cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prehospital thrombolysis for stroke: an idea whose golden hour has arrived.

Soon after thrombolytic therapy was established as a therapy for ischemic stroke, our colleague Anthony Furlan, MD, f amously c irculated a c artoon o f a c omputed tomographic (CT) scanner visible through the back doors of an ambulance, where a happy stroke physician had hung a bottle dripping tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) into the scanned patient’s arm. Because the time interval from stroke onset to initiation of thrombolysis after ischemic stroke is inversely related to the probability of disability-free recovery, prehospital initiation of thrombolytic therapy seemed a compelling and logical ambition, if one could rule out intracranial hemorrhage prior to treatment. Nearly 20 years later, that fantasy has become reality. The current 1 and prior 2 reports of Ebinger and colleagues demonstrated increased and quicker access to tPA treatment through the use of the Stroke Emergency Mobile
Bites by non-native venomous snakes in the United States

Fifty-four consultations regarding bites by venomous snakes not native to the United States are summarized. These are from a database of 164 consultations during the period 1977–1995. At least 29 non-native snake species were involved with cobras making up ∼40% of the group. There was one fatality. A high percentage of venomous snakebites in the United States involve deliberate interaction with snakes. The proportion of bites by non-native species seems to be increasing. Some of the snake species involved are discussed, and some principles for management of these bites are given.
Calsenilin: a calcium-binding protein that interacts with the presenilins and regulates the levels of a presenilin fragment.

Most early-onset familial Alzheimer disease (AD) cases are caused by mutations in the highly related genes presenilin 1 (PS1) and presenilin 2 (PS2)1,2,3. Presenilin mutations produce increases in s-amyloid (As) formation and apoptosis in many experimental systems. A cDNA (ALG-3) encoding the last 103 amino acids of PS2 has been identified as a potent inhibitor of apoptosis4,5. Using this PS2 domain in the yeast two-hybrid system, we have identified a neuronal protein that binds calcium and presenilin, which we call calsenilin. Calsenilin interacts with both PS1 and PS2 in cultured cells, and can regulate the levels of a proteolytic product of PS2. Thus, calsenilin may mediate the effects of wild-type and mutant presenilins on apoptosis and on As formation. Further characterization of calsenilin may lead to an understanding of the normal role of the presenilins and of the role of the presenilins in Alzheimer disease.
A central limit theorem for age- and density-dependent population processes

Consider a population consisting of one type of individual living in a fixed region with area A. In [8], we constructed a stochastic population model in which the death rate is affected by the age of the individual and the birth rate is affected by the population density PA(t), i.e., the population size divided by the area A of the given region. In [8], we proposed a continuous deterministic model which in general is a nonlinear Volterra type integral equation and proved that under appropriate conditions the sequence PA(t) would converge to the solution P(t) of our integral equation in the sense that lim→∞Psup0⩽s⩽t|PA(s) − P(s)|>e=0 for every e > 0 . In this paper, we obtain a “central limit theorem” for the random element √A(PA(t)−P(t)). We prove that under appropriate conditions √A(PA(t)−P(t)) will converge to a Gaussian process. (See Theorem 3.4 for the explicit formula of this Gaussian process.)
Studies on NADPH-cytochrome c reductase I: Isolation and several properties of the crystalline enzyme from ale yeast.

Abstract NADPH-cytochrome c reductase has been isolated from a top-fermenting ale yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Narragansett strain), after ca. a 240-fold purification over the initial extract of an acetone powder, with a final specific activity (at pH 7.6, 30 °C) of ca. 150 μmol cytochrome c reduced min−1mg−1 protein. The preparation appears to be homogeneous by the criteria of: sedimentation velocity; electrophoresis on cellulose acetate in buffers above neutrality; and by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Although the reductase appeared to partially separate into species “A” and “B” on DEAE-cellulose at pH 8.8, the two species have proven to be indistinguishable electrophoretically (above pH 8) and by sedimentation. By sedimentation equilibrium at 20 °C, a molecular weight of ca. 6.8 (± 0.4) × 104 was obtained with use of a V 20 ° = 0.741 calculated from its amino acid composition. After disruption in 4 m guanidinium chloride- 10 m m dithioerythritol- 1 m m EDTA, pH 6.4 at 20 °C, an M r of 3.4 (± 0.1) × 104 resulted, which points to a subunit structure of two polypeptide chains per mole. Confirmatory evidence of the two-subunit structure with similar, if not identical, polypeptide chains was obtained by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in dodecyl-sulfate, after disruption in 4 m urea and 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate, and yielded a subunit molecular weight of ca. 4 × 104. Sulfhydryl group titration with 4,4′-dithiodipyridine under acidic conditions revealed one sulfhydryl group per monomer, which apparently is necessary for the catalytic reduction of cytochrome c. NADPH, as well as FAD, protects this-SH group from reaction with 5,5′-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoate). The visible absorption spectrum of the oxidized enzyme (as prepared) has absorption maxima at 383 and 455 nm, typical of a flavoprotein. Flavin analysis (after dissociation by thermal denaturation of the “A” protein) conducted fluorometrically, revealed the presence of 2.0 mol of FAD per 70,000 g, in confirmation of the deduced subunit structure. The identity of the FAD dissociated from either “A” or “B” protein was confirmed by recombination with apo- d -amino acid oxidase and by thin-layer chromatography. A kinetic approach was used to estimate the dissociation constant for either FAD or FMN (which also yields a catalytically active enzyme) to the apoprotein reductase at 30 °C and pH 7.6 (0.05 m phosphate) and yielded values of 4.7 × 10−8 m for FAD and 4.4 × 10−8 m for FMN.
Adaptations of Goldner's Masson Trichrome Stain for the Study of Undecalcified Plastic Embedded Bone

