cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU-E-BRA-07: Post-Operative Eye Plaque Imaging Using Tomotherapy MVCT

Purpose: Intra‐operative ultrasound is used to verify the positioning of episcleral eye plaques used to treat ocular melanoma. Ultrasound can be ambiguous because of image artifacts, and plaques may shift position after surgery. Ultrasound verification is particularly challenging for anterior tumors. Post‐operative imaging could be used to trigger interventions that would prevent local treatment failure. We investigated if, and under what conditions, the Tomotherapy megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) system could be used to perform post‐implantation verification of eye plaque positioning. Methods: Plaques were placed on a preserved cow's eye, and imaged with the megavoltage CT of a Tomotherapy linear accelerator (Accuray, Sunnyvale, CA). The images were visually and quantitatively assessed to determine if they were of sufficient quality to verify tumor coverage and plaque tilt with respect to the sclera. We used the visibility of the lens as a proxy for visibility of a tumor. To test the utility of hypothetical higher beam current Tomotherapy images, we averaged sequential images of the same setup. Results: The plaque, the lens of the eye, and the globe are visible in the images. The CNR of the lens with respect to the vitreous was 5.6 for a single image. For 10 images averaged, the CNR was 9.2. Estimated dose from a single image was 1.3 cGy (body CTDIvol); even 10 times this dose would be an acceptable image‐guidancedose for radiotherapy patients. One limitation of the imaging procedure is the long scan time (up to 240 seconds), during which time any significant patient motion would lead to image artifacts. Human trials on eye plaque patients are planned. Conclusions: Tomotherapy MVCT imaging could be used to verify tumor coverage and plaque tilt after episcleral plaque implantation. Tumors should be visible in standard Tomotherapy images but higher beam current images would be preferred if available.
Inversion-type indium phosphide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors with equivalent oxide thickness of 12 Å using stacked HfAlOx HfO2 gate dielectric

We present InP metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors (MOSCAPs) and metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) with stacked HfAlOx∕HfO2 gate dielectric deposited by atomic layer deposition. Compared with single HfO2, the use of stacked HfAlOx∕HfO2 results in better interface quality with InP substrate, as illustrated by smaller frequency dispersion and lower leakage current density. The equivalent oxide thickness of MOSCAPs with 10A HfAlOx∕25A HfO2 stacked gate dielectric is 12A. The MOSFETs with this gate dielectric achieve two times higher transconductance than those with single 35A HfO2. They also exhibit drive current of 60mA∕mm and subthreshold swing of 83mV/decade for 5μm gate length.
Effects of Clover Root Curculio, Alfalfa Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Soil-Borne Fungi on Alfalfa Stand Density and Longevity in Kentucky

Field studies were done in two stands of alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., from 1982 to 1984 to investigate the effects of clover root curculio, Sitona hispidulus (F.), alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), and root rot fungi on alfalfa stand density and longevity. Alfalfa crown density in plots protected from these three pests, compared with plots with natural populations of one or more, was 47.9 and 43.2% higher in the 1981-seeded stand (after 27 mo) and the 1982-seeded stand (after 15 mo), respectively. Clover root curculio larvae appeared to reduce alfalfa stand density only during the first year of feeding (the year following spring seedling establishment). Plant mortality from clover root curculio occurred from June to August and was compounded by dry soil conditions and the presence of root rot fungi. Alfalfa mortality from alfalfa weevil defoliation occurred during the alfalfa overwintering period (stand seeded in 1981) and during the period from June to August (stand seeded in 1982). Alfalfa stand longevity was reduced by up to 2 yr by stresses from these pests. Based on regression equations, stand longevity in plots protected from these pests was about 5 yr from seeding.
Acrolein as a novel therapeutic target for motor and sensory deficits in spinal cord injury.

In the hours to weeks following traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI), biochemical processes are initiated that further damage the tissue within and surrounding the initial injury site: a process termed secondary injury. Acrolein, a highly reactive unsaturated aldehyde, has been shown to play a major role in the secondary injury by contributing significantly to both motor and sensory deficits. In particular, efforts have been made to elucidate the mechanisms of acrolein-mediated damage at the cellular level and the resulting paralysis and neuropathic pain. In this review, we will highlight the recent developments in the understanding of the mechanisms of acrolein in motor and sensory dysfunction in animal models of SCI. We will also discuss the therapeutic benefits of using acrolein scavengers to attenuate acrolein-mediated neuronal damage following SCI.
Fractal models are inadequate for the kinetics of four different ion channels

