cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monolithic InGaAs JFET active-pixel tunable image sensor (MAPTIS)

A new monolithic InGaAs active pixel multispectral image sensor is described. This infrared sensor will utilize high quality InGaAs grown by molecular beam epitaxy on InP substrate for the fabrication of a high speed junction field effect transistor array. In 1-x Ga x As is a III-V alloy whose cutoff wavelength can be tuned from 0.8 micrometer (GaAs) to 3.5 micrometer (InAs). Due to the spectral windows of 3 - 5 micrometer and 8 - 12 micrometer in atmosphere, this material has not received much attention to date for infrared focal plane arrays even though the responsivities for the 0.8 - 1.0 micrometer, and 2.0 - 2.5 micrometer windows for the water and carbon dioxide molecules in air are excellent. Steady advancements of InGaAs material growth and devices have been made, primarily driven by the optoelectronics industry and the high speed electronics community. Most of this knowledge exists in the public domain and is readily accessible. Detectors at 1.7 micrometer cutoff can be ideally implemented as lattice matched In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As/InP PIN devices. PIN detectors require high material quality to reduce dark current and decrease bit errors. Additionally, the high intrinsic mobility of In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As enables very high speed transistors for monolithic microwave integrated circuit applications. The new active pixel sensor technology, a likely successor to charge coupled device, has been successfully developed for low noise, high signal transfer efficiency imaging circuits in silicon at JPL. The silicon active pixel sensor technology is being adapted to InGaAs/InP in this exploratory development effort. In this paper, a preliminary result of the monolithic multispectral (visible/near infrared/short-wavelength infrared) active pixel imaging sensor is discussed for application in transportable shipboard surveillance, night vision and emission spectroscopy.
The organizational rejuvenation of osteopathy: A reflection of the decline of professional dominance in medicine

Abstract Three distinct stages in the relationship between osteopathic medicine and allopathic medicine are discussed. Although it has often been predicted that osteopathy would be absorbed by ‘organized medicine’, it will be argued that its recent organizational rejuvenation must be viewed within the context of the political economy of medical care in the United States. Various ‘strategic elites’ in the past decade have turned to osteopathic medicine as one of several strategies for dealing with the contradictions inherent in capital-intensive medicine, particularly those which contribute to a shortage and geographical maldistribution of primary physicians.
Remembering the Details: Effects of Emotion:

Though emotion conveys memory benefits, it does not enhance memory equally for all aspects of an experience nor for all types of emotional events. In this review, I outline the behavioral evidence for arousal's focal enhancements of memory and describe the neural processes that may support those focal enhancements. I also present behavioral evidence to suggest that these focal enhancements occur more often for negative experiences than for positive ones. This effect of valence appears to arise because of valence-dependent effects on the neural processes recruited during episodic encoding and retrieval, with negative affect associated with increased engagement of sensory processes and positive affect leading to enhanced recruitment of conceptual processes.
The histomorphologic spectrum of endocervical (Müllerian) adenocarcinoma--a potential prognostic indicator.

A review of all patients with endocervical adenocarcinoma seen at the University of Kentucky Medical Center from 1962 through 1972 yielded 15 patients with tissue-verifiable primary endocervical adenocarcinoma that had no associated sarcomatous or squamoid features. These patients varied from 17 to 73 years old with a mean age of 47 years. A malignant clear cell pattern was present in 8 patients and in 3 of these individuals that prominent morphologic feature was associated with hobnail cells. Five patients with clear cell carcinomatous changes in the endocervix were born prior to the use of diethylstilbestrol (DES) and 2 of the remaining 3 patients were exposed to DES during the first trimester of pregnancy. Other morphologic types of endocervical adenocarcinoma included mucinous adenocarcinoma in 9 patients (60%) and basaloid adenocarcinoma in one patient (7%). Cellular atypia of endocervical glands, which in some areas was consistent with adenocarcinoma in situ was found in 9 of the 15 patients with invasive endocervical cancers. Both vessel invasion by tumor cells and tumor necrosis were associated with a poor prognosis.
Body surface derivative electrocardiographic mapping

The authors have developed a new approach to imaging cardiac electrical activity by measuring and visualizing body surface distributions of the higher-order spatial derivative of the potential. Numerical algorithms have developed to construct body surface maps of the spatial derivative of the potential from potential data. Computer simulation studies have been conducted to test the feasibility of this approach. Experimental exploration has also been made in healthy human subjects. The authors' experimental and theoretical studies indicate the superior performance of the body surface higher-order derivative electrocardiographic mapping for localizing and imaging spatially separated cardiac electrical sources.
Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture Stability: A Surrogate for General Health in Elderly Patients?

