cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin Aspart: A New Rapid-Acting Insulin Analog

OBJECTIVE:To examine the pharmacology, therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, dosing guidelines, adverse effects, and drug interactions of insulin aspart, and summarize the clinical trials of efficacy and safety in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE database search (1985–May 2000) was performed to identify all applicable published articles and abstracts; in some cases, Novo Nordisk unpublished information was also obtained. Review articles on insulin analogs were also identified, as well as review chapters in medical textbooks.STUDY SELECTION:The majority of the studies identified were in abstract form. These studies reported information on the pharmacokinetics of insulin aspart in healthy volunteers and in those with diabetes, as well as the therapeutic utility, safety, and clinical efficacy in patients with diabetes. A limited number of randomized studies were reported as articles in the medical literature.DATA EXTRACTION:All published clinical studies were reviewed.DATA SY...
Calcium preconditioning in human myocardium.

Abstract Background . Ischemic stress and other protein kinase C (PKC)–linked receptor stimuli can induce rapid cardiac protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. We and others have demonstrated that exogenous calcium (Ca 2+ ) pretreatment confers PKC-mediated cardiac functional and infarct protection in animal models, but it remains unknown whether Ca 2+ preconditioning confers similar postischemic functional protection in human myocardium, and, if so, whether the mechanism is mediated by PKC. We postulated that Ca 2+ preconditioning confers ischemic tolerance to human myocardium by a PKC-dependent mechanism. Methods . Human atrial trabeculae were suspended in organ baths and paced at 1 Hz, and force development was recorded. After 90 minutes of equilibration, all trabeculae were subjected to ischemia (45 minutes) and reperfusion (120 minutes). Exogenous CaCl 2 (3.0 mmol/L for 5 minutes) or vehicle (saline solution) was administered before simulated ischemia, with or without concurrent PKC inhibition (bisindolylmaleimide I, 150 nmol/L). Results . Ischemia-reperfusion resulted in decreased postischemic developed force, Ca 2+ preconditioning protected human myocardium against ischemia-reperfusion injury ( p 2+ preconditioning in human myocardium ( p 2+ preconditioning). Conclusions . Preconditioning with Ca 2+ represents a potent means of accessing PKC-mediated protection of the human myocardium against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Three Ways to Politicize Bioethics

Many commentators today lament the politicization of bioethics, but some suggest distinguishing among different kinds of politicization. This essay pursues that idea with reference to three traditions of political thought: liberalism, communitarianism, and republicanism. After briefly discussing the concept of politicization itself, the essay examines how each of these political traditions manifests itself in recent bioethics scholarship, focusing on the implications of each tradition for the design of government bioethics councils. The liberal emphasis on the irreducible plurality of values and interests in modern societies, and the communitarian concern with the social dimensions of biotechnology, offer important insights for bioethics councils. The essay finds the most promise in the republican tradition, however, which emphasizes institutional mechanisms that allow bioethics councils to enrich but not dominate public deliberation, while ensuring that government decisions on bioethical issues are publi...
Effects of extraneous odors on canine detection

Dogs are often required to detect target substances under challenging conditions. One of these challenges is to detect contraband in the presence of extraneous odors, whether they are part of the ambient environment or placed there for the purpose of evading detection. This paper presents the results of two studies evaluating the ability of dogs to detect target substances in the presence of varying concentrations of extraneous odors. The studies were conducted under behavioral laboratory conditions, providing good control over vapor sources and a clear basis for evaluation of detection responses. Dogs were trained to sample an air stream consisting of the extraneous odor only or the extraneous odor plus the target odor and then press the appropriate lever to earn food. The results are described in terns of the ability of dogs to detect target odors in the presence of a wide range of concentrations of the extraneous odors.
Optimizing discrete event dynamic systems via the gradient surface method

The authors propose a gradient surface method (GSM) for the optimization of discrete event dynamic systems. GSM combines the advantages of response surface methodology (RSM) and efficient derivative estimation techniques like perturbation analysis (PA) or the likelihood ratio (LR) method. In GSM, the gradient estimation is obtained by PA (or LR), and the performance gradient surface is obtained from observations at various points in a fashion similar to the RSM. Zero points of the successive approximating gradient surface are taken then as the estimates of the optimal solution. GSM is characterized by several attractive features: it is a single run method and more efficient than RSM; it uses at each iteration step the information from all data points rather than just the local gradient; and it tries to capture the global features of the gradient surface and thereby quickly arrives at the vicinity of the optimal solution. A number of examples are exhibited to illustrate this method. >
Building Knowledge Through Qualitative Research: The Road Less Traveled

In this article, the author specifies the ontological, epistemological, and methodological differences among selected borrowed qualitative research methods and the three extant nursing research methods. A further distinction is made between nursing knowledge per se and general knowledge that can be used by nurses. Building nursing knowledge requires a connection with extant nursing theories and frameworks.
The role of androgens in menopausal hormonal replacement.

