cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Release of Beryllium from Beryllium-Containing Materials in Artificial Skin Surface Film Liquids

Purpose: Skin exposure to soluble beryllium compounds causes systemic sensitization in humans. Penetration of poorly soluble particles through intact skin has been proposed as a mechanism for beryllium sensitization; however, this mechanism is controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that particulate beryllium compounds in contact with skin surface release ions via dissolution in sweat. Methods: Dissolution of 11 particulate beryllium materials (hydroxide, metal, oxides and copper‐beryllium fume), 3 copper‐beryllium alloy reference materials (chips and solid block), and 4 copper‐beryllium alloy tools was measured over 7 days in artificial sweat buffered to pH 5.3 and pH 6.5. Results: Alltestmaterialsreleasedberylliumionsinartificialsweat.Particulatefromareduction furnacethatcontainedbothcrystallineandamorphousberylliumwasthemostsolublecompound— 40% dissolved in 8 h. Rates of beryllium release from all other particulate and reference materials were faster at pH 5.3 than at pH 6.5 (P <0.05). At pH 5.3, values of the chemical dissolution rate constant, k [g (cm 2 day) 21 ] differed significantly for hydroxide, metal, and oxide 21.7 6 0.0 310 27 ,1.760.6 310 28 ,and1.060.5 310 29 ,respectively(P <0.05).Upto30 mgofberyllium was released from the alloy tools within 1 h. Dissolution rates in artificial sweat were equal to or faster than values previously determined for these materials in lung models. Conclusions: Poorly soluble beryllium materials undergo dissolution in artificial sweat, suggesting that skin exposure is a biologically plausible pathway for development of sensitization. Skin surface acidity, which is regulated by sweat chemistry and bacterial hydrolysis of sebum lipids varies by anatomical region and may be an exposure-modifying factor for beryllium particle dissolution.
A macroscopic device described by a Boltzmann-like distribution

Equilibrium thermodynamic phenomena such as the Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution of molecular velocities are rare in systems of macroscopic particles interacting by mechanical collisions. This paper reports a system composed of millimeter-sized polymer objects that under mechanical agitation exhibits a “discretization” of the configurations of the system, and has a distribution of the probabilities of these configurations that is analogous to a Boltzmann distribution. The system is composed of spheres and a three-link chain on a bounded horizontal surface, shaken with an aperiodic but not completely random horizontal motion. Experiments were performed at different strengths of agitation (quantified by the frequency of agitation, f, at constant amplitude) and densities of spheres (quantified by the filling ratio, FR). The chain was typically found in one of three conformations – extended, single folded, and double folded – because, under collisions with the spheres, adjacent links were stable mechanically only when fully extended or fully folded. The probabilities of the different conformations of the chain could be described by a Boltzmann distribution in which the “temperature” depended on f and the “energies” of conformations on FR. The predictions of the Boltzmann formula using empirically determined “temperatures” and “energies” agreed with measurements within two experimental standard deviations in 47 out of 48 experiments.
Methodology for multi-layer interdigitated power and ground network design

Higher operating frequencies and greater power demands have increased the requirements on the power and ground network. Simultaneously, due to the larger current loads, current densities are increasing, making electromigration an important design issue. The optimal wire width for an interdigitated power and ground network is based on the resistive and inductive (both self- and mutual) impedance. In this paper, a methodology for optimizing a multi-layer interdigitated power and ground network is presented, reducing the current density and impedance of a network. Based on 65 nm, 45 nm, and 32 nm CMOS technologies, the optimal width as a function of metal layer is determined for different frequencies, suggesting important trends for interdigitated power and ground networks.
A high performance processor switch based architecture for fault tolerant computing

A novel fault tolerant switch concept in the context of fault tolerant network architecture is discussed. This intelligent switch provides a non-blocking transmission path for all of its resources of the network architecture such as processor buses, disk subsystems, and its peripherals. In addition, it incorporates concurrent error detection, time-out mechanisms and a sophisticated error detecting protocol between the switch matrix and the resource management units to detect the hardware errors. Upon detection of the error, several recovery techniques are provided to ensure continuous operation of the system. Additional features of the network architecture for supporting high performance applications include concurrent channel access and priority channel service. The studies show that the fully connected network which supports both graceful degradation and standby sparing techniques exhibits excellent reliability performance and throughput. >
A new power sensitivity method of ranking branch outage contingencies for voltage collapse

