cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Robotic vs Conventional Thyroidectomy Approaches for Thyroid Disease

ObjectiveThis study compared postoperative technical, quality-of-life, and cost outcomes following either robotic or open thyroidectomy for thyroid nodules and cancer.Data SourcesPubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.Review MethodsWe examined relevant controlled trials, comparative effectiveness studies, and cohort studies for eligible publications. We calculated the pooled relative risk for key postoperative complications, mean differences for operative time, and standardized mean differences for length of stay (LOS) using random effects models. Quality-of-life outcomes were summarized in narrative form.ResultsThe meta-analysis comprised 11 studies with 726 patients undergoing robotic transaxillary or axillo-breast thyroidectomy and 1205 undergoing open thyroidectomy. There were no eligible cost-related studies. Mean operative time for robotic thyroidectomy exceeded open thyroidectomy by 76.7 minutes, while no significant difference in LO...
Spatial Scaling of End-stopped Perceptive Fields: Differences in Neural Bases of End-zones, Flanks and Centers

Abstract Length and width spatial interactions associated with a small test line centered on a rectangular background were measured at 0, 5 and 10 deg retinal eccentricities. Results indicated an elongated central region of summation with antagonistic flanks and end-zones comparable to earlier results [ Yu and Essock (1996) . Vision Research 36 , 2883–2896]. The extent of the end-zones, flanks and centers (length and width) exhibited significantly different spatial scaling, which was steepest for the end-zones ( E 2 = 0.45 deg), less steep for the flanks ( E 2 = 0.77 deg) and least steep for the centers ( E 2 = 2.05 deg). Perceptive fields measured with concentric circular stimuli showed center and surround scaling equivalent to center and flank scaling, respectively, in line target experiments. These results suggest that: (1) psychophysical end-stopping and flank-inhibition reflect different underlying cortical neural processes; and (2) the spatial interactions apparent on the conventional Westheimer paradigm are partly governed by cortical factors. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Conformational diastereoisomerism in a chiral pretzelane.

The introduction of a stereogenic center by a stereospecific synthesis into an optically active, donor–acceptor pretzelane, that exhibits helicity as well as fixed chirality, leads to a marked preference for one conformational diastereoisomer over the other in both acetone and dimethylsulfoxide that can be understood from computational models.
Postoperative Antibiotics Correlate with Worse Outcomes after Appendectomy for Nonperforated Appendicitis

Background Acute appendicitis remains the most common cause of acute abdominal pain necessitating operative intervention. Although postoperative antibiotics are universally used for perforated appendicitis, no consensus exists on whether postoperative antibiotics are beneficial for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) in nonperforated cases. We set out to determine how postoperative antibiotic therapy affects outcomes after appendectomy for nonperforated appendicitis. Study Design The medical records of 1,000 patients undergoing appendectomy for nonperforated appendicitis at The Mount Sinai Medical Center from January 2005 through July 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Results In total, 728 cases contained sufficient follow-up data for analysis; 334 of these patients received postoperative antibiotics and 394 did not. There were no significant differences in patient demographics, medical comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, admission temperature, preoperative antibiotic treatment, operating room time, estimated blood loss, appendiceal diameter, or intraoperative transfusion between the two groups, although WBC was higher for patients receiving postoperative antibiotics (12.3 vs 14 cells/mm 3 , p=0.001). Postoperative antibiotics did not alter the incidence of superficial SSIs, deep SSIs, or organ space SSIs (all p=0.1), but did correlate with higher rates of Clostridium difficile infection (p = 0.02), urinary tract infection (p = 0.05), postoperative diarrhea (p Conclusions Postoperative antibiotic treatment for nonperforated appendicitis did not reduce infectious complications and prolonged LOS while increasing postoperative morbidity. Therefore, postoperative antibiotics likely increase the treatment cost for nonperforated appendicitis while not adding an appreciable clinical benefit and, in some cases, actually worsening outcomes.
Long-range dipole-dipole interactions in a two-dimensional Heisenberg ferromagnet.

It has previously been suggested by Yafet, Kwo, and Gyorgy that dipole-dipole interactions can induce long-range ferromagnetic order in the infinitely extended, isotropic two-dimensional Heisenberg ferromagnet. A crucial, though problematic, step employed in this previous investigation is the long-wavelength expansion of certain dipole sums, which are treated in a continuum approximation by replacing the sums over atomic sites by integrals. Without appealing to a continuum approximation, we are able to derive the exact leading terms of the long-wavelength expansion of the dipole sums of a square lattice. We show that the earlier approximations of Yafet, Kwo, and Gyorgy are correct, apart from terms characteristic of the symmetry of the square lattice, which are unimportant to a spin-wave theoretic discussion of ferromagnetic order, such as considered by these earlier authors. Our result supports recent studies of the effect of dipole interactions in two-dimensional spin systems which have utilized the dipole sum approximations of Yafet and co-workers.
The Embodiment of Sound and Cohesion in Music

Is musical cohesion a function of structure, an interactive achievement, a combination of both, or something else? The author uses ethnographic field data to discuss the process of learning for novice musicians to identify quality of sound as it corresponds to particular bodily configurations, arguing that individual performers use a sound-bodydynamicto identify cohesionin a groupas anembodiedsound.The author concentrates on the earliest stages of practice among amateur taiko drummers, a Japanese style prominent in Japan and the United States, highlighting both individual learning and group interaction in ensemble performance.
First Report of Tomato ringspot virus in Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii).