Specialized adaptations for application of Goldner's Masson trichrome stain to plastic embedded undecalcified bone specimens are presented. This stain can be used successfully on methyl-glycol methacrylate, glycol methacrylate and Spurr embedded bones. The stain affords the advantage of good cellular staining due to the hematoxylin component with concomitant sharp discrimination of mature bone matrix which stains green, immature new bone matrix which stains red, and calcified cartilage which stains very pale green. Use of red filters during photomicrography aids in bone-osteoid discrimination in black and white photographs.
Morphologic tomography of nonspherical particles using multispectral diffusing light measurements.

A series of phantom experiments are conducted to demonstrate the ability of a T-matrix–based inverse algorithm for tomographic recovery of morphologic characteristics of nonspherical particles embedded in heterogeneous turbid media. Diffusely scattered light at several wavelengths along the boundary of the phantom are collected and analyzed to allow for simultaneous extraction of the size, concentration, and aspect ratio of the spheroidal particles.
Influence and control of bondline thickness in fusion bonded joints of thermoplastic composites

Abstract The interlayer flow behaviour during processing and the strength of fusion bonded thermoplastic composite laminates was investigated. The interlayer flow behaviour was modelled as the squeeze flow of a viscous fluid between rigid parallel plates. The results of the model compared favourably with experimental data. It was demonstrated that the bondline thickness can be controlled through the judicious use of glass skrim at the interlayer. The quality of the glass skrim, however, adversely affected the joint strength. In all cases, the joint strength decreased with increased bondline thickness.
Pharmacology and clinical use of hydralazine in the treatment of diastolic hypertension.

Abstract Hydralazine remains one of the most interesting and valuable hypotensive agents available. Having both a central and a peripheral action, it provides uniform lowering of the blood pressure. Potentiation of its hypotensive action by concomitant use of thiazide diuretics is an additional desirable property that makes it useful in the treatment of hypertension despite the varied side effects that may accompany its use. The exacerbation of coronary insufficiency concomitant with its use contraindicates the prescription of hydralazine for patients with symptomatic coronary disease. The delayed and serious “collagenlike” syndromes that occasionally occur during hydralazine therapy are less frequently seen with smaller doses of the drug than with the larger doses formerly used; more recent work suggests that regression of the syndrome after cessation of hydralazine therapy may be prolonged.
The Critical Genogram: A Tool for Promoting Critical Consciousness

In this article, we present the Critical Genogram (CritG) and illustrate its use in helping therapists move toward deeper understanding of the influence of social and institutional systems on individual and familial dynamics. We present the results of a qualitative study that evaluated the exercise of constructing and presenting the CritG in a family therapy graduate course. Using feminist-informed critical multicultural lens, we examined the use of the CritG exercise in helping family therapy students move toward critical consciousness. Our findings indicate that the CritG exercise provides valuable insight into the impact of social, political, and economic systems on individual and family life. Furthermore, it opens up space for creating new meanings and ways of conceptualizing familial and individual processes. Implications for therapist training and clinical practice are discussed.
Wickless network heat pipes for high heat flux spreading applications

Abstract The concept of the network heat pipe employing the boiling heat-transfer mechanism in a narrow space is described. Two flat-plate wickless network heat-pipes (or thermal spreaders) are designed, fabricated, and tested based on this concept. The fabricated thermal spreaders, which are made of copper or aluminum, are wickless, cross-grooved heat transfer devices that spread a concentrated heat source to a much larger surface area. As a result, the high heat flux generated in the concentrated heat source may be dissipated through a finned surface by air cooling. The network heat pipes are tested under different working conditions and orientations relative to the gravity vector, with water and methanol as the working fluids. The maximum heat fluxes achieved are about 40 W / cm 2 for methanol and 110 W / cm 2 for water with a total heat input of 393 W.
Emerging Technologies: Systems Biology

The field of systems biology is based on the paradigm that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Through a combination of high-throughput experiments analyzing “-omic” scale phenomenon and the development of new computational techniques and algorithms, it is now feasible to study biological systems in a way that was previously not possible. During the 232nd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, a session devoted to the emerging technology of Systems Biology was held. A number of talks on a wide variety of subjects covering cell signaling, network regulation and analysis, novel experimental procedures, synthetic biology, and metabolic flux analysis were presented. All of these approaches shared the common theme of using a systems biology approach to aid in the understanding of fundamental biology, with an eye toward applications for the benefit of society.
Unmodified prolactin (PRL) promotes PRL secretion and acidophil hypertrophy and is associated with pituitary hyperplasia in female rats.

