cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneously determining the number of kanbans, container sizes, and the final-assembly sequence of products in a just-in-time shop.

Abstract This paper presents a solution to the multiple-level, capacitated resource problem of determining container sizes, number of kanbans, and product sequence in a just-in-time (JIT) shop with kanbans. Previous research has looked at these issues independently, but this is the first paper that provides an integrated approach which addresses all three of these problems simultaneously. The solution procedure described in this paper is called JACKS (JIT Algorithm for Containers, Kanbans and Sequence), and it is based on an algorithm published previously by the authors for solving the economic lot scheduling problem referred to as the method of prime subperiods (MOPS). MOPS is used to determine container sizes and product sequence at a stage of the production process that processes all products (e.g. the final stage), and then JACKS is employed to determine feasibility and the number of kanbans at other stages. Feasibility is guaranteed, and the algorithm attempts to drive costs as low as possible, altho...
Highly integrated piezomems enabled millimeter-scale robotics

This report provides an overview of ongoing research at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory regarding the development of piezoelectric MEMS-enabled millimeter-scale robotics. Research topics include the development of enabling technologies for terrestrial locomotion, insect-inspired micro-flight, gecko-inspired reversible adhesives, and piezoelectric energy harvesting. The development of complementary lead zirconate titanate thin film MEMS devices, applicable to highly integrated millimeter-scale robotics, is also reviewed.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Entrainment of rhythmic melatonin secretion in man to a 12-hour phase shift in the light/dark cycle

Abstract Daily rhythms in melatonin secretion were monitored in four healthy adult males by measuring the melatonin contents of sequential 4-hour urine specimens and of plasma samples collected at 12-hour intervals, or, in one subject, continuously for 24 hours. All subjects exhibited similar diurnal rhythms, with peak urinary melatonin excretion rates and blood melatonin levels occurring during the daily period of darkness and sleep. When the daily light/dark regimen was phase-shifted by 180°, the plasma and urinary melatonin rhythms required 5–7 days (depending on the subject) to re-entrain to the new schedule. Simultaneous measurements of plasma melatonin levels and melatonin excretion rates indicate that urinary melatonin reflects, with remarkable fidelity, circulating melatonin levels.
Openness Must Be the Norm

The other great transformation in the world besides the rising power of the emerging economies has been the ever deeper penetration of the Internet in civil society and the economy. Alone among world leaders, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has sought to address the sticky issue of how to “civilize the Internet” in the G-8, a key forum of global governance which France chairs this year. As a kind of historical document, in this section we publish Sarkozy's speech to the leading information technologists and entrepreneurs he gathered in Paris in May for the first “e-G-8” Summit. Eric Schmidt, executive chairman of Google, was among the attendees. We include his report to the 21st Century Council of the Nicolas Berggruen Institute.
Deformation and spallation of shocked Cu bicrystals with Σ3 coherent and symmetric incoherent twin boundaries

We perform molecular dynamics simulations of Cu bicrystals with two important grain boundaries (GBs), Σ3 coherent twin boundaries (CTB), and symmetric incoherent twin boundaries (SITB) under planar shock wave loading. It is revealed that the shock response (deformation and spallation) of the Cu bicrystals strongly depends on the GB characteristics. At the shock compression stage, elastic shock wave can readily trigger GB plasticity at SITB but not at CTB. The SITB can induce considerable wave attenuation such as the elastic precursor decay via activating GB dislocations. For example, our simulations of a Cu multilayer structure with 53 SITBs (∼1.5-μm thick) demonstrate a ∼80% elastic shock decay. At the tension stage, spallation tends to occur at CTB but not at SITB due to the high mobility of SITB. The SITB region transforms into a threefold twin via a sequential partial dislocation slip mechanism, while CTB preserves its integrity before spallation. In addition, deformation twinning is a mechanism for inducing surface step during shock tension stage. The drastically different shock response of CTB and SITB could in principle be exploited for, or benefit, interface engineering and materials design.
Cytomegalovirus Mononucleosis with Mixed Cryoglobulinemia Presenting Transient Pseudothrombocytopenia

A 61-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of fever and general malaise. We diagnosed his condition as cytomegalovirus (CMV) mononucleosis by hematological testing. His platelet count was decreased in spite of collection with several anticoagulants at room temperature (20 degrees C); no decrease was observed at 37 degrees C. Mixed cryoglobulinemia, monoclonal IgM and polyclonal IgG, which acted as anti-platelet antibodies in cold condition, were found in the patient's serum. With the resolution of CMV infection, the cryoglobulins disappeared and the platelet count returned to normal without platelet agglutination. This is the first report of transient pseudothrombocytopenia in CMV mononucleosis with mixed cryoglobulinemia.
DEINDIVIDUATION, SELF-AWARENESS, AND DISINHIBITION

Assessed whether lack of self-awareness and conscious planning, group unity, and disinhibited behavior occurred together in deindividuating settings as predicted by E. Diener's (1979) theory of deindividuation. The characteristics and effects of group-induced deindividuation with non-socially-induce
A fast-converging adaptive FIR technique for channel equalization