Leaves displaying bright yellow or light green line pattern symptoms were collected from individual, large, mature buddleias in a home garden in Clemson, SC, a botanical garden in Knoxville, TN, and a container-grown plant on sale in a retail home and garden store in Seneca, SC. Buddleias grown in the southeastern United States frequently display virus-like symptoms, but the line pattern symptom displayed by these plants was atypical of the mosaic, mottling, and leaf deformation seen when buddleias are infected with Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) or Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) (2,4). Line pattern symptoms are frequently seen in woody species infected by ilarviruses or nepoviruses (2). No ilarviruses are reported to infect buddleia and only the nepovirus, Strawberry latent ringspot virus, which is restricted mainly to Europe, is reported to infect this species (1,2). The nepoviruses Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) and Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) are frequently found infecting plants of many species in the sout...
Q: What has Reform of Rape Legislation Wrought? A: Truth in Criminal Labelling

This article compares the impact of common law and reform rape legislation on prosecution, based on an analysis of 445 forcible and statutory rape cases in King County, Washington. In both types of cases, reform of the legal definition of rape resulted in (1) no change in the overall rates of convictions and pleas, although the new gradations of the crime led to more convictions and pleas labelled “rape” rather than some surrogate offense (e.g., assault), and (2) no change in the overall rate of charging, because the decision-making criteria used by prosecutors at their discretion have remained the same under both statutory schemes. Reform of the penalties for rape, adapted to the degrees of culpability, resulted in more certain but not necessarily more severe punishment, an outcome embraced by general deterrence theory. The conclusion is that the main impact of the statutory reform has been a symbolic and educative one for society at large, rather than an instrumental one for law enforcement. Implications are drawn from the results for the reformulation of rape law in terms of a well-reasoned principle of nonconsent, and for administrative policy in rape prosecutions based upon standards for the exercise of charging discretion.
Landau-level broadening and scattering time in modulation doped GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructures

Abstract Single particle relaxation time and the scattering time of the 2DEG in modulation doped GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure are measured by Ladau respectively, for samples with spacer layer thickness 1.5–500 nm. The results are compared with the recent calculations of Das Sarma and Stern and excellent agreement is obtained. When the excited subband is occupied under persistent photoconductive (PPC) conditions, the relaxation time for the excited subband was found to be nearly three times longer than that for the ground subbands. The results are interpreted in terms of screened remote impurity scattering.
Free-standing silicon ring resonator for low power optical bistability

We demonstrate low power optical bistability in a free-standing silicon ring resonator. The transmission exhibits hysteresis for 80 µW pump power, which is over an order of magnitude lower than similar unreleased ring resonators.
Major change in Atlantic Deep and bottom waters 700,000 yr ago: Benthonic foraminiferal evidence from the South Atlantic

Abstract In the modern South Atlantic the transition between deep water and bottom water is marked by a clear change in the associated benthonic foraminiferal fauna. uvigerina and Globocassidulina characterize oxygen-poor Circumpolar Deep Water which has long been isolated from the surface. Planulina and miliolids are found associated with the more newly formed, oxygen-rich North Atlantic Deep Water. Antarctic Bottom Water is characterized by “Epistominella” umbonifera. Analysis of the benthonic foraminiferal faunas in two sediment cores recovered from the Vema and Hunter Channels in the western South Atlantic shows that the level of the transition between deep and bottom waters shallowed sharply about 700,000 yr ago. This rise indicates a sharp, sustained increase in the volume of bottom water flowing through the South Atlantic after this time. Prior to about 700,000 yr ago, the amount of Antarctic Bottom Water entering the western South Atlantic was greatly reduced and Circumpolar Deep Water apparently accounted for the bulk of northward flow. Production of southward-flowing North Atlantic Deep Water seems not to have been affected. The timing of this change in circulation regime suggests a possible causal link to similar changes in records of terrestrial and sea-surface climate.
Fine Structure of the Stratified Microbial Community at Laguna Figueroa, Baja California, Mexico. I. Methods of in Situ Study of the Laminated Sediments

