cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The brittle compressive failure of fresh-water columnar ice loaded biaxially

Abstract New experiments have been performed on the brittle compressive failure of columnar-grained, S2 fresh-water ice, proportionally loaded biaxially across the columns at −10 °C at 4.5 × 10 −3 s −1 . The results and analysis show that under higher confinement ( σ 22 / σ 11 > 0.2) where terminal failure occurs via across-column cleavage and spalling out of the loading plane, a combination of wing crack growth and Euler buckling of deformation-induced thin plates underlies the process.
New magnetic resonance imaging techniques for the detection of breast cancer

The importance of contrast agents in enhancing diagnoses from magnetic resonance images has been established in numerous cases. However, the development of a potent tissue-specific contrast agent, as a sensitive probe for early detection and investigation of the physiological characteristics of a tumor, has not yet been realized in MR imaging (MRI). In nuclear scintigraphy the technique has been demonstrated; however, the poor spacial resolution inherent to the modality and the substantial dose of radioactivity administered to the patient has hindered its widespread use. This article will review the different classes of contrast agents in MRI, with special focus on the strategies involved in the development of targeted tissue-specific MRI contrast agents for the early detection of breast cancer. The features of a new class of contrast agents for targeted MR imaging will be described. Gadolinium-containing melanin polymers (GMP's) have been synthesized as MR contrast agents in our laboratory. These GMP's demonstrate significantly higher relaxivities than any other paramagnetic contrast agents reported; consequently, they are extremely effective contrast enhancing, imaging agents by themselves. The successful coupling of these potent GMP's to a monoclonal antibody specific for breast carcinoma, the 323/A3 monoclonal antibody, suggests thatin vivo tissue-specific MR imaging, at the receptor level, will become feasible in the near future.
Chemoselective small molecules that covalently modify one lysine in a non-enzyme protein in plasma

A small molecule that could bind selectively to and then react chemoselectively with a non-enzyme protein in a complex biological fluid, such as blood, could have numerous practical applications. Herein, we report a family of designed stilbenes that selectively and covalently modify the prominent plasma protein transthyretin in preference to more than 4,000 other human plasma proteins. They react chemoselectively with only one of eight lysine e-amino groups within transthyretin. The crystal structure confirms the expected binding orientation of the stilbene substructure and the anticipated conjugating amide bond. These covalent transthyretin kinetic stabilizers exhibit superior amyloid inhibition potency compared to their noncovalent counterparts, and they prevent cytotoxicity associated with amyloidogenesis. Though there are a few prodrugs that, upon metabolic activation, react with a cysteine residue inactivating a specific non-enzyme, we are unaware of designed small molecules that react with one lysine e-amine within a specific non-enzyme protein in a complex biological fluid.
WATER THIEVERY IN A RICE IRRIGATION SYSTEM IN TAIWAN

ABSTRACT Water thefts and conflicts are more common in some irrigation systems, or in some parts of a single irrigation system, than in others. Water thievery in the Nan-hung canal system in Taiwan is analyzed through an examination of the need to steal, the opportunities to steal, farmer awareness of opportunities to steal, and farmer willingness to steal. Water supply, water rights customs, water control methods, the location of houses, and the size of the system influence the number and distribution of thefts and conflicts.
Racial differences in restless legs symptoms and serum ferritin in an incident dialysis patient cohort

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), a debilitating sleep disorder that is frequently reported by CKD patients on dialysis, may be more common in whites than in non-whites. Iron deficiency is associated with RLS, and serum ferritin is higher among African Americans compared to Caucasians in the general population. No prior studies have compared restless legs symptoms and serum ferritin levels of African-American and those of the Caucasian patients on dialysis. In a multicenter observational study that included in-person interviews and medical chart review, we studied 210 patients who had recently started renal dialysis. Predictors of restless legs symptoms were examined in a multivariable logistic regression model. African Americans had a reduced risk of restless legs complaint compared to Caucasian patients (OR, 0.44 [95% CI 0.21–0.93]; P = 0.03). African-American patients were also less likely than Caucasian patients to have low serum ferritin values (<100 ng/ml), and among patients with serum ferritin ≥100 ng/ml, the average serum ferritin of African-American patients was higher than that of Caucasian patients. Further study of racial and iron status relationships could advance the understanding of RLS pathophysiology, and RLS is an important patient outcome to monitor, as revised anemia and iron protocols are implemented in the clinical setting.
Pulse Harmonic Strength of facial video signal for the detection of atrial fibrillation

