cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
General Synthesis of Quarter-Wave Impedance Transformers

This paper presents the general synthesis of a radio frequency impedance transformer of n quarter-wave steps, given an "insertion loss function" of permissible form. This procedure parallels that of Darlington for lumped constant filters by providing the connection between Collin's canonical form for the insertion loss function and Richards' demonstration that a reactance function may always be realized as a cascade of equal length impedance transformers terminated in either a short or open circuit. In particular, it is shown that insertion loss functions of the form selected by Collin are always realizable with positive characteristic impedances, and that the synthesis procedure, for maximally flat and Tchebycheff performance, involves the solution, at most, of quadratic equations. In addition, this procedure permits the proof of Collin's conjecture that, for his insertion loss function, the resulting reflection coefficients are symmetrical. Finally, closed expressions are given for the coefficients of the input impedance of a given n section transformer in terms of the n characteristic impedances and vice versa.
Intracellular electroporation site distributions: Modeling examples for nsPEF and IRE pulse waveforms

We illustrate expected electroporation (EP) responses to two classes of large electric field pulses by employing systems models, one of a cell in vitro and the other of multiple cells in vivo. The first pulse class involves “nsPEF” (nanosecond pulsed electric fields). The durations are less than a microsecond, but the magnitudes are extremely large, often 10 kV/cm or more, and all of the pores remain small. The second class involves “IRE” (irreversible electroporation). Durations are many microseconds to several milliseconds, but with magnitudes smaller than 10 kV/cm, and a wide range of pore sizes evolves. A key feature of both pulse classes is non-thermal cell killing by multiple pulses without delivering external drugs or genes. For small pulses the models respond passively (no pore creation) providing negative controls. For larger pulses transient aqueous pore populations evolve. These greatly increase local membrane conductance temporarily, causing rapid redistribution of fields near and within cells. This complex electrical behavior is generally not revealed by experiments reporting biological end points resulting from cumulative ionic and molecular transport through cell membranes. The underlying, heterogeneous pore population distributions are also not obtained from typical experiments. Further, traditional EP applications involving molecular delivery are usually assumed to create pores solely in the outer, plasma membrane (PM). In contrast, our examples support the occurrence of intracellular EP by both nsPEF and IRE, but with different intracellular spatial distributions of EP sites.
Virtual Customer Environments: IT-Enabled Customer Co-innovation and Value Co-creation

In recent years, the establishment of IT-enabled customer co-innovation and value co-creation platforms or virtual customer environments (VCEs) has radically changed the nature and extent of customer involvement in product innovation and product support activities. VCEs offer facilities ranging from online customer discussion forums to virtual product design and prototyping centers and enhance the richness of customers’ interactions with one another and with the company. This chapter provides an introduction to the different research themes and issues that arise from the emergence of VCEs. Specifically, four broad set of research issues are discussed. First, what are the different customer co-innovation and value co-creation roles that are enabled by IT? Second, what are the factors that motivate customer participation in innovation and value creation in VCEs? Third, what are the critical dimensions of customers’ experience in VCEs? And, fourth, what are the different types of impact of customer participation in VCEs? Together, these four broad themes offer a rich and promising set of issues for future research in the area of IT-enabled customer co-innovation and value co-creation.
Plant-mediated biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles by leaf extracts of Tragia involucrata, Cymbopogon citronella, Solanum verbascifolium and Tylophora ovata

Abstract Evolution of an ecological and biogenic experimental process for synthesis of nanoparticles is evolving into a significant offshoot of nanotechnology. As an important metal, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a number of applications in medical domain. Since these silver nanoparticles have been used for infection prevention in the medical study, it may be more relevant to reduce their size by using ancient Indian herbal plants. A green rapid biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Tragia involucrata, Cymbopogon citronella, Solanum verbascifolium and Tylophora ovata aqueous extracts was demonstrated in this present study. The pathway of nanoparticles formation is by means of reduction of AgNO3 by leaf extracts, which acts as both reducing and capping agents. The formation of the silver nanoparticles was observed within 15 min. The properties of prepared nanoparticles were characterized by visual examination (color change), UV absorption, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). An intense surface plasmon resonance band at ∼454 nm, ∼452 nm, ∼458 nm and ∼447 nm in the UV–visible spectrum clearly reveals the formation of silver nanoparticles. FTIR spectrum confirms the existence of various functional groups of biomolecules capping the nanoparticles. XRD studies reveal a high degree of crystallinity and monophasic Ag nanoparticles of face-centered cubic structure. The morphology of the particles formed consists of varied shapes such as rod, flower-like, spherical and hexagonal pattern. The biosynthesis of nanoparticles has received increasing attention due to the growing demand to produce secure, cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies for nanomaterials synthesis.
Preparation of coenocytes for freeze-etching.

