cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Asynchronous Partial-Response Equalization to Time-Varying Target for Multitrack Detection of Asynchronous Tracks

Multitrack detection improves areal density and throughput in magnetic recording systems. Almost all multitrack detection algorithms assume that the tracks being detected are written synchronously to one another [1] , [2] . In practice, however, variations in disk rotational speeds can lead to slightly different bit rates from one track to the next. In conventional single-track detection, synchronization can precede detection without any interaction. In multitrack detection, however, it is impossible to simultaneously synchronize the readback waveforms to more than one track, the fact that prevents the read channel from separating the synchronization and detection functions. For this reason, in a previous work, we proposed the ROTAR algorithm that combines the functions of synchronization and detections into a joint Viterbi algorithm that works on a time-varying target [3] . In this work we complete the read channel by proposing a partial-response equalization scheme, namely an asynchronous partial-response (APR) equalization to time-varying target, that equalizes the unsynchronized ADC outputs to a time-varying target that the ROTAR detector [3] is designed to work on. The proposed equalizer outputs are then fed to the ROTAR detector to help achieve efficient multitrack detection. In essence, the new read channel extends the partial-response maximum-likelihood (PRML) paradigm to the joint detection of multiple asynchronous tracks. In jointly detecting K asynchronous tracks from N waveforms, the resulted branch metric for the transition from state p to state q at time k is ${\gamma _k}(p,q) = {\left\| {{{\mathbf{y}}_k} - {{\mathbf{o}}_k}(p,q)} \right\|^2}$ where y k is the noisy version of the vector collecting the N noiseless equalized outputs at time k given by
Frequency, Predictors, and Outcome of Seizures in Patients With Myelomeningocele: Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

To determine the frequency, predictors, and outcomes of seizures in patients with myelomeningocele, we retrospectively analyzed the data from patients with myelomeningocele followed longitudinally at a single center from 1975 to 2013. We identified a total of 122 patients (61% female). The mean follow-up duration was 11.1 years (minimum-maximum = 0-34.5 years, SD = 8.8, median = 9.1 years). A total of 108 (88.5%) patients had hydrocephalus, and 98 (90.7%) of those patients required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure. Twenty-four (19.7%) patients manifested with seizures, 23 of whom had hydrocephalus. The average age of seizure onset was 4.8 years (median 2 years of age). Falx dysgenesis (P = .004), lumbar myelomeningocele (P = .007), and cortical atrophy (P = .028) were significantly associated with epileptic seizure development. The average seizure-free period at the last follow-up in patients with a history of myelomeningocele and seizures was 8.1 years. We conclude that myelomeningocele patients with seizures have an overall good prognosis with considerable long-term seizure freedom.
Strong-strong beam-beam simulation on parallel computer

The beam-beam interaction puts a strong limit on the luminosity of the high energy storage ring colliders. At the interaction points, the electromagnetic fields generated by one beam focus or defocus the opposite beam. This can cause beam blowup and a reduction of luminosity. An accurate simulation of the beam-beam interaction is needed to help optimize the luminosity in high energy colliders.
3 The Penal and Revenue Rules, State Law, and Federal Preemption

Under two longstanding rules, U.S. courts will not enforce the penal and revenue laws of foreign nations, nor the judgments of foreign courts based upon such laws. Both the penal and revenue rules are rules of common law. But are they rules of state common law or federal common law? Some federal courts have held that the revenue rule is federal common law and preempts inconsistent state law. This essay argues, to the contrary, that the penal and revenue rules — like other rules concerning the conflict of laws and the enforcement of foreign judgments — are rules of state law. Building on Justice Harlan’s concurrence in Zschernig v. Miller, I offer a narrower theory of preemption based on clear federal policies expressed in U.S. treaties. Under this theory, States would be precluded from enforcing foreign tax claims, for example, but could recognize foreign convictions as bars to subsequent prosecutions for the same offense, as some state double-jeopardy statutes have done.
Combined local and systemic antibiotic treatment is effective against experimental Staphylococcus aureus peri‐implant biofilm infection

We hypothesized that systemic ceftriaxone and high concentration local antibiotics might eradicate peri-implant sepsis. Experiment 1: Eighty-four implants inoculated with biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus were treated in vitro with gentamicin, vancomycin, gentamicin + rifampin, or vancomycin + rifampin for 2, 4, or 8 days. Experiment 2: Forty-five implants were wired in vivo to rat femurs and inoculated with 1 × 106 CFU S. aureus. After 48 h, rats were treated once daily for 5 days with systemic ceftriaxone, local tobramycin or ceftriaxone, and tobramycin. Experiment 3: Forty implants with established S. aureus biofilms were wired in vivo to rat femurs. After 48 h, rats were treated with systemic ceftriaxone alone or in combination with local gentamicin, gentamicin and rifampin, or vancomycin. Experiment 1: 100% of implants treated in vitro with gentamicin were sterile after 48 h. The other treatments did not become sterile until 4 days. Experiment 2: No implant was culture negative. The combination of systemic ceftriaxone and local tobramycin was significantly better than others (p < 0.008). Experiment 3: Systemic ceftriaxone alone was ineffective. All implants treated with systemic ceftriaxone and local gentamicin were sterile (p < 0.001), the other groups were less effective. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1320–1326, 2015.
Performance evaluation of the VQ based image coding algorithm

