cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Biology and Medicine – Key Concepts in the Use of Biomaterials in Surgery and Medical Devices

This section addresses the fundamental “bio” science relevant to biomaterials. The background biology is important, because this scientific foundation will help us to understand, predict, and engineer the in vivo bioresponses observed by the biomaterials scientist, the physician, and the patient.
Sterols from Marine Sources

The isolation of novel sterols from terrestrial (notably vegetable) sources has slowed down markedly during the past decade. This is in striking contrast to the situation in the marine world, which, during the past half dozen years, has yielded a plethora of new sterols with unusual hydrocarbon side chains. Aside from their intrinsic interest, these structures raise intriguing and unanticipated questions about the course of sterol side-chain biogenesis. For the sterol cognoscenti and connoisseur, it is sufficient to cite the structures of 24-nor-22-dehydrocholesterol (1)1 and gorgosterol (2)2. The former appears to have lost a central carbon atom of the standard cholesterol side chain, while the latter shows the hitherto unprecedented alkylation of every methylene group of the cholesterol side chain. More new sterols have been isolated from marine sources during the past decade than during the entire past history of marine sterol chemistry—a complete reversal of the situation existing in the terrestrial sterol field.
Personengesellschaften des US-amerikanischen Zivil- und Gesellschaftsrechts

Die strenge Unterteilung in Personen- und Kapitalgesellschaften, wie sie in der kontinentaleuropaischen Rechtstradition ublich ist, ist dem common law und damit auch dem darauf beruhenden US-amerikanischen Gesellschaftsrecht fremd. Obwohl sich die Gesellschaftsformen des US-amerikanischen Rechts in diese Kategorien einordnen lassen, wird vielmehr danach unterschieden, ob die Gesellschaftsform eine eigene Rechtsperson besitzt oder nicht1.
Understanding Complex Product and Service Delivery Systems

This chapter considers alternative views of complex systems that deliver products and services to consumers and other constituencies. Holistic views of complex systems are discussed in the context of several public-private systems and a notional model is introduced that relates complexity to the number of enterprises in a domain and the levels of integration required for these enterprises to function successfully.
How we created edge computing

Edge computing processes data on infrastructure that is located close to the point of data creation. Mahadev Satyanarayanan recounts how recognition of the potential limitations of centralized, cloud-based processing led to this new approach to computing.
Experiences in Evolving System-of-Systems Engineering Methodology to Address Pain Points

The growing interest in System-of-Systems has resulted in rapid and widespread application of its concepts to a variety of problems. While this generated a large number of novel and valuable techniques, tools, and methodologies in System-of-Systems Engineering, it also broadened the problem domains, and subsequently made it difficult to achieve a high degree of coordination and cohesion in the discipline. Previous attempts at creating a formal structure to System-of-Systems Engineering provided valuable support to practitioners, but have been sometimes disconnected from the current practical needs in the discipline, leaving behind some pain points that still need to be addressed. In this work, we propose a different perspective to deal with the pain points: based on our experience and on analysis of the current challenges of System-of-Systems Engineering, we identify potential research directions which are based on domain-agnostic methodology, but of interest to a variety of problems in System-of-Systems. This dual feature of the research directions is explored here to identify a connection between the necessity of establishing formal and generic procedures for System-of-Systems Engineering along with the usability and utility of practical tools and techniques for applied problems.
Abstract 5057: Single cell RNA sequencing reveals altered natural killer-like, effector CD8+ T lymphocytes in smokers