Successful freeze-etching of a coenocyte has been accomplished with giutaral-dehyde stabilization followed by infiltration with cryoprotectant. Hyphae of the coenocytic water mold Achlya were stabilized with 5% glutaraldehyde in phosphate buffer. Gradual infiltration by dropwise addition of the cryoprotectant (25% glycerol, 10% ethylene glycol, distilled water, v/v) is accomplished over a period of 8-10 hr on a shaker. Subsequent freeze-etching is carried out by standard procedures.
Avascular necrosis of the skin after operations on the foot.

The cutancous vascular supply of twenty-one feet of extremities amputated for malignant tumors was studied in relation to necrosis of the skin occurring after triple arthrodesis, heel-cord lengthening, translocation of the peroneus longus tendon, and stripping of plantar fascia. Additional factors responsible for delayed healing of wounds are discussed.
Multi-body launch vehicle flowfield simulation

D e t a i l e d 3-D v i scous supe rson i c f l o w f i e l d s i m u l a t i o n s a r e c a r r i e d o u t f o r a g e n e r i c bu lbous f a i r i n g s i n g l e body and a complex mu l t i body system, c o n s i s t i n g o f a c o r e body and a s t rap -on s o l i d r o c k e t motor (SRM) l aunch v e h i c l e c o n f i g u r a t i o n . The two c o r e bod ies a r e v e r y s i m i l a r . An e f f i c i e n t and a c c u r a t e i m p l i c i t l i n e r e l a x a t i o n TVD Nav ier -Stokes code i s used t o o b t a i n t h e s o l u t i o n w i t h f i n e g r i d s t r u c t u r e f o r c a p t u r i n g t h e v i scous s e p a r a t i o n and rea t tachmen t phenomena. Computed p ressu re d i s t r i b u t i o n s a r e i n v e r y good agreement w i t h a v a i l a b l e measurements. Us ing t h e f l o w f i e l d o v e r t h e s i n g l e body conf i g u r a t i o n as a b a s e l i n e , t h e d r a s t i c e f f e c t s of t h e SRM on t h e f l o w f i e l d o v e r t h e co re body can be c l e a r l y i d e n t i f i e d . Three o f t hese e f f e c t s a r e presented i n t h i s pape r : ( 1 ) t h e sur face p r e s s u r e d i s t r i b u t i o n , ( 2 ) t h e r e c i r c u l a t i o n bubb les , and (3) t h e v o r t e x r o l l up.
Individuals with Differences in Sex Development: Consult to Colombia Constitutional Court Regarding Sex and Gender

A dichotomous construction of sex and gender has pervaded modern societies, but this construction has never squared with the reality that humans exist along a sexual spectrum that ranges between male and female characteristics. In the modern era, society has depended on the biological sciences to facilitate the sorting of individuals into male and female classifications. A dubious assumption underlies the male-female dichotomy that an ambiguous sex presentation represents an error of nature to be set right by moving the individual to one end of sexual spectrum or the other. Another alternative might be to accept those with DSD as having their own identity, and to understand their condition as a variant or difference in human sexuality, not a disorder. This alternative approach recognizes that medical science has a helping, but not defining, role to play in establishing the legal status of sexual minorities. With greater acceptance that sex and gender exists along a spectrum comes recognition that the intersex hold equal space along that sexual spectrum. By accepting intersex and transgender as manifesting variation not disorder, it follows that a right to self-identity and autonomy must be infused into any governmental system that seeks to impose sex classifications onto individuals and that no registration of an infant by sex should be compelled at birth. Most individuals will probably have a strong leaning toward male or female; but leaving that choice to the individual is an important human freedom.
Ectoparasites of White-Tailed Deer (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Southeastern Georgia, USA

Abstract Ectoparasites were collected from 232 freshly culled white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann), from October through January during 2000–2001, 2001–2002, and 2013–2014 in an 11-county region in southeastern Georgia, USA. Seven species of arthropods were collected: the ticks Amblyomma americanum (L.), Dermacentor albipictus (Packard), and Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae); the scab mite Psoroptes equi (Hering) (Acari: Psoroptidae); the chewing louse Tricholipeurus lipeuroides (Megnin) (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae); the sucking louse Solenopotes binipilosus (Fahrenholz) (Phthiraptera: Linognathidae); and the ked Lipoptena mazamae Rondani (Diptera: Hippoboscidae). Prevalence (percentage of deer infested) was significantly higher during the 2013–2014 season for D. albipictus, I. scapularis, and P. equi, and significantly higher during the 2000–2001 season for T. lipeuroides. Prevalence and mean intensity (mean per infested deer) for D. albipictus were both significantly higher on...
Copper exposure perturbs brain inflammatory responses and impairs clearance of amyloid-beta

