cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation algorithm for the upper limb for better training and prosthesis prescription for amputees

Prosthesis prescription and training for the upper limb is based on the experience of the prosthetist and user feedback. As a result, many users may receive a less than optimal prosthetic device. Even though the need for a prosthesis does not change, failure of the prosthetic device to meet expectations can cause users to abandon their prosthesis. Further optimization of a prosthesis is often completed using trial and error. Currently, there is no universally accepted way to quantify the fitting and performance of the prosthesis. In order to address that issue a simulation algorithm is being developed at the University of South Florida (USF) in an effort to quantify and evaluate the performance of both the user and the prosthesis. The algorithm uses motion capture data to generate a statistical prediction of the expected performance of the user. Currently, the algorithm can be used for able-bodied subjects and is being optimized for left side transradial amputees. In this paper an update on the state of the algorithm is presented.
Serum and Hepatic Enzyme Activity in Rats Treated with Diethylnitrosamine

Comparative studies of enzyme activities during the dedifferentiation of hepatic cells and through their development into overt hepatomas are few and contradictory. This study was designed to investigate the histochemical, biochemical and morphologic features of the altered liver cells with particular emphasis on the importance and validity of the histoenzymatic behavior of glucose-6-phosphatase (C6Pase) as a marker for the detection of precancerous hepatic cells. Serum and hepatic levels of G6Pase were analyzed and compared with the histoenzymatic behavior of this enzyme. The use of other enzymes, such as adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) and gamma glutamyl-transpeptidase (CCT) as histochemical markers for malignancy was also tested. The activities of a variety of enzymes commonly used as diagnostic tools were also evaluated in both the liver homogenates and sera of rats treated wtih 2 mg diethylnitrosamine (DENA)/kg body weight for 2-28 weeks. Using CCPase as a histoenzymatic marker, precancerous cells appeared after 4 weeks of exposure to DENA in the form of small islets devoid of C6Pase activity. These C6Pase free cells increased in number forming larger islands and finally appeared as tumor nodules after 28 weeks of treatment. The histoenzymatic behavior of ATPase was identical to that of G6Pase. The precancerous cells, as well as the tumor cells appeared devoid of ATPase activity. The applicaJion of GGT as a marker, showed significantly increased activity in the altered liver and tumor cells. Increased serum levels of C6Pase-were noted after 10 weeks and were greatly elevated in the late stages of the evolution of the precancerous cells. After 14 weeks of DENA administration, the hepatic G6Pase activity was depressed and greatly diminished as the size and number of these foci increased. In animals bearing hepatomas, the C6Pase levels were markedly decreased in both the sera and liver homogenates and totally lacking in the tumor cells. Data obtained from the evaluation of sera and hepatic activities of acid and alkaline phosphatases, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, and lactic and isocritic dehydrogenases were inconclusive as compared to C6Pase.
Sensitivity Analysis for Dependent Variables

Decision analysts use sensitivity analysis to identify influential variables, to determine which input variables to model stochastically, and to characterize scenarios that could affect a change in the rank ordering of the alternatives. A frequently recommended sensitivity analysis technique is “one-way” sensitivity analysis, which determines a variable's influence by the degree to which the objective function changes as that variable is varied while all other variables are held fixed. Disadvantages of one-way analysis are that it measures the influence of only one variable at a time and it assumes independence among the input variables. Clearly, however, there are situations when dependencies exist among the input variables that could possibly affect the sensitivity analysis results. This research develops a strategy that incorporates dependence relations among the input variables into the sensitivity analysis using rank correlations. Only decision problems with a finite number of alternatives and continuous state variables are considered.
Diversity performance of dual antenna personal communication handsets

Short-term fading due to multipath propagation has a significant impact on personal wireless communication systems. Mitigating signal strength fluctuations due to interference between multiple replicas of the signal of interest arriving at the receiver over different paths is an active area of research. Antenna diversity is the technique where multiple antennas are used for transmission/reception to help overcome the effects of multipath fading. This paper gives a brief description of experiments, data processing and results used to evaluate the diversity performance of three candidate dual antenna handset configurations: two side mounted planar inverted F antennas (PIFA); back mounted PIFA with top mounted helix; top mounted PIFA and "flip" monopole. The indoor ISM band (902-928 MHz) propagation channel was of interest. The issue of data normalization is addressed and results showing its effect on the observed correlation are given. It is seen that the three proposed diversity systems yield sufficient decorrelation to warrant consideration for use in diversity systems.
Miche: Modular Shape Formation by Self-Dissasembly

We describe the design, implementation, and experimentation with a collection of robots that, starting from an amorphous arrangement, can be assembled into arbitrary shapes and then commanded to self-disassemble in an organized manner. Each of the 28 modules in the system is implemented as a 1.8-inch autonomous cube-shaped robot able to connect to and communicate with its immediate neighbors. Two cooperating microprocessors control each module's magnetic connection mechanisms and infrared communication interfaces. When assembled into a structure, the modules form a system that can be virtually sculpted using a computer interface. We report on the hardware design and experiments from hundreds of trials.
Dynamic scattering: A new electrooptic effect in certain classes of nematic liquid crystals

