cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Na,K-ATPase as a model for electromagnetic field effects on cells

The ATP-splitting activity of the membrane Na,K-ATPase can increase or decrease in alternating current (ac), depending on the level of enzyme activity in the absence of a field. Under optimal conditions, the ac decreases the activity; when the enzyme activity is lowered by ouabain or temperature, the ac increases the activity. Both effects are frequency dependent over a broad band, with maxima in the ELF range at about 100 Hz. The currents can be imposed with electrodes or induced from an alternating magnetic field. At 60 Hz, the threshold for inhibition by an induced ac electric field has been determined to be about 52 μV cm−1 a somewhat higher value than determined earlier at 100 Hz for currents imposed through electrodes.
On burner-stabilized cylindrical premixed flames in microgravity

The structure and response of the curved but unstretched cylindrically symmetric one-dimensional premixed flame generated by a cylindrical porous burner has been studied using (1) activation energy asymptotics with one-step reaction and constant properties, (2) numerical computation with detailed chemistry and transport, and (3) drop-tower microgravity experimentation. The study emphasizes the relative importance of heat loss (to the burner surface) vs flow divergence as the dominant mechanism for flame stabilization, the possibility of establishing a one-dimensional, adiabatic, unstretched, premixed flame in microgravity, the influence of curvature on the upstream and downstream burning rates of the flame, and the relation of these burning rates to those of the inherently nonadiabatic flat-burner flame as well as the freely propagating adiabatic planar flame. Results show that, with increasing flow discharge rate, the dominant flame stabilization mechanism changes from heat loss to flow divergence, hence demonstrating the feasibility of establishing a freely standing, adiabatic, one-dimensional, unstretched flame. It is further shown that, in this adiabatic, divergence-stabilized regime in which the burner discharge flux exceeds that of the adiabatic planar flame, the downstream burning flux is equal to the (constant) burning flux of the adiabatic planar flame while the upstream burning flux exceeds it, and the upstream burning velocity exhibits a maximum with increasing discharge rate. Based on the property of the downstream burning flux, it is also proposed that the laminar burning velocity of a combustible can be readily determined from the experimental values of the burner discharge rate and flame radius. Microgravity results on the flame radius compare favorably with the computed values, while the corresponding laminar burning velocity also agrees well with that obtained from independent numerical computation.
Further experimental support for the Kolmogorov refined similarity hypothesis

The validity of the Kolmogorov refined similarity hypothesis (RSH) is tested experimentally in the mixing layer and in the return channel of a large wind tunnel, at Rλ≈2.0×103 and 3.2×103, respectively. The energy dissipation rate is estimated from the longitudinal gradient of both the longitudinal ∂u/∂x and transverse ∂w/∂x velocity components, and the results are in good agreement with RSH in both cases.
HYDROLOGIC IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO STORM WATER MANAGEMENT AND LAND DEVELOPMENT

: Low impact development (LID) and other land development methods have been presented as alternatives to conventional storm water management and site design. Low impact development encourages land preservation and use of distributed, infiltration-based storm water management systems to minimize impacts on hydrology. Such systems can include shallow retention areas, akin to natural depression storage. Other approaches to land development may emphasize land preservation only. Herein, an analysis of four development alternatives is presented. The first was Traditional development with conventional pipe/pond storm water management and half-acre lots. The second alternative was Cluster development, in which implementation of the local cluster development ordnance was assumed, resulting in quarter-acre lots with a pipe/pond storm water management system and open space preservation. The “Partial” LID option used the same lot layout as the Traditional option, with a storm water management system emphasizing shallow depression storage. The “Full” LID used the Cluster site plan and the depression storage-based storm water management system. The alternatives were compared to the hydrologic response of existing site conditions. The analysis used two design storms and a continuous rainfall record. The combination of land preservation and infiltration-based storm water management yielded the hydrologic response closest to existing conditions, although ponds were required to control peak flows for the design storms.
Negative comments online: SLAPPing the First Amendment in the USA

Corporations that encounter what they consider harmful criticism posted on the internet have resorted to lawsuits against the posters, or where the posters are anonymous, have tried to obtain subpoenas to learn the identities of the posters. State legislatures and courts have taken a dim view of the tactic, terming it as designed to strangle public participation and in violation of the First Amendment protection of speech in the United States Constitution. Many states have passed statutes to combat the so-called ‘Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation’ (SLAPP) and there is a move to introduce federal legislation in this area. This paper examines the development of SLAPPs and their relation to First Amendment jurisprudence, from a non-corporate viewpoint. It also discusses corporate attempts to pierce the anonymity veil on the internet and the corresponding legal responses.
Short-Time Failure Mode Considerations Associated With Power Transformer Overloading

