cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with gait outcome in patients with lumbosacral plexopathy after pelvic fractures

Introduction/Background Lumbosacral plexus injuries usually occur in patients with severe trauma requiring intensive care. The purpose of this study was to identify the initial factors associated with gait outcome of lumbosacral plexopathy caused by pelvic fracture. Material and method A total of 30 patients electrodiagnostically confirmed with lumbosacral plexopathy caused by pelvic fracture were included in this retrospective study. The demographic, injury-related, fracture-related and electrodiagnostic factors were compared between the patients with unassisted gait (UG) and assisted gait (AG) assessed in the outpatient clinic at an average of 641 days after the accident. Results Eleven patients (37%) remained AG during the follow-up period. The number of involved quadrant of pelvic fractures was larger (P = 0.011) and the proportion of unstable fracture were higher (P = 0.022) in the AG group than in the UG group. The initial muscle weakness was observed significantly more (P = 0.004) and the Dumitru and Wilbourn's scale (DWS) based on electrodiagnostic studies were significantly higher (P Conclusion The final gait outcome is associated with the severity of pelvic fracture and lumbosacral plexopathy rather than the general severity of trauma. The severity of plexus injury evaluated by electrodiagnostic study can predict the gait outcome.
How do Gender, Learning Goals, and Forum Participation Predict Persistence in a Computer Science MOOC?

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)—in part, because of their free, flexible, and relatively anonymous nature—may provide a means for helping overcome the large gender gap in Computer Science (CS). This study examines why women and men chose to enroll in a CS MOOC and how this is related to successful behavior in the course by (a) using k-means clustering to explore the reasons why women and men enrolled in this MOOC and then (b) analyzing if these reasons are related to forum participation and, ultimately, persistence in the course. Findings suggest that women and men have different reasons for taking this CS MOOC, and they persist at different rates, an outcome that is moderated by forum participation.
Frequency Regulation Characteristics Optimization and Analysis of DFIG- VSG Based on Rotor Inertia Control

DFIG- VSG (doubly-fed induction generator-virtual synchronous generator) based on rotor inertia control has gained popularity in engineering application. This approach can guarantee the economical operation of wind turbine and provide effective frequency support to the grid meanwhile. The adaptation of frequency regulation by DFIG-VSG is analyzed and speed restoration methods which are suitable for engineering application are studied. First, influencing factors on support time of DFIG-VSG utilizing rotor inertia control is analyzed. Thus general range of support time of wind turbines are given. Second, constant-value and comprehensive speed restoration methods are proposed, followed by comparing them with conventional MPPT curve restoration. Comprehensive speed restoration can inhibit second frequency drop significantly. Frequency regulation characteristics of DFIG-VSG is simulated in Simulink where wind turbines are connected with synchronous generator. Comprehensive restoration method is then testified.
Introducing Religion : Religious Studies for the Twenty-First Century

Introducing Religion, 4/e explores the different ways of looking at religion in the twenty-first century. A broad overview to religious studies as a discipline introduces students to the various subjects of religion. Introducing Religion teaches readers how to think in academic religious studies and its main areas, including: sociology of religion, psychology of religion, history of religion, religion and art, ethics, and more. The fourth edition has been expanded with new chapters exploring topics of contemporary interest: myth, spiritual paths, religion and popular culture, religion in the computer age, religion and war. Contemporary topics engage today’s students, relating the topics to the changing world around them.
A first‐year leadership programme for medical students

Background The established medical hierarchy, dramatic expansion of scientific knowledge and emphasis on value-based health care means that graduating physicians need to know how to manage and lead positive change. There is a critical gap in the teaching of these skills in undergraduate medical education. Methods Our medical school developed a first-year medical student competency-based leadership curriculum that focused on: leading yourself; teams and teamwork; influence and communication; problem solving; and systems thinking. The course used four methods of teaching leadership: experiential learning; targeted development; reflection; and feedback. The formal curriculum included topics such as developing a leadership agenda, challenging conversations and negotiations. The informal curriculum (learning outside of the structured curriculum) included applying leadership in co-curricular and extracurricular activities (e.g. in a student-run free clinic). Students recorded leadership experiences using a novel reflective assessment tool, obtained multi-source feedback and then articulated a plan for improvement. Results Course evaluations noted that only one-third of first-year students responded that the curriculum developed skills in communication, and the ability to problem-solve, apply systems thinking and build teams. Students self-reported that they were often building, leading and managing productive teams, and applying influence and communication. The multi-source feedback assessment revealed that students, on average, were rated as competent to proficient. Discussion Creating a robust curriculum for medical students in the first year is challenging. Student reactions ranged from affirming to critical. The next steps will focus on increasing interactive teaching and on helping students understand why, where and how leadership is important.
New Nonadride Analogues from a Freshwater Isolate of an Undescribed Fungus Belonging to the Order Pleosporales

isolation, structure elucidation and antifungal activities of three new nonadride derivatives (I) and two new compounds, waquafranone A (II) and B (III)
Preparation of Alkyl Nitrates, Nitrites, and Thiocyanates from Alcohols Utilizing Trichloroisocyanuric Acid with Triphenylphosphine

