cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[Recurrent distal ileal obstruction by a trichobezoar in a 5-year-old child].

Resume Le diagnostic de trichobezoar est difficile du fait de sa faible prevalence en pediatrie et de la meconnaissance des troubles comportementaux de l’enfant. Nous rapportons un cas d’occlusion intestinale basse chez une enfant de 5 ans diagnostiquee avec retard et due a un trichobezoar revele en peroperatoire et situe a 15 cm de la valvule de Bauhin. Les conduites proposees dans la litterature divergent aussi bien concernant l’indication de la tomodensitometrie, dont le role est diagnostique et pronostique, que la realisation d’une fibroscopie, encore consideree comme reference diagnostique. L’exploration chirurgicale peut etre le dernier recours, a la fois diagnostique et therapeutique. Le traitement ne peut etre complet sans une prise en charge psychologique au long cours, limitant ainsi les risques de recidives.
On the edge of school: Creating a new context for students' development

This chapter describes a self-directed after-school program that is based on equal participation and input from youths, teachers, and researchers.
Radiometric Instrumentation for High-Altitude Balloon Atmospheric Measurements

A lead sulphide (PbS) sixteen detector (4 x 4 array) multiple filter radiometer suitable for balloon borne platforms was developed by Electro-Dynamics Laboratories at Utah State University. The hostile environment associated with balloon borne systems required that thermal, electrical interface, stabilization, and atmospheric problems be studied. The radiometer design deals mainly with instrument requirements.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Par-1 and Tau regulate the anterior–posterior gradient of microtubules in Drosophila oocytes

The formation of an anterior-posterior (AP) gradient of microtubules in Drosophila oocytes is essential for specification of the AP axis. Proper microtubule organization in the oocyte requires the function of serine/threonine kinase Par-1. The N1S isoform of Par-1 is enriched at the posterior cortex of the oocyte from stage 7 of oogenesis. Here we report that posterior restriction of Par-1 (N1S) kinase activity is critical for microtubule AP gradient formation. Egg chambers with excessive and ectopic Par-1 (N1S) kinase activity in the germline cells display phenotypes similar to those of egg chambers treated with the microtubule-depolymerizing drug colcemid: depolymerization of microtubules in the oocyte and disruption of oocyte nucleus localization. A phosphorylation target of Par-1, the microtubule-associated protein Tau, is also involved in oocyte polarity formation, and overexpression of Tau alleviates the phenotypes caused by ectopic Par-1 (N1S) kinase activity, suggesting that Par-1 regulates oocyte polarity at least partly through Tau. Our findings reveal that maintaining proper levels of Par-1 at correct position in the oocyte is key to oocyte polarity formation and that the conserved role of Par-1 and Tau is crucial for the establishment of an AP gradient of microtubules and for AP axis specification.
Ultraviolet light and enzyme synthesis

The effect of u.v. light on the induction of β -galactosidase synthesis and the derepression of ornithine transcarbamylase synthesis in whole cells of Escherichia coli was examined. Initially it was found that while ornithine transcarbamylase formation during de-repression was relatively resistant to u.v. exposure, β -galactosidase induction in the same cell suspensions appeared to be almost as sensitive as colony-forming ability. However, further analysis revealed that the apparent rapid loss of ability of cells to produce β -galactosidase in response to u.v. light was due to two factors. First, cells repressed for the enzymes leading toward biosynthesis of arginine showed a lag in protein formation which tended to amplify the effects of u.v. light. Secondly, it was found that the presence of glycerol during induction after irradiation was largely responsible for the observed sensitivity of β -galactosidase synthesis to u.v. light. In the absence of glycerol it was found that β -galactosidase induction was as resistant to u.v. light as was de-repression of ornithine transcarbamylase.
Preliminary NSQIP results: A tool for quality improvement

OBJECTIVE: To utilize National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data to evaluate patient outcomes in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective medical chart abstraction of patients undergoing major surgical procedures in the inpatient and outpatient setting. SETTING: Academic/teaching hospitals with more than 500 beds. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The American College of Surgeons NSQIP collects data on 135 variables including preoperative risk factors, intraoperative variables, and 30-day-postoperative mortality and morbidity outcomes for patients undergoing major surgical procedures in the inpatient and outpatient setting. As of August 2008, there are currently 47 hospitals submitting data for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. RESULTS: Opportunities for improvement were identified in respiratory, wound, and venothromboembolic (VTE) occurrences. Implementation of a standardized VTE and perioperative protocol resulted in a decreased length of stay and observed-to-expected (O/E) morbidity and mortality for all surgical services. CONCLUSION: NSQIP reports form the basis for quality improvement with targeted interventions in areas of concern that result in changes in patient care processes. The reports are composed of outcomes-based, risk-adjusted data that are submitted by participating hospitals and have recently included data for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Actions taken based on NSQIP data demonstrate improvements in patient morbidity and mortality, decreased length of stay, and decreased hospital costs. In a time of increased scrutiny of health care costs and outcomes, NSQIP is an important tool for surgeons to improve quality and decrease costs.
Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction Complicated by a Very Large Ventricular Septal Rupture and Cardiogenic Shock

