cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipid membranes shape up

When synaptic vesicles are recycled, they are 'pinched' off from the presynaptic membrane. A protein called dynamin was thought to be the 'pinchase', but it now turns out that dynamin's function is to recruit another protein, endophilin I, to the neck of the vesicle. Endophilin I affects the composition of the lipids in the vesicle's membrane, influencing its curvature and facilitating the pinching process.
Antithrombotic Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation and Cardioversion

Thromboembolism, especially the cerebrovascular events, due to atrial fibrillation leads to significant morbidity and mortality. A fundamental part of the management of any patient with atrial fibrillation is stratification of this risk, and deciding upon suitable antithrombotic therapy. Currently, the cornerstone of anticoagulation in high risk patients is the warfarin therapy. However, despite its efficacy, warfarin has many practical limitations, and is known to be underused even when identified as the best therapy. This has led to the search for a safe and effective alternative to warfarin which, if discovered, would revolutionize anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation.
Development and initial validation evidence for a mindful eating questionnaire for children.

Mindful eating interventions have become a focus among health professionals, which warrants a need for a psychometrically solid assessment tool. The current study outlines the development and initial validation of the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) adapted for Children (MEQ-C). Participants included 262 third through fifth grade students (53% female, 57% white, non-Hispanic) who participated in a mindful eating intervention Foodie U. Data was also collected from 140 parents. Exploratory factor analysis delineated two factors (Awareness and Mindless Eating). Test-retest analysis with a subsample (n = 93) indicated moderate correlations for both factors. The two subscales have good construct validity and can be utilized in an exploratory sense for mindful eating interventions among children. Specifically, the eight-item mindless eating subscale has good internal consistency reliability and can independently be used as a questionnaire to assess overall mindless eating practices among children. Further research is needed to explore and better understand domains of mindful eating among children besides awareness.
Understanding Women's Willingness to Use e-Health for HIV-Related Services: A Novel Application of the Technology Readiness and Acceptance Model to a Highly Stigmatized Medical Condition.

Abstract Background: E-health may expand access to effective behavioral interventions for women living with HIV (WLH), and others living with a highly stigmatized medical condition. Introduction: T...
Low Loss Propagation in a Metal-Clad Waveguide via PT-Symmetry Breaking

We demonstrate passive PT symmetry breaking between the spatial modes within a single SOI waveguide with metal deposited directly on top. By leveraging this effect, we show low propagation loss of $ for a $100 \ \mu \text{m}$ long $10 \ \mu \text{m}$ wide waveguide partially covered with 100 nm thick metal. © 2019 The Author(s)
Challenging Inaccurate Sex Designations on Birth Certificates Through Disability Rights Law

Despite the growing visibility and acceptance of transgender people in recent years, transgender people remain a “historically persecuted and politically powerless” class who “face discrimination, harassment, and violence because of their gender identity.” Nowhere is this more evident than in the actions of the Trump administration, which has relentlessly pursued policies to the detriment of transgender people. But there is one area of the law where an opposite trend has emerged: Disability rights law. People with gender dysphoria — the clinically significant distress experienced by transgender people who cannot live consistent with their gender identity — have secured protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) and its predecessor, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (“Section 504”), despite decades-old language excluding various transgender-related conditions. This Article considers a disability rights challenge to restrictive birth certificate laws that require people to undergo gender confirmation surgery (“GCS”) in order to change the sex designation on their birth certificates. These laws plainly violate the ADA and Section 504 because they discriminate against people with gender dysphoria who do not undergo surgery.
Dietary Induction and Modulation of Ferroptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans

SUMMARY Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death associated with oxidized polyunsaturated phospholipids. Understanding the role of this process in vivo has been slowed by the lack of readily accessible model systems. Exposing the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to the polyunsaturated fatty acid dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA; 20:3n-6) causes germ cell death and sterility that is largely independent of the canonical apoptosis pathway. Here we demonstrate that DGLA-induced germ cell death is modulated by small molecule ferroptosis inhibitors, genetic manipulation of ferritin, NADPH oxidase, and glutathione peroxidases, and by dietary co-supplementation with oleic acid. Thus, DGLA-induced germ cell death in C. elegans is highly analogous to ferroptosis in mammalian cells. DGLA can also induce ferroptosis in human cells, further highlighting this omega-6 PUFA as a metabolic instigator of ferroptosis. Together, these results establish C. elegans as a powerful animal model to study the induction and modulation of ferroptosis by dietary fats. Highlights - Dietary dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)-induced germ cell death in C. elegans is alleviated by small molecule antioxidants and iron chelators - Dietary and endogenous oleic acid protects from DGLA-induced ferroptosis - Ether-lipid deficiency increases sensitivity to DGLA-induced ferroptosis - DGLA specifically induces ferroptosis in human cancer cells
Experiential Learning in Career Development.