It is estimated that 3.2 million people have developed atrial fibrillation (AF) in the United States and 30% of AF patients are unaware of their diagnosis (silent AF). We tested a new technology for contactless detection of AF based on facial video recordings in patients undergoing electrical cardioversion for AF. The proposed technique uses the facial video signal to extract the beat-to-beat variations of the skin color reflecting the cardiac pulsatile signal. We developed the concept of Pulse Harmonic Strength (PHS) to capture AF patterns from this signal. Also, we quantified the variability of the heart rate and pulse rate using additional measurements of heart rate variability. Eleven subjects (65±6 years, 8 males) were enrolled in the study and 407 epochs of 15 sec. were acquired simultaneously with ECG and facial video signals. PHS was associated with a 20% detection error rate of AF in reference to human interpretation while the error rates of the automatic ECG-based measurements ranged between 17% and 29% across the investigated HRV parameters.
Rethinking Components: From Hardware and Software to Systems

The germ of the component idea arose in mass production as the interchangeable part, but in today's information and communications technology (ICT) industries the component can connote considerably more, such as multiple uses, opportunistic combinations with other components, design by assembly, and incremental evolution through field replacement with upgraded components. In spite of its many advantages, the component has failed to keep up with increasing scales of integration, increasing use of software, and the resulting complexity and application diversity. A rethinking of the component and associated industry practices is needed in light of modern technology and applications. Componentization has many payoffs, including as a process for industry coordination, most notably in large multivendor complex systems with fragmented administrative and ownership domains. Invigorating componentization requires abandoning antiquated concepts such as components are exclusively hardware or software or even exclusively technological, are units of manufacture and packaging, or that each component is the responsibility of an individual firm. The system component, which incorporates hardware, software, and oftentimes even human process or organizational elements, whatever is necessary to achieve a coherent body of functionality, is the appropriate perspective today.
Predicting response to splenectomy in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura.

Abstract Purpose Predicting the response to splenectomy in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) continues to be a clinical challenge. The purpose of this study is to identify preoperative predictors of outcome for splenectomy in children with ITP. Methods The charts of 19 children who underwent splenectomy for ITP were retrospectively reviewed. Platelet responses to treatment are categorized as complete response (CR, ≥150,000/ μ L), partial response (PR, ≥50,000 but μ L), or nonresponse (NR, μ L). Results After splenectomy, 13 patients (68%) had CR, 3 (16%) had PR, and 3 (16%) had NR. No correlation existed between CR to splenectomy and any of the following: age, platelet count at diagnosis, last platelet count before splenectomy, platelet count on postoperative day 1, or responses to preoperative intravenous immunoglobulin, WinRho, or Rituximab. However, all 7 patients who had NR to a full course of steroids subsequently had CR to splenectomy. Nonresponse to steroid therapy was directly correlated with CR to splenectomy ( P = .01, Fisher's Exact test). Furthermore, postsplenectomy platelet counts were inversely related to peak platelet response to steroids (correlation coefficient=−0.68, P = .01). Conclusions Preoperative responsiveness to steroid therapy, as measured by peak platelet count, predicts NR to splenectomy for ITP in children, whereas NR to steroid therapy is highly correlated with CR to splenectomy. These findings challenge the widely held notion that steroid responsiveness portends a favorable outcome after splenectomy.
Potassium channel Kir4.1 macromolecular complex in retinal glial cells.

A major role for M€ cells in the retina is to buffer changes in the extracellular K 1 concentration ([K 1 ]o) resulting from light-evoked neuronal activity. The primary K 1 conductance in M€
Fault Diagnosis of MEMS Lateral Comb Resonators Using Multiple-Model Adaptive Estimators

In this brief a fault diagnostic unit is developed for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) by means of multiple model adaptive estimation technique. Fault modeling tools such as contamination and reliability analysis of microelectromechanical layout enabled interpretation of microsystems behavior by evaluating their structural variations and modeling them in form of electric circuits. This technique cannot directly diagnose the faults during operation of microsystems. However, these fault-representing models can be used in multiple model adaptive estimation technique to form fault diagnosis units. Here, fault-representing systems are modeled by Kalman filters in real-time applications and are used to evaluate the fault in microsystems. MEMS lateral comb resonators are fabricated to experimentally demonstrate the fault diagnosis performance in multiple model adaptive estimation technique.
On the complexity and consistency of UKF-based SLAM

This paper addresses two key limitations of the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) when applied to the simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem: the cubic, in the number of states, computational complexity, and the inconsistency of the state estimates. In particular, we introduce a new sampling strategy that minimizes the linearization error and whose computational complexity is constant (i.e., independent of the size of the state vector). As a result, the overall computational complexity of UKF-based SLAM becomes of the same order as that of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) when applied to SLAM. Furthermore, we investigate the observability properties of the linear-regression-based model employed by the UKF, and propose a new algorithm, termed the Observability-Constrained (OC)-UKF, that improves the consistency of the state estimates. The superior performance of the OC-UKF compared to the standard UKF and its robustness to large linearization errors are validated by extensive simulations.
Statistical wavelet and filter bank optimization

