cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A road to practical dielectric elastomer actuators based robotics and mechatronics: discrete actuation

Fundamental studies of Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) using viscoelastic materials such as VHB 4905/4910 from 3M showed significant advantages at high stretch rates. The film's viscous forces increase actuator life and the short power-on times minimize energy losses through current leakage. This paper presents a design paradigm that exploits these fundamental properties of DEAs called discrete actuation. Discrete actuation uses DEAs at high stretch rates to change the states of robotic or mechatronic systems in discrete steps. Each state of the system is stable and can be maintained without actuator power. Discrete actuation can be used in robotic and mechatronic applications such as manipulation and locomotion. The resolution of such systems increases with the number of discrete states, 10 to 100 being sufficient for many applications. An MRI-guided needle positioning device for cancer treatments and a space exploration robot using hopping for locomotion are presented as examples of this concept.
Multispectral classification with bias-tunable quantum dots in a well focal plane array

Recently, quantum-dots-in-a-well (DWELL) photodetector has been successfully demonstrated as a technology for mid-infrared imaging. The DWELL design has a unique property that allows the spectral response of the detector to be continuously (albeit coarsely) tuned with the applied bias. In a recent work [1], we reported the development of DWELL focal plane array (FPA) with tuning range of 0.3 to 1.2 V and multispectral (MS) classification capability of this FPA was demonstrated even with this limited bias-tunability of the DWELL FPA. The idea is to image an object repeatedly using a sequence of bias voltages and then applying an algorithm to the totality of readouts (over multiple biases) for each pixel to identify “class” of the object sensed by that pixel. This is called thematic classification in the MS and hyperspectral jargon. In this paper we demonstrate the efficacy of the DWELL FPA bias-tunability in two MS classification problems.
Temporal expression of hypoxia-regulated genes is associated with early changes in redox status in irradiated lung

Abstract The development of normal lung tissue toxicity after radiation exposure results from multiple changes in cell signaling and communication initiated at the time of the ionizing event. The onset of gross pulmonary injury is preceded by tissue hypoxia and chronic oxidative stress. We have previously shown that development of debilitating lung injury can be mitigated or prevented by administration of AEOL10150, a potent catalytic antioxidant, 24 h after radiation. This suggests that hypoxia-mediated signaling pathways may play a role in late radiation injury, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the temporal expression of hypoxia-associated genes in irradiated mouse lung and determine whether AEOL10150 alters expression of these genes. A focused oligo array was used to establish a hypoxia-associated gene expression signature for lung tissue from sham-irradiated or irradiated mice treated with or without AEOL10150. Results were further verified by RT-PCR. Forty-four genes associated with metabolism, cell growth, apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix synthesis were upregulated after radiation. Elevated expression of 31 of these genes was attenuated in animals treated with AEOL10150, suggesting that expression of a number of hypoxia-associated genes is regulated by early development of oxidative stress after radiation. Genes identified herein could provide insight into the role of hypoxic signaling in radiation lung injury, suggesting novel therapeutic targets, as well as clues to the mechanism by which AEOL10150 confers pulmonary radioprotection.
Weight Gain During the First Year of Depoprovera® Use by Adolescents

Background Depo-Provera® is a popular contraceptive method among adolescents. Although weight gain is a known side-effect in all users, few descriptions are available specifically for adolescents. The purposes of this study were to describe the weight gain during the first year of Depo-Provera® use by adolescent girls desiring contraception, and to determine predictors of weight gain. Methods A chart review was conducted for 99 girls, ages 12–17, who received five consecutive Depo-Provera® injections over a one year period at an urban, hospital-based adolescent clinic. Both weight for height, as measured by the body mass index (BMI), and absolute weight were recorded. Results The initial mean BMI for the study group was 24.3 kg/m2 (range: 15.6,40.2). After one year of Depo-Provera® use, the mean BMI of the group was 26.9 kg/m (range: 17.6,43.4). This increase reflected a mean weight gain of 4.4 kg per patient (range: -6.7, 16.8). A gain of 5 kg or more was noted in 40% of patients. Increases in BMI between each of the five injections were not significantly different from one another. There were no statistical differences in BMI according to age, gynecologic age, race, initial BMI, nor rates of change in BMI prior to initiating Depo-Provera®. Conclusions A moderate gain in weight and BMI is to be expected among adolescents during the first year of Depo-Provera® use and increases of more than 5 kg are common. Weight gain occurs at a constant rate over this period. Predictive factors for the degree of weight gain could not be identified.
Exercise-Induced Increases in Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Are Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Heart Failure

