cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CPS foundations

This paper argues that cyber-physical systems present a sub-stantial intellectual challenge that requires changes in both theories of computation and dynamical systems theory. The CPS problem is not the union of cyber and physical problems, but rather their intersection, and as such it demands models that embrace both. Two complementary approaches are identified: cyberizing the physical (CtP) means to endow physical subsystems with cyber-like abstractions and interfaces; and physicalizing the cyber (PtC) means to endow software and network components with abstractions and interfaces that represent their dynamics in time.
The CRC and Form FDA 1572

As we’ve noted in past columns, being a research coordinator means working with a lot of different people and wearing a lot of different “hats.” One hat that coordinators often find to be tedious to wear is that of the regulatory specialist. The amount of paperwork required to begin a new
Notes on the Habits and Siphonapterous Parasites of the Mammals of Welland County, Ontario

Over a period of several years, pertinent data were gathered on the life histories of several species of mammals at Point Abino, Welland County, Ontario. Observations and collections were made from November 24-26 and December 24-26, 1939; April 2-6, 1940; March 30-April 3, 1941; and August 23-September 22, 1942, at this locality and at irregular intervals elsewhere in Welland County. Several of the typical habitats of this part of Ontario are represented in the immediate vicinity of Point Abino. The area considered is approximately 700 acres of which 75 percent is woodland, the remainder being grassland and beaches. The dominant woody vegetation is deciduous. Black oak (Quercus velutina), bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), black walnut (Juglans nigra), ironwoods (Ostrya virginiana and Carpinus caroliniana), beech (Fagus grandifolia), tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), wild cherries (Prunus serotina, P. virginiana, and P. pennsylvanica), maples (Acer saccharum and A. rubrum), basswood (Tilia americana), white ash (Fraxinus americana), and white pine (Pinus strobus) and hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) are the trees most commonly seen. The dominant shrubs are spice bush (Lindera benzoin), witch-hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), dogwoods (Cornus stolonifera, C. racemosa, and C. aiternifolia), wild black current (Ribes americana), and arrow-woods (Viburnum dentatum, V. acerifolium, and V. trilobum). The area was trapped regularly, using small snap-back traps, steel traps, and live traps. The specimens were placed in white flannel bags immediately upon removal from the traps, and the fleas were saved for later identification. Stomachs were preserved in every instance and, although the numbers are insufficient for statistical analysis, they are used here to indicate the important food items. In preparation of this paper I have received guidance from Dr. Edward C. Raney. Dr. Duane Isely gave me much assistance in the identification of the botanical material.
Hydride generation-graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry: new prospects

Methods are described for the interference free determination of As and Se in seawater as well as marine tissues and sediments based on the generation of AsH3, and SeH2 using NaBH4 with subsequent trapping in a graphite furnace at 600° C. Calibration is achieved with simple aqueous working curves having sensitivities of 24±4 and 72±17 pg/0.0044 A for As and Se, respectively. Absolute detection limits of 30 pg As and 70 pg Se are estimated. Precision of determination is 2–3% for As and 5–10% for Se.
A marginal benefit approach for vaccinating influenza “superspreaders”

Background. There is widespread recognition that interventions targeting “superspreaders” are more effective at containing epidemics than strategies aimed at the broader population. However, little...
Comparing the Natural and Anthropogenic Sodium Channel Blockers Tetrodotoxin and Indoxacarb in Garter Snakes

Synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides, are used in a variety of ways in the agricultural industry. Anthropogenic chemicals pose a unique challenge to organisms because of the lack of evolutionary history between the chemical and the organism. However, research has shown that some organisms have a resistance to these synthetic chemicals due to their evolved resistance to a natural compound with a similar structure or mode of action. Indoxacarb (INDOX) is a relatively new pesticide with a similar mode of action to that of tetrodotoxin (TTX). Tetrodotoxin is a naturally occurring toxin that is used as an antipredator defense in the rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa). Some populations of the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) have developed a resistance to tetrodotoxin. Here, we investigated the correlation between TTX and INDOX resistance in snakes. We hypothesized that INDOX would induce a much higher stress response than the naturally occurring TTX. We injected each snake with tetrodotoxin (1 mass-adjusted mouse unit). We did the same with mass-adjusted units of INDOX. We measured corticosterone, testosterone, and bactericidal ability. Our results show an acute stress response to INDOX, but not TTX through an elevate corticosterone and innate immune response, although there was no difference in testosterone concentration. These results suggest that, although INDOX may have a similar mechanism of action, garter snakes do not react in a similar manner as to TTX. This research gives a physiological perspective on the differences between naturally occurring compounds and synthetic compounds.
Analysis of the Uncertainties in the Detection of Carbendazim Residue in Glutinous Rice by HPLC-MS/MS

