cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conjugated polymers containing mixed-ligand ruthenium(II) complexes. Synthesis, characterization, and investigation of photoconductive properties

A series of novel conjugated polymers containing mixed-ligand ruthenium complexes has been synthesized and characterized. These polymers exhibit interesting photoconductive properties. It was found that the redox and optical properties of the resulting materials were strongly affected by the structures of coordinated ligands of the ruthenium complex. The presence of σ-donating diketonate and phenolate groups in ligands substantially lowered the Ru(III/II) potentials relative to analogous polypyridyl complexes. A range of transition energies of metal-to-ligand charge transfer was observed. The photoconductivity of the polymer at long wavelengths is strongly enhanced by the metal complexes due to the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer transition.
Spontaneous and self-assembled line formations on silicon substrates with vanadium pentoxide sol-gels.

A simple one-pot method has been developed to deposit discreet nanometer line formations on silicon substrates without any surface pretreatment starting with vanadium pentoxide sol−gels. These vanadium suspensions were made by hydrolyzing amorphous V2O5 in water. The properties of the vanadium clusters were determined through X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, pH calculations, and concentration calculations. Morphology of the lines was examined with optical microscopy, atomic force microcoscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy was used to inspect the organic components. The vanadium sol−gel used formed discreet and regular lines with high reproducibility and on the same order of magnitude as other patterning techniques. Previous research with a low solubility, 8 g/L, metal oxide for line, ring, or helix formation has not been found in the literature; this work could lead to novel applications of metal oxides such as porous catalysts, battery materials, and resistive electronic ...
Simulation and theory of the electrochemical double layer for strong ionic interactions

Abstract In order to obtain agreement with experiment, the Gouy-Chapman (GC) theory of the electrochemical interface must be parametrized empirically. Surprisingly, this difficulty does not seem to have detracted from the popularity of the GC theory. However, the use of empirical parameters precludes a definitive experimental test of the GC theory. Very recently, computer simulations have been employed to examine the electrochemical interface. If the ionic coupling is not to strong (large ions, low valence, large dielectric constant, high temperature), the GC theory, although lacking, is qualitatively satisfactory. However, for strongly coupled ions the GC theory fails completely. Regrettably, so do the ‘better’ theories. Recently, a theory that is partially satisfactory has been developed. Our simulations, this theory, and what is needed for a more satisfactory theory is discussed.
A senescence accelerated mouse model to study aging in the larynx

Abstract Objective Age-related changes in the larynx lead to significant voice impairment and reduced quality of life. There is a need for aged animal models that have practical generation times to study the fundamental changes and new therapeutics for the aging voice. The senescence accelerated prone mouse strain (SAMP) animals experience rapid aging without any experimental manipulation. The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the use of senescence accelerated mice to study aging in the larynx. Study Design Murine model. Setting Department of Animal Resources, Emory University. Subjects and Methods Larynges from five senescence accelerated prone mice, five normal aging senescence resistant mice, and five C57BL/6 mice were harvested and processed for paraffin sections. Histomorphometry was performed for assessment of collagen and hyaluronic acid distribution. In addition, frozen laryngeal tissue was harvested for transcriptional and translational assessment of collagen-1, using real-time polymerase chain reaction with specific primers and Western blots. Myofibroblast assessment was performed by immunostaining for the presence of α-smooth muscle actin. Results The deposition of collagen increased at six months of age in the SAMP vocal fold, and the level of collagen-1 mRNA increased with age. The myofibroblast protein α-smooth muscle actin was also found at a higher concentration in the SAMP vocal tissue. In contrast, the levels of hyaluronic acid in the vocal folds of SAMP mice decreased with age when compared to age-matched C57BL/6 mice. Conclusion SAMP mice show accelerated, age-related changes in the vocal fold that were evident at as early as six months of age. The use of senescence accelerated mice offers promise as a model to study age-related laryngeal changes.
Estimating gender differences in the comprehension and preference of moral issues.

Abstract The claim of a gender bias is considered on measures of moral judgment focusing on concepts of justice. Both meta-analyses and secondary analyses on 56 samples of over 6000 male and female subjects are used to estimate the magnitude of gender effects. Inconsistent with current expectations, the results indicate that overall, and at every age/educational level, females score significantly higher than males. Second, the magnitude of this difference is small, both in comparison with age/education effects and in relation to conventional interpretations of the measures employed. Several possible interpretations of these results are discussed especially with regard to C. Gilligan's (1977, Harvard Educational Review, 47, 481–517) recent criticism of Kohlberg's theory.
Phospholipase C β3 is a key component in the Gβγ/PKCη/PKD-mediated regulation of trans-Golgi network to plasma membrane transport

