cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Peripheral Neuropathy Associated with Fluoroquinolones

OBJECTIVE:To survey cases of fluoroquinolone-associated adverse events that included peripheral nervous system (PNS) symptoms posted on Internet Web sites.METHODS:Cases were obtained with the assistance of members of Web sites formed by people sustaining fluoroquinolone-related events. Information obtained met the standards of MedWatch, and each reported case was assessed using the Naranjo probability scale.RESULTS:In contrast to previous reports suggesting that fluoroquinolone-associated PNS events are mild and short-term, 36 of the 45 cases reported severe events that typically involved multiple organ systems. Although many newer cases are still evolving, symptoms had lasted more than three months in 71% of cases and more than one year in 58%. Onset of adverse events was usually rapid, with 15 (33%) events beginning within 24 hours of initiating treatment, 26 (58%) within 72 hours, and 38 (84%) within one week. Sixty courses of fluoroquinolones were prescribed: levofloxacin (n = 33 cases), ciprofloxacin...
“I Know What a Slave Knows”: Mary Prince's Epistemology of Resistance

It has been established that female slaves were engaged in acts of resistance. 1 For many it can also be shown that these acts emerged from a pluralized consciousness that deployed their resistance...
A unified yield model incorporating both defect and parametric effects

A new approach to modeling yield is presented, which inherently includes both the effects of the conventional defect contributors and the parametric yield loss contributors often treated separately in existing yield models. These parametric yield losses are particularly important during the startup yield-improvement phase of new technology introduction, in many performance-sensitive products such as analog devices and high-speed digital devices, and in analyses of bin-split yields. By assuming a distribution in the size of defects, from point defects up to defects as large as or larger than a wafer, the parametric yield contributors can be viewed as simply rather large, design-dependent defects, which will render IC's unacceptable if any portion of the large defect overlaps the defect-sensitive area of a chip. In this way, the conventional Poisson model, or various extensions of the well-known Murphy model, can be augmented in a straightforward and general way to include parametric yield loss. It is shown that parametric yield losses introduce an additional die size dependence for yield that can help to account for the observed dependence of yield on die area. The model is compared to other models and to experimental yield data to illustrate both its utility in separating yield contributors and its close agreement with experimental yield data.
Translation of vph mRNA in Streptomyces lividans and Escherichia coli after removal of the 5′ untranslated leader

The Streptomyces vinaceus viomycin phosphotransferase (vph) mRNA contains an untranslated leader with a conventional Shine-Dalgarno homology. The vph leader was removed by ligation of the vph coding sequence to the transcriptional start site of a Streptomyces or an Escherichia coli promoter, such that transcription would initiate at the first position of the vph start codon. Analysis of mRNA demonstrated that transcription initiated primarily at the A of the vph AUG translational start codon in both Streptomyces lividans and E. coli; cells expressing the unleadered vph mRNA were resistant to viomycin indicating that the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, or other features contained within the leader, was not necessary for vph translation. Addition of four nucleotides (5'-AUGC-3') onto the 5' end of the unleadered vph mRNA resulted in translation initiation from the vph start codon and the AUG triplet contained within the added sequence. Translational fusions of vph sequence to a Tn5 neo reporter gene indicated that the first 16 codons of vph coding sequence were sufficient to specify the translational start site and reading frame for expression of neomycin resistance in both E. coli and S. lividans.
Nonsuicidal Self-Injury as a Gateway to Suicide in Young Adults

Purpose: To investigate the extent to which nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) contributes to later suicide thoughts and behaviors (STB) independent of shared risk factors. Methods: One thousand four hundred and sixty-six students at five U.S. colleges participated in a longitudinal study of the relationship between NSSI and suicide. NSSI, suicide history, and common risk/protective factors were assessed annually for three years. Analyses tested the hypotheses that the practice of NSSI prior to STB and suicide behavior (excluding ideation) reduced inhibition to later STB independent of shared risk factors. Analyses also examined factors that predicted subsequent STB among individuals with NSSI history. Results: History of NSSI did significantly predict concurrent or later STB (AOR 2.8, 95%, CI 1.9e4.1) independent of covariates common to both. Among those with prior or concurrent NSSI, risk of STB is predicted by > 20 lifetime NSSI incidents (AOR 3.8, 95% CI,1.4e10.3) and history of mental health treatment (AOR 2.2, 95% CI, 1.9e4.6). Risk of moving from NSSI to STB is decreased by presence of meaning in life (AOR .6, 95% CI, .5e.7) and reporting parents as confidants (AOR, .3, 95% CI, .1e.9). Conclusions: NSSI prior to suicide behavior serves as a “gateway” behavior for suicide and may reduce inhibition through habituation to self-injury. Treatments focusing on enhancing perceived meaning in life and building positive relationships with others, particularly parents, may be particularly effective in reducing suicide risk among youth with a history of NSSI.
Perspectives of the Si3N4-TiN ceramic composite as a biomaterial and manufacturing of complex-shaped implantable devices by electrical discharge machining (EDM)