We deal with three problems of optimal multiresolution representation and approximation of random processes. The first problem is that of finding a scaling function which will give the best approximation of a random process at a given scale. Approximation of inner products of ensemble members of a random process and a scaling function is the second problem. The approach to the above problems is similar. We first find the autocorrelation functions of errors, then their power spectra and finally, the variances. The third problem is the coding gain optimization of a subband coding system, more specifically, the choice of filters in a filter bank which maximizes the coding gain. An optimization algorithm is derived and an efficient implementation scheme proposed. >
Methods in Molecular Medicine: Molecular Analysis of Cancer. Jacqueline Boultwood and Carrie Fidler, eds. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press, 2002, 299 pp., $99.50, hardcover. ISBN 0-89603-622-7,

This book is Number 68 in the rapidly expanding series, Methods in Molecular Medicine . The editors aim “to provide a comprehensive collection of the most up-to-date techniques for the detection of molecular changes in human cancer”. By and large, they have succeeded. In 21 chapters, methods from whole chromosome analysis, DNA mutation, and gene expression analysis to analysis of the ends of chromosomes, the telomeres, are described. Each chapter starts with a brief introduction to the method and its purpose and then almost immediately goes on to provide very detailed protocols for every …
Optimization of Restricted ROC Surfaces in Three-Class Classification Tasks

We have shown previously that an N-class ideal observer achieves the optimal receiver operating characteristic (ROC) hypersurface in a Neyman-Pearson sense. Due to the inherent complexity of evaluating observer performance even in a three-class classification task, some researchers have suggested a generally incomplete but more tractable evaluation in terms of a surface, plotting only the three ldquosensitivities.rdquo More generally, one can evaluate observer performance with a single sensitivity or misclassification probability as a function of two linear combinations of sensitivities or misclassification probabilities. We analyzed four such formulations including the ldquosensitivityrdquo surface. In each case, we applied the Neyman-Pearson criterion to find the observer which achieves optimal performance with respect to each given set of ldquoperformance description variablesrdquo under consideration. In the unrestricted case, optimization with respect to the Neyman-Pearson criterion yields the ideal observer, as does maximization of the observer's expected utility. Moreover, during our consideration of the restricted cases, we found that the two optimization methods do not merely yield the same observer, but are in fact completely equivalent in a mathematical sense. Thus, for a wide variety of observers which maximize performance with respect to a restricted ROC surface in the Neyman-Pearson sense, that ROC surface can also be shown to provide a complete description of the observer's performance in an expected utility sense.
Crystal Structure of MC159 Reveals Molecular Mechanism of DISC Assembly and FLIP Inhibition

Summary The death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) comprising Fas, Fas-associated death domain (FADD), and caspase-8/10 is assembled via homotypic associations between death domains (DDs) of Fas and FADD and between death effector domains (DEDs) of FADD and caspase-8/10. Caspase-8/10 and FLICE/caspase-8 inhibitory proteins (FLIPs) that inhibit caspase activation at the DISC level contain tandem DEDs. Here, we report the crystal structure of a viral FLIP, MC159, at 1.2 A resolution. It reveals a noncanonical fold of DED1, a dumbbell-shaped structure with rigidly associated DEDs and a different mode of interaction in the DD superfamily. Whereas the conserved hydrophobic patch of DED1 interacts with DED2, the corresponding region of DED2 mediates caspase-8 recruitment and contributes to DISC assembly. In contrast, MC159 cooperatively assembles with Fas and FADD via an extensive surface that encompasses the conserved charge triad. This interaction apparently competes with FADD self-association and disrupts higher-order oligomerization required for caspase activation in the DISC.
High-bandwidth interleaved memories for vector processors-a simulation study

A family of alternate interleaving schemes called permutation-based interleaving schemes for improving memory bandwidth for a wide range of access patterns in high-performance vector processing systems is described. Permutation-based interleaving schemes can be implemented with a small amount of additional hardware and with a minimal time overhead. The results of a detailed simulation analysis are reviewed. The simulation analysis suggests that, with adequate buffering, permutation-based interleaving schemes similar to those studied can be used to implement a high-bandwidth memory system for vector processors. The resulting memory system sustains its bandwidth for a wide variety of access patterns and for large bank busy times far better than a memory system with standard interleaving. >
Surface plasmons of finite nanoring arrays

Numerical and fabrication investigations of gold nanoring finite arrays are presented. Surface plasmon resonances are computed using the method of moment surface integral equation. The nanoring arrays are fabrication via electron beam lithography templating and electroless gold plating. The results show the change of surface plasmons resonances, to larger wavelengths, when the nanoring thickness decreases. Also, the array size and the separation distance factors influence the amplitude of the extinction coefficients along with the resonance wavelength.
Application of Polarization of Fluorescence Technique to Protein Studies. II. The Rotatory Properties of κ-Casein