Copper promotes a toxic buildup of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangle pathology in the brain, and its exposure may increase the risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, underlying molecular mechanisms by which copper triggers such pathological changes remain largely unknown. We hypothesized that the copper exposure perturbs brain inflammatory responses, leading to impairment of Aβ clearance from the brain parenchyma. Here, we investigated whether copper attenuated Aβ clearance by microglial phagocytosis or by low-density lipoprotein-related receptor protein-1 (LRP1) dependent transcytosis in both in vitro and in vivo When murine monocyte BV2 cells were exposed to copper, their phagocytic activation induced by fibrillar Aβ or LPS was significantly reduced, while the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, were increased. Interestingly, not only copper itself but also IL-1β, IL-6, or TNF-α were capable of markedly reducing the expression of LRP1 in human microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) in a concentration-dependent manner. While copper-mediated downregulation of LRP1 was proteasome-dependent, the cytokine-induced loss of LRP1 was proteasome- or lysosome-independent. In the mouse model, copper exposure also significantly elevated neuroinflammation and downregulated LRP1 in the brain, consistent with our in vitro results. Taken together, our findings support the pathological impact of copper on inflammatory responses and Aβ clearance in the brain, which could serve as key mechanisms to explain, in part, the copper exposure as an environmental risk factor for AD.
A Rational Approach to GI Bleeding Emergencies

A plan for treatment of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage is spelled out in terms of the way the problem presents and evolves for the physician. In this approach, efforts to locate the source and underlying cause of bleeding are undertaken only after shock has been treated and normal blood volume restored. A definitive therapeutic regimen is then developed according to the particular needs of the individual patient.
Pseudorecurrence following female laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in children

Laparascopic repair of inguinal hernias in female children can be achieved using the inversion and ligation technique in which the hernia sac is inverted into the peritoneal cavity and ligated using endoloops. This technique has been shown to reduce operative time and post-operative complications such as missed contralateral hernia, wound infection and hernia recurrence. We describe a case of a 3-month old female who underwent laparoscopic repair of bilateral inguinal hernias, and presented one year post-operatively with bilateral groin bulges. On re-operation the bulges were determined not to be true hernia recurrences, but rather pseudorecurrences of accumulated fluid distal to the ligation point after incomplete inversion. They were successfully repaired in an open fashion, without subsequent development of groin bulges.
The role for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in knees with degenerative changes: a systematic review.

AimsPatients with osteoarthritis of the knee commonly have degenerative meniscal tears. Arthroscopic meniscectomy is frequently performed, although the benefits are debatable. Recent studies have concluded that there is no role for arthroscopic washout in osteoarthritis of the knee. Our aim was to perform a systematic review to assess the evidence for the efficacy of arthroscopic meniscectomy in patients with meniscal tears and degenerative changes in the knee.Patients and MethodsA literature search was performed, using the PubMed/MEDLINE database, for relevant articles published between 1975 and 2015. A total of six studies, including five randomised controlled trials and one cross-sectional study of a prospective cohort, met the inclusion criteria. Relevant information including study design, operations, the characteristics of the patients, outcomes, adverse events and further operations were extracted.ResultsThe degree of osteoarthritis in the patients who were included and the rate of cross over from ...
Some Recent Investigations of Gap Filling in Normal Listeners: Implications for Normal and Disordered Language Processing

Publisher Summary This chapter explores two online studies investigating the time course of comprehending structures involving chains; those that require a listener to connect two non adjacent positions that co-refer. In the first study verb phrase (VP) ellipsis structures that contain verbs whose lexical properties severely restrict interpretation are examined. It is found that listeners initially ignore such lexical properties and defer to the syntax. In the second study, Wh-questions that are discourse-linked are explained. It is found that the time-course of interpretation is influenced by these discourse linked properties. Both studies are interpreted with reference to current accounts of normal and disordered language processing. The independence of structural processing from lexical influences fits quite nicely with some previous work examining on-line sentence comprehension in Broca's and Wernicke's aphasic individuals. The lexical properties of the verb only allow the sloppy interpretation. An anaphor must be locally bound. Anaphoric elements can also enter into elided constructions.
Transplantation in the Elderly: The Affect of Age on Clinical Course and Outcomes.

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is often the treatment of choice for a number of hematologic malignancies at the time of relapse. Historically, older patients have been excluded from receiving HSCT due to concerns about the potential for increased toxicity and treatment related mortality (TRM). We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing autologous HSCT over a six year time period at our institution evaluating age as a prognostic factor. Adult patients (18 years and over) who received a HSCT between the years 2000 and 2006 were evaluated. The patients were divided into two cohorts based on age, the “senior” cohort (≥62 years) and the “younger” cohort (≤61 years). Individual patient chart reviews yielded pertinent information. Of the 181 patients who received a transplant during this time period, 131 patients (median age of 50 years: range 19–61) comprised the “younger” cohort and 50 patients (median age of 66 years: range 62–73) were included within the “senior” cohort. There was no statistical difference between these two groups when the following were evaluated: time to engraftment (p values of 0.13 for neutrophils and 0.2 for platelets), length of hospital stay (p = 0.5), incidence of infection (p = 1), transfer to the ICU (p = 0.08) or TRM (p = 0.3). This analysis is the largest study of its size evaluating outcome of autologous HSCT based on age using current transplant protocols, including primarily peripheral stem cell transplants. It is also the first study to specifically address incidence of infection in older patients, which has been suggested by other studies to increase TRM in elderly patients. Our data indicate that toxicity of autologous HSCT is similar in older patients when compared to younger patients and that this treatment should be offered to elderly patients with hematologic malignancies who may benefit from autologous stem cell transplantation.
Changing Challenges for Collaborative Algorithmics