The requirement of DAG (diacylglycerol) to recruit PKD (protein kinase D) to the TGN (trans-Golgi network) for the targeting of transport carriers to the cell surface, has led us to a search for new components involved in this regulatory pathway. Previous findings reveal that the heterotrimeric Gbetagamma (GTP-binding protein betagamma subunits) act as PKD activators, leading to fission of transport vesicles at the TGN. We have recently shown that PKCeta (protein kinase Ceta) functions as an intermediate member in the vesicle generating pathway. DAG is capable of activating this kinase at the TGN, and at the same time is able to recruit PKD to this organelle in order to interact with PKCeta, allowing phosphorylation of PKD's activation loop. The most qualified candidates for the production of DAG at the TGN are PI-PLCs (phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipases C), since some members of this family can be directly activated by Gbetagamma, utilizing PtdIns(4,5)P2 as a substrate, to produce the second messengers DAG and InsP3. In the present study we show that betagamma-dependent Golgi fragmentation, PKD1 activation and TGN to plasma membrane transport were affected by a specific PI-PLC inhibitor, U73122 [1-(6-{[17-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino}hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione]. In addition, a recently described PI-PLC activator, m-3M3FBS [2,4,6-trimethyl-N-(m-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)benzenesulfonamide], induced vesiculation of the Golgi apparatus as well as PKD1 phosphorylation at its activation loop. Finally, using siRNA (small interfering RNA) to block several PI-PLCs, we were able to identify PLCbeta3 as the sole member of this family involved in the regulation of the formation of transport carriers at the TGN. In conclusion, we demonstrate that fission of transport carriers at the TGN is dependent on PI-PLCs, specifically PLCbeta3, which is necessary to activate PKCeta and PKD in that Golgi compartment, via DAG production.
Inelasticity in p -nucleus collisions and its application to high energy cosmic-ray cascades

We employ a simple multiple scattering model to investigate the inclusive reaction p+A{r_arrow}p+X for projectile momenta in the 100{endash}200GeV/c range. We find that data are consistent with a class of interaction models in which the stopping power of nuclei is rather low. We discuss extrapolation to ultrahigh energy and the application to interpretation of cosmic-ray air showers at energies up to 10{sup 20}eV. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Automated transformation for performance-critical kernels

The performance of many scientific applications depends on a small number of key computational kernels which require a level of efficiency rarely satisfied by existing native compilers. We present a new approach to high performance kernel optimization, where a general-purpose transformation engine automates the production of highly efficient library routines. The library routines are then empirically tested until an implementation with a satisfactory performance level is found. Our framework requires an annotated kernel specification and can automatically produce optimized implementations based on tuning parameters controlled by a search driver. The transformation engine includes an extensive suite of optimizations which can be easily expanded using a custom transformation language. We have applied our framework to generate code for key linear algebra kernels and have achieved similar performance as that achieved by ATLAS's highly tuned kernels. In several cases, our kernels were faster than ATLAS's native kernels; we have made these kernels available to ATLAS, which results in speedups for the ATLAS library, as we show.
Evolution of the scrambled germline gene encoding alpha-telomere binding protein in three hypotrichous ciliates.

The micronuclear genes encoding α-telomere-binding protein (αTP) in Oxytricha trifallax and Stylonychia mytilus contain multiple internal eliminated segments, or IESs, that divide the gene into multiple parts called macronuclear destined segments, or MDSs. The MDSs have become disordered, or scrambled, during evolution. The scrambled structures of the αTP genes in Oxytricha trifallax and S. mytilus have been compared with the previously published scrambled structure of the αTP gene in O. nova. The scrambled patterns of the αTP gene in the three species are similar but show significant differences. The micronuclear genes in O. nova and S. mytilus consist of 13 IESs and 14 MDSs, but the gene in O. trifallax is divided into three additional MDSs by the presence of three additional IESs, believed to have been inserted into the O. trifallaxαTP gene after divergence of O. trifallax from the other two species. Corresponding IESs among the three species have shifted along the DNA during evolution, presumably by a mutational mechanism that changes the short repeat sequences that flank IESs. The IESs also have changed markedly in length by insertion and/or deletion of nucleotides. Comparison of the putative αTP amino acid sequences in the three species reveals three conserved and three nonconserved domains. The 5′ nontranslated regions of the gene-sized molecules encoding αTP contain several conserved segments, and the 3′ nontranscribed trailer contains one conserved segment.
Local polynomial fitting under association

We consider the estimation of multivariate regression functions r(x1,...xd) and their partial derivatives up to a total order p ≥ 1 using high-order local polynomial fitting. The processes {Yi, Xi} are assumed to be (jointly) associated. Joint asymptotic normality is established for the estimates of the regression function r and all its partial derivatives up to the total order p. Expressions for the bias and variance/covariance matrix (of the asymptotic distribution) are given.
The historical variability of the age-crime relationship

Methodological problems arising in fitting nonlinear regressions to a dataset are identified in context of research on the age-crime relationship. A modified chisquare distribution is fit to the age distribution of the seven Index crimes for the years 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, and 1988 to assess the historical invariance of the distribution. Problematic features of Britt's (J. Quant. Criminol. 8, 175–187, 1992) analysis of the same data are highlighted.
Characterizing the Release of Bioactive N-Glycans from Dairy Products by a Novel Endo-β-N-Acetylglucosaminidase

Endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase isolated from B. infantis ATCC 15697 (EndoBI-1) is a novel enzyme that cleaves N-N'-diacetyl chitobiose moieties found in the N-glycan core of high mannose, hybrid, and complex N-glycans. These conjugated N-glycans are recently shown as a new prebiotic source that stimulates the growth of a key infant gut microbe, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. Infantis. The effects of pH (4.45-8.45), temperature (27.5-77.5°C), reaction time (15-475 min), and enzyme/protein ratio (1:3,000-1:333) were evaluated on the release of N-glycans from bovine colostrum whey by EndoBI-1. A central composite design was used, including a two-level factorial design (2(4)) with four center points and eight axial points. In general, low pH values, longer reaction times, higher enzyme/protein ratio, and temperatures around 52°C resulted in the highest yield. The results demonstrated that bovine colostrum whey, considered to be a by/waste product, can be used as a glycan source with a yield of 20 mg N-glycan/g total protein under optimal conditions for the ranges investigated. Importantly, these processing conditions are suitable to be incorporated into routine dairy processing activities, opening the door for an entirely new class of products (released bioactive glycans and glycan-free milk). The new enzyme's activity was also compared with a commercially available enzyme, showing that EndoBI-1 is more active on native proteins than PNGase F and can be efficiently used during pasteurization, streamlining its integration into existing processing strategies.
Genetic Algorithm Applied to the Design of Mine Countermeasure Projectiles

To fulfill a need in the field of mine countermeasure systems, a framework was developed to couple a genetic algorithm (GA) to a semi-empirical aero-predictive code to rapidly and effectively explore suitable concepts. Currently, two projectile concepts under evaluation are: (1) a canister round capable of delivering multiple individual shape-charge-projectiles; & (2) individual shape-charge munitions fired in quick succession. The developed framework, dubbed the Missile Autonomous Replicating Systems Optimizer ( MARS -Op), successfully generated optimized designs, based on initial baselines, for the various projectiles and demonstrated the GA’s ability to reduce the time required to obtain a solution to complex, aerodynamics problems.
Three-dimensional thermal stresses in a superconducting coil assembly

The three-dimensional thermal stresses in a solenoidal superconducting coil assembly are examined and evaluated. The superconductor composite is modeled as an orthotropic material with three planes of elastic symmetry, with mechanical properties derived from experimental measurements at 293 K and liquid-nitrogen temperature, adjusted according to the applied temperature range. The cooldown stresses in the coil in a stand-alone configuration are compared to the stresses due to the temperature field simulated for a quench. The quench thermal transient analysis creates a nonuniform temperature profile in the range of 30-250 K. A two-dimensional and a three-dimensional temperature field are used in the three-dimensional stress analysis. When comparing the stresses in the cooldown and temperature fields, the results indicate an increase of the tensile hoop stress by a factor of four and an increase of the compressive hoop stress in the coil by a factor of eight. Similar analysis is performed on the superconducting coil assembly, which includes a part of the glass-epoxy composite coil form and the aluminum support structure, and the results are examined and evaluated. The analysis is performed in the cylindrical coordinate system by using the commercial package ANSYS.
Analyzing the potential of community water systems: the case of AguaClara

Successful maintenance of water provision has as much to do with the ongoing governance of these systems as the technology that goes into building them. This governance generally occurs at the community level. Most water systems are small and located in areas where there is generally not the profitability necessary to entice private investment. Understanding how community management can improve is therefore essential to solving water provision problems around the world. This paper develops a three part framework for analyzing water projects through a focus on technology, management and governance. The framework draws on research on collective action and various forms of capital as they relate to technology (natural and physical capital), management (financial and human capital) and governance (social and political capital). We demonstrate the usefulness of the framework by studying AguaClara, a program that has helped seven Honduran communities build eight water treatment plants and set up functioning systems of governance.
TapSongs: tapping rhythm-based passwords on a single binary sensor

TapSongs are presented, which enable user authentication on a single "binary" sensor (e.g., button) by matching the rhythm of tap down/up events to a jingle timing model created by the user. We describe our matching algorithm, which employs absolute match criteria and learns from successful logins. We also present a study of 10 subjects showing that after they created their own TapSong models from 12 examples (
From Web Services to Virtual Services - The Architecture and Patterns for 3D Services

The evolution of the web triggered XML and web services which pave the way for world-wide information integration and service integration. Web 2.0 concepts and technologies further enriched community based web services. Now with debut of virtual world, there come the opportunities of new types of services with which services providers and services consumers could interact in immersive services environments. Virtual services or 3D services provide new service opportunities that existing web services cannot provide. In this paper, we compare the interaction patterns for web services and virtual services. We propose an architecture for virtual services and list its implications for new business models.
Plasma microRNAs are associated with atrial fibrillation and change after catheter ablation (the miRhythm study)