This manuscript demonstrates the learning experiences of graduate public health students through mentored field research in cancer epidemiology and cancer prevention over the past 13 years. The program has been funded through an R25 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 2006 and has supported nearly 200 students from different universities in the USA. Included are data on student recruitment, selection, mentorship, and evaluation of research training in US minority settings as well as foreign countries. Examples of students’ learning experiences and life-long skills that shaped students’ careers are presented. The insights that fostered the experiential learning idea among key leaders at the NCI Cancer training branch have proven to be sound.
Intracranial Hemorrhage Detection in CT Scans using Deep Learning

In intracranial hemorrhage treatment patient mortality depends on prompt diagnosis based on a radiologist’s assessment of CT scans. In this paper, we investigate the intracranial hemorrhage detection problem and built a deep learning model to accelerate the time used to identify the hemorrhages. To assist with this process, a deep learning model can be used to accelerate the time it takes to identify them. In particular, we built a convolutional neural network based on ResNet for the classification. Using 752,803 DICOM files collected from four international universities by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) [1], we trained and tested a ResNet- 50 based model for predicting the hemorrhage type. Our model has an accuracy of 93.3% in making the correct multiclass prediction and an average per-class recall score of 76%. We show it is possible to achieve an average recall of 86% while maintaining 70% precision via tuning the prediction thresholds. Lastly, we show real-world applicability by deploying a simple web application. The source code for training, metrics evaluation and web application is available at [2].
Role of Exercise Treatment of Low Back Pain in Pregnancy

This review identified exercise therapies for specific diagnoses underlying pregnancy-related low back (PLBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PPGP). We describe the biomechanical changes that may lead to sacroiliac dysfunction during pregnancy, pubic symphysis dysfunction, diastasis recti in the peripartum period, and pregnancy-related low back pain. Our focus was to examine the impact of exercise on each condition. We consolidated updated guidelines for physical activity throughout pregnancy, explored whether exercise is effective for stabilizing the low back and pelvic girdle in pregnant and postpartum patients as well as reviewed the absolute and relative contraindications to physical activity during pregnancy. PLBP and PPGP stem from multiple etiologies and can affect women during their pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Exercise during pregnancy is recommended for the cardiorespiratory fitness of pregnant women, appears to reduce disability and sick leave from work, and is considered to be relatively safe except for noted contraindications.
Morphing Simulations Reveal Architecture Effects on Polymer Miscibility

The Flory–Huggins interaction parameter χ quantifies the excess free energy of mixing unlike species and governs phase behavior in polymer blends and block copolymers. Chain architecture affects ho...
A Step Towards Machine Learning-based Coherent Generator Grouping for Emergency Control Applications in Modern Power Grid

A dynamic neural network (NN) based multi-class classifier is proposed for improving online prediction of coherent generator groups (CGGs), following the occurrences of various contingencies in the power grid. This is motivated by the increasing availability of the measurements from phasor measurement units (PMUs) and the number of grouping schemes is limited. The proposed method consists of three steps. First, by performing offline simulations, a library of system dynamic responses characterized by post-contingency rotor angles and speeds of individual generators is obtained. To generate sufficient data, up to N-2 contingencies and the uncertain parameters associated with the power grid including type and location of disturbance and fault clearing times are modeled. Secondly, the training data-set is produced by generating labels for individual contingencies using a hierarchical clustering method based on rotor angle and speed data. Finally, the dynamic NN models are trained for online applications such as emergency controls and controlled islanding. The proposed method is tested on the standard 16-generator 68-bus system to demonstrate its performance. Furthermore, the impact of the sample data lengths on the CGG numbers is evaluated. It is interesting to observe that the time domain stability behaviors can be determined by examining the changes in the CGG numbers.
Can a Smartphone Digital Otoscope Improve Anatomical Recognition of the Inner Ear Landmarks, Comfort and Confidence in First Year Medical Students?

Examination of the tympanic membrane with manual otoscopy instrumentation is an essential skill for medical providers. Advances in technology have led to the development of cost effective otoscopic digital image capture and videography. Additionally, DVO skills training has not been evaluated in undergraduate medical education neither for physical examination of the middle ear nor for assessment of the external auditory canal. The purpose of the study is …
Orientation and stress state dependent plasticity and damage initiation behavior of stainless steel 304L manufactured by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

Abstract The plasticity and ductile fracture behavior of stainless steel 304L fabricated by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing was investigated under both uniaxial and multiaxial loading conditions through the use of specialized geometry mechanical test specimens. Material anisotropy was probed through the extraction of samples in two orthogonal material directions. The experimentally measured plasticity behavior was found to be anisotropic and stress state dependent. An anisotropic Hill48 plasticity model, calibrated using experimental data, was able to accurately capture this behavior. A combined experimental–computational approach was used to quantify the ductile fracture behavior, considering both damage initiation and final fracture. An anisotropic Hosford–Coulomb model was used to capture the anisotropic and stress state dependent fracture behavior.
Reconceptualizing training as professional formation in the fields of autism and infant mental health