Purpose: In this work we investigated the suitability of electroconductive silicon nitride/titanium nitride com- posite for biomedical implantable devices with particular attention on the processing route that allows the net-shaping of complex components by electrical discharge machining (EDM). Methods: The composite, constituted mainly of a β-Si 3 N 4 , dispersed TiN grains and a glassy grain boundary phase, exhibited a low density and high hardness, strength and toughness. Bulk, surface characteristics and properties of the Si 3 N 4 -TiN com- posite were analyzed. After the EDM process, the microstructure of the machined surface was examined. Results and Conclusions: The obtained results showed that the Si 3 N 4 -TiN ceramic composite together with the EDM manu- facturing process might potentially play a key role in implantable load-bearing prosthesis applications. (Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Biomechanics 2010; 8: 28-32)
A Study of an Oregon Sea Breeze Event

Abstract A series of meteorological observations including aircraft, pilot balloon (pibal), rawinsonde, surface buoy, and special land-based surface observations was taken on 23–24 August 1972, on the central Oregon coast, to investigate the mesoscale thermal and kinematic responses of the lowest 4 km of the atmosphere during a sea breeze event. A description of those field observations is given. Vertical cross sections of the wind field on a line perpendicular to the coast, extending 60 km inland from data obtained at three pibal stations, are presented and discussed. Time sections of the wind field and temperature fields at the coast are discussed. Mesoscale features are presented and related to prevailing synoptic-scale changes occurring aloft during the observational period. The sea breeze event on 23 August exhibited the following important characteristics: 1) a sea breeze front, distinguishable in the zonal wind field, which penetrated more than 60 km inland; 2) a distinct wind maximum which followe...
The Relationship Between Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase Concentration and Photosynthesis

Ribulose 1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RuBPCase) has a central role in the C and N economy of many crop plants. In C3 plants, RuBPCase catalyzes the primary rate-limiting step in CO2 fixation (Jensen and Bahr, 1977; Bahr and Steffens, this volume). RuBPCase also functions as a storage protein and is rapidly degraded during leaf senescence (Friedrich and Huffaker, 1980; Wittenbach et al., 1980). The catalytic properties of RuBPCase and other Calvin-cycle enzymes have been thoroughly reviewed (Jensen and Bahr, 1977; Bahr and Steffens, this volume; Buchanan, this volume). Likewise, the regulation of RuBPCase degradation has been discussed (Huffaker and Miller, 1978; Miller and Huffaker, this volume; Thomas and Stoddart, 1980). Therefore, this article will focus mainly on the role of RuBPCase as a storage protein and on the relationship between RuBPCase concentration and photosynthesis.
Recent Advances in First‐Row‐Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Cou­pling of C(sp3)–H Bonds

Transition-metal-catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling is a highly efficient tool for functionalization of C(sp3)–H bonds. In particular, the inexpensive first-row transition metals have been demonstrated as effective catalysts in this process. This microreview summarizes recent progress in two classes of first-row-transition-metal-catalyzed dehydrogenative reactions: intramolecular cyclization for C–C bond formation, and directed site-selective C–H functionalization. These transformations provide concise and practical approaches for preparation of various organic compounds, but so far they are underdeveloped.
Health Behavior Interventions with Families

Families are an important social environment within which health-related behaviors occur (Tinsley, 1992). This is particularly true for food-related behaviors. Foods are often purchased, prepared, and consumed in the presence of family members. A fast food restaurant is often selected by family decision, and foods are often selected in the presence of other family members. Some parents use foods as rewards for children’s good behaviors. Some couples use a favorite restaurant as a setting for anniversaries and other special occasions. Some characteristics of the family serve to maintain the existing behavior (Neill, Marshall, & Yale, 1978), while other characteristics can be latent forces for change. If health professionals attempt to change an individual’s behavior without being informed about the various family influences, the attempt will likely run into many impediments, and thereby fail.
Local modernization and crime

This paper examines the impact of industrialization and urbanization on criminal behavior in Middletown during the period between 1845 and 1910. It was this period which demonstrated the most rapid growth and change in the community and which turned Middletown from a pioneer settlement to a modest industrial city. The authors test five hypotheses relating to the relationship of the modermization process to changes in the rates of crime. Data for this study were drawn from official records of the county and city courts with criminal jurisdiction.
Environmental Hygiene and Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background According to the hygiene hypothesis, individuals raised in a sanitary environment have a higher risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, results have been inconsistent. We conducted this systematic review of factors related to environmental hygiene and risk of IBD, Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods A systematic search was performed on MEDLINE between 1980 and 2015 to identify studies of the association between IBD and contact with pets and farm animals, number of siblings, bedroom sharing in childhood, and access to personal toilet and hot water. Random- or fixed-effect meta-analyses were performed, and analysis further stratified based on ethnicity of the included cohort. Results A total of 29 relevant studies were included. Having a pet (odds ratio [OR], 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-0.88) and contact with farm animals was inversely associated with risk of IBD (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31-0.60). However, the strength of association with farm animals was statistically stronger in non-white cohorts (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.02-0.53) than in white cohorts (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45-0.65) (P = 0.028). Access to toilet (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56-0.85) and hot water (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.44-0.89) was inversely associated with UC in non-white populations but not whites. Having more than 2 siblings was inversely associated with risk of CD. Conclusions Several factors pertaining to reduced environmental hygiene are inversely associated with risk of IBD. However, underlying ethnicity influences susceptibility to the effect of these factors.
Analysis of aetiological surveillance of influenza-like cases in epidemic seasons in Shenyang from 2005 to 2009

