cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of solid SEDDS, VII: Effect of pore size of silica on drug release from adsorbed self-emulsifying lipid-based formulations.

Abstract Purpose Lipid-based self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) are usually liquids, and they can be converted into solid dosage forms by adsorbing onto silicates. However, most commercially available silicates are mesoporous with small pore sizes of 1 to 50 nm that lead to incomplete emulsification of SEDDS inside the pores and thus incomplete drug release. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of silica pore size on the extent of drug release from SEDDS solidified by adsorbing onto macroporous silicas with different pore sizes. Methods Silicas with average pore sizes of approx. 150 nm, 500 nm and 5 μm were synthesized using the colloidal crystal templating method. A model poorly water-soluble drug, probucol, was dissolved in liquid SEDDS containing different lipid to surfactant ratios, and the formulations were then adsorbed onto equal weights of silicas (1:1 w/w ratio). Drug release from freshly prepared formulations and after storing at 40 °C/60% RH for up to 6 months was studied using a modified USP type 2 method with mini paddles and 50 mL of 0.01 M HCl (pH ~ 2) at 37 °C. Drug release was also studied similarly from silicas that were precoated with PVP K-30 at 5, 10, 20 and 30% w/w levels before adsorption of SEDDS. Results Freshly prepared formulations containing relatively higher lipid:surfactant ratio of 7:3% w/w exhibited 17, 40 and 60% drug release from uncoated (neat) silicas with pore sizes of 150 nm, 500 nm and 5 μm, respectively, while the more hydrophilic formulations containing 3:7 w/w lipid:surfactant ratio had, respectively, 50, 65 and 85% drug release. No decrease in drug release was observed when the formulations were exposed to 40 °C/60% RH for up to 6 months. When the silicas were precoated with 20% PVP, the drug release was almost complete (> 80%), which remained unchanged even after 6 months of storage irrespective of the composition of adsorbed liquid SEDDS. Conclusions Both pore size and composition of SEDDS had major impacts on drug release from silicas. Increased drug release was observed with the increase in pore size of silicas and hydrophilicity of formulations. Since the silicas synthesized were macroporous with no mesopores present, there was no decrease in drug release upon storage. Complete drug release was observed when silicas were precoated with PVP as it increased the penetration of water into the pores.
Integrated circuit packaging review with an emphasis on 3D packaging

Abstract An introduction to the exciting and continuously growing topic of IC packaging is presented herein. This review starts with a beginner's level introduction to microelectronic packaging and its essential functions. These functions include environmental protection, mechanical stability, thermal management, and electrical connection. Important methods and process techniques for satisfying these essential functions are included. Knowledge of this material is important to understand the history and advancements of packaging technology. The history is reviewed in the context of technology advancement drivers and how they have ultimately led to 3D packaging. 3D packaging is the modern milestone in packaging technology, and it is described in detail. 3D packaging technology poses many advantageous but there are also serious design challenges to overcome. 3D packaging architecture, advantages, processing, and current challenges become the focus in the second half of this paper.
Mechanobiology of Epidermal Keratinocytes: Desmosomes, Hemidesmosomes, Keratin Intermediate Filaments, and Blistering Skin Diseases

Despite continuous advances in our understanding of the human epidermis and its principal cell type, the keratinocyte, the biophysical mechanisms that endow these cells with such remarkable mechanobiological properties remain largely unknown. Towards this end, this chapter serves as an eclectic but didactic introduction to the biology, pathology, and rheology of human epidermal keratinocytes. The initial discussion is primarily morphological in content, including a histological illustration of the human epidermis and an ultrastructural description of the various cell-cell and cell-matrix anchoring junctions that are expressed by human epidermal keratinocytes in vivo. The associations between intercellular adhesion, intracellular resistance to mechanical deformation, and keratinocyte differentiation are reviewed. Next, the pathophysiologies of several different autoimmune, genetic, and infectious blistering skin diseases are explored, including epidermolysis bullosa simplex, pemphigus vulgaris, and the staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, among others. These clinical disorders serve as poignant examples as to how mechanical failures within the cytoarchitectural system of keratin intermediate filaments, desmosomes, and hemidesmosomes can give rise to human disease states. The chapter concludes with a brief accounting of past and current experimental attempts to characterize the mechanobiology of human epidermal keratinocytes with rheological measurements across a large range of experimental length scales.
Some Miocene cheilostome bryozoan genera of Michel Vigneaux — systematic revision and scanning electron microscopic study

ABSTRACT In 1949 Michel Vigneaux published an important taxonomic work on fossil bryozoans that introduced numerous new taxa at family-, genus- and species-levels, the majority of which are still used today, in some cases for extant bryozoans. However, Vigneaux's material from the Miocene of the Aquitaine Basin in France has never been revised. Here we employ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study Vigneaux's type specimens of the type species of five of his genera: Hemiphylactella, Pleuromucrum, Stephanollina, Schizosmittina and Hemicosciniopsis. Based on this revision, Pleuromucrum is considered to be a subjective senior synonym of both Lifuella Gordon & d'Hondt, 1997 and Allorhynchozoon Liu in Liu, Yin & Ma, 2001.
Grounded emotions

