cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cancer Therapy with Alpha-Emitters Labeled Peptides

Actively targeted α-particles offer specific tumor cell killing action with less collateral damage to surrounding normal tissues than β-emitters. During the last decade, radiolabeled peptides that bind to different receptors on the tumors have been investigated as potential therapeutic agents both in the preclinical and clinical settings. Advantages of radiolabeled peptides over antibodies include relatively straightforward chemical synthesis, versatility, easier radiolabeling, rapid clearance from the circulation, faster penetration and more uniform distribution into tissues, and less immunogenicity. Rapid internalization of the radiolabeled peptides with equally rapid re-expression of the cell surface target is a highly desirable property that enhances the total delivery of these radionuclides into malignant sites. Peptides, such as octreotide, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues, arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-containing peptides, bombesin derivatives, and others may all be feasible for use with α-emitters. The on-going preclinical work has primarily concentrated on octreotide and octreotate analogues labeled with Bismuth-213 and Astatine-211. In addition, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue has been labeled with Lead-212/Bismuth-212 in vivo generator and demonstrated the encouraging therapeutic efficacy in treatment of experimental melanoma. Obstacles that continue to obstruct widespread acceptance of α-emitter–labeled peptides are primarily the supply of these radionuclides and concerns about potential kidney toxicity. New sources and methods for production of these medically valuable radionuclides and better understanding of mechanisms related to the peptide renal uptake and clearance should speed up the introduction of α-emitter–labeled peptides into the clinic.
Constrained neural network based identification of harmonic sources

Constrained neural nets are used to identify the location and magnitude of harmonic sources in power systems with nonlinear loads, in situations where sufficient direct measurement data are not available. This approach permits measurement of harmonics with relatively few permanent harmonic measuring instruments. A simulated power distribution system is used to show that neural nets can be trained to use available measurements to estimate harmonic sources. These estimates are constrained to conform to the available direct harmonic measurements, which improve their accuracy. It is shown that suspected harmonic sources can be identified and measured by a process of hypothesis testing. >
Physical optics approximation of the RCS of an impedance surface

At radar frequencies, asymptotic techniques such as physical optics and the physical diffraction theory can be used for radar cross section prediction of the scattering from a material coated body of arbitrary shape. A physical optics formulation for a wide class of shapes is presented for use with the impedance surface model for lossy materials. Appropriate polarization dependence is incorporated. Both the monostatic and bistatic cases are considered through a uniform treatment of the radiation integrals. >
Deaf Writers' Application of American Sign Language Knowledge to English.

Language transfer theory elucidates how first language (L1) knowledge and grammatical features are applied in second language (L2) writing. Deaf and hard of hearing (d/hh) students who use or are developing American Sign Language (ASL) as their L1 may demonstrate the use of ASL linguistic features in their writing of English. In this study, we investigated the extent to which 29 d/hh students in Grades 6–8 (mean age=13.2) with diverse ASL exposure incorporated ASL features in their English writing. We also investigated the impact of one year of Strategic and Interactive Writing Instruction (SIWI) to increase students' metalinguistic knowledge and linguistic competence, and subsequently reduce ASL features in writing. Results indicate that ASL transfer is found in the writings of students with varied L1 experiences, and that SIWI can lead to significant reductions of ASL features in writing. The findings suggest that bilingual literacy programs where there is an emphasis on implicit language competence and...
An efficient numerical technique for bioheat simulations and its application to computerized cryosurgery planning

As a part of ongoing efforts to develop computerized planning tools for cryosurgery, the current study focuses on developing an efficient numerical technique for bioheat transfer simulations. Our long-term goal is to develop a planning tool for cryosurgery that takes a 3D reconstruction of a target region, and suggests the best cryoprobe layout. Toward that goal, a planning algorithm, termed ''force-field analogy,'' has been recently presented, based on a sequence of bioheat transfer simulations, which are by far the most computationally expensive part of the planning method. The objective in the current study is to develop a finite difference numerical scheme for bioheat transfer simulations, which reduces the overall run time of computerized planning, thereby making it clinically relevant. While the general concept of variable grid size and time intervals is not new, its application to the phase change problem of cryosurgery is the unique contribution of the current study.
Biocellion: accelerating computer simulation of multicellular biological system models.