![Figure][1] [Online Video 1][2] Coronary angiogram of right coronary artery. ![Figure][1] [Online Video 2][3] Subcostal view of ventricular septal rupture (VSR) on 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiogram (ECG). ![Figure][1] [Online Video 3][4] Subcostal view with color
Altered Dopaminergic Modulation of Prolactin and Aldosterone Secretion in Pseudohypoparathyroidism

It has previously been demonstrated in our laboratory that patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism (PsHP) have impaired PRL responses to TRH and chlorpromazine. We have also observed that these patients have low basal plasma renin activity (PRA) and decreased aldosterone responses to upright posture and isometric handgrip exercise. Since inhibitory dopaminergic modulation of PRL and aldosterone is well established, we have examined whether PsHP is associated with altered dopaminergic inhibition of PRL and aldosterone secretion. To investigate this possibility, we compared the plasma PRL, aldosterone, and PRA responses to the dopamine antagonist metoclopramide (MCP; 0 mg iv) in seven normocalcemic PsHP patients and twelve normal controls. These patients were on no medications except calcium and vitamin D for 2 weeks; they were maintained on a diet containing 50 meq of sodium and 80 meq of potassium for 5 days. Although basal PRL levels were similar in the two groups of subjects, the maximal incremental PRL ...
Pathogenesis of Lyme neuroborreliosis: Borrelia burgdorferi lipoproteins induce both proliferation and apoptosis in rhesus monkey astrocytes

Brain invasion by Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, results in an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder called neuroborreliosis. In humans, neuroborreliosis has been correlated with enhanced concentration of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the cerebrospinal fluid, a sign of astrogliosis. Rhesus monkeys infected by us with B. burgdorferi showed evidence of astrogliosis, namely astrocyte proliferation and apoptosis. We formulated the hypothesis that astrogliosis could be caused by spirochetal lipoproteins. We established primary cultures of rhesus monkey astrocytes and stimulated the cells with recombinant lipidated outer surface protein A (L-OspA), a model B. burgdorferi lipoprotein, and tripalmitoyl-S-glyceryl-Cys-Ser-Lys4-OH (Pam3Cys), a synthetic lipopeptide that mimics the structure of the lipoprotein lipid moiety. L-OspA elicited not only astrocyte proliferation but also apoptosis, two features observed during astrogliosis. Astrocytes produced both IL-6 and TNF-α in response to L-OspA and Pam3Cys. Proliferation induced by L-OspA was diminished in the presence of an excess of anti-IL-6 antibody, and apoptosis induced by this lipoprotein was completely suppressed with anti-TNF-α antibody. Hence, IL-6 contributes to, and TNF-α determines, astrocyte proliferation and apoptosis, respectively, as elicited by lipoproteins. Our results provide proof of the principle that spirochetal lipoproteins could be key virulence factors in Lyme neuroborreliosis, and that astrogliosis might contribute to neuroborreliosis pathogenesis.
Animal Cognition: Great Apes Wait for Grapes

Summary Humans may be patient when it comes to money, but chimpanzees are willing to wait longer than humans for food, suggesting patience is neither innate nor uniquely human.
Omalizumab-induced reductions in mast cell FcεRI expression and function

Abstract Background By design, omalizumab binds free IgE in the circulation and prevents its attachment to the surface of mast cells and basophils, thereby preventing them from responding to allergens. Previously, omalizumab rapidly reduced free IgE levels, as well as basophil high-affinity IgE receptors, leading to significant reductions in basophil mediator response to allergen. It is assumed that tissue mast cells are similarly altered in their FceRI density and function. Objective We examined the phenotypic shift of skin mast cells in parallel to that of blood basophils in 3 subjects infused with omalizumab. Methods Three subjects with allergic rhinitis underwent intradermal skin test titration with house dust mite antigen at days 0, 7, 70, and 196 of omalizumab treatment. As control subjects, 5 untreated subjects with allergic rhinitis were evaluated at similar time points. All subjects underwent skin biopsy 18 to 24 hours later at the site of allergen injection. Biopsy specimens were characterized by means of immunohistochemisty for tryptase and FceRIα immunoreactivity, as well other markers (CD3, CD45RO, CD68, cutaneous lymphocyte antigen, and major basic protein). Results Omalizumab recipients, but not control subjects, demonstrated reductions in FceRIα immunoreactivity at days 70 and 196 in parallel with reductions in the acute wheal response to allergen. However, no reductions in tryptase-positive cells were noted at these time points. Conclusion Reductions in free IgE levels by omalizumab leads to a rapid reduction in basophil FceRI receptor expression. In contrast, the time course for the decrease of FceRI expression in skin mast cells is slower and associated with decreased acute allergen wheal size.
Brownian diffusion in a nonuniform gas