The gating kinetics of single ion channels have been well described by models which assume that channels exist in a number of discrete kinetic states, with the rate constants for transitions among the states remaining constant in time. In contrast to such discrete Markov models, it has recently been considered whether gating might arise from transitions among a continuum of states, with the effective rate constants for leaving the collections of states given by a fractal scaling equation (Liebovitch, L.S., J. Fischbarg, J.P. Koniarek, I. Todorova, and M. Wang. 1987. Biochim. Biophys. Acta. 896:173–180; Liebovitch, L.S., and J.M. Sullivan. 1987. Biophys. J. 52:979–988). The present study compares discrete Markov with fractal continuum models to determine which best describes the gating kinetics of four different ion channels: GABA-activated Cl channels, ACh-activated end-plate channels, large conductance Ca-activated K (BK) channels, and fast Cl channels. Discrete Markov models always gave excellent descriptions of the distributions of open and shut times for all four channels. Fractal continuum models typically gave very poor descriptions of the shut times for all four channels, and also of the open times from end-plate and BK channels. The descriptions of the open times from GABA-activated and fast Cl channels by the fractal and Markov models were usually not significantly different. If the same model accounts for gating motions in proteins for both the open and shut states, then the Markov model ranked above the fractal model in 35 of 36 data sets of combined open and shut intervals, with the Markov model being tens to thousands of orders of magnitude more probable. We suggest that the examined fractal continuum model is unlikely to serve as a general mechanism for the gating of these four ion channels.
Estrogen receptor-anti-estrogen complex: atypical binding by uterine nuclei and effects on uterine growth.

Abstract A single injection of the anti-estrogen, nafoxidine hydrochloride (Upjohn 11,100 A), causes the retention of the estrogen receptor by uterine nuclei for as long as 19 days. This is accompanied by the long term stimulation of uterine growth. The nuclear retention of the receptor does not stimulate the replenishment of the cytoplasmic receptor and failure to do so is suggested as the mechanism by which nafoxidine acts as an anti-estrogen.
An Electrical Engine Indicator for Measuring Static and Dynamic Pressures

This paper presents the design of a condenser type indicator and associated electrical equipment, together with the technique of measuring pressures in internal-combustion engines.
A neural cell adhesion molecule from human brain

Abstract We have used a crossreactive monoclonal antibody against a mouse neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) to characterize and purify an antigen from embryonic and neonatal human brain. This antigen was identified as human N-CAM according to several criteria, including molecular weight, sialic acid content, amino acid composition, analysis of peptide fragments, reactivity with a variety of anti-CAM antibodies, and activity of the antigen in assays of cell and membrane vesicle aggregation. The findings make feasible an exploration of the possible role of N-CAM in various neurological disorders.
Inhibition of eye blinking reveals subjective perceptions of stimulus salience

Abstract Spontaneous eye blinking serves a critical physiological function, but it also interrupts incoming visual information. This tradeoff suggests that the inhibition of eye blinks might constitute an adaptive reaction to minimize the loss of visual information, particularly information that a viewer perceives to be important. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether the timing of blink inhibition, during natural viewing, is modulated between as well as within tasks, and also whether the timing of blink inhibition varies as a function of viewer engagement and stimulus event type. While viewing video scenes, we measured the timing of blinks and blink inhibition, as well as visual scanning, in a group of typical two-year-olds, and in a group of two-year-olds known for attenuated reactivity to affective stimuli: toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Although both groups dynamically adjusted the timing of their blink inhibition at levels greater than expected by chance, they inhibited their blinking and shifted visual fixation differentially with respect to salient onscreen events. Moreover, typical toddlers inhibited their blinking earlier than toddlers with ASD, indicating active anticipation of the unfolding of those events. These findings indicate that measures of blink inhibition can serve as temporally precise markers of perceived stimulus salience and are useful quantifiers of atypical processing of social affective signals in toddlers with ASD.
Numerical analysis of biomimetic gannet impacting with water during plunge-diving

This paper reproduces the plunge-diving process of a biomimetic gannet through the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulation. The numerical investigation of impulse force and pressure distribution on the designed biomimetic gannet when interacting with water is also presented. Three-dimensional computational transport equations based on the complete set of Navier-Stokes equations are solved by using the FLUENT 6.2 solver. Numerical simulations have been performed to examine the flow characteristics on the interface between air and water, where the interface is tracked by coupling the VOF (Volumn of Fluid) method. The biomimetic gannet is developed by imitating the natural gannet, the morphology and water-entry posture of which are the same as those of the gannet in nature. For different given dropping heights, the effect of initial water-entry velocity on the axial impact force acting on the gannet's body is investigated and numerically examined.
Resveratrol protects the brain of obese mice from oxidative damage.

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a polyphenolic phytoalexin that exerts cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects. Recently it has been shown that obesity is associated with an increase in cerebral oxidative stress levels, which may enhance neurodegeneration. The present study evaluates the neuroprotective action of resveratrol in brain of obese (ob/ob) mice. Resveratrol was administered orally at the dose of 25 mg kg−1 body weight daily for three weeks to lean and obese mice. Resveratrol had no effect on body weight or blood glucose levels in obese mice. Lipid peroxides were significantly increased in brain of obese mice. The enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and nonenzymatic antioxidants tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and glutathione were decreased in obese mice brain. Administration of resveratrol decreased lipid peroxide levels and upregulated the antioxidant activities in obese mice brain. Our findings indicate a neuroprotective effect of resveratrol by preventing oxidative damage in brain tissue of obese mice.
Performance adaptive UDP for high-speed bulk data transfer over dedicated links

