cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NONLINEAR VIBRATION SUPPRESSION OF CANTILEVER BEAMS USING BI-MOMENTS INDUCED BY PZT ACTUATORS

We investigate the use of PZT (lead zirconate titanate) patches as actuators and sensors and nonlinear saturation and internal resonance control methods to suppress steady-state and transient vibrations of a cantilever beam. The saturation control method uses the saturation phenomenon to suppress steady-state vibrations of a dynamical system with quadratic nonlinearities and 2:1 internal resonances. The internal resonance control method uses the energy exchange phenomenon due to internal resonances and added dampings to suppress transient vibrations. To test this nonlinear control technique in an efficient and systematic way, we built a digital control system that consists of SIMULINK modeling software and a dSPACE DS1102 controller in a pentium computer. The results show that the saturation control method is robust and efficient in suppression steadystate resonant vibrations. The internal resonance control method works but is inconvenient for use. We also investigate the linear position-feedback control of the same system. Results show that the linear position-feedback control of transient vibration is more robust and efficient than the internal resonance control method but there are some drawbacks.
Discrimination of herg carrier from non-carrier adult patients with borderline prolonged QTc interval

Ten to fifteen percent of individual with the hereditary long-QT syndrome (LQTS) involving the human ether-a-go-go related gene (HERG) do not have an abnormal QT prolongation but are at risk of lethal arrhythmic event. We investigated the phenotypic T-wave morphology for the identification of patients with HERG mutations. The standard 12-lead ECGs from carrier and non-carrier LQT2 patients were digitized and the RR intervals and T-waves were quantified using QT/QTc, QT apex, T-wave amplitude, ascending (alphaL) and its descending slopes (alphaR). A logistic regression model selected 3 parameters for the classification of the groups: QT, RR and alphaL. The model provided 92.7% sensitivity and 90.0 % specificity. The information within the T-wave morphology is complementary to the information of repolarization duration. Abnormal T-wave morphology is a phenotypic expression of the HERG mutation in adult LQTS patient
A model for change propagation based on graph rewriting

This paper presents a model of change propagation during software maintenance and evolution. Change propagation is modeled as a sequence of snapshots, where each snapshot represents one particular moment in the process, with some software dependencies being consistent and others being inconsistent. A snapshot is changed into the next one by a change in one software entity and the dependencies related to it. The formalism for this process is based on graph rewriting. The paper discusses two basic processes of change propagation: change-and-fix, and top-down propagation. It also describes a prototype tool lRipples 2r which supports both processes, and an example of the use of the tool
Microelectronic moisture sensor from variable dielectric capacitances of polyimide film

Three moisture sensors were investigated which use the moisture-dependent dielectric constant of a polyimide film as the sensing variable. The sensitivity varies from 0.04 to 0.7 pF/%RH, the response time varies from 4 to 1000 s, and the temperature sensitivity varies from negligible to 0.05 pF/ degrees C. A hybrid microcircuit was designed and fabricated which converts the sensor's capacitance to a voltage. >
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. I. Conceptual basis and theory

We describe a method for determining chemical kinetic constants and diffusion coefficients by measuring the rates of decay of spontaneous concentration fluctuations. The equilibrium of the system is not disturbed during the measurement. We measure the number of molecules of a specified type in a defined open volume as a function of time and compute the time course of the deviations from the thermodynamic mean concentration. The method is based on the principle that the rates of decay of spontaneous microscopic fluctuations are determined by the same phenomenological rate coefficients as those of macroscopic departures from equilibrium which result from external perturbations. Hence, an analysis of fluctuations yields the same chemical rate constants and diffusion coefficients as are measured by conventional procedures. In practice the number of the specified molecules is measured by a property such as absorbance or fluorescence which is specific and sensitive to chemical change. The sample volume is defined by a light beam which traverses the cell. As the molecules appear in or disappear from the light beam, either due to diffusion or chemical reaction, their concentration fluctuations give rise to corresponding fluctuations of the intensity of absorbed or emitted light. This paper presents the theory needed to derive chemical rate constants and diffusion coefficients from these fluctuations in light intensity. The theory is applied to three examples of general interest: pure diffusion in the absence of chemical reaction; the binding of a small rapidly diffusing ligand to a larger slowly diffusing macromolecule; and a unimolecular isomerization. The method should be especially useful in studying highly cooperative systems, relatively noncooperative systems with intermediate states closely spaced in free energy, small systems, and systems not readily subject to perturbations of state.
Family, Kinship, and Ethnic Identity of the Chinese in New York City, with Comparative Remarks on the Chinese in Lima, Peru and Manila, Philippines