Based on GB/T 20770—2008 Detection of 486 Kinds of Pesticides and the Related Chemical Residuals in Grains by HPLC-MS/MS, the mathematical model for evaluating the factors influencing the detection uncertainties of carbendazim residue in glutinous rice had been established. Every procedure in sample pretreatment and HPLC-MS/MS detection was analyzed, and then the uncertainty components were calculated by use of the established mathematical model. In the experiment, the content of carbendazim residue in glutinous rice detected by HPLC-MS/MS was 26.8×10-3±0.78×10-3mg/kg. The analytical results showed that the uncertainties in the detection mainly came from standard solution configuration, samples pretreatment, and parallel detection difference of sample solution. As the confidence probability was 95 %, the relatively standard composed uncertainty, standard uncertainty and the extended uncertainty in the detection of carbendazim residue in glutinous rice by HPLCMS/MS were 1.46 %, 0.39×10-3mg/kg and 0.78×10-3mg/kg(K=2) respectively.
Research on a Generation Function of Runs

Run and the correlated theory have been applied to many fields widely,for example,random test,quality control,data analysis of DNA and so on.In this paper the method of combinational mathematics is used to deduce the probability generation function of the longest run in the Bernoulli trials,and get the probability generation function without using its probability function of kth order geometric distribution.
Clinicopathologic Features of Esophagitis in Children

The esophagus traditionally has been considered a simple conduit for more than 50 tons of foodstuffs ingested during a lifetime. A growing body of literature, however, is defining the dynamic role of esophageal protective mechanisms and is identifying the immunologic milieu present within the squamous mucosa. When the innate protective mechanisms are overcome by an injurious agent, an inflammatory process ensues, and the clinicopathologic features of esophagitis are manifest. This article focuses on features of several causes of esophagitis in children, including peptic disease, duodenogastroesophageal reflux, Crohn’s disease, and infection. In addition, a relatively new, but increasingly recognized, entity— eosinophilic esophagitis—is highlighted.
CRE-like response element regulates expression of rat alpha 2D-adrenergic receptor gene in vascular smooth muscle

Contractile and binding studies indicate that alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) are differentially expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) according to vascular segment (artery, arteriole...
Application of Cancer Biology in Cancer Staging and Predicting Clinical Outcome

The importance of staging cannot be overemphasized in the management of patients. A primary role for staging is to stratify patients into groups that are prognostically and therapeutically similar. Without having this framework it would be difficult to have any meaningful clinical trials. A second goal for staging is that it allows for comparison across large populations either within geopolitical borders or between disparate countries. Tumor–node–metastasis (TNM) elements and the combination of these elements (stage group) serve as one of the most important prognostic factors in making assumptions relative to the overall survival of the cancer patient. The strategy is to apply well-tested evidence-based methodology to each factor to assess the significance and statistical power prior to applying the specific factor to the TNM lexicon. The traditional prognostic parameters for human breast cancer have stood the test of time and currently include specific tumor factors of size, lymph node status, and grade of tumor. The role of axillary nodal and lymphovascular involvement cannot be overemphasized in the prognosis and staging of many solid tumors. Current strategies have included the number of tumor-containing nodes in the locoregional area as well as the volume of tumor contained in these nodal elements. The introduction of artificial intelligence and the unification of concepts within the structure of nomograms will no doubt help to refine the language of cancer and will give a greater acuity of information to physicians, patients, and their caregivers.
The Soviet `spy gaps'

The capabilities of the Soviet Union to monitor US compliance with arms agreements is reviewed. Soviet capabilities include the use of satellites, surface ships, and submarines off US shores, as well as monitoring stations on land. These technical capabilities are each briefly described and discussed. It is argued that, in contrast to the United States, the Soviet Union can also take advantage of the openness of US society, through an array of human intelligence sources and methods, to monitor arms control compliance. Soviet agents also gain access to considerable information through contacts and operative within the US government and the extensive contractor community that supports the defense establishment. It is concluded that Soviet technical collection capabilities for monitoring arm control compliance lag behind those of the United States, but that this technical lag does not appear to have deterred the Soviets from entering into many arms control agreements with the United States over the past 25 years.
Size Dependence of Nanoscale Wear of Silicon Carbide

Nanoscale, single-asperity wear of single-crystal silicon carbide (sc-SiC) and nanocrystalline silicon carbide (nc-SiC) is investigated using single-crystal diamond nanoindenter tips and nanocrystalline diamond atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips under dry conditions, and the wear behavior is compared to that of single-crystal silicon with both thin and thick native oxide layers. We discovered a transition in the relative wear resistance of the SiC samples compared to that of Si as a function of contact size. With larger nanoindenter tips (tip radius ≈ 370 nm), the wear resistances of both sc-SiC and nc-SiC are higher than that of Si. This result is expected from the Archard’s equation because SiC is harder than Si. However, with the smaller AFM tips (tip radius ≈ 20 nm), the wear resistances of sc-SiC and nc-SiC are lower than that of Si, despite the fact that the contact pressures are comparable to those applied with the nanoindenter tips, and the plastic zones are well-developed in both sets of wear exp...
The Role of Ontologies in Cognitive Radios