Emotions are grounded in contextual experience. While natural language processing tools typically look at textual content to find clues pertaining to an author's emotional state, factors occurring throughout the day, such as weather or news exposure, may prime one toward a particular emotional response. In this paper, we explore five types of external factors and through extensive analyses show their impact and correlation with a user's emotional state. Ultimately, we show that when combining all extrinsic features, we are able to predict with an accuracy of 67% the emotional state of a user.
Glutamate Decarboxylase, GABA and Autoimmunity

GABA is a widely utilized neurotransmitter throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems (reviewed in 1–4). Its synthesis is largely controlled by the activity of glutamate decarboxylase which converts the amino acid glutamate directly into GABA. Alterations in GAD and GABA have been associated with a number of neurogenetic diseases and pharmacological interference with GAD or GABA rapidly induces seizures in both man and animals. Growing evidence also suggests that GABA acts as a neurotrophic factor during development.
GEOMETRODYNAMICS AS FOUNDATION OF PHYSICS

Publisher Summary All the experiments of physics have never enabled a physicist to climb inside a particle of matter and find out what is there. The physicist keeps finding that whatever particle he examines is mostly vacuum interspersed with particles of matter at the next order of magnitude smaller. This chapter explains that advances in astronomy and astrophysics produce larger refinements whereas advances in microphysics produce finer refinements. The drawback of the mathematical view of physics is that it presents computational problems that may be practically unsolvable. The chapter is rich in intuitive content and can thus offer many avenues for future research.
Effectiveness of Low Temperature Refrigeration for Electronics

Summary The need for continuous operation of microwave systems using cooled low-noise amplifiers, led to the development of closed-cycle refrigeration systems. The system effectiveness, the operational effectiveness, the performance capability, the operational reliability and the maintainability are discussed.
THE INFLUENCE OF MATERNAL IMMUNE REACTIVITY ON IDIOTYPE EXPRESSION BY PROGENY

ABSTRACT Previous studies indicated that the inheritance of an idiotype (Id-1) associated with rat anti-group A streptococcal carbohydrate (SACHO) antibodies involved complex, multigene interactions. We did not take in consideration in these studies, however, that the immune reactivity of GASV immunized parents may be introducing complications to patterns of Id-1 expression. In this paper we show that immunization of females with antigen prior to birth of progeny can alter progeny idiotype production. The maternal influence appears to be induced by idiotype-specific immune reactivity of females, rather than by maternal transfer of antigen to progeny.
Impact of the type of first-cancer therapy in therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes outcomes.

e18555Background: Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes (t-MDS) are known to have poor outcomes. The impact of the therapy received for the first cancer remains unknown. Methods: 228 t-MDS diag...
The strength and spread of the electric field induced by transcranial rotating permanent magnet stimulation in comparison with conventional transcranial magnetic stimulation.

Abstract Background Weak or low intensity transcranial stimulation of the brain, such as low field magnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation, can produce significant functional and therapeutic neuromodulatory effects. New method We have recently developed a portable wearable multifocal brain stimulator called transcranial rotating permanent magnet stimulator (TRPMS) that uses rapidly spinning high field strength permanent magnets attached to a cap. It produces oscillatory stimuli of different frequencies and patterns. Here we compared the strengths and spatial profiles of the changing magnetic fields of a figure-of-eight transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) coil, a TRPMS prototype, and a scaled-up version of TRPMS. We measured field strengths and directions of voltages induced in a magnetic field sensor oriented along all three orthogonal axes. Results and comparison with existing methods The spatial spread of the TRPMS-induced electric field is more restricted, and its shape and strength vary less with the orientation of the inductance than TMS. The maximum voltage induced by the current prototype is ∼7% of the maximal TMS output at depths corresponding to the human cerebral cortex from the scalp surface. This field strength can be scaled up by a factor ∼8 with a larger diametrically magnetized magnet. These comparative data allow us to estimate that intracortical effects of TRPMS could be stronger than other low intensity stimulation methods. Conclusions TRPMS might enable greater uniformity, consistency and focality in stimulation of targeted cortical areas subject to significant anatomical variability. Multiple TRPMS microstimulators can also be combined to produce patterned multifocal spatiotemporal stimulation.
Trifluoroacetic Acid-Promoted Friedel-Crafts Aromatic Alkylation with Benzyl Alcohols

Following the 1945 report by Newman on the utility of Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) as a condensing agent for the acylation of anisole with acetic anhydride [1]...
Complicated HCV subtype expansion among drug users in Guangdong province, China.

