilateral cleft lip.Design:A model of unilateral cleft lip was created using digital morphing software to simulate asymmetries in vermilion height and nasal hooding in photographs of children. Volunteers were shown photographs for different time intervals and with varying degrees of asymmetry. Ability to detect facial asymmetry was recorded and analyzed.Setting:This study was conducted by surveying layperson volunteers in public community settings.Participants:108 layperson volunteers were randomly surveyed.Main Outcome Measures:The primary outcome measure was a reported lip or nose asymmetry by the volunteers. Proportions and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were obtained to estimate the probability of reporting an asymmetry at 3-...
Rapid and Dense 3D Vibration Measurement by Three Continuously Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometers

This paper presents an investigation of rapid and dense three-dimensional (3D) vibration measurement by three continuously scanning laser Doppler vibrometers (CSLDVs) in a synchronously scanning mode, which means that three laser spots from three CSLDVs continuously move along the same scan trajectory and synchronously measure vibration of the same point on a surface. Three CSLDVs, i.e., Top, Left, and Right CSLDVs, are from a Polytec PSV-500-3D system and input signals to scan mirrors of each CSLDV are controlled by a dSPACE MicroLabBox control unit. The whole system is called a 3D-CSLDV system. Rotation angles of scan mirrors of Left and Right CSLDVs can be obtained from those of the Top CSLDV based on positional relations among three CSLDVs. With the proposed methodology, three laser spots from three CSLDVs can continuously move in a synchronously scanning mode. An experiment is conducted to obtain 3D operational deflecting shapes (ODSs) of a composite plate in a measurement coordinate system (MCS) by a 3D-CSLDV system. Results of 3D ODSs in the MCS are in good agreement with those from a PSV-500-3D system in a step scanning mode.
Factors Associated With Medication Beliefs in Patients With Cancer: An Integrative Review.

Problem identification Medication beliefs are linked to medication adherence in cancer treatment. Oral cancer treatments are increasing, making patients responsible for self-managing medication at home. Literature search A literature search was performed using CINAHL®, PubMed, and PsycINFO. Included studies were published in English from 2000-2017 and examined medication beliefs among participants aged 18 years or older who were prescribed cancer medication. Data evaluation Articles were organized by study design, how medication beliefs were measured, and whether psychometric testing was evaluated. Articles were scored to indicate rigor of medication belief measurements. Themes of factors associated with medication beliefs were compiled. Synthesis The review represented several cancer and cancer medication types. Various methods were used to elicit medication beliefs. Medication beliefs influence decisions to initiate or continue cancer medications, and those beliefs are multifaceted. Nurses have a critical role in evaluating and supporting facilitative medication beliefs. Implications for research Nurses can address medication beliefs and clarify treatment misconceptions. Understanding factors influencing medication beliefs can inform future interventions to improve adherence and symptom management.
Climate Vulnerabilities of the Poultry Industry

Substantial changes in poultry production may be observed as a result of climate effects. Adaptation mechanisms include strategies to adopt new feeds, animal genetics that produce a more heat tolerant and pest resistant bird, management protocols to avoid pest and disease risks, and changes to animal housing to accommodate heat loads and environmental pressures. Mitigation strategies offer the benefit of decreasing the poultry sector’s contribution to changing climate.
Nutrition studies in the Nauplius larva of Calanus pacificus (Copepoda: Calanoida)

Nauplii of Calanus pacificus were raised on a mixture of algae. Details of the mouth-parts, such as denticles, labial palps and lobes, setations and structure of the masticatory teeth were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under the experimental conditions (15°C and 300 μgC l-1), exponential growth coefficients for the period Nauplii II–VI were 0.179 for carbon and 0.228 for nitrogen. C:N ratios dropping from 5.1 to 4.7. Growth was isochronous, each stage lasting 1.5 days. Respiratory losses were 15 to 19.6% of body carbon daily. Nauplii raised on a given alga showed higher rates of ingestion in the presence of this food, compared to nauplii switched to other algae. Minimal threshold concentrations for feeding were found, depending on the size of the food offered and ranging from 5.8 μgC I-1 for Lauderia borealis (28.7 μm spherical diameter) to 47.1 μgC 1-1 for Chlamydomonas sp. (11.0 μm). Unlike the Copepodite I stage, Nauplii II–VI larvae were not able to ingest small cells such as Isochrysis galbana (4.3 μm), or very large ones such as Ditylum brightwellii (47.5 μm) at more than maintenance rations. Below the critical concentration for maximal feeding, ingestion was clearly dependent on size of the cells offered, but the size-dependent relationship was different for diatoms and non-diatoms. Filtering rates increased from a threshold concentration to a maximal rate at about 50 μgC 1-1, and decreased at higher concentrations. Critical concentrations ranged from 125 μgC 1-1 for L. borealis to 1000 μgC 1-1 for Chlamydomonas sp. Maximal daily rations ranged between 100 and 150% of body carbon.
The Relationship between Religiosity, PTSD, and Depressive Symptoms in Veterans in PTSD Residential Treatment