Abstract The teaching and helping professions continually evolve in their discernment of effective models of pedagogy (teaching) by considering models of epistemology (learning). Two principal questions must be answered: “How do we best teach about our discipline?” and “How do learners come to know what they know.” This chapter questions common methods of professional development which often rely heavily on “training” which emphasizes transmission of core knowledge, viewed as fundamental to the discipline, and on the development of skills, viewed as derivatives of that core knowledge. This approach fails to adequately recognize and apply the science of interpersonal processes and the affective and interpersonal context of our work and learning.
Cost Estimation of Voltage Sag Mitigation Based on Improved Severity Index

The voltage sag mitigation is a non-standardized, due to the lack of customer side details, treatment capacity estimation difficulties, easy to cause excessive or inadequate treatment. This paper studies the identification of the tolerance and capacity of the mitigated devices, and proposes an improved severity index that considers the severity of voltage sag’s residual voltage and duration. And the treatment capacity identification method based on the improved sag severity index and object capacity ratio is put forward and then estimates the required treatment costs. Based on the actual monitoring data of a city power grid, the empirical analysis results show that the proposed method is effective and reasonable.
Multimodal imaging and functional analysis of the chick NMDA retinal damage model.

Objectives The chick is rapidly becoming a standardized preclinical model in vision research to study mechanisms of ocular disease. We seek to comprehensively evaluate the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) model of excitotoxic retinal damage using multimodal imaging, functional, and histologic approaches in NMDA-damaged, vehicle-treated, and undamaged chicks. Methods Chicks were either left undamaged in both eyes or were injected with NMDA in the left eye and saline (vehicle) in the right eye. TUNEL assay was performed on chicks to assess levels of retinal cell death one day post-injection of NMDA or saline and on age-matched untreated chicks. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed weekly on chicks and age-matched controls day 1 (D1) up to D28 post-injection. Light adapted electroretinograms (ERG) were performed alongside SD-OCT measurements on post-injection chicks along with age-matched untreated controls. Results Untreated and vehicle-treated eyes had no TUNEL positive cells while NMDA-treated eyes accumulated large numbers of TUNEL positive cells in the Inner Nuclear Layer (INL), but not other layers, at D1 post injection. Significant inner retina swelling or edema was found on SD-OCT imaging at D1 post-injection which resolved at subsequent timepoints. Both the INL and the inner plexiform layer significantly thinned by one-week post-injection and did not recover for the duration of the measurements. On ERG, NMDA-treated eyes had significantly reduced amplitudes of all parameters at D1 with all metrics improving over time. The b-wave, oscillatory potentials, and ON/OFF bipolar responses were the most affected with at least 70% reduction immediately after damage compared to the fellow eye control. Conclusion This study establishes a normative baseline on the retinal health and gross functional ability as well as intraocular pressures of undamaged, vehicle-treated, and NMDA-damaged chicks to provide a standard for comparing therapeutic treatment studies in this important animal model.
Between- versus within-person emotional and cognitive reactivity in relation to depressive symptoms.

Abstract Background Theories connecting depression to emotional reactivity (ER) or cognitive reactivity (CR) have not clearly indicated whether ER and CR are between-person or within-person constructs. Most empirical tests of these theories have focused on either between- or within-person operationalizations of these constructs, but not both. Between- and within-person studies address qualitatively different questions and often generate very different results. Consequently, the goals of the current study were to examine the relation of depressive symptoms to both between- and within-person operationalizations of both ER and CR. Methods Participants were 160 undergraduate students who completed daily diary measures (assessing stress, negative emotions, and negative cognitions) and measures of depressive symptoms. Multilevel modeling (MLM) enabled examination of depressive symptoms to the within- and between-person components of ER and CR. Results: Depressive symptoms were positively related to within-person ER and CR but not to between-person operationalizations of ER and CR. Limitations The sample only included college students and only assessed depressive symptoms, not clinical diagnoses of major depression. Conclusions Important implications emerge for theory, practice, and future research. We recommend distinguishing between-person from within-person dimensions of ER and CR in future research.
Implications of Antigen Selection on T Cell-Based Immunotherapy

Many immunotherapies rely on CD8+ effector T cells to recognize and kill cognate tumor cells. These T cell-based immunotherapies include adoptive cell therapy, such as CAR T cells or transgenic TCR T cells, and anti-cancer vaccines which expand endogenous T cell populations. Tumor mutation burden and the choice of antigen are among the most important aspects of T cell-based immunotherapies. Here, we highlight various classes of cancer antigens, including self, neojunction-derived, human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-derived, and somatic nucleotide variant (SNV)-derived antigens, and consider their utility in T cell-based immunotherapies. We further discuss the respective anti-tumor/anti-self-properties that influence both the degree of immunotolerance and potential off-target effects associated with each antigen class.
League of Nations Policy

