cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Modified Dual-input LLC Converter for Standalone PV/Battery Power System

This paper proposes a modified dual-input LLC resonant converter that interfaces with one PV panel and one battery energy storage system (BESS). The topology is a dual half-bridge LLC circuit with four active switches. This topology allows the two sources to share the same resonant tank for transferring energy to the load without the need for additional circuit components. Back-to-back switches are used to short the resonant capacitor and transformer in battery charging scenario; therefore, the converter is operating as a boost circuit. A phase-shift pulse width modulation (PWM) control is employed to implement maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for PV panel. The converter voltage gain is controlled by varying the operating frequency as in a typical LLC resonant converter. Zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) is realized in half-bridge circuit switches over the entire range of source voltage and load conditions in battery discharging scenario and single-input scenario. A 350-W prototype was built to validate the performance of the proposed topology. The input voltage range of the PV source was selected to be 25 V to 45 V and the nominal input voltage of battery was 55 V with an output voltage regulated at 200 V DC. Experimental results show that the proposed converter can achieve the peak efficiency of 93.695% while maintaining a wide input voltage range.
Immunizations in the Child with Sickle Cell Disease

In order to provide optimal health maintenance, clinicians who care for children with sickle cell disease (SCD) including the most common form, sickle cell anemia (SCA, HbSS, and HbS/beta-thalassemia°) as well as HbSC and HbS/beta-thalassemia+, should be aware of the immune deficits that accompany the disorder which dictate a modified vaccination schedule for certain vaccines in this specialized population. The potential deficits of the immune system along with the recommended vaccination schedule for the child with SCD are described for the primary care clinician.
PUF Implementation and Application for Securing IoT Devices

In this paper, to defend against threats of bitstream decoding, bitstream spoofing, reverse engineering, and hijacking the system, we encrypt the bitstream to enhance the security of FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) based IoT (Internet of Things) devices. IoT refers to the phenomenon of the ever-growing network of physical objects ("Things") that have the capability for internet connectivity, data collection, and information exchange that occurs between these objects and other Internet-enabled devices and systems. FPGAs can enable vastly growing IoT applications since they can interface with the outside world easily with low power, low latency, high determinism with reprogrammable and re-configurable capabilities. To defend against threats and attacks to FPGA designs, we encrypt the bitstream that configures FPGA. In order to produce a completely unique key for encryption, a physical unclonable function (PUF) is implemented on Altera DE2-115 board. Such an implementation leverages the intrinsic physical characteristics of the FPGA in order to generate a more secure, reliable, and unclonable encryption key. The key generation has been tested on multiple Altera DE2-115 FPGA boards to validate the uniqueness of the key. We then apply the unclonable key to encrypt bitstream to program a Xilinx Zynq-7000 FPGA based IoT device to enhance the security of the IoT device.
Telehealth in outpatient management of kidney transplant recipients during COVID-19 pandemic in New York.

The New York metropolitan region was an early epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. The New York State stay-at-home order forced hospitals and health care providers to rethink care algorithms as in-person visits became infeasible or unsafe. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the kidney transplant program at Columbia University Irving Medical Center rapidly implemented a telehealth program that offers virtual visits for ambulatory patients.
Extremely Low Resource Optical Identifier: A License Plate for Your Satellite

Space object identification is vital for operating spacecraft, space traffic control, and space situational awareness, but initial determination, maintenance, and recovery of identity are all diffi...
Skewness, Cryptocurrency, and Peer-To-Peer Loans: An Asset Allocation Exercise for a Unique Student-Managed Fund

We incorporate skewness and kurtosis into an optimization process for a unique student-managed fund. Unlike the vast majority of such funds, which hold only equity, our fund includes REITs, cryptocurrency, and peer-to-peer loans. Adding these unusual asset classes allows our students to explore portfolio management concepts more generalizable than just picking stocks. While most of our assets cannot be recommended based solely on traditional mean-variance analysis, they nonetheless offer beneficial contributions. Using polynomial goal programming to incorporate higher moments in our optimization, we find that asset classes dominated in mean-variance space can make meaningful contributions to the full risk-return profile of the portfolio. In particular, we find that including cryptocurrency and peer-to-peer loans can increase the skewness and decrease the kurtosis of our portfolio.
Optimal Time Decay Rates for a Chemotaxis Model with Logarithmic Sensitivity

We consider a Keller-Segel type chemotaxis model with logarithmic sensitivity and density-dependent production/consumption rate. It is a \(2\times 2\) reaction-diffusion system describing the interaction of cells and a chemical signal. We study Cauchy problem for the original system and its transformed system, which is one of hyperbolic-parabolic conservation laws. In both cases of diffusive and non-diffusive chemical, we obtain optimal \(L^2\) time decay rates for the solution. Our results improve those in Li et al. (Nonlinearity 28:2181-2210, 2015 [5]), Martinez et al. (Indiana Univ Math J 67:1383-1424, 2018 [7]).
“What Need is There of Words?” The Rhetoric of Lű's Annals (Lűshi chunqiu)