Four objective measures and a subjective measure are used to evaluate the images reconstructed by a mean/quantized residual vector quantizer (MQRVQ) algorithm. These reconstructed images are also evaluated using a subjective evaluation method recommended by the international radio consulting committee. The subjective test results are analyzed. The strength of MQRVQ in coding high-detail pictures and texts is supported by the subjective ratings. >
Curing-dependent changes in color and translucency parameter of composite bleach shades.

: Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate curing-dependent changes in color and translucency parameter (TP) values of composite bleach shades. Materials and Methods: Thirty bleach shades of microhybrid and microfill composites were analyzed. Specimens (n = 5) were made as disks, 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick, using cylindrical molds. Specimens were polymerized for 60 seconds using a light-curing unit. Data were collected before and after composite curing using a spectrophotometer and analyzed using the appropriate color-difference metric equations. Results: L*a*b* ranges (maximum minus minimum values) for microhybrids were 17.7, 2.91, and 7.97, respectively. Corresponding ranges for microfills were 14.4,1.26, and 4.27, respectively. Curing-dependent color differences varied from 3.7 to 12.0 δE* units, whereas TP values of cured resin composites varied from 2.0 to 7.1. Light-curing caused increase of microhybrid TP values (+0.7) and decrease of microfill TP values (-0.7). Color differences were found to be acceptable for five of six composite pairs of the same shade designation (each of them made by the same manufacturer) in post-curing measurements against white background. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Curing-dependent color and TP changes indicate that dentists should use cured composite for matching of shade and translucency. Tested materials became less saturated, with microhybrids becoming darker and microfills becoming lighter after polymerization. Light-curing caused an increase in translucency of microhybrids and a reduced translucency in microfills.
Diversity in sociology: Problem or solution?

Some of sociology’s recent internal critics (e.g., Turner and Turner, 1990; Halliday and Janowitz, 1992; Collins, 1986; Gans, 1990; Crane and Small, 1992) suggest that the discipline's diversity of theoretical, methodological and substantive foci leave it in a weakened position for achieving individual and collective ends. Other sociologists (e.g., D'Antonio, 1992; Roos and Jones, 1993; Stacey and Thorne, 1985) argue that substantive diversity has made the discipline attractive to a greater variety of previously underrepresented groups, particularly women, groups that have, in turn, contributed to sociology’s substantive diversity. This paper reports on a content analysis of 2,016 articles from North American sociology journals in 1936, 1956, 1976, and 1996 as well as from chemistry, anthropology, economics, political science, and psychology journals in 1996. The analysis focused on a number of, often contradictory, hypotheses drawn from the competing views of sociology's diversity with respect to its substantive concerns and its gender composition. It finds, for instance, that there is more substantive diversity in today's sociology journal articles than there was earlier, at least when diversity is measured in terms of fields that are reputed to be attractive to women. This may not be surprising, since more women are writing sociology journal articles than ever before. Moreover, the substantive diversity seems to be related to more, not less, funding of sociological research. It is, of course, a trite remark — one made more frequently by sociologists than by their gibing critics — that sociology has not yet come to the development which commands from its adherents wholehearted agreement as to the objectives to be aimed at, the field to he limited, and the methods to be used. Gladys Bryson, 1936
The solution conformation of sialyl-α(2→6)-lactose studied by modern NMR techniques and Monte Carlo simulations

We present a comprehensive strategy for detailed characterization of the solution conformations of oligosaccharides by NMR spectroscopy and force-field calculations. Our experimental strategy generates a number of interglycosidic spatial constraints that is sufficiently large to allow us to determine glycosidic linkage conformations with a precision heretofore unachievable. In addition to the commonly used {1H,1H} NOE contacts between aliphatic protons, our constraints are: (a) homonuclear NOEs of hydroxyl protons in H2O to other protons in the oligosaccharide, (b) heteronuclear {1H,13C} NOEs, (c) isotope effects of O1H/O2H hydroxyl groups on13C chemical shifts, and (d) long-range heteronuclear scalar coupling across glycosidic bonds.
Optimisation of a novel series of selective CNS penetrant CB2 agonists

Abstract A series of benzimidazole CB2 receptor agonists were prepared and their properties investigated. Optimisation of the three benzimidazole substituents led to the identification of compound 23, a potent CB2 full agonist (EC50 2.7 nM) with excellent selectivity over the CB1 receptor (>3000-fold). Compound 23 demonstrated good CNS penetration in rat. Further optimisation led to the identification of compound 34 with improved selectivity over hERG and excellent CNS penetration in rat.
Mood-dependent memory for generated and repeated words: Replication and extension