In view of their long attachment to the policy of neutrality, it is surprising that there was so little opposition among the Dutch to joining the League of Nations. The step was not taken, however, without grave misgivings. The Dutch attitude was graphically described by Foreign Minister van Karnebeek in reply to a member of parliament who had spoken of the act as a jump in the dark: “When there is darkness and a jump must be made into it, the question which this assembly must answer is: is it not better to jump with than without the League?”
Of All and of None (1964)

After the twelve engineers and three architects had received their diplomas of honorary doctorate from the hand of the President of Italy, Professor Clifford Truesdell on behalf of all those honored delivered the following brief words: Praeses honoratissime, Rector magnifice, collegae docti, magistratus, clerici, et cives mediolanenses. Cum mihi detur nomine omnium hoc die a vobis ornatorum, nomine nostrum omnium omnibus ex partibus terrae dicere, mihi oportet et opus est loqui lingua aut omnium aut nullius. Si quis contra dicat, plurimos esse qui familiares litterarum latinarum sint, illi respondeo, verba Ciceronis ab ore trans undas Romanis non cognitas nato et praecepto dicta, sonis non iam in terra olim Romana auditis, Romae vix intelligi. Talis est lingua latina, qualis est scientia. Scientia quoque, cuius servi aut fautores aut pontifices aut haruspices aut poetae sumus, res omnium et nullius est. Tibi, Rector Magnifice, et Scholae magnae Polytechnicae in civitate mediolanensi maxime et humiliter gratias agimus pro honore humaniter donato. Tibi et Scholae et Italiae hoc centenario gratulamur. Maneat scientia, quae manibus in nostris et vestris stat, semper nostra et vestra. Res vestra et nostra nequit—aut forsitan necesse est in locum verbi «nequit» substituere «nequeat»—fieri hostis hominum.
Normal proliferation and differentiation of Hoxc-8 transgenic chondrocytes in vitro

Hox genes encode transcription factors that are involved in pattern formation in the skeleton, and recent evidence suggests that they also play a role in the regulation of endochondral ossification. To analyze the role of Hoxc-8 in this process in more detail, we applied in vitro culture systems, using high density cultures of primary chondrocytes from neonatal mouse ribs. Cultured cells were characterized on the basis of morphology (light microscopy) and production of cartilage-specific extracellular matrix (sulfated proteoglycans and type II Collagen). Hypertrophy was demonstrated by increase in cell size, alkaline phosphatase activity and type X Collagen immunohistochemistry. Proliferation was assessed by BrdU uptake and flow cytometry. Unexpectedly, chondrocytes from Hoxc-8 transgenic mice, which exhibit delayed cartilage maturation in vivo [1], were able to proliferate and differentiate normally in our culture systems. This was the case even though freshly isolated Hoxc-8 transgenic chondrocytes exhibited significant molecular differences as measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The results demonstrate that primary rib chondrocytes behave similar to published reports for chondrocytes from other sources, validating in vitro approaches for studies of Hox genes in the regulation of endochondral ossification. Our analysis of cartilage-producing cells from Hoxc-8 transgenic mice provides evidence that the cellular phenotype induced by Hoxc-8 overexpression in vivo is reversible in vitro.
Allograft Rejection Requires STAT5a/b-Regulated Antiapoptotic Activity in T Cells but Not B Cells

STATs play key roles in immune function. We examined the role of STAT5a/b in allograft rejection. STAT5a/b-deficient mice showed a 4-fold increased survival time of heart allografts (p < 0.01). Unlike wild type, purified STAT5a/b-/- T cells transferred to Rag1-/- recipients failed to mediate heart allograft rejection until supplemented with STAT5a/b-/- B cells. In vitro, STAT5a/b-/- T cells did not proliferate in response to Con A or alloantigens but entered apoptosis within 48 h (95%). Activated STAT5a/b-/- T cells showed increased expression of proapoptotic (caspases, DNA repair genes, TNF/TNFR-associated factor family genes) and decreased antiapoptotic mRNAs in microarrays, while Western blots confirmed reduced antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and elevated proapoptotic Bax protein expression. Interestingly, at 24 h postactivation, STAT5a/b+/+ and STAT5a/b-/- T cells produced similar levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-gamma mRNA; ELISPOT assay showed an equivalent number of IL-4- and IFN-gamma-producing T cells in both STAT5a/b+/+ and STAT5a/b-/- splenic populations. Sera from STAT5a/b+/+ and STAT5a/b-/- rejectors had donor-specific IgM, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b Ab, while STAT5a/b deficiency had no impact on B cell survival or proliferation in response to LPS. Compared with allografts from STAT5a/b+/+ recipients, heart allografts from STAT5a/b-/- recipients had markedly reduced infiltration by CD4 and CD8 T cells but increased infiltration by B cells and dense endothelial deposition of C4d, a marker of humoral rejection. Thus, activated STAT5a/b-/- T cells produce cytokines prior to entering apoptosis, thereby promoting differentiation of B cells yielding donor-specific IgM and IgG Ab that mediate allograft rejection.
Corporate Governance: Law, Theory and Policy