An analysis is made of the effects on the diffusion of Brownian particles whose Knudsen number is large compared to unity, of nonuniformities in the host gas. As examples, in one type of nonuniformity of the host gas, the Chapman-Enskog velocity distribution function for the gas molecules is used; in the other, the host gas is a free-molecule Couette flow. In both cases, a new force on the Brownian particles appears. Two techniques are used (extending Kramers' method and utilizing the Chapman-Enskog method) to transform the new Fokker-Planck equation into generalized Smoluchowski and convective diffusion equations. In these equations, the diffusion coefficient appears as a second-order tensor. Thus, it is demonstrated that Brownian diffusion in a nonuniform gas is anisotropic.
Gender, Queers and Teaching Identity: The Private and Public Lives of Adrienne/Leo and the Photographic Journey of Rebecca Schmidt Kupietz

ABSTRACT A teacher educator reports on an undergraduate photographer/preservice art teacher who explores issues of gender and sexual identity through her artwork, while considering how her developing identity as a teacher will intersect with a budding polyamorous, queer identity.
Appendix A—Report of the Sub‐Committee on Bibliography

The Sub-Committee on Bibliography, appointed by the Chairman of the Special Committee on Flood-Waves on September 2, 1937, consisted of H. N. Eaton, Robert E. Horton, R. S. Goodridge, M. P. O'Brien, and F. T. Mavis (Chairman). It was instructed to prepare “an annotated bibliography of classical and recent works on flood-waves … probably giving consideration to unanalyzed experimental data as fully as to mathematical treatments.” A progress-report of this Sub-Committee was published in the Transactions [Amer. Geophys. Union, 1938, pp. 362–363]. Submitted herewith is an “Annotated bibliography and abstracts of flood-waves and related phenomena” covering approximately three hundred references. About one-half of these have been checked and abstracted or annotated in the following “Bibliographical abstracts.” The balance of this Report is devoted to references which have been gathered from bibliographic sources but have not been checked in detail to determine whether they pertain to flood-waves and related phenomena. The advisability of preparing informative abstracts of articles may not be self evident and the task of abstracting the literature pertinent to flood-waves may become burdensome to a small committee. Shall the work of abstracting the literature be further distributed? How can the material best be made available to members interested? On these questions the Sub-Committee desires advice and suggestions of the Special Committee on Flood-Waves.
A direct repeat (DR-1) element in the first exon modulates transcription of the preproenkephalin A gene

Abstract The preproenkephalin A gene is regulated by upstream cis -acting elements which respond to various signals, such as cAMP, calcium, and phorbol esters. An additional regulatory element was detected downstream of the transcription start site of the human preproenkephalin A gene in transfection experiments. The element was localized by DNAse I footprinting and methylation interference assays to a direct repeat (DR-1) element in the first (untranslated) exon. Deletion or mutation of this site reduced transcriptional activity of promoter-reporter constructs by over 50%. Antibodies against COUP-TFβ/ARP-1 and RXR transcription factors altered the pattern seen on electrophoretic mobility shift assays using double-stranded oligonucleotide containing the exon 1 protein binding site. This suggests that the factors that bind this site and modulate transcription of the PPE gene include members of the COUP-TF and retinoid X receptor families.
The challenge of self-mutilation: A review

The challenge of self-mutilation among humans arises from the imprecision of much of the existing literature, as well as the countertransference such disturbing behavior mobilizes. Self-mutilation is defined as an individual's intentionally damaging a part of his or her own body apparently without a conscious intent to die. The importance of understanding this behavior is reflected in the frequency with which it is encountered among psychiatric patients, particularly those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder or schizophrenia. The distinguishing characteristics of dermal, ocular, and genital self-mutilation illustrate the diverse clinical settings in which mutilation arises. Numerous explanations with differing degrees of complexity and merit have been offered; yet, no clear consensus has emerged. Psychotherapy, behavior therapy, and chemotherapy, while controversial, remain the most compelling treatment options. Salient areas for further study include epidemiology both for specific groups and the general population, possible biologic bases for the behavior, and additional management options.
Resource Orchestration to Create Competitive Advantage Breadth, Depth, and Life Cycle Effects