Summary The polarization of fluorescence technique was used to study certain properties of κ-casein prepared either by the urea-fractionation method or a constant-pH method. Dye-conjugated preparations of each of these caseins responded similarly to the application of the polarization of fluorescence method, in that both yielded curves with negative slopes, but with the urea-fractionated κ-casein giving slightly steeper slopes. These κ-caseins were found to be generally similar, with only minor differences being observed in their electrophoretic and ultracentrifuge patterns. The properties of constant-pH κ-casein as determined by the polarization of fluorescence method were altered slightly by addition of sucrose, disodium EDTA, calcium, and phosphate, but treatment with a cation exchange resin at pH 6.5 and 11.0 was essentially without effect. The polarization of fluorescence properties of this protein were shown to be dependent upon temperature and pH, yielding positive slopes for reciprocal polarization vs. temperature/viscosity curves at pH 10.9 and above. The monomer-polymer interaction for κ-casein was investigated and values for the mole fraction of each, as a function of pH and temperature, were approximated.
Age-Dependent Stability of Sensorimotor Functions in the Life-Extended Drosophila mutant Methuselah

Methuselah is a Drosophila mutant with a 35% increased lifespan. We examined the robustness of methuselah's sensorimotor abilities in tethered flight as a function of age in experiments designed to test visuomotor synchronization and phototaxis in simulated flight. A total of 282 flies from different age groups (4 hours to 70 days) and genotypes (mth and w1118) were individually tethered under an infrared laser-sensor system that digitally recorded wing-beat frequency (WBF). We found that mth has a higher average WBF throughout most of its lifespan compared to parental control flies (w1118) and develops flight ability at a younger age. Its WBF at late life, however, is not significantly different than that of its parental control line. We further found that mth entrains during flight to motion of a visual grating significantly better than its parental line. These findings suggest that the mth gene not only delays chronological aging but enhances sensorimotor abilities critical to survival during early and middle, but not late life.
Underwater FDTD Simulation at Extremely Low Frequencies

This letter describes the application of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to the simulation of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic signals under water. This requires substantial modification to the traditional FDTD method, as well as the development of an analytic method needed to verify the accuracy of the FDTD method.
Experimental Study on Pedestal's dynamic amplifying in UHV Electrical Equipment

Simulation earthquake shaking table tests on the system of ultra high-voltage electrical equipment mounted on pedestals are carried out in order to study the dynamic amplifying effect of the pedestal in the system. The relationship between the dynamic responses of the system and main influence factors is studied by means of changing frequencies or stiffness and masses of the system under the driving function of several different earthquake waves. The studied results show that the dynamic amplifying effect of the pedestal in the system or the pedestal amplifying coefficient has close relationship with the stiffness and masses distributing or the frequencies of the system. Some regular and universal conclusions are obtained, and the suggested scale on the dynamic amplifying coefficient of the pedestal in the system is put forward, which provides reference for future design and engineering application on the ultra high-voltage electrical equipment with pedestal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/telkomnika.v10i8.1647 Full Text: PDF
A New Archaeogastropod (Rhipidoglossa, Trochacea) from Hydrothermal Vents on the East Pacific Rise

Melanodrymia aurantiaca gen. et sp.n., a conispiral archaeogastropod of trochacean affinities, occurs on chimneys and stacks of polymetallic sulphide deposits at hydrothermal vents on the abyssal ocean floor at 21°N Latitude off Baja California, Mexico. The shell is unique in its combination of reflexed growth lines, strongly prosocline aperture, discordant sculpture, discoidal geometry and pattern of apertural angulations. The similarity in form with Paleozoic euomphalaceans and pleurotomariceans is considered superficial and the unusual shell form and simplification of shell microstructure are interpreted as evolutionary correlates of small size. The radula is unusual, but it shares many features with the rhipidoglossan radulae of four undescribed limpet-shaped species from hydrothermal vents on the East Pacific Rise. It is hypothesized that the adaptive radiation occurred in situ, late in the Tertiary or Quaternary, and from a coiled ancestor.
Comparison of methods for deploying female gypsy moths to evaluate mating disruption treatments

Mating disruption is the primary tactic used to reduce rates of gypsy moth popu- lation spread in the United States Department of Agriculture's Slow-the-Spread of the gypsy moth programme (STS). Because STS targets very low-density gypsy moth populations within which it is extremely difficult to collect females or egg masses, mating success in native populations cannot be determined. Therefore, the evaluation of mating disruption treatments in field experiments such as those designed to test new formulations and application methods requires deploying and recovering laboratory-reared female moths to determine mating success. 2 Five methods of deploying females were evaluated for cost, rates of female and egg mass recovery, and female mating success. The deployment methods tested were: modified delta trap, square barrier, single and double trunk bands, and teth- ered females. 3 Deployment of tethered females had the highest cost and mating success rate, but it did not yield the highest rates of female and egg mass recovery. Deployment of females in delta traps produced the lowest cost and mating success rate, but yielded the highest recovery rate. Neither of these deployment methods is recom- mended because of unacceptably high cost (tethered female) or low mating suc- cess (delta trap). 4 There were no significant differences in cost or mating success among the other three deployment methods. 5 The differences among the square barrier, single trunk band, and double trunk band methods in cost, female and egg mass recovery, and mating success are too small to recommend any one over the others.
Nerve Sparing Ventral Clitoroplasty: Analysis of Clitoral Sensitivity and Viability