Abstract The microbial community of the flat laminated sediments in the hypersaline lagoon at Laguna Figueroa has undergone dramatic changes due to prolonged periods of submergence under fresh water. This paper describes the techniques used in the first comprehensive in situ ultrastructural study of a stratified microbial community formerly dominated by Microcoleus sp. and introduces the changes caused by flooding and burial. Flat mat desiccation polygons fixed in 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy. Typical pre-flood Microcoleus -dominated laminated mat from 1977 was compared to post-flood laminated mat from 1979. The technique faithfully preserves the various laminae with their associated organisms and sediment. Morphological identification of several genera of photosynthetic prokaryotes including cyanobacteria, purple, and green bacteria was made by analysis of cell membrane and wall structure. Amoebic cysts could also be recognized in situ. Bacteria of unknown generic affinity, but with distinctive ultrastructure were discovered. A filamentous purple photosynthetic bacterium was found to be a common component of the 1979 mat and two bacteria within a bacterium associations were seen in sections from the 1977 mat.
The Effect of the Relative Motion of Atoms on the Frequency of the Emitted Light and the Reinterpretation of the Ives-Stilwell Experiment

We examine the process of the emission of light from an atom that is in a relative translational motion with respect to the medium at rest in which the electromagnetic excitations propagate. The effect of Lorentz contraction of the of electron orbits on the emitted frequency is incorporated in the Rydberg formula, as well as the emitter’s Doppler effect is acknowledged. The result is that the frequency of the emitted light is modified by a factor that is identical with what is called the ‘relativistic Doppler effect’. The new emission formula is applied for reinterpretation of the Ives-Stilwell experiment and shown that within the second order of approximation with respect to the speeds of the atom and the ‘absolute speed’ (Earth’s speed relative to the medium), the absolute motion does not affect the interference. The expression for the modification of the frequency involves both a first and a second-order term with respect to the speed of the atoms in the cathode tube. The latter turns out to be quantitatively the same as if the time would have changed its rate in the frame moving with the atoms. Thus, a new interpretation of the results of this famous experiment is provided without stipulating time dilation.
Altered recognition of antigen is a mechanism of CD8 + T cell tolerance in cancer

Antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell tolerance, induced by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), is one of the main mechanisms of tumor escape. Using in vivo models, we show here that MDSCs directly disrupt the binding of specific peptide–major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) dimers to CD8-expressing T cells through nitration of tyrosines in a T-cell receptor (TCR)-CD8 complex. This process makes CD8-expressing T cells unable to bind pMHC and to respond to the specific peptide, although they retain their ability to respond to nonspecific stimulation. Nitration of TCR-CD8 is induced by MDSCs through hyperproduction of reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite during direct cell-cell contact. Molecular modeling suggests specific sites of nitration that might affect the conformational flexibility of TCR-CD8 and its interaction with pMHC. These data identify a previously unknown mechanism of T-cell tolerance in cancer that is also pertinent to many pathological conditions associated with accumulation of MDSCs.
Estimation of genetic effects on BMI during adolescence in an ethnically diverse cohort: The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.

The contribution of genetic variants to body mass index (BMI) during adolescence across multiethnic samples is largely unknown. We selected genetic loci associated with BMI or obesity in European-descent samples and examined them in a multiethnic adolescent sample. In 5103 European American (EA), 1748 African American (AfA), 1304 Hispanic American (HA) and 439 Asian American (AsA) participants of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health; ages 12–21 years, 47.5% male), we assessed the association between 41 established obesity-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with BMI using additive genetic models, stratified by race/ethnicity, and in a pooled meta-analysis sample. We also compared the magnitude of effect for BMI–SNP associations in EA and AfA adolescents to comparable effect estimates from 11 861 EA and AfA adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (ages 45–64 years, 43.2% male). Thirty-five of 41 BMI–SNP associations were directionally consistent with published studies in European populations, 18 achieved nominal significance (P<0.05; effect sizes from 0.19 to 0.71 kg m−2 increase in BMI per effect allele), while 4 (FTO, TMEM18, TFAP2B, MC4R) remained significant after Bonferroni correction (P<0.0015). Of 41 BMI–SNP associations in AfA, HA and AsA adolescents, nine, three and five, respectively, were directionally consistent and nominally significant. In the pooled meta-analysis, 36 of 41 effect estimates were directionally consistent and 21 of 36 were nominally significant. In EA adolescents, BMI effect estimates were larger (P<0.05) for variants near TMEM18, PTER and MC4R and smaller for variants near MTIF3 and NRXN3 compared with EA adults. Our findings suggest that obesity susceptibility loci may have a comparatively stronger role during adolescence than during adulthood, with variation across race/ethnic subpopulation.
Gel microdroplets and flow cytometry: rapid determination of antibody secretion by individual cells within a cell population

We report a new method capable of rapidly determining the secretion of biologically important macromolecules from each of many individual cells within a large population. This method combines flow cytometry with gel microdroplets (GMDs), which in this study were agarose particles ranging from about 53 to 88 mu in diameter. The GMDs were formed from a liquid 2.5% agarose suspension with cells at a concentration which yielded mostly zero or one cell per GMD. A large number of extracellular binding sites were also provided within each GMD, allowing the capture of secreted molecules, and their subsequent measurement by solid phase, fluorescence immunoassay. The method was explored using a model system of mouse hybridoma (secreting) and mouse masticytoma (non-secreting) cells. The method was able to determine subpopulations of individual cells that secreted antibody in less than fifteen hours after receipt of a conventional cell suspension.
Criteria for selecting treatment interventions with adolescents