This essay introduces Lű's Annals ( Lűshi chunqiu ), a classical Chinese text with a wealth of material on rhetoric. Not only does the text evaluate numerous examples of persuasion and sophistry, it also lays out a system of rhetorical precepts grounded in a distinctive ontology, that of correlative cosmology. After outlining the cosmology, epistemology, and theory of language of Lű's Annals , I trace how these shape its rhetorical theory and practices. I then consider how the text itself works as a persuasive artifact in the light of its own strictures. The essay closes with some reflections on why this valuable resource for Classical Chinese rhetoric has been neglected.
Safety Margins: Classical Mammalian Approaches and Practical Aspects of Their Present Use in Aquatic Toxicology

The approach of mammalian toxicologists to determining margins of safety has been to define situational margins of safety for each definable situation; however, aquatic toxicologists have taken a global approach to estimating safety margins, attempting to establish a single margin of safety to encompass all conceivable situations. Though either approach can determine safety margins that will protect organisms or systems of concern, the global approach is likely to be more conservative, and thus much more difficult to achieve. In the future, aquatic toxicologists should try to move toward situationally dependent assessments.
Morphology of the aging brain, human and animal.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the pathological changes found in the brains of old humans and animals and discusses which of them should be considered responsible for the deterioration of function. Biopsy and autopsy material from patients with and without senile dementia and from younger people with the diagnosis of Alzheimer's presenile dementia is included. The animal material consisted of five dogs, 15 to 18 years old, and four Rhesus monkeys aged 15 to 24 years. Most of the tissue comprised samples taken from frontal and hippocampal cortex. Even a superficial look at the life span of different animals indicates that there are some general phenomena that set a ceiling on the longevity of each animal species. One might consider that the aged cell is an environment in which certain pathological changes can readily develop. In conclusion, the morphological data indicate that studies of neuronal fibrous protein and synaptic pathology with special emphasis on mitochondria are the most urgent problems facing neuro-gerontologists.
Improved detection of long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects in intact cells using [9,10-3H]oleic acid.

[9,10- 3 H]Myristate and [9,10- 3 H]palmitate are currently used widely in 3 H 2 O release assays for detecting medium- and long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects, both in intact fibroblasts (Manning et al 1990; Olpin et al 1992) and in lymphocytes (Brivet et al 1995). Over the past nine years we have used both substrates to screen routinely for fatty acid oxidation defects in over 900 patients and have identified 82 individuals with specific fatty acid oxidation disorders. Nearly all of these assays have been performed on fibroblasts. Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (McKusick 201450) is characterized by a much decreased oxidation of myristate, giving a high palmitate/myristate (P/M) ratio. The long-chain defects, very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency and long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency (McKusick 143450), generally give a low P/M ratio, though discrimination is relatively poor. This is particularly true for 'mild' VLCAD, where both absolute activities with [9,10- 3 H]myristate and [9,10- 3 H]palmitate and the P/M ratio may show overlap with the control range. Over the last few years we have increasingly encountered patients who present both clinically and biochemically as likely to have a fatty acid oxidation disorder and with mild to moderate reductions (into the VLCAD and LCHAD range) in fibroblast oxidation of [9,10- 3 H]myristate and [9,10- 3 H]palmitate but who do not meet the criteria for any of the recognized fatty acid oxidation defects. We now describe the use of [9,10- 3 H]oleic acid, a commercially available substrate, for improved discrimination in the detection of long-chain fatty acid oxidation defects.
Randomized Trial of a Family-based, Automated, Conversational Obesity Treatment Program for Underserved Populations

Objective To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a scalable obesity treatment program integrated with pediatric primary care (PC) and delivered using interactive voice technology (IVR) to families from underserved populations. Design and Methods Fifty parent-child dyads (child 9-12 yrs, BMI > 95th percentile) were recruited from a pediatric PC clinic and randomized to either an IVR or a wait-list control (WLC) group. The majority were lower-income, African-American (72%) families. Dyads received IVR calls for 12 weeks. Call content was informed by two evidence-based interventions. Anthropometric and behavioral variables were assessed at baseline and 3-month follow-up. Results Forty-three dyads completed the study. IVR parents ate one cup more fruit than WLC (P 75% agreed that the calls were useful, made for people like them, credible, and helped them eat healthy foods. Conclusion An obesity treatment program delivered via IVR may be an acceptable and feasible resource for families from underserved populations.
Vitamin A equivalence of the β-carotene in biofortified cassava in women