This paper examines the adaptive patterns of the Chinese family in New York City life. New York Citys 1980 Chinese population was 156331; there has been an increase of approximately 10000/year since then. Chinatown has become the largest Chinese population center in the US. The variety of Chinese life styles and attitudes toward their ethnic identity are mainly due to external circumstances and are results of immigration and the economic adaptation of the Chinese in a new land. The types of Chinese families and the quality of family life of the Chinese have been shaped and influenced by US immigration laws applied to the Chinese: 1) the Chinese Exclusion Law and the Incomplete Family 2) Immigration of War Brides 3) Standard Chinese Scholars and the Wars in China and 4) the New Immigrants. The incompleteconjugal enlarged and nonresidential extended families of Chinese Americans are part and parcel of the consequences of implementation of various immigration laws. Chinese American families in New York City are diverse and complex: 1) old immigrant families--1st generation Chinese who arrived in the US before 1965 2) new immigrant families--families who came after 1965 3) families of American-born Chinese--either 2nd 3rd 4th or 5th generation Americns 4) families of professionals--all 1st generation Chinese who were either stranded in the US or voluntarily migrated for economic opportunities and 5) nonresidential extended families--many generations living in the general vicinity of each other. Though the traditional Chinese family system has been changed and modified in New York City some traditions linger on among all Chinese. Of all the family types discussed in this paper American-born Chinese families are assimilated faster into US society. The replacement of the father-son bond by the husband-wife bond and the substitution of the partrilocal patrilineal kinship system with the neolocal-nuclear family system are 2 examples of the changes stated.
Mechanism of the anemia of pyridoxine deficiency in the rat.

Rats were fed a diet deficient in pyridoxine until they developed a microcytic, hypochromic, pyridoxine-responsive anemia. Studies of red cell survival time demonstrated that there was a hemolytic factor involved in this anemia; and the more severe the anemia, the more rapid the destruction of red cells. It also demonstrated that the defect was intracorpuscular. Blood regeneration studies confirmed findings by others that erythropoiesis was impaired in pyridoxine deficiency, particularly when the accompanying anemia was severe. These studies indicate that a dual mechanism may be operating in these anemic rats.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Prognostic factors, patterns of care, and overall survival.

Background Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) represents a rare, aggressive malignancy. We analyzed factors predictive for overall survival (OS) and treatment modality utilization. Methods Using the National Cancer Data Base, we identified 3552 patients with ATC. Factors associated with surgery, high-dose radiotherapy (RT; ≥59.4 Gy), and chemotherapy utilization were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. From this, an inverse probability-weighted propensity score was incorporated into multivariable Cox regression analyses for OS. Results Numerous factors predictive for high-dose RT, total thyroidectomy, and chemotherapy utilization are described. Factors associated with improved survival were absence of clinical or pathologic lymph node involvement, absence of metastasis, tumor size ≤6 cm, negative surgical margins, surgery, RT, and chemotherapy. On conditional landmark analysis, improved survival seen with chemotherapy and surgery other than total thyroidectomy was lost, but persisted for total thyroidectomy and high-dose RT. Conclusion Even after correction for selection and immortal time bias, high-dose RT resulted in improved survival. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2083–E2090, 2016
From Crowding to Density: Conceptual Developments, Methods and Research:

Psychological interest in crowding has tended to focus on density-related phenomena and their experiential attributes. A synopsis of psychological models and methods is presented, followed by an ov...
High Ability Students’ Voice on Learning Motivation

This study used a self-determination theory lens to investigate high ability learners’ motivational experiences. Participants were 15 high ability youth involved in a summer learning camp for gifted students. Two major themes emerged from qualitative data analysis: (a) The Fun Factor of Learning and (b) The Rewards and Pressures of Good Grades. Fun learning experiences (i.e., intrinsic motivation, identified regulation) occurred when parents and teachers tailored learning activities to personalized interests and goals. Likewise, learning choices helped increase intrinsic motivation and identified regulation. Motivational experiences were decreased when parents exerted high levels of pressure on academic outcomes (e.g., grades): therefore, introjected regulation could be especially relevant in understanding motivation in high ability learners.
Cavernous hemangioma of the female breast

A cavernous hemangioma of the female breast parenchyma became evident as a palpable mass. Treatment consisted of a simple excision. An infiltrating ductal carcinoma subsequently developed in the same breast, but the patient has been followed for seven years without the vascular tumor recurring. Problems with the differential diagnosis of vascular lesions of the breast are discussed.
Estimating the Value of Changes in OASI Benefits under Social Security Reforms