In this article, the authors discuss how an emerging research stream, which they term resource orchestration, has the potential to extend the understanding of resource-based theory (RBT) by explicitly addressing the role of managers’ actions to effectively structure, bundle, and leverage firm resources. First, the authors review this emerging stream by comparing two related frameworks, resource management and asset orchestration. This comparison leads to their integration, which enables a more precise understanding of managers’ roles within RBT. Then the authors discuss what is known and what remains to be known about resource orchestration. This leads to in-depth reviews of three areas where research on resource orchestration can be used to extend RBT. These areas are (1) breadth (resource orchestration across the scope of the firm), (2) life cycle (resource orchestration at various stages of firm maturity), and (3) depth (resource orchestration across levels of the firm). They close with a discussion of...
Ordering Chaos: An Integrated Guide and Online Archive of Walt Whitman's Poetry Manuscripts

In order to organize the widely dispersed manuscripts of Walt Whitman, The Walt Whitman Archive, in partnership with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, has utilized the power of Encoded Archival Description (EAD) to create a single, scholarly enhanced guide to Whitman's poetry manuscripts. This integrated finding guide to Whitman's poetry manuscripts includes item-level description, links to repository guides that provide both location information and collection context, links to digital images of the manuscripts, and links to Text Encoding Initiative (TEI) transcriptions. In creating such a guide, we had to work cooperatively across disciplines and institutions, expand the use of EAD, and address how best to integrate description and transcription (EAD and TEI files). This essay describes our procedure as we created the integrated guide. From collecting finding aids and creating partnerships with other institutions, to developing a proper encoding standard and establishing good cross-department working relations, our project has embodied many of the benefits and challenges of digital work in the humanities. By identifying our procedures, and by laying out our future hurdles, we hope we can advance knowledge about Whitman and about how scholars and archivists can collaborate effectively to advance research, improve access, and realize the potential of EAD.
Propagation of light pulse in an ultra-cold atomic vapor: mechanism for the loss of the probe field

We examine the role of nearby hyper-fine levels in a three-level transparency driven system in which a slow group velocity of light propagation is anticipated. In addition to accounting for the significant (>80%) probe field loss, our theory can accurately model the significant (near 30%) pulse broadening found in two recent experiments. Other excitation schemes for reducing the absorption from nearby levels are discussed.
REAL-TIME SCHEDULING OF FREIGHT RAILROADS

Abstract This article presents a model for the optimization of freight trains schedules that is intended to be used as part of a real-time control system. The goal of this model is to provide a link between strategic schedules, which might be decided every month, and line dispatching or CAD models which need to know the scheduled arrival and departure times for each train at the ends of each lane at very frequent intervals. An algorithm for the problem along with an efficient heuristic are described and then tested on a portion of a major North American railroad to ascertain their efficiency and efficacy.
Electrical conductivities of the freshly excised cerebral cortex in epilepsy surgery patients; correlation with pathology, seizure duration, and diffusion tensor imaging.

The electrical conductivities (σ) of freshly excised neocortex and subcortical white matter were studied in the frequency range of physiological relevance for EEG (5–1005 Hz) in 21 patients (ages 0.67 to 55 years) undergoing epilepsy neurosurgery. Surgical patients were classified as having cortical dysplasia (CD) or non-CD pathologies. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) was obtained in 9 patients. Results found that electrical conductivities in freshly excised neocortex vary significantly from patient to patient (σ = 0.0660–0.156 S/m). Cerebral cortex from CD patients had increased conductivities compared with non-CD cases. In addition, longer seizure durations positively correlated with conductivities for CD tissue, while they negatively correlated for non-CD tissue. DTI ADC eigenvalues inversely correlated with electrical conductivity in CD and non-CD tissue. These results in a small initial cohort indicate that electrical conductivity of freshly excised neocortex from epilepsy surgery patients varies as a consequence of clinical variables, such as underlying pathology and seizure duration, and inversely correlates with DTI ADC values. Understanding how disease affects cortical electrical conductivity and ways to non-invasively measure it, perhaps through DTI, could enhance the ability to localize EEG dipoles and other relevant information in the treatment of epilepsy surgery patients.
The brain expression of genes involved in inflammatory response, the ribosome, and learning and memory is altered by centrally injected lipopolysaccharide in mice

Neuroinflammation plays a role in the progression of several neurodegenerative disorders. We used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model of neuroinflammation to characterize the gene expression changes underlying the inflammatory and behavioral effects of neuroinflammation. A single intracerebroventricular injection of LPS (5 microg) was administered into the lateral ventricle of mice and, 24 h later, we examined gene expression in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus using microarray technology. Gene Ontology (GO) terms for inflammation and the ribosome were significantly enriched by LPS, whereas GO terms associated with learning and memory had decreased expression. We detected 224 changed transcripts in the cerebral cortex and 170 in the hippocampus. Expression of Egr1 (also known as Zif268) and Arc, two genes associated with learning and memory, was significantly lower in the cortex, but not in the hippocampus, of LPS-treated animals. Overall, altered expression of these genes may underlie some of the inflammatory and behavioral effects of neuroinflammation.
Expressed Cell-penetrating Peptides Can Induce a Bystander Effect, but Passage Through the Secretory Pathway Reduces Protein Transduction Activity