Technological advances and economic considerations have led to a wide variety of modalities of collaborative computing: the use of multiple computing agents to solve individual computational problems. Each new modality creates new challenges for the algorithm designer. Older “parallel” algorithmic devices no longer work on the newer computing platforms (at least in their original forms) and/or do not address critical problems engendered by the new platforms’ characteristics. In this chapter, the field of collaborative algorithmics is divided into four epochs, representing (one view of) the major evolutionary eras of collaborative computing platforms. The changing challenges encountered in devising algorithms for each epoch are discussed, and some notable sophisticated responses to the challenges are described.
Fast Python: NumPy and Cython

Python can combine simplicity with speed in a unique way, but much care has to be paid in avoiding bottlenecks, particularly avoiding unnecessary loops and heavily using its vectorized functions. In this chapter I make a detailed overview of the types of Python, how to speedup calculations with array, how to efficiently select subsets of large arrays. By illustrating strides, I explain how Numerical Python can achieve its performance and how to benchmark them. Finally, I illustrate how to add vector and linear algebra calculations to an applied modeling software and eventually use Cython, the C extension to Python, to add special functions that cannot be performed using the vectorized NumPy library.
SPATIO TEMPORAL CHANGE OF SELECTED GLACIERS ALONG KARAKORAM HIGHWAY FROM 1994–2017 USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES

Abstract. With the acceleration of global warming glaciers are receding rapidly. Monitoring of glaciers are important because they caused outburst of floods the past. This research delivers a systematic approach for the assessment of glaciers i.e. Batura, Passu, Ghulkin and Gulmit cover along the Karakoram Highway. Main reason to select these glaciers was their closeness to Karakoram Highway which plays an important role in China-Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC). This study incorporates the techniques of Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing (GIS & RS). For this study, Landsat 4,5,7,8 images were taken for the years of 1994, 2002, 2009, 2013 and 2017. Using the said images supervised classification was done in ArcMap 10.3 version to identify the changes in glaciers. The area was categorized into six major classes’ i.e. Fresh snow, Glaciers, Debris, Vegetation, Water bodies and Open land. Classified results showed a decrease in the area of Glaciers, almost 3.5% from 1994 to 2017. GLIMS data about boundary of glaciers of 1999 and 2007 was compared with the classified results which show decrease in terminus of glaciers. Batura glacier has been receded almost 0.6 km from 1999 to 2017, whereas Passu glaciers receded 0.3 km, whereas Gulmit and Ghulkin glaciers are more stable than Passu and Batura with the difference of −0.05 and +0.57 km respectively. At the end results from classified maps were compared with the climatic data. Wherein temperature is rapidly increasing resulting in melting of glaciers and can cause shrinkage of fresh water as well as destruction to Karakoram highway in case of outburst floods.
The thymus as an endocrine gland: properties of thymosin, a new thymus hormone.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses recently assembled evidence that unequivocally establishes a role of major significance for the thymus in both the development and the maturation of the lymphoid system. It presents evidence in support of the thesis that this influence of thymus on the lymphoid system is endocrine in nature and that the thymus gland should be added to the established list of endocrine organs. The chapter focuses primarily on modern concepts of the thymus as an endocrine gland, including effects of extirpation of the thymus, and studies of replacement therapy, the chemistry of thymic fractions, and the biological effects of thymic fractions, both in normal and thymectomized animals. The initial assessment of lymphocytopoietic activity has been based upon an assay developed utilizing adult CBA/W mice. The mechanism by which thymus exerts its endocrine role and the number of hormones secreted by the thymus are in early stages of exploration.
Calmodulin — A Receptor for Calcium Modulating Hormone Responsivity

In order to survive in a dynamic environment all living cells must be able to identify and respond to variation in specific extracellular signals. The action of peptide hormones on mammalian cells is a specific case in point. Target cells recognize the hormone through specific receptors on the outer surface of their plasma membrane. The binding of hormone to receptor initiates a series of rapid events which eventually translates this external signal into a specific cellular response mediated by a selective alteration of the intracellular metabolism. The mechanism by which the extracellular event is transduced to an intracellular event is still not totally understood. The effect of adrenergic agents on cAMP metabolism led Sutherland to propose that cAMP was the second messenger responsible for this transduction through the activation of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase. While this mechanism explains many hormonal events, it does not explain the studies of Hutson et al. (1976) and Cherrington et al. (1976), who demonstrated that cAMP metabolism or activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase was not involved in the α-adrenergic activation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in rat liver.
"Una torpe estatuilla de barro": figuración de Alejandra Pizarnik

