cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macro aerodynamic devices controlled by micro systems

Micro-ElectroMechanical-Systems (MEMS) have emerged as a major enabling technology across the engineering disciplines. In this study, the possibility of applying MEMS to the aerodynamic field was explored. We have demonstrated that microtransducers can be used to control the motion of a delta wing in a wind tunnel and can even maneuver a scaled aircraft in flight tests. The main advantage of using micro actuators to replace the traditional control surface is the significant reduction of radar cross-sections. At a high angle of attack, a large portion of the suction loading on a delta wing is contributed by the leading edge separation vortices which originate from thin boundary layers at the leading edge. We used microactuators with a thickness comparable to that of the boundary layer in order to alter the separation process and thus achieved control of the global motion by minute perturbations.
Accuracy of Surveillance Computed Tomography in Detecting Recurrent or New Primary Lung Cancer in Patients With Completely Resected Lung Cancer

Background To determine the eventual outcome of abnormalities detected on surveillance computed tomography (CT) in patients with previously resected nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to assess the accuracy of CT when used by the thoracic surgeon, and to determine the characteristics of abnormalities on CT that correlate with the development of recurrent NSCLC. Methods A cohort of patients who had abnormal postoperative CT scans of the chest and upper abdomen in 2002 were followed up into 2005. Abnormalities consisted of pulmonary nodules, pleural effusions, or adenopathy. Data collected included recurrence patterns, the availability of previous scans for comparison, the interval between initial resection and the abnormal CT, nodule size, growth, and multiplicity, as well as progression of pleural effusions or adenopathy. Results In all, 105 scans in 92 patients were read as abnormal in 2002 by the radiologist. After further investigation or follow-up, or both, for a mean of 3.2 years, 78% of patients who had recurrent NSCLC had their site of first recurrence inside the chest. The negative predictive value of CT when used by the thoracic surgeon was 99%; however, the positive predictive value was only 53%. Abnormalities that correlated with the diagnosis of recurrent cancer included pulmonary nodules that either grew or were larger than 1 cm and pleural effusions that developed after the first postoperative year. Conclusions Intrathoracic recurrent NSCLC was rarely missed by the surgeon utilizing surveillance CT, but a significant number of negative investigations were generated by its use. Characteristics of abnormal surveillance CT findings exist that correlate with the presence of malignancy.
Visualization and quantification of cathode channel flooding in PEM fuel cells

Abstract An understanding of two-phase flow mechanisms in micro-channels is critical to water management in fuel cell applications. In this work, an in situ visualization study of cathode flooding in an operating fuel cell is presented. Gas relative humidities of 26%, 42% and 66%, current densities of 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 A cm −2 and flow stoichiometries ranging from 2 to 4 are used in this study which represent typical operating conditions for automotive applications. Results are presented in the form of a flow map depicting various two-phase flow patterns. The impact of flooding is also presented in terms of measurable parameters like two-phase pressure drop coefficient and voltage loss. A new parameter called wetted area ratio is introduced to characterize channel flooding and liquid water coverage on a gas diffusion layer, and its repeatability with multiple tests is demonstrated.
Involvement of microtubules and Rho pathway in TGF-β1-induced lung vascular barrier dysfunction

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a cytokine critically involved in acute lung injury and endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction. We have studied TGF-beta1-mediated signaling pathways and examined a role of microtubule (MT) dynamics in TGF-beta1-induced actin cytoskeletal remodeling and EC barrier dysfunction. TGF-beta1 (0.1-50 ng/ml) induced dose-dependent decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) in bovine pulmonary ECs, which was linked to increased actin stress fiber formation, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, EC retraction, and gap formation. Inhibitor of TGF-beta1 receptor kinase RI (5 microM) abolished TGF-beta1-induced TER decline, whereas inhibitor of caspase-3 zVAD (10 microM) was without effect. TGF-beta1-induced EC barrier dysfunction was linked to partial dissolution of peripheral MT meshwork and decreased levels of stable (acetylated) MT pool, whereas MT stabilization by taxol (5 microM) attenuated TGF-beta1-induced barrier dysfunction and actin remodeling. TGF-beta1 induced sustained activation of small GTPase Rho and its effector Rho-kinase; phosphorylation of myosin binding subunit of myosin specific phosphatase; MLC phosphorylation; EC contraction; and gap formation, which was abolished by inhibition of Rho and Rho-kinase, and by MT stabilization with taxol. Finally, elevation of intracellular cAMP induced by forskolin (50 microM) attenuated TGF-beta1-induced barrier dysfunction, MLC phosphorylation, and protected the MT peripheral network. These results suggest a novel role for MT dynamics in the TGF-beta1-mediated Rho regulation, EC barrier dysfunction, and actin remodeling.
The efficiency of DPPH as a polarising agent for DNP-NMR spectroscopy