The objective of this paper is to present a powerful procedure for identifying severe single branch outage contingencies with respect to saddle-mode bifurcation induced voltage collapse, given a power system operating point, a load demand forecast, and a generation dispatch. The new power sensitivity ranking algorithm for voltage collapse, called /spl lambda//MVA sensitivity, provides more accurate "distance to collapse" estimates than linear admittance sensitivity, yet requires only slightly more computation time. The distinguishing features are the ability (1) to rank all branches in a large-scale power system quickly, and (2) to estimate the outage contingency bifurcation values accurately. As an illustration, the new /spl lambda//MVA sensitivity ranking algorithm can estimate all 6689 single branch outage contingency bifurcation points (/spl lambda/*/sub ctgc/) of a 3493 bus power system within 3% relative error, except for two branches within 7%, in less than 4 min on a 180 MHz PentiumPro PC.
Prostaglandins and tumor metastasis

Prostaglandins generated by various body tissues may play an important role in determining the course of tumors. Prostaglandins of E series mediate para-neoplastic manifestations such as hypercalcemia. diarrhea, flushing and fever. It has been suggested that prostaglandins may promote tumor growth by their effects on platelet-tumor cell interactions, and by inhibition of immune system leading to decreased tumor surveillance. Newly described prostanoids like thromboxane may stimulate, whereas prostacyclin may retard tumor metastasis. Treatment aimed at alteration of arachidonic acid derivatives may offer a novel therapeutic approach in the management of patients with tumor.
Relay-Stabilization and Bifurcations of Unstable SISO Processes With Time Delay

Relay control is one of the simplest methods for stabilizing open-loop unstable processes by producing limit cycles. It is also used for parameter identification of unstable processes for the design of other types of controllers. In this paper, exact analysis of the limit cycles has been obtained for a class of high-order unstable SISO processes under relay control. A key technical lemma provides two nonlinear equations whose solutions provide the time periods of the upswing and downswing modes. Analytical and graphical methods are used to determine the existence and multiplicity of the limit cycles. Also, necessary and sufficient conditions have been developed to determine the stability of the limit cycles. These tools then allow for the bifurcation analysis of the limit cycles based on variations in time delay. One interesting result is the presence of irregular stabilization, where increasing time delay could regain stability that was lost at smaller time delays. The results are then combined to provide a set of necessary conditions for relay stabilization. These conditions can be represented by a compact pyramid region which then yields some useful guidelines for the synthesis of additional compensators for relay-stabilization.
A Scale-Invariant Formulation of the Anticipated Potential Vorticity Method

AbstractThe long-term success of climate models that operate on multiresolution grids depends on access to subgrid parameterizations that act appropriately across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. As the first step in a series of efforts to obtain such scale-aware subgrid parameterizations, the authors focus on the anticipated potential vorticity method (APVM) on a sequence of quasi-uniform grids with varying resolutions. Through a scale analysis technique and phenomenological theories for two-dimensional turbulent flows, they derive a new formulation of the APVM that depends on a single parameter that is formally independent of the time-step size, the grid resolution, and the flow itself. Results of numerical experiments with this new formulation demonstrate that the optimal parameter of the new APVM formulation is invariant with respect to the time-step size, is insensitive to the flows, and is only weakly dependent on the grid resolution.
Water‐soluble copolymers. IV. Random copolymers of acrylamide with sulfonated comonomers

Random copolymers of acrylamide with sodium-2-sulfoethyl methacrylate and with sodium-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate were synthesized in aqueous solutions utilizing persulfate initiators. Copolymer compositions were determined by elemental analysis and by infrared spectroscopic methods. Monomer reactivity ratios were calculated using Fineman-Ross, Kelen-Tuedos, and/or Mayo-Lewis techniques at appropriate conversions. The copolymer microstructure, including mean sequence length distributions, was calculated from reactivity ratios. Membrane osmometry and viscometry measurements were utilized to estimate molecular weight and size. The large dimensions of these polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions, as well as their inherent hydrogen bonding capacity and pseudoplasticity, make these copolymers excellent candidates for application as mobility control agents in enhanced oil recovery.
Aeromechanics Analysis of a Heavy Lift Slowed-Rotor Compound Helicopter

A heavy lift slowed-rotor tandem compound helicopter was designed as a part of the NASA heavy lift rotorcraft systems investigation. The vehicle is required to carry 120 passengers over a range of 1200 nautical miles and cruise at 350 knots at an altitude of 30,000 feet. The basic size of the helicopter was determined by the United States Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate's design code RotorCraft. Then performance, loads, and stability analyses were conducted with the Comprehensive Analytical Model of Rotorcraft Aerodynamics and Design II. Blade structural design (blade inertial and structural properties) was carried out using the loading condition from the Comprehensive Analytical Model of Rotorcraft Aerodynamics and Design II. A rotor parametric study was conducted to investigate the effects of the twist, collective, tip speed, and taper on aircraft performance. Designs were also developed for alternate missions to explore the influence of the design condition on performance.
Genomics of a metamorphic timing QTL: met1 maps to a unique genomic position and regulates morph and species-specific patterns of brain transcription