Tobacco smoke exposure is a risk factor for many human diseases and the global disease burden attributed to smoking remains substantial. In addition to DNA damage, smoking-induced epigenetic changes may contribute to etiology of complex smoking-associated diseases. Smoking alters the epigenome and transcriptome of human blood leukocytes. However, interpretation of bulk genomic approaches is limited because changes could indicate altered distribution of cell (sub)populations or changes in expression within (sub)populations. To characterize smoking-related gene expression changes in primary immune cells, we performed single cell RNA sequencing on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from smokers (n=4) and nonsmokers (n=4). Transcriptomes of 45,965 cells (78,183 reads per cell) revealed an altered population of Natural Killer (NK)-like T lymphocytes in smokers. Compared to NK cells, the NK-like T cell cluster had elevated expression of CD8A, CD8B, CD3D, CD3E, CD3G, CD6, and CD2, indicative of CD8+ T lymphocytes. Relatively rare in nonsmokers (2.2%), the transcriptionally unique subset of CD8+ T cells comprised 8.7% of PBMCs in smokers. Among CD8+ T cell subtypes, the increase in NK-like CD8+ T cells (Mann-Whitney p = 0.03) corresponded with a decrease in Naive CD8+ T cells (p = 0.03). We did not observe changes in the frequencies of two additional CD8+ T cell clusters or in the overall frequency of CD8+ T cells. Mass cytometry of a 26-antibody leukocyte panel confirmed no differences in the frequencies of total CD8+ T (CD3+/CD8+/CD56-), total NKT (CD3+/CD56+) or CD8+ NKT (CD3+/CD8+/CD56+) cells between smokers and nonsmokers. This suggests smoking is associated with an increased number of CD8+ T cells that share characteristics with NK cells, but are not NKT cells. Consistent with an NK-like phenotype, altered effector CD8+ T cells had elevated expression of genes reported to be upregulated in T cells reprogrammed to NK-like cells. Compared to other effector CD8+ T cells, altered effector CD8+ T cells had reduced IL7R and increased FCGR3A (CD16), IFNG (interferon gamma), GZMB (granzyme B), and PRF1 (perforin) expression. In mice, granzyme B and perforin expressing CD8+ T cells contribute to the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Our data highlights a potential link between smoking-induced functional changes in human CD8+ T cells and atherosclerosis and /or immune surveillance in cancer. Citation Format: Suzanne N. Martos, Michelle R. Campbell, Marie A. Iannone, Gary S. Pittman, Ma Wan, Douglas A. Bell. Single cell RNA sequencing reveals altered natural killer-like, effector CD8+ T lymphocytes in smokers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5057.
Red emission carbon dots for microLED application

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) are one class of carbon-based nanomaterials that exhibit special photoluminescence properties. The unique properties of CDs, such as biocompatibility, tunable emission wavelength, and cost-effective, synthesis, have aroused intense interest. Conventionally, in the same particle size, the emission wavelength of CDs can be controlled by the graphitization of the monomer precursors. To date, it is still challenging to produce long-wavelength emissive CDs because it requires a higher graphitization degree of precursors. Not many results have been reported for the CDs with the emission wavelength longer than 600 nm (red). In this paper, we report a new type of red emissive CDs with the emission peak at 660 nm under ultraviolet light excitation with 30% quantum yield. Different from the conventional CDs with short Stokes shift, the new CDs exhibit 255 nm Stokes shift. This property will benefit applications of biosensors, solid-state lighting, and electronic displays. Furthermore, the carbon dots can be embedded into UV-curable polymer. With the fast photocuring technology, red emissive polymer pattern can be produced immediately by printing, stamping, or plotting. A red emission microLED was fabricated using CD-embedded polymer to generate a color coordinate at (0.56, 0.42).
A national analysis of open versus minimally invasive thymectomy for stage I to III thymoma.

Abstract Objective The oncologic efficacy of minimally invasive thymectomy for thymoma is not well characterized. We compared short-term outcomes and overall survival between open and minimally invasive (video-assisted thoracoscopic and robotic) approaches using the National Cancer Data Base. Methods Perioperative outcomes and survival of patients who underwent open versus minimally invasive thymectomy for clinical stage I to III thymoma from 2010 to 2014 in the National Cancer Data Base were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling and propensity score–matched analysis. Predictors of minimally invasive use were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Outcomes of surgical approach were evaluated using an intent-to-treat analysis. Results Of the 1223 thymectomies that were evaluated, 317 (26%) were performed minimally invasively (141 video-assisted thoracoscopic and 176 robotic). The minimally invasive group had a shorter median length of stay when compared with the open group (3 [2-4] days vs 4 [3-6] days, P Conclusions In this national analysis, minimally invasive thymectomy was associated with shorter length of stay and was not associated with increased margin positivity, perioperative mortality, 30-day readmission rate, or reduced overall survival when compared with open thymectomy.
Cost effectiveness of intraoperative pathology in the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules.

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to determine the cost effectiveness of rapid frozen section (RFS) for indeterminate thyroid nodules. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2009 and June 2013 at a tertiary care institution. Main outcomes were number needed to treat, RFS efficacy, and cost-savings of avoiding second completion thyroidectomy. Cost-effectiveness was estimated using 2015 Medicare reimbursement rate. Results Out of 1,114 patients undergoing thyroid surgery, 314 had preoperative AUS/FLUS cytopathology and subsequent thyroid lobectomy with RFS. RFS identified 13 of the 32 patients with malignancy resulting in a total thyroidectomy. 19 of the 29 malignancies not detected by RFS were papillary microcarcinomas. Conclusions Completion thyroidectomy was avoided in 1 out of every 24 patients resulting in cost-savings of $ 80.04 per patient. In the era of outpatient thyroid surgery, intraoperative RFS for indeterminate thyroid nodules is cost-effective.
Single Center Experience with Robot Technologies for Sterile Compounding: A Retrospective Review.