Despite advances in vector technology, inefficient gene transfer still limits clinical efficacy of cancer gene therapy. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), such as the basic domain of the transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein of HIV-1, are internalized by intact cells and have been used to deliver purified recombinant proteins. A combination of gene therapy with protein transduction technology could induce a strong bystander effect and represent a platform to deliver proteins to target cells. However, whether expressed CPP can facilitate intercellular trafficking, i.e., a bystander effect, is controversial. Our data suggest that expressed fusion proteins that contain the basic domain of Tat do not induce a detectable bystander effect. However, Tat-fusion proteins that also contain a secretory signal peptide (SP) can induce a bystander effect in vitro, although the in vivo effect is small. Surprisingly, despite the presence of a SP, the bystander effect does not seem to be related to secretion of the fusion protein. In fact, Tat-fusion proteins are secreted very inefficiently, and protein transduction seems largely mediated by fusion proteins that are released by cell lysis. Modification of Tat can improve secretion efficacy and prevent cleavage by the endoprotease furin, but passage through the secretory pathway is associated with reduced transduction activity of Tat-fusion proteins.
Response to Allan Barsky’s Letter to the Editor in regards to our article “Abused Mothers’ Safety Concerns and Court Mediators’ Custody Recommendations”

We read Barsky’s Letter to the Editor thoroughly, and would like to respond with information that will provide clarity to his questions. Barsky’s concerns relate to his statement: “...it is not clear that the researchers were actually studying a mediation process.” First, we specified in the article title that the family court official under study was a court mediator. Second, we defined this specific role in the Setting subsection within the Method section, as that is where such information is relevant. Specifically, we stated:
Catalytic methanation over single crystal nickel and ruthenium: Reaction kinetics on different crystal planes and the correlation of surface carbide concentration with reaction rate

The kinetics of the reaction of H2 and CO over single crystals of nicke ((100) and (111)) and ruthenium ((110) and (001)) have been studied as a function of pressure and H2/CO ratio. A striking correlation has been observed between the measured surface carbide concentration and the rate of methane production while varying the H2/CO ratio and the total pressure. This correlation is shown to be a necessary consequence of the reaction mechanism previosly proposed [1] for the catalytic methanation reaction over nickel.
Neurotrophin‐3 and TrkC are expressed in the outflow tract of the developing chicken heart

Transcripts encoding trkC and full-length (catalytic) TrkC receptors were detected in the outflow tract of the chicken heart during early development (stage 17; embryonic day [E] 2.5) before the start of septation. Expression of trkC mRNA persisted through early septation (stage 25, E4.5-E5) but was no longer evident by the end of septation (stage 34, E8). Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) mRNA was also shown to be present in the outflow tract throughout cardiac development. Quail-chick chimeras were used to confirm that cardiac neural crest cells were not present in the outflow tract at stage 17 (E2.5). Our results show that NT-3 interacts with cells in the outflow tract that are not of neural crest origin. This finding indicates that, in addition to effects on neural crest cells, NT-3 may be important for cardiac development due to its interaction with cells in the outflow tract such as those arising from the secondary heart field.
The Pressure Relief System Design for Industrial Reactors

A quick and simple approach for reactor—emergency relief system design—for runaway chemical reactions is presented. A cookbook for system sizing with all main characteristic dimensions and parameters is shown on one realistic example from process industry. System design was done based on existing theories, standards, and correlations obtained from the literature, which were implemented for presented case. A simple and effective method for emergency relief system is shown, which may serve as an example for similar systems design. Obtained results may contribute to better understanding of blow down system frequently used in industrial plants, for increasing safety, decreasing explosion damage, and alleviating the ecological problems together with environmental pollution in case of industrial accidents.
A Search for Ultrarapid Microvariability in the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 7469 with the Hubble Space Telescope

The Faint Object Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST ) was used to obtain spectro- photometric observations of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 7469. The spectra were obtained with a 90 s time resolution in order to resolve the fastest expected variability and to search for rapid characteristic time- scales (e.g., quasi-periodic oscillations or breaks in the power spectrum). The sensitivity of the obser- vations is such that a D1% spectral variation, or a D0.1% photometric variation, are detectable. The observations were taken through a square aperture and do not su†er contamination from the host 0A.86 galaxy and nearby bright starburst ring. During the 11.5 hr spanned by the observations, a 4% rise in the 1315 continuum was seen, with a corresponding smaller rise at longer wavelengths. Variations on Ae timescales of hours or less are of very low amplitude, at or below the Poisson noise levelEthe rms amplitude of the Nuctuations is D1% in the UV and 0.2% in the G160L zero-order photometric bandpass. No periodicities or characteristic timescales are present, nor do we see any evidence for delays between variations at di†erent wavelengths. The HST observations were made during an intense moni- toring campaign using IUE, RXT E, and ground-based observatories, and a comparison with the results of those observations is presented. The 4% rise seen in the HST data agrees well with the IUE light curve. The very small amplitude, rapid Nuctuations are roughly consistent with a power-law extrapo- lation of the power spectrum of the much longer timescale IUE observations. We were unable to deter- mine the amount of correlated variability between the HST and RXT E light curves because the amplitude of the Nuctuations are extremely small at these very rapid timescales. Subject headings: accretion, accretion disks E galaxies: individual (NGC 7469) E galaxies: photometry E galaxies: Seyfert E galaxies: starburst E ultraviolet: galaxies
Experimental characterization of hybrid power systems under pulse current loads

