cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Industrial Manipulator Control Using Kalman Filter and Adaptive Controller

Abstract The use of Kaiman fitter in conjunction with adaptive controller is proposed to control the positions and velocities of the joints in a manipulator. The dynamics of a joint of a robotic manipulator are modelled by using a set of difference equations. The parameters of the model for the motion of a joint are estimated on-line by using a Kaiman filter. An adaptive controller is designed for each joint so as to make the position and velocities of the joint follow a prespecified path in the joint coordinate system. The algorithms for the parameter estimation and computation of the controller gains are presented. Digital simulation results demonstrate the applicability of the approach to control the motion of a manipulator.
A Measurement Study of User-Induced Propagation Effects for UHF Frequency Bands

Understanding user-induced effects on signal reception across multiple frequency bands is of great scientific and military importance to the wireless industry. Various on-body locations and directional heading of the user are believed to impact the performance of mobile devices, but there has been little work across multiple frequency bands to quantify these user-induced effects. In this work, we perform a measurement study to explore user effects on radio wave propagation with varying line-of-sight conditions and environments across multiple frequency bands, including white space (500 and 800 MHz), cellular (1800 MHz), and WiFi (2400 MHz) frequency bands. To do so, we first conduct a baseline experiment that characterizes the propagation channel in this environment. We show that the propagation differences for ground- to-ground communication (common in Ad Hoc and WiFi scenarios) and tower-to-ground communication (common in cellular scenarios) are frequency dependent. Then, we measure signal quality as a function of the on-body location of the receiver, directional heading of the user with respect to the transmitter, vegetation type, frequency band, and propagation distance. Our assessment reveals that the user directionality with respect to the transmitter can reduce received signal strength up to 20&#126;dB and reduce throughput by 20.9\% at most. We also find that the body can act like an antenna, increasing reception by 4.4&#126;dB and throughput by 14.4\% over a reference node at the same distance. Since our study spans many critical (UHF) frequency bands, we believe these results will have far- reaching impact on a broad range of network types.
Experience of Black Male Special Education Teachers: Are Alternative Licensure Programs the Desired Route for Recruitment and Preparation?:

Many Black men interested in special education careers enroll in alternate route special education programs over traditional preparation programs. However, there is little research that focuses on ...
Family Dynamics: Family-of-Origin Cohesion During Adolescence and Adult Romantic Relationships

Using data from 11,339 youth participating in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), this study explored the influence of cohesion within the family of origin and family structure during adolescence on the number of adult romantic relationships. Multiple regression analyses were performed using Mplus (Version 7.3; Muthen and Muthen in Mplus User’s Guide, 5th Ed, Muthen & Muthen, Los Angeles, 2007) finding adolescent family cohesion was positively associated with marriage and negatively associated with cohabitation. However, race/ethnicity and parental marital status provided meaningful context for these findings. Family cohesion was only linked with marital transitions for White adolescents. In addition, family cohesion only reduced cohabitation for participants whose parents were married during adolescence. Results point to the importance of socialization and modeling in families where parents are married, as well as in families who are demographically more likely to be married. Implications for couple and family therapists are discussed.
Modal and Transient Dynamic Analysis

In this chapter, two typical dynamic analyses, namely the modal and transient dynamic analyses, are introduced. First, the element mass matrix, not needed in static analyses, is presented. This is followed by finding the natural frequencies and mode shapes in modal analysis and adding damping to mitigate the effect of resonance. Next, two direct integration methods are derived and examples are given to illustrate how these methods work in a step-by-step manner. Finally, brief rationales are given regarding the selection of implicit and explicit integration schemes for various types of FEA.
Spatiotemporal integration of looming visual and tactile stimuli near the face

Real-world objects approaching or passing by an observer often generate visual, auditory, and tactile signals with different onsets and durations. Prompt detection and avoidance of an impending threat depend on precise binding of looming signals across modalities. Here we constructed a multisensory apparatus to study the spatiotemporal integration of looming visual and tactile stimuli near the face. In a psychophysical experiment, subjects assessed the subjective synchrony between a looming ball and an air puff delivered to the same side of the face with a varying temporal offset. Multisensory stimuli with similar onset times were perceived as completely out of sync and assessed with the lowest subjective synchrony index (SSI). Across subjects, the SSI peaked at an offset between 800 and 1,000 ms, where the multisensory stimuli were perceived as optimally in sync. In an fMRI experiment, tactile, visual, tactile-visual out-of-sync (TVoS), and tactile-visual in-sync (TViS) stimuli were delivered to either side of the face in randomized events. Group-average statistical responses to different stimuli were compared within each surface-based region of interest (sROI) outlined on the cortical surface. Most sROIs showed a preference for contralateral stimuli and higher responses to multisensory than unisensory stimuli. In several bilateral sROIs, particularly the human MT+ complex and V6A, responses to spatially aligned multisensory stimuli (TVoS) were further enhanced when the stimuli were in-sync (TViS), as expressed by TVoS < TViS. This study demonstrates the perceptual and neural mechanisms of multisensory integration near the face, which has potential applications in the development of multisensory entertainment systems and media.
Ultrafast shifted-core coaxial nano-emitter with tunable Q factor