New types of networks are emerging for the purpose of transmitting large amounts of scientific data among research institutions quickly and reliably. These exotic networks are characterized by being high-bandwidth, high- latency, and free from congestion. In this environment, TCP ceases to be an appropriate protocol for reliable bulk data transfer because it fails to saturate link throughput. Of the new protocols designed to take advantage of these networks, a subclass has emerged using UDP for data transfer and TCP for control. These high-speed variants of reliable UDP, however, tend to underperform on all but high-end systems due to constraints of the CPU, network, and hard disk. It is therefore necessary to build a high-speed protocol adaptive to the performance of each system. This paper develops such a protocol, Performance Adaptive UDP (henceforth PA-UDP), which aims to dynamically and autonomously maximize performance under different systems. A mathematical model and related algorithms are proposed to describe the theoretical basis behind effective buffer and CPU management. Based on this model, we implemented a prototype under Linux and the experimental results demonstrate that PA-UDP outperforms an existing high-speed protocol on commodity hardware in terms of throughput and packet loss. PA- UDP is efficient not only for high-speed research networks but also for reliable high-performance bulk data transfer over dedicated local area networks where congestion and fairness are typically not a concern.
Algorithm independent data flow mapping on a unified VLSI architecture

VLSI architectural unification at primitive hardware and interconnect structure level, is necessary, to cover the methodology of GPVLSI and SPVLSI systems synthesis. The concept of PACUBE array (Programmable Array of Array Adders) leads to this grand unification at macrocell level. The systolic and wavefront arrays have led to a major breakthrough in the design of supercomputing architectures. But the D-flow mapping on these arrays varies greatly depending on the algorithms to be executed, the majority of which are a combination of GIPOP equations. In this paper, both the unifying concept of the P-Arrays and the algorithm independent D-flow mapping on the P-Arrays is presented. >
New paradigms of care for STEMI focusing on mortality and attributable death analysis: what do device and drug trials teach us?

In patients with acute coronary syndromes, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and in those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), major bleeding has been shown to be a powerful independent determinant of mortality, at least as important as MI or re-infarction. Treatment with bivalirudin compared with heparin and a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor results in a significant reduction in 30-day major bleeding, thrombocytopaenia and transfusions, with similar rates of ischaemic events in high-risk patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. Furthermore, bivalirudin monotherapy resulted in significant 31 and 43% reductions in rates of all-cause and cardiac mortality (absolute 1.4 and 1.7% reductions) at 1 year, with non-significantly different rates of re-infarction and stent thrombosis. The prevention of haemorrhagic complications after primary PCI in STEMI results in improved early and late survival. Optimal drug selection and technique to minimize bleeding are essential to enhance outcomes for patients undergoing interventional therapies.
The murine Spam1 gene: RNA expression pattern and lower steady-state levels associated with the Rb(6.16) translocation.

Recently we mapped the murine Spam1 gene to the proximal region of chromosome 6 (MMU 6). Based on the map location and physiological characteristics of its encoded sperm antigen, the gene is an attractive candidate for the sperm dysfunction seen in Rb(6.16) translocation heterozygotes and the reduced fertility of homozygotes. We have analyzed the expression of Spam1 mRNA in normal and Rb(6.16) mice. The expression of Spam1 mRNA was found to be: 1) tissue specific; it is expressed exclusively in testis; and 2) developmentally regulated, with a haploid expression. Notably, the steady-state mRNA level of Spam1 in Rb(6.16) homozygotes was 25–30% of that in chromosomally normal consomic mice and those homozygous for Rb(2.8) (7.18). In Rb(6.16) and Rb(6.15) heterozygotes the levels were 61% and 66% of the normal. Studies are currently under way to determine the protein levels and gene structure of Spam1, to detect the underlying cause of the mRNA reduction associated with these translocations. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 46:252–257, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Inversion of a layered rough surface model: maximizing the number of retrievable parameters for the design of future subsurface sensing radar systems

We previously applied an optimization technique known as Simulated Annealing (SA) to the inverse problem associated with a 3D two-layer dielectric structure with slightly rough interfaces and showed that simulated annealing methods are capable of globally minimizing cost functions with many local minima [1]. Nonlinearity of the cost function is a major factor that decreases the performance of the inversion algorithm. With a fixed set of measurement and inversion parameters, as the number of unknown model parameters increases, the cost function nonlinearity becomes more severe, decreasing the efficiency of inversion and making the annealing process perform like an inefficient brute force search. The focus of this work is on strategies to choose the optimal set of measurement parameters for retrieval of the largest possible number of parameters of a layered dielectric structure.
Science in Cultural Borderlands: Methodological Reflections on the Study of Science, European Imperialism, and Cultural Encounter

This article examines the methodological issues arising from the study of science and European imperialism. Drawing upon recent scholarship in a variety of fields, it argues for a combination of the concepts of “cultural borderlands” and “scientific imperialism” in analyzing the formation of science in cultural encounter. It also urges STS scholars to pay more attention to the field sciences. Although the focus of the article is on science and British imperialism in nineteenth-century China, its conclusions address an important aspect of the history of East Asian science, technology, and medicine from the early modern period to the twentieth century.
A far downstream enhancer for murine Bcl11b controls its T-cell specific expression