This anthology of recent scholarship on corporate governance explores the application of legal doctrine and theory to topical policy issues such as corporate social responsibility, executive compensation, corporate criminality, federalism, and ethical rules for corporate lawyers. It contains materials on current developments, including the collapse of Enron and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and introduces debates on matters of corporate orthodoxy, such as shareholders' ownership of the corporation, the value of director independence, and management's focus on maximizing share price. The book is organized around policy issues rather than the doctrinal areas of the basic law school course. It presents diverse views on each issue through various approaches to analyzing corporate law and incorporating doctrine, law and economics, empirical work; history; and organizational behavior. The book is designed for use as the primary text in a course or seminar in corporate governance, but could also serve as supplemental reading in the basic law school corporations course. It includes questions for classroom discussion or self-directed study. The edited selections are generally longer than in a standard law anthology in order to provide a deeper treatment of the issues.
The Estrogen Pathway: Estrogen Receptor-α, Progesterone Receptor, and Estrogen Receptor-β Expression in Radical Cystectomy Urothelial Cell Carcinoma Specimens.

Abstract Objective Bladder cancer has the sixth highest incidence in the United States. Treatment of metastatic bladder cancer is difficult, and mortality is certain. There are certain pathways in cancer growth and progression that are important in bladder cancer development. Recently, the estrogen pathway has been found to be a potential target for therapy. Methods We identified 410 patients treated with radical cystectomy for urothelial cell carcinoma between 1990 and 1994. We obtained representative paraffin-embedded tissue blocks for 336 (82.0%) of these cases and evaluated the expression and intensity of estrogen receptor (ER)-α, ER-β, and progesterone receptor by immunohistochemistry. Results Among the 12 ER-α–positive cases, median tumor ER-α expression was 10% (range, 10%-50%). In contrast to ER-α, all cases were ER-β–positive. Median tumor ER-β expression was 90% (range, 20%-100%). Nearly all cases had ER-β expression of ≥ 90% (175 [55.9%] with 90% and 103 [32.9%] with 100%). However, the intensity of ER-β staining varied from focal to moderate to marked in 64 (20.5%), 167 (53.4%), and 82 (26.2%) cases, respectively. Progesterone receptor expression was noted to be negative in all cases. Conclusions ER-β is highly expressed in bladder cancer. Prospective validation of these data might further elucidate the utility of ER-β as a marker for prognosis or possible target for therapy.
The Lobbying Strategies Handbook: 10 Steps to Advancing Any Cause Effectively, by Libby, P. & Associates

Libby and Associates provide a very thorough systematic process for influencing current social policy issues affecting children, families, and communities, such as health care reform, illegal immig...
Situated learning in an educational technology course for pre-service teachers

Abstract This qualitative study investigated a situated learning environment implemented in an educational technology course where pre-service teachers worked collaboratively on meaningful real-world projects, assuming the role of professional teachers. With a traditional learning environment as a critical frame of reference, we found that the students in the situated learning environment demonstrated sophisticated problem-solving skills, exhibited metacognitive awareness, produced coherent artifacts, and showed high levels of motivation. The findings implied that if we want to successfully implement situated learning, effort should be made to promote a constructive learning culture, improve individual performance, manage students’ perceptions, and foster their positive attitudes.
An Optically Reconfigurable Field Programmable Gate Array

We have developed an optically reconfigurable field programmable gate array (OFPGA). The OFPGA integrated circuit is designed for high-speed configuration in systems based on a reconfigurable computing paradigm [1].
Androgens and the ageing male and female

Androgens play a number of important physiological roles in the human. In the male, testosterone is required for virilization, normal sexual function, and both stimulation and maintenance of bone and muscle mass. Epidemiological studies have shown a progressive decline in testosterone levels with ageing in men. The clinical significance of this decline is still unclear, and there is controversy as to whether a specific syndrome of androgen deficiency or 'andropause' exists. The benefits of testosterone supplementation in this age group have yet to be equivocally established, and long-term safety data on testosterone administration in this setting are lacking. In the female, a decline in testosterone levels with ageing has been less clearly established due, at least in part, to the absence of sensitive assays. Available data suggest that the major role of testosterone replacement after menopause may be in those women who have had an oophorectomy.
Structure evolution in CIGS deposition: An X-ray diffraction analysis with Rietveld whole-pattern refinement