Motivation: Biological system behaviors are often the outcome of complex interactions among a large number of cells and their biotic and abiotic environment. Computational biologists attempt to understand, predict and manipulate biological system behavior through mathematical modeling and computer simulation. Discrete agent-based modeling (in combination with high-resolution grids to model the extracellular environment) is a popular approach for building biological system models. However, the computational complexity of this approach forces computational biologists to resort to coarser resolution approaches to simulate large biological systems. High-performance parallel computers have the potential to address the computing challenge, but writing efficient software for parallel computers is difficult and time-consuming. Results: We have developed Biocellion, a high-performance software framework, to solve this computing challenge using parallel computers. To support a wide range of multicellular biological system models, Biocellion asks users to provide their model specifics by filling the function body of pre-defined model routines. Using Biocellion, modelers without parallel computing expertise can efficiently exploit parallel computers with less effort than writing sequential programs from scratch. We simulate cell sorting, microbial patterning and a bacterial system in soil aggregate as case studies. Availability and implementation: Biocellion runs on x86 compatible systems with the 64 bit Linux operating system and is freely available for academic use. Visit http://biocellion.com for additional information. Contact: vog.lnnp@gnak.awhgnues
Setting empirical cut-offs on psychometric indicators of negative response bias: a methodological commentary with recommendations

Malingering in neuropsychological assessment has been the subject of intense research for more than a decade and the detection methods arising from this work are diverse and sophisticated. However, the empirical findings are often presented in ways that limit the clinical utility of these techniques and may threaten their admissibility into legal proceedings. The purpose of this paper is to outline an approach for setting cut-offs on techniques designed to identify the presence of negative response bias. The use of this approach will result in the explicit specification of the error rate(s) of a given technique which can easily be applied by clinicians in the course of their practice and be admissible in court.
Efficiency of colorectal cancer care among veterans: analysis of treatment wait times at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

Time to first treatment has increased for those with colon and rectal cancers at VA Medical Centers. Patient, tumor, and hospital factors are associated with prolonged time to treatment.
Iris Murdoch: Fantasy Vs. Imagination:

Iris Murdoch is an exponent of the view that fictional narratives are best written by observing other people realistically and as entirely separate from the author's private life, with its memories...
Puberty Influences Medial Temporal Lobe and Cortical Gray Matter Maturation Differently in Boys Than Girls Matched for Sexual Maturity

Sex differences in age- and puberty-related maturation of human brain structure have been observed in typically developing age-matched boys and girls. Because girls mature 1-2 years earlier than boys, the present study aimed at assessing sex differences in brain structure by studying 80 adolescent boys and girls matched on sexual maturity, rather than age. We evaluated pubertal influences on medial temporal lobe (MTL), thalamic, caudate, and cortical gray matter volumes utilizing structural magnetic resonance imaging and 2 measures of pubertal status: physical sexual maturity and circulating testosterone. As predicted, significant interactions between sex and the effect of puberty were observed in regions with high sex steroid hormone receptor densities; sex differences in the right hippocampus, bilateral amygdala, and cortical gray matter were greater in more sexually mature adolescents. Within sex, we found larger volumes in MTL structures in more sexually mature boys, whereas smaller volumes were observed in more sexually mature girls. Our results demonstrate puberty-related maturation of the hippocampus, amygdala, and cortical gray matter that is not confounded by age, and is different for girls and boys, which may contribute to differences in social and cognitive development during adolescence, and lasting sexual dimorphisms in the adult brain.
Funding Social Security: Funded versus Means-Tested Social Security

Means testing is a very different approach to Social Security reform. With means testing, retirees who have sufficient “means” – income or wealth – would receive little or no Social Security benefit; the Social Security benefit would be smaller, the higher the income (or wealth) of the retiree. The report of the Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform (1995), created by President Clinton and headed by Senators Kerrey and Danforth, gives serious consideration to means testing. Means testing may be viewed as an alternative to funding Social Security because each attempts to bring Social Security into long-run financial balance. A key difference is this: The higher a worker's dollar wage and payroll tax, the higher is his dollar retirement benefit with funded Social Security (and current U.S. Social Security), but the lower is his dollar retirement benefit with means-tested Social Security. THE CASE FOR MEANS TESTING SOCIAL SECURITY Advocates of means testing Social Security assert that Social Security pays benefits to affluent retirees who “don't need it” and that the Social Security system can be brought into balance by reducing benefits to the affluent. From this perspective, a retiree who has sufficient means should receive little or no Social Security benefit. One of the commissioners of the Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement Reform, Peter Peterson, holds this view.
Classification of Neoplasms

It is generally agreed by both experimental and clinical pathologists that it is much easier to describe the features that characterize neoplasia* than to try to devise a brief definition that would adequately encompass the total range and complexity of this condition. Nevertheless, two eminent pathologists of this century, Rupert A. Willis and James Ewing, separately provided concise definitions that together come very close to conveying the essence of the neoplastic state. In this regard, Willis1 stated that a neoplasm “is an abnormal mass of tissue, the growth of which exceeds and is uncoordinated with that of the normal tissues, and persists in the same excessive manner after cessation of the stimuli which evoked the change,” while Ewing’s definition, with minor modification,2 declares that “a neoplasm is a relatively autonomous growth of tissue.” What is implicit here is that (1) the neoplastic change is hereditable, being passed on to succeeding generations of cells; and (2) neoplastic cell proliferation is mostly, but not totally, free of the controls that act to regulate and limit the growth of normal cells and tissues.
Some thoughts on the use of autograph manuscripts in editing the works of verdi and puccini

