cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constrained EV Charging Scheduling Based on Safe Deep Reinforcement Learning

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been popularly adopted and deployed over the past few years because they are environment-friendly. When integrated into smart grids, EVs can operate as flexible loads or energy storage devices to participate in demand response (DR). By taking advantage of time-varying electricity prices in DR, the charging cost can be reduced by optimizing the charging/discharging schedules. However, since there exists randomness in the arrival and departure time of an EV and the electricity price, it is difficult to determine the optimal charging/discharging schedules to guarantee that the EV is fully charged upon departure. To address this issue, we formulate the EV charging/discharging scheduling problem as a constrained Markov Decision Process (CMDP). The aim is to find a constrained charging/discharging scheduling strategy to minimize the charging cost as well as guarantee the EV can be fully charged. To solve the CMDP, a model-free approach based on safe deep reinforcement learning (SDRL) is proposed. The proposed approach does not require any domain knowledge about the randomness. It directly learns to generate the constrained optimal charging/discharging schedules with a deep neural network (DNN). Unlike existing reinforcement learning (RL) or deep RL (DRL) paradigms, the proposed approach does not need to manually design a penalty term or tune a penalty coefficient. Numerical experiments with real-world electricity prices demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Sanctioned Supervision: Voices from the Experts

This qualitative study took an initial step in gathering ideas from professionals and academics in the counseling field regarding the efficacy of sanctioned supervision as an intervention for counselor impairment.The results of the focus group suggest that sanctioned supervision is a worthwhile endeavor but needs improved structure, organization, and clarity. Based on feedback from study participants, the authors developed a preliminary model as to how sanctioned supervision could work more effectively.
Pseudo acute myocardial infarction in a young COVID-19 patient.

Abstract A 29-year-old man tested positive for COVID-19 and developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. While mechanically ventilated, his electrocardiogram showed inferior ST-segment elevations...
Assessing coastal hazard from extreme storms with a phase resolving wave model: Case study of Narragansett, RI, USA

Abstract Coastal hazard at the residential scale, resulting from the combined effects of storm surge and waves including dynamic set-up and wave runup, is assessed for the local 100-year Synthetic Design Storm (SDS) in Narragansett, RI, USA, based on high resolution (2 m) simulations with the nonlinear phase-resolving Boussinesq wave model FUNWAVE. The accuracy of wave-flow-structure interaction modeling is improved using a built-up DEM, defined by adding coastal structures to the bare-earth DEM. In addition, bathymetry and topography are modified to reflect post-storm conditions based on simulating the same storm with the morphodynamic model XBeach. Comparisons of FUNWAVE results with those of the phase-averaged model STWAVE, for the same storm conditions, show that including individual wave effects increases the inundated area by 13% and maximum water levels (TWL) across the shoreline by 11%, in average; however, in high runup areas (such as along exposed structures), the predicted maximum water levels can increase by up to 100%. FUNWAVE predicts maximum runups on the order of ∼ 1 . 5 H s (with H s the offshore significant wave height), which is consistent with empirical formulae for steep seawalls (Van der Meer, 2002), and these occur at the most exposed structures, which historical records show have been periodically damaged by large storms. The maximum momentum forces predicted by FUNWAVE are much larger than those derived from STWAVE simulations (based on linear wave theory and assuming Rayleigh distributed waves), and also occur on the most exposed structures. The study provides a quantitative assessment of the local coastal hazard associated with the selected SDS at the scale of individual structures, and stresses the importance of accurately modeling individual wave effects, runups and associated forces in coastal hazard assessment modeling studies.
Fluconazole analogues with metal-binding motifs impact metal-dependent processes and demonstrate antifungal activity in Candida albicans

Azole antifungals are an important class of antifungal drugs due to their low cost, ability to be administered orally, and broad-spectrum activity. However, their widespread and long-term use have given rise to adaptation mechanisms that render these compounds less effective against common fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans. New antifungals are desperately needed as drug-resistant strains become more prevalent. We recently showed that copper supplementation potentiates the activity of the azole antifungal fluconazole against the opportunistic fungal pathogen C. albicans. Here, we report eight new azole analogues derived from fluconazole in which one triazole group has been replaced with a metal-binding group, a strategy designed to enhance potentiation of azole antifungal activity by copper. The bioactivity of all eight compounds was tested and compared to that of fluconazole. Three of the analogues showed activity against C. albicans and two had lower levels of trailing growth. One compound, Flu-TSCZ, was found to impact the levels, speciation, and bioavailability of cellular metals.
CD4+ T Cell Interstitial Migration Controlled by Fibronectin in the Inflamed Skin