In contrast to the current trend in clinical settings of dispensing with the diagnostic process, the view advanced in this essay is that assessment constitutes the basis for prognosis and for planning any, and all treatment interventions. The reader is offered a spectrum of treatment modalities, specifically, psychoanalysis, individual, family, group, and hospitalization. The discussion delineates the therapeutic needs in accord with the adolescent's depth of disturbance and age (e.g., early, middle, or late adolescence). Too frequently, adolescents of all ages are viewed as a homogeneous group. Individual therapy, the intervention most suitable for the largest range of adolescents, is presented in detail.
ESR studies of trans-(CH)x during photoexcitation

Abstract A series of spin resonance experiments on samples illuminated with light at photon energies ħω>Eg are reported. The results set an upper limit on the quantum efficiency for photoproduction of unpaired spins, γs⩽ 2×10-7,implying that the photo-induced excited states and the photo-generated carriers are spinless and are to be associated with charged solitons.
W2,p Regularity of the Displacement Problem for the Lamé System on W2,s Domains

Abstract On certain bounded C1 domains Ω that are not necessarily C1, 1, we prove that the Dirichlet problem Lu = f on Ω, u = 0 on ∂Ω with f ∈ Lp(Ω) is well posed in W2, p(Ω) ∩ W1, p0(Ω) for all p ∈ (1, +∞), where L is the three-dimensional Lame system in linear elasticity.
Fast and robust global decoupling with coupling angle modulation

We describe a fast and robust global decoupling scheme, coupling angle modulation. This novel technique introduces an extra rotating coupling coefficient into the coupled optics to determine the global decoupling strengths. The eigentune split is used as the observable during the modulation. The two eigentunes are tracked with a high-resolution phase locked loop tune measurement system. In the article, the principle of coupling angle modulation is presented, followed by its application to the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Coupling angle modulation coupling correction has been used for the global coupling correction on the nonstop RHIC ramp.
Evaluation of Myocardial Performance with Conventional Single‐Site Ventricular Pacing and Biventricular Pacing in a Canine Model of Atrioventricular Block

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate epicardial biventricular pacing as a means of maintaining synchronous ventricular activation in an acute canine model of AV block with normal ventricular anatomy and function. Chronic single-site ventricular pacing results in dyssynchronous ventricular activation and may contribute to ventricular dysfunction. Biventricular pacing has been used successfully in adult patients with congestive heart failure. Methods and Results: This was an acute study of open chest mongrel dogs (n = 13). ECG, left ventricular (LV), aortic, and pulmonary arterial pressures were measured. LV impedance catheters were used to assess cardiodynamics using instantaneous LV pressure-volume relations (PVR). Following radiofrequency ablation of the AV node, a temporary pacemaker was programmed 10 beats/min above the intrinsic atrial rate, with an AV interval similar to the baseline intrinsic PR interval. The pacing protocol consisted of 5-minute intervals with the following lead configurations: right atrium-right ventricular apex (RA-RVA), RA-LV apex (LVA), and RA-biventricular using combinations of four ventricular sites (RVA, RV outflow tract [RVOT], LVA, LV base [LVB]). RA-RVA was used as the experimental control. LV systolic mechanics, as measured by the slope of the end-systolic (Ees) PVR (ESPVR, mmHg/cc), was statistically greater (P < 0.05) with all modes of biventricular pacing (RA-RVA/LVA 20.0 ± 2.9, RA-RVA/LVB 18.4 ± 2.9, RA-RVOT/LVA 15.1 ± 1.8, RA-RVOT/LVB 17.6 ± 2.9) compared to single-site ventricular pacing (RA-RVA 12.8 ± 1.6). Concurrent with this improvement in myocardial performance was a shortening of the QRS duration (RA-RVA 97.7 ± 2.9 vs RA-RVA/LVA 75.7 ± 4.9, RA-RVA/LVB 70.3 ± 4.9, RA-RVOT/LVA 65.3 ± 4.4, and RA-RVOT/LVB 76.7 ± 5.9, P < 0.05). Conclusion: In this acute canine model of AV block, QRS duration shortened and LV performance improved with epicardial biventricular pacing compared to standard single-site ventricular pacing. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 996-1000, September 2003)
A Comparative Study of Smear Layer Removal Using Different Salts of EDTA

Three solutions of EDTA—a 15% concentration of the alkaline salt, a 15% concentration of the acid salt, and a 25% concentration of the alkaline salt—were evaluated for smear layer removal in root canal systems. All solutions were adjusted to pH 7.1 using either NaOH or HCl. When the EDTA solutions were alternately used for root canal irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl, they completely removed the smear layer in the middle and coronal thirds of canal preparations, but were less effective in the apical third. None of the EDTA solutions by themselves were effective at completely removing the smear layer at any level. The alkaline tetrasodium salt, pH adjusted with HCl, is more cost effective and performed equally as well as the more commonly used disodium salt.
A weathering index for CK and R chondrites