Bcl11b is a T-cell specific gene in hematopoiesis that begins expression during T-lineage commitment and is required for this process. Aberrant expression of BCL11B or proto-oncogene translocation to the vicinity of BCL11B can be a contributing factor in human T-ALL. To identify the mechanism that controls its distinctive T-lineage expression, we corrected the identified Bcl11b transcription start site and mapped a cell-type–specific differentially methylated region bracketing the Bcl11b promoter. We identified a 1.9-kb region 850 kb downstream of Bcl11b, “Major Peak,” distinguished by its dynamic histone marking pattern in development that mirrors the pattern at the Bcl11b promoter. Looping interactions between promoter-proximal elements including the differentially methylated region and downstream elements in the Major Peak are required to recapitulate the T-cell specific expression of Bcl11b in stable reporter assays. Functional dissection of the Major Peak sequence showed distinct subregions, in which TCF-1 sites and a conserved element were required for T-lineage–specific activation and silencing in non-T cells. A bacterial artificial chromosome encompassing the full Bcl11b gene still required the addition of the Major Peak to exhibit T-cell specific expression. Thus, promoter-proximal and Major Peak sequences are cis-regulatory elements that interact over 850 kb to control expression of Bcl11b in hematopoietic cells.
PROLONGING THE SHELF-LIFE OF FRESH GREEN CHILE PEPPERS THROUGH MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING AND LOW TEMPERATURE STORAGE

The postharvest quality of green chile fruit was compared after storage in 3 types of packages at 2 temperatures (24C and 8C). Package types were corrugated cardboard boxes, pressed cardboard trays overwrapped with VF-71 polyethylene, or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags. Fruit packaged in boxes or overwrapped trays had 24.8% and 10.1% weight loss, respectively, after 1 week of storage at 24C. Fruit packaged in polyethylene bags lost 0.3% weight and remained green. After 1 week at 8C, the weight losses were 3.8%, 1.8% and 0% for the boxed overwrapped and bagged treatments, respectively. Postharvest quality was maintained up to 4 weeks when fruit were packaged in LDPE bags and stored at 8C. In a second study, steady state O 2 and CO 2 levels were determined inside the LDPE packages as fruit weight and temperature were varied Storage temperatures were 24C, 16C and 8C. At 8C, steady state O 2 levels ranged from 12.0 kPa to 0.9 kPa, and CO 2 levels ranged from 2.0 kPa to 4.6 kPa as fruit weight was increased from 120 to 480 g. At 24C and 16C, fruit packaged in 480 g units had slower ripening rates than fruit packaged in smaller units; however, fruit stored at 8C remained green the longest, regardless of fruit weight.
Kinematic programming alternatives for redundant manipulators

In the growing literature on redundant manipulator control, a number of techniques have been proposed for solving the inverse kinemetics problem. Some of these techniques are surveyed with a discussion of strengths and weaknesses of each. A new approach, called the extended Jacobian technique, is also presented. It is argued that because this technique may be expected to lift closed end effector paths to closed joint angle paths, it provides a promising approach for the control of kinematically redundant industrial manipulators. It is further shown that this technique may be implemented as a suitably parameterized generalized inverse method.
Mutation profile of JAK2 transcripts in patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasias.

Here, we describe the JAK2 mutation profile in a series of approximately 20,000 blood samples from patients with clinically suspected myeloproliferative neoplasias. Using a sensitive reverse transcription-PCR and direct sequencing approach on RNA rather than DNA, we detected JAK2 mutations in exons 12–15 in approximately 20% of these patients. We identified new mutations in addition to the known V617F and exon 12 mutations, which were the most common. Most of the novel mutations are located in the pseudokinase domain and therefore are expected to relieve the autoinhibitory function of this domain on JAK2 kinase activity. Our data suggest that molecular testing of JAK2 mutations should not be restricted to the V617F and exon 12 mutations, but perhaps should extend to most of the pseudokinase domain coding region as well. Furthermore, mutation screening using RNA is highly sensitive and could replace DNA-based testing because of the relative abundance of target transcripts and the ease in detecting deletion of the entire exon.
Predicting Sexual Assault Kit Submission Among Adolescent Rape Cases Treated in Forensic Nurse Examiner Programs

Following a sexual assault, victims are usually advised to have a medical forensic exam and sexual assault forensic exam kit (SAK). Once completed, the SAK is to be transported by law enforcement to the crime lab for analysis. However, many kits are never transported to the crime lab, thereby preventing forensic evidence obtained in the kit to be used during the prosecutorial process. The current study examined rates of SAK submission for 393 adolescent sexual assault cases in two Midwestern communities and explored what factors predicted law enforcement officers’ submission of SAKs to the crime lab for analysis. Findings reveal that more than 40% of the adolescent cases did not have their SAK submitted, and several factors, including the age and race of the victim, the number of perpetrators in the assault, and the number of assaultive acts, predicted SAK submission. Implications for SAK community protocols are discussed.
Social navigation and annotation for electronic books