Androgen therapy may improve libido and psychologic symptoms in hypogonadal women. Such replacement may also cause undesirable lipoprotein changes and virilizing side effects. By detailing the benefits and risks, this review may help the clinician determine the role of androgen therapy as a supplement to conventional estrogen/progestin replacement in menopausal women.
Single sideband encoder for music coding in cochlear implants

The restoration of melody perception is a key remaining challenge in cochlear implants. We propose a new sound coding strategy that converts an audio signal into time-varying electrically stimulating pulse trains. A sound is first split into several frequency subbands and each subband signal is coherently downward shifted to a low-frequency base band, similar to demodulation used in single sideband (SSB) radios. These resulting coherent envelope signals have Hermitian symmetric frequency spectrums and are thus real-valued. A peak detector in each subband further converts the coherent envelopes into rate-varying and interleaved pulse trains. Acoustic simulations of cochlear implants with normal hearing listeners showed significant improvement in melody recognition over the most common stimulation approach used in cochlear implants.
Inherited Podocytopathies: FSGS and Nephrotic Syndrome from a Genetic Viewpoint

Recent progress in defining the genetic basis of inherited glomerular disease has helped illuminate inadequacies in the way we describe many of these diseases. Too often, we talk about histologic patterns of injury, such as focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), as if they were diseases
Exercise Preferences and Barriers in Urban African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine physical activity preferences and barriers to exercise in an urban diabetes clinic population. METHODS A survey was conducted of all patients attending the clinic for the first time. Evaluation measures were type and frequency of favorite leisure-time physical activity, prevalence and types of reported barriers to exercise, and analysis of patient characteristics associated with reporting an obstacle to exercise. RESULTS For 605 patients (44% male, 89% African American, mean age = 50 years, mean duration of diabetes = 5.6 years), the average frequency of leisure activity was 3.5 days per week (mean time = 45 minutes per session). Walking outdoors was preferred, but 52% reported an exercise barrier (predominantly pain). Patients who cited an impediment to physical activity exercised fewer days per week and less time each session compared with persons without a barrier. Increasing age, body mass index, college education, and being a smoker increased the odds of reporting a barrier; being male decreased the chances. Men reported more leisure-time physical activity than women. Exercise preferences and types of barriers changed with age. CONCLUSIONS Recognition of patient exercise preferences and barriers should help in developing exercise strategies for improving glycemic control.
Binge alcohol treatment of adolescent rats followed by alcohol abstinence is associated with site-specific differences in bone loss and incomplete recovery of bone mass and strength

We previously demonstrated that alcohol-fed adolescent rats exhibit reductions in lumbar spine bone mineral density and vertebral body height, suggesting that chronic alcohol consumption has negative consequences for skeletal development during adolescence. Binge alcohol consumption is common in adolescents and young adults, yet little is known about its consequences on skeletal integrity or the attainment of peak bone mass. We used a previously validated binge alcohol exposure model to test the hypothesis that binge alcohol treatment of adolescent rats would be associated with distinct temporal and site-specific bone loss profiles, with incomplete recovery from bone loss following a period of alcohol abstinence. Seventy-two male adolescent Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of 6 treatment groups (n = 12/group) receiving binge alcohol (3g/kg) or saline ip, 3 consecutive days (acute binge), 4 consecutive weekly (3-day) binge cycles (chronic binge), or 4 weekly binge cycles followed by a 30-day abstinence period without alcohol or saline injections (chronic binge with abstinence). Cancellous BMD was determined by pQCT and compressive strength determined by biomechanical testing. Serum testosterone and osteocalcin levels were measured by ELISA. Tibial cancellous BMD was significantly reduced by 25% (p < 0.05) after both acute and chronic binge alcohol treatment and vertebral cancellous BMD was significantly reduced by 15% (p<0.05) after chronic binge exposure. Vertebral compressive strength was also significantly decreased by 31% (p<0.05) after chronic binge alcohol treatment. Tibial cancellous BMD returned to control levels after the 30-day alcohol abstinence period, but vertebral cancellous BMD remained 15% below control values (p <0.05) 30 days after termination of binge alcohol exposures. Serum osteocalcin levels were significantly decreased following acute binge alcohol exposure (p<0.05). These results show that binge alcohol exposure can produce both short and long-term skeletal damage in the adolescent rat. This data may have relevance to peak bone mass attainment and future risk of skeletal disease in adolescents and young adults who engage in repeated binge drinking episodes.
Time domain comparison of pulse-width modulation schemes

This paper shows that classical space vector modulation (SVM) is functionally identical to double-sided uniform-sampled pulse width modulation (UPWM). Consequently, direct conclusions about harmonic distortion, losses, DC bus utilization, and ease of implementation are made that clarify some existing misconceptions about SVM. Since UPWM is conceptually simple and involves few steps, it is possible that computation may be reduced in practice. UPWM algorithms can avoid the sector and switch sequence tracking tasks in an SVM algorithm. The linear modulation range extension "inherent" to SVM is associated with triplen harmonic injection, and does not provide advantages over conventional third-harmonic injection techniques. The equivalence of SVM and UPWM means that SVM has spectral distortion in baseband as is known to occur in UPWM. This has implications for naturally-sampled sine-triangle PWM (NPWM)-which is known not to generate baseband distortion.
The peabody language development kit and its function in a language development and pre‐reading program: A review

(1971). The peabody language development kit and its function in a language development and pre‐reading program: A review. Reading World: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 130-136.
Headaches in a pediatric emergency department: etiology, imaging, and treatment.