A previous EBRI Notes (April 2006) examined the impact of various Social Security reform alternatives on the percentage of Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) beneficiaries below specific thresholds of poverty. This paper builds upon that study by determining the change in the distribution of the benefit levels these beneficiaries would receive under the same alternatives. In addition, it calculates for each beneficiary the amount of savings that would need to be accumulated in order to purchase a payout annuity (an insurance product that provides a regular stream of income for life) that would compensate for the decrease in benefits from these alternatives relative to current-law benefits. Given the importance of Social Security to those age 65 or older, any changes made to Social Security that reduce benefits will have a tremendous impact on retirees' incomes. This study captures the effect on Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) benefits across all Americans born in specific years (cohorts) whose OASI benefits commence at age 62 or older and who have not received any other Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (OASDI) benefits before that age from various widely discussed Social Security reform alternatives.
Estimating Temperatures in Compartment Fires

The ability to predict temperatures developed in compartment fires is of great significance to the fire protection professional for protection of human life and property. There are many uses for a knowledge of compartment fire temperatures, including the prediction of (1) the onset of hazardous conditions, (2) property and structural damage, (3) changes in burning rate, pyrolysis rate and heat (energy) release rate, (4) ignition of objects,(5) the onset of flashover and so on.
Iron stores in adults with sickle cell anemia

Iron status was investigated in 60 adults with sickle cell anemia as determined by stainable iron in bone marrow aspirates, serum ferritin, serum iron, and the total iron-binding capacity. Seventeen patients (28%) were found to have absent bone marrow iron. There was an excellent inverse correlation between serum ferritin and the serum transferrin (p less than 0.001), and a significant positive correlation between serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (p less than 0.005), bone marrow iron (p less than (p less than 0.001), and history of prior blood transfusion (p = 0.005). Results of complete radiologic examination of the gastrointestinal tract and proctoscopy were negative in the 17 patients in the iron-deficient group. The high incidence of iron deficiency may be related to excessive urinary losses of iron. Our data indicate that serum ferritin values of less than 30 ng/ml are diagnostic of iron deficiency in patients with sickle cell anemia, with a high degree of specificity (98.7%). However the sensitivity of the test at a serum ferritin level of 30 ng/ml is only 32%. The diagnostic evaluation and the management of sickle cell anemia in iron-deficient patients needs to be better defined.
Through the Seventh Generation: Clanning as a Limiting Factor in Organized Criminality in Central Asia

The purpose of this paper is to present an ethnomethodological study of the Central Asian republics and the effects of clan and family structure on transnational organized crime. Criminal elements and terrorist organizations are found throughout the region. The various nomadic and sedintary ethnic groups in this region perpetuate the primordial patrimonial system of clan authority. The influence of the clan permiates the entire system and the reification inherent in this system disallows coordinated systems of trade across tribal boundaries. The absense of transnational groups is this region is explained with the influence of the clan.
Radioarsenic-labeled mesoporous silica nanoparticles: A new theranostic platform.

1058 Objectives Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are used for a variety of in vivo imaging and drug delivery applications. This work demonstrates thiol-modified MSN can be used as a new nanoplatform for radioarsenic (*As) labeling. Methods *As (*=71,72,74,76) was produced by proton irradiation of Ge(m) and radiochemically isolated. MSN with 2-3 nm pores were synthesized, thiol-functionalized (both inside meso-channels and on surface), and analyzed for thiol concentration. *As and thiol-modified MSN were combined at various thiol concentrations with pH 6, 7.5, or 9 at 20 ˚C. Labeling yield was monitored with thin-layer chromatography and the thiol-specificity of labeling was assessed using amine-modified MSN as a negative control. Serial in vivo PET imaging (over 7 days) was performed with healthy BALB/c mice following intravenous injection of *As-MSN. Its stability to radioarsenic loss was assessed by monitoring the bladder uptake of *As over time, as the MSN are too large to be renally cleared. Results *As labeling of thiolated MSN was found to be pH and thiol concentration dependent and highly specific. Optimal labeling yields of 50 % after 5 hours and 75 % after 22 hours were observed at pH 9 with a thiol concentration of 600 nmol/mL. Amine-modified MSN showed no *As affinity under all labeling conditions. PET imaging of *As-MSN showed significant liver uptake (30 %ID/g) with a long biological half-life (20 %ID/g at 7 days). Modest bladder uptake of 1 - 10 %ID/g at all time points indicates the constant, but slow radioarsenic release from the thiol-MSN, as free *As shows a fast and complete renal clearance within 24 h. Conclusions The simple and effective labeling of thiol-modified MSN with radioarsenic yields the new *As-MSN nanoplatform, which displays promising in vivo stability of radioarsenic label. Applications of *As-MSN will combine the diagnostic (74,72,71As) or therapeutic (77,76As) potential of radioarsenic with the versatility of MSN for passive and active tumor targeting and drug delivery, yielding unique theranostic agents.
Effect of bile salts on ionic movement across the human gastric mucosa.

