cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipid Requirement for μ Opioid Receptor Binding

: We have previously shown that a partially purified μ opioid receptor from bovine brain requires lipids to exhibit full binding activity. In the present report, we have determined the specificity of this lipid requirement. Lipids active in this regard were found always to contain an acidic head group and a fatty acid with two or more double bonds. Free, polyunsaturated fatty acids were also able to confer high binding activity on the partially purified opioid receptor. The possible roles lipids play in opioid binding are discussed in light of these data.
Mesh ensemble motion graphs

We describe a technique for using space-time cuts to smoothly transition between stochastic mesh animation clips while subject to physical noninterpenetration constraints. These transitions are used to construct Mesh Ensemble Motion Graphs for interactive data-driven animation of high-dimensional mesh animation datasets, such as those arising from expensive physical simulations of deformable objects blowing in the wind (see Figure 1). We formulate the transition computation as an integer programming problem, and use a novel randomized algorithm to compute transitions subject to noninterpenetration constraints.
From Free Privilege to Regulation: Wireless Firms and the Competition for Spectrum Rights before World War I

The activities of commercial wireless companies in the United States before World War I were critical forerunners of the unique system of property rights in the radio spectrum that developed in the United States between 1899 and 1927. These activities formed the basis for commercial claims to property rights in the spectrum during the 1920s, when radio broadcasting developed. The early wireless companies provided the material, institutional, and ideological foundations for commercial rights in the spectrum that are still a striking part of mass communication in the United States today. The De Forest/United Wireless succession of companies, although ultimately business failures, nonetheless laid the groundwork for commercial radio in the United States. Most historians of radio have overlooked the importance of the pre–World War I period, and all have neglected the contribution of the De Forest/United Wireless companies.
A Review of Battery Exchange Technology for Refueling of Electric Vehicles

The limited energy storage and long recharge time and of electric vehicle batteries have motivated several alternatives to in-vehicle slow charging. Solutions generally fall into three categories: (1) fast charging, in which batteries are charged in-vehicle at an accelerated rate, (2) battery material reloading or refueling, in which the energy-carrying elements of the battery are physically replaced or replenished, and (3) battery interchange, involving the complete exchange of the battery pack, usually with the aid of some semiautomated mechanism. Among these options, the last, battery interchange, has tended to receive the least industry attention, but has been an expansive topic of invention and novel deployment. This paper reviews battery interchange technology, including discussion of advantages and limitations, the history of battery exchange concepts and implementations, the many possible interchange configurations, novel automation mechanisms, key patents, safety and regulatory considerations, and the economics of fleet and public deployments. Selected case histories will be presented dating from the late 1800’s through the mid-1990's. Commercial and technical impediments will be identified. The full cost of battery interchange, including incremental vehicle costs and infrastructure costs will be assessed, and this will serve as a basis for comparison with slow and fast charging options for fleet and private vehicle operations. Battery interface and configuration standards will be discussed as possible means for facilitating wider-scale deployment. The results of a survey of the EV industry and user community on the perceived viability and acceptability of EV battery interchange will be presented. INTRODUCTION considered the primary reasons for the lack of widespread use of electric cars, trucks and buses. The concept of real-time battery swapping, exchange or interchange, in which vehicle batteries are replaced rather than recharged in-vehicle, has often been considered as a practical means for reducing the refueling time and effectively extending the range of battery-electric vehicles. In situations in which it is practical, battery interchange may be considered an alternative to high-rate in-vehicle battery charging, hybrid power systems, fuel cells, or exchange of the entire vehicle. Any advantages relative to these options must, however, be considered against the significant materials handling and support infrastructure requirements for vehicular battery exchange. The technical challenges of mechanizing the removal, replacement and off-vehicle charging (or reactivation) have inspired a wide range of novel solutions, with various degrees of success. Historically, only isolated implementations have been demonstrated.
Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth: How High-Status Individuals Decrease Group Effectiveness

Can groups become effective simply by assembling high-status individual performers? Though an affirmative answer may seem straightforward on the surface, this answer becomes more complicated when group members benefit from collaborating on interdependent tasks. Examining Wall Street sell-side equity research analysts who work in an industry in which individuals strive for status, we find that groups benefited---up to a point---from having high-status members, controlling for individual performance. With higher proportions of individual stars, however, the marginal benefit decreased before the slope of this curvilinear pattern became negative. This curvilinear pattern was especially strong when stars were concentrated in a small number of sectors, likely reflecting suboptimal integration among analysts with similar areas of expertise. Control variables ensured that these effects were not the spurious result of individual performance, department size or specialization, or firm prestige. We discuss the theoretical implications of these results for the literatures on status and groups, along with practical implications for strategic human resource management.
LMS based arrays with compressed sensing