Objective.– To assess the spectrum of diagnoses, the use of CT scans of the brain, and pharmacological treatments in patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department with headaches as the chief complaint. Methods.– A 1-year retrospective chart review of all children who presented to the emergency department with a headache as the chief complaint. Results.– One hundred thirty patients (0.7% of all pediatric emergency department visits, mean age = 9.3 years) were included in the study. Primary headaches included 11 migraine (8.5%) and 2 tension headaches (1.5%). Most of the secondary nonneurological headaches were associated with viral and respiratory illnesses ( n=37, 28.5%), while the majority of the secondary neurological headaches included 26 posttraumatic (20%), 15 possible ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunctions (11.5%), and 3 cases of aseptic meningitis (2.3%). The neurological etiology in 9 of these children (6.9%) was found to be serious (subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, proven ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction, brain abscess, pseudotumor cerebri, and aseptic meningitis). Fifteen patients could not be etiologically classified, either because no specific etiology was found or their discharge diagnoses could not clearly explain the headache. Approximately 10% (5/53) of the CT scans of the head that were performed showed new abnormal findings including hydrocephalus secondary to ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction (2), subdural hematoma (1), epidural hematoma (1), and skull fracture (1). Forty-two patients (32%) were treated pharmacologically. Thirty-nine of the 42 treated patients (93%) were given over-the-counter analgesics, and 9 (21%) were given prescribed analgesics. Conclusions.– The majority of the headaches in the pediatric emergency department were secondary to concurrent illness and minor head trauma, and required no pharmacological treatment or only treatment with minor analgesics. In a small minority of patients, headaches were secondary to serious neurological conditions, which required immediate medical attention. Computed tomography scans showed new abnormalities in a minority of patients and should be reserved for those with neurological diagnoses such as head trauma and ventriculoperitoneal shunt, as well as for those patients with recent onset of headaches with no clear etiological explanation, and for those with high-risk medical conditions, such as hypocoagulabilities. Future prospective studies are needed to assess the efficacy of the various pharmacological treatments in this population.
Transcendence in Traditional China

China's regard for nature, as expressed (for example) in Sung landscape painting, is clear and well recognised. What the Chinese believed to exceed the natural world, the realm of 'the ten-thousand things', is less clear. The present essay tries to explore this question systematically. We must first distinguish between the views of the peasants and those of the intelligentsia. Peasants believed the unseen world to be peopled by innumerable spirits, both benign (shen) and malevolent (kuei), who could dwell in idols and natural objects and be used or warded off by magic and sacrifice. After Buddhism reached China the geography of the spirit world was mapped in 33 Buddhist heavens, 8i Taoist heavens, and i8 Buddhist hells. Divination, astrology, almanacs, dream interpretations, geomancy, and witchcraft all figured as ways of establishing relations with invisible powers. We shall not linger over this popular view of the supernatural. In essence it is the Chinese version of folk religion which, where not dispelled by enlightenment modes of thought, has been universal throughout human history. What interests us here is the way the transcendent appeared to the Chinese intelligentsia-scholars, administrators, and landed gentry. A common answer, from Voltaire to James Legge and Hu Shih, is that transcendence scarcely figured in the outlook of the literati at all. A rep resentative statement asserts that 'Confucius confined his attention to reality, and his views are incompatible with religious matters'.2 Chinese intellectuals, by this view, were humanists, rationalists, and moralists. When they referred to heaven or took part in sacrifices it was from force of mechan ical habit, or to provide sops for the sentiments of the masses. Four things work to encourage this interpretation of the Chinese outlook. (i) The social accent of her outlook produced an unusual number of philosophers and schools that were purely utilitarian: The Realists, of course; but beyond them and within the Confucian stream itself such philo sophers as Yen Yuan and Tai Chen in the Ch'ing Dynasty (I644-19 I2) and such schools as the Yung-k'ang and Yung-chia in the Sung Dynasty (690
Limitations of ordinary least squares models in analyzing repeated measures data.

