cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Exonuclease Specific for Double Stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Abstract A nuclease specific for double stranded DNA has been isolated and partially purified from Hemophilus influenzae. The enzyme has a pH optimum of 8.2 to 8.4 and requires a divalent cation, either Mg++ or Mn++. It is most active on DNA whose size has been reduced by either sonic disruption or limited digestion with pancreatic deoxyribonuclease or spleen acid DNase. The enzyme releases only 5'-mononucleotides and leaves a single stranded segment of DNA which is resistant to further hydrolysis. Furthermore, the enzyme destroys the transforming activity of H. influenzae DNA very slowly. These results indicate that the enzyme is an exonuclease, hydrolyzing from the ends of DNA molecules. In addition, the enzyme also exhibits a DNA-phosphatase activity and releases inorganic phosphate from DNA fragments which terminate in 3'-phosphates, suggesting that this enzyme begins hydrolysis from the 3' end of the DNA strands.
Stability of Food Dominance Relationships in a Flock of Goats

The purpose of this note is to describe food dominance relationships in a flock of goats ( Capra hircus ) studied for a period of nine years at the Roscoe B. Jackson Memorial Laboratory (Hamilton Station) in Bar Harbor, Maine. We have attempted to determine the pattern of food-related dominance relationships in this flock when tested in a similar situation over a period of time. In 1946, Scott (Anat. Ree, 94:380–381, 1946) described the food dominance reactions and relationships in the goat flock. Stewart and Scott (Jour. Comp. Physiol. Psychol., 40: 255–264, 1947) reported on the lack of relationship between dominance and leadership in this flock. In 1948, Scott (Physiol. Zool., 21: 31–39) reported on dominance, frustration, and aggression in a feeding situation using the goat flock. Ross and Scott (Jour. Comp. Physiol. Psychol., 42: 75–80, 1949) described the relationship between dominance and control of movement in the same flock, and concluded that the basis for food-related dominance was dependent upon horns, age, weight, and sex. Since dominance relationships were studied in the subsequent years, it is instructive to reexamine the data and determine the degree of stability of the dominance hierarchy over the entire period. We express our sincere thanks to Dr. J. P. Scott, Chairman, Division …
Theoretical Analysis of Electromigration-Induced Failure of Metallic Thin Films

A comprehensive theoretical analysis is presented of the failure of metallic thin films due to electromigration-induced morphological evolution of transgranular voids. Fully self-consistent dynamical simulations emphasize the important effects on void dynamics of the surface diffusivity anisotropy, together with the strength of the applied electric field and the void size. The simulation results are discussed in the context of an approximate linear stability theory. Our simulations predict formation of wedge-shaped voids, as well as failure due to propagation of slit-like features emanating from void surfaces, in excellent agreement with recent experimental observations.
Provider Workflow and Patient Care: Impact of Electronic Health Information Systems

Healthcare provider workflows for documenting and tracking patients, hitherto predominantly manual and paper-based, have recently become significantly computerized. Computerization has made the storage, processing and retrieval of information easier. However, it has increased the potential for errors, impacted direct patient care, and burdened providers with documentation. This paper describes a study to understand information use among providers in intensive care units, and inpatient and outpatient units. Findings on the extent of provider time spent on computer use and impact on direct patient care are described.
Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis as a Gene Discovery Tool

Quantitative trait locus analysis has been a mainstay approach for obtaining a genetic description of complex agronomic traits for plants. What is sometimes overlooked is the role quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis can play in identifying genes that underlay complex traits. In this chapter, I will describe the basic steps required to conduct QTL analysis in crop plants. This process involves choices by the investigator on type of population to be studied, molecular marker system to be used to genotype the population, and methods for QTL analysis. Examples of cloned genes, first identified as QTL, are also given to persuade the reader of the power of QTL analysis to discover genes controlling traits and phenotypes.
A comparative study of k-spectrum-based error correction methods for next-generation sequencing data analysis

Innumerable opportunities for new genomic research have been stimulated by advancement in high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, the pitfall of NGS data abundance is the complication of distinction between true biological variants and sequence error alterations during downstream analysis. Many error correction methods have been developed to correct erroneous NGS reads before further analysis, but independent evaluation of the impact of such dataset features as read length, genome size, and coverage depth on their performance is lacking. This comparative study aims to investigate the strength and weakness as well as limitations of some newest k-spectrum-based methods and to provide recommendations for users in selecting suitable methods with respect to specific NGS datasets. Six k-spectrum-based methods, i.e., Reptile, Musket, Bless, Bloocoo, Lighter, and Trowel, were compared using six simulated sets of paired-end Illumina sequencing data. These NGS datasets varied in coverage depth (10× to 120×), read length (36 to 100 bp), and genome size (4.6 to 143 MB). Error Correction Evaluation Toolkit (ECET) was employed to derive a suite of metrics (i.e., true positives, false positive, false negative, recall, precision, gain, and F-score) for assessing the correction quality of each method. Results from computational experiments indicate that Musket had the best overall performance across the spectra of examined variants reflected in the six datasets. The lowest accuracy of Musket (F-score = 0.81) occurred to a dataset with a medium read length (56 bp), a medium coverage (50×), and a small-sized genome (5.4 MB). The other five methods underperformed (F-score < 0.80) and/or failed to process one or more datasets. This study demonstrates that various factors such as coverage depth, read length, and genome size may influence performance of individual k-spectrum-based error correction methods. Thus, efforts have to be paid in choosing appropriate methods for error correction of specific NGS datasets. Based on our comparative study, we recommend Musket as the top choice because of its consistently superior performance across all six testing datasets. Further extensive studies are warranted to assess these methods using experimental datasets generated by NGS platforms (e.g., 454, SOLiD, and Ion Torrent) under more diversified parameter settings (k-mer values and edit distances) and to compare them against other non-k-spectrum-based classes of error correction methods.
Physically Active Adults: An Analysis of the Key Variables That Keep Them Moving