Abstract No one believes an autograph manuscript provides sufficient information to allow scholars to edit nineteenth- or early twentieth-century music, particularly in genres that accepted considerable modifications in performance, opera or virtuosic piano music. If anything, the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction, with doubts cast on the role of composers9 autographs in choosing texts to serve for critical editions. This latter approach is problematical, even for composers known to introduce significant changes in their works to ensure their survival in the theater. One needs always to cite (while not necessarily adopting) autograph readings, which tend to reflect compositional concerns rather than practical concerns. A critical edition may ultimately present a text oriented toward practical solutions, but it demands that users understand why and how a composer9s ideas could not be maintained. This is particularly true for a composer like Verdi, who left autograph manuscripts close to a definitive version, but it is also true for a composer like Puccini who expected autograph manuscripts to be superseded in performance.
Analysis of the role of Y1494 in α6β4 integrin-mediated breast carcinoma progression.

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 3037 The α6β4 integrin is a cell surface adhesion receptor for the laminin family of extracellular matrix proteins and has been implicated in promoting tumor progression and metastasis. Although some progress has been made in understanding how the α6β4 integrin contributes to carcinoma progression, we still know relatively little about the mechanisms by which this integrin receptor regulates tumor cell invasion and survival. We previously identified a tyrosine residue, Y1494, in the β4 cytoplasmic domain that is required for the ability of the α6β4 integrin to promote breast carcinoma cell invasion and survival. To examine further the contribution of Y1494 to tumor progression, we examined MDA-MB-435 breast carcinoma cells expressing either wildtype-β4 or Y1494F mutant-β4 for their ability to form colonies in both soft agar and Matrigel. Cells expressing the wildtype-β4 subunit formed colonies of a similar size and number in soft agar when compared with MDA-MB-435 cells that had been transfected with vector alone. In contrast, cells expressing the mutant Y1494F-β4 subunit were significantly impaired in their ability to grow in soft agar assays. Although all of the cell lines grew as colonies in Matrigel, only cells expressing the wildtype-β4 subunit were invasive. Taken together, these results suggest a vital role for Y1494 in α6β4-mediated anchorage independent growth and invasion. To assess the impact of Y1494 on tumor growth and metastasis, cells expressing wildtype and Y1494F mutant β4 were injected orthotopically into the mammary fat pad of immuno-compromised mice. All of the mice injected with cells expressing either vector or wildtype-β4 developed tumors. However, only 10% of the mice injected with cells expressing the Y1494F mutant-β4 subunit developed tumors. We are currently investigating the mechanism by which Y1494 positively contributes to the function of the α6β4 integrin. Our preliminary results reveal a role for Y1494 in the α6β4-dependent activation of the Erk1/2 MAPKs. (Supported by Susan G. Komen Foundation and the American Cancer Society)
Abstract W P279: A Multi-Campus Health System's Approach to Achieving the Highest Level of Quality Through Standardization of Practices

Background: With healthcare reform, non-value added variation will be difficult to maintain while remaining a financially successful healthcare institution under new legislation. Our organization began looking at the highest levels of quality throughout our 5 campus system, and standardizing practice in order to achieve the same high quality standards across all sites. Methods: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) accounts for approximately 85% of the all stroke patients; therefore, we prioritized establishing structure around AIS patients first, in order to achieve greatest impact. The first piece of the structure developed was the Preformatted Order (PFO). It is completed by the healthcare provider and a large driver in the consumption of healthcare. It was decided by setting the ‘structure’ or PFO at the point of admission could dramatically impact the care provided throughout the hospitalization. Each hospital had an individualized PFO for ED Stroke Code, IV tPA Administration, Admission Order for patients receiving IV tPA, and Admission Orders for patients with AIS/TIA without IV tPA. All were independently built with the AHA’s Clinical Practice Guidelines but site specific variation persisted. Best practices and data were analyzed from each campus to identify elements for a system PFO in each of the above. Quality and CPGs remained the driver for decision making while PFOs were built. Once agreed upon by medical staff, the system-wide PFOs were rolled out across all sites. Results: Significant improvements in dashboard metrics were identified when compared with the prior year’s data (same timeframe). The most significant, was a reduction of 0.9 days in the patient’s average length of stay (ALOS), when examined year-over-year. (FY12Q3 ALOS 4.73 days, FY13Q3 ALOS 3.80 days). The campus with the highest cost and longest ALOS, was able to demonstrate a reduction of 1.76 days in the patient’s ALOS, examined year-over-year. (FY12Q3 ALOS 5.04 days, FY13Q3 ALOS 3.28 days). Conclusions: Developing a structure aiming at the highest quality can result in an overall cost reduction and decreased ALOS. This structure will allow us to retain the same high level of care across all hospital sites, while allowing for customization of care, tailored to specific patient needs.
Abstract 2736: Overexpression of L-type amino acid transporter-1 in breast cancer cells and tissues: potential association with growth and progression of tumors