This paper examines the potential of reducing the computational complexity of adaptive antenna-array systems by reducing the number of measurements per antenna using compressive sensing techniques. Compressive sensing is particularly suited for signals that are K sparse on some basis Ψ. These types of signals are common in radar systems, multipath propagation, terrain scattered interference, etc. The idea is to take M observations (with M ∼ O(K log(N)) ) instead of the standard N observations dictated by the Nyquist sampling criterion and desired frequency resolution, thereby reducing the size of the covariance matrix, hence expediting the adaptive process and reducing the computational demand of the antenna-array system. The least mean squared (LMS) algorithm is thus applied to the reduced-size observation vector, and the original signal is reconstructed at the output of the array. This reduction in complexity is counterbalanced by the error incurred in reconstructing the array output from few observations.
Nucleotide Excision Repair or Polymerase V-Mediated Lesion Bypass Can Act To Restore UV-Arrested Replication Forks in Escherichia coli

Nucleotide excision repair and translesion DNA synthesis are two processes that operate at arrested replication forks to reduce the frequency of recombination and promote cell survival following UV-induced DNA damage. While nucleotide excision repair is generally considered to be error free, translesion synthesis can result in mutations, making it important to identify the order and conditions that determine when each process is recruited to the arrested fork. We show here that at early times following UV irradiation, the recovery of DNA synthesis occurs through nucleotide excision repair of the lesion. In the absence of repair or when the repair capacity of the cell has been exceeded, translesion synthesis by polymerase V (Pol V) allows DNA synthesis to resume and is required to protect the arrested replication fork from degradation. Pol II and Pol IV do not contribute detectably to survival, mutagenesis, or restoration of DNA synthesis, suggesting that, in vivo, these polymerases are not functionally redundant with Pol V at UV-induced lesions. We discuss a model in which cells first use DNA repair to process replication-arresting UV lesions before resorting to mutagenic pathways such as translesion DNA synthesis to bypass these impediments to replication progression.
Decentralized power flow control for a smart micro-grid

The paper proposes an enhanced power management achieved for a smart micro-grid, by a power electronic transformer (PET), at the point of common coupling (PCC). The smart micro-grid is a set of controllable loads and distributed energy resources (DER), which supply demand of a group of customers. The proposed decentralized control strategy for the micro-grid components, utilizes the change in local grid frequency to control the active power generation and consumption within the micro-grid. The PET allows restricted active power flow to the micro-grid, at the PCC, at a desired value determined by the utilities. The simulation results are obtained to verify the operation and claims of the PET as stated below: 1) For a step disturbance within the micro-grid, the utility grid frequency is not affected. 2) For a sudden reduction in grid power, the micro-grid DERs regulate their generation, utilizing the resulting drop in the local grid frequency as a signal. 3) With a resulting reduction in total power supply to the micro-grid loads, the controllable loads within the micro-grid are able to regulate their consumption and return back to normal operation once the local grid frequency stabilizes. 4) Smooth transition from islanded mode to grid connected mode can be achieved.
From Barriers to Successful Collaboration: Public Schools and Child Welfare Working Together

Few mechanisms exist to support successful collaboration between public schools and child welfare agencies. One unfortunate consequence is that the children ostensibly being served by either system often end up receiving inadequate services from both systems. Focus groups were held with caseworkers, educators, and students to learn how the two systems can work more collaboratively. This article reports on the barriers and successful practices identified by the participants that affect the educational functioning of students living in foster care. The article concludes with the participants' recommendations for practices and policies to improve collaborative efforts between the two systems.
GIO: a semantic web application using the information grid framework

It is well understood that the key for successful Semantic Web applications depends on the availability of machine understandable meta-data. We describe the Information Grid, a practical approach to the Semantic Web, and show a prototype implementation. Information grid resources span all the data in the organization and all the metadata required to make it meaningful. The final goal is to let organizations view their assets in a smooth continuum from the Internet to the Intranet, with uniform semantically rich access.
Application of Multivariate Analysis toward Biotech Processes: Case Study of a Cell‐Culture Unit Operation

This paper examines the feasibility of using multivariate data analysis (MVDA) for supporting some of the key activities that are required for successful manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products. These activities include scale-up, process comparability, process characterization, and fault diagnosis. Multivariate data analysis and modeling were performed using representative data from small-scale (2 L) and large-scale (2000 L) batches of a cell-culture process. Several input parameters (pCO2, pO2, glucose, pH, lactate, ammonium ions) and output parameters (purity, viable cell density, viability, osmolality) were evaluated in this analysis. Score plots, loadings plots, and VIP plots were utilized for assessing scale-up and comparability of the cell-culture process. Batch control charts were found to be useful for fault diagnosis during routine manufacturing. Finally, observations made from reviewing VIP plots were found to be in agreement with conclusions from process characterization studies demonstrating the effectiveness of MVDA as a tool for extracting process knowledge.
Cleanroom energy efficiency strategies: Modeling and simulation