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with cardiovascular disease and control gene expression and are detectable in the circulation. Objective The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that circulating miRNAs may be associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods Using a prospective study design powered to detect subtle differences in miRNAs, we quantified plasma expression of 86 miRNAs by high-throughput quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in 112 participants with AF and 99 without AF. To examine parallels between cardiac and plasma miRNA profiles, we quantified atrial tissue and plasma miRNA expression using quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in 31 participants undergoing surgery. We also explored the hypothesis that lower AF burden after ablation would be reflected in the circulating blood pool by examining change in plasma miRNAs after AF ablation (n = 47). Results Mean age of the cohort was 59 years; 58% of participants were men. Plasma miRs-21 and 150 were 2-fold lower in participants with AF than in those without AF after adjustment ( P ≤.0006). Plasma levels of miRs-21 and 150 also were lower in participants with paroxysmal AF than in those with persistent AF ( P P P ≤.0006). Conclusion Cardiac miRs-21 and 150 are known to regulate genes implicated in atrial remodeling. Our findings show associations between plasma miRs-21 and 150 and AF, suggesting that circulating miRNAs can provide insights into cardiac gene regulation.
Racial prejudice, perceived injustice, and the Black-White gap in punitive attitudes

Conflict theory and previous research suggest that the Black-White difference in support for harsh criminal punishments may be linked to anti-Black prejudice among Whites and perceived injustice among Blacks. Using survey data from the 2001 Race, Crime and Public Opinion Study, this article examines the sources of the racial gap in levels of punitiveness. Two main explanations are tested: perceived racial bias in the criminal justice system and racial prejudice. The results indicate that, together, racial prejudice and perceived racial bias explain the Black-White gap in punitive attitudes.
Regional anesthesia and analgesia

Local and regional anesthetic techniques have a significant but limited place in the practice of infant pain control. In certain clinical circumstances, regional anesthetic techniques presumably afford many of the same advantages for the pediatric patient as in the adult patient. However, there are few controlled clinical trials on the advantages and adverse effects compared with conventional analgesic strategies. This article discusses the clinical application, effectivenes, safety, and oucomes of the available local and regional anesthetic techniques for control of postoperative and procedure-related pain in neonates and infants.
Effect of fiber coating on creep behavior of SiC fiber-reinforced titanium aluminide matrix composites

The effect of fiber coating on the creep behavior and damage mechanisms of unnotched SCS-6 fiber-reinforced Ti3Al matrix composites under longitudinal and transverse loading was investigated at 700 °C. Stresses ranging from 700 to 900 MPa and 200 to 400 MPa were used for longitudinal and transverse loading, respectively. An Ag/Ta duplex layer was coated onto the SCS-6 fiber prior to consolidation via physical vapor deposition. The microstructure of the crept composites was examined to determine the creep deformation mechanisms. The creep cracking behavior of the notched composites was also studied at initial stress intensity factors, Ki, ranging from 15 to 20 MPa-m1/2. Microstructural observation revealed that multiple fiber fracture (at low to medium stress levels), microcracking along the reaction zone/matrix interface (at medium stress levels), and matrix cracking extending from the broken fiber ends (at high stress levels) were the major damage mechanisms during quasi-steady state creep under longitudinal loading. The results show that the Ag/Ta duplex coating significantly improved the creep resistance and flexural strength of the composite under transverse loading. The Ag/Ta duplex coating was also shown to significantly prolong the creep rupture life of SiC fiber-reinforced Ti3Al composites.
STUDIES OF 17-HYDR0XYC0RTIC0STER0IDS. X. URINARY EXCRETION OF 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATIC FEVER*

ONE approach to the evaluation of adrenocortical function is the measurement of urinary excretion of adrenocortical steroids or their metabolites. Until recently the methods used for such evaluation have included biologic assay technics and chemical determinations of urinary corticoids and 17-ketosteroids. These technics are of limited value because they lack either specificity or sensitivity. Several investigators (1–4) recently have introduced technics for the determination of urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids (17-OHCS) employing the Porter-Silber reaction (5), which is specific for the 17, 21-dihydroxy-20-keto configuration. The 17-hydroxycorticosteroids are a group of adrenal steroids which includes compounds F (hydrocortisone), E (cortisone), and S. Since compound F has been demonstrated to be the principal adrenocortical hormone in man (6, 7), determinations of urinary 17-OHCS might be expected to reflect more accurately the function of the adrenal cortex than do the older, less specific determinati...
Readings in Abnormal Behavior: Another Visit with an Old Friend

76 beginning graduate students in a proseminar on abnormal behavior read five books from a list of 31 chosen as “softer” but supplemental. Prior to the section, each student was asked to mark those of the 31 he had already read. A list of the most popular 15 titles was drawn up based on the prior readership and reading during the course.
Adolescence, advertising, and the ideology of menstruation

