cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Temperature and Time in Transit on Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Feline Herpesvirus DNA

The purpose of this study was to report methods currently recommended by commercial laboratories for collecting, shipping, and processing of samples for feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to determine the effect of temperature and time on the ability of 1 PCR method to detect FHV-1 DNA in experimental and clinical samples. Eleven laboratories offering FHV-1 PCR were surveyed. There was notable variation in sample types and shipping conditions recommended and PCR protocols used by these laboratories. Subsequently, using a single PCR method, FHV-1 DNA was detected in samples exposed to various temperatures within the laboratory. Finally, FHV-1 PCR was performed on paired clinical samples collected from 25 cats and shipped at ambient temperatures via US Postal Service (USPS) or with an ice pack via a courier. Samples sent by USPS were exposed to significantly longer transit time and arrived at significantly higher temperature than did samples sent by courier. Despite this, all sample pairs yielded concordant results when tested for FHV-1 DNA using this PCR method. Although it may not be necessary for samples collected for detection of FHV-1 DNA using this PCR method to be shipped under the most expedient or temperature-controlled conditions, this should be verified for a variety of PCR assays and sample types.
A digital segmented repetitive control algorithm

This paper presents the structure and analysis of the segmented discrete-time repetitive controller. The repetitive controller is designed to reject periodic disturbance and/or track periodic reference signal with known period. Resulted from the Internal Model Principle, the repetitive control laws is applied to the entire control path. However, when crucial segments within a control path are of concern, the segmented repetitive control law, which applies control actions only to those segments, can be utilized to save the memory space, It is shown that such a segmented repetitive control system is stable if the original nonsegmented one is stable
A comprehensive evaluation of ensembl, RefSeq, and UCSC annotations in the context of RNA-seq read mapping and gene quantification.

RNA-Seq has become increasingly popular in transcriptome profiling. One aspect of transcriptome research is to quantify the expression levels of genomic elements, such as genes, their transcripts and exons. Acquiring a transcriptome expression profile requires genomic elements to be defined in the context of the genome. Multiple human genome annotation databases exist, including RefGene (RefSeq Gene), Ensembl, and the UCSC annotation database. The impact of the choice of an annotation on estimating gene expression remains insufficiently investigated. In this paper, we systematically characterized the impact of genome annotation choice on read mapping and transcriptome quantification by analyzing a RNA-Seq dataset generated by the Human Body Map 2.0 Project. The impact of a gene model on mapping of non-junction reads is different from junction reads. For the RNA-Seq dataset with a read length of 75 bp, on average, 95% of non-junction reads were mapped to exactly the same genomic location regardless of which gene models was used. By contrast, this percentage dropped to 53% for junction reads. In addition, about 30% of junction reads failed to align without the assistance of a gene model, while 10–15% mapped alternatively. There are 21,958 common genes among RefGene, Ensembl, and UCSC annotations. When we compared the gene quantification results in RefGene and Ensembl annotations, 20% of genes are not expressed, and thus have a zero count in both annotations. Surprisingly, identical gene quantification results were obtained for only 16.3% (about one sixth) of genes. Approximately 28.1% of genes’ expression levels differed by 5% or higher, and of those, the relative expression levels for 9.3% of genes (equivalent to 2038) differed by 50% or greater. The case studies revealed that the gene definition differences in gene models frequently result in inconsistency in gene quantification. We demonstrated that the choice of a gene model has a dramatic effect on both gene quantification and differential analysis. Our research will help RNA-Seq data analysts to make an informed choice of gene model in practical RNA-Seq data analysis.
Sexual Rehabilitation Services after Spinal Cord Injury: What Do Women Want?

Purpose: To explore and describe women’s experiences and concerns related to inpatient sexual rehabilitation.
Stress analysis of rotating disks

Abstract The equilibrium of a disk with variable thickness, symmetrical with respect to both its axis and its midplane, is analyzed, under the action of centrifugal and thermal loading. Introducing the customary assumption of plane stress, and neglecting the influence of shear stresses, the differential equilibrium equation is integrated, and stress analysis methods are derived. A digital computer program based on these methods is described briefly. Results of a typical numerical problem are presented. The method provides a very useful tool for the rapid investigation of the cost and performance of families of turbo-machines for coolant circulation in gas-cooled power reactors.
Analysis on Guarantee Strategies of Reliability for Hengqin Power System

In this paper, reliability guarantee strategies for Hengqin were proposed based on reliability affecting factor system and Hengqin needs of high reliability power system and smart grid, and the reliability enhancing degree of these strategies were assessed. Firstly, the indices of reliability were analyzed, and the reliability affecting factor system was built up. Then, combined with the development need of Hengqin power system, four specific reliability guarantee strategies-network structure construction, advanced distribution automation, intelligent operation and maintenance center and the end-line monitoring system-were proposed and the reliability effects were quantitatively assessed. Finally, the reliability effect of the strategies was compared with the reliability goal of Hengqin power system, and the adequacy and completeness of the strategies were verified.
Computerized data collection in the operating room during coronary artery bypass surgery: a comparison to the hand-written anesthesia record.