Very little is known about genetic factors that regulate life history transitions during ontogeny. Closely related tiger salamanders (Ambystoma species complex) show extreme variation in metamorphic timing, with some species foregoing metamorphosis altogether, an adaptive trait called paedomorphosis. Previous studies identified a major effect quantitative trait locus (met1) for metamorphic timing and expression of paedomorphosis in hybrid crosses between the biphasic Eastern tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum) and the paedomorphic Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). We used existing hybrid mapping panels and a newly created hybrid cross to map the met1 genomic region and determine the effect of met1 on larval growth, metamorphic timing, and gene expression in the brain. We show that met1 maps to the position of a urodele-specific chromosome rearrangement on linkage group 2 that uniquely brought functionally associated genes into linkage. Furthermore, we found that more than 200 genes were differentially expressed during larval development as a function of met1 genotype. This list of differentially expressed genes is enriched for proteins that function in the mitochondria, providing evidence of a link between met1, thyroid hormone signaling, and mitochondrial energetics associated with metamorphosis. Finally, we found that met1 significantly affected metamorphic timing in hybrids, but not early larval growth rate. Collectively, our results show that met1 regulates species and morph-specific patterns of brain transcription and life history variation.
Error Gravity: A Critical Review of Research Design.

This paper examines error gravity research design and its theoretical assumptions. Based on an analysis of 28 errorgravity investigations (1977–1995), we study several aspects of error gravity research design (including, e.g., the authenticity of language sample), and theoretical constructs (such as the definition of “error”). The study demonstrates that investigators have only skimmed the surface of the process of error evaluation, which is undoubtedly shaped by extralinguistic factors. We conclude that researchers should reconceptualize error gravity research and should reassess earlier studies to confirm or disaffirm their stated outcomes.
Semi‐continuous evaporation model for leachate treatment process evaluation

The use of evaporation for treatment of landfill leachate may be effective at removing contaminants in one principal unit operation. A semi-continuous evaporation treatment process model, Reaction EQuilibrium Evaporation Model (REQEM), was developed for engineering assessment to: (i) simulate different batch flash vaporization processes, (ii) predict the effluent stream compositions and quantities, and (iii) compute the energy requirements. The model integrates previously separate features into a composite chemical equilibrium and dynamic process simulation model. Simulations have shown that multi-stage flash with recirculation and condensation heat recovery maximizes the amount of evaporate produced and minimizes the steam and pumping energy requirements. Leachate with low volatile organic acids may need only acidic evaporation to efficiently treat the leachate. Leachate with high concentrations of both ammonia and volatile organic acids may require a two-step, pH-adjustment evaporation process. If nonionic volatile organic compounds are present in leachate, then pretreatment such as air stripping may be necessary to obtain adequate evaporate quality. Adjustments of the initial leachate pH value will have no direct effect on the product-to-feed ratio, the performance ratio, or the evaporate quality with respect to nonvolatile compounds such as metals. Landfill gas may provide sufficient energy for leachate vaporization in many instances for modern landfills, and semi-continuous operations may be the most practical treatment mode.
The assessment of periodontal disease for public health purposes

The results of an oral health survey in five countries by four examiners showed marked between-examiner variation in the interpretation of diagnostic criteria for the assessment of periodontal disease. A new method for the assessment of periodontal disease is described. It is a modification of the Periodontal Screening Examination of O'Leary and is designed to distinguish four degrees of periodontal disease in terms of preventive or curative action required for the problem. In a second survey using this method two examiners obtained closely comparable results in their assessment of calculus, gingivitis and periodontal pockets.
Irradiation Grafted Polymeric Films. II. Gas Transport Properties of Hydrated Potassium Acrylate-Grafted Polyethylene Films

Abstract The permeability constants of oxygen and carbon dioxide through hydrated potassium acrylate-grafted polyethylene films increase rapidly as the degree of hydration of the films increases above about 28 wt %. Below about 28 wt %, the carbon dioxide permeability constant increases with the degree of hydration. In the case of oxygen, the opposite is true. The separation factor (CO2/O2) increases rapidly with film hydration up to about 28 wt %. Above this degree of hydration, the separation factor gradually approaches the value for pure water. An explanation for the results obtained is presented.
A Virological View of Innate Immune Recognition

The innate immune system uses multiple strategies to detect viral infections. Because all viruses rely on host cells for their synthesis and propagation, the molecular features used to detect viral infections must be unique to viruses and absent from host cells. Research in the past decade has advanced our understanding of various cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic modes of virus recognition. This review examines the innate recognition from the point of view of virus invasion and replication strategies, and places innate sensors in the context of detecting viral genome, replication intermediate, transcriptional by-product, and other viral invasion strategies. On the basis of other unique features common to viral infections, undiscovered areas of virus detection are discussed.
Multiplicative noise-induced probability distributions in three-level atomic optical bistability