Modern advanced hardware technology has made possible the implementation of sophisticated algorithms. The Complex Block Least Mean Square (LMS) algorithm has been widely used in adaptive filtering applications. However, the major drawback of this technique is its dependence on the appropriate choice of the step size. This paper presents the Complex Block Conjugate-gradient LMS algorithm with optimal Individual adaptation of parameters, CBCI-LMS. The proposed technique generates the optimal individual step size for each coefficient of the Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter at each iteration. In addition, the conjugate gradient principle is employed to find the orthogonal update directions for the adaptive filter coefficients. The performance of the CBCI-LMS is tested for adapting a channel equalizer. The simulation results show that the CBCI-LMS exhibits the faster convergence compared with the Complex Block LMS and the recently proposed CBC-LMS, while maintaining comparable accuracy.
US-China Relations in the Northeast Asian Security Context

No abstract available The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs; Number 6, 1999, Pages 35-41
Mary Wigman and German Modern Dance: A Modernist Witch?

ABSTRACTThis study engages with the two Witch Dances by Mary Wigman, a pioneering artist of German modern dance called Ausdruckstanz that developed during the first two decades of the twentieth century. By situating the dances within the cultural context of the time, the paper shows how Wigman's choice of a witch figure represents her effort to solve the dilemma of becoming both popular and innovative at the same time.
Medicare coverage: engaging on evidence

Experience tells us that many developers of innovative technologies fail to anticipate the evidentiary needs of insurers, particularly of Medicare. Some assume that Medicare payment begins pro forma upon approval or clearance by the US FDA with little regard to the distinct role of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). We offer our own suggestions, hoping they will lead to mutually satisfying discussions as we consider coverage of regenerative medicine technology. Medicare is governed by Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, which among other provisions describes the scope of the insurance benefit, methods of payment for items and services that may be covered and the process timelines for national coverage determinations. CMS implements these provisions with regulations, instructions in manuals and other guidance that are available to the public. We will focus our comments on the 'reasonable and necessary' requirement for coverage under Part A and Part B of items and services in Section 1862(a)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act.
Subcellular Locations of Phosphatidylinositol 4-Kinase Isoforms

Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) 4-kinase catalyzes the synthesis of PtdIns-4-P, the precursor of an array of lipid second messengers generated by additional phosphorylation by PtdIns-4-P 5-kinase and PtdIns 3-kinase. PtdIns 4-kinase activity is conserved from yeast to higher eukaryotes. Multiple isoforms of mammalian PtdIns 4-kinase have been purified, and the activities have been detected in almost all subcellular locations. We previously reported the cloning and characterization of the first mammalian PtdIns 4-kinase named PI4Kα (Wong, K., and Cantley, L. C. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 28878–28884). Alternatively spliced forms of PI4Kα have also been identified from several sources including bovine brain (Gehrmann, T., Vereb, G., Schmidt, M., Klix, D., Meyer, H. E., Varsanyi, M., and Heilmeyer, L. M., Jr. (1996) Biochim. Biophys. Acta1311, 53–63). Recently we isolated a distinct human PtdIns 4-kinase gene, named PI4Kβ, that encodes an enzyme that is wortmannin sensitive (Meyers, R., and Cantley, L. C. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 4384–4390). Here we report the locations of these enzymes and provide evidence for other yet unidentified isoforms present in specific organelles. PI4Kα is mostly membrane-bound and located at the endoplasmic reticulum; whereas PI4Kβ is in the cytosol and also present in the Golgi region. Neither of these isoforms accounts for the major type II PtdIns 4-kinase activity detected in the lysosomes and plasma membrane fraction.
Examination of the role of calcium in ovulation in the in vitro perfused rabbit ovary with use of ethyleneglycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-n,n′-tetraacetic acid and verapamil+++

The in vitro perfused rabbit ovary preparation was used to examine the role of calcium in the ovulatory process. Two groups of rabbits were studied. In the first group, verapamil hydrochloride (10 −4 mol/L), a calcium channel blocker, was used together with human chorionic gonadotropin (50 IU) in the perfusate. Verapamil had no apparent effect on human chorionic gonadotropin-induced ovulation. Verapamil treatment, however, significantly reduced the percentage of ovulated ova that were mature (68.8%) in comparison to ovulated ova from human chorionic gonadotropin-treated control ovaries (95.0%). In a second experimental group, ethyleneglycol- bis (β-aminoethyl ether)-n, n′-tetraacetic acid (2.0 mmol/L), a calcium ion chelator, was included in the perfusate with gonadotropin. The ethyl eneglycol- bis (β-aminoethyl ether)-n, n′-tetraacetic acid significantly reduced ovulatory efficiency (16.7% ± 9.43%) in comparison to that of controls exposed to human chorionic gonadotropin alone (79.5% ± 11.1 %). In addition, ovulation occurred at an earlier time in ovaries perfused with ethyleneglycol- bis (β-aminoethyl ether)-n,n′-tetraacetic acid; however, only four ovulations occurred in these ovaries. These four ovulated ova were immature, probably reflecting the early time of ovulation. Furthermore, both verapamil and ethyleneglycol- bis (β-aminoethyl ether)-n,n′-tetraacetic acid blocked ovarian smooth muscle contractions during ovarian perfusion. These data provide additional support for the concept that calcium dynamics influence the processes of ovulation and ovum maturation. Furthermore ovarian smooth muscle contractions do not appear to be essential for ovulation in this model.
A Unified View on Clustering Binary Data