A new electrooptic effect in certain classes of nematic liquid crystals is presented. The effect has been termed "dynamic scattering" because scattering centers are produced in the transparent, anisotropic medium due to the disruptive effects of ions in transit. The ions can be produced by field assisted dissociation of neutral molecules and/or Schottky emission processes. The rise times of 1 to 5 ms and decay times of less than 30 ms, together with dc operating voltages in the 10 to 100 V range, make dynamic scattering seem attractive for such applications as alphanumeric indicators, and do not preclude its use in line-at-a-time matrix addressed, real-time displays. Reflective contrast ratios of better than 15 to 1 with efficiencies of 45 percent of the standard white have been demonstrated.
Macronuclear Genome Sequence of the Ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, a Model Eukaryote

The ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila is a model organism for molecular and cellular biology. Like other ciliates, this species has separate germline and soma functions that are embodied by distinct nuclei within a single cell. The germline-like micronucleus (MIC) has its genome held in reserve for sexual reproduction. The soma-like macronucleus (MAC), which possesses a genome processed from that of the MIC, is the center of gene expression and does not directly contribute DNA to sexual progeny. We report here the shotgun sequencing, assembly, and analysis of the MAC genome of T. thermophila, which is approximately 104 Mb in length and composed of approximately 225 chromosomes. Overall, the gene set is robust, with more than 27,000 predicted protein-coding genes, 15,000 of which have strong matches to genes in other organisms. The functional diversity encoded by these genes is substantial and reflects the complexity of processes required for a free-living, predatory, single-celled organism. This is highlighted by the abundance of lineage-specific duplications of genes with predicted roles in sensing and responding to environmental conditions (e.g., kinases), using diverse resources (e.g., proteases and transporters), and generating structural complexity (e.g., kinesins and dyneins). In contrast to the other lineages of alveolates (apicomplexans and dinoflagellates), no compelling evidence could be found for plastid-derived genes in the genome. UGA, the only T. thermophila stop codon, is used in some genes to encode selenocysteine, thus making this organism the first known with the potential to translate all 64 codons in nuclear genes into amino acids. We present genomic evidence supporting the hypothesis that the excision of DNA from the MIC to generate the MAC specifically targets foreign DNA as a form of genome self-defense. The combination of the genome sequence, the functional diversity encoded therein, and the presence of some pathways missing from other model organisms makes T. thermophila an ideal model for functional genomic studies to address biological, biomedical, and biotechnological questions of fundamental importance.
Update: vildagliptin for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes

Vildagliptin is a selective inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4, and prevents the rapid degradation of the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Vildagliptin has been evaluated in > 4800 patients in nine Phase III studies in the range of 24 - 52 weeks in duration: four placebo- or active-controlled monotherapy trials that enrolled drug-naive patients; four add-on studies in which vildagliptin was added to a stable regimen of either metformin, a sulfonylurea, a thiazolidinedione or insulin; and a study in which an initial combination of vildagliptin plus pioglitazone in drug-naive patients was evaluated. Across studies, vildagliptin was effective in reducing HbA(1c), had a low risk of hypoglycemia and was weight-neutral and well tolerated.
Incorporating an Urban Irrigation Module into the Noah Land Surface Model Coupled with an Urban Canopy Model

AbstractThe current research examines the influence of irrigation on urban hydrological cycles through the development of an irrigation scheme within the Noah land surface model (LSM)–Single Layer Urban Canopy Model (SLUCM) system. The model is run at a 30-m resolution for a 2-yr period over a 49 km2 urban domain in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. A sensitivity analysis indicates significant sensitivity relative to both the amount and timing of irrigation on diurnal and monthly energy budgets, hydrological fluxes, and state variables. Monthly residential water use data and three estimates of outdoor water consumption are used to calibrate the developed irrigation scheme. Model performance is evaluated using a previously developed MODIS–Landsat evapotranspiration (ET) and Landsat land surface temperature (LST) products as well as hourly ET observations through the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS). Results show that the Noah LSM–SLUCM realistically simulates the diurnal and sea...
Environmental influences on speleothem growth in southwestern Oregon during the last 380 000 years