Objective:To analyze epidemic characteristic of influenza virus and its dominant strains.Methods:Throat swab samples of influenza-like cases were collected from sentinel hospitals in winter-to-spring epidemic seasons from 2005 to 2009,and influenza virus were isolated by MDCK cells,and its existence was proved by cytopathic effect(CPE) and hem agglutination(HA) tests,and positive strains were identified and typed by hem agglutination inhibition(HI) and real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results:783 throat swab samples were totally collected during 4 surveillance cycles from 2005~2009,161 influenza virus strains were isolated from them with total isolation rate 20.6%.Among these strains,there were 62 A1(H1N1) subtype(38.5%),71 A3(H3N2) subtype(44.1%),28 B(Yamagata series and Victoria series)(17.4%).The isolation rate of 3 subtypes was the highest in 5~ and 15~ age groups(34.9%,31.7%),but in 0~ age group,the proportion of A3 subtype was the highest(46.5%).The winter peak of influenza epidemic in Shenyang occurred from November to January in the next year.Conclusion:In recent years,there coexisted epidemic of 3 subtypes of influenza virus strains and there were dominant strains each year significantly.The dominant strain of this surveillance cycle were inhibited or replaced by other subtypes.A3(H3N2) and SWH1N1 subtypes should be paid attention to during the surveillance cycle from 2009 to 2010,and surveillance in school should be strengthened to find new variant strains of influenza virus in time.
A Review of: “Orit Kamir. Framed: Women in Law and Film”

Starting from the premise that “law and film are two of contemporary society's dominant discourses . . . through which society narrates and creates itself,” Orit Kamir initiates a thorough investig...
Natural Intraseasonal and Interannual Variability

The coupled atmosphere–ocean system produces a significant amount of variability on a range of time scales from daily to interannual, purely from internal dynamics without external forcing. It is difficult sometimes to separate this variability from longer-term change, but it is also true that the first signs of climate change may be shifts in the occurrence of the naturally occurring modes of variability. Natural modes of variability of the atmosphere and the coupled ocean–atmosphere system that can be observed with instrumental records are described in this chapter.
S100b PROTEIN: CALCIUM-BINDING PROPERTIES AND CA 2+ -DEPENDENT INTERACTIONS WITH THE MICROTUBULE ASSOCIATED TAU PROTEINS: S100b REGULATES TAU PHOSPHORYLATION BY PROTEIN KINASE C

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the S100b calcium-binding properties and Ca2+-dependent interactions with the microtubule associated with tau proteins. The S100b protein is mainly located in the cytosol of glial cells and might be secreted from glial cells. A neurite extension factor that corresponds to a disulfide form of S100b has been purified from chicken embryo cerebral cortical neurons. The Ca2+-binding properties of S100 are surveyed and Ca2+ dependent interactions of S100b with the neuronal microtubule associated tau proteins are demonstrated. The S100b protein, like calmodulin, induces total disassembly of microtubules at mM Ca2+ concentrations and does so with even higher efficiency than calmodulin does. It is demonstrated that purified tubulin did not bind to S100-Sepharose columns whether or not Ca 2+ was present, suggesting that S100 protein might bind to microtubule components other than tubulin. An S100b-Sepharose column was first equilibrated with 50 mM Tris, 100 mM NaCI, 0.5 mM CaCl2, buffer pH 7.3. Complex formation of tau with Sb was confirmed when it was discovered that S100b inhibited the calcium/ phospholipid-dependent phosphorylation of tau proteins by protein kinase C by interacting with the substrate rather than with the kinase.
Does water kill? A call for less casual causal inferences

"Can this number be interpreted as a causal effect?" is a key question for scientists and decision makers. The potential outcomes approach, a quantitative counterfactual theory, describes conditions under which the question can be answered affirmatively. This article reviews one of those conditions, known as consistency, and its implications for real world decisions.
Pharmacists’ Provision of Contraception: Established and Emerging Roles

Pharmacists’ roles in provision of family planning products is expanding in the United States (U.S.). This article details established as well as emerging roles for U.S. pharmacists in the provision of contraception. These include helping patients develop reproductive life plans; dispensing prescription contraceptive products and counseling patients; assisting and educating patients with non-prescription contraceptive products, including emergency contraception; participating in collaborative practice agreements; administering contraception products; and making referrals and developing partnerships. The provision of contraception in the U.S. is dynamic, and pharmacists should continue to be aware of changes that will impact them professionally. As approximately 45% of pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended, through these roles pharmacists can impact an important public health priority. Conflict of Interest We declare no conflicts of interest or financial interests that the authors or members of their immediate families have in any product or service discussed in the manuscript, including grants (pending or received), employment, gifts, stock holdings or options, honoraria, consultancies, expert testimony, patents and royalties Type: Idea Paper
Species traits explaining sensitivity of snakes to human land use estimated from citizen science data