Background: A large proportion of adults are insufficiently physically active, and researchers have yet to determine the factors that enable individuals to maintain adequate levels of physical acti...
SP: an advanced surface-potential-based compact MOSFET model

This work describes an advanced physics-based compact MOSFET model (SP). Both the quasistatic and nonquasi-static versions of SP are surface-potential-based. The model is symmetric, includes the accumulation region, small-geometry effects, and has a consistent current and charge formulation. The surface potential is computed analytically and there are no iterative loops anywhere in the model. Availability of the surface potential in the source-drain overlap regions enables a physics-based formulation of the extrinsic model (e.g., gate tunneling current) and allows for a noise model free of discontinuities or unphysical interpolation schemes. Simulation results are used to illustrate the interplay between the model structure and circuit design.
The Competitive Advantages of Sourcing Agents in Global Apparel Supply Chains: An Exploratory Study

Global apparel supply chains require collaboration from many sectors, including consumers, retail firms, manufacturing firms and factories. The competitive advantage of sourcing agents as a facilitating sector of global apparel supply chains was explored as part of this study. Qualitative data was collected to analyze how industry professionals perceive the role of sourcing agents in facilitating apparel production movement. Participants revealed that sourcing agents provide a competitive advantage to U.S. apparel firms by assisting manufacturers in responding to retail demands, reducing production cost, facilitating production of complex designs, and negotiating in a global political and regulatory environment.
A 130 nm 165 nJ/frame Compressed-Domain Smashed-Filter-Based Mixed-Signal Classifier for “In-Sensor” Analytics in Smart Cameras

To avoid data deluge at the back end, it is imperative that advanced sensor nodes perform “in-sensor” processing to extract relevant features from data. We propose a compressed-domain smashed-filter-based object recognition system and measurements from a 130 nm mixed-signal test chip to demonstrate reconfigurable and ultra-low power operation. We measure greater than 90% accuracy in object localization with 165 nJ energy per frame on image data sets.
The T*-Integral: Definition and Use for Predicting Damage Accumulation and Fracture

This paper reviews the T*-integral and discusses its use as a unified fracture parameter. The origins of T* as well as its physical basis are explored. The practical calculation of T* is discussed in some detail since there has been confusion over the years regarding the proper calculation method in order to ensure that numerical errors do not affect its performance. Examples of the use of T* to characterize elastic-plastic and high temperature creep fracture are also summarized.
Management Strategies for Primary Menorrhagia

Unlike primary dysmenorrhea, the managements of primary and secondary menorrhagia are often intertwined and complicated by the prevalence of difficult-to-identify secondary causes. When true primary menorrhagia is encountered, the same prostaglandin reduction strategies that work so well in primary dysmenorrhea work well for heavy menstrual bleeding. They also work well for many forms of secondary menorrhagia, raising the possibility that underlying pathologies may be missed if a careful assessment is not carried out before treatment, with equally careful monitoring after initiation. Treatment without such evaluation and care may miss symptoms of an easily corrected condition or neoplastic disease.
Polyclonal and Monoclonal Antibodies in Clinic