The growth of carbonate formations in caves (speleothems) is sensitive to changes in environmental conditions at the surface (temperature, precipitation and vegetation) and can provide useful paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental information. We use 73 230Th dates from speleothems collected from a cave in southwestern Oregon (USA) to constrain speleothem growth for the past 380 000 years. Most speleothem growth occurred during interglacial periods, whereas little growth occurred during glacial intervals. To evaluate potential environmental controls on speleothem growth we use two new modeling approaches: i) a one-dimensional thermal advection–diffusion model to estimate cave temperatures during the last glacial cycle, and ii) a regional climate model simulation for the Last Glacial Maximum (21 000 years before present) that assesses a range of potential controls on speleothem growth under peak glacial conditions. The two models are mutually consistent in indicating that permafrost formation did not influence speleothem growth during glacial periods. Instead, the regional climate model simulation combined with proxy data suggest that the influence of the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets on atmospheric circulation induced substantial changes in water balance in the Pacific Northwest and affected speleothem growth at our location. The overall drier conditions during glacial intervals and associated periods of frozen topsoil at times of maximum surface runoff likely induced drastic changes in cave recharge and limited speleothem growth. This mechanism could have affected speleothem growth in other mid-latitude caves without requiring the presence of permafrost.
Vesicular stomatitis virus infection of the central nervous system activates both innate and acquired immunity.

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) causes acute infection of the central nervous system (CNS) when intranasally applied. We have examined cellular inflammatory changes in the CNS following VSV infection. As early as 1 day postinfection (p.i.), astrocytes were activated in the olfactory bulb (OB). This was followed by activation of microglia, first observed in the OB at day 3 p.i. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase was observed in activated microglia in the OB at day 3 p.i., and increased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression coincided with decreased virus titers in tissue homogenates. Expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules on astrocytes and microglial, endothelial, and ependymal cells was also rapidly induced and followed by induced expression of MHC class II molecules on astrocytes and microglial and endothelial cells. Consistent with the pattern of viral dissemination, MHC molecules were expressed temporally from the rostral-to-caudal direction. Infiltration of CD8+ cells was observed as early as 1 day p.i. in the OB. CD4+ cells were detected in the OB at day 4 p.i. Increasing T-cell infiltration coincided with decreased virus titers. In contrast, B-cell infiltration of the CNS was not detected until day 14 p.i., after the virus was cleared and mice were showing behavioral signs of recovery. Breakdown of the blood-brain barrier was detected beginning at day 6 p.i., was most severe at day 8 p.i., and was followed by full recovery. Collectively, these data show that both innate immunity (production of nitric oxide) and acquired immunity (expression of MHC molecules and T-cell infiltration) are activated following VSV infection in the CNS.
Camphorqu1none and camphorquinone monoxime

Camphorquinone R (+) - Camphor 1 P (1R,4S)-(−)-Camphorquinone 2 Camphorquinone monoxime R (1R,4S) (−)Camphorquinone 2 P (1R,4S)-(−)-Camphorquinone monoxime 3 Keywords: ketones, diketones and ketoaldehydes; oxidation, CH2 CO; selenium dioxide, toxic; oximes; oximation, miscellaneous; hydroxylamine hydrochloride
Endothelial expression of human cytochrome P450 epoxygenase CYP2C8 increases susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated mouse heart

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases CYP2C8 and CYP2J2 generate epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) from arachidonic acid. Mice with expression of CYP2J2 in cardiomyocytes (αMHC-CYP2J2 Tr) or treated with synthetic EETs have increased functional recovery after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R); however, no studies have examined the role of cardiomyocyte- vs. endothelial-derived EETs or compared the effects of different CYP epoxygenase isoforms in the ischemic heart. We generated transgenic mice with increased endothelial EET biosynthesis (Tie2-CYP2C8 Tr and Tie2-CYP2J2 Tr) or EET hydrolysis (Tie2-sEH Tr). Compared to wild-type (WT), αMHC-CYP2J2 Tr hearts showed increased recovery of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and decreased infarct size after I/R. In contrast, LVDP recovery and infarct size were unchanged in Tie2-CYP2J2 Tr and Tie2-sEH Tr hearts. Surprisingly, compared to WT, Tie2-CYP2C8 Tr hearts had significantly reduced LVDP recovery (from 21 to 14%) and increased infarct size after I/R (from 51 to 61%). Tie2-CYP2C8 Tr hearts also exhibited increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, dihydroxyoctadecenoic acid (DiHOME) formation, and coronary resistance after I/R. ROS scavengers and CYP2C8 inhibition reversed the detrimental effects of CYP2C8 expression in Tie2-CYP2C8 Tr hearts. Treatment of WT hearts with 250 nM 9,10-DiHOME decreased LVDP recovery compared to vehicle (16 vs. 31%, respectively) and increased coronary resistance after I/R. These data demonstrate that increased ROS generation and enhanced DiHOME synthesis by endothelial CYP2C8 impair functional recovery and mask the beneficial effects of increased EET production following I/R.—Edin, M. L., Wang, Z. J., Bradbury, J. A., Graves, J. P., Lih, F. B., DeGraff, L. M., Foley, J. F., Torphy, R., Ronnekleiv, O. K., Tomer, K. B., Lee, C. R., Zeldin, D. C. Endothelial expression of human cytochrome P450 epoxygenase CYP2C8 increases susceptibility to ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated mouse heart.
From Content-Externalism to Vehicle-Externalism