Purpose: Enlargement of the clitoris is often a prominent manifestation of virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia and other disorders of sexual development. Controversy persists regarding the viability and sensitivity of the clitoris following clitoroplasty. We present 51 consecutive cases of nerve sparing ventral clitoroplasty performed by a single surgeon.Materials and Methods: Nerve sparing ventral clitoroplasty was performed in all patients. Postoperative evaluation for clitoral viability included gross examination and capillary perfusion testing. Patients older than 5 years were evaluated for clitoral sensory testing and vibratory sensory testing.Results: A total of 51 patients 4 months to 24 years old (mean age ± SD 4.6 ± 6.8 years) with clitorimegaly underwent nerve sparing ventral clitoroplasty. Of the patients 41 had capillary perfusion testing of the clitoris, of whom all had a viable clitoris. Ten of the 41 patients underwent clitoral sensory testing. Patients reported an average degree of s...
Improved design of an extractive distillation system with an intermediate-boiling solvent

Abstract Most extractive distillation systems use a solvent (entrainer) that is higher-boiling than the two key components. A two-column sequence is used in which the bottoms of the second column is the solvent stream and is recycled back to the first extractive column. There are some chemical systems in which the entrainer is an intermediate-boiling component. In this situation there are two alternative separation sequences. The direct sequence takes the light key component overhead in the first column, and the solvent recycle is the distillate from the second column. The indirect sequence takes the heavy key component out the bottom of the first column and the solvent is the bottoms from the second column. This paper explores a design proposed in the literature for separating methanol and toluene using the intermediate-boiling solvent triethylamine. The indirect sequence is shown to be more energy efficient. More importantly the solvent flowrate given in the published paper is shown to be much larger than required. Designs with greatly reduced solvent recycle flowrates reduce energy requirements by 50%.
Nanotechnology applications in thoracic surgery

Nanotechnology is an emerging, rapidly evolving field with the potential to significantly impact care across the full spectrum of cancer therapy. Of note, several recent nanotechnological advances show particular promise to improve outcomes for thoracic surgical patients. A variety of nanotechnologies are described that offer possible solutions to existing challenges encountered in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Nanotechnology-based imaging platforms have the ability to improve the surgical care of patients with thoracic malignancies through technological advances in intraoperative tumour localization, lymph node mapping and accuracy of tumour resection. Moreover, nanotechnology is poised to revolutionize adjuvant lung cancer therapy. Common chemotherapeutic drugs, such as paclitaxel, docetaxel and doxorubicin, are being formulated using various nanotechnologies to improve drug delivery, whereas nanoparticle (NP)-based imaging technologies can monitor the tumour microenvironment and facilitate molecularly targeted lung cancer therapy. Although early nanotechnology-based delivery systems show promise, the next frontier in lung cancer therapy is the development of 'theranostic' multifunctional NPs capable of integrating diagnosis, drug monitoring, tumour targeting and controlled drug release into various unifying platforms. This article provides an overview of key existing and emerging nanotechnology platforms that may find clinical application in thoracic surgery in the near future.
Disability Harassment (NYU Press 2007)

This work considers courts' and scholars' approaches to the problem of disability harassment. It develops and critiques the analogy to race and sex harassment law and argues for the development of new legal remedies. It applies the insights of disability rights scholars who emphasize that people with disabilities are members of a minority group who face attitudinal barriers to participation in society on a plane of equality with others. Topics covered include harassment in the workplace, at school and in public accommodations, and the legal response to that conduct. The book closes with a discussion of social and legal reforms to eliminate disability harassment.
Determining Turkish consumers’ consumption satisfaction with Erzurum Civil cheese

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine redesigned product profiles to maximize Erzurum Civil cheese consumption satisfaction of Turkish consumers under an ordinal utility approach. Design/methodology/approach – Data were obtained from a survey conducted in Erzurum in 2014. A conjoint analysis was used to determine the utilities of each level along with the relative importance of Erzurum Civil cheese attributes for measuring the consumption satisfaction as an indicator of the purchase decision and priorities of Turkish consumers. Findings – The results of the study clearly highlighted that Erzurum Civil cheese consumption satisfaction was maximized with the augmented and actual product images redesigned by a private-labelled and local-branded simple product with the highest and medium prices based on organic production techniques for heavy and light consumers, respectively. However, medium consumers appreciated the core benefit obtained from the credence quality attributes supported by the gen...
Large motion high cycle high speed optical fibers for space based applications.

