cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microinfusion Using Hollow Microneedles

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of experimental parameters on microinfusion through hollow microneedles into skin to optimize drug delivery protocols and identify rate-limiting barriers to flow. Glass microneedles were inserted to a depth of 720–1080 μm into human cadaver skin to microinfuse sulforhodamine solution at constant pressure. Flow rate was determined as a function of experimental parameters, such as microneedle insertion and retraction distance, infusion pressure, microneedle tip geometry, presence of hyaluronidase, and time. Single microneedles inserted into skin without retraction were able to infuse sulforhodamine solution into the skin at flow rates of 15–96 μl/h. Partial retraction of microneedles increased flow rate up to 11.6-fold. Infusion flow rate was also increased by greater insertion depth, larger infusion pressure, use of a beveled microneedle tip, and the presence of hyaluronidase such that flow rates ranging from 21 to 1130 μl/h were achieved. These effects can be explained by removing or overcoming the large flow resistance imposed by dense dermal tissue, compressed during microneedle insertion, which blocks flow from the needle tip. By partially retracting microneedles after insertion and other methods to overcome flow resistance of dense dermal tissue, protocols can be designed for hollow microneedles to microinfuse fluid at therapeutically relevant rates.
Abundance and Distribution of Benthic Macroinvertebrates near Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey, from 1972 to 1974

Benthic collections taken during a 34 month period from Little Egg Inlet, New Jersey were dominated by haustoriid amphipods and collections from a nearshore ridge/swale formation were dominated by ampharetid and capitellid polychaetes. Polychaetes were most abundant at the swale station where density was 2.4 to 17.5 times higher than at other stations. Changes in species composition and density were influenced by increases in the silt/clay component of the sediment which was influenced by depth, bottom topography, and exposure to currents.
Foreigners or Jews? The Soviet Jewish refugee populations in Germany and the United States

L'A. propose une comparaison de l'integration des Juifs de l'ancienne Union sovietique aux Etats-Unis et en Allemagne a la lumiere de la politique menee face aux refugies dans les deux pays. Il s'interesse au statut des immigrants en Allemagne, aux caracteristiques demographiques des populations qui entrent en Allemagne, aux Juifs de Berlin, aux services de reinstallation allemand et americain, a l'integration socio-economique comparee des deux groupes, aux relations des refugies avec les agences communautaires
Wildfires burn science capacity

With just over 3 months remaining, it looks like 2015 could be a record-breaking year for wildfires in the United States. So far this year, more than 8.5 million acres have burned and severe fires often happen in October. For the first time, the U.S. Forest Service will spend over 50% of its budget on fire management. Ironically, this is directing resources away from projects and research that would reduce the risk of forest fires. This must be fixed.
HIGHER PLATELET INHIBITION WITH THIENOPYRIDINE THERAPY, RATHER THAN SERUM FIBRINOGEN LEVEL, IS ASSOCIATED WITH PERIPROCEDURAL BLEEDING AFTER PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Higher fibrinogen level and on-thienopyridine platelet reactivity are associated with ischemic cardiac events after PCI, while relationships with bleeding after PCI are unclear. Subjects pretreated with thienopyridines undergoing elective or urgent (acute coronary syndrome [ACS]) PCI were enrolled
Advances in and hope for the treatment of parasitosis.

One of the most vexing problems in dermatology – for both patients and their doctors – is the treatment of parasitosis. In this nightmare of a disease, patients can feel the organisms crawling in t...
Flavor singlet g(A) from lattice QCD

We report on a lattice QCD calculation of the flavor-singlet axial coupling constant ${g}_{A}$ of the proton from the axial-vector current. The simulation is carried out at $\ensuremath{\beta}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}6$ on a quenched ${16}^{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}24$ lattice. An extrapolation to the chiral limit shows that the connected insertion (valence and cloud parts) is $0.62\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.09$, which is close to ${g}_{A}^{8}$. The disconnected insertion (vacuum polarization from the sea quark) for the $u$ or $d$ quark is $\ensuremath{-}0.12\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$ and the $s$ quark also contributes $\ensuremath{-}0.12\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$. The total ${g}_{A}^{0}$ is thus $0.25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12$, which is in agreement with experiments. In addition, we find ${g}_{A}^{3}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}1.20\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.11$, ${g}_{A}^{8}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0.61\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.13$, and ${F}_{A}{/D}_{A}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0.60\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$, also in agreement with experiments.
Testing for synchrony in recruitment among four Lake Michigan fish species

In the Great Lakes region, multiple fish species display intraspecific spatial synchrony in recruitment success, with interannual climate variation hypothesized as the most likely driver. In Lake M...
High-temperature thermoelectric properties of the sintered Bi2Sr2Ca1 − xYxCu2Oy (x = 0 – 1)

Electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were measured in a temperature range of 320–1073 K for sintered samples of Bi2Sr2Ca1 − xYxCu2Oy (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0). It has been found that the conduction behavior changes from n-type metallic to p-type semiconducting with increasing yttrium concentration. The power factors were in a range of 1.7–3.0 × 10−5 Wm−1 K−2 for the sample with x = 0.8, being maximized by the optimization of the yttrium concentration. The thermal conductivity for the sample with x = 0.8 was 0.73 Wm−1 K−1 at 310 K, and decreased with increasing temperature. The values of thermoelectric figure of merit were estimated to be in a range of 3.4–4.8 × 10−5 K−1 at temperatures of 320–673 K for the sample with x = 0.8.
Defining and Measuring Early Academic Development to Promote Student Outcomes

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss two domains of early learning that are central to school readiness from an early academic perspective. Specifically, this chapter focuses on early literacy and numeracy development. Both of these domains have a research base that supports their connection to later learning and achievement (e.g., Clements & Sarama, 2009; Snow et al., 1998). In addition, skills in these areas can be targeted and improved through strategic and intentional instruction (e.g., Clements & Sarama, 2008; Neumann & Dickinson, 2010). This chapter discusses specific skills that comprise the domains of early literacy and math. Finally, assessment tools are available in these domains that can be used in a problem-solving, data-based decision-making framework to promote student outcomes.
Quercetin feeding protects plants against oxidative stress

Background: Flavonoids are a complex group of plant-made phenolic compounds that are considered of high nutraceutical value. Their beneficial impacts on human health relate predominantly to their capacity to serve as antioxidants, thus protecting cells against the damaging impact of reactive oxygen species. Recent studies have also pointed at an essential role for flavonoids as antioxidants in plants. Results: Here we show that the flavonoid quercetin, which is known to protect human cells from oxidative stress, has the same effect on plant cells. Under oxidative stress conditions, Arabidopsis plants grown on quercetin-supplemented media grew better than controls and contained less oxidized proteins. This protection was also observed in the dicot Nicotiana tabacum and the aquatic monocot Lemna gibba . Conclusion: Quercetin can be used as a general antioxidant stress protectant for plants.
Control of a Batch Dyeing Process with Three Acid Dyes

The process of dyeing of nylon with tertiary acid dye mixtures is controlled by automatic metering of dyes and chemicals. Closed-loop control is achieved by real-time data acquisition of the dyebath conditions coupled with a feedback control strategy. The objective of controlled dyeing is to obtain an on-tone build-up of shade using three monosulfonated acid dyes in mixture combinations. Computerized dosing pumps control the pH, the dyebath concentrations of the individual dyes, and the total sorption of each dye during the process. Photographs of yarn cross sections examined under the polarizing microscope reveal uniform penetration of dye in the individual fibers of the yarns. Color matching of samples dyed under identical dyeing conditions shows good shade reproducibility. It is also possible to re-use a dyebath of residual dyes and chemicals from a previous dyeing. Thus, good shade reproducibility and uniform shade build-up can be achieved in a laboratory dyeing machine by adopting real-time closed-loop control.
Hippo Signaling in the Liver Regulates Organ Size, Cell Fate, and Carcinogenesis.

The Hippo signaling pathway, also known as the Salvador−Warts−Hippo pathway, is a regulator of organ size. The pathway takes its name from the Drosophila protein kinase, Hippo (STK4/MST1 and STK3/MST2 in mammals), which, when inactivated, leads to considerable tissue overgrowth. In mammals, MST1 and MST2 negatively regulate the transcriptional co-activators yes-associated protein 1 and WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (WWTR1/TAZ), which together regulate expression of genes that control proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Yes-associated protein 1 and TAZ activation have been associated with liver development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis. How their activity is dynamically regulated in these contexts is just beginning to be elucidated. We review the mechanisms of Hippo signaling in the liver and explore outstanding questions for future research.
A thin-film PPLN waveguide for second-harmonic generation at 2-μm

We present a thin-film periodically-poled lithium niobate (PPLN) wavelength converter for second-harmonic generation (SHG) and demonstrate with 2-micron light. The device is fabricated with a new developed surface-poling method and is compatible with photonic integration.
Mass-Fatality Incident Preparedness Among Faith-Based Organizations.