The free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was tested as a polarising agent for fast dissolution dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) NMR spectroscopy. DPPH was found to be reasonably soluble in sulfolane and the optimum concentration for DNP is 20–40 mM depending upon whether short polarisation times or the maximum signal intensity is needed. W-band ESR measurements revealed that the ESR linewidth D of DPPH is intermediate between that of BDPA and 4-oxo-TEMPO. Several thousand-fold NMR signal enhancements in the liquid-state were achieved for 13C, 15N, 89Y, and 109Ag compounds, demonstrating that DPPH can be added to the list of polarising agents for DNP-NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the hydrophobic DPPH free radical can be easily filtered out from the dissolution liquid when water is used as the dissolution solvent.
Frequency limits on aortic baroreceptor input to nucleus tractus solitarii

The frequency of baroreceptor volleys to the central nervous system can influence the fidelity of baroreceptor signal transmission and thus may affect baroreflex regulation of blood pressure. We examined 1) the extent to which frequency-dependent depression of aortic baroreceptor signals was initiated at the first central synapse between primary baroreceptor fibers and second-order nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) neurons; 2) whether the pattern of baroreceptor input influenced the depression; and 3) the potential relevance to baroreflex sympathoinhibition. In urethan-anesthetized rats, NTS action potential responses of neurons classified as second or higher order and averaged lumbar sympathetic nerve activity responses were simultaneously measured during 100 aortic depressor nerve stimuli delivered in constant or phasic patterns (0.8-48 Hz). Frequency-dependent depression was initiated at second-order neurons, with NTS responses decreasing to a 72% response rate at 48 Hz; the depression was greater at higher-order neurons; responses decreased to a 30% response rate. The depression was slightly but significantly greater with phasic inputs. Curve fitting suggested that synaptic depression may limit baroreflex sympathoinhibition. Thus frequency limits on baroreceptor inputs at NTS synapses may affect baroreflex function.
Food processors' use of contracts to purchase agricultural inputs: Evidence from a Pennsylvania survey

Using data from a survey of Pennsylvania food processors, we investigate what firm-level characteristics make a processor more or less likely to buy agricultural inputs and ingredients though contracts. We find that over 20 percent of Pennsylvania processors use contracts, and over 44 percent of agricultural inputs (based on value) are purchased under contract. We also analyze the two related questions of what firm attributes, attitudes, or other factors make a firm more likely to use contracts at all, and what factors lead a processor who does contract to use them more intensively.
Real-time active control verification via a structural simulator

Abstract Verification of active control algorithms prior to their implementation to real structures has always been a time-consuming and costly process. At the minimum, they need to be examined through analytical simulation. Laboratory testing using a scaled-down model on a shaking table or in a wind tunnel is also often necessary. This investment in experimental hardware and inherent inaccuracies in experimental set-up or modeling can be a major obstacle in structural control implementation. In this paper, an alternative real-time verification procedure via a simulator is proposed. In this procedure, the control strategy is implemented inside a dedicated PC controller with an independent Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to calculate the required control force. The DSP performs the function of data acquisition through communication with an Analog to Digital Converter (A/D) and a Digital to Analog Converter (D/A). Another PC structural simulator with a similar dedicated hardware is constructed to emulate the real-time response of a theoretic structure with the Hybrid/Active Mass Damper (HMD/AMD) in order to verify the real-time control effect. The integrated system is dedicated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed digital control algorithm and to provide also a preimplementation testing base to test the functions required for practical utilization.
Presidential Power and National Security

Recent claims of unilateral, independent executive power have renewed the debate over presidential authority. The Framers, however, adopted a system of separate branches with predominantly mixed rather than independent powers. President George Washington's proclamation of 1793 demonstrated how the system works. The system's inherent ambiguities led Justice Robert H. Jackson to describe executive power by the standards used to evaluate its exercise. Jackson's description remains accurate, and the system of concurrent authorities remains necessary to protect against tyranny while enabling the president to lead.
An improved Lagrangian relaxation approach for solving job shop scheduling problems

An approach to the job shop scheduling problem that uses an auxiliary problem formulation to reduce solution oscillation is presented. A demonstration using actual factory data shows that the auxiliary formulation can generate near-optimal schedules in reasonable computation time and can provide a lower bound to evaluate schedule quality. In the auxiliary problem formulation, quadratic penalties are directly included in the objective function for the purpose of restricting operation movement in the time horizon. This is necessary since operation precedence constraints often lead to solution oscillation from iteration to iteration in the relaxed problem. Although solution oscillation is not completely eliminated, results indicate that the auxiliary objective function reduces the magnitude of solution oscillation, making an augmented Lagrangian approach unnecessary. In addition, the relaxed problem is directly decomposed into operation-level subproblems. >
A co-processor FPGA platform for the implementation of real-time model predictive control

In order to effectively control nonlinear and multivariable models, and to incorporate constraints on system states, inputs and outputs (bounds, rate of change), a suitable (sometimes necessary) controller is model predictive control (MPC). MPC is an optimization-based control scheme that requires abundant matrix operations for the calculation of the optimal control moves. In this work we propose a mixed software and hardware embedded MPC implementation. Using a codesign step and based on profiling results, we decompose the optimization algorithm into two parts: one that fits into a host processor and one that fits into a custom made unit that performs the computationally demanding arithmetic operations. The profiling results and information on the co-processor design are provided.
Epstein-Barr Virus LMP2A Interferes with Global Transcription Factor Regulation When Expressed during B-Lymphocyte Development

