cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Censoring and Quantization Scheme for Energy-Based Target Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks

This article presents a censoring and quantization scheme for energy-based target localization in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This scheme can save energy and communication bandwidth. Moreover, a multi-objective optimization method is used to balance the energy consumption and target localization performance of the energy-based target localization method using this scheme. Results show that the root square mean (RMS) errors provided by the energy-based target localization method using this scheme were close to the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB). Moreover, the Pareto-fronts provided by the multi-objective optimization method can guide practical applications.
Surgical intervention for thoracic outlet syndrome improves patient's quality of life

Objective To assess long-term quality of life outcomes in patients following transaxillary first-rib resection and scalenectomy for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Methods This was a prospective observational study using the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) and Disability of Arm, Hand, and Shoulder (DASH) instruments between February 2005 and March 2008 in patients with TOS presenting to an academic medical center for preoperative surgical evaluation after failing physical therapy protocol. Surveys were conducted preoperatively and then again at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery. Longitudinal data analysis was performed with population-averaged models using generalized estimating equations (GEE) method for average rate of recovery. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze time to return to work. Results A total of 70 out of 105 eligible patients (66.7%) completed the study protocol (44 neurogenic; 26 venous), returning 243 valid SF-12 surveys (162 neurogenic; 81 venous) and 188 valid DASH surveys (124 neurogenic; 64 venous). Half (50%) of the neurogenic patients and 77% of the venous patients returned to full-time work or activity within the study follow-up, with half of them doing so by 4 months and 75% of them by 5 months. There was no statistically significant difference in return to work between the neurogenic or venous patients. Neurogenic patients had baseline SF-12 Physical Component Scores (PCS) similar to chronic heart failure patients and were significantly worse than venous patients (33.8 vs 43.6, P Conclusion The use of the SF-12 and DASH instruments in patients with TOS demonstrated significant improvement in patients postoperatively. Venous TOS patients typically improved both physical and mental scores in shorter periods of time than their neurogenic counterparts. Neurogenic and venous TOS patients returned to full-time work/activity within the same length of time postoperatively. However, neurogenic patients required more secondary interventions. We conclude that in appropriately selected patients with either neurogenic or venous TOS, surgical intervention can improve their quality of life over time.
Serum Ferritin Iron, a New Test, Measures Human Body Iron Stores Unconfounded by Inflammation

Serum ferritin protein is an acute phase reactant. We hypothesized that serum ferritin protein generated in response to an inflammatory process would have much less iron (Fe) in it than would “normal” ferritin protein, and therefore measuring serum ferritin iron would assess human body iron status unconfounded by inflammation. Basic Methods. We measured serum ferritin iron in 140 clinical samples obtained from the serum banks of Bronx VA Medical Center Hematology and Nutrition Laboratory (Bronx, NY), the CDC Nutritional Biochemistry serum sample bank (Atlanta, GA), and the sample bank from patients with thalassemia and iron overload treated at New York Hospital (New York, NY). Each was analyzed for three conventional criteria of iron status: serum iron, percentage of transferrin saturation and ferritin protein. In addition, tests for inflammation were also performed: C-reactive protein, WBC and transaminases. Seventy-seven patients' sera from 140 screened met each of three consistent criteria for stages of iron status. Serum ferritin was immobilized by immunoprecipitation with rabbit antihuman polyclonal antibody bound to agarose and separated from other iron-containing proteins, digested with 0.2 ml of 3N nitric acid and analyzed for iron content by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. Serum ferritin iron ranged in normal controls from 10 ng to 35 ng Fe/ml. The patients with iron deficiency (4/4) and those in negative iron balance (5/6) had values ≤10 ng. Positive iron balance (8/9) and iron overload (22/22) values were >35 ng/ml, in contrast to 11/19 with inflammation. Seventeen of twenty-two with overload had values >100 ng/ml while only 1/19 with inflammation had such a value. Ferritin iron in ferritin protein was >15% by weight in 14/22 with iron overload but in 0/19 with inflammation. Implications of the Work. Serum ferritin iron is a simple, direct measure of iron stores that we propose, in conjunction with measuring serum ferritin protein, as a minimally invasive screening procedure for accurately assessing the whole range of human body iron status, unconfounded by inflammation.
The Probability that a Random Polytope is Bounded

A formula for the probability that a randomly generated n-polytope defined by m half-spaces is bounded is presented. Results of a simulation giving i the probability that all m constraints are relevant and ii a formula for the expected number of vertices of a polytope, are presented.
OP04.03: Cardiac tamponade does not account for hydrops in fetuses with congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation

M. Habli2,3, J. F. Cnota1, A. Divanovic1, T. M. Crombleholme3, M. Kinsel-Ziter1, R. Keller1, E. C. Michelfelder1 1Fetal Heart Program, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; 2Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; 3Fetal Care Center of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
Characterizing order processes of using (R, nQ) inventory policies in supply chains

