cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Rise and Fall of Worldwide Education Inequality from 1870 to 2010 Measurement and Trends

This research documents long-run trends in between-country education inequality and proposes a method for doing so that accounts for the ways in which most education variables differ from continuous variables such as income. Historical, national-level estimates of primary schooling enrollment rates and years of com- pleted primary, secondary, and total schooling are used to identify several problems that arise when formal measures of inequality are used to estimate intercountry education convergence, including violation of the welfare,scaleinvariance,andanonymityprinciples.Analternatemeasurementstrategyshowsthattheinter- country trend in the dispersion of education has followed an approximately normal curve over the past 140 years, but with considerable variation across measures of education. These results are in contradiction to previous education inequality studies, which have reported either monotonically rising or falling intercoun- try inequality.
Exploiting multipath propagation for GMTI in urban environments

This paper evaluates the potential for exploiting multipath propagation for improved radar detection of moving ground targets in dense urban environments. In particular, the radar coverage offered by exploiting non-line-of-sight (NLOS) propagation from an airborne radar platform is considered. A quasi-analytical model for NLOS propagation assuming multiple specular reflections off buildings is derived to evaluate radar coverage as a function of target range, aircraft altitude, building height and separation, and relative target position on a street. A statistical characterization of the urban environment is used to compute probabilities of line-of-sight versus non-line-of-sight propagation and surveillance sweep width. Comparison of sweep width for LOS versus at least one NLOS path indicates that NLOS could offer a significant improvement in coverage rate. In essence, NLOS propagation permits radar surveillance at longer ranges with lower altitude radar platforms. In addition to radar coverage, the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) for estimation of target position in a specular multipath environment is derived. The CRLB indicates that, in theory, range accuracy improves with multiple paths and that only three paths are required to jointly estimate target range, position within the street, and street width.
RFID: New Technology on the Horizon for its Majors

Educators have an ongoing challenge as they strive to stay up-to-date with new technology. One emerging technology, RFID (radio frequency identification) tags, has the potential to impact information systems in businesses as well as in our lives. Educators responsible for planning curriculum need to consider how to incorporate topics pertaining to RFID technology into a wide variety of technology courses. Therefore, one purpose of this manuscript is to give curriculum planners and teachers a summary of RFID by: presenting an overview of RFID technology; exploring RFID limitations and possible solutions; and examining the future outlook of RFID. An additional purpose further assists educators in considering how to incorporate this new course topic into the curriculum by providing some teaching resources, objectives and suggestions pertaining to RFID.
Properties of Solutions of Parabolic Equations and Inequalities

In this paper we shall be concerned with two problems: (i) the asymptotic behavior of solutions of parabolic inequalities and (ii) the uniqueness of the Cauchy problem for such inequalities when the data are prescribed on a portion of a time-like surface. The unifying feature of these rather separate problems is the employment of integral estimates of the same type in both cases. We consider parabolic operators in self-adjoint form (1) as well as the non-self-adjoint operator (2) where the coefficients aij(x, t) = aij (x1, x2... , xn, t) are C1 functions of x and t and the bij = bij(x, t) are C 2 functions of x and t.
Anatomic, intrinsic, and synaptic properties of dorsal and ventral division neurons in rat medial geniculate body.

Anatomic, intrinsic, and synaptic properties of dorsal and ventral division neurons in rat medial geniculate body. Presently little is known about what basic synaptic and cellular mechanisms are em...
Measurement-comparable effect sizes for single-case studies of free-operant behavior

Single-case research comprises a set of designs and methods for evaluating the effects of interventions, practices, or programs on individual cases, through comparison of outcomes measured at different points in time. Although there has long been interest in meta-analytic techniques for synthesizing single-case research, there has been little scrutiny of whether proposed effect sizes remain on a directly comparable metric when outcomes are measured using different operational procedures. Much of single-case research focuses on behavioral outcomes in free-operant contexts, which may be measured using a variety of different direct observation procedures. This article describes a suite of effect sizes for quantifying changes in free-operant behavior, motivated by an alternating renewal process model that allows measurement comparability to be established in precise terms. These effect size metrics have the advantage of comporting with how direct observation data are actually collected and summarized. Effect size estimators are proposed that are applicable when the behavior being measured remains stable within a given treatment condition. The methods are illustrated by 2 examples, including a re-analysis of a systematic review of the effects of choice-making opportunities on problem behavior.
Evaluation of the Effect of Tofacitinib on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral Contraceptive Steroids in Healthy Female Volunteers