UGRINOWITSCH, C., G. W. FELLINGHAM, and M. D. RICARD. Limitations of Ordinary Least Squares Models in Analyzing Repeated Measures Data. Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc., Vol. 36, No. 12, pp. 2144–2148, 2004. Purpose: To a) introduce and present the advantages of linear mixed models using generalized least squares (GLS) when analyzing repeated measures data; and b) show how model misspecification and an inappropriate analysis using repeated measures ANOVA with ordinary least squares (OLS) methodology can negatively impact the probability of occurrence of Type I error. Methods:The effects of three strength-training groups were simulated. Strength gains had two slope conditions: null (no gain), and moderate (moderate gain). Ten subjects were hypothetically measured at five time points, and the correlation between measurements within a subject was modeled as compound symmetric (CS), autoregressive lag 1 (AR(1)), and random coefficients (RC). A thousand data sets were generated for each correlation structure. Then, each was analyzed four times—once using OLS, and three times using GLS, assuming the following variance/covariance structures: CS, AR(1), and RC. Results: OLS produced substantially inflated probabilities of Type I errors when the variance/covariance structure of the data set was not CS. The RC model was less affected by the actual variance/covariance structure of the data set, and gave good estimates across all conditions. Conclusions: Using OLS to analyze repeated measures data is inappropriate when the covariance structure is not known to be CS. Random coefficients growth curve models may be useful when the variance/covariance structure of
The role of corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in stress and anxiety.

SYNOPSIS. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) is a critical integrator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to stress. CRF and its related molecule urocortin (UCN) bind CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) and CRFR2 with distinct affinities. Mice deficient for CRFR1 or CRFR2 were generated in order to determine the physiological role of these receptors. While CRFR1-mutant mice show a depleted stress response and display anxiolytic-like behavior, CRFR2-mutant mice are hypersensitive to stress and display anxiogenic-like behavior. Both CRFR1- and CRFR2-mutant mice show normal basal feeding and weight gain, but CRFR2-mutant mice exhibit decreased food intake following a stress of food deprivation. While CRFR2-mutant mice display increased levels of CRF mRNA in the central nucleus of the amygdala (cAmyg) but not in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), the CRFR1-mutant mice express high levels of CRF in the PVN but normal levels in the cAmyg. CRFR2-mutant mice also display increased levels of Ucn mRNA and protein in the edinger westphal nucleus (EW) as well as an increased number of cells expressing Ucn. The levels of these CRF-receptor ligands reflect the state of the receptor-deficient mice. These results demonstrate a possible modulatory function of CRFR2 in response to CRFR1 stimulation of the HPA axis or anxiety. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a critical coordinator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and is an essential component in mediation of endocrine and behavioral responses to stress (Vale et al., 1981; Vaughan et al., 1995). Following stress stimulation, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) releases CRF which acts at receptors found on corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary resulting in a release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) into the bloodstream. ACTH then acts on receptors in the cortex of the adrenal gland to increase the synthesize and release of glucocorticoids. These glucocorticoids perform a vast number of actions including a negative feedback to decrease further production and release of CRF. Centrally, the CRF system also has numerous
Italy and the Mediterranean: Words, Sounds, and Images of the Post-Cold War Era

Together with an increased interest in post-World War Two Italy, there is an increased interest in the Mediterranean, which, in more recent times, I would submit, dates back in Italy to Vito Teti’s...
Macroscopic Models of Fluids with Microstructure

Liquid crystals, fluids containing elastic particles, and polymer fluids, all exhibit non-trivial macroscopic behavior due to interactions occurring at micro/mesoscopic scales. Frequently the particles are small enough to be influenced by Brownian motion so the classical equations of mechanics must be coupled to appropriate Fokker Planck equation(s). Currently the coupling between the Fokker Planck equations modeling the microstructure and the macroscopic equations of mechanics is poorly understood. In this talk I’ll present some of the microscopic models appearing in the physics literature and the systems of pde’s that arise when they are coupled to the equations of mechanics.
A review of results from patient experience surveys during the introduction of group pre-radiotherapy patient information sessions

Abstract Aim The aims of the survey were to check that group pre-radiotherapy information sessions met patients' needs. The use of virtual technology (VT) through Patient Education And Radiotherapy Learning (PEARL) was incorporated part way through the survey period. Methods Patients attending group pre-radiotherapy information sessions led by assistant practitioners between March and December 2014 were asked to complete questionnaires after they had attended at least five radiotherapy sessions. Key results 305 patients attended sessions during the survey period. 129 questionnaires were distributed with 103 returned, resulting in an 80% response rate (Overall rate 34%). 102 (99%) patients responded that they were happy and comfortable to receive their radiotherapy information in a group setting. The majority of patients responded that they felt no additional information should be included. Conclusions and recommendations The survey highlighted that almost all patients were happy to receive their information in a group setting. Patients attending non PEARL and PEARL sessions indicated high satisfaction levels with no notable differences between the groups. This has allayed MVCC staffs' original concerns that patients may find the use of VT as frightening in patient information sessions, so the centre is now confident to incorporate it in the future. The implementation of these sessions has seemed to be both feasible and an efficient use of staff time. All patients referred for radical breast radiotherapy are now invited to attend. It is recommended that regular patient experience surveys are conducted in the future to ensure they continue to meet patients' needs.
Punctuated Equilbrium and Immigration: A View from the States