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries, ultracapacitors, and parallel combinations of these devices were characterized with respect to their ability to meet the power demands of pulsed loads. Data are presented in the form of Ragone plots that relate the impact of current amplitude and pulse duty to the specific power and energy storage capacities. Adding a 50 F ultracapacitor in parallel with the battery exhibited up to a 20.3% increase in energy capacity as compared to a continuous discharge of the battery alone. The peak current capacity of the hybrid system was limited to 10 A, to prevent exceeding the maximum safe current of 2.4 A for the battery alone. The hybrid systems also suffered less voltage droop during the pulse ‘on’ time when compared to the battery alone. However, when considered on a per mass basis, the energy and power densities were lower for the hybrids than for the battery alone.
Design, fabrication, and analysis of miniature reflective oxygen monitoring system for use in PDT of esophageal carcinoma

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective and minimally invasive treatment modality with relatively less side effects, which is approved by FDA for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Maximum therapeutic outcome of the PDT protocol for each individual patient requires optimization of the components of PDT operating at their highest efficacy. Tumor necrosis, the method of malignant tissue destruction by PDT, is carried out by the toxic singlet oxygen molecules that are being formed from the molecular oxygen in the tumor. The availability of molecular oxygen, hence being the rate limiting step for PDT plays a key role in the treatment protocol. Currently the PDT of esophageal carcinoma is rather a blind process since there is no method to monitor the tumor oxygen level during the treatment. In this paper we present an optical technique to monitor molecular oxygen level in the PDT milieu. The technique described herein is a reflection oximetry technique designed with small semiconductor lasers and a silicon photodiode. The light used for monitoring system comes from two semiconductor diode lasers of 650 nm and 940 nm wavelengths. The two lasers and the photodiode are mounted onto a small package which is to be imprinted onto a balloon catheter containing the PDT light delivery system. Lasers and the photodiode are powered and controlled by a control box that is connected via a cable. Light sources and the respective photodiode output are controlled by the LabVIEW virtual instrumentation. The sequential on and off light source and the respective reflective signal are processed with MATLAB. The latter code integrates with LabVIEW to make an automatic calculation of the corresponding light absorption by each chromophore and to calculate the change in oxygen level as well as the amount of blood and oxygen present in the treatment area. The designed system is capable of monitoring the change in oxygen level and the blood flow in any part of the human body where the package is possible to place.
A Software Tool for the Design of Critical Robot Missions with Performance Guarantees

Deploying a robot as part of a counter-weapons of mass destruction mission demands that the robotic software operates with high assurance. A unique feature of robotic software development is the need to perform predictably in a physical environment that may only be poorly characterized in advance. In this paper, we present an approach to building high assurance software for robot missions carried out in uncertain environments. The software development framework and the verification algorithm, VIPARS, are described in detail. Results are presented for missions including motion and sensing uncertainty, interaction with obstacles, and the use of sensors to guide behavior.
Behavioral alterations and loss of caudate modulation in the centrum medianum--parafascicular complex of the cat following electrolytic lesions of the substantia nigra.

Abstract Extracellular activity in the centrum medianum-parafascicular complex was examined following electrolytic lesions of the substantia nigra in the cat. Three major changes were observed in the activity of these polysensory medial thalamic neurons: (1) normally quiescent in the intact animal, about 70% of the neurons now dsiplayed spontaneous activity; (2) many of these spontaneously active neurons no longer responded to caudate stimulation and the responses to sensory stimulation were not changed; and (3) while caudate stimulation alone did inhibit some neurons, such stimulation in a conditioning test procedure often failed to inhibit the test response to limb stimulation which ‘broke through’ the inhibitory period. All of these changes were correlated with the extent of damage to the ipsilateral substantia nigra. Additionally, a noticeable change was observed in the behavior of the lesioned animals; intense circling, contralateral to the side of the lesion, persisted for several days following surgery. Other symptoms were arrest reactions, abnormal rhythmic pawing and sluggishness of movement. The results indicate that the substantia nigra is an important element in funneling caudatofugal activity to the centromedian-parafascicular complex where it interacts with, and modulates incoming sensory activity. The loss of this modulation and the removal of a tonic background inhibition, indicated by the increased proportion of spontaneously active neurons, may be important factors in producing the observed behavioral abnormalities.
Between the primate and ‘reptilian’ brain: Rodent models demonstrate the role of corticostriatal circuits in decision making