Effects of multiplicative noise on optical bistability in a three-level atomic medium in a ring cavity are investigated experimentally and theoretically. Steady-state intensity distributions as well as switching and dwell times have been measured as functions of noise strength. System response to an external periodic signal is also explored. It is found that the probability for the system to stay in the upper state increases with increasing noise strength. When a small periodic signal is added to the input field, the probability for the upper state has a maximum as a function of multiplicative noise strength. A simple theoretical model based on nonlinear atomic susceptibility is presented to interpret the experimental observations.
A spectroscopic tool for identifying sources of origin for materials of military interest

There is a need to identify the source of origin for many items of military interest, including ammunition and weapons that may be circulated and traded in illicit markets. Both fieldable systems (man-portable or handheld) as well as benchtop systems in field and home base laboratories are desired for screening and attribution purposes. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) continues to show significant capability as a promising new tool for materials identification, matching, and provenance. With the use of the broadband, high resolution spectrometer systems, the LIBS devices can not only determine the elemental inventory of the sample, but they are also capable of elemental fingerprinting to signify sources of origin of various materials. We present the results of an initial study to differentiate and match spent cartridges from different manufacturers and countries. We have found that using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) we are able to achieve on average 93.3% True Positives and 5.3% False Positives. These results add to the large body of publications that have demonstrated that LIBS is a particularly suitable tool for source of origin determinations.
Timing Matters: Travelers' Advanced-Booking Expectations and Decisions

Dynamic revenue management models often price discriminate based on time. The literature concerning changes in travelers' propensity to book a room over time, however, is scant, and industry practices provide few and somewhat contradictory hints about the phenomenon. To facilitate efficient and dynamic revenue management polices, this study further explores how and why customers' propensity to book changes over time. Specifically, this study empirically tests how the expectations of advanced-booking customers change in connection with the likelihood of being offered a better deal and the sellout risk as the date of stay nears. The results indicate that timing matters and that the expectations' change pattern is more complex than anticipated. These findings underscore the importance of the timing element and call attention to the need for more empirical research on the role of timing in travelers' advanced-booking decisions.
The Use of Yoga for Physical and Mental Health Among Older Adults: A Review of the Literature

The older adult population may greatly benefit from the practice of Yoga. This article reviews the scientific evidence supporting the use of Yoga with older adults. Nine studies were identified that examined either physical or mental health outcomes in older adults following a Yoga intervention. There is growing evidence that Yoga can improve physical well-being, including balance, range of motion, blood pressure, pain, fatigue, and general health. There is less evidence available that examines the cognitive and mental health benefits of Yoga for older adults. However, there is preliminary evidence that Yoga can improve sleep quality and depression. Only three of the reviewed studies were ran- domized controlled trials, and more studies of high methodological quality are needed. Implications for further research and practice are offered.
System identification through nonstationary data using Time–Frequency Blind Source Separation

Abstract Classical output-only system identification (SI) methods are based on the assumption of stationarity of the system response. However, measured response of buildings and bridges is usually non-stationary due to strong winds (e.g. typhoon, and thunder storm etc.), earthquakes and time-varying vehicle motions. Accordingly, the response data may have time-varying frequency contents and/or overlapping of modal frequencies due to non-stationary colored excitation. This renders traditional methods problematic for modal separation and identification. To address these challenges, a new SI technique based on Time–Frequency Blind Source Separation (TFBSS) is proposed. By selectively utilizing “effective” information in local regions of the time–frequency plane, where only one mode contributes to energy, the proposed technique can successfully identify mode shapes and recover modal responses from the non-stationary response where the traditional SI methods often encounter difficulties. This technique can also handle response with closely spaced modes which is a well-known challenge for the identification of large-scale structures. Based on the separated modal responses, frequency and damping can be easily identified using SI methods based on a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system. In addition to the exclusive advantage of handling non-stationary data and closely spaced modes, the proposed technique also benefits from the absence of the end effects and low sensitivity to noise in modal separation. The efficacy of the proposed technique is demonstrated using several simulation based studies, and compared to the popular Second-Order Blind Identification (SOBI) scheme. It is also noted that even some non-stationary response data can be analyzed by the stationary method SOBI. This paper also delineates non-stationary cases where SOBI and the proposed scheme perform comparably and highlights cases where the proposed approach is more advantageous. Finally, the performance of the proposed method is evaluated using a full-scale non-stationary response of a tall building during an earthquake and found it to perform satisfactorily.
Multicontact Locomotion on Transfemoral Prostheses via Hybrid System Models and Optimization-Based Control