Abstract To maintain ultra-low particle concentrations, cleanrooms can require several hundred air changes per hour. These ventilation rates make cleanrooms 30–50 times more energy intensive than the average U.S. commercial building. There are an estimated 12 million m2 of cleanroom space in the U.S., consuming over 370 PJ of energy each year. This paper explores opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of cleanrooms while maintaining or improving operating conditions. This paper documents the modeling of a 1600 m2 cleanroom in upstate New York. The TRNSYS model includes TMY2 weather data; building geometry and material properties; empirical data on occupancy, lighting and process equipment; and sophisticated HVAC systems. The model was validated based on metered steam, chilled water and electricity usage. Under 8% error was achieved in all fields. Four strategies were simulated: a heat recovery system for exhaust air, resulting in an 11.4% energy reduction with a 2.7-year simple payback; solar preheating of desiccant dehumidifier regeneration air (2.4% energy reduction, 11.5-year payback); improved lighting controls (0.3% energy reduction, 1.5-year payback); and demand-controlled filtration (4.4% energy reduction, 3.1-year payback). Implementation of recommended strategies is predicted to save 9 TJ, 862 tonnes of CO2, and $164k annually.
BULK POLYMERIZATION OF STYRENE IN A STATIC MIXER

An experimental investigation of thermal bulk polymerization of styrene in a pilot plant will be reported. The plant is composed of a recycle tubular reactor followed by a tubular reactor. The conversion of the pre-polymerization part is in the range of 0 to 60% and at the outlet of the pilot plant up to 96%. Studies on the residence time distribution show plug-flow behaviour for a variety of different conditions with respect to viscosity and density gradient. The polymers obtained are characterized by gel permeation chromatography and compared to commercial products.
From Relational Specifications to Logic Programs

This paper presents a compiler from expressive, relational specifications to logic programs. Specifically, the compiler translates the Imperative Alloy specification language to Prolog. Imperative Alloy is a declarative, relational specification language based on first-order logic and extended with imperative constructs; Alloy specifications are traditionally not executable. In spite of this theoretical limitation, the compiler produces useful prototype implementations for many specifications.
Collaborative Online Activities for Acoustics Education and Psychoacoustic Data Collection

Online collaborative game-based activities may offer a compelling tool for mathematics and science education, particularly for younger students in grades K-12. We have created two prototype activities that allow students to explore aspects of different sound and acoustics concepts: the ldquococktail party problemrdquo (sound source identification within mixtures) and the physics of musical instruments. These activities are also inspired by recent work using games to collect labeling data for difficult computational problems from players through a fun and engaging activity. Thus, in addition to their objectives as learning activities, our games facilitate the collection of data on the perception of audio and music, with a range of parameter variation that is difficult to achieve for large subject populations using traditional methods. Our activities have been incorporated into a pilot study with a middle school classroom to demonstrate the potential benefits of this platform.
The Association Between Trading Recommendations and Broker-Analysts' Earnings Forecasts

This study examines analyst forecast errors within the context of stock recommendations. We predict positive forecast error (i.e., optimism) for buy recommendations and negative forecast error (i.e., pessimism) for sell recommendations. We offer two explanations for this prediction: (1) the unconscious tendency to process information in a manner that supports one’s goal, which we refer to as the “objectivity illusion” hypothesis, and (2) the economic incentive to boost trade, which we refer to as the “trade boosting” hypothesis. The pattern of analyst forecast bias we predict (i.e., optimism for buys and pessimism for sells) is opposite in direction to that predicted by the management relations hypothesis—a commonly cited hypothesis for analyst forecast bias. We find broker-analyst earnings forecast errors are significantly optimistic for buy recommendations and significantly pessimistic for sell
Targeted therapies for CLL: Practical issues with the changing treatment paradigm

Chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) such as FCR (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, rituximab) has been the standard first-line therapy for younger patients with CLL. In the last few years, several novel targeted therapies have been developed for patients with CLL. These include B-cell receptor (BCR) inhibitors such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, PI3 kinase inhibitors, and Syk inhibitors, novel anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies such as ofatumumab and obinutuzumab, and Bcl-2 antagonists such as venetoclax (ABT-199). Strategies targeting the immune system such as lenalidomide, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and more recently, checkpoint inhibitors, are in clinical development. Ibrutinib and idelalisib are already approved for patients with relapsed and refractory CLL. Ibrutinib is also approved for first-line treatment of CLL patients with del(17p). Several ongoing phase III clinical trials with novel therapies will further define the role of targeted agents in CLL.
Review of the Nearctic species of Drusilla Leach (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae)