El articulo propone pensar la performance Pizamik como una construccion tan calculada y pulida como cualquiera de los textos de la escritora argentina. Basandose en experiencias compartidas asi como en material inedito, la autora explora como Alejandra Pizarnik, con su cuerpo y su letra, articula una figura que apela y, mas aun, demanda la mirada del otro, ya que sin el otro no habria figura, es decir, no habria "yo". Asimismo, el articulo plantea que el humor excesivo e incluso disonante de Pizarnik constituye una suerte de laboratorio alternativo donde, desde un comienzo, se experimenta con una carga desestabilizadora y transgresora por su caracter desquiciado y hasta vulgar, la cual forma parte fundamental tanto de su obra como de su figuracion de escritora.
Unmet Need for Care Coordination Among Children with Special Health Care Needs.

Abstract Socioeconomic disparities in access to care coordination have been noted among children with special health care needs (CSHCN). Following recent policy developments and technological innov...
Treatment component #5: Problem-solving

Abstract Facilitation of parent–child negotiation is described, including clear identification of the problem, brainstorming of alternative solutions, making a choice, and considering the consequences of that choice. Clear communication skills are linked to social learning theory. Proper etiquette tips are provided. The importance of consideration of alternative solutions, such as compromise, and the management of unreasonable beliefs, such as expecting perfection and believing rules will ruin one’s life, is stressed. Finally, families are encouraged to monitor outcome and make changes as needed. Text resources are provided.
Examples of Subsolutions and Their Application

In this chapter we present examples to illustrate the importance sampling and splitting techniques developed in Chaps. 14, 15, and 16. There are many different types of problems one might consider, and the interested reader can find additional examples in the references [76, 77, 101, 103, 105, 110, 112, 113, 116, 117]. As mentioned in Chaps. 14 and 16, an important distinction is that in the case of importance sampling, we use a smooth classical-sense subsolution, while in the case of splitting, we use a continuous but not necessarily smooth weak-sense solution. For many of the examples presented, the construction of subsolutions can be carried out in arbitrary dimension.
Diagnostic Performance of Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography in Liver Transplant Recipients.

Background & Aims Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) is a non-invasive tool for detecting hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients who have not received liver transplants. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of VCTE in detection of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients who have undergone liver transplantation. Methods We performed a prospective study of 99 liver transplant recipients assessed by VCTE using a standard protocol. Controlled attenuation parameter cutoff values for pairwise steatosis grade and liver stiffness measurements (LSM) and cutoff values for pairwise fibrosis stage were determined using cross-validated area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve analyses. We calculated sensitivity (fixed at 90%) and specificity (fixed at 90%) values. Results A controlled attenuation parameter cutoff value of 270 dB/m detected any hepatic steatosis with an AUROC of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.78–0.93). VCTE detected steatosis grades 2–3 vs 0–1 with an AUROC of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89–0.99) and steatosis grade 3 vs 0–2 was similar and AUROC of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83–0.96). When we used an LSM cutoff value of 10.5 kPa, VCTE identified patients with advanced fibrosis (fibrosis stages ≥ 3) with an AUROC of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.88–0.99). At fixed sensitivity, the cutoff LSM value of 10.5k Pa excluded advanced fibrosis with a negative predictive value of 0.99. At fixed specificity, the cutoff LSM value of 16.9 kPa detected advanced fibrosis with a sensitivity of 0.86, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.40, and a negative predictive value of 0.99. Conclusions VCTE accurately detects hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in recipients of liver transplants. This non-invasive method might be used to identify patients in need of confirmatory liver biopsy analysis.
From the Mountains and Glaciers Down to the Rivers to the Estuaries and Oceans: Another Sad Tale of 18 or so Rivers

Watersheds of the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region (HKH) feed by now easily over 2 billion people. They contribute greatly to the world’s GDP and affect world peace. As judged by 18 selected major rivers in the HKH region [Mekong, Ganges, Irrawaddy river (Ayeyarwady), Yellow River, Heilongyang/Amur, Yangtze river, Indus, Onon river, Tarim river, Gandaki river, Koshi river, Yarlung-Tsangpo river, Yamuna river (Jumna), Padma river, Brahmaputra river, Jhelum river, Illi river and Amu Darya river (Amo or Oxus)], the current situation of those watersheds is in a generic change and decay. There is virtually no good future outlook for those wild rivers while globalization and its development remains ongoing, widely unabated, and with climate change on the rise.
Numerical simulation of fault characteristics for refrigeration systems with liquid line receivers