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC For a tumor to constantly proliferate, malignant cells require nutrients, especially glucose and amino acids. There is abundant evidence that tumor growth depends heavily on glucose uptake. The L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is a major nutrient transport system responsible for the transport of large neutral essential amino acids. In the present study, we analyzed expression levels of LAT1 mRNA and protein with RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that normal breast tissues or low malignant cell lines expressed low levels of LAT1 mRNA and protein, while LAT1 was overexpressed in highly malignant cancer cell lines and high grade breast cancer tissues. In addition, we found higher expression levels of LAT1 in breast cancer tissues were consistent with high stages of breast cancer. Furthermore, we demonstrated that blockade of LAT1 with its inhibitor, 2-amino-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH), or knockdown of LAT1 with transfection of specific siRNA inhibited proliferation of breast cancer cells. A variety of 11C- and 18F-labeled amino acids have been studied for potential use in positron emission tomography (PET) oncology. A non-natural, not-metabolizable leucine analog, anti-1-amino-3-[18F]fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid ([18F]FACBC), has shown superior tumor/normal brain ratio. We tested whether [18F]FACBC would also be an excellent PET tracer for malignant breast cancer imaging using an orthotopic breast cancer animal model and an experimental animal model of breast cancer metastasis. Our results support that [18F]FACBC could be a useful PET tracer for non-invasive imaging of breast cancer. These findings suggest that overexpression of LAT1 is necessary for proliferation of breast cancer cells and may contribute to progression of tumors. LAT1 may represent a potential target for diagnosis of breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2736.
Combined use of intraoperative indocyanine green and dynamic angiography in rotational vertebral artery occlusion

Rotational vertebral artery occlusion (RVAO) is a well-documented surgically amenable cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Traditionally, patients have been imaged using dynamic rotational angiography. We report a case of RVAO in which intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was used to confirm adequate surgical decompression of the VA. A 57-year-old female who presented with multiple episodes of syncope provoked by turning her head to the right. Rotational dynamic angiography revealed a dominant right VA that became occluded at the level of C5/6 with head rotation to the right. The patient underwent successful surgical decompression of the VA via an anterior cervical approach. ICGA demonstrated VA patency with head rotation. This was further confirmed by intraoperative dynamic catheter angiography. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first use of ICG combined with intra-operative dynamic rotational angiography to document the adequacy surgical decompression of the VA in a patient with RVAO.
Rapid Confirmation and Quantization for Multi-residue of β_2-Agonist in Animal Food Using LC-MS/MS

A method for the simultaneous determination of β2-agonists residues was developed by LC-MS/MS.The results indicated that the calibration curves showed good linear range from 0.1 g/L to 10 g/L for 11 β2-agonists.The spiked recoveries were between 79% and 110%.The method was rapid,accurate,and was suitable for the determination of β2-agonists in animal food.
Actions of calcitonin gene-related peptide in guinea pig gallbladder ganglia

The actions of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) have been determined from intracellular recordings obtained from gallbladder neurons in intact whole mount preparations. In most cells, pressure microejection of CGRP elicited a slow, monophasic depolarization, 4 mV in amplitude, that was associated with a decrease in input resistance and increased excitability. The CGRP-induced depolarization was attenuated in a low-Na+ solution and had a reversal potential of -8 mV. In 10% of the cells, microejection of CGRP elicited a biphasic response that was composed of a rapid transient depolarization followed by a slow depolarization that was similar to the monophasic response. Addition of CGRP (1–10 nM) to the bathing solution elicited a monophasic depolarization and desensitized the cells to applications of CGRP by microejection. Forskolin, applied either by microejection or bath application, also depolarized gallbladder neurons and produced cross-desensitization to CGRP. Responses to substance P were not enh...
The Grammar: We Be Following Rules

The grammar of African American language, is approached in this chapter in a manner that is commonly reserved for recognized languages. Since one of the language planning issues identified in the introduction, is the question of how its grammar should be described, I take the occasion in the following pages to offer a succinct overview of what an autonomous grammar of AA would look like, as contrasted to the list of features commonly used by Black English scholars. The approach that I follow could alternatively be referred to as a paradigmatic grammar, because of the manner in which sets of words or sounds or other elements of the language that alternate with one another in grammatical sequences are displayed in a manner that makes their systematicity clear and explicit.
A new arbitration circuit for asynchronous multiple bus multiprocessor systems