Abstract Objective: To investigate variability between hand-written and computerized anesthesia records and evaluate any associated bias. Design and Measurements: A computer system that was used to collect intraoperative data for a study of hemodynamic management during coronary artery bypass graft surgery is described. The system collected and recorded hemodynamic data automatically downloaded from the anesthesia monitor as well as surgical events and drug administration data entered through menu options. The system then combined, summarized, and graphed the data as well as formatted it for export to a commercially available database program. In a sample of 14 patients, blood pressure data collected by the computer system was compared with the blood pressure data charted in the hand-written anesthesia record. Main Results: Although general linear models controlling for within-patient variation and randomization assignment for mean arterial pressure range on cardiopulmonary bypass showed a significant relationship; low R2 values indicated that much of the variability could not be explained and that there was, therefore, poor agreement between the two records. Furthermore, a systematic bias in the hand-written anesthesia record was found when the computer system record was compared with the hand-written record and to the difference of the two records, so that extremes seen in the computer system record tended to be minimized in the hand-written anesthesia record. Conclusion: Because of the lack of explained variability between the computer system and hand-written anesthesia records and the bias in the hand-written anesthesia record, the hand-written anesthesia record should not be relied on as a source of accurate data for research purposes.
Regulation of Long-Term Plasticity Induction by the Channel and C-Terminal Domains of GluN2 Subunits

Conventional long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are induced by different patterns of synaptic stimulation, but both forms of synaptic modification require calcium influx through NMDA receptors (NMDARs). A prevailing model (the “calcium hypothesis”) suggests that high postsynaptic calcium elevation results in LTP, whereas moderate elevations give rise to LTD. Recently, additional evidence has come to suggest that differential activation of NMDAR subunits also factors in determining which type of plasticity is induced. While the growing amount of data suggest that activation of NMDARs containing specific GluN2 subunits plays an important role in the induction of plasticity, it remains less clear which subunit is tied to which form of plasticity. Additionally, it remains to be determined which properties of the subunits confer upon them the ability to differentially induce long-term plasticity. This review highlights recent studies suggesting differential roles for the subunits, as well as findings that begin to shed light on how two similar subunits may be linked to the induction of opposing forms of plasticity.
Impurities, quantum interference, and quantum phase transitions in s -wave superconductors

We study the effects of quantum interference in impurity structures consisting of two or three magnetic impurities that are located on the surface of an $s$-wave superconductor. By using a self-consistent Bogoliubov--de Gennes formalism, we show that quantum interference leads to characteristic signatures not only in the local density of states (LDOS), but also in the spatial form of the superconducting order parameter. We demonstrate that the signatures of quantum interference in the LDOS are qualitatively, and to a large extent quantitatively, unaffected by the suppression of the superconducting order parameter near impurities, which illustrates the robustness of quantum interference phenomena. Moreover, we show that by changing the interimpurity distance, or the impurities' scattering strength, the $s$-wave superconductor can be tuned through a series of first-order quantum phase transitions in which the spin polarization of its ground state changes. In contrast to the single-impurity case, this transition is not necessarily accompanied by a $\ensuremath{\pi}$-phase shift of the order parameter and can in certain cases even lead to its enhancement. Our results demonstrate that the superconductor's LDOS, its spin state, and the spatial form of the superconducting order parameter are determined by a subtle interplay between the relative positions of the impurities and their scattering strength.
Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric studies of elimination reactions of anionic bases with metabolites of a fluorinated anesthetic agent: towards modeling bioactivation in the gas phase