ABSTRACT: Consensus has it that Putnam-Burge style arguments for content-externalism do not strengthen the case for vehicle-externalism, i.e., the thesis that some mental states include as their parts notebooks, iPhones, and other extra-bodily phenomena. Rowlands and Sprevak, among others, argue that vehicle-externalism gets stronger support from Clark and Chalmers’s parity principle and functionalism, generally. I contest this assessment and thereby give reason to reconsider the support that content-externalism provides the extended mind thesis: although content-externalism does not entail vehicle-externalism, as Rowlands argues, neither does functionalism. The functionalist cannot reject the content-externalist argument for vehicle-externalism on these grounds without undercutting her own.
Common and Dissociable Prefrontal Loci Associated with Component Mechanisms of Analogical Reasoning

The ability to draw analogies requires 2 key cognitive processes, relational integration and resolution of interference. The present study aimed to identify the neural correlates of both component processes of analogical reasoning within a single, nonverbal analogy task using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging. Participants verified whether a visual analogy was true by considering either 1 or 3 relational dimensions. On half of the trials, there was an additional need to resolve interference in order to make a correct judgment. Increase in the number of dimensions to integrate was associated with increased activation in the lateral prefrontal cortex as well as lateral frontal pole in both hemispheres. When there was a need to resolve interference during reasoning, activation increased in the lateral prefrontal cortex but not in the frontal pole. We identified regions in the middle and inferior frontal gyri which were exclusively sensitive to demands on each component process, in addition to a partial overlap between these neural correlates of each component process. These results indicate that analogical reasoning is mediated by the coordination of multiple regions of the prefrontal cortex, of which some are sensitive to demands on only one of these 2 component processes, whereas others are sensitive to both.
Ultrastructural alterations associated with the initiation of follicular atresia.

To identify and describe ovarian follicles committed to undergo follicular degeneration (atresia), immature rats were primed with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). After PMSG treatment, preovulatory follicles develop but subsequently degenerate. Prior to the appearance of pyknotic nuclei (Stage I of atresia), degenerative changes were observed in focal areas of the granulosa cell layer. These changes include “blebbing” of the cytoplasm and alterations in the shape of the granulosa cells. The appearance of these degenerative changes coincides with a decrease in ovarian concentrations of estradiol and testosterone. Since estrogens and androgens maintain the follicle, the decline in estradiol and testosterone could be responsible for the further degenerative alterations that lead to complete deterioration of the preovulatory follicle. In Stage I atretic follicles, lysosome-derived autophagic vacuoles develop and macrophages invade both the thecal and granulosa cell layers. The combined actions of the autophagic vacuoles and macrophages could destroy both the granulosa-cell and thecal layers and thereby transform the preovulatory follicle into an ovarian cyst.
An Evaluation of Alternative Procedures for Measuring Horizontal Inequity

In this study we evaluate the strengths and limitations of three distinct methods for measuring horizontal inequity (HI): the coefficient of variation method, the rankpreservation method, and the decomposition method. By way of illustrating the alternative measures, we assess the equity characteristics of three proposed flat tax systems. We conclude that the rank preservation and decomposition methods, while subject to certain limitations, yield HI indices that are more meaningful and convenient than the popular coefficient of variation technique. Preliminary results indicate that the current U.S. individual income tax system yields less HI than any flat tax proposal. Among the flat tax proposals, the rank preservation and decomposition methods show that the Armey proposal yields the least HI. We also document that the flat tax proposal that yields the most horizontal equity yields the least vertical equity, and vice versa, suggesting an inherent trade‐off between the goals of horizontal and vertical equi...
Central nervous system norepinephrine release during hypotension and hyperosmolality in conscious rats.

Extracellular norepinephrine (NE) levels in the paraventricular/anterior hypothalamic area (P/A) and in the dorsomedial medulla (DM) in conscious Sprague-Dawley rats were estimated by in vivo microdialysis before, during, and after sustained hypotension (75 mmHg mean arterial pressure) produced either by hemorrhage (Hem) or by 2-chloroadenosine infusion (2-Cl-ADO, 2.6-26.0 micrograms/min iv). P/A and DM NE were also measured before, during, and after hypertonic saline infusion (HTS; 1.5 M NaCl at 10 microliters.100 g-1.min-1 iv). P/A and DM NE increased during both Hem and 2-Cl-ADO and returned to baseline after reinfusion of hemorrhaged blood or after 2-Cl-ADO was stopped. However, Hem caused greater increases in P/A NE than 2-Cl-ADO despite equivalent decreases in blood pressure. Hem and 2-Cl-ADO produced equivalent changes in DM NE. HTS did not change P/A or DM NE despite increases in blood pressure of approximately 15 mmHg and plasma osmolality of approximately 30 mosmol/kgH2O. We conclude that 1) hypotension increases P/A and DM NE, which may mediate compensatory responses, 2) Hem is a more potent stimulus for NE release in the P/A than isovolemic hypotension induced by 2-Cl-ADO, and 3) the hypertensive response to HTS does not involve changes in P/A or DM NE.
Vortex pairs in rotating A 3 in a tilted magnetic field