Introduction: Intertrochanteric (IT) femur fractures are common in elderly patients who are often in poor general health. Intertrochanteric fractures are classified as stable or unstable, taking into account fracture morphology and involvement of the posteromedial calcar. The purpose of this study is to determine whether IT fracture stability can be used as a marker for general health or as a predictor of postoperative medical complications in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of all patients treated for IT fractures at our institution over the past 7 years. We excluded patients who were younger than 60 years, polytraumatized, involved in high-energy mechanisms of injury, managed nonoperatively, with hardware from previous surgery, or missing preoperative radiographs. Ninety-three patients were included in the present series. Three orthopedic surgeons independently reviewed all preoperative radiographs and classified each fracture as either stable or unstable. Interrater reliability was .77 (substantial) and consensus designation was assigned by majority. We reviewed charts for age, gender, time to surgery, length of hospital stay, type of surgery, estimated blood loss, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and postoperative medical complications. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted to determine the relationship of fracture stability on ASA class and medical complications. Results: Intertrochanteric fracture stability had no detectable relationship with ASA class (P ¼ .497). On univariate analysis, stability was not significantly related to medical complications (P ¼ .421). Our multivariate analysis found that only ASA was related to medical complications (P ¼ .004), and fracture stability was not related to complications (P ¼ .538). Conclusion: Intertrochanteric fracture stability does not appear to be a marker for poor general health or to predict postoperative medical complications in elderly patients in this limited study. ASA class was predictive of medical complications. Interestingly, medical complications were 8% greater in patients with unstable fractures than in patients with stable fractures.
Quality control of commercial quillaja (Quillaja saponaria Molina) extracts by reverse phase HPLC

Saponin-rich extracts of the Chilean indigenous tree Quillaja saponaria Molina are widely used as natural foaming agents in foods and beverages, food emulsifiers, photographic emulsions, vaccine adjuvants, etc. However, with the exception of the vaccine industry, saponin concentration is not adequately quantified. Normally, the quality and price of the extracts are determined using simple foam tests. This may not be adequate, since similar foam levels can be obtained by blending quillaja extracts with other low-cost saponin sources (eg Yucca shidigera extracts). Also, many products are diluted with high amounts of carriers, reducing significantly their saponin concentration. To overcome these problems and standardise the quality of commercial extracts, the use of reverse phase HPLC techniques is explored. It is shown that RP-HPLC yields consistent and repetitive results and can be easily implemented to control the quality of quillaja extracts. Commercial non-refined extracts contain 190–200 g saponins kg−1 solids, while semi-refined extracts contain 750–800 g saponins kg−1 solids. Also, extracts derived from quillaja bark (traditional raw material) and whole quillaja wood (novel ecological production method) have similar saponin composition and concentration. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
Nonresponse to clozapine and premorbid functioning in treatment refractory schizophrenia

Abstract Introduction It is recognized that early treatment can improve outcomes and generally improve recovery potential for those with schizophrenia. Data suggest that poor premorbid functioning has been found to be related to more severe symptoms and poor antipsychotic response; however, little is known about premorbid functioning in patients who have no response to clozapine treatment. Methods This study compares the premorbid functioning among patients who responded to clozapine treatment (20% decrease in total Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale [BPRS] score; n = 35) and those who did not respond (n = 50) to 8 weeks of clozapine treatment. Premorbid functioning was assessed using the Cannon-Spoor Premorbid Adjustment Scale. Results Patients who did not respond to clozapine had significantly lower total BPRS scores (P = .01) at baseline, driven primarily by lower ratings in hostility (P = .007) and activation (P = .02), compared with those who responded to clozapine. Responders and nonresponders did not differ in their age, race, level of education, marital status, age of onset, characterization of the deficit syndrome, and positive or negative symptoms. Nonresponders to clozapine did not improve in any area of symptoms or global functioning, whereas there were significant improvements in BPRS total scores (analysis of covariance) and all symptom domains in the responder groups (P Discussion Clozapine is beneficial to many patients with treatment-resistant symptoms; however, nonresponse to this medication may represent a subtype of patients who may present differently with symptoms. These findings should encourage further examination of early childhood indicators and opportunities for appropriate and effective intervention.
Opportunities for renewable bioenergy using microorganisms

Global warming can be slowed, and perhaps reversed, only when society replaces fossil fuels with renewable, carbon-neutral alternatives. The best option is bioenergy: the sun's energy is captured in biomass and converted to energy forms useful to modern society. To make a dent in global warming, bioenergy must be generated at a very high rate, since the world today uses approximately 10 TW of fossil-fuel energy. And, it must do so without inflicting serious damage on the environment or disrupting our food supply. While most bioenergy options fail on both counts, several microorganism-based options have the potential to produce large amounts of renewable energy without disruptions. In one approach, microbial communities convert the energy value of various biomass residuals to socially useful energy. Biomass residuals come from agricultural, animal, and a variety of industrial operations, as well as from human wastes. Microorganisms can convert almost all of the energy in these wastes to methane, hydrogen, and electricity. In a second approach, photosynthetic microorganisms convert sunlight into biodiesel. Certain algae (eukaryotes) or cyanobacteria (prokaryotes) have high lipid contents. Under proper conditions, these photosynthetic microorganisms can produce lipids for biodiesel with yields per unit area 100 times or more than possible with any plant system. In addition, the non-lipid biomass can be converted to methane, hydrogen, or electricity. Photosynthetic microorganisms do not require arable land, an advantage because our arable land must be used to produce food. Algae or cyanobacteria may be the best option to produce bioenergy at rates high enough to replace a substantial fraction of our society's use of fossil fuels.
Early Biometric Lag in the Prediction of Small for Gestational Age Neonates and Preeclampsia