Immunoglobulins (Ig) or antibodies are heavy plasma proteins, with sugar chains added to amino-acid residues by N-linked glycosylation and occasionally by O-linked glycosylation. The versatility of antibodies is demonstrated by the various functions that they mediate such as neutralization, agglutination, fixation with activation of complement and activation of effector cells. Naturally occurring antibodies protect the organism against harmful pathogens, viruses and infections. In addition, almost any organic chemical induces antibody production of antibodies that would bind specifically to the chemical. These antibodies are often produced from multiple B cell clones and referred to as polyclonal antibodies. In recent years, scientists have exploited the highly evolved machinery of the immune system to produce structurally and functionally complex molecules such as antibodies from a single B clone, heralding the era of monoclonal antibodies. Most of the antibodies currently in the clinic, target components of the immune system, are not curative and seek to alleviate symptoms rather than cure disease. Our group used a novel strategy to identify reparative human monoclonal antibodies distinct from conventional antibodies. In this chapter, we discuss the therapeutic relevance of both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in clinic.
Chapter 9 – Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles predate those that are powered by gasoline and diesel and were first introduced in the mid-nineteenth century. In 1900, electric automobiles were the dominant vehicles. Currently, they are regarded as an innovation that may replace vehicles powered by fossil or renewable liquid fuels. Such vehicles may be powered by fuel cells or by batteries as was done a century ago. Contemporary batteries are not the classical lead-acid type but are lithium batteries. They are environmentally friendly and have much higher energy density, considerably longer life and greater power. Fuel cells rely on a continuous supply of fuel which is most commonly hydrogen. Electric vehicles can be all-electric or hybrid in which the engine can alternately be operated with a renewable or fossil fuel. An attractive feature of electric vehicles is they are ostensibly nonpolluting. While this may be true for a hydrogen powered fuel cell whose only exhaust is water, battery powered vehicles must still undergo recharging. The electric power plant might still be polluting if it relies on coal.
Effects of elevated temperature and sedimentation on grazing rates of the green sea urchin: implications for kelp forests exposed to increased sedimentation with climate change

Sea urchin grazing rates can strongly impact kelp bed persistence. Elevated water temperature associated with climate change may increase grazing rates; however, these effects may interact with local stressors such as sedimentation, which may inhibit grazing. In Alaska, glacial melt is increasing with climate change, resulting in higher sedimentation rates, which are often associated with lower grazer abundance and shifts in macroalgal species composition. The short-term effects of elevated temperature and sediment on grazing were investigated for the green sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (O.F. Muller, 1776), in Kachemak Bay, Alaska (59° 37′ 45.00″ N, 151° 36′ 38.40″ W) in early May 2017. Feeding assays were conducted at ambient temperature (6.9–9.8 °C) and at 13.8–14.6 °C with no sediment and under a high sediment load. Grazing rates significantly decreased in the presence of sediment, but were not significantly affected by temperature. Along with sediment impacts on settlement and post-settlement survival, grazing inhibition may contribute to the commonly observed pattern of decreased macroinvertebrate grazer abundance in areas of high sedimentation and increased sedimentation in the future may alter sea urchin grazing in kelp forests.
Consensus, cooperative learning, and flocking for multiagent predator avoidance.

Multiagent coordination is highly desirable with many uses in a variety of tasks. In nature, the phenomenon of coordinated flocking is highly common with applications related to defending or escapi...
Continuous strategy replicator dynamics for multi-agent Q-learning

The problem of multi-agent learning and adaptation has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. It has been suggested that the dynamics of multi agent learning can be studied using replicator equations from population biology. Most existing studies so far have been limited to discrete strategy spaces with a small number of available actions. In many cases, however, the choices available to agents are better characterized by continuous spectra. This paper suggests a generalization of the replicator framework that allows to study the adaptive dynamics of Q-learning agents with continuous strategy spaces. Instead of probability vectors, agents' strategies are now characterized by probability measures over continuous variables. As a result, the ordinary differential equations for the discrete case are replaced by a system of coupled integral-differential replicator equations that describe the mutual evolution of individual agent strategies. We derive a set of functional equations describing the steady state of the replicator dynamics, examine their solutions for several two-player games, and confirm our analytical results using simulations.
Canadian industry level production and energy prices

Abstract Energy price volatility has a negative effect on economic activity in the United States, Canada and other countries. In this paper, we use disaggregated production data to examine which Canadian industries are most strongly affected by energy price volatility. We also generalize a heteroskedastic vector autoregression with a multivariate t distribution to account for excess kurtosis in conditional energy returns. We find that Canadian industries related to mining and extraction, manufacturing and transportation are most strongly affected by energy volatility; and that accounting for the excess kurtosis significantly improves the fit of the empirical model. We include several tests of robustness, including measures of energy volatility that incorporate stochastic volatility and asymmetries in the variance process. Our results suggest that uncertainty about energy prices reflects both macroeconomic uncertainty and uncertainty about energy markets.
A cell-based screen identifies HDAC inhibitors and PLK inhibitor as activators of RIG-I signaling