We numerically demonstrate a III-V single mode shifted-core coaxial nano-emitter featuring a Purcell factor larger than 600 and tunable Q factor.
Surgical Considerations in Partial Breast Irradiation

Surgical involvement in breast irradiation is a new phenomenon. Although the practices of the surgeon and the radiation oncologist were linked through breast conservation therapy, the role of the surgeon was limited to “lumpectomy” and referral to medical and radiation oncologists. Patient selection criteria were limited to deciding whether clear margins could be obtained and judging the ultimate cosmetic outcome. With the initiation of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), the subsequent release of the MammoSite Radiation Therapy System (Hologic, Inc.) in 2002, and encouraging early effi cacy reports for this system, for the fi rst time surgeons began to interact more closely with the radiation oncologist and participate more actively in the radiation treatment process (Keisch et al. 2003; Tsai et al. 2006; Benitez et al. 2006). As this new treatment approach fi ltered down through the medical community, surgeons actively sought out educational courses that would provide them with appropriate knowledge about APBI, including the fundamentals of radiation treatment, patient selection, and the technical aspects of device insertion. In the years following the fi rst MammoSite trial (Keisch et al. 2003), surgeons have developed and refi ned techniques of balloon catheter placement and management, and made observations regarding their appropriate use. This chapter will focus on the issues faced by surgeons regarding candidates interested in pursuing APBI, discussing how the proper involvement of and interaction with the surgeon can optimize the outcome. Clinical scenarios and decision making regarding the use of the MammoSite, as well as potential situations where the utilization of the newer intracavitary devices and multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy may be advantageous, will be discussed. Surgical Considerations in Partial Breast Irradiation
Feasibility of fine-needle aspiration for assessing responses to chemotherapy in metastatic nodes marked with clips in breast cancer: A prospective registry study

Background Clips are often placed to mark axillary nodes with biopsy-confirmed metastases in patients with breast cancer. The evaluation of clipped nodes after chemotherapy can identify patients who have eradication of nodal disease. The goal of this study was to determine whether preoperative fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of clipped nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could predict the presence of residual disease. Methods This prospective registry study enrolled 50 patients with a clip placed to mark nodes with biopsy-confirmed metastases who had completed NAC. Participants underwent FNA of the clipped node before seed-localized lymph node excision. FNA pathology was compared with surgical pathology. Results There were 36 patients (72%) with residual disease on surgical pathology: 3 (8%) had a nondiagnostic aspirate, carcinoma was seen in 14 (39%), and 19 (53%) had a false-negative result. The sensitivity of FNA was 42.4%, its specificity was 100%, and its negative predictive value was 40.6%. In a univariate analysis, the odds of a true-positive result increased significantly with the mean initial size of the clipped node (odds ratio [OR], 4.3; P = .004) and the size of the metastatic focus after NAC (OR, 1.3; P = 0.003), whereas normalization of nodes after chemotherapy (OR, 0.1) and a lack of response on ultrasound (OR, 0.11) were associated with a false-negative result (P = .01). Conclusions FNA of marked nodes after chemotherapy has a high false-negative rate. This highlights the need for surgical staging of the axilla after NAC to assess the response.
Cardiac Evaluation and Management

Cardiovascular assessment is an essential part of the pretransplant evaluation for liver transplantation, as cardiovascular complications are an important cause of perioperative and post-transplant morbidity and mortality. Coronary artery disease is prevalent in the population presenting for liver transplantation, and its presence has been associated with poor outcomes. Identification of occult obstructive coronary artery disease is a major part of the pretransplant evaluation. In addition, structural cardiac processes including valvular disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and congenital heart disease may adversely impact outcomes. Recent investigations have focused on determining cardiac risk stratification in liver transplant candidates and elucidating perioperative management strategies to optimize outcomes in transplant candidates with pre-existing cardiac disease. Current coronary artery disease screening recommendations for liver transplant candidates are more heavily weighted on risk factor assessment and noninvasive testing than are those for non-transplant surgical patients. Coronary angiography has an important role in patients with positive noninvasive testing results and may also be indicated in high-risk candidates prior to listing. Management of coronary artery disease is controversial but typically includes percutaneous intervention on significant lesions. Further, perioperative treatment dilemmas are not uncommon, particularly in high-MELD or critically ill candidates. Structural cardiac disease identified via echocardiography and severe arrhythmias require cardiology consultation and possible correction prior to transplant. Programs increasingly rely on dedicated cardiology teams experienced in the pretransplant evaluation of liver transplant candidates. Likewise, liver transplant anesthesia teams provide expertise in the pretransplant evaluation of liver transplant candidates and are crucial in the evaluation of candidates with advanced cardiac disease.
Wearing the Mask of Wellness: The Experience of Young Women Living With Advanced Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE To describe and interpret the lived experiences of young women with advanced breast cancer. PARTICIPANTS A SETTING 12 women, aged 25-39 years with advanced breast cancer, were recruited from private Facebook groups for women with breast cancer. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenologic method was used. Data were collected through one or more semi-structured interviews over a six-month period. Analysis was conducted using NVivo, version 11. FINDINGS The participants' multidimensional experiences were described by the overarching theme of wearing the mask of wellness in the presence of life-threatening illness. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING This study provides insight into the experiences of young women living with advanced breast cancer. Because these women may not appear ill to the general population, their needs and struggles are not well understood. The results of this study can be a baseline for additional research and clinical interventions.
A mouse model of vascularized heterotopic spleen transplantation for studying spleen cell biology and transplant immunity