Guangdong Province is one of the most developed and populous provinces in southern China. The subtype situation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Guangdong remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate and estimate the HCV subtypes in drug users (DU) using a city-based sampling strategy to better understand the characteristics of HCV transmission in Guangdong. Archived plasma samples (n = 1074) from DU who were anti-HCV positive in 2014 were selected randomly from 20 cities in Guangdong Province. Subtypes were determined based on core and/or E1 sequences using phylogenetic analysis. The distributions of HCV subtypes in DU and different regions were analyzed. A total of 8 genotypes were identified. The three main HCV subtypes in DU in Guangdong were 6a (63.0%), 3a (15.2%), and 3b (11.8%). Significant differences were discovered among different registered residency and regions but not among genders, marital status, education level, or drug use patterns. HCV subtype 3b was significantly higher in Guangdong residents than in non-Guangdong residents. In contrast, HCV subtype 6a was significantly lower in Guangdong residents than in non-Guangdong residents. Subtype 1b in eastern Guangdong (eastern) was significantly lower, while 6a was significantly higher when compared with other regions. Subtype 3a in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region was significantly higher, while 3b was significantly lower when compared with other regions. In western Guangdong, HCV subtype 3a was significantly lower when compared with other regions. Additionally, in northern Guangdong subtypes 1b and 3b were significantly higher, while 6a was significantly lower when compared with other regions. Our study revealed the diversity and distribution of HCV subtypes in DU in nearly all the cities in Guangdong. The results provide essential information that will allow the establishment of specific intervention strategies that may help prevent HCV transmission.
Deep Neural Network for Semantic-based Text Recognition in Images.

State-of-the-art text spotting systems typically aim to detect isolated words or word-by-word text in images of natural scenes and ignore the semantic coherence within a region of text. However, when interpreted together, seemingly isolated words may be easier to recognize. On this basis, we propose a novel "semantic-based text recognition" (STR) deep learning model that reads text in images with the help of understanding context. STR consists of several modules. We introduce the Text Grouping and Arranging (TGA) algorithm to connect and order isolated text regions. A text-recognition network interprets isolated words. Benefiting from semantic information, a sequenceto-sequence network model efficiently corrects inaccurate and uncertain phrases produced earlier in the STR pipeline. We present experiments on two new distinct datasets that contain scanned catalog images of interior designs and photographs of protesters with hand-written signs, respectively. Our results show that our STR model outperforms a baseline method that uses state-of-the-art single-wordrecognition techniques on both datasets. STR yields a high accuracy rate of 90% on the catalog images and 71% on the more difficult protest images, suggesting its generality in recognizing text.
Spine and Spinal Cord Injuries After Falls From Tree Stands During the Wisconsin Deer Hunting Season.

Background Deer hunting is popular in much of the United States. In Wisconsin, use of tree stands for hunting is common. Spine surgeons at a Level 1 Trauma Center observed a high incidence of spine and spinal cord injury due to falls from tree stands while hunting. This study's purpose is to systematically characterize and classify those injuries. Methods We reviewed the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics' trauma database for tree stand-related injuries from 1999 to 2013. We collected and analyzed data pertaining to hunters' demographics, comorbidities, type and mechanism of injury, injury severity, and management. Results We identified 117 patients evaluated after a tree stand fall. Sixty-five (ages 16-76) suffered spine fractures that occurred at all levels, from occipital condyle to sacrum, with thoracolumbar compression and burst fractures being most common. Fractures occurred in the following locations: cranio-cervical junction (8.7%), cervical spine (7.6%), cervical-thoracic junction (6.5%), thoracic spine (32.6%), thoracolumbar junction (33.7%), and lumbar spine (10.9%). Twenty-one patients (32%) experienced a single spinal fracture; 44 patients (68%) suffered multiple spinal fractures. Twenty-five patients (38%) required surgical fixation; 19 patients experienced loss of neurologic function: 5 complete spinal cord injuries (SCI), 5 incomplete SCI, 2 central cord syndromes, and 8 radiculopathies. Two mortalities, both of cardiopulmonary etiology, were noted-one in a patient without a spine fracture and the other in a patient with a complete spinal cord injury at T4. Conclusions The majority of spine fractures are treated nonoperatively. However, enough patients require surgical intervention that consultation with a neurosurgical or orthopedic spine surgeon is prudent. It is more common to have multiple spine fractures from a tree stand fall, therefore, it is recommended that if 1 fracture is identified the entire spine be evaluated for additional fractures. For safety, it is recommended that hunters wear and use safety harnesses appropriately. Additionally, keeping the height of the tree stand at 10 feet or less is associated with a lower likelihood of spinal cord injury. Further study is needed to determine additional interventions such as education that might reduce the injury frequency in this population.
Implications of accident tolerant fuels on thermal-hydraulic research