Abstract Sevoflurane (fluoromethyl 2,2,2-trifluoro-[2,2,2-trifluoromethyl]ethyl ether) is a volatile anesthetic agent that is widely used in the U.S. and abroad. Sevoflurane undergoes degradation in the anesthetic circuit to form 2-(fluoromethoxy)-1,1,3,3,3-pentafluoro-1-propene (Compound A). As it is metabolized, Compound A alkylates the cysteine side chain in the tripeptide glutathione, which acts as a sort of scavenger for xenobiotics such as Compound A. The S-alkylated glutathione or glutathione S conjugate loses its C-terminal and N-terminal residues as it is further metabolized. This leaves a cysteine S conjugate of Compound A. The cysteine conjugate undergoes bioactivation by an enzyme known as β-lyase to produce nephrotoxic metabolites. Although Compound A is nephrotoxic in rats, Compound A-associated nephrotoxicity has not been observed in the human clinical use of sevoflurane, apparently because β-lyase activities are much lower in human kidney tissue than in rat kidney tissue. Since β-lyase reacts with carbonyl compounds by mechanisms involving deprotonation of the α-carbon, the reactions of Compound A-derived cysteine conjugates with the basic anionic species hydroxide, methoxide, and ethoxide were examined by Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The anionic bases examined react with the cysteine conjugates by an initial deprotonation of the α-carbon to form an enolate intermediate followed by elimination of either a thiolate anion or of HF. Since the HF elimination leads to CF2 loss, it is suggested that the F atom eliminated as HF comes from a CF3 group. Collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the product ions suggested structures consistent with this overall mechanistic picture. It is evident from these results that the same mechanism by which other cysteine conjugates are bioactivated could operate in the case of Compound A. That is, deprotonation to form enolate intermediates could lead to the release of very reactive species that might inactivate enzymes by alkylating them or otherwise reacting irreversibly with them. The thiolate product could alkylate an enzyme under appropriate conditions. Condensed-phase hydrolysis of the thiolate product could produce 2-(fluoromethoxy)-3,3,3-trifluoropropionic acid, a known metabolite of Compound A. The HF loss channel produces not only HF, but also CF2, a very reactive species. Evidence is noted that a closely related enzyme substrate system reacts to release fluoride in condensed phases suggesting that the activation of a CF3 observed here could be a more general process.
Diluents for Turkey Semen

ABSTRACT THERE are, to our knowledge, no reports in published literature on the effect of antibiotics and glycine on turkey spermatozoa. The reports on the effect of these additions to avian semen have been concerned with rooster semen (Smith, 1949; Lorenz and Tyler, 1951; Terbush, 1952; Qureshi, 1952). Van Tienhoven and Steel (1957) reported on experiments with turkey semen diluted with three different diluents at dilution rates ranging from 1:1 to 1:15 in which no differences among dilution rates were detected. However, it has been possible to obtain fertility at higher dilution rates with turkey than with rooster semen (van Tienhoven, unpublished), thus indicating differences between semen of these species. We decided to study the effect of added glycine and antibiotics on both fertilizing capacity and livability of turkey semen in different diluents using dilution rates of 1:15. MATERIALS AND METHODS In all experiments semen from 15–20 toms was pooled . . .
Comparison of endogenous amino acid flow in broilers, laying hens and caecectomised roosters

1. This study was conducted to determine and compare endogenous amino acid (EAA) flow in broilers, laying hens, and caecectomised roosters fed on either a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or a highly digestible protein diet (HDP). 2. Also, the EAA flows using three methods (fasted, NFD, or HDP) in precision-fed caecectomised roosters were compared. 3. EAA flow did not differ between broilers and laying hens on either the NFD or HDP diets. 4. Endogenous amino acid flow in caecectomised roosters was 3·5–12-fold higher than for broilers and laying hens for both methods (NFD and HDP) of estimation. 5. When caecectomised roosters were fasted or precision-fed (NFD or HDP), there was no difference in EAA flow between the NFD- or HDP-fed birds. 6. However, flows from fasted roosters were lower than from roosters receiving either the NFD or HDP diet. 7. Results from this study showed that EAA flow is method-dependent. Total amino acid flow from fasted birds was 31% less than when a NFD was fed to caecectomised roosters.
Opportunistic transport for disrupted airborne networks

Due to the challenging network conditions posed by a highly-dynamic airborne telemetry environment, it is essential for the transport protocol to provide automated mechanisms that dynamically adapt to changing end-to-end performance on any path. The AeroTP multi-mode transport protocol provides service tailored to the requirements of the telemetry mission control and data packets, achieving better performance compared to the traditional TCP and UDP. We use ns-3 to simulate the AeroTP protocol's reliable and quasi-reliable modes and demonstrate the performance tradeoffs between the modes, as well as comparing their performance with TCP and UDP.
Self-consistent antiferromagnetic ground state for La2CuO4 via energy-band theory.

We have used the pseudofunction method to compute self-consistent spin-polarized energy bands for ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$. The ground state is found to be semiconducting and antiferromagnetic (AF) with a moment of 0.35${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\mathit{B}}$. The net moment resulting from the occupation of 82 itinerant bands is localized on the Cu atoms only. Our results agree with experiments in which ${\mathrm{La}}_{2}$${\mathrm{CuO}}_{4}$ is found to be semiconducting and AF with a moment on the Cu atoms of (0.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05)${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\mathit{B}}$ (neutron scattering) or in the range 0.2${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\mathit{B}}$ to 0.6${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}_{\mathit{B}}$ (muon-spin resonance). Sr is found to produce holes on the out of plane O contrary to the assumption used in many strong-correlation theories of superconductivity.
Design and Analysis of Metal Slab Waveguide Reflector for Substrate Removed Nanowire Waveguides