Veterans who have experienced traumatic events may develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. These traumatic experiences and their sequelae can lead Veterans to question their re...
Distribution of the Chlorophylls

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the distribution of the chlorophylls. The distribution of the different chlorophylls among the various divisions of organisms that carry out photosynthesis with evolution of oxygen follows a regular and evolutionary conservative pattern that, with a few exceptions, corresponds to that found in the classification of these organisms by other taxonomic criteria. By contrast, the photosynthetic bacteria have a much more irregular pattern of chlorophyll distribution. Different chlorophylls may even be found in different isolates of what has been considered the same species. The principal problem at present in studies of chlorophyll distribution, both in bacteria and in higher organisms, appears to be the relation of the various isomeric forms of the chlorophylls, and of the chlorophyll derivatives, found in extracts to the functional pigments of the living cell. As there are pronounced variations in the absorption bands of the chlorophylls in different organisms, careful comparative studies should make it possible to decide whether these isomers and derivatives are responsible for the variations in chlorophyll absorbance in vivo and for some of the functionally different chlorophyll complexes of photosynthetic organisms.
Examination of Ferrochelatase Mutations That Cause Erythropoietic Protoporphyria

Ferrochelatase (E.C. 4.99.1.1), the enzyme that catalyzes the terminal step in the heme biosynthetic pathway, is the site of defect in the human inherited disease erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). Previously it has been demonstrated that patients with EPP may have missense mutations leading to amino acid substitutions, early chain termination, or exon deletions. While it has been clearly demonstrated that two missense mutations result in lowered enzyme activity, it has never been shown what effect specific exon deletions may have. In the current work, recombinant human ferrochelatase has been engineered to have individual exon deletions corresponding to exons 3 through 11. When expressed in Escherichia coli, none of these possesses significant enzyme activity and all lack the [2Fe-2S] cluster. One of the human missense mutations, F417S, and a series of amino acid replacements at this site (ie, F417W, F417Y, and F417L) were examined. With the exception of F417L, all lacked enzyme activity and did not contain the [2Fe-2S] cluster in vivo or as isolated in vitro.
Physician-Reported Benefits and Barriers to Clinical Implementation of Genomic Medicine: A Multi-Site IGNITE-Network Survey

Genetic medicine is one of the key components of personalized medicine, but adoption in clinical practice is still limited. To understand potential barriers and provider attitudes, we surveyed 285 physicians from five Implementing GeNomics In pracTicE (IGNITE) sites about their perceptions as to the clinical utility of genetic data as well as their preparedness to integrate it into practice. These responses were also analyzed in comparison to the type of study occurring at the physicians’ institution (pharmacogenetics versus disease genetics). The majority believed that genetic testing is clinically useful; however, only a third believed that they had obtained adequate training to care for genetically “high-risk” patients. Physicians involved in pharmacogenetics initiatives were more favorable towards genetic testing applications; they found it to be clinically useful and felt more prepared and confident in their abilities to adopt it into their practice in comparison to those participating in disease genetics initiatives. These results suggest that investigators should explore which attributes of clinical pharmacogenetics (such as the use of simplified genetics-guided recommendations) can be implemented to improve attitudes and preparedness to implement disease genetics in care. Most physicians felt unprepared to use genetic information in their practice; accordingly, major steps should be taken to develop effective clinical tools and training strategies for physicians.
Investigating the photodissociation of H2O2 using frequency modulation laser absorption spectroscopy to monitor radical products

Abstract The photodissociation of H2O2 dilute in argon at 193 nm has been investigated using near infrared frequency modulation laser absorption spectroscopy on selected rotational lines of the OH vibrational overtone bands between 6500 and 7100 cm−1 to detect the OH and HO2 radical products with the same laser. Sequential OH and HO2 time-dependent profiles have been measured at room temperature and total pressures ranging from 3 to 56 Torr. Kinetic analysis gives the product distribution following H2O2 photolysis of (82 ± 1) % OH and (18 ± 1) % HO2 under the present conditions, in excellent agreement with previously reported measurements.
Sophie's Low Blood Sugar