We extend our analysis of Seppaaumllaauml-Volovik vortices in rotating $^{3}\mathit{A}$ in a high magnetic field to the configuration where the magnetic field is tilted from the rotation axis. We find that the distance between vortices in a vortex pair decreases as the tilting angle increases from 0 to \ensuremath{\pi}/2. While the transverse NMR satellite frequency is quite insensitive to tilting except at lower temperature, the intensity of the resonance increases by almost 30% when ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$=\ensuremath{\pi}/2 compared to that for ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$=0 (${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{0}$ is the tilting angle) at T/${T}_{c}$\ensuremath{\simeq}0.75. This is quite consistent with the recent experimental result of Seppaaumllaauml et al.
A new cyclocystoid (Echinodermata) from the Late Ordovician of Kentucky, U.S.A.

CYCLOCYSTOIDS ARE one of the rarest and most enigmatic of the extinct echinoderm groups. Despite recent systematic revision (Smith and Paul, 1982), their basic anatomy and functional morphology remain poorly understood. Smith and Paul (1982) recognized eight genera and 39 species ranging in age from Lower Ordovician to Late Devonian. Since then, one new genus and species, Monocycloides oelandicus, has been established by Berg-Madsen (1987), and the range of the genus Sievertsia has been extended to the Middle Devonian of the U.S.A (Fluegeman and Orr, 1990). In addition, undescribed cyclocystoid marginal ossicles have been found in the Lower Carboniferous of Ireland (G. D. Sevastopulo, personal communication). Here we record an additional new species from the Late Ordovician of Kentucky.
Ferroelectric Thin Films on Silicon and Fused Silica Substrates by Sol-Gel Process

Ferroelectric thin films including undoped and doped PZT (lead zirconate titanate), BaTiO3 (barium titanate), SBN (strontium barium niobate), KNbO3 (potassium niobate), PBN (lead barium niobate), KNSBN (potassium sodium strontium barium niobate), and LiNbO3 (lithium niobate) were made on silicon and fused silica substrates by a sol-gel process. Microstructure and physical (pyroelectric, ferroelectric and optical) properties of these thin films were studied. Transparent and preferentially orientated SBN thin films on fused silica substrates can be obtained by applying a d.c. electric field during heat treatment. A heterojunction effect was observed in ferroelectric thin films on both n-silicon and p-silicon through measurement of I-V characteristics, and by the demonstration of a photocurrent effect.
PS-142 Safety Of Empiric Outpatient Treatment Of Suspected Tick Borne Illness In The Paediatric Emergency Department

Background/Aims Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and human Ehrlichiosis are common tick-borne infections in the United States and many patients may be treated as outpatients with doxycycline. However, bacterial meningitis presents with similar symptoms. We evaluated whether empiric outpatient treatment for possible tick-borne illness resulted in cases of inadequately treated bacterial meningitis. Methods We performed a review of all patients seen in our tertiary children’s hospital emergency department (PED) from May to August of 2004–2013 who had a diagnosis consistent with possible tick-borne infection. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of all patients who returned to the PED within two weeks were collected from the electronic medical record. Results 718 patients were discharged from the PED during our study period and 43 (6.0%) returned to the PED within 2 weeks. There were no cases of bacterial meningitis and no deaths among patients who returned to the PED. 27/43 children (63%) were discharged with doxycycline. 11/43 children (26%) underwent lumbar puncture (LP) at their initial visit; 3/43 patients (7.0%), all of whom returned with neck pain, had an LP at their return visit and all three were diagnosed with viral meningitis. 16/43 patients (37%) were admitted after their second visit, with an average length of stay of 2.7 days. Conclusion Empiric treatment of suspected tick-borne illness in our PED did not result in any cases of unrecognised bacterial meningitis. Further prospective studies may identify low risk children who may be discharged from the PED without extensive laboratory testing.
Brief Introduction to Application Technology of PVC Coatings in Automotive Painting Process

The paper introduced application technology of PVC coatings in automotive painting process,along with common problems and solutions during application.
A zero-cost approach to detect recycled SoC chips using embedded SRAM