Abstract Alcohols in acetonitrile are converted into alkyl nitrates, nitrites, or thiocyanates by the action of triphenylphosphine and trichloroisocyanuric acid along with silver nitrate, silver nitrite, or sodium thiocyanate, respectively.
Ultrasound/microbubble-mediated targeted delivery of anticancer microRNA-loaded nanoparticles to deep tissues in pigs

In this study, we designed and validated a platform for ultrasound and microbubble-mediated delivery of FDA-approved pegylated poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with anticancer microRNAs (miRNAs) to deep tissues in a pig model. Small RNAs have been shown to reprogram tumor cells and sensitize them to clinically used chemotherapy. To overcome their short intravascular circulation half-life and achieve controlled and sustained release into tumor cells, anticancer miRNAs need to be encapsulated into nanocarriers. Focused ultrasound combined with gas-filled microbubbles provides a noninvasive way to improve the permeability of tumor vasculature and increase the delivery efficiency of drug-loaded particles. A single handheld, curvilinear ultrasound array was used in this study for image-guided therapy with clinical-grade SonoVue contrast agent. First, we validated the platform on phantoms to optimize the microbubble cavitation dose based on acoustic parameters, including peak negative pressure, pulse length, and pulse repetition frequency. We then tested the system in vivo by delivering PLGA nanoparticles co-loaded with antisense-miRNA-21 and antisense-miRNA-10b to pig liver and kidney. Enhanced miRNA delivery was observed (1.9- to 3.7-fold increase) as a result of the ultrasound treatment compared to untreated control regions. Additionally, we used highly fluorescent semiconducting polymer nanoparticles to visually assess nanoparticle extravasation. Fluorescent microscopy suggested the presence of nanoparticles in the extravascular compartment. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of treated tissues did not reveal tissue damage. The results presented in this manuscript suggest that the proposed platform may be used to safely and noninvasively enhance the delivery of miRNA-loaded nanoparticles to target regions in deep organs in large animal models.
What drives ponderosa pine regeneration following wildfire in the western United States

Abstract Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Lawson & C. Lawson) is a prominent tree species in forests of the western United States. Wildfire activity in ponderosa pine dominated or co-dominated forests has increased dramatically in recent decades, with these recent wildfires often burning in an uncharacteristic manner due to past land management activities and changing climate. The structure and function of vegetative communities that develop following recent wildfires are highly contingent on ponderosa pine regeneration, making it important that the factors influencing this regeneration be thoroughly understood. In this evidence-based review, we qualitatively synthesized publications that examined how the post-fire abundance of ponderosa pine regeneration was related to such factors. We identified 33 relevant publications, from which we synthesized relationships for 21 factors. Numerous publications indicated that distance to seed source (e.g., distance to nearest live overstory tree or group of trees) was a factor that clearly affected post-fire ponderosa pine regeneration abundance; with few exceptions, these publications demonstrated that as distance to seed source increased, the amount of regeneration decreased. Climatic stress (e.g., Palmer Drought Severity Index, actual evapotranspiration, climatic moisture deficit) and elevation also emerged as well-studied factors with a clear relationship to post-fire regeneration abundance. Specifically, areas with lower climatic stress and/or at higher elevations generally harbored more regeneration than areas with higher climatic stress and/or at lower elevations; together, these factors highlight that cooler, moister environments enhance regeneration. The other 18 factors were either well studied but did not have consistent relationships with regeneration abundance, or were not well studied, highlighting research areas that could benefit from further attention. Overall, the strong influence of distance to seed source, climatic stress, and elevation on post-fire ponderosa pine regeneration abundance has important implications for post-fire vegetative recovery and management, particularly in light of recent and predicted changes in wildfire activity and climate.
Experimental Basis for Creating an Osseointegrated Neural Interface for Prosthetic Control: A Pilot Study in Rabbits.

INTRODUCTION While debate persists over how to best prevent or treat amputation neuromas, the more pressing question of how to best marry residual nerves to state-of-the-art robotic prostheses for naturalistic control of a replacement limb has come to the fore. One potential solution involves the transposition of terminal nerve ends into the medullary canal of long bones, creating the neural interface within the bone. Nerve transposition into bone is a long-practiced, clinically relevant treatment for painful neuromas. Despite neuropathic pain relief, the physiological capacity of transposed nerves to conduct motor and sensory signals required for prosthesis control remains unknown. This pilot study addresses the hypotheses that (1) bone provides stability to transposed nerves and (2) nerves transposed into bone remain physiologically active, as they relate to the creation of an osseointegrated neural interface. METHODS New Zealand white rabbits received transfemoral amputation, with the sciatic nerve transposed into the femur. RESULTS Morphological examination demonstrates that nerves remain stable within the medullary canal, while compound nerve action potentials evoked by electrical stimulation of the residual nerve within the bone could be achieved at 12 weeks (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSION Transposed nerves retain a degree of physiological function suitable for creating an osseointegrated neural interface.
Abstract MP58: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events Prediction Using Machine Learning Models: Results From Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Trial