In a bus-based multiprocessor system, a bus arbitration circuit is necessary to assign the bus(es) to the requesting devices. The authors first discuss some design flaws of an existing asynchronous arbiter for multiple bus systems, and then present another design for an asynchronous arbiter which is simple, inexpensive and easy to implement. This circuit has been built and tested. The performance of this new arbiter was also measured by developing a software simulation model. The performance was measured in terms of fairness and mean-arbitration-time. The performance results are given. >
Content Externalism and Quine’s Criterion are Incompatible

Externalism holds that the content of our utterances and thoughts are determined partly by the environment. Here, I offer an argument which suggests that externalism is incompatible with a natural view about ontological commitment–namely, the Quinean view that such commitments are fixed by the range of the variables in your theory. The idea briefly is that, if Oscar mistakenly believes that water = XYZ, the externalist ontologically commits Oscar to two watery kinds. In contrast, the Quinean commits him to one such kind (albeit a metaphysically impossible kind). The penultimate section addresses a variety of objections to the argument.
An evaluation of a broad deployment of DyKnow software to support note taking and interaction using pen-based computers

This paper describes a department-wide deployment of DyKnow software to support collaborative note taking; classroom interaction; out of class review, replay, and grading of classroom materials; and computer monitoring. We describe diverse ways the software can be used to support computer science education and present the varied hardware environments (including standard laptops, Tablet PCs, interactive pen displays, and graphics tablets) that have supported the deployment. Results from surveys administered to 10 teachers and 81 students are presented. Collectively, these students have taken 431 classes using DyKnow tools. The survey results demonstrate the value students and teachers place on specific aspects of our approach and suggest areas for improvement.
Hypothesis Testing With Dependent Observations

This paper considers the problem of detection in a network consisting of heterogeneous sensors collecting measurements which are dependent both among the samples collected by each sensor and among the data collected by different sensors. The dependence in the data is modeled by using copula theory. It is assumed that the statistics of the sensors’ data is not completely known and that, in particular, the probability distribution of the sensors’ data involves unknown parameters. Our goal is to estimate these parameters and to detect the state of nature. The expectation maximization algorithm is developed and solved for this problem. Then, a case study including the Gaussian and Student's $t$ copulas is investigated. The proposed method is compared with similar methods which ignore the dependence among the data. Numerical results are presented from simulations showing the efficacy of the proposed method for both parameter estimation and hypothesis testing.
Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of SAC Solder Joints in Microelectronic Packaging and Prediction of Uniaxial Creep Using Nanoindentation Creep

In this paper, the mechanical properties and creep behavior of lead-free solder joints has been characterized by nano-mechanical testing of single grain SAC305 solder joints extracted from plastic ball grid array (PBGA) assemblies. The anisotropic mechanical properties characterized include the elastic modulus, hardness, and yield stress. An approach is suggested to predict tensile creep strain rates for low stress levels using nanoindentation creep data measured at very high compressive stress levels. The uniaxial creep rate measured on similarly prepared bulk (large) specimens was found to be of the same order-of-magnitude as the creep rate observed in single-grain BGA joints, with chararacteristically (slightly) higher creep strains measured during nanoindentation. This suggests that the same creep mechanism operates in both size domains. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and nanoindentation testing further showed that the modulus, hardness, and creep properties of solder joints are highly dependent on the crystal orientation.
Exergy analysis of electrically- and thermally-driven engines to drive heat pumps: An exhaustive comparative study ☆

Abstract The choice of driving a heat pump with an electrically- or a thermally-driven engine is a vexing question complicated by the carbon footprint and environmental impact of using electricity versus natural gas (or waste heat) as the main driver for the respective engines. Useful work generated by these two distinct engines is the focal point of this paper, addressing a key question: which engine presents a better choice for a given heat pumping application within the constraints of energy and environmental stewardship? We examine this question comprehensively through the methodology of energy, exergy, and availability analysis, explaining clearly, why the output of work from these two distinct engines is inherently vastly different. Thermodynamic consistency is guaranteed by satisfaction of the First and Second Laws applied to closed systems and their subsystems. The general conclusion is that thermally-driven engines are not industrious converters of heat to mechanical work, for heat pumps.
Simulated patient deterioration situations reveals taxonomy of the decisions made by nursing students

Commentary on: Bucknall TK, Forbes H, Phillips NM, et al. An analysis of nursing students' decision-making in teams during simulations of acute patient deterioration. J Adv Nurs 2016;72:2482–94.[OpenUrl][1] Simulation is increasingly used to prepare nursing students to recognise and respond to patient deterioration and research suggests its effectiveness to improve students' decision-making ability.1 However, the best approaches to simulation for achieving this outcome are less understood. This study by Bucknall and … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJ%2BAdv%2BNurs%26rft.volume%253D72%26rft.spage%253D2482%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Motion planning and scheduling for human and industrial-robot collaboration