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is extensively remodeled during inflammation providing essential guidance cues for immune cell migration and signals for cell activation and survival. There is increasing interest in the therapeutic targeting of ECM to mitigate chronic inflammatory diseases and enhance access to the tumor microenvironment. T cells utilize the ECM as a scaffold for interstitial migration, dependent on T cell expression of matrix-binding integrins αVβ1/αVβ3 and tissue display of the respective RGD-containing ligands. The specific ECM components that control T cell migration are unclear. Fibronectin (FN), a canonical RGD-containing matrix component, is heavily upregulated in inflamed tissues and in vitro can serve as a substrate for leukocyte migration. However, limited by lack of tools to intravitally visualize and manipulate FN, the specific role of FN in effector T cell migration in vivo is unknown. Here, we utilize fluorescently-tagged FN to probe for FN deposition, and intravital multiphoton microscopy to visualize T cell migration relative to FN in the inflamed ear dermis. Th1 cells were found to migrate along FN fibers, with T cells appearing to actively push or pull against flexible FN fibers. To determine the importance of T cell interactions with FN, we used a specific inhibitor of FN polymerization, pUR4. Intradermal delivery of pUR4 (but not the control peptide) to the inflamed skin resulted in a local reduction in FN deposition. We also saw a striking attenuation of Th1 effector T cell movement at the pUR4 injection site, suggesting FN plays a key role in T cell interstitial migration. In mechanistic studies, pUR4 incubation with FN in vitro resulted in enhanced tethering of T cells to FN matrix, limiting productive migration. In vivo, such tethering led to increased Th1 accumulation in the inflamed dermis. Enhanced Th1 accumulation exacerbated inflammation with increased Th1 activation and IFNγ cytokine production. Thus, our studies highlight the importance of ECM FN fibrils for T cell migration in inflamed tissues and suggest that manipulating local levels of ECM FN may prove beneficial in promoting T cell accumulation in tissues and enhancing local immunity to infection or cancer.
Two New Species of Telorchis (Digenea: Telorchiidae) from a Green Turtle, Chelonia Mydas (Cheloniidae), from the Upper Texas Coast with a Key to North American Species of Telorchis

Sea turtles are difficult to sample because of their protected status; however, museum collections and sea turtle stranding networks provide unique opportunities for parasitological research. Four gastrointestinal tracts from stranded, endangered green turtles, Chelonia mydas, were collected between 1993 and 1995 from the upper Texas coast and opportunistically sampled for parasite fauna. Two new species of Telorchis, a common freshwater amphibian and reptilian intestinal parasite genus, were found and described. Telorchis marinus n. sp. differs from Telorchis mydas n. sp. by its short body length, lack of pharyngeal glands, long esophagus relative to total body length, short and straight cirrus sac, short ventral sucker to ovary length relative to total body length, and an ovary located in the anterior one-third of body; it differs from its congeners in the number of ovary lengths between the ventral sucker and ovary, the number of ventral sucker lengths the cirrus sac extends beyond the posterior margin of the ventral sucker, and the vitelline field extent. Telorchis mydas differs from its congeners in the number of ovary lengths between the ventral sucker and ovary, the number of ventral sucker lengths the cirrus sac extends beyond the posterior margin of the ventral sucker, and the combination of having its ovary position near the midbody and a long, sinuous cirrus sac that is 35-44% of the total body length. Given the taxonomic complexities within Telorchis, a revised key to North American species is provided using morphological characteristics to assist future researchers in delineating true species and appropriate synonymies with molecular explorations. We reject the majority of synonymies in the genus until molecular data are available; we accept the synonymies of Telorchis necturi as Telorchis stunkardi and Telorchis gutturosi as Telorchis chelopi. Both Telorchis linstowi and Telorchis stossichi should be considered as species inquirenda. This is the first confirmed report of Telorchis from a marine host and the first report on parasites of cheloniid sea turtles in Texas, and this study adds to the ever-growing evidence that collections are essential to understanding biodiversity.
Employers Should Mandate Flu Vaccines to Mitigate Pandemic

Employers should mandate influenza vaccination policies in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Private businesses have significant legal freedom to do so and only minimal medical and religious exemptions are required under federal law.
Design Algorithm for Vertically-Baffled Flocculators

To date, design guidance for hydraulic flocculators has been limited, with several articles focusing on the design of horizontally-baffled flocculators. In this article, a design algorithm for vert...
Discussion: “On Danckwerts’ boundary conditions for the plug-flow with dispersion/reaction model”

In an article by Mott and Green (2015) published in this journal under the same title of this Letter, a numerical method to model isothermal tubular flow reactors whose performance is affected by a...
Harms of silence: From Pierre Bayle to de-platforming

Early in the history of liberalism, its most important proponents were concerned with freedom of religion. As polities and individuals now accept a dizzying array of religions, this has receded to the background for most theorists. It nonetheless remains a concern. Freedom of speech is a similar concern and very much in the foreground for theorists looking at the current state of academia. In this essay, I argue that inappropriate limits to freedom of religion and inappropriate limits to freedom of speech—especially in the form of de-platforming on college campuses—both have, as one of their effects, what I call harms of silence. This means we ought not have those limits, so should seek to change them where they exist.
Early-Onset Cardiomyopathy After Pacemaker Implanted in a Preterm Infant With Congenital Complete Heart Block and Anti-Ro/SSA Antibodies.