Having been a type 1 diabetic nearly my entire life, I was inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book for diabetics age six and under called ‘Sophie’s Low Blood Sugar’. This age group is seeing the largest rise in type 1 diagnoses but most of the related education materials are focused on parents. My goal is to engage type 1 diabetic children in their own diabetes care, help them identify tools they can use to manage their diabetes, as well as provide them a protagonist with whom they can relate.
Hybrid Cells for Multi-Layer Prepreg Composite Sheet Layup

We propose a hybrid human-robot cell for reducing labor in multi-layer prepreg composite sheet layup process. The human expert performs initial experiments to assess the process sequence, and the direction of the layup. The expert knowledge is then transferred to the system in the form of high level commands which are converted into low-level collision free trajectories for the robots in the cell. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of the composite sheet layup using the robotic manipulators along with the design of end-effector tools that are used during the layup process. We give a comparison between manual and hybrid cell for execution times in different steps involved. Finally, we give an overview of process consistency benefits of the hybrid cell.
Looking at Men: An Approach to the Perception that Male and Female University Students of Primary and Nursery Education Have about Men

Los ultimos estudios e investigaciones ponen en evidencia el importante papel que el personal docente desempena desde el ambito escolar a la hora de abordar y contribuir a la consecucion de la equidad de genero, para lo cual resultan determinantes sus propias percepciones sobre masculinidad y feminidad. En este articulo se presentan los resultados de un trabajo de investigacion que, en torno a esta cuestion, se ha realizado con alumnado universitario de Educacion Infantil y Educacion Primaria del Centro Universitario La Salle-UAM, por su condicion de futuros referentes en la socializacion de la infancia asi como en la construccion de su identidad de genero, en el que se ha podido indagar acerca de tres cuestiones relevantes: el mantenimiento de determinadas concepciones hegemonicas acerca de la masculinidad, las valoraciones tanto positivas como negativas que de estas concepciones hacen tanto mujeres como hombres, y las vias y posibilidades para la superacion de las posiciones masculinas hegemonicas que causan mas rechazo tienen mucho que aportar.
Few-Layer Mote 2 Suspended Channel Transistors and Nanoelectromechanical Resonators

Molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe 2 ) is a rapidly emerging two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) layered material thanks to the features of low energy barrier for phase transition and the sizeable bandgap close to that of silicon (Si). These attractive features make it a focus of substantial research interest in future nanoelectronics. Here, we report on the first demonstration of few-layer MoTe2 suspended channel transistors (SCTs) and nanoelectromechanical resonators operating in the high frequency (HF) regime. MoTe 2 SCTs exhibit On/Off ratio levels at I On /I Off ≈ 104. We also present the passivation of MoTe 2 resonators by using hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) crystal, which essentially creates h-BN/MoTe 2 heterostructure bimorphs. Moreover, we investigate the electrical tuning of the resonator and observe resonance frequency tuning of Δf/f ≈ 13% by varying gate voltage (V G ) from 0 to −16V.
Examining sociopolitical elements of health system reform: The experience of Singapore and Taiwan

This essay suggests five sociopolitical dimensions that influence the success of health system reforms. It examines the experience of two high-income Asian countries, Singapore and Taiwan, and illustrates how these five dimensions matter. These five sociopolitical dimensions are public trust, perceived government performance, political legitimacy, equity/solidarity, and demand for choice. Public trust in government, perceived government performance, and the legitimacy of political authorities were necessary for governments in both countries to enact key reforms. Public perceptions of government capacity combined with public conceptions of equity were deliberated and clarified as stakeholders sought to reach consensus based on values upheld by segments of each society. Nevertheless, these elements alone are not enough to sustain major institutional reforms in light of ongoing social, political, and demographic changes. This essay provides a different approach to traditional policy cycle models and seeks to emphasize stewardship and governance in health systems.
A standardized head-fixation system for performing large-scale, in vivo physiological recordings in mice