Abstract Enhancing the immune microenvironment in cancer by targeting the nucleic acid sensors is becoming a potent therapeutic strategy. Among the nucleic acid sensors, activation of the RNA sensor Retinoic Acid-inducible Gene (RIG-I) using small hairpin RNAs has been shown to elicit powerful innate and adaptive immune responses. Given the challenges inherent in pharmacokinetics and delivery of RNA based agonists, we set out to discover small molecule agonists of RIG-I using a cell-based assay. To this end, we established and validated a robust high throughput screening assay based on a commercially available HEK293 reporter cell line with a luciferase reporter downstream of tandem interferon stimulated gene 54 (ISG54) promoter elements. We first confirmed that the luminescence in this cell line is dependent on RIG-I and the interferon receptor using a hairpin RNA RIG-I agonist. We established a 96-well and a 384-well format HTS based on this cell line and performed a proof-of-concept screen using an FDA approved drug library of 1200 compounds. Surprisingly, we found two HDAC inhibitors Entinostat, Mocetinostat and the PLK1 inhibitor Volasertib significantly enhanced ISG-luciferase activity. This luminescence was substantially diminished in the null reporter cell line indicating the increase in signaling was dependent on RIG-I expression. Treatment of tumor cell lines with Entinostat, Mocetinostat or Volasertib induced interferon signature genes and increased RIG-I induced cell death in a mammary carcinoma cell line. Taken together, our data indicates an unexpected role for HDAC1,-3 inhibitors and PLK1 inhibitors in enhancing RIG-I signaling and highlight potential opportunities for therapeutic combinations.
The Logic of Causal Investigations and the Rhetoric and Pragmatics of Research Planning

Must investigations of treatment effects adopt a logic of causal investigation that defaults to the design and application of randomized control trials in education? Does the language of scientific research impel this too for intervention studies? In this brief response to Scriven’s chapter, we explore the pragmatics of research planning to identify compounding factors and challenges to such characterizations of ‘gold standard’ research in education. The prospect is tantalizing: if adjudications of explanatory power are the true benchmark for evaluating educational studies, then a requisite variety in research designs and logics must be entertained, and engaged.
Molecular Regulation of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I and Its Principal Binding Protein, IGFBP-3

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) have diverse anabolic cellular functions, and structure similar to that of proinsulin. The distribution of ICFs and their receptors in a wide variety of organs and tissues enables the IGFs to exert endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine effects on cell proliferation and differentiation, caloric storage, and skeletal elongation. IGF-I exhibits particular metabolic responsiveness, and circulating IGF-I originates predominantly in the liver. Hepatic IGF-I production is controlled at the level of gene transcription, and transcripts are initiated largely in exon 1. Hepatic IGF-I gene transcription is reduced in conditions of protein malnutrition and diabetes mellitus, and our laboratory has used in vitro transcription to study mechanisms related to diabetes. We find that the presence of sequences downstream from the major transcription initiation sites in exon 1 is necessary for the diabetes-induced decrease in IGF-I transcription. Six nuclear factor binding sites have been identified within the exon 1 downstream region, and footprint sites III and V appear to be necessary for metabolic regulation; region V probes exhibit a decrease in nuclear factor binding with hepatic nuclear extracts from diabetic animals. IGFs in biological fluids are associated with IGF binding proteins, and IGFs circulate as a 150-kDa complex that consists of an IGF, an IGFBF-3, and an acid-labile subunit. Circulating IGFBP-3 originates mainly in hepatic nonparenchymal cells, where IGF-I increases IGFBP-3 mRNA stability, but insulin increases IGFBP-3 gene transcription. Regulation of IGFBP-3 gene transcription by insulin appears to be mediated by an insulin-responsive element, which recognizes insulin-responsive nuclear factors in both gel mobility shift assays and southwestern blots. Studies of mechanisms underlying the modulation of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 gene transcription, and identification of critical nuclear proteins involved, should lead to new understanding of the role and regulation of these important growth factors in diabetes mellitus and Other metabolic disorders. © 1998 Academic Press
Reviving Beta? Bayesian Test of Efficiency and the CAPM

In this paper, we employ a Bayesian framework to test the CAPM while explicitly accounting for the unobservability of the true market portfolio. We derive the posterior model odds ratio for comparing the view that the proxy is perfect (exact efficiency) to the view that its correlation with the market portfolio is less than one (approximate efficiency). We also compare the prior and the posterior expected correlation between the proxy and the market portfolio using a new methodology to choose priors that is both analytically tractable and intuitive. In marked contrast to the existing literature, the main result is that, in general, the data do not provide clear evidence against the CAPM. Posterior correlations are generally high enough to suggest that a belief in approximate efficiency is reasonable. These new results illustrate the importance of carefully choosing priors, and they show that even apparently innocuous assumptions can have unforeseen consequences.
A Question of Power: Hydro-Quebec and the Great Whale Controversy a 35 Minute Video for in-Class Use

A very large hydroelectric generating project has been proposed for the northern regions of Quebec. Numerous benefits will be derived from this project: inexpensive power, reduced pollution, and improved quality of life. The native peoples living in the region object strongly, however, and claim that the project will destroy their culture. A 35-minute video describes this conflict and challenges students to make the “build/don't build” decision.
Can Self‐Determination Theory Explain the Self‐Perpetuation of Social Innovations? A Case Study of Slow Food at the University of Wisconsin—Madison