The spleen is a unique lymphoid organ that plays a critical role in the homeostasis of the immune and hematopoietic systems. Patients that have undergone splenectomy regardless of precipitating causes are prone to develop an overwhelming post-splenectomy infection and experience increased risks of deep venous thrombosis and malignancies. Recently, epidemiological studies indicated that splenectomy might be associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, suggesting that physiological functions of the spleen have not yet been fully recognized. Here, we introduce a mouse model of vascularized heterotopic spleen transplantation, which not only can be utilized to study the function and behavioral activity of splenic immune cell subsets in different biologic processes, but also can be a powerful tool to test the therapeutic potential of spleen transplantation in certain diseases. The main surgical steps of this model include donor spleen harvest, the removal of recipient native spleen, and spleen graft revascularization. Using congenic mouse strains (e.g., mice with CD45.1/CD45.2 backgrounds), we observed that after syngeneic transplantation, both donor-derived splenic lymphocytes and myeloid cells migrated out of the graft as early as post-operative day 1, concomitant with the influx of multiple types of recipient cells, thus generating a unique chimera. Despite relatively challenging techniques, this procedure can be performed with >90% success rate. This model allows tracking the fate, longevity, and function of splenocytes during steady state and in a disease setting following a spleen transplantation, thereby offering a great opportunity to discover the distinct role for spleen-derived immune cells in different disease processes.
NIRSplot: A Tool for Quality Assessment of fNIRS Scans

For a rapid and intuitive visual assessment of the quality of functional near infrared spectroscopy scans, we developed a software tool that automatically identifies entire optical channels or time intervals with compromised optical signals.
Influence of Interfacial Stress on Microstructural Evolution in NiAl Alloys

A phase-field model for the phase transition between austenite and martensite and twinning between two martensitic variants is presented from our previous theory [1] with the main focus on the influence of interfacial stress that is consistent with the sharp interface limit. Each variant-variant transformation can be represented by only one order parameter. Thus, it allows us to get the analytical solution of interface energy and width. Coupled phase-field and elasticity equations are solved for cubic-to-tetragonal phase transformation in NiAl shape memory alloy. The effects of interfacial stress are studied for martensite-martensite interfaces in detail, which was absent in [1]. Additionally, stress and temperature-induced growth of the martensitic phase inside austenite and twining are simulated. Some of the nontrivial experimentally observed microstructures reproduced in the simulations [1] are analyzed in detail. It includes tip splitting and bending, and twins crossing. This theory can be extended for electric, reconstructive, and magnetic phase transformations.
In-situ Technique for Fatigue Life Prediction of Metals Based on Temperature Evolution

Abstract This article offers a technique for predicting the fatigue life of metals by monitoring its surface temperature. The method is based on the examination of the cooling characteristics of a specimen once its temperature becomes steady and actuation halted. It is shown that the cooling curve is unique for a specific material and geometry regardless of the operating conditions such as the loading type, amplitude, and frequency. Using this finding along with the concept of fracture fatigue entropy (FFE), a technique is introduced to readily predict fatigue life in-situ. Results of extensive sets of experiments for cyclically actuated fully-reversed bending and tension-compression (TC) types of loadings, at different frequencies, and for various specimens’ geometries are presented to test the validity of the technique.
Disorder operators in Chern-Simons-fermion theories

Building on the recent progress in solving Chern-Simons-matter theories in the planar limit, we compute the scaling dimensions of a large class of disorder (“monopole”) operators in U(N ) k Chern-Simons-fermion theories at all ’t Hooft couplings. We find that the lowest-dimension operator of this sort has dimension $$ \frac{2}{3}{k}^{3/2} $$ . We comment on the implications of these results to analyzing maps of fermionic disorder operators under 3D bosonization.
Dependency in a financialised global economy

Drawing on Samir Amin’s writings, this article proposes a contemporary form of dependency that manifests in the subordinate integration of developing countries into a financialised global economy. ...
Safer Conception and Family Planning Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Postpartum Women with HIV in Rural South Africa