BACKGROUND: The Allen Institute recently built a set of high-throughput experimental pipelines to collect comprehensive in vivo surveys of physiological activity in the visual cortex of awake, head-fixed mice. Developing these large-scale, industrial-like pipelines posed many scientific, operational, and engineering challenges. NEW METHOD: Our strategies for creating a cross-platform reference space to which all pipeline datasets were mapped required development of 1) a robust headframe, 2) a reproducible clamping system, and 3) data-collection systems that are built, and maintained, around precise alignment with a reference artifact. RESULTS: When paired with our pipeline clamping system, our headframe exceeded deflection and reproducibility requirements. By leveraging our headframe and clamping system we were able to create a cross-platform reference space to which multi-modal imaging datasets could be mapped. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS: Together, the Allen Brain Observatory headframe, surgical tooling, clamping system, and system registration strategy create a unique system for collecting large amounts of standardized in vivo datasets over long periods of time. Moreover, the integrated approach to cross-platform registration allows for multi-modal datasets to be collected within a shared reference space. CONCLUSIONS: Here we report the engineering strategies that we implemented when creating the Allen Brain Observatory physiology pipelines. All of the documentation related to headframe, surgical tooling, and clamp design has been made freely available and can be readily manufactured or procured. The engineering strategy, or components of the strategy, described in this report can be tailored and applied by external researchers to improve data standardization and stability.
Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in the Pathogenesis of Herpes Stromal Keratitis.

Purpose The goal of this study was to determine the role of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in the pathogenesis of herpes stromal keratitis (HSK). Methods In an unbiased approach, a membrane-based protein array was carried out to determine the level of expression of pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules in uninfected and HSV-1 infected corneas. Quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA assays were performed to measure the amounts of IGFBP-3 at mRNA and protein levels. Confocal microscopy documented the localization of IGFBP-3 in uninfected and infected corneal tissue. Flow cytometry assay showed the frequency of immune cell types in infected corneas from C57BL/6J (B6) and IGFBP-3 knockout (IGFBP-3-/-) mice. Slit-lamp microscopy was used to quantitate the development of opacity and neovascularization in infected corneas from both groups of mice. Results Quantitation of protein array dot blot showed an increased level of IGFBP-3 protein in HSV-1 infected than uninfected corneas and was confirmed with ELISA and quantitative RT-PCR assays. Cytosolic and nuclear localization of IGFBP-3 were detected in the cells of corneal epithelium, whereas scattered IGFBP-3 staining was evident in the stroma of HSK developing corneas. Increased opacity and hemangiogenesis were noted in the corneas of IGFBP-3-/- than B6 mice during the clinical period of HSK. Furthermore, an increased number of leukocytes comprising of neutrophils and CD4 T cells were found in HSK developing corneas of IGFBP-3-/- than B6 mice. Conclusions Our data showed that lack of IGFBP-3 exacerbates HSK, suggesting the protective effect of IGFBP-3 protein in regulating the severity of HSK.
“Caritas theory” as theological discourse within education in social work?

This study focuses on incorporating the field of Caritas Theory (from German “Caritaswissenschaft”), which concentrates on the theological reflection of Christian charity, into study programs in so...
CO and C3H6 poisoning of hydrogen permeation across Pd77Ag23 alloy membranes: A comparative study with pure palladium

Abstract In this work, we compare the poisoning (inhibiting) effects of CO and C3H6 on H2 permeation across Pd77Ag23 and Pd foil membranes under identical conditions to investigate the influence of alloying Pd with Ag on its sensitivity to poisoning by these contaminants. H2 flux measurements show that H2 permeation across Pd77Ag23 is significantly more sensitive to CO poisoning, but less sensitive to C3H6 poisoning, than Pd. CO inhibits H2 permeation across both Pd and Pd77Ag23 primarily by adsorbing on the membrane surfaces—exclusively on Pd atoms—and by blocking H2 dissociative adsorption at these sites. Density functional theory calculations show that CO binds more strongly to the Pd3Ag(1 1 1) surface, both bulk-terminated and Pd-terminated, than to the Pd(1 1 1) surface. Thus, H2 permeation across Pd77Ag23 is more sensitive to CO poisoning than Pd because there is a higher coverage of CO and fewer available sites for H2 adsorption than on Pd. C3H6 poisoning of H2 permeation across Pd77Ag23 and Pd is much more complex than CO poisoning and involves decomposition of C3H6 and deposition of at least four different carbonaceous species. In contrast to the CO site blocking mechanism, C3H6 poisoning of Pd and Pd77Ag23 is primarily an electronic effect where the carbonaceous deposits modify the electronic structure of the Pd77Ag23 and Pd surfaces making them less active for H2 dissociation. Thus, even though Pd77Ag23 accumulates ∼ 10 × more carbon during C3H6 exposure than Pd, due to the higher carbon solubility of Pd77Ag23, the Pd77Ag23 surface is more resistant to deactivation from carbon deposits than Pd. This work highlights the importance of benchmarking, which is surprisingly rare in the Pd-alloy membrane literature, but is critical for understanding alloying effects.
Patterns of Gastric Acid Secretion in Patients with Duodenal Ulcer: Correlations with Clinical and Personality Features