In this study, we have tested the hypothesis that unmodified prolactin (U-PRL) and phosphorylated prolactin (P-PRL) have differential roles in the autoregulation of PRL secretion in vivo. Recombinant human U-PRL and a molecular mimic of P-PRL (S179D PRL) were administered to male rats and to female rats in different physiological states and the effect on rat PRL release was measured. Administration of U-PRL elevated rat PRL in all female animals, but was without effect in males. By contrast, S179D PRL was inactive in females, but inhibited PRL release in males. Morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated acidophil hypertrophy and evidence of increased PRL secretion in the pituitaries of U-PRL-treated females. Analysis of the two forms of PRL during prolactinoma induction in two differentially susceptible strains of rats found a strong temporal correlation among increased ratios of U-PRL: P-PRL, increased circulating PRL, and increased cell proliferation. We conclude (1) that the autoregulatory mechanism(s) can distinguish between the two major forms of PRL and that higher proportions of U-PRL not only allow for higher circulating levels of PRL, but are also autostimulatory, (2) that the autoregulatory mechanism(s) are set differently in males and females such that females are more sensitive to autostimulation by U-PRL and less sensitive to inhibition by P-PRL, and (3) that U-PRL and P-PRL may also have differential roles in the regulation of pituitary cell proliferation.
CO2 laser-induced fluorescence studies of vibrational energy transfer in N2O

Abstract Studies of vibrational energy transfer in N 2 O over the temperature range from −41° to +92°C have been performed by monitoring the 4.5 μm fluorescence decay from N 2 O excited by a CO 2 laser. These data confirm the increase in deactivation probability with increasing temperature above room temperature, and exhibit a leveling off in cross section as temperature decreases below room temperature. In addition, measurements on 14 N 14 NO by the same technique show a significantly smaller cross-section than for 14 N 14 NO.
Evidence for preferential involvement of chromosome bands 6p21 and 13q14 in amniotic fluid cell balanced translocation pseudomosaicism.

Chromosome rearrangement is a relatively common finding in cultured amniotic fluid cells. When cytogenetic abnormalities are confined to one cell or cells from a single culture, they are generally assumed to have arisen in culture (pseudomosaicism). To determine whether or not there might be some specificity in chromosome break-points in balanced translocation multiple cell pseudomosaicism, data has been pooled for 18 cases studied at PDL and 30 cases from the U.S. survey on mosaicism and pseudomosaicism (Hsu & Perlis 1984). Out of a total of 97 break-points, 87 were assigned to Giemsa-staining light bands and 12 to Giemsa-staining dark bands. An excess of break points (29%) were assigned to terminal bands. Two loci appeared to be preferentially involved in rearrangement: 1) six break-points (4 PDL cases and 2 others) were assigned to band 6p21; the region to which the major histocompatibility complex (HLA) has been assigned; 2) Four break-points (all PDL cases) were assigned to 13q14, the region associated with the retinoblastoma locus. This preliminary evidence for specific break-points needs confirmation and long-term follow-up information is needed to determine whether or not there is any clinical significance to these observations.
ENDOR Determined Structure of a Complex of α-Chymotrypsin with a Spin-Labeled Transition-State Inhibitor Analogue

The conformation of the spin-labeled compound N-(2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-oxypyrrolinyl-3-carboxyl)-L-phenylalaninal (SLPheal), synthesized as a transition-state inhibitor analogue of α-chymotrypsin (αCT), has been determined by electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) and molecular modeling methods for both the free inhibitor in solution and the hemiacetal enzyme:inhibitor adduct. SLPheal exhibited linear, competitive inhibition of αCT with KI = (0.21 ± 0.03) × 10-3 M. By a combination of NMR and ENDOR spectroscopy, we have established that 92% of the aldehyde is found as the hydrated aldehyde species RCH(OH)2 at pH 7.0. From ENDOR spectra, principal hyperfine coupling (hfc) components of specific protons assigned by selective deuteration were determined, and their corresponding dipolar hfc components were computed to estimate electron−proton distances. The principal hfc components of the fluorine substituent of a ζF-phenylalaninal inhibitor analogue were also determined for estimation of electron−fluorine...
Helix Pomatia Receptors on Rat T Lymphocytes and Bone Marrow Cells