Introduction With the help of safer conception strategies (SCS), women with HIV (WHIV) can achieve their reproductive goals while minimizing the risk of transmission to their partners or infants. However, interpregnancy intervals of at least 24 months are recommended to optimize maternal and infant health outcomes, so postpartum WHIV need to use contraception to delay subsequent pregnancies. Understanding safer conception and family planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices among WHIV is key to tailoring family planning policy and intervention development in regions with high HIV prevalence. Methods This study described the safer conception and family planning knowledge, attitudes, and practices of postpartum WHIV (N = 956) in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa, 12 months after delivery. Results Almost all women understood the importance of condom use, but most overestimated the risk of sexual transmission. A majority of women reported that their partner's desires (53%) and the risk of perinatal transmission (58%) were very important factors when making childbearing decisions. Most women (81%) used condoms for HIV prevention and most (83%) used contraception for pregnancy prevention. Many women (33% of contraceptive users) used condoms for both HIV prevention and contraception without using another contraceptive method as well. Only 43% of contraceptive users endorsed dual method use of condoms with hormones, intrauterine devices, or sterilization. Discussion Results highlight the prominence of condom-based pregnancy and HIV transmission prevention, the influence of male partners in fertility decision-making, and the opportunity for further education and promotion of long acting methods in this setting.
Implementing a Universal Informed Consent Process for the All of Us Research Program

The United States’ All of Us Research Program is a longitudinal research initiative with ambitious national recruitment goals, including of populations traditionally underrepresented in biomedical research, many of whom have high geographic mobility. The program has a distributed infrastructure, with key programmatic resources spread across the US. Given its planned duration and geographic reach both in terms of recruitment and programmatic resources, a diversity of state and territory laws might apply to the program over time as well as to the determination of participants’ rights. Here we present a listing and discussion of state and territory guidance and regulation of specific relevance to the program, and our approach to their incorporation within the program’s informed consent processes.
Perioperative and persistent opioid utilization following pancreatectomy in the United States.

Abstract Background Opioids are central to analgesia for pancreatic diseases. Individuals undergoing pancreatectomy have largely been excluded from studies of opioid use, because of malignancy or chronic use. Surgeons need to understand usage patterns, and practices that may incline patients toward persistent post-operative use. Methods A retrospective study using IBM Watson Health MarketScan database examined patterns of peri-pancreatectomy opioid use between 2009 and 2017. Patients were grouped by opioid use 12 months to 31 days prior to pancreatectomy and followed for persistent use (refills 90–180 days postoperatively). Morphine milligram equivalents (MME) were calculated. Multivariable models explored associations between clinical characteristics, perioperative use and persistent use. Results Opioids were used within the year prior to surgery by 35.6% of 8325 patients. The median MME for opioid naive patients (400 mg) was a fraction of the 1800 mg prescribed to chronic opioid users for peri-operative analgesia. The rate of persistent opioid use was 15.1% among naive, 27.2% among intermittent and 77.3% among chronic opioid users. Multivariable models demonstrated naive and intermittent users who filled a prescription within 30 days prior to pancreatectomy, those who were prescribed total MME ≥1500 mg, and a ≥14 day supply were most at risk of persistent opioid use. Almost 23% of chronic users stopped using opioids post-operatively, suggesting surgery can provide relief. Conclusion Preoperative and persistent opioid use after pancreatectomy is substantially greater than expected based on other operations. Providers may mitigate this by recognizing the issue, managing expectations, and altering the timing and quantities of opioids prescribed.
Kinematic analysis of the gait of adult sheep during treadmill locomotion: Parameter values, allowable total error, and potential for use in evaluating spinal cord injury

We are developing a novel intradural spinal cord (SC) stimulator designed to improve the treatment of intractable pain and the sequelae of SC injury. In-vivo ovine models of neuropathic pain and moderate SC injury are being implemented for pre-clinical evaluations of this device, to be carried out via gait analysis before and after induction of the relevant condition. We extend previous studies on other quadrupeds to extract the three-dimensional kinematics of the limbs over the gait cycle of sheep walking on a treadmill. Quantitative measures of thoracic and pelvic limb movements were obtained from 17 animals. We calculated the total-error values to define the analytical performance of our motion capture system for these kinematic variables. The post- vs. pre-injury time delay between contralateral thoracic and pelvic-limb steps for normal and SC-injured sheep increased by ~24s over 100 steps. The pelvic limb hoof velocity during swing phase decreased, while range of pelvic hoof elevation and distance between lateral pelvic hoof placements increased after SC injury. The kinematics measures in a single SC-injured sheep can be objectively defined as changed from the corresponding pre-injury values, implying utility of this method to assess new neuromodulation strategies for specific deficits exhibited by an individual.
Wideband circularly polarized aperture-coupled microstrip antennas