The compounding of sterile medication admixtures is a labor-intensive process and subject to potential human error. The addition of robotic devices and workflow technology may mitigate some of the challenges of compounding sterile product admixtures, especially for those associated with antineoplastic and hazardous medications. This article discusses the single-center experiences from October 2009 through August 2017 with various sterile compounding robotic technologies. The robotic devices included Intellifill i.v., Cytocare, i.v.Station, i.v.Station ONCO, and i.v.Soft Assist. The objective of this analysis was to describe the experience with robotic technology and workflow devices in compounding sterile medication admixtures. The number of prepared doses for each device was tracked, and each device had a tool to validate the dose accuracy via specific gravity measurement. Nonhazardous preparations with a dose variation of > (+/- 10%) were considered failures. For hazardous medications, variation of > (+/- 5%) was considered a failure. Doses that were prepared manually were also analyzed. The Intellifill i.v. robot was used to compound more than 1,000,000 admixtures (75% of all compounded products). The i.v.Station, Cytocare, i.v.Station ONCO, and i.v.Soft Assist robots compounded 14%, 7%, 3%, and 0.7% of the total chemotherapy doses required. Identified barriers to optimal performance included device (hardware) and software failures as well as shortages with specific fluid and drug containers. The qualitative analysis was done for 36 drugs that were prepared using i.v.Station and i.v.Station ONCO. The passing rate was estimated to be 95%. Barriers to use the device included lack of the appropriate medication container, diluent supplies issues, and software failure. Robotic devices and workflow technology for compounding sterile medication admixtures were unable to produce all routine parenteral doses required daily.
Blockchain-Based Architecture for Secured Cyber-Attack Features Exchange

Despite the increased accuracy of intrusion detection systems (IDS) in identifying cyberattacks in computer networks and devices connected to the internet, distributed or coordinated attacks can still go undetected or not detected on time. The single vantage point limits the ability of these IDSs to detect such attacks. Due to this reason, there is a need for attack characteristics’ exchange among different IDS nodes. Researchers proposed a cooperative intrusion detection system to share these attack characteristics effectively. This approach was useful; however, the security of the shared data cannot be guaranteed. More specifically, maintaining the integrity and consistency of shared data becomes a significant concern. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based solution that ensures the integrity and consistency of attack characteristics shared in a cooperative intrusion detection system. The proposed architecture achieves this by detecting and preventing fake features injection and compromised IDS nodes. It also facilitates scalable attack features exchange among IDS nodes, ensures heterogeneous IDS nodes participation, and it is robust to public IDS nodes joining and leaving the network. We evaluate the security analysis and latency. The result shows that the proposed approach detects and prevents compromised IDS nodes, malicious features injection, manipulation, or deletion, and it is also scalable with low latency.
A simple semidistributive lattice

Under broad finiteness conditions, such as the existence of a greatest or least element, a semidistributive lattice has the two element lattice as a homomorphic image, and so, if it has more than t...
In inpatients with COVID-19, none of remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, or interferon β-1a differed from standard care for in-hospital mortality.

SOURCE CITATION: Pan H, Peto R, Henao-Restrepo AM, et al. Repurposed antiviral drugs for Covid-19-interim WHO Solidarity Trial results. N Engl J Med. 2020. [Epub ahead of print.] 33264556.
COVIDFREE App: The User-Enabling Contact Prevention Application

Governments all over the world are considering employing mobile contact tracing applications to automatically manage, trace, and investigate recent interactions of newly tested COVID-19 infected individuals. The prospective use of such applications has produced several debates surrounding confidentiality, security, data supervision, closeness approximation algorithms, and cyber-attack susceptibility. This paper discusses these concerns in the context of a novel smartphone application architecture, proposed here, that gives users more control and privacy during contact tracing. The proposed application is termed COVIDFREE App, which is aimed at enhancing users’ situational awareness through communication of safe and unsafe locations. An overview of the app’s architectural design and functionality are presented, including a newly developed Overall Risk Density Safety Factor calculation inspired by COVID-19 density risks and factors of users based on health requirements and several customizable user-specific scenarios. Finally, the paper outlines the benefit to funding and developing contact tracing apps, such as the COVIDFRE App, and discusses advantages of such applications including citizen awareness, relief, and preparedness.
The Iteration of Design and Assessment for a Digital Game to Support Reasoning in a College Algebra Course

In this chapter, the authors reported a design-based research project for an educational digital game Functions of the Machine, which was designed to motivate college students to learn mathematics through playing a digital educational game that scaffolded their reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving in mathematics, specifically algebra. One of the main challenges was how to conduct an effective assessment to investigate the impact of the game on the desirable learning outcomes and learners’ motivation and engagement. Due to some practical issues for conducting assessment in the authentic university context and a natural classroom setting, such as recruiting participants, attrition, time limitation, and timing of the semester, we were challenged to seek ways to conduct assessments that are both scientific and feasible, which in turn helped us to improve the design features, functionality, and quality of the educational game.
A dynamic phase-field model for structural transformations and twinning: Regularized interfaces with transparent prescription of complex kinetics and nucleation. Part I: Formulation and one-dimensional characterization