Abstract This study characterizes order processes under ( R , nQ ) inventory policies. We show first that the order distribution at an installation is stationary when it uses an ( R , nQ ) control policy, for any arbitrary stationary distribution of customer demand. We then quantify variance amplification and show that variance of orders is never less than the demand variance. Finally, we extend the analysis to the case where the supply chain comprises of one distributor and N retailers serving customers.
Thermodynamic properties of equilibrium air by an exact two‐equation model for Euler and Navier–Stokes CFD algorithms

We detail an exact two-equation procedure to generate pressure, temperature and mass and mole fractions as well as their thermodynamic and Jacobian partial derivatives for five-species neutral equilibrium air. Applicable for arbitrary forms of equilibrium constants and especially designed for explicit and implicit CFD algorithms, the procedure algebraically reduces to two equations the six-equation thermodynamic system comprising the equations for internal energy, law of mass action and conservation of species mass and ratio of oxygen and nitrogen nuclei. This exact algebraic reduction explicitly expresses four mass fractions in terms of nitric oxide mass fraction and temperature, which are then determined through a rapidly converging numerical solution of the internal energy and nitric oxide mass action equations. The procedure then exactly determines the partial derivatives of pressure, temperature and mass fractions analytically. The mathematical formulation also introduces a convenient system non-dimensionalization that makes the procedure uniformly applicable to flows ranging from shock tube flows with zero initial velocity to aerothermodynamic flows with supersonic/hypersonic freestream Mach numbers.
Uranium oxide weathering: spectroscopy and kinetics

Abstract Particles of UO 2+ x ( x ≅0.16 ± 0.06) exposed to the atmosphere react by oxidation and formation of complexes (hydrates, hydroxides and carbonates). Surface reactions alter and erode the UO 2 particles. This paper outlines results for measurements of oxidation rates on uranium oxide particles using in situ photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Phosphorescence spectra observed during oxidation of UO 2+ x were attributed to U(VI) in uranyl-type coordination and in octahedral coordination. Uranyl-type spectra formed during wet oxidation of UO 2+ x , and U(VI) octahedral spectra formed during dry oxidation of UO 2+ x . The uranyl-type species, although more stable, is more kinetically labile for vacuum reduction than is the octahedral U(VI). Oxidation of U(IV) species are diffusion controlled. Vacuum reduction of uranyl U(VI) in UO 3 follows a field-enhanced cationic diffusion rate law, while re-oxidation follows a diffusion rate law. Post-oxidation core and valence band XPS and SIMS measurements provided qualitative and quantitative measures of uranium oxidation states near uranium oxide surfaces.
Fetal abuse: an exploration of emerging philosophic, legal, and policy issues.

IN APRIL 1987, a judge in a San Diego court heard a case against a woman, Pamela Stewart Monson, whose baby was born braindead after she ignored her doctor's warnings about her behavior and its potential effects on the fetus. Her doctor had warned her to refrain from street drugs and sex and to seek medical care in case of vaginal bleeding. But prosecutors charged that on the day she delivered, she took amphetamines, had sex with her husband, and didn't call paramedics until twelve hours after bleeding began. Her son was born brain-dead with amphetamines in his system. The judge's decision to throw out the case is perhaps less significant than the fact that criminal charges were brought against the mother in the first place.' Cases like this raise important ethical, legal, and medical questions about personal responsibility in an era of increasing knowledge concerning health risks, about the moral and legal liability of parents who ignore the advice of their doctors when their actions result in death or serious deformities for their newborns, and about the duties of doctors toward patients who ignore their advice. Ultimately, lawmakers must design policy which confronts questions about the kinds of protection to which the fetus is entitled, if any, and the means for reconciling the interests of mother and fetus when they clash. In the Roe v. Wade decision, the Court avoided direct confrontation with some of the most difficult issues surrounding fetal responsibility. It provided a time frame, specified by viability, which limits the extent of state interference with the maternal right to privacy. But the Court did not and could not address a host of related policy issues. For example, it did not specify exactly what constitutes compelling state interest in the rights of the fetus. It did not indicate the obligations the mother has, if any, to the fetus if she chooses not to abort.
Clay Mineral Composition of Sediments in Some Desert Lakes in Nevada, California, and Oregon

X-ray analyses of some Recent desert lacustrine sediments in Nevada, California, and Oregon show that illite and montmorillonite are the most abundant clay minerals and that chlorite and kaolinite are present in subordinate amounts in the sediments of many of the lakes. These clay suites are derived from source rocks.
Adjoint linear systems in analog computation: A new look

The modified-adjoint method of Laning and Battin is a convenient and practical procedure for computing the mean square output of suitable linear time-variable systems, especially in control applications. This report proposes a simplified derivation of the modified-adjoint computer setup on the basis of simple operator algebra.
Corrosion inhibitors based on derivatives of monocarboxamides