Abstract Background Oxidative stress is an important pathophysiologic feature in chronic heart failure (CHF) and may in part result from the inability to counteract acute surges of circulating oxidant products. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is an emerging prognostic marker in CHF. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of exercise-induced oxidative stress on circulating levels of oxLDL and its association with clinical outcomes in CHF. Methods and Results Plasma levels of oxLDL and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) were measured at rest and after maximal exercise in 48 subjects with CHF and 12 healthy controls. Subjects with CHF had a higher baseline oxLDL (77.7 ± 3.2 U/L vs 57.9 ± 5.0 U/L, P = .01) and a higher baseline oxLDL/LDL-c ratio (0.87 ± 0.04 vs 0.49 ± 0.04, P ≤ .001). Exercise induced an increase in oxLDL in subjects with CHF (77.7 ± 3.2 U/L to 85.3 ± 3.0 U/L, P ≤ .001) but not in controls (57.9 ± 5.0 to 61.4 ± 5.5, P = .17). In 39 subjects for whom follow-up data were available, an increase in oxLDL of more than 11.0 U/L was associated with an increased risk to meet a combined end point of death and need for ventricular assist device or heart transplant during a 19-month follow-up period (hazard ratio 8.6; 95% confidence interval 1.0–73.8, P = .05); this remained significant when adjusted for peak oxygen consumption, left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association class, sex, and age (hazard ratio 46.6, 95% confidence interval 1.5–1438.1, P = .02). Conclusion Plasma oxLDL and the oxLDL/LDL-c ratio are elevated in subjects with CHF. Whether assessment of oxLDL during maximal exercise allows early identification of subjects at highest risk for adverse outcomes should be systematically investigated.
Electroconductive copper selenide films on transparent polyester sheets

Abstract Electroconductive thin films of copper selenide (Cu2Se) were deposited on transparent polyester sheets by a simple electroless deposition technique based on hydrolytic decomposition of selenosulfate in alkaline aqueous solutions. X-ray analysis confirmed that the deposited material is polycrystalline Cu2Se. Surface resistivities of the films are about 50–500 ohms/square, depending on the experimental conditions. Optical spectra revealed that the Cu2Se films obtained are fairly transparent in the visible region, while the transmittance drops substantially in the near-infrared region. This suggests a possible use of these films as microwave (infrared) shielding coatings. The deposited films are p-type semiconductors with an optical energy bandgap of 2.33 eV.
Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of TbMnO3 and Tb0.67R0.33MnO3 (R=Dy, Y, and Ho) bulk powders

Abstract Orthorhombically distorted perovskite rare-earth manganites with smaller rare-earth ions, such as TbMnO3, have mostly been explored for their multiferroic properties. In this work, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in both TbMnO3 and A-site substituted Tb0.67R0.33MnO3 (R=Dy, Y, Ho) powder samples, prepared via solution route, were investigated. A weak ferromagnetic component was observed in the dc magnetic data of Dy- and Ho-substituted TbMnO3 that may be due to the change in average ionic radius at the A-site (Tb-site) as well as the larger magnetic moment of the substituting ion (~10.6 μB for Dy3+ and Ho3+ as compared to 9.7 μB for Tb3+). The magnetic entropy was found to decrease with the dilution of the Tb3+ ordering by the introduction of both magnetic and non-magnetic dopants at the A-site. Magnetocaloric properties of these samples were evaluated and for pure TbMnO3, a maximum relative cooling power of ~103 J/kg with 5 T applied field was observed that shows its potential for magnetic refrigeration.
Magnetic flux ropes at the high-latitude magnetopause

We examine the consequences of magnetic reconnection at the high-latitude magnetopause using a three-dimensional global magnetohydrodynamic simulation of the solar wind interaction with the Earth's magnetosphere. Magnetic field lines from the simulation reveal the formation of magnetic flux ropes during periods with northward interplanetary magnetic field. These flux ropes result from multiple reconnection processes between the lobes field lines and draped magnetosheath field lines that are convected around the flank of the magnetosphere. The flux ropes identified in the simulation are consistent with features observed in the magnetic field measured by Hawkeye-1 during some high-latitude magnetopause crossings.
Development of RD-tat cell lines: use in HIV recombination studies.

Abstract The transactivator (tat) gene of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) plays an essential role in the replication cycle of HIV. Previous studies have evaluated the extent and mechanistic aspects of tat-mediated transactivation using lymphoid and adherent non-lymphoid cells. We have exploited the transactivation property of the tat gene to achieve high levels of hybrid HIV resulting from recombination between HIV DNAs. For this purpose, we have generated stably transformed human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell lines expressing tat gene product of HIV-1. Functional analysis of the cell lines for the presence of tat protein by transfecting HIV-long terminal repeat (LTR) linked to chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) revealed low, moderate and high tat producer cell lines. RD-tat cell lines also showed enhanced virus production upon transfection of HIV-1 proviral DNA. Further, tat producer cell lines showed a high amount of hybrid virus in comparison to the control RD cells upon transfection of truncated viral DNAs. Thus, RD-tat cell lines would be valuable target cells for generating homogeneous viruses upon transfection of viral DNA.
The Jonker-Volgenant algorithm applied to click-train separation