Abstract Mood-dependent memory (MDM) has been difficult to demonstrate, but Eich and Metcalfe (1989) reported a strong effect with music-induced moods and learning of self-generated responses. Bower and Mayer (1989), however, could not obtain the MDM effect with self-generated responses. The present experiment attempted to replicate Eich and Metcalfe, but induced positive and negative moods with self-referent statements rather than music. Sixty-four subjects (32 males, 32 females) were randomly assigned in equal numbers to one of four mood conditions, same or opposite mood at learning and testing. At learning, immediately following mood induction subjects (Ss) generated 16 response words and 16 repeated words. Forty-eight hours later, Ss were given recall and recognition tests. For recall, there was a significant learn mood by test mood interaction (P < 0.0001), with greater recall for generated than repeated words (P < 0.0001). The interaction for repeated words approached significance (P = 0.07). For re...
Successful management of Mycoplasma hominis septic arthritis involving a cementless prosthesis

PIP: Prompt identification of the infectious agent and antibiotic treatment are essential to the prevention of mortality or serious morbidity in patients with septic arthritis. Of concern is the increasing incidence of Mycoplasma hominis saprophytes as a cause of joint infections given the problems in isolating these microbes. The case of a 32-year-old black woman with a 9-year history of systemic lupus erythematous who presented with an M hominis-related septic arthritis involving hip and knee joint protheses offers guidelines on the predisposing factors and characteristic clinical and laboratory findings in such cases. The literature indicates that hypogammaglobulinemia, immunocompromise, postpartum or postabortion fever, and urinary tract manipulation are the risk factors most commonly associated with mycoplasmal septic arthritis. Typical laboratory results include a synovial fluid white blood cell count exceeding 80,000/mm3, a synovial fluid smear greater than 95% neutrophils, negative Gram's stain of synovial fluid smear, positive acridine-orange stain, and slow or absent growth in standard culture media. M hominis infections respond to tetracyclines, lincomycin, and clindamycin, but are resistant to erythromycin. Risk factors in the patient described here included longterm corticosteroid treatment, prior urinary tract infection, and an abortion 2 months prior to presentation for which antibiotic prophylaxis was not administered. The results of synovial tissue, bone, and irrigation fluid cultures were initially negative, but more sophisticated testing ("fried egg" morphology) isolated M hominis. This microorganism was also isolated in endometrial tissue cultures, and retained products of conception are considered the most likely source of the patient's joint infection. A 10-week course of tetracycline eliminated the infection.
Who am I? Creative Imagination and Art Therapy

(2007). Who am I? Creative Imagination and Art Therapy. Art Therapy: Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 89-92.
The evolution of face processing networks

Recent studies in marmosets, macaques, and humans have begun to show commonalities and differences in the evolution of face processing networks. Despite differences in brain size and gyrification across species, myelination and motion may be key anatomical and functional features contributing to the surprising similarity of face networks across species.
Daylight Imagery of Ocean Surface Waves for Wave Spectra

A simple second-order model is developed to describe the transformation between surface wave slope and radiance incident on an optical sensor. The model includes azimuth as well as elevation variations in the sky-radiance distribution and their effects on the imaging of wave slopes approaching the sensor azimuth from various directions. The model also includes upwelling radiance. Comparison between the exact transformation from wave slope to radiance and the second-order model suggests that they yield quantitatively similar results. The model is used in physical interpretations of how wave slopes are imaged and in indicating a way of optimizing the linearity and contrast of the transfer function relating wave slope to radiance for various sensor geometries, thereby minimizing sources of error. One-dimensional numerical simulations of the imaging of an analytically generated wave-slope profile demonstrate the utility of this technique in obtaining slope spectra.
Energy based particle hydrodynamics for hypervelocity impact simulation

Hamiltonian mechanics provides a simple, systematic, energy based approach to the formulation of particle models for hypervelocity impact simulation. The methodology may be applied to particle models based either on mass points which define moving interpolations or on physical particles described by Lagrangian control volumes. Implementation of the method in a three dimensional computer code allows for the simulation of oblique hypervelocity impact on multi-plate orbital debris shield designs.
Transient Growth Arrest in Escherichia coli Induced by Chromosome Condensation

MukB is a bacterial SMC (structural maintenance of chromosome) protein that regulates the global folding of the Escherichia coli chromosome by bringing distant DNA segments together. We report that moderate overproduction of MukB may lead, depending on strain and growth conditions, to transient growth arrest. In DH5α cells, overproduction of MukB or MukBEF using pBAD expression system triggered growth arrest 2.5 h after induction. The exit from growth arrest was accompanied by the loss of the overproducing plasmid and a decline in the abundance of MukBEF. The arrested cells showed a compound gene expression profile which can be characterized by the following features: (i) a broad and deep downregulation of ribosomal proteins (up to 80-fold); (ii) downregulation of groups of genes encoding enzymes involved in nucleotide metabolism, respiration, and central metabolism; (iii) upregulation of some of the genes responsive to general stress; and (iv) degradation of the patterns of spatial correlations in the transcriptional activity of the chromosome. The transcriptional state of the MukB induced arrest is most similar to stationary cells and cells recovered from stationary phase into a nutrient deprived medium, to amino acid starved cells and to the cells shifting from glucose to acetate. The mukB++ state is dissimilar from all examined transcriptional states generated by protein overexpression with the possible exception of RpoE and RpoH overexpression. Thus, the transcription profile of MukB-arrested cells can be described as a combination of responses typical for other growth-arrested cells and those for overproducers of DNA binding proteins with a particularly deep down-regulation of ribosomal genes.
Reaction of Bis(trimethylphosphine)heptahydrotetraboron(1+) Cation with Trimethylphosphine