Lower-limb prostheses provide a prime example of cyber-physical systems (CPSs) requiring the synergistic development of sensing, algorithms, and controllers. With a view towards better understanding CPSs of this form, this paper presents a systematic methodology using multidomain hybrid system models and optimization-based controllers to achieve human-like multicontact prosthetic walking on a custom-built prosthesis: AMPRO. To achieve this goal, unimpaired human locomotion data is collected and the nominal multicontact human gait is studied. Inspired by previous work which realized multicontact locomotion on the bipedal robot AMBER2, a hybrid system-based optimization problem utilizing the collected reference human gait as reference is utilized to formally design stable multicontact prosthetic gaits that can be implemented on the prosthesis directly. Leveraging control methods that stabilize bipedal walking robots–control Lyapunov function-based quadratic programs coupled with variable impedance control–an online optimization-based controller is formulated to realize the designed gait in both simulation and experimentally on AMPRO. Improved tracking and energy efficiency are seen when this methodology is implemented experimentally. Importantly, the resulting multicontact prosthetic walking captures the essentials of natural human walking both kinematically and kinetically.
A novel method to perform endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's diverticulum using submucosal dissection techniques.

A Zenker’s diverticulum arises from the cervical esophagus and results in a mucosal outpouching through Killian’s triangle. Treatment for symptomatic Zenker’s diverticulum is a diverticulotomy. Traditional therapy has been surgical cricopharyngeal myotomy via an open or transoral rigid endoscopic approach. Flexible endoscopic diverticulotomy for Zenker’s diverticulum has similar efficacy and is associated with fewer complications. Various techniques and devices have been used for myotomy including needle-knife, hook-knife, monopolar forceps, argon plasma coagulation, and harmonic scalpel. The limitation of current techniques is the difficulty in gauging the extent to which the most inferior part of the septum should be cut in order to treat the disease adequately while minimizing the risk of perforation and subsequent mediastinitis. In the cases described here, diverticulotomy using an endoscopic submucosal dissection technique was employed for muscular fiber exposure and septal dissection (myotomy) using a multipurpose knife. The utilization of a multipurpose knife with injection capability may further improve the success and safety of this procedure. Larger, randomized, prospective trials are needed to confirm this notion, standardize the technique, and identify the appropriate patient population for different endoscopic options.
Sexual Size Dimorphism and Parental Care Patterns in a Monomorphic and a Dimorphic Larid

ABSTRAcr.-I examined parental care patterns of the Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) and the Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) to determine correlates of sexual size dimorphism and parental care. In both species, the sexes had quantitatively different parental roles, particularly during the chick-feeding period. Females were generally more involved in parental activities at the nest site than males. Caspian Tern males provided greater numbers and total mass of prey than their mates. Black Skimmer males fed chicks less frequently than did their mates (especially when the broods were very young), but males delivered substantially larger prey and thus contributed greater prey-mass, particularly as broods aged. The sexually dimorphic skimmer pattern of parental roles may have increased the feeding efficiency and reduced predation risks to the young. No overt behavioral manifestations of sexual conflict were observed between paired Caspian Terns or Black Skimmers. Received 1 March 1988, accepted 25 September 1989.
Peripheral Artery Disease Therapies May Perform Differently in Practice Than in Randomized Trials: The Need for Learning Health Systems.

Abstract Objectives This study sought to obtain an approximation of the true incidence of myocarditis by systematic screening of patients at risk using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in a tertiary care center. Background Underdiagnosis of myocarditis and resulting uncertainty about its incidence remain a clinical dilemma. The authors hypothesized that systematic screening of patients presenting with angina-like symptoms, elevated troponin T, and no significant coronary artery disease using CMR will provide an approximation of the true incidence of myocarditis. Methods The authors performed a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with angina-like symptoms and elevated high-sensitivity troponin T (TnT-hs ≥14 ng/l) in 2015 and 2016. During the year 2015, only patients with elevated TnT-hs, no significant coronary artery disease, and moderate-to-high clinical likelihood of myocarditis underwent CMR. Starting in 2016, CMR was obtained in patients with similar presentation, but independent of clinical likelihood of myocarditis. Results A total of 1,788 patients (74% male, age 69 ± 14 years) qualified for our analysis. In 2015, 521 patients presented with angina-like symptoms and TnT-hs elevation. In 2016, the number increased to 1,267 patients. Although in the year 2015, a total of 4 of 88 (5%) CMRs were positive for myocarditis, the percentage of positive CMRs doubled (26 of 199; 13%; p = 0.03) in 2016. Conclusions A novel diagnostic screening algorithm led to a 6.3-fold increase of the incidence of myocarditis in our hospital. Furthermore, the percentage of CMRs positive for myocarditis doubled, supporting the diagnostic value of this method. Considering the potentially lethal adverse events of myocarditis if left untreated, we recommend a low threshold for the use of CMR in patients with angina-like symptoms and elevated TnT-hs after exclusion of coronary artery disease.
iPSCs Offer a New Look at GATA1-Trisomy 21 Cooperation.