The problem of click-train separation is cast as a linear assignment problem to obtain a faster solution guaranteed to achieve the global minimum error. It is shown how the problem can be cast in a compact matrix form that is solvable by an off-the-shelf algorithm, the Jonker-Volgenant algorithm.
Stereoselectivity Control by Torsional Steering in an Intramolecular Diels−Alder Reaction of Vinyl Oxocarbenium Ions

Density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31+G*) has revealed the origin of stereoselectivity in intramolecular Diels−Alder reactions of vinyl oxocarbenium ions. The cycloaddition has endo preference and occurs with remote stereocontrol syn to the substituent at the stereogenic center. Torsional steering, the preference for the staggered conformation about forming σ-bonds, dictates the preferred transition structure.
Three Clinical Experiences with SNP Array Results Consistent with Parental Incest: A Narrative with Lessons Learned

Single nucleotide polymorphism microarrays have the ability to reveal parental consanguinity which may or may not be known to healthcare providers. Consanguinity can have significant implications for the health of patients and for individual and family psychosocial well-being. These results often present ethical and legal dilemmas that can have important ramifications. Unexpected consanguinity can be confounding to healthcare professionals who may be unprepared to handle these results or to communicate them to families or other appropriate representatives. There are few published accounts of experiences with consanguinity and SNP arrays. In this paper we discuss three cases where molecular evidence of parental incest was identified by SNP microarray. We hope to further highlight consanguinity as a potential incidental finding, how the cases were handled by the clinical team, and what resources were found to be most helpful. This paper aims to contribute further to professional discourse on incidental findings with genomic technology and how they were addressed clinically. These experiences may provide some guidance on how others can prepare for these findings and help improve practice. As genetic and genomic testing is utilized more by non-genetics providers, we also hope to inform about the importance of engaging with geneticists and genetic counselors when addressing these findings.
Neonatal enucleations reduce number, size, and acetylcholinesterase histochemical staining of neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of developing rats.

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that transient patterns of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity are characteristic of geniculo-recipient regions of rat cortical area 17 during the second and third postnatal weeks of life. Neonatal enucleation results in a marked reduction of this transiently expressed cortical AChE. Parallel studies have demonstrated that the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) also expresses AChE transiently during development. The present study examines neuronal number and size as well as AChE histochemical staining in the dLGN of normal and neonatally enucleated rat pups to determine whether changes in dLGN neurons could account for the decreased visual cortical AChE staining that results from neonatal enucleation. Changes in 4 parameters in dLGN were noted after neonatal enucleation. First, a 26–37% shrinkage in the volume of dLGN occurred contralateral to enucleation. Second, enucleation resulted in a loss of 16–30% of AChE-stained neuronal somata. Third, remaining AChE-positive neuronal somata appeared shrunken by approximately 40%. Fourth, intensity of AChE histochemical staining of individual dLGN neurons was reduced by approximately 24% following neonatal enucleation. These data suggest that loss of transient AChE activity in cortical area 17 consequent to neonatal enucleation is secondary to enucleation-induced alterations in the dLGN; these alterations include loss of neurons, shrinkage of neurons, and an apparent decrease in the ability of neurons to synthesize AChE. These data support the hypothesis that geniculocortical projection neurons express AChE transiently during development of geniculocortical connectivity and indicate that normal afferent connections and/or activity are important for the transient expression of AChE by these neurons.
Critical concentration of hot carriers in a quasi-two-dimensional semiconductor

Abstract The critical concentration of hot carriers necessary to maintain a Maxwellian for the isotropic part of the distribution function is calculated in an asymptotic approximation. The results are applied to electrons in an inversion layer at the surface of silicon.
Ionizing Radiation and Bone Loss: Space Exploration and Clinical Therapy Applications

Damage to normal, nontumor bone tissue following therapeutic irradiation increases the risk of fracture among cancer patients. For example, women treated for various pelvic tumors have been shown to have a greater than 65% increased incidence of hip fracture by 5 years postradiotherapy. Another practical situation in which exposure to ionizing radiation may negatively impact skeletal integrity is during extended spaceflight missions. There is a limited understanding of how spaceflight-relevant doses and types of radiation can influence astronaut bone health, particularly when combined with the significant effects of mechanical unloading experienced in microgravity. Historically, negative effects on osteoblasts have been studied. Radiation exposure has been shown to damage osteoblast precursors. Damage to local vasculature has been observed, ranging from decreased lumen diameter to complete ablation within the irradiated volume, causing a state of hypoxia. These effects result in suppression of bone formation and a general state of low bone turnover. More recently, however, we have demonstrated in pre-clinical mouse models, a very rapid but transient increase in osteoclast activity after exposure to spaceflight and clinically relevant radiation doses. Combined with long-term suppression of bone formation, this skeletal damage may cause long-term deficits. This review will present a broad set of literature outlining our current set knowledge of both clinical therapy and space exploration exposure to ionizing radiation. Additionally, we will discuss prevention of the initial osteoclast-mediated bone loss, the need to promote normal bone turnover and long-term quality of bone tissue, and our hypothesized molecular mechanisms.
Differential cross sections for multiple ionization of Ne and Ar in collisions with fast protons