Considering the rapid growth of the global consumer electronics market, counterfeiting of integrated circuits (ICs), and in particular recycling, has become a serious issue in recent years. Recycled ICs are those harvested from old systems and re-inserted into the supply chain as new. Such ICs exhibit lower performance and shorter life time, and as a result, pose serious threats to the security and reliability of electronic systems used for critical applications. In this paper, we propose the first recycled IC detection technique based on aging of embedded SRAMs. In our approach, an enrollment phase is used to identify the SRAM cells that initially provide a stable output upon startup (like a PUF ID), but are highly unstable with aging. During verification, if the IC is recycled, the aging in SRAM cells due to usage in the field causes its ID to change, allowing it to be detected. We also develop a framework to determine the parameters (length of ID, thresholds, etc.) to achieve high confidence. Results from new and aged SRAM of Xillinx Spartan-3 FPGA development boards show that the detection accuracy is high with proper parameter selected (false accept rate and false reject rate are 0 and 0.03 respectively) and robust against supply voltage variations.
Granisetron Transdermal System for Treatment of Symptoms of Gastroparesis: A Prescription Registry Study.

Background/Aims Serotonin receptor (eg, 5-HT3) antagonists are used to treat nausea and vomiting from a variety of causes. Granisetron transdermal system (GTS) is an appealing delivery system for patients with gastroparesis. To assess if GTS improves nausea and vomiting and other gastroparesis symptoms in patients with gastroparesis. Methods Patients with gastroparesis and symptoms of nausea and vomiting refractory to conventional treatment were treated with GTS. Symptoms of gastroparesis were assessed using a modified Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI). Following 2 weeks of treatment, patients were asked to assess their symptoms and indicate their therapeutic response using the Clinical Patient Grading Assessment Scale (CPGAS) reporting if symptoms of nausea and vomiting improved on a scale: 0 = no change to +7 = completely better. Results Fifty-one patients received GTS by prescription: average age was 40 ± 17 years, 44 female, 11 diabetics, 23 ± 20% retention at 4 hours on gastric emptying scintigraphy. Thirty-nine of the 51 (76%) patients stated improvement with GTS. There was significant improvement in nausea and vomiting as assessed with CPGAS at 2 weeks (2.28 ± 2.53; P < 0.05). Symptoms of nausea and vomiting significantly improved. Other symptoms including postprandial fullness, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, and early satiety improved. Side effects reported included redness at the site of the patch in 7 patients, pruritus in 5, and constipation in 5. Conclusions GTS was moderately effective in reducing nausea and/or vomiting in 76% of gastroparesis patients. In addition to nausea and vomiting, symptoms of postprandial fullness, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, and early satiety also improved.
Molecular chemistry at well-defined surfaces

Surface chemistry studies are described in which molecular layers chemisorbed at well-defined Pt or Ag electrode surfaces from aqueous solutions were characterized by means of ex–situ UHV surface analysis techniques such as Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), electron energy–loss spectroscopy (EELS), and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and in–situ electrode–solution interfacial characterization methods such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and coulometry. Types of compounds studied include alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, amino–acids, amides, cyanides, thiocyanides, halides, mercaptans, thiols, sulfones, sulfonic acids, benzenes, five– and six– membered heterocyclic aromatics, multinitrogen heteroaromatics, fused–ring aromatics, and deuterated molecules. Molecules chemisorbed at electrode surfaces are often not removed by rinsing, facilitating investigation by electrochemical methods, and arc stable also in vacuum, permitting identification and characterization of the adsorbed species by AES, EELS and LEED and related methods. Molecular stoichiometry (elemental composition) and packing density (surface concentration, molecules per unit area) are measured by means of AES. Surface molecular orientation can be deduced from molecular packing densities, supplemented with adsorbate vibrational spectra, electrochemical reactivity, LEED structure and other related observations. Studies of series of related adsorbates offer the advantage that additional insight can be gained from intercomparison of molecular surface behavior as a function of systematic structural and chemical differences. Electrochemical reactivity is found to be a function of molecular orientation: horizontally oriented adsorbates at Pt surfaces in most cases undergo complete electrochemical oxidation to CO2 and other oxides, while vertically oriented adsorbates undergo less extensive oxidation; reversible redox centers such as the hydroquinone and catechol moieties retain their electrochemical reactivity and reversibility at electrode surfaces only when the redox center is pendant, and direct attachment of a redox center at surfaces results in loss of redox electro- activity.Close similarity between adsorbed layer EELS spectra and the IR spectra of the unadsorbed liquid or vapor is usually found for vertically oriented adsorbates for which adsorption docs not substantially perturb the main–frame molecular structure. Surface chemical phenomena involving molecular adsorbates at electrode surfaces, including molecular Packing density, mode of attachment, surface orientation, long–range surface order, molecular structure, spectroscopic behavior, and chemical and electrochemical reactivity, are greatly influenced by factors such as adsorbate molecular structure, electrode material, crystallographic structure of electrode surface, electrode potential, solution pH, adsorbate concentration, and temperature.
A case of secondary diabetes mellitus associated with chronic arsenic toxicity