Background: The AHA/ACC published a pooled cohort 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk calculator to estimate the probability of initial ASCVD events based on statistical mod...
Narrating the Struggle, Theorizing the Genre: The Convergence of Narrative and Literary-Critical Theory in Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah (1987):

This article explores Achebe’s insertion of literary-theoretical discourse into traditional narrative space in Anthills of the Savannah with a view to demonstrating part of the limitless possibilit...
Research on the optimised transceiver impedances for low-voltage broadband PLC system

The design of transceiver impedances is very important to improve the performance of the power line communication (PLC) system. In this study, it infers an expression of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) related to transceiver impedances for broadband PLCs, and the optimal transceiver impedances are obtained by solving a maximisation problem. By the comparison of the SNR of PLC system with the proposed transceiver impedances and only optimised transmitter or receiver impedance, the conclusions are derived that the PLC system performance with the proposed transceiver impedances is better and the receiver impedance has a greater influence on the performance of the PLC system. To verify the advantage of the optimal transceiver impedances proposed in this study, the authors also make the comparison with the other two kinds of transceiver impedance optimisation methods by simulating SNR and transmission rate of the PLC system. The results show that in theory, the SNR and channel capacity of PLC system ca, maximally increase by 15 dB and 50 Mbits/s, respectively, using the proposed transceiver impedances by comparing with the other two impedance optimisation methods, which proves that the proposed transceiver impedances in this study can obtain the better performance of the PLC system.
Impacts of a local music festival on fish stress hormone levels and the adjacent underwater soundscape

Abstract An understudied consequence of coastal urbanization on marine environments is sound pollution. While underwater anthropogenic sounds are recognized as a threat to aquatic organisms, little is known about the effects of above-surface coastal sound pollution on adjacent underwater soundscapes and the organisms inhabiting them. Here, the impact of noise from the 2019 Ultra Music Festival® in Miami, FL, USA was assessed at the University of Miami Experimental Hatchery (UMEH) located directly adjacent to the music festival and on underwater sound levels in Bear Cut, a nearby water channel. In addition, stress hormone levels in fish held at UMEH were measured before and during the festival. Air sound levels recorded at UMEH during the Ultra Music Festival did not exceed 72 dBA and 98 dBC. The subsurface sound intensity levels in the low frequency band increased by 2–3 dB re 1 μPa in the adjacent waterway, Bear Cut, and by 7–9 dB re 1 μPa in the fish tanks at UMEH. Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) housed in the UMEH tanks experienced a 4–5 fold increase in plasma cortisol, their main stress hormone, during the first night of the Ultra Music Festival compared to two baseline samples taken 3 weeks and 4 days before Ultra. While this study offers preliminary insights into this type of sound pollution, more research is needed to conclude if Ultra caused a stress response in wild organisms and to fully understand the implications of this type of sound pollution.
Base rates of invalidity when patients undergoing routine clinical evaluations have social security disability as an external incentive.

Objective: Social Security Disability is a common external incentive in neuropsychological evaluations. This study determined base rates of invalidity when patients referred for routine clinical ev...
Telomere Length Shortening in Microglia: Implication for Accelerated Senescence and Neurocognitive Deficits in HIV.

The widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has led to the accelerated aging of the HIV-infected population, and these patients continue to have a range of mild to moderate HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Infection results in altered mitochondrial function. The HIV-1 viral protein Tat significantly alters mtDNA content and enhances oxidative stress in immune cells. Microglia are the immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) that exhibit a significant mitotic potential and are thus susceptible to telomere shortening. HIV disrupts the normal interplay between microglia and neurons, thereby inducing neurodegeneration. HIV cART contributes to the inhibition of telomerase activity and premature telomere shortening in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). However, limited information is available on the effect of cART on telomere length (TL) in microglia. Although it is well established that telomere shortening induces cell senescence and contributes to the development of age-related neuro-pathologies, the effect of HIV-Tat on telomere length in human microglial cells and its potential contribution to HAND are not well understood. It is speculated that in HAND intrinsic molecular mechanisms that control energy production underlie microglia-mediated neuronal injury. TL, telomerase and mtDNA expression were quantified in microglial cells using real time PCR. Cellular energetics were measured using the Seahorse assay. The changes in mitochondrial function were examined by Raman Spectroscopy. We have also examined TL in the PBMC obtained from HIV-1 infected rapid progressors (RP) on cART and those who were cART naive, and observed a significant decrease in telomere length in RP on cART as compared to RP's who were cART naive. We observed a significant decrease in telomerase activity, telomere length and mitochondrial function, and an increase in oxidative stress in human microglial cells treated with HIV Tat. Neurocognitive impairment in HIV disease may in part be due to accelerated neuro-pathogenesis in microglial cells, which is attributable to increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic induces Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signaling and eNOS expression resulting in improvement of myocardial diastolic function