Differential cross sections for single and multiple ionization of Ne and Ar by protons have been measured at impact energies of 3 and 6 MeV, and at proton scattering angles between 0.1 and 0.9 mrad. The recoil ions formed in the collision processes were extracted from the collision region and detected in coincidence with the scattered protons. Their charge states were determined by their flight times. The experimental differential cross sections for single and multiple ionization are qualitatively explained by a simple model that takes into account the contributions of scattering from the electrons and from the target nucleus. The model indicates that ionization by hard proton-electron collisions remains the largest contributor to single and multiple ionization of both Ne and Ar for projectile scattering angles larger than 0.1 mrad. The ratio of double-to-single ionization cross sections for Ne and Ar increases with increasing proton scattering angle, suggesting an increasing importance of inner-shell ionization at small impact parameters.
Liposome immunosensing devices for environmental contaminant screening

Abstract Single-use strip assays using immunomigration and immunoabsorption formats have been developed for the extra-laboratory determination of environmental contaminants. Dye-loaded liposomes are used as the amplification strategy in these immunoassays. Details of the assay performance and liposome characteristics are given.
A Qualitative Analysis of Vietnamese Adolescent Identity Exploration within and outside an Ethnic Enclave.

Focusing on identity development explorations enables a greater understanding of contexts that affect immigrant adolescents. Utilizing thematic and grounded narrative analysis of 46 journal writings, during a one-month period, from first and second generation Vietnamese adolescents ranging in age from 15 to 18 (26 residents of a culturally and politically active ethnic enclave in Southern California; 20 adolescents living outside the enclave), this study establishes ways in which a focus on social context and exploration processes illuminates the complexity of immigrant adolescents’ identity formation. The two groups shared many similarities, including precipitants to exploration and steps undertaken to explore identity. However, two factors—social and cultural influences and emotional reactions—revealed interesting contrasts distinguishing enclave from non-enclave dwelling Vietnamese adolescents. Data also suggested that immigrant adolescents strive to integrate different domains of identity (ethnicity, gender, career) both with one another and with the historical, social, and cultural contexts they occupy.
Restoration of Function in Children with Spinal Cord Injuries and Cerebral Palsy: Progress, Current State, and Future Vision of Functional Electrical Stimulation Research at the Shriners Hospitals for Children

In cases of spinal cord injury (SCI), functional electrical stimulation (FES) is based on the concept that a paralyzed muscle can be stimulated by small amounts of electric current in a coordinated fashion to produce functional movement. This article reviews the experience of the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital with the use of FES for restoring upper extremity function in children with cervical SCI at the C5/C6 level. In addition, restoration of the ability to stand and some limited upright mobility are available with an FES system for patients with complete or incomplete SCI. The ability of FES to restore bladder and bowel function is also described. The Philadelphia Shriners Hospital specifically has expertise in children described in this review article as well as experience in preclinical studies an applying FES technology in growing animals and in growing children.
Reviewing the safety management system by incident investigation and performance indicators

Abstract Monitoring performance is one of the issues that must be addressed by the safety management system (SMS), but operators usually disregard it. By the experience gained during inspections on the SMS in establishments covered by Seveso II Directive, the unit of the regional agency for environmental protection (ARPA Piemonte) specialized in technological risk control (UCRT) has developed a methodology to improve this monitoring. It combines incident investigation and analysis of performance indicators, allowing operators to measure the achievement of the objectives stated in the major accident prevention policy and to evaluate their adequacy. On the basis of data collected during the inspections on the SMS about incidental events (major accidents, accidents and near misses), a database was organized, showing the most critical elements of the SMS that operators should improve.
Solution conformation of valinomycin-potassium ion complex

The complete conformation of the valinomycin-potassium ion complex in methanol is presented. Extension from the reported secondary structure requires arguments and data relating to ester orientation, direction of coiling, side-chain orientation, and conformational stability. Conformation of the valinomycin-potassium ion complex provides a clear-cut example in which elucidation of conformation is sufficient to gain an understanding of molecular function which, in this case, is selective ion transport by a carrier mechanism.
Reductions in stacking fault widths in fcc crystals: Semiempirical calculations