GATA1 mutations and trisomy 21 are inextricably linked in the neonatal leukemia of children with Down syndrome (DS). A recent report by Banno et al. (2016) sheds new light on the mechanism of the synergy between these genetic alterations by modeling hematopoietic abnormalities with patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells.
Analysis of bands patterns in Western Blot and first CD4~+T lymphocytes count of HIV-1 antibody positive patients

Objective To understand the immune status and disease progression by analyzing WB bands patterns and first CD4+T lymphocytes count of the newly identified HIV-1 antibody positive patients.Methods Antibodies and CD4+T lymphocytes of HIV-1 antibody positive patients were analyzed by western blot(WB)and flow cytometry,respectively.Results The WB bands patterns of 162HIV-1 antibody positive patients were mainly total bands or subtotal bands;of which 49.38% were with 350/μL CD4+T lymphocytes.The occurrence of HIV-1antibody total bands pattern and p55 band were significant different among groups of different immune status(P0.05).Conclusion The WB bands patterns and CD4+T lymphocyte counts can help to judge immune status,determine disease stages and monitor disease progression.
ID: 120: REGULATION OF ENDOTHELIAL BARRIER PERMEABILITY BY PHOSPHOLIPASE D2

Pulmonary edema is a hallmark of several diseases including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is characterized by the disruption of the pulmonary endothelial barrier at its early stage. Maintaining the integrity of the adherens junctions (AJs) by stabilizing VE-Cadherin (VEC) at the cell membrane after injury could potentially be important to minimize endothelial barrier disruption. Since Phospholipase D (PLD) and its catalytic product, phosphatidic acid (PA), has been shown to be critical in membrane trafficking and in recycling of a number of cell surface receptors, we hypothesized that PLD/PA pathway accelerates the rate of VEC recycling to the lamellipodia to reassemble the AJs. We demonstrate, by measuring the trans endothelial resistance of human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs), that inhibiting PLD2-dependent PA production increases the endothelium permeability in response to thrombin. Furthermore, immunostaining shows that the uniform redistribution of VEC to the AJs post thrombin insult is compromised when PLD-dependent PA production is inhibited, and resulted in the appearance of eminent intercellular gaps. Also, PLD2 inhibition prevented the HLMVECs from fully spreading after thrombin stimulation while the protrusive activity remained unaffected, suggesting that PLD2 is not required by HLMVECs to send protrusions, but is critical for the adherence of the protrusions. LPS-induced lung injury was more severe in PLD2 knockout mice compared to WT in an in vivo ARDS model. These observations suggest that PLD/PA signaling plays an important role in resealing of endothelial gaps post LPS-induced lung injury and could potentially be therapeutically utilized to enhance post-injury endothelium recovery.
Analysis on quality of life and influencing factors in individuals with HIV/AIDS

Objective To assess the quality of life of individuals with HIV/AIDS and to analyze the influencing factors. Methods A face-to-face survey was conducted among total 229 individuals with HIV/AIDS from April 2012 to April 2013 to assess the quality of life using MOS-HIV and social support scales.Data were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The average score of quality of life was 68.64±11.76 for all subjects with the score of 71.31±10.10 for individuals with HIV infection,65.59±13.49 for those infected with HIV and needed to be treated,66.52±12.10 for AIDS patients,the differences were statistically significant.Meanwhile,the differences of scores for social function,pain and mood were also significant.The average score of social support was 46.32±12.48 for all participants with 45.12±12.21 for individuals with HIV infection,46.91±12.76 for those infected with HIV and needed to be treated,46.26±12.32 for AIDS patients.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age,nationality,other chronic diseases and social support were closely related to the quality of life. Conclusions The quality of life for individuals with HIV/AIDS is relatively low largely due to lack of social support.Therefore,in order to improve the quality of life,it is very important to offer them with more social support.
Assessing the impact of policy interventions on the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles: An agent-based model

Abstract Heightened concern regarding climate change and energy independence has increased interest in plug-in electric vehicles as one means to address these challenges and governments at all levels have considered policy interventions to encourage their adoption. This paper develops an agent-based model that simulates the introduction of four policy scenarios aimed at promoting electric vehicle adoption in an urban community and compares them against a baseline. These scenarios include reducing vehicle purchase price via subsidies, expanding the local public charging network, increasing the number and visibility of fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the roadway through government fleet purchases, and a hybrid mix of these three approaches. The results point to the effectiveness of policy options that increased awareness of BEV technology. Specifically, the hybrid policy alternative was the most successful in encouraging BEV adoption. This policy increases the visibility and familiarity of BEV technology in the community and may help counter the idea that BEVs are not a viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.
Ultrafast Chemistry under Nonequilibrium Conditions and the Shock to Deflagration Transition at the Nanoscale