Congenital complete heart block is a potentially fatal complication that can occur in neonates whose mothers have autoimmune disorders; it has rarely been reported in the presence of Sjogren syndrome. Pacemaker implantation is recommended to treat rhythm abnormalities in these neonates. We report the case of a late-preterm infant with Sjogren-syndrome-antibody-induced complete heart block who underwent temporary bipolar epicardial pacing as a bridge to permanent pacemaker implantation. Soon after the pacemaker was implanted, takotsubo cardiomyopathy developed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of reversible cardiomyopathy after pacemaker implantation in an infant.
Role of wildlife in exotic diseases

This therefore is to urge that domestic livestock and wildlife managment interests resolve petty differences, strive for better understanding, and combine forces for the ultimate good of our national welfare. Whether specific concern is manifest for cattle, swine, sheep, poultry, horses, dogs, cats, or wildlife, a better spirit of cooperation must be forthcoming. Regardless of species involved, animal health in the United States should relate to a broad and encompassing concept that warrants equal concern by all individuals, organizations, institutions, or agencies directly or indirectly affected.
The Discrete Logarithm Problem

There are many public-key cryptosystems whose security lies in the presumed intractability of the discrete logarithm problem in some group G. The discrete logarithm problem has received a great deal of attention in recent years, and numerous algorithms which use a variety of techniques have been devised. In Section 4.1 we briefly survey the algorithms known for this problem. In Section 4.2, we demonstrate efficient reductions of the logarithm problems in singular elliptic curves and some other groups to the logarithm problem in a finite field.
A Bottom-Up Exploration of the Dimensions of Dialog State in Spoken Interaction

Models of dialog state are important, both scientifically and practically, but today's best build strongly on tradition. This paper presents a new way to identify the important dimensions of dialog state, more bottom-up and empirical than previous approaches. Specifically, we applied Principal Component Analysis to a large number of low-level prosodic features to find the most important dimensions of variation. The top 20 out of 76 dimensions accounted for 81% of the variance, and each of these dimensions clearly related to dialog states and activities, including turn taking, topic structure, grounding, empathy, cognitive processes, attitude and rhetorical structure.
Source detection in correlated multichannel signal and noise fields

The problem of detecting the number of sources impinging on an array of sensors has received wide interest in many research problems. In particular, the detection of the number of distinct neural sources using a recording array of closely spaced sensors in the brain is one such application. The special case of transient source signals of unknown waveforms corrupted by Gaussian noise is the focus of this paper. We propose a new approach for solving this problem when no a priori knowledge is given about the neural sources and/or the noise processes. By extending our previous array multiresolution analysis framework for noise suppression, signal detection and identification (Oweiss and Anderson (2000, 2001, 2002)), we show that it is feasible to achieve reasonable source detection performance in moderate to low SNR scenarios.
Geodesic Incompleteness in the ℂP1 Model on a Compact Riemann Surface

It is proved that the moduli space of static solutions of the ℂP1 model on spacetime Σ ×∝, where Σ is any compact Riemann surface, is geodesically incomplete with respect to the metric induced by the kinetic energy functional. The geodesic approximation predicts, therefore, that lumps can collapse and form singularities in finite time in these models.
Formalism and informality in RE

Requirements Engineering lies at the meeting place between the formal and the informal in software development. Computer programs are effectively formal constructs, admitting treatment by mathematical methods based on type theory, preconditions and postconditions, and invariants. But the world of human beings and physical objects in which the requirements are located is informal, and can not be adequately treated by purely formal methods. This talk explores the relationship between the formal and the informal in Requirements Engineering. Some ideas are put forward that can help in the crucial but very difficult task of formalising essentially informal requirements and devising adequate software specifications to satisfy them.
A test of the effectiveness of sensor lines showing linkages between displays and controls.