Modern efforts on digitizing electronic books focus on preserving authentic "spatial" representation of the original sources. The new format requires new tools to help users to access, process, and make sense of digital information. This paper presents an approach which assists users of these new "spatial" sources by giving them a combination of annotation and social navigation support. This approach is currently fully implemented and under evaluation in a classroom study
Synthesis of nanoscale structures in single crystal silicon carbide by electron beam lithography

Nanostructures were formed on diced specimens of single crystal 4H-SiC silicon carbide using electron beam lithography. A scanning electron microscope was retrofitted with a commercially available electron beam lithography package and an electrostatic beam blanker to permit nanoscale lithography to be performed. A process was first developed and optimized on silicon substrates to expose, poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) resist with an electron beam to make nanoscale nickel masks for reactive ion etching. The masks consist of an array of nickel dots that range in size from 20 to 100 nm in diameter. Several nanoscale structures were then fabricated in silicon carbide using electron beam lithography. The structures produced are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy.
Cholesterol condensation of α-linolenic and γ-linolenic acid-containing phosphatidylcholine monolayers and bilayers

Cholesterol is demonstrated to condense phosphatidylcholine (PC) monolayers and bilayers containing stearic acid in the sn-1 position and alpha-linolenic acid in the sn-2 position (18:0, alpha-18:3 PC) but has no effect when gamma-linolenic acid occupies the sn-2 position (18:0,gamma-18:3 PC). Cholesterol-induced condensation is measured by area/molecule determinations made on monolayers using a Langmuir trough, while condensation in bilayers is followed by the fluorescent dyes merocyanine (MC540) and dansyllysine. Permeability to erythritol is also demonstrated to be diminished by cholesterol for the condensable 18:0,alpha-18:3 PC bilayer membranes but not the 18:0,gamma-18:3 PC membranes. alpha- and gamma-linolenic acid are isomers containing 18 carbons and three unsaturations. Both fatty acids have unsaturations at positions 9 and 12 and differ only in the location of the third unsaturation, at either position 6 for gamma-linolenic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and at position 15 for alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid). Here lipid-cholesterol interaction is used to distinguish the effect of position of unsaturation on membrane structure.
Is Character Fate, or Is There Hope to Change My Personality Yet?

Different perspectives on personality development propose a range of possible degrees to which traits are free to change, from hardly at all to very much. This essay reviews the empirical evidence on just how consistent and changeable personality traits are across the life course. To gain a thorough perspective on personality trait development, we review developmental studies that focus on three different types of change: rank-order consistency, mean level change, and individual level change. Starting in late childhood, personality traits exhibit modest levels of rank-order consistency that increase with age. In addition personality traits show mean level changes, especially in young adulthood, that are consistent with the idea of increasing maturity. Finally, despite these general trends in personality continuity and change, there is evidence that individuals may change in ways that contradict general trends and that these individual differences in change are related to life experiences.
Wavelet-Based Visualization, Separation, and Synthesis Tools for Sound Quality of Impulsive Noises

Recent applied mathematics research on the properties of the invertible shift-invariant discrete wavelet transform has produced new ways to visualize, separate, and synthesize impulsive sounds, such as thuds, slaps, taps,knocks, and rattles. These new methods can be used to examine the joint time-frequency characteristics of a sound, to select individual components based on their time-frequency localization, to quantify the components, and to synthesize new sounds from the selected components. The new tools will be presented in a non-mathematical way illustrated by two real-life sound quality problems, extracting the impulsive components of a windshield wiper sound, and analyzing a door closing-induced rattle.
Physiological Basis of Machine-Paced and Self-Paced Work*:

Currently, the majority of the machine-paced jobs in industry are manned by younger workers while older workers are predominantly working on self-paced work. Laboratory research suggests the hypoth...
Modeling Vertical-Axis Wind-Turbine Performance: Blade-Element Method Versus Finite Volume Approach

Vertical-axis wind turbines offer an inherently simpler design than horizontal-axis machines, and their lower blade speed mitigates safety and noise concerns. Although vertical-axis turbines do offer significant operational advantages, development has been hampered by the difficulty of modeling the aerodynamics involved, along with their rotating geometry. This paper presents results from a simulation of a baseline vertical-axis wind turbine computed using Star-CCM+, a commercial finite volume code, and compares them with data obtained from a multiple-streamtube model. Emphasis was placed on the dynamic stall characteristics and wake production, which have the greatest influence on turbine performance. A model was developed to replicate the blade–wake interactions common at higher tip-speed ratios and was found to greatly improve the accuracy of the blade-element momentum model.
“Plunged in the like peril”: The Power of Remembered and Dismembered Bodies in Robert Southwell’s Epistle unto His Father

The text of Epistle of Robert Southwell unto His Father is populated by bodies: the body politic that is the omnipresent Elizabethan state, the body of the Southwell family on behalf of whom Southwell claims to make his appeal, the body of the Catholic Church from which Richard Southwell is presently separated, and most significantly the body of Christ to which the young priest would have his father reunited. The detachment of father and son from these various bodies, and consequently from one another, is the reason for the letter’s existence as well as the foundation of its arguments and the source of its considerable drama. This essay argues that the artful persuasiveness of the Epistle lies in the simultaneity of its rhetorical appeals to both a private and public audience, appeals which are strengthened by the author’s awareness of the divided bodies he addresses, and his subsequent decision to deploy a provocative interplay between the actions of remembering and dismembering throughout his text.
Survey of vitamin D metabolite levels during growth and development in Japanese quail.