Metal slab waveguide reflectors for nanowire waveguides are designed and simulated. The reflection coefficient can be controlled by adjusting the gap and length of the reflector. Reflection coefficients higher than metal coated facets are possible.
Specific 14c‐labeled surfactants. The addition of homogeneous polyoxyethylene glycols to 2,6,8‐trimethyl‐4‐nonanol

Two molecularly homogeneous nonionic detergents with specific-14C labeling were prepared. Polyoxyethylene glycols of six and nine ethylene oxide units were coupled to 2,6,8-trimethyl-4-nonanol (TMNOH). The radioactive label was in the first ethylene oxide unit attached to the alkyl moiety, TMNOCH2*CH2(OCH2 CH2)nOH. All react ions employed in this synthesis gave good to excellent results. Two routes were developed for the reduction of an alkoxyacetic acid intermediate to the corresponding alcohol, and both methods gave excellent yields. The overall yields for TMN(OCH2CH2)6OH and TMN(OCH2CH2)9OH were 4Z and 33 per cent, respectively.
Training technical personnel for war industry

This third article to appear in “Electrical Engineering” on the problem of producing engineers in wartime nominates the Engineering, Science, and Management War Training Program as a workable plan for securing leaders for the production line. Articles describing the Army Specialized Training Program and the Navy College Training Program which have already been put into operation appeared in the March issue.
A rapid assay procedure for ATP:l-methionine adenosyltransferase

A new assay technique for ATP:l-methionine S-adenosyltransferase activity (EC 2.5.1.6) is described. The procedure eliminates the use of ion exchange resin columns which have been routinely used in the past. The principle of the assay depends upon the separation of S-adenosyl-l-[Me-14C]methionine from l-[Me-14C]-methionine by differential adsorption on cellulose phosphate ion exchange discs. The cellulose phosphate disc method is considerably simpler, more rapid, and less expensive than the column procedure while retaining high sensitivity and precision.
Test scheduling with power-time tradeoff and hot-spot avoidance using MILP

A test scheduling methodology for core-based systems on a chip allows tradeoffs between system power dissipation and overall test time while avoiding the formation of hot-spots. The basic strategy is to use a power profile of nonembedded cores over time and grids to find the best mix of their test pattern subsets that satisfy power and/or time constraints. Two mixed-integer linear programming formulations are presented to globally perform power-time tradeoff and produce the SoC test schedule. Many constraints including peak/average power dissipation of cores, physical/structural power distribution of cores, time/sequencing requirements, and ATE-pin limitation are also incorporated within the formulation.
The float-zone growth of Ti3Au and Ti3Pt

Abstract The preparation of single crystals of the A15 intermetallic compounds Ti 3 Au and Ti 3 Pt by an electron-beam float-zone method has been investigated. High quality single crystals of Ti 3 Au were grown successfully by using a zoning speed of 12 mm/h under a vacuum of at least 10 -8 Torr. for the case of Ti 3 Pt, grains varyingfrom a few mm to over 1 cm with large mosaic spreads were obtained. Ti 3 Pt crystals were also grown by means of an RF induction-heating float-zone technique. Surface striations were observed on all of the Ti 3 Pt crystals grown. These striations are believed to be a result of melt convection caused by surface tension gradient at the free melt-vapor interface.
Persistent rhinosinusitis in children after endoscopic sinus surgery.

Abstract The efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in children is insufficiently addressed in the medical literature. We report a cohort of 14 children (mean age 7.7 years, median age 5.1 years) seen at our multidisciplinary clinic for refractory rhinosinusitis during a 30-month period who continued to have rhinosinusitis despite previous ESS. Prior ESS procedures were performed by 11 surgeons in 3 states. The first ESS was performed when the children were a mean age of 4.6 years, and in 10 of 14, it was performed when they were younger than 4.8 years. This cohort required a disproportionately high rate of subsequent surgical intervention, 50%, versus a 9% surgical rate in the remaining clinic population (P = 0.0002). Osteomeatal scarring was the single most difficult surgical complication. Significant morbidity, in the form of persistent disease, is encountered after ESS in young children. Although chronic rhinosinusitis after ESS, to a certain degree, can still be managed by medical therapy, judicial use of ESS, especially in the very young, is recommended. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:577-80.)
Computer-aided discovery of Trypanosoma brucei RNA-editing terminal uridylyl transferase 2 inhibitors.

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a major health problem in sub-Saharan Africa caused by Trypanosoma brucei infection. Current HAT drugs are difficult to administer and not effective against all parasite species at different stages of the disease which indicates an unmet pharmaceutical need. TbRET2 is an indispensable enzyme for the parasite and is targeted here using a computational approach that combines molecular dynamics simulations and virtual screening. The compounds prioritized are then tested in T. brucei via Alamar blue cell viability assays. This work identified 20 drug-like compounds which are candidates for further testing in the drug discovery process.
Cross-neutralization of cutaneous and mucosal Papillomavirus types with anti-sera to the amino terminus of L2.

