cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bottlenose Dolphins and Antillean Manatees Respond to Small Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Systems

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are powerful tools for research and monitoring of wildlife. However, the effects of these systems on most marine mammals are largely unknown, preventing the establishment of guidelines that will minimize animal disturbance. In this study, we evaluated the behavioral responses of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) to small multi-rotor UAS flight. From 2015 to 2017, we piloted 211 flights using DJI quadcopters (Phantom II Vision +, 3 Professional and 4) to approach and follow animals over shallow-water habitats in Belize. The quadcopters were equipped with high-resolution cameras to observe dolphins during 138 of these flights, and manatees during 73 flights. Aerial video observations of animal behavior were coded and paired with flight data to determine whether animal activity and/or the UAS’s flight patterns caused behavioral changes in exposed animals. Dolphins responded to UAS flight at altitudes of 11–30 m, and responded primarily when they were alone or in small groups. Single dolphins and one pair responded to the UAS by orienting upward and turning towards the aircraft to observe it, before quickly returning to their pre-response activity. A higher number of manatees responded to the UAS, exhibiting strong disturbance in response to the aircraft from 6–104 m. Manatees changed their behavior by fleeing the area and sometimes this elicited the same response in nearby animals. If pursued post-response, manatees repeatedly responded to overhead flight by evading the aircraft’s path. These findings suggest that the invasiveness of UAS varies across individuals, species, and taxa. We conclude that careful exploratory research is needed to determine the impact of multi-rotor UAS flight on diverse species, and to develop best practices aimed at reducing the disturbance to wildlife that may result from their use.
The Equation of State of an Ionized Gas

The equation of state of an ionized gas is investigated in the range of temperatures and electron densities of engineering interest The gas is assumed to be monatomic, electrically neutral, and in thermodynamic equilibrium, but the composition of the gas is arbitrary, that is, multiple ionization of any degree is allowed. Previous work is reviewed, and the limits of validity of various theories are determined. The classical corrections to the perfect gas expressions due to electrostatic forces and the finite size of particles, as obtained from the theories of Debye and Huckel, Mayer, and others, are investigated. Quantum corrections due to electron degeneracy, electron interactions, and black-body radiation are also considered. In some cases, improved expressions are derived and suitable approximations are suggested.
"The Stomp and Catch Was Too Easy!" Children's and Teachers' Perceptions of Inclusive High and Low Autonomy Motor Skills Instruction.

Physical educators seek ways to motivate students to engage in lifelong physical activity. Research demonstrates that autonomy-supportive climates improve motor skills and competence in children. Although substantial research exists on the benefits of autonomy-supportive climates on children’s motor skills, little is known regarding the perceptions of the teachers and the children. We implemented two instructional climates—an autonomy-supportive climate (ASC) and a teacher-centered controlled (TCC) climate, both designed for learning motor skills—and asked children and teachers about their perceptions of the instructional approaches. Twenty-four children and four teachers participated. Data were collected qualitatively through informal interviews with children, in-depth interviews with teachers, and field observations. All researchers engaged in inductive data analysis and triangulation. The results suggest that children preferred the ASC over the TCC, found the ASC challenging, and thought the ASC facilitated independence and choice. These findings suggest an explanation for why earlier studies found positive learning outcomes in ASC. Subscribe to TPE
Mechanisms of sequential ion-molecule reactions in protonated methanol using mass spectrometry, ab initio methods, and statistical modeling

Abstract We present mass spectrometry results for reactions of protonated methanol clusters, (CH3OH)nH+. Mass spectra indicate a preference for association over condensation at our experimental conditions and are used in conjunction with computational methods to probe the reaction mechanisms involved. We find that the reaction for the protonated monomer with neutral methanol consists of two entrance complexes that are in equilibrium due to a very small barrier between them. Statistical modeling indicates that competition between proton transfer, condensation, and association are dictated by the depth of the proton-bound complex and the height of the SN2 transition state. For the reaction of the protonated dimer we determine condensation is not energetically favorable at thermal energies as a solvation effect raises the SN2 barrier. Geometries for protonated methanol clusters (CH3OH)nH+ up to n = 6 are also provided, which allow us to examine the role of entropy and hydrogen bonding in these structures.
Understanding Granular Aspects of Ontology for Blockchain Databases

Abstract Blockchain technology first appeared a decade ago and is gaining momentum in recent years. The role of ontology to blockchain technology has drawn much attention from researchers. In this paper, we explore ontology in blockchain technology from a unique perspective: Since granular computing can be applied to ontology, it would be a good idea to explore granular aspects of ontology in blockchain technology. Continuing our previous examinations on granular aspects on databases, in this paper, we study granular aspects of ontology for blockchain databases. We provide our own observations, and analyse implications of recent research work related the nature of blockchain technology. As shown in our discussion, this kind of exploration not only helps a better understanding on the nature of blockchain technology, but could also advance the study of granular computing itself.
KNOWLEDGE OF PRE-MENOPAUSAL WOMAN REGARDING MENOPAUSAL PROBLEMS AND ITS MANAGEMENT IN A SELECTED HOSPITAL: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