Since the 1920s, American advertisers haverecognized the taboo associated with menstruation andhave incorporated messages about the social consequencesof “showing” into feminine hygieneadvertising. In order to answer the research question“do advertisements that target girls perpetuate ordispel myths and taboos associated withmenstruation?” a content analysis was conducted onten years of feminine hygiene advertising in Seventeen and Teenmagazines (1987-1997). Categories included an analysisof the setting and the themes used in theadvertisements. The findings suggest that the ads dorely on headlines and themes that hearken to the past. However,unlike earlier studies that found the ads presentmenstruation as a “hygienic crisis,”focusing on shame, physical discomfort, and fears, thisstudy found something more encouraging-that the body copy of theseads is working to dispel these myths. Racialrepresentation in ads, however, remains troublesome asblack models are rarely shown unaccompanied by whitemodels. These findings are important to researchers,advertising practitioners, and consumers as magazineadvertising has become a key agent of socialization foradolescent girls.
The Accessory Subunit of Xenopus laevis Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase γ Increases Processivity of the Catalytic Subunit of Human DNA Polymerase γ and Is Related to Class II Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases

Peptide sequences obtained from the accessory subunit of Xenopus laevis mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase γ (pol γ) were used to clone the cDNA encoding this protein. Amino-terminal sequencing of the mitochondrial protein indicated the presence of a 44-amino-acid mitochondrial targeting sequence, leaving a predicted mature protein with 419 amino acids and a molecular mass of 47.3 kDa. This protein is associated with the larger, catalytic subunit in preparations of active mtDNA polymerase. The small subunit exhibits homology to its human, mouse, and Drosophila counterparts. Interestingly, significant homology to glycyl-tRNA synthetases from prokaryotic organisms reveals a likely evolutionary relationship. Since attempts to produce an enzymatically active recombinant catalytic subunit of Xenopus DNA pol γ have not been successful, we tested the effects of adding the small subunit of the Xenopus enzyme to the catalytic subunit of human DNA pol γ purified from baculovirus-infected insect cells. These experiments provide the first functional evidence that the small subunit of DNA pol γ stimulates processive DNA synthesis by the human catalytic subunit under physiological salt conditions.
Shock waves and spallation by molecular dynamics

The study of Shockwave structure is particularly well-suited to the time and distance scales accessible to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. An abbreviated history of these MD Shockwave studies is presented, along with a description of the MD techniques employed. Spallation - the destructive aftermath of Shockwave passage - is caused by rarefaction waves, which relieve high shock pressure at the free surfaces and subsequently collide at the spall plane, causing failure of the material. MD spallation calculations have been carried out recently on a massively parallel computer. Parallel computational techniques are discussed, along with some preliminary results for spallation in two-dimensional model materials.
Intrathecal narcotics for obstetric analgesia in a community hospital.

Objective : Our objective was to establish whether intrathecal narcotics for obstetric analgesia offer an adequate and cost-effective alternative to epidural analgesia with minimal side effects in our small, semirural community hospital with limited anesthesia coverage. Study Design : Low-risk patients at ≥ 35 gestational weeks in active labor were offered intrathecal narcotics. A retroactive chart review of every patient receiving an intrathecal injection was compared with a chart review of the next consecutive low-risk patient who did not receive an intrathecal narcotic. Age, parity, and status of labor at the time of application were noted, as was the subsequent rate of labor and the type of delivery. Side effects such as changes in vital signs, headache, vomiting, pruritis, urinary retention, and/or respiratory depression were noted. All study patients received fentanyl, 25 to 35 μg, plus 0.25 to 0.3 mg of preservative-free morphine combined with 6 to 8 mg of lidocaine. Within 15 minutes of delivery intravenous nalbuphine (Nubain), 5 mg, and oral naltrexone, 12.5 mg, were administered. Pain relief was recorded as excellent, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory (requiring additional medication). Results : During the 30-month review period, 90 patients (3% of total deliveries) received intrathecal narcotics. There were three sets of twins, for a total of 93 live births. Ten patients (11 %) required primary cesarean section, and of the 83 vaginal births 35 (38%) were spontaneous, two (2%) required forceps deliveries, and 46 (49%) were delivered by vacuum extraction, which was significantly higher than the 28 (31 %) for controls. The rate of labor was not affected, with both groups requiring a similar rate of oxytocin (Pitocin) augmentation. Significantly more patients receiving intrathecal narcotics experienced pruritus and urinary retention compared with controls. There was no incidence of respiratory depression.: Eighty-four (93%) of the 90 patients reported excellent pain relief, five patients had satisfactory relief lasting 2.5 to 6 hours, and one was unsatisfactory. Conclusions : In our hospital with limited anesthesia services intrathecal narcotics offer excellent labor pain relief with manageable side effects and without adverse obstetric outcome.
Biodegradation of Whey Protein-Based Edible Films