The Nearctic members of the genus Drusilla Leach, 1819 are reviewed. Three species are recognized: D. canaliculata (Fabricius, 1787), an adventive Palearctic species, and two new species, D. nearctica and D. ashei. A key to the Nearctic Drusilla species is provided.
Patterns of Spread of Disease from the Liver

In order to understand how disease in the liver spreads to other organs or regions, it is important to review the organ’s embryologic development and the ligaments suspending it in the upper abdomen. In this chapter, we describe the embryologic development and anatomy of the hepatic ligaments with their anatomic landmarks and illuminate the various pathways of disease spread based on this anatomic concept.
Benchmarking NLDAS-2 Soil Moisture and Evapotranspiration to Separate Uncertainty Contributions

Model benchmarking allows us to separate uncertainty in model predictions caused 1 by model inputs from uncertainty due to model structural error. We extend this method with a large-sample approach (using data from multiple field sites) to measure prediction uncertainty caused by errors in (i) forcing data, (ii) model parameters, and (iii) model structure, and use it to compare the efficiency of soil moisture state and evapotranspiration flux predictions made by the four land surface models in the North American Land Data Assimilation System Phase 2 (NLDAS-2). Parameters dominated uncertainty in soil moisture estimates and forcing data dominated uncertainty in evapotranspiration estimates; however, the models themselves used only a fraction of the information available to them. This means that there is significant potential to improve all three components of the NLDAS-2 system. In particular, continued work toward refining the parameter maps and look-up tables, the forcing data measurement and processing, and also the land surface models themselves, has potential to result in improved estimates of surface mass and energy balances.
Detection by polymerase chain reaction of residual cells with the bcl-2 translocation is associated with increased risk of relapse after autologous bone marrow transplantation for B-cell lymphoma.

Although molecular biologic techniques can now detect minimal numbers of residual cancer cells in patients in complete clinical remission, the clinical significance of minimal residual disease has never been conclusively established. If the detection of minimal residual disease predicts which patients will relapse, then therapy could be altered based upon the detection of these cells. The t(14;18) can be detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification in 50% of patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and allows detection of one lymphoma cell in up to 1 million normal cells. To determine the clinical significance of the detection of minimal residual lymphoma cells in the bone marrow (BM) PCR amplification was used to detect the presence of residual lymphoma cells after autologous BM transplantation (ABMT) in serial BM samples from 134 patients with B-cell lymphoma in whom a bcl-2 translocation could be detected. PCR analysis was performed on a total of 542 BM samples obtained while these patients were in complete remission. Disease-free survival was markedly increased in patients with no PCR-detectable lymphoma cells in the marrow compared with those in whom residual lymphoma cells were detected (P < .00001), and the presence of detectable lymphoma cells was associated with a 48-fold increase in the risk of relapse. Of the 77 patients (57%) with no PCR-detectable lymphoma cells in their most recent BM sample, none have relapsed. In contrast, all 33 patients (25%) who have relapsed had PCR-detectable lymphoma cells detected in their BM before clinical relapse occurred. In 19 patients (14%), residual lymphoma cells in the BM were detected early following transplantation and subsequently were no longer detectable, although these patients received no further therapy. In these patients, residual lymphoma cells may already have been irreversibly damaged by the high-dose therapy or an endogenous immune mechanism may be capable of eliminating residual lymphoma cells in some patients. Therefore, although the detection of minimal residual disease by PCR following ABMT in patients with lymphoma identifies those patients at high risk of relapse, the presence of residual minimal disease early after transplantation may not be associated with poor prognosis in a small subset of patients. Confirmatory studies will be required to determine more definitively the role of minimal disease detection to identify which patients require additional therapy.
Curvilinearly Corrugated Plates in Shear

Theoretical numerical data are presented for: (1) The in-plane shear stiffness of corrugated plates with discrete attachments to framing members at the ends of the corrugations; and (2) the maximum transverse flexural strains due to the cross-sectional deformations that accompany the shearing of such plates. The corrugation cross section is curvilinear with crests and troughs composed of identical circular arcs. Four kinds of discrete attachments are considered at the ends of the corrugations, i.e.: (1) Point attachments in the troughs; (2) point attachments in the troughs and at the crests; (3) point attachments at midheight; and (4) point attachments in the troughs, at the crests, and at midheight. The material is taken to be linearly elastic and isotropic.
Improving Orthometric Heights Using Precise GPS Measurements