Chronic arsenic exposure leads to systemic illness involving multiple organ systems, and has been associated with the development of diabetes mellitus (DM). While the majority of the literature surrounding arsenic-induced DM is from areas where the arsenic content of drinking water is high, population-based studies in North America have shown a similar association. Here, we present a case of newly-diagnosed DM thought to be secondary to chronic arsenic exposure. The patient was a previously healthy 54-year-old female who presented with progressive fatigue, weight loss and anorexia, and eventually developed colitis, cachexia, skin eruptions, and alopecia. She was also diagnosed with DM, and treatment was complicated by episodes of severe hyper- and hypoglycemia. She was evaluated for autoimmune, rheumatologic, oncologic, and infectious etiologies of her symptoms, all of which were negative. Also negative was an extensive workup for secondary causes of DM. During her final hospitalization, she underwent a workup for heavy metal toxicity, which revealed elevated serum (11 mcg/L, reference range < 5 mcg/L) and urine (233.5 mcg/gram creatinine, reference range < 50 mcg/gram creatinine) arsenic levels. A diagnosis of arsenic toxicity was made, and the patient underwent chelation therapy with British anti-Lewisite (BAL). This is an interesting case of DM that was thought to be secondary to chronic arsenic exposure. While BAL was effective at lowering arsenic levels, we were unable to observe clinical improvement due to the patient’s death shortly after completion of therapy. In cases where other secondary causes of DM are ruled out, it may be prudent to evaluate for heavy metal toxicity to allow for early diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the efficacy of different treatment strategies for arsenic-induced DM, and whether resolution of arsenic toxicity will reverse the diabetogenic effects.
Reaction Kinetics of HBr with HO2: A New Channel for Isotope Scrambling Reactions.

The gas phase reaction kinetics of HBr with the HO2 radical are investigated over the temperature range of T = 200–1500 K using a theoretical approach based on transition state theory. The parameters for the potential energy surface are computed using density functional theory with the M11 exchange functional. The rate coefficient for the HBr + HO2 → Br + H2O2 abstraction channel is found to be somewhat larger than previous estimates at low temperatures due to quantum tunneling. The present study reveals the existence of a novel exchange pathway, HBr + H′O2 → H′Br + HO2, which exhibits a much lower reaction barrier than does the abstraction route. The transition state for this process is a symmetrical planar five-membered-ring-shaped structure. At low temperatures, this concerted double hydrogen transfer reaction is several orders of magnitude faster than the abstraction channel. The exchange process may be observed using isotope scrambling reactions; such reactions may contribute to observed isotope abun...
An integrated parallel synchronous rectifier and bi-directional DC/DC converter system for solar and wind powered hybrid electric vehicle

Decreasing world oil and gas resources as well as environmental concerns have driven automotive industry to develop more efficient and cleaner vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and protect the environment. The hybrid vehicle technology offers a reasonable solution for the challenges of energy and environment. Renewable energies, such as solar and wind energy can also be integrated with the structure of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) to further improve the efficiency and environmental concerns. Electric energy generated by solar panels and wind system can be stored in the energy storage system and utilized for propulsion. Braking energy generated by the propulsion machine can be used for charging the energy storage system. Due to the utilization of renewable energies, smaller sized internal combustion engine (ICE) can be replaced in the vehicle. In this paper, a new topology of integrated solar and wind powered hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is proposed and its feasibility has been studied in the Toyota Prius.
Strategic Human Capital Crossing the Great Divide

Strategic human capital has emerged as an area of interest in both the strategy and human resources management literatures, yet these literatures have developed without adequate interdisciplinary conversation. The special issue on strategic human capital sought to bridge this divide through creating a platform for researchers from both fields to engage in dialogue. In addition to commenting on both the journey and destination of the special issue, we explore the manifestations of this divide and identify six issues that emerged that could provide areas of common interest across the two fields.
The Construction of Sense of Place: Observations from the Field

An introspective look at the illustrative power of field experience, this article makes analogies between field experiences and the larger pursuit of geography research. The setting is the White Mountains of California, but the ideas in this article expand the local experience that informs much larger themes.
Bi-Directional Stiffness for Airfoil Camber Morphing

This paper explores a new design for an airfoil whose chordwise bending stiffness varies with direction of applied load. By designing the region aft of the spar to be very stiff under upward load, ...
Ubiquinol treatment for TBI in male rats: Effects on mitochondrial integrity, injury severity, and neurometabolism

Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), there is significant secondary damage to cerebral tissue from increased free radicals and impaired mitochondrial function. This imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the effectiveness of cellular antioxidant defenses is termed oxidative stress. Often there are insufficient antioxidants to scavenge ROS, leading to alterations in cerebral structure and function. Attenuating oxidative stress following a TBI by administering an antioxidant may decrease secondary brain injury, and currently many drugs and supplements are being investigated. We explored an over-the-counter supplement called ubiquinol (reduced form of coenzyme Q10), a potent antioxidant naturally produced in brain mitochondria. We administered intra-arterial ubiquinol to rats to determine if it would reduce mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and severity of a contusive TBI. Adult male F344 rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Saline-TBI, (2) ubiquinol 30 minutes before TBI (UB-PreTBI), or (3) ubiquinol 30 minutes after TBI (UB-PostTBI). We found when ubiquinol was administered before or after TBI, rats had an acute reduction in brain mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and two serum biomarkers of TBI severity, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1). However, in vivo neurometabolic assessment with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy did not show attenuated injury-induced changes. These findings are the first to show that ubiquinol preserves mitochondria and reduces cellular injury severity after TBI, and support further study of ubiquinol as a promising adjunct therapy for TBI.
Artificial intelligence meets large-scale sensing: Using Large-Area Electronics (LAE) to enable intelligent spaces

The tremendous value artificial intelligence (AI) is showing across a broad range of applications is driving it from cyber-systems to systems pervading every aspect of our lives. But real-world data challenges the efficiency and robustness with which AI systems of today can perform, due to the highly dynamic and noisy scenarios they face. While algorithmic solutions are required, this paper also explores technological solutions based on large-scale sensing. Specifically, Large-Area Electronics (LAE) is a technology that can make large-scale, form-fitting sensors possible for broad deployment in our lives. System-design principles, architectural approaches, supporting circuits, and underlying technological concerns surrounding LAE and its use in emerging systems for intelligent sensing are explored.
Leaching of phosphate from agricultural soils to groundwater

To examine the fate of P added to soils as fertilizer and to assess potential P losses to groundwater, different forms of P at increasing depths in soils and P concentration in effluents from tile drains were determined. The estimates of soil P showed that the fertilizer P applied over a number of years accumulated mainly in the plow layer, suggesting that P losses to groundwater from cultivated soils with deep water table are minimum. Analyses of effluents obtained over a 1 yr period from tile drains in four soils in different crops, however, showed that the concentration of P varied from 12 ppb to 124 ppb. The concentration of P in effluent from the soil with the largest amount of P in the plow layer remained the largest throughout the year. Apparently, in cultivated soils with the tile drains, flooding may produce reducing conditions resulting in greater mobility of P.
Efficacy of Spring and Fall Treatments of Carbaryl for Protecting Ponderosa Pine From Mortality Attributed to Mountain Pine Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

High-value trees, such as those growing in residential, recreational, or administrative sites, are often susceptible to colonization by bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) as a result of increased amounts of stress associated with off-site plantings, drought, soil compaction, and/or mechanical injury. The value of these trees, cost of removing dead trees, and loss of aesthetics often justify the use of insecticides to protect trees from mortality attributed to bark beetles. Carbaryl (1-naphthyl methylcarbamate) is among the most effective, economically-viable, and ecologically-compatible insecticides available for protecting conifers from several species of bark beetles in the western United States. Treatments are usually applied in spring prior to initiation of flight of the target species. We evaluated the efficacy of spring and fall applications of carbaryl for protecting individual ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. (Pinales: Pinaceae), from mortality attributed to mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Idaho. Both spring and fall treatments of 2.0% a.i. carbaryl (maximum label rate; Sevin SL, Bayer Environmental Science, Montvale, NJ 07645) provided one field season of protection, and thus should be applied annually if tree protection is desired for multiple years. Our research also provides some insight on the efficacy of carbaryl treatments after wildfire. We found no evidence that a mixed-severity wildfire negatively affected the efficacy of carbaryl treatments.
Poststroke Depression: Pathophysiology and Treatment Strategies

Abstract Stroke is the fifth cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. Poststroke depression (PSD) is a common and serious complication found in people after stroke. Approximately, one third of stroke survivors suffer from PSD, which may affect mortality, functional recovery, and quality of life, as well as increase the risk of recurrent stroke. Because the symptoms are often neglected or unrecognized by patients, family members, and even physicians, the severity of PSD has been underestimated and it remains underdiagnosed. Effective prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment have been shown to enhance rehabilitation efforts, improve physical and cognitive outcomes, and reduce the incidence of recurrent stroke. This brief review will discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, mechanisms, and treatment strategies and provide a future perspective on novel approaches to improve the management and prevention of PSD.
The New Wave of Local Minimum Wage Policies: Evidence from Six Cities

Author(s): Allegretto, Sylvia A; Godoey, Anna; Nadler, Carl; Reich, Michael | Abstract: We examine the effects of minimum wage policies in six large cities with high citywide minimum wages: Chicago, the District of Columbia, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle. At the end of 2016, the last period of our data availability, citywide minimum wages exceeded $10 in all of these cities and had reached $13 in two—San Francisco and Seattle.Recent research on minimum wages up to $10 has generally not found employment effects. Ours is the first comprehensive look at effects of minimum wages above $10.