Abstract Plasma calcium and vitamin D metabolite levels were monitored during growth and development in male and female Japanese quail. In male Japanese quail, plasma calcium levels were constant (range 9.0 to 10.9 mg/dl); the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] levels remained undetectable in all age groups. Plasma calcium levels in the females rose at 6 weeks of age and remained elevated. The female 1,25-(OH)2D levels increased from undetectable levels at 3 to 5 weeks to a peak of 297 pg/ml at 8 weeks and remained elevated at 12 weeks of age in ovulating birds. Twelve-week old female without an egg in their oviduct had plasma 1,25-(OH)2D levels similar to males and immature females. No marked changed occurred in plasma 25-(OH)D levels due to sex or age. Plasma 24, 25-(OH)2D levels stayed relatively constant at about 2 ng/ml for both male and females at all ages studied.
MR phase imaging with bipolar acquisition

We have previously proposed a novel magnetic resonance (MR) phase imaging framework (MAGPI) based on a three-echo sequence that demonstrated substantial gains in phase signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We improve upon the performance of MAGPI by extending the formulation to handle (i) an alternating gradient polarity (bipolar) readout scheme and (ii) an arbitrary number of echoes. We formulate the phase-imaging problem using maximum-likelihood (ML) estimation. The acquisition uses an optimized multi-echo gradient echo (MEGE) sequence. The tissue-phase estimation algorithm is a voxel-per-voxel approach, which requires no reference scans, no phase unwrapping and no spatial denoising. Unlike other methods, our bipolar readout model is general and does not make simplifying assumptions about the even–odd echo phase errors. The results show that (a) our proposed bipolar MAGPI approach improves on the phase SNR gains achieved with monopolar MAGPI and (b) the phase SNR converges with the number of echoes more rapidly with bipolar MAGPI. Importantly, bipolar MAGPI enables phase imaging in severely SNR-constrained scenarios, where monopolar MAGPI is unable to find solutions. The substantial phase SNR gains achieved with our framework are used here to (a) accelerate acquisitions (full brain 0.89 mm in-plane resolution in 2 min 30 sec) and (b) enable high-contrast high-resolution phase imaging (310 µm in-plane resolution) at clinical field strengths. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Examination of body fluids: preparation of slides and cell morphology.

1. Leilani Collins, MS MT(ASCP)SH CLS(NCA)[⇑][1] 1. is associate professor, Clinical Laboratory Science Program, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis TN 1. Address for correspondence: Leilani Collins MS MT(ASCP)SH CLS(NCA), associate professor, Clinical Laboratory Science Program, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 930 Madison Avenue, Suite 670, Memphis TN 38163. (901) 448-6299. lcollins{at}utmem.edu. 1. Describe and calculate the proper dilution for preparation of a monolayer cytocentrifuge slide. 2. List cellular findings that may be present in any fluid. 3. Describe lining cells that may be found in CSF, serous, and synovial fluids. 4. Distinguish benign and malignant cells. 5. Compare distinguishing characteristics of significant crystals in synovial fluids. Specimens concentrated by centrifugation or cytocentrifugation are used to perform differential counts and assess cell morphology on body fluids. Using standard centrifugation, the specimen is centrifuged, the supernatant removed, and a slide made from the buffy coat if RBCs or the concentrated cells of the centrifugate are present.. In cytocentrifugation the specimen is transferred to a cytofunnel assembly. The specimen is centrifuged at 1000 RPM for 10 minutes allowing fluid to be absorbed into filter paper and cells to be concentrated in a small area of the slide. The slides prepared by either concentration method should be allowed to air dry and are then stained with Wright or Wright-Giemsa stain prior to examination. If it is not possible to prepare cell concentrations to assess morphology of nucleated cells and cells are differentiated while the cell count is performed, a lysing agent that enhances the nucleus of cells must be used to determine the category of the cells. In this article, preparation of slides refers to cytocentrifugation. To prepare a monolayer cytocentrifuge slide, which is optimal for nucleated cell identification, use the nucleated cell count (not the RBC count) to determine the saline dilution for the cytocentrifuge preparation. A consistent amount of undiluted or diluted fluid should be used to prepare a cytocentrifuge slide—usually 0.25 mL or five drops. A good monolayer preparation can be obtained if the nucleated cell count is less than 200/μL. If the nucleated cell count is greater than 200/μL, divide the cell count by 100 to… ABBREVIATIONS: ALL = acute lymphoblastic leukemia; AML = acute myeloblastic leukemia; CNS = central nervous system; CSF = cerebrospinal fluid; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; RBC = red blood cell; WBC = white blood cell. 1. Describe and calculate the proper dilution for preparation of a monolayer cytocentrifuge slide. 2. List cellular findings that may be present in any fluid. 3. Describe lining cells that may be found in CSF, serous, and synovial fluids. 4. Distinguish benign and malignant cells. 5. Compare distinguishing characteristics of significant crystals in synovial fluids. [1]: #corresp-1
In vivo photoacoustic microscopy of human cuticle microvasculature with single-cell resolution