We use molecular dynamics simulations to describe the chemical reactions following shock-induced collapse of cylindrical pores in the high-energy density material RDX. For shocks with particle velocities of 2 km/s we find that the collapse of a 40 nm diameter pore leads to a deflagration wave. Molecular collisions during the collapse lead to ultrafast, multistep chemical reactions that occur under nonequilibrium conditions. Exothermic products formed during these first few picoseconds prevent the nanoscale hotspot from quenching. Within 30 ps, a local deflagration wave develops; it propagates at 0.25 km/s and consists of an ultrathin reaction zone of only ∼5 nm, thus involving large temperature and composition gradients. Contrary to the assumptions in current models, a static thermal hotspot matching the dynamical one in size and thermodynamic conditions fails to produce a deflagration wave indicating the importance of nonequilibrium loading in the criticality of nanoscale hot spots. These results provide...
Farce and Panic in ‘Up Against It’

In 1967, the last year of his life, Orton had completed the first draft of What the Butler Saw and had sold the Broadway rights to Loot when he was asked by Walter Shenson to do a screenplay for the Beatles. It was a moment of great exhilaration in Orton’s career. What was intended as a rewrite of an old script already commissioned by the Beatles turned into an entirely new project. The boldness and zaniness of Up Against It was obviously unsuitable for the respectable public image of the Beatles, and the script, which Orton put together in a few weeks, was eventually rejected, probably at the behest of Brian Epstein, the Beatles’ manager. Although Oscar Lewenstein bought it almost at once, Up Against It was much revised and rewritten but never produced. In its present form it seems like a brilliant first draft that needs to be worked out and made fully cinematic. Orton’s descriptions of camera shots are more literary than cinematic — more like the epic descriptions on Brechtian banners.
There's education, and then there's education in medicine.

Introduction: For some time now the field of medical education has been criticized by many of its stakeholders. Countless debates have been presented in the literature regarding the quality of medical education research, adequacy of methodological rigor, and other concerns. Methods: At present, the views expressed have largely come from physicians and individuals with less familiarity with education science. Results: As prolific educational researchers with Ph.Ds in Education and Psychology, we offer a critique of medical education’s apparent identity crisis and address what we believe are some of the most significant problems continuing to impede the field of medical education from catching up with the broader field of education. We close with specific recommendations for improving the overall state of medical education. Conclusion: Finally, both editors and reviewers for medical education journals need to abandon the hegemonic views regarding research design. Thus, research designs that many in the clinical sciences often perceive as ‘weak’ are entirely appropriate in education research fields. Keywords: Medical education; Education; Medicine; Education research; Quality; Research design
Profiling of urinary bile acids in piglets by a combination of enzymatic deconjugation and targeted LC-MRM-MS

We present a method using a combination of enzymatic deconjugation and targeted LC-multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-MS analysis for analyzing all common bile acids (BAs) in piglet urine, and in particular, for detecting conjugated BAs either in the absence of their standards, or when present in low concentrations. Initially, before enzymatic deconjugation, 19 unconjugated BAs (FBAs) were detected where the total concentration of the detected FBAs was 9.90 μmol/l. Sixty-seven conjugated BAs were identified by LC-MRM-MS analysis before and after enzymatic deconjugation. Four enzymatic assays were used to deconjugate the BA conjugates. FBAs in urine after cholylglycine hydrolase/sulfatase treatment were 33.40 μmol/l, indicating the urinary BAs were comprised of 29.75% FBAs and 70.25% conjugated BAs in single and multiple conjugated forms. For the conjugates in single form, released FBAs from cholylglycine hydrolase deconjugation indicated that the conjugates with amino acids were 14.54% of urinary BAs, 16.27% glycosidic conjugates were found by β-glucuronidase treatment, and sulfatase with glucuronidase inhibitor treatment liberated FBAs that constituted 16.67% of urinary BAs. Notably, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was initially detected only in trace amounts in urine, but was found at significant levels after the enzymatic assays above. These results support that CDCA is a precursor of γ-muricholic acid in BA biosynthesis in piglets.
Teaching Ethics to Marketing and Logistics Majors: A Transformative Learning Experiment.