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with the development of malignant lymphomas and lymphoproliferative disorders in immunocompromised individuals. The LMP2A protein of EBV is thought to play a central role in this process by allowing the virus to persist in latently infected B lymphocytes. We have demonstrated that LMP2A, when expressed in B cells of transgenic mice, allows normal B-cell developmental checkpoints to be bypassed. To identify cellular genes targeted by LMP2A that are involved in this process, we have utilized DNA microarrays to compare gene transcription in B cells from wild-type versus LMP2A transgenic mice. In B cells from LMP2A transgenic mice, we observed decreased expression of many genes associated with normal B-cell development as well as reduced levels of the transcription factors that regulate their expression. In particular, expression of the transcription factor E2A was down-regulated in bone marrow and splenic B cells. Furthermore, E2A activity was inhibited in these cells as determined by decreased DNA binding and reduced expression of its target genes, including the transcription factors early B-cell factor and Pax-5. Expression of two E2A inhibitors, Id2 and SCL, was up-regulated in splenic B cells expressing LMP2A, suggesting a possible mechanism for E2A inhibition. These results indicate that LMP2A deregulates transcription factor expression and activity in developing B cells, and this likely allows for a bypass of normal signaling events required for proper B-cell development. The ability of LMP2A to interfere with B-cell transcription factor regulation has important implications regarding its role in EBV latency.
Heterogeneity of bovine snout epidermal prekeratin

SUMMARY The prekeratin of the snout of cows was extracted with 0.1 mol/1 citric acid-sodium citrate buffer, pH 2.6. The results of equilibrium ultracentrifugation analyses of this prekeratin strongly suggest that this protein is not homogeneous. This conclusion is in accordance with the observations of two other investigators whose data infer that there is no major homogeneous keratin precursor in cow's lip or snout epidermis.
A clustering algorithm for implementation of RBF technique

Summary form only given, as follows. An approach to the implementation of the radial basis function (RBF) learning paradigm was developed and applied to neural network of the appropriate architecture. The authors explored the extent to which the number of RBF nodes can be reduced without significantly affecting the overall training error. This is accomplished through an effective clustering algorithm. Emphasis is also placed on the problems faced by a technique that has been proved superior to the more traditional training algorithms, particularly in terms of processing speed and solvability of nonlinear patterns. Solutions were consequently proposed for making the RBF a more efficient method for interpolation and classification purposes. >
Decreased availability of metabolic fuels suppresses estrous behavior in Syrian hamsters

The availability of oxidizable metabolic fuels affects reproductive physiology and behaviors in female mammals. In Syrian hamsters, 48 h of food deprivation is sufficient to suppress secretion of gonadotropins and ovarian steroids and to prevent the occurrence of ovulation and estrous behavior. These experiments attempted to determine whether the deprivation-induced suppression of lordosis is entirely due to the disruption of ovarian steroid secretion or whether there are also changes in behavioral responsiveness to estradiol and/or progesterone (P). Estrous behavior was induced in ovariectomized hamsters with sequential injections of 5 micrograms of estradiol benzoate (EB) and 200 micrograms P. Food deprivation for 48 h, either before or just after EB treatment, significantly suppressed the amount of time females spent in lordosis during a 5-min test with a sexually experienced male. Treatment with an inhibitor of glycolysis (2-deoxy-D-glucose) in combination with an inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation (methyl palmoxirate) for 48 h mimicked the effects of food deprivation and suppressed the amount of time spent in lordosis after treatment with EB+P. Given alone, neither metabolic inhibitor had an effect on lordosis. These findings indicate that suppression of hamster estrous behavior by metabolic fuel deprivation is at least in part due to a reduced responsiveness to estradiol and/or progesterone. Furthermore, estrous behavior is responsive to metabolic fuels in general. This is unlike hamster ovulatory cycles, which are primarily responsive to glucose availability.
Disrupting the "Quotidian": Reconceptualizing the Relationship Between Breakdown and the Emergence of Collective Action

This article provides theoretical refinement and empirical specification for the breakdown variant of strain theory. It reconceptualizes the relationship between social breakdown and movement emergence in a fashion that is consistent with strands of cultural theory, phenomenology, and symbolic interactionism, and that resonates with prospect theory and research on collective action in a diversity of settings. It argues that the key to the breakdown-movement relationship resides in the actual or threatened disruption of the "quotidian"—that is, the taken-for-granted routines and attitudes of everyday life. Four conditions are especially likely to disrupt the quotidian and heighten prospects of collective action: accidents that throw a community's routines into doubt and/or threaten its existence; actual or threatened intrusion into and/or violation of citizens' sense of privacy, safety, and control; alteration in subsistence routines because unfavorable ratios of resources to claimants or demand; and drama...
Divergence between dietary folate intake and concentrations in the serum and red blood cells of aging males in the United States.