Oxygen containing fuels for internal combustion engines tend to be highly corrosive, owing to the presence of moisture in the fuel. This work was aimed at the synthesis and investigation of the inhibiting properties of substituted amides for use in gasoline-methanol blends.
Finite size scaling in quantum mechanics

The finite size scaling ansatz is combined with the variational method to extract information about critical behavior of quantum Hamiltonians. This approach is based on taking the number of elements in a complete basis set as the size of the system. As in statistical mechanics, the finite size scaling can then be used directly in the Schrodinger equation. This approach is general and gives very accurate results for the critical parameters, for which the bound-state energy becomes absorbed or degenerate with a continuum. To illustrate the applications in quantum calculations, we present detailed calculations for both short- and long-range potentials. I. Introduction In statistical mechanics, the singularities in thermodynamic functions associated with a critical point occur only in the thermodynamic limit, when all the dimensions of the system under consideration tend to infinity. Strictly speaking, there are no phase transitions in a finite system at nonzero temper- ature, and yet, experiments as well as numerical calculations all use finite systems. 1 To address this problem, the finite size scaling method was formulated by Fisher 2 and others 3 to extrapolate information obtained from a finite system to the thermodynamic limit. In quantum mechanics, when using variation methods, one encounters the same finite size problem in studying the critical behavior of a quantum Hamiltonian H(I1,...,Ik) as a function of its set of parameters {Ii}. In this context, critical means the values of {Ii} for which a bound-state energy is nonanalytic. In many cases, as in this study, this critical point is the point where a bound-state energy becomes absorbed or degenerate with a continuum. In this case, the finite size corresponds not to the spatial dimension but to the number of elements in a complete basis set used to expand the exact wave function of a given Hamiltonian. Recently, we used the finite size scaling and phenomenologi- cal renormalization equations for calculations of the critical charges for two- 4,5 and three-electron systems. 6 This approach is based on taking the lowest eigenvalues of a quantum Hamiltonian as the leading eigenvalues of a transfer matrix of a classical pseudosystem. In this paper we will assume that there exists a scaling function for the truncated mean value of a given operator, and with the help of the Hellmann-Feynman theorem we can obtain a direct finite size scaling approach to the Schrodinger equation. 7 This approach is general and can be used to study critical behavior of a quantum Hamiltonian as a function of its parameters. To illustrate this approach, we include detailed calculations for the critical parameters for two cases with qualitatively different behavior: one with short-range interaction, the Yukawa potential, and one with a long-range interaction, the inverse power law potential.
Reproduction in Free-Ranging Propithecus verreauxi: Estrus and the Relationship Between Multiple Partner Matings and Fertilization

Female sifaka mate selectively with one or more resident andlor non-resident males during the breeding season. Various adaptive ex- planations have been advanced to explain why female primates mate with multiple males including that 1) females seekko confuse paternity and thereby forestall male infanticide and/or ensure male infant care or 2) females seek to ensure fertilization. Assessing the power of fertilization insurance to explain mating patterns in females requires information on the temporal relationship between mating and ovarian hormones. The hormonal correlates of reproduc- tion and mating in free-ranging Propithecus verreauxi were investigated using excreted steroids as indices of reproductive state. Solid-phase extraction and radioimmunoassay techniques were used to measure unconjugated estradiol (E,) and progesterone (PJ in 485 desiccated fecal samples collected from five female sifaka before and during the breeding season at Beza Mahafaly, Madagascar. Results suggest that behavioral estrus was characterized by 10- to 15-day elevations in E,; hormonal activity was observed to be similar to pseudo-estrus reported for other lemur species; apparent conception was associated with sustained P4 elevations beginning 1 to 3 days post-estrus with gestational phase elevations of E, beginning 42 to 45 days post-conception; and mating with multiple partners appeared not to be a prerequisite to fertil- ization, as conception resulted from both monoandrous and polyandrous mat- ings. These preliminary data suggest that fertilization insurance is not ade- quate to explain polyandrous mating in sifaka at Beza Mahafaly. 0 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Depth-resolved imaging and detection of micro-retroreflectors within biological tissue using Optical Coherence Tomography

A new approach to in vivo biosensor design is introduced, based on the use of an implantable micron-sized retroreflector-based platform and non-invasive imaging of its surface reflectivity by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The possibility of using OCT for the depth-resolved imaging and detection of micro-retroreflectors in highly turbid media, including tissue, is demonstrated. The maximum imaging depth for the detection of the micro-retroreflector-based platform within the surrounding media was found to be 0.91 mm for porcine tissue and 1.65 mm for whole milk. With further development, it may be possible to utilize OCT and micro-retroreflectors as a tool for continuous monitoring of analytes in the subcutaneous tissue.
The relative effectiveness of exposure to 131I at low doses.