Colonization of the gut microbiome with certain strains of L. Plantarum has been shown to convert caffeic acid readily available in applesauce to 4-vinyl-catechol, a potent activator of the Nrf2 an...
Examining the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on corticothalamic connectivity: A multimodal neuroimaging study in children

Abstract Children with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience a range of cognitive and behavioral effects. Prior studies have demonstrated white matter changes in children with FASD relative to typically developing controls (TDC) and these changes relate to behavior. Our prior MEG study (Candelaria-Cook et al. 2020) demonstrated reduced alpha oscillations during rest in FASD relative to TDC and alpha power is correlated with behavior. However, little is known about how brain structure influences brain function. We hypothesized that alpha power was related to corticothalamic connectivity. Children 8–13 years of age (TDC: N = 25, FASD: N = 24) underwent rest MEG with eyes open or closed and MRI to collect structural and diffusion tensor imaging data. MEG spectral analysis was performed for sensor and source data. We estimated mean fractional anisotropy in regions of interest (ROIs) that included the corticothalamic tracts. The FASD group had reduced mean FA in three of the corticothalamic ROIs. FA in these tracts was significantly correlated with alpha power at the sensor and source level. The results support the hypothesis that integrity of the corticothalamic tracts influences cortical alpha power. Further research is needed to understand how brain structure and function influence behavior.
Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia: Can the Current Results be Improved Using Intracardiac Echocardiography?

Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) offers many conceptual advantages in ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation, although presently it is not routinely used. This discussion will focus on the potential application of ICE imaging to ablation procedures for idiopathic and post-infarction VT, as well as the remaining obstacles preventing more wide-scale implementation.
Two processor scheduling is in N C

We present a parallel algorithm for the two processor scheduling problem. This algorithm constructs an optimal schedule for unit execution time task systems with arbitrary precedence constraints using a polynomial number of processors and running in time polylog in the size of the input. Whereas previous parallel solutions for the problem made extensive use of randomization, our algorithm is completely deterministic and based on an interesting iteration technique. It is of independent relevance for two more reasons. It provides another example for the apparent difference in complexity between decision and search problems in the context of fast parallel computation, and it gives an NC-algorithm for the matching problem in certain restricted cases.
Solar Energetic Electrons, X‐Rays, and Radio Bursts

We review recent results on solar energetic electrons observed in situ near 1 AU, and on the radio and X-ray emission generated by these electrons. Near solar maximum, hundreds of solar impulsive electron events are detected per year by the Wind spacecraft. About ∼10% are prompt events, where the electrons at all energies are injected from the Sun at the time of the solar type III radio burst, but in the rest the injection of tens of keV electrons is delayed by ∼10 minutes. For prompt events with associated flare hard X-ray (HXR) emission, the electron spectrum measured at 1 AU shows a rough correlation with that of the HXR-producing electrons at the Sun, but the correlation does not fit a simple thick or thin target model. Recent analysis of several scatter-free events detected from ∼0.4 to 300 keV show that they involve two separate injections, the low energy, ∼0.4 to ∼10 keV electron injection starts prior to the type III burst, while >13 keV electrons are injected ∼10 minutes afterwards. The electron, radio and in situ plasma wave observations are all consistent with the type III radio emission being produced by ∼0.4 - 10 keV electrons. Finally, RHESSI has detected weak HXR bursts that may be a signature of the type III burst acceleration itself and not associated with flares.
Foresight—Insight—Hindsight

Frequently, mathematical models describing problems stated in words appear trivial in hindsight. This is because the crucial insight needed to formulate the model is divulged by the structure of the model.
Value Creation in Middle-Market Buyouts: A Transaction-Level Analysis

Is private equity an effective governance structure, or simply a means of transferring wealth from "Main Street" to "Wall Street"? How do buyouts affect target-company organization and strategy? How do deal characteristics such as size, industry, transaction complexity, buyer characteristics, holding period, and the like affect the performance of private-equity transactions? Are revenue improvements driven primarily by changes in employment and capital expenditures, or by changes in organization and strategy? Despite a healthy literature on buyouts, little is known about the details of private equity transactions, as most studies rely on publicly available data or confidential data from a single buyout firm. This paper uses a unique sample of 288 exited transactions over a 20-year period across 19 industries from 13 buyout firm firms, based on confidential data from detailed interviews with the general partners of several leading private-equity partnerships. While prior studies have focused on whole-company, going-private buyouts, our sample includes transactions with minority stakes, syndicate deals, and consolidating roll-up or add-on strategies, and we have detailed information on internal rates of return, leverage, equity stakes, and other deal characteristics. We find that the pursuit of ancillary consolidating acquisitions is the biggest driver of post-buyout revenue and profit growth, that solo deals and deals with controlling stakes outperform syndicated or "club" deals, that rates of return have declined over time as buyout markets have become more competitive, that mitigation of agency costs is critical for deal success, and more generally, that private equity can improve the performance even of sound businesses by providing access to resources, industry-specific expertise, capital for recombining assets (most often, consolidation in a fragmented industry), or recapitalization and ownership transition. Finally, our findings suggest the potential for further research of private equity at the transaction level.
Co-ordination between BrlA regulation and secretion of the oxidoreductase FmqD directs selective accumulation of fumiquinazoline C to conidial tissues in Aspergillus fumigatus.