This experiment tested the effectiveness of sensor lines (heavy lines drawn on a control panel to show the linkages between displays and controls) on simple panels made up of lights (the displays) and keys (the controls). The three independent variables were (a) size of panel (two sizes were tested), (b) compatibility of the display-control linkages (a maximally compatible and a highly incompatible arrangement were used), and (c) the presence or absence of sensor lines. Eight panels were constructed to test all possible combinations of these three independent variables. Eighty male subjects in all (ten for each panel) were used. The subject's task was to push the appropriate key as soon as a light had been turned on. Each subject was given 240 consecutive trials on the panel to which he was assigned. Dependent measures were: time to first response, time to correct response, and errors. The results show that it is more imporant to make the linkages between displays and controls compatible than it is to use...
Health-promoting behaviors, perceived social support, and self-reported health of Appalachian elderly

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to examine the relationships among health-promoting behaviors, perceived social support, and self-reported health of 113 persons age 55 years and over, who were attending nutrition sites in northern West Virginia. Three hypotheses were formulated: (1) health-promoting behaviors are positively related to perceived social support; (2) health-promoting behaviors are positively related to self-reported health, and (3) perceived social support is positively related to self-reported health. Only the first two were supported by our findings. Data analysis revealed positive correlations between the average health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP) score and education, and frequency of attending the nutrition site screening clinics for high blood pressure and diabetes. Better-educated subjects scored higher on selected subscales of the HPLP (self-actualization and health responsibility). Age was negatively correlated with the HPLP subscales of health responsibility and exercise. Nurses and support personnel at nutrition sites should focus increased attention on the older participants and those who are less well-educated. Expanding the variety and frequency of health services available to nutrition site participants merits attention.
Unresolved issues in theories of autoimmune disease using myocarditis as a framework

Abstract Many theories of autoimmune disease have been proposed since the discovery that the immune system can attack the body. These theories include the hidden or cryptic antigen theory, modified antigen theory, T cell bypass, T cell–B cell mismatch, epitope spread or drift, the bystander effect, molecular mimicry, anti-idiotype theory, antigenic complementarity, and dual-affinity T cell receptors. We critically review these theories and relevant mathematical models as they apply to autoimmune myocarditis. All theories share the common assumption that autoimmune diseases are triggered by environmental factors such as infections or chemical exposure. Most, but not all, theories and mathematical models are unifactorial assuming single-agent causation of disease. Experimental and clinical evidence and mathematical models exist to support some aspects of most theories, but evidence/models that support one theory almost invariably supports other theories as well. More importantly, every theory (and every model) lacks the ability to account for some key autoimmune disease phenomena such as the fundamental roles of innate immunity, sex differences in disease susceptibility, the necessity for adjuvants in experimental animal models, and the often paradoxical effect of exposure timing and dose on disease induction. We argue that a more comprehensive and integrated theory of autoimmunity associated with new mathematical models is needed and suggest specific experimental and clinical tests for each major theory that might help to clarify how they relate to clinical disease and reveal how theories are related.
An Optimum Test Property of Two Weil-Known Statistics

Abstract A test is scale and location invariant when the decision to accept or reject is not affected by multiplying each data point by the same positive constant or by adding the same constant to each data point. Two well-known statistics are shown to be test statistics of certain most powerful scale and location invariant tests: the ratio of range to standard deviation for normality versus uniformity, and the ratio of minimum deviation to standard deviation for normality versus exponentiality. The most powerful scale and origin invariant test of uniformity versus exponentiality is also considered.
Effect of inelastic processes on resonant tunneling in one dimension.

We consider the effect of inelastic scattering on tunneling resonances in one dimension using a Breit-Wigner scattering formalism. We show that the peak transmission at resonance is decreases by the ratio of the intrinsic resonance width to the inelastic-scattering rate. For disorder-localized one-dimensional systems this predicts that resonant-tunneling conduction, in addition to variable-range-hopping conduction, will be observable at temperatures below 0.01 K in present experimental systems.
Reactive and Proactive Aggression: Cross-informant Agreement and the Clinical Utility of Different Informants

The current study examined cross-informant agreement and clinical utility of parent and teacher ratings of reactive and proactive aggression (two functions of aggression) in the prediction of aggressive and rule-breaking behavior (two forms of aggressive behavior) in a clinically-heterogeneous referred sample. Reactive and proactive measures were significantly related to one another within informant. Furthermore, the reactive and proactive measures of aggression were significantly related across informants and resulted in differential predictions of emotion-focused aggressive and goal-directed rule-breaking behaviors in home and school settings. Both reactive and proactive functions of aggression predicted aggressive acts that were more emotion-focused, whereas only the proactive function of aggression predicted instrumental acts of aggression. The current findings suggest that setting-specific reports of functions and forms of aggressive behavior are valuable and that it may be premature to abandon the reactive and proactive aggression distinction.
On-chip wavelength multicasting of 3×320-Gb/s pulsed-RZ optical data

We demonstrate for the first time on-chip wavelength multicasting of 320-Gb/s pulsed-RZ data. Using four-wave mixing in a dispersion-engineered silicon waveguide, we perform a 3× multicast, verify full selectivity, perform spectral evaluation, and record eye diagrams for the wavelength-multicasted signal.
Design of a High Performance Digital Architecture for Real-Time Correction of Radial Lens Distortion