We compared ionic fluxes across the human gastric mucosa after serial instillation of 200ml of 5.0 to 5.5mm bile salts in HCl (160 milliequivalents per liter) solution to those after serial instillation of HC1 alone (controls) in 9 normal subjects. Chromium-51 was the "non-absorbable" dilution indicator. In 5 subjects, a "bile salt mixture" of 84% taurocholic acid, 14% taurodeoxycholic acid, and 2% taurochenodeoxycholic acid was instilled. In controls, the mean net flux into the lumen was 1.45 milliequivalents of H+, 2.87 milliequivalents of Cl−, 1.48 milliequivalents of Na+, and 0.26 milliequivalent of K+ per 15min after the first instillation. The bile salt mixture produced 3.12 milliequivalents of H+ loss (P
Eigenstates of chaos

The structure and dynamics of atoms in strong fields are the central themes of contemporary atomic physics. Recently, the diamagnetic hydrogen problem—the problem of hydrogen in a magnetic field so strong that the magnetic force is comparable with the electric force—has taken on additional interest with the recognition that it provides a close to ideal stage for studying chaos in a small quantum system. It has been known for some time that the classical motion of the electron-proton system in a strong magnetic field can become chaotic1; recently theoretical methods have advanced to the point where accurate quantum mechanical solutions can be generated for the regions of chaos.2-4
How Much Do School Principals Matter When It Comes to Teacher Working Conditions

Teacher turnover is a challenge for U.S. public schools. Research suggests that teachers’ perceptions of their school working conditions influence their leaving decisions. Related research suggests...
Concepts of Maps

The term map carries many definitions in a variety of settings. In this chapter, we propose an idea of maps as first class citizens in information systems; in other words, we propose a fundamental data type of maps and a set of associated operations that together form a Map Framework. We explore the notion of maps in a variety of settings in order to illustrate the fundamental properties of maps, and then show how our proposal of the Map Framework addresses the needs and properties of maps in those settings.
Uptake and impact of natural diet-derived small RNA in invertebrates: Implications for ecology and agriculture.

The putative transfer and gene regulatory activities of diet-derived small RNAs (sRNAs) in ingesting animals are still debated. The existence of natural uptake of diet-derived sRNA by invertebrate ...
Novel Cause of ‘Black Thyroid’: Intraoperative Use of Indocyanine Green

The antibiotic minocycline is virtually pathognomonic for brown-black discoloration of the thyroid gland referred to as 'black thyroid'. Black thyroid' is an incidental finding in patients taking the drug who undergo thyroid surgery for another indication and is not of known clinical significance. However, its recognition is important so as not to raise concern for a disease process. Here, we present the first case of 'black thyroid' attributable to the iodine-containing compound indocyanine green. Intraoperative indocyanine green was administered as part of a research protocol transoral robotic-assisted surgery for a base of tongue cancer in a 44-year-old man. Hemithyroidectomy was subsequently performed during the same operation for further evaluation of an indeterminate thyroid nodule. The resected thyroid lobe was dark, nearly black in color, and histologically showed extensive brown pigment deposition in the follicular epithelial cells and colloid, mimicking minocycline-induced 'black thyroid'. In this case, however, the patient was not taking minocycline; instead the 'black thyroid' was attributed to the iodine-containing compound indocyanine green. Indocyanine green is a hereto unreported cause of 'black thyroid' with histopathologic features that are remarkably similar to that induced by minocycline. Indocyanine green should be included the differential diagnosis of 'black thyroid'. Clinical history is important so as not to raise concern for a disease process.
A quick and energy consistent analytical method for predicting hydraulic fracture propagation through heterogeneous layered media and formations with natural fractures: The use of an effective fracture toughness

Abstract An effective fracture toughness, based on equivalent energy release-rate hypothesis is presented for homogenizing heterogeneous layered media. Using crack closure method, the energy released when a mode-1 fracture propagates through an equivalent homogenized layer is equated to the sum of the energies released in the heterogeneous layered media. And from extensive numerical experiments, the predictions of fracture tips' positions through this proposed method are of the same range of accuracy as the known linear blend rule; the weakest link arguments technique performed poorly when compared to the other two methods. Therefore, homogenizing heterogeneous layered media with energy consistent approach will reduce the complexities associated with modeling fracture propagation in multi-layer without losing accuracy. Furthermore, an effective fracture toughness, based on equivalent energy release rate, equivalent strain energy, and modified Kachanov's damage theory is presented in this study. The proposed approach will reduce the computation time required in predicting fracture containment potential in formations with opened or sealed natural fractures. And comparing the proposed phenomenological model with the rigorous solution provided by Mori-Tanaka, it was observed that the margin of error was negligible. The benefit of the proposed phenomenological model over the Mori-Tanaka's effective shear modulus model is the ease of estimating the effective fracture toughness. Thus, these models can be applied to quickly estimate the potential for hydraulic fracture containment or broaching possibilities during oil and gas blowouts and fracturing operations.
Open Transabdominal Adrenalectomy for Malignant Neoplasms