Summary Aerial spores, crucial for propagation and dispersal of the Kingdom Fungi, are commonly the initial inoculum of pathogenic fungi. Natural products (secondary metabolites) have been correlated with fungal spore development and enhanced virulence in the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus but mechanisms for metabolite deposition in the spore are unknown. Metabolomic profiling of A. fumigatus deletion mutants of fumiquinazoline (Fq) cluster genes reveal that the first two products of the Fq cluster, FqF and FqA, are produced to comparable levels in all fungal tissues but the final enzymatically derived product, FqC, predominantly accumulates in the fungal spore. Loss of the sporulation-specific transcription factor, BrlA, yields a strain unable to produce FqA or FqC. Fluorescence microscopy showed FmqD, the oxidoreductase required to generate FqC, was secreted via the Golgi apparatus to the cell wall in an actin-dependent manner. In contrast, all other members of the Fq pathway including the putative transporter, FmqE – which had no effect on Fq biosynthesis – were internal to the hyphae. The co-ordination of BrlA-mediated tissue specificity with FmqD secretion to the cell wall presents a previously undescribed mechanism to direct localization of specific secondary metabolites to spores of the differentiating fungus.
Managing the technological contribution to MNC radical innovation

We identify practices in multinational firms for technology discovery and application in radical new product/process development. The results of this study indicate that the development of new businesses and product lines based on radical innovations requires management practices that differ from those required in incremental innovation. Pioneering technologies can provide the foundation for radical innovation but RI is not only a matter of elaborating breakthrough technology. Management practices that consider technological richness in terms of future markets and allow experimentation and exploration with technology appear to be important. Multinational firms with consistent investment in new technologies and sufficient patience and resources to incubate multiple innovation projects may be more likely to eventually capitalize on investments in radical innovation.
The final approach to steady state in a nonsteady axisymmetric stagnation point heat transfer

An analysis is presented for the transient thermal response of a laminar boundary layer in the vicinity of an axisymmetric stagnation flow on an infinite circular cylinder. The final approach to steady state temperature field is shown to have exponential decay with time. The characteristic factors appearing in the exponents result in the solution of an eigenvalue problem in ordinary linear differential equations. Numerical results are presented for a range of values of the Reynolds number and Prandtl number.
Cumulative Damage Approach to Durability Route Design

This paper describes the procedure used to design a stable concrete replacement for a gravel durability test road. The replacement road was designed analytically to match the cumulative fatigue damage of the gravel road and consisted of individual test events that existed on various vehicle proving grounds. Although this paper deals specifically with road replacement, the method could easily be adapted to road comparison, i.e., proving ground to proving ground or customer to proving ground.
Retail Sales Training Practices and Prescriptions

The retail environment of the future is likely to be increasingly competitive. Department and specialty stores must provide services which distinguish them from the competition. One method that may be used in attaining a distinctive position entails the development of a well‐trained, skilled retail salesforce. Examines retail sales training from the perspectives of 202 retail salespeople employed by full‐service retailers. Provides insight into the amount of training which should be provided and the topics which should be included in sales training programs.
Layered Simluations for Teaching Methodologies

Modeling & Simulation are invaluable at helping us understand and predict systems at every scale. We strive to enrich learning by implementing a layered framework which is engaging and straightforward to the student. Additionally, we can communicate system dynamics by integrating well-known concepts to function as stepping stones towards complex subjects. This is primarily achieved by leveraging the data-flow language, which can accommodate a diverse range of students. We show how to develop a framework for implementing our teaching methodology using Max/MSP, and an instance of the implementation using auditory and visual presentations.
Reactive infiltration processing of aluminum-nickel intermetallic compounds

Aligned nickel wire bundles 4 to 5 cm in length and up to 2.5 cm in diameter are infiltrated by pure aluminum using gas-assisted infiltration, to produce samples having global compositions in the range of 40 to 76 at. pct nickel. As-reacted sample macrostructures feature a large single-phase region of NiAl independent of applied pressure and nickel preform volume fractions in the ranges of 0.15 to 0.3 MPa and 0.23 to 0.44, respectively. These macrostructures also contain, in some cases, either an aluminum-rich zone on top, or nickel-rich phases at the bottom of the sample, depending on the global stoichiometry of the material. Two high-speed digital cameras are used to record the infiltration and reaction processes. The acquired images show that infiltration and reaction are decoupled in time. Infiltration proceeds initially under partial preform saturation, at a rate on the order of 50 cm·s−1. The sample then self-heats for 2 to 3 seconds due to exothermic reaction between aluminum and nickel. Thereafter, a spontaneous combustion front ignites due to local melting of nickel and propagates at an average rate on the order of 5 cm·s−1. Macrostructures and process kinetics are explained by the combined influences of capillarity during infiltration, heat evolved during the reaction, and gravity.
Cell biology: lost in mitotic translation.