Introduction Members of faith-based organizations (FBOs) are in a unique position to provide support and services to their local communities during disasters. Because of their close community ties and well-established trust, they can play an especially critical role in helping communities heal in the aftermath of a mass-fatality incident (MFI). Faith-based organizations are considered an important disaster resource and partner under the National Response Plan (NRP) and National Response Framework; however, their level of preparedness and response capabilities with respect to MFIs has never been evaluated. The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to develop appropriate measures of preparedness for this sector; (2) to assess MFI preparedness among United States FBOs; and (3) to identify key factors associated with MFI preparedness. Problem New metrics for MFI preparedness, comprised of three domains (organizational capabilities, operational capabilities, and resource sharing partnerships), were developed and tested in a national convenience sample of FBO members. Methods Data were collected using an online anonymous survey that was distributed through two major, national faith-based associations and social media during a 6-week period in 2014. Descriptive, bivariate, and correlational analyses were conducted. Results One hundred twenty-four respondents completed the online survey. More than one-half of the FBOs had responded to MFIs in the previous five years. Only 20% of respondents thought that roughly three-quarters of FBO clergy would be able to respond to MFIs, with or without hazardous contamination. A higher proportion (45%) thought that most FBO clergy would be willing to respond, but only 37% thought they would be willing if hazardous contamination was involved. Almost all respondents reported that their FBO was capable of providing emotional care and grief counseling in response to MFIs. Resource sharing partnerships were typically in place with other voluntary organizations (73%) and less likely with local death care sector organizations (27%) or Departments of Health (DOHs; 32%). Conclusions The study suggests improvements are needed in terms of staff training in general, and specifically, drills with planning partners are needed. Greater cooperation and inclusion of FBOs in national planning and training will likely benefit overall MFI preparedness in the US. Zhi Q , Merrill JA , Gershon RR . Mass-fatality incident preparedness among faith-based organizations. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):596-603.
Music Listening Among Postoperative Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Mixed-Methods Analysis.

Background: Music listening may reduce the physiological, emotional, and mental effects of distress and anxiety. It is unclear whether music listening may reduce the amount of opioids used for pain management in critical care, postoperative patients or whether music may improve patient experience in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A total of 41 surgical patients were randomized to either music listening or controlled non-music listening groups on ICU admission. Approximately 50-minute music listening interventions were offered 4 times per day (every 4-6 hours) during the 48 hours of patients’ ICU stays. Pain, distress, and anxiety scores were measured immediately before and after music listening or controlled resting periods. Total opioid intake was recorded every 24 hours and during each intervention. Results: There was no significant difference in pain, opioid intake, distress, or anxiety scores between the control and music listening groups during the first 4 time points of the study. However, a mixed modeling analysis examining the pre- and post-intervention scores at the first time point revealed a significant interaction in the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain between the music and the control groups ( P = .037). The Numeric Rating Score decreased in the music group but remained stable in the control group. Following discharge from the ICU, the music group’s interviews were analyzed for themes. Conclusions: Despite the limited sample size, this study identified music listening as an appropriate intervention that improved patients’ post-intervention experience, according to patients’ self-report. Future mixed methods studies are needed to examine both qualitative patient perspectives and methodology to improve music listening in critical care units.
Mechanistic Investigations of Lysine-Tryptophan Cross-Link Formation Catalyzed by Streptococcal Radical S-Adenosylmethionine Enzymes.

Streptide is a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide with a unique cyclization motif consisting of an intramolecular lysine–tryptophan cross-link. Three radical S-adenosylmethionine enzymes, StrB, AgaB, and SuiB from different species of Streptococcus, have been shown to install this modification onto their respective precursor peptides in a leader-dependent fashion. Herein, we conduct detailed investigations to differentiate among several plausible mechanistic proposals, specifically addressing radical versus electrophilic addition to the indole during cross-link formation, the role of substrate side chains in binding in the enzyme active site, and the identity of the catalytic base in the reaction cycle. Our results are consistent with a radical electrophilic aromatic substitution mechanism for the key carbon–carbon bond-forming step. They also elaborate on other mechanistic features that underpin this unique and synthetically challenging post-translational modification.
An aerodynamic design optimization framework using a discrete adjoint approach with OpenFOAM

Abstract Advances in computing power have enabled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to become a crucial tool in aerodynamic design. To facilitate CFD-based design, the combination of gradient-based optimization and the adjoint method for computing derivatives can be used to optimize designs with respect to a large number of design variables. Open field operation and manipulation (OpenFOAM) is an open source CFD package that is becoming increasingly popular, but it currently lacks an efficient infrastructure for constrained design optimization. To address this problem, we develop an optimization framework that consists of an efficient discrete adjoint implementation for computing derivatives and a Python interface to multiple numerical optimization packages. Our adjoint optimization framework has the following salient features: (1) The adjoint computation is efficient, with a computational cost that is similar to that of the primal flow solver and scales up to 10 million cells and 1024 CPU cores. (2) The adjoint derivatives are fully consistent with those generated by the flow solver with an average error of less than 0.1%. (3) The adjoint framework can handle optimization problems with more than 100 design variables and various geometric and physical constraints such as volume, thickness, curvature, and lift constraints. (4) The framework includes additional modules that are essential for successful design optimization: a geometry-parametrization module, a mesh-deformation algorithm, and an interface to numerical optimizations. To demonstrate our design-optimization framework, we optimize the ramp shape of a simple bluff geometry and analyze the flow in detail. We achieve 9.4% drag reduction, which is validated by wind tunnel experiments. Furthermore, we apply the framework to solve two more complex aerodynamic-shape-optimization applications: an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a car. For these two cases, the drag is reduced by 5.6% and 12.1%, respectively, which demonstrates that the proposed optimization framework functions as desired. Given these validated improvements, the developed techniques have the potential to be a useful tool in a wide range of engineering design applications, such as aircraft, cars, ships, and turbomachinery.
Case 10: A Tail of Two Employees