The journey of women hood, two milestones in her life are menarche and menopause. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge of pre-menopausal women regarding menopausal problems and its management and prepare a self-instructional module on it. The research design selected was descriptive survey design. The area selected for the study was gynecology OPD and female medical and surgical ward of Holy Family Hospital, Thopdupuzha, Idukki. The study was carryout on women who belongs to age between 40-55 years and not attained the menopause and the sampling technique was purposive sampling. The tools used were demographic data and knowledge questionnaire on menopausal problems and its management. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The ndings of the study revealed that out of 60 women 6.66% had good knowledge, 76.66% women had average knowledge, and 16.6% had poor knowledge. There is a signicant (P<0.05) association of knowledge with age, occupation, types of family, number of children and religion
Clostridium bolteae is elevated in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in India and shares sequence similarity with AQP4.

OBJECTIVE To understand the role of gut microbiome in influencing the pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) among patients of south Indian origin. METHODS In this case-control study, stool and blood samples were collected from 39 patients with NMOSD, including 17 with aquaporin 4 IgG antibodies (AQP4+) and 36 matched controls. 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing was used to investigate the gut microbiome. Peripheral CD4+ T cells were sorted in 12 healthy controls, and in 12 patients with AQP4+ NMOSD, RNA was extracted and immune gene expression was analyzed using the NanoString nCounter human immunology kit code set. RESULTS Microbiota community structure (beta diversity) differed between patients with AQP4+ NMOSD and healthy controls (p < 0.001, pairwise PERMANOVA test). Linear discriminatory analysis effect size identified several members of the microbiota that were altered in patients with NMOSD, including an increase in Clostridium bolteae (effect size 4.23, p 0.00007). C bolteae was significantly more prevalent (p = 0.02) among patients with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD (n = 8/17 subjects) compared with seronegative patients (n = 3/22) and was absent among healthy stool samples. C bolteae has a highly conserved glycerol uptake facilitator and related aquaporin protein (p59-71) that shares sequence homology with AQP4 peptide (p92-104), positioned within an immunodominant (AQP4 specific) T-cell epitope (p91-110). Presence of C bolteae correlated with expression of inflammatory genes associated with both innate and adaptive immunities and particularly involved in plasma cell differentiation, B cell chemotaxis, and Th17 activation. CONCLUSION Our study described elevated levels of C bolteae associated with AQP4+ NMOSD among Indian patients. It is possible that this organism may be causally related to the immunopathogenesis of this disease in susceptible individuals.
Acetone Production from Isopropyl Alcohol: An Example Debottlenecking Problem and Outcomes Assessment Tool

A method for using capstone design projects for assessment is described. The specific example is a debottlenecking problem for the process of acetone production from isopropyl alcohol. The method involves questioning students during an oral presentation of the results of an individual design project. Through questioning and follow-up questions, detailed information on the student's level of understanding can be revealed. Students get immediate feedback on their work, closing one portion of the assessment feedback loop. Class time devoted to detailed project review and follow-up assignments also contribute to closing the feedback loop with students. Faculty are provided feedback on students' performance, closing the feedback loop with respect to faculty instruction.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Salmonella Isolates from Organic and Conventional Dairy Farms

Use of antimicrobials in livestock is under scrutiny as a potential contributing factor to the increased prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. The purpose of this study was to compare antimicrobial resistance for Salmonella isolated on conventional and organic dairy farms in the midwest and northeastern United States.
Visualizing Student Flows: Busting Myths About Student Movement and Success

Big data has enormous potential to inform us about how to improve college completion rates, thereby producing more total degrees, less expense per degree, and fewer people with student debt but wit...
Force/Torque Sensing and Micro-Motion Manipulation of a Spherical Stepping Wrist Motor

Recent developments in robotics and high precision manufacturing automation have provided the motivation for the re-examining of unusual designs of electromechanical transducers. This paper presents the coarse-fine motion strategy of the spherical stepper wrist motor which combines pitch, roll, and yaw motion in a single joint. By presenting the trade-off between the torque generated and the resolution for a realistic wrist motor design, the needs of a micro-motion mechanism as part of the spherical wrist motor are discussed. The design concept of a series-parallel actuated micro-motion mechanism to enhance the resolution and to provide an effective means of torque sensing is addressed. The micro-motion actuation is achieved by piezo-electric actuating devices which have relatively short response time and essentially infinite positioning resolution.
Computational feasibility of multi-criteria models of production, planning and scheduling

Abstract This paper surveys the applications of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods to production planning, scheduling, and sequencing problems. The basic structure of the decision models are described by their objectives and the resulting models are classified by decision variables into the areas of Aggregate Production Planning, Disaggregate Production Planning, Production Scheduling, and Single Machine Sequencing. The problem sizes that have been solved are summarized to determine how practical it is to use MCDM.
Atmospheric CO2 uptake by a coastal upwelling system