We have used Rietveld whole pattern refinement methods to extract quantitative structural information from powder X-ray diffraction analyses of CIGS (copper indium gallium diselenide) photovoltaic materials. Samples produced by single-stage co-evaporation generated a single-phase CIGS XRD pattern that yielded Ga/In relative site occupancies that were in good agreement with X-ray fluorescence measurements. In contrast, samples extracted during a three--stage deposition sequence showed complex behavior: an initial (Ga,In) 2 Se 3 layer that evolved into two distinct CIGS phases. Other changes, such as the dependence of the lattice parameter of the α-Mo back contact layer with process conditions, were observed via whole pattern Rietveld refinement.
Dual-frequency multifunction lidar

ABSTRACT The design and performance of a continuous wave dual-frequency multifunction lidar system is presented. The system is based on the use of the nonlinear dynamics of an optically injected semiconductor laser. Under proper operating conditions, the laser emits a dual-frequency beam with a broa dly tunable microwave separation. The two optical lines are coherently locked to each other using an external microwave synthesizer, resulting in a stable microwave beat frequency. The lidar system is capable of simultaneous veloc ity and range measurement of remote targets. The velocity is measured from the Doppler shift of the microwave beat frequency. The stability of the microwave beat frequency enables accurate measurement of low velocities. In addition, the stable locking enables long-range measurements because of the long microwave coheren ce length. Ranging is accomplished by ex tracting the time-of -flight information carried on the residual microwave phase noise. We demonstrate preliminary measurements of velocities as low as 26 P m/s and range measurements of 7.95 km with 2% accuracy. Keywords: Laser remote sensing, velocimetry, Doppler lidar, ranging
GTPγS stimulates exocytosis in patch-clamped rat melanotrophs

We investigated the molecular mechanisms regulating exocytosis in patch-clamped melanotrophs by measuring the membrane capacitance. Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis could be induced by membrane depolarization or by including solutions containing 2 microM free Ca2+ in the patch pipette. Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis was inhibited by GDP beta S, suggesting involvement of a GTP-binding protein. The hydrolysis-resistant GTP analogs, GTP gamma S and GppNHp, were able to stimulate exocytosis at low free Ca2+ concentrations. The stimulatory response to GTP gamma S was abolished by both GDP beta S and GTP. The latter suggests that a sustained activation of a GTP-binding protein is necessary for exocytosis. This behavior is similar to the stimulation of exocytosis by guanine nucleotides in mast cells and other nonexcitable cells and suggests a common regulatory mechanism.
Metabolic engineering: enabling technology of a bio-based economy

Concerns about future oil supplies and climate change are fueling interest in sustainable alternative sources of energy and chemicals. Biomass is a renewable feedstock that has the potential to replace a significant fraction of petroleum used today. Advances in metabolic engineering and biotechnology have made it possible to engineer microorganisms capable of converting simple sugars derived from various sources including cellulosic feedstocks into a diverse range of products. We highlight the potential of this approach to produce cost effective biosynthetic routes to fuels, chemicals and pharmaceuticals in an envisioned future bio-based economy.
Cesium fluoride promoted formation of n-chloro and n-bromo amines and imines

Abstract Cesium fluoride is a very effective reagent for the fluoride promoted oxidation of nitriles and imines by Cl 2 , Br 2 and BrCl. Previous work by us had demonstrated that CsF fluoride was effective in promoting the oxidation of R f CFNF by Cl 2 and Br 2 to R f CF 2 NFCl and R f CF 2 NFBr, the oxidation of R f CN to R f CF 2 NCl 2 by Cl 2 and the apparent oxidation of R f CN to R f CF = NBr by Br 2 (S.C. Chang and D.D. DesMarteau, Inorg. Chem. 1983, 48 , 771). We have now made a detailed investigation of the CsF promoted oxidation of R f CN, NCCFNF, CF 2 NCl, (CN) 2 and CF 3 NCFR x by Cl 2 , Br 2 and BrCl. Significant results to be discussed will include the general high yield syntheses of R x CFNBr, CF 3 N(Cl)CF 2 R x , a comparison of the reactivity of −CN -vs- −CFNF in NCCFNF, the stepwise halogenation of (CN) 2 by Cl 2 and Br 2 , the novel compounds CF 3 NBrCl and CF 3 NBr 2 from CF 2 NCl and the unique CsF promoted conversion of R f NCl 2 by Br 2 to R f NBrCl and R f NBr 2 . Furthermore, the utility of BrCl-vs-Cl 2 in the formation of certain N-chloro compounds will be shown.
Substrate metabolism in humans: 1995 A.S.P.E.N. research workshop.