Clustering is the problem of identifying the distribution of patterns and intrinsic correlations in large data sets by partitioning the data points into similarity classes. This paper studies the problem of clustering binary data. Binary data have been occupying a special place in the domain of data analysis. A unified view of binary data clustering is presented by examining the connections among various clustering criteria. Experimental studies are conducted to empirically verify the relationships.
A note on simultaneous equation estimation techniques applications with a regional econometric model

Abstract A large-scale regional econometric model is estimated using six estimation techniques, including Iterated Instrumental Variables and Iterated Two-Stage Least-Squares. Following estimation the model is simulated and a seventh technique called PANGLOSS is derived. The seven techniques are then compared in ex post and ex ante tests.
DEPTH Vs BREATH IN THE ARRANGEMENT OF WEB LINKS

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of depth and breadth in the arrangement of web link hierarchies on the user preference, response time and errors. An experiment is reported, where previous menu depth/breath tradeoff procedures are applied to the web link domain. The variables evaluated were five different web page linking strategies with varying depth and breadth. The results indicate that task completion time increases as the depth of the web site structure increases.
Shading by invasive shrub reduces seed production and pollinator services in a native herb

Plant invasions disrupt native plant reproduction directly via competition for light and other resources and indirectly via competition for pollination. Furthermore, shading by an invasive plant may reduce pollinator visitation and therefore reproduction in native plants. Our study quantifies and identifies mechanisms of these direct and indirect effects of an invasive shrub on pollination and reproductive success of a native herb. We measured pollinator visitation rate, pollen deposition, and female reproductive success in potted arrays of native Geranium maculatum in deciduous forest plots invaded by the non-native shrub Lonicera maackii and in two removal treatments: removal of aboveground L. maackii biomass and removal of flowers. We compared fruit and seed production between open-pollinated and pollen-supplemented plants to test for pollen and light limitation of reproduction. Plots with L. maackii had significantly lower light, pollinator visitation rate, and conspecific pollen deposition to G. maculatum than biomass removal plots. Loniceramaackii flower removal did not increase pollinator visitation or pollen deposition compared to unmanipulated invaded plots, refuting the hypothesis of competition for pollinators. Thus, pollinator-mediated impacts of invasive plants are not limited to periods of co-flowering or pollinator sharing between potential competitors. Geranium maculatum plants produced significantly fewer seeds in plots containing L. maackii than in plant removal plots. Seed set was similar between pollen-supplemented and open-pollinated plants, but pollen-supplemented plants exhibited higher seed set in plant removal plots compared to invaded plots. Therefore, we conclude that the mechanism of impact of L. maackii on G. maculatum reproduction was increased understory shade.
High Temperature Thermoelectric Research

This paper presents information concerning applied research on promising new high temperature thermoelectric materials capable of operation to at least 1200°C*. Included are discussions of the basic materials characteristics, research conducted to obtain usable thermoelements, sublimation information, experimental model test data, and advanced thermoelectric components research. The basic thermoelectric materials are designated MCC 50**, p-type for 500-1200°C operation; MCC 60, n-type for 700-1200°C operation; and MCC 40, both p- and n-type for use to 950°C operation. Results of two years of effort include: (1) successful formation of contact junctions to MCC 40, 50, and 60; (2) successful fabrication and utilization of segmented p-n thermocouples; (3) 1000-hour sublimation and diffusion tests of individual elements and segmented p-n couples at temperature, which indicated no degradation of power producing capabilities; (4) 2500-hour evaluation of MCC 50 elements in a 5-watt experimental model with no degradation; (5) fabrication and preliminary evaluation of a 50-watt laboratory model using segmented p-n couples; and (6) promising results when using arc-plasma and flame-spray techniques for forming thermoelectric components.
Affine image registration with curve mapping

This paper proposes an affine image registration technique formulated in a hypothesis-test framework. The technique is based on a mapping algorithm which matches curves and junctions (edge corners) to achieve registration. A similarity metric based on partitioned (short) curves is utilized to narrow the space of possible junction mappings (hypotheses) and the transformation matrix of junction and curve mappings are analyzed (testing) to find the best affine registration of two images. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithms can effectively align images.
Differential metabolism of Tyr-MIF-1 and MIF-1 in rat and human plasma