This chapter presents an ontology-based approach to address some of the requirements of cognitive radio (CR). It illustrates how to capture knowledge about the domain of radio communication using ontologies. All of the examples used a purely declarative representation of domain knowledge. The objective is to show that such a knowledge representation can be used by generic-reasoning tools both to formulate queries and to infer answers to such queries. Such a query-answering mechanism is generic and thus satisfies the requirement of being capable of “responding to surprise,” one of the key features of a cognitive agent. Another feature of a cognitive agent is the ability to collect and use information about the environment. This chapter also provides examples of querying of radios by other radios. Although it did not show any queries by end users, such queries can be implemented in the same manner as queries by other radios. It also shows that self-aware radios can execute commands. For instance, if two radios agree to use a specific length of the training sequence, they first negotiate a contract, and then both update their internal structures.
An Unexpected Finding in SUDEP Involving a Child: Focal Myocardial Infarct Adjacent to Bundle of His

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a nontraumatic, nondrowning death of an individual with epilepsy in which an autopsy with appropriate ancillary studies does not identify a cause of death. The mechanism of death in SUDEP is unknown, but is thought to involve cardiac and/or respiratory mechanisms. Research in SUDEP is hindered by a lack of consensus regarding required components of a death investigation before a cause of death may be certified as SUDEP. Histopathologic examination of the cardiac conduction system is not routinely performed in SUDEP death investigations. We present a case of SUDEP where histopathologic examination of the cardiac conduction system revealed a focal myocardial infarct of the summit of the ventricular septum abutting the bundle of His, which potentially provides insight into the mechanism of SUDEP for this particular case, and suggests that routine examination of the cardiac conduction system in SUDEP may be beneficial.
Arthroscopically Assisted Reduction and Internal Fixation of a Displaced Posterior Glenoid Fracture: A Case Report.

CASE We report the successful use of arthroscopy for reduction and internal fixation of a posterior glenoid fracture in a 62-year-old man 5 days following a skiing accident. Additionally, we review the technique utilized for successful fixation of this rare fracture, and we report the postoperative return of function. CONCLUSION Arthroscopically facilitated fixation of glenoid fractures has been reported in the literature with excellent clinical outcomes. However, arthroscopic reduction and screw fixation of a posterior intra-articular glenoid fracture (Ideberg type Ib), to our knowledge, has not been previously published. The unique benefits of arthroscopic screw fixation are discussed.
Increased Morbidity and Mortality Associated with Falls Among Patients with Cirrhosis

Abstract Background Injuries are more morbid and complicated to manage in patients with cirrhosis. However, data are limited regarding the relative risk of injury and severity of injury from falls in patients with cirrhosis compared with those without cirrhosis. Methods We examined the nationally representative National Emergency Department Sample, an all-payer database including all patients presenting with falls, 2009-2012. We determined the relative risks for and clinical associations with severe injuries. Outcomes included hospitalization, length of stay, costs, and in-hospital death. Outcomes were compared with those of patients with congestive heart failure. Results We identified 102,977 visits involving patients with cirrhosis and 26,996,120 involving patients without cirrhosis who presented with a fall. Overall and compared with patients with congestive heart failure, the adjusted risk of severe injury was higher for patients with cirrhosis. These included intracranial hemorrhage (2.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02-2.68), skull fracture (1.75; 95% CI, 1.53-2.00), and pelvic fracture (1.71; 95% CI, 1.56-1.88). Risk was lower for less-severe injuries, such as concussion (0.95; 95% CI, 0.86-1.06) and lower-leg fracture (0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.91). Risk factors significantly positively associated with severe injury on multivariate analysis were hepatic encephalopathy, alcohol abuse, and infection. Cirrhosis was associated with increased risk of in-hospital death, longer length of stay, and higher costs after a fall. All outcomes were worse compared with those for patients with congestive heart failure Conclusion Falls are common in patients with cirrhosis, and they are more likely to incur severe injuries, with increased hospital costs and risk of death. Poor outcomes are most associated with ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, alcohol abuse, and infection, highlighting the subgroups at highest risk and most likely to benefit from preventative interventions.
Estimating aboveground biomass and forest canopy cover with simulated ICESat-2 data