The reaction of the arachno -bis(trimethylphosphine)heptahydrotetraboron(1+) cation, B 4 H 7 . 2 P(CH 3 ) 3 + ( 1 ), with trimethylphosphine paralleled with that of the isoelectronic arachno -trimethylphosphine-tetraborane(8), B 4 H 8 . P(CH 3 ) 3 ( 2 ). Thus, it first gave the hypho -tris(trimethylphosphine)heptahydrotetraboron(1+) cation, B 4 H 7 . 3 P(CH 3 ) 3 + ( 3 ), which further reacted with P(CH 3 ) 3 to finally give cleaved products, the hypho -tetrakis(trimethylphosphine)tetrahydrotriboron(1+) cation, B 3 H 4 . 4 P(CH 3 ) 3 + ( 4 ), and trimethylphosphine-borane(3), BH 3 . P(CH 3 ) 3 . The effect of the ionic charges upon the reaction rates was apparent. Thus, the second reaction for 1 was rapid at room temperature while the corresponding reaction for 2 was slow and the negatively charged isoelectronic species, the B 4 H 9 . P(CH 3 ) 3 + anion, did not undergo the second reaction. The above two hypho polyboron complex cations, 3 and 4 , were characterized by 11 B and 31 P NMR spectroscopy. Like its isoelectronic counterparts, the cation 3 was highly fluxional; at room temperature the three B-P(CH 3 ) 3 groups were equivalent on the NMR time scale.
On the Nature of Naming Errors in Aging and Dementia: A Study of Semantic Relatedness

This study investigated the nature of naming errors produced on the Boston Naming Test by patients with mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and elderly and young controls, using a newly devised scoring system. This new approach involved ratings of error responses on a scale of semantic relatedness to the target name. Error responses of both mild and moderate AD subjects were no less semantically related to target names than were responses of age- and education-matched controls. We conclude that some available evidence of semantic loss in AD may be an artifact of the methodology chosen for evaluating naming errors.
Rate constants for the reaction of OH radicals with n-propyl acetate, sec-butyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran and peroxyacetyl nitrate

Abstract Measurements of the rates of disappearance of n -propyl and sec-butyl acetates and of tetrahydrofuran, relative to that of isobutene, in irradiated NO x -hydrocarbon mixtures in air at 1 atmosphere total pressure in two environmental chambers (each of ≈6000-l volume) have been used to derive relative rate constants for the reaction of the hydroxyl radical with these organics. Using a literature rate constant for the reaction of OH radicals with isobutene of 3.05 × 10 10 l mole −1 s −1 the following absolute rate constants at 305 ± 2 K are obtained: ( k × 10 −9 l mole −1 s −1 ) n -propyl acetate, 2.6 ± 0.5; sec-butyl acetate, 3.4 ± 0.7; tetrahydrofuran, 8.8 ± 1.8. In addition, a flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence technique has been used to obtain an upper limit of k ⩽ 1 × 10 8 l mole −1 s −1 at 299 ± 1 K for the reaction of OH radicals with peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) which is structurally related to the acetates by the replacement of an alkyl group by an NO 3 group. The reactions of OH radicals with the ethers and acetates are fast and are discussed in terms of the effects of structure on reactivity, as well as their implications to assessments of hydrocarbon reactivity.
Two-act transitions, partitioned contingency tables, and the ‘significant cells’ problem

Abstract When contingency tables of data on sequences, social relationships, feeding, habitat use, or other behaviour exhibit significant associations between variables, ethologists may analyse the residuals in the table in order to test more precise hypotheses about the associations found. This paper critically evaluates currently used and potentially available statistical methods for performing such tests. Specific examples of use are given and recommendations made.
Three-dimensional visualization of physiologically based kinetic model outputs.