This paper examines how punctuated-equilibrium theory informs and leads states to embrace “rapid, correcting change in the face of accumulating factual evidence” that the population demographics are increasingly complex in the twenty-first century. The paper analyzes the relationship between public administrators, who are charged through gubernatorial executive orders with leading statewide immigrant integration efforts, and community activists and local leaders, who are highly, invested in the outcomes vis-a-vis the impact on the state’s diverse immigrant communities. The paper compares the institutional structure, process, and resource allocation for examining immigrant newcomer issues and recommending policies in five states: Illinois, New Jersey, Washington, Massachusetts, and Maryland. I find that while public administrators seek to advance immigrant integration, they are constrained by the political realities of their institutional positions, especially their relationship to the governor. Community activists and local leaders, who frequently advocate from outside the institutional process, when appointed to state task forces use their mobilization skills to hold pubic administrators accountable and expand the discussion of institutional effects on immigrant integration. The role of academics and policy researchers, who inform and sometimes mediate the discussion, is also explored.
Generalization of Classical Game Theory of 2x2 Zero-Sum Game

Classical game theory has from the very beginning had two interpretations. First of all, it was regarded as a normative theory designed to help people to make optimal decisions. Second, it was understood as a theory describing real human choice. The second interpretation was based on the assumption that a human being is essentially rational and strives for optimal outcomes (‘rational choice’). Classical game theory continues to play its normative role with reasonable success, but as a descriptive theory it has not achieved its intended purpose, especially where individual choice is concerned (see discussion on this issues in Leinfellner & Kohler, 1998). We believe that one of the main reasons for this failure is its privileging of the utilitarian over the deontological aspect of choice, regardless of the fact that real human choices involve both aspects. We will show in this chapter how to construct a more general descriptive theory based on the Boolean-linear model and combining both aspects of choice (Lefebvre, 1999).
Alcohol modulates autophagy and apoptosis in pig liver tissue

Abstract Background Autophagy serves as a cellular protective mechanism against alcohol-induced tissue injury but excessive autophagy can also be detrimental leading to apoptosis. Our laboratory has previously shown that moderate alcohol consumption alters expression of proteins in the insulin signaling pathway and worsens glucose metabolism in the liver in a swine model of metabolic syndrome. We examined the effect of alcohol consumption on apoptosis and autophagy signaling in the liver in our clinically relevant animal model of chronic hypercholesterolemia. Material and methods Twenty-six Yorkshire swine were fed a high-fat diet for 4 wks and were then split into three groups: hypercholesterolemic diet alone (HCC, n = 9), hypercholesterolemic diet with vodka (hypercholesterolemic vodka [HCV], n = 9), and hypercholesterolemic diet with wine (hypercholesterolemic wine [HCW], n = 8) for 7 wks. Animals underwent euthanasia, and liver tissue samples were harvested for analysis. Liver tissue was analyzed via Western blot analysis. Protein density data were normalized to GAPDH and is reported as fold-change values ± standard error of the mean compared to the high-cholesterol diet control group. A Kruskal–Wallis test with a Dunn's multiple comparison test was used to compare the means among groups. Results The HCV group showed significant increases in several proapoptotic proteins (including caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, and cleaved caspase 9) compared with the HCC group. There was a decrease in the proapoptotic protein (BAD) and an increase in anti-apoptotic signal (B-cell lymphoma-2) in the HCW group compared with HCC control. There were increases in pro-survival proteins (AKT, p-AKT, mTOR, p-mTOR) in the HCW and the HCV group compared with control (HCC). There were decreases in autophagy protein LCB-3 in the HCW and HCV compared with the control. Conclusions We found that moderate alcohol consumption altered protein expression related to apoptosis and autophagy signaling in pig liver in the setting of hypercholesterolemia. Interestingly, vodka may induce proapoptotic pathways in liver tissue, whereas wine may induce anti-apoptotic signaling. These results provide a mechanism by which vodka may contribute to alcoholic liver disease and supports the notion that wine, containing resveratrol, may prevent cellular apoptosis in liver tissue in the setting of hypercholesterolemia.
Recruiting and Maintaining a Consumer Panel

This article summarizes the effort involved in recruiting and maintaining a consumer panel. The panel was recruited from a population cross-section for the purpose of studying meat, fish, and poult...
Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue-Regulated Intestinal Barrier in HIV Infection