[i] A biological pump for transferring atmospheric CO 2 to deep ocean regimes has been identified in the upwelling zone of the U.S. Pacific coast off Oregon using high-resolution measurements of P CO2 and nutrient concentrations that were made in May through August 2001. Surface water over most of the shelf was a strong sink for atmospheric CO 2 , while a narrow nearshore strip was an intense source. The dominance of the low-CO 2 waters over the shelf area makes the region a net sink during upwelling season. This is due to (1) upwelled water that carries abundant preformed nutrients, (2) complete photosynthetic uptake of these excess nutrients and a stoichiometric proportion of CO 2 , and (3) moderate warming of upwelled waters. If the remaining North Pacific's eastern boundary area is assumed to have similar conditions, this area should represent a sink of atmospheric CO 2 that is 5% of the annual North Pacific CO 2 uptake, and roughly equivalent to the North Pacific's uptake in the summer season. By mid-August, P CO2 in subsurface waters increased 20-60%, corresponding to a 1.0-2.3% TCO 2 increase, due to respiration of settling biogenic debris. This water would be transported off the shelf to depth by winter downwelling flow, providing an important mechanism for sequestering atmospheric CO 2 into the oceans' interior.
Feral Children and Clever Animals: Reflections on Human Nature

What Feral Children Tell Us: Nature and Nurture: Children without Human Parenting Kaspar Hauser and the Wolf-Children Four Psychologies Thinking about the Mind The Psychology of Psychoanalysis Freud and Little Hans The Psychology of Experimentalism and Behaviourism: Clever Hans and Lady Wonder Experimentation and Experimenter: Clever Hans's Companions The Psychology of Perceiving: Phenomenology and Ethology The Mental Ladder: Peter and Moses, Chimpanzees Who Write Exploiting the Missing Link People and Apes Communicating: Raising Human Babies with Chimps: Donald, Gua, and Viki Human and Ape Communication: Washoe, Koko, and Nim Language and Meaning: Sarah and Lana, Sherman and Austin, Kanzi and Ai Principles and Myths: Feral Children and Clever Animals Postlude Notes References Illustration Credits Text Credits Index.
Adult sibling relationships with brothers and sisters with severe disabilities

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine perceptions of adult sibling relationships with a brother or sister with severe disabilities and the contexts affecting the relationships. Adult...
Decay of ermC mRNA in a Polynucleotide Phosphorylase Mutant of Bacillus subtilis

ermC mRNA decay was examined in a mutant of Bacillus subtilis that has a deleted pnpA gene (coding for polynucleotide phosphorylase). 5'-proximal RNA fragments less than 400 nucleotides in length were abundant in the pnpA strain but barely detectable in the wild type. On the other hand, the patterns of 3'-proximal RNA fragments were similar in the wild-type and pnpA strains. Northern blot analysis with different probes showed that the 5' end of the decay intermediates was the native ermC 5' end. For one prominent ermC RNA fragment, in particular, it was shown that formation of its 3' end was directly related to the presence of a stalled ribosome. 5'-proximal decay intermediates were also detected for transcripts encoded by the yybF gene. These results suggest that PNPase activity, which may be less sensitive to structures or sequences that block exonucleolytic decay, is required for efficient decay of specific mRNA fragments. However, it was shown that even PNPase activity could be blocked in vivo at a particular RNA structure.
Electrodeposition of Corrosion‐Resistant Ni‐Zn Alloy I . Cyclic Voltammetric Study

The interaction between different reacting species involved in the initial stage of electrodeposition of nickel-zinc alloy was investigated. A cyclic voltammetric study indicates that codeposition of hydrogen and nickel occurs, with formation of two types of hydrogen-nickel solid solution, i.e., [beta]-Ni and [alpha]-Ni. This nickel hydride formation during Ni-Zn alloy electrodeposition was verified by analyzing the voltammograms of nickel, zinc, and Ni-Zn alloy during initial deposition on various substrates. The dissolution potential of zinc and nickel from electrodeposited nickel-zinc alloy spans a wide range (ca. 400 mV). The influence of the interaction between nickel, hydrogen, and zinc on the nucleation of nickel-zinc electrodeposition is reported in part II of this paper.
Physics based HLD-NAC phase behavior model for surfactant/crude oil/brine systems