Recent molecular dynamics simulations of nanocrystals have illustrated the importance of stacking fault width for mechanical behavior and microstructure. Stacking fault (SF) width is a balance between elastic strain energy and the SF energy. While the latter is a material constant, the former strain energy may vary due to local internal stresses thereby effecting SF width. The presence and intensity of these stresses are functions of dislocation interactions in the crystal. Recent high resolution electron microscopy observations reveal a range of narrow SF widths within grains of different sizes including those less than $10\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$. To understand the reason for the presence of dislocations with small SF widths in metals, we first demonstrate theoretically and numerically with molecular statics simulation, the reductions in SF width due to dislocation stress screening. Different dislocation arrangements are examined including a dislocation wall. Second, the reduction in SF width in a thin film is examined via the introduction of free surfaces. These results reveal a wide variation of SF widths depending on structure and indicate that stress screening is an important mechanism for creating the narrow widths observed experimentally.
Extraction of useful data from noise-contaminated PDFs

Abstract The problem treated in this paper is the extraction of desired turbulence data from experimentally determined probability density functions (PDFs) that are contaminated by undesired noise. The mathematical and numerical problem treated is the inversion of an integral equation of the first kind. Starting with an exact solution to the problem, several variants are presented through Fourier transform techniques, based upon orthogonal-function expansions and delta-function approximations to continuos distributions. The applicability of this method is shown in the deconvolution of some joint PDFs of velocity and species concentration using laser velocimetry and Rayleigh molecular scattering. An analytical example is given that illustrates statistical sampling error with the given techniques.
Ileal pouch rectal anastomosis: a viable alternative to permanent ileostomy in Crohn's proctocolitis patients.

Background Ileal pouch rectal anastomosis (IPRA) is a possible alternative to permanent ileostomy when a short, normal-appearing rectal stump remains after total colectomy. Its outcomes in Crohn colitis (CC) patients have not been reported. Study Design CC patients who underwent IPRA from 1992 to 2004 were identified. Operative and morbidity data were collected. Functional outcomes and quality-of-life (QOL) data were obtained using a mailed questionnaire and compared with matched patients who underwent straight ileorectal anastomosis (SIRA). Results Twenty-three CC patients underwent IPRA. Perioperative complications included three pelvic septic fluid collections and five small bowel obstructions or ileus, and were treated nonoperatively. Twenty-two patients were available for longterm followup (median 98 months). Fourteen patients (64%) had disease recurrence. Two (9%) have lost a functioning anastomosis. Nine (41%) required additional operations. Matched SIRA patients had higher level of anastomosis (23.4 ± 5.5 versus 9.0 ± 4.1 cm above the dentate line; p Conclusions IPRA offers durable preservation of bowel continuity and good function and QOL in selected CC patients who might otherwise require a permanent ileostomy.
Regulatory effects of divalent metal cations on human cytosolic sulfotransferases.

Cytosolic sulfotransferases (STs), traditionally viewed as Phase II drug-metabolizing or detoxifying enzymes, are increasingly being implicated in the metabolism of endogenous biologically-active molecules. Except for studies on changes in their levels of expression and activity in the early stage of development in mammals, very little is known about how these enzymes are regulated. In this study, the regulatory effects of divalent metal cations on the activity of human cytosolic STs were quantitatively evaluated. Results obtained indicate that all nine human cytosolic STs examined are partially or completely inhibited/stimulated by the ten divalent metal cations tested at 10 mM concentration. Compared with the other metal cations, the inhibitory or stimulatory effect of Mg 2 + and Ca 2 + on the activities of the human cytosolic STs appeared to be relatively smaller. Concentration-dependent effects of the divalent metal cations were further examined. The IC 5 0 or EC 5 0 values determined for different divalent metal cations were mostly above their normal physiological concentration ranges. In a few cases, however, IC 5 0 values close to the physiological concentrations of certain divalent metal cations were observed. Using the monoamine (M)-form phenol ST (PST) as a model, it was demonstrated that the K m for dopamine changed only slightly with increasing concentrations of Cd 2 + , whereas the V m a x was dramatically decreased.
A morphine-triggered delivery system useful in the treatment of heroin addiction.

Abstract The ultimate objective of this work is to develop a device that can be triggered by morphine to release naltrexone. Two device configurations are described. In one configuration, naltrexone is dispersed in cellulose acetate phthalate microspheres which are then spray-coated with trilaurin. In the other configuration, naltrexone is dispersed in an n-octyl half ester of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride copolymer and the mixture fabricated into a disk which is then coated with trilaurin. The microspheres are designed to release naltrexone abruptly while the disks are designed to release naltrexone at a constant rate over a two week period. The microspheres, or the disk along with a reversibly inactivated lipase are plased inside a semipermeable membrane that allows free passage of morphine and naltrexone but excludes the higher molecular weight components of the device. Reversible inactivation of lipase is achieved by covalent attachment of morphine and complexing with morphine antibody. Activation of the device occurs by diffusion of morphine into the device and displacing the lipasemorphine conjugate from the antibody. The activated lipase then removes the trilaurin protective coating, thus triggering naltrexone release.
Evaluation of Tumor-infiltrating Leukocyte Subsets in a Subcutaneous Tumor Model.