Understanding how traits affect species responses to threats like habitat loss may help prevent extinctions. This may be especially true for understudied taxa for which we have little data to identify declines before it is too late to intervene. We used a metric derived from citizen science data on snake occurrences to determine which traits were most correlated with species' sensitivity to human land use. We found that snake species that feed primarily on vertebrates, that use a high proportion of aquatic habitats, and that have small geographic ranges occurred in more natural and less human-dominated landscapes. In contrast, body size, clutch (or litter) size, the degree of exposure to human-dominated landscapes, reproductive mode, habitat specialization, and whether a species was venomous or not had less effect on their sensitivity to human land use. Our results extend previous findings that higher trophic position is correlated with extinction risk in many vertebrates by showing that snake species that feed primarily on vertebrates are more sensitive to human land use – a primary driver of extinction. It is likely that conversion of natural landscapes for human land use alters biotic communities, causing losses of important trophic groups, especially in aquatic and riparian communities. Practitioners should therefore prioritize preserving aquatic habitat and natural landscapes with intact biotic communities that can support species at higher trophic levels, as well as focus monitoring on populations of range-restricted species.
How to Lose a Constitutional Democracy

Is the United States at risk of democratic backsliding? And would the Constitution prevent such decay? To many, the 2016 election campaign may be the immediate catalyst for these questions. But it is structural changes to the socio-economic environment and geopolitical shifts that make the question a truly pressing one. This Article develops a taxonomy of different threats of democratic backsliding, the mechanisms whereby they unfold, and the comparative risk of each threat in the contemporary moment. By drawing on comparative law and politics experience, we demonstrate that there are two modal paths of democratic decay, which we call authoritarian reversion and constitutional retrogression. A reversion is a rapid and near-complete collapse of democratic institutions. Retrogression is a more subtle, incremental erosion that happens simultaneously to three institutional predicates of democracy: competitive elections; rights of political speech and association; and the administrative and adjudicative rule of law. Over the past quartercentury, we show that the risk of reversion has declined, while the risk of retrogression has spiked. The United States is not exceptional. We evaluate the danger of retrogression as clear and present, whereas we think reversion is much less likely. We further demonstrate that the constitutional safeguards against retrogression are weak. The near-term prospects of constitutional liberal democracy hence depend less on our institutions than on the qualities of political leadership and popular resistance.
Modulation of the rat micturition reflex with transcutaneous ultrasound

INTRODUCTION Low intensity focused ultrasound has recently been identified as a novel method of stimulating targeted neurons. We hypothesized that ultrasound stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve would inhibit bladder contractions in an established rat model of rhythmic bladder contractions. METHODS Cyclical detrusor contractions were initiated by placing a transurethral catheter in female rats and infusing saline into the bladder. Transcutaneous ultrasound pulses were then delivered to the lower extremity of a rat (overlying the posterior tibial nerve) using a single element spherically focused 250 kHz transducer. Sixty-three cycles were repeated at 2 kHz for 300 ms at peak negative pressure of 900 kPa pulsed at 0.5 Hz. RESULTS We report successful suppression of bladder contractions using ultrasound stimulation in 10 animals. The average latency between the initiation of ultrasound and suppression of bladder contractions was 3 min 23 s (±51 s), the average time of contraction suppression was 13 min and 50 s (±2 min 25 s) and the average time from the end of ultrasound to return of contractions was 9 min 37 s (±2 min and 30 s). CONCLUSION In this work, we demonstrate the ability of targeted transcutaneous ultrasound to inhibit rhythmic bladder contractions in anesthetized rats. Due to its non-invasive nature and ease of application, we believe ultrasound mediated suppression of the micturition reflex is potentially an ideal outpatient treatment of overactive bladder and dysfunctional elimination.
High resolution, high linearity interpolating A/D converter

A method that will Improve the resolution and linearity of conventional A/D converters using digital signal processing techniques Is described. The method is based on "whitening" the autospectral density of the converter's quantization noise and then reducing this noise by digital filtering.
Amyloid β Deposition and Suspected Non-Alzheimer Pathophysiology and Cognitive Decline Patterns for 12 Years in Oldest Old Participants Without Dementia.