The radial lens distortion correction technique based on least squares estimation corrects a distorted image by expanding it nonlinearly so that straight lines in the object space remain straight in the image space. An absolute pipelined architecture is designed to correct radial lens distortion in images by partitioning the distortion correction algorithm into four main modules. The architecture includes a COKDIC based rectangular to polar coordinate transformation module, a back mapping module for nonlinear transformation of corrected image space to distorted image space, a COKDIC based polar to rectangular coordinate transformation module, and a linear interpolation module to calculate the intensities of four pixels simultaneously in the corrected image space. The system parameters include the expanded/corrected image size, distorted image size, the back mapping coefficients, distortion center and the center of the corrected image. The hardware architecture can sustain a high throughput rate of 30 4-MegaPixel (Mpixels) frames per second (total of 120 Mpixels). The pipelined architecture design will facilitate the use of dedicated hardware that can be mounted along with the camera unit.
On the Structure of the Set of Continuous Solutions of Systems of Nonlinear Difference Equations in a Neighborhood of an Equilibrium State

We construct a representation of a general continuous solution for a broad class of systems of nonlinear difference equations in a neighborhood of an equilibrium state. We also study the structure of the equilibrium state.
Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma in the Axilla of an 18-Year-Old Woman

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is an uncommon adnexal neoplasm with a predilection for the head and neck. The tumor rarely metastasizes but is locally aggressive and commonly demonstrates perineural invasion. MAC occurs most often in older adults. This report describes a young woman with a MAC in her left axilla who required two stages of Mohs micrographic surgery followed by a wide local excision because of persistent perineural invasion in close proximity to the brachial plexus. Other cases presenting in the pediatric age group are discussed.
Vegetation Development in a Modified Riparian Environment: Human Imprints on an Allegheny River Wilderness

Pristine floodplain forests are virtually nonexistent in the eastern United States, requiring that preservation efforts focus on relatively intact representatives of these unique ecosystems, many situated where hydrologic modifications are the norm. This article examines the vegetation dynamics for one such natural area, a wilderness island in northwestern Pennsylvania, to assess how the ecological processes of a riparian preserve are affected by changes to the surrounding environment. Ordination of a vegetation sample identifies several landscape patches on the island; the structure and historical development of these communities are analyzed using tree ring patterns, aerial photography, and the flood regime characteristics preceding and following construction of a large dam upstream. Research on natural riparian sites has emphasized the role of floods as a disturbance that generates early successional habitat. Here, however, moderation of the hydrologic regime has shifted the impact of floods from distu...
Thomas-Fermi model: Nonextensive statistical mechanics approach

In this paper, the Thomas-Fermi model for large atoms is reformulated by incorporating the nonextensive entropy prescription. The entropy nonextensivity contribution dominates the usual thermal correction term in the ``low-temperature'' limit. On the other hand, the entropy nonextensivity concept appears to provide a useful framework to describe the fractal nature of the Fermi surface in the nondegenerate case. Analytical calculations are given for some atomic properties, such as the total binding energy of the electrons in the atom. The nonextensivity of entropy is indicated to have the potential to provide a means to remedy one of the well-known weaknesses in the Thomas-Fermi model---the boundary effect. The virial theorem has been shown to be a robust result that holds also in the nonextensive entropy regime.
Evidence for a circannual metabolic cycle in Citellus tridecemlineatus, a hibernator.

Abstract 1. 1. Twelve adult male and twelve adult female wild-caught 13-lined ground squirrels were kept at constant temperature (20°C) and photoperiod (12L/12D) for 1 year. 2. 2. Metabolic rate as weight-specific oxygen consumption was measured for each animal every other week. 3. 3. Oxygen consumption appeared to have a circannual cycle. Because of the annual weight cycle, weight-specific oxygen consumption will exhibit a circannual cycle even if there is no metabolic cycle per se. The measured cycle of oxygen consumption is not adequately predicted from the weight cycle, and levels of oxygen consumption are only partially predictable from body weight. The cycle of oxygen consumption is probably endogenous. 4. 4. Annual cycles of body weight, food consumption and hibernation may be casually linked to, and phasing among them explained by, a circannual cycle of metabolism.
Conceptual and Linguistic Factors in Children's Memory for Causal Expressions

The present study examined children's memory for causal expressions as a measure of their implicit knowledge. In experiment I, first-, third-, and fifth-graders were asked to recall descriptions of causal sequences including "if" and "because" statements. Protocols were scored for recall of causal ideas and use of the terms "if" and "because." Results showed significant age differences in recall of causal ideas, but mostly with regard to causal explanations and not concepts of covariance. Significant increases were also found in recall of the terms "if" and "because" to describe these sequences. In experiment II, the same subjects received a sentence recall task that assessed the degree to which they associated "if" with unexpected content and "when" with expected content. On this task, third and fifth-graders were significantly more likely to associate "if" with unexpected content and "when" with ordinary content. Implications for children's understanding of causal relations and for knowledge-based accou...
Psychophysiological adaptation: An investigation of multiple parameters