The integrity of the intestinal barrier is critical for gut mucosal immunity. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), one of the most important immune populations, can not only participate in the systemic immune response, but also establish a defense line for the protection of the intestinal barrier. However, these cells become infected and become a major reservoir during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Their dysfunction results in serials of pathological changes including the perturbation of the intestinal barrier. Hereby, we will discuss the recent development regarding GALT related mucosal immunity and the regulation of the intestinal barrier by GALT in cases of HIV infection.
Tools for Nano and Microuidics Simulations Using Dissipative Particle Dynamics

This study explores the potential of dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) for the simulation of nano and microfluidic systems, with a focus on droplet formation. DPD is a mesoscopic particle method, which allows for larger time steps than molecular dynamics. Recent advances in the treatment of walls have demonstrated the applicability of DPD to nano and microchannels, however some basic issues remain such as the definition of adequate inflow and outflow boundary conditions, as most simulations have, so far, used periodic and wall boundary conditions. We discuss solutions based on conservation of mass and conservation of thermodynamic properties to simulate spatially developing flows using DPD
Tetra-primer ARMS PCR and Its Application in Rice Genetics and Breeding Research

The technology of tetra-primer ARMS PCR was introduced in this paper. For the propose of promoting this simple,rapid and efficient SNP genotyping technology,the methods for primer design and reaction system optimization were illuminated,and the technology application in rice genetics and breeding research was summarized.
A New Perspective on Convex Relaxations of Sparse SVM.

This paper proposes a convex relaxation of a sparse support vector machine (SVM) based on the perspective relaxation of mixed-integer nonlinear programs. We seek to minimize the zero-norm of the hyperplane normal vector with a standard SVM hinge-loss penalty and extend our approach to a zeroone loss penalty. The relaxation that we propose is a second-order cone formulation that can be efficiently solved by standard conic optimization solvers. We compare the optimization properties and classification performance of the second-order cone formulation with previous sparse SVM formulations suggested in the literature.
On Scaling the Thin Film Si Thickness of SOI Substrates

It is expected that as deep submicron CMOS technology fabricated on SOI substrates is further scaled, the thin film Si thickness will be scaled to the 10 nm regime. Presently, there are several SOI substrate fabrication concepts that have addressed the requirements of partially depleted (PD) CMOS circuits. The needs of fully depleted (FD) CMOS have begun to be addressed, but progress in scaling the thin film Si thickness below 50 nm has been limited. This paper reviews the current status of these technologies and examines the prospects of scaling down the thin film Si thickness to the 10 nm regime.
Efficient portfolio allocation with sparse volatility estimation for high-frequency financial data

Traditionally, investors try to estimate short term portfolio volatility based on daily return. When tick-by-tick data are available, investors use different volatility estimators based on high-frequency data to evaluate the portfolio risk in the hope of outperforming those based on low-frequency data. In this paper, we optimize block realized kernel estimator in Hautsch et al. (2015) and propose another more efficient way when we deal with the large portfolio allocation. Our research contribution focuses on the benefits of high-frequency data for portfolio allocation based on sparse volatility estimate methods. This process provides us new insights and alternatives when we want to set up a sensible investment strategy especially for risk averse investors.
Are emotions perceptions of value ? A review essay of Christine Tappolet’s Emotions, Values, and Agency

AbstractIn Emotions, Values, and Agency, Christine Tappolet develops a sophisticated, perceptual theory of emotions and their role in wide range of issues in value theory and epistemology. In this paper, we raise three worries about Tappolet's proposal.
Fuel utilization effects on system efficiency in solid oxide fuel cell gas turbine hybrid systems

Abstract A computational analysis was conducted to optimize the design of a solid oxide fuel cell - gas turbine hybrid power generator, focusing on the impact that fuel utilization within the fuel cell has on system efficiency and installed costs. This is the first ever design-study considering the effect of fuel utilization on performance, as well as on the optimum power split. This hybrid system attained high electric generation efficiencies (>70%) over a wide range of operating conditions (60%
Nanotechnology Enabled Modulation of Signaling Pathways Affects Physiologic Responses in Intact Vascular Tissue

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with vasospasm that is refractory to pharmacologic intervention. SAH vasospasm is associated with decreased phosphorylation of intracellular heat shock p...
S-Acyl-2-Thioethyl: A Convenient Base-Labile Protecting Group for the Synthesis of siRNAs Containing 5′-Vinylphosphonate

We recently reported that (E)-5′-vinylphosphonate (5′-VP) is a metabolically-stable phosphate mimic for siRNA and demonstrated that 5′-VP improves the potency of the fully modified siRNAs in vivo. Here, we report an alternative synthesis of 5′-VP modified guide strand using S-pivaloyl-2-thioethyl (tBu-SATE) protecting group. The tBu-SATE group is readily removed during the final cleavage of the oligonucleotide from the solid support and providing a more convenient route for the synthesis of siRNA guide strand carrying a 5′-vinylphosphonate.
Al2O3/Si0.7Ge0.3(001) & HfO2/Si0.7Ge0.3(001) interface trap state reduction via in-situ N2/H2 RF downstream plasma passivation