Abstract The motion of microstructural interfaces is important in modeling twinning and structural phase transformations. Continuum models fall into two classes: sharp-interface models, where interfaces are singular surfaces; and regularized-interface models, such as phase-field models, where interfaces are smeared out. The former are challenging for numerical solutions because the interfaces need to be explicitly tracked, but have the advantage that the kinetics of existing interfaces and the nucleation of new interfaces can be transparently and precisely prescribed. In contrast, phase-field models do not require explicit tracking of interfaces, thereby enabling relatively simple numerical calculations, but the specification of kinetics and nucleation is both restrictive and extremely opaque. This prevents straightforward calibration of phase-field models to experiment and/or molecular simulations, and breaks the multiscale hierarchy of passing information from atomic to continuum. Consequently, phase-field models cannot be confidently used in dynamic settings. This shortcoming of existing phase-field models motivates our work. We present the formulation of a phase-field model – i.e., a model with regularized interfaces that do not require explicit numerical tracking – that allows for easy and transparent prescription of complex interface kinetics and nucleation. The key ingredients are a re-parametrization of the energy density to clearly separate nucleation from kinetics; and an evolution law that comes from a conservation statement for interfaces. This enables clear prescription of nucleation – through the source term of the conservation law – and kinetics – through a distinct interfacial velocity field. A formal limit of the kinetic driving force recovers the classical continuum sharp-interface driving force, providing confidence in both the re-parametrized energy and the evolution statement. We present some 1D calculations characterizing the formulation; in a companion paper, we present more extensive 2D calculations.
Consequential life cycle assessment of policy vulnerability to price effects

The application of life cycle assessment (LCA) in a policy context highlights the need for a consequential LCA (CLCA), which differs from an attributional LCA (ALCA). Although CLCA offers some advantages over ALCA, such as a capacity to account for emissions resulting from both substitution and price effects, it entails additional assumptions and cost and may yield estimates that are more uncertain (e.g., estimates of impact of biofuel policies on greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions). We illustrate how a CLCA that relies on simple partial equilibrium models could provide important insights on the direction and magnitude of price effects while limiting the complexity of CLCA. We describe how such a CLCA, when applied early in the policy life cycle, could help identify policy formulations that reduce the magnitude of adverse price effects relative to the beneficial substitution effect on emissions because-as the experience with biofuel regulations indicates-regulating price effects is costly and controversial. We conclude that the salient contribution of CLCA in the policy process might lie in warning policy makers about the vulnerabilities in a policy with regard to environmental impact and to help modify potentially counterproductive formulations rather than in deriving the precise estimates for uncertain variables, such as the life cycle GHG intensity of product or average indirect emissions. © 2013 by Yale University.
Real-time and Historic Location Surveillance after United States v. Jones: An Administrable, Mildly Mosaic Approach

In United States v. Jones, the government took an extreme position: so far as the federal Constitution is concerned, law enforcement can surreptitiously electronically track the movements of any American over the course of an entire month without cause or restraint. According to the government, whether the surveillance is for good reason, invidious reason, or no reason, the Fourth Amendment is not implicated. Fortunately, the Supreme Court unanimously rejected that position. The Court did not, however, resolve what restriction or restraint the Fourth Amendment places upon location surveillance, reflecting proper judicial restraint in this nuanced and difficult area. Using the newly enacted American Bar Association (ABA) Standards on Law Enforcement Access to Third Party Records, this Article develops a regulatory regime for law enforcement visual surveillance, technologically enhanced location surveillance, and access to historic location records (e.g., cell site data). The proposal handles the administrative difficulties inherent in so-called mosaic approaches via a generally permissive regime regulated through an abuse standard. Ideally, such a proposal would be legislatively enacted with the backdrop of constitutional judicial review, and the Article comments upon the need for constructive dialogue and initiative in that process by the law enforcement community, a view influenced by six years serving as Reporter for the ABA Standards.
Metal-insulator transitions in BaCo 1-x Ni x S 2-y

We report on the electrical and magnetic properties of the layered ternary sulfide system BaCo 1-x Ni x S 2-y . Ni doped samples of BaCoS 2 that contain sulfur vacancies exhibit a first-order phase transition from a high temperature antiferromagnetic, semiconducting phase to a low temperature metallic phase. Increasing the sulfur vacancy concentration increases the Neel temperature of the two-dimensional antiferromagnetic phase and decreases the resistivity in the metallic phase. As the Ni content is increased, the system undergoes a smooth transition to a paramagnetic metal at all temperatures
Characterization studies of deep levels in silicon doped copper diffused GaAs and their significance for bulk GaAs switches