Heart rate (EKG), digital skin resistance level (SRL), and frontalis electromyography (EMG) of 20 undergraduate volunteers were monitored in three 30-min sessions to chart the course and magnitude of adaptation. As a group, 7, 13, and 13 min of adaptation were required for SRL, EMG, and EKG, respectively. High arousal levels in any of these measures at the session's outset resulted in longer adaptation times compared to low initial arousal. EMG showed the strongest variance across sessions. Females required longer adaptation periods than males in SRL and EKG. Self-reported trait anxiety levels bore little relationship to adaptation course. Methods were outlined for setting individualized adaptation periods by either the min 1 EMG level or regression equations for the initial values of each of the measures. Overall, psychophysiological adaptation proved to be an influential variable requiring experimental management to avoid confoundment with treatment effects.
Gastrostomy Tubes in Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Objectives: To measure the percentage of patients requiring gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) and the timing of their placement, in addition to studying whether pretreatment variables (T stage, tumor site, N stage) and intratreatment variables (weight loss during treatment) are valid predictors for the need for G-tube placement. Study Design: Retrospective case control study. Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database with chart reviews was carried out on 477 patients treated on a regimen of intraarterial cisplatin and concurrent radiation. The likelihood of requiring a G-tube was calculated by studying several independent variables using chi-square analysis and the unpaired t test. Results: Two hundred twenty (46%) patients had G-tubes placed, with mean time of placement being on day 20 after the initiation of treatment. Patients with T4 disease were statistically more likely to require a G-tube (50% vs. 37%, P < .05). Patients were less likely to require a G-tube when the primary site of tumor involved the larynx or paranasal sinuses (P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups with regards to patient age, sex, N stage, and weight changes over the course of treatment. The odds of requiring a G-tube were highest for tumors involving the hypopharynx (80%), oral cavity (52%), and oropharynx (49%). Conclusions: Although clinical judgment appears to be sufficient for deciding when G-tube placement is warranted in our population, the threshold for placing a tube should be lower in those patients who had a higher likelihood of requiring a G-tube during the course of treatment, including those with advanced disease of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.
Recovery of Brain Energy Metabolism Following a Period of Combined Hypoxia and Hypotension

AbstractRats were “stressed” by a 30-min period of hypoxia (FIO2 = 7.5 %) and hypotension (x arterial pressure = 30 mm Hg), and then “resuscitated” by restoring FIO2 = 30 % and reinfusing shed blood to restore arterial pressure toward baseline values. Concentrations of brain phos-phocreatine, ATP and lactate were measured after “stress” and 20, 60, and 120 min after “resuscitation”. A biphasic response was noted in which ATP was initially restored to baseline values by “resuscitation”, and then progressively decreased. Physiologic mechanisms to explain the observed data are presented.
A hierarchical classification scheme to define and order the design space for integral snap-fit assembly

The diversity of integral attachment snap-fit feature types (e.g. cantilever hooks, bayonet-fingers, compressive hooks, annular snaps, and others), and their possible combinations, sizes and locations and orientations on parts to enable assembly has made it appear that design possibilities may be unbounded. Attempts at understanding, no less optimization, seemed intractable. This paper presents a hierarchical classification scheme that brings order to the design space, and uses that classification scheme to define boundaries and size of the design space for achieving attachment at a level above feature detailing. Classification is based on the essential geometry of parts being assembled. The result is surprising order and simplicity, and the ability to reduce viable options for any assembly situation to a number (e.g. 8–10) that will permit true optimization.
Mitral valve replacement with and without chordal preservation in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation. Mechanisms for differences in postoperative ejection performance.

BACKGROUNDStandard mitral valve replacement (MVR) in patients with chronic mitral regurgitation consistently results in a decrease in postoperative left ventricular (LV) ejection performance. This fall in ejection performance has been attributed, at least in part, to unfavorable loading conditions imposed by the elimination of the low-impedance pathway for LV emptying into the left atrium. In contrast to standard MVR in which the chordae tendineae are severed, however, MVR with chordal preservation (MVR-CP) does not usually decrease LV ejection performance despite similar removal of the low-impedance pathway. The purpose of the present study was to define the mechanisms responsible for this discordance in postoperative ejection performance between MVR with and without chordal preservation.METHODS AND RESULTSEchocardiography and sphygmomanometer blood pressures were obtained in 15 patients with pure chronic mitral regurgitation before and 7-10 days after mitral valve surgery. These measurements were used t...
Amyloid-β Protein Precursor (AβPP) intracellular domain-associated protein-1 proteins bind to AβPP and modulate its processing in an isoform-specific manner

The amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) is a type I transmembrane molecule that undergoes several finely regulated cleavage events. The physiopathological relevance of AβPP derives from the fact that its aberrant processing strongly correlates with the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neuronal cell death, loss of synapses, and deposition of misfolded protein plaques in the brain; the main constituent of these plaques is the amyloid-β peptide, a 40–42 amino-acid-long protein fragment derived by AβPP upon two sequential processing events. Mutations in the genes encoding for AβPP and some of the enzymes responsible for its processing are strongly associated with familial forms of early onset AD. Therefore, the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying AβPP metabolism appears crucial to understanding the basis for the onset of AD. Apart from Aβ, upon processing of AβPP other fragments are generated. The long extracellular domain is released in the extracellular space, whereas the short cytoplasmic tail, named AβPP intracellular domain (AID) is released intracellularly. AID appears be involved in several cellular processes, apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, and transcriptional regulation. We have recently reported the cloning and characterization of different isoforms of AID associated protein-1 (AIDA-1), a novel AID-binding protein. Here we further analyzed the interaction between several AIDA-1 isoforms and the cytoplasmic tail of AβPP. Our data demonstrated that the interaction between the two molecules is regulated by alternative splicing of the AIDA-1 proteins. Furthermore, we provide data supporting a possible function for AIDA-1a as a modulator of AβPP processing.
Management of the “Failed Nissen”

Abstract Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication has become the gold standard in the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As growing cohorts provide long-term follow-up, surgeons face larger numbers of patients presenting with symptoms that suggest a failed antireflux procedure. Evaluation of such patients should include a thorough assessment of subjective symptoms, past operative information, and objective data. Dysphagia, heartburn, and other complaints are best quantified according to standardized measures such as the GERD Healthcare-Related Quality of Life index or Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Initial studies should include at a minimum barium esophagogram and esophagogastroduodenoscopy to diagnose the most common anatomical variants of failure. Esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring are also useful in select groups. Depending on the mechanism of failure, medical management, serial balloon dilations, and radiofrequency energy delivery to the lower esophageal sphincter may obviate the need for surgical reintervention, providing good outcomes and lowering morbidity in certain populations. When redo fundoplication is undertaken, critical principles include identification of the gastroesophageal junction, adequate mobilization of the esophagus, protection of the vagus, complete reduction of hernia contents, and proper dissection of the crura with preservation of the muscular fascia at the hiatus. In properly selected patients, reoperation for GERD can provide excellent short-term outcomes with acceptable success rates at 14-40 months (75%-85%) and high patient satisfaction.
Nanoparticle Chemistry and Functionalization Differentially Regulates Dendritic Cell–Nanoparticle Interactions and Triggers Dendritic Cell Maturation

Biodegradable polyanhydride nanoparticles have been used as vaccine adjuvants and delivery vehicles. Upon parenteral administration, the surface characteristics of these nanoparticles may be modified by serum protein adsorption, likely affecting how the particles interact with antigen presenting cells. These studies investigated the role of the differential adsorption of serum proteins onto carbohydrate-functionalized and non-functionalized polyanhydride nanoparticles of different chemistries on interactions with dendritic cells (DCs). Di-mannose (a carboxymethyl-modified disaccharide of 1,2-α-linked-d-mannopyranoside) or glycolic acid was covalently linked to nanoparticles synthesized using copolymers of 1,6-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane (CPH) and sebacic acid (SA) and 1,8-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane (CPTEG) and CPH. Serum protein adsorption to CPH:SA nanoparticles enhanced particle internalization, but did not enhance uptake of CPTEG:CPH nanoparticles. When DCs were cultured with nanoparticles, the surface expression of MHC II, CD86, and CD206 was enhanced and mediated by both polymer chemistry and functionalization. Cytokine secretion by DCs was differentially modulated by both polymer chemistry and functionalization. The amount and profile of serum proteins adsorbed indicated that polymer hydrophobicity and functionalization enhanced protein adsorption. Overall polymer chemistry, functionalization, and serum protein adsorption influenced nanoparticle interactions with DCs and elucidating the complex relationships between these parameters and dendritic cell maturation will enable rational design of targeted vaccines and immunotherapies.
The effect of light and light deprivation upon the ultrastructure of the larval mosquito eye. II. The rhabdom.