We present a new weathering index (wi) for the metallic-Fe-Ni-poor chondrite groups (CK and R) based mainly on transmitted light observations of the modal abundance of crystalline material that is stained brown in thin sections: wi-0, 95 vol%, wi-6, significant replacement of mafic silicates by phyllosilicates. Brown staining reflects mobilization of oxidized iron derived mainly from terrestrial weathering of Ni-bearing sulfide. With increasing degrees of terrestrial weathering of CK and R chondrites, the sulfide modal abundance decreases, and S, Se, and Ni become increasingly depleted. In addition, bulk Cl increases in Antarctic CK chondrites, probably due to contamination from airborne sea mist.
Parameters affecting the shape of a hydrodynamically focused stream

Even at low Reynolds numbers, momentum can impact the shape of hydrodynamically focused flow. Both theoretical and experimental characterization of hydrodynamic focusing in microchannels at Reynolds numbers ≤25 revealed the important parameters that affect the shape of the focused layer. A series of symmetric and asymmetric microfluidic channels with two converging streams were fabricated with different angles of confluence at the junction. The channels were used to study the characteristics of Y-type microchannels for flow-focusing. Computational analysis and experimental results gathered using confocal microscopy and particle image velocimetry indicated that the orientation of the sheath and the sample stream inlets, as well as the absolute flow velocities, determine the curvature in the concentration distribution of the focused stream. Decreasing the angle of confluence between sheath and sample, as well as reducing the overall Reynolds number, resulted in a flat interface between sheath and focused fluids. Alignment of the faster flowing sheath fluid channel with the main channel also reduced the inertial effects and produced a focused stream with a flat concentration profile. Control over the shape of the focused stream is important in many biosensors and lab-on-a-chip devices that rely on hydrodynamic focusing for increased detection sensitivity.
Insensitivity of lepidopteran tissues to ouabain: Physiological mechanisms for protection from cardiac glycosides

Abstract Neuronal tissues from Manduca sexta, the tobacco hornworm, Hyalophora cecropia, the silkmoth and Danaus plexippus, the Monarch Butterfly, contain Na+K+-ATPase which is sensitive to cardiac glycoside (ouabain). The Km for K+ stimulation of Na+K+-ATPase in M. sexta and D. plexippus is 2.2 mM and for Na+ stimulation in D. plexippus, 6.0 mM. In vitro ouabain concentrations of 1.0 × 10−5 M and 5.0 × 10−5 M in the presence of 7.5 mM K+ inhibited Na+K+-ATPase activity in H. cecropia and M. sexta by 50% respectively. Na+K+-ATPase from D. plexippus was approximately 300 times less sensitive. High concentrations (10−3 M in haemolymph) of ouabain had no effect on M. sexta in vivo. This is largely explained by haemolymph K+ (>; 30 mM) antagonizing the binding of ouabain to Na+K+-ATPase. As demonstrated in vitro, 30 mM K+ totally protects Na+K+-ATPase from inhibition by 7.5 × 10−3 M ouabain in D. plexippus and protects the enzyme by 65% in M. sexta. At least part of the physiological burden incurred in utilization of cardiac glycoside ingestion and storage for protection from predation, however, is probably related to the toxic effects of cardiac glycosides on neuronal Na+K+-ATPase.
Valley splitting in low-density quantum-confined heterostructures studied using tight-binding models

A detailed study of reduced-basis tight-binding models of electrons in semiconducting quantum wells is presented. The focus is on systems with degenerate valleys, such as silicon in silicon germanium heterostructures, in the low-density limit, relevant to proposed quantum computing architectures. Analytic results for the bound states of systems with hard-wall boundaries are presented and used to characterize the valley splitting in silicon quantum wells. The analytic solution in a no-spin-orbit model agrees well with larger tight-binding calculations that do include spin-orbit coupling. Numerical investigations of the valley splitting for finite band offsets are presented that indicate that the hard-wall results are a good guide to the behavior in real quantum wells.
Of Logarithms, Binary Orbits, and Self-Replicating Distributions

Stellar binary orbital periods and semi-major axes appear to both be distributed in much the same smooth and nearly scale-free form: the probability density funcations of both are monotonically decreasing with increasing period (semi-major axis) and approximately proportional to P-1 (a-1). The impression that the binary period distribution has a single maximum is an artifact of the use of the use of logarithmic data transofmrs, which typically introduce spurious structure into otherwise structureless distributions; distributions of binary periods themselves show no significant peaks. The form of distribution of semi-major axes (proportional to a-1) is mathematically self-replicating, allowing interference of a similar form of distributions of orbital angular momentum and binding energy without specific knowledge of the joint distributions of component masses and orbital eccentricities.
The carboxyl terminus of the bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase contacts its sliding clamp at the subunit interface.