Vaccination with papillomavirus L2 has been shown to induce neutralizing antibodies that protect against homologous type infection and cross-neutralize a limited number of genital HPVs. Surprisingly, we found that antibodies to bovine papillomavirus (BPV1) L2 amino acids 1–88 induced similar titers of neutralizing antibodies against Human papillomavirus (HPV)16 and 18 and BPV1 pseudoviruses and also neutralized HPV11 native virions. These antibodies also neutralized each of the other pseudovirus types tested, HPV31, HPV6 and Cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) pseudoviruses, albeit with lower titers. HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV6 and CRPV L2 anti-sera also displayed some cross-neutralization, but the titers were lower and did not encompass all pseudoviruses tested. This study demonstrates the presence of broadly cross-neutralizing epitopes at the N-terminus of L2 that are shared by cutaneous and mucosal types and by types that infect divergent species. BPV1 L2 was exceptionally effective at inducing cross-neutralizing antibodies to these shared epitopes.
Formation of lipoxins by alveolar macrophages.

Abstract Rat alveolar macrophages incubated with (15S), 15-hydroperoxy-5,8, 11- cis -13- trans -eicosatetraenoic acid (15-HPETE) in the presence of the calcium ionophore A23187 produced a series of polar compounds. Reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to purify these compounds and their identities were characterized by physical criteria (UV spectroscopy, GC MS ) and by co-elution with synthetic compounds. Alveolar macrophage-derived materials proved to be lipoxin A4 [LXA4;(5S,6R,15S)-5,6,15-trihydroxy-7,9,13- trans -11- cis -eicosatetraenoic acid], lipoxin B4[LXB4;(5S,14R,15S)-5,14,15-trihydroxy-6,10,12- trans -8- cis - eicosatetraenoic acid], and a structural isomer. These results indicate that rat alveolar macrophages have the capacity to generate lipoxins and related compounds.
Betatrophin—Promises Fading and Lessons Learned

The discovery of a potent mitogen for insulin-producing pancreatic β cells, optimistically termed "betatrophin," excited researchers and laypeople alike, promising a new therapeutic approach to diabetes. A recent "Matters Arising" report by Gusarova and colleagues (2014) places serious doubts on whether "betatrophin" plays any major role in β cell replication.
Effect of decohesion and sliding on bimaterial crack-tip fields

This work is concerned with the analytical characterization of the effect of bond decohesion and sliding on the fields surrounding the tip of an interface crack. We consider the two-dimensional problem of an interface crack along the bond between a pair of linearly elastic materials. The interface itself has a nonlinear constitutive property: it has maximum load carrying capacities in both tension normal to the bond and in shear. The interface therefore has the ability to slide and separate inelastically without loss of integrity. The effects of these physically motivated assumptions are deduced and discussed. Further impetus for this study stems from the recent resurgence of interest in interfacial fracture mechanics. This interest is partly driven by the desire to understand and alleviate the pathological difficulties associated with the crack-tip fields predicted by the linear theory of elasticity. By accounting for possible interfacial nonlinear behavior, we are able to find that near-tip fields are free of the offensive properties alluded to above.
Seeing "As Others See Us": The Chicago Defender Cartoonist Jay Jackson as Cultural Critic

In 1939, the Chicago Defender published a promotional booklet titled “The Inside Story of theChicago Defender, the World’s Greatest Weekly” that presented founder Robert S. Abbott’s mission for the paper: generating “a vigorous campaign against segregation and discrimination, fearless fights against lynching, and equal rights for all” (10). Reflecting on its thirty-four years of progress, the pamphlet celebrated the Chicago Defender’s commitment to the inclusion of photographs and drawings that “change news into visual realism” (11). The pamphlet included a photograph of cartoonist Jay Jackson, noting his significant contributions to its editorial pages. Though his images had appeared in the paper and its associated illustrated magazine Abbott’s Monthly since the mid-1920s, Jackson did not formally join the staff of the Chicago Defender until 1933. Ostensibly, Jackson’s contributions followed Abbott’s unique blend of conservatism and progressivism, seeking racial solidarity and espousing philosophies of self-help that reflected the lasting influence of Booker T. Washington. Though his paper purported to support the advancement of “The Race,” Abbott’s editorials frequently reinforced social conformity and class hierarchy for his African American readers. Believing that he had to address the “moral and ethical foibles every week and the cultural and intellectual bareness of our people” (“There”), Abbott commissioned Jackson to design a serial that would inspire “an introspective examination of the influences which have made it possible for malicious observers to label and libel us” (“Editor”). 1 Titling the series “As Others See Us,” Jackson not only provided an opportunity for introspective self-evaluation, he also reinforced the understanding that the scrutiny of others contributed to the collective construct of the New Negro. The Chicago Defender’s correctives were directed largely to recent migrants who had been encouraged by its “Great Northern Drive” (Grossman 87), a campaign that by 1935 had moved
Aperiodic subwavelength Lüneburg lens with nonlinear Kerr effect compensation.