Abstract Refrigeration systems can experience operating faults that negatively impact their performance, such as reducing their ability to maintain the temperature setpoint, increasing energy consumption, or reducing the life of the equipment. To better understand the impacts on the physical operating characteristics of a system, a numerical model can be used. However, fully physics-based models require significant computational effort and detailed system information that is typically unavailable; whereas data-driven models require a prohibitively large amount of test data. In this paper a gray-box model is described, using a semi-empirical approach from the literature. It combines into a complete cycle the models for each component: compressor, heat exchangers, pipelines, expansion valve, and liquid line receiver. A set of 35 test data from laboratory experiments on a commercial walk-in freezer was used for training and validating the model. The liquid line receiver was found to provide particular challenges for charge estimation, but the overall model performs quite well and is able to predict the effects of faults on most operating variables with reasonable accuracy.
Focus on Systems to Improve Morbidity and Mortality Conference Relevance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Morbidity and mortality conference (MMC) is educationally important. However, resident physicians rate it less positively than faculty, citing focus on assigning blame rather than targeting change. Additionally, many MMC presentations are selected for clinical novelty instead of avoidable outcome. Despite significant time and resources routinely committed to MMC, its educational and clinical impact is generally limited. This warrants shifting focus toward quality improvement and systems-based care. METHODS From July to December 2017, within a large, public academic center and medical school, the family medicine MMC became a quality conference (QC) focusing on thematically-linked, system-based errors. After case presentations, the audience split into small groups for targeted discussion then reconvened to identify specific interventions. We collected attitudinal data from faculty and resident physicians in attendance using real-time audience text polling, targeting case relevance and change impact. RESULTS Compared to MMC, QC case relevance improved by 0.39 (P<.01) on a 5-point scale. Compared to MMC, QC cumulatively approached but did not meet statistical significance regarding changing clinical practice. Qualitative statements commented on increased multilevel engagement, dedicated follow up, and decreased didactic presentations. CONCLUSIONS QC demonstrated statistically significant increased relevance compared to MMC, reflecting the benefit of systems-based, thematically-linked cases.
Can Financial Literacy Education Reduce the Use of Medicaid and SNAP

In recent decades, we have seen an increase in both the complexity of financial markets and the expectation of individual responsibility with financial decision-making. Policies supporting financial literacy education are promoted as one method toward decreasing reliance on social safety nets. The assumption being that low levels of financial literacy translate to lower economic outcomes and thus an increased probability of dependence on social programs. We use the 2018 National Financial Capabilities Study to examine the relationship between high school mandated financial literacy education and social program participation and find no evidence of a relationship.
Frequency Response of Transmission Lines with Unevenly Distributed Properties with Application to Railway Safety Monitoring.

This paper proposes a method to quickly and efficiently compute the voltage and current along a transmission line which can be "damaged"; that is its electrical properties can be unevenly distributed. The method approximates a transmission line by a self-similar circuit network and leverages our previous work regarding the frequency response for that class of networks. The main motivation arises from the research for railway track circuit systems where transmission line models are often employed. However, in contrast to real transmission lines, railway track circuits are more likely to be damaged due to its scale and environmental uncertainties; furthermore, changes in circuit properties due to a train occupying a segment of the track also is of great interest as a means to ensure safety. As a result, an accurate and quick simulation of damaged track circuits is necessary and can contribute to the corresponding health monitoring research area in the future.
Proofs and additional experiments on Second order techniques for learning time-series with structural breaks.

We provide complete proofs of the lemmas about the properties of the regularized loss function that is used in the second order techniques for learning time-series with structural breaks in Osogami (2021). In addition, we show experimental results that support the validity of the techniques.
Improving student and faculty communication: the impact of texting and electronic feedback on building relationships and the perception of care

Students perceive care as a quality of highly effective faculty, and building positive relationships is essential to a successful college experience. However, many college students report never having developed caring relationships with faculty. We propose faculty have an opportunity to use technology to help build caring relationships in an effort to improve overall academic success. The majority of research on student–faculty interaction has primarily focused on determining what kinds of interactions students have with faculty. The aim of this study was to explore students’ perceptions of care and the role safe texting and electronic feedback played in building student–faculty relationships. A mixed-methods approach was used with college student participants (n = 307) to answer the following research questions: (1) What actions by faculty constitute “caring”? (2) What role does technology play in students feeling “cared for”? The findings indicate that safe texting platforms and electronic feedback had a positive impact by increasing accessibility and direct contact.
Coating internal surface of porous electrode for decreasing the ohmic resistance and shifting oxygen reduction reaction pathways in solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract For mixed conductor La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-x (LSCF) in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), cation surface segregation such as volatile Sr and consequently losing conductivity and active sites for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are problematic. To mitigate the cation segregation, a practical approach is to apply a conformal surface coating. Nevertheless, the coating layer would inevitably alter the ORR pathways that initially take place on the backbone surface. In this study, the unary electrocatalyst of Pt or CoOx was applied to the LSCF/Sm-doped CeO2 (SDC) composite electrode of inherently functional SOFCs. Both ALD coating layers evolve strong interaction with the composite cathode. Upon operations, the Pt coating layer remains conformal on LSCF grain surfaces but turns into discrete particles on SDC. For the CoOx coating, the conformal layer grows to be the discrete nano-grains on both the LSCF and SDC grains. ALD coating of the cathode alone reduces the cell ohmic resistance. The ALD-induced conductivity change is ascribed to different mechanisms. This study presents a novel and feasible approach to apply a conformal, dense coating layer on the surface of a mixed conductor, simultaneously increasing the conductivity and durability of the SOFC cathode.
ESCRTs got your Bac