Cassava is an important food energy source in tropical and subtropical regions. There have been successful efforts to increase the β-carotene content in cassava through biofortification. However, the bioefficacy of the β-carotene in the biofortified cassava in humans has not been studied. In the present study, we investigated the bioefficacy of the βcarotene in biofortified cassava in 9 healthy women ages 18-39 y. After eating conventional foods with low β-carotene and vitamin A contents for three days, the subjects were asked to ingest one of the three cassava porridges in random order. All of the porridge servings were about 200 g and contained 40 g cassava flour. The three porridges included biofortified cassava porridge (1097.5 μg β-carotene), white cassava porridge with vitamin A reference dose (285.6 μg retinol) and white cassava porridge with β-carotene reference dose (537.6 μg β-carotene). Blood samples were collected prior to ingestion of the test porridge and at 2, 3.5, 5, 6.5, 9 hours after ingestion. Plasma triacylglycerol rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons and large VLDL) were isolated and the retinyl palmitate contents were analyzed by HPLC-ECD. The mean amounts of retinyl palmitate appearing in the triacylglycerol-rich lipoprotein fraction in the entire plasma pool after ingestion of the biofortified cassava porridge and the white cassava porridge with the β-carotene reference dose were 1587.53 ± 285.27 and 914.35 ± 128.50 nmol. The vitamin A equivalence values of the β-carotene in these two porridges were 2.80 ± 1.77 to 1 and 2.11 ± 0.81 to 1 (by weight), respectively. These vitamin A equivalence values were not significantly different by t test. In our study population, the bioefficacy of the β-carotene in biofortified cassava was as good as that of a β-carotene supplement.
The dimerization of deoxyhemoglobin and of oxyhemoglobin. Evidence for cleavage along the same plane.

Abstract Studies on mixtures of canine and human hemoglobin incubated in the liganded form and separated in the unliganded form (and vice versa) indicate that liganded and unliganded hemoglobin cleave along the same plane in dimer formation. The separation was carried out by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels. The same result was indicated by experiments in which the canine-human hemoglobin mixture was focused in the oxy form and then refocused in the deoxy form as the oxygen in the gel reacted with dithionite. This technique clearly illustrates that, as a result of the Bohr effect, liganded and unliganded hemoglobin have different isoelectric points. Electrofocusing in gels could profitably be used to study cooperativity in allosteric enzymes.
Influence of Thorotrast Blockade and Acute Renal Artery Ligation on Disapperance of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B from Blood

The protein toxin staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) produces a clinical syndrome somewhat similar to that of gram-negative endotoxins. Our studies indicate a further similarity to endotoxin in that SEB is rapidly cleared from the plasma of monkeys. However, data reported herein show that an effective Thorotrast blockade of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) does not produce a significant change in the rapid disappearance kinetics of SEB. This observation contrasts with what is known regarding endotoxin clearance. Furthermore, other data reported herein indicate that acute bilateral renal artery ligation produces a profound delay in SEB clearance from plasma. A possible mechanism for renal degradation of SEB is theorized. The RES may play a less important role in the clearance of SEB. This finding contrasts with the demonstrated importance of the RES in clearance and detoxification of gram-negative endotoxin.
Bilingual Education: A Dialogue with the Bakhtin Circle.

Bilingual Education: A Dialogue with the Bakhtin Circle. Marcia Moraes. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1996. 159 pp.
Supershear rupture in the 24 May 2013 Mw 6.7 Okhotsk deep earthquake: Additional evidence from regional seismic stations

Zhan et al. (2014a) reported supershear rupture during the M_w 6.7 aftershock of the 2013 M_w 8.3 Sea of Okhotsk deep earthquake, relying heavily on the regional station PET, which played a critical role in constraining the vertical rupture dimension and rupture speed. Here we include five more regional stations and find that the durations of the source time functions derived from these stations are consistent with Zhan et al.'s supershear rupture model. Furthermore, to reduce the nonuniqueness of deconvolution and combine the bandwidths of different stations, we conduct a joint inversion of the six regional stations for a single broadband moment-rate function (MRF). The best fitting MRF, which explains all the regional waveforms well, has a smooth shape without any temporal gaps. The M_w 6.7 Okhotsk deep earthquake is more likely a continuous supershear rupture than a dynamically triggered doublet.
Recovering a "Lost" Author: Marcion of Smyrna

The Martyrdom of Polycarp , traditionally treated as an anonymous document, is not: it was composed by Marcion of Smyrna. A writer of no small ability, he argues for a particular view of martyrdom on the basis of a sophisticated interpretation of the gospel narrative; portrays Polycarp as the embodiment of both Christian and Greco-Roman virtues and values; and subverts Roman claims to power even as he affirms Christian claims of divine sovereignty. His accomplishments earn him a spot on the roster of second century Christian authors.
FDM Helmholtz modeling of finite grating and waveguide width effects on resonant subwavelength grating reflectivity.