Abstract The location of the interaction of the COOH terminus of the bacteriophage T4 DNA polymerase with its trimeric, circular sliding clamp has been established. A peptide corresponding to the COOH terminus of the DNA polymerase was labeled with a fluorophore and fluorescence spectroscopy used to show that it forms a specific complex with the sliding clamp by virtue of its lowK D value (7.1 ± 1.0 μm). The same peptide was labeled with a photoaffinity probe and cross-linked to the sliding clamp. Mass spectrometry of tryptic digests determined the sole linkage point to be Ala-159 on the sliding clamp, an amino acid that lies on the subunit interface. These results demonstrate that the COOH terminus of the DNA polymerase is inserted into the subunit interface of its sliding clamp, thereby conferring processivity to the DNA polymerase.
Gowanus Voyage: Where Mechatronics, Public Art, Community Members, and Environmental Science Meet [Focus on Education]

The scientific literacy of the public contributes to the acceptance of new scientific concepts, technologies, and methods that may influence society as a whole [1]. Thus, increasing the public's awareness and knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is not only essential for benefiting the economy in the long term [2]-[4] but also for improving society's capacity to make informed political decisions on pressing issues that are often rather convoluted [5]. To this end, mechatronics based outreach in informal settings has been shown to be an effective means to acquaint the public with established technical concepts and ongoing research questions [6]-[10].
Random testing revisited

Abstract This paper examines random testing advocated by Duran and Ntafos 1 . They suggest that random testing has its value. However, the assumptions on which their simulations are based may be too weak for a fair comparison between random testing and partition testing. This paper shows that random testing works well on several kinds of programs, but not all. It also determines and under what conditions one can use random testing to get reasonable test results. Several simulations with new assumptions and experimental studies have been done to evaluate random testing. The results suggest that random testing works well on error-prone programs and programs that their expected outputs can be easily known. For it to be most effective, one should use random testing in an early stage of program testing.
Theoretical Calculation of Electronic Circular Dichroism of a Hexahydroxydiphenoyl-containing Flavanone Glycoside

Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) was employed for theoretical calculation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) of a hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP)-containing flavanone glycoside, mattucinol-7-O-[4'',6''-O-(aS)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl]-beta-d-glucopyranoside (2). It identified the roles of the (2S)-flavanone and (aS)-HHDP moieties in generating the ECD spectrum of 2 and provided theoretical evidence for the empirical ECD rules applicable to monomeric flavanones and HHDP-containing compounds. The experimentally observed high-amplitude positive Cotton effect (CE) around 240 nm in 2 is derived from the (aS)-HHDP chromophore, while the low-amplitude negative CE in the 260-300 nm region is contributed by both the (aS)-HHDP and (2S)-flavanone moieties. The "linker" glucosyl moiety has little effect on the overall ECD. It appears that the respective chromophores in 2 contribute additively to the overall ECD, and the empirical rules are applicable for configurational assignment. However, if an (aR)-HHDP chromophore is present, as shown in mattucinol-7-O-[4'',6''-O-(aR)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl]-beta-d-glucopyranoside (3), the dominant role of the (aR)-HHDP and interaction between the (aR)-HHDP and (2S)-flavanone moieties in its overall ECD may be confusing when applying the empirical rules to experimental ECD interpretation. Thus, theoretical calculation of the ECD that quantifies the contributions and interactions of different chromophores is essential for the assignment of the absolute configuration of such molecules.
A complex-event-processing framework for smart-grid management

Real-time detection and processing of both normal and abnormal event patterns in cyber-physical systems are imperative for advancing early warning and response capabilities. We integrate fundamental principles from logic-based program synthesis and multiagent systems to lay out the foundations of novel complex event processing (CEP) techniques and tools for intelligent reliable management of power systems. We investigate the formal underpinnings of a novel distributed, complex event-triggered, knowledge-based control system for situation-aware, provably-correct, declarative control of the logic of large power systems.
Maternal-fetal ACTH relationship in man.

ABSTRACT The relationship between maternal and fetal plasma ACTH concentrations were studied at the time of delivery in 9 normal women and their normal offspring, in 1 subject with Nelson's syndrome and her normal neonate and in 2 normal women and their anencephalic babies. The mean plasma ACTH concentration in the normal women was 211 pg/ml (range 93–439 pg/ml) whereas the mean fetal plasma ACTH concentration was 226 pg/ml (range 53–570 pg/ml). The correlation between the maternal and fetal ACTH concentrations was not significant. The maternal plasma ACTH concentration in the woman with Nelson's syndrome was 20 times that of her baby's. The plasma ACTH levels in the anencephalic infants were below the normal range and much lower than their respective mother's plasma ACTH concentration. These data suggest that significant transport of maternally derived ACTH to the fetus does not occur in man.
Recasting Left History: Inter-Racial Activism, Social Movement Theory, and the Greensboro Massacre