The surface area of the rhabdom membrane is two to three times greater in mosquito larvae grown in darkness than it is in larvae grown in light. Moreover, light adapted rhabdom microvilli are covered with a surface coat and produce coated vesicles, while the light deprived rhabdom has no coat and does not form coated vesicles. The light adapted microvilli are held together by septate desmosomes; the light deprived microvilli appear to be packed loosely together. When a light deprived rhabdom is first exposed to light, the membranes of adjacent microvilli rapidly fuse so that the intervillous space is lost. During the next several hours the rhabdom reorganizes to the light adapted state. The intervillous space reopens. The area of the rhabdom membrane diminishes. The coat forms, and coated vesicles are produced in large numbers. This light induced transformation is of interest because of the presumed photoreceptive function of the rhabdom.
On immediate function

Behavior is a property of living organisms, not of inanimate matter. The problems of physical science are to understand how a phenomenon works; biological science adds the questions of what a phenomenon does and how something that does such things came to be. Exclusive dedication to cause-effect explanations ignores how behavior helps creatures cope with their internal and external environments. Laws of causation describe the precursors to behavior; laws of function describe the effects of behavior. The numerous instances of learning reflect the many ways that selective pressure for altering behavior on the basis of experience has been manifested. Little basis exists for assuming that the various forms of learning reflect either common functions or common processes. Instead, it seems that evolutionary processes have resulted in domain-specific learning. The rules of learning must be understood in terms of the function that the particular manifestation of learning serves for the organism. Evolutionary theory provides the framework for understanding function as well as relations between function and causal mechanisms.
The Boltzmann Equation and the One-Fluid Hydromagnetic Equations in the Absence of Particle Collisions

Starting from the Boltzmann equation for a completely ionized dilute gas with no interparticle collision term but a strong Lorentz force, an attempt is made to obtain one-fluid hydromagnetic equations by expanding in the ion mass to charge ratio. It is shown that the electron degrees of freedom can be replaced by a macroscopic current, but true hydrodynamics still does not result unless some special circumstance suppresses the transport of pressure along magnetic lines of force. If the longitudinal transport of pressure is ignored, a set of self-contained one-fluid hydromagnetic equations can be found even though the pressure is not a scalar.
Fenestration of auricular cartilage to expedite secondary intention healing

After removal of skin lesions including carcinomas, surgery of the external ear repair provides a challenge to the surgeon anatomically and physiologically. The auricular cartilage has minimal vascularity and creates a convoluted physical conformation. Primary closures and grafts performed on surgical ear defects are difficult to design and execute. Fenestration of the auricular cartilage creates a rich vascular bed that aids in healing by secondary intention or graft uptake. The present article illustrates how to perform the above-mentioned surgical technique.
Binding of neomycin to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP2)

Schacht (Schacht, J. (1976) J. Neurochem. 27, 1119–1124) demonstrated that neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, binds with high affinity to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We investigated the binding of neomycin to PIP2 by making electrophoretic mobility measurements with multilamellar bilayer vesicles and surface potential measurements with monolayers. The bilayers and monolayers were formed from mixtures of PIP2 and egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) in 0.1 M KCl at pH 7. Neomycin does not bind to PC; 10−3 M neomycin affects neither the zeta potential of PC vesicles nor the surface potential of PC monolayers. In contrast, 10−6 M neomycin reduces the magnitude of the zeta potential of PC/PIP2 vesicles (5, 9, and 17 mol% PIP2) and the surface potential of monolayers (17 mol% PIP2) to 10−4 M) of neomycin reduce the zeta potential of the PC/PIP2 vesicles to zero. We could describe our data with the Gouy-Chapman-Stern theory assuming the intrinsic association constant of the 1:1 neomycin-PIP2 complex is 105 M−1. Neomycin is widely used in cell biology to interfere with the generation second messengers, we discuss the relevance of our results to these studies. Specifically, 10−6 M neomycin binds > 50% of the PIP 2 in a bilayer or monolayer but 10−5−10−3 M neomycin is required to affect the turnover of PIP2 in permeabilized platelets, mast cells, and sea urchin eggs. This result is consistent with a hypothesis that most of the PIP2 in the inner leaflet of these plasma membranes is not accessible to neomycin because it is associated with proteins.
Late Holocene sea-level changes from grain-size data: evidence from the Gulf of Mexico:

Grain-size kurtosis of sand in the beach ridge plain of St. Vincent Island, Florida, is numerically reasonably uniform within any one ridge set, but changes at important set boundaries. Where these changes are found, there are also differences in air photo and field appearance and in measured ridge-set heights. Sets with low kurtosis (∼3.0) stand topographically high, and sets with higher values (∼3.6) stand low. Study of wave energy levels and beach sand grain-size kurtosis along modem Gulf of Mexico beaches shows that kurtosis is an inverse function of surf-zone energy density.Storms and storminess (for the study area) can be evaluated in the framework of the selective- transport model of May (1973); the actual data sequence is greatly different from what is required by the model, and therefore storms and storminess cannot be invoked to explain the history of the area. Instead, the data sequence matches results predicted by the model for small sea-level changes. Storms and tectonism do not have appropri...