Abstract Accident tolerant fuel deployment has been rapidly accelerating in the US with lead test rods and assemblies already inserted in commercial reactors. With the current deployment target of mid 2020s for near term concepts and long term concepts thereafter, the implication of these fuels on thermal-hydraulic (TH) research should be documented to support their development and value proposition. Without economic argument, once the US government ATF program ends in ~2021, the US utilities will not adopt the more expensive ATF in their already NRC licensed safe and robust LWRs. Moreover, only limited severe accident gain can be realized by adopting ATFs alone. Thus economic opportunities with ATF cladding lies within challenging the current conservative technical specifications and safety procedures and pairing with more cost-effective high density fuel forms. Opportunities exits to go higher that current Zircaloy peak clad temperature (PCT) of ~1200 °C and survive a departure from nuclear boiling (DNB) or dryout event for considerable longer time with coated clad or SiC fiber composite ATF concepts. Higher PCTs along with longer durations at high PCTs emphasizes more importance on radiation heat transfer and fuel collapse limits during severe accidents. The tolerance to DNB and dryout for longer periods motivates their replacement by a fuel performance based limit. This path enabled by ATFs requires accurate prediction of post-DNB or dryout heat transfer and rewet characteristics. TH research is also needed in exploring new failure modes especially for SiC cladding where more accurate local temperature, flow and quenching is required to assess its thermomechanical performance. At the same time, adoption of ATF cladding could bring about less emphasis on GTRF or CRUD deposition that is being tackled by the TH community.
3-D Point Magnetic Field Detection for Compact Current Sensing in Three-Phase Busbars and Cables

Arrays of 1-D and 2-D magnetoresistive (MR) point field detectors (PFD) have been integrated into power electronics for coreless current sensing with galvanic isolation. This paper introduces a 3-D point magnetic field sensing and decoupling methodology which enables the use of a single 3-D MR PFD for three-phase current sensing in AC drives. The vicinity of three-phase cables or busbars has cross-coupled fields from individual phases. The 3-D field decoupling methodology is developed to extract the information of individual phase currents from cross-coupled 3-D vector field at a point. 3-D magnetic field analysis metrics are also developed to position the 3-D MR PFD appropriately for high-bandwidth current sensing by reducing the impact of skin and proximity effects. Multi-phase current sensing in commonly-used bent busbars and cables has been experimentally implemented using a single 3-D MR PFD for increased power density, cost reduction, and AC drive simplification.
NMT1 and NMT2 are lysine myristoyltransferases regulating the ARF6 GTPase cycle.

Lysine fatty acylation in mammalian cells was discovered nearly three decades ago, yet the enzymes catalyzing it remain unknown. Unexpectedly, we find that human N-terminal glycine myristoyltransferases (NMT) 1 and 2 can efficiently myristoylate specific lysine residues. They modify ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) on lysine 3 allowing it to remain on membranes during the GTPase cycle. We demonstrate that the NAD+-dependent deacylase SIRT2 removes the myristoyl group, and our evidence suggests that NMT prefers the GTP-bound while SIRT2 prefers the GDP-bound ARF6. This allows the lysine myrisotylation-demyristoylation cycle to couple to and promote the GTPase cycle of ARF6. Our study provides an explanation for the puzzling dissimilarity of ARF6 to other ARFs and suggests the existence of other substrates regulated by this previously unknown function of NMT. Furthermore, we identified a NMT/SIRT2-ARF6 regulatory axis, which may offer new ways to treat human diseases. Lysine fatty acylation is an important protein posttranslational modification but mammalian lysine fatty acyl transferases have remained unknown so far. Here the authors report that the human N-terminal glycine myristoyltransferases 1 and 2 catalyze the addition of myristoyl chains to specific lysine residues and show that they myristoylate ARF6 lysine 3, which explains the unusual membrane binding properties of ARF6.
Assessing the newborn screening education needs of families living in medically underserved areas.

Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health service available to all babies born in the United States (US). NBS is one of the first experiences families have in the US healthcare system with a new baby. A positive experience with NBS can give families a strong start to their child's health care and build trusting relationships with providers. A lack of easily accessible NBS education for families can exacerbate health inequalities through negative interactions with the healthcare system. Expecting Health, a maternal and child health education and advocacy initiative of Genetic Alliance, partnered with RTI International to implement an online survey assessing needs and preferences around NBS-related health education, with a particular interest in those of families living within medically underserved areas (MUAs). A total of 500 participants completed the survey, including 200 participants living in MUAs. The results of the survey showed that, compared with US families living outside of MUAs, families living in MUAs are generally less aware of NBS and do not receive NBS education at the optimal time (i.e., before birth), which could indicate they experience inequities in NBS education. While families across different geographic areas seem to have similar preferences in terms of content for NBS education, the results show that some distinct communication methods are needed to reach families living in MUAs. To bridge the gap in NBS education to families living in MUAs, the Expecting Health team built an online NBS educational module, using preferred communication methods-specified through the survey-for families living in MUAs.
Microalgal biotechnology applied in biomedicine