An executive director must make a difficult decision about personnel management that may necessitate the disclosure of sensitive employee information. This case pushes readers to determine whether it is appropriate or ethical to share closed HR documents, when on the one hand, to not disclose means protecting an employee’s reputation and career, but on the other hand, to disclose means preventing a perceived breach of organizational integrity and transparency. Handy and Russell also highlight dimensions of executive-board relations and how this relationship impacts ethical decision-making in nonprofits.
Preface for: Kafka's Law: 'The Trial' and American Criminal Justice

Justice Kennedy famously claimed that Kafka's great work, "The Trial," expressed the reality of the American criminal justice system, at least from the defendant's point of view. This essay, the first sections a book just released by the University of Chicago Press, first summarizes the book's argument that the Justice got it just right, and then provides a close reading of "The Trial." This reading agrees with Hannah Arendt's view that the novel is centrally about institutional issues of justice and that it provides an "organizational gothic" vision of contemporary bureaucratic governance in criminal procedure.
Accessing and Recruiting a Community-Based Sample of Men of Mexican Origin to Explore Intimate Partner Violence.

Introduction:Vulnerable populations are at greater risk for the burden of disease and negative health outcomes including alcohol abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, and intimate partner violence (IPV...
Detecting Li Dendrites in a Two‐Electrode Battery System

The use of high-energy-density Li metal anodes in rechargeable batteries is not possible because of dendrite formation that can potentially result in a battery fire. Although so-called dendrite-free Li metal anodes have been reported in many recent publications, Li dendrite growth is still kinetically favorable and it remains a severe safety concern in mass production. Here, a detection system capable of alerting for Li dendrite formation in a two-electrode battery with no additional electrodes required is reported. When dendrites contact a red phosphorous-coated separator, dendrite growth is revealed by a significant voltage change. This can activate a signal through the battery management system, warning of the presence of Li dendrites and leading to shutdown of the battery before the dendrites become dangerous.
Collective Obligations and the Institutional Critique of Effective Altruism: A Reply to Alexander Dietz

In a recent article in this journal, Alexander Dietz argues that what I have called the ‘institutional critique of effective altruism’ is best understood as grounded in the claim that ‘EA relies on an overly individualistic approach to ethics, neglecting the importance of our collective obligations’. In this reply, I argue that Dietz's view does not represent a plausible interpretation of the institutional critiques offered by others, primarily because, unlike Dietz, they appear to believe that their critiques provide reasons to reject the EA view about the content of our individual obligations. I also argue that EA's identity as a social movement provides grounds for denying Dietz's claim that it is objectionably incomplete.
Non-Leaf-Level Algorithms in Structure Preserving HSS Matrix Inversion in Exact Arithmetic

Recently, we develop a new matrix inversion algorithm in exact arithmetic for general HSS (Hierarchically Semiseparable) matrices, which also preserves the HSS structure in inverse. The resulting computational complexity is strictly O(N) (linear) for constant-rank HSS matrices. For variable-rank HSS matrices like those encountered in electrodynamic analysis, the complexity is minimized as well because nested structure is utilized, and each computation is performed on a small matrix of rank size. In this paper, we detail the algorithm at non-leaf levels, which acheive linear complexity for constant-rank HSS matrices.
Targeting a Novel Epigenetic Silencing Mechanism to Efficiently Upregulate Fetal Globin Gene Expression