Model structures representative of power transformer conductors and metallic components have been tested at elevated hot-spot temperatures to simulate operation at overloads. Three different types of cellulosic insulation in contact with hot-spots evolved visible gas bubbles at temperatures as low as 140°C, while hot metal in contact with oil alone produced no visible gas bubbles up to approximately 350°C. The dielectric strength of insulated conductors was observed to deteriorate moderately at temperatures in the 100°C to 150 °C range, but more rapidly at temperatures above 150°C. The experimental results have been analyzed and are discussed with relation to their potential significance to transformer loading practices.
The Effect of Instrumentation on the Experimental Reduction of Photon Scatter in Time-Resolved Diffuse Fluorescence Tomography

Time-resolved detection of transmitted photons through diffusive media can be used to reduce scatter, but experimentally this is limited by instrument design. We investigate the impact of geometry, temporal response and sensitivity on this effect.
Active microdisk devices

This paper describes work to develop a new class of micro- photonic components for use in future opto-electronic circuits. Recent advances aimed at creating practical devices include achieving continuous room-temperature operation in optically and electrically driven microdisk lasers. The improved performance is realized by the simultaneous optimization of thermal, optical, and electrical design. A novel post-processing technique to precisely control the lasing wavelength of optically pumped microdisk lasers will be discussed. Using this technique, the lasing wavelength can be tuned by more than 8 nm. Dependence of the wavelength shift on the radius of the microdisk lasers will be addressed. The ultimate performance of micro-photonic components is constrained by the physics governing device operation. As these micro-photonic devices approach the nanometer scale, quantum effects become important placing new constraints to practical device design. Noise characteristics of scaled devices with very small numbers of photons and carriers need to be understood.
Alternating Paths along Axis-Parallel Segments

It is shown that for a set S of n pairwise disjoint axis-parallel line segments in the plane there is a simple alternating path of length **. This bound is best possible in the worst case. In the special case that the n pairwise disjoint axis-parallel line segments are protruded (that is, if the intersection point of the lines through every two nonparallel segments is not visible from both segments), there is a simple alternating path of length n.
Self-Supervisor Agreement: The Influence of Feedback Seeking on the Relationship Between Self and Supervisor Ratings of Performance1

Self-assessment research has continued to search for those factors that increase self-other rating agreement. The current field study investigated the feedback-seeking strategies (i. e., monitoring and inquiry) used by 125 employees to obtain performance information, as well as the relationship between feedback-seeking strategy use and self-supervisor performance-rating agreement. Results indicate that the frequency of monitoring reported by employees significantly moderated the relationship between self and supervisor ratings of performance. Individuals who reported higher levels of feedback seeking through monitoring were more likely to have self-assessments that were congruent with their supervisors' ratings of performance.
A 900-MHz 1.5-V CMOS voltage-controlled oscillator using switched resonators with a wide tuning range

A 900-MHz fully integrated VCO was fabricated in a 0.18-/spl mu/m foundry CMOS process. Under 1.5 V power supply, this VCO can be tuned from 667 MHz to 1156 MHz which corresponds to a 53.6% tuning range. The VCO has nearly constant phase noise over the whole tuning frequency, credit to the switched resonators used in this VCO. The phase noise at a 600 kHz offset is -123.1 dBc/Hz at 1125 MHz center frequency and -124.2 dBc/Hz at 667 MHz center frequency.
A study of the additional costs of dispensing workers' compensation prescriptions.

Abstract Background Although there is a significant amount of additional work involved in dispensing workers' compensation prescriptions, these costs have not been quantified. A study of the additional costs to dispense a workers' compensation prescription is needed to measure actual costs and to help determine the reasonableness of reimbursement for prescriptions dispensed under workers' compensation programs. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the minimum additional time and costs required to dispense workers' compensation prescriptions in Texas. Methods A convenience sample of 30 store-level pharmacy staff members involved in submitting and processing prescription claims for the Texas Mutual workers' compensation program were interviewed by telephone. Data collected to determine the additional costs of dispensing a workers' compensation prescription included (1) the amount of additional time and personnel costs required to dispense and process an average workers' compensation prescription claim, (2) the difference in time required for a new versus a refilled prescription, (3) overhead costs for processing workers' compensation prescription claims by experienced experts at a central processing facility, (4) carrying costs for workers' compensation accounts receivable, and (5) bad debts due to uncollectible workers' compensation claims. Results The median of the sample pharmacies' additional costs for dispensing a workers' compensation prescription was estimated to be at least $9.86 greater than for a cash prescription. Conclusions This study shows that the estimated costs for workers' compensation prescriptions were significantly higher than for cash prescriptions. These costs are probably much more than most employers, workers' compensation payers, and pharmacy managers would expect. It is recommended that pharmacy managers should estimate their own costs and compare these costs to actual reimbursement when considering the reasonableness of workers' compensation prescriptions and whether to accept these prescriptions.
Effects of DNA Size on Transformation and Recombination Efficiencies in Xylella fastidiosa