The vertical component obtained from the Global Positioning System (GPS) observations is from the ellipsoid (a mathematical surface), and therefore needs to be converted to the orthometric height, which is from the geoid (represented by the mean sea level). The common practice is to use existing bench marks (around the four corners of a project area and interpolate for the rest of the area), but in many areas bench marks may not be available, in which case an existing geoid undulation is used. Present available global geoid undulation values are not generally as detailed as needed, and in many areas they are not known better than ±1 to ±5 m, because of many limitations. This article explains the difficulties encountered in obtaining precise geoid undulation with some example computations, and proposes a technique of applying corrections to the best available global geoid undulations using detailed free-air gravity anomalies (within a 2° × 2° area) to get relative centimeter accuracy. Several test computations have been performed to decide the optimal block sizes and the effective spherical distances to compute the regional and the local effects of gravity anomalies on geoid undulations by using the Stokes integral. In one test computation a 2° × 2° area was subdivided into smaller surface elements. A difference of 37.34 ± 1.6 cm in geoid undulation was obtained over the same 2° × 2° area when 1° × 1° block sizes were replaced by a combination of 5' × 5' and 1' × 1' subdivision integration elements (block sizes).
Heterogeneous Photodynamics of the Pfr State in the Cyanobacterial Phytochrome Cph1

Femtosecond photodynamics of the Pfr form of the red/far-red phytochrome N-terminal PAS-GAF-PHY photosensory core module of the cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1 (termed Cph1Δ) from Synechocystis were resolved with visible broadband transient absorption spectroscopy. Multiphasic generation dynamics via global target analysis revealed parallel evolution of two pathways with distinct excited- and ground-state kinetics. These measurements resolved two subpopulations: a majority subpopulation with fast excited-state decay and slower ground-state dynamics, corresponding to previous descriptions of Pfr dynamics, and a minority subpopulation with slower excited-state decay and faster ground-state primary dynamics. Both excited-state subpopulations generated the isomerized, red-shifted Lumi-Ff photoproduct (715 nm); subsequent ground-state evolution to a blue-shifted Meta-Fr population (635 nm) proceeded on 3 ps and 1.5 ns time scales for the two subpopulations. Meta-Fr was spectrally similar to a recently describe...
Expression of Caspase-3, bcl-2 and NF-kB in Hepatic Tissue of Rats with Saffron Induced Hepatic Injury

Objective: To explore the roles of caspase-3, bcl-2 and NF-kB in saffron induced hepatic injury and their machanisms. Methods: A total of 45 male wistar rats were randomly divided into saffron group(n=15), normal control group(n=15) and model group(alcohol group,n=15). Rats in the saffron group were fed with saffron 800 mg, kg-1, while rats in the norm al control group and model group were fed with physiological saline and alcohol once a day for 6 month. Blood collection was conducted in all rats at 6 month after last intragastric administration, and levels of serum alanine am inotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were detected. Caspase-3, bcl-2 and NF-kB assessed by immunohistochemistry,and the apoptotic index of hepatic cells was also measured. Results: Compared to norma1 control group,caspase-3,bcl-2,NF-kB expression in hepatic tissue of rats in saffron group were significantly increased(69.6 % ±16.7 % vs 5.3 % ±1.6 %; 55.4 % ±14.5 % vs4.5 % ±2.8 %; 44.1 % ±12.6 % vs2.5 % ±1.9 %; P0.05). Conclusions: High dose saffron can induce hepatic injury. The expression of caspase-3, bcl-2 and NF-kB in hepatic tissue of saffron induced hepatic injury increased and may be play an important role in hepatic injury.
Tissue factor: then and now.

Much has been learned about tissue factor during the past 25 years and much is yet to be learned. On the biochemical level, the association of TF :VIIa with factor X is yet to be resolved. The mechanism by which TF is transported from the nucleus to the plasma membrane has yet to even be approached. Thus, those of us studying this interesting and fundamentally important molecule have much work in the future.
HIV provider and patient perspectives on the Development of a Health Department "Data to Care" Program: a qualitative study.

U.S. health departments have not historically used HIV surveillance data for disease control interventions with individuals, but advances in HIV treatment and surveillance are changing public health practice. Many U.S. health departments are in the early stages of implementing “Data to Care” programs to assists persons living with HIV (PLWH) with engaging in care, based on information collected for HIV surveillance. Stakeholder engagement is a critical first step for development of these programs. In Seattle-King County, Washington, the health department conducted interviews with HIV medical care providers and PLWH to inform its Data to Care program. This paper describes the key themes of these interviews and traces the evolution of the resulting program. Disease intervention specialists conducted individual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 PLWH randomly selected from HIV surveillance who had HIV RNA levels >10,000 copies/mL in 2009–2010. A physician investigator conducted key informant interviews with 15 HIV medical care providers. Investigators analyzed de-identified interview transcripts, developed a codebook of themes, independently coded the interviews, and identified codes used most frequently as well as illustrative quotes for these key themes. We also trace the evolution of the program from 2010 to 2015. PLWH generally accepted the idea of the health department helping PLWH engage in care, and described how hearing about the treatment experiences of HIV seropositive peers would assist them with engagement in care. Although many physicians were supportive of the Data to Care concept, others expressed concern about potential health department intrusion on patient privacy and the patient-physician relationship. Providers emphasized the need for the health department to coordinate with existing efforts to improve patient engagement. As a result of the interviews, the Data to Care program in Seattle-King County was designed to incorporate an HIV-positive peer component and to ensure coordination with HIV care providers in the process of relinking patients to care. Health departments can build support for Data to Care efforts by gathering input of key stakeholders, such as HIV medical and social service providers, and coordinating with clinic-based efforts to re-engage patients in care.
Shift with age in steady-state concentrations of androstenedione and testosterone in incubations of guinea-pig testis.