A protein called 14-3-3σ inhibits the cell cycle and may act as a tumour suppressor. It now turns out that it is also involved in regulating protein synthesis from messenger RNA during cell division. The protein known as 14-3-3σ is an important p53-regulated human tumour suppressor that is lost early in cancer development. A possible molecular basis for its function has now been found. While mRNA translation normally switches from a 'cap-dependent' to 'cap-independent' mechanism during mitosis, cells lacking 14-3-3σ don't make this switch, and consequently have cell division abnormalities.
Flurbiprofen sodium to prevent intraoperative miosis during vitreoretinal surgery

To assess the efficacy of flurbiprofen sodium 0.03% at maintaining pupillary dilation during vitreoretinal surgery, we performed a randomized, double-masked, controlled trial of 139 consecutive patients. The mean decrease in pupil size during surgery in patients who received flurbiprofen was 0.9 mm; for patients who did not receive the drug it was 0.8 mm. The type of surgery performed (vitrectomy or scleral buckle), gender, age, lens status, and a history of diabetes or previous intraocular surgery were assessed and the addition of flurbiprofen to routine preoperative dilation did not significantly affect the mean change in pupil size for any of these subgroups. Of the nine patients who developed at least 3 mm of miosis, five received flurbiprofen and four did not. Use of flurbiprofen did not appear to reduce intraoperative miosis during vitreoretinal surgery in a clinically meaningful manner.
The Changing Roles of Managers within the Supply Chain Networks: Theory and Practical Implications

The purpose of this paper is to provide a theory‐based explanation for the emerging managerial role set within supply chain networks. As managing within supply networks requires a portfolio of capabilities, the emerging managerial role set is explained utilizing a combined knowledge‐based view and relational contracting theoretical perspective. The multiple foci of the manager’s role set within supply networks is associated with unique challenges that are also examined. Based on the analysis of these new challenges for supply chain managers, the managerial and research implications are outlined. In conclusion, specific managerial actions, which are necessary in supply chain networks to engender the development of trust and social capital in supply networks, are explained.
Resilient cloud data storage services

With the advance of cloud computing technologies, there is a huge demand for computing resources and storage. Many organizations prefer to outsource their storage and other resources. As the data reside on the third parties data centers, security is becoming a major concern. In this paper we propose a Resilient Cloud Storage (RCS) architecture that addresses the major security issues for cloud storage such as access control confidentiality, integrity, and secure communications. Our resilient approach is based on moving target defense and key hopping techniques. Data is partitioned into a random number of partitions where different keys are used to encrypt each partition. We also show that by using key hopping technique, we can reduce smaller key length that is normally used to improve performance without compromising the security. Our experimental results show that we can improve performance by 50% when we use a key of length 512 when compared with certificate technique that uses key length of 2048.
Induction of mycelial strands in Calvatia sculpta

Pure cultures of Calvatia sculpta (Hark.) Lloyd formed mycelial strands on potato dextrose and glucose-casamino acid agar but not on malt agar. Strands were formed on 2 % water agar and cornmeal agar only in the presence of a permeable physical barrier between mycelium and agar, but were formed on increasing the agar concentration.
Regulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ and its effects on energetics and redox balance in normal and failing heart

Ca2+ has been well accepted as a signal that coordinates changes in cytosolic workload with mitochondrial energy metabolism in cardiomyocytes. During increased work, Ca2+ is accumulated in mitochondria and stimulates ATP production to match energy supply and demand. The kinetics of mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) uptake remains unclear, and we review the debate on this subject in this article. [Ca2+]m has multiple targets in oxidative phosphorylation including the F1/FO ATPase, the adenine nucleotide translocase, and Ca2+-sensitive dehydrogenases (CaDH) of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The well established effect of [Ca2+]m is to activate CaDHs of the TCA cycle to increase NADH production. Maintaining NADH level is not only critical to keep a high oxidative phosphorylation rate during increased cardiac work, but is also necessary for the reducing system of the cell to maintain its reactive oxygen species (ROS) —scavenging capacity. Further, we review recent data demonstrating the deleterious effects of elevated Na+ in cardiac pathology by blunting [Ca2+]m accumulation.
Direct Synthesis of Cyclodextrin-Rotaxanated Poly(ethylene glycol)s and Their Self-Diffusion Behavior in Dilute Solution