Horizontally transferred DNA acquired through transformation and recombination has the potential to contribute to the diversity and evolution of naturally competent bacteria. However, many different factors affect the efficiency with which DNA can be transformed and recombined. In this study, we determined how the size of both homologous and nonhomologous regions affects transformation and recombination efficiencies in Xylella fastidiosa, a naturally competent generalist pathogen responsible for many emerging plant diseases. Our experimental data indicate that 96 bp of flanking homology is sufficient to initiate recombination, with recombination efficiencies increasing exponentially with the size of the homologous flanking region up to 1 kb. Recombination efficiencies also decreased with the size of the nonhomologous insert, with no recombination detected when 6 kb of nonhomologous DNA was flanked on either side by 1 kb of homologous sequences. Upon analyzing sequenced X. fastidiosa subsp. fastidiosa genomes for evidence of allele conversion, we estimated the mean size of recombination events to be 1,906 bp, with each event modifying, on average, 1.79% of the nucleotides in the recombined region. There is increasing evidence that horizontally acquired genes significantly affect the genetic diversity of X. fastidiosa, and DNA acquired through natural transformation could be a prominent mode of this horizontal transfer.
Methanol synthesis in a trickle-bed reactor

A novel approach to methanol production from coal-derived synthesis gas is cocurrent gas and mineral oil feed flowing over a packed bed of catalyst in the trickle flow regime. Production rates of 0.7 to 2 kg/h · kg cat were obtained for a H2/(CO + CO2) ratio of 1 and at space velocities of 2,000 to 25,000 L/h · kg cat. Slurry reactor and bubble column productivities were substantially less for H2/(CO + CO2) ratios of 0.55 to 2.3 at similar conditions as the trickle-bed reactor. Reaction temperature was 250°C in three types of reactors but 240°C in gas-liquid phase Berty reactor; the pressure in the slurry and bubble column reactors was 52-70 atm and in Berty Reactor 77.5-100 atm, whereas 70 atm pressure was used in the trickle bed. Differences in production rates and conversions can be explained by the extent of backmixing in trickle-bed and slurry reactors operating at the same conditions.
Improved throughput traction microscopy reveals pivotal role for matrix stiffness in fibroblast contractility and TGF-β responsiveness

Lung fibroblast functions such as matrix remodeling and activation of latent transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are associated with expression of the myofibroblast phenotype and are directly linked to fibroblast capacity to generate force and deform the extracellular matrix. However, the study of fibroblast force-generating capacities through methods such as traction force microscopy is hindered by low throughput and time-consuming procedures. In this study, we improved at the detail level methods for higher-throughput traction measurements on polyacrylamide hydrogels using gel-surface-bound fluorescent beads to permit autofocusing and automated displacement mapping, and transduction of fibroblasts with a fluorescent label to streamline cell boundary identification. Together these advances substantially improve the throughput of traction microscopy and allow us to efficiently compute the forces exerted by lung fibroblasts on substrates spanning the stiffness range present in normal and fibrotic lung tissue. Our results reveal that lung fibroblasts dramatically alter the forces they transmit to the extracellular matrix as its stiffness changes, with very low forces generated on matrices as compliant as normal lung tissue. Moreover, exogenous TGF-β1 selectively accentuates tractions on stiff matrices, mimicking fibrotic lung, but not on physiological stiffness matrices, despite equivalent changes in Smad2/3 activation. Taken together, these results demonstrate a pivotal role for matrix mechanical properties in regulating baseline and TGF-β1-stimulated contraction of lung fibroblasts and suggest that stiff fibrotic lung tissue may promote myofibroblast activation through contractility-driven events, whereas normal lung tissue compliance may protect against such feedback amplification of fibroblast activation.
The Evolution of Sales Forecasting Management: A 20-year Longitudinal Study of Forecasting Practices