Abstract Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms, prokaryotes or eukaryotes, responsible for the greater part of the production of atmospheric oxygen. The biomass of these microorganisms presents diverse applicability due to their composition, which can be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, pigments, and phenolic compounds. The variability of the cultivation conditions in which the microalgae can be submitted promotes differences in its biochemical composition, and its use can be destined for several applications. The microalgal biomass can be applied in the biomedicine field, due to its beneficial health properties as its nutraceutical, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-tumor potential. Moreover, promising effects have been found in treatments for suppression of blood hypertension, protection against renal failure, and attenuation of blood glucose values. In this context, this chapter addresses the bioactive compound constituents in microalgae, as well as their characteristics and applications in the biomedical field, elucidating recent studies and future perspectives.
Distributed No-Regret Learning in Multiagent Systems: Challenges and Recent Developments

Game theory is a well-established tool for studying interactions among self-interested players. Under the assumption of complete information on the game composition at each player, the focal point of game-theoretic studies has been on the Nash equilibrium (NE) in analyzing game outcomes and predicting strategic behaviors of rational players.
Treatable, motor-sensory, axonal neuropathies with C5b-9 complement on endoneurial microvessels

Introduction Identification and treatment of immune-mediated polyneuropathies may lead to improved strength and function. We studied the clinical and laboratory features, and treatment response, in patients with motor-sensory axonal polyneuropathies who were found to have C5b-9 complement staining on endoneurial microvessels. Methods Retrospective review of 16 consecutive adults with motor-sensory axonal polyneuropathies who were then found to have C5b-9 staining of endoneurial microvessels on nerve biopsy, and subsequently treated with intravenous corticosteroids (1 g methylprednisolone for 5 consecutive days, and then weekly). Strength measurements were done using quantitative handheld dynamometry. Nerve biopsy analysis included frozen and fixed tissue. Results Patients (mean onset age, 59 ± 4 years; range, 34-83 years; 12 of 16 were males; 9 of 16 had diabetes) had progressive (median duration, 2 years), asymmetric, distal weakness, in the lower extremities (16 of 16) and/or upper extremities (7 of 16), and panmodal sensory loss. Electrodiagnostic studies showed axon loss. Nerve pathology showed abnormal C5b-9 staining on endoneurial microvessels. Axon loss was present in all nerves, often varied among fascicles. Inflammation was uncommon. Distal strength usually improved (mean improvement of 34 ± 6% of normal strength; P = .0003) with corticosteroid treatment. Discussion Motor-sensory axonal polyneuropathies having noninflammatory, humoral immune pathology with C5b-9 staining of endoneurial microvessels (HIEM) frequently manifest progressive asymmetric, distal, lower extremity with or without upper extremity weakness that improves rapidly during corticosteroid treatment. HIEM may represent a new class of noninflammatory-vasculopathic, treatable axonal motor-sensory neuropathies.
An Empirical Estimate of the Infection Fatality Rate of COVID-19 from the First Italian Outbreak

Background: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been spreading globally for months, yet the infection fatality ratio of the disease is still uncertain. This is partly because of inconsistencies in testing and death reporting standards across countries. Our purpose is to provide accurate estimates which do not rely on testing and death count data directly but only use population level statistics. Methods: We collected demographic and death records data from the Italian Institute of Statistics. We focus on the area in Italy that experienced the initial outbreak of COVID-19 and estimated a Bayesian model fitting age-stratified mortality data from 2020 and previous years. We also assessed the sensitivity of our estimates to alternative assumptions on the proportion of population infected. Findings: We estimate an overall infection fatality rate of 1·29% (95% credible interval [CrI] 0·89-2·01), as well as large differences by age, with a low infection fatality rate of 0·05% for under 60 year old (CrI 0-0·19) and a substantially higher 4·25% (CrI 3·01-6·39) for people above 60 years of age. In our sensitivity analysis, we found that even under extreme assumptions, our method delivered useful information. For instance, even if only 10% of the population were infected, the infection fatality rate would not rise above 0·2% for people under 60. Interpretation: Our empirical estimates based on population level data show a sharp difference in fatality rates between young and old people and firmly rule out overall fatality ratios below 0·5% in populations with more than 30% over 60 years old. Funding Statement: Harvard Business School and Economics Department, NBER, Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance. Declaration of Interests: GR and MP declare no competing interests.
Office-Based Anesthesia in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery-The American Model and Training

Anxiety and pain control has been an inherent part of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s (OMS’s) armamentarium. In the United States, achieving competency in anesthesia is an integral part of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) training curriculum. Further, OMS’s maintain the highest of standards in their practice of anesthesia outside the operating theaters. OMS-anesthesia-team model emphasizes patient safety. This requires rigorous training and meticulous standards of practice, not only by the surgeons but by the entire supporting team of office personnel. The American Association of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) endorses several critical steps in promoting the safety of this model in OMS offices. Periodic review of parameters of care, mandated training for office team and a peer review for office anesthesia evaluation of fellow OMSs are some of the critical components. AAOMS has a simulation based training to train teams in the provision of safe anesthesia in a low risk environment. Emphasis on appropriate patient selection, impeccable advanced anesthesia monitoring, and periodic strong didactic and skills based training supports the OMS-anesthesia-team in being a valid, safe practice model of anxiety and pain control in an outpatient setting.
Anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering for materials chemistry