Open adrenalectomy has become an uncommon operation. Minimal-access surgery has markedly improved perioperative morbidity of simple adrenalectomy, with decreased pain and a shorter hospital stay. Long-term results are equivalent in terms of outcome, so the minimal access route is to be preferred. The diminution in incisional hernia, when done by the posterior dorsal, lateral, or transabdominal open approach, is of itself sufficient to justify the minimal access approach.
Surface Charging in CdSe Quantum Dots: Infrared and Transient Absorption Spectroscopy

The surface states of selenium-rich CdSe particles are composed of occupied and unoccupied selenium p orbitals, which play a significant role in photophysical and photochemical properties of CdSe quantum dots. The empty p orbitals on the surface are involved in the recently reported phenomenon of thermal “surface charging”. Surface charging occurs when electrons are thermally promoted from the valence band to empty surface orbitals at slightly higher energies. At room temperature, this equilibrium results in some fraction of the particles having a hole in the valence band; i.e., the surface acceptor states make the particle p-type. Photoexcitation of surface charged particles results in a positive trion which can undergo a rapid Auger process, making the nanocrystal nonluminescent. The extent of surface charging can be quantified by the amplitude of the trion decay component in the transient absorption kinetics. The presence of occupied p orbitals is quantitatively characterized by an 800 cm–1 feature in ...
Fabrication of all-silicon carbide neural interfaces

A significant and recognized problem in implantable neural recording and stimulation probes is operational lifetime. It is well known that both electrophysiological recording and, to a lesser extent, stimulation probes suffer severe performance degradation over periods ranging from months to a few years. Performance degradation of implantable probes arises due to a number of factors, including systemic host response, glial scarring, cellular responses to non-inert materials and, importantly, probe material degradation and delamination. SiC has superior chemical inertness and molecule barrier properties that result in insulation endurance for long term applications in bodily fluids. We present a microfabrication process that employs both insulating and conducting silicon carbide thin films to produce a novel type of implantable neural probes which present no heterogenous material interfaces to the biological environment. The exterior of our devices is composed of seamless transitions between doped and insulating SiC, completely encapsulating metal traces necessary to reduce track resistivity. The fabrication process is specifically designed such that the only interfaces presented to the extracellular fluid are made entirely from SiC, thus rendering these arrays very resistant to long-term delamination and interface failure. This process presents an important path towards neural implants for truly chronic applications; the fabrication method can be readily applied to most variants of electrophysiological recording probes.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Genetics, Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Therapy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder that is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy unexplained by secondary causes and a nondilated left ventricle with preserved or increased ejection fraction. It is commonly asymmetrical with the most severe hypertrophy involving the basal interventricular septum. Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is present at rest in about one third of the patients and can be provoked in another third. The histological features of HCM include myocyte hypertrophy and disarray, as well as interstitial fibrosis. The hypertrophy is also frequently associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. In the majority of patients, HCM has a relatively benign course. However, HCM is also an important cause of sudden cardiac death, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, syncope, a family history of sudden cardiac death, and severe cardiac hypertrophy are major risk factors for sudden cardiac death. This complication can usually be averted by implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator in appropriate high-risk patients. Atrial fibrillation is also a common complication and is not well tolerated. Mutations in over a dozen genes encoding sarcomere-associated proteins cause HCM. MYH7 and MYBPC3 , encoding β-myosin heavy chain and myosin-binding protein C, respectively, are the 2 most common genes involved, together accounting for ≈50% of the HCM families. In ≈40% of HCM patients, the causal genes remain to be identified. Mutations in genes responsible for storage diseases also cause a phenotype resembling HCM (genocopy or phenocopy). The routine applications of genetic testing and preclinical identification of family members represents an important advance. The genetic discoveries have enhanced understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of HCM and have stimulated efforts designed to identify new therapeutic agents.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Strongback Braced Frame System to Mitigate Weak Story Behavior

AbstractMultistory steel braced frames tend to concentrate damage in a few weak stories in response to severe earthquake shaking. This paper presents the numerical and experimental results for a st...
1.04 – Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not require, or do not generally involve, changes in genomic DNA sequence. In modern biology, epigenetics initially referred to developmental phenomena, but, more recently, it has come to signify a relation to gene action, while epigenetic inheritance signifies modulation of gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. Epigenetics began over 60 years ago as a series of isolated observations in three disparate areas of biology. It picked up momentum during the 1970s with the advent of molecular biology and, during the last 10–15 years, has emerged as a stand-alone discipline complementary to genetics. It is instructive to note that from the beginning the strongest evidence favoring a particular epigenetic hypothesis has often come from models outside the animal kingdom such as plants, slime molds, filamentous fungi, microorganisms, and fission yeast. Recently, epigenetics has experienced a period of rapid growth and redefinition, particularly with advances in molecular technology for monitoring the biochemical features of epigenetic change. This chapter was written with the purpose of summarizing the origin, the foundation, and the current state of epigenetics by bringing together concepts, technologies, and experimental evidence that led to its emergence as a field of basic biological inquiry primarily concerned with understanding the handling of genetic information by eukaryotic cells. It concludes with some perspectives on epigenetics in health and disease.
Growth regulation and suppression of metastasis in the congenitally athymic nude mouse.