Objectives An early fetal growth lag may be a marker of future complications. We sought to determine the utility of early biometric variables in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, the crown-rump length at 11 to 14 weeks and the head circumference, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, femur length, humerus length, transverse cerebellar diameter, and estimated fetal weight at 18 to 24 weeks were converted to an estimated gestational age using published regression formulas. Sonographic fetal growth (difference between each biometric gestational age and the crown-rump length gestational age) minus expected fetal growth (number of days elapsed between the two scans) yielded the biometric growth lag. These lags were tested as predictors of small for gestational age (SGA) neonates (≤10th percentile) and preeclampsia. Results A total of 245 patients were included. Thirty-two (13.1%) delivered an SGA neonate, and 43 (17.6%) had the composite outcome. The head circumference, biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and estimated fetal weight lags were identified as significant predictors of SGA neonates after adjusted analyses (P < .05). The addition of either the estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference lag to maternal characteristics alone significantly improved the performance of the predictive model, achieving areas under the curve of 0.72 and 0.74, respectively. No significant association was found between the biometric lag variables and the development of preeclampsia. Conclusions Routinely available biometric data can be used to improve the prediction of adverse outcomes such as SGA. These biometric lags should be considered in efforts to develop screening algorithms for adverse outcomes.
BETTER INFERENCES FROM POPULATION-DYNAMICS EXPERIMENTS USING MONTE CARLO STATE-SPACE LIKELIHOOD METHODS

In experimental population ecology, there is often a gap between realistic models used to hypothesize about population dynamics and statistical models used to analyze data. Ecologists routinely conduct experiments where the data from each replicate are short time series of estimated population abundances structured by stage, species, and/or other information, and the conventional test for treatment effects uses a general linear model (GLM) such as analysis of variance (ANOVA). However, GLMs do not incorporate demographic relationships between abundances through time. An alternative is to use population-dynamics models as frameworks for statistical hypothesis testing. This approach requires general methods for fitting structured population models that can incorporate both process noise (stochastic dynamics) and observation error (inaccurate data). This paper presents such methods and compares them to GLMs for testing population-dynamics hypotheses from experiments. The methods are Monte Carlo state-space l...
Poincare's conjecture and the homeotopy group of a closed, orientable 2-manifold

In 1904 Poincare [11] conjectured that every compact, simply-connected closed 3-dimensional manifold is homeomorphic to a 3-sphere. The corresponding result for dimension 2 is classical; for dimension ≧ 5 it was proved by Smale [12] and Stallings [13], but for dimensions 3 and 4 the question remains open. It has been discovered in recent years that the 3-dimensional Poincare conjecture could be reformulated in purely algebraic terms [6, 10, 14, 15] however the algebraic problems which are posed in the references cited above have not, to date, proved tractable.
A 36 V Programmable Instrumentation Amplifier With Sub-20 $\mu$ V Offset and a CMRR in Excess of 120 dB at All Gain Settings

A 36 V capable programmable gain instrumentation amplifier (PGA) is presented with sub-20 muV offset, sub-0.2 muV/degC offset drift and a common-mode rejection (CMRR) that exceeds 120 dB at all gain settings without any trimming. It is the first 36 V capable precision PGA implemented in a high-voltage CMOS process, which, in addition, incorporates several additional functions, such as the detection of input and output fault conditions, provisions for improving system-level settling time and an input switch network. All op-amps used in the PGA employ chopper stabilization with a notch filter that removes chopping glitches, leading to low offset and drift and no 1/f noise. The PGA has a total of 22 gain steps (binary steps between 1/8 to 128, each with an optional multiplying factor of 1 or 1.375) with better than 0.1% gain accuracy, < 0.001% nonlinearity and sub-2 ppm/C gain drift. The input switch network, in addition to acting as a 2-channel multiplexer, also enables various system-level diagnostic features. The PGA is implemented in a 0.35 mum CMOS process with a 36 V extension, has a 3.6 times 2.4 mm chip area and consumes a total quiescent current of 3 mA.
Neuroglial cholinesterases in the normal brain and in Alzheimer's disease: Relationship to plaques, tangles, and patterns of selective vulnerability