This case study of Slow Food at the University of Wisconsin—Madison (SFUW) examines the success of a volunteer social innovation that promotes sustainable food access. Using inductive thematic analysis of 19 in-depth, semi-structured interviews of past and current members, advisors, and collaborators, we find that the success of SFUW is consistent with Self-Determination Theory. We find that among the participants, the organization satisfies the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which in turn support intrinsic motivation. In this way, volunteering tasks become interesting, fun, and are more likely to be performed over time. The findings suggest that needs fulfillment and intrinsic motivation are linked to creating a self-propagating social innovation where volunteers generate new ideas and successfully transfer skills to others. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mixed micelles of sphingomyelin and phosphatidylcholine with nonionic surfactants: Effect of temperature and surfactant polydispersity

Abstract Mixed micelle formation of the polydisperse nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 as well as its homogeneous analogue, p -(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenoxynonaoxyethylene glycol (OPE-9), with bovine brain sphingomyelin or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine has been characterized by column chromatography on 6% agarose. At 40°C, mixtures of OPE-9 and either sphingomyelin or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine give a narrow size distribution for mixed micelles. At this temperature the size distribution of Triton X-100containing mixed micelles is complicated because of the polydispersity of the oxyethylene chains. At 20°C narrow size distributions are observed for mixed micelles of sphingomyelin/Triton X-100 and sphingomyelin/OPE-9 up to at least 0.06 mol fraction of lipid. For dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine this is observed only with OPE-9. At intermediate mol fractions of lipid (around 0.25), two populations of mixed micelles exist for sphingomyelin/Triton X-100, sphingomyelin/OPE-9, and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine/OPE-9. At high mol fractions of lipid only one population of mixed micelles again exists. At 20°C, sphingomyelin forms a clear solution with Triton X-100 and OPE-9 to a lipid mol fraction of at least 0.46 and 0.67, respectively. Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine forms a clear solution with OPE-9 to a lipid mol fraction of at least 0.57 at the same temperature. Triton X-100 and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine do not form stable, clear solutions at 20°C unless the lipid mol fraction is extremely low. These results show that surfactant polydispersity and temperature are important determinants in the solubilization of lipids by nonionic surfactants. It is also shown that pure surfactant micelles and lipid/surfactant mixed micelles do not co-exist in the same solution.
Garlic and Garlic-Derived Compounds Inhibit Human Squalene Monooxygenase

Although extracts of garlic inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis in cultured hepatocytes, the inhibitory components of garlic and the site or sites of inhibition in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway have not been established. To elucidate potential mechanisms of inhibition, we examined the effect of fresh garlic extract and 16 water- or lipid-soluble compounds derived from garlic on purified recombinant human squalene monooxygenase. Squalene monooxygenase catalyzes the second and likely rate-limiting step in the downstream pathway for cholesterol biosynthesis. A 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of squalene epoxidation was achieved with 1 g/L of fresh garlic extract; of the 16 garlic compounds tested, only selenocystine (IC(50) = 65 micromol/L), S-allylcysteine (IC(50) = 110 micromol/L), alliin (IC(50) = 120 micromol/L), diallyl trisulfide (IC(50) = 195 micromol/L), and diallyl disulfide (IC(50) = 400 micromol/L) substantially inhibited the enzyme. Kinetic analysis showed that the inhibition by garlic and by these compounds was slow and irreversible, suggestive of covalent binding to the enzyme; the ability of thiol-containing compounds such as glutathione and 2,3-dimercaptopropanol to prevent and reverse the inhibition indicated that the garlic compounds were reacting with sulfhydryl groups on the protein. Dithiols were better reversal agents than monothiols, further suggesting that these inhibitors bind to the proposed vicinal sulfhydryls present on this enzyme. These results indicate that squalene monooxygenase may be one of the target enzymes through which garlic inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis.
Structure of the radially asymmetrical uncalcified region of the teeth of the red-backed salamander, Plethodon cinereus (Amphibia, Plethodontidae)

The teeth of the adult plethodontid salamander, Plethodon cinereus, were examined by light and electron microscopy with emphasis on the ringlike zone of uncalcified dentin that divides the calcified portion of each tooth into a proximal pedestal and a distal apex. The uncalcified region displays radial asymmetry, forming an integral part of the posterior wall of the tooth but bulging into the pulp cavity anteriorly, thus forming a hingelike structure. All portions of the dentin, including the uncalcified region, are composed predominantly of collagenous fibers but lack elastin. In scanning electron micrographs of teeth from which the oral mucosa has been removed, the location of the anterior uncalcified hinge is marked externally by a notch-like articulation of the apex and pedestal. Sites of transition between calcified and uncalcified areas of the dentin show no special modifications in transmission electron micrographs, but collagenous fibers in calcified portions are associated with more electron-dense amorphous material than are those in the uncalcified region. Odontoblasts associated with the uncalcified region possess ultrastructural features closely resembling those of odontoblasts found in calcified areas. The uncalcified region seems to afford the teeth a certain degree of flexibility, and the asymmetry of the region appears to allow the teeth to flex only in a posterior direction, thus facilitating the entry of living prey but hindering its escape. The uncalcified region also seems to permit the apex of a tooth to break away from its pedestal without damage to underlying bone.
The Use of Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response to Evaluate NWS Warnings