Abstract 352 L3MBTL1 is a Polycomb group protein, commonly deleted in patients with myeloid disorders associated with the 20q- chromosomal abnormality. After crystallizing the MBT repeat domain, we demonstrated that L3MBTL1 compacts chromatin by binding mono- and di-methylated lysine residues in histones H1 (H1K26) and H4 (H4K20), ultimately leading to gene repression. Despite its role in affecting the chromatin structure, the role of L3MBTL1 in hematopoiesis has remained largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that lack of L3MBTL1 accelerates the erythroid differentiation of human hematopoietic stem cells and here we reveal that L3MBTL1 represses the expression of the fetal gamma globin gene. We lentivirally expressed shRNAs targeting L3MBTL1 in human cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells and in K562 erythroleukemia cells, and consistently observed upregulation of gamma globin gene expression, while beta globin gene expression decreased. Remarkably, we observed similar findings in human embryonic stem (hES) cells, where knock-down of L3MBTL1 triggered a BMP4-like spontaneous differentiation. Given the potential impact of therapeutically increasing fetal hemoglobin expression in patients with hemoglobinopathies, we targeted L3MBTL1 in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from patients with β-thalassemia. The gene expression profile of L3MBTL1-KD normal and thalassemic iPS cells indicated clear activation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression, activation of BMP4 signaling and upregulation of specific smad5 target genes (e.g. EKLF, HHEX, ID2/3). We generated and utilized a model of “stress erythropoiesis” in L3MBTL1 KO mice and observed in vivo BMP4-mediated expansion of spleen immature erythroid progenitors, as indicated by increased spleen weight and splenic BFU-E colonies in KO mice compared to controls. We also examined K562 cells, human CB CD34+ cells and hES cells, using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, and found that L3MBTL1 directly associates with the human β-globin locus, occupying discrete regions within the human β-globin cluster. Furthermore, L3MBTL1 colocalized with H4K20me within the Locus Control Region (LCR), a primary attachment site for chromatin modifiers. We observed clearance of L3MBTL1 and its associated histone marks (H4K20me1/2) from the LCR upon treatment with hemin, erythropoietin or TGFβ, three agents that potently induce erythroid differentiation. This suggests that this polycomb repressor complex responds to cytokine signaling. In summary, we have identified a novel epigenetic regulatory mechanism to control fetal globin gene expression; the Polycomb protein L3MBTL1 regulates BMP4 signaling and the chromatin structure of globin genes. Targeting this regulatory system represents a means to efficiently increase HbF in a human model of β-thalassemia (i.e. with the use of patient-derived iPS cells) and to potentially ameliorate hematological and clinical symptoms of patients with red cell disorders. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Religious perceptions of crime and implications for punitiveness

This study tests the role of crime perceptions in mediating the relationship between religiosity and punitive attitudes about criminal justice. Specifically, we estimate the effects of (a) religiou...
Global primary data on consumer food waste: Rate and characteristics – A review

Abstract The present review synthesizes published work from the global research community for the purpose of providing an overview of the state of knowledge regarding consumer food waste rate and characteristics. Our core interest is in primary data from field studies with direct measurements. We built a database consisting of 332 publications (1949–2019); data were extracted, weighted and normalized. Consumer food waste metrics were grouped into four categories: (i) food waste generation rate as kg cap−1 day−1 or kg cap−1 meal−1 from households, food services and schools; (ii) percent of food entering households or food services that was not eaten but discarded; (iii) food waste as a proportion of municipal solid waste stream; and (iv) physicochemical characteristics of food waste from the above sources, including pH, protein, lipids, gross energy and seven other parameters. Three tiers of analysis were performed: descriptive statistics, multiple pairwise comparisons, and interpretative analysis to discern trends and patterns. Methodologies used in individual studies for food waste rate determination varied a great deal, especially in participant number (5–25,000), study duration (1–700 days), and type of food waste collected and measured (edible vs. inedible; plate- vs. preparation- vs. serving-waste). Roughly half of the 53 parameters collectively analyzed did not conform to the normal distribution. Food waste rates were highly variable among studies. Very high and very low rates were reported in countries/regions of differing affluence. Moving forward on food waste reduction requires in-depth understanding of what drives high- vs. low-wasting behaviors to inform policies and enable actions.
Mitigating Gradient-based Adversarial Attacks via Denoising and Compression.

Gradient-based adversarial attacks on deep neural networks pose a serious threat, since they can be deployed by adding imperceptible perturbations to the test data of any network, and the risk they introduce cannot be assessed through the network's original training performance. Denoising and dimensionality reduction are two distinct methods that have been independently investigated to combat such attacks. While denoising offers the ability to tailor the defense to the specific nature of the attack, dimensionality reduction offers the advantage of potentially removing previously unseen perturbations, along with reducing the training time of the network being defended. We propose strategies to combine the advantages of these two defense mechanisms. First, we propose the cascaded defense, which involves denoising followed by dimensionality reduction. To reduce the training time of the defense for a small trade-off in performance, we propose the hidden layer defense, which involves feeding the output of the encoder of a denoising autoencoder into the network. Further, we discuss how adaptive attacks against these defenses could become significantly weak when an alternative defense is used, or when no defense is used. In this light, we propose a new metric to evaluate a defense which measures the sensitivity of the adaptive attack to modifications in the defense. Finally, we present a guideline for building an ordered repertoire of defenses, a.k.a. a defense infrastructure, that adjusts to limited computational resources in presence of uncertainty about the attack strategy.
Ultra-miniaturized lateral heterostructures in 2D semiconductors

We present a novel technique for formation of sub-micron-sized lateral heterostructures in 2D semiconductors without fabrication complications of conventional approaches. We demonstrate the experimental formation of these heterostructures with unprecedented flexibility in shaping and sizing in different transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). Some unique features include precise wafer-scale positioning with in-plane confinements well below 50 nm in mono-layer films. We discuss the possible challenges and opportunities in forming optoelectronic devices in this platform and comment on the extension of this approach to other classes of materials. This material platform can enable the long-sought quantum devices in atomically thin materials.
The Legal, Ethical, and Scientific Considerations for Returning Explanted Orthopaedic Hardware to the Patient.