Future remote sensing applications will require higher resolution and therefore higher data rates (up to perhaps 100 gigabits per second) while achieving lower mass and cost. A current limitation to the design space is high speed high bandwidth data does not cross movable gimbals because of cabling issues. This requires the detectors to be off gimbal. The ability to get data across the gimbal would open up efficiencies in designs where the detectors and the electronics can be placed anywhere on the system. Fiber optic cables provide light weight high speed high bandwidth connections. Current options are limited to 20,000 cycles as opposed to the 1,000,000 cycles needed for future space based applications. To extend this to the million+ regime, requires a thorough understanding of the failure mechanisms and the materials, proper selection of materials (e.g., glass and jacket material) allowable geometry changes to the cable, radiation hardness, etc.
High temporal-resolution phase-contrast MRI demonstrates impaired left-ventricular diastolic relaxation in mice fed a high-fat high-sucrose diet

Background More than one-third of U.S. adults are obese, incurring an increased risk of heart failure. Increased body mass index is associated with left-ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, which may be one of the pathophysiological links between obesity and heart failure. Mouse models can elucidate molecular mechanisms that underlie cardiovascular disease. In this study we used high temporal-resolution
Biculturalism as a protective factor: An exploratory study on resilience and the bicultural level of acculturation among Southeast Asian American youth who have witnessed domestic violence.

There is growing evidence of a high prevalence of domestic violence (DV) in Southeast Asian families living in the United States. Southeast Asian children and adolescents who witness DV are at great risk of developing psychological and behavioral problems. Despite these risks, many Southeast Asian youth show resilience and positive adaptation. Being bicultural has been associated with several positive outcomes among this population. This study hypothesized that Southeast Asian youth who have witnessed DV (n 59) were less resilient than those who have not (n 23). In addition, among those who have witnessed DV, bicultural youth were likely to be more resilient than highly Asian or highly westernized youth. This study used regression and t test analyses. The preliminary results confirmed both hypotheses. The conclusion of this study discussed clinical implications, limitations, and recommendations for future studies.
Supporting design via the System Operational Dependency Analysis methodology

In this paper, we introduce the system operational dependency analysis methodology. Its purpose is to assess the effect of dependencies between components in a monolithic complex system, or between systems in a system-of-systems, and to support design decision making. We propose a parametric model of the behavior of the system. This approach results in a simple, intuitive model, whose parameters give a direct insight into the causes of observed, and possibly emergent, behavior. Using the proposed method, designers, and decision makers can quickly analyze and explore the behavior of complex systems and evaluate different architecture under various working conditions. Thus, the system operational dependency analysis method supports educated decision making both in the design and in the update process of systems architecture, without the need to execute extensive simulations. In particular, in the phase of concept generation and selection, the information given by the method can be used to identify promising architectures to be further tested and improved, while discarding architectures that do not show the required level of global features. Application of the proposed method to a small example is used to demonstrate both the validation of the parametric model, and the capabilities of the method for system analysis, design and architecture.
History of the Application of the Phase Resetting Curve to Neurons Coupled in a Pulsatile Manner

Phase resetting curves (PRCs) keep track of how much an input advances or delays the next spike in an oscillatory neuron depending upon where in the cycle the input is applied. In this chapter, a history of the application of PRC theory to circuits of pulse-coupled neurons is presented. In these circuits, the interactions between oscillators take the form of brief pulses such that the effect of one input dies out before the next is received. In some approaches, a specific form is assumed for the interactions between oscillators, but a more general approach is to formulate the problem assuming a PRC that is measured using a perturbation that approximates the input received in the intact network. In general, this approach requires that a circuit architecture and a specific firing pattern be assumed. This allows the construction of a map from one discrete event, such as the phase at which an input is received, to the next event. The fixed points of these maps correspond to periodic firing modes and are relatively easy to locate and analyze for stability compared to analyzing the original network directly. Alternatively, maps based on the PRC have been constructed that do not presuppose a firing order. Specific circuits that have been analyzed under the assumption of pulsatile coupling include one to one lockings in a periodically forced oscillator or an oscillator forced at a fixed delay after a threshold event, two bidirectionally coupled oscillators with and without delays, a unidirectional N-ring of oscillators, and N all-to-all networks. The results obtained provide insights regarding synchronization tendencies.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Adherence

This chapter describes the pervasiveness of racial/ethnic disparities in outcomes of pediatric chronic conditions, and focuses on low adherence to treatment regimens among minority children and their families as a contributor to these disparities. We emphasize the need to increase effective parent- and adolescent-provider communication within a health system approach to promote adherence among minority children. We discuss ways that providers, parents, and adolescents can build skills to achieve effective communication. Finally, we describe the importance of a culturally competent workforce to help minority parents and adolescents build effective skills for communicating with providers to promote adherence.
The Duty of Financial Institutions to Investigate and Report Suspicions of Fraud, Financial Crime, and Corruption