This paper presents results of a survey designed to discover how sales forecasting management practices have changed over the past 20 years as compared to findings reported by Mentzer and Cox (1984) and Mentzer and Kahn (1995). An up-to-date overview of empirical studies on forecasting practice is also presented. A web-based survey of forecasting executives was employed to explore trends in forecasting management, familiarity, satisfaction, usage, and accuracy among companies in a variety of industries. Results revealed decreased familiarity with forecasting techniques, and decreased levels of forecast accuracy. Implications for managers and suggestions for future research are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of ASIC1 in the development of chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Chronic hypoxia (CH) associated with respiratory disease results in elevated pulmonary vascular intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which elicits enhanced vasoconstriction and promotes vascular arter...
Cosmetic surgery and neoliberalisms: Managing risk and responsibility

The practice and culture of cosmetic surgery has proliferated in the past two decades. While much feminist scholarship has investigated women’s surgical stories, as well as the gendered sociocultural and sociopolitical contexts surrounding, and promoting, the ‘choice’ of surgery, very little research has examined material and symbolic risks associated with cosmetic surgery. This study employs a feminist interpretative phenomenological (IPA) approach to investigate cosmetic surgical risk experiences, as narrated by seven women who underwent aesthetic facial surgery. Our analysis focuses on how participants confront, and manage, medical, consumer and self-presentation risks associated with cosmetic surgery, under the political ethos of neoliberalism. The implications of these risk experiences are discussed in relation to the increasing normalization of cosmetic surgery and patriarchal/neoliberal obligations to construct a ‘feminine’ body through socially sanctioned practices.
COMMUNICATING IN THE POM CLASS: AN AUTHOR'S PERSPECTIVE

The author, who has written nine textbooks in 26 editions over the past two decades, discusses his ideas of how to bring a production and operations management course alive. He introduces a model that ties together the use of text with both ancillary materials that accompany that book as well as with other tools available independent of the text. Some of these tools are technology driven (e.g., CD ROMS and the Internet), while others bring real business exposure to the course (e.g., field study consultancies, guest speakers, and plant tours).
Mechanism simulation with Working Model

Kinematics is a study of motion and force of linkages, gear trains and cams. To many students, visualizing the motion of a mechanism is very challenging. Physical models can be built to illustrate the motion, and modular models using Tinkertoy or Lego are also effective. However, the link lengths of these models are fixed to some extent, and the physical models can not represent many problems closely. Many software packages are available for linkage animation and analysis. Nevertheless few can easily promote an active learning environment analysis and motion simulation software on PC. A user can sketch a problem using a variety of simple geometric primitives. The user can then sketch additional constraints (joints, springs, and dampers) and actuators (cylinders and motors). With a click of the mouse, WM uses its simulation engine to put the model in motion. WM applies Newton's law along with physical constraints and external forces to calculate the internal forces and acceleration of each rigid body. Using numerical integration, the velocity and position of each body can be calculated. Since no closed form formula is used in WM for the animation, students can use WM to verify answers obtained from using loop closure equations. For a complex control problem, WM can establish real-time links with Excel, MATLAB, or other programs that support Windows DDE to carry out calculations.
Biocomputational Identification of Bacterial Small RNAs and Their Target Binding Sites

Over the past decade, small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) have been found to be widespread among bacteria. A major class of these sRNA genes act as posttranscriptional regulators of messenger RNAs via base-pairing interactions. Members of this class of bacterial sRNA are typically noncoding and 50–300 nucleotides in length. Because these sRNAs do not have open reading frames with distinctive statistical biases nor are they broadly conserved in most cases, bioinformatics approaches for identifying these RNA genes on a genome-wide scale have met with only moderate success. Similarly, computational approaches for predicting message targets of sRNA regulation are still emerging. In this chapter, we survey the state of the field, first in computational identification of sRNAs throughout bacterial genomes and second in computational identification of regulatory targets of sRNA action. We present different classes of techniques that have proven effective at identifying sRNAs or their regulatory targets as well as specific implementations of these bioinformatic techniques along with their strengths and weaknesses.
A needed evolution in automated satellite testing

This paper proposes a needed evolution in automated satellite testing for both government and commercial mission applications. Roles and contributions by the U.S. government, commercial satellite services, the satellite manufacturers, and the automated test industry are discussed. Specific areas with identifiable return on investment are presented as a starting point on a long term path for applying current industrial automation to the satellite test sector.
HistoCAD: machine facilitated quantitative histoimaging with computer assisted diagnosis