The aperture coupled microstrip antenna1 has several advantages over transmission line or probe fed patch antennas. Separate substrates can be used for the feed circuit and the antenna element to isolate spurious feed radiation from the antenna element by use of a common ground plane, and to allow more space for the feed network. The input impedance is easily controlled by the size and position of the aperture, and any excess reactance caused by the coupling aperture can be removed through the use of a tuning stub. The aperture coupled configuration also exhibits very low cross-polarization levels, making it well-suited to circularly polarized antenna designs.
Inhibition of Jak/STAT signaling synergizes with CTLA4-Ig to promote transplant acceptance (IRC2P.454)

Transplant tolerance induction through conventional costimulation blockade (CoB) remains an elusive goal. Recent evidence suggests that inflammatory cytokines (IC) contribute to the activation of alloreactive T cells in a CD28- and CD40-independent manner. We aimed to understand the mechanisms underlying this process and delineating the possible synergism between CD28 blockade and inhibition of IC signaling via Jak/STAT inhibition. Murine T cell activation was assessed by quantification of IL-2 secretion (at 24h post TCR/CD28 engagement). CTLA4-Ig diminished the proportion of IL-2+ cells. However, the concomitant addition of the supernatant (MATSup) from maturing dendritic cells completely abolished this effect. This suggested an early impact of IC on T cell activation. In a CFSE-based proliferation assay, MATSup counteracted the anti-proliferative effect of CTLA4-Ig on both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Inhibition of Jak/STAT signaling through addition of Tofacitinib (Tofa) restored CTLA4-Ig regulation in presence of MATSup. Finally, in a BALB/c to B6 skin transplant model a short course of Tofa (d0-12) synergized with CTLA4-Ig doubling skin allograft survival (MST untreated: 9.5d, CTLA4-Ig only: 13d, Tofa+CTLA4: 18d). Overall, our results indicate that the stimulatory effect of IC counteracts the efficacy of CoB. However, their redundant activity can be neutralized through concomitant inhibition of Jak signaling - a promising strategy for promotion of transplant acceptance.
Adenovirus-mediated delivery of antisense gene to urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor suppresses glioma invasion and tumor growth.

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and uPA receptor (uPAR) play important roles in the proteolytic cascade involved in the invasiveness of gliomas and other invasive tumors. High-level expression of uPAR has been correlated with high-grade glioma cell lines and tumors. We report here that down-regulating uPAR levels by antisense strategy using an adenovirus construct (Ad-uPAR) inhibited glioma invasion in Matrigel and spheroid in vitro models. s.c. (U87-MG) and intracranial (SNB19) injections of Ad-uPAR-infected glioma cells did not produce tumors in nude mice. However, injection of the Ad-uPAR construct into previously established s.c. U87-MG tumors in nude mice caused regression of those tumors. Our results support the therapeutic potential of targeting the uPA-uPAR system for the treatment of gliomas and other cancers.
Left retrograde cardioangiography in acquired cardiac disease: Technic, indications and interpretations in 700 cases∗

Abstract Application of retrograde left cardioangiography to 700 patients, both adults and children, with acquired valvular diseases is described. The technic employed for the test is described. Pressures from the aorta and left ventricle are obtained during the same procedure as angiography to determine whether stenosis of the aortic valve is present. The method may be used to estimate the degree of aortic or mitral insufficiency or both. Mitral stenosis may be identified by a fixed filling defect of the left ventricular cavity. The value of this information in the surgical management of many forms of cardiac disease is emphasized. Complications have occurred infrequently and, in most instances, the patients have responded to appropriate therapy. Three deaths occurred. These were caused by ventricular fibrillation in 1 patient and cardiac tamponade in 2. The most common complication was thrombosis of the femoral artery at the site of arteriotomy. This complication occurred in about 4 per cent of cases; but in none did gangrene occur, and pulsatile flow was restored in all cases by immediate re-exploration of the femoral artery as soon as the diagnosis was made.
Learning More About NMDA Receptor Regulation

Increased calcium permeability of the NMDA receptors of postsynaptic neurons influences synaptic plasticity and, hence, learning and memory. In a Perspective, [Ghosh][1] explains new findings ([ Takasu et al .][2]) that reveal how the NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic calcium influx is regulated by activation of the EphB receptor and its signaling pathway. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/295/5554/449 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/295/5554/491
FORMATIVE PERIOD OBSIDIAN EXCHANGE ALONG THE PACIFIC COAST OF MESOAMERICA

Long-distance networks for the transport of exotic goods and the beginnings of specialized craft production first appear in Mesoamerica during the Formative Period. The results of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis of 456 obsidian artefacts imported to the Pacific coast site of La Zanja (Guerrero, Mexico) indicate that long-distance exchange of finished obsidian blades along the coast began during the Early Formative (c.1400–1000 cal bc) and remained constant into the Middle Formative Period (c.800–550 cal bc). Comparisons with sourcing studies from elsewhere in Mesoamerica indicate the development of a major Pacific coast trade network during the Formative Period that linked coastal Guerrero to the central Mexican highlands and the Valley of Oaxaca. Weaker connections existed with Gulf coast obsidian trade networks that traversed the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. As the first obsidian sourcing study from coastal Guerrero, these data contribute to a greater understanding of the development of exchange networks in Mesoamerica during the Formative Period.
Clinical, Physiological and Philosophical Implications of Innovative Brain Surgery in Humans