Specialized immune cells that infiltrate the tumor microenvironment regulate the growth and survival of neoplasia. Malignant cells must elude or subvert anti-tumor immune responses in order to survive and flourish. Tumors take advantage of a number of different mechanisms of immune “escape,” including the recruitment of tolerogenic DC, immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) that inhibit cytotoxic anti-tumor responses. Conversely, anti-tumor effector immune cells can slow the growth and expansion of malignancies: immunostimulatory dendritic cells, natural killer cells which harbor innate anti-tumor immunity, and cytotoxic T cells all can participate in tumor suppression. The balance between pro- and anti-tumor leukocytes ultimately determines the behavior and fate of transformed cells; a multitude of human clinical studies have borne this out. Thus, detailed analysis of leukocyte subsets within the tumor microenvironment has become increasingly important. Here, we describe a method for analyzing infiltrating leukocyte subsets present in the tumor microenvironment in a mouse tumor model. Mouse B16 melanoma tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously in C57BL/6 mice. At a specified time, tumors and surrounding skin were resected en bloc and processed into single cell suspensions, which were then stained for multi-color flow cytometry. Using a variety of leukocyte subset markers, we were able to compare the relative percentages of infiltrating leukocyte subsets between control and chemerin-expressing tumors. Investigators may use such a tool to study the immune presence in the tumor microenvironment and when combined with traditional caliper size measurements of tumor growth, will potentially allow them to elucidate the impact of changes in immune composition on tumor growth. Such a technique can be applied to any tumor model in which the tumor and its microenvironment can be resected and processed.
Neutronics performance parameters for the US dual coolant lead lithium ITER test blanket module

Neutronics analysis was performed for the reference design of the US dual coolant lead lithium (DCLL) ITER test blanket module (TBM). Detailed CAD models were utilized in the analysis. Relevant nuclear performance parameters were determined. These include tritium breeding, nuclear heating, radiation damage, transmutations, and shielding requirements. The calculated tritium breeding ratio (TBR) in the DCLL TBM is 0.561 and the total nuclear heating is 0.574 MW. For the ITER fluence goal of 0.3 MWa/m2, the peak cumulative radiation damage and He production in the first wall (FW) are 5.1 dpa and 56 appm, respectively. Mg builds up in the SiC flow channel inserts (FCI) to ∼100 appm with possible impact on electrical and thermal conductivities. About 1.2 m thick shield is required behind the TBM to allow personnel access for maintenance.
A multistage pipelined memory management algorithm for parallel shared memory switches

To resolve the high memory bandwidth requirements presented by output-queued switches, several parallel shared-memory architectures have been recently proposed. The complexity of such systems lies in the algorithms used to assign arriving packets to available shared memories. To date, packet placement algorithms either require N sequential placement decisions per interval or necessitate O(N2) memories, limiting switch scalability and speed. This paper presents a scalable multistage, pipelined memory management algorithm which offers O(logN) computational complexity while requiring only 3N dual-port memories, at a cost of fixed latency
Inflammation, Cellularity, and Fibrillogenesis in Regenerating Tendon: Implications for Tendon Rehabilitation

The initial three weeks of tendon healing were followed via electron microscopy to elucidate the process of inflammation, fibrillogenesis, and the cellular and subcellular events in tenotomized Achilles tendons, a model that is commonly used to determine the biomechanical effects of electrical stimulation, physical activity, ultrasound, and other forms of physical therapy. The right Achilles tendons of 18 rabbits were tenotomized, sutured, and immobilized. On each of postoperative days 5, 7, 12, 15, 18, and 21, the right Achilles tendons of three experimental rabbits were excised and processed for electron microscopy. To compare these tendons to normal tendons, the Achilles tendons of three control rabbits were excised bilaterally without prior tenotomy and processed for electron microscopy. Electron micrographs thus obtained revealed 1) an initial period of inflammation lasting at least five days, 2) a subsequent period of fibroplasia and fibrillogenesis, and 3) a third period of progressive alignment and organization of the collagen fibrils into bundles that were oriented in the longitudinal axis of the tendon. Although healing in rabbits may not translate directly to healing in humans, the findings of this study indicate that healing begins soon after tenotomy and that the regenerating Achilles tendon undergoes different stages of healing. Because each stage entails a different set of ultrastructural events, therapeutic interventions should be modified to address the specific events of each stage.
Importance of Soft Tissue Integrity on Biomechanical Studies of the Patella After TKA

This study evaluated the effects of soft tissue integrity on patellar tracking and patellofemoral joint force after total knee arthroplasty. The results indicate that partial dissection of the soft tissue integrity in the in vitro biomechanical studies of the patellofemoral joint can alter patellar tracking and joint force significantly, leading to improper conclusions.
Early Detection and Screening of Pancreatic Cancer

No abstract available. Image: Columbia University's New Transparent Medical Center. New York, NY, USA.
Managing evolution of software product line