Resonant subwavelength gratings (RSGs) may be used as narrow-band wavelength and angular reflectors. Rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) predicts 100% reflectivity at the resonant frequency of an incident plane wave from an RSG of infinite extent. For devices of finite extent or for devices illuminated with a finite beam, the peak reflectivity drops, coupled with a broadening of the peak. More complex numerical methods are required to model these finite effects. We have modeled finite devices and finite beams with a two-dimensional finite difference Helmholtz equation. The effect of finite grating aperture and finite beam size are investigated. Specific cases considered include Gaussian beam illumination of an infinite grating, Gaussian illumination of a finite grating, and plane wave illumination of an apertured grating. For a wide grating with a finite Gaussian beam, it is found that the reflectivity is an exponential function of the grating width. Likewise, for an apertured grating the reflectivity shows an exponential decay with narrowing aperture size. Results are compared to other methods, including plane wave decomposition of Gaussian beams using RCWA for the case of a finite input beam, and a semi-analytical techniques for the case of the apertured grating.
Phylogeny as a guide to structure and function of membrane transport proteins (Review)

Protein phylogeny, based on primary amino acid sequence relatedness, reflects the evolutionary process and therefore provides a guide to structure, mechanism and function. Any two proteins that are related by common descent are expected to exhibit similar structures and functions to a degree proportional to the degree of their sequence similarity; but two independently evolving proteins should not. This principle provides the impetus to define protein phylogenetic relationships and interrelate families when possible. In this mini-review, we summarize the computational approaches and criteria we use to establish common evolutionary origin. We apply these tools to define distant superfamily relationships between several previously recognized transport protein families. In some cases, available structural and functional data are evaluated in order to substantiate our claim that molecular phylogeny provides a reliable guide to protein structure and function.
The core of an economy with differential information

We introduce a new core concept for an exchange economy with differential information which is contained in the coarse core concept of Wilson (1978). We prove the existence of (i) a core allocation for an exchange economy with differential information and; (ii) an α-core strategy for a game in normal form with differential information.
The utility of preoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone level for predicting malignant nodular thyroid disease

Abstract Introduction The aim of this study was to assess whether serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are of value in predicting malignancy in patients with nodular thyroid disease (NTD). Methods Patients with NTD and a preoperative TSH level who underwent thyroidectomy between 1990 and 2008 were identified from a prospective database. Age, sex, TSH concentration, nodule size, and pathology were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which factors were predictive of malignancy. Results Six hundred fifty-three patients were analyzed. The overall rate of malignancy was 20%; the rate was highest in patients 5.5 μIU/mL. Logistic regression analysis revealed that TSH level was the only significant risk factor for malignancy. Conclusion The serum TSH level may be useful in predicting the probability of cancer and optimizing the extent of thyroidectomy in patients with NTD.
Resveratrol From Transgenic Alfalfa for Prevention of Aberrant Crypt Foci in Mice

Transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), which accumulated resveratrol-glucoside (RG), was incorporated into diets and fed to female, 6-wk-old CF-1 mice for 5 wk. Mice fed diets containing transgenic alfalfa with supplemented α -galactosidase had significantly fewer azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in their colon relative to mice fed the transgenic alfalfa diets without added α -galactosidase (P = 0.02). Resveratrol-aglycone (Rag) was detected in the colon of 100% of mice fed transgenic alfalfa diets with supplemented α -galactosidase and in 60% of mice fed transgenic alfalfa without α -galactosidase (P < 0.05). Colonic concentrations of Rag (< 0.5 nmol/g tissue) in mice fed transgenic alfalfa with α -galactosidase (0.22 ± 0.18 nmol/g tissue) tended to be higher than in animals fed diets without α -galactosidase (0.1 ± 0.08 nmol/g tissue; P = 0.09). The use of N-(Bn-butyl)-deoxygalactonojirimycin, an inhibitor of lactase-phlorizin hydrolase (LPH), in transport studies with everted jeju...
The kindling of electric sparkover

Experimental evidence is presented which tends to prove that electrons and not protons or positive ions are the active carriers in the spark kindling mechanism and that Lichtenberg figures form the initial step in the process.
A Light Shines in Steel Town: A Response to He, Phillion, & Roberge's Review of Language, Culture, and Power: Bilingual Families and the Struggle for Quality Education

Living and writing in Steel Town was a challenging experience for me as a researcher, a parent, and a community leader. I found myself grappling with many different issues as I contemplated how to conduct my research. In many ways I was an insider to the community. As a Latina woman who is passionate about the histories of my peoples and the preservation of our identities through language, I found that I was intimately involved in the battle for an ethically and just bilingual education. Any attempt to cover up my vision for a stronger Steel Town community, founded upon an understanding that differences in our past can lead to a healthy citizenry only when those distinctions are respected and engaged, would have been a disservice to the field of education. There were many times when I would sit in front of the computer and cry as I recalled the number of injustices I had witnessed among the community, administrators, teachers, and students of Steel Town. I felt humbled as a scholar and I questioned if any words would sufficiently express the daily-lived realities of the people with
Skipping the pill-free interval: data from a Dutch national sample