Minces of testes from mature and immature guinea pigs were incubated with [14C]androstenedione. Other portions of the same testes were simultaneously incubated with [14C]testosterone. Under steady-state conditions, the predominant steroid was [14C]androstenedione in the presence of tissue from young animals and [14C]testosterone in that from mature animals, irrespective of the compound added initially. It is concluded that the steady-state equilibrium favours the weak androgen androstenedione in the presence of tissue from the young animals, but favours the potent testosterone in that from the mature animals. Portions of tissue were homogenized in phosphate buffer. The net reduction of [14C]androstenedione to [14C]testosterone was less by homogenates of testes from young animals than by those from mature animals. Doubling the concentration of the NADPH-generating system did not affect this difference between the homogenates.
Impact on gait biomechanics of using an active variable impedance prosthetic knee

An above knee amputation can have a significant impact on gait, with substantial deviations in inter-leg symmetry, step length, hip exertion and upper body involvement even when using a current clinical standard of care prosthesis. These differences can produce gait that is less efficient and less comfortable, resulting in slower and shorter distance walking, particularly with long term use. A robotic variable impedance prosthetic knee (VI Knee) was tested with five individuals (N = 5) with unilateral amputation above the knee at fixed speeds both above and below their normal walking speed. Subject gait was measured as they walked along an instrumented walkway via optical motion capture and force plates in the floor. Each subject’s gait while using the VI Knee was compared to that while using their standard of care knee (OttoBock C-Leg). Significant differences (p < 0.05) in walking between the standard of care and variable impedance devices were seen in step length and hip range of motion symmetries, hip extension moment, knee power and torso lean angle. While using the VI Knee, several subjects demonstrated statistically significant improvements in gait, particularly in increased hip range of motion symmetry between affected and intact sides, greater prosthesis knee power and in reducing upper body involvement in the walking task by decreasing forward and affected side lean and reducing the pelvis-torso twist coupling. These changes to torso posture during gait also resulted in increased terminal stance hip flexion moment across subjects. Detriments to gait were also observed in that some subjects exhibited decreased step length symmetry while using the VI Knee compared to the C-Leg. The knee tested represents the potential to improve gait biomechanics and reduce upper body involvement in persons with above knee amputation compared to current standard of care devices. While using the VI Knee, subjects demonstrated statistically significant improvements in several aspects of gait though some were worsened while using the device. It is possible that these negative effects may be mitigated through longer term training and experience with the VI Knee. Given the demonstrated benefits and the potential to reduce or eliminate detriments through training, using a powered device like the VI Knee, particularly over an extended period of time, may help to improve walking performance and comfort.
Evidence for the induction of an oxidative stress in rat hepatic mitochondria by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).

TCDD is prototypical of a large number of halogenated polycyclic hydrocarbons that occur as environmental contaminants and pollutants (Safe, 1986; Poland and Knutson, 1982; Poland et al., 1985). Following the acute exposure to a toxic dose of TCDD and its bioisosteres, a progressive weight loss with hypophagia and depletion of adipose tissue occurs (Safe, 1986; Kociba and Schwetz, 1982; Neal et al., 1982; Poland and Knutson, 1982). In addition, hepatic, gastric and epidermal lesions, thymic involution, and increased excretion of porphyrins occur (Poland and Knutson, 1982; Kociba and Schwetz, 1982). Evidence indicates that the mechanism of toxicity of TCDD and its bioisosteres involves binding to a specific TCDD (Ah) receptor, interaction of this complex with chromatin, and the ultimate production of a pleiotropic response (Cook et al., 1987; Safe, 1988; Poland and Knutson, 1982). the post-translational pathways and mechanisms involved in the expression of the toxic effects of TCDD are not known.
Decreased in-hospital mortality after lobectomy using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery compared with open thoracotomy

Rationale: There is a paucity of data regarding the optimal surgical approach for lung lobectomy. Lobectomy performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been associated with lower morbidity as compared with lobectomy performed by thoracotomy. However, no multicenter studies have shown improved mortality with VATS lobectomy compared with open surgical lobectomy.Objectives: We used data from the United States Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2009 to 2012 to compare VATS with open lobectomy for in-hospital mortality and other short-term outcomes.Methods: We used International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes to identify the patients undergoing lobectomy. We used 1:1 ratio propensity matching with the nearest neighbor method without replacement to generate matched pairs.Measurements and Main Results: Over the 4-year period, 27,451 patients underwent lobectomy. The majority of these procedures were...
Counterpoint: In Some AMLs, Stem Cells are More Mature and Present at High Frequency.