Abstract The Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) launched on September 15th, 2018 and this mission offers an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to an assessment of forest resources at multiple spatial scales. This study served to develop a methodology for utilizing ICESat-2 data over vegetated areas. The specific objectives were to: (1) derive a simulated ICESat-2 photon-counting lidar (PCL) vegetation product using airborne lidar data, (2) examine the use of simulated PCL metrics for modelling aboveground biomass (AGB) along ICESat-2 profiles using a simulated ICESat-2 PCL vegetation product and reference AGB estimated from airborne lidar data, and (3) estimate forest canopy cover using simulated PCL canopy product data and airborne lidar-derived canopy cover. Using existing airborne lidar data for Sam Houston National Forest (SHNF) in Texas and known ICESat-2 track locations, PCL simulations were carried out. Three scenarios were analyzed in this study; 1) simulated data without the addition of noise, 2) processed simulated data for daytime, and 3) nighttime scenarios. Segments measuring 100 m along the proposed ICESat-2 tracks were used to extract simulated PCL metrics from each of the three data scenarios and spatially coincident, reference airborne lidar-estimated AGB and airborne lidar canopy cover estimates. Linear regression models were then developed with a subset of the simulated PCL segments to estimate AGB and canopy cover and their performance assessed using separate testing sets. AGB model testing with the simulated dataset without noise, nighttime and daytime scenarios resulted in R2 values of 0.79, 0.79 and 0.63 respectively, with root mean square error (RMSE) values of 19.16 Mg/ha, 19.23 Mg/ha, and 25.35 Mg/ha. Predictive models for canopy cover (4.6 m) achieved R2 values of 0.93, 0.75 and 0.63 and RMSE values of 6.36%, 12.33% and 15.01% for the simulated dataset without noise, nighttime and daytime scenarios respectively. Findings from this study suggest the potential of ICESat-2 for estimating AGB, given the photon detection rate and background noise anticipated by ICESat-2 under temperate forest settings, and especially in the data format provided by standard ICESat-2 data vegetation products.
Catalytic Dehydrogenation of para-Diethyl Benzene to para-Divinyl Benzene over Iron Oxide Supported Catalyst

The vapor-phase catalytic dehydrogenation of para-diethyl benzene (PDEB) to para-divinyl benzene (PDVB) with super-heated steam as a diluent was investigated using alumina supported iron oxide catalyst system. During the catalytic dehydrogenation reaction, ethyl styrene (EST) and thermal cracking products were observed as side products. It was found that various reaction parameters influence the rate of dehydrogenation reaction. However, the reaction is favored by high temperature and low reaction pressure. Moreover, addition of potassium into iron-oxide catalyst acts as a promoter and thereby increases the efficiency of the catalyst. The conversion of PDEB and yield of PDVB also increases as the Water/PDEB flow ratio increases. Copyright © 2019 BCREC Group. All rights reserved
Games to Learn: An Update from 2010

This paper represents an update on my thoughts about gaming for learning 8 years after my TED talk (see https://www.ted.com/talks/ali_carr_chellman_gaming_to_re_engage_boys_in_learning) and after several longitudinal studies conducted (mostly with Dr. Jason Engerman). These ideas have evolved for me significantly, and this paper represents an opportunity to give an overview of what gaming to learn is, how we can, as a field, use games for learning, and update the basic understandings of games to learn, bringing research findings to bear on these foundations. DOI:10.2458/azu_itet_v7i1_carr-chellman
Recovery Techniques for Manned Earth Satellites

Recovery Techniques for Manned Earth Satellites. The primary objective of this brief study is to propose and illustrate a possible recovery technique of retrieving manned earth satellites by highspeed aircraft. No specific conclusions are made as to feasibility with the exception that ample time to achieve payload transfer (approximately 3 minutes in this case) may be realizable. However, the programming of the two flight paths to coincidence would necessarily require a complex homing guidance system.
Pelvic Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor With Pulmonary Metastasis

Extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) comprise a small portion of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Metastasis normally occurs to nearby organs. However, metastasis to the lungs is uncommon in EGISTs. Furthermore, recurrence of the EGIST in a new location years later has not been documented. We present this case to highlight this behavior of EGISTs in hopes to better understand this rare type of neoplasm.
Nuevas tácticas de intervención urbana en asentamientos informales en Latinoamérica

Beginning in the second half of the twentieth century, most Latin American countries experienced a dramatic mass migration of impoverished people moving from rural areas to informal settlements located at the urban periphery. Despite the overcrowding and extreme poverty, access to jobs, education, health facilities, and public transportation are provoking a continual expansion of those settlements. This study examines how various Latin American architects -Teddy Cruz, Jorge Jauregui y Flavio Janches- are developing new urban design tactics supported by the analysis and understanding of the context, the revalorization of the communityâ€™s cultural identity, and the participation of multiple agencies associated to the project, such as residents associations, community leaders, NGOs, and government representatives.
Thermal estimation of natural source zone depletion rates without background correction