We introduce a Luneburg lens design where Kerr nonlinearity is used to compensate for the focal point shift caused by diffraction of a Gaussian source. A computationally efficient iterative method introduced in [Opt. Lett. 35, 4148 (2010)] is used to provide ray diagrams in the nonlinear case and verify the focal shift compensation. We study the joint dependence of focal shift on waist size and intensity of Gaussian source, and show how to compensate spherical aberration caused by the nonlinearity by a small perturbation of the Luneburg profile. Our results are specific to Luneburg lens but our approach is applicable to more general cases of nonlinear nonperiodic metamaterials.
Characterization of a preliminary narrow-band absorption material for holographic data storage

ABSTRACT A new holographic data storage material is currently being developed at General Electric. This material is based on a thermoplastic host doped with dyes with narrowband absorption resonances. The dye is photosensitive and irreversibly bleaches under exposure to light. The reduction in concentration of the dye in the host after exposure induces refractive index variations at wavelengths away from the dye absorption peak according to the well-known Kramers-Kronig relationship. The approach proposed here requires different recording and readout wavelengths to prevent data erasure during readout. Samples were produced using different dyes and various concentrations in a polycarbonate host. The extensive experience developed in th e past with polycarbonate for optical media promises to make the proposed material very inexpensive. These samples were characterized using holographic techniques as well as using spectroscopic transmission and ellipsometry. The results of the characterizations indicate that this material approach can offer very large dynamic range, but have thus far shown very low sensitivity. Further work is required to demonstrate materials having both sufficient dynamic range and sensitivity for holographic storage applications. We believe that if this condition can be satisfied, this new material approach will be an excellent candidate for high-density holographic media for content distribution. Keywords: holographic data storage, narrow-band material, dye-doped polycarbonate
Spinal Epidural Abscess Successfully Treated with Percutaneous, Computed Tomography-guided, Needle Aspiration and Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE We describe a case of a posterior spinal epidural abscess that was successfully treated with percutaneous, computed tomography-guided, needle aspiration and parenteral antibiotic therapy.CLINICAL PRESENTATION A 48-year-old man experienced acute pain in the paralumbar region
Experimental study of the gas phase chemistry of C3H3+ with several cyclic molecules

Abstract Rate coefficients and ion product distributions have been determined for the gas phase reactions of C3H3+ with several homocyclic and heterocyclic molecules in a selected ion flow tube (SIFT) at 298 K. The rate coefficients for both the linear and cyclic isomers of C3H3+ are given. l-C3H3+ reacts by association in the majority of the reactions. c-C3H3+ is shown to be more reactive than previously suggested by low pressure experiments. In fact, the cyclic isomer reacts at the gas kinetic rate when the reaction involves a nitrogen containing cyclic compound but is less reactive with oxygen containing cyclic compounds. It is noted this reactivity of both the cyclic and linear isomer should be included when modeling the atmosphere of Titan due to the large number of nitrogen containing molecules that are considered to be present. Currently, the models consider electron recombination to be the only loss channel for c-C3H3+.
Links between inflammation, amygdala reactivity, and social support in breast cancer survivors

Psychosocial stress can affect inflammatory processes that have important consequences for cancer outcomes and the behavioral side effects of cancer treatment. To date, however, little is known about the upstream neural processes that may link psychosocial stressors and inflammation in cancer patients and survivors. To address this issue, 15 women who had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and completed cancer treatment and 15 age- and ethnicity-matched women with no cancer history were recruited for a neuroimaging study. Participants provided a blood sample for levels of circulating inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-6), underwent an fMRI scan in which they completed a threat reactivity task designed to elicit activity in the amygdala, and reported their levels of perceived social attachment/support. There were no significant differences between cancer survivors and controls in levels of CRP or IL-6, in amygdala reactivity to the socially threatening images, or in levels of perceived social support. However, results showed a strong, positive correlation between CRP concentration and left amygdala reactivity in the survivor group that was not apparent in controls. Higher levels of social support in the survivor group were also associated with reduced amygdala reactivity and CRP. These data suggest the possibility of a stronger "neural-immune pipeline" among breast cancer survivors, such that peripheral inflammation is more strongly associated with neural activity in threat-related brain regions.
Efficient current expansions modes for N-arm frequency selective surface elements

An entire domain current expansion set is found for the tripole frequency-selective surface (FSS) using the singularity expansion method (SEM). The SEM analysis is performed on a thin wire model of an isolated FSS element. The SEM natural current modes yield a highly efficient entire domain expansion set for use in a Floquet moment-method analysis of the FSS array. The SEM analysis yields an optimum set of expansions functions without any prior knowledge about the FSS element. >
The development of a feeding, swallowing and oral care program using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model in an orphanage-hospital in Guatemala.