Prostatic adenocarcinoma (CAP) is the most common malignancy in American men. In 2010 there will be an estimated 217,730 new cases and 32,050 deaths from CAP in the US. The diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma is made exclusively from the histological evaluation of prostate tissue. The sampling protocols used to obtain 18 gauge (1.5 mm diameter) needle cores are standard sampling templates consisting of 6-12 cores performed in the context of an elevated serum value for prostate specific antigen (PSA). In this context, the prior probability of cancer is somewhat increased. However, even in this screened population, the efficiency of finding cancer is low at only approximately 20%. Histopathologists are faced with the task of reviewing the 5-10 million cores of tissue resulting from approximately 1,000,000 biopsy procedures yearly, parsing all the benign scenes from the worrisome scenes, and deciding which of the worrisome images are cancer. All prostate cancer is not biologically the same. Some cancers are progressive despite therapy and eventually kill the patient. Other cancers are indolent. Our ability to separate aggressive from indolent cancer is good but limited to population statistics describing the distribution of features such as tumor size, tumor stage, PSA value, and tumor grade. The Gleason grading system of CAP is the single most powerful feature for the prediction of outcome in CAP. The Gleason grading system recognizes 5 basic architectural patterns which structurally describe a disturbance of normal inter-glandular organizational relationships on a 2-10 scoring scale. The bins of score 6 or less; score 7; and score 8 or more have significantly different biological outcomes in meta-analysis. In assigning Gleason grade the accurate identification of Gleason patterns 4 and 5 is the most important task for the histopathologist. Inter-observer variance in the recognition of Gleason patterns 4/5 is an important limitation in grading. Educational programs can improve concordance across labs. Machine facilitated quantitative histoimaging with computer assisted diagnosis (HistoCAD) offers an algorithmic classifier approach to Gleason grading with the promise of near 100% reproducibility. Recent improvements in virtual slide scanning technology allow for ready access to whole slide digital images on which to focus computational solutions. There are, however, many challenges to effective HistoCAD programs.
Design of coupled power inductors with crossed anisotropy magnetic core for integrated power conversion

Design and partial microfabrication of a coupled power inductor is presented for use in high power-density integrated voltage regulators (IVR). The proposed inductor uses many laminations of uniaxial, high-permeability magnetic material where the orientation of anisotropy between successive laminations is rotated to provide an effectively isotropic core. The high permeability core allows for an inductance density of 200nH/mm2, while coupling between phases prevents magnetic saturation and allows a current density as high as 11A/mm2 according to quasi-static finite-element-analysis (FEA) simulations. The coupling factor, inductance and resistance of the device are optimized for operation in a four-phase integrated buck converter switching at 100MHz.
Self-Advocacy and Cancer: A Concept Analysis

Aim To report an analysis of the concept of self-advocacy among individuals with cancer to clarify its meaning, to differentiate this meaning with related concepts, and to unify understanding of the concept in cancer research and practice. Background Cancer survivors are increasingly required to assume an active role in their health care. A thorough analysis of how survivors advocate for themselves is a crucial aspect in supporting survivors' ability to engage and manage their care throughout all stages of cancer survivorship. Design Walker and Avant's eight-step process of conducting a concept analysis was used. Data sources PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched for articles, reviews, editorials, and grey literature directly addressing self-advocacy. Review methods A broad inquiry into the literature from 1960 to 2012 that produces a definition of self-advocacy. Model and contrary cases of self-advocacy demonstrate the concept's application and intricacies. Results Antecedents to self-advocacy include particular personal characteristics, learned skills, and attainable support. The essential element of self-advocacy and what differentiates it from related concepts, is the internalization of these antecedent resources into self-advocacy thoughts and actions while incorporating personal values and priorities in a way that upholds the survivors' goals and beliefs. A full realization of self-advocacy facilitates a cancer survivor attaining a strong self-concept, sense of control, and adaptation to a life with cancer. Conclusions Self-advocacy is a process of internalizing skills and resources to act in a way that supports survivors' needs and goals.
Layout of a General Purpose Knowledge Based Design Optimization Expert System

Most optimization methods work well only when used by the expert. This indicates that the rules used by the expert in making the algorithm work should be captured and put in the knowledge base to provide consulting help to general users. The paper describes the layout of such a nonlinear optimization expert system.
Data on coronary artery calcium score performance and cardiovascular risk reclassification across gender and ethnicities

The current guidelines recommend the new risk score, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease score (ASCVD), to assess an individual׳s risk of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. No data exist on the predictive utility of ASCVD score with the incremental value of coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) across ethnicities and gender. Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a population based study (n=6814) of White (38%), Black (28%), Chinese (22%) and Hispanic (12%) subjects, aged 45–84 years, free from clinical cardiovascular disease. We performed a post-hoc analysis of 6742 participants (mean age 62, 53% female) from the MESA cohort. We evaluated the predictive accuracy for the ASCVD score for each participant in accord with the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines using pooled cohort equations. Similar to the publication by Fudim et al. “The Metabolic Syndrome, Coronary Artery Calcium Score and Cardiovascular Risk Reclassification” [1] the analytic properties of models incorporating the ASCVD score with and without CACS were compared for cardiovascular disease CVD prediction. Here the analysis focused on ASCVD score (with and without CACS) performance across gender and ethnicities.
Foreign Aid Disbursement and Recipient Voting Behavior in an International Organization: The Case of Japan and the International Whaling Commission