The physiologically relevant site for studies on growth regulation is within intact modulated circuits which have evolved for maintenance of tissue and organ animal hosts. Animal cells in culture are disconnected from complex hormonally homeostasis (Furth, 1967). Paradoxically the most detailed information on growth control has been generated from studies on animal fibroblasts and lymphocytes grown in vitro. In the tissue culture environment, the growth of cloned populations of animal cells, in defined or semidefined media may be easily quantitated.
An innovative project structure for teaching software engineering

This paper describes an innovative project structure that was used in teaching Software Engineering I at a regional campus of a large public university. The project structure provides students with a more "real world" experience than the more common "one man shop" project approach. We describe the project structure and examine advantages and disadvantages of this approach compared to a more traditional approach.
Randomness and Knowledge

Until recently, the debate concerning whether chance, randomness and disorder are ever instantiated in Nature has been considerably one-sided. Since Aristotle, the mainstream of philosophical thought seems to have been nearly unanimous in agreeing that these characters exist only ‘in the mind’. The shared conviction that every event has a cause or a determining condition led most philosophers who addressed themselves to the topic to the conclusion that there is no randomness in things.
Inactivation of Ascaris suum in a Biodrying Compost System

erefore, the survival of pathogens in a biodrying composting system was investigated. Dairy farm livestock waste was piled in a biodrying storage shed where forced aeration and natural decomposition processes heated a major portion of the waste pile to temperatures exceeding 55°C. Ascaris suum eggs were used as the surrogate species and inoculated into special chambers and placed at three diff erent elevations at diff erent intervals along the length of the pile. Control chambers were stored in water at 4°C in the laboratory. Both compost and control chambers were removed at Day 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20. Th e eggs were extracted from the chamber medium and analyzed for viability. No viable eggs were recovered from any of the chambers removed from the compost pile, while ≥90% viability was observed in the control chambers. High temperatures and continued drying were the major contributing factors to the inactivation of the helminth eggs. Th e complete inactivation of A. suum eggs by the biodrying process encourages the storage and treatment of manure to high temperatures and reduced moisture conditions before fi eld spreading to reduce the risk of harmful pathogens contaminating waterways and potential drinking water supplies.
Arginine methylation of EGFR in circulating tumor cells: A new biomarker for predicting resistance to anti-EGFR agents.

3590Background: Arginine methylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (meEGFR) increases binding affinity of EGF and other EGFR ligands, reduces the efficacy of anti-EGFR agents in vivo, and...
Imminent Capture and Noncompliance: Probing Deterrence in Extreme Environments

AbstractUnderstanding how deterrence operates under extreme conditions is both elusive and important. Studying suspect noncompliance in the form of flight during police-involved vehicle chases prov...
The Impact of the Chinese Basketball Association’s Asian-born Player Policy on Competitive Balance

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between talent pool size and competitive balance in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). In particular, the focus of this analysis is on the impact...
Prevalence and factors affecting underweight, overweight and obesity using Asian and World Health Organization cutoffs among adults in Nepal: Analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey 2016.

Abstract Objective There is a little published data on prevalence and determinants of underweight, overweight and obesity among adults in Nepal. This study analysed the cross-sectional Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016 to obtain these using the World Health Organization (WHO) and Asian-specific cutoffs of body mass index (BMI). Methods The 2016 NDHS used a multistage cluster-sampling design to obtain data on major health indicators in Nepal. The BMI cutoffs for underweight was Subjects This analysis included 12,652 adults (5283 males and 7369 females) with a median age of 40 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 28–54). Results The overall median BMI was 21.5 kg/m2 (IQR:19.3–24.3). The overall prevalence of underweight was 16.7% (15.1% among males and 17.1% among females). The Asian-specific BMI cutoffs found the prevalence of overweight and obesity as 26.4% (27.4% among males and 25.6% among females) and 11.0% (7.7% among males and 13.3% among females), respectively. The WHO-recommended BMI cutoffs found 18.2% people overweight (16.7% among males and 19.3% among females) and 4.3% (2.5% among males and 5.6% among females) people obese. The prevalence and odds of extreme body weight categories (i.e., underweight, overweight and obesity) varied according to age, sex, education level, household wealth status, place, ecological zone and provinces of residence as per both recommended cutoffs. Overall, higher education level and wealth status were positively associated with overweight/obesity and inversely associated with underweight as per both cutoffs. Conclusion A large proportion Nepalese adults have either underweight, overweight or obesity, and could be at a greater risk of mortality and morbidity due to these extreme body weight categories. It is essential to address the factors or characteristics that are associated with the higher prevalence and likelihood of these extreme body weight categories to reduce the overall burden of underweight and overweight/obesity in Nepal.
Chain Recurrence in Graph Determined Hybrid Systems