Abstract Introduction A monthly pill-free interval is unnecessary and many women prefer to have fewer bleeding episodes. Methods Eight hundred eighteen oral contraceptive pill (OCP) users reported frequency of skipping the pill-free interval in the online 2011 Sexual Health in the Netherlands Survey. Demographics of women who skipped pill-free intervals regularly were compared to those of women who rarely skipped intervals. Results 73% of the women have ever skipped pill-free intervals and 38% do so regularly. Women of Dutch or Western origin and non-religious women skip intervals more frequently, but differences are small. Discussion Skipping pill-free intervals is common, even when it is not actively promoted. Implications Women who use OCPs can and do skip pill-free intervals, either with or without consulting a physician. If bleeding preferences were structurally discussed with patients, the number of women who skip intervals may increase even further.
Family studies of association between HLA and specific immune responses to highly purified pollen allergens

In 76 members of 13 large families, we investigated whether association exists between specific familialHLA haplotypes and immune responsiveness to four different highly purified pollen antigens (ragweed antigens E, Ra3, and Ra5 and rye grass Group I). Specific immune response was studied quantitatively by measurement of IgE-mediated skin sensitivity, serum IgG antibody, and antigen-induced lymphocyte proliferationin vitro. We found no evidence for association between specificHLA haplotype and specific response measured by any one or more of our indices of immune function. In several families we found evidence of specific response in one generation but not in another. We found a number of instances of individuals exhibiting lymphocyte responsiveness to an antigen, but no detectable specific IgE or IgG antibody. Surprisingly, we also found a few cases of individuals with marked IgE and/or IgG responses to a given antigen who showed no measurable lymphocyte responsiveness to that antigen, despite lymphocyte responsiveness to other nonimmunologically crossreacting antigens. In several cases, we also observed lymphocyte stimulation and serum IgG antibody, but no detectable IgE response. Our results conflict with previous investigators' reports of “linkage” betweenHLA haplotype and specific IgE-mediated skin sensitivity in families.HLA- linked immune response (Ir) loci may exist in humans, but genetic complexity and the limits of current technology preclude our ability to demonstrate their existence.
Decreases in dilated pupil size in depressed patients with age may reflect adrenergic changes.

Abstract Some studies have suggested that noradrenergic activity may decrease with age in depressed patients. Pupil size is regulated by a balance between norepinephrine and acetylcholine. The present study compares pupil size in 10 unmedicated patients with unipolar depression (296.3) and in 16 normal controls. Pupil size after dilation with tropicamide, a cholinergic antagonist, was inversely related to age in the patients ( r =−0.87), but did not diminish with age in controls. The results suggest that pupil size may provide an index of diminished noradrenergic function with age in patients with major depression.
Heat Compensation in Buildings Using Thermoelectric Windows: An Energy Efficient Window Technology

In this paper, we explore the design of thermoelectric (TE) windows for applications in building structures. Thermoelectric windows are equipped with TE units in the window frame to provide a heat absorption power, given a direct current input. We explore the design performance of the TE window to compensate for its own heat gains. While existing energy efficient windows have made advances towards reducing the heat transfer through them, they still depend on the building’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to compensate for their heat gains. Our research explores the design of a window that can actively compensate for the passive heat flow through the window panes, and to do so with a better coefficient of performance (COP) than conventional HVAC systems. We also optimize the TE window design, and present results of the potential performance for practical applications in the building structure. For the geographic locations considered (Hawaii and Miami), the results are promising. Interestingly, the proposed TE window design actively compensates for the conduction heat gains with a COP greater than three, while that of conventional systems is typically less than three.© 2008 ASME
Shape Factors of ISO 12103-A3 (Medium Test Dust)

Abstract A new derivative of Arizona sand, ISO Medium Test Dust, is coming into use for calibrating liquid optical particle counters. ISO Medium Test Dust and optical particle counters are used to test filtering efficiency. Particle shape plays a role in both filtering and optical detection. To establish a new Standard Reference Material for the fluid power industry, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on large numbers of medium test dust particles over the size range of 0.5–50 μm. Aspect ratio, longest chord to projected area diameter ratio, and circularity were derived from the boundaries of the SEM images.
Nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase in Huntington's disease.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a biologically active inorganic molecule produced when the semiessential amino acid l-arginine is converted to l-citrulline and NO via the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NO is known to be involved in the regulation of many physiological processes, such as control of blood flow, platelet adhesion, endocrine function, neurotransmission, neuromodulation, and inflammation, to name only a few. During neuropathological conditions, the production of NO can be either protective or toxic, dependent on the stage of the disease, the isoforms of NOS involved, and the initial pathological event. This paper reviews the properties of NO and NOS and the pathophysiology of Huntington's disease (HD). It discusses ways in which NO and NOS may interact with the protein product of HD and reviews data implicating NOS in the neuropathology of HD. This is followed by a synthesis of current information regarding how NO/NOS may contribute to HD-related pathology and identification of areas for potential future research. J. Neurosci. Res. 64:99–107, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Displacement measurements in the interior of 3-D bodies using scattered-light speckle patterns