As a window on the microcirculation, human cuticle capillaries provide rich information about the microvasculature, such as its morphology, density, dimensions, or even blood flow speed. Many imaging technologies have been employed to image human cuticle microvasculature. However, almost none of these techniques can noninvasively observe the process of oxygen release from single red blood cells (RBCs), an observation which can be used to study healthy tissue functionalities or to diagnose, stage, or monitor diseases. For the first time, we adapted single-cell resolution photoacoustic (PA) microscopy (PA flowoxigraphy) to image cuticle capillaries and quantified multiple functional parameters. Our results show more oxygen release in the curved cuticle tip region than in other regions of a cuticle capillary loop, associated with a low of RBC flow speed in the tip region. Further analysis suggests that in addition to the RBC flow speed, other factors, such as the drop of the partial oxygen pressure in the tip region, drive RBCs to release more oxygen in the tip region.
Corticostriatal Dysfunction in Huntington's Disease: The Basics.

The main input to the basal ganglia, the corticostriatal pathway, shows some of the earliest signs of neuropathology in Huntington’s disease (HD), an inherited neurodegenerative condition that typically strikes in mid-life with progressively deteriorating cognitive, emotional, and motor symptoms. Although an effective treatment remains elusive, research on transgenic animal models has implicated dysregulation of glutamate, the excitatory amino acid released by corticostriatal neurons, in HD onset. Abnormalities in the control of glutamate transmission at the level of postsynaptic receptors and glutamate transport proteins play a critical role in the loss of information flow through downstream circuits that set the stage for the HD behavioral phenotype. Parallel but less-well characterized changes in dopamine, a key modulator of glutamate activation, ensure further deficits in neuronal communication throughout the basal ganglia. Continued analysis of corticostriatal glutamate transmission and its modulation by dopamine, including analysis at the neurobehavioral level in transgenic models, is likely to be an effective strategy in the pursuit of HD therapeutics.
Elizabeth’s Voice: Those Who Came Before Us—Jane Wheeler Boling

So many people influence and support a career, it is difficult to begin naming them all -- let alone to finish doing so. I am, therefore, going to begin very near the beginning and allow this little story to stand in for all the others that I could have told. It concerns my mother, Jane Wheeler Boling, and one of the many practical bits of wisdom she offered me in the course of parenting a child very like, yet completely unlike, herself. That bit of wisdom has reverberated through my life and career, and I take this opportunity to thank her gratefully for it.
Experimental Study of Residual Plastic Strain and Damages Development in Carbon Fiber Composite

In this work, the correlation between local damage and residual stiffness in carbon fiber composites is investigated experimentally. The study presents the interaction between local damage mechanisms and the global response of the material, with the aim to capture the gradual local failure phenomenon. High resolution digital image correlation technique at micro length scale is used to measure the local deformation in the specimen made of carbon fiber composite, subjected to tension-tension fatigue loading. During testing, image of a speckled surface inside the gage length of the specimen is captured at specified number of loading cycles. Using digital image correlation, the acquired images are processed and the local deformations and strains are extracted. The growth of local plastic deformation as a function of loading cycle is acquired and different damage modes as a function of loading cycle is explored. The study has able to elucidate the event that shows the gradual growth of matrix cracking into inter-ply debonding. Furthermore the degradation of modulus of elasticity as a function of loading cycle is determined and the corresponding type of damage incorporated within the plastic strain distribution around it is presented.
Design and analysis of low-loss linear analog phase modulator for deep space spacecraft X-band transponder (DST) application

The authors summarize the design concepts, analyses, and development of an X-band transponder low-loss linear phase modulator for deep space spacecraft applications. A single-section breadboard circulator-coupled reflection phase modulator has been analyzed, fabricated, and evaluated. A linear phase deviation of 92 degrees with a linearity tolerance of +or-8% was measured for this modulator from 8257 MHz to 8634 MHz over the temperature range -20 degrees C to +75 degrees C. The measured insertion loss and the static delay variation with temperature were 2+or-0.3 dB and 0.16 ps/ degrees C, respectively. Based on this design, two and three cascaded sections have been modeled and simulations performed to provide an X-band DST phase modulator with +or-2.5 rad (+or-143 degrees ) of peak phase deviation to accommodate downlink signal modulation with composite telemetry data and ranging with a deviation linearity tolerance of +or-8% and insertion loss of less than 10+or-0.5 dB. A two-section phase modulator using constant gamma hyperabrupt varactors and an efficient modulator driver circuit was breadboarded. The measured results satisfy the DST phase modulator requirements, and show excellent agreement with the predicted results. >
ANTIBIOTIC STEWARDSHIP FOR ACUTE BRONCHITIS: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (QI) STUDY IN UNIVERSITY HEALTHCARE