Using CASPER, we were able to obtain feedback from Burleigh county residents on a new NWS product piloted in their geographic location. CASPERs can be used to augment public feedback provided via the Web-based survey methodology typically used by NWS to gather feedback. Web-based surveys are useful since they are inexpensive to administer and generate information quickly; however, they require the participant to have an Internet connection and typically attract “weather enthusiasts” who visit NWS web pages regularly. Therefore, Web-based survey responses may not be representative of the general public, whereas CASPERs produce generalizable results and data collection can be done quickly. This is one of the first times NWS has partnered with public health to assess extreme-weather warnings. Collaborations for similar studies could be done in the future to assess other existing or new warnings, particularly with NWS’s growing interest to add public health messaging to their warnings to improve the public response and hopefully prevent weather-related morbidity and mortality.
Impact of age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score on outcomes for patients with early-stage endometrial cancer.

Abstract Objectives To determine the impact of Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity (AAC) index score on survival outcomes for patients with early stage endometrial cancer. Methods After IRB-approval, AAC score at time of hysterectomy was retrospectively tabulated by physician chart review for 671 patients with 2009 FIGO stage I–II endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Patients were grouped based on their AAC scores as follows: 0–1 (n = 204), 2–3 (n = 293) and > 3 (n = 174). Kaplan–Meier and log-rank test methods and univariate and multivariate modeling with Cox regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors of each survival endpoint. Results After a median follow-up of 85 months, 225 deaths were recorded (34 from EC and 191 from other causes) with a 7-year Overall (OS) and Disease-specific survival (DSS) of 77.6% and 94.0%, respectively. Based on AAC grouping, the 7-year OS, DSS, and Recurrence-free survival (RFS) were: 92.9%, 96.8%, and 94.9% for AAC 0–1; 81.7%, 95.3%, and 89.8% for AAC 2–3: and 56%, 88.2%, and 84.9% for AAC > 3 (p Conclusions Comorbidity score is as important as pathological features for predicting overall survival outcomes in patients with early-stage endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. Higher AAC scores accurately predicted for worse OS. Comorbidity score should be considered in prospective clinical trials of endometrial carcinoma.
Relative solar and auroral contribution to the polar F region: Implications for National Space Weather Program

[1] When plasma in the polar cap F region becomes highly structured, patches, irregularities, and scintillations of HF signals may be observed. The topic of this paper is not the mechanism for structuring or distributing the plasma but rather the source of the plasma. By understanding the plasma source we gain insight into the specification and forecasting of ionospheric structures and irregularities as required for space weather applications. The two major sources of polar cap F region plasma are the solar EUV radiation and the auroral precipitation. The region over which solar EUV production occurs is readily modeled. In contrast, the auroral precipitation is not subject to diurnal or seasonal dependences in the same predictable manner; the auroral precipitation can almost be viewed as stochastic within certain geomagnetic coordinate constraints. In this study we use a physical model to separate the effects of solar EUV and auroral precipitation. We find that the auroral contribution does provide a far-from-negligible “baseline” level of polar cap F region plasma, upon which is superimposed the UT and seasonally dependent TOI. This baseline level of ionization is very difficult to predict or forecast since it is determined by plasma flux tube histories through extended regions of the auroral oval over several hours. This result raises the need for more advanced auroral precipitation modeling in order to obtain improved space weather specification. The inclusion of soft auroral precipitation is especially important since it can be a significant source of F region plasma.
Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women with Neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction

Female neurogenic sphincteric incontinence is a complex and debilitating condition. Stress urinary incontinence in this population is complicated by mixed urinary incontinence caused by functional and structural anomalies, which impacts upon management options. Patients require a full incontinence work-up, including a comprehensive history and physical examination, renal imaging, and videourodynamics. Understanding personal and physical limitations in addition to patient goals of treatment is tantamount in choosing the appropriate course of care. Options range from conservative therapy (behavioral modification) and clean intermittent catheterization with pharmacotherapy to invasive surgical options (bladder neck closure and urinary diversion). Before increasing sphincteric resistance, it is imperative to confirm that the bladder reservoir is well-balanced and filling under safe pressures. The risk of chronic urinary retention following treatment of the sphincter is high in this population. Much of the literature on this topic is anecdotal. Prospective studies comparing treatment options for neurogenic sphincteric incontinence within this population are needed.
Tunneling Through Finite Quantum Dot Superlattices

From first principles, we arrive at a generalized Tsu–Esaki formula for current per unit-cell in the case of one-dimensional, time-independent, open-system charge-transport along the growth direction of stacked layers of self-assembled quantum dots with perfect, transverse Bravais-lattice layout. We rigorously derive, using symmetry considerations, great simplifications to the final formula and identify significant computational benefits that would make modeling and simulation for such a complex problem not only feasible but also efficient. We allow an arbitrary sequence of quantum dot layers with or without intervening spacer and wetting layers. While the symmetry does suggest that final expressions for transmission coefficients should have simple form, the split, open boundary conditions as well as lack of longitudinal symmetry cast doubt on this. Employing a multiple sequential scattering view of processes within the heterostructure layers and using a limiting argument, we prove that the device behaves as a diffraction grating which distributes incident-carrier wavefunction-phases into specific patterns of reflected and transmitted phases which forms the basis for our conclusions.
Nimodipine, an L-channel Ca2+ antagonist, reverses the negative summating potential recorded from the guinea pig cochlea.

Nimodipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, was tested using sound-evoked cochlear potentials in guinea pigs to investigate whether these channels are involved in cochlear function. Perilymph spaces of guinea pig cochleae were perfused with artificial perilymph solutions containing 0.1-10 microM nimodipine at a rate of 2.5 microliters/min for 10 min. The cochlear potentials evoked by 10 kHz tone bursts of varying intensities were recorded from the basal turn of the scala vestibuli. Cochlear perfusion of nimodipine resulted in reversible, dose-related suppression of the compound action potential of the auditory nerve (CAP; N1-P1), a prolongation of N1 latency at suprathreshold levels, an elevated CAP threshold, a decrease in N1 latency at a constant amplitude measured at CAP threshold, a reduction in cochlear microphonics (CM), and a reduction of the negative summating potential (SP) to a point where it became positive (i.e., a reversal of SP). The endocochlear potential (EP) was not affected. These results support the hypothesis that L-type Ca2+ channels are directly involved in the operation of the organ of Corti. We speculate that L-type Ca2+ channels are integrally involved in generation of a negative summating potential and the dc motion of the cochlear partition described by others.
MICROSTRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF ELECTROMAGNETICALLY-CHARACTERIZED YBa2Cu3O7-δ GRAIN BOUNDARIES

The electrical character (flux-pinning, Josephson junction, or resistive) of the grain boundaries in approximately twenty flux-grown YBa2Cu3O7-δ bicrystals was determined in previous studies. A selection of these same bicrystals now have been thinned for study by transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy. High-spatial resolution imaging and analytical techniques reveal microstructural differences among these boundaries that are consistent with their diverse electrical characteristics. The observations offer preliminary insight into some of the features that control the grain boundary superconducting properties and re-emphasize the very fine scale on which the grain boundary electrical character is determined.
Enzyme and acid catalyzed degradation of PEG45-b-PBO0,6,9-b-PCL60 micelles: Increased hydrolytic stability by engineering the hydrophilic–hydrophobic interface

Abstract Acid and Pseudomonas (P.) cepacia lipase catalyzed ester hydrolysis were evaluated for block copolymer micelles generated from low polydispersity PEG 45 - b -PBO n - b -PCL 60 ( n = 0, 6, 9). Moving the hydrophilic–hydrophobic junction away from the PCL micelle core–water interface by inserting a short hydrophobic non-hydrolyzable PBO segment between the PEG and PCL blocks was studied as a strategy for tuning the micelle hydrolytic stability. 1 H NMR was applied in evaluating the micelle and solution compositions and to determine kinetic parameters. Acid and lipase catalyzed micelle hydrolysis proceed by distinctly different routes. Micelles from the triblock copolymers PEG 45 - b -PBO n - b -PCL 60 ( n = 6, 9) are observed to react substantially slower and persist intact longer in the presence of both strong acids and lipase enzymes than micelles of the parent diblock copolymer (PEG 45 - b -PCL 60 ).
Facial injuries in automobile crashes

In automobile accidents, the facial area is the most frequently injured body region in passenger car occupants. Laboratory studies have indicated that the tolerance of facial bones to impact is relatively low. Most of these facial injuries are rated as minor. The windshield, steering wheel, and instrument panel are the major points of contact. Restraints, lap belts, and lapshoulder belts reduce the frequency of facial injuries at all levels of severity and also reduce the more severe and serious injuries to other body regions.
Sexual Maturity and the Measurement of Egg Production

Abstract THE objective of this report is to add something to our present information regarding the ways in which egg production data may be handled in order to achieve maximum efficiency in utilizing the data. Heritabilities and genetic correlations have been calculated. These are presented not with a view to adding to current estimates of “genetic parameters,” but rather for a comparison between the different methods of analyses. The authors are aware that such estimates, even when obtained with reasonable accuracy, are valid estimates only for the genetic situation in the population from which they are calculated, and that these may change although computed from the same closed population. King and Henderson (1954 a) considered both production index and survivors’ production. They suggested that the production index might not provide the best combination of mortality and production. Jerome, Henderson and King (1956) and Oliver, Bohren and Anderson (1957) have dealt with …
Evaluation of passive microwave snow water equivalent algorithms in the depth hoar-dominated snowpack of the Kuparuk River Watershed, Alaska, USA