Deep-level characterization studies have been carried out for silicon-doped copper-compensated gallium arsenide (GaAs:Si:Cu) which is used to fabricate bulk optically controlled semiconductor switches. A photoinduced current transient spectroscopy technique has been used to identify various deep levels present in GaAs:Si:Cu, and from the findings probable models for the copper-related complexes in GaAs are proposed. The effect of diffusion parameters on the formation of different copper deep levels has been studied. The influence of copper deep levels (Cu/sub A/ and Cu/sub B/) on switch performance is discussed. >
Heteroskedasticity in Fixed-Effects One-way Error Components Models: Evaluating the Performance of Standard Tests

This paper evaluates the performance of the Breusch-Pagan LM test and the White test for heteroskedasticity in fixed-effects one-way error components models. It contrasts the behavior of these tests under the fixed-effects model with the first differences model for different variance functional forms, degrees of heteroskedasticity and sample sizes. Monte Carlo results indicate both tests perform equally well in large samples. They are very sensitive to overall sample size, as changes in T or N do not affect the performance if overall sample size is held constant. The White test seems to be more reliable for identifying heteroskedasticity than the Breusch-Pagan test, even if we are able to identify the actual functional form of the variance. The performance of either test in small samples is poor.
Investigation of different polar to Cartesian coordinate system conversion methods for ToF-cameras in the close-up range

In machine vision applications, Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensors like the Photonic Mixer Devices (PMD) became considerable alternatives to common 3D sensing devices. Because of the enormous progress in TOF-vision systems, nowadays 3D matrix cameras can be used for many applications such as robotic, automotive, industrial, medical and multimedia applications. This paper focuses on the range data resolution for machine vision applications in the close-up range. For many applications the 3D information of objects are required in Cartesian coordinates. However TOF cameras normally deliver polar coordinates. In this paper different polar to Cartesian coordinate system conversion methods and their influence of the range resolution in the close-up range of TOF cameras are investigated.
Acid activates ENaC and enhances salt taste in human subjects (1181.10)

Blood pressure is dependent on the balance between Na+ intake and urinary Na+ excretion. In the kidney, ENaC regulates Na+ excretion. In the tongue, ENaC functions as a salt taste receptor, thereby...
The development of general circulation models of climate

Abstract With the coming of digital computers in the 1950s, a small American team set out to model the weather, followed by attempts to represent the entire general circulation of the atmosphere. The work spread during the 1960s, and by the 1970s a few modelers had produced somewhat realistic looking models of the planet’s regional climate pattern. The work took on wider interest when modelers tried increasing the level of greenhouse gases, and invariably found serious global warming. Skeptics pointed to dubious technical features, but by the late 1990s these problems were largely resolved—thanks to enormous increases in computer power, the number and size of the closely interacting teams that now comprised the international modeling community, and the crucial availability of field experiments and satellite data to set against the models’ assumptions and outputs. By 2007 nearly all climate experts accepted that the climate simulations represented reality well enough to impel strong action to restrict gas emissions.
Calcium serum binding in cystic fibrosis: reply.

WE do not disagree with the data of Smith et al.1. They were kind enough to send us their serum samples and allow us to repeat our procedure as previously described2. The samples obtained from Minneapolis showed no consistent differences when analysed in our laboratory. We continued our study with samples obtained from Nashville, Lexington and Tulsa and detected a clear increase in serum protein calcium binding both in CF patients and heterozygotes3.
The impact of measurement error on survey estimates of concurrent partnerships

This paper uses simulation to examine the role that measurement error may play in survey estimates of concurrent partnerships. Concurrent partnerships accelerate the spread of a sexually transmitted infection, making data on concurrency important for modeling and public health purposes. Methods for collecting data on concurrency typically rely on the reporting of dates. Little is known about the accuracy or reliability of estimates from such data. We examine the possible impact of two types of date reporting error here: unit heaping, which is often imposed by the survey instrument, and recall error. The impact of these errors depends on the underlying behavior pattern. When the interval that persons spend single between partners is small compared to the interval when partnerships overlap, it is easier for errors to create a concurrent partnership where none exists than to eliminate one that does. Under these conditions, measurement errors introduce a slight positive bias in estimates of the prevalence of ...
Handoff between track-while-scan and image tracking

The handoff between track-while-scan (TWS) mode and image based tracking raises some important questions for the systems designer. TWS is used for point targets and image tracking is used for resolved targets; during any given scenario there are times when both methods may work. An optimal point for handoff must be found. The target may oscillate between a state where TWS is optimal and a state where image based tracking is optimal; reacquisition of the target by one mode after breaklock in another is another problem that must be addressed. The limitations of both modes need to be considered: detection of a point target with 2D spatial algorithms is dependent on the apparent size of both the target and the filter. Performance of the image based tracker is also highly dependent on target size and shape. This paper will describe the detection algorithms used to detect point targets for a typical TWS mode, give a brief description of a typical image based tracker and show results for several different scenarios.
Stress-induced regulation of the renal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor: Possible role of the renin-angiotensin system