Real-time monitoring of subsurface temperature profiles is a promising approach to resolving natural source zone depletion (NSZD) rates for shallow petroleum liquids. Herein, a new "single stick" computational method for transforming temperature data into NSZD rates is advanced. The method is predicated on subsurface temperatures being a function of surface heating and cooling, and the heat associated with NSZD. Given subsurface temperature at two points, a system of two-equation two-unknown is used to resolve NSZD rates. Mathematical formulations and computational algorithms are validated through computational tests showing near perfect agreement between prescribed and predicted NSZD heating, and observed and predicted subsurface temperatures. The method is applied to temperature data from five field sites. Results include lower NSZD rates in areas where petroleum liquids are absent by a factor of 0.5-7.5 as compared to background correction methods. While the single stick method provides the lowest rate in unimpacted areas, it also provides reasonable rates as compared to two of three background correction methods. In addition, the single stick method yields a coefficient of variation equal to 6% in a triplicate analysis and reasonable estimates of NSZD in LNAPL-impacted areas without background corrected data.
Fissile Locks

Classic test-and-test (TS) mutual exclusion locks are simple, and enjoy high performance and low latency of ownership transfer under light or no contention. However, they do not scale gracefully under high contention and do not provide any admission order guarantees. Such concerns led to the development of scalable queue-based locks, such as a recent Compact NUMA-aware (CNA) lock, a variant of another popular queue-based MCS lock. CNA scales well under load and provides certain admission guarantees, but has more complicated lock handover operations than TS and incurs higher latencies at low contention. We propose Fissile locks, which capture the most desirable properties of both TS and CNA. A Fissile lock consists of two underlying locks: a TS lock, which serves as a fast path, and a CNA lock, which serves as a slow path. The key feature of Fissile locks is the ability of threads on the fast path to bypass threads enqueued on the slow path, and acquire the lock with less overhead than CNA. Bypass is bounded (by a tunable parameter) to avoid starvation and ensure long-term fairness. The result is a highly scalable NUMA-aware lock with progress guarantees that performs like TS at low contention and like CNA at high contention.
The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Racial Basis for Interstate Highways and Urban Renewal

This article analyzes how Interstate Highways were used in Montgomery, Alabama, to maintain racial hierarchies during the civil rights movement, how the routing of Interstate Highways through Montg...
Class and the cultural styles applicants present to gatekeepers

Countering cultural matching? Class and the cultural styles applicants present to gatekeepers Cultural matching theory holds that class reproduction occurs when individuals from different class origins present different cultural styles to gatekeepers, who in turn select advantaged individuals based upon their styles. This theory also suggests that class reproduction will be disrupted if individuals from different origins present gatekeepers with the same styles. We investigate whether this is possible by examining a case in which similarities are particularly likely to occur: a situation in which public instructions give applicants from each class common information about what styles gatekeepers reward, gatekeepers select among applicants from each class who share access to similar styles, and applicants are likely to use the same styles as they are given time to strategize and need only present each style superficially. Drawing upon a content analysis of over 1,000 randomly selected applications that were written under these conditions, we find that individuals from different class origins present several similar styles but that differences remain. We conclude that the simultaneous presence of these conditions is unlikely to block class reproduction by erasing cultural differences.
How To Increase Our Affordable Housing Stock Introduction-Our National Housing Policy

The United States is facing a severe housing shortage. A recent McKinsey study found that in California alone 50% of California households cannot afford market rate housing and virtually no low-income families can afford to pay market rates. From 2009 to 2014, California real estate prices increased by 15%, while median income increased by 5%. According to McKinsey, California ranks 49th for housing units per capita, with a current housing shortage of two million units and an estimated shortage of 3.5 million units by 2025. Los Angeles voters, facing a severe homelessness problem, approved a small tax increase, which may take people off the streets but is unlikely to create substantial numbers of new units.
Real-time optical flow sensing with SD-OCT: towards a modular motion-correction platform for microscopy

Scanning microscopy’s resolution of highly localized dynamics in awake animals is limited by bulk motion. We present a modular optical flow sensor based on spectral domain OCT which measures the specimen’s 3D displacement in real-time. A rose-function scan pattern rapidly acquires B-lines used to estimate displacements via an adaptive cross-correlation approach. Axial displacements are estimated from phase fluctuations apparent in the cross-correlation of the complex SD-OCT signal. The technique’s 3-dimensional readout rate and sensitivity to physiologically-relevant motion frequencies and magnitudes is evaluated.
The Regional-Dependent Biaxial Behavior of Aging Mouse Skin: A Detailed Histomechanical Characterization, Residual Strain Analysis, and Constitutive Model

Skin fulfills a number of vital functions, many of which are dependent on its mechanical properties. Therefore, as mice have become an invaluable model for skin research, determining murine skin's mechanical properties is important. Specifically, skin's mechanical properties are important for functional tests as well as for prognostic and diagnostic purposes. Additionally, computational simulations of skin behavior are becoming commonplace, rendering accurate models of murine skin's constitutive behavior necessary. To date, our knowledge of mouse skin mechanics shows significant gaps. For example, there are no comprehensive reports correlating skin's mechanical properties with region, age, and direction. Moreover, mouse skin's residual strain behavior has not been reported on. In our current work, we set out to fill these gaps. Based on histology, 2-photon microscopy, and planar biaxial testing, while accurately tracking various reference configurations, we report on differences in gross structure, microstructural organization, and constitutive response of skin, and cast those properties into a versatile Fung-type hyperelastic constitutive law for three reference configurations. Our data is the most comprehensive report on the mechanical properties of mouse skin and will, thus, be valuable to basic science, as control data, and provide accurate constitutive laws for mouse skin modeling.
Bacterial aggregation in optical traps