Over the past decade, the development of in situ characterization techniques has become necessary to understand the structure–property relationships of functional materials. In situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) represents one of the techniques for studying the evolution kinetics of materials structures, but the SAXS signals lack chemical information on the materials. Anomalous SAXS (ASAXS) measured at different energies near the X-ray absorption edge of an interesting element allows the deconvolution of element-specific SAXS profiles, enabling the promise of simultaneously revealing the evolution kinetics of both the structures and the chemistry of composite materials under operando conditions. Typical composite materials studied by ASAXS are overviewed to shed light on the potential of in situ ASAXS in materials chemistry research.
From digital to universal manufacturing

The transformation of the manufacturing industry over the last two decades has been largely inspired by data. Digitisation has made its mark in different areas of manufacturing, from digital materi...
Educational Strategies for Children with Developmental Disorders

Developmental disabilities is a relatively broad and all-inclusive term. The remediation or amelioration of the associated learning difficulties consequently necessitates the use of a spectrum of educational strategies. Many educators recommend that their “special method” be used exclusively: a like number of educators urge that only a combination of educational methods will be effective for developmentally disabled children. The “only one method” concept has become increasingly unpopular, since it is often inappropriate with many of the wide range of children diagnosed as developmentally disabled. Use of set, established combinations of methods may be equally ineffective. Significant improvement is often noted, however, when a combination of educational approaches are employed based on valid assessment data and a reasonable rationale. Experienced observers generally concur that no single educational strategy is best, even when attempting to remediate specific subareas of developmental disabilities. Variability and flexibility are mandatory prerequisites for effective teaching of children with handicaps. As a rule these children have highly varied experiential backgrounds, as regards earlier efforts to learn to read, write, or even tie shoelaces, as well as limited control over environmental variables. It is readily recognized that the potential for “curing a disease” is enhanced in a controlled hospital environment. By contrast, most educational programs are implemented within an uncontrolled complex framework of (1) inconsistent home and community conditions, (2) differing degrees of parental support, and (3) widely variable biomedical and psychosocial factors.
The Société Zoologique D’acclimatation and the New French Empire: Science and Political Economy

The Societe Zoologique d’Acclimatation’s (hereafter Society) present mission belies its imperialistic heritage. It now resembles America’s Sierra Club, its National Wildlife Federation, and other groups active in the wildlife protection and conservation movement. In the 19th century the group presented other faces. I wish to focus on just two of its many aspects —these being the transformist zoological theory which informed its manifold biomedical activities, and its role in the construction of the new French Empire.
Categorizing Science and Technology Across Articles, Patents, Doctoral Programs, and Industries

In our work on biotechnology, it was possible to track a relatively narrowly defined body of knowledge from its origins (largely in universities), to development of inventions represented by patents, to commercial applications in firms and ultimately into goods and service in the market place. Nanobank aims to define a similarly relative narrow but even more broadly interdisciplinary set of articles, patents, and firms with the affiliation and/or location of individual participants identified so far as possible. It is natural to want to compare activities in nanotechnology (or biotechnology) with those in other science and technology (S&T) areas, but in attempting to do so we learned that it was generally more difficult to find narrowly defined areas of science (categorizing articles and doctoral programs) that correspond to narrowly defined areas of technology (categorizing by patent classes) that correspond to narrowly defined areas of industry (categorizing by governmental or financial market definitions of industry).
Ossifying fibroma of the mid-face and paranasal sinuses: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.

Ossifying fibroma is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor that may behave in an un-predictably aggressive fashion. Most of these unusual tumors affect the mandible. Their behavior in the mid-face and paranasal sinuses is not well documented. In our review of the subject, and of the cases presented, it appears that these lesions behave more aggressively than their mandibular counterparts. A more aggressive approach may be more beneficial than expectant observation or curettage in the initial management of this neoplasm.
Lossy Trapdoor Functions from Smooth Homomorphic Hash Proof Systems.