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and an altered form of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) accumulate in the plaques and tangles of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The sources for these plaque- and tangle-bound cholinesterases have not been identified. We now report that AChE and BChE activities with pH preferences and inhibitor selectivities identical to those of plaque- and tangle-bound cholinesterases are found in the astrocytes and oligodendrocytes of control and AD brains. These glial-type cholinesterases are selectively inhibited by indolamines and protease inhibitors. In control brains glial-type cholinesterases appear confined to the intracellular space, whereas in patients with AD they decorate plaques and tangles as well. In control and AD brains AChE-positive glia are distributed throughout the cortical layers and subcortical white matter, whereas BChE-positive glia reach high densities only in the deep cortical layers and white matter. In non-AD control brains, the ratio of BChE to AChE glia was higher in entorhinal and inferotemporal cortex, two regions with a high susceptibility to the pathology of AD, than in primary somatosensory and visual cortex, two areas with a relatively lower susceptibility to the disease process. There was no age-related differences in the density or distribution of cholinesterase-positive glia. In comparison with age-matched control specimens, AD brains had a significantly higher density of BChE glia and a lower density of AChE glia in entorhinal and inferotemporal regions but not in the primary somatosensory or visual areas. These results suggest that glia constitute a likely source for the cholinesterase activity of plaques and tangles and that a high ratio of BChE- to AChE-positive glia may play a permissive or causative role in the neuropathology of AD.
Review of Smart Materials Actuation Solutions for Aeroelastic and Vibration Control

The paper reviews recent achievements in the application of smart-materials actuation to counteract aeroelastic and vibration effects in helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. A brief review of the induced-strain actuation principles and capabilities is done first. Attention is then focused on the smart rotor blade applications. Induced twist, active blade tip, and active blade flap are presented, with emphasis on experimental results. The fixed wing aircraft applications are considered next. Experiments of active flutter control, buffet suppression, gust load alleviation, and sonic fatigue reduction are discussed. Conclusions and directions for further work are presented at the end of the paper.
Influence of breast feeding on subsequent reactivity to a related renal allograft

In a previous report the hypothesis that exposure of the neonate to maternal allogeneic cells via the process of breast feeding would result in hyporesponsiveness to a subsequent maternal donor-related renal transplant was examined. Support for this hypothesis was obtained after correlating results of maternal donor-related renal transplantation with the breast feeding status of the transplant recipient. In the present report this observation has been expanded upon and it was asked if a history of breast feeding was associated with improved results in a different patient population (HLA semi-identical sibling donors). Breast-fed patients showed dramatic improvements in graft function rates compared to non-breast-fed counterparts at all intervals studied (P less than or equal to 0.001). Because a history of breast feeding correlated with improved results after sibling donor as well as maternal donor transplantation, it was concluded that the breast feeding effect is not entirely specific for maternal antigens. These observations underscore the importance of breast feeding as a variable in clinical-related renal transplantation.
Obligate Roles for p16Ink4a and p19Arf-p53 in the Suppression of Murine Pancreatic Neoplasia

Epithelial tumors of the pancreas exhibit a wide spectrum of histologies with varying propensities for metastasis and tissue invasion. The histogenic relationship among these tumor types is not well established; moreover, the specific role of genetic lesions in the progression of these malignancies is largely undefined. Transgenic mice with ectopic expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) in the pancreatic acinar cells develop tubular metaplasia, a potential premalignant lesion of the pancreatic ductal epithelium. To evaluate the cooperative interactions between TGF-α and signature mutations in pancreatic tumor genesis and progression, TGFα transgenic mice were crossed onto Ink4a/Arf and/or p53 mutant backgrounds. These compound mutant mice developed a novel pancreatic neoplasm, serous cystadenoma (SCA), presenting as large epithelial tumors bearing conspicuous gross and histological resemblances to their human counterpart. TGFα animals heterozygous for both the Ink4a/Arf and the p53 mutation showed a dramatically increased incidence of SCA, indicating synergistic interaction of these alleles. Inactivation of p16Ink4a by loss of heterozygosity, intragenic mutation, or promoter hypermethylation was a common feature in these SCAs, and correspondingly, none of the tumors expressed wild-type p16Ink4a. All tumors sustained loss of p53 or Arf, generally in a mutually exclusive fashion. The tumor incidence data and molecular profiles establish a pathogenic role for the dual inactivation of p16Ink4a and p19Arf-p53 in the development of SCA in mice, demonstrating that p16Ink4a is a murine tumor suppressor. This genetically defined model provides insights into the molecular pathogenesis of SCA and serves as a platform for dissection of cell-specific programs of epithelial tumor suppression.
Diffractive results from CDF

We present a reference review of diffractive results from CDF for $\bar{p}p$ collisions at $\sqrt s = 540$, 630, 1800, and 1960 GeV at the Tevatron, published in 19 PRL/PRD papers from 1994 to 2012. Both soft and hard diffractive results are included for single and/or double dissociation, central diffraction or double Pomeron exchange (where both the proton and antiproton remain intact), multi-gap diffraction (a combination of single and double dissociation), elastic scattering, and the total cross-section, which through the optical theorem is related to the imaginary part of the forward elastic scattering amplitude. In each review, we include the comparisons made by CDF with theoretical predictions.
Preparation, characterization and mucoadhesive interactions of poly (methacrylic acid) copolymers with rat mucosa