This study examines the relationship between Japanese foreign aid disbursement and recipient state membership and voting in the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Focusing on 104 countries for the period 1994 to 2005, we investigate whether Japan gives higher levels of aid to IWC members that vote with Japan. The effects of the independent variables are estimated with a linear mixed regression model that adjusts for country level random intercepts. Controlling for other possible influences on ODA disbursements, and employing different measures of dyadic voting similarity, the study finds Japanese aid concentrates in members of the IWC that are microstates. The findings of the paper also indicate that microstate members of the IWC who align their votes with Japan are more likely to receive Japanese ODA. By demonstrating that Japan’s strategy is focused on microstates, the study provides a more refined understanding of the mechanisms Japan employs to end the IWC’s moratorium on commercial whaling. Similar to the findings of previous research, we find that Japanese aid responds both to narrow sectoral interests and broader humanitarian goals.
LEARNIT: A SYSTEM THAT CAN LEARN AND REUSE DESIGN STRATEGIES

We describe a system called LearnIT that can observe an iterative solution to a parametric design problem and learn the design strategy employed. The program represents the strategy as a set of rules, which it then uses to automatically generate new design solutions when the design requirements change. Because the rules are learned from the original designer, these new solutions reflect the original designer’s engineering judgment and knowledge of implicit constraints. LearnIT’s approach is based on the observation that often iterative design is actually a form of debugging: each iteration is an attempt to repair a particular flaw in the design. Thus, a program can learn the designer’s strategy by observing what actions are taken in response to each kind of flaw. We have found that the state of the design constraints (satisfied or not satisfied) is a good indicator of what flaws are being addressed at any given time. Because of its ability to capture and reuse the original designer’s understanding of the problem, LearnIT’s primary use is as a design documentation system. However, because it can learn and reuse a design strategy, it can also be considered a design automation tool.
Giant Magnetoresistance in Co/Ag Multilayers

The Magnetoresistance (MR), Magnetic properties, and crystal structure of dc magnetron sputtered CO/Ag periodic multilayers have been investigated. The Co layer thickness was fixed at -30 A while the thickness of the Ag layer was systematically varied. ‘Giant’ magnetoresistance was observed. The MR ratio has been found to decline monotonically with increasing Ag thickness in the range 30 A to 107 A. Although the maximum room temperature MR ratio is a Modest 4.78%, a more technologically significant measurement of field sensitivity (MR ratio/FWHM of the MR vs. H peak) is a promising 0.1%/Oe at its best. The effect of the number of bilayer units has also been examined and no substantial differences were noted between multilayers containing 8, 9, and 10 bilayer units. Coercivities as determined by both magnetometer and the splitting of the MR peaks are in agreement and increase from 25 to 38 Oe with increasing Ag thickness. Evidence for antiferromagnetic coupling is apparent in the hysteresis loops. High angle X-ray diffractometry (HXRD) in the θ-2θ mode revealed a strong Ag (111) texture in the film, with satellite peaks indicating a layered structure. Low angle XRD (LXRD) also yielded broad superlattice peaks in all samples at least to the second order.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN RENAL FUNCTION AND DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN SUBJECTS WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION: A POPULATION BASED STUDY

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prevalent and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The interaction between diastolic dysfunction (DD) and renal function in subjects with preserved systolic function is not well defined. The aim of this study is to determine the
The Reconstruction of Morality and the Evolution of Naturalism in the Last of Us

The Last of Us plunges gamers into a decimated world, one in which the majority of the human population has succumbed to the Cordyceps fungal infection. Against the crumbling monoliths of human cul...
Trends in consultant clinical activity and the effect of the 2003 contract.