There is much interest in estimating the thyroid cancer risks to children exposed to low doses of 131 I from nuclear fallout. Direct epidemiological studies of individuals exposed as children to low doses of 131 I have insufficient power to yield useful risk estimates. Consequently, extrapolation from risk estimates for acute exposure to kilovoltage x rays are used to generate 131 I risk estimates. There are two distinct effects that might need to be considered in modifying the x-ray generated risk estimates: first, the differing quality of the radiations and, second, the lower overall dose rates for 131 I exposure. We suggest that it is helpful to split the overall correction factor into its component parts-radiation quality and radiation dose rate-and consider them separately, in that a good deal is known separately about each. There is good radiobiological evidence that electrons emitted in 131 I decays are less biologically effective than kilovoltage x rays, and the microdosimetric/radiobiological analyses described here suggest that the low-dose relative effectiveness is around 0.6 compared to kilovoltage x rays. Use of different endpoints suggests that this estimate is quite robust, and it agrees well with available animal data. Any correction factor for dose-rate effects is likely to be close to unity.
CORRELATION AMONG THREE PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES USED IN RESEARCH OF CAREGIVERS FOR PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

Su1nmary.-This study was conducted to assess whether three scales commonly used in psychological research of Alzheimer's disease caregivers-Caregiver Burden Interview, Life Sausfacuon Index-Z, and Geriatric Depression Scale-measure similar or Werent aspects of mental health. Responses from 244 nonprofessional caregivers were used to estimate Factor structure, intercorrelation, and independent variables associated with the three scales. Self-rated health was the only variable signiFicandy associated with scores on all three scales. Financial concern and number of weekly telephone calls were associated with total scores on the Sausfaction and Depression scales. Factor models of five, three, and six factors were Fitted For the Burden, Satisfacuon, and Depression scales, respectively. Correlations of factor scores and canonical variables among the scales did not yield strong associations between subsets of items. Although a few common aspects of caregiving ~duence scores of all three techniques, the facets of caregivers' psychology assessed by the three scales appear to be dderent.
C2-Symmetric Zirconium Bis(Amidate) Complexes with Enhanced Reactivity in Aminoalkene Hydroamination

Binaphthalenedicarboxamide zirconium complexes exhibit significantly enhanced catalytic activity in aminoalkene hydroamination reactions with respect to substrate scope (substrates without gem-dialkyl activation; cyclization of aminoheptenes), catalyst loading (as low as 0.5 mol %) and reaction temperatures (as low as 70 °C) compared to previous group 4 metal-based hydroamination catalyst systems.
Z-Selective olefin metathesis reactions promoted by tungsten oxo alkylidene complexes.

Addition of LiOHMT (OHMT = O-2,6-dimesitylphenoxide) to W(O)(CH-t-Bu)(PMe2Ph)2Cl2 led to WO(CH-t-Bu)Cl(OHMT)(PMe2Ph) (4). Subsequent addition of Li(2,5-Me2C4H2N) to 4 yielded yellow W(O)(CH-t-Bu)(OHMT)(Me2Pyr)(PMe2Ph) (5). Compound 5 is a highly effective catalyst for the Z-selective coupling of selected terminal olefins (at 0.2% loading) to give product in >75% yield with >99% Z configuration. Addition of 2 equiv of B(C6F5)3 to 5 afforded a catalyst activated at the oxo ligand by B(C6F5)3. 5·B(C6F5)3 is a highly active catalyst that produces thermodynamic products (∼20% Z).
The occurrence of an unusual tubular organelle in surface epithelial cells of the mouse ascending colon after injection of diazo-oxo-norleucine

Tubular structures were observed in surface epithelial cells of mice that had been injected with high dosages of diazo-oxo-norleucine (DON), a glutamine antagonist. The tubules often occurred in bundles which contained a variable number of tubules, often as many as one hundren being present. Within the bundles, the tubules were oriented either randomly or parallel to one another. They measured 25 to 35 nm in diameter with angular or circular profiles and were as long as 1 to 2 micron. In the center of each tubule, a smaller tubule-like component was evident that measured 5 to 7 nm in diameter. With the exception of endoplasmic reticulum, often with attached ribosomes, organelles were excluded from the bundles. Since the tubules and the endoplasmic reticulum occasionally were observed to be continuous, it is suggested that the tubules may originate from this organelle.
Luminorefrigeration Of NaCs

We will report on an optical pumping method designed to transfer ultracold polar NaCs molecules from an initial distribution of deeply bound molecules in the X1?+ to enhance the ?=0 population.
Detection of nanogram explosive particles with a MEMS sensor

MEMS technology was used to fabricate arrays of sensor for detecting the explosive micro particulate residue found in mine fields. MEMS devices were fabricated by a surface micromachining process provided by MCNC. The sensor consists of a bimorph structure of polysilicon/gold cantilevers. An optical detection system was designed to detect the deflection of the cantilevers. The sensors were heated by either radiation or conduction using an UV lamp and a small heater under the sensor chip respectively. The deflection of the cantilevers with increasing temperature is presented. Experiments have been performed to detect the response of the cantilevers in the presence of an explosive particle. The cantilevers show a response due to the presence due to the presence of nanograms of TNT and RDX in the vicinity of the cantilevers. Currently it is understood that the response shown by the cantilevers is due to the vaporization of the micro particles, which pulls significant heat out of the temperature sensitive beams causing detectable beam motion. The chemical selectivity of the sensor is provided by the unique melting temperatures of TNT and RDX.
Making the Journey Toward Cultural Competence With Poetry