Two new techniques making use of the scattered-light speckle pattern have been developed which yield the displacements on an arbitrary interior plane of a 3-D body. When a sheet of coherent light passes through a transparent 3-D body, a small fraction is scattered. This scattered light produces a speckle pattern in an imaging system. By recording two superimposed images of this speckle pattern, one before and one after body deformation, the displacements on the interior illuminated plane can be found. The technique of scattered-light photography uses a single illuminating beam and is sensitive to displacements greater than one speckle diameter, approximately 3 μm. Scattered-light speckle interferometry uses two illuminating beams and is sensitive to displacements greater than one half the wavelength of light being used, approximately 0.2 μm. With both techniques, the double-exposed speckle photograph is optically processed to yield displacement information. With both techniques, the maximum displacement measurable is limited by correlation requirements between the two speckle patterns. Experimental results are presented demonstrating the two new techniques.
Longitudinal changes in the cylinder power of children with accommodative esotropia.

Purpose To assess the longitudinal changes in the cylindrical refractive errors of children with accommodative esotropia according to the age when glasses were prescribed. Methods Refractive errors were followed longitudinally for 120 children with accommodative esotropia for a mean of 4.4 ± 2.5 years. Cycloplegic refractions were performed using an autorefractor. The refractive data were analyzed for three groups of children based on their age at the time spectacles were prescribed. Results In all three age groups, the mean cylinder power was initially about 1.0 D. Over time, the mean cylinder power in the two younger age groups gradually increased by about 0.5 D. In the oldest age group, the mean cylinder power remained relatively unchanged with some suggestion of a decrease in the later years. A regression model demonstrated the statistical significance of both the age when spectacles were prescribed ( p p = 0.0034). Conclusions Longitudinal changes in cylinder power for children with accommodative esotropia vary according to their age when spectacle wear is initiated. The greatest increase in cylinder developed in the children who were youngest when initially treated.
Occurrence of human-associated yeasts in the feces and pool waters of captive bottlenosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

Total yeast counts at 20 and 37 C incubation from chlorinated salt water pools containing marine mammals averaged 40 per L and 12 per L, respectively. Candida albicans, the etiological agent of candidiasis in mammals, was found in 32% of 123 water samples although numbers were low (average of 1.2 cells per L). Theyeast was isolated only once from feces from one Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) but was recovered from three fecal samples from an asymptomatic beluga whale (Delphinapteras leucas) which suggested that this animal may be a carrier. Three yeasts (Candida tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and Torulopsis glabrata) associated with human disease accounted for 73% and 88%, respectively, of the 37 C isolates from water and animals. The data indicate the routine presence of potentially pathogenic yeasts in water and various marine mammals. Captive environments characterized by antimicrobial treatment (e.g., chlorine) may provide appropriate conditions for resistant microorganisms, including...
Injury-prevention practices as depicted in G- and PG-rated movies, 2003-2007.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to determine if the depiction of injury-prevention practices in children9s movies is different from what was reported from 2 earlier studies, which showed infrequent depiction of characters practicing recommended safety behaviors. METHODS: The top-grossing 25 domestic G-rated (general audience) and PG-rated (parental guidance suggested) movies per year for 2003–2007 were included in this study. Movies or scenes were excluded if they were animated, not set in the present day, fantasy, documentary, or not in English. Injury-prevention practices involving motor vehicles, pedestrians, boaters, and bicyclists were recorded for characters with speaking roles. RESULTS: Sixty-seven (54%) of 125 movies met the inclusion criteria for this study. A total of 958 person-scenes were examined: 524 (55%) depicted children and 434 (45%) adults. Twenty-two person-scenes involved crashes or falls, resulting in 3 injuries and no deaths. Overall, 311 (56%) of 555 motor-vehicle passengers were belted; 73 (35%) of 211 pedestrians used crosswalks; 60 (75%) of 80 boaters wore personal flotation devices; and 8 (25%) of 32 bicyclists wore helmets. In comparison with previous studies, usage of safety belts, crosswalks, personal flotation devices, and bicycle helmets increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The entertainment industry has improved the depiction of selected safety practices in G- and PG-rated movies. However, approximately one half of scenes still depict unsafe practices, and the consequences of these behaviors are rarely shown. The industry should continue to improve how it depicts safety practices in children9s movies. Parents should highlight the depiction of unsafe behaviors and educate children in following safe practices.
INCIDENCE, PREDICTORS AND OUTCOMES OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY FOLLOWING TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is associated with poor prognosis. However, there is limited data on the incidence and impact of AKI following TAVR defined using the VARC-2 criteria. 90 consecutive TAVR procedures performed in 2 large hospitals in our
Abstract 5205: Iron metabolism informs glioblastoma stem cell maintenance