In STOC ’08, Peikert and Waters introduced a powerful new primitive called Lossy Trapdoor Functions (LTDFs). Since their introduction, lossy trapdoor functions have found many uses in cryptography. In the work of Peikert and Waters, lossy trapdoor functions were used to give an efficient construction of a chosen-ciphertext secure (IND-CCA2) cryptosystem. Lossy trapdoor functions were then shown to imply deterministic encryption by Bellare, Fischlin, O’Neill and Ristenpart in CRYPTO ’08. In TCC ’09, Rosen and Segev showed that lossy trapdoor functions are correlated product secure, meaning that they remain one-way even when evaluated on correlated inputs. In their work, Peikert and Waters gave constructions of LTDFs from the Decisional DiffieHellman (DDH) assumption and lattice assumptions. Bellare et al., and Rosen and Segev also gave (identical) efficient constructions of LTDFs from Paillier’s Decisional Composite Residuosity (DCR) assumption. To date, these remain the only known constructions of lossy trapdoor functions. In this work we extend the notion of smooth hash proof systems as defined by Cramer and Shoup in Eurocrypt ’02, to include an additional homomorphic property. We call this primitive smooth homomorphic hash proof systems. We show that smooth homomorphic projective hash proof systems include all Diverse Group Systems as defined by Cramer and Shoup. Using this definition, we show that • Smooth homomorphic hash proof systems imply LTDFs. • Diverse group systems as defined in [CS02] imply LTDFs. These are the first known generic constructions of LTDFs. • Applying our generic construction the specific constructions of smooth hash proof systems given by Cramer and Shoup, we obtain the first construction of LTDFs from the quadratic residuosity (QR) assumption. We also obtain a novel construction of LTDFs from Paillier’s decisional composite residuosity (DCR) assumption. • Applying our results to the results of Bellare et al. we obtain a construction of deterministic encryption from smooth homomorphic hash proof systems. • Applying our results to the results of Rosen and Segev, we obtain a construction of correlated product secure functions from smooth homomorphic hash proof systems. This provides the first construction of correlated product secure functions from the QR assumption. • Applying the black-box separation results of Rosen and Segev, we show that there is a blackbox separation between smooth homomorphic hash proof systems and one-way trapdoor permutations. • While homomorphic encryption can never be IND-CCA2 secure, we notice that smooth homomorphic hash proof systems yield a homomorphic IND-CCA1 secure cryptosystem. ISSN 1433-8092 Electronic Colloquium on Computational Complexity, Report No. 127 (2009)
Influence of NaCl and CaCl2 on lake sediment biogeochemistry

Abstract The influence of two commonly used road salt deicers, NaCl and CaCl2, on sediment biogeochemistry was investigated using a series of core incubations. Sediment cores collected in fall 2009 and spring 2010 were incubated for 100 days in 1 or 5 g/L CaCl2·2H2O, 5 g/L NaCl or DI water (control). For each treatment, 3 cores were sacrificed every month, sliced into three intervals (0–5, 5–10 or 10–15 cm depth) and the pore waters analyzed for pH, total alkalinity, dissolved Fe(II), Mn(II), NH 4 + , PO 4 3 - , SO 4 2 - , sulfide, Na, Mg, K and Ca. Addition of NaCl, and especially 5 g/L CaCl2·H2O, resulted in the growth of microbial mats on the surfaces of the cores and stimulated anaerobic production of dissolved Mn(II) and Fe(II) in the sediment pore waters. This is hypothesized to be the result of nutrient release (e.g., K, Ca, trace elements) via ion exchange processes, which fueled primary production and subsequent organic matter degradation in the cores treated with NaCl or CaCl2. Such processes may be significant in wetland sediments impacted by large loadings of salt from road deicers.
Insertional Inactivation of trpC in Cloned Bacillus trp Segments: Evidence for a Polar Effect on trpF

Plasmid pUB110 was previously used as a vector to clone fragments of deoxyribonucleic acid that complement the trpC2 mutation in Bacillus subtilis from endonuclease EcoRI digested B. licheniformis, B. pumilus, and B. subtilis cellular deoxyribonucleic acid. Each of several such trp plasmids was subsequently shown to contain a segment of the trp gene cluster on the basis of genetic complementing activity. In the present study, analysis of the Trp enzyme levels in B. subtilis harboring the constructed trp plasmids confirms the genetic constitution of the plasmids. Thus, plasmids that complement mutations in specific trp genes specify the corresponding enzyme activities. The levels of the plasmid-specified Trp enzymes in B. subtilis were generally above the repressed level of the chromosomally specified Trp enzymes and equal to or below the derepressed levels of the chromosomally specified Trp enzymes. Certain cloned trp segments contain a single HindIII-sensitive site. Insertion of HindIII-generated deoxyribonucleic acid fragments into these trp plasmids resulted in inactivation of trpC complementing activity, loss of the trpC-specified enzyme activity, and a 10-fold reduction in the specific activity of the plasmid-specified trpF product. The HindIII insertions had no detectable effect on the level of the trpD product, nor did the insertions detectably alter plasmid-specified complementing activity other than to abolish trpC complementation. Removal of the HindIII insertions was accompanied by recovery of trpC complementing activity and restoration of the trpC-and trpF-determined enzymes to the levels specified by the parent plasmids.
RNA viruses as inducers, suppressors and targets of post-transcriptional gene silencing

Post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) is a fundamental regulatory mechanism operating in diverse types of organisms, but the cellular components of the gene silencing machinery and the regulation of the process are not understood. Recent findings that cytoplasmically replicating RNA viruses act as both targets and inducers of PTGS has led to the idea that PTGS may have evolved as an anti-viral defense mechanism in plants. Consistent with this hypothesis, it has been found that certain plant viruses encode proteins that suppress PTGS. From a practical standpoint, an understanding of the mechanisms by which viruses regulate PTGS may well lead to better ways to control gene expression in plants. It is often desirable to overexpress selected beneficial genes or to silence detrimental ones in order to confer a particular phenotype. Induction of PTGS using RNA viruses as vectors or as transgenes provides a reliable and efficient way to interfere with the expression of a specific gene or with a family of genes. Conversely, expression of viral suppressors has significant potential to improve yields in technologies that use plants to express beneficial gene products. Given the antiviral nature of gene silencing in plants and the indications that PTGS is an ancient mechanism in eukaryotic organisms, understanding the phenomenon in plants could well lead to the development of anti-viral strategies in both plants and animals.
Flow-independent viscoelastic properties of articular cartilage matrix