Abstract Abstract SCI-35 Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are responsible for sustaining and propagating malignant disease and, therefore, are promising targets for therapy. The current paradigm for LSC frequency, maturation and hierarchical organization is primarily based on transplantation studies in xenograft mouse models. To circumvent potential limitations of this experimental approach, investigators have recently employed syngeneic mouse models to study LSCs. In a mouse model of AML initiated by MLL oncogenes, which are associated with the FAB-M4 or M5 subtypes of human AML, LSCs are remarkably frequent, accounting for up to one-quarter of malignant myeloid cells at late-stage disease. Even in this syngeneic setting, however, transplant assays alone markedly underestimate LSC frequency due to poor engraftment efficiency. LSCs are organized in a phenotypic and functional hierarchy, and express myeloid lineage-specific antigens, placing them downstream of the known hematopoietic progenitor compartments. Thus, LSCs in this model are not synonymous with normal upstream progenitors that are targeted for leukemia initiation, but rather constitute myeloid lineage cells that have acquired an aberrant self-renewal program as well as other biologic features of hematopoietic stem cells. Gene expression profiling confirms the downstream myeloid character of LSCs in this model, and further demonstrates the aberrant expression of a stem cell associated transcriptional subprogram. However, LSC maintenance in the self-renewing compartment of AML employs a global transcriptional program more akin to embryonic rather than adult stem cells. Expression of LSC maintenance program genes is enriched in poor prognosis human malignancies, suggesting that the frequency of aberrantly self-renewing progenitor-like cancer stem cells may be linked to prognosis in human cancer. Consistent with this possibility, LSC frequencies in different syngeneic models of Hox-associated AML can vary over three orders of magnitude, depending on the particular initiating oncogene and expression levels of Hox pathway co-regulators, and correlate with leukemia biology. Studies in a human cord blood cell transduction/transplantation model of AML further support the downstream character of MLL LSCs. These findings prompt a revision of the current paradigm that AML leukemia stem cells are always rare and solely located within the most immature bone marrow progenitor compartments. The fact that LSCs can be more analogous to precursors and employ ESC-like genetic programs for their maintenance, may allow for their selective therapeutic targeting that spares HSCs required for hematopoiesis. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Pre-Service Teachers’ Perspective of the gap between Research

Research is the bedrock of development Research, from earliest times, has played a vital role in the contribution to knowledge. Research could take the form of experimentation, testing, further reading of works of earlier scholars, critiquing and generating new knowledge from such works, opinion surveys among others.
Local clustering coefficient-based assortativity analysis of real-world network graphs

Assortative index (A. Index) of a network graph is a measure of the similarity of the end vertices of the edges with respect to a node-level metric. Networks were classified as assortative, dissortative or neutral depending on the proximity of the A. index values to 1, -1 or 0 respectively. Degree centrality (DegC) has been traditionally the node-level metric used for assortativity analysis in the literature. In this paper, we propose to analyse assortativity of real-world networks using the local clustering coefficient (LCC) metric: a measure of the probability with which any two neighbours of a vertex are connected. Though DegC and LCC are inversely related, we observe 80% of the 50 real-world network graphs analysed to exhibit similar levels of assortativity. We also observe a real-world network graph to be neutral (i.e., assortative or dissortative) with a probability of 0.6 or above with respect to both DegC and LCC.
A Re-evaluation of f'm - Unit Strength Method, Face Shell and Fully Bedded Mortar Joints

The compressive strength of masonry is an important consideration in the design of masonry structures and is principally determined using one of two methods specified in The Masonry Society, TMS 602-13 “Specification for Masonry Structures” the Prism Test Method (PTM) and the Unit Strength Method (USM). The USM is inherently conservative and should be used in combination with fully bedded masonry. However, what if face shell bedding were used, what is this compressive strength and would the USM still produce conservative estimates? A means to attain f’m for face shell bedded masonry using the USM would be to utilize a strength ratio between full and face shell bedding types. TMS 602-11 specified a strength ratio, however, this was removed beginning with the 2013 edition. This is problematic because the USM does not specify the use of fully bedded joints, thus, creating a potential interpretation that it is permissible to utilize face shell bedding and that it would achieve the USM f’m compressive strength estimate. This interpretation though would be erroneous and un-conservative. Hence, there is a need to flush out, clarify and substantiate f’m for face shell bedded masonry; further, to validate the USM compression strength estimates of fully bedded masonry. A total of 48 compression tests of various prism configurations for both face shell (24) and fully bedded (24) prisms were conducted; from the results, a new data base was generated to substantiate f’m for face shell masonry as well as recommendations for amending the TMS 602 for the upcoming code cycle.
Reduced subcortical volumes among preschool-age girls and boys with ADHD