Background Acute bronchitis is a leading cause of ambulatory care visits within the United States. Despite the well-established prevalence of viral etiologies among young adults, over-prescribing of antibiotics persists. This prescribing pattern is concerning because of microbial antibiotic resistance and adverse drug reactions. Therefore, we initiated a QI-study to drive antibiotic stewardship for acute uncomplicated bronchitis (AUB) within a university-based healthcare setting. Objectives Apply common prescribing guidelines in an effort to reduce our antibiotic prescription rate for AUB to a level of 10% or less. Methods The following QI-interventions were implemented, consistent with the IHI-Model for Improvement: (1) clinicians provided education to patients on viral respiratory infections, including a care plan and information on the potential harm from antibiotics; (2) clinicians employed the term “chest cold” for AUB in the absence of criteria indicating bacterial infection; and (3) antibiotic stewardship for AUB was included in peer chart reviews, including follow-up education to providers as needed. Results The QI-interventions significantly reduced our antibiotic prescription rate from a baseline of 80% to a level of 5% (5 out of 91 charts) within one cycle of Plan-Do-Study-Act, Chi-square (1)=4.07, p Conclusions Antibiotic stewardship related to AUB improved to 95% compliance with clinical guidelines through staff and patient education, and regular peer chart review. This effort is of particular importance in college health as this represents a unique opportunity to educate young adults, often novice consumers of healthcare, on the appropriate use of antibiotics.
Single Cell Phospho-Flow Analysis of Cytokine Stimulation in Human Hematopoietic Progenitors Reveals That G-CSF Acts Directly On Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells.

Abstract Abstract 3617 Poster Board III-553 Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) give rise to all blood cell lineages for the lifetime of an individual. However, their low frequency has precluded the use of traditional biochemical methods to study their signaling biology. We developed a phospho-specific flow cytometry approach that allows for the simultaneous interrogation of multiple elements of signaling networks in primary human HSPC at the single cell level without prospective purification by cell sorting. We found that HSPC contain biochemically distinct signaling subpopulations, and that, although considered quiescent, HSC from cord blood and adult bone marrow respond directly to several cytokine stimuli through multiple signaling nodes including JAK/Stat, Erk, and Akt. Surprisingly, we found that a subset of HSC respond rapidly and directly to in vitro G-CSF stimulation through Stat3 signaling. The addition of G-CSF to purified cultures of HSC significantly increased the percentage of cells that had entered the cell cycle. Moreover, when G-CSF was added to cultures of purified human HSC spatially segregated in hydrogel microwell arrays, we observed a significant increase in the frequency of HSC proliferation. These results demonstrate that contrary to the accepted paradigm, G-CSF acts directly on human HSC. Cytometric single cell characterization of the molecular behavior of HSPC in a wide variety of hematopoietic malignancies can now be applied to study the signaling behavior of other primary and rare stem cell populations. Disclosures: Weissman: U.S. Patent Application 11/528,890 entitled “Methods for Diagnosing and Evaluating Treatment of Blood Disorders.”: Patents & Royalties; Stem Cells Inc.: Cofounder and Director; Cellerant Inc.: Cofounder; Amgen: Equity Ownership. Nolan: BD Biosciences: Consultancy.
Dreading Tread: Thoughts on the Tread Act's Criminal Provisions

One of the most significant amendments to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act brought about by the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act was the introduction of criminal penalty provisions. Considering the severe penalties that can result for failure to comply, understanding these provisions is essential for any company within TREAD's reach, which includes anyone from vehicle manufacturers through small retail outlet centers. This brief article discusses the scope and implications of these criminal penalties.
CYCLIC AMP-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE ACTIVITY IN THE AVIAN PITUITARY AND THYROID GLANDS FOLLOWING GOITROGEN TREATMENTS

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase activity in the avian pituitary and thyroid glands following goitrogen treatments. Thyroid gland functions are initiated by the pituitary glycoprotein hormone, thyrotropin that binds to specific receptor sites on the thyroid follicular cell surface. The effects of cyclic AMP in turn are thought to be mediated by the activation of a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and a subsequent specific protein phosphorylation. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase activation has been implicated in the mediation of the action of TSH on thyroid function. The acute exposure of bovine thyroid slices to TSH results in the rapid activation of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase which is correlated with an elevation in cyclic AMP. An increase in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in the thyroid of a rat following goitrogen treatment is reported. The decrease in pituitary type II protein kinase in the chicken may reflect atrophy of some cells as has been reported for the rat following thyroidectomy. It is demonstrated that the specific activity of both types I and II protein kinase decrease to 60% of controls in the rat thyroid 2 weeks after hypophysectomy.