Helix pomatia (HP) receptors are present on approximately 60 percent of neuraminidase (NANAase)-treated rat T lymphocytes. The HP+ spleen cells (SpC) can be separated from HP-, immunoglobulin-bearing (Ig+) cells by affinity chromatography. The HP+ SpC mediate the local graft-versus-host reaction (GVHR). Less than 1% of rat lymphocytes bear both HP and Ig markers. Approximately 25% of Lewis rat bone marrow cells are HP+ (only 1% are HP Ig+), suggesting that the HP receptor may be a differentiation marker.
Symmetries in the representation of grain boundary-plane distributions

Symmetries play a crucial role in the theoretical analysis and visualization of the five macroscopic grain boundary parameters, including the misorientation (three parameters) and the orientation of the boundary-plane (two parameters). The symmetry aspects of the misorientation spaces are very well documented and in this article all possible boundary-plane symmetries are enumerated for the 32 crystallographic point groups. It is observed that the boundary-plane spaces exhibit a wide variety of point group symmetries, which depend both on the crystallographic point group and on the corresponding misorientation (i.e. location in the fundamental zone). The list of symmetries presented here should serve as a guide for graphical representations of not only the distributions of boundary-plane orientations but also for the representation of boundary-plane related properties such as energy, mobility etc.
Expression and regulation of the rat prostaglandin E2 receptor type 4 (EP4) in pregnant cervical tissue.

Abstract Objective Prostaglandins play an important role in the regulation of parturition and cervical ripening. Prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 )–induced tissue remodeling is mediated through activation of prostaglandin E 2 receptor type 4 (EP4). EP4 is known to regulate matrix metalloproteinase secretion and expression and therefore may play a role in cervical ripening. We hypothesized that EP4 expression is regulated in the rat cervix to coincide with cervical ripening. In addition, we analyzed transcriptional regulation of the rat EP4 gene. Study design EP4 expression was evaluated in the cervix in timed pregnancy Sprague-Dawley rats by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The genomic structure of the rat EP4 gene was determined by sequencing rat genomic clones obtained by plaque hybridization. Northern blots were performed to identify the number of different transcripts. The transcriptional start site was identified on the basis of sequence comparison to the human and mouse EP4 gene. The minimal promoter was identified by using reporter constructs containing portions of the 5′ flanking region. Reporter activity was evaluated in vitro. Identified regulatory regions were mutated to determine their role in transcription. Results Cervical EP4 expression (messenger RNA and protein) peaks on the day of parturition. The rat EP4 gene is structurally similar to other prostaglandin receptors as well as the human EP4 gene and contains three exons separated by two introns. The coding regions are located in the second and third exons separated in the sixth transmembrane spanning region. Northern blot identified a single EP4 transcript with an estimated size of 4 kb, indicating a single transcription initiation site. The first 80 bases of the 5′ flanking region were required for constitutive expression of EP4. Expression was lost after mutation of the GC/Sp1 binding site located at position –78 to –66 downstream from the transcription initiation site. Three Sp1 binding sites were identified and appear to cooperate to enhance EP4 transcription. Conclusion EP4 expression is regulated in the cervix and peaks on the day of parturition. The genomic structure of the human and rat EP4 gene is conserved between these two species. A GC rich/Sp1 binding site located within the first 80 bases of the transcription start site is important in transcription initiation of the EP4 gene.
Working together: A call for inclusive conservation

Heather Tallis, Jane Lubchenco and 238 co-signatories petition for an end to the infighting that is stalling progress in protecting the planet.
Ethnic banking in the USA

This paper describes the development of the ethnic banking market in the USA. It portrays the main ethnic groups involved and how they manage their relationships with banks, whether as individuals, families or small businesses. It analyses how banks have responded to the ethnic marketing opportunity and then suggests which areas banks need to focus on in order to improve management of their ethnic customers.
The developmental course of salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol from 12 to 36 months: Relations with early poverty and later behavior problems.

Summary This study examined the development of baseline autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) physiological activity from 12 to 36 months as well as antecedents (poverty) and consequents (behavior problems) of individual differences in physiological development. Children ( N = 179; 50% poor; 56% African American; 52% male) provided saliva samples at 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months of age. Latent growth curve models indicated that nonlinear change was evident for both sAA and cortisol, with sAA increasing and cortisol decreasing with age. Children residing in poor households exhibited lower initial levels of sAA, but not cortisol. African-American children showed slightly smaller decreases in cortisol over time. Initial levels of sAA predicted higher levels of internalizing behaviors at 36 months and both initial levels of and total change in sAA predicted higher levels of externalizing behaviors at 36 months. There was no evidence that sAA or cortisol mediated the relationship between poverty and later behavior problems.
SYSTEMIC INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-I ADMINISTRATION PREVENTS COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN DIABETIC RATS, AND BRAIN IGF REGULATES LEARNING/MEMORY IN NORMAL ADULT RATS