Outputs from a physiologically based toxicokinetic (PB-TK) model for fish were visualized by mapping time-series data for specific tissues onto a three-dimensional representation of a rainbow trout...
In Vitro Reconstitution of Cortical Actin Assembly Sites in Budding Yeast

We have developed a biochemical approach for identifying the components of cortical actin assembly sites in polarized yeast cells, based on a permeabilized cell assay that we established for actin assembly in vitro. Previous analysis indicated that an activity associated with the cell cortex promotes actin polymerization in the bud. After inactivation by a chemical treatment, this activity can be reconstituted back to the permeabilized cells from a cytoplasmic extract. Fractionation of the extract revealed that the reconstitution depends on two sequentially acting protein factors. Bee1, a cortical actin cytoskeletal protein with sequence homology to Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein, is required for the first step of the reconstitution. This finding, together with the severe defects in actin organization associated with the bee1 null mutation, indicates that Bee1 protein plays a direct role in controlling actin polymerization at the cell cortex. The factor that acts in the second step of the reconstitution has been identified by conventional chromatography. It is composed of a novel protein, Pca1. Sequence analysis suggests that Pca1 has the potential to interact with SH3 domain-containing proteins and phospholipids.
A Mechanistic Approach to Cross-Domain Perceptual Narrowing in the First Year of Life

Language and face processing develop in similar ways during the first year of life. Early in the first year of life, infants demonstrate broad abilities for discriminating among faces and speech. These discrimination abilities then become tuned to frequently experienced groups of people or languages. This process of perceptual development occurs between approximately 6 and 12 months of age and is largely shaped by experience. However, the mechanisms underlying perceptual development during this time, and whether they are shared across domains, remain largely unknown. Here, we highlight research findings across domains and propose a top-down/bottom-up processing approach as a guide for future research. It is hypothesized that perceptual narrowing and tuning in development is the result of a shift from primarily bottom-up processing to a combination of bottom-up and top-down influences. In addition, we propose word learning as an important top-down factor that shapes tuning in both the speech and face domains, leading to similar observed developmental trajectories across modalities. Importantly, we suggest that perceptual narrowing/tuning is the result of multiple interacting factors and not explained by the development of a single mechanism.
Effects of angiographic contrast media on sino-atrial nodal function

Injection of meglumine diatrizoate (Renografin-76) into the selectively perfused sinus node artery of the dog produces bradycardia which is unaltered by autonomic blockade or by changes in sinus node artery pressure. Contrast agents and other hyperosmolar substances prolong the R-R interval in proportion to their osmolarity. Selective injection of contrast media into other cannulated segments of the coronary tree produces no change in heart rate. Transfemoral arteriography, however, produces bradycardia with both right and left coronary injections. Both direct and reflex sinus node depression occur with coronary arteriography in the dog. Direct effects are mediated by hyperosmolarity.
Cigarette smoking and endometrial carcinoma risk: the role of effect modification and tumor heterogeneity

The inverse relationship between cigarette smoking and endometrial carcinoma risk is well established. We examined effect modification of this relationship and associations with tumor characteristics in the National Institutes of Health–AARP Diet and Health Study. We examined the association between cigarette smoking and endometrial carcinoma risk among 110,304 women. During 1,029,041 person years of follow-up, we identified 1,476 incident endometrial carcinoma cases. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between smoking status, years since smoking cessation, and endometrial carcinoma risk overall and within strata of endometrial carcinoma risk factors. Effect modification was assessed using likelihood ratio test statistics. Smoking associations by histologic subtype/grade and stage at diagnosis were also evaluated. Reduced endometrial carcinoma risk was evident among former (RR 0.89, 95 % CI 0.80, 1.00) and current (RR 0.65, 95 % CI 0.55, 0.78) smokers compared with never smokers. Smoking cessation 1–4 years prior to baseline was significantly associated with endometrial carcinoma risk (RR 0.65, 95 % CI 0.48, 0.89), while cessation ≥10 years before baseline was not. The association between smoking and endometrial carcinoma risk was not significantly modified by any endometrial carcinoma risk factor, nor did we observe major differences in risk associations by tumor characteristics. The cigarette smoking–endometrial carcinoma risk relationship was consistent within strata of important endometrial carcinoma risk factors and by clinically relevant tumor characteristics.
Deaths in juvenile justice residential facilities

Abstract Purpose To provide the first national description of death in juvenile justice residential facilities. Methods Data come from recent censuses of all public and private juvenile justice facilities in the United States. Death rates for the custody population are adjusted for length at risk, and are compared to death rates of adolescents in the general population. Multivariate modeling is used to identify facility-level risk factors related to deaths. Results Adjusting for the number of days at risk, adolescents in juvenile justice facilities have lower risks of death by accident and homicide, but considerably higher risks of death from suicide and illness (200% and 50%, respectively). Facilities with larger Black populations, those that lock sleeping room doors, and facilities designed to screen young persons for future placements all had significantly higher odds of experiencing a death. Conclusions The higher rates of death from suicide or illness suggest either (a) juvenile justice facilities host very high risk adolescents who would have died on the outside, (b) the facility environment itself increases the risk of death relative to the adolescents' environment outside the facility, particularly in the case of deaths from suicide, (c) placement in a juvenile justice facility may be indicative of a time of crisis in adolescents' lives in terms of physical or mental health and thus the risk of death increases, or most realistically, (d) some combination of the above. That deaths are more likely in facilities with larger Black populations warrants significant future investigation. Finally, the policy of locking sleeping room doors should be seriously evaluated in light of the strong association found with suicide.
Unexpected regioselective diels-alder cycloaddition reactions between 3-fluorobenzyne and 2-alkylfurans