Abstract The metabolism of the endogenous brain peptides Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) and MIF-1 (Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) was determined by HPLC after incubation of the tritiated peptides in human and rat plasma. Degradation of Tyr-MIF-1 was rapid in the plasma from both species, in contrast to the slightly delayed degradation of MIF-1 in rat plasma and the extremely prolonged persistence of MIF-1 in human plasma. In rat plasma, more than half of the intact Tyr-MIF-1 and MIF-1 was degraded within 5 min, in contrast to the 5 days required for 50% degradation of MIF-1 in human plasma at 37°. To slow the rapid rate of metabolism, studies were then performed at 0°. Incubation of Tyr-MIF-1 in human plasma at 0° for 2 hr resulted in HPLC identification of more Tyr-Pro than Tyr at all times. At 0° in rat plasma, however, more Tyr than Tyr-Pro was formed after the first 5 min of incubation of the Tyr-MIF-1 that was labeled on the Tyr. This raised the possibility that the tetrapeptide Tyr-MIF-1 might be serving as a precursor of the tripeptide MIF-1. Incubation of Tyr-MIF-1 tritiated at the Pro under the same conditions with and without Tyr-MIF-1 tritiated at the Tyr showed that Tyr-Pro, not MIF-1, was the predominant degradation product of Tyr-MIF-1. In addition to the metabolism of Tyr-MIF-1 being slower at lower temperatures, it was also slowed by some enzyme inhibitors. After 10 min of incubation at 37°, EDTA appeared to be more effective than bestatin, p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB), pepstatin, or aprotinin, but after 30 min, bestatin was more effective. Intravenous injection of the tritiated peptides into rats showed short half-time disappearances; again, MIF-1 persisted in blood longer than Tyr-MIF-1. Thus, the results show the rapid metabolism of Tyr-MIF-1 in human and rat plasma, the slightly slower metabolism of MIF-1 in rat plasma, the predominant formation of Tyr-Pro rather than MIF-1 from Tyr-MIF-1, and the markedly delayed metabolism of MIF-1 in human plasma.
Redundancy renders the glycoprotein 96 receptor scavenger receptor A dispensable for cross priming in vivo

CD8(+) T cells (T(CD8+)) differentiate into effector cells following recognition of specific peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I complexes (pMHC-I) on the surface of professional APCs (pAPCs), such as dendritic cells. Antigenic pMHC-I can be generated from two spatially distinct sources. The direct presentation pathway involves generation of peptide from protein substrate synthesized within the cell that is presenting the pMHC-I. Alternatively, the cross presentation pathway involves presentation of antigen that is not synthesized within the presenting cell, but is derived from exogenous proteins synthesized within other donor cells. The mechanisms by which cross presentation of exogenous antigens occur in vivo remain controversial. The C-type lectin scavenger receptor A (SR-A) has been implicated in a number of potential cross presentation pathways, including the presentation of peptide bound to heat shock proteins, such as glycoprotein 96 (gp96), and the transfer of pMHC-I from a donor cell to the pAPC. We demonstrate here that initiation of T(CD8+) responses is normal in mice lacking SR-A, and that the redundancy of ligand binding exhibited by the SR family is likely to be an important mechanism that ensures cross presentation in vivo. These observations emphasize the requirement to target multiple receptors and antigen-processing pathways during the rational design of vaccines aimed at eliciting protective T(CD8+).
A generalized approach to the modification of solid surfaces

Interfacial interactions underpin phenomena ranging from adhesion to surface wetting. Here, we describe a simple, rapid, and robust approach to modifying solid surfaces, based on an ultrathin cross-linkable film of a random copolymer, which does not rely on specific surface chemistries. Specifically, thin films of benzocyclobutene-functionalized random copolymers of styrene and methyl methacrylate were spin coated or transferred, then thermally cross-linked on a wide variety of metal, metal oxide, semiconductor, and polymeric surfaces, producing a coating with a controlled thickness and well-defined surface energy. The process described can be easily implemented and adapted to other systems.
Response of the Fetal Sheep Bladder to Urinary Diversion

ABSTRACTPurpose: In adults urinary diversion results in bladder atrophy and a rapid decrease in contractile function. Little is known about the effects of urinary diversion on bladder development. In this regard we characterized the responses of fetal sheep bladder strips obtained from animals that underwent urinary diversion.Materials and Methods: Urinary diversion was performed on fetal sheep after 90 days of gestation (term 147 days) and bladder tissue was obtained 2 weeks later. Contractile and relaxant responses of full-thickness bladder strips were tested.Results: Bladders from fetal sheep subjected to urinary diversion weighed significantly less than control fetal bladders. Histological studies demonstrated marked connective tissue infiltration and the reorganization of smooth muscle elements. Carbachol stimulated a tonic contraction, while field stimulation administered during the tonic contraction elicited a phasic relaxation or a biphasic response, consisting of an initial relaxation and then a ...
Dyadic transfer learning for cross-domain image classification