Diabetic patients have impaired learning/memory, brain atrophy, and two-fold increased risk of dementia. The cause of cognitive disturbances that progress to dementia is unknown. Because neurotrophic insulin-like growth factor (IGF) levels are reduced in diabetic patients and rodents, and IGF can cross the blood-central nervous system barrier (B-CNS-B), the hypothesis was tested that IGF administered systemically can prevent cognitive disturbances, independently of hyperglycemia and a generalized catabolic state. Latency to escape to a hidden platform in the Morris Water Maze is used widely to test spatial memory, a hippocampus-dependent task. Adult rats were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin and implanted 4 weeks later with subcutaneous pumps that released either vehicle (D + Veh) or 20 microg/day IGF-I (D + IGF). Latency to escape to the hidden platform was prolonged in (D + Veh) versus non-diabetic rats (P < 0.003) 10.5 weeks after the onset of diabetes. Such prolongation was prevented in (D + IGF) versus (D + Veh) rats (P < 0.03). The data show that IGF-I can act across the B-CNS-B to prevent loss of cognition-related performance in the water maze independently of ongoing hyperglycemia and reduction in brain (P < 0.001) and whole body weight (P < 0.001) in diabetic rats. The hypothesis that brain IGF contributes to learning/memory was tested. An anti-IGF antibody, or preimmune serum, was infused into the lateral ventricles in non-diabetic rats. Learning in a passive avoidance task was impaired significantly in the IGF antibody versus preimmune serum-treated groups on test Days 1, 2, and 3 (P = 0.04, 0.02 and 0.004, respectively). The data together are consistent with a model in which brain IGF is essential for learning/memory, and a loss of IGF activity due to diabetes may contribute to cognitive disturbances.
Improving the interorganizational supply chain through optimization of information flows

Coordination is the management of dependencies between activities. Given that supply chains represent the functional integration of many interdependent activities associated with the flow of goods, coordination theory offers a framework for understanding and designing supply chains. Supply chains are separated into two distinct substructures: physical (dealing with the flow and storage of goods) and information (dealing with information associated with those goods). Optimization that alters the storage and movement of information and incorporates the impact of information technology leads to a distinct set of node connections and configurations for each substructure. Our analysis uses transaction cost economics to contrast the differences between structures infused with information technology and traditional supply chains.
Multicarrier Beamforming With Limited Feedback: A Rate Distortion Approach

This paper studies the optimal use of limited-rate feedback of channel state information (CSI) in the case of a wideband multicarrier channel with multiple transmit antennas and a single receive antenna. With full knowledge of the CSI, the receiver should compute the optimal beamforming vectors, jointly quantize them, and feed them back to the transmitter. The achievable forward data rate depends on the rate of the feedback link. The optimal tradeoff between the forward and feedback rates is characterized using rate distortion theory in the limit of infinite number of subcarriers with fixed amount of feedback per subcarrier. The distortion metric is the difference between the forward rate achieved with limited feedback and the capacity with perfect CSI at the transmitter. The rate distortion function gives the forward rate as a function of the feedback rate. Numerical results show that to achieve a target forward rate, the required feedback rate can be substantially reduced by joint quantization of the beamformers across subcarriers. A simple quantizer amenable to practical implementation is shown to approach the rate distortion bound with near-linear computational complexity.
Genetic susceptibility for breast cancer--risk assessment and counseling.

Abstract The incorporation of genetic information into clinical oncology practice is a process in evolution, necessitating consideration of cancer risk assessment, ethical and social implications of testing and efficacy of treatment, and prevention interventions. Although most cancers do have a hereditary component, recognizing individuals who are at unusually high risk is important for planning their surveillance practices and considering options for risk management over a lifetime, and because of implications for their family members. Genetic information has enormous potential to inform and transform cancer risk identification, risk reduction, and treatment practices. In this review, we summarize basic information about breast cancer genetics, examine accumulating data about the prevalence and penetrance of deleterious mutations and management options for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutation carriers, and discuss some of the counseling issues that may occur as physicians and patients explore this exploding area of oncology. The rapid incorporation of careful genetic testing into oncology practice is an important step toward more precise risk management. Currently, the time necessary for careful discussion of the complex issues raised by genetic testing for inherited breast/ ovarian cancer susceptibility may necessitate referral to geneticists or genetic counselors for truly informed consent to be obtained. However, identification of women for whom testing is appropriate and management of cancer risk with women after testing, are critical new functions for oncologists. They are only the beginning of exciting new opportunities in cancer risk and prevention.
Stress-Responsive Sestrins Link p53 with Redox Regulation and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling

Abstract The tumor suppressor p53 protects organisms from most types of cancer through multiple mechanisms. The p53 gene encodes a stress-activated transcriptional factor that transcriptionally regulates a large set of genes with versatile functions. These p53-activated genes mitigate consequences of stress regulating cell viability, growth, proliferation, repair, and metabolism. Recently, we described a novel antioxidant function of p53, which is important for its tumor suppressor activity. Among the many antioxidant genes activated by p53, Sestrins (Sesns) are critical for suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protection from oxidative stress, transformation, and genomic instability. Sestrins can regulate ROS through their direct effect on antioxidant peroxiredoxin proteins and through the AMP-activated protein kinase-target of rapamycin signaling pathway. The AMP-activated protein kinase-target of rapamycin axis is critical for regulation of metabolism and autophagy, two processes associated...
Cyber-physical security challenges in manufacturing systems