The etiology of the decrease in renal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) binding caused by stress was studied in rats. Prior investigations suggest that the response of the renal PBR to stress occurs independently of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous system. The present experiments tested the hypothesis that the renin-angiotensin system is involved in regulating the PBR. Eighty min of brief, intermittent tailshocks caused increases in plasma renin activity and decreases in renal PBR binding. The stress-induced decrease in renal PBR binding was reversed by pretreatment with captopril. Acute administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) alone caused reductions in PBR binding in kidney, heart, and cerebral cortex. These data suggest that ANG II may be an endogenous factor responsible for regulating the PBR in several tissues during stress.
Enforcing nodes at required locations in a harmonically excited structure using simple oscillators

Abstract With a suitably chosen set of spring–mass parameters, a single or multiple points of zero vibration (or otherwise referred to as nodes) can be induced anywhere along a general elastic structure during forced harmonic excitations. In application, however, the actual selection of the oscillator parameters also depends on the tolerable vibration amplitudes of the absorber masses, because if the vibration amplitudes of these masses are large, then theoretically feasible solutions could not be implemented in practice. In this paper, spring–mass systems are used as a means to impose single or multiple nodes anywhere along a harmonically forced structure, subjected to the constraints of tolerable vibration amplitudes for the masses. When the node locations are chosen so that they are closely spaced, a region of nearly zero amplitudes can be induced, effectively quenching vibration in that segment of the structure. Numerical experiments show that the required mass and its vibration amplitude for each oscillator are inversely related. This observation serves as a guide for the proper selection of the oscillator parameters in order to induce multiple nodes and to meet the tolerable vibration amplitudes of the oscillator masses. An efficient procedure for choosing the required oscillator parameters is outlined in detail, and numerical experiments are performed to verify the proposed methodology of imposing nodes at multiple locations along any arbitrary structure during harmonic excitations.
Acoustic Doppler shifts in medicine

This is a brief discourse on the history of the uses of acoustic Doppler frequency shifts in modern medicine. The Doppler effect and the Doppler equation are discussed. The technological developments over the last half century are covered, as well as their applications in diagnostic medical sonography. A limited discussion of the pathologies that may be diagnosed using the Doppler effect is also presented.
Consultation with the Specialist: Home Care of Children Dependent on Respiratory Technology

1. Debbie S. Toder, MD* 2. John T. McBride, MD† 1. 2. *Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 3. 4. †Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of Pediatric Pulmonology, University of Rochester,NY School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY. Increasing numbers of children who depend on respiratory technology live and are cared for at home rather than in the hospital. Families’ and caregivers’ concern for developmental and psychosocial advantages and insurance companies’ concern for cost savings have motivated the shift to home care. Coincidental advances in technology have facilitated this change. Although a child’s need may be simple—perhaps just nocturnal oxygen—for many children, respiratory technology is only one aspect of a complicated, multi-faceted care plan. This review describes our centers’ approaches to several aspects of chronic home therapy, including oxygen therapy, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation. Most of these approaches have not been studied critically, and the practices of various centers across the country may vary considerably. ### CANDIDATES Oxygen, usually delivered by nasal cannula, frequently is indicated to correct the hypoxemia of chronic lung diseases in childhood and, more rarely, that which is associated with resolving acute lung disease or obstructive sleep apnea. Infants who have bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) comprise the largest group benefiting from home oxygen therapy. Adequate oxygenation in these infants improves growth, prevents the development of right ventricular hypertrophy (or prevents its worsening), and improves sleep. A liter-flow and delivery system to maintain oxygen saturations in the mid or high 90s with, at most, minor adjustments for feeding and sleep should be chosen. Safe discharge from the nursery can be considered when an infant is stable and has demonstrated growth on therapy that the family can provide at home. Children who have other forms of chronic lung disease such as cystic fibrosis or interstitial lung disease and who exhibit hypoxemia also will benefit from home oxygen therapy. In many instances, oxygen is required only during sleep or with exercise. Oxygen supplementation during exercise may allow individuals who otherwise would limit their activity or the intensity or duration of …
Vasoactive intestinal peptide regulates mitosis, differentiation and survival of cultured sympathetic neuroblasts.