Because manual image annotation is both expensive and labor intensive, in practice we often do not have sufficient labeled images to train an effective classifier for the new image classification tasks. Although multiple labeled image data sets are publicly available for a number of computer vision tasks, a simple mixture of them cannot achieve good performance due to the heterogeneous properties and structures between different data sets. In this paper, we propose a novel nonnegative matrix tri-factorization based transfer learning framework, called as Dyadic Knowledge Transfer (DKT) approach, to transfer cross-domain image knowledge for the new computer vision tasks, such as classifications. An efficient iterative algorithm to solve the proposed optimization problem is introduced. We perform the proposed approach on two benchmark image data sets to simulate the real world cross-domain image classification tasks. Promising experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Efficient Three-Dimensional Global Models for Climate Studies: Models I and II

Climate modeling based on numerical solution of the fundamental equations for atmospheric structure and motion permits the explicit modeling of physical processes in the climate system and the natural treatment of interactions and feedbacks among parts of the system. The main difficulty concerning this approach is related to the computational requirements. The present investigation is concerned with the development of a grid-point model which is programmed so that both horizontal and vertical resolutions can easily be changed. Attention is given to a description of Model I, the performance of sensitivity experiments by varying parameters, the definition of an improved Model II, and a study of the dependence of climate simulation on resolution with Model II. It is shown that the major features of global climate can be simulated reasonably well with a horizontal resolution as coarse as 1000 km. Such a resolution allows the possibility of long-range climate studies with moderate computer resources.
Surgical correction of unilateral posterior bimaxillary malocclusion. A case report.

Summary An approach for correcting unilateral bimaxillary posterior malocclusion in one operation is presented. Careful surgical technique and the fabrication and insertion of individualized splints were utilized. Maxillary and mandibular posterior segmental osteotomies appear to have merit in selected cases.
Control and integrated design of smart material systems using analytical upper bound method

ABSTRACT This paper presents an explicit expression for an upper bound on H 2 norm for structural systems with collocatedsensors and actuators. Using a linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based representation of the H 2 norm of a collocatedstructural system, we determine an explicit upper bound on H 2 norm of such a system. The present paper alsoaddresses the problem of output H 2 feedback controller design for collocated systems. Employing some simplealgebraic tools, we derive an explicit parametrization of H 2 feedback controller gain which guarantees a prescribedlevel of H 2 performance for the closed-loop system. Numerical examples will be nally provided to validate theeciency and benets of the proposed method. 1. PLANT FORMULATION Consider a structural system with collocated sensors and actuators and velocity measurement in a vector second-order form represented byM q¨(t)+ D q(t)+ Kq (t)= F (u (t)+ w (t))y (t)= F T q(t) (1)where q(t) R n , u (t) R m , w (t) R m , y (t) R m are the state vector representing displacements, controlinput, external/disturbance signal, and measured output, respectively. The matrices F R
Wood/adhesive interactions and the phase morphology of moisture-cure polyurethane wood adhesives

Abstract Two moisture-cure polyurethane adhesives (PURs) were studied: a model (MPUR) prepared from a symmetrical diisocyanate that gave rise to a continuous soft phase, and a commercially relevant adhesive (CPUR) prepared from an asymmetrical polyisocyanate that resulted in a continuous hard phase. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the size and size distributions of the respective dispersed phases were altered by wood, as observed in localized specimen regions. Bulk effects were observed with dynamic mechanical analysis; both soft and hard phase MPUR relaxations were altered by wood (increased transition temperatures), whereas only the continuous CPUR hard phase revealed wood-induced changes. Furthermore, infrared analysis showed that wood promoted the formation of hydrogen-bonded urea structures in CPUR bondlines. Significant wood/PUR interactions were detected, however it was not possible to determine if the effects arose from direct intermolecular associations, or from indirect effects arising from the mere presence of wood and how this impacts forces acting upon the liquid adhesive (i.e. moisture transport, differing interfacial energies through which transport occurs, and CO2 bubble nucleation). Regardless, it is clear that PUR studies should be conducted under conditions that simulate real wood/PUR bondlines.
AN INTRINSICALLY PROTEIN-RESISTANT SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE BIOSENSOR BASED UPON A RF-PLASMA-DEPOSITED THIN FILM

Abstract The development of a nonfouling chemical overlayer for a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor is presented. Triethylene glycol dimethyl ether was deposited onto SPR substrates from a radio frequency glow discharge plasma reactor. A thin film was produced that is rich in poly(ethylene oxide) groups that are known to resist biomolecule uptake. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were utilized to identify and verify film composition. The films are shown to be highly resistant to bovine serum albumin fouling in a planar SPR apparatus. These results indicate the promise of plasma-deposited triglyme to modify substrates previously compromised by biological fouling.
Determination of bromadiolone in whole blood by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Abstract A rapid, sensitive and selective high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method (HPLC/MS–MS) has been developed and validated for the determination of bromadiolone in whole blood using warfarin as an internal standard (IS). Bromadiolone was extracted from the whole blood samples by liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate. Multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to detect bromadiolone and IS, using precursor→product ion combinations at m / z 527→465 and 307→161, respectively. The calibration curve was linear ( r 2 =0.998) in the concentration range of 0.5–100.0ng/mL with a lower limit of quantification of 0.5ng/mL in whole blood. Intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) were less than 7.5 and 11.9%, respectively. Recoveries of bromadiolone ranged from 82.1 to 85.2%. This method is found to be determined trace bromadiolone in whole blood and can be used in the diagnosis of the poisoned human beings.
Piezoelectric nanoparticle-polymer composite foams