As technology progresses, cyber-physical systems are becoming susceptible to a wider range of attacks. In manufacturing, these attacks pose a significant threat to ensuring products conform to their original design intent and to maintaining the safety of equipment, employees, and consumers. This letter discusses the importance of research and development of cyber-security tools specifically designed for manufacturing. A case study of a cyber-attack on a small-scale manufacturing system is presented to (i) illustrate the ease of implementing attacks, (ii) highlight their drastic effects and (iii) demonstrate the need for educating the current and future manufacturing workforce.
Thermal wave analysis of contact damage in ceramics: Case study on alumina

Thermal waves are used to image damage accumulation digitally beneath Hertzian contacts in ceramics. Alumina ceramics over a range of grain size 3–48 μ m are used in a case study. The nature of the images changes with increasing alumina grain size, reflecting a transition in damage mode from well-defined cone fracture in the finer-grain materials to distributed subsurface microfracture in the coarser-grain materials. Quantitative determinations of microcrack densities are evaluated in the latter case by deconvoluting thermal diffusivities from the image data. These determinations confirm the grain-size dependence of degree of damage predicted by fracture mechanics models. Potential advantages and disadvantages of thermal waves as a route to damage characterization in ceramic systems are discussed.
Coalescence of Two Viscous Cylinders by Capillarity: Part I, Theory

The creeping plane flow of two viscous cylinders coalescing under the influence of surface tension is described theoretically in a series of three articles. Part I is a theoretical overview. The physical assumptions affecting applicability of the theory are discussed. The shape as a function of time and of the initial diameter ratio D [>=] 1 is given in parametric form. For D = 1 and D = [infinity], the shape sequences are known exactly; for finite D > 1, a first-order differential equation is solved numerically. The time requires a quadrature. This is accurate, and easier than solving the fluid-dynamical field equations. The theory encompasses time-dependent liquid properties.
Predictors of Teen Childbearing Among Delinquent and Non-Delinquent Females

We examined the role of childhood behavioral and mental health problems in the prediction of adolescent childbearing. Using large sample archival data from multiple state agencies, we examined the relationships between early adverse experiences and adolescent childbearing in a sample of 70,200 females, one half of whom had juvenile delinquency histories. Females who had been committed to Child Protective Services, had received a DSM-IV diagnosis for a mental health disorder from the State Department of Mental Health, had been classified in school as having a school-related disability such as a learning disability, or who were eligible for free or reduced lunch were significantly more likely than other females to bear a child during the teen years. The strongest association between childhood risk and teen childbearing involved juvenile delinquency; girls who had been referred to the state juvenile justice department were 3 ½ times more likely to have a child while still a teenager than girls who had not been arrested. Race and income (free/reduced lunch) were also associated with teen childbearing. Associations between teen childbearing and mental health problems/risk indicators remained strong even for teens who had not been involved in the juvenile justice system. Implications for prevention/reduction of adolescent childbearing were examined.
Breaking the links in intergenerational violence: an emotional regulation perspective.

The saying "violence begets violence" is an apt descriptor of the cycle of family violence, as children who witness parental violence are at high risk for repeating family violence in their own adult intimate relationships. Neuroscience research suggests that emotional regulation may be an important link in the heritability of family violence, and promotes awareness of the importance of internalizing as well as externalizing responses to stress, neglect, and abuse. This study argues for a trauma-informed approach to identifying children and parents whose symptoms of emotional dysregulation may be otherwise overlooked, and for an expanded approach to treatment that incorporates family systems and emotional regulation strategies. Language: en
Hardware platform for testing battery energy storage systems in the presence of renewables

With continued demand for “smart” technologies, implementation of hardware such as batteries and renewable energy sources (e.g. solar panels) has become a huge economic undertaking. In order to better utilize these resources and thus maximize the lifetime of the elements, control schemes looking to both maximize the economic/financial gains while also preventing over usage have become even more important. The work presented examines hardware configurations. The hardware provides a platform to validate previous work while also allowing for learning of new problems. In particular, improvement in the models and testing of the theories from the software can be completed. This ranges from implementing control signals to checking the effects of intermittency in supply. The hardware platform also provides a flexible environment for understanding various issues associated with renewable energy management. Resources for hardware testing are housed within Drexel's Center for Electric Power Engineering (CEPE).
Inverse association between glutathione peroxidase activity and both selenium-binding protein 1 levels and Gleason score in human prostate tissue.