Abstract Crosslinked hydrophilic copolymers of methacrylic acid (MAA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared by suspension polymerization in an aqueous medium using 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile as the initiator and hydroxyapatite as the suspending agent. The equilibrium and dynamic swelling behavior of the ensuing copolymeric microparticles were characterized in different citrate-phosphate-borate buffer solutions. Interaction of these microparticles with bovine submaxillary mucin and intestinal mucosa freshly excised from Sprague-Dawley rats and stored in a pH 7.4 buffer solution was studied using a flow channel. A higher MAA content in the polymer resulted in a higher mucoadhesive force. The crosslinking density did not have an effect on the mucoadhesive force, indicating that the predominant bioadhesive contribution to this interfacial phenomenon was the chemical interaction at the interface between the polymer microparticle and the mucosa.
Factors affecting calf livability for Holsteins.

Abstract A total of 136,775 records from Holstein calvings was obtained from the National Association of Animal Breeders. Calf mortality (scored as dead at birth plus dead by 48h) was greater for males (7.6%) than for females (5.6%). First parities of dams showed about two times as much calf mortality as later parities (10.5 versus 5.6%). Relationship was nonlinear between calf livability and size of calf, regardless of parity-of-dam and sex-of-calf effects. Dead calves averaged 1.2 days shorter gestation than live calves (279.6 days). Sex of calf, parity of dam, and linear and quadratic gestation length affected calf livability when the model also included sires. Percentage of calf mortality of progeny of individual sires ranged from 1 to 16% for sires with at least 60 progeny. Mixed model estimates of heritabilities of livability were 1.02% (when coded as 1-alive at 48h, 2-dead at birth, and 3-dead wthin 48h) and 1.54% (when coded as 1-alive, 2-dead by 48h). Heritability decreased 26% when gestation length was ignored. Attempts to normalize scores did not improve estimates of heritability. Heritability for livability was small.
Eligibility and Response Guidelines for Phase II Clinical Trials in Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer: Recommendations From the Prostate-Specific Antigen Working Group

PURPOSE: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein that is found almost exclusively in normal and neoplastic prostate cells. For patients with metastatic disease, changes in PSA will often antedate changes in bone scan. Furthermore, many but not all investigators have observed an association between a decline in PSA levels of 50% or greater and survival. Since the majority of phase II clinical trials for patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC) have used PSA as a marker, we believed it was important for investigators to agree on definitions and values for a minimum set of parameters for eligibility and PSA declines and to develop a common approach to outcome analysis and reporting. We held a consensus conference with 26 leading investigators in the field of AIPC to define these parameters. RESULT: We defined four patient groups: (1) progressive measurable disease, (2) progressive bone metastasis, (3) stable metastases and a rising PSA, and (4) rising PSA and no other evidence of m...
Counterion Effects on the Sorption of Cationic Surfactant and Chromate on Natural Clinoptilolite

We determined the effect of selected counterions (Cl-, Br-, and HSO4-) on the sorption of the cationic surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonuium (HDTMA) on clinoptilolite zeolite and on the subsequent sorption of chromate by HDTMA−zeolite. The HDTMA sorption on the zeolite, as characterized by the Langmuir sorption maximum, followed the trend HDTMA-Br > HDTMA-Cl > HDTMA-HSO4 (208, 151, and 132 mmol/kg, respectively). The same counterion trend was observed for HDTMA sorption on KGA-1 kaolinite. Measurement of counterion sorption indicated that HDTMA-Br and HDTMA-Cl formed complete bilayers on the zeolite, whereas HDTMA-HSO4 showed less than full bilayer formation. Competitive sorption between HDTMA-Br and HDTMA-Cl on the zeolite also showed a preference for the Br- counterion. The counterion stabilization of HDTMA admicelles on the zeolite surface follows the same trends as the counterion stabilization of micelles in solution. Chromate sorption was also strongly influenced by the HDTMA−zeolite counterion, wit...
Nurses, nannies and caring work: importation, visibility and marketability

This paper examines nurses’ international migration within the broader context of female migration, particularly against more studied groups of women who have migrated for employment in care-giving roles. We analyze the similarities and differences between skilled professional female migrants (nurses) and domestic workers (nannies and in-home caretakers) and how societal expectations, meanings, and values of care and ‘women’s work’, together with myriad social, cultural, economic and political processes, construct the female migrant care-giver experience. We argue that, as the recruitment of foreign workers gains visibility, strategies are introduced to better prepare female migrant care-givers for the marketplace. Language, specifically command of English and accent modification, is highlighted as one means to assimilate migrant care-givers to host communities.
Occupational stress and adaptation of immigrant nurses from the Philippines