Abstract Compositional simulation of surfactant flooding highly depends on accurate modeling of surfactant/oil/brine microemulsion phase behavior. This paper introduces a physics-based Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Difference (HLD) equation and the Net-Average Curvature (NAC) called thereafter HLD–NAC equation of state to model the phase behavior of surfactant/crude oil/brine systems. A non-iterative and physics-based algorithm is developed and validated by modeling the solubilization ratio curves and phase volume fraction of different microemulsion systems. The HLD values are calculated by the natural logarithm of salinity over optimum salinity when lacking of oil hydrophobicity and surfactant Characteristic curvature information. Together with lab measured head area of per surfactant molecule, the HLD–NAC model reproduces the microemulsion phase behavior of various formulations for surfactant flooding with only one fitting parameter, the length constant L, which physically represents the surfactant tail length size. Modeling results show that the fitted parameter increases with the surfactant or surfactant mixture tail length in the formulation. Moreover, the length parameter determined from one system can be readily applied to other systems, indicating the physical significance of the HLD–NAC model, which can to some extent predict the performance of one surfactant in various systems. The fitted length parameter for formulations with alcohol is underestimated because of this paper assuming all alcohol partition on the interface leading to overestimated interfacial area. The effect of cosolvent partitioning on the micelle structure and phase behavior modeling will be demonstrated in future studies. In this paper, the HLD–NAC equation of state is proved to be a simple and robust tool for modeling phase behavior of surfactant/crude oil/brine systems. The HLD–NAC model can shorten the surfactant screening process hence help chemical EOR formulation design and optimization, and can also be used in compositional chemical flooding reservoir simulation to improve the predictability of surfactant floods.
Laue crystallography: time‐resolved studies

The term ‘Laue diffraction’ describes the process of X-ray scattering that occurs when a stationary crystal is illuminated by a polychromatic beam of X-rays. Recent developments in Laue diffraction have depended on three main advances: the use of very intense polychromatic synchrotron sources; the realization that the so-called energy-overlap or overlapping-orders problem in Laue diffraction is theoretically tractable, of limited extent and could be overcome experimentally; and the development of appropriate algorithms and suitable software to address the energy-overlap, spatial-overlap and wavelength-normalization problems. This chapter covers the principles of Laue diffraction, practical considerations in the Laue technique and time-resolved experiments. Keywords: Laue diffraction; data redundancy; radiation damage; synchrotron radiation; time-resolved studies; wavelength normalization curve
A two-dimensional representation of protein structures☆

Abstract A two-dimensional chart of distances between residues of a protein and between their side-chains provides a concise and convenient representation of steric information derived from crystallographic data. Such a chart shows characteristic features corresponding to details of secondary structures of a polypeptide and also reveals which side-chains are interacting in the tertiary structure of the macromolecule.
Closing down openings: Pretextuality and misunderstanding in parent–teacher conferences with Mexican immigrant families

Abstract This paper examines a video-recorded corpus of kindergarten teachers’ conferences with Mexican-origin families in a peri-urban setting in the Northeastern United States. Examining the pretextual conditions and the communicative repertoires that families and teachers brought to these conferences, we found that the format and conditions of the encounter hindered teachers’ and parents’ flexible mobilization of their full range of communicative resources. In particular, the discourses of parent–teacher conferences, specialist pedagogical terminology, and institutional agendas that teachers deployed led to miscommunication and a lack of rapport building. We argue that teachers and parents could more flexibly deploy their available communicative repertoires to maneuver these encounters.
DNA-protein interaction at the origin of DNA replication of the plasmid pSC101

Abstract The initiation of DNA replication of the low copy number plasmid pSC101 is dependent on the dnaA initiator protein encoded by Escherichia coli. We have previously reported that the minimum essential replicon of the plasmid encodes a ∼37.5 kd protein and that the protein is necessary along with host-encoded proteins for the replication of the plasmid chromosome. In this communication we show that the plasmid-encoded protein has sequence-specific DNA-binding activity. The protein binds cooperatively to the replication origin of pSC101. Using chemical and enzymatic probes we have determined the contact points of the protein with the DNA and the precise domain of the replication origin recognized by the 37.5 kd protein. The specificity of the DNA-protein interaction would suggest that the 37.5 kd protein may possibly function by guiding the replisome to the correct DNA sequence on the chromosome of pSC101.
Synthesis in Estuarine and Coastal Ecological Research: What Is It, Why Is It Important, and How Do We Teach It?

During the last two decades, there has been growing interest in the integration of existing ideas and data to produce new synthetic models and hypotheses leading to discovery and advancement in estuarine and coastal science. This essay offers an integrated definition of what is meant by synthesis research and discusses its importance for exploiting the rapid expansion of information availability and for addressing increasingly complex environmental problems. Approaches and methods that have been used in published synthetic coastal research are explored and a list of essential steps is developed to provide a foundation for conducting synthetic research. Five categories of methods used widely in coastal synthesis studies are identified: (1) comparative cross-system analysis, (2) analysis of time series data, (3) balance of cross-boundary fluxes, (4) system-specific simulation modeling, and (5) general systems simulation modeling. In addition, diverse examples are used to illustrate how these methods have been applied in previous studies. We discuss the urgent need for developing curricula for classroom and experiential teaching of synthesis in coastal science to undergraduate and graduate students, and we consider the societal importance of synthetic research to support coastal resource management and policy development. Finally, we briefly discuss the crucial challenges for future growth and development of synthetic approaches to estuarine and coastal research.
Personal constructs: Their use in the marketing of intangible services