Piezoelectric polymer composite foams are synthesized using different sugar-templating strategies. By incorporating sugar grains directly into polydimethylsiloxane mixtures containing barium titanate nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes, followed by removal of the sugar after polymer curing, highly compliant materials with excellent piezoelectric properties can be fabricated. Porosities and elasticity are tuned by simply adjusting the sugar/polymer mass ratio which gave an upper bound on the porosity of 73% and a lower bound on the elastic coefficient of 32 kPa. The electrical performance of the foams showed a direct relationship between porosity and the piezoelectric outputs, giving piezoelectric coefficient values of ∼112 pC/N and a power output of ∼18 mW/cm3 under a load of 10 N for the highest porosity samples. These novel materials should find exciting use in a variety of applications including energy scavenging platforms, biosensors, and acoustic actuators.
Computed Tomography-guided Percutaneous Biopsy: A Combined Approach to the Retroperitoneum

When computed tomography (CT) is used to evaluate the lumbar spine in patients with low back pain, it is important to look at the adjacent retroperitoneum. CT is ideally suited to visualize the retroperitoneum and provide access for percutaneous needle biopsy.
Poor man's watchpoints

Bugs that result from corruption of program data can be very difficult to track down without specialized help from a debugger. If the debugger cannot help the user find the point at which data gets corrupted, the user may have a long iterative debugging task. If the debugger is able to stop execution of the program at the point where data gets corrupted, as with watchpoints (also known as data breakpoints), it may be a very simple task to find a data corruption bug. In this paper, we discuss a method of implementing watchpoints on a system without hardware watchpoint support. By instrumenting the program code to check memory accesses, and supplying an interface to the instrumentation in the debugger, we provide an efficient, general method of implementing watchpoints.
Sex Markets and Sexual Opportunity Structures of Behaviorally Bisexual Latino Men in the Urban Metropolis of New York City

Sex markets (the spatially and culturally bounded arenas) that shape bisexual behavior among Latino men have been utilized as a deterministic concept without a sufficient focus on the ability of individuals to make autonomous decisions within such arenas. We nuance the theory of sex markets using the concept of sexual opportunity structures to investigate the ways in which behaviorally bisexual Latino men in the urban metropolis of New York City navigate sexual geographies, cultural meaning systems, sexual scripts, and social institutions to configure their bisexual behaviors. Drawing on 60 in-depth interviews with bisexual Latino men in New York City, we first describe and analyze venues that constitute sexual geographies that facilitate and impede sexual interaction. These also allow for a degree of autonomy in decision-making, as men travel throughout the urban sexual landscape and sometimes even manage to reject norms, such as those imposed by Christian religion. We explore some of the cultural meaning systems and social institutions that regulate sex markets and influence individual decision-making. Secrecy and discretion—regulated by the family, masculinity, migration, and religion—only partially shaped sexual behavior and relationships. These factors create a flux in “equilibrium” in bisexual sex markets in which sociocultural–economic structures constantly interplay with human agency. This article contributes to the literature in identifying dynamic spaces for sexual health interventions that draw on individual agency and empowerment.
Surfactant fluorescence in the study of aggregation and clouding

The intrinsic fluorescence of Triton X-114 and Igepal CO-630 was used to monitor the aggregation behavior of micellar solutions of these surfactants. The response to changes in surfactant concentration, increases in temperature up to and beyond the cloud point, and addition of an ionic surfactant (SDS) was monitored. The intrinsic fluorescence was used to measure aggregate anisotropy as a function of SDS concentration and temperature. Relative aggregate abundance showed a minimum at the CMC, confirming the existence of premicellar assemblies. Structural differences in the hydrophobic portions of the two nonionic surfactants led to vastly different packing in their aggregates. The addition of SDS produced smaller, more closely packed micelles.
Novel Sb-based alloy for uncooled infrared photodetector applications

We report on the growth and characterization of InSbBi, InTlSb, InTlP, and the quaternary alloys for uncooled long- wavelength infrared photodetector applications. The layers were grown on InSb and GaAs substrates by low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The incorporation of Bi and Tl in InSb was investigated with high-resolution x- ray diffraction, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and optical photoresponse measurements. We also demonstrate the photodetectors fabricated from the grown InSbBi and InTlSb alloys. InSb0.96Bi0.04 photoconductive detectors exhibited a responsivity of 3.2 V/W at 77 K. The estimated Johnson noise limited detectivity at 7 micrometers was 1.7 X 108 cmHz1/2/W at 77 K. A room temperature operating InSb0.95Bi0.05 photodetector was also demonstrated. Photoresponse up to 12 micrometers was achieved at 300 K. The responsivity and Johnson noise-limited detectivity at 10.6 micrometers were 1.9 mV/W and 1.2 X 106 cmHz1/2/W, respectively. Photoresponse up to 15 micrometers was achieved at 300 K from quaternary InTlAsSb and InBiAsSb alloys.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Synthesis of Glu-tRNAGln by engineered and natural aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases

A protein engineering approach to delineating which distinct elements of homologous tRNA synthetase architectures are responsible for divergent RNA−amino acid pairing specificities is described. Previously, we constructed a hybrid enzyme in which 23 amino acids from the catalytic domain of Escherichia coli glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS) were replaced with the corresponding residues of human glutamyl-tRNA synthetase (GluRS). The engineered hybrid (GlnRS S1/L1/L2) synthesizes Glu-tRNAGln more than 104-fold more efficiently than GlnRS. Detailed comparison of kinetic parameters between GlnRS S1/L1/L2 and the naturally occurring Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus GluRSND, which is also capable of Glu-tRNAGln synthesis, now shows that both kcat and Km for glutamate are recapitulated in the engineered enzyme, but that Km for tRNA is 200-fold higher. Thus, the simultaneous optimization of paired amino acid and tRNA binding sites found in a naturally occurring enzyme is not recapitulated in a hybrid that i...
Is Timber Insurable? A Study of Wildfire Risks in the U.S. Forest Sector Using Spatio-temporal Models

In the U.S. forest products industry, wildfire is one of the leading causes of damage and economic losses. While individual wildfire behavior is well studied, new literature is emerging on broad‐scale (e.g., county‐level) wildfire risks. Our paper studies wildfire risks using crucial informational variables across both spatial units and time periods. Several statistical models are used to quantify the risks. We develop several maximum likelihood estimation methods to account for spatio‐temporal auto‐correlation in conditional risks. A group index insurance scheme is proposed, and its associated actuarially fair premium rates are estimated and presented. Implications for wildfire management policies are also discussed.
The Late Quaternary Glaciations as the Response of a Three-Component Feedback System to Earth-Orbital Forcing.

Abstract A climatic feedback system previously described, consisting of three prognostic nonlinear equations governing the mass of ice sheets ζ, the mass of marine and continental marginal ice χ, and the mean ocean temperature θ is forced by a representation of the effects of external earth-orbital variations. With reasonable amplitudes for the eccentricity, obliquity, and precession forcing, the free oscillatory solutions of major period near 100 kyr can be modified in a way that substantially agrees with the δ18O-derived observations of ice mass evolution. In particular, a proper structure, variance spectrum, and “phase lock” of the major variations are obtained over the last 400 kyr. An analysis of the sensitivity of these results to variations in the model parameters and to random perturbations shows that the solution is robust for small changes in all but a few of the equation coefficients. Concomitant variability in the marine ice mass, ocean temperature and net radiation at the top of the atmospher...
Changes in the rat heart proteome induced by exercise training: Increased abundance of heat shock protein hsp20

Chronic exercise training elicits adaptations in the heart that improve pump function and confer cardioprotection. To identify molecular mechanisms by which exercise training stimulates this favorable phenotype, a proteomic approach was employed to detect rat cardiac proteins that were differentially expressed or modified after exercise training. Exercise-trained rats underwent six weeks of progressive treadmill training five days/week, 0% grade, using an interval training protocol. Sedentary control rats were age- and weight-matched to the exercise-trained rats. Hearts were harvested at various times (0-72 h) after the last bout of exercise and were used to generate 2-D electrophoretic proteome maps and immunoblots. Compared with hearts of sedentary rats, 26 protein spot intensities were significantly altered in hypertrophied hearts of exercise-trained rats (p <0.05), and 12 spots appeared exclusively on gels from hearts of exercise-trained rats. Immunoblotting confirmed that chronic exercise training, but not a single bout of exercise, elicited a 2.5-fold increase in the abundance of one of the candidate proteins in the heart, a 20 kDa heat shock protein (hsp20) that persisted for at least 72 h of detraining. Thus, exercise training alters the cardiac proteome of the rat heart; the changes include a marked increase in the expression of hsp20.
Analysis of parental and nurse weight estimates of children in the pediatric emergency department.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of parent and triage nurse estimates of children's weights in the pediatric emergency department. Methods: A convenience sample of parents was surveyed before triage regarding their child's chief complaint, when and where the child was last weighed, and an estimate of their child's weight. Children unable to be weighed or with possible dehydration or external orthopedic devices were excluded. Nurses also estimated children's weights before weighing them and were blinded to parent estimates. All nurses were experienced in the department, had participated in a triage course, and had completed a background survey. Results: Nine hundred forty-two patients presenting to pediatric emergency department triage were enrolled, resulting in 812 surveys. Parents were more accurate at weight estimation than nurses, with 79% of parents and 83% of legal guardians estimating weights within 10%. Only 55% of nurse estimates were within 10%. Parents and nurses tended to underestimate patients' weights (P 0.05). Accuracy of nurse estimates was not related to nurse education or experience (P > 0.05). Parent estimates of weight were more accurate than nurse estimates 74.6% of the time. Conclusions: Parents were more accurate at estimating children's weights than triage nurses but were within 10% of the children's actual weights only 79% of the time. Nurse estimates were highly inaccurate. Other methods to estimate patient weights should be used when actual patient weights are unobtainable.
In-situ synchrotron x-ray study of phase transitions in melamine under high pressures and high temperatures☆☆