The biodegradability of the edible films made of whey proteins by disulfide cross-linking was investigated. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and whey protein isolate (WPI) films were subjected to microbial degradation using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and composting burial degradation. Results from the microbial degradation showed that whey protein films could support the growth of P. aeruginosa. The bacterial growth characteristics were well described using the Gompertz model. WPC films degraded faster than WPI films, suggesting that the biodegradability of protein films is associated with the film composition and the extent of covalent cross-linking. WPI films buried in a compost pile began to degrade in two days and became darker over time. More than 80% of total solids were lost in 7 days.
Decoding for channels with insertions, deletions, and substitutions with applications to speech recognition

A model for channels in which an input sequence can produce output sequences of varying length is described. An efficient computational procedure for calculating Pr \{Y\mid X\} is devised, where X = x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_M and Y = y_1,y_2,\cdots,y_N are the input and output of the channel. A stack decoding algorithm for decoding on such channels is presented. The appropriate likelihood function is derived. Channels with memory are considered. Some applications to speech and character recognition are discussed.
An Unbalanced MZM based Photonic Analog-to-Digital Converter

Analog-to-digital converter using an unbalanced modulator as quantizer is described. The system consists of commercially available components. A signal-to-noise ratio analysis indicates 7 bit operation at 30 GS/s with moderate optical powers could be possible.
Outcomes of intracorporeal lithotripsy of upper tract stones is not affected by BMI and skin-to-stone distance (SSD) in obese and morbid patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine if body mass index (BMI) and stone skin distance (SSD) affect stone free rate (SFR) in obese and morbid obese patients who underwent flexible URS for proximal ureteral or renal stones < 20 mm. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of consecutive patients that underwent flexible URS. Inclusion criteria were: proximal ureteral stones and renal stones less than 20 mm in the preoperative computed tomography (CT). SFR were then compared according to SSD and BMI. Results: A total of 153 patients were eligible for this analysis, 49 (32.02%) with SSD < 10 cm and 104 (67.97%) with SSD ≥ 10 cm. The mean stone size was 10.5 ± 6.4 mm. The overall SFR in our study was 82.4%. The SFR for the SSD < 10 and ≥ 10 were 79.6% and 83.7% respectively (p = 0.698) and for BMI < 30, ≥ 30 and < 40 and ≥ 40 were 82.9%, 81.7% and 90.9% respectively. Regression analysis showed no affect between BMI or SSD regarding SFR. Conclusion: Ureteroscopy should be considered as a first-line of treatment for renal/proximal stones in obese and morbid obese patients. URS may be preferable to SWL in obese patients independently of the SSD, BMI or the location of proximal stones.
Workplace Dynamics in Affiliational Organizations: A Case Study of a One-Stop Agency Serving Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

Affiliational or one-stop organizations, which provide social services from multiple agencies within a single location, hold great potential for addressing holistically the often diverse needs of clients. However, there is a paucity of research examining the unique institutional and interpersonal challenges of these workplace settings, particularly in terms of organizational cohesiveness and employee well-being. This article offers a case study of an affiliational organization whose mission is to address the multifaceted needs of victims of intimate partner violence. The research design consisted of in-depth qualitative interviews with each of the program's case managers (n = 4) and with two representatives from each community partner organization: one who was housed at the affiliational organization and one director-level staff person located off-site who was involved in the organization's formation (n = 20). The authors examine in particular the ways in which interpersonal relations, organizational stru...
Effects of the Presence of Barnyardgrass on Rice Water Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Rice Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Populations on Rice

Both the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, and rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (F.), are important pests of rice, Oryza sativa L., in the United States. The host ranges of both insects primarily consist of monocotyledonous plants. Previous research has shown that the rice water weevil prefers barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli Beauv., over rice for feeding and oviposition. Barnyardgrass is also a preferred host for rice stink bug. Thus, presence of barnyardgrass in rice fields may alter populations of one or both insects. Field experiments were conducted to determine how the presence of a preferred host influences rice water weevil and rice stink bug populations on rice. Mixed plots of barnyardgrass and rice were cultivated such that either rice was surrounded by barnyardgrass or barnyardgrass was surrounded by rice. Insects were collected from rice portions of mixed plots and compared with numbers collected from whole plots of rice in the same location. Presence of barnyardgrass had little impact on rice water weevil densities on rice. In contrast, presence of barnyardgrass influenced rice stink bug populations on rice. Rice stink bugs were found on barnyardgrass in mixed plots before panicle emergence of rice. After panicle emergence of rice, results varied from 2001 and 2002. In 2001 and 2003, rice stink bugs were up to 9 times more abundant on rice in mixed plots of barnyardgrass and rice compared with whole plots of rice. Rice stink bugs were up to 4 times greater on rice in whole plots of rice than in mixed plots in 2002. Differences are likely a result of the developmental stage of barnyardgrass relative to rice. Data suggest the presence and developmental stage of barnyardgrass can influence the severity and timing of rice stink bug infestations.
Elbow Reconstruction Following an Extensive Resection of the Proximal Part of the Ulna in a Patient with Ewing Sarcoma: A Case Report.