Importance The prevalence of pathologic conditions of the brain associated with Alzheimer disease increases strongly with age. Little is known about the distribution and clinical significance of preclinical biomarker staging in the oldest old, when most individuals without dementia are likely to have positive biomarkers. Objective To compare the patterns of long-term cognitive decline in multiple domains by preclinical biomarker status in the oldest old without dementia. Design, Setting, and Participants A longitudinal observational study with a mean (SD) of 12.2 (2.2) years (range 7.2-15.1 years) of follow-up was conducted in an academic medical center from August 24, 2000, to January 14, 2016, including and extending observations from the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study. A total of 197 adults who had completed the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study, were free of dementia, and were able to undergo magnetic resonance imaging were eligible for a neuroimaging study in 2009. Of these patients, 175 were included in the present analyses; 140 (80%) were cognitively normal and 35 (20%) had mild cognitive impairment. Main Outcomes and Measures Biomarker groups included amyloid β negative (Aβ − )/neurodegeneration negative (ND − ), amyloid β positive (Aβ + )/ND − , Aβ − /neurodegeneration positive (ND + ), and Aβ + /ND + based on Pittsburgh Compound B retention and hippocampal volume in 2009. Participants completed baseline neuropsychological testing from 2000 to 2002 and annual testing from 2004 to 2016. Domains included memory, executive function, language, visual-spatial reasoning, and attention and psychomotor speed. Slopes of decline were evaluated with linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, and years of education. Results Of the 175 participants (71 women and 104 men), at imaging, mean (SD) age was 86.0 (2.9) years (range, 82-95 years). A total of 42 participants (24.0%) were Aβ − /ND − , 32 (18.3%) were Aβ + /ND − , 35 (20.0%) were Aβ − /ND + , and 66 (37.7%) were Aβ + /ND + . On all cognitive measures, the Aβ + /ND + group showed the steepest decline. Compared with the Aβ − /ND − group, the amyloid deposition alone (Aβ + /ND − ) group showed faster decline on tests of verbal and visual memory (–0.3513; 95% CI, –0.5269 to –0.1756), executive function (0.0158; 95% CI, 0.0013-0.0303), and language (–0.1934; 95% CI, –0.3520 to –0.0348). The Aβ − /ND+ group showed faster visual memory decline than the Aβ − /ND − reference group (–0.3007; 95% CI, –0.4736 to –0.1279). Conclusions and Relevance In the oldest old without dementia, presence of either or both Aβ and hippocampal atrophy is typical (>75%). Isolated hippocampal volume atrophy is associated only with greater decline in memory. However, isolated Aβ is associated with decline in memory plus language and executive functions. These findings suggest different underlying pathophysiologic processes in the Aβ + /ND − and Aβ − /ND + groups.
Characterization of Water Self-Diffusion in Human Stratum Corneum

Abstract The stratum corneum (SC) is the outermost layer of human skin and primary barrier to water loss and chemical exposure. It consists of keratin-filled corneocytes of large aspect ratio surrounded by a thin matrix of highly organized lipophilic molecules. In the presence of water, the corneocytes swell and permeability for many chemicals increases. The role of hydration and SC structure on water self-diffusion was investigated using the pulsed-gradient stimulated echo nuclear magnetic resonance technique. Proton ( 1 H) self-diffusion, associated with water inside the corneocytes, was determined in human SC as a function of hydration, with and without lipid extraction, at 20°C to 40°C. SC layers were oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the field-gradient direction. Self-diffusion in the direction parallel to the long dimension of the corneocytes is unaffected by lipid extraction and consistent with a free-volume diffusion model. The effect of temperature corresponds with the activation energy of water in wool. Self-diffusion perpendicular to the long dimension of the corneocytes was less dependent on hydration and smaller than in the parallel direction, except at low hydration, when diffusion is insensitive to orientation. Corneocyte diffusion predicted by 2 microscopic SC models in common use are compared with our results.
Origin of Spin

Last August, Alan Krisch invited me to the symposium on High Energy Physics with Polarized Beams and Polarized Targets in Argonne National Laboratory to present a paper on my work concerning the structure of elementary particles and its relation to spin. Experiments by Krisch, et. al.,1 with polarized proton beams scattered from polarized targets pointed to a strong possibility that protons do have an inner structure with different interaction regions. Their experimental data provided a basic support for the significant role of spin-spin forces at high energy scattering.
Simulation, Design, and Optimization of Manufacturing Systems

This chapter focuses on the system considerations related to manufacturing processes. Material transformations generally occur at the micro-/nanometer length scales, whereas the boundary and initial conditions are imposed at the engineering or macroscale. The manufacturing systems are also at engineering scales, even though the devices like thin films and optical fibers are microns in thickness or diameter. Thus, a multiscale problem arises in modeling and simulation, linking the processes at different length and time scales. To complement the simulation, experimentation is needed for validation of the models, for physical insight, and for providing inputs to simplify the analysis if the model is unavailable, difficult, or inaccurate. An important aspect in manufacturing is the design and optimization of the system needed to achieve the desired process. The inverse problem that arises in order to choose the appropriate boundary conditions is briefly discussed. The resulting feasible design domain and optimization of the process are also discussed. In many cases, multiple objectives are of interest and multi-objective optimization with trade-offs is needed. Uncertainties in design parameters and operating conditions may arise and must be considered to obtain realistic and practical results. These aspects are discussed in detail. A consideration of appropriate objective functions for different manufacturing processes, along with multi-objective optimization using available and new methods, is critical. This discussion may be used to address the needs for new materials and devices, particularly for new and emerging applications. Since uncertainties inevitably arise in practical systems, it is important to consider this aspect, along with sensitivity to the governing parameters, to obtain realistic designs.
Amino Acid Transport by Epithelial Membranes