Decision making can be defined as the flexible integration and transformation of information from the external world into action. Recently, the development of novel genetic tools and new behavioral paradigms has made it attractive to study behavior of all kinds in rodents. By some perspectives, rodents are not an acceptable model for the study of decision making due to their simpler behavior often attributed to their less extensive cortical development when compared to non-human primates. We argue that decision making can be approached with a common framework across species. We review insights from comparative anatomy that suggest the expansion of cortical-striatal connectivity is a key development in evolutionary increases in behavioral flexibility. We briefly review studies that establish a role for corticostriatal circuits in integrative decision making. Finally, we provide an overview of a few recent, highly complementary rodent decision making studies using genetic tools, revealing with new cellular and temporal resolution how, when and where information can be integrated and compared in striatal circuits to influence choice.
Attitudes and Attributes of General Education Teachers Identified as Effective Inclusionists

School principals and special education teachers identified general education teachers who were the most skilled at including students with disabilities in their classrooms. After 10 individuals identified by both principals and special educators were interviewed, seven themes emerged. These teachers (a) described their own personalities as tolerant, reflective, and flexible; (b) accepted responsibility for all students; (c) described a positive working relationship with special educators; (d) reported adjusting expectations for integrated students; (e) indicated that their primary inclusionary attitude was showing interpersonal warmth and acceptance in their interactions with students; (f) felt that there was insufficient time available for collaboration; and (g) expressed reservations about fully including all students. Results are discussed in terms of teacher preparation, administrative practices, implications for increased inclusion, and suggestions for further research.
Serum haptoglobins in experimental coccidioidomycosis — A preliminary report

The level of haptoglobin was determined in control rats and in rats infected withC. immitis. The haptoglobin levels in the infected group were significantly higher than in those in the control group. The possibility that serial determinations may be of value in following the course of this disease is currently being investigated.
Swizzle-Switch Networks for Many-Core Systems

This work revisits the design of crossbar and high-radix interconnects in light of advances in circuit and layout techniques that improve crossbar scalability, obviating the need for deep multi-stage networks. We employ a new building block, the Swizzle-Switch-an energy and area-efficient switching element that can readily scale to radix 64-that has recently been validated via silicon test chips in 45 nm technology. We evaluate the Swizzle-Switch as both the high-radix building block of a Flattened Butterfly and as a single-stage interconnect, the Swizzle-Switch Network. In the process we address the architectural and layout challenges associated with centralized crossbar systems. Compared to a conventional Mesh, the Flattened Butterfly provides a 15% performance improvement with a 2.5× reduction in the standard deviation of on-chip access times. The Swizzle-Switch Network achieves further gains, providing a 21% improvement in performance, a 3× reduction in on-chip access variability, a 33% reduction in interconnect power, and a 25% reduction in total system energy while only increasing chip area by 7%. Finally, this paper details a 3-D integrated version of the Swizzle-Switch Network, showing up to a 30% gain in performance over the 2-D Swizzle-Switch Network for benchmarks sensitive to interconnect latency. One major concern with 3-D designs is thermal dissipation. We show through detailed thermal analysis that with the highly energy-efficient Swizzle-Switch Network design that the thermal budget is well within that of passive cooling solutions.
Effects of time and dietary iron on tissue iron concentration as an estimate of relative bioavailability of supplemental iron sources for ruminants

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of time and dietary Fe on tissue Fe concentrations following short-term, high level supplementation for use as a bioassay procedure for supplemental Fe sources for ruminants. In Experiment 1, 28 wethers were allotted randomly to four experimental diets which were fed for 15 or 30 days. The basal maize–soyabean meal–cottonseed hulls diet (193 mg kg −1 Fe) was supplemented with 0, 400, 800 or1200 mg kg −1 added Fe from reagent grade ferrous sulfate (FeSO 4 ·7H 2 O). Iron concentrations in liver, kidney, and spleen increased ( P −1 Fe) supplemented with 0, 300, 600 or 900 mg kg −1 added Fe from ferrous sulfate or 600 mg kg −1 Fe from ferrous carbonates A, B, or C. Liver Fe concentrations from sheep fed ferrous sulfate were numerically greater than those of animals fed the carbonate sources or control diet. Kidney Fe concentrations from lambs fed ferrous sulfate at 600 mg kg −1 Fe or carbonate-A were greater ( P P −1 Fe as ferrous sulfate, but were similar to other carbonates. Overall average bioavailability estimates based on multiple regression slope ratios for the three tissues were ferrous sulfate 1.00, carbonate-A 0.55, carbonate-B 0.00, and carbonate-C 0.20. Estimates for carbonates A and C were similar to those based on hemoglobin concentrations reported previously for young swine supplemented at dietary concentrations near the requirement.
Frequency Estimation Using Multiple Disjoint Pilot Blocks in Burst-Mode Communications