Marketing services requires identification of consumer's perceptions of salient attributes for positioning. Personal constructs (Kelly 1963) are at the core of consumers' determination of the degree to which attributes exist within phenomenon. Using Kelly's notion of personal constructs, this paper proposes a conceptual framework from which intangible attributes can be “tagged” to tangible signs.
Extended defect intergrowths in Zr1-xTi1+xO4

Abstract The low-temperature, Zr/Ti ordered, form of zirconium titanate has been investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy in order to characterize the incommensurate structure of phases with composition ZrTiO 4 to near Zr 5 Ti 7 O 24 . Electron diffraction reveals that compositions with Zr:Ti between 5:7 and 1:1 have incommensurate superstructures, and phases close to 1:1 are commensurate with an a -axis repeat 2× that of the disordered structure. The a -doubling in the 1:1 phase corresponds to two Zr-rich layers alternated with two Ti-rich octahedral layers. The incommensurate compositions are composed of blocks of the 1:1 structure intercalated with blocks of the 3× commensurate 5:7 superstructure. The incommensurate structure can be described based on a quasi-periodic insertion of (100) anti-phase boundaries along a . The boundaries are uniformly distributed in such a way as to produce incommensurate satellite reflections. The main driving force for the ordering transformation appears to be the reduction of the number of nearest-neighbor Zr and Ti within the cation layers. This reduction is accomplished by the formation of domain-like segregations of Zr and Ti within the layers, and by “layer reactions” which prevent the formation of Zr-Ti-Zr linkages between layers. The layer reactions assure that the distribution of (100) faults is well-mixed in three dimensions, thereby permitting incommensurate diffraction maxima to occur.
SU-FF-T-358: Evaluation of the Delta4 ™ 3D Cylindrical Phantom for Delivery Quality Assurance of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) Treatments Using Helical Tomotherapy

Purpose: To evaluate the use of the ScandiDos® Delta4 ™ cylindrical 3D phantom for delivery quality assurance (DQA) of stereotactic body radiotherapy(SBRT) treatments using helical tomotherapy. Method and Materials: Five (n=5) patients with single or multiple lesions in either the lung or liver were treated with SBRT techniques using the Hi‐Art II™ unit in our Institution. SBRT plans delivered dose per fraction doses in the range of 10.0–20.0Gy. For DQA plan creation, the Delta4 ™ was scanned using the MVCT of tomotherapy and imported into the tomotherapy database as a phantom. A “fine” dose grid resolution was used for the dose calculation. Patient plan, structures, and dose were exported via DICOM RT protocol and uploaded into the ScandiDos® software platform. Profiles and gamma index analysis were used for plan validation. Results: Good agreement between calculated and measured doses was observed using the Delta4 ™. Results were consistent among the ten treatment plans evaluated over a period of 6 months. No diode calibration drift was noticed. For all the cases, good agreement in the high and low dose regions were recorded. All of the DQA measurements passed with at least 95% of the diode measurements within the gamma analysis criteria of 3% or 3mm. Additionally, a 20–30 minute time saving per DQA was noted using the Delta4 ™ when compared to film and ion chamber techniques. Time reduction primarily occurs during post‐delivery processing since analysis is performed instantly after measurement. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the ScandiDos® Delta4 ™ cylindrical phantom is an effective and efficient method for the delivery quality assurance of SBRT treatments using helical tomotherapy. The capability of measuring large doses per fraction eliminates the necessity of scaling the DQA procedure thus minimizing any possible scaling errors such as those associated with MLC latency.
Regulatory policies toward local exchange companies under emerging competition: guardrails or speed bumps on the information highway?

Abstract The Telecommunications Act of 1996 provides a fundamental shift in the policy parameters within which regulators are to implement telecommunications policy. Within the parameters established by the Act, however, considerable discretion remains on the part of those charged with the task of implementing the law. In this paper, we identify a set of policy guideposts based on sound economic principles that can be used by regulators to implement the Act. Specifically, these competition-enabling policies will foster the goals of promoting and protecting competition.
On the use of principal component analysis to speed up radiative transfer calculations

Radiative transfer is computationally expensive. However, it is essential to many applications, in particular remote sensing retrievals. Principal component analysis of the optical depth and single scattering albedo profiles has been proposed as a possible method to help ease the computational burden. Here we show how the technique could be applied to a practical problem of CO_2 retrievals from high spectral resolution measurements of reflected sunlight in three near infrared bands. We obtain a speed improvement of more than 50 fold (compared to monochromatic computations), while reproducing the radiances to better than 0.1% accuracy.
Synthesis, characterization, and biodegradation of novel poly(ether ester amide)s based on L-phenylalanine and oligoethylene glycol.