Background : The 1995 A.S.P.E.N. Research Workshop was held at the annual meeting in Miami Beach, Florida, on January 15, 1995. The workshop focused on substrate metabolism in humans. Methods : State-of-the-art presentations on the regulation of energy, carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism during health and disease were made by the preeminant leaders in the field. The presentations concentrated on in vivo studies performed in humans and included both recently published and unpublished data. Results : Using sophisticated research methodology, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, compartmental modeling, stable isotope tracers, microdialysis, and abdominal vein catheterization, the investigators presented data that clarified unresolved issues, challenged many previously held dogmas, and raised new questions for future investigation in human intermediary metabolism. Conclusions : This workshop demonstrated that in vivo investigation remains the best approach for providing physiologically relevant data in humans. An understanding of normal human physiology and the metabolic alterations caused by disease is critical for optimal nutritional and metabolic management of patients.
Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction After Sacrococcygeal Teratoma Resection

Purpose: SCT treatment in newborns consists of surgery and selective chemotherapy. Few reports document urological sequelae using this approach. This review focuses on the urological and neurourological findings following SCT treatment in the newborn period.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of all infants with SCT resected in early infancy who underwent urodynamic evaluation for bladder dysfunction between 1986 and 2004. The radiological, neurological and urodynamic findings, and postoperative incontinence management were analyzed.Results: We analyzed UDS of 14 patients who presented with urinary infection or incomplete bladder emptying after SCT resection. At the time of UDS an abnormal neurological examination was noted in 5 patients (36%). Detrusor overactivity was seen in 8 patients, underactivity in 2 and normal activity in 4. Abnormal urethral sphincter EMG potentials were observed in 7 of 13 patients (54%). Five of 13 patients (38%) had sphincter dyssynergia during voiding. Consequentl...
Human-Centric Assistive Remote Control for Co-located Mobile Robots

Autonomous navigation is an essential capability for domestic service robots, however at times direct remote control may be desired for cases where robot and user are co-located. In this work, we propose a remote control method that allows a user to control the robot with smartphone gestures. The robot moves with respect to the user's coordinate frame and avoids obstacles if a collision is imminent. We think that interpreting the commands from human's perspective would decrease the cognitive load of the user, therefore allowing efficient operation.
Quantitative determination of trucking industry workers' exposures to diesel exhaust particles.

As part of a case-control mortality study of trucking industry workers, exposures to diesel aerosol were measured among the four major presumably exposed job groups (road drivers, local drivers, dock workers, and mechanics) in the industry. Eight industrial hygiene surveys were conducted during both warm and cold weather at eight U.S. terminals and truck repair shops. A single-stage personal impactor was used to sample submicrometer-sized diesel particles on quartz fiber filters. Laboratory and field studies demonstrated that the elemental carbon content of the particles is a useful and practical marker of exposure to vehicular diesel exhaust. A thermal-optical analysis technique was used to determine the concentration of elemental carbon in the filter samples. Over-all geometric mean exposures to submicrometer-sized elemental carbon ranged from 3.8 µg/m3 in road (long distance) drivers (N=72) to 13.8 µg/m3 in dock workers (N=75). Geometric mean background area concentrations, measured in the same cities ...
On the inadequacy of the regression paradigm used in the study of human judgment

Although traditional instruments of research into human judgment - correlational statistics, the lens model, the ANOVA approach, etc. - are analytical, logical, and explicit tools of study, they might be inadequate, irrational and incorrect in their ultimate impact. In this short note a few examples are introduced to show that linear (in parameters) regression models could represent only a quasi-rational paradigm at best. Simple graphical diagrams are used to clarify three main difficulties with the linear model.
Single‐copy gene markers isolated from the Caribbean coral, Montastraea annularis

We report the isolation of seven single-copy nuclear DNA loci from the Caribbean reef-building coral, Montastraea annularis. All loci are polymorphic at the nucleotide level, and three loci have readily screened restriction enzyme site polymorphisms that can help to rapidly assess population genetic structure. Use of these markers can provide baseline genetic information concerning the population dynamics of dominant stony corals and fuel the implementation and management of appropriate conservation strategies.
Peninsula-Scale Convergence in the South Florida Sea Breeze

Abstract Computations of peninsula-scale convergence in southern Florida reveal that daily-averaged surface convergence on sea-breeze days with relatively little rainfall is larger than on days with widespread rain. This negative correlation between surface convergence and area-averaged rainfall occurs as a result of significantly less surface convergence in the late afternoon and early evening on those days with considerable rainfall. The decrease in sea-breeze convergence during the late afternoon of the days with extensive rainfall is apparently a consequence of the downdrafts and thunderstorm-generated circus cloud cover produced by the deep convection that forms in the sea-breeze convergence zones. Before the typical midafternoon maximum of deep convection on sea-breeze days, there is no significant difference between the surface convergence averaged for days with widespread rain and for days with little rain. Important differences are observed, however, in the middle troposphere, where the sea-breez...
Machine learning methods for transcription data integration