Malignant bone tumors are usually located in the lower extremities. Malignant bone tumors in the upper extremities, especially in the forearm, are rare1. Current treatment of this type of tumor consists of chemotherapy and limb-sparing, radical resection of the tumor. The most frequently applied reconstructive procedures involve the implantation of endoprostheses, autogenous bone grafts, allografts, and other forms of reconstruction2-6. This case report describes a patient with a tumor of the ulna; the operative treatment and its results are also presented. The patient and his parents were informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and they provided consent. A seven-year-old boy presented to the hospital emergency department with pain in the left elbow that had been ongoing for several days. Clinical examination revealed left elbow distension, reddening of the skin over the olecranon, and tenderness of this region to palpation. Laboratory tests showed mild elevation of the inflammation indicators, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and white blood-cell count. A radiograph of the forearm failed to reveal any pathology. The patient was discharged with recommended antibiotic therapy, and a follow-up visit was scheduled for two weeks later. Two months after the first visit, the patient reported to the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department at the University Children’s Hospital with persistent pain in the left elbow. Clinical examination revealed edema of the entire elbow with mild erythema and tenderness to palpation, especially prominent in the olecranon region. A radiograph of the forearm demonstrated advanced osteolytic lesions within the proximal part of the ulna, with concomitant reactive osteogenesis and a periosteal reaction (Fig. 1). Radiographs also showed a pathological fracture within the involved region of the bone. The radiographs raised unequivocal suspicion of a malignant neoplastic lesion; therefore, the patient was hospitalized for …
Collecting Grylloblatta Campodeiformis Var. Occidentalis Syl.

The Grylloblattidae, a small family comprised of only two genera, possibly but one, apparently belong to the order Notoptera. The two species and one variety in the genus Grylloblatta occur in North America, the other genus, Calloisiana, with one species and one variety, is native of Japan. All of the above species are represented by very few specimens and many of these are nymphs. The fact that one species and one variety have been described from nymphs only, together with the unusual scientific interest which this family of insects has aroused due to their primitive structure and peculiar life habits, seems just cause to set out the facts pertaining to the collecting of six adults and numerous nymphs of this species, on Mt. Baker, Wash., in 1931.
Communicating with Patients with Special Health Care Needs

People with special health care needs (PSHCN) often have difficulty communicating with providers in health care settings, including dental practices. This difficulty can affect access to care as well as the quality of care received. This article provides practical tips and tools dental professionals can use to facilitate communication for a diverse population of PSHCNs. The article discusses communication needs of patients with communication disorders; augmentative and alternative communication; and communication for patients with intellectual disability, psychiatric conditions; and dental fears. Examples are given of communication breakdowns, and descriptions of how communication challenges can be resolved.
Tariff and Profit in the Antebellum Louisiana Sugar Industry

In the manner of the Creole tradesmen of Louisiana, whose lagniappe to their patrons is legendary, the Editor offers a similar bonus to readers of the Review. Instead of trifling presents added to a purchase, however, our lagniappe will be notes and documents illustrative of the evolution of business enterprise.
Cholesteryl ester handling by RAW264 macrophages: response to native and acetylated low density lipoprotein

The effects of LDL and Ac-LDL on the growth properties, morphology, and cholesteryl ester (CE) metabolism of the RAW264 macrophage cell line have been characterized. Cells were grown in media supplemented by a defined media (DM) mixture or fetal bovine serum (FBS). The addition of LDL or Ac-LDL to the culture media did not significantly alter cell growth properties. Cytoplasmic deposition of CE was observed by fluorescence microscopy in macrophages treated with LDL or Ac-LDL but not in untreated controls. Dose-response studies have shown that cholesteryl ester (CE) can accumulate in RAW264 treated with LDL. Cellular cholesterol content saturated at 4 hours with 50 μg/ml LDL; this effect may be associated with receptor saturation. Dose-response studies conducted with Ac-LDL in DM have shown dramatic increases in total cell cholesterol content. However, deposition of CE was not observed below Ac-LDL concentrations of 100 μg/ml. This indicates that a critical concentration of Ac-LDL must be reached to trigger deposition in DM. In contrast, no critical concentration of Ac-LDL was observed in macrophages grown in medium supplemented with 10% FBS. Cholesterol esterification in response to LDL and Ac-LDL was examined by 14C-oleic acid incorporation into CE. These results confirmed the mass cellular cholesterol and CE measurements. Kinetic studies conducted with RAW264 cells treated with 50 or 100 μg/ml Ac-LDL resulted in a cholesterol efflux from the cells at 6–12 hours of incubation. Therefore, these studies show that (1) the nature of CE deposition is highly dependent upon the incubation media and (2) CE deposition is very sensitive to Ac-LDL concentration under certain conditions.
Diphenylhydantoin-Induced Hepatic Necrosis: A Case Study