This article describes an innovative pedagogy for developing culturally responsive dispositions: having teacher candidates write poems exploring their developing knowledge of themselves and urban students. While promising, the poems highlighted that teacher candidates may ignore racial identity, rely on heroic narratives, and make too-easy connections with their urban students.
Therapeutic apheresis before and after kidney transplantation

Kidney transplantation is considered the treatment of choice for most individuals with end-stage kidney disease, as well as the most cost-effective renal replacement therapy for the health care system that serves them. Immunologic sensitization, defined by the presence of antibodies directed against foreign HLA (or so called, donor specific antibodies, or DSA), is a significant barrier to kidney transplantation. Further, the presence of DSA is associated with an increase in the incidence of antibody-mediated rejection and decreased graft survival following transplantation. Therapeutic plasma exchange, an extracorporeal therapy directed at removing plasma proteins, including DSA, has proven to be an important part of a comprehensive strategy to minimize the effect of sensitization before, and following kidney transplantation. As such, it offers the promise of increasing access to transplantation, as well as improving outcomes following transplantation. In this concise narrative review, we describe more specifically the benefits of kidney transplantation, the epidemiology of kidney transplantation in the United States, the clinical significance of anti-HLA antibodies, and the evidence supporting a role for therapeutic plasma exchange before and after kidney transplantation.
Ultrastructural studies in late-onset amauroticidiocy: Lymphocyte inclusions as a diagnostic marker**

Light and electron microscopic studies have been carried out on brain and white bloodcells from a patient with juvenile amaurotic idiocy. A variety of lipid inclusions, including both “multilamellar cytosomes” and “fingerprint” inclusions, were present in the brain, suggesting that these 2 morphologic types of inclusions may not always define separate metabolic disorders. In the lymphocytes, ultrastructurally striking lamellar cytoplasmic inclusions were found. Such inclusions have not previously been described in this disorder. The demonstration of these inclusions by electron microscopy may prove to be a distinctive and relatively simple diagnostic marker of the disease, or at least of the “type” of late-onset amaurotic idiocy present in this patient.
“Differences in Degree, Differences in Kind: Characterizing Lung Injury in Trauma”

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury following trauma remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Although multiple trauma studies have used hypoxemia without radiographic adjudication as a surrogate for identifying adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) cases, the differences between patients with hypoxemia alone and those with radiographically confirmed ARDS are not well described in the literature. We hypothesized that nonhypoxemic, hypoxemic, and ARDS patients represent distinct groups with unique characteristics and predictors. METHODS: Laboratory, demographic, clinical, and outcomes data were prospectively collected from 621 intubated, critically injured patients at an urban Level 1 trauma center from 2005 to 2013. Hypoxemia was defined as PaO2/FIO2 ratio of 300 or lower. ARDS was adjudicated using Berlin criteria, with blinded two-physician consensus review of chest radiographs. Group comparisons were performed by hypoxemia and ARDS status. Logistic regression analyses were performed to separately assess predictors of hypoxemia and ARDS. RESULTS: Of the 621 intubated patients, 64% developed hypoxemia; 46% of these hypoxemic patients developed ARDS by chest radiograph. Across the three groups (no hypoxemia, hypoxemia, ARDS), there were no significant differences in age, sex, or comorbidities. However, there was an increase in severity of shock, injury, and chest injury by group, with corresponding trends in transfusion requirements and volume of early fluid administration. Outcomes followed a similar stepwise pattern, with pneumonia, multiorgan failure, length of intensive care unit stay, number of ventilator days, and overall mortality highest in ARDS patients. In multiple logistic regression, early plasma transfusion, delayed crystalloid administration, body mass index, and head and chest injury were independent predictors of hypoxemia, while head and chest injury, early crystalloid infusion, and delayed platelet transfusion were independent predictors of ARDS. CONCLUSION: Hypoxemia and ARDS exist on a spectrum of respiratory dysfunction following trauma, with increasing injury severity profiles and resuscitation requirements. However, they also represent distinct clinical states with unique predictors, which require directed research approaches and targeted therapeutic strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and epidemiologic study, level III. Language: en
Biotechnology and the utilitarian argument for patents.