In this paper, we consider a family of dynamical systems on the same compact metric space. We then consider the dynamics given when the given flow shifts between these different flows at regular time intervals. We further require that shifts be allowed by a given directed graph. We then define a type of set, called a chain set, that exhibits many similar properties to chain transitive sets of flows. By considering the dynamics as a skew product flow, we are able to demonstrate that chain sets can be lifted to a chain transitive set if the given graph is complete.
Molecular Diffusion in Glasses and Oxides

The relatively high mobility of helium in some glasses has been known for many years [1,2]. Other gases, such as hydrogen and neon, also exhibit significant mobilities in many caution glasses [1]. This high gas mobility can be of considerable importance in any application where permeation of helium, hydrogen, or neon may affect the performance of a device or system. For example, the ultimate vacuum obtainable in a given vacuum system may be controlled by the permeation of gases through glass components. In other cases, vacuum tubes may become inoperable as a result of gas permeation during storage or use.
Conventional Chemotherapy and Oncogenic Pathway Targeting in Ovarian Carcinosarcoma Using a Patient-Derived Tumorgraft

Ovarian carcinosarcoma is a rare subtype of ovarian cancer with poor clinical outcomes. The low incidence of this disease makes accrual to large clinical trials challenging. However, studies have shown that treatment responses in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models correlate with matched-patient responses in the clinic, supporting their use for preclinical testing of standard and novel therapies. An ovarian carcinosarcoma PDX is presented herein and showed resistance to carboplatin and paclitaxel (similar to the patient) but exhibited significant sensitivity to ifosfamide and paclitaxel. The PDX demonstrated overexpression of EGFR mRNA and gene amplification by array comparative genomic hybridization (log2 ratio 0.399). EGFR phosphorylation was also detected. Angiogensis and insulin-like growth factor pathways were also implicated by overexpression of VEGFC and IRS1. In order to improve response to chemotherapy, the PDX was treated with carboplatin/paclitaxel with or without a pan-HER and VEGF inhibitor (BMS-690514) but there was no tumor growth inhibition or improved animal survival, which may be explained by a KRAS mutation. Resistance was also observed when the IGF-1R inhibitor BMS-754807 was combined with carboplatin/paclitaxel. Because poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors have activity in ovarian cancer patients, with and without BRCA mutations, ABT-888 was also tested but found to have no activity. Pathogenic mutations were also detected in TP53 and PIK3CA. In conclusion, ifosfamide/paclitaxel was superior to carboplatin/paclitaxel in this ovarian carcinosarcoma PDX and gene overexpression or amplification alone was not sufficient to predict response to targeted therapy. Better predictive markers of response are needed.
Relationship-Building as a Means to Navigating Genre in the Writing Center

The current literature on genre and best practices for writing center tutoring is mixed: some studies support a genre specialist model while others support a generalist model. However, these studies have not explicitly examined how the tutors handle different genres in their sessions, nor how relationships between the tutor and tutee can impact this navigation. This essay explores relationship-building and the use of empathy by tutors to better understand how tutors might negotiate genre during a tutoring session. A short survey was administered to tutors at the Goucher College Writing Center. Responses revealed that the tutors saw relationship-building as a higher priority in their sessions than the genre of the text. Specifically, when confronted with unfamiliar genres, tutors overwhelmingly communicated that they instead focus on the rapport they have with their tutees in order to work with them successfully. More detailed findings focused on the importance of the tutor-tutee relationship within the generalist tutoring model, and their implications are further discussed.
Physical Properties of Binary Mixtures of n-Dodecane and Various Ten-Carbon Aromatic Compounds (2-Methyl-1-phenylpropane, 2-Methyl-2-phenylpropane, 2-Phenylbutane, and 1,3-Diethylbenzene): Densities, Viscosities, Speeds of Sound, Bulk Moduli, Surface Tensions, and Flash Points at T = (293.15–333.15) K and 0.1 MPa

Mixtures of n-dodecane with C10H14 aromatic isomers (iso-butylbenzene, sec-butylbenzene, tert-butylbenzene, and 1,3-diethylbenzene) were analyzed for density, viscosity, speed of sound, surface ten...
Cyclotron Production of PET Radiometals in Liquid Targets: Aspects and Prospects