Summary Background & aims As part of a broader study examining the relationship between serum folate concentrations and prostate cancer progression, we determined if there are age related changes in serum folate concentration compared to folate intake in the U.S. male population. Methods Weighted data from the 2007–2008 and 2009–2010 NHANES databases was analyzed. A subpopulation of male participants was selected who were older than one year of age, had completed two days of dietary recall including supplement usage, and had fasted for at least 4 h prior to having their serum folate measured. Total dietary folate equivalent (DFE) intake (mcg) represented the combination of all natural food folate and folic acid from fortification and dietary supplements. Geometric means of serum folate (nM), red blood cell (RBC) folate (nM), and DFE intake were calculated for nine consecutive age groups, with each group generally representing a 10 year span. Analysis was then focused on males older than 20 years of age. Results A total of 19,142 subjects were in the initial NHANES population, which represented over 294 million people within the United States. Applying our inclusion criteria created a final subpopulation size of 3775. Subsequent analysis of the age groups for all males older than 20 years found the following: The mean serum folate (nM) with 95% CI levels ranged from 28.2 (26.6, 29.9) to 55.1 (47.5, 63.9). RBC folate (nM) concentrations with 95% CI levels without any fasting exclusions ranged from 795.6 (741.5, 853.7) to 1038.4 (910.7, 1184.2). Serum and RBC folate concentrations were significantly higher with age across these age groups (p Conclusions We observed higher serum and RBC folate concentrations and a divergence between dietary folate intake and these folate concentrations in older males. This phenomenon was evident at total DFE intakes that were significantly less than the 1000 mcg tolerable upper intake level currently recommended by the Institute of Medicine.
Religiously Motivated Migration

Self-interested motives are typically assumed when addressing migration causation. However, values, such as those from religion, can also motivate migration. This study develops a theoretical framework of religiously motivated migration. Inasmuch as values are derived from and reinforced within groups, religions with strong cohesion are more likely to act on one of three value-based religious migration motivations: sacred command, context conducive for religious practice, and awareness of potential membership losses from competition. This theoretical framework is demonstrated through Amish-Mennonite migration. Generalizability is suggested from a brief review of the Puritans, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, and Russian Mennonites.
Masculine honor beliefs: Measurement and correlates

Abstract Masculine honor, particularly as defined by the Southern culture of honor, centers on the belief that aggression is sometimes justifiable and necessary, such as in response to insult or threat. While masculine honor has been examined in terms of cultural differences, it has been less often examined in terms of individual differences. We developed a measure of masculine honor beliefs (MHBS) inspired by research on the Southern culture of honor. Four studies showed that the MHBS demonstrated internal consistency, test–retest reliability, convergent validity with measures of trait aggression and sexism, discriminant validity from measures of social desirability, conservatism and self-esteem, and predictive and incremental validity in predicting reactions to honor-related provocation above and beyond participants' sex and other measures of honor beliefs. The MHBS allows masculine honor beliefs to be examined as an important factor in understanding men's motivations for aggressive behavior, particularly in response to provocation.
Multiple kink solutions for two coupled integrable (2+1)-dimensional systems

Abstract We obtain multiple kink solutions for two coupled (2+1)-dimensional systems, namely, a coupled Burgers system and a coupled modified KdV–Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli system, by means of the simplified Hirota’s method. It is demonstrated that the coupled modified KdV–Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli system gives kink solutions.
Abnormalities in β-Adrenergic Signal Transduction with Myocardial Decompensation and Failure

The progression of changes in β-adrenergic receptor signalling was studied over several time points during the development of pacing-induced heart failure in long-term instrumented, conscious dogs. Animals were paced at 240 beats per minute for one month and data were averaged at 1 day, 1 week, and 3–4 weeks after pacing. The rate of change in left ventricular pressure (LV dP/dt) was decreased at 1 day, LV end-diastolic pressure and heart rate were increased at 1 week, but heart failure occurred only after 3–4 weeks of pacing. Circulating levels of norepinephrine were elevated after 1 day of pacing, and tissue levels of norepinephrine were reduced only after 3–4 weeks of pacing. High-affinity β-adrenergic receptors and adenylyl cyclase activity decreased after one day of pacing. β1-adrenergic receptor density decreased after one week of pacing. Gs functional activity was not reduced, but Giα2 rose after 3–4 weeks of pacing. Thus, β-adrenergic receptor signal transduction is significantly altered early, i. e., 1 day after the initiation of rapid ventricular pacing, prior to the development of heart failure. Changes occurring at 1 day after rapid ventricular pacing include increases in plasma catecholamines, uncoupling of the β-adrenergic receptor from adenylyl cyclase, and a decrease in adenylyl cyclase activity. After more prolonged pacing there is a decrease in β1-adrenergic receptors, decreases in myocardial tissue catecholamines, and increases in Giα2. Therefore, physiological changes in β-adrenergic receptor function during the initial development of heart failure appear to be mediated by different mechanisms than those changes that occur later as heart failure becomes manifest.
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Modified Wulff Constructions for Twinned Nanoparticles