ESCRT-III proteins, which form filaments that deform, bud, and sever membranes, are found in eukaryotes and some archaea. Three studies in this issue of Cell reveal that PspA and Vipp1 are bacterial and cyanobacterial members of the ESCRT-III superfamily, indicating it is even more ubiquitous and ancient than previously thought.
"Don't Be a Knucklehead": Moralizing Disability in New Jersey's Pandemic Response and Rhetoric

Policy failures impacted, sickened, and killed disabled New Jerseyans from the beginning of New Jersey's reign as an epicenter in the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a qualitative content analysis of Governor Phil Murphy's coronavirus press briefings, I argue that New Jersey's public health messaging relies on ableist and eugenicist conceptions of intelligence through both an insistence on individual "smartness" to combat the pandemic and a shaming of individual actions which are rhetorically connected to "stupidity." The official state government messages reflect a moralizing, individualizing focus on behavior and shaming of "unintelligent" actions, which shifts attention from leadership and statewide policies to personal responsibility for safety during a public health crisis. In this way, the State of New Jersey abdicates responsibility for illness and death, no matter the personal cost to marginalized populations.
Injectable Acylhydrazone-Linked RAFT Polymer Hydrogels for Sustained Protein Release and Cell Encapsulation

A new class of temperature responsive polymer, termed PADO, is synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization. Synthesized from copolymerization of diacetone acrylamide (DAAM), di(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether acrylate, and oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate, PADO polymer phase separates at temperature above its lower critical solution temperature (36-42 °C) due to enhanced hydrophobic interactions between the short ethylene glycol side chains. Solution of PADO polymers exhibit injectable shear-thinning properties and reach sol-gel transition rapidly (<5 min) at 37 °C. When the ketone moieties on DAAM are linked by adipic acid dihydrazdie, PADO polymers form crosslinked and injectable acylhydrazone hydrogels, which are hydrolytically degradable at a mild acidic environment owing to the pH sensitive acylhydrazone bonds. The pH-responsive degradation kinetics can be controlled by tuning polymer contents and ketone/hydrazide ratio. Importantly, the injectable PADO hydrogels are highly cytocompatible and can be easily formulated for pH-responsive sustained protein delivery.
Evaluation of transition curvature in perpendicular magnetic recording

In this paper, we report a detailed experimental study on the effect of the transition curvature on the read-back signal and magnetic recording performance.
Effect of matrix metalloproteinases activity on outflow in perfused human organ culture.

PURPOSE To test the hypothesis that extracellular matrix turnover, mediated by the matrix metalloproteinases, modulates aqueous humor outflow facility in a human outflow model. METHODS Matrix metalloproteinase activity was manipulated and outflow facility evaluated using perfused human anterior segment organ culture. Purified matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), and several families of synthetic inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases were added to the perfusion medium. Matrix metalloproteinase expression was increased by adding recombinant interleukin (IL)-1alpha. Kinetic inhibition analysis was conducted for stromelysin, gelatinase A, and gelatinase B with the various inhibitors. Live-dead staining was used to evaluate culture viability. RESULTS Increasing metalloproteinase activity, by adding purified metalloproteinases or by inducing their expression by IL-1alpha treatment, increased outflow facility. Inhibition of endogenous trabecular metalloproteinase activity using TIMP or several families of synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitors reduced outflow rates. The elevation and the reduction of outflow rates were reversible, with changes requiring 1 to 3 days. Kinetic enzyme inhibition analysis produced 50% inhibitory concentration values for these inhibitors that were compatible with the concentration ranges for outflow inhibition. CONCLUSIONS. The ability of several specific matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors to reduce outflow facility implies that endogenous extracellular matrix turnover by these enzymes was required for the maintenance of trabecular outflow resistance, at least in this human culture model. These observations provide support for the hypothesis that controlled extracellular matrix turnover is important in the regulation of aqueous humor outflow facility.
Clinical Molecular Biology: Concepts and Applications