ABSTRACT Orthopaedic hardware explantation is a multifaceted topic with complex legal, ethical, and scientific aspects that require thorough exploration. Issues of device ownership, explant-induced disease propagation, and potential device resale pose legal risks to providers and health-care institutions. Ethically, implant removal highlights the potential that performing procedures at the request of the patient will incentivize patient compliance and strengthen the patient-surgeon relationship. However, the return of explanted hardware to patients could hinder scientific study and innovation, ultimately limiting advancement in risk reduction and patient outcomes. Continued research into these topics remains paramount to ensure that clinicians and institutions deliver optimal patient care while abiding with legal and ethical imperatives. This article addresses the legal, ethical, and scientific issues that are pertinent to returning an explanted orthopaedic implant to the patient and the potential ramifications of such practice.
Emulation of A Self-Excited Induction Generator Feeding Nonlinear Loads

The induction generator, in particular the self-excited induction generator (SEIG) is adopted in remote areas and can work in isolated systems. In such isolated systems, there are nonlinear loads, which may inject harmonics into the SEIG systems. However, it is difficult to test the nonlinear load condition of a real SEIG system in the laboratory. In this paper, a power electronic converter-based SEIG emulator is developed to investigate the SEIG feeding nonlinear loads. The mathematical model of induction generator (IG) and emulator converter are established and verified from the SEIG emulator. The comparison of the emulation results and actual experimental results demonstrate the validity of the proposed solution.
United States Food and Drug Administration: Regulation of Vaccines

Vaccine development is a complex process guided by regulatory requirements that are designed to ensure the licensure of safe and effective products. Vaccines are subject to rigorous regulatory oversight throughout their life cycle including scientific and clinical assessments. This chapter will focus on the United States regulatory process for development and licensure of preventive vaccines for infectious disease indications.
Complete representations for learning from examples

Valiant has previously defined what it means for F to be learnable from example by G, where F is a class of concepts and G a class of programs or representations. This chapter emphasizes that whether F is learnable by any class of representations is more interesting than whether F is learnable by a particular class G. The ‘transitive closure’ of a class of representaions is defined. Feedforward neural nets are the transitive closure of linear threshold functions. Feedforward neural nets and also the transitive closure of 3-DNF formulae are shown to be ‘complete’ representations in the sense of Cook’s Theorem, that is, for any F and any G such that the functions g ∈ G can be evaluated in polynomial time, if F is learnable by G then F is learnable by feedforward neural nets. Other results include an algorithm for learning unrestricted conjunctive normal forms, answering (in a sense) an open question of Valiant; an algorithm for learning an arbitrary class of functions in exponential time but using only a number of examples bouned, as in Valiant’s protocol for learning, by a polynomial in the size of the function to be learned; and a proof that no class containing sufficiently many distinct functions is learnable by any repreentation under a strong but pragmatically interesting time restriction.
The Child and the Law

This chapter summarizes major topics of developmental research in the broadly defined area of “children and the law”. We focus on a variety of issues that arise when children enter the forensic arena and that have been addressed by social scientists. These topics include accuracy, suggestibility, and credibility of children's testimony as well as the empirical basis of implementing specific procedures when interviewing children. Because of social and legal concerns, much of the review focuses on younger children and on issues related to sexual abuse. Keywords: child law; child report; children as witnesses; evidence; legal system
Incidence and prognostic impact of KRAS and BRAF mutation in patients undergoing liver surgery for colorectal metastases

BACKGROUND Molecular biomarkers offer the potential for refining prognostic determinants in patients undergoing cancer surgery. Among patients with colorectal cancer, KRAS and BRAF are important biomarkers, but their role in patients undergoing surgical therapy for liver metastases is unknown. In this study, the incidence and prognostic significance of KRAS and BRAF mutations were determined in patients undergoing surgical therapy of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).
A compact and efficient fingerprint verification system for secure embedded devices

Creating a biometric verification system in a resource-constrained embedded environment is a challenging problem. This paper describes an efficient fingerprint verification module, which is part of an embedded device called ThumbPod. The whole fingerprint verification algorithm runs on a 50 MHz fixed-point processor. As the result of our SW/HW optimizations, we achieve 55.6% and 60.0% execution time reduction for the minutiae extraction and the matching, respectively, compared to a traditional implementation reference. The complete process finishes in less than 5 seconds.
A computer-assisted proof of Saari’s conjecture for the planar three-body problem

The five relative equilibria of the three-body problem give rise to solutions where the bodies rotate rigidly around their center of mass. For these solutions, the moment of inertia of the bodies with respect to the center of mass is clearly constant. Saari conjectured that these rigid motions are the only solutions with constant moment of inertia. This result will be proved here for the planar problem with three nonzero masses with the help of some computational algebra and geometry.
Effects of smooth muscle activation on axial mechanical properties of excised canine bronchi.