Abnormal states of motor behaviour can be reversed by interruption of facilitating mechanisms and augmentation of inhibitory mechanisms. Similarly, psychological and emotional behaviours which were abnormal due to disinhibition, such as screaming, repetitive speech and aggressive violent behaviour, have been favourably affected from a clinical and sociological standpoint. The mechanisms of the facilitatory and inhibitory systems which modulate motor behaviour also modify psychological and emotional behaviour. The findings of our studies in experimental neurosurgery may help to provide new insights into mechanisms of mental capacity and behaviour.
Analysis of Pulsed Injection for Microgravity Receiver Tank Chilldown

The dominant heat transfer mechanism during the hold phase of a tank chilldown cycle in a low-gravity environment is due to fluid motion persistence following the charge. As compared to the single-charge per vent cycle case, pulsed injection maintains fluid motion, and the associated high wall heat transfer coefficients, during the hold phase. As a result, the pulsed injection procedure appeared to be an attractive method for reducing the time and liquid mass required to chill a tank. However, for the representative conditions considered, no significant benefit can be realized by using pulsed injection, as compared to the single-charge case.
RELATION BETWEEN SERUM TOCOPHEROL AND HEMOLYSIS IN HYDROGEN PEROXIDE OF ERYTHROCYTES IN PREMATURE INFANTS

The low serum tocopherol which is characteristic of premature infants fed partially-skimmed milk mixtures is invariably associated with some degree of hemolysis of the red blood cells after exposure to H2O2in vitro. Wide fluctuations occur in the degree of hemolysis (9 to 98%) despite the constant low values found for serum tocopherol (0.2 mg./100 cc.). The administration of small daily doses of vitamin E increases the amount of blood tocopherol (approximately 0.5 mg./100 cc.) to a level where no hemolysis of the red cell occurs. Thus, it appears that in premature infants a critical level of serum tocopherol exists, above which complete protection against hemolysis is achieved, and below which there is invariably some susceptibility of the erythrocyte to the hemolytic action of hydrogen peroxide.
Pan-phylum Comparison of Nematode Metabolic Potential

Nematodes are among the most important causative pathogens of neglected tropical diseases. The increased availability of genomic and transcriptomic data for many understudied nematode species provides a great opportunity to investigate different aspects of their biology. Increasingly, metabolic potential of pathogens is recognized as a critical determinant governing their development, growth and pathogenicity. Comparing metabolic potential among species with distinct trophic ecologies can provide insights on overall biology or molecular adaptations. Furthermore, ascertaining gene expression at pathway level can help in understanding metabolic dynamics over development. Comparison of biochemical pathways (or subpathways, i.e. pathway modules) among related species can also retrospectively indicate potential mistakes in gene-calling and functional annotation. We show with numerous illustrative case studies that comparisons at the level of pathway modules have the potential to uncover biological insights while remaining computationally tractable. Here, we reconstruct and compare metabolic modules found in the deduced proteomes of 13 nematodes and 10 non-nematode species (including hosts of the parasitic nematode species). We observed that the metabolic potential is, in general, concomitant with phylogenetic and/or ecological similarity. Varied metabolic strategies are required among the nematodes, with only 8 out of 51 pathway modules being completely conserved. Enzyme comparison based on topology of metabolic modules uncovered diversification between parasite and host that can potentially guide therapeutic intervention. Gene expression data from 4 nematode species were used to study metabolic dynamics over their life cycles. We report unexpected differential metabolism between immature and mature microfilariae of the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi. A set of genes potentially important for parasitism is also reported, based on an analysis of gene expression in C. elegans and the human hookworm Necator americanus. We illustrate how analyzing and comparing metabolism at the level of pathway modules can improve existing knowledge of nematode metabolic potential and can provide parasitism related insights. Our reconstruction and comparison of nematode metabolic pathways at a pan-phylum and inter-phylum level enabled determination of phylogenetic restrictions and differential expression of pathways. A visualization of our results is available at http://nematode.net and the program for identification of module completeness (modDFS) is freely available at SourceForge. The methods reported will help biologists to predict biochemical potential of any organism with available deduced proteome, to direct experiments and test hypotheses.
Application of gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry to the determination of trace monobromopolychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins in environmental samples

A capillary column gas chromatographic/high resolution mass spectrometric method was developed for the determination of monobromopolychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (BPCDDs) in environmental samples. The mass spectrometer was operated at high resolution (> 10,000) in the selected ion monitoring mode with magnet switching among tetra through octa groups to achieve low or subpicogram detection limits. Standard BPCDDs (tetracongener through octacongener groups) were utilized to measure accurately the mass spectrometric relative response factors for these compounds, and linear calibrations were achieved by using these standard compounds at different concentrations. The method detection limit is low or sub-parts-per-trillion levels for BPCDDs, the accuracy better than 80% and the precision better than ± 10%. Quantification of BPCDDs and preliminary identification of some specific BPCDD isomers in fly ash samples are also reported.
The Incomplete Flood Plain