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a long-term on-going international academic service-learning (I-ASL) intervention. Its goal was to improve swallowing, feeding and oral care technique of medical staff in an orphanage in Guatemala to children who are medically complex and have special needs.Method: The PRECEDE-PROCEED model was used as the conceptual framework of the program. Five major target areas were identified during the diagnosis, assessment, implementation and evaluation phases of the model: knowledge and skills, feeding equipment, feeding and oral care technique, positioning and communication. Verbal instruction, modelling and small group training was provided by the research team across all visits. A five-day intervention designed to increase feeders’ knowledge of feeding and oral care technique, signs and symptoms and complications of dysphagia and to improve their feeding, positioning and oral care technique was implemented and evaluated.Result: Statistical analyses sho...
Commercial Internet filters: Perils and opportunities

Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of Internet abuse in the workplace. Such abuse results in loss of workers' productivity, network congestion, security risks, and legal liabilities. To address this problem, organizations have started to adopt Internet usage policies, management training, and filtering software. Several commercial Internet filters are experiencing an increasing number of organizational adoptions. These products mainly rely on black lists, white lists, and keyword/profile matching to filter out undesired web pages. In this paper, we describe three top-ranked commercial Internet filters - CYBERSitter, Net Nanny, and CyberPatrol - and evaluate their performance in the context of an Internet abuse problem. We then propose a text mining approach to address the problem and evaluate its performance using six different classification algorithms: naive Bayes, multinominal naive Bayes, support vector machine, decision tree, k-nearest neighbor, and neural network. The evaluation results point to the perils of using commercial Internet filters on one hand, and to the prospects of using text mining on the other. The proposed text mining approach outperforms the commercial filters. We discuss the possible reasons for the relatively poor performance of the filters and the steps that could be taken to improve their performance.
Allison Doupe: In Memoriam

Allison Doupe, Professor of Psychiatry and Physiology at UCSF, died on Friday, October 24, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was an esteemed leader of UCSF’s neuroscience community and a pioneering systems neuroscientist. She is best known for her research on the detailed neuronal mechanisms involved in birdsong learning and on the relationship of this process to the learning of human speech.
Use of the DNA sequence of variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene for rapid and accurate identification of bacteria in the Lactobacillus acidophilus complex

The Lactobacillus acidophilus complex includes Lact. acidophilus, Lactobacillus amylovorus, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gallinarum, Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus johnsonii. The objective of this work was to develop a rapid and definitive DNA sequence-based identification system for unknown isolates of the Lact. acidophilus complex. A approximately = 500 bp region of the 16S rRNA gene, which contained the V1 and V2 variable regions, was amplified from the isolates by the polymerase chain reaction. The sequence of this region of the 16S rRNA gene from the type strains of the Lact. acidophilus complex was sufficiently variable to allow for clear differentiation amongst each of the strains. As an initial step in the characterization of potentially probiotic strains, this technique was successfully used to identify a variety of unknown human intestinal isolates. The approach described here represents a rapid and definitive method for the identification of Lact. acidophilus complex members.
Tiling-Based Localization Scheme for Sensor Networks Using a Single Beacon

We propose and evaluate a new localization protocol for sensor networks. Contrary to most current localization schemes, this protocol relies on the existence of only a single beacon node. The main idea is to hypothetically tile the deployment area with identical equilateral geometric shapes (e.g. hexagons, triangles... etc). Tiling should be such that the positions of the centers of these shapes can be easily computed relative to the position of the beacon node. After that, the set of nodes that are as close as possible to the centers of these shapes is determined. We refer to these nodes as central nodes. Basically, the positions of these central nodes can be approximated by the positions of the centers of the geometric shapes which can be calculated mathematically. These central nodes can be treated as beacons and the positions of all non-central nodes can be estimated using any range-free protocol (e.g. the centroid). Simulation results show that the accuracy of the proposed protocol is comparable to the accuracy of current localization protocols especially near the beacon node. In addition to this, the achieved localization accuracy increases significantly as the network density increases.
Soft Actuation of Structured Cylinders through Auxetic Behavior

There has been a recent upsurge in the study of auxetic, or negative Poisson’s ratio, materials that derive functionality from mechanical instabilities of the underlying structure. One of the simplest auxetic designs comprises an elastomeric slab patterned with an array of voids. [6,7] Under uniaxial compression, the slender ligaments contiguous to the voids buckle cooperatively, resulting in the shrinkage in the orthogonal direction, and hence a negative Poisson’s ratio. This mechanism has also been implemented in patterned spherical shells that can significantly reduce their volume under loading, while remaining spherical. [12] We regard this self-folding induced by buckling as a minimal mechanism for soft actuation, with a single radial degree of freedom.
Laser-ablation sampling for inductively coupled plasma distance-of-flight mass spectrometry