This study tested the hypothesis that airway smooth muscle (ASM) activation produces an airway active axial force (AAAF). Bronchi (n = 10) immersed in a tissue bath containing 95% O2-5% CO2-equilib...
Review of Waves in Oceanic and Coastal Waters by Leo H. Holthuijsen

The recent publication of Waves in Oceanic and Coastal Waters by Cambridge University Press is certain to fill empty spaces on many desks, and deservedly so. Its author, Dr. Leo Holthuijsen of Delft University of Technology, has distilled his decades of experience into a clear description of water waves and their dynamics and prediction. The result will be useful as a reference for many practitioners and may also be used as an introductory text for graduate-level courses. Two aspects of this book stand out, the first being the clarity of presentation. Key concepts are given at the beginning of every chapter and serve both as an aid to reading and as a summary afterward. The book’s most important concepts are boxed and highlighted when introduced, making them impossible to miss. Even figures contain clarifications that no doubt arose after years of teaching my favorites being the probability density functions in Chapter 4 that read “this is not a spectrum!” directly on the figure . The difficulty level is somewhere in the middle of the range: more technical than might be found in a purely descriptive text, but with less formality than in more theoretical treatments of water waves. In some ways, this gives the best of both worlds: when new material is introduced, it is described clearly and in context before technical results are introduced or derived. Some fundamental but lengthier derivations and explanations are given in appendices rather than the body of the text. This aids understanding, making it one of the most readable texts I have seen. The second laudable aspect of this book is its scope, which contains useful information over almost the entire field of water waves. This may be seen from the chapter descriptions: After the first chapter’s short introduction, Chapter 2 gives a summary of wave observation techniques from buoys to synthetic aperture radar satellite measurements. Chapter 3 gives a description of ocean waves, starting with easy-to-understand definitions of wave height and period before moving on to the more complex but fundamental concept of the wave spectrum. Both unidirectional and directional spectra are covered, and even a short but welcome description of the spectral behavior of transfer functions is included. Chapter 4 gives an introduction to shortand long-term wave statistics, with results on everything from the maximum wave expected during a storm to a comprehensive description of
Using the superior sagittal sinus for emergency venous access in an infant: Case report

Emergency venous access in an infant suffering from multiple trauma and shock can be difficult. Peripheral venous access and central line placement are not always successful. Death following underresuscitation due to the lack of adequate access occurs, although it is not often reported in the literature. The author presents a case in which successful resuscitation was achieved by injecting blood into the superior sagittal sinus through an open fontanelle in a 2-week-old infant who presented in shock and with ventricular fibrillation after nonaccidental trauma.
Antipredator Behaviour and Suppressed Aggression by Convict Cichlids in response to Injury‐released Chemical Cues of Conspecifics but not to those of an Allopatric Heterospecific

In aquatic environments, chemical cues serve as an important source of information for the detection of predation risk. Here, we investigate the response of convict cichlids, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum, to injury-released chemical cues. We exposed pairs of juvenile convict cichlids first to dechlorinated tap water (control), then later to one of two test stimuli: 1. chemical cues from injured convict cichlids; or 2. chemical cues from injured mosquito fish, Gambusia affinis. Gambusia are allopatric and phylogenetically unrelated to convict cichlids. Gambusia skin was used to control for a general response to injured fish. In response to conspecific cues, convict cichlids significantly increased time spent near the bottom of test aquaria and time under a shelter object. In response to Gambusia skin, convict cichlids tended to increase time spent near the tank bottom but did not increase use of the shelter object. There was a trade-off between antipredator and agonistic behaviours. In response to convict cichlid cues, there was a significant reduction in the frequency of approaches and bites. Gambusia skin extract had no significant effect on aggressive behaviour. These data suggest a species-specific antipredator response to conspecific alarm pheromones in a New World cichlid fish and demonstrate a trade-off between predator avoidance and intraspecific aggression. Further, the presence of an alarm response in this model species sets the stage for the use of chemical cues as a research tool to manipulate predation risk in studies of the interaction between predation risk and reproductive behaviour.
A Procedure for Ordering Object Pairs Consistent with the Multidimensional Unfolding Model.