Summary Basal acid output (BAO), peak acid output (PAO), BAO:PAO ratio, and extent of inhibition of gastric acid secretion by medical vagotomy were determined in a small series of male patients with duodenal ulcer. In general, there was a lack of correlation between these measurements and independently assessed clinical and psychiatric features. A positive correlation between BAO and PAO was observed at all levels of secretion. When only those patients with very low or very high BAO were studied, depression was found to be the predominant characteristic among 8 patients with low BAO and low PAO while anxiety was the outstanding feature present in 8 patients with low BAO and high PAO. Inhibition of stimulated secretion by medical vagotomy was more marked among those patients with high BAO and high PAO. The results confirm the wide variation in gastric secretory patterns previously observed among duodenal ulcer patients.
Protecting Private Information in Online Social Networks

Because personal information can be inferred from associations with friends, privacy becomes increasingly important as online social network services gain more popularity. Our recent study showed that the causal relations among friends in social networks can be modeled by a Bayesian network, and personal attribute values can be inferred with high accuracy from close friends in the social network. Based on these insights, we propose schemes to protect private information by selectively hiding or falsifying information based on the characteristics of the social network. Both simulation results and analytical studies reveal that selective alterations of the social network (relations and/or attribute values) according to our proposed protection rule are much more effective than random alterations.
Homogeneous Systems of Equations in n-Space

The procedures that we used to solve homogeneous systems of linear equations can be modified to solve systems of equations that are not homogeneous. Once we have any one solution to an inhomogeneous system of linear equations, we will be able to obtain all other solutions just by adding the solutions to the associated homogeneous system of linear equations. In the case of 4-dimensional space, the geometric interpretation of the solution set of a homogeneous system in terms of lines, plane, and hyperplanes through the origin leads to a corresponding description of the solution sets of inhomogeneous systems as lines, planes, and hyperplanes not passing through the origin.
The Ultraviolet Surface Brightness of Reflection Nebulae and the Albedo of Interstellar Grains

Satellite observations of the Merope and Barnard’s Loop nebulae in the 1050 to 4250 A spectral region show that the increase in the albedo of interstellar grains below 2000 A occurs in individual reflection nebulae as well as in the general interstellar medium. Evidence for differences in the composition and size distribution of grains due to variations in the local radiation field is presented.
SU‐FF‐T‐208: Evaluation of a New Radiochromic Film/Flatbed Scanner System for Planar Clinical Dosimetry

Purpose: To assess the accuracy and practicality of using GAFCHROMIC® EBT Film in combination with an Epson flat‐bed scanner for the verification of advanced treatment techniques in radiation therapy. The combination of EBT with flat‐bed scanner may represent a low cost and convenient alternative to currently used dosimetry systems. Methods and Materials: First the scanner temporal stability and variability of light source over the scanning area was investigated. Next the dependence on color bit‐depth was investigated by conducting scans of the same film using different bit‐depth parameters. The dose response and stability of EBT film was investigated in the range 0 to 8Gy with 6MV photon beams, and a depth‐dose comparison was made using 16× electrons to known ion chamber measurements. Intra and inter‐batch film reproducibility was investigated as well as dependence of OD on temperature at irradiation over a range of 10°C. Results: The reproducibility of the Epson scanner was found to be highly stable, to within 1.01%, over all ranges of OD studied. A slight non‐uniformity in background was observed, but this background was consistent enabling efficient correction. 48‐bit color depth was adopted for all experiments. The dose response curve of EBT film was found to be non‐linear but stable (within 1.06%) from immediately after irradiation to within one week after irradiation. The electron PDD curve showed excellent agreement with clinical PDD tables at all depths with the linac data. A maximum intra‐batch OD difference of 1.88% was observed, while a maximum OD difference of 5.76% was observed for samples from the same batch. The temperature sensitivity was found to be small, with maximum difference of 1.03% in optical density over the range of 10°C. Conclusions: The Epson® 4990 Scanner/ GAFCHROMIC® EBT Film dosimetry combination appears an accurate and convenient dosimetry system for radiation therapy.