The incomplete flood plain has been warped in such a manner (probably by tectonic deformation) that its upper surface is not the two-dimensional plane that an alluvial river ordinarily builds. The incomplete flood plain is not marked by oxbow lakes and other extensive evidence of channel migration, but rather by lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps of various sizes and shapes. The Magdalena River valley of Colombia has an incomplete flood plain through almost 1,000 km of its length.
Backbone and side-chain specific dissociations of z ions from non-tryptic peptides

Backbone z-type fragment ions formed by electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) of doubly protonated peptides AAHAL, AHDAL, and AHADL were subjected to collisional activation and their dissociation products were studied by ETD-CID-MS3 and MS4. Electron structure theory calculations were performed to elucidate ion structures and reaction mechanisms. All z ions showed competitive eliminations of C3H7 and C4H8 from the C-terminal Leu side chain. The energetics and kinetics of these dissociations were studied computationally for the z4 ion from AAHAL, and optimized structures are reported for several intermediates and transition states. RRKM calculations on the combined B3LYP and PMP2/6-311++G(2d,p) potential energy surface provided unimolecular rate constants that closely reproduced the experimental branching ratios for C3H7 and C4H8 eliminations. Mechanisms were also studied for the loss of CO2 from z ions generated by ETD of AHDAL and AHADL and for a specific radical-induced Asp-Cα-CO backbone cleavage. CID of the z ions under study did not produce any fragment ions that would indicate cascade backbone dissociations triggered by the radical sites. In contrast, the majority of backbone dissociations occurred at bonds that were remote from the radical sites (spin-remote dissociations) and were triggered by proton migrations that were analogous to those considered for standard peptide ion fragmentations.
Acetabular Dysplasia in the Adult

Twenty adults (32 hips) with acetabular dysplasia were followed up for an average of 22 years to determine the natural history of the disorder. Initially, all hips had a center-edge (CE) angle of Wiberg of 20 degrees or less and an essentially intact Shenton's line with no roentgenographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Average patient age initially was 43 years (range, 27-57 years) and at final follow-up examination, 65 years. Various parameters of hip integrity were measured, including the CE angle of Wiberg, acetabular angle of Sharp, percentage of the femoral head covered by the acetabulum, acetabular depth, and inclination of the lateral lip of the acetabulum. None of these indicators proved a reliable prognostic aid for predicting the rate at which the osteoarthritis process supervened in any one case.
The solar wind interaction with Venus through the eyes of the Pioneer Venus Orbiter

Abstract Venus has no internal magnetic dynamo and thus its ionosphere and hot oxygen exosphere dominate the interaction with the solar wind. The solar wind at 0.72 AU has a dynamic pressure that ranges from 4.5 nPa (at solar max) to 6.6 nPa (at solar min), and its flow past the planet produces a shock of typical magnetosonic Mach number 5 at the subsolar point. At solar maximum the pressure in the ionospheric plasma is sufficient to hold off the solar wind at an altitude of 400 km above the surface at the subsolar point, and 1000 km above the terminators. The deflection of the solar wind occurs through the formation of a magnetic barrier on the inner edge of the magnetosheath, or shocked solar wind. Under typical solar wind conditions the time scale for diffusion of the magnetic field into the ionosphere is so long that the ionosphere remains field free and the barrier deflects almost all the incoming solar wind. Any neutral atoms of the hot oxygen exosphere that reach the altitude of the magnetosheath are accelerated by the electric field of the flowing magnetized plasma and swept along cycloidal paths in the antisolar direction. This pickup process, while important for the loss of the Venus atmosphere, plays a minor role in the deceleration and deflection of the solar wind. Like at magnetized planets, the Venus shock and magnetosheath generate hot electrons and ions that flow back along magnetic field lines into the solar wind to form a foreshock. A magnetic tail is created by the magnetic flux that is slowed in the interaction and becomes mass-loaded with thermal ions. The structure of the ionosphere is very much dependent on solar activity and the dynamic pressure of the solar wind. At solar maximum under typical solar wind conditions, the ionosphere is unmagnetized except for the presence of thin magnetic flux ropes. The ionospheric plasma flows freely to the nightside forming a well-developed night ionosphere. When the solar wind pressure dominates over the ionospheric pressure the ionosphere becomes completely magnetized, the flow to the nightside diminishes, and the night ionosphere weakens. Even at solar maximum the night ionosphere has a very irregular density structure. The electromagnetic environment of Venus has not been well surveyed. At ELF and VLF frequencies there is noise generated in the foreshock and shock. At low altitude in the night ionosphere noise, presumably generated by lightning, can be detected. This paper reviews the plasma environment at Venus and the physics of the solar wind interaction on the threshold of a new series of Venus exploration missions.
Crystal structure, dissolution, and deposition of a 5 nm functionalized metal-organic great rhombicuboctahedron