Abstract A novel method for passivating the interface between Si0.7Ge0.3 using an in-situ downstream RF plasma consisting of a nitrogen-rich mixture of H2 and N2 gases at 250 °C prior to atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 and HfO2 was demonstrated. XPS spectra of the interface with Al2O3 indicated the presence of a nitride layer enriched in SiONx and depleted in Ge relative to the substrate. The electrical properties of this interface were characterized using I-V and variable frequency C-V measurements of MOS capacitors. The N2/H2 plasma passivation process produced a reduced density of interface trap states (Dit) and lower gate leakage compared with ex-situ HF clean and sulfur passivation for Al2O3 gate oxides. The lowered leakage current and Dit observed compared with HF(aq) or sulfur-passivated surfaces were consistent with enhanced oxide nucleation due to N2/H2 plasma passivation lowering carbon surface contamination and dangling bonds. TEM/EELS analysis of the interface was consistent with the presence of a thin interfacial nitride layer suppressing the formation of Ge O bonds at the interface to form an SiOx-rich interlayer (IL).
Nanoscale structural and polar behavior in abalone and clamshell probed by scanning probe microscopy

Nanoscale structural and polar behavior in abalone and clamshell have been studied using the scanning probe techniques. Untreated pristine sample surfaces were probed to realize their intrinsic ele...
Phase transitions of ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate in a polymer matrix and effects on vitamin degradation

The phase transformations and stability of the two most common forms of vitamin C (ascorbic acid [AA] and sodium ascorbate) were explored in colyophilized polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer matrices. Solutions containing controlled vitamin:polymer ratios (0:100 to 100:0) were lyophilized and stored in controlled temperature (20–60°C) and relative humidity (0–85%RH) environments. Samples were analyzed over time using X‐ray diffraction to document physical state and high performance liquid chromatography to document vitamin degradation. Moisture sorption profiling, microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry were also used to characterize the samples. Vitamins were more labile when amorphous than when crystalline, and sodium ascorbate was more labile than AA. Significant vitamin degradation occurred in the glassy state. All vitamins degraded significantly more when present at lower proportions in the amorphous solid dispersions, thus most degradation was found in the dispersions with the highest glass transition temperatures. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The most common ingredient forms of vitamin C (ascorbic acid [AA] and sodium ascorbate) are likely to be amorphous in low moisture food products that were produced by first dissolving ingredients and then rapidly dehydrating the products. Challenges for product quality and shelf‐life are that: (a) both vitamin C forms were found to degrade in storage environments that maintained the products in the glassy amorphous state (which is desirable for the texture of many low moisture products), and (b) both vitamin forms degraded faster when present at lower proportions in the polymer matrices. In such conditions, AA was more stable than sodium ascorbate.
The Incompatibility of Democracy and Equal Freedom

It is commonly believed that democracies are freedom preserving. In a limited, consequentialist sense, this presumption may be correct. However, if someone were to look critically at an application of liberal democracy, she would discover that democracy is not as consistent with freedom as it appears to be. This paper argues that democracy is incompatible with equal freedom as realistic applications of democracy undermine liberty on both a practical and structural level. To accomplish this task, this paper discusses the role of group agents in a democratic political system. While voting allows citizens to express their opinions, voting cannot—in practical or theoretical terms—preserve equal freedom as a result of an individual vote’s lack of efficacy. By forcing individuals to act as groups, democracy undermines equal freedom.
ENHANCED ENRICHMENT OF SMALL CD31+ BLAST-LIKE HUMAN CORD BLOOD CELLS

We previously reported the enrichment and sorting of small CD31+ cells from human umbilical cord blood by magnetic bead depletion of lineage+ and CD34+ cells. We also reported different lineage/CD34+ depletion strategies [combining Lineage depletion and CD34+ UltraPure kits vs Diamond CD34+ kit] results in different input populations for sorting; CD31+ cells could be sorted from either. Here we report adding the missing component from the alternate lineage-depletion cocktail [anti-CD61 microbeads to Lineage depletion kit/anti-CD123 microbeads to Diamond kit] results in identical input populations, with the CD31+ target cells comprising >20% of input population, permitting rapid, high-purity sorting. We have performed sorts with Influx [B-D] and Tyto [Miltenyi] sorters, yielding 125,000 to 750,000 cells [92-98% pure] in 15 minutes. We show purified small CD31+ blast-like cells express the ESC marker alkaline phosphatase, as well as CD4, CD90 and CxCR4. We have been able to successfully isolate our CD31+ cell population from frozen cord blood samples stored in DMSO/FBS after red cell depletion. Frozen storage results in decreased MNC recovery, but CD31+ cell yields appear unaffected, further improving the enrichment of the CD31+ cell population. This is similar to what we have seen with frozen samples for CD34+ HSC isolation. The ability to use frozen samples is greatly improved by the using of Miltenyi's Tyto Running Buffer, a cGMP-compliant wash and transport solution which contains Tytonase to prevent cell clumping. Tyto Running Buffer can be used in the magnetic bead depletion steps without affecting overall yields. These findings permit rapid sorting of highly purified CD31+ cells, which can be used for gene expression profiling and cell culture.
Synergistic clinical efficacy of niraparib in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian carcinoma.