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Glioblastoma is a highly lethal cancer that is characterized by florid angiogenesis, invasion into normal brain, and therapeutic resistance. Glioblastomas display cellular hierarchies with a self-renewing, tumorigenic glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) at the apex. The significance of GSCs in tumor biology has been supported by work from our group and others showing that GSCs are relatively resistant to conventional therapies, promote tumor angiogenesis, and are highly invasive. By comparing GSCs to matched differentiated tumor bulk, we have identified a number of molecular targets that function in maintenance of the cellular hierarchy and tumor growth. We have now identified increased iron metabolism as a characteristic of GSCs. Normal glial progenitors accumulate iron to increase migration and proliferation. Brain tumors accumulate iron and iron regulators are associated with poor survival. As hypoxia induces iron regulators and maintains the cellular hierarchy, we are investigating iron regulation in GSCs. Ectopic delivery of iron to GSCs increases tumorsphere growth while disrupting iron metabolism in GSCs using shRNA reduces cell growth and decreases the expression of angiogenic growth factors. Collectively, these results suggest that iron metabolism is important for GSC maintenance and tumorigenic potential. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5205. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5205
Near millimeter wave radiation from a gyromonotron

A cyclotron resonance maser oscillator, or gyromonotron, has been designed to produce radiation at a 1 25 mm wavelength by its operation at the second harmonic of the cycloctron cyclotron frequency in on applied magnetic field of 45 kG. Based on linear gyrotron theory and electron orbit computer simulations, an output power in the 1 to 10 kW range at an efficiency of or exceeding 10% should be achievable. In initial tests of this tube, more than 50 W of radiation at both the first and second harmonics wore observed at various values of applied magnetic field. However, beam interception necessitated modifications in tube construction. The modified tube was an efficient first harmonic radiator, but the second harmonic was suppressed. Further modifications to the tube necessary to obtain the second harmonic radiation are currently under investigation.
Phospholipid compositional changes of five pseudomonad archetypes grown with and without toluene

Bacterial physiological responses to toluene exposure were investigated in five reference pseudomonad strains that express different toluene degradation pathways: Pseudomonas putida mt-2, Pseudomonas putida F1, Burkholderia cepacia G4, Burkholderia pickettii PKO1, and Pseudomonas mendocina KR1. The intact phospholipids of these archetypes, grown with and without toluene, were characterized using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry. All strains showed significant changes in phospholipid content and composition as an adaptive response to toluene exposure, as well as considerable diversity in response mechanisms. For example, the phospholipid content of toluene-grown PKO1, F1, and KR1 were 10.9-34.7% of that found in succinate-grown strains, while the phospholipid content of mt-2 and G4 increased by 56% and 94%, respectively, when grown on toluene. In addition, PKO1, F1, and mt-2 responded to the presence of toluene by synthesizing more phosphatidylglycerol, whereas G4 and KR1 synthesized phospholipids with polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2) on one or both of the sn-2 positions. These changes in phospholipid composition and concentration probably reflect the sensitivity and degree of tolerance of these strains to toluene, and suggest that different mechanisms are utilized by dissimilar bacteria to maintain optimal lipid ordering in the presence of such environmental pollutants.
Thermal Model Of A Switching Fabry-Perot Etalon

Thermal behavior of optical thin films subjected to laser irradiation is modeled by coupling the one-dimensional heat flow equations with the characteristic matrix formalism developed to describe the optical properties of thin-film multilayers. The heat flow has two major effects on multilayer behavior: first, differential expansion of adjacent layers can create stress and second, the temperature dependence of the refractive index can affect optical performance. We have chosen to test this model by simulating the thermally induced bistability of a Fabry-Perot etalon. The transmittance peak of such an etalon is extremely sensitive to the optical thickness of its spacer layer because the electric field of the incident light beam is maximized there. Such models can also be applied to studies of thermal- and laser-induced damage in optical materials and to other models dealing with the growth of coatings.
Involvement of hippocampal jun-N terminal kinase pathway in the enhancement of learning and memory by nicotine.

Despite intense scrutiny over the past 20 years, the reasons for the high addictive liability of nicotine and extreme rates of relapse in smokers have remained elusive. One factor that contributes to the development and maintenance of nicotine addiction is the ability of nicotine to produce long-lasting modifications of behavior, yet little is known about the mechanisms by which nicotine alters the underlying synaptic plasticity responsible for behavioral changes. This study is the first to explore how nicotine interacts with learning to alter gene transcription, which is a process necessary for long-term memory consolidation. Transcriptional upregulation of hippocampal jun-N terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) mRNA was found in mice that learned contextual fear conditioning (FC) in the presence of nicotine, whereas neither learning alone nor nicotine administration alone exerted an effect. Furthermore, the upregulation of JNK1 was absent in β2 nicotinic receptor subunit knockout mice, which are mice that do not show enhanced learning by nicotine. Finally, hippocampal JNK activation was increased in mice that were administered nicotine before conditioning, and the inhibition of JNK during consolidation prevented the nicotine-induced enhancement of contextual FC. These data suggest that nicotine and learning interact to alter hippocampal JNK1 gene expression and related signaling processes, thus resulting in strengthened contextual memories.
Time course of alterations in pre- and post-synaptic chemoreceptor function during developmental hyperoxia.