ALTHOUGH acute, millisecond-to-millisecond actions of neurotransinitters are well documented, diverse longer-term effects have been discovered only recently1–5. Emerging evidence indicates that these signals regulate a variety of neuronal processes, from phenotypic expression to neurite outgrowth6–19. Here we show that a single putative transmitter, vasoactive intestinal peptide, can exert multiple, long-term effects simultaneously: it stimulates mitosis, promotes neurite outgrowth and enhances survival of sympathetic neuron precursors in culture. As the peptide seems to be a normal presynaptic transmitter in the sympathetic system19–25, synaptic transmission may exert hitherto unexpected effects.
Elevation of calcium in rat enterocytes byEscherichia coli heat-stable (STa) enterotoxin

The effect of STa enterotoxin on intracellular calcium in primary cultures of rat enterocytes was investigated. The enterocytes were loaded with a fluorescent calcium indicator, indo-1, and changes of intracellular calcium determined by flow cytometry. When the rat enterocytes were treated with EGTA, a calcium chelator, or ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, a decrease or increase, respectively, in free intracellular calcium was demonstrated. The addition of STa enterotoxin to rat enterocytes loaded with indo-1 caused an initial decrease, followed by a rapid increase, in free intracellular calcium. These effects on intracellular calcium occurred prior to or during an increase in the intracellular concentration of cyclic 3′,5′-guanosine monophosphate. The current results demonstrate that the activation of rat enterocytes by STa enterotoxin has an effect on transmembrane regulation of the receptor-dependent calcium signal and/or the release of calcium from intracellular storage sites.
Investigation of Basal Plane Dislocation Reduction/Elimination by Molten KOH-NaOH Eutectic Etching Method

An optimized molten KOH-NaOH eutectic etching method is developed to reveal defects in highly n-doped SiC substrates and to pre-treat the substrate prior to epitaxial growth. Different from the conventional KOH etching method, by way of eutectic method, the basal plane dislocation (BPD) conversion in the subsequent epitaxial growth is independent of the etch pit size pre-generated on the substrate. Even with a short period (~3 minutes) of pretreatment which does not generate any visible etch pits or degradation of surface morphology on the substrate, an epilayer with low BPD density -2 is still achieved. This simple and non-destructive method shows high potential to be practically employed as one of the basic pretreatment steps to the substrates in SiC epitaxial growth in order to achieve very low or free BPD density.
Effect of anemia on the fasciocutaneous flap survival in a rat model.

Objective/Hypothesis Ablative surgery for head and neck cancer that creates large composite defects often results in a significant decrease in the hematocrit level. These defects are best reconstructed with a microvascular free tissue transfer. Effect of the decreased hematocrit on microvascular flap survival is controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of isovolemic anemia on flap survival in a rat model. Study Design Prospective analysis. Methods Ninety rats were used (30 control and 60 experimental animals). Experimental animals were rendered anemic by blood draw and volume resuscitated with either a colloid (30 animals) or crystalloid (30 animals) solution. In all animals a ventral fasciocutaneous flap was raised. A vascular clamp was applied to the arteriovenous pedicle, and different ischemic times were allowed to elapse before clamp removal. Flap survival was assessed at 5 days. Probit analysis was performed for the three animal groups. Results A significantly increased probability of the flap survival was found in the anemic animals compared with the control group (P ≤.05). No difference was found between the colloid and crystalloid resuscitation groups. Conclusions A decreased hematocrit level increases fasciocutaneous flap tolerance to ischemia and significantly increases the primary ischemic time in the ventral flap clamp model in rats. Fluid replacement with either crystalloid or colloid produces identical results.
Memory Management in Country and Corporate Survival Decisions

Absent Chief Entrepreneur/Intrapreneur (‘Ntrepreneur) Officer (CNO) Churchill’s un wavering commitment of significant resources to the unproven radar (Decision to Dare) as early as the autumn of 1937, Great Britain would have not survived as a nation: No country survival. Absent Watson, Jr.’s unwavering determination to push IBM into computers, launching in 1951 the Defense Calculator, which at $3 million “was by far the most expensive project in IBM history,” IBM would not have survived: No corporate survival. From the [rather flimsy] briefing by Dr. R.V. Jones weaving fact and fancy, how did Churchill draw the firm conclusion that radar would be invented; and risk rewriting the entire plans for the air defense of Great Britain around radar? How did Watson, Jr. dismiss the unanimous recommendation of IBM’s 18 best systems experts that magnetic tape had no place at IBM; and launch the most expensive project at IBM to break into the unknown field of computers? Based on first‐person narratives, how could th...
The Synthesis of New 60° Organometallic Subunits and Self-Assembly of Three-Dimensional M3L2 Trigonal-Bipyramidal Cages