A new family of novel biodegradable poly(ether ester amide)s (PEEAs) consisting of three building blocks (l-phenylalanine, oligoethylene glycol, and aliphatic acid dichloride) were synthesized by solution polycondensation. Using N,N-dimethylacetamide as the solvent, these PEEA polymers were obtained with fairly good yields with reduced viscosity (ηred) ranging from 0.13 to 0.61 dL/g. The chemical structures of the PEEAs were confirmed by IR, NMR spectra, and elemental analysis. The PEEAs had Tg values lower than that of the saturated poly(ester amide)s (PEAs) of similar structures due to the incorporation of ether bonds in the backbones. An increase in the number of ether bonds in PEEA resulted in a lower Tg value. The solubility of the PEEA polymers in a wide range of common organic solvents was significantly improved when compared with unsaturated PEAs. The preliminary in vitro biodegradation behaviors of PEEA polymers were investigated in both pure PBS buffer and α-chymotrypsin solution of different co...
Molecular dynamics simulation of Lewis blood groups and related oligosaccharides

Molecular dynamics simulations without explicit inclusion of solvent molecules have been performed to study the motions of Lewisa and Lewisb blood group oligosaccharides, and two blood group A tetrasaccharides having type I and type II core chains. The blood group H trisaccharide has also been studied and compared with the blood group A type II core chain. The potential energy surface developed by Rasmussen and co-workers was used with the molecular mechanics code CHARMM. The lowest energy minima of the component disaccharide fragments were obtained from conformational energy mapping. The lowest energy minima of these disaccharide fragments were used to build the tri- and tetrasaccharides that were further minimized before the actual heating/equilibration and dynamics simulations. The trajectories of the disaccharide fragments, e.g., Fuc alpha- (1----4)GlcNAc, Gal beta-(1----4)GlcNAc, etc., show transitions among various minima. However, the oligosaccharides were found to be dynamically stable and no transitions to other minimum energy conformations were observed in the time series of the glycosidic dihedral angles even during trajectories as long as 300 ps. The stable conformations of the glycosidic linkages in the oligosaccharides are not necessarily the same as the minimum energy conformation of the corresponding isolated disaccharides. The average fluctuations of the glycosidic angles in the oligosaccharides were well within the range of +/- 15 degrees. The results of these trajectory calculations were consistent with the relatively rigid single-conformation models derived for these oligosaccharides from 1H-nmr data.
Using Ar adsorption to estimate the van der Waals contribution to the wetting of Ru(0001)

With a polarizability close to the mean for an ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ molecule, and a heat of adsorption on Ru(0001) known roughly from scattering experiments, an Ar atom is used as an ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$-surrogate in an effort to quantify the error incurred by poor treatment of van der Waals attraction in Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) studies of Ru wetting. The PW91-GGA underestimates the energy of an Ar atom $3.3\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{\AA{}}$ above a Ru by $\ensuremath{\sim}85\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{meV}$. This is too small to alter the earlier, theoretical conclusion that an intact-molecule wetting layer on Ru(0001) is unfavorable compared to a partially dissociated one.
Investigation of hazardous characteristics of refinery wastewater sludges

Abstract Much attention has been given to groundwater contamination due to the release of hazardous constituents from treatment and disposal facilities. Since some of the constituents entered groundwater aquifers in much shorter times than had been calculated, regulatory agencies have become concerned that hazardous constituents may be escaping from units not currently regulated under hazardous waste management programs. One of the major concerns of regulators is that unlined earthen surface impoundments in industrial wastewater treatment trains may be leaking heavy metals such as chromium and other hazardous constituents into the groundwater. The Environmental Protection Agency is moving toward bringing such impoundments under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations. In addition, EPA is now proposing to list hexavalent chromium as a hazardous air pollutant due to its possible release from the mist of cooling towers, citing hexavalent chromium's potent carcinogenicity as the primary ...
Automatic determination of spatial dose distribution for improved accuracy in e-beam proximity effect correction

Proximity effect correction in e-beam lithography is expected to be an essential step in the fabrication of high-density fine-feature circuits in the future. In the past, successful proximity correction by a shape modification approach with a single dose for the entire circuit pattern has been demonstrated. This approach has a few advantages over dose modification, including the fact that it is compatible with future multiple-beam or projection-based systems. As we continue to reduce the minimum feature size, accuracy of correction becomes more critical. In order to improve correction accuracy of the shape-only modification, a hybrid approach allowing region-wise dose control has been proposed. In this paper, a practical fast scheme for determining spatial dose distribution for the hybrid correction scheme is presented.
Inefficacy of propranolol in attenuation of drug‐induced parkinsonian tremor