Abstract Postnatal hyperoxia exposure reduces the carotid body response to acute hypoxia and produces a long-lasting impairment of the ventilatory response to hypoxia. The present work investigated the time course of pre- and post-synaptic alterations following exposure to hyperoxia ( F l O 2 = 0.6 ) for 1, 3, 5, 8 and 14 days (d) starting at postnatal day 7 (P7) as compared to age-matched controls. Hyperoxia exposure for 1 d enhanced the nerve response and glomus cell calcium response to acute hypoxia, but exposure for 3–5 d caused a significant reduction in both. Hypoxia-induced catecholamine release and nerve conduction velocity were significantly decreased by 5 d hyperoxia. We conclude that hyperoxia exerts pre-synaptic (glomus cell calcium and secretory responses) and post-synaptic (afferent nerve excitability) actions to initially enhance and then reduce the chemoreceptor response to acute hypoxia. The parallel changes in glomus cell calcium response and nerve response suggest causality between the two and that environmental hyperoxia can affect the coupling between acute hypoxia and glomus cell calcium regulation.
Auditory startle in Swiss Webster mice fed excess aluminum in diet.

Abstract Using an automated method, reduced auditory startle responsiveness was detected in Swiss Webster mice fed excess aluminum in diet (1000 μg Al/g) as compared to controls (7 μg Al/g). Excess aluminum diets were fed either from conception to weaning (developmental group) or from conception and continuing to 52 days of age (continuous group). At 22 days of age, lower response amplitudes were seen in the aluminum exposed groups than in controls. At 52 days of age, more rapid reduction in response amplitude across initial trial blocks was noted. Effects were more prominent in the continuously exposed than the developmentally exposed group at 52 days of age. Reduced auditory startle responsiveness is interpreted as part of a pattern of subtle motor impairment and marginally reduced activity and responsiveness in mice fed excess aluminum in diet.
The automobile as a renewable resource

Abstract The present system which has led to a high rate of recovery of the ferrous and non-ferrous metals from the obsolete automobile processed by shredding is described. Projections of the potential resource recovery from the non-metallic components of the shredded automobile are presented along with a detailed account of the current research and development programme directed toward such recovery.
Tumor rejection in rats after inescapable or escapable shock

Rats experienced inescapable, escapable, or no electric shock 1 day after being implanted with a Walker 256 tumor preparation. Only 27 percent of the rats receiving inescapable shock rejected the tumor, whereas 63 percent of the rats receiving escapable shock and 54 percent of the rats receiving no shock rejected the tumor. These results imply that lack of control over stressors reduces tumor rejection and decreases survival.
Trapping of Acetylene by a Zirconocene Terminal Imido Complex

Treatment of the zirconocene terminal imido complex (CpR)2ZrNtBu(THF) (1a-THF: R = H; 1b-THF: R = Me) with acetylene results in the formation of a dinuclear product, [(CpR)2Zr]2(μ-CHCHNtBu)(μ-NtBu) (3a, R = H; 3b, R = Me), in which the zirconium centers are bridged by nitrogen and carbon. Upon heating, the dinuclear complex 3 is cleaved into the azametallacyclobutene (CpR)2Zr(η2-NtBuCHCH) (4) and the terminal imido complex (CpR)2ZrNtBu (1), which can be trapped with Lewis bases or alkynes. Heating 3 in the absence of traps cleanly produces the alkynyl-bridged species [(CpR)2ZrNHtBu]2(μ-C⋮C) (5). Kinetic data indicate that the dinuclear complex 3 fragments into the mononuclear species 4 and 1 prior to C−H activation to form 5. The X-ray structures of [Cp2Zr]2(μ-CHCHNtBu)(μ-NtBu) (3a) and [Cp2ZrNHtBu]2(μ-C⋮C) (5a) are reported; the structure of the dinuclear species [(Cp2Zr)((CpMe)2Zr)](μ-CHCHNtBu)(μ-NtBu) (3c) is included in the Supporting Information.
Failure Analysis on Low Pull Strength of Thermo-sonic Wedge Bond between Gold Wire and Gold Substrate of MEMS Device

The damaged wire on the wedge resulted in physically thinning of the wire and caused low pull of second bond between gold wire and gold substrate of MEMS component. The thinned wire due to lower cross-section was unable to take high pull force and hence showed poor load sharing with the substrate and hence failed with low pull strength.