This review summarizes the current view of amino acid transport by epithelial cells of vertebrates. A wide variety of transporter proteins are expressed in apical and basolateral membranes and collectively play complex interactive roles in controlling the entire organism’s overall metabolism of amino acids. Regulation of the transport systems can be manifested at many levels, including gene splicing and promoter regulation, interactions between requisite subunits of oligomers, thermodynamic electrochemical gradients contributed by ion exchangers, overlap of substrate specificity, selective tissue distribution, and specific spatial distribution of transporters leading to net vectorial flow of the amino acids. The next frontier for workers in this field is to uncover a comprehensive molecular understanding of the manner by which epithelial cells signal gene expression of transporters as triggered by substrates, hormones or other triggers, in order to further understand the trafficking and interactions among multimeric transport system proteins, to extend discoveries of novel small drug substrates for oral and ocular delivery, and to examine gene therapy or nanotherapy of diseases using small molecules delivered via amino acid transporters.
Polyhedral Approaches for the Steiner Tree Problem on Graphs

Given an undirected graph G = (V, E) and a node set \(T \subseteq V\), a Steiner tree for T in G is a set of edges \(S \subseteq E\) such that the graph (V(S), S) contains a path between every pair of nodes in T, where V(S) is the set of nodes incident to the edges in S. Given costs (or weights) on edges and nodes, the Steiner tree problem on a graph (STP) is to find a minimum weight Steiner tree. The problem is known to be \(\mathcal{N}\mathcal{P}\)-hard even for planar graphs, bipartite graphs, and grid graphs.
Taxol-induced mitotic block triggers rapid onset of a p53-independent apoptotic pathway.

At therapeutic concentrations, the antineoplastic agent taxol selectively perturbs mitotic spindle microtubules. Taxol has recently been shown to induce apoptosis, similar to the mechanism of cell death induced by other antineoplastic agents. However, taxol has shown efficacy against drug-refractory cancers, raising the possibility that this pharmacological agent may trigger an alternative apoptotic pathway. The kinetics and IC50 of mitotic (M) block, aberrant mitosis, and cytotoxicity following taxol treatment were analyzed in human cell lines as well as normal mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) and MEFs derived from p53-null mice. Apoptosis was followed by DNA gel electrophoresis and by in situ DNA end-labeling (TUNEL). Taxol induced two forms of cell cycle arrest: either directly in early M at prophase or, for those cells progressing through aberrant mitosis, arrest in G1 as multimininucleated cells. TUNEL labeling revealed that DNA nicking occurred within 30 min of the arrest in prophase. In contrast, G1-arrested, multimininucleated cells became TUNEL positive only after several days. In the subset of cells that became blocked directly in prophase, both wt p53-expressing and p53-null MEFs responded similarly to taxol, showing rapid onset of DNA nicking and apoptosis. However, p53-null MEFs progressing through aberrant mitosis failed to arrest in the subsequent G1 phase or to become TUNEL positive, and remained viable. Taxol induces two forms of cell cycle arrest, which in turn induce two independent apoptotic pathways. Arrest in prophase induces rapid onset of a p53-independent pathway, whereas G1-block and the resulting slow (3–5 days) apoptotic pathway are p53 dependent.
Constitutive activation of NF-kB is present in malignant gliomas and may serve as a therapeutic target

4208 Malignant gliomas remain one of the deadliest forms of cancer in humans and are often poorly responsive to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Recent studies reveal that aberrant constitutive activation of NF-kB, a latent transcription factor which acts as a suppressor of apoptosis, contributes to carcinogenesis and confers resistance to chemotherapy in a number of cancers. We have found, by gel-shift assay and by use of an NF-kB sensitive promoter-reporter construct, that constitutive NF-kB activation is present in all glioma cell lines and primary tumor cultures tested. This activation was not serum dependent and was associated with elevated levels of NF-kB dependent gene transactivation in these cell lines. Furthermore, nuclear localization of p65, an indicator of NF-kB activation, was demonstrated in pathological specimens of surgically resected glioblastoma multiform (GBM) tumors. Overexpression of the IkB super-repressor (IkB SR) completely blocks constitutive NF-kB activation, nuclear translocation of p65 and gene transcription, indicating that activation of NF-kB signaling in gliomas involves the IkB-mediated pathway. However, overexpression of IkB SR does not affect bcl-xL expression at transcriptional level, implying that anti-apoptotic effect of NF-kB in gliomas is not through bcl-xL-mediated signaling. Furthermore, we demonstrate that persistent activation of NF-kB may involve, at least in part, an autocrine mechanism. Our data taken in the context of the chemoresistance role that constitutive activation of NFkB may play in other cancers suggests that NF-kB signaling may contribute to the chemoresistance of malignant gliomas. Pharmacologic interruption of NF-kB signaling by may provide novel therapeutic strategies for malignant brain tumors.
A Quasi-Optical Testbed for Wideband THz On-Wafer Measurements