Abstract Step-changes in safety technologies have opened robotic cells to human workers in real industrial scenarios. However, the lack of methodologies for a productive and effective motion planning and scheduling of human–robot cooperative (HRC) tasks is still limiting the spread of HRC systems. Standard methods fail due to the high-variability of the robot execution time, caused by the necessity to continuously modify the robot motion to grant human safety. In this context, the paper introduces an innovative integrated motion planning and scheduling methodology that (i) provides a set of robot trajectories for each task as well as an interval on the robot execution time for each trajectory and (ii) optimizes, at relevant time steps, a task plan, minimizing the cycle time through trajectory selection, task sequence and task allocation. The application of the approach to an industrial case is presented and discussed.
Near-Infrared Responsive Gold–Layersome Nanoshells

Anionic liposomes coated with cationic polyelectrolyte poly-l-lysine (PLL), or layersomes, were used as soft, self-assembled templates for synthesizing gold nanoshells that absorb near-infrared radiation. The gold nanoshells were formed using two techniques: (a) direct reduction of tetrachloroauric acid on the layersomes and (b) the reduction of a tetrachloroauric acid/potassium carbonate “growth” solution on nanosized gold seeds bound to the surface of layersomes. The resulting structures were characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and visible–near-infrared spectroscopy. Direct reduction produced discrete gold nanoparticles on the layersomes. The slower reduction from the growth solution on the gold seeds resulted in more complete shells. The absorption spectra of these suspensions were sensitive to the synthesis method. The morphology of the gold shells was tuned for absorption at biologically safe and tissue-penetrating NIR wavelengths, and laser irradiation at 810 nm produced s...
Pre-service teachers’ flexibility with referent units in solving a fraction division problem

This study investigated 111 pre-service teachers’ (PSTs’) flexibility with referent units in solving a fraction division problem using a length model. Participants’ written solutions to a measurement fraction division problem were analyzed in terms of strategies and types of errors, using an inductive content analysis approach. Findings suggest that most PSTs could calculate fraction division and make equivalent fractions procedurally but did not have the quantitative meanings of measurement division with fraction quantities or of making equivalent fractions. Implications are discussed for the improvement of PSTs’ specialized knowledge for teaching fraction division.
Synthetic Routes to a Coordinatively Unsaturated Ruthenium Complex Supported by a Tripodal, Protic bis(N-heterocyclic Carbene Phosphine Ligand

A facile, one pot synthesis of a coordinatively unsaturated ruthenium complex supported by a tripodal, protic bis(N-heterocyclic carbene) phosphine ligand is presented. A number of coordination complexes were discovered en route during this synthesis, revealing some of the unique aspects of complexes ligated by this type of tridentate, protic bis(NHC) ligand. Through a combination of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction, we reveal the intermediacy of phosphine-ligated bisimidazole complexes and show that abstraction of inner-sphere halide ions facilitates conversion to the desired tridentate bis(NHC) coordination mode. Ultimately the use of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone is shown to enable the use of the extreme temperatures needed to facilitate the direct, thermally activated tautomerization reaction that gives rise to the bis(NHC) motif.
Greenhouse gas emissions embedded in US-China fuel ethanol trade: A comparative well-to-wheel estimate

Abstract The US-China biofuel trade has experienced exponential growth in the past few years. This study conducts life cycle analysis on the US-China fuel ethanol trade and compares the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ethanol produced in China with ethanol imported from the U.S. We conduct lifecycle analysis for five China ethanol production pathways – corn, cassava, sweet sorghum, corn stover, and corncob, using the GREET (Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions and Energy use in Transportation) model. The well-to-pump (WTP) GHG emissions are estimated to be 54–234 gCO 2e /MJ. The WTP emissions of ethanol imported from the U.S. are lower than starch- and sugar-based ethanol in China. By building vehicle pathways for passenger cars in China, we estimate the well-to-wheel emissions to be 184–253 gCO 2e /km for spark-ignition (SI) engine vehicles. Overall, importing ethanol from the U.S. is estimated to reduce emissions by 34.21 gCO 2e /MJ on average, suggesting great potential of imported ethanol on curbing China's GHG emissions.
Segmentation of Pen Strokes Using Pen Speed.