In software product line engineering, core assets are shared among multiple products. Core assets and products generally evolve independently. Developers need to capture evolution in both contexts and to propagate changes in both directions between the core assets and the products. We propose a version control system to support product line engineering by supporting the evolution of product line, product derivation, and change propagation from core assets to products and vice versa.
Biophysical and antisense properties of oligodeoxynucleotides containing 7-propynyl-, 7-iodo- and 7-cyano-7-deaza-2-amino-2′-deoxyadenosines

The synthesis of 7-propynyl-, 7-iodo- and 7-cyano-7-deaza-2-amino-2'-deoxyadenosines is described. The nucleosides were synthesized, functionalized into the phosphoramidites and incorporated into oligodeoxynucleotides. Spectroscopic melting experiments against complementary RNA showed increases of 3-4 degreesC per modification for single substitutions and smaller increases per incorporation for multiple substitutions relative to unmodified control sequences. The 7-propyne and 7-iodo nucleosides were incorporated into antisense sequences targeting the 3'-UTR of murine C- raf mRNA. Both nucleosides demonstrated substitution-dependent potency. The sequences with three and four substitutions of the 7-propyne-7-deaza-2-amino-2'-deoxyadenosine exhibited a 2-3-fold increase in potency over unmodifed controls.
Use of Telemetered Permanent Pacemaker Intracardiac Electrograms to Diagnose Ventricular Tachycardia

T proper diagnosis of wide complex tachycardia can be difficult. Atrioventricular (AV) dissociation is generally diagnostic of ventricular tachycardia, but can be difficult to discern on the surface electrocardiogram. Increasingly sophisticated pacemaker diagnostic functions have been designed to aid in the management of pacemaker patients with paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias, chronotropic incompetence, and syncope. In addition, telemetered intracardiac electrograms have been available for clarification of pacemaker function as well as diagnosis of arrhythmias.1 In this case report, we describe a patient in whom wide complex tachycardia was misdiagnosed as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) with aberrancy until telemetered intracardiac electrograms confirmed atrioventricular dissociation diagnostic of ventricular tachycardia (VT). • • • A 55-year-old man was referred to our institution after 2 unsuccessful attempts at surgical repair of a ventricular septal defect related to an acute inferior myocardial infarction. On transfer 11 days after his initial presention with inferior myocardial infarction, profound biventricular failure and shunting across a residual ventricular septal defect were present. The electrocardiogram (Figure 1) demonstrated atrial flutter with 2:1 AV conduction as well as aberrancy (right bundle branch block, leftaxis QRS morphology). At reoperation, the residual inferobasal ventricular septal defect was repaired via a left ventricular approach with bovine pericardial patch and Teflon pledgets. Immediately following this repair, temporary ventricular pacing (initially epicardial and eventually transvenous) was required for complete (third-degree) AV block. After 13 days, an Intermedics Cosmos 2 (model 284-05, Angleton, Texas) permanent dual-chamber pacemaker was placed because of persistent complete AV block. An active fixation lead was placed in the right ventricular outflow tract because of prior surgical repairs. Progressive hemodynamic deterioraFrom the Cardiac Arrhythmia Service and Clinical Electrophysiology Laboratory and the Cardiac Surgery Service, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Ganz’s address is: Electrophysiology Section, Allegheny General Hospital, 320 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 152124772. Manuscript received June 17, 1997; revised manuscript received and accepted August 22, 1997.
Validation of Radio Channel Models Using an Anechoic Chamber

Wireless network simulation is used for research because of its simplicity and repeatability. While simple radio propagation models are evaluated quickly and are suitable for simple scenarios, sophisticated models can handle more complex environments and provide better accuracy. However, the cost of higher accuracy is slower execution speed. This paper describes experiments that validate ray-tracing and transmission line matrix models of the radio channel, within each approach considering versions that differ in their attention to detail and computational cost. We conducted the experiments under highly controlled conditions, within an anechoic chamber. Our main conclusion is that the errors due to lack of knowledge about beam forms and antennae shape significantly outweigh errors that might have been introduced if the experiments had not been within the anechoic chamber. While seemingly negative, the implication is that for our problem domain and level of information about the wireless environment, complex means of radio isolation aren't needed in validation studies.
Ocular Infection with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1: Prevention of Acute Herpetic Encephalitis by Systemic Administration of Virus-Specific Antibody

The effects of virus-specific antibody on the pathogenesis of infection due to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) following corneal inoculation of young adult mice were studied. HSV-1 was inoculated onto the corneal surface immediately after trephination with a capillary pipette. After inoculation, virus spread to the trigeminal ganglion and brain within two days and caused acute herpetic encephalitis, which killed infected animals eight to 10 days after infection. Rabbit hyperimmune antisera to HSV-1 were prepared, diluted to contain antibody at a titer of 1:150, and administered intraperitoneally to mice 8 hr after corneal infection. Administration of antisera did not interfere with the spread of HSV-1 from the site of infection to the trigeminal ganglion and brain but did reduce the multiplication of virus within the central nervous system. Reduction in viral replication resulted in complete recovery of the animals that were given antibody to HSV-1. However, the animals were not protected if they were irradiated with 390 rad 24 hr prior to administration of antibody. This observation suggested that antibodymediated protection was not the result of in vivo neutralization of virus but instead required the presence of antibody as well as one or more radiation-sensitive components.
Help Me Get Fat! Feederism as Communal Deviance on the Internet