Biotechnology surpasses even computer technology in predictions of its potential for revolutionary effects on humankind. It includes agribusiness (genetically engineered plants, animals, hormones, etc.) and phar-maceuticals (diagnostics, genetic therapies, etc.). The U.S. government began investing heavily in biotechnology research in the 1980s, and by 1987 had spent approximately 10 billion spent since the industry began in the late 1970s.
Pharmacodynamic Aspects of Spaceflight

Little is known at present about the effects of human exposure to microgravity on the pharmacodynamics of medicinal agents. Considering the known physiologic perturbations associated with spaceflight and the effects of some of these perturbations on the pharmacodynamics of certain medicinals that act on the central nervous system, it is likely that the pharmacodynamics of at least some of these agents will be altered in individuals who are subjected to microgravity and other conditions of spaceflight. It is timely to initiate formal studies, initially in ground-based animal models and human volunteers during prolonged, head-down bed rest and eventually in animals and human volunteers exposed to microgravity, of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics during spaceflight.
A Multiple-Objective Analysis of Sensor Placement Optimization in Water Networks

Terrorism concerns have recently led to increased interest in the potential use of sensors to detect malicious attacks on municipal water systems. A key deployment issue is identifying where the sensors should be placed in order to maximize the level of protection. Researchers have proposed several algorithms for constructing such sensor placements, each optimizing with respect to a different design objective. The use of disparate objectives raises several questions, in particular (1) What is the relationship between optimal placements obtained under different design objectives? and (2) Is there any risk in focusing on speci?c design objectives? To answer these questions, we develop mixed-integer linear programming models for the sensor placement problem over a range of design objectives. Using two real-world water systems, we show that optimal solutions with respect to one design objective are typically highly sub-optimal with respect to other design objectives. The implication is that robust algorithms for the sensor placement problem must carefully and simultaneously consider multiple, disparate design objectives.
Reduction of residual stress in montmorillonite/epoxy compounds

An epoxy resin was cured while in intimate contact with small amounts of epoxyphilic montmorillonites. It was determined that cured epoxy exists within the montmorillonite interlayer by the observation of very high interlayer spacings, even greater than 8 nm, Generally, epoxy compounds containing montmorillonites that had been swollen in the curing agent prior to curing exhibited larger interlayer spacings, especially among the non-dispersed montmorillonite layers. The maximum observed residual stress was reduced by greater than 50% in the epoxyphilic montmorillonite/epoxy compounds over that of the pure epoxy. The epoxyphilic montmorillonite/epoxy compounds generally exhibited higher values of glass transition temperature, flexural modulus, and ultimate flexural strength than the pure epoxy. The tyramine-montmorillonite compounds typically had the highest values overall.
Effects of Photoperiod on Growth Rate and Endogenous Gibberellins in the Long-Day Rosette Plant Spinach

The earliest visible responses of spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea L., cv. Savoy Hybrid 612) transferred from short to long days (8 hours of high intensity light supplemented with 16 hours of low intensity illumination from incandescent lamps) were upright leaf orientation and increased elongation of the petioles. The effect of long days on growth rate was direct; i.e., there was no after-effect if the plants were transferred to short days. Gibberellin A(3) applied to plants under short days had an effect similar to that of long days, whereas application of the growth retardant AMO-1618 [2'-isopropyl-4'-(trimethylammonium chloride)-5'-methylphenyl piperidinel-carboxylate] under long days caused a growth habit typical of short-day conditions. Gibberellin A(3) caused more stem growth in plants under long days in which the endogenous gibberellin content had been reduced by AMO-1618 than in plants under short days not treated with the growth retardant.Three gibberellin-like substances, called I, II, and III in order of increasing R(F) value, were present in acidic extracts of spinach under short days. After transfer to long days, II increased, whereas I and III decreased, the latter below the level of detection in the d5 corn assay. Following application of AMO-1618 the gibberellin content of plants under long days fell off more rapidly than in those under short days, indicating that gibberellin turnover was markedly higher under long days. This increased rate of gibberellin metabolism was established after 2 long days. When plants were returned to short days, the turnover of gibberellins declined. It is suggested that a higher rate of gibberellin biosynthesis combined with increased sensitivity to gibberellin is responsible for the observed growth responses in spinach under long days.
Direct B cell stimulation by dendritic cells in a mouse model of lupus.

Objective Dendritic cells (DCs) play a major role in regulating lymphocytes, including B cells, and defective DC functions have been implicated in lupus. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of DCs to B cell hyperactivity in the B6.Sle1.Sle2.Sle3 (B6.TC) murine lupus model. Methods We compared the effects of B6 and B6.TC bone marrow–derived DCs on naive B cells cocultured in the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), anti-CD40, or anti-IgM. We measured the proliferation, antibody production, and expression of activation markers and chemokine receptors for the B cells, as well as DC cytokine production. B cell proliferation was also assessed in Transwell experiments and in response to activated DC supernatants or exosomes. The role of DC-produced cytokines was evaluated with blocking antibodies and transgenic mice. Results LPS-stimulated or anti-CD40–stimulated DCs from B6.TC mice increased B cell proliferation, antibody production, and chemokine receptor expression as compared with DCs from B6 mice. Cell-to-cell contact was not necessary for the augmented effect of the lupus-prone DCs. Anti-CD40 treatment induced a higher production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α in B6.TC DCs. Blocking these individual cytokines, however, did not abrogate the effects of B6.TC DCs. Additional experiments also ruled out involvement of BAFF, IL-12, and interferon-α. Conclusion Activated DCs from B6.TC mice directly increase B cell effector functions. This effect depends on soluble factors released by activated DCs, but none of the single major DC-produced cytokines known to affect B cells are necessary. Increased sIL-6R production suggests that increased sensitivity to IL-6 may be involved.
Simultaneous atom transfer and nitroxide mediated controlled free radical polymerization of styrene