By employing the coupling reaction of trans-PtI2(Et3)2 with C−H bonds in alkynes as the key step, two new 60° organometallic subunits with different size from 3,6-dibromophenanthrene were prepared in reasonable yields. The X-ray structures of both di-Pt(II) diiodide complexes showed that they were indeed suitable candidates for 60° building units. By utilizing these novel linkers as ditopic acceptor subunits, three M3L2 trigonal-bipyramidal (TBP) cages were formed. All three TBP cages were characterized with multinuclear NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) along with element analysis.
Instrumental and Motivationally Induced Drinking under Dry Food Reinforcement Schedules

2 experiments were conducted in which rats were exposed to a succession of response-independent and lick-contingent dry food reinforcement schedules with water freely available. The two experiments...
Assembly Line Polyketide Synthases: Mechanistic Insights and Unsolved Problems

Two hallmarks of assembly line polyketide synthases have motivated an interest in these unusual multienzyme systems, their stereospecificity and their capacity for directional biosynthesis. In this review, we summarize the state of knowledge regarding the mechanistic origins of these two remarkable features, using the 6-deoxyerythronolide B synthase as a prototype. Of the 10 stereocenters in 6-deoxyerythronolide B, the stereochemistry of nine carbon atoms is directly set by ketoreductase domains, which catalyze epimerization and/or diastereospecific reduction reactions. The 10th stereocenter is established by the sequential action of three enzymatic domains. Thus, the problem has been reduced to a challenge in mainstream enzymology, where fundamental gaps remain in our understanding of the structural basis for this exquisite stereochemical control by relatively well-defined active sites. In contrast, testable mechanistic hypotheses for the phenomenon of vectorial biosynthesis are only just beginning to emerge. Starting from an elegant theoretical framework for understanding coupled vectorial processes in biology [Jencks, W. P. (1980) Adv. Enzymol. Relat. Areas Mol. Biol. 51, 75-106], we present a simple model that can explain assembly line polyketide biosynthesis as a coupled vectorial process. Our model, which highlights the important role of domain-domain interactions, not only is consistent with recent observations but also is amenable to further experimental verification and refinement. Ultimately, a definitive view of the coordinated motions within and between polyketide synthase modules will require a combination of structural, kinetic, spectroscopic, and computational tools and could be one of the most exciting frontiers in 21st Century enzymology.
Influence of handling and conditioning protocol on learning and memory of Microplitis croceipes

Microplitis croceipes (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) learns odors in association with both hosts and food. The food-associated ‘seeking’ behavior of M. croceipes was investigated under various training protocols utilizing the conditioning odor, 3-octanone. We investigated the effects of odor training, or its lack, training duration, training frequency, time elapsed after training, wasp hunger state, and training reinforcement, on the food-seeking responses of M. croceipes females. We found that odor-trained females show strong food seeking responses, whereas non-odor-trained females do not respond to the odor, and that a single 10 s association with the odor whilst feeding on sugar water subsequently conditioned the wasps to exhibiting significant responses to it. Increases in training time to more than 10 s did not improve their responses. Repetition of the food‐ odor associations increased a wasp’s recall, as well as its response over time, compared to a single exposure. Repeated exposure to the learned odor in the absence of a food reward decreased the responses of less hungry individuals. However, the level of response increased significantly following a single reinforcement with the food‐ odor association. Understanding the factors that influence learning in parasitoids can enhance our ability to predict their foraging behavior, and opens up avenues for the development of effective biological detectors.
Early interactions of foot-and-mouth disease virus with cultured cells.

Abstract The adsorption of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) types A 12 119, O 1B , and C 3Res were studied in baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells by measuring the amount of radioactively labeled purified virus which remained attached to cells at various times after infection. At 4°, over half of the maximum adsorption of type A virus occurred within 15 min, and approximately 65% of the radioactivity bound by 45 min was removed by brief treatment with EDTA, indicating the assay measures primarily adsorption and not penetration. Upon shifting the temperature from 4 to 37°, about 60 to 70% of the bound virus eluted by 1 hr in an unmodified form. Only 140 S virus particles and 12 S subunits could be found associated with the infected cell 20 min after shifting the temperature from 4 to 37°. By 50 min, the number of 140 S particles decreased slightly. The number of viral receptors per BHK-21 cell was determined to be 1–2.5 × 10 4 for virus types A 12 and O 1B . Competition experiments between FMDV types A 12 , O 1B , and C 3Res indicated that they can utilize at least some common receptor sites on cells.
Shame, ontological insecurity and intercountry adoption

Romania and South Korea were once among the top sending countries for adoptive American families. In recent years, though, both have adopted significant restrictions on intercountry adoption. What leads countries to introduce such severe restrictions? This article argues that shame plays a significant, yet underappreciated, motivating factor for leading governments to change their laws on intercountry adoption. Political leaders seize on nationalist rhetoric to argue that intercountry adoption is shameful. The article explores the interaction between intercountry adoption and shame through brief case studies on Romania and South Korea. Finally, it examines the role of the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention) in ameliorating these feelings.