Poly[(ethylene glycol)-rotaxa-(α-cyclodextrin)]s, (PEG-rotaxa-αCD)s, were prepared by a direct route from commercially available poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEG) with molecular weights from 1.5 to 20 kg/mol. The rotaxanated structure was verified by diffusion-ordered 2D NMR spectroscopy (DOSY). The self-diffusion coefficients for PEG-rotaxa-αCD and PEG in dilute DMSO-d6 scale with their respective molecular weights as DPEG-rotaxa-αCD ∼ Mn-0.60±0.05 and DPEG ∼ Mn-0.55±0.03. With increasing temperature, the hydrodynamic radius of the PEG-rotaxa-αCD increases by the same slope as the unthreaded PEG backbone. These polyrotaxanes, in which up to 70% of the backbone is covered with cyclodextrins, behave as random coils in good solvents.
Involuntary Metrics and the Physiology of Memory

This article is part of a cluster that draws material from the recent conference Metre Matters: New Approaches to Prosody, 1780–1914. It comprises an introduction by Jason David Hall and six articles presented at the conference, whose aim was to address renewed scholarly interest in versification and form across the long nineteenth century, as well as some of the methodologies underpinning it. The papers included in the cluster look both to the minutiae of Romantic and Victorian metres and to their cultural intertexts. The conference, hosted by the University of Exeter's Centre for Victorian Studies, was held 3–5 July 2008. The cluster is made up of the following articles: Jason David Hall, ‘Metre, History, Context: Introduction to the Metre Matters Cluster’. Emma Mason and Rhian Williams, ‘Reciprocal Scansion in Wordsworth's “There Was a Boy” ’. Ross Wilson, ‘Robert Browning's Compounds’. Margaret A. Loose, ‘The Internationalism of Ernest Jones's Dialectical Prosody’. Nancy Jiwon Cho, ‘Gender and Authority in British Women Hymn-Writers’ Use of Metre, 1760–1900’. Ashley Miller, ‘Involuntary Metrics and the Physiology of Memory’. Summer Star, ‘ “For the Inscape's Sake”: Sounding the Self in the Metres of Gerard Manley Hopkins’. *** Metre has played a prominent role in the recent turn towards embodiment in criticism of nineteenth-century poetry. The regular rhythms of poetry have an effect on the reader's body, both echoing the rhythms of the heart and assisting in the process of memorization. But what happens when metre is missing or disrupted? This paper examines the relationship between poetry and physiological memory, extending our understanding of poetry's impact on the body. In theories of the physiology of memory and hallucination, poetry becomes irregular but autonomous, subsuming the reader's body to its own textuality. Similarly, irregular metre (as in Coleridge's Christabel) promotes a kind of involuntary repetition – which is tied, in these studies, to the materiality of print.
Toolkit Support for Integrating Physical and Digital Interactions

ABSTRACT There is great potential in enabling users to interact with digital information by integrating it with everyday physical objects. However, developing these interfaces requires programmers to acquire and abstract physical input. This is difficult, is time-consuming, and requires a high level of technical expertise in fields very different from user interface development—especially in the case of computer vision. Based on structured interviews with researchers, a literature review, and our own experience building physical interfaces, we created Papier-Mâche, a toolkit for integrating physical and digital interactions. Its library supports computer vision, electronic tags, and barcodes. Papier-Mâche introduces high-level abstractions for working with these input technologies that facilitate technology portability. We evaluated this toolkit through a laboratory study and longitudinal use in course and research projects, finding the input abstractions, technology portability, and monitoring facilities...
Simplified estimation of normal ranges from routine laboratory data.

Abstract A simple method is given for estimating the mean and standard deviation of a Gaussian distribution in the presence of one-sided “contamination”. Properties of the estimates are given based on computer simulation. The method may be applied to results of routine clinical laboratory tests on patients to obtain estimates of normal limits.
Quasiclassical trajectory calculation of argon-argon recombination rates

Abstract We have used quasiclassical trajectory calculations to study argon atom-atom recombination. For recombination occurring via a two-step mechanism with an argon atom serving as the third body, we compute a rate constant of k 3 = (8.7±2.6)×10 −34 cm 6 /molecule 2 s at 300 K. Data computed over a 50–300 K temperature range show that the rate constant declines as T −0.664 , in good agreement with simple kinetic and statistical arguments. Both the magnitude and temperature dependence of the computed rate constant differ considerably from an experimental determination.
The Influence of Color on the Rorschach Test

(1956). The Influence of Color on the Rorschach Test. Journal of Projective Techniques: Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 150-158.
Preconditions for understanding

We argue that advocates of a formal method have an obligation to explain the relationship between the role of proof in that method and the role of proof in others. Such comparisons are needed to (a) clarify the "method" behind a specific notation, (b) dispel misconceptions invited by the use of similar vocabulary with different meanings, and (c) suggest improvements to existing methods. We illustrate these points by comparing the use of preconditions in Z with that in other formal methods.
5α-pregna-1, 20-dien-3-one and related compounds from a soft coral

Abstract Four unusual pregnane derivatives, 5α-pregna-1, 20-dien-3-one ( 1 ), 1, 4, 20-pregnatrien-3-one ( 3 ), 5α-pregn-20-en-3α-ol 3-acetate ( 4 ), and 5α-pregn-20-en-1α, 3α-diol 3-acetate ( 6 ) have been isolated from an unidentified soft coral from Canton Island.
Improved protection from primary ocular HSV-1 infection and establishment of latency using multigenic DNA vaccines.