The Diels-Alder reaction between 3-fluorobenzyne (1) and 2-alkylfurans (2) gives a mixture of syn adduct 3 and anti adduct 4. The syn cycloadduct invariably predominates and the regioselectivity increases in the order: R = Me < Et < i-Pr < t-Bu, to a maximum of 90% syn adduct 3d for 2-tert-butylfuran. These results are rationalized in terms of a concerted nonsynchronous transition state that reflects an alkyl steric effect and a polarized aryne 1.
A biomechanical study of posterior glenoid bone loss and humeral head translation

Background Results of shoulder arthroplasty have been reported to be inferior with posterior glenoid wear and accompanying subluxation of the humeral head. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of posterior glenoid wear on posterior subluxation of the humeral head. Material and methods A custom loading device was used to simulate physiologic loading conditions in 8 cadaver shoulders with the humerus positioned at neutral, forward flexion, and extension. Three-dimensional motion analysis recorded humeral head translation with respect to the scapula at each humerus position after removing posterior glenoid bone in 5° increments. The magnitude of humeral head translation was analyzed with 2-way ANOVA to determine the effects of arm position and glenoid condition. Results Glenoid condition and arm position in the transverse plane significantly influenced head translation (P < .0001). With the humerus at neutral, posterior translation became significant after 20° of posterior bone removal (P < .05). However, with the humerus in forward flexion, posterior translation became significant at only 5° of posterior bone removal (P < .001). No significant differences in translation were detected for posterior defects up to 25° with the arm in extension. Conclusion Posterior humeral head translation increased significantly with 5° of posterior glenoid bone loss, which equates to approximately 2.5° of glenoid retroversion. Awareness that humeral head translation may be seen with small amounts of retroversion should be recognized during preoperative planning for shoulder arthroplasty and when counseling the patient with regard to expected outcomes.
Biopolymer Nanoparticles from Heat‐Treated Electrostatic Protein–Polysaccharide Complexes: Factors Affecting Particle Characteristics

Biopolymer nanoparticles can be formed by heating globular protein-ionic polysaccharide electrostatic complexes above the thermal denaturation temperature of the protein. This study examined how the size and concentration of biopolymer particles formed by heating beta-lactoglobulin-pectin complexes could be manipulated by controlling preparation conditions: pH, ionic strength, protein concentration, holding time, and holding temperature. Biopolymer particle size and concentration increased with increasing holding time (0 to 30 min), decreasing holding temperature (90 to 70 degrees C), increasing protein concentration (0 to 2 wt/wt%), increasing pH (4.5 to 5), and increasing salt concentration (0 to 50 mol/kg). The influence of these factors on biopolymer particle size was attributed to their impact on protein-polysaccharide interactions, and on the kinetics of nucleation and particle growth. The knowledge gained from this study will facilitate the rational design of biopolymer particles with specific physicochemical and functional attributes.
Further study of the agostic molecule, TiCl3(dmpe)C2H5

Abstract The molecular structure of the title compound has been redetermined by X-ray crystallography at 213(2) K with results generally in agreement with those previously reported. Its tendency to cocrystallize with TiCl4(dmpe) is noted. Preliminary results on its decomposition suggest a radical process, rather than β-H transfer followed by C2H4 elimination.
Flow past a sphere up to a Reynolds number of 300

The flow of an incompressible viscous fluid past a sphere is investigated numerically and experimentally over flow regimes including steady and unsteady laminar flow at Reynolds numbers of up to 300. Flow-visualization experiments are used to validate the numerical results and to provide additional insight into the behaviour of the flow. Near-wake visualizations are presented for both steady and unsteady flows. Calculations for Reynolds numbers of up to 200 show steady axisymmetric flow and compare well with previous experimental and numerical observations. For Reynolds numbers of 210 to 270, a steady non-axisymmetric regime is found, also in agreement with previous work. To advance the basic understanding of this transition, a symmetry breaking mechanism is proposed based on a detailed analysis of the calculated flow field.Unsteady flow is calculated at Reynolds numbers greater than 270. The results at a Reynolds number of 300 show a highly organized periodic flow dominated by vortex shedding. An analysis of the calculated vortical structure of the wake reveals a sequence of shed hairpin vortices in combination with a sequence of previously unidentified induced hairpin vortices. The numerical results compare favourably with experimental flow visualizations which, interestingly, fail to reveal the induced vortices. Based on the deduced symmetry-breaking mechanism, an analysis of the unsteady kinematics, and the experimental results, a mechanism driving the transition to unsteady flow is proposed.
Directional and preferential sputtering-based physical vapor deposition