We report a synchrotron energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction study of melamine at high pressure and high temperature. Pressure was generated using a Paris-Edinburgh cell to employ larger sample volumes for weakly scattering organic samples. High temperatures were created using a resistive/graphitic cup surrounding the sample. The PT phase diagram was explored by first pressurizing the sample to 3.5 GPa at room temperature and then heating it up to 1197 K with a concomitant pressure increase to just above 5 GPa. Above 4.85 GPa and 967 K, an irreversible phase transition was observed. Upon cooling the sample, another phase transition was observed which is likely associated with polymerization observed in earlier ex-situ HPHT experiments.
The National Improvement Partnership Network: State-Based Partnerships That Improve Primary Care Quality

Improvement partnerships (IPs) are a model for collaboration among public and private organizations that share interests in improving child health and the quality of health care delivered to children. Their partners typically include state public health and Medicaid agencies, the local chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and an academic health care organization or children's hospital. Most IPs also engage other partners, including a variety of public, private, and professional organizations and individuals. IPs lead and support measurement-based, systems-focused quality improvement (QI) efforts that primarily target primary care practices that care for children. Their projects are most often conducted as learning collaboratives that involve a team from each of 8 to 15 participating practices over 9 to 12 months. The improvement teams typically include a clinician, office manager, clinical staff (nurses or medical assistants), and, for some projects, a parent; the IPs provide the staff and local infrastructure. The projects target clinical topics, chosen because of their importance to public health, local clinicians, and funding agencies, including asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, developmental screening, obesity, mental health, medical home implementation, and several others. Over the past 13 years, 19 states have developed (and 5 are exploring developing) IPs. These organizations share similar aims and methods but differ substantially in leadership, structure, funding, and longevity. Their projects generally engage pediatric and family medicine practices ranging from solo private practices to community health centers to large corporate practices. The practices learn about the project topic and about QI, develop specific improvement strategies and aims that align with the project aims, perform iterative measures to evaluate and guide their improvements, and implement systems and processes to support and sustain those improvements. Since 2008, IPs have offered credit toward Part 4 of Maintenance of Certification for participants in some of their projects. To date, IPs have focused on achieving improvements in care delivery through individual projects. Rigorous measurement and evaluation of their efforts and impact will be essential to understanding, spreading, and sustaining state/regional child health care QI programs. We describe the origins, evolution to date, and hopes for the future of these partnerships and the National Improvement Partnership Network (NIPN), which was established to support existing and nurture new IPs.
Skin tone and wages: evidence from NBA free agents.

Although the vast majority of research focuses on differences across races, recent research has also considered disparities within racial groups. Intraracial discrimination or colorism is defined as a bias between members of the same racial group. Prior research has found a strong relationship between skin tone of African American men and economic outcomes. This article examines the relationship between skin tone and compensation for a sample of highly paid African American men, namely, professional basketball players. One innovation is to use an objective measure of skin tone. The authors find only weak support for customer discrimination and no support for employer discrimination based on skin tone.
HABITUATION OF NEUROSECRETORY RESPONSES TO EXTRACELLULAR ATP IN PC12 CELLS

Neuronally differentiated PC12 cells have been used as a model for habituation. These cells secrete norepinephrine in response to extracellular ATP, as well as other stimulants, and the response is diminished with repetitive stimulation. This loss of neurosecretory responsiveness displays characteristics commonly associated with habituative learning. These include an increase in both the rate and the relative degree of response loss with either increasing stimulation frequency or decreasing stimulus intensity, and selective generalization of the decreased responsiveness to heterologous stimuli. In PC12 cells, the loss of neurosecretory responsiveness appears to be entirely caused by stimulation-dependent inactivation of the ATP-gated cation channel. Several unusual properties of this channel apparently allow its regulation to produce the behaviors associated with short-term habituation. Recovery of the ATP-gated channel requires several minutes, allowing habituation of responses to repetitive stimuli given at intervals of several minutes. Inactivation of the ATP-gated channel may be proportionately faster in response to lower ligand concentrations, allowing habituation to be more rapid in response to stimuli of weaker intensity.
Perceived and objective diet quality in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Objective The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern has been shown to reduce cardiometabolic risk. Little is understood about the relationship between objective diet quality and perceived diet quality (PDQ), a potential psychosocial barrier to appropriate dietary intake. We compared PDQ and diet quality measured by a nutrient-based DASH index score in the USA.