Background Data from human epidemiological studies, cultured mammalian cells, and animal models have supported a potentially beneficial role of selenium (Se) in prostate cancer prevention. In addition, Se-containing proteins including members of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family and Selenium Binding Protein 1 (SBP1) have been linked to either cancer risk or development. For example, SBP1 levels are typically reduced in tumors compared to non-cancerous tissue, with the degree of reduction associated with increasingly poor clinical outcome.
Activity of some proteolytic enzymes in normal and dystrophic human muscle

1. The following proteolytic enzymes were measured in muscles of control subjects and patients with muscular dystrophies and related neuromuscular diseases: an elastase-like enzyme, carboxypeptidase A, carboxypeptidase B and pyroglutamyl peptidase. 2. Elastase-like enzyme and carboxypeptidase B did not show significant alterations in various disease conditions that were examined. 3. Carboxypeptidase A was moderately elevated in dystrophic as well as other diseased muscles. 4. Pyroglutamyl peptidase was not markedly altered in any disease condition except that is was slightly lower in dystrophic muscles.
Sex differences in striatal dopaminergic function within heterozygous mutant dopamine transporter knock-out mice.

The issue of whether a deletion of the dopamine transporter (DAT) allele (+/− DAT) would differentially alter striatal dopamine (DA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) concentrations and DA release upon potassium and methamphetamine (MA) stimulation between male and female mice was examined. Striatal DA and DOPAC concentrations of female +/− DAT mice were significantly decreased as compared with wild type (+/+) controls and male +/− DAT mice. No such changes were obtained from the olfactory tubercle suggesting that these effects might be specific for the striatum. Potassium-stimulated DA was increased in male and female +/− DAT mice and maximally stimulated DA was obtained from +/− DAT females, although these mice showed the lowest DA concentrations. MA-evoked DA was increased in male and female +/− mice. While MA-evoked DA was significantly increased in +/+ males versus +/+ females, the +/− females showed the highest DA responses, thereby showing a reversal in the results seen in wild-type conditions. These findings indicate: (1) that a deficiency in the DAT interacts with the sex of the subject, (2)+/− DAT females show more extreme changes in dopaminergic responses, and (3) the importance for considering such variables such as sex when examining differences among knock-out conditions.
Satellite communications representation in network simulation

This paper presents methodologies to represent satellite communications (SATCOM) behaviors in network simulation. This paper is based on tasks performed for generic network warfare simulation that employs traditional network simulation models. The methodologies also include the integration issues of SATCOM tools and the network simulation models. We first characterize space segments and assets involved in warfare operations and exercises, and then analyze system behaviors to measure space-link performance design results. The techniques adopted in effect will augment traditional network models with SATCOM capabilities through specialized satellite analysis models. The SATCOM tools produce detailed satellite orbit characteristics and radio frequency (RF) performance analyses for public and commercial satellites with multiple microwave bands. Automated interface mechanisms between the SATCOM and network simulation models are being developed to provide more interactive model collaboration.
Hypercalcemia in a male-to-female transgender patient after body contouring injections: a case report.

Body contouring injections by non-licensed providers are frequently sought out by a subset of the male-to-female transgender community. Although short-term side effects such as pulmonary embolism and injection site infection are well known, long-term consequences of such practices are less well studied. Here we describe the case of a 40-year-old African American male-to-female transgender patient who presented to our institution with hypercalcemia and acute renal failure secondary to body contouring injections with industrial strength silicone by non-licensed providers, a decade prior to her visit. Work-up revealed an extensive granulomatous inflammatory process in the injection area resulting in electrolyte abnormalities and kidney injury. The patient’s lab results and symptoms responded well to long-term corticosteroid treatment and correlated with treatment adherence. Affected patients can sometimes present with unusual clinical symptoms many years after silicone injections. In a constantly growing transgender community that often utilizes non-licensed providers for silicone injections, the medical community will likely face an increasing number of patients with long-term side effects of such practices. Therefore, it is imperative for physicians to recognize such cases promptly and initiate potentially life-saving treatment.
Toward Meeting the Requirements of High-performance Buildings: A Case Study in the U.S. Federal Government

Abstract Legislation mandates that the U.S. Federal Government reduce the environmental impact of its buildings. For instance, all new buildings should achieve net-zero energy by 2030, reduce water use by 26% by 2020, and divert 50% of non-hazardous solid waste and construction debris from landfills. In order to meet these mandates, the U.S. Federal Government has incorporated several strategies to retrofit its current building portfolio such as employing integrated design principles, reducing the intensity and type of energy use, protecting and conserving water, and reducing the environmental impact of materials. However, most of these strategies are still in the implementation phase and have not been fully assessed. In response to this need, this exploratory study aims to compare the barriers and solutions to retrofitting a typical Federal office building. The research approach includes synthesizing previous studies and using a case study that examines water and energy data of an existing federal building. The results from this analysis will help to better understand the impact of these barriers, the efforts to overcome them and point toward systems frameworks that can aid in the process.
Effect of stochastic dead space on noise in avalanche photodiodes