In this work, we study how to grow biofilms and control their growth with optical trapping techniques. In low nutrition media Bacillus subtilis (NCIB 3610) secretes extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), glue-like substance, and ultimately form a biofilm. To observe cells aggregation into clusters and the dynamics of controlled biofilm formation, we utilize an optical tweezers system built around a commercial inverted microscope. A highly focused near-infrared laser beam generated by our optical tweezers attracts cells toward the center of the laser beam, where they are trapped into clusters.
Spironolactone-Induced Lichenoid Drug Reaction and Subsequent Diffuse Eruptive Squamous Cell Carcinomas Successfully Treated With Systemic Methotrexate.

Antihypertensive agents such as spironolactone have been reported to cause lichenoid drug eruptions. Eruptive keratoacanthomas (KA), considered to be well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), may develop in the setting of such lichenoid reactions. Thus, definitive treatment is imperative. This case report describes a patient on spironolactone who developed a lichenoid drug eruption followed by eruptive KAs and SCC. The treatment approach used systemic methotrexate. While most treatment regimens for widespread eruptive KA/SCC employ intralesional methotrexate, this case demonstrated the utility of its systemic counterpart. This may have also facilitated the resolution of the patient's lichenoid eruption. There are only three other reports in the literature describing a spironolactone-induced lichenoid drug eruption. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the adverse cutaneous effects of spironolactone as well as the efficacy of systemic methotrexate in treating patients with a significant number of SCCs arising from lichenoid drug eruptions.
Utopias Unrealizable and Ambiguous: Plato, Leo Strauss, and The Dispossessed

The secondary literature on The Dispossessed mostly treats the novel as a conveyer of ideas, and Le Guin herself has frequently objected to this. I wish to situate The Dispossessed within a tradition of ambiguous literary utopias by linking The Dispossessed with Plato’s Republic. According to Leo Strauss, Plato isn’t writing a blueprint for a perfect society. Instead, he’s writing about the unrealizability of utopia. The anarcho-syndicalist state of Anarres contains an element of similar unrealizability. Borrowing from Peter Kropotkin, Le Guin retains a post-Hobbesian view of human nature as something related to enlightened self-interest, while also endorsing a Habermasian view of communicative rationality that, according to Strauss, Socrates in The Republic considers impossible.
The Value of Access to Finance: Evidence from M&A

This paper examines the role of firms’ access to bank finance in mergers and acquisitions. We find robust evidence that greater access to bank finance increases the probability that firms become targets in acquisitions. The acquirers associated with this result are small and private firms which benefit from obtaining greater access to finance via M&A. For acquisitions of targets with greater access to bank finance, we confirm that target return premiums are higher, acquirers have better post-merger operating and stock performance, and combined-firm leverage is higher. These results reveal that targets, not just acquirers, contribute to financing efficiencies in M&A.
Anomalous acute inflammatory response in rabbit corneal stroma.

RESULTS. Series I: Corneas with their epithelium scraped with a scalpel before mounting were 37.5 6 17.5 m m( n 5 6; P , 0.001) thicker in vitro than the stromas of perfused, intact fellow corneas. Epithelial debridement with a rotating brush after mounting resulted in an immediate (within 8 minutes) stromal swelling that plateaued in 1 hour at 31.0 6 5.3 m m( n 5 6; P , 0.001). Curiously, in six of six corneas, the anterior stroma swelled more than the posterior stroma. In four of six corneas, the posterior stroma thinned. Analysis showed this pattern to be consistent with a sudden increase in anterior swelling pressure or osmotic pressure and to be inconsistent with a change in endothelial transport properties. Series II: Placebo-treated corneas swelled 30.6 6 7.7 m m( n 5 5) 1 hour after debridement, whereas corneas pretreated with diclofenac sodium swelled only 19.2 6 3.1 m m( n 5 6; P , 0.008). CONCLUSIONS. The anterior stromal swelling occurs rapidly and near the site of epithelial injury suggesting messenger and/or enzymatic involvement with an effect parallel to apoptosis. Reduction of the swelling response with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) implicates the cyclo- oxygenase pathway. The swelling is similar to the unexplained acute edema that occurs during inflammation in the rat paw edema model, and may represent a general mechanism for mobilization of inflammatory cells. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2000;41:2523-2530)
Scalable resource allocation for multi-processor QoS optimization