We investigated the tremolytic effect of long-acting propranolol (propranolol-LA) in six subjects with drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP), using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover experimental design. Subjects received propranolol-LA for 2 weeks and placebo for 2 weeks, with no change in neuroleptic treatment. Tremor frequency and amplitude were objectively quantified at the end of each 2-week period by computerized tremorgram recording. There were no significant differences in attenuation of DIP tremor by propranolol-LA and placebo. Previous investigations reported in the literature have found propranolol to attenuate the tremor of idiopathic parkinsonism (IPD). It is expected that DIP and IPD tremor would respond similarly to propranolol if a solely peripheral or spinal cord tremolytic action were operative. A possible differential attenuation of IPD tremor and DIP tremor provides support for the concept of a higher central tremolytic mechanism of beta-adrenergic receptor-blocking drugs.
Health considerations for pregnant child care staff

Child care is a profession comprised predominantly of young women of child-bearing age. Yet the pregnancy of child care staff has been discussed only incidentally in the health literature on early childhood. Because nursing professionals serve in a number of roles in child care centers, this is an important topic to include for health in-services and consultations. This article reviews what is currently known and recommended for pregnant child care staff regarding illnesses, stress, and the ergonomics of the job. The occupational health research that included women employed in child care is examined. Guidelines and recommendations for staying healthy and managing classroom activities during pregnancy are suggested.
Current Transport in Al/InAlAs/InGaAs Heterostructures

The current transport across Al/InAlAs/InGaAs heterostructures is considered. A simplified formulation of the thermionic field equations are derived and applied to the experimental data obtained. The simplified formulation of the current transport is readily applied to simple Schottky diodes and the more complex heterostructure studied in the present work. Using the theory developed here, current-voltage measurements are used to extract interface barriers in the heterostructure. Es wird der Stromtransport in Al/InAlAs/InGaAs-Heterostrukturen untersucht. Eine vereinfachte Formulierung der thermionischen Feldgleichungen wird abgeleitet und auf die erhaltenen experimentellen Werte angewendet. Die vereinfachte Formulierung des Stromtransports last sich leicht auf einfache Schottky-Dioden und auf komplexere Heterostrukturen anwenden, die in der Arbeit untersucht werden. Mit der entwickelten Theorie werden Strom-Spannungs-Messungen zur Ermittlung der Grenzflachenbarrieren in der Heterostruktur benutzt.
Use of Nonviral Vectors for Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy

Over the last decade, three groups within the United Kingdom (Edinburgh, Oxford, and Imperial College, London) have undertaken key studies in the development of clinical gene therapy for cystic fibrosis. In 2001, catalyzed by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, these groups came together to form the United Kingdom Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy Consortium. The Consortium has removed duplication and competition, developed core facilities playing to the respective strengths of the centers, and introduced the joint strategy described in this article. This is driven by a clinical trial program, with a product pipeline and the necessary development of novel preclinical and human assays. The program is milestone-related, has a structure that lies between the pharmaceutical industry and academia, and has as its endpoint negotiations with industry to undertake a phase III clinical trial of the identified product.
Intergenerational communication about inherited breast cancer susceptibility between mothers and their children

5 ISSN 1758-1923 10.2217/BMT.13.70 © 2014 Future Medicine Ltd Breast Cancer Manage. (2014) 3(1), 5–8 Family communication about high-risk hereditary breast cancer genetic testing (e.g., genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutations) and maternal disclosure of cancer genetic test results to minor children is a complex decision and raises a number of parenting challenges. Genetic counseling can help mitigate some of these challenges by providing patients with educational resources. The development of family communication decision-support tools can further augment patients’ genetic counseling experience by creating a more shared and informed framework for understanding communication choices and outcomes. Given the field’s growing propensity to genetically test multiple generations of relatives within the same family over time, adequately meeting the needs of patients seeking to engage in intergenerational cancer risk communication with children is an important and emerging area of behavioral oncology research. The advent of BRCA1/2 genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer risk in the mid1990s was ushered in by rapid advances in genome science and biotechnology, making it possible to provide both men and women with tangible information about cancer risks and for them to be better informed about subsequent risk-reduction options. These test results could, in turn, be disseminated by patients to their relatives to share information about their potential risk for developing cancer as well. Today, decades later, familial genetic testing has cascaded into second and third generations within some families, as children and even grandchildren of the ‘genetic testing pioneers’ begin presenting for genetic testing themselves. Additionally, the absolute number of probands, or first family member to be tested, has increased as BRCA1/2 genetic testing has become a routine aspect of practice [101]. More recently, a household-name celebrity’s announcement of her choice to undergo prophylactic mastectomy based on a positive BRCA test result brought a surge of awareness to cancer genetic testing and its potentially life-changing implications for patients and their relatives [1]. Concurrently, expanded policy recommendations
Information systems in the community: a summer immersion program for students from historically black colleges and universities (hbcus)

Interest in information technology (IT) careers, in general, remains flat among college students and interest among women and non-majority students has even declined in recent years. Further, many researchers have expressed concern that students are ill-equipped to address many of the human, social, and ethical issues that typically arise in a technical context. At the same time, there is a growing body of work that suggests service-learning initiatives benefit all students, particularly women and minority students, in terms of stronger skill preparation and sense of collective belonging. The objective of this paper is to describe a six-week summer service-learning program aimed at addressing the under representation of African American students in the IT field. We found that the students experienced two significant outcomes: exposure to the skills necessary to enter the IT profession (e.g., project management, technical, and teamwork abilities); and participation in professional development opportunities that fostered a sense of belonging in the field.
Ultrastructural, Protein, and Lipid Changes in Liver Associated with Chlordecone Treatment of Mice,