Abstract Physical sputtering techniques are characterized by a mostly isotropic deposition profile, which is useful for depositing films over steps, edges and lines. However, it fails for deposition into modest (>1 : 1) aspect ratio features due to overhang formation and subsequent void formation. A number of techniques have addressed this issue. Sputtering at high sample temperatures has been used to allow some degree of surface tension to help fill structures. Bias sputtering has been found to be useful for reducing void formation in low aspect ratio features. Collimated sputtering has been developed to filter the depositing atoms, resulting in mostly-normal incidence deposition. Finally, post-ionization of the sputtered atoms has been developed to deposit films primarily from metal ions, which are accelerated to the sample surface by means of a d.c. sample bias. Each of these techniques can lead to deposition within high aspect ratio features and will allow the application of sputter deposition for future semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Raman scattering in (GaP ) 1 /(InP ) 1 strained-layer superlattices

We have measured Raman scattering from alternating monolayer structures of GaP and InP fabricated by molecular-beam epitaxy with two different substrate temperatures ${T}_{s}$=505 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and 560 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The strain-induced shifts of the GaP longitudinal-optical phonons indicate the misfit strains which are known to exist in this monolayer superlattice (MLSL). At ${T}_{s}$=505 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C the strain calculated from the observed frequency shift agrees with the lattice-mismatch strain given by the elastic theory, whereas for the sample that was grown at a substrate temperature ${T}_{s}$=560 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C the agreement is quite poor.
Emotional approach coping: Gender differences on psychological adjustment in young to middle-aged cancer survivors

Objective : The effect of emotional approach coping (EAC) varies by gender. However, this gender difference has not yet been investigated in cancer survivors. We investigated whether the effects of two kinds of EAC – emotional processing (EP) and emotional expression (EE) – vary by gender and whether EAC has effects above and beyond the effect of other coping strategies. Design : EAC and other coping strategies were assessed at baseline in a sample of 248 young to middle-aged adult (between the age of 22 and 55) cancer survivors. One hundred and sixty-six survivors responded to psychological adjustment one year later. Results : EAC had different relationships with Time 2 adjustment in men and women. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that for men, EE predicted lower intrusive thoughts and, for women, EP was associated with higher positive affect when other coping strategies and EE were controlled. Conclusion : Gender differences held true in cancer survivors, and EAC was effective when other coping s...
The dynamics of learning about a climate threshold

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions may trigger threshold responses of the climate system. One relevant example of such a potential threshold response is a shutdown of the North Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (MOC). Numerous studies have analyzed the problem of early MOC change detection (i.e., detection before the forcing has committed the system to a threshold response). Here we analyze the early MOC prediction problem. To this end, we virtually deploy an MOC observation system into a simple model that mimics potential future MOC responses and analyze the timing of confident detection and prediction. Our analysis suggests that a confident prediction of a potential threshold response can require century time scales, considerably longer that the time required for confident detection. The signal enabling early prediction of an approaching MOC threshold in our model study is associated with the rate at which the MOC intensity decreases for a given forcing. A faster MOC weakening implies a higher MOC sensitivity to forcing. An MOC sensitivity exceeding a critical level results in a threshold response. Determining whether an observed MOC trend in our model differs in a statistically significant way from an unforced scenario (the detection problem) imposes lower requirements on an observation system than the determination whether the MOC will shut down in the future (the prediction problem). As a result, the virtual observation systems designed in our model for early detection of MOC changes might well fail at the task of early and confident prediction. Transferring this conclusion to the real world requires a considerably refined MOC model, as well as a more complete consideration of relevant observational constraints.
The neurology of the immune system: neural reflexes regulate immunity.

Parallel advances in neuroscience and immunology established the anatomical and cellular basis for bidirectional interactions between the nervous and immune systems. Like other physiological systems, the immune system—and the development of immunity—is modulated by neural reflexes. A prototypical example is the inflammatory reflex, comprised of an afferent arm that senses inflammation and an efferent arm, the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, that inhibits innate immune responses. This mechanism is dependent on the α7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which inhibits NF-κB nuclear translocation and suppresses cytokine release by monocytes and macrophages. Here we summarize evidence showing that innate immunity is reflexive. Future advances will come from applying an integrative physiology approach that utilizes methods adapted from neuroscience and immunology.
Recent Advances in Two-Photon Photorefractive Polymers

High performance two-photon absorbing photorefractive polymers operating at 1550 nm are described. The demonstration of thermal fixing and non-destructive read-out of the holograms in polymer composites make them attractive for practical device applications.
Localized flow control in microchannels using induced-charge electroosmosis near conductive obstacles

In this paper, we investigate the use of induced-charge electroosmosis (ICEO) as a means of providing localized flow control near conductive obstacles within bulk pressure-driven flow. In an experimental device, this ICEO flow was induced by an on/off switchable AC field applied across a section containing gold post(s). A simple numerical model, adapted from Levitan et al. (Colloids Surf A 267:122–132, 2005), was implemented and used to provide guidance for the design of the experimental devices. The induced flow was combined with an applied bulk pressure-driven flow to modify flow patterns. We have specifically observed single and multiple stream patterns downstream of the posts in the experimental devices, suggesting the presence of ICEO flow in the experimental system. The custom devices were obtained using a fabrication process that relies on relatively standard steps in the MEMS community, however, unlike other fabrication processes, it has been shown to create fully conductive posts with vertical sidewalls. Utilizing various combinations of number(s) of post(s), geometry and position, useful flow patterns can be created.
Formation and Destruction of Pyrimidine Dimers in Polynucleotides by Ultra-violet Irradiation in the Presence of Proflavine