A procedure for ordering object (stimulus) pairs based on individual preference ratings is described. The basic assumption is that individual responses are consistent with a nonmetric multidimensional unfolding model. The method requires data where a numerical response is independently generated for each individual-object pair. In conjunction with a nonmetric multidimensional scaling procedure, it provides a vehicle for recovering meaningful object configurations.
The Harmonic Vibration Problem of the Cubic XY8 Molecule

The secular equations for the various irreducible representations of the cubic XY8 molecule (point group Oh) are deduced by means of Wilson's F-G matrix method. The potential function used corresponds to the most general harmonic force field. The equations for the case of the SVFF are also given. The forms of the normal vibrations are shown in schematic diagrams.
All G protein βγ complexes are capable of translocation on receptor activation

Abstract Heterotrimeric G proteins transduce signals sensed by transmembrane G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). A subfamily of G protein βγ subunit types has been shown to selectively translocate from the plasma membrane to internal membranes on receptor activation. Using 4D imaging we show here that Gβγ translocation is not restricted to some subunit types but rather all 12 members of the family of mammalian γ subunits are capable of supporting βγ translocation. Translocation kinetics varies widely depending on the specific γ subunit type, with t 1/2 ranging from 10 s to many minutes. Using fluorescence complementation, we show that the β and γ subunits translocate as βγ dimers with kinetics determined by the γ subunit type. The expression patterns of endogenous γ subunit types in HeLa cells, hippocampal neurons and cardiomyocytes are distinctly different. Consistent with these differences, the βγ translocation rates vary widely. βγ translocation rates exhibit the same γ subunit dependent trends regardless of the specific receptor type or cell type showing that the translocation rates are intrinsic to the γ subunit types. βγ complexes with widely different rates of translocation had differential effects on muscarinic stimulation of GIRK channel activity. These results show that G protein βγ translocation is a general response to activation of GPCRs and may play a role in regulating signaling activity.
Mass spectrometry in drug discovery and development

Broadly trained scientists with mass spectrometry technical skills add great value to drug discovery teams.
MHD stability of incompressible coronal loops with radiative energy loss

The effect of radiative energy loss on the stability of compressible plasma in coronal loops is studied. By taking the limit as poloidal wavenumber m approaches infinity, stability conditions for local modes are derived. It was found that the radiation effect can trigger MHD instabilities of coronal loops which are in ideally marginally stable states. Compressibility is a stabilizing effect for ideal MHD local modes because the compression of magnetic field lines exerts a restoring force by increasing magnetic pressure. Compression of plasma induces two modes in a radiatively unstable plasma, magnetosonic and condensation modes. Compressibility affects the stability of ideally stable (or unstable) coronal plasmas through magnetosonic modes, which are a stabilizing (destabilizing) effect for ideally stable (unstable) plasmas. For coronal plasmas in ideally marginally stable states, condensation as well as magnetosonic modes can trigger MHD instability. Because of these two modes, the effect of radiation on compressible coronal plasmas is more destabilizing than it is on incompressible plasmas when the plasmas are in ideal MHD unstable or marginally stable states.
Interfacing a microcomputer with the Varian EM−360 NMR spectrometer

Numerous NMR signal enhancement devices (CAT or Computers of Average Transients) are available commercially but at relatively high cost. These also have little or no flexibility of application, i.e., they are essentially signal averagers and nothing else. A far superior alternative, both in economy and range of application, is found in the new generation of computational devices based upon 8‐bit LSI microprocessors. This paper reports the practical details of achieving a successful interface between one such microcomputer, the Altair 8800B, and the Varian EM‐360 1H‐NMR spectrometer. The resulting system is programmable in high level language (8k basic) and has sufficient memory to achieve 4096 point (12 bit) field resoltuion. The interface yields an intelligent instrument with multiple capabilities. Several operating modes have been developed using high level language programming, and these include conventional spectrum acquisition with variable field resolution, repetitive scan CAT, difference spectromet...
Quantitative Determination of Absolute Organohalogen Concentrations in Environmental Samples by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

An in situ procedure for quantifying total organic and inorganic Cl concentrations in environmental samples based on X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy has been developed. Cl 1s XANES spectra reflect contributions from all Cl species present in a sample, providing a definitive measure of total Cl concentration in chemically heterogeneous samples. Spectral features near the Cl K-absorption edge provide detailed information about the bonding state of Cl, whereas the absolute fluorescence intensity of the spectra is directly proportional to total Cl concentration, allowing for simultaneous determination of Cl speciation and concentration in plant, soil, and natural water samples. Absolute Cl concentrations are obtained from Cl 1s XANES spectra using a series of Cl standards in a matrix of uniform bulk density. With the high sensitivity of synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Cl concentration can be reliably measured down to the 5−10 ppm range in solid and liquid samples. Re...
Different nocturnal activity patterns of Peromyscus californicus and Peromyscus erenicus in lunar lighting

The total night-time activity-wheel running by two sympatric species of mice, P. californicus and P. eremicus, was compared under the same simulated sun and moon cycles. Total running by P. californicus correlated negatively with the nightly duration of moonlight, while that of P. eremicus correlated positively. The results were discussed in terms of a temporal dimension of competitive exclusion.