This chapter provides an intensive look at the history and present status of money laundering and terrorist financing. It points out the negative impact and the ambiguity of the present focus both national and global. The chapter reviews aggressive measures to defeat terrorist financing and money laundering and recommends consideration of alternative measures including the resurrection of privatization actions. Included in the privatization is the resurrection and utilization of letters of marque and reprisal found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the United States Constitution. The chapter provides an insightful national and international history of letters of marque and reprisal.
Elements of Power Systems Control

Control of voltage, frequency, and load is central to power network operation. The following sections review the basics of these systems. Each generator has two basic controllers, a frequency (or load frequency) controller and a voltage controller. The two are generally analyzed independently. The primary voltage control system involves using the generator excitation system to change the field voltage in order to regulate the generator terminal bus voltage.
Thinking outside the present

At the center of Benjamin Aldes Wurgaft’s elegant and richly argued new book is the question, ‘Who do we think we are?’ With what authority and with what attending risks do intellectuals make claim...
Human Osteoblast Cell-Ti6Al4V Metal Alloy Interactions Under Varying Cathodic Potentials: A Pilot Study

Surface oxide plays an important role in the biocompatibility of metallic implants. The stability of this surface oxide varies depending on the surrounding environment of the implant. Numerous electrochemical processes may take place during formation and depletion of an oxide layer on the surface through corrosion. This shifts the open circuit potential (OCP) of titanium alloy (generally at ~150 mV vs. SCE) to be more cathodic. Therefore, the relation between cellular response and cathodic potential was investigated in this study first time for the MG63 cells type on the Ti-6Al-4V surface. Initially, the surface was polished and brought to a mirror finish. Then cells were cultured on top of such surfaces kept at two different static cathodic potentials (−300 and −600 mV vs. SCE) for 24 h. The experiments were facilitated using a custom glass corrosion chamber. With shifts toward more cathodic potentials than OCP, it was found that the well-spread viable cells rendered to small, rounded-up, unhealthy cells. This study suggested the apoptotic MG63 cell death due to electrochemical reactions and their products generated under cathodic potentials.
Speculating the Possibilities for Remote Collaborative Design Research. The Experimentations of a Drawing Robot

Technology has influenced the field of design throughout history, transforming the making process and the tools used to generate artifacts. We are two design researchers who have worked remotely fo...
Effects of scaffold microstructure and low intensity pulsed ultrasound on chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

The effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) seeded on 3D printed poly-(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate (PEG-DA) scaffolds with varying pore geometries (square and hexagonal channels) were investigated. The scaffold with square pores resulted in higher hMSC growth and chondrogenic differentiation than a solid or a hexagonally porous scaffold. The optimal LIPUS parameters at 1.5 MHz were found to be 100 mW/cm2 and 20% duty cycle. LIPUS stimulation increased proliferation by up to 60% after 24 hours. For chondrogenesis, we evaluated key cartilage biomarkers abundant in cartilage tissue; glycosaminoglycan (GAG), type II collagen and total collagen. LIPUS stimulation enhanced GAG synthesis up to 16% and 11% for scaffolds with square and hexagonal patterns, respectively, after 2 weeks. Additionally, type II collagen production increased by 60% and 40% for the same patterns respectively under LIPUS stimulation after 3 weeks. These results suggest that LIPUS stimulation, which has already been approved by FDA for treatment of bone fracture, could be a highly efficient tool for tissue engineering in combination with 3D printing and hMSCs to regenerate damaged cartilage tissues. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Dicarbonyl stress and glyoxalase enzyme system regulation in human skeletal muscle.

Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and may be exacerbated by protein modifications by methylglyoxal (MG), known as dicarbonyl stress. The glyoxalase enzyme s...
Approximate Kernel PCA Using Random Features: Computational vs. Statistical Trade-off

Kernel methods are powerful learning methodologies that provide a simple way to construct nonlinear algorithms from linear ones. Despite their popularity, they suffer from poor scalability in big data scenarios. Various approximation methods, including random feature approximation, have been proposed to alleviate the problem. However, the statistical consistency of most of these approximate kernel methods is not well understood except for kernel ridge regression wherein it has been shown that the random feature approximation is not only computationally efficient but also statistically consistent with a minimax optimal rate of convergence. In this paper, we investigate the efficacy of random feature approximation in the context of kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) by studying the trade-off between computational and statistical behaviors of approximate KPCA. We show that the approximate KPCA is both computationally and statistically efficient compared to KPCA in terms of the error associated with reconstructing a kernel function based on its projection onto the corresponding eigenspaces. The analysis hinges on Bernstein-type inequalities for the operator and Hilbert-Schmidt norms of a self-adjoint Hilbert-Schmidt operator-valued U-statistics, which is of independent interest.
Analysis of data from "cold saturation" radioligand binding experiments.