Equimolar mixtures of NMRP and ATRP initiators lead to polystyrene that is unimodal by GPC; the mechanism of action most consistent with the data suggests that under the reaction conditions, TEMPO and Cl end groups scramble rapidly relative to the propagation rate, and result in a single type of polymer chain.
From fiddle factors to networks of collusion: Charting the waters of small business crime

Small business crime has been largely ignored in American criminology; studies of “nontraditional” crime have focused mainly on corporate crime or on the misdeeds of employees pursuing personal gain. This paper calls for criminologists to redirect their efforts toward the systematic study of small business crime. In particular, it advocates in-depth qualitative studies that explore small business culture and opportunity structures, and that examine the networks of collusion that subvert the legitimate economy. The paper concludes with illustrations from an “own story” currently being shared with the author by a small businessman who participated for five years in an urban crime network that infiltrated the redistributive economy.
Advances in infant nutrition over the past quarter century.

(1989). Advances in Infant Nutrition over the Past Quarter Century. Journal of the American College of Nutrition: Vol. 8, No. sup1, pp. 22S-32S.
Exposure to critical thermal maxima increases oxidative stress in hearts of white- but not red-blooded Antarctic notothenioid fishes.

SUMMARY Antarctic icefishes have a significantly lower critical thermal maximum (CT max ) compared with most red-blooded notothenioid fishes. We hypothesized that the lower thermal tolerance of icefishes compared with red-blooded notothenioids may stem from a greater vulnerability to oxidative stress as temperature increases. Oxidative muscles of icefishes have high volume densities of mitochondria, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, icefishes have lower levels of antioxidants compared with red-blooded species. To test our hypothesis, we measured levels of oxidized proteins and lipids, and transcript levels and maximal activities of antioxidants in heart ventricle and oxidative pectoral adductor muscle of icefishes and red-blooded notothenioids held at 0°C and exposed to their CT max . Levels of oxidized proteins and lipids increased in heart ventricle of some icefishes but not in red-blooded species in response to warming, and not in pectoral adductor muscle of any species. Thus, increases in oxidative damage in heart ventricles may contribute to the reduced thermal tolerance of icefishes. Despite an increase in oxidative damage in hearts of icefishes, neither transcript levels nor activities of antioxidants increased, nor did they increase in any tissue of any species in response to exposure to CT max . Rather, transcript levels of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased in hearts of icefishes and the activity of SOD decreased in hearts of the red-blooded species Gobionotothen gibberifrons . These data suggest that notothenioids may have lost the ability to elevate levels of antioxidants in response to heat stress.
From Kundun to Mulan: A Political Economic Case Study of Disney and China

This case study examines the Walt Disney Company’s foray in the Chinese market from a political economic perspective. It focuses on two film-related events: 1) the Kundun incident in 1996 that displays the ideological confrontation between Disney and China in the post-Cold War era, and 2) the production of Mulan in 1998 as both a political compromise and a strategic marketing decision for Disney to regain the Chinese market. The conflicts and negotiations between Disney and China provide a telling example to study the local operation of global capitalism, especially in terms of its interaction with the state. While many believe that the advent of globalization will open more free markets for fair competition, this study reveals how government policy intervenes in the global entertainment industry, and sheds light on the political and economic struggles behind the silver screen.
Life-Cycle Assessment of Electric Power Systems

The application of life-cycle assessment (LCA) to electric power (EP) technologies is a vibrant research pursuit that is likely to continue as the world seeks ways to meet growing electricity demand with reduced environmental and human health impacts. Although LCA is an evolving methodology with a number of barriers and challenges to its effective use, LCA studies to date have improved our understanding of the life-cycle energy, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutant emissions, and water-use implications of EP technologies. With continued progress, LCA offers promise for assessing and comparing EP technologies in an analytically thorough and environmentally holistic manner for more robust deployment decisions. This article summarizes (a) current challenges in applying LCA to EP technologies, (b) LCA results to date on various impacts of EP technologies, and (c) opportunities for improving LCAs of EP technologies.
Binding of Shp2 Tyrosine Phosphatase to FRS2 Is Essential for Fibroblast Growth Factor-Induced PC12 Cell Differentiation