Abstract This research investigates the utility of passive microwave remote sensing instruments to accurately determine snow water equivalent (SWE) over large spatial extents. Three existing Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) snow water equivalent algorithms produced by Chang, Tait and Goodison were evaluated for their ability to determine snow water equivalent in a snowpack containing substantial depth hoar, large faceted snow crystals. The Kuparuk River Watershed (8140 km2) test site on the North Slope of Alaska was chosen for its snowpack containing a think depth hoar layer and long history of ground truth data. A new regional snow water equivalent algorithm was developed to determine if it could produce better results than the existing algorithms in an area known to contain significant depth hoar. The four algorithms were tested to see how well they could determine snow water equivalent: (1) on a per pixel basis, (2) across swath-averaged spatial bands of approximately 850 km2, and (3) on a watershed scale. The algorithms were evaluated to see if they captured the annual spatial distribution in snow water equivalent over the watershed. Results show that the algorithms developed by Chang and from this research are generally within 3 cm of the spatially averaged snow water equivalents over the entire watershed. The algorithms produced by Chang, Tait, and in this research were able to predict the basin-wide ground measured snow water equivalent value within a percent error range from −32.4% to 24.4% in the years with a typical snowpack. None of the algorithms produce accurate results on a pixel-by-pixel scale, with errors ranging from −26% to 308%.
Effects of Anesthetics on the Structure of a Phospholipid Bilayer: Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Halothane in the Hydrated Liquid Crystal Phase of Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine

Abstract We report the results of constant temperature and pressure molecular dynamics calculations carried out on the liquid crystal (L α ) phase of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine with a mole fraction of 6.5% halothane (2-3 MAC). The present results are compared with previous simulations for pure dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine under the same conditions (Tu et al., 1995. Biophys. J. 69:2558–2562) and with various experimental data. We have found subtle structural changes in the lipid bilayer in the presence of the anesthetic compared with the pure lipid bilayer: a small lateral expansion is accompanied by a modest contraction in the bilayer thickness. However, the overall increase in the system volume is found to be comparable to the molecular volume of the added anesthetic molecules. No significant change in the hydrocarbon chain conformations is apparent. The observed structural changes are in fair agreement with NMR data corresponding to low anesthetic concentrations. We have found that halothane exhibits no specific binding to the lipid headgroup or to the acyl chains. No evidence is obtained for preferential orientation of halothane molecules with respect to the lipid/water interface. The overall dynamics of the lipid-bound halothane molecules appears to be reminiscent of that of other small solutes (Bassolino-Klimas et al., 1995. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 117:4118–4129).
Mercury in aquatic forage of large herbivores: impact of environmental conditions, assessment of health threats, and implications for transfer across ecosystem compartments.

Abstract Mercury (Hg) is a leading contaminant across U.S. water bodies, warranting concern for wildlife species that depend upon food from aquatic systems. The risk of Hg toxicity to large herbivores is little understood, even though some large herbivores consume aquatic vascular plants (macrophytes) that may hyper-accumulate Hg. We investigated whether total Hg and methylmercury (MeHg) in aquatic forage may be of concern to moose ( Alces alces ) and beaver ( Castor canadensis ) by measuring total Hg and MeHg concentrations, calculating sediment–water bioconcentration factors for macrophyte species these herbivores consume, and estimating herbivore daily Hg consumption. Abiotic factors impacting macrophyte Hg were assessed, as was the difference in Hg concentrations of macrophytes from glacial lakes and those created or expanded by beaver damming. The amount of aquatic-derived Hg that moose move from aquatic to terrestrial systems was calculated, in order to investigate the potential for movement of Hg across ecosystem compartments by large herbivores. Results indicate that the Hg exposure of generalist herbivores may be affected by macrophyte community composition more so than by many abiotic factors in the aquatic environment. Mercury concentrations varied greatly between macrophyte species, with relatively high concentrations in Utricularia vulgaris (> 80 ng g − 1 in some sites), and negligible concentrations in Nuphar variegata (~ 6 ng g − 1 ). Macrophyte total Hg concentration was correlated with water pH in predictable ways, but not with other variables generally associated with aquatic Hg concentrations, such as dissolved organic carbon. Moose estimated daily consumption of MeHg is equivalent to or below human reference levels, and far below wildlife reference levels. However, estimated beaver Hg consumption exceeds reference doses for humans, indicating the potential for sub-lethal nervous impairment. In regions of high moose density, moose may be ecologically important vectors that transfer Hg from aquatic to surrounding terrestrial systems.
Dissolution of tailored ceramic nuclear waste forms

Dissolution experiments on polyphase, high alumina tailored ceramic nuclear waste forms developed for the chemical immobilization of Savannah River Plant nuclear waste are described. Three forms of leach tests have been adopted; bulk samples conforming to the Materials Characterization Center Static Leach Test (MCC-1), a powdered sample leach test, and a leach test performed on transmission electron microscope thin foil samples. From analysis of these tests the crystalline phases that preferentially dissolve on leaching and the product phases formed are identified and related to the tailoring and processing schemes used in forming the ceramics. The thin foil sample leaching enables the role of intergranular amorphous phases as short-circuit leaching paths in polyphase ceramics to be investigated.