An inductively coupled plasma distance-of-flight mass spectrometer (ICP-DOFMS) has been coupled with laser-ablation (LA) sample introduction for the elemental analysis of solids. ICP-DOFMS is well suited for the analysis of laser-generated aerosols because it offers both high-speed mass analysis and simultaneous multi-elemental detection. Here, we evaluate the analytical performance of the LA-ICP-DOFMS instrument, equipped with a microchannel plate-based imaging detector, for the measurement of steady-state LA signals, as well as transient signals produced from single LA events. Steady-state detection limits are 1 μg g−1, and absolute single-pulse LA detection limits are 200 fg for uranium; the system is shown capable of performing time-resolved single-pulse LA analysis. By leveraging the benefits of simultaneous multi-elemental detection, we also attain a good shot-to-shot reproducibility of 6% relative standard deviation (RSD) and isotope-ratio precision of 0.3% RSD with a 10 s integration time.
Design and Manufacture of Combinatorial Calcium Phosphate Bone Scaffolds

It is well known that pore design is an important determinant of both the quantity and distribution of regenerated bone in artificial bone tissue scaffolds. A requisite feature is that scaffolds must contain pore interconnections on the order of 100-1000 μm (termed macroporosity). Within this range, there is not a definitive optimal interconnection size. Recent results suggest that pore interconnections permeating the scaffold build material on the order of 2-20 μm (termed microporosity) drive bone growth into the macropore space at a faster rate and also provide a new space for bone growth, proliferating throughout the interconnected microporous network. The effects of microstructural features on bone growth has yet to be fully understood. This work presents the manufacture and characterization of novel combinatorial test scaffolds, scaffolds that test multiple microporosity and macroporosity designs within a single scaffold. Scaffolds such as this can efficiently evaluate multiple mechanical designs, with the advantage of having the designs colocated within a single defect site and therefore less susceptible to experimental variation. This paper provides the manufacturing platform, manufacturing control method, and demonstrates the manufacturing capabilities with three representative scaffolds.
The rate of bipolar spindle assembly depends on the microtubule-gliding velocity of the mitotic kinesin Eg5

During early embryonic cycles, the time required for mitotic spindle assembly must match the autonomous cell cycle oscillations because a lack of coordination between these two processes will result in chromosome segregation errors. Members of the widely conserved BimC kinesin family are essential for spindle formation in all eukaryotes, and complete loss of BimC function results in monopolar spindles that have two spindle poles that are not separated. However, the precise roles of BimC motor activity in the spindle assembly process are not known. To examine the contribution of BimC kinesin's motor activity to spindle assembly, we generated and characterized mutants of Eg5, a vertebrate BimC kinesin, with reduced in vitro microtubule-gliding velocities. In Xenopus egg extracts, we replaced endogenous Eg5 with recombinant wild-type or mutant motor proteins. By using centrosome-dependent and centrosome-independent spindle assembly assays, we found that mechanisms that determine spindle size and shape were robust to approximately 6-fold reductions in Eg5 motility. However, the spindle assembly process was slower when Eg5 motor function was impaired. This role of Eg5 was independent of its contribution to centrosome separation. We provide evidence that Eg5 is a rate-limiting component of the cellular machinery that drives spindle assembly in vertebrates.
Surgical Timing in Infectious Endocarditis Wrestling With the Unrandomized

Endocarditis is a rare and highly variable disease, with a dramatic mortality that has not improved significantly despite progress in diagnosis and treatment. Strategies for prevention and management have generally been based on relatively small, usually single-center, experiences or, in the case of prophylaxis guidelines, been extrapolated from animal models of disease. Randomized controlled studies are unavailable and seem unlikely to inform our practices any time soon. How can we hope to make better therapeutic choices and improve outcome in their absence? Article see p 1005 The International Collaboration on Endocarditis—Prospective Cohort Study registry is an international collaborative effort among 61 centers in 28 countries that has compiled data from 2760 patients with definite infective endocarditis diagnosed according to the modified Duke criteria.1 Observational data from these patients creates the opportunity to examine some of the critical questions in endocarditis management, including the question whether surgical intervention during the acute hospitalized phase of endocarditis will improve survival. Lalani and colleagues address this topic in this issue of Circulation. 2 Surgical timing is one of the hardest clinical issues in treating patients with endocarditis. The traditional indications for surgery include heart failure, paravalvular extension of infection, and recurrent embolization.3,4 These have been based on observational studies and have generally been borne out by patient outcomes. As anyone who cares for these patients well understands, however, the decision to commit to a surgical procedure that might possibly be avoided is quite difficult for the patient, the surgeon, and the referring physician. An understanding of the degree of probable benefit of surgery would be extremely useful, if the benefit could be assessed in a way that was highly tailored to the individual patient’s circumstances. Because patients …