Immigrant nurses face multiple challenges that create vulnerability to stress. The purpose of this study was to explore the stresses and work experiences of Filipino immigrant nurses. Specific aims...
Interaction of mannose-binding lectin with HIV type 1 is sufficient for virus opsonization but not neutralization.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a microbe-recognition protein in serum, binds to high mannose glycans on HIV-1 gp120 and has been reported to neutralize the cell line-adapted strain HIVIIIB. Because HIV primary isolates (PI) are generally more resistant to neutralization by antibodies and considering that PI are produced in primary cells that could alter the number of high mannose glycans on HIV relative to cell lines, we assessed the ability to MBL to neutralize HIV PI. MBL at concentrations up to 50 μg/ml mediated relatively little neutralization (<20%) of HIV PI infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MBL-neutralizing activity was slightly higher for cell line-adapted HIV infection of the H9 T cell line (up to 64% at 50 μg/ml). However, this effect was specific for H9 cells since MBL did not neutralize cell line-adapted virus infection of PBMCs, HIV PI infection of the GHOST cell line, or VSV pseudotyped with HIV gp160 from cell line-derived virus or PI. In contrast to its low activity i...
Spectrophotometric analysis of amniotic fluid: Direct assessment of fetal status in the isoimmunized pregnancy

Abstract Forty-two pregnancies with various types of isoimmunization have been evaluated by direct spectrophotometry of amniotic fluid. The 450 mμ peak was plotted against the week of gestation in which the fluid was obtained. The resultant graph was arbitrarily divided into three zones. A high degree of correlation exists between the zone of the 450 mμ peak and the severity of the fetal hemolytic process. The results of this study indicate that amniotic fluid analysis is a safe procedure, and provides a reliable guide to fetal status in utero and the need for premature delivery in the isoimmunized pregnancy. A plan of management for the isoimmunized pregnancy is presented.
Failed arthrodesis of the spine for severe spondylolisthesis. Salvage by interbody arthrodesis

Four patients who had had grade-III or grade-IV symptomatic spondylolisthesis and a failed posterior or posterolateral arthrodesis were treated with transperitoneal anterior lumbosacral interbody arthrodesis and fixation with a fibular graft; the procedure was sometimes followed by posterolateral arthrodesis of the spine. The patients were examined ten to twenty-two years after the salvage operation. At follow-up, all had a solid fusion of the fifth lumbar to the first sacral vertebra. No neurological deficits had worsened and no iatrogenic neurological deficits had developed. The slip angle had improved by an average of 23.2 degrees (range, 12 to 35 degrees).
Ondansetron: A New Entity in Emesis Control

Nausea and vomiting are serious problems for patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. Dopamine receptor and cholinergic receptor antagonism have been the target mechanism for agents used to combat drug-induced nausea and vomiting; more recently, blockade of serotonin receptors has been used for this indication. Current therapies are limited by extrapyramidal adverse effects, as well as drowsiness, sedation, respiratory depression, and cardiac effects. Ondansetron is an investigational serotonin antagonist that has documented effectiveness for cancer chemotherapy-induced emesis. Ondansetron appears to be well tolerated, with the possible exception of headaches and transient increases in liver enzymes. No extrapyramidal toxicities have been reported with this agent. While ondansetron looks promising, further studies are needed to fully define its role as an antiemetic.
Graphene and monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides: properties and devices

2D materials play a special role in the race to make smaller and smaller devices. Their unique and strong in-plane bonding makes them impervious to diffusion into other layers and provides excellent thickness control. Their van der Waal’s bonding with other monolayers or substrates allows for heterostructures unattainable by any other technique. This is reflected by the abundant popularity of research into graphene and other 2D materials. In this review article, we will describe the out-of-plane properties of graphene and functionalized graphene. We will use three specific examples to illustrate how these out-of-plane properties can be used in spintronic devices, in section “Graphene as a Tunnel Barrier” we will describe a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) based on graphene. Section “Graphene Based MTJs” will describe the spin injecting properties of a graphene tunnel barrier on silicon. Section “Graphene in Semiconductor Spintronic Devices” describes how you can use functionalized graphene to make a homoepitaxial graphene device. The second part of this article reviews monolayer transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). First, we will show how TMDs are grown and specifically how we can grow large-area TMDs by chemical vapor deposition. Secondly, we will describe the optical properties of several TMDs and compare the results from several authors. Finally, we choose a chemical sensor as a specific example to show how TMDs can be used in a device.
After ISAF: partners and proxies in Afghanistan after 2014