Pretreatment of mice with chlordecone (CD) reduced hepatic accumulation of a subsequent dose of [14C]CD without significantly changing [14C]CD biotransformation. To determine if CD-induced changes in hepatic [14C]CD accumulation were coincident with altered cell composition, we examined the effects of CD on hepatic protein and lipid content, on fatty acid profiles of liver and kidney, and on the ultrastructure of hepatocytes. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis detected an apparent CD dose-related increase in a microsomal protein with a molecular weight of about 23 kDa. Total liver or kidney lipid contents were not altered by CD but relative amounts of several hepatic fatty acids were changed. CD caused marked hepatic mitochondrial swelling, increased amounts of endoplasmic reticulum, apparently increased numbers of peroxisome-like structures, and decreased numbers of lipid droplets in cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Numbers of lipid droplets were not decreased in perisinusoidal fat storage cells. In addition, the numbers of cytoplasmic lipoprotein vesicles were apparently increased in some hepatocytes. Overall these changes indicated an increased hepatocyte secretory activity and suggested that CD changed hepatocellular lipid transport, storage, and metabolism pathways.
Prolonged survival in neuroblastoma with multiple skeletal metastases and bone marrow infiltration.

SUMMARY The present report is the third recorded case, to our knowledge, of a child with multiple skeletal metastases and bone marrow infiltration secondary to disseminated neuroblastoma who has survived 7 years and 6 months after the diagnosis without clinical, chemical or radiographic evidence of disease.
Accounting reporting implications of balance sheet relationships for U.S. multinationals

Abstract The FASB has recently issued a research report and an invitation to comment on the need for more disaggregated reporting by business enterprises with respect to geographic segments. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence related to the informativeness of more detailed financial reporting by geographic segment. The specific empirical objective of the study was to determine if balance sheet account balances (account amounts) of subsidiaries of U.S. multinationals are systematically related across countries. Canonical correlation analysis was used to identify and interpret such systematic relationships. The analysis confirms that balance sheet account balances of these subsidiaries are systematically related across countries. These relationships suggest that: (1) foreign earnings are used to finance investments in other foreign countries; (2) long-term foreign assets are financed with short-term and long-term debt, rather than with equity; and (3) working capital of a foreign affiliate may be financed with capital stock (equity capital provided by the parent). Overall, the results support the view that balance sheets are not managed with a purely global perspective.
Evaluation of combined effects of heat treatment and antioxidant on peroxidase activity of crude extract of green peas

Abstract The combined effects of heat treatment and antioxidant addition on residual peroxidase activity and isoenzyme patterns of green peas were compared with heat treatment alone. The changes of pea peroxidase isoenzyme patterns during heat treatment of crude extracts with and without antioxidants were observed by analytical thin-layer isoelectric focusing (pH 3·5–9·5). The determination of peroxidase activities in the heat-treated samples was in agreement with an overall decrease in the number of isoenzymes detected by specific staining of the polyacrylamide gels. The antioxidants during heat treatment decreased the apparent number of peroxidase isoenzymes as well as the residual peroxidase activity. The antioxidants, TBHQ, BHA, BHT, and α-tocopherol were tested at concentrations ranging from 4 × 10 −6 , m to 1 × 10 −2 , m .
The short-run dynamics of inter-state migration: a space-time economic adjustment model of in-migration to fast growing states.

Ballard K. P. and Clark G. L. (1981) The short-run dynamics of inter-state migration: a space-time economic adjustment model of in-migration to fast growing States, Reg. Studies 15, 213–228. Interregional migration is analyzed with respect to its short-run responsiveness to economic fluctuations and its efficiency as a spatial labour market allocation mechanism. Using a space-time analytical framework, in-migration to four fast growing States of the United States is analyzed over the period 1958–1975. It is shown via a time-series model, employing a Koyck-distributed lag methodology, that short-run in-migration is in fact responsive to economic fluctuations. Both employment and turnover variables figure prominently in this regard. By a cross-sectional analysis it is also shown that in-migrants to fast growing States do not necessarily come from depressed or low-growth regions. Thus, interregional migration may not be an efficient allocator of labour across the aggregate spatial system in the short or long...
Inflammation and airway reactivity.

Sir John Floyer's preface to the Treatise of the Asthma, published in 1698, began as follows: Since the cure of the asthma is observed by all physicians, who have attempted the eradicating that chronical distemper, to be very difficult, and frequently unsuccessful: I may thence infer, that either the true nature of that disease is not thoroughly understood by them, or they have not yet found the medicines by which the cure may be effected [1].