A patient with post-traumatic seizure disorder developed lymphadenopathy, exfoliativedermatitis, and hepatic failure while on diphenylhydantoin therapy and died in hepatic coma. Autopsy disclosed massive hepatic necrosis. The clinical and pathological pictures are similar to the six previously reported cases of diphenylhydantoin-induced hepatic necrosis, with the exception of the time of onset of hepatic failure, which is explained. The cause of such hepatotoxicity is unknown, although hypersensitivity is postulated. It appears that studies of liver function in patients receiving diphenylhydantoin are indicated to assess the true incidence of hepatocellular injury.
Just-in-time physics

"Our project concerned optimizing a manual longboard stand-up slide," said Myles Cooper as he stood on a skateboard at the front of the class, holding an unattached skateboard wheel in his hands.
Exit to the right? Comparing far right voters and abstainers in Western Europe

Abstract This article compares far right voters in Western Europe with citizens who abstain from electoral participation. Political dissatisfaction is thought to motivate both forms of political behavior. Low levels of formal education are also significantly predictive of both abstention and far right support. This study implements a multilevel multinomial logistic regression comparing nonvoters, far right voters, and voters for other parties from 2002 to 2012. The results suggest that common predictors distinguishing far right voters, such as education and political distrust, do not distinguish far right voters from abstainers. However, measures of social integration, including union membership, self-reported social activity, and trust in other people, are positively predictive of far right over abstention. Conversely, far right party voters and voters for other parties display similar levels of political interest and social integration. Other issues, such as Euroskepticism and anti-immigrant attitudes are more common among far right voters, and distinguish them from both other voters and those who just stay home.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Traditional Measures of Phonological Ability for Bilingual Preschoolers and Kindergarteners

Purpose Bilingual children whose phonological skills are evaluated using measures designed for monolingual English speakers are at risk for misdiagnosis of speech sound disorders (De Lamo White & J...
EphA2/Ephrin-A1 Mediate Corneal Epithelial Cell Compartmentalization via ADAM10 Regulation of EGFR Signaling.

Purpose Progenitor cells of the limbal epithelium reside in a discrete area peripheral to the more differentiated corneal epithelium and maintain tissue homeostasis. What regulates the limbal-corneal epithelial boundary is a major unanswered question. Ephrin-A1 ligand is enriched in the limbal epithelium, whereas EphA2 receptor is concentrated in the corneal epithelium. This reciprocal pattern led us to assess the role of ephrin-A1 and EphA2 in limbal-corneal epithelial boundary organization. Methods EphA2-expressing corneal epithelial cells engineered to express ephrin-A1 were used to study boundary formation in vitro in a manner that mimicked the relative abundance of these juxtamembrane signaling proteins in the limbal and corneal epithelium in vivo. Interaction of these two distinct cell populations following initial seeding into discrete culture compartments was assessed by live cell imaging. Immunofluoresence and immunoblotting was used to evaluate the contribution of downstream growth factor signaling and cell-cell adhesion systems to boundary formation at sites of heterotypic contact between ephrin-A1 and EphA2 expressing cells. Results Ephrin-A1-expressing cells impeded and reversed the migration of EphA2-expressing corneal epithelial cells upon heterotypic contact formation leading to coordinated migration of the two cell populations in the direction of an ephrin-A1-expressing leading front. Genetic silencing and pharmacologic inhibitor studies demonstrated that the ability of ephrin-A1 to direct migration of EphA2-expressing cells depended on an a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway that limited E-cadherin-mediated adhesion at heterotypic boundaries. Conclusions Ephrin-A1/EphA2 signaling complexes play a key role in limbal-corneal epithelial compartmentalization and the response of these tissues to injury.
Other Manufacturing Processes

This chapter discusses several manufacturing processes, besides those discussed in detail in earlier chapters, which are employed in industry for the fabrication of a wide range of parts, using different materials. Most of these processes have strong similarities with the processes considered earlier, and, therefore, the methods for analysis, simulation, and experimentation outlined earlier may be employed for these as well. Also, several of the results presented earlier indicate the trends, concerns, solutions, and approaches that may be adopted for these. This chapter presents heat treatment, material bonding, and fabrication of microchannels in some detail, whereas many other additional processes are briefly outlined. Most of the processes mentioned in this chapter, as well other similar ones that have not been mentioned, are important materials processing techniques in their own right, and extensive work has been done on understanding the basic mechanisms involved, the effects of various parameters, the desired characteristics of the product, and methods to improve product quality and production rate. Many of the references given here may be consulted for further information on these processes, since a more detailed discussion is beyond the scope of this book. However, the basic considerations and detailed discussions of several manufacturing processes given in earlier chapters will provide the basis for further work on these additional processes.
Recent Developments on Fractal Properties of Gaussian Random Fields

We review some recent developments in studying fractal and analytic properties of Gaussian random fields. It is shown that various forms of strong local nondeterminism are useful for studying many fine properties of Gaussian random fields. A list of open questions is included.