Wulff constructions are a powerful tool to predict the shape of nanoparticles, which strongly influences their performance in catalysis, sensing, and surface-enhanced spectroscopies. Previous Wulff models focused on energy minimization and included contributions from the surface energy, interface energy, twin boundaries, and segregation-induced bulk energy changes. However, a large number of shapes cannot be understood by such thermodynamic approaches, in particular many of the twinned late transition metal (Ag, Au, Pt, Pd, etc.) particles of interest in catalysis and plasmonics. A review of the modified Wulff (i.e., twinned) construction is presented here, followed by the development of a modified kinetic Wulff model, which, by including kinetic parameters, explains the emergence of commonly observed shapes such as bitetrahedra, truncated bitetrahedra, thin triangular platelets, perfect decahedra, and decahedral rods.
E-041 Combined endovascular embolization and surgical resection of a massive lumbosacral arteriovenous malformation in a patient with Cobb syndrome

Objective and importance Cobb syndrome is a rare condition that includes a cutaneous nevus with an associated spinal vascular lesion at the same dermatome. We present a challenging case of a progressively symptomatic massive lumbosacral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in a patient with Cobb9s syndrome requiring a multimodality approach, including staged preoperative transarterial and transvenous endovascular embolization followed by surgical excision and wound reconstruction. Clinical presentation The patient is a 25-year-old man with a massive lumbosacral AVM with symptoms of congestive heart failure. Angiography demonstrated arterial feeders predominantly from the internal iliac, median sacral and lumbar segmental arteries. Intervention The patient underwent staged transarterial and transvenous endovascular embolization resulting in 90% reduction in the AVM size, followed by surgical resection of the lesion. The patient made an excellent recovery with improvement in his symptoms of congestive heart failure. Conclusion The treatment algorithm for massive AVMs must be individualized. A combination of staged embolization and subsequent surgery may be required to obtain a good result. Through this carefully planned multidisciplinary approach, a previously incurable lesion in this patient with Cobb syndrome was able to be treated successfully.
Determination of Arsenide in The Air of Residential Districts by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

[Objective]To establish the method for determination of arsenide in air of residential district by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry(GFAAS).[Methods]The sampled impregnated porous membrane were digested by microwave,then were determined for arsenic concentration by GFAAS with PdCl2:-NiNO3 1 ∶1 as matrix modifier,ashing temperature of 1 200 ℃,atomization temperature of 2 500 ℃.[Results]The method had a linear relationship in the range of arsenic concentrations between 0～100.0 μg/L,regression equation Y=0.00 503 X+0.00 770,r=0.9 992;the method showed a good reproducibility,RSD of standard solutions with different concentrations was 1.04%～3.10%;the detection limit was 1.5 μg/L,the recovery of standard addition was 100.7%～90.8%.[Conclusion]This method is simple,inexpensive,rapid and accurate,suitable for determination of arsenic in the air of residential districts.
Modeling of Contact Angle for a Liquid in Contact with a Rough Surface

The surface atoms or molecules of liquids or solids have fewer bonds with neighboring atoms, and therefore, they have higher energy than similar atoms and molecules in the interior. This additional energy is characterized quantitatively by the surface tension or free surface energy γ, which is equal to the work that is required to create a unit area of the surface at a constant pressure and temperature.
Introduction: Ethical Criticism and Postwar Literary Theory

How do academic fictions create meaning and value through their satirical narratives in a critical era that bemoans the cultural relevance of poststructuralist hermeneutics and proclaims the death of literature in a postmodern world? As scholars engage in debate over the social and pedagogical value of critical projects such as deconstruction to contemporary institutions of higher learning, academic novels enjoy frequent publication during the latter half of this century, an era marked by the increasing accessibility of postsecondary education. Academic novels often satirize and problematize the contradictions and sociological nuances of campus life, yet critics of academic fiction - despite the remarkable growth and evolution of the Anglo-American academic novel as a literary genre since the 1950s - neglect to address the satiric ethos that undergirds the genre’s thematic landscape. The scathing representation of professors and institutions alike in these fictions as figures of deceit, duplicity, and falsehood, moreover, remains unexamined in the scholarly monographs devoted to the study of the academic novel.
Laparoscopic repair of ureteric injury: psoas hitch with ureteric reimplantation - a video vignette.