We present scalable QoS optimization algorithms for allocating resources to tasks in a multi-processor environment. Given a set of tasks, each of which is capable of running at one of several different QoS levels, the algorithms can select a QoS operating point, the number of replicas for fault-tolerance and the processors on which to run the replicas so as to maximize overall system QoS. The algorithms are extensions of Q-RAM (QoS-based Resource Allocation Model) [5] and fix two deficiencies with the basic algorithm. The first is that the existing algorithm is weak in making resource trade-off decisions such as to which processor to map a task. The second was that it was not scalable to very large numbers of resources such as in a large multi-processor system. In this paper we present two new algorithms which significantly enhance the ability of Q-RAM to make resource tradeoff decisions. We also introduce a hierarchical decomposition scheme which enables QoS optimization to be performed on problems with thousands of resources and thousands of tasks.
Development of a High Resolution 3D Infant Stomach Model for Surgical Planning

Medical surgical procedures have not changed much during the past century due to the lack of accurate low-cost workbench for testing any new improvement. The increasingly cheaper and powerful computer technologies have made computer-based surgery planning and training feasible. In our work, we have developed an accurate 3D stomach model, which aims to improve the surgical procedure that treats the infant pediatric and neonatal gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). We generate the 3-D infant stomach model based on in vivo computer tomography (CT) scans of an infant. CT is a widely used clinical imaging modality that is cheap, but with low spatial resolution. To improve the model accuracy, we use the high resolution Visible Human Project (VHP) in model building. Next, we add soft muscle material properties to make the 3D model deformable. Then we use virtual reality techniques such as haptic devices to make the 3D stomach model deform upon touching force. This accurate 3D stomach model provides a workbench for testing new GERD treatment surgical procedures. It has the potential to reduce or eliminate the extensive cost associated with animal testing when improving any surgical procedure, and ultimately, to reduce the risk associated with infant GERD surgery.
Optimization of ON current in multilayer Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS 2 ) based tunnel field effect transistor

Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS 2 ) has emerged has the new 2D super-material for post-silicon and beyond-graphene technologies. We have recently proposed the concept of a new tunneling mechanism based field effect transistor (TFET) using multilayer MoS 2 as the tunneling channel. In this paper, we focus on ways to improve the ON-current of the proposed MoS 2 based TFET. We have demonstrated that multilayer MoS 2 TFET has the potential to succeed conventional MOSFETs and overcome the fundamental thermionic barrier of the existing and emerging FETs due to the absence of the short-channel effects and the possibility of obtaining very steep subthreshold slope in the proposed TFET. Silicon based TFETs have limited potential due to lower ON current. Compared to silicon TFET, the proposed MoS 2 TFET would provide significantly higher ON current. This paper includes the development of an analytical model to determine the tunneling probability along the dominant tunnel path in the TFET. In particular, we have analyzed the impact of the doping density, gate voltage, oxide thickness, dielectric constant, and the length of the channel material to optimize the tunneling current in the ON state.
Microwave spectrum of cyclopropane(1,1)dicarbonitrile

The microwave spectrum of cyclopropane(1,1)dicarbonitrile has been studied between 18 and 40 GHz by modulated microwave double resonance spectroscopy. The molecule is a b‐type asymmetric rotor with κ ? −0.20. Lines with J values up to 27 have been fit to a quartic Hamiltonian. Rotational constants obtained from this fit include A = 3779.65 MHz, B = 2549.21 MHz, C = 1726.75 MHz. The CC bond opposite the substituents has been estimated from the planar moment to be 1.485±0.01 A.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Homologies of Some So-Called “Hydrogenomonas” Species

Evidence based on deoxyribonucleic acid homology supports the abandonment of the genus Hydrogenomonas. Pseudomonas facilis (formerly Hydrogenomonas facilis) is closely related to the nonautotrophic species P. delafieldii. P. facilis and Alcaligenes eutrophus (often called H. eutropha) are not related to each other or to other hydrogen bacteria and pseudomonads studied.
Systemic leptin dose-dependently increases STAT3 phosphorylation within hypothalamic and hindbrain nuclei

Leptin released peripherally acts within the central nervous system (CNS) to modulate numerous physiological and behavioral functions. Histochemical identification of leptin-responsive CNS cells can reveal the specific cellular phenotypes and neural circuits through which leptin signaling modulates these functions. Leptin signaling elicits phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3), making pSTAT3-immunoreactivity (ir) a useful proxy for identifying leptin-responsive cells. Relatively low systemic doses of leptin (i.e., 10–130 μg/kg body wt) are sufficient to decrease food intake, inhibit gastric emptying, and increase sympathetic activity, but there are no histological reports of central pSTAT3-ir following leptin doses within this range. Considering this, we quantified central pSTAT3-ir in rats after intraperitoneal injections of leptin at doses ranging from 50 to 800 μg/kg body wt. Tissue sections were processed to identify pSTAT3-ir alone or in combination with immunolabeling for cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), or dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH). Leptin doses as low as 50, 100, and 200 μg/kg body wt significantly increased the number of pSTAT3-ir cells in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC), nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, respectively, and also led to robust pSTAT3 labeling in neural processes. The differential dose-dependent increases in pSTAT3-ir across brain regions provide new information regarding central leptin sensitivity. Within the ARC, CART-ir and pSTAT3-ir were often colocalized, consistent with evidence of leptin sensitivity in this neural population. Conversely, within the NTS, pSTAT3 only rarely colocalized with PrRP and/or DβH, and never with GLP-1.
Reaction of soybean to single and double inoculation with different Soybean mosaic virus strains