Feederism involves the sexual attraction to weight gain. The behavior has received negative attention from scholars, but has yet to be analyzed empirically using a sexual deviance framework. In this article, I analyze websites that discuss feederism in order to categorize the behavior into a sexual deviance typology. Results reveal that feederism is a communal behavior, but it does not fit perfectly into either the normal or pathological deviance category. Inaccurate assumptions made about this group are based on societal norms about fat, beauty, and sexuality.
Probing the surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties of Au–Ag nanocages at two different excitation wavelengths

The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties of bimetallic Au–Ag nanocages has been thoroughly investigated by changing the nanocage composition, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak position and excitation wavelength. We found a significant dependency on excitation wavelength for the Au–Ag nanocages, independent of the underlying LSPR, which can be extended to other bimetallic SERS substrates. While it is well-understood that plasmon damping can occur for Au nanoparticles when their LSPR peaks are close to interband transition frequencies and thereby attenuate SERS intensities, this study probes an additional aspect and shows that SERS intensities are reduced when the excitation light source is near interband transition frequencies regardless of the LSPR location.
X-ray structure of the R69D phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C enzyme: insight into the role of calcium and surrounding amino acids in active site geometry and catalysis.

Phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase Cs (PLCs) are a family of phosphodiesterases that catalyze the cleavage of the P-O bond via transesterification using the internal hydroxyl group of the substrate as a nucleophile, generating the five-membered cyclic inositol phosphate as an intermediate or product. To better understand the role of calcium in the catalytic mechanism of PLCs, we have determined the X-ray crystal structure of an engineered PLC enzyme from Bacillus thurigiensis to 2.1 A resolution. The active site of this enzyme has been altered by substituting the catalytic arginine with an aspartate at position 69 (R69D). This single-amino acid substitution converted a metal-independent, low-molecular weight enzyme into a metal ion-dependent bacterial PLC with an active site architecture similar to that of the larger metal ion-dependent mammalian PLC. The Ca 2+ ion shows a distorted square planar geometry in the active site that allows for efficient substrate binding and transition state stabilization during catalysis. Additional changes in the positions of the catalytic general acid/general base (GA/GB) were also observed, indicating the interrelation of the intricate hydrogen bonding network involved in stabilizing the active site amino acids. The functional information provided by this X-ray structure now allows for a better understanding of the catalytic mechanism, including stereochemical effects and substrate interactions, which facilitates better inhibitor design and sheds light on the possibilities of understanding how protein evolution might have occurred across this enzyme family.
CycleMeter: detecting fraudulent peers in internet cycle sharing

Internet cycle sharing systems that utilize idle computing resources dramatically increase the available resources for high performance computing. Fraudulent resource providers, however, can subvert these systems. While previous research has investigated protection against resource providers that return bad results, we consider a different fraudulent behavior -- cycle short-changing -- in which the resource provider faithfully executes the submitted job, but using a smaller percentage of the CPU resources than he/she promises. To detect this short-changing, we propose CycleMeter, a tool that allows a remotely executing application to accurately monitor the percentage of CPU resources it is utilizing throughout its execution period. CycleMeter employs a microbenchmark to measure the instantaneous CPU utilization of the application, and employs a simple and practical mechanism for embedding the microbenchmark into the application. Our experimental results on three operating systems and uniprocessor and multiprocessor machines show that CycleMeter is portable, incurs a low overhead, and is highly effective in detecting a spectrum of cycle shortchanging behavior.
Are Needs to Manage Uncertainty and Threat Associated With Political Conservatism or Ideological Extremity

Three studies are conducted to assess the uncertainty- threat model of political conservatism, which posits that psychological needs to manage uncertainty and threat are associated with political orientation. Results from structural equation models provide consistent support for the hypothesis that uncertainty avoidance (e.g., need for order, intolerance of ambiguity, and lack of openness to experience) and threat management (e.g., death anxiety, system threat, and perceptions of a dangerous world) each contributes independently to conservatism (vs. liberalism). No support is obtained for alternative models, which predict that uncertainty and threat management are associated with ideological extremism or extreme forms of conservatism only. Study 3 also reveals that resistance to change fully mediates the association between uncertainty avoidance and conservatism, whereas opposition to equality partially mediates the association between threat and conservatism. Implications for understanding the epistemic and existential bases of political orientation are discussed.