In the previous chapter, we described the laboratory methods needed for the generation of data used to calculate receptor density and ligand affinity. The purpose of the present chapter is to outline the methods for the careful analysis of data obtained from competition radioligand binding experiments using actual data from our laboratory. The detailed theoretical basis for our approach is not discussed here but is the subject of several excellent reviews (1, 2, 3). There are two ways to determine the density of a receptor population and to measure the affinity of the radioligand in binding assays: hot saturation binding and homologous competition. In hot saturation studies, aliquots of receptor-containing membrane are incubated to equilibrium with a series of increasing radioligand concentrations (usually from 5- to 10-fold lower up to 5- to 10-fold higher than the K d ) in the presence and absence of a large concentration of an unlabeled, structurally dissimilar competing ligand. The incubation is terminated and binding of the radioligand to the receptor population is then measured. B max and K d are then calculated using a Rosenthal (Scatchard) analysis or nonlinear curve fitting. The hot saturation method is the most accurate way of determining B max and K d of the radioligand. However, the hot saturation assay consumes relatively large amounts of radioligand, which can render it impractical and/or prohibitively expensive in peptide research. Thus, most pep-tide researchers prefer to use homologous competition assays, also known as “cold saturation” assays, to investigate peptide receptors. With an optimal radioligand (see Note 1), these assays will yield data comparable to those obtained from hot saturation studies.
Immunocytochemical Localization of Thymosin and Thymopoietin in Human, Rat, and Murine Thymus

Several distinct protein preparations isolated from the thymus have been shown to be involved in the differentiation of T lymphocytes. Thymopoietin, the thymosin complex, and facteur thymique serique (FTS), referred to collectively as thymic hormones, have been localized in the nonlymphoid stromal network of the thymus by immunocytochemical techniques (Mandi et al., 1979; Teodorczyk et al., 1975; Monier et al., 1980; van den Tweel et al., 1979). However, as the thymic nonlymphoid cell population is a highly heterogeneous one, the specific cell type or types of thymic hormone origin have not been unequivocally described. Several forms of epithelial cells and macrophages have been identified in the different zones of the thymus and all are potential candidates for thymic hormone production (Duijvestijn and Hoefsmit, 1981; von Gaudecker and Muller-Hermelink, 1980). There also seems to be a difference in the distribution of cells immunoreactive for various thymic hormone preparations within the thymuses and other organs of different species (Mandil et al., 1979; Teodorczyk et al., 1975; Monier et al., 1980; van den Tweel et al., 1979). Finally, in all cases except one (Schmitt et al., 1982), there has been no ultrastructural immunocytochemical investigation of the synthetic apparatus or secretory mechanism in cells containing thymic hormones.
Free to Grow: Translating Substance Abuse Research and Theory into Preventive Practice in a National Head Start Initiative

This article describes the application of the research on risk and protective factors as employed in the design, chosen strategies and pilot testing phase of a national preschool substance abuse prevention initiative. In the absence of research-based model programs aimed at decreasing children's vulnerability to substance abuse as they grow older, the goal of the initiative is demonstrate how preventive research can be applied in the early childhood period in partnership with the national Head Start Program. While the findings from the initial pilot phase are preliminary, the experience to date does provide concrete examples of the practical uses of research to inform practice in addressing substance abuse prevention.
Effect of diffusion distance on evolution of Kirkendall pores in titanium-coated nickel wires

Abstract Microtubes of near-equiatomic nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys can be created via the Kirkendall effect during Ni Ti interdiffusion, when nickel wires are surface-coated with titanium via pack cementation and subsequently homogenized. This study explores the effect of diffusion distance upon Kirkendall microtube formation in NiTi by considering a range of Ni wire diameters. For Ni wire diameters of 25, 50 and 100 μm, titanized at 925 °C for 0.5, 2, and 8 h to achieve average NiTi composition, partial interdiffusion occurs concurrently with Ti surface deposition, resulting in concentric shells of NiTi2, NiTi and Ni3Ti around a Ni core, with some Kirkendall porosity created within the wires. Upon subsequent homogenization at 925 °C, near-single-phase NiTi wires are created and the Kirkendall porosity increases, leading to a variety of pore/channel structures: (i) for 25 μm Ni wires where diffusion distances and times are short, a high volume fraction of micropores is created near the final NiTi wire surface, with 1–2 larger pores near its core; (ii) for 50 μm Ni wires, a single, ∼20 μm diameter pore is created near the NiTi wire center, transforming the wires into microtubes, and; (iii) for 100 μm Ni wires, a ∼50 μm diameter irregular pore is formed near the NiTi wire center, along with an eccentric crescent-shaped pore of similar cross-section, resulting from interruption of a single diffusion path, due to the longer diffusion distances and times.