ABSTRACTWithin the context of a transformative learning field experiment, the ethical ideologies of marketing majors, logistics majors, and nonbusiness majors were found to differ. Based on this finding, a field experiment was conducted to determine the effect (if any) that ethics instruction has on marketing and logistics majors versus nonbusiness majors. Students' knowledge of basic ethical principles and their ability to assess the application of these principles to ethical dilemmas were tested with a new assessment instrument. The major findings suggest (a) transformative learning ethic exercises have pedagogical potential and (b) dissimilar ethical predispositions between marketing and logistics majors versus nonbusiness majors confirms the need for customizing ethics pedagogy by college major.
Self- and Peer Assessment of Oral Presentation in Advanced Chinese Classrooms: An Exploratory Study

Self- and peer assessment allows students to play a greater role in the assessment process. Twenty-one non-heritage undergraduate students who took the Advanced Chinese course at Duke University were involved in a project on self- and peer assessment of oral presentations. The project included rubric designing, training, practice, observation, evaluation, discussion, survey, and feedback. The assessment components were designed by the instructor and the students collaboratively during the first week of the course. They included content and organization of presentation, vocabulary and grammar, fluency and voice, accuracy of pronunciation, posture, and support. In addition to scoring for each of these components, the students were also asked to provide written comments on their own presentation and those of their peers. Self-, peer, and instructor assessments were analyzed and compared quantitatively and qualitatively. The results showed that the practice and discussion in the training session had a positive effect on the accuracy of students’ self- and peer assessment. Over 90% of the students liked participating in the assessment process and thought the self- and peer assessment conducive to their Chinese language learning. This study highlights the potential pedagogical benefits of involving students in assessment at both the cognitive and affective levels.
Effects of local and spinal administrations of mu-opioids on postoperative pain in aged versus adult mice.

Introduction Suboptimal management of postoperative pain leads to increased risk of chronic opioid therapy, especially in elderly patients. Objectives Although this age-dependent phenomenon has been observed clinically, basic mechanisms including baseline nociception, postoperative hypersensitivity, and mu-opioid efficiency in aged animals have never been evaluated. Methods We tested these criteria using incision model on adult (3–6 months) and aged (24 months) mice to assess translatability of postoperative animal studies to clinical observations. Results Thermal and mechanical testing revealed lower baseline nociception in aged vs adult mice, while behavioral assays after hind paw plantar incision showed similar hypersensitivity levels for both age groups. Efficiency of local and spinal mu-opioid injections on postoperative pain was assessed next. DAMGO, a pure mu-opioid, was effective in reducing postoperative hypersensitivity in aged and adult mice, although adult mice displayed increased sensitivity to higher doses (50 μg local; 1–15 μg spinal). Buprenorphine, a mixed mu-opioid agonist, produced dose-dependent antihypersensitivity with adult mice more sensitive to lower doses (0.1 μg local; 0.02 μg spinal), and aged mice more sensitive to higher doses (1, 10 μg local; 0.1, 1 μg spinal). Finally, exploratory locomotor activity was used to evaluate the suppression of incision-induced spontaneous pain by DAMGO. Spinal and systemic (intraperitoneal) DAMGO inhibited ongoing pain more in adults compared with aged mice. Conclusion As in humans, baseline nociception was lower in aged vs adult mice, while postoperative hypersensitivity magnitudes were comparable between groups. Unlike in humans, adult mice were more sensitive to mu-opioids, although higher doses of mixed mu-opioids were more effective for postoperative antihypersensitivity in aged mice.
Trust or Bust: Complications with Tribal Trust Obligations and Environmental Sovereignty

The Native American framework for environmental protection places a sanctity on nature, which cannot be fully realized under either existing environmental protection laws or through the tribal trust obligations. In the face of these legal deficiencies, tribes and their members can consider resorting to other legal protections to assert tribal environmental sovereignty, including tribal treaty provisions and international human rights law. This Article assesses tribal sovereignty through the lens of energy infrastructure projects on Indian lands, and concludes that updates to the federal right-of-way law chisel away at tribal rights to land, property, and self-determination. A rights-based approach to tribal trust obligations offers heightened protections for these whittled-away rights.
The evolution and determinants of services sector in Pakistan: a bound test analysis

Using the annual data over the period of 1975-2015, this paper examines the determinants of services sector growth of Pakistan. We applied auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to analyse the major determinants of services sector growth of Pakistan. In addition, Granger causality technique has been used to investigate the causality between the variables. Our findings reveal that per capita income, capital accumulation and urbanisation positively contribute towards the services sector growth. However, negative impact of trade liberalisation has been observed on services growth of Pakistan. Therefore, greater focus on the quality parameters of services sector is needed so that it may become more competitive in the world.
“I'm Not a Gadget”: A Grounded Theory on Unplugging

Technology has become a pervasive and indispensable part of our lives over the past few decades. Researchers have begun examining the impacts that technology has on individuals as well as on relati...
PART II—Discrete Element Method (DEM) Approaches: Dynamic Powder Deposition

Dry powders require different modeling and simulation tools to characterize their behavior. One family of methods that is ideally suited to this task are discrete element methods. This chapter introduces the reader to this type of modeling.