We present a technique for segmenting pen strokes into lines and arcs. The technique uses pen speed information to help infer the segmentation intended by the drawer. To begin, a set of candidate segment points is identified. This set includes speed minima below a threshold computed from the average pen speed. It also includes curvature maxima at which the pen speed is again below a threshold. The ink between each pair of consecutive segment points is then classified as either a line or arc, depending on which fits best. Finally, a feedback process is employed, and segments are judiciously merged and split as necessary to improve the quality of the segmentation. Formal user studies were conducted, and our system was observed to perform accurately, even for new users.
Should Business Ethics Be Different in Transitional Economies

This paper builds on a debate between Velasquez and Fleming: Do multinational enterprises (MNEs) have ethical obligations to their host countries? Velasquez applies Thomas Hobbes' realism approach in arguing that MNEs have no special moral obligations to host countries: (a) obligations do not exist independently in a "state of nature," (b) MNEs exist in a "state of nature" independent of any sovereign authority or power, (c) therefore, MNEs cannot be compelled toward moral or ethical behavior.
The effect of breathing 100 percent oxygen on foveal thresholds.

This study examined the effects of breathing 100% oxygen at sea level on the luminance thresholds necessary for perception of red (642 nm), green (521 nm), blue (468 nm), and yellow (584 nm), and the chromatic and absolute thresholds associated with these dominant wavelengths. Using two highly trained observers, thresholds were measured for one target size and exposure duration by the method of constant stimuli. For the foveal thresholds investigated, no differences were found between the condition of breathing 100% oxygen and breathing normal room air at sea level. There is at least some physiological basis for thinking that vision may improve in a high oxygen environment. At the other extreme, breathing high concentrations of oxygen under pressure is known to degrade vision. Evidence relating to the visual effects of high oxygen concentrations is evaluated and conclusions are drawn with reference to the findings of this and other studies.
Succinylcholine-Induced Postoperative Myalgia: Etiology and Prevention

Succinylcholine is a neuromuscular blocking agent frequently used to facilitate endotracheal intubation during general anesthesia. It is usually preferred due to its rapid onset of action and short duration of action. However, the effectiveness of this drug is limited by certain adverse effects, one of which is postoperative myalgia. Although generally considered a minor adverse effect, the myalgia may be severe and interfere with return to normal activities of daily life. We present an 18-year-old with a history of ulcerative colitis who presented for anesthetic care during liver biopsy. Due to comorbidities including obesity, succinylcholine was chosen to provide rapid neuromuscular blockade and facilitate endotracheal intubation. Postoperatively, the patient complained of bilateral calf pain. The etiology of muscle pain related to succinylcholine is discussed and potential strategies to reduce its incidence reviewed. J Med Cases. 2018;9(8):264-266 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3107w
6 – Ion Beam Etching

This title has been withdrawn: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal ( http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy ). This Book/Chapter has been withdrawn as Elsevier no longer has the publishing rights.
Scalable MSC-derived bone tissue modules: In vitro assessment of differentiation, matrix deposition, and compressive load bearing.

Abstract Enhancements to the mechanical properties of modular designs for bone tissue engineering could increase their clinical applications. In this study, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) microgranules were encapsulated in polyelectrolyte complex membranes composed of chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and chitosan. Microcapsules were formed with and without HAP microgranules, and cultured in either osteoinduction medium (Osteo) or expansion medium (Exp) to produce four microcapsule conditions: Osteo, Osteo+HAP, Exp, and Exp+HAP. Microcapsules facilitated alkaline phosphatase secretion and deposition of bone specific proteins (osteocalcin and osteopontin) by encapsulated MSCs over 28 days of osteogenic culture. SEM and micro-CT analysis showed cell-deposited mineral covering the surfaces of the HAP microgranules and interior of the microcapsule membrane. The mineralized microcapsules could be combined and fused into cylindrical constructs (4 × 5 mm, W × H), and uniaxial compression tests confirmed that microcapsule mineralization greatly enhanced the yield stresses of Osteo and Osteo+HAP fused constructs (10.4 ± 4.4 MPa and 6.4 ± 2.8 MPa), compared to only HAP microgranules (Exp+HAP, 0.5 ± 0.3 MPa). The C4S/CMC/Chitosan microcapsules provide a platform allowing pre-mineralization of microcapsules in vitro for later assembly of larger load-bearing constructs, or for use as an injectable bone regeneration strategy. Statement of Significance Clinical translation of bone tissue engineering is limited by the difficulty of generating space filling implants that both resist compressive loading, and simultaneously deliver cells throughout the bone defect. Here, we present the design of a microcapsule system containing both stem cells capable of rebuilding bone tissue, and a mechanically tough bone-like mineral, that imparts compression resistance to the microcapsules. The microcapsules support stem cell differentiation to an osteogenic phenotype, that can mineralize the microcapsule membrane and interior. The mineralized microcapsules can be assembled into larger bone constructs, and have mechanical properties on par with trabecular bone.
Stable and efficient mid-infrared III-V semiconductor frequency combs with two-color pumping