A metal-organic great rhombicuboctahedron (termed MOP-18) was functionalized with extended alkyl chains and crystallized. It has 12 rigid square-shaped Cu2(CO2)4 paddle-wheel building units and 24 5-dodecoxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylate links. MOP-18 is soluble in a variety of organic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, and toluene, which enabled its assembly on graphite substrate and its observation by scanning tunneling microscopy.
How Judaism Became a Religion: an introduction to modern Jewish thought

Leora Batnitzky's book began life not as a manuscript but as an undergraduate course in modern Jewish thought at Princeton. The book makes use of the course's organizing question—is Judaism, in fac...
Arsenic ‐ phosphorus interactions on corn

Abstract Samples of two widely divergent soils, a Waupun silt loam and a Plainfield sand, deficient in P, were treated with 0, 20 or 80 ppm As and 0, 50, 100 or 300 ppm P in all possible combinations and cropped twice for 40 days to corn in the greenhouse. Arsenic had a much more pronounced toxicity to corn in the sand than on the silt loam. At the 80 ppm As level, P had little effect on As toxicity with the silt loam but enhanced toxicity with the sand and increasing rates of P increased As uptake by corn. At the 20 ppm As level, P did not affect As toxicity or uptake. Soil As extracted by N NH4OAc (pH 7.0) decreased with time but increased with increasing levels of applied P. Bray Pl extractable As was not greatly affected by applied P or time, and appeared to be a more suitable “available”; soil As test. From the results obtained, it would appear that P applications are not the solution to an As toxicity problem.
Photographic Studies of the Larynx in Central Laryngeal Paresis and Paralysis

Characteristic patterns of laryngeal dysfunction due to central neurologic disease are documented by 16 mm cine photography. Representative patients are used to describe typical patterns of abnormal laryngeal function which occur in upper motor neuron, extrapyramidal, cerebellar, nuclear and mixed foci of lesions. The pitfall of brief indirect laryngoscopy without visual documentation is emphasized as a factor in misdiagnosis of patients with laryngeal disease of central origin. The value of more careful evaluation of similar patients is emphasized in relation to better understanding of laryngeal function and improved patient care.
Flavine peptides in tissues: the prosthetic group of succinic dehydrogenase.

Abstract The flavine fluorescence that emerged after proteolytic digestion of tissues, from which the ordinary flavines had previously been extracted, was found to reproduce in its pH dependency the fluorescence pattern described for the prosthetic group of purified succinic dehydrogenase. The emission was assumed to be due to a peptide-bound flavine similar to that released from succinic dehydrogenase by tryptic digestion. A method was worked out for the determination of the fluorescent flavine released by proteolyses. The results of its application to several tissues were compared with data obtained from measurements of succinate oxidation.
A Reselect Alternative for Ada's Selective Wait Statement

The selective wait statement is the most important element of the Ada tasking model. When entry calls are guarded using global information such as the clock and the entry attribute COUNT, two basic problems can occur. These problems occur because these guards are evaluated once, at the beginning of execution of the selective wait statement, and are not retested. Either a call may be accepted even though its guard would currently evaluate to false, or a call cannot be accepted even though its guard would currently evaluate to true. This paper describes these problems, offers solutions available without any language changes and then proposes an additional feature called reselect which adds to the operation of the selective wait statement and is an optional addition to an existing language construct.
"Would you test your children without their consent?" and other sticky dilemmas in the field of cancer genetic testing.

Cancer genetic testing is surrounded by myriad ethical, legal, and psychosocial implications which are being revisited as testing expands into an everyday practice and into more complicated areas like whole exome and direct-to-consumer testing. We chose to survey cancer genetic counselors and physicians from a wide range of non-genetics specialties to determine what they would do if faced with the complex decisions associated with cancer genetic testing, how their views compare, and how they align with current guidelines and data. Genetic counselors were significantly more likely than non-genetics physicians to bill their insurance for testing (94.9 vs. 86.8 %; p = 0.001) and purchase life insurance before testing (86.6 vs. 68.6 %; p = 0.000) and were less likely to use an alias (3.2 vs. 13.2 %; p = 0.000) or order testing on their own DNA (15.3 vs. 24.2 %; p = 0.004). They were also less likely to test their minor children (0.9 vs. 33.1 %; p = 0.000) or test their children without their knowledge and consent/assent (1.4 vs.11.5 %; p = 0.000). The results of our study indicate that there is wide variation regarding what clinicians predict they would do in the areas of ethical, legal and psychosocial issues in cancer genetic testing. Cancer genetic counselors’ choices are more aligned with professional guidelines, likely due to their experience in the field and awareness of current guidelines. These data are a starting point for a broader discussion of who should offer cancer genetic counseling and testing to patients, particularly as the complexity of the available testing options and associated issues increase with whole exome sequencing.