Abstract A sinusoidal shear generator developed by Miles (1962) is used to measure viscoelastic complex shear moduli for bovine articular cartilage. The shear loading mode uncouples the measurement of matrix properties from the flow of interstitial fluid and thus provides flow-independent measurements which are highly sensitive to biochemical alteration of the matrix constituents. Increased cross-linking causes significant increases in the matrix storage modulus while proteoglycan depletion and collagenase digestion cause significant decreases. Highly significant differences in complex shear moduli are also observed between the proteoglycan depletion group and the collagenase digestion group.
Self-care among school-aged children of immigrants

Abstract The present study uses data from the National Household Education Surveys Program to examine the unsupervised time (“self-care”) experienced by children in immigrant families. We argue that traditional models of self-care are insufficient for understanding self-care among immigrant families and should be expanded to capture the unique characteristics of this population. Considering the high rates of poverty, limited English proficiency, and unique cultural norms of immigrant parents, children of immigrants may be especially at-risk for self-care. Interestingly, results demonstrate that immigrant parents are not more likely to leave their children unsupervised than native-born parents, however the context surrounding self-care appears to differ, as immigrant children are more likely to be caring for a sibling during self-care. Additionally, we find that within immigrant families, boys and children of parents who speak a non-English language at home are more likely to be in self-care. These findings underscore the importance of examining parental nativity status in research on child care arrangements, as patterns and contextual factors associated with self-care may depend on the immigrant status of the parent.
Scintillation camera in diagnosis of renal and urinary tract disease

Scintillation camera studies for renal and urinary tract disease are safe and economical and provide an accurate evaluation of renal blood flow and excretory function, as well as a gross morphologic estimate of any possible abnormalities. This noninvasive technique is an important development in diagnostic urology, and future urologists should receive adequate training in this area.
The dilemma of valuing not-for-profit hospitals––Is free cash flow the answer?

Abstract State and federal regulatory bodies and local communities were understandably concerned when for-profit hospital corporations acquired dozens of not-for-profit hospitals in the early 1990s. Notwithstanding anxiety regarding post-acquisition operations, communities and regulators were faced with the immediate dilemma of evaluating the adequacy of acquisition prices. Valuation of closely held not-for-profit hospitals is a daunting task as no external stock price or relevant comparative transactions exist as a starting point. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between free cash flow accounting valuation and acquisition price and to identify any other factors influential in the determination of acquisition price. Results suggest free cash flow accounting valuation and pre-acquisition operating margin of the not-for-profit hospital are significant in the explanation of acquisition price. Negative in several instances, free cash flow accounting valuation of these not-for-profit hospitals is consistently lower than acquisition price implying that the price is adequate compensation. However, the short-term measure of operating margin, relative to other similar size hospitals in the same region, showed the not-for-profit hospitals are financially sound in comparison to other hospitals. This implies investor-owned hospitals rely on short-term financial results or that they are willing to purchase even financially troubled hospitals.
IN VITRO TRANSFORMATION OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE OR ITS SULPHATE INTO ANDROSTENEDIOL OR ITS SULPHATE BY RAT BRAIN AND BLOOD PREPARATIONS1,2

— –Enzymic transformation of [4-14C]dehydroepiandrosterone or [4-14C]dehydro-epiandrosterone sulphate to androstenediol or its sulphate occurred when incubated with a microsomal preparation of rat brain or a whole rat blood homogenate. The brain enzyme which appeared to cause this transformation had a pH optimum at 60, was NADPH2-dependent, and had an apparent Km of 4·6 × 10−6m. When the subcellular fractions of rat brain were compared for transformation, microsomes had the highest specific activity, followed by the cytosol. The crude nuclear and mitochondrial fractions had no significant activity. The level of enzymic activity in the brain microsomes increased from that for rats sacrificed at 7 days of postnatal age to a maximum for rats sacrificed at 1 month of age; then the activity appeared to level off in rats older than 1 month. Microsomes obtained from the cerebellum had the highest specific activity in comparison to that obtained from the cerebral cortex, the diencephalon, and the brain stem. The incubated preparations of rat brain also converted dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate to androstenediol sulphate without hydrolysis. The enzyme in rat blood which was similar to that in the brain was also partially characterized. The blood enzyme had a pH optimum at 6–5, was nearly exclusively present in erythrocytes, was also NADPH2-dependent, and had an apparent Km of 2·7 × 10−4m. The developmental pattern of the blood enzyme specific activity was similar to that of the rat brain enzyme. Upon haemolysis, most activity was recovered in the haemolysate.