Abstract Two soybean genotypes [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were inoculated either singly with eight Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) strains, or doubly with combinations of two strains, to examine the interactions between strains and determine if complementation, interference, or synergism is evident. Inoculated plants were monitored for symptom development and assayed for strain identity. Virus replication and movement were also monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and by a leaf imprint immunoassay. Plants with resistance genes inoculated with two avirulent SMV strains remained healthy and virus was not detected by immunoassays, indicating no apparent complementation between avirulent strains to break resistance. Virulent necrosis-inducing or mosaic-inducing strains, in the presence of an avirulent strain, induced necrosis or mosaic symptoms, respectively, and only the virulent strains were recoverable from the mix-inoculated plants. A necrotic strain inoculated together with a mosaic strain resulted in mosaic symptoms and only the mosaic strain was recovered. Inoculation with two mosaic strains gave rise to mosaic symptoms and only the more virulent mosaic strain was recovered. Thus, following mixed inoculation, the interaction appears to be that of interference. Mosaic strains predominate over necrotic strains, and both predominate over avirulent strains. There is no evident complementation among avirulent strains or phenotypic synergism between two mosaic strains.
Writing concepTests for a multivariable calculus class

In a multivariable calculus course, students must master a large number of concepts in order to successfully learn the material. This paper will discuss one way of addressing this difficulty through the use of ConcepTests, that is, multiple choice questions given in the lecture that test understanding as opposed to calculation. In particular, we will look at various types of ConcepTests and the material they can cover.
THE MEMBRANE ATTACK MECHANISM OF COMPLEMENT REVERSIBLE INTERACTIONS AMONG THE FIVE NATIVE COMPONENTS IN FREE SOLUTION

Reversible interactions in free solution were demonstrated to occur (a) between C5 and C8, (b) between C5, 6, 7 and C8, and (c) between C8 and C9. No interaction was observed between C8 and C6 or C7 and between C9 and C5, 6, 7. Interactions between C8 and C9 were enhanced at lowered ionic strength (0.05) and a molar excess of C8 over C9. Complex formation was independent of pH over the range of 6.5–8.5. Under optimal conditions the C8, 9 complex had a sedimentation coefficient of 10.2–10.6S, while native C8 and C9 sedimented at 8.5 and 4.8S, respectively. Specificity and reversibility of these interactions were established. In spite of the limited number of interactions observed, all five of the native proteins of the membrane attack mechanism interacted to form an association product that sedimented at 10.8–11.2S. Demonstration of this product in free solution supports the concept that C5-9 on acquisition of cytolytic activity assemble into a stable multimolecular complex.
Urethral dilation as treatment for neurogenic bladder.

Purpose: We documented the change in bladder physiology and clinical outcomes after urethral dilation for managing neurogenic bladder.Materials and Methods: Female patients with neurogenic bladder were identified who underwent urethral dilation due to failure to empty at low pressure or upper tract changes. Urethral dilation was performed using curved sounds to 36Fr (range 18Fr to 36Fr). Clinical charts were reviewed to document urodynamics, infection rates, symptomatology, vesicoureteral reflux and upper tract dilatation before and after dilation.Results: A total of 19 children underwent urethral dilation a mean of 2 times. Mean age at first dilation was 19.3 months. Mean followup was 34.9 months. The indication for dilation was high detrusor leak point pressure in 16 children. The remaining children had recurrent infections (1), poor compliance (1) and bladder spasms (1). Clinical manifestations of increased detrusor leak point pressure in 16 children were vesicoureteral reflux in 11, upper tract dilata...
Death in historical perspective

1966 The Lawyers. New York: Harper & Schroeder, Elinor P. and Row. Sidney A. Shapiro McGarity, Thomas 1984 "Responses to occupational disease: 1984 "The new OSHA rules and the The role of markets, regulation, and worker's right to know." The Hasinformation." Georgetown Law tings Center Report No. 38. Journal 72:1231. Nelkin, D. and M. Brown Spangler, Eve 1984 Workers at Risk: Voices From the 1986 Lawyers for Hire: Salaried ProfesWorkplace. Chicago: University of sionals at Work. New Haven, CT: Chicago Press. Yale University Press. Occupational Safety and Health Viscusi, W. K. Administration 1983 Risk by Choice: Regulating Health 1983 Hazard Communication, Final Rule. and Safety in the Workplace. CamFed. Reg. 53280. bridge, MA: Harvard University Press.