I read with interest the above article but was confused by the parameters used and the final conclusion that the new contract had failed to realize any increase in consultant clinical activity. This is clearly not the case. Consultants are working harder than ever but in roles that are not captured by measuring their workload as finished consultant episodes (FCE). The new contract has been good for patients: The new contract brought in the concept of supporting programmed activities designed to improve the quality of the work done by consultants. At a time when reliance on junior doctors has needed to be reduced because of the European Working Time Directive, the contract has been used to redefine the role of consultants from merely directing healthcare to being the primary, hands on, providers of healthcare as well. Although modern consultants still maintain their traditional role as clinical supervisors, they have increasingly become the main providers of medical treatment in the outpatient clinic and the operating theatre and many have extended working days covering wards. Consultants often see all the patients attending an outpatient session themselves or perform all operating lists personally rather than sharing these duties with a junior as was the case in the past and as a direct result, consultants have less time and can manage fewer patients. I am surprised that Bloor et al. did not find a greater fall in FCEs because the modern consultant has taken on time-consuming roles that used to be the almost exclusive domain of the doctor in training and this is not something that would be picked up by assessing FCE activity. Thus the Bloor paper significantly underestimates and to some extent misrepresents the clinical workload of the modern consultant.
Bell Curve, The (Herrnstein and Murray)

The Bell Curve, published in 1994 by Harvard psychologist Richard Herrnstein and public policy analyst Charles Murray, is about the role of intelligence in US society. Its discussion of racial differences in intelligence, especially, generated much controversy. This entry summarizes the book's content and discusses its impact. Keywords: affirmative action; education; inequality; intelligence; race
Mutational analysis of IS10's outside end

We present the genetic analysis of a large number of mutations in the outside end of insertion sequence IS10. (i) The terminal inverted repeat sequence is probably the primary site of transposase binding. Mutations in this region fall into phenotypic classes which correspond to their map locations, suggesting that this region may consist of several distinct functional segments. Similarities between the organization of IS10's inverted repeat and those of other transposable elements are discussed. (ii) Base pairs 23-42 include a consensus binding sequence for one of the IS10 transposition host factors, IHF. The phenotypes of mutations in this region suggest that IHF is the major host factor for outside-end transposition activity in vivo and that base pairs throughout this region are important for the IHF interaction. (iii) Mutations in bp 43-61 do not affect outside-end transposition activity but do affect, in expected ways, previously identified determinants involved in expression and regulation of transposase. (iv) Some mutations in bp 23-42 also affect transposase expression; the possibility that IHF negatively regulates transcription initiation is discussed.
Recent Research on Nanocomposite Reinforced with Natural Cellulosic Micro/Nanofibril

Cellulose is the most abundant,renewable,biodegradable natural polymer in the world.Its strength is mainly from the micro/nanofibrils or so called whisker crystals embedded in the matrix of lignin and heimcellulose,which are almost defect-free perfect crystals with high strength.For two dec- ades,many researchers have been devoted to isolating micro/nanofibrils from natural cellulose and u- sing them to reinforce polymers.This paper reviews the isolation and characterization methods of mi- crofibrils and the fabrication and characterization of nanocomposites made by blending cellulose micro/ nanofibrils with polymer matrixes.
Do 'Skills Beget Skills'? Evidence on the effect of kindergarten entrance age on the evolution of cognitive and non-cognitive skill gaps in childhood

Abstract We use exogenous variation in the skills that children have at the beginning of kindergarten to measure the extent to which “skills beget skills” in this context. Children who are relatively older when they begin kindergarten score higher on measures of cognitive and non-cognitive achievement at the beginning of kindergarten. Their scores on cognitive assessments grow faster during kindergarten and first grade. However, after first grade the scores of younger entrants catch up. We find no evidence that the growth in non-cognitive measures differs between older and younger entrants. Finally, we provide evidence suggesting that schools are not the cause of the younger students’ faster growth after first grade.
Prospective evaluation of luteal phase length and natural fertility.

Objective To evaluate the impact of a short luteal phase on fecundity. Design Prospective time-to-pregnancy cohort study. Setting Not applicable. Patient(s) Women trying to conceive, ages 30–44 years, without known infertility. Intervention(s) Daily diaries, ovulation prediction testing, standardized pregnancy testing. Main Outcome Measure(s) Subsequent cycle fecundity. Result(s) Included in the analysis were 1,635 cycles from 284 women. A short luteal phase (≤11 days including the day of ovulation) occurred in 18% of observed cycles. Mean luteal phase length was 14 days. Significantly more women with a short luteal phase were smokers. After adjustment for age, women with a short luteal phase had 0.82 times the odds of pregnancy in the subsequent cycle immediately following the short luteal phase compared with women without a short luteal phase. Women with a short luteal length in the first observed cycle had significantly lower fertility after the first 6 months of pregnancy attempt, but at 12 months there was no significant difference in cumulative probability of pregnancy. Conclusion(s) Although an isolated cycle with a short luteal phase may negatively affect short-term fertility, incidence of infertility at 12 months was not significantly higher among these women. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT01028365.
Predictors of treatment-warranted retinopathy of prematurity in the SUNDROP cohort: influence of photographic features