Gene expression is modulated by transcription factors (TFs), which are proteins that generally bind to DNA adjacent to coding regions and initiate transcription. Each target gene can be regulated by more than one TF, and each TF can regulate many targets. For a complete molecular understanding of transcriptional regulation, researchers must first associate each TF with the set of genes that it regulates. Here we present a summary of completed work on the ability to associate 104 TFs with their binding sites using support vector machines (SVMs), which are classification algorithms based in statistical learning theory. We use several types of genomic datasets to train classifiers in order to predict TF binding in the yeast genome. We consider motif matches, subsequence counts, motif conservation, functional annotation, and expression profiles. A simple weighting scheme varies the contribution of each type of genomic data when building a final SVM classifier, which we evaluate using known binding sites published in the literature and in online databases. The SVM algorithm works best when all datasets are combined, producing 73% coverage of known interactions, with a prediction accuracy of almost 0.9. We discuss new ideas and preliminary work for improving SVM classification of biological data.
Demonstration of a circulating factor regulating blood platelet production using 35S-sulfate in rats and mice.

SummaryPlatelet counts and 35S-sulfate incorporation were studied in rats and mice following injection of saline or homologous plasma from normal or platelet-depleted animals, Donor rats were treated with antiplatelet serum 5–18 hr before sarcifice, and donor mice were injected with neuraminidase 40 hr before exsanguination. To prevent the injection of platelet antibody, the simulated and control plasmas were either boiled at acid pH for 10–15 min, or precipitated with goat antirabbit gamma globulin antiserum (GAGGA). The sulfate incorporation into platelets of animals given plasma from depleted donors was significantly increased over control values to levels as high as 116%. These data demonstrated the existence of thrombopoietin control over platelet production. The radiosulfate incorporation method appeared to be more sensitive than assays making use of platelet counts alone.
Cognitive style induced by hemisphere priming: Consistent versus inconsistent self-report

The method of induced lateral orientation of attention was used to selectively activate the right or left hemisphere in order to observe the consistency of behavior under each manipulated condition. Previous research has shown significantly lower consistency of behavior during relative right- than during relative left-hemisphere activation. With normal, right-handed, intact subjects this effect was replicated and extended to personality measures. These findings are discussed with respect to (1) the dynamics of selective activation of cortical regions, and (2) localization of complementary cognitive processes.
Prevention of Lead Toxicity in US Children

During the past 2 decades, the proportion of US children who have blood lead concentrations of 10 microg/dL or higher declined by over 80% after the elimination of leaded gasoline and lead solder from canned foods, and a ban on leaded paint used in housing and other consumer products. Fatalities and symptomatic lead poisoning are now rare. Residential lead hazards, which are exceedingly difficult to control, are currently the major source of lead intake for children. Undue lead exposure has retreated into 2 major risk groups; impoverished children who live in older, poorly maintained rental housing and more affluent children who live in older housing undergoing renovation. Despite the dramatic decline in children's blood lead levels, lead toxicity remains epidemic among impoverished children who live in older rental housing, especially those who live in the northeastern and midwestern regions of the United States. There are increasing data linking lead exposure with other systemic effects including delinquency, dental caries, and learning problems. Moreover, there is evidence indicating that there is no discernible threshold for lead-associated cognitive deficits. Thus, it is increasingly important to shift our efforts toward the primary prevention of childhood lead exposure from residential hazards. This article reviews the epidemiology and control of childhood lead exposure, focusing especially on steps necessary to shift toward primary prevention.
Determining reserve and interconnection requirements

UNTIL RECENTLY, the reserve requirements of a power system have been calculated either by applying a given percentage of reserve, or by counting on the outage of one or two of the largest machines. These standards generally are justified by the fact that satisfactory service has been obtained in the past by following them. Whether these rule-of-thumb standards will be valid under the conditions of the future is questionable, because the proportions of machine sizes to system size, as well as other characteristics that affect the required amount of reserve, can change considerably as time goes on. It is desirable to express a standard of service on a mathematical basis. Then all the factors that influence the standard can be analyzed separately, and any future system can be tested to see whether its service standard is equal to the present one.
Model for boron diffusion in Si at high concentrations

Abstract Modeling of the diffusion of high-concentration, implanted B in Si is done. The movement of boron at low concentrations is generally thought to be controlled by the interaction of substitutional boron with the singly-charged donor vacancy. Profiles determined by this model are shown to be substantially different than diffusion profiles in Si implanted with either B + or BF + 2 ions at high dose. A two-stream model, in which boron movement is dominated by a dissociative process involving both interstitial and substitutional diffusion, is found to be in good agreement with the data. Also, it is shown that the use of rapid thermal annealing to form shallow p + junctions offers a potential advantage over conventional annealing with regards to the dissociative mechanism.