The present review describes the methodological aspects and prospects of the production of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiometals in a liquid target using low-medium energy medical cyclotrons. The main objective of this review is to delineate and discuss the critical factors involved in the liquid target production of radiometals, including type of salt solution, solution composition, beam energy, beam current, the effect of irradiation duration (length of irradiation) and challenges posed by in-target chemistry in relation with irradiation parameters. We also summarize the optimal parameters for the production of various radiometals in liquid targets. Additionally, we discuss the future prospects of PET radiometals production in the liquid targets for academic research and clinical applications. Significant emphasis has been given to the production of 68Ga using liquid targets due to the growing demand for 68Ga labeled PSMA vectors, [68Ga]- Ga-DOTATATE, [68Ga]Ga-DOTANOC and some upcoming 68Ga labeled radiopharmaceuticals. Other PET radiometals included in the discussion are 86Y, 63Zn and 89Zr.
Deconstructing Syria's Would-Be ICC Referral: The Politics of International Justice

This Article deconstructs France's draft referral resolution of Syria to the International Criminal Court (ICC) with an eye toward understanding the complex interplay between the Security Council, the ICC, and the impact of the situation in Syria on that evolving relationship. After briefly surveying the history of the Council's engagement with international justice, the Article gives a close read to several provisions in the draft referral resolution that have proved to be sharply controversial in prior ICC referral resolutions but that were showcased in an effort to achieve consensus as the Syria referral effort was underway. These include various jurisdictional carveouts, the scope of states' duties of cooperation toward the Court, the endurance of any immunities potential ICC defendants might enjoy, and perennial funding issues. Because many of the most contentious provisions in the referral resolutions owe their provenance to concerns of the United States, the draft resolution also presents a microcosm of the United States' Security Council practice when it comes to advancing international justice. The divisive provisions in the prior ICC referral resolutions, coupled with a regrettable lack of progress on prior Council referrals, have contributed to a profound ambivalence about the role of the Security Council in the system of international justice and helped revitalize the movement towards Security Council reform. Although the international community has made measurable progress towards the establishment of a global system of international justice, geo-politics remain a powerful and often countervailing force. At the same time, while France's failed draft still contained many of the contentious elements found in previous referral resolutions, in subtle ways, the text manifests the potential to tip-ever so slightly the Council's balance of competing imperatives towards justice. The willingness of the United States to make slight textual concessions on these provisions in the face of Russia's intransigence also signals the changing political game within the Council chambers.
A continuous flow cell culture system for precision cell stimulation and time-resolved profiling of cell secretion

Abstract Cells exchange substances with their surroundings during metabolism, signaling, and other functions. These fluxes are dynamic, changing in response to external cues and internal programs. Static cultures are inadequate for measuring these dynamics because the environments of the cells change as substances accumulate or deplete from medium, unintentionally affecting cell behavior. Static cultures offer limited time resolution due to the impracticality of frequent or prolonged manual sampling, and cannot expose cells to smooth, transient changes in stimulus concentrations. In contrast, perfusion cultures constantly maintain cellular environments and continuously sample the effluent stream. Existing perfusion culture systems are either microfluidic, which are difficult to make and use, or macrofluidic devices built from custom parts that neglect solute dispersion. In this study, a multiplexed macrofluidic perfusion culture platform was developed to measure secretion and absorption rates of substances by cells in a temporally controlled environment. The modular platform handles up to 31 streams with automated fraction collection. This paper presents the assembly of this dynamic bioreactor from commercially available parts, and a method for quantitatively handling the effects of dispersion using residence time distributions. The system is then applied to monitor the secretion of a circadian clock gene-driven reporter from engineered cells.
A three-dimensional six-degree-of-freedom windborne debris trajectory model for tornadoes

Abstract Windborne debris is a major cause of damage to the built environment during tornadoes. A fundamental step for quantifying this damage is to provide models that are able to describe the trajectory of the flying debris and thereby determine their impact location and associated momentum/energy. This goal can be achieved through the adoption of an appropriate three-dimensional (3D) six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) debris trajectory model. However, existing 3D 6DOF debris trajectory models are focused on describing the debris flight in straight line winds and therefore cannot be applied to tornado winds that are characterized by relatively small but rapidly rotating vortices. This paper presents a 3D 6DOF debris trajectory model for describing the flight of windborne debris in tornadoes. The proposed solution strategy is based on a predictor-corrector time-marching scheme which solves the equations of motion for each time step while updating the wind field from an appropriate tornado wind field model. A convergence analysis is carried out to determine the suitable time step that balances the accuracy of the numerical scheme with the computational run-time. The proposed model is then used to show the significant difference in modeling the debris trajectories in tornado wind fields as compared to straight line winds.