AbstractThe conclusion of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan at the end of 2014 has generated substantial uncertainty about the duration and level of international commitment to Afghanistan. The fate of local allies of international forces is therefore deeply in doubt. This article is of necessity speculative rather than empirical, but it attempts to draw on the history of previous intervention in Afghanistan as well as more general patterns of local and external alliance to sketch plausible scenarios for the fate of local allies. It proceeds in four parts. First, it draws distinctions between different types of local allies in Afghanistan based on position and relationship to the Afghan state and an external actor. Second, it examines the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan for relevant lessons for the fate of local allies. Third, it presents a scenario based on the foregoing that assumes there will be an ongoing small but significant international military presence ...
The Opioid Epidemic in the United States

There is an epidemic of opioid abuse. This article discusses the history of opioid use. Abusers of opioids are at great risk of harm. There have been increasing legislative efforts to curb this abuse and we present a review of the current state of these laws. Naloxone has made a profound impact in the care of these patients if they present for medical care early enough. This paper discusses naloxone pharmacodynamics, its use in the medical setting, and how its use is now being expanded to include nontraditional providers with take home naloxone programs.
( t , p ) studies of Ti 52 , V 53 , and Mn 57 and tests of mixed-configuration shell-model calculations

Nineteen levels up to 5.1 MeV in $^{52}\mathrm{Ti}$ and 52 levels up to 4.7 MeV in $^{53}\mathrm{V}$ have been identified using the $^{50}\mathrm{Ti}(t,p)$ and $^{51}\mathrm{V}(t,p)$ reactions. Measured angular distributions were compared with results of distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations. In $^{52}\mathrm{Ti}$, the experimental angular distributions agree with distorted-wave Born-approximation shapes for four states whose ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$ values were previously known. For six levels we make clear $L$ (and hence ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$) assignments, and we present tentative assignments for six additional levels. In $^{53}\mathrm{V}$, no discrepancies were found between spin assignments suggested in earlier studies and the spin limitations imposed by the $L$ values extracted from the ($t,p$) angular distributions. The present results along with the experimental results from an earlier $^{55}\mathrm{Mn}(t,p)^{57}\mathrm{Mn}$ study were used to test mixed-configuration shell-model calculations for the three residual nuclei. The agreement between the experimental and predicted level schemes is good up to 1.5 MeV, but above this energy a number of levels are present which are not predicted by the calculation. The shell-model wave functions were also used to calculate spectroscopic amplitudes for two-nucleon transfer reactions. In all three residual nuclei, fair agreement is found between the experimental strengths and the strengths predicted by the calculations.
Type and the developmental city: housing Singapore

The article proposes to revalidate the instrumentality of type as a heuristic device and in so doing, uncover the cultural, social and political reasoning behind the architecture of the developmental city in Far East Asia. The question of type in the context of the discussion of the city was last raised in Aldo Rossi's L'Architettura della Citta, 1966. This understanding of type and typology was firmly based on the architectural theories of the Enlightenment and the historical European city. I would argue that this is inadequate to describe, conceptualise and theorise the contemporary East Asian City, exemplified by Singapore as a developmental city state, from the 1960s to 2000s. I will show that this seemingly new phenomenon has a long history, in fact, and is tied to the way in which the city, as an extension of the conception of family and state, is conceived in the culture and philosophy of ancient China. This will crucially serve to further the discussion of the dominant type and the idea of the cit...
Planning for Climate Adaptation Evaluating the Changing Patterns of Social Vulnerability and Adaptation Challenges in Three Coastal Cities

While recent research has recognized the importance of considering social vulnerability, the changing patterns of social vulnerability within cities and the climate adaptation challenges these shif...
Internal Communication Design of Stability Control Device Applied in Smart Substation

The development of smart grid and smart substation requires a high demand for stability control device internal communication structure.According to the requirements of stability control,smart substation and wide-area stability control system,this article summarized the improvements to be made on stability control device internal communication.Then it proposed a standard communication structure which could be applied to both inside the stability control devices and between them.The structure was based on an flexible and reusable communication module,which was designed as a IP(Intellectual Porperty) core in FPGA(Filed-Programmable Gate Array).It integrated multi-layer communication protocols such as link layer,transport layer and network layer.Many aspects of the model were described such as stability control device internal communication plan,technologies and implementations of the communication module and the actual communication performance tests.Field application results showed that this design could meet the requirements of stability control devices in smart substation.
The Supply Chain Revenue Sharing Contract Coordination Model with Risk Preferences

For a two-stage supply chain system which consists of a risk-neutral supplier and a retailer with risk preferences,a supply chain revenue-sharing contract model with two risk parameters described by pessimism coefficient and degree of risk averse based on mean-CVaR(Conditional Value-at-Risk)is established.The optimal order of a retailer with different risk preferences is derived,and the order changes of retailers under different risk preference parameters are analyzed.An optimal revenue-sharing contract coordination mechanism is proposed,and the supply chain members' operation decisions and performances with the change of system parameters are discussed.At last,numerical calculations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of designed supply chain revenue-sharing contract.The results show that the revenue-sharing contract can not only coordinate supply chain under the risk neutral condition,but also completely coordinate a supply chain with different risk preferences.Different from that in sisk-neutral situation,the profits of supply chain members will be affected by both contract parameters and risk parameters under risk preferences.
Molecular-Directed Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment

Importance Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing, and when fine-needle aspiration biopsy results are cytologically indeterminate, the diagnosis is often still established only after thyroidectomy. Molecular marker testing may be helpful in guiding patient-oriented and tailored management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Objective To summarize available data on the use of molecular testing to improve the diagnosis and prognostication of thyroid cancer. Evidence Review A MEDLINE review was conducted using the primary search terms molecular , thyroid cancer , thyroid nodule , and gene expression classifier in search strings. Articles were restricted to those published between January 1, 2010, and June 1, 2015, inclusive of adult humans, and reported in the English language only. Findings Of 867 titles screened, 67 articles were further identified for review of the full text. The 2 most studied molecular marker testing techniques for indeterminate thyroid nodules include gene expression classifier analysis and evaluation for somatic mutations or rearrangements that are commonly found in thyroid cancer (7-gene panel). Nodules with benign results on gene expression classifier analysis can be associated with less than a 5% risk of cancer and may be observed, while nodules with positive results on the 7-gene panel may have a higher risk of cancer (80%-100%) and definitive surgery can be recommended. However, cancer prevalence and geographic variations in histologic subtypes may affect accuracy and clinical applicability of both tests. Molecular marker tests such as ThyroSeq version 2.1 are more comprehensive, but they need further validation. Preoperative risk stratification using molecular markers also may be used to better define the optimal extent of thyroidectomy for patients with thyroid cancer. Conclusions and Relevance Molecular markers potentially can augment the diagnostic specificity of fine-needle aspiration biopsy to better differentiate cytologically indeterminate nodules that can be safely observed from cytologically indeterminate nodules that may be associated with differentiated thyroid cancer. Long-term follow-up data are still needed; in the end, patient preference regarding the relative risks and benefits of molecular testing is at the crux of decision making.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Photoallergic Contact Dermatitis, and Phototoxic Dermatitis

Allergic eczematous contact dermatitis (ACD) is a disease of great clinical, scientific, and historical interest. This is in part due to the very characteristic changes in the epidermis and dermis evoked by this perhaps most uniquely “cutaneous” immunological response. Its historical interest derives from the fact that some of the first recognized cardinal clinical features of immune responses in man can be traced to ACD. These include the clear-cut relationship between clinical exposure to the allergen and the resultant predictable clinical and histological changes, the reproduction of the disease by deliberate exposure to the allergen, and the development of the patch test as a clinically useful tool.
Physics-based modeling of a chain continuously variable transmission

Abstract This paper focuses on a physics-based model of a chain CVT. The study starts from kinematics of an infinitely small chain segment, and then investigates the fundamental dynamics of the chain segment. A speed-dependent continuous friction model is employed that accounts for both micro-slip and macro-slip conditions. Pulley axial dynamics is studied and is coupled with chain segment radial movement. The classical pulley deformation (Sattler's model) is included in the model. Simulation results show that pulley deformation plays an important role in defining the chain CVT dynamics. Unlike a rigid pulley, sliding angle with a deformable pulley is not a constant. Internal forces like chain tension and normal contact force are not monotonic function of angular position within the wrap. The simulation results compare well, qualitatively and quantitatively, with data published in literature and clamp force ratio (KpKs) values from dynamometer testing.
Transoral robotic surgery: The radiation oncologist's perspective

Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is a fascinating new technology allowing for excellent functional outcomes after resection of head and neck tumors that previously required morbid surgical approaches for access. With a new technology, however, come new questions as to optimal patient selection and its impact on adjuvant therapy considerations. Here we review the issues most pertinent to a radiation oncologist adapting to the use of TORS. Patient selection, indications for adjuvant radiotherapy, radiation dose and target volumes are discussed. Finally, ongoing clinical trials and future directions are considered.
C3 transferase gene therapy for continuous conditional RhoA inhibition

Regrowth inhibitory molecules prevent axon regeneration in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). RhoA, a small GTPase in the Rho family, is a key intracellular switch that mediates the effects of these extracellular regrowth inhibitors. The bacterial enzyme C3-ADP ribosyltransferase (C3) selectively and irreversibly inhibits the activation of RhoA and stimulates axon outgrowth and regeneration. However, effective intracellular delivery of the C3 protein in vivo is limited by poor cell permeability and a short duration of action. To address this, we have developed a gene therapy approach using viral vectors to introduce the C3 gene into neurons or neuronal progenitors. Our vectors deliver C3 in a cell-autonomous (endogenous) or a cell-nonautonomous (secretable/permeable) fashion and promote in vitro process outgrowth on inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan substrate. Further conditional control of our vectors was achieved via the addition of a Tet-On system, which allows for transcriptional control with doxycycline administration. These vectors will be crucial tools for promoting continued axonal regeneration after CNS injuries or neurodegenerative diseases.