Ureteral injury is a complication of pelvic surgery, with an incidence ranging from 1 to 10%. 1 2. The video demonstrates the feasibility of a laparoscopic technique to repair an ureteric injury using a psoas hitch and ureteric reimplantation in. The patient is a 30 year old male with medically-refractory colonic and perianal Crohn's disease who underwent an ileocaecal and sigmoid resection. The patient gave consent for a laparoscopic completion proctocolectomy with intersphincteric abdominoperianal resection. During the mobilization of the sigmoid colon from the left pericolic gutter, the left ureter was identified above the pelvic brim, but during the procedure it was transected at the level of left pelvic brim close to the left iliac vessels. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A multi-tenant fair share approach to full-text search engine

Full text search engines underly the search of major content providers, Google, Bing and Yahoo. Open source search engines, such as Solr and ElasticSearch, are highly scalable and widely used in a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) manner, in which multiple tenants share a single resource for improved resource utilization and lower management cost. Sharing of a full text search engine can exhibit unfairness in the form of performance interference. We propose a multi-tenancy solution that provides fair share of resource usage of a SaaS hosted search engine. It includes a revised deficit round robin technique for admission control, query resource usage estimation and a deadlock breaking mechanism. Experimental results show that our approach works well for both monolithic and distributed search engines.
Symmetry Breaking in Light-Front $${\varvec{\phi }}^\mathbf{4 }$$ ϕ 4 Theory

We consider the symmetric and broken phases of light-front $$\phi ^4$$ theory in two dimensions. In both cases the mass of the lowest state is computed and its dependence on the coupling used to infer critical coupling values. The structure of the eigenstate is examined to determine whether it shows the signs of critical behavior, specifically whether the one-body sector becomes improbable relative to the higher Fock sectors. In attempts to establish this behavior, we consider both sector-independent and sector-dependent constituent masses.
Role of K+ channels in L-6 myoblast migration.

Migration of myoblasts is an important component of the reparative response to muscle injury, and furthermore may be a key determinant of the success of myoblast transplantation for the treatment of genetic muscle diseases. The present study examined the hypothesis that K+ channels modulate myoblast migration. The migration of cultured L-6 myoblasts was assessed in vitro on confluent cultures with the razor wound method, in the absence and presence of the following agents: 3,4-diaminopyridine and tetraethylammonium (which block several types of K+ channels), apamin and charybdotoxin (which block Ca++-activated K+ channels), glibenclamide (which blocks ATP-sensitive K+ channels), and α-, β-, γ-, and δ-dendrotoxin (which block voltage-gated K+ channels). Migration was assessed with respect to number of migrated cells, average distance migrated, and total distance migrated. Overall, myoblast migration was stimulated in response to low concentrations of tetraethylammonium, apamin, glibenclamide, and α-, β- and δ-dendrotoxin. With these agents, the number of migrated cells increased by 28–47%, the average distance migrated increased by 22–35%, and the total distance migrated increased by 60–85%. Conversely, migration was inhibited by high concentrations of 3,4-diaminopyridine, tetraethylammonium, and all dendrotoxins. These data indicate that in L-6 myoblasts migration is regulated by K+ channels, and that several types of K+ channels appear to participate in cell migration.
Algorithms for Bayesian Network Modeling, Inference, and Reliability Assessment for Multistate Flow Networks

AbstractThe Bayesian network (BN) is a useful tool for the modeling and reliability assessment of civil infrastructure systems. For a system comprising many interconnected components, it captures t...
PMA10: DESCRIPTION OF COST/EFFECTIVENESS RATIO DISTRIBUTIONS

BACKGROUND: Health economic evaluation systematically analyzes all inputs and outputs of treatment, and suggests the most effective alternatives for given resources. Results of a cost-effectiveness analysis are summarized in a series of cost-effectiveness (C/E) ratios. Little is known about the distributions of C/E ratio estimates. Hence, there is a lack of statistical tests for the C/E ratios. OBJECTIVE: This study is to describe the characteristics of C/E ratio distribution. Since the cost and effect distributions frequently follow the normal, lognormal, and gamma distributions, the ratio distributions are formed by some combination of them. METHODS: In describing the ratio distribution, the probability density functions (PDF) of the ratio distributions are derived if they exist. If the closed form of the PDF does not exist, the ratio distributions are presented graphically. RESULTS: First, the ratio distributions take on a variety of shapes depending on the coefficient of variation of their denominator distribution. Most of the time, the ratio distributions have the bell shape with, or without, a heavy right tail. However, the ratio distribution could even be bimodal if the coefficient of variation of denominator was very large. Second, the correlation between numerator and denominator of the C/E ratio significantly affects the distribution shapes and locations. Since the numerator and denominator are allowed to be correlated, this derived PDF is more general and practical than the Cauchy distribution. Third, the ratio distributions formed from the combination of gamma and lognormal distributions are all skewed to the right. CONCLUSIONS: The C/E ratio distributions are not always bell shape nor symmetric. The ratio distributions take on a variety of shapes depending on the coefficient of variation of their denominator distribution and the correlation coefficients between numerator and denominators.
Persistent Hyperplastic Primary Vitreous (PHPV)

Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), also known as persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) is a constellation of ophthalmic findings typically consisting of microphthalmia, cataract (Figs. 8.1 and 8.2), centrally dragged ciliary processes, retrolental fibrous tissue, and a persistent hyaloid artery. It has long been recognized in the differential diagnosis of leukokoria or amaurotic pupillary reflex. The full spectrum of findings in PFV was not fully appreciated until 1949 when Reese described the syndrome in more detail, differentiating PFV from retrolental fibroplasia [1]. In the 1956 Jackson Memorial lecture, Reese further elucidated the findings of this disorder [2]. He termed the anterior findings anterior hyperplastic vitreous. Michaelson, and later Pruett and Schepens, termed the posterior component posterior hyperplastic primary vitreous and stressed the anterior and posterior findings could overlap [3]. Goldberg suggested replacing the term PHPV with the more comprehensive PFV, which emphasizes the etiology of the disorder [4].
Electrokinetic Characteristics of CrO2and Cr2O3 in Aqueous Solutions

The electrokinetic behavior of unstabilized CrO2, stabilized CrO2, and Cr2O3 in aqueous solutions has been investigated. While Cr2O3 is characterized by a point of zero charge (PZC) of 5.8, neither stabilized nor unstabilized CrO2 particles exhibit a PZC. The electrokinetic behavior of stabilized CrO2 particles resembles that of C2O3 particles conditioned in sulfate solutions. It has been found that cetyl trimethyl ammonium ions specifically adsorb on stabilized CrO2 particles.
Gender Selection and Society

The preference for boys in general and firstborn boys in particular crosses the boundaries of time and culture. Almost every major study reveals a preference for boys, from the writings of Aristotle (Nentwig, 1981) to the present, and around the globe, from the developing societies of India, Morocco, and rural Bangladesh (Bairagi & Langsten, 1985) and the Asian societies of China (Goody, Duly, Beeson, & Harrison, 1981) and Korea (Arnold, 1985) to Europe and the United States. Within this country, preference for boys is found among both men and women (Fide11, Hoffman, & KeithSpeigel, 1979; Gilroy & Stienbacher, 1983) and among people from all walks of life. It finds concrete expression in the requests of middle-class Americans for boys to adopt, and in the abortion of female fetuses in China (Nentwig, 1981).
Development of a Nano-Enabled Space Power System

The integration of four nanostructure enhanced power system components for energy conversion, storage, or transmission are discussed for use on a CubeSat. Quantum dot enhanced multijunction photovoltaics, and carbon nanotube enhanced or composed lithium ion batteries, metal-free wire harnesses, and thermoelectric devices are demonstrated and compared against commercial components procured from Clyde Space. Implications for reduction in mass or increase in mission lifetime is discussed.
Posthumanist Swift: Cyborgs and “A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG NYMPH GOING TO BED”

What is posthumanism? It is a concept that has gained considerable traction in recent years, and this proliferation has led to haziness of definition.1 In one sense, the “post” in posthumanism refe...
Patterns in the Immune System

There is a hierarchy of four levels on which one may talk about patterns in the immune system. The highest level concerns the morphology of the entire organ. Important as its detailed design may be in reality, I shall completely ignore it in the following. It is therefore sufficient, for the purpose of introduction, to give the very schematic picture shown in Fig. 1. The immune system consists of circulating lymphocytes, antibody molecules, and various accessory components such as macrophages and complement.
Integrated Management of Bacterial Spot on Tomato in Florida

Bacterial spot is one of the most detrimental diseases of tomato and is especially severe in the southeast United States when weather conditions (high temperature, high humidity, and rain) become conducive for disease development. This new 8-page publication of the UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department presents updated information about the causal pathogen and management of bacterial spot on tomato in Florida. Written by Amanda Strayer-Scherer, Ying-Yu Liao, Peter Abrahamian, Sujan Timilsina, Mathews Paret, Tim Momol, Jeff Jones, and Gary Vallad.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pp353
Critical Transitions in Plant-Pollinator Systems Induced by Positive Inbreeding-Reward-Pollinator Feedbacks.

Summary In many regions of the world pollinator populations are rapidly declining, a trend that is expected to disrupt major ecosystem functions and services. These changes in pollinator abundance may be prone to critical transitions with abrupt shifts to a state strongly depleted both in pollinator and vegetation abundance. Here we develop a process-based model to investigate the effect of a positive pollinator-vegetation feedback, whereby an initial decline in plant density increases selfing thereby reducing floral resources and negatively affecting pollinators. We show that a decline in resource availability and an increase in disturbance intensity can induce an abrupt shift in vegetation and pollinator dynamics and potentially lead to the collapse of plant-pollinator systems. Thus, endogenous feedbacks can induce strong non-linearities in plant-pollinator dynamics, making them vulnerable to critical transitions to a state depleted of both plants and pollinators in response to resource deficiency and natural or anthropogenic disturbance.
Structural and magnetic properties of FeCoMnCrSi multi-principal alloy

In this study, the magnetic properties of Fe39.8Co19.92Mn20.52Cr14.77Si5 multi-principal element alloy in both bulk and thin films were studied. X-ray diffraction measurements show coexisting face centered cubic (FCC) and hexagonal close packed phases in the bulk and the 500 nm thin films, while only FCC phase is observed in the 65 nm thin film. A four orders of magnitude increase in the magnetic moment is observed for 65 nm thin film compared with the bulk sample. Evolution of magnetization as a function of temperature and applied magnetic field shows multiple magnetic transitions. A paramagnetic to spin glass transition is detected at TS ∼ 390 K for all samples. Further cooling results in a spin glass to ferromagnetic (FM) transition, and the transition temperature, TF, is dependent on the film thickness. Higher saturation magnetization and transition temperature observed for the thin film samples indicate the stabilization of FM ordering due to thickness confinement.
Prevalence and Doppler Echocardiographic Characteristics of Normally Functioning Mitral Prostheses with Mean Gradient ≥10 mmHg.