Purpose To compare the effectiveness of immunization with "naked" DNA corresponding to the genes encoding five HSV-1 glycoproteins, gB, gC, gD, gE, and gI (5gP DNA), with immunization with the five glycoproteins (5gP protein). Also, to compare immunization of 5gP protein in Montanide ISA 720 (SEPPIC, Paris, France), an adjuvant recently approved for use in humans, with immunization of 5gP protein in Freund's adjuvant. Methods BALB/c mice were vaccinated with 5gP DNA or 5gP protein emulsified in ISA 720 or Freund's adjuvant. Neutralizing antibody titers were determined by plaque-reduction assays. IL-2, -4, and -12 and IFN-gamma levels were determined by ELISA after in vitro stimulation of spleen cells. After ocular challenge with 2 x 10(5) plaque-forming units [pfu] per eye of HSV-1 strain McKrae, virus replication in the eye, survival, blepharitis, corneal scarring, and latency were determined. Results Neutralizing antibody titers (approximately 1:800-1:1200), corneal scarring (trace) and survival (100%) were similar for all vaccine groups, including 5gP DNA. Compared with the other vaccine groups, the 5gP DNA group had less ocular virus replication, as judged both by maximum virus titer and time of viral clearance. ISA 720 appeared more effective than Freund's against ocular virus replication and eye disease. The 5gP DNA-vaccinated mice had less blepharitis and latency than any other group and had the highest levels of IL-12 and IFN-gamma. All vaccine groups had similar levels of IL-2. Conclusions The 5gP DNA vaccine appeared to be more effective than the corresponding protein subunit vaccine, regardless of adjuvant. Emulsification of the 5gP protein in ISA 720 appeared to be more effective than emulsification in Freund's adjuvant.
Advances in Rosetta structure prediction for difficult molecular-replacement problems

Recent work has shown the effectiveness of structure-prediction methods in solving difficult molecular-replacement problems. The Rosetta protein structure modeling suite can aid in the solution of difficult molecular-replacement problems using templates from 15 to 25% sequence identity; Rosetta refinement guided by noisy density has consistently led to solved structures where other methods fail. In this paper, an overview of the use of Rosetta for these difficult molecular-replacement problems is provided and new modeling developments that further improve model quality are described. Several variations to the method are introduced that significantly reduce the time needed to generate a model and the sampling required to improve the starting template. The improvements are benchmarked on a set of nine difficult cases and it is shown that this improved method obtains consistently better models in less running time. Finally, strategies for best using Rosetta to solve difficult molecular-replacement problems are presented and future directions for the role of structure-prediction methods in crystallography are discussed.
The regulation of retinoic acid formation.

Rat liver microsomal as well as cytosolic retinol dehydrogenases form cellular retinal-binding protein (CRBP)-retinal from CRBP-retinol. A cytosolic dehydrogenase transforms retinal into retinoic acid. Apo-CRBP and ethanol inhibit the cytosolic but not the microsomal retinol dehydrogenase, the latter being the primary enzyme in the rate-limiting step in retinoic acid synthesis.
Biophysical properties of nucleic acids at surfaces relevant to microarray performance

Both clinical and analytical metrics produced by microarray-based assay technology have recognized problems in reproducibility, reliability and analytical sensitivity. These issues are often attributed to poor understanding and control of nucleic acid behaviors and properties at solid–liquid interfaces. Nucleic acid hybridization, central to DNA and RNA microarray formats, depends on the properties and behaviors of single strand (ss) nucleic acids (e.g., probe oligomeric DNA) bound to surfaces. ssDNA's persistence length, radius of gyration, electrostatics, conformations on different surfaces and under various assay conditions, its chain flexibility and curvature, charging effects in ionic solutions, and fluorescent labeling all influence its physical chemistry and hybridization under assay conditions. Nucleic acid (e.g., both RNA and DNA) target interactions with immobilized ssDNA strands are highly impacted by these biophysical states. Furthermore, the kinetics, thermodynamics, and enthalpic and entropic contributions to DNA hybridization reflect global probe/target structures and interaction dynamics. Here we review several biophysical issues relevant to oligomeric nucleic acid molecular behaviors at surfaces and their influences on duplex formation that influence microarray assay performance. Correlation of biophysical aspects of single and double-stranded nucleic acids with their complexes in bulk solution is common. Such analysis at surfaces is not commonly reported, despite its importance to microarray assays. We seek to provide further insight into nucleic acid-surface challenges facing microarray diagnostic formats that have hindered their clinical adoption and compromise their research quality and value as genomics tools.