Publisher Summary Molecular technology used in the clinical laboratory for patient care holds great promise for improving sensitivity and specificity of testing. This chapter discusses the basic concepts and application of clinical molecular biology in monitoring disease. The development of a molecular diagnostic test can be based on the type of condition for which the test is designed. This development can be based on an analysis of the genetic material or its products. Innovative molecular techniques provide powerful tools for diagnosis based on direct DNA analysis and can identify a single-base change in coding sequences of a large gene. Molecular diagnostic technologies can be either quantitative or qualitative. The major diseases diagnosed by these techniques are cystic fibrosis, lymphoproliferative disorders, Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies (DMD and BMD), and human papilloma virus (HPV). The clinical application of molecular technologies comprises in situ hybridization, southern blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In vitro diagnostic research and application steps are also tabulated. The future promise of molecular diagnostics will be the treatment of genetic disease and the prediction of genetic risk factors.
Ultrafast and Quantitative X-Tomography and Simulation of Hollow-Cone Gasoline Direct-Injection Sprays

Gasoline direct injection (GDI) has the potential to greatly improve internal combustion engine performance through precise control of the injection rate, timing, and combustion of the fuel. A thorough characterization of the hydrodynamics of fuel injection has to come from a precise, quantitative analysis of the sprays, especially in the near-nozzle region. A lack of knowledge of the fuel-spray dynamics has severely limited computational modeling of the sprays and design of improved injection systems. Previously, the structure and dynamics of highly transient fuel sprays have never been visualized or reconstructed in three dimensions (3D) due to numerous technical difficulties. By using an ultrafast x-ray detector and intense monochromatic x-ray beams from synchrotron radiation, the fine structures and dynamics of 1-ms GDI fuel sprays from an outwardly opening nozzle were elucidated by a newly developed, ultrafast, microsecond computed microtomography (CT) technique. In a time-resolved manner, many detailed features associated with the transient fuel flows are readily observable in the quantitatively reconstructed 3D fuel spray density distribution as a result of the quantitative CT technique. More importantly, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation based on the Taylor analogy breakup (TAB) model has also been performed using the boundary and initial conditions obtainedmore » from the experiment data. The experimental and numerical results are in good agreement quantitatively. These results not only reveal the characteristics of the GDI fuel sprays with unprecedented detail, but will also facilitate realistic computational fluid dynamic simulations in highly transient, multiphase systems.« less
Inhibition of JNK Sensitizes Hypoxic Colon Cancer Cells to DNA-Damaging Agents.

ABSTRACT Purpose: We showed previously that in HT29 colon cancer cells, modulation of hypoxia-induced stress signaling affects oxaliplatin cytotoxicity. To further study the significance of hypoxia-induced signaling through JNK, we set out to investigate how modulation of kinase activities influences cellular responses of hypoxic colon cancer cells to cytotoxic drugs. Experimental design: In a panel of cell lines we investigated effects of pharmacological and molecular inhibition of JNK on sensitivity to oxaliplatin, SN-38 and 5-FU. Combination studies for the drugs and JNK inhibitor CC-401 were carried out in vitro and in vivo. Results: Hypoxia-induced JNK activation was associated with resistance to oxaliplatin. CC-401 in combination with chemotherapy demonstrates synergism in colon cancer cell lines, though synergy is not always hypoxia-specific. A more detailed analysis focused on HT29 and SW620 (responsive), and HCT116 (non-responsive) lines. In HT29 and SW620 cells CC-401 treatment results in greater DNA damage in the sensitive cells. In vivo, potentiation of bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, and the combination by JNK inhibition was confirmed in HT29-derived mouse xenografts, where tumor growth delay was greater in the presence of CC-401. Finally, stable introduction of a dominant negative JNK1, but not JNK2, construct into HT29 cells rendered them more sensitive to oxaliplatin under hypoxia, suggesting differing input of JNK isoforms in cellular responses to chemotherapy. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that signaling through JNK is a determinant of response to therapy in colon cancer models, and support the testing of JNK inhibition to sensitize colon tumors in the clinic.
Child psychiatry and legal liability : implications of recent case law

This paper discusses some recent developments in the law which affect the practice of child psychiatry. New areas of professional liability are reviewed including the legal responsibility of the psychiatrist for "negligent" evaluations. Also discussed is the impact of child abuse legislation upon the standard of care in child psychiatry. The increasingly important role of psychiatrists in the legal system is viewed as a trend which will place the profession at greater risk of civil liability in the future. The need for generally accepted guidelines for conducting specialized evaluations is emphasized. Language: en
Measurement of Radiation Transfer Through Nano-Apertures Using Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy

Ridge apertures in various shapes have attracted extensive studies which showed their potential capabilities in realizing both enhanced transmission and nanoscale optical resolution, therefore, enabling ultrahigh density near-field optical recording. In this work, the optical near field distributions of an H-shaped ridge aperture and comparable regular apertures made in aluminum film are experimentally investigated using a home-made near-field scanning optical microscope. With a sub-100 nm aperture probe, the full-width half-magnitude (FWHM) near-field spot of the H aperture is measured as 106 nm by 80 nm, comparable to the gap size but substantially smaller than that obtained from a square aperture with the same area. The elongated near-field light spot in the direction across the ridges is due to the scattering of the transmitted light on the edges based on results of numerical calculations.Copyright © 2005 by ASME