Background The study aim was to determine the prevalence of normally functioning mitral prostheses with mean gradient ≥10 mmHg, and to identify the characteristics and echocardiographic variables that might be useful to distinguish normal function from dysfunction. Methods A total of 56 consecutive patients with a prosthetic mitral valve and mean gradient ≥10 mmHg was retrospectively identified. Nineteen patients without subsequent imaging confirming normal prosthesis function or dysfunction were excluded; hence, 37 patients were classified as obstruction, insufficiency, or normal prosthesis (high-gradient; NPHG). A comparison group of 25 patients with a mean transprosthetic gradient of ≤5 mmHg (low-gradient group) was also identified. Results Of the 37 patients, seven (19%) had obstruction, 10 (27%) had significant valvular or perivalvular insufficiency, and 20 (54%) were deemed NPHG. NPHG patients had a similar net atrioventricular compliance (Cn) to those with obstruction and insufficiency, which was significantly lower than the low-gradient group. The cardiac index (CI) was significantly higher in the NPHG group (3.4 ± 0.9 l/min/m2) compared to all other groups (p = 0.001). Receiver operator characteristic curves showed that the indexed effective orifice area (EOAi), effective orifice area (EOA) and velocity-time integral ratio distinguished NPHG from abnormal prosthesis function in patients with mean gradients ≥10 mmHg (area under curve = 0.92, 0.86, and 0.82, respectively). Conclusions The study data suggested that a plurality of individuals with a mean transprosthetic mitral gradient ≥10 mmHg will be found to have a normally functioning prosthesis. Most of these patients will have a small EOAi, a reduced Cn, and a relatively increased CI.
Morphology and Biomineralization: A Carbonate Model

The relationships between form and function in nature have been the focus of attention for centuries. Nevertheless, we still are in the dark in our understanding of the transmission of the genetic information related to the form of biological structures. Since 1974, Amblema plicata perplicata Conrad 1834, has provided us with a good model to study the role of the free periostracum. The periostracum carries out, without any contact with the cells of the mantle, a complex multi-structural organization at the edge of the forming shell. A dynamic and elaborate system of matrix/crystal relationships is described for the nacre formation as well as for the prism formation. This system can be disrupted and altered experimentally. Such temporary disorganization accordingly modifies the physical properties of the shell.
POINT MUTATONS IN FIVE HEMOPHILIA B PATIENTS IN CHINA

One patient showed significantly lower of calcium dependent antigen. It suggested a defect in the factor IX Gla domain. Exon 2 of this patient amplified and sequenced. An A to T substitution was found. It was named as factor IX Chogqing 1. The second patient was a C to T substitution within CG deuucleotide, the "hot spot" for mutations in hemophilia A and B.The third patient was G to A transition, changed codon 310 from Arg in normal factor IX to stop codon. It was named factor IX Chongqing 2. The foruth patient was a G to A transition at nucleotide 31119. The fifth patient had a C to A replacement of codon 390 which was for Ala in normal factor IX to one for Glu. It was the factor IX Chongqing 3. The DNA sequence of one mother showed the normal nucleotides at the same location comparing with her son's. The other three mothers showed both their son's variant and the normal nucleotide sequences. Key words: Hemophilia B; factor IX gene; point mutation
Investigating the effects of lithium deposition on the abuse response of lithium-ion batteries

Li deposition at the graphitic anode is widely reported in literature as one of the leading causes of capacity fade in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Previous literature has linked Li deposition resulting from low-temperature ageing to diminished safety characteristics, however no current research has probed the effects of Li deposition on the abuse response of well-characterized cells. Using overtemperature testing, a relationship between increased concentrations of Li deposition and exacerbated abuse response in 1Ah pouch cells has been established. A novel Li deposition technique is also investigated, where cells with n:p < 1 (anode-limiting) have been cycled at a high rate to exploit Li+ diffusion limitations at the anode. Scanning Electron Microscopy of harvested anodes indicates substantial Li deposition in low n:p cells after 20 cycles, with intricate networks of Li(s) deposits which hinder Li+ intercalation/deintercalation. Peak broadening and decreased amplitude of differential capacity plots further validates a loss of lithium inventory to Li+ dissolution, and Powder X-Ray Diffraction indicates Li+ intercalation with staging in anode interstitial sites as the extent of Li deposition increases. A cradle-to-grave approach is leveraged on cell fabrication and testing to eliminate uncertainty involving the effects of cell additives on Li deposition and other degradation mechanisms.