THE ultra-violet irradiation of polynucleotides in solution results in the reversible formation of dimers of cyclobutane type between adjacent pyrimidine residues1. In DNA, such dimers produce important effects in many biological systems2. Beukers has also found that the presence of proflavine during irradiation at 2537 A inhibits the formation of thymine dimers in DNA and that dimers produced in the absence of proflavine are destroyed by further irradiation in its presence3. Although Beukers was unable to show that the destruction of the dimers in DNA consists of a simple reversion to monomers, he suggested that this might be demonstrated by means of experiments with organized polymer dI.dC consisting of strands of polydeoxyinosinic acid and polydeoxycytidylic acid. Such a polymer has already been used to show that the enzymatic destruction of uracil dimers by photoreactivating enzyme in the presence of visible light consists of monomerization1.
Effects of exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on pulmonary metabolic activation of mutagenic agents.

Abstract Exposure of rats to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) or carbon black (CB) has been shown to induce time-dependent changes in CYP1A1and CYP2B1 in the lung. The present study evaluated the role of these metabolic enzymes on the pulmonary bioactivation of mutagens. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were intratracheally instilled with saline (control), DEP or CB (35 mg/kg body weight) and sacrificed at 1, 3, or 7 days post-exposure. Both control and exposed lung S9 increased the mutagenic activity of 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA), 2-aminofluorene (2-AF), 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), and the organic extract of DEP (DEPE) in Ames tests with Salmonella typhimurium YG1024 in a dose-dependent manner. Lung microsomes prepared form control or particle-exposed S9, but not cytosolic protein, activated 2-AA mutagenicity. Compared to saline controls, CB-exposed S9 was a less potent inducer of 2-AA mutagenicity at all time points, whereas DEP-exposed S9 was less potent than control saline at 3 and 7 days but not 1 day post-exposure. At 3 days post-exposure, DEP- or CB-exposed lung S9 did not significantly affect the mutagenicity of DEPE or 1-NP, when compared to the controls. The mutgenicity of 2-AA, 2-AF, 1-NP, and DEPE were significantly decreased in the presence of inhibitors for CYP1A1 (α-naphthoflavone) or CYP2B (metyrapone), but markedly enhanced by CYP1A1 or CYP2B1 supersomes with all the cofactors, suggesting that both CYP1A1 and CYP2B1 were responsible for mutagen activation. These results demonstrated that exposure of rats to DEP or CB altered metabolic activity of lung S9 and S9 metabolic activity dependent mutagen activation. The bioactivation of mutagens are metabolic enzyme- and substrate-specific, and both CYP1A1 and CYP2B1 play important roles in pulmonary mutagen activation.
The supporting dental structures

Another common irritant to the gingiva is dryness during mouth breathing. All the oral tissues are normally moistened with saliva. Whenever the patient is un­ able to breathe properly through the nose, breathing through the mouth causes the gingiva to become inflamed, edematous and hemorrhagic. One meth­ od of approach would be to eliminate the cause of mouth breathing by having the patient consult an otolaryngologist. To treat the condition palliatively by dental means, it would be necessary for the patient to apply an emollient, such as cocoa butter or petroleum jelly, over the dried gingiva prior to retiring and as many times a day as necessary. This pro­ M O U T H B R E A T H IN G A S A N IR R IT A N T tective layer prevents the drying of the gingiva.
Infectious morbidity is higher after second-stage compared with first-stage cesareans

Objective The objective of the study was to compare maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity following cesareans performed in the second and first stages of labor. Study Design We conducted a retropective cohort study of all consecutive, singleton, term, cesarean deliveries in laboring women in a single institution from 2005 to 2012. Second-stage cesareans were defined as those performed at complete cervical dilation (10 cm), and first-stage cesareans were those performed before 10 cm cervical dilation. The primary outcome was endometritis. Rates of infectious morbidity were compared in the 2 groups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted risk estimates. Results Of 2505 cesareans meeting inclusion criteria, 400 (16.0%) were performed in the second stage, whereas 2105 (84.0%) were performed in the first stage of labor. The risk of endometritis was nearly 3-fold higher in second- compared with first-stage cesareans (4.25% vs 1.52%; crude odds ratio, 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.58–5.23). The risk remained significantly higher after controlling for confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.51–5.09). Conclusion Second-stage cesarean is associated with an increased risk of endometritis compared with first-stage cesarean. Further studies will determine whether different infection preventive strategies are needed at second-stage cesareans to reduce endometritis.