The Stanford University Network for the Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity (SUNDROP) initiative—an ongoing telemedicine-based initiative for in-hospital screening of high-risk infants for treatment-warranted ROP (TW-ROP)—has been shown to be a safe, reliable, and cost-effective supplement to the efforts of ROP specialists. We utilized data collected in the SUNDROP initiative to determine demographic (birth weight, sex, multiplicity), weight gain, and ocular imaging (media haze, peripapillary atrophy, fundus pigmentation) predictors of TW-ROP. This was a retrospective nested case-control study. Cases and controls were selected from a cohort of 843 low birth weight, premature newborns who survived to an estimated gestational age of 31 weeks and underwent screening through the SUNDROP initiative. Infants were screened at one of six neonatal intensive care units from December 1, 2005, to April 1, 2016. Cases (n = 37) were newborns with TW-ROP who underwent retinal ablative therapy. Two controls (n = 74) without TW-ROP were matched to each case by gestational age. One reviewer graded media haze, presence of peripapillary atrophy, and fundus pigmentation in images taken at the baseline exam for each newborn. The main outcome measure was association of TW-ROP with predictive factors. In the SUNDROP trial, 37 out of 843 (4.4%) newborns developed TW-ROP. In a multivariable model, birth weight (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.15–0.70) was inversely associated with TW-ROP. In contrast to prior reports, we found no significant difference in sex, multiplicity, or fundus pigmentation at baseline exam in those with TW-ROP as compared to controls. High levels of media haze (>2, scale 0 to 5) were found in the majority of cases (67.6%, 25/37) and controls (65.7%, 44/67). Presence of peripapillary atrophy did not improve prediction of the development of TW-ROP compared to birth weight and weight gain rate alone. The finding of high levels of media haze at baseline ROP screening exams is novel. This study supports the current model for detection of TW-ROP using birth weight, gestational age, and weight gain rate. We found no significant difference between newborns with TW-ROP and controls in baseline presence of media haze, fundus pigmentation or peripapillary atrophy.
Relationship of Eosinophilic Esophagitis to Gastroesophageal Reflux

In a recent consensus report sponsored by the American Gastroenterological Association Institute and the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is defined as “a primary clinicopathologic disorder of the esophagus, characterized by esophageal and/or upper gastrointestinal tract symptoms in association with esophageal mucosal biopsy specimens containing ≥15 intraepithelial eosinophils/HPF and the absence of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as evidenced by a normal pH monitoring study of the distal esophagus or lack of response to high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication. This definition implies that GERD and EoE are mutually exclusive disorders, and that GERD can be defined by an abnormal pH monitoring result or a lack of response to PPI therapy. Esophageal pH monitoring has substantial limitations as a test for GERD, and some patients who have verified reflux esophagitis can have normal esophageal pH monitoring results. Lack of response to PPI therapy is, at best, a subjective index for GERD, and even a positive response to PPI therapy may not be due to the control of acid reflux. There is much evidence to suggest that the interaction between GERD and EoE can be complex, and that the notion of establishing a clear distinction between the two disorders is too simplistic. Indeed, many investigators have chosen to include subjects with abnormal acid reflux documented by pH monitoring in their series of patients with EoE.
Dynamics of Bacterial Colonization With Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis During Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Background Virus is detected in about 80% of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in children and is also detectable in the nasopharynx of 30% of asymptomatic children. The effect of asymptomatic viral infection on the dynamics of bacterial density and colonization of the nasopharynx has not been reported. The current study was performed to assess the presence and density of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis in the nasopharynx of 4-7-year-old children during URTI and when well. Methods Nasal samples were obtained during 4 surveillance periods when children were asymptomatic and whenever they had symptoms of URTI. Respiratory viruses and bacterial pathogens were identified and quantified using polymerase chain reaction. Results The proportion of children colonized with all 3 bacteria was higher during visits for acute URTI than during asymptomatic surveillance visits. Mean bacterial densities were significantly higher at all visits for all 3 pathogens when a virus was detected. The differences between the means were 1.0, 0.4, and 0.7 log10 colony-forming unit equivalents per milliliter for S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis, respectively, compared with visits in which virus was not detected. The percentage of children colonized and density were also higher at asymptomatic visits in which virus was detected than at visits in which virus was not detected. Conclusion The density and frequency of colonization with S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. catarrhalis in nasal wash samples increase during periods of both symptomatic and asymptomatic viral infection. Increases in bacterial colonization observed during asymptomatic viral infection were nearly the same magnitude as when children were symptomatic.