Ovarian cancer is the most common cause of gynecologic cancer death in the United States with 22,530 newly diagnosed cases and 13,980 deaths annually. There has been a miniscule, approximately 2.3% decrease, each year in the death rates from ovarian cancer over the past few decades (1). Although most patients with advanced ovarian cancer respond to initial platinum-based chemotherapy, 70% will relapse and ultimately become resistant, refractory, or unable to receive platinum-based chemotherapy owing to cumulative toxic effects (2,3). This has led to a paradigm shift in the approach to the treatment of ovarian cancer with precision medicine and additional targeted therapies becoming part of the standard treatment regimen.
Scattering and radiation damping in gyroscopic Lorentz electrodynamics

Relativistic Lorentz electrodynamics (LED) is studied in a ‘gyroscopic setup’ in which the Lorentz electron is assumed to be unaccelerated, leaving the electromagnetic fields and the particle spin as the only dynamical degrees of freedom. The global existence and uniqueness of this nonlinear gyroscopic spin-plus-field dynamics in unbounded space is proven. It is further shown that for rotation-reflection symmetric initial data any gyroscopic solution also satisfies the world-line equations consistent with a nonmoving Lorentz electron, thus furnishing a proper solution of the complete set of equations of LED. Rotation-reflection symmetric scattering is shown to occur for sufficiently small ratio of electrostatic to (positive) bare rest mass, with deviations from the stationary spin state dying out exponentially fast through radiation damping. The previously proven result that the renormalized spinning Lorentz electron evolves like a soliton in scattering processes combined with the present results that scattering does occur establish the solitonic character of the renormalized Lorentz electron.
Prism Mirror Light Guide for Enhanced Gamma Ray Localization in PET

Depth-of-interaction (DOI) readout in PET has traditionally been performed using dual-ended readout where a scintillator is sandwiched between two readout arrays. In recent years, researchers have explored the efficacy of replacing the second readout array with a light guide at the entrance layer of a multicrystal scintillator array, which introduces depth-dependent intercrystal light sharing, in order to reduce cost and make depth-encoding more practical. However, single-ended readout depth-encoding modules have worse overall spatial performance compared with dual-ended readout modules, which is in part due to the noisy DOI signal created by the random light sharing characteristics of the light guides being used. In this paper, we introduce Prism-PET, a segmented light guide composed of an array of prism mirrors that introduce deterministic intercrystal light sharing, which enhances the crystal identification and depth-encoding signals. We characterized the expected spatial performance of PET modules with our light guide using Monte Carlo simulations. Our results demonstrate that Prism-PET improves the DOI and crystal localization performances of multicrystal single-ended readout depth-encoding PET modules and can be used to develop cost-effective high resolution PET systems.
Emerging clinical phenotype of bone metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC): Association of early osseous metastases (EOM) and outcomes.

e17007Background: Outcomes of patients (pts) with mUC with EOM have not thoroughly been described in the age of immuno-oncology. We hypothesized that EOM is associated with worse outcomes when comp...
Mechanisms of Heavy Ion-Induced Single Event Burnout in 4H-SiC Power MOSFETs

This describes the mechanisms behind the failure of 4H-SiC Power MOSFETs when struck by a heavy ion. The modeled device is designed to simulate a commercially available 1200 V power MOSFET and the ion simulated is a silver ion with a Linear Energy Transfer of 46 MeV-cm2/mg commonly used in single event effect (SEE) testing. The device is shown in simulation to fail near 500 V, which is in close agreement to experiments. These simulations go to show that the failure of SiC MOSFET occurs near the interface between the epi and substrate layers due to the rapid increase of the electric field in that region and destruction of the device from impact ionization. From this, two designs were proposed and investigated that would help to mitigate the electric field in these regions and improve the device's tolerance to single-event burnout (SEB). The new designs increased the voltage at which SEB occurs from 500 V to over 900 V and increased the Ron,sp by only 5%.
Glassy polymers: Historical findings, membrane applications, and unresolved questions regarding physical aging

Abstract Polymers below their glass transition temperature (Tg) are non-equilibrium glasses because excess free volume “frozen” between kinetically-restricted polymer chains slowly relaxes over time towards equilibrium via local, segmental chain motion. This process, known as physical aging, is observed through time-dependent decreases in a polymer's specific volume, enthalpy, etc. This article focuses on the history of glassy polymers in membrane separation applications. Open questions regarding the influence of thickness (e.g., membrane geometry) and temperature on physical aging in glassy polymers are highlighted.