A practical data-aided frequency estimator, suitable for use in burst-mode communications, is described and analyzed. The estimator is based on pilot symbols organized into disjoint blocks embedded in the burst, and it is a generalization of the autocorrelation frequency estimation technique. The generalizations are needed to account for the spacings between the pilot blocks. It is shown that the frequency estimator exhibits good accuracy while maintaining useful operating ranges.
Fabrication of a multi-applicable removable intraoral denture system for rodent research

Summary The objective was to engineer an inexpensive intraoral removable denture system for rodents that can be utilised in numerous oral health research applications. At the forefront is biofilm research related to Candida-associated denture stomatitis. Previously described intraoral devices are primitive and inadequate. The denture system was engineered consisting of a fixed part that is anchored to the posterior palate by orthodontic wires and acrylic resin and a removable part fitted to the anterior palate that is retained by magnets embedded in the fixed part. Both parts are custom fitted to the rodent palate by impression making and cast fabrication. Rats fitted with the intraoral denture system maintained body weight and normal activity with the device maintaining integrity and durability for upwards of 8 weeks. The denture system was used successfully to establish a working model of denture stomatitis. This newly engineered inexpensive intraoral removable denture system for rodents can be utilised in numerous oral health research applications, including denture-associated infections, biofilms and a variety of biomaterial applications. The removable portion is advantageous for longitudinal analyses and charging/discharging of biomaterials.
Nonlinear THz-pump/THz-probe measurements of semiconductor carrier dynamics

A table-top THz source has been employed to study the nonlinear response of semiconductors to near-half-cycle femtosecond pulses. We report nonlinear field-induced changes in the far infrared absorption coefficient, associated with impact ionization processes.
Biochemical and mechanical extracellular matrix properties dictate mammary epithelial cell motility and assembly.

Understanding cell migration and cell-cell interactions are key to understanding cell invasion, a critical step in the progression of breast cancer. Biochemical and mechanical cues of the extracellular matrix have been shown to play important roles in cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. We have experimentally tested the combined influence of these cues to better understand cell motility, force generation, cell-cell interaction and assembly in an ‘in vitro’ breast cancer model. MCF-10A non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells were observed on surfaces with varying fibronectin ligand concentration and polyacrylamide gel rigidity. Our data shows that cell velocity is biphasic in both matrix rigidity and adhesiveness. The maximum in cell migration velocity occurs only at specific combination of substrate stiffness and ligand density. We found cell-cell interactions reduce migration velocity. However the traction forces cells exert onto the substrate increase linearly with both cues, with cell in pairs exerting higher maximum tractions observed over single cells. A relationship between force and motility shows a maximum in single cell velocity not observed in cell pairs. Cell-cell adhesion becomes strongly favored on softer gels with elasticity ≤ 1250 Pascals (Pa), implying an existence of a compliance threshold that promotes cell-cell over cell-matrix adhesion. Finally on gels with stiffness similar to pre- malignant breast tissue, 400Pa, cells undergo multi-cellular assembly and division into three-dimensional spherical aggregates on a two-dimensional surface.
Adaptive-sparse polynomial dimensional decomposition methods for high-dimensional stochastic computing☆

This article presents two novel adaptive-sparse polynomial dimensional decomposition (PDD) methods for solving high-dimensional uncertainty quantification problems in computational science and engineering. The methods entail global sensitivity analysis for retaining important PDD component functions, and a full- or sparse-grid dimension-reduction integration or quasi Monte Carlo simulation for estimating the PDD expansion coefficients. A unified algorithm, endowed with two distinct ranking schemes for grading component functions, was created for their numerical implementation. The fully adaptive-sparse PDD method is comprehensive and rigorous, leading to the second-moment statistics of a stochastic response that converges to the exact solution when the tolerances vanish. A partially adaptive-sparse PDD method, obtained through regulated adaptivity and sparsity, is economical and is, therefore, expected to solve practical problems with numerous variables. Compared with past developments, the adaptive-sparse PDD methods do not require their truncation parameter(s) to be assigned a priori or arbitrarily. The numerical results reveal that an adaptive-sparse PDD method achieves a desired level of accuracy with considerably fewer coefficients compared with existing PDD approximations. For a required accuracy in calculating the probabilistic response characteristics, the new bivariate adaptive-sparse PDD method is more efficient than the existing bivariately truncated PDD method by almost an order of magnitude. Finally, stochastic dynamic analysis of a disk brake system was performed, demonstrating the ability of the new methods to tackle practical engineering problems.