Anomalous brain structure and function are implicated in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most neuroimaging research, however, has examined school-aged children, despite the typical onset of symptoms in early childhood. This study compared the volumes of subcortical structures (caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, and thalamus) among preschoolers with ADHD and typically developing (TD) children. High resolution T1-weighted 3D MPRAGE images covering the whole brain were acquired on a 3T scanner and subcortical volumes were automatically extracted. Analyses were conducted in a total of 87 medication-naive preschoolers, ages 4-5 years (47 with ADHD, 40 controls; 63% boys). ADHD was diagnosed using modified DSM-IV criteria based on review of developmental history, structured psychiatric interview and caregiver ratings. Compared to typically developing children, subcortical volumes were reduced among preschoolers with ADHD, with largest reductions in the caudate, globus pallidus, and thalamus. Among girls (but not boys) with ADHD, putamen and thalamus volumes were associated with ADHD symptom severity. The observed patterns of subcortical differences in preschoolers with ADHD (larger reductions in girls), contrasted with differences observed among school-aged children, (larger reductions in boys) suggests that children with ADHD show sexual dimorphism in neuroanatomical development that parallels early trajectory of symptom onset and attenuation.
The Mediating Role of Street Code Attitudes on the Self-Control and Crime Relationship

ABSTRACTResearch has demonstrated strong but independent attention to the role of self-control and street code attitudes in predicting criminal and violent behavior. Yet, there are good theoretical notions to believe that street code attitudes may be a salient mechanism in the self-control–offending relationship. Specifically, the present study investigates: (1) the extent to which self-control predicts adopting street code attitudes and (2) whether street code attitudes mediate the effect of self-control on criminal behavior. Using data collected from a multisite sample of over 900 young adults, we assess this mediation hypothesis for three distinct types of criminal activity: violent, property, and drug use. Our results reveal that individuals with lower self-control are more likely to adopt street code attitudes, that self-control is related to all three forms of offending, and that street code attitudes fully mediate the effect of self-control on violence, partially on property crime, but not in the c...
α-Emitters for Radiotherapy: From Basic Radiochemistry to Clinical Studies-Part 2

The use of radioactive sources to deliver cytotoxic ionizing radiation to disease sites dates back to the early 20th century, with the discovery of radium and its physiologic effects. α-emitters are of particular interest in the field of clinical oncology for radiotherapy applications. The first part of this review explored the basic radiochemistry, high cell-killing potency, and availability of α-emitting radionuclides, together with hurdles such as radiolabeling methods and daughter redistribution. The second part of this review will give an overview of the most promising and current uses of α-emitters in preclinical and clinical studies.
Duality: The Ultimate Phenomenon of the Universe as Revealed in Recent Scientific Discoveries

The advancement of quantum mechanics has brought the world to an information age. It is one of the highest achievements of human cognitive activity and, therefore, reflects a fundamental foundation of what makes human beings human. The basic principle of its possibility is that information is physical. Each physical system of the universe is registered and processed as information (Llboyd S, Programming the Universe. Kraft, New York, p 67, 2006) and contains a certain number of bits of computable information which are both visible and invisible and available to us at an atomic level as we exist within nature. Quantum mechanics allows us to understand these processes, while the computer is the instrument by which the purpose of these processes is achieved.
Copper therapy of inflammatory disorders in man: special reference to rheumatoid arthritis

There is a resurgence of interest in the essential metals, particularly copper and zinc, in the treatment of the rheumatic diseases.
Harnessing the magneto-optics of quantum wires for designing optical amplifiers

Quantum wires occupy a unique status among the semiconducting nanostructures with reduced dimensionality – no other system seems to have engaged researchers with as many appealing features to pursue. This letter aims at a core issue related with the magnetoplasmon excitations in the quantum wires characterized by the confining harmonic potential and subjected to a longitudinal electric field and a perpendicular magnetic field in the symmetric gauge. Despite the substantive complexity, we obtain the exact analytical expressions for the eigenfunction and eigenenergy, using the scheme of ladder operators, which fundamentally characterize the quantal system. Crucial to this inquiry is an intersubband collective excitation that evolves into a magnetoroton – above a threshold value of magnetic field – which observes a negative group velocity between the maxon and the roton. The evidence of negative group velocity implies anomalous dispersion in a gain medium with the population inversion that forms the basis for the lasing action of lasers. Thus, the technological pathway that unfolds is the route to devices exploiting the magnetoroton features for designing the novel optical amplifiers at nanoscale and hence paving the way to a new generation of lasers.