We propose a novel quasi-optical topology to enable ultra-wideband on-wafer characterization in the THz regime. Using quasi-optical components, we implement a high-performance directional coupler and a noncontact probing scheme, to interrogate on-wafer devices and circuits. The use of quasi-optics allows superior signal isolation and wideband operation due to the frequency independent nature of focusing components. Additionally, the simple topology is amenable to integration with photonics-based THz emitters and detectors to enable a true THz testbed for vector measurement capabilities. A proof-of-concept testbed is designed and evaluated in the 300–340 GHz band using free-space and on-wafer measurements. The on-wafer characterization of passive devices shows good agreement with simulated results and repeatability of <2% for reflection coefficient magnitude and <4° for phase deviation.
Glycosylation in the Tumor Microenvironment: Implications for Tumor Angiogenesis and Metastasis

Just as oncogene activation and tumor suppressor loss are hallmarks of tumor development, emerging evidence indicates that tumor microenvironment-mediated changes in glycosylation play a crucial functional role in tumor progression and metastasis. Hypoxia and inflammatory events regulate protein glycosylation in tumor cells and associated stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment, which facilitates tumor progression and also modulates a patient’s response to anti-cancer therapeutics. In this review, we highlight the impact of altered glycosylation on angiogenic signaling and endothelial cell adhesion, and the critical consequences of these changes in tumor behavior.
Nitrogen Nutrition of Containerized Cupressus arizonica var. glabra ‘Carolina Sapphire’

Abstract Rooted stem cuttings of ‘Carolina Sapphire’ smooth Arizona cypress [Cupressus arizonica var. glabra (Sudw.) Little ‘Carolina Sapphire’] grown in calcined clay in 3.8 liter (#1) containers ...
Using Social Media to Express Grief While Considering Security Vulnerabilities of Inactive Accounts of the Deceased

It is through social media profiles that we can express loss, find support, and create online memorials of those who have died. Online profiles can be a powerful medium to both create a digital memorial and to also “communicate” with the dead. It is the communication with the deceased that is important to consider as we strive to understand how these tools can be used in the context of bereavement. At the same time, there are many security issues related to data and personal information of the deceased. The various profiles and user data we leave behind after our death can be a cause for concern from a security perspective. Complicating this issue is not knowing where data is located or account details and not having accounts secured. It is also problematic when it is not known when an account belongs to a deceased user, opening the door for exploitation. This project follows previous research on our efforts to automatically identify accounts through SADD - A Social Media Agent for the Detection of the Deceased. This project focuses on digital legacy issues from a security perspective and implications to consider for various digital platforms. In addition, we examine how social media can be used to express grief and continue bonds with the deceased.
An alternative to the e-exp-n method for determining onset of transition

A new approach has been developed to determine the onset of transition. The approach is based on a two-equation model similar to those used in the study of turbulence. The approach incorporates information from linear stability theory on streamwise or Tollmien-Schlichting instabilities. The present approach has proven to be an inexpensive alternative to the e-exp-n method for determining the onset of transition on a flat plate and airfoil for a variety of Reynolds numbers and freestream intensities. Further, the method is incorporated into two flow solvers, boundary layer and Navier-Stokes. This made it possible to calculate the laminar, transitional, and turbulent regions in a single computation. (Author)
Positron Emission Tomography with Sparse Block Rings and Continuous Bed Motion

Clinical PET systems employ compact block rings to maximize sensitivity per axial field-of-view (AFOV) length, thereby resulting in considerable manufacturing costs. To reduce the cost per AFOV length, a sparse block rings configuration is modeled on a Siemens BiographTM mMR PET/MR scanner (sparse-mMR) by removing the coincidence counts from every other detector block ring. Moreover, Continuous Bed Motion (CBM) is performed along a limited distance to eliminate the axial sensitivity gaps. List-mode PET mMR data of the NEMA image quality phantom with 4:1 spheres-to-background ratio was acquired for 30min. The counts were binned assuming a sparse-mMR configuration and a CBM acquisition of constant speed along a distance of 2 blocks (16 detector rings, 6.4cm). The CBM scans were simulated by axially shifting the stationary mMR data to 16 different positions, including a reference, removing the counts associated with any even block rings, and shifting back to the reference position. The process was repeated with different input PET data of equal duration for all 16 positions and the corresponding output data were added. The CBM mode eliminated all axial sensitivity discontinuities by evenly acquiring data throughout the gaps. Contrast recovery (CR) and background variability (BV) were evaluated for PET images reconstructed from sparse-mMR CBM data against mMR and compact-½mMR stationary data of equal duration (~5min). The latter consisted of counts associated with only the 4 central mMR block rings. A similar CR performance was attained between the three configurations. Mean BV for sparse-mMR with CBM was 3.6% higher than mMR. Nevertheless, sparse-mMR with CBM attained a smoother axial variation in image noise, relative to compact-½mMR. CBM can restore continuity in the axial sensitivity profile of PET systems with sparse block rings to achieve similar contrast recovery and smoother noise variation, compared to compact systems, at half the cost or double the AFOV.
Tearing Plato to Pieces: Gianfrancesco Pico della Mirandola and Marsilio Ficino on the History of Platonism