L'A. se penche sur l'activisme des parties de gauche aux Etats Unis dans les annees 1960 et plus particulierement sur l'assassinat de cinq membres du Parti communiste par les membres de KKK et de Parti Nazi a Greensboro, Caroline du Nord.
Effects of benzo(a)pyrene adducts on DNA synthesis in vitro

Abstract Two diolepoxides of benzo(a)pyrene (BP), and benzo(a)pyrene 4,5-oxide, have been used to make adducts in the homopolymers polyribocytidylic acid, (rC); polyriboadenylic acid (rA), polydeoxycytidylic acid (dC) and polydeoxyadenylic acid (dA). With appropriate oligomers as primers these modified and unmodified polynucleotides were used as templates for DNA synthesis with avian myeloblastosis virus DNA polymerase (AMV) or E. coli Pol I DNA polymerase. We have found that: (1) the size of the DNA product is not markedly decreased by the presence of these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon adducts in the templates; (2) the presence of adducts does not lead to increased incorporation of erroneous bases. These results, supported by kinetic data, suggest that these polymerases can bypass a site containing an adduct on the template without leaving a gap or causing misincorporation of a base and they imply that mutagenesis by BP may not be attributable to either of these mechanisms.
Leading edge effects in bypass transition

The effect of a blunt leading edge on bypass transition is studied by numerical simulation. A mixed direct and large-eddy simulation of a flat plate with a super-ellipse leading edge is carried out at various conditions. Onset and completion of transition is seen to move upstream with increasing bluntness. For sharper leading edges, at lower levels of turbulence, transition usually occurs through instabilities on low-speed streaks as observed by Jacobs & Durbin (2001) and Brandt et al. (2004) whereas increasing either the turbulence intensity or the leading-edge bluntness brings into play another mechanism. Free-stream vortices are amplified at the leading edge because of stretching. In the case of particularly strong vortices, this interaction induces a localized streamwise vortical disturbance in the boundary layer which then grows as it convects downstream and eventually breaks down to form a turbulent spot. These disturbances, which are localized and hence wavepacket-like, move at speeds in the range 0.55 U∞–0.65 U∞ and occur in the lower portion of the boundary layer. Simulations conducted with isolated vortices confirm such a response of the boundary layer.
Frankfurters Made from Mechanically Deboned Poultry Meat (MDPM) 2. Microscopy

Abstract Raw material, raw emulsions and cooked frankfurters made from mechanically deboned poultry meat (MDPM) from the backs and necks of fryers, produced by three deboning machines (A, B, and C) and chopped for times varying from one and one half minutes to over 15 minutes were examined by light and electron microscopy. The raw MDPM from machines A and B appeared more dense and the fat globules smaller and more uniformly distributed than in the MDPM from machine C. Emulsion formation was found after only a short chopping period (one and one half to three minutes) and increasing chopping time did not always improve the appearance of the emulsion. For the material from machine A, the fat globules became smaller and more uniformly distributed, there was less effect on the emulsions from machine C and no effect from those from machine B.
Patient-Level Medication Regimen Complexity in Patients With HIV

Background: Patients with HIV often have multiple medications besides antiretrovirals (ARV). Medication regimen complexity—formulations, dosing frequencies, and additional directions—expands pill burden by considering self-care demands. Studies show an inverse association between ARV adherence and medication complexity for ARVs only. Patient-level medication regimen complexity beyond ARV complexity is unknown. Objective: To measure and characterize Patient-level Medication Regimen Complexity Index (pMRCI) and Antiretroviral Medication Regimen Complexity Index (ARCI) for patients in 2 HIV clinics. We hypothesized that an all-medication complexity metric will exceed disease-state-defined complexity metrics; for ARVs only, the pMRCI score will be smaller than the ARCI score by capturing fewer features of regimens. Associations between complexity and adherence were not assessed. Method: Electronic records supplied a retrospective, random sample of adult patients with HIV; medication lists were used to code th...
An analytical study of two-dimensional buckling of thin films on compliant substrates

A stiff thin film on a heated compliant substrate may buckle when the system is cooled due to the thermal expansion mismatch between the film and substrate. Highly ordered and disordered herringbone patterns (wavy structures) then emerge as the system continues to cool. We have established an analytic approach to study one-dimensional, checkerboard, and ordered herringbone buckling patterns. The analytical approach gives the buckle wave length and amplitude in terms of the thin film and substrate elastic properties, thin film thickness, and the thermal strain. It is shown that the herringbone mode has the lowest energy, which explains why this mode is frequently observed in experiments. These classes of materials might be interesting as a route to high performance electronics with full, two-dimensional stretchability.
Microstructural interpretations of modern and Pleistocene subglacially deformed sediments: the relative role of parent material and subglacial processes