Integrated mid-infrared frequency combs promise to revolutionize chemical sensing. A technologically important approach is to employ a III-V semiconductor in a microresonator-based nonlinear comb. For a comb centered on 4.5 μm, a suitable waveguide material is InGaAs on InP. However, this approach also introduces pronounced higher-order group velocity dispersion that can make it difficult to achieve stable broadband output. One way to stabilize multiple solitons and the repetition rate is to pump simultaneously at two wavelengths separated by one or a few free spectral ranges of the microresonator. Here we show theoretically that this pumping scheme can lead to stable soliton crystals and calculate the required ranges of pump powers and wavelengths. We also show that this stabilization effect occurs only over a limited range of pump power and detuning parameters. For example, for the large detunings needed to isolate soliton pulses, the relative pump power is constrained to rcrlP2/P1lRcr with rcr≈40% and Rcr≈97%. The stable parameter ranges are similar for third-order, sixth-order, and all-order dispersion.
Is Technology a Parasite Masquerading as a Symbiont? And if so…

The conventional wisdom on technology is that our ongoing affair is symbiotic. Because it frees us up for more meaningful pursuits, the more technology takes over the mental, physical, and social labor, the better. But is it better? Do most people most of the time make smart use of technology’s freeing up fruits? Do they beneficially translate effort, or, under the illusion of benefit, just let technology do the work and succumb to the always in hand, addictive by design, means to amusement? To answer these questions, this paper draws on an apparent loophole in the second law of thermodynamics - actually a feature – that, under the right conditions, not only allows shrinking entropy as power enabling organized matter and energy, it favors organization as a more ordered, more effective, more efficient means of escalating the sum total of dissipated potential – entropy - in the universe. The claim is that to satisfy the 2nd Law’s demand that no matter what happens, total entropy always increases, behind the mask of win-win symbiosis, the rising organization / shrinking entropy of exponentially concentrating power in advancing technology is parasitically discharging its dissipative effluents into human brains and bodies as it degrades our human to human bonding skills. Outing the modus operandi, an agenda whose means are us, whose ends are not, offers a platform for recognizing and righting the accelerating injustice to ourselves, our children, our human future?
Synthesis of trans-disubstituted cyclam ligands appended with two 6-hydroxymethylpyridin-2-ylmethyl sidearms: Crystal structures of the 1,8-dimethyl-4,ll-di(6-hydroxymethylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)cylam ligand and its Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes

Two new trans-disubstituted cyclam ligands; 1,8-di(6-hydroxymethylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetra-azacyclotetradecane (5) and 1,8-dimethyl-4, 11-di(6-hydroxymethylpyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,8,11 -tetraaza-cyclotetradecane (6); have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of ligand 6 and its Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes have been determined. Crystal data are given for 6, space group, P21/c, a = 11.095 (6) A, b = 9.467 (5) A, c = 13.283 (8) A; β = 106.95 (5)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0715; for [Ni 6](C104)2, space group P21/c, a = 9.4848 (14) A, b = 33.941(6) A, c = 9.793(2) A, β = 95.264(14)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0567; for [Co 6](C104)2, space group, P21/c, a = 9.440 (6) A, b = 33.848 (13) A, c = 9.820 (3) A, β = 95.16(3)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0718. In both complexes, the metal atoms are six-coordinate with only one of the pendants interacting with the central metal atom and the other pendant remaining uncoordinated.
Who Thinks Outside the Gender Box? Feminism, Gender Self-Esteem, and Attitudes toward Trans People

Trans people are targeted with widespread prejudice and discrimination in the United States. In order to better understand this hostility, we examined how different gender beliefs (gender traditionalism, gender self-esteem, feminist attitudes, and feminist identity) are associated with cisgender heterosexual individuals’ trans prejudice. We found that cisgender heterosexual men reported more trans prejudice, more gender traditionalism, less feminist attitudes, and a weaker feminist identity than cisgender heterosexual women. Participants who reported less traditional gender beliefs and more feminist attitudes reported less trans prejudice. Although feminist identity was not associated with trans prejudice for cisgender heterosexual women, cisgender heterosexual men who more strongly identified as feminists reported less trans prejudice. These findings underline the complexity and multiplicity of gender beliefs and their distinct associations with trans prejudice. Our results also have implications for clinicians and feminist activists, calling on them to critically examine their own gender beliefs and to advocate for the inclusion of trans people within their respective contexts, as well as trans rights more broadly.
Effectiveness of antepartum intravenous iron sucrose: dose timing and impact on outcomes

Studies have demonstrated that antepartum intravenous iron sucrose infusion (IVFe) is safe and improves predelivery hemoglobin (Hb). Yet, there is little data guiding timing of administration or nu...
Family Aggregation of Substance Use Disorders: Substance Specific, Nonspecific, and Intrafamilial Sources of Risk.

Objective:The primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate substance-specific and nonspecific associations between parental and sibling histories of alcohol, cannabis, amphetamine, and halluci...