This article considers Gianfrancesco Pico della Mirandola’s understanding of the history of Platonism in his Examen vanitatis. It analyzes his sources and methods for understanding the history of philosophy—genealogical source criticism, historiographical analysis, and comparative history—and argues that his approach is shaped by anti-Platonic Christian apologetics. It documents how Gianfrancesco Pico closely studies Marsilio Ficino’s and his uncle Giovanni Pico’s understandings of Platonism and its history, and how his contextualization of their work within the broader history of Platonism is part of a larger endeavour to turn the page and even close the book on this chapter of the Quattrocento. Although neither Ficino nor Gianfrancesco finds universal agreement among ancient Platonists, Ficino explains their history as one of inquiry and interpretation, in which Platonism and Christianity are inexorably united, whereas Gianfrancesco characterizes it as a history of lies and disagreements that threaten Christianity. In trying to protect sacred history, Gianfrancesco Pico helped develop the tools that would eventually critique it.
Snark Happens: Effects of Schadenfreude on Brand Attitudes

Brands have long been advised to not post or encourage negative messages about competing brands; but individual users independently posting “snark” or celebrating the travails of competing brands v...
Smaller Microvias for Packaging Interconnects by Picosecond UV Laser With a Nanometer Metal Barrier Layer: A Feasibility Study

This study, to the best of authors’ knowledge, is the first to investigate the feasibility of using picosecond UV laser ablation to fabricate ultrasmall microvias scaled down to 3 $\mu \text{m}$ and less with a pitch of 8 $\mu \text{m}$ in a 5- $\mu \text{m}$ Ajinomoto buildup film (ABF). The state-of-the-art microvias are 20 $\mu \text{m}$ in diameter by a nanosecond UV laser and 5 $\mu \text{m}$ in diameter by a picosecond UV laser reported in our previous study, but microvias of less than 2 $\mu \text{m}$ in diameter are needed to meet IO density requirements for today and future’s high-bandwidth packaging and heterogeneous system integration. In this study, we have investigated the impact of laser power, beam sizes, and materials on the via size and explored the feasibility of picosecond UV laser ablation for ultrasmall microvias with an additional layer of 80-nm-thick copper on top of the dielectric as a barrier layer. The power used to fabricate the 5- $\mu \text{m}$ microvias in a 5- $\mu \text{m}$ -thick ABF could open 2- $\mu \text{m}$ holes in the copper barrier layer due to the higher ablation threshold of copper. The drilled copper layer then serves as a mask to produce smaller microvias in the dielectric layer beneath the copper. In this article, fully opened microvias of 3 $\mu \text{m}$ diameter in ABF will be demonstrated. Submicrometer openings in copper are also achieved, which suggests the feasibility to scale down via diameter to submicrometer level.
Review of the Current Synthesis and Properties of Energetic Pentazolate and Derivatives Thereof

Abstract The latest member of the azole family, the pentazolate or cyclo-N5−, has received increased attention since its first mass-spectral detection by Christe et al. in 2002. As it is carbon- and hydrogen-free, the pentazolate anion can release large amounts of energy while simultaneously decomposing to environmentally friendly nitrogen gas. Due to these attractive qualities, cyclo-N5− and related compounds are essential in the advancement of high-energy-density materials (HEDMs) research. This review aims to provide a consolidated report on all research done on cyclo-N5−, with a focus on pentazoles as energetic materials and on their experimental synthesis. Included in this review are the following: ① the historical significance of cyclo-N5−; ② precursors of cyclo-N5−; ③ synthesis routes of cyclo-N5− with a focus on arylpentazole precursors; ④ factors affecting the stability of cyclo-N5−; ⑤ energetic performances of current energetic cyclo-N5−-containing compounds; and ⑥ future possible experimental research. This review is a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of cyclo-N5−, in an effort to further understand the potential of this anion for adoption as a powerful and environmentally friendly next-generation explosive.
Facial distortion due to chronic inflammation of unknown cause in a cat.

Case summaryAn 8-year-old neutered male indoor cat was presented for evaluation of a year-long history of swelling over the bridge of the nose that extended from the subcutaneous tissue of the righ...
Image Findings in Celiac Artery Stenosis Due to Median Arcuate Ligament Compression

Celiac axis stenosis caused by extrinsic compression by the median arcuate ligament (MAL) is present in up to 5 % of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Failure to identify and manage MAL compression can lead to potentially devastating postoperative consequences that include frank liver necrosis and death. We report an incidental discovery of celiac axis stenosis by MAL in a patient prepared for pancreaticoduodenectomy. Image findings and operative management are discussed.