FRS2 is a lipid-anchored docking protein that plays an important role in linking fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and nerve growth factor receptors with the Ras/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway. In this report, we demonstrate that FRS2 forms a complex with the N-terminal SH2 domain of the protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 in response to FGF stimulation. FGF stimulation induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Shp2, leading to the formation of a complex containing Grb2 and Sos1 molecules. In addition, a mutant FRS2 deficient in both Grb2 and Shp2 binding induces a weak and transient MAP kinase response and fails to induce PC12 cell differentiation in response to FGF stimulation. Furthermore, FGF is unable to induce differentiation of PC12 cells expressing an FRS2 point mutant deficient in Shp2 binding. Finally, we demonstrate that the catalytic activity of Shp2 is essential for sustained activation of MAP kinase and for potentiation of FGF-induced PC12 cell differentiation. These experiments demonstrate that FRS2 recruits Grb2 molecules both directly and indirectly via complex formation with Shp2 and that Shp2 plays an important role in FGF-induced PC12 cell differentiation.
Sex-specific quantitative trait loci govern susceptibility to Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelination

Susceptibility to Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelination (TMEVD), a mouse model for multiple sclerosis (MS), is genetically controlled. Through a mouse-human comparative mapping approach, identification of candidate susceptibility loci for MS based on the location of TMEVD susceptibility loci may be possible. Composite interval mapping (CIM) identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling TMEVD severity in male and female backcross populations derived from susceptible DBA/2J and resistant BALBc/ByJ mice. We report QTL on chromosomes 1, 5, 15, and 16 affecting male mice. In addition, we identified two QTL in female mice located on chromosome 1. Our results support the existence of three linked sex-specific QTL on chromosome 1 with opposing effects on the severity of the clinical signs of TMEV-induced disease in male and female mice.
A predictive mathematical model of the DNA damage G2 checkpoint

A predictive mathematical model of the transition from the G2 phase in the cell cycle to mitosis (M) was constructed from the known interactions of the proteins that are thought to play significant roles in the G2 to M transition as well as the DNA damage- induced G2 checkpoint. The model simulates the accumulation of active cyclin B1/Cdk1 (MPF) complexes in the nucleus to activate mitosis, the inhibition of this process by DNA damage, and transport of component proteins between cytoplasm and nucleus. Interactions in the model are based on activities of individual phospho-epitopes and binding sites of proteins involved in G2/M. Because tracking phosphoforms leads to combinatorial explosion, we employ a rule-based approach using the BioNetGen software. The model was used to determine the effects of depletion or over-expression of selected proteins involved in the regulation of the G2 to M transition in the presence and absence of DNA damage. Depletion of Plk1 delayed mitotic entry and recovery from the DNA damage-induced G2 arrest and over-expression of MPF attenuated the DNA damage-induced G2 delay. The model recapitulates the G2 delay observed in the biological response to varying levels of a DNA damage signal. The model produced the novel prediction that depletion of pkMyt1 results in an abnormal biological state in which G2 cells with DNA damage accumulate inactive nuclear MPF. Such a detailed model may prove useful for predicting DNA damage G2 checkpoint function in cancer and, therefore, sensitivity to cancer therapy.
Quasi-static scheduling for safe futures

Migrating sequential programs to effectively utilize next generation multicore architectures is a key challenge facing application developers and implementors. Languages like Java that support complex control- and dataflow abstractions confound classical automatic parallelization techniques. On the other hand, introducing multithreading and concurrency control explicitly into programs can impose a high conceptual burden on the programmer, and may entail a significant rewrite of the original program.In this paper, we consider a new technique to address this issue. Our approach makes use of futures, a simple annotation that introduces asynchronous concurrency into Java programs, but provides no concurrency control. To ensure concurrent execution does not yield behavior inconsistent with sequential execution (i.e., execution yielded by erasing all futures), we present a new interprocedural summary-based dataflow analysis. The analysis inserts lightweight barriers that block and resume threads executing futures if a dependency violation may ensue. There are no constraints on how threads execute other than those imposed by these barriers.Our experimental results indicate futures can be leveraged to transparently ensure safety and profitably exploit parallelism; in contrast to earlier efforts, our technique is completely portable, and requires no modifications to the underlying JVM.
Topography of the lunar south polar region: Implications for the size and location of permanently shaded areas

We analyze Clementine altimetry to constrain the size and location of proposed permanently shadowed regions in the vicinity of the lunar south pole. Long and short wavelength topography in the vicinity of the pole, in combination with measurements of depths of well-preserved craters and basins and the lunar topographic power spectrum, have direct bearing on the nature of elevations in the south polar region. A criterion based on geometric considerations and altimetry demonstrates that the existence of permanent shadowing is not very sensitive to the elevation of the south pole. In addition, permanent shadowing cannot be a consequence of large structures such as the South Pole-Aitken Basin and/or a 300-km degraded polar basin. Perennially dark regions, if they exist, are most likely associated with craters or other axisymmetric features with diameters of at most 80 km centered at the pole. For structures displaced 2° from the pole the maximum allowable diameter decreases to ∼30 km.