Analysis of till micromorphology represents a relatively new technique that has been used most frequently to infer the importance of subglacial shear in till genesis. This study aims to calibrate the technique by comparing Pleistocene tills from United Kingdom with a modern till (the UpB till) from beneath Ice Stream B, West Antarctica. Despite the fact that all of the tills examined have been interpreted as deforming-bed deposits, the modern till has significantly less abundant and diverse microstructures than those found in the Pleistocene tills. Seventeen examined thin-sections of the UpB till contain recognisable microstructures over only 0–30% of individual thin-section area. The most common microstructures are: (i) birefringent clay patterns that are interpreted as shear zones and (ii) adherent matrix structures, which we interpret as uncomminuted remnants of the parent glacial/glaciomarine diamictons. Fourteen thin-sections of the Pleistocene tills were covered by microstructures in 10–95% of their area. The Pleistocene microstructures include birefringent clays and adherent matrix structures, as in the UpB till, but also laminations and deformed pods made of chalk and sorted sediments. We conclude that the same till-forming process, i.e. subglacial deformation, may result in distinctly different till micromorphology. This is a consequence of the fact that microstructural characteristics are strongly influenced by factors other than shear deformation. We identify three controls that may be important for forming contrasting microstructural assemblages: (i) strain magnitude, (ii) the degree of heterogeneity of parent material, and (iii) relative importance of sediment sorting by flowing water in the subglacial environment. Thus till micromorphology is sensitive to multiple factors, which with proper calibration may enhance the existing capability to interpret past subglacial conditions from microstructures. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computing circular separability

Two sets of planar pointsS1 andS2 are circularly separable if there is a circle that enclosesS1 but excludesS2. We show that deciding whether two sets are circularly separable can be accomplished inO(n) time using linear programming. We also show that a smallest separating circle can be found inO(n) time, and largest separating circles can be found inO(n logn) time. Finally we establish that all these results are optimal.
Rapid and improved methods for embedding biological tissues in Epon 812 and Araldite 502

Improved cutting qualities of Epon 812 and Araldite 502 can be obtained by adjusting the anhydride:epoxy ratio to 0.60. Fixed biological tissues can be rapidly dehydrated and infiltrated with resin in a vacuum, and resin can be polymerized at 95°C without apparent damage to the tissue. Processing time can be reduced to 1 hour.
Teaching Program Design and Implementation in a Digital Forensics Context

Intelligence and Security Informatics (ISI) is a cross-disciplinary field that connects advanced information technologies, systems, algorithms, and databases with international, national and homeland security related applications. In this poster, we present results of evaluating a teaching module that we developed for the ISI discipline. Developed for an undergraduate course on computer program design for digital forensics, our module uses inquiry-based learning and engages students through discussion, hands-on practices, and various exercises. We have deployed the labs to 3 semesters of CS2 classes of 70 students. Results show that students who completed the labs achieved a significantly higher performance than those who did not complete the lab.
Control of Enhanced Optical Absorption in μc-Si

The influence of grain size on the enhanced optical absorption of {micro}c-Si has been investigated using films of various grain sizes prepared by solid phase crystallization. The authors show that they can control this grain size and therefore the degree of absorption changes. For grain sizes below a threshold range significant absorption enhancement can be seen in the photon energy range of 1 to {approximately}3 eV and the absorption characteristics of these films show that the dominant mode of optical transitions is indirect. A correlation between first order Raman peak broadening and enhanced absorption was found suggesting both effects are related to confinement. A simple model was developed to see how confinement in the crystallites could influence indirect optical transitions.
Does providing prescription information or services improve medication adherence among patients discharged from the emergency department? A randomized controlled trial

Study objective We determine whether prescription information or services improve the medication adherence of emergency department (ED) patients. Methods Adult patients treated at one of 3 EDs between November 2010 and September 2011 and prescribed an antibiotic, central nervous system, gastrointestinal, cardiac, or respiratory drug at discharge were eligible. Subjects were randomly assigned to usual care or one of 3 prescription information or services intervention groups: (1) practical services to reduce barriers to prescription filling (practical prescription information or services); (2) consumer drug information from MedlinePlus (MedlinePlus prescription information or services); or (3) both services and information (combination prescription information or services). Self-reported medication adherence, measured by primary adherence (prescription filling) and persistence (receiving medicine as prescribed) rates, was determined during a telephone interview 1 week postdischarge. Results Of the 3,940 subjects enrolled and randomly allocated to treatment, 86% (N=3,386) completed the follow-up interview. Overall, primary adherence was 88% and persistence was 48%. Across the sites, primary adherence and persistence did not differ significantly between usual care and the prescription information or services groups. However, at site C, subjects who received the practical prescription information or services (odds ratio [OR]=2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4 to 4.3) or combination prescription information or services (OR=1.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1) were more likely to fill their prescription compared with usual care. Among subjects prescribed a drug that treats an underlying condition, subjects who received the practical prescription information or services were more likely to fill their prescription (OR=1.8; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.1) compared with subjects who received usual care. Conclusion Prescription filling and receiving medications as prescribed was not meaningfully improved by offering patients patient-centered prescription information and services.