A stochastic dead-space model for impact ionization is developed and used to study the effect of the soft nature of the ionization capability of carriers on the excess noise factor of avalanche photodiodes. The proposed model is based on the rationale that the gradual, or soft, transition in the probability density function (PDF) for the distance from birth to impact ionization can be viewed as that resulting from uncertainty in the dead space itself. The resulting soft PDF, which is parameterized by a tunable softness parameter, is used to establish the limitations of the existing hard-threshold ionization models in ultrathin multiplication layers. Calculations show that for a fixed operational gain and fixed average dead space, the excess noise factor tends to increase as a result of the softness in the PDF in very thin multiplication layers (viz, 800 kV/cm). A method is proposed for extracting the softness parameter from noise versus multiplication measurements.
Concentration-dependent clearance of procainamide in normal subjects

Four normal volunteers each received two intravenous doses of PA. The mean low dose was 3.30 mg kg-1 (infused over 20 minutes) while the mean high dose was 12.5 mg kg-1 (infused over 60 minutes). Blood samples were collected for 12 hours and urine was collected for 48 hours after each dose. PA concentrations were determined by both HPLC and fluorescent immunoassay methods. The reported concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters are from the HPLC data unless otherwise indicated. The mean peak serum PA concentrations resulting from the low and high doses were 3.18 and 9.07 micrograms ml-1, respectively. Total PA clearance averaged 763 ml min-1 and 577 ml min-1 while renal clearance averaged 360 ml min-1 and 318 ml min-1 after the low and high doses, respectively. Concentration-dependent decreases in nonrenal PA clearance ranged from 31 to 43 percent (p less than 0.05) in the four subjects. Total clearance decreases ranged from 4.7 to 36 per cent (p less than 0.05). Differences between doses in renal clearance, elimination rate constant, and volume of distribution were not statistically significant. This study demonstrates that the nonrenal and total clearances of PA are concentration-dependent in normal subjects at therapeutic plasma PA concentrations and suggests that the total clearance changes are of sufficient magnitude to be clinically important.
Characterization of microbridge gas-flow sensors

The electro-thermal characteristics of micro-bridge sensors with different materials and surface textures have been studied. The results show that the sensor response is sensitive to the gas properties, inlet temperature, velocity, and pressure. The sensor sensitivity is found to improve when high thermal conductivity materials and rougher microplate surfaces are used.
Prevalence of osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with oral bisphosphonate exposure.

Purpose Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a serious complication associated with bisphosphonate therapy, but its epidemiology in the setting of oral bisphosphonate therapy is poorly understood. The present study examined the prevalence of ONJ in patients receiving chronic oral bisphosphonate therapy. Materials and Methods We mailed a survey to 13,946 members who had received chronic oral bisphosphonate therapy as of 2006 within a large integrated health care delivery system in Northern California. Respondents who reported ONJ, exposed bone or gingival sores, moderate periodontal disease, persistent symptoms, or complications after dental procedures were invited for examination or to have their dental records reviewed. ONJ was defined as exposed bone (of >8 weeks' duration) in the maxillofacial region in the absence of previous radiotherapy. Results Of the 8,572 survey respondents (71 ± 9 years, 93% women), 2,159 (25%) reported pertinent dental symptoms. Of these 2,159 patients, 1,005 were examined and an additional 536 provided dental records. Nine ONJ cases were identified, representing a prevalence of 0.10% (95% confidence interval 0.05% to 0.20%) among the survey respondents. Of the 9 cases, 5 had occurred spontaneously (3 in palatal tori) and 4 occurred in previous extraction sites. An additional 3 patients had mandibular osteomyelitis (2 after extraction and 1 with implant failure) but without exposed bone. Finally, 7 other patients had bone exposure that did not fulfill the criteria for ONJ. Conclusions ONJ occurred in 1 of 952 survey respondents with oral bisphosphonate exposure (minimum prevalence of 1 in 1,537 of the entire mailed cohort). A similar number had select features concerning for ONJ that did not meet the criteria. The results of the present study provide important data on the spectrum of jaw complications among patients with oral bisphosphonate exposure.
MicroRNAs and metazoan macroevolution: insights into canalization, complexity, and the Cambrian explosion

One of the most interesting challenges facing paleobiologists is explaining the Cambrian explosion, the dramatic appearance of most metazoan animal phyla in the Early Cambrian, and the subsequent stability of these body plans over the ensuing 530 million years. We propose that because phenotypic variation decreases through geologic time, because microRNAs (miRNAs) increase genic precision, by turning an imprecise number of mRNA transcripts into a more precise number of protein molecules, and because miRNAs are continuously being added to metazoan genomes through geologic time, miRNAs might be instrumental in the canalization of development. Further, miRNAs ultimately allow for natural selection to elaborate morphological complexity, because by reducing gene expression variability, miRNAs increase heritability, allowing selection to change characters more effectively. Hence, miRNAs might play an important role in shaping metazoan macroevolution, and might be part of the solution to the Cambrian conundrum.