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor. Tofacitinib metabolism is primarily mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4. This phase 1 randomized, open-label, 2-way crossover study (NCT01137708) evaluated the effect of tofacitinib 30 mg twice daily on the single-dose pharmacokinetics of combination oral contraceptives ethinylestradiol (EE) and levonorgestrel (LN). EE and LN were administered as a single Microgynon 30® tablet (30 μg EE and 150 μg LN) to 19 healthy women. In the presence of tofacitinib, the area under the curve from time zero to infinity (AUC∞) increased by 6.6% and 0.9% for EE and LN, respectively. Maximal plasma concentrations decreased by 10.4% for EE and increased by 12.2% for LN when coadministered with tofacitinib. The 90% confidence intervals for the adjusted geometric mean ratios for AUC∞ fell within the 80%–125% region for both EE and LN. Mean half-life was similar in the presence and absence of tofacitinib: 13.8 and 13.3 hours, respectively, for EE; 25.9 and 25.4 hours, respectively, for LN. Tofacitinib had no clinically relevant net inhibitory or inductive effect on the pharmacokinetics of EE and LN. Therefore, there is no evidence to suggest dose adjustments of oral contraceptive drugs containing EE or LN when coadministered with tofacitinib.
Blood Lead Level and Hepatotoxicity in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Lead

[Objective] To study the liver toxicity induced by occupational lead exposure;to analyze the relationship between blood lead level and indexes for hepatotoxicity;and looking for the early sensitive indexes of hepatotoxicity.[Methods] Total of 108 workers exposed to lead in a battery factory were selected as subjects and 76 non-lead-exposed workers in the same factory as control.The lead concentration in workshop was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry(AAS),blood lead was measured with graphite vessel AAS,and seral alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and total bilirubin(TBIL)as the effect indexes of hepatotoxicity were determined,then the relationship between level of lead concentration and liver function indexes was analyzed.[Results] ①The lead fume and dust concentrations in workshop were 0.89 mg/m3 and 0.25 mg/m3 respectively;and the rates exceeded National Standard were 50.00% and 60.00%,resprctively.②There were no significant increase in ALT and TBIL level with the increase of air lead concentration.③Blood lead concentration of the exposed groups,either exceeded limit or below the standard limit,were higher that control group significantly(P 0.01).The rate of over-limit group was 31.03%.④There were no significant changes of the ALT and TBIL levels with the prolongation of lead exposure.⑤There were no significant relationship between blood lead and the seral level of ALT and TBIL.[Conclusion] Occupational lead exposure caused elevation of blood lead concentration,however,seral ALT and TBIL were not the sensitive effect indexes for hepatotoxicity among these exposed workers.
Synthesis of ZnS:Ag,Co water-soluble blue afterglow nanoparticles and application in photodynamic activation

Silver and cobalt co-doped ZnS (ZnS:Ag,Co) water-soluble afterglow nanoparticles were synthesized using a wet chemistry method followed by aging at room temperature. The nanoparticles had a cubic zinc blende structure with average sizes of approximately 4 nm and emitted a blue fluorescence emission centered at 441 nm due to radiative transitions from surface defects to Ag(+) luminescent centers. Intense afterglow emission peaking at 475 nm from the obtained nanoparticles was observed and was red-shifted compared to the fluorescence emission peak. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a large increase of O/S ratio, indicating a surface oxidation process during aging. The S vacancies produced accordingly may contribute to form more electron traps and enhance afterglow. The ZnS:Ag,Co afterglow nanoparticles have a very low dark-toxicity and are applied as a light source for photodynamic therapy activation by conjugating with protoporphyrin together. Our preliminary study has shown that the ZnS:Ag,Co afterglow nanoparticles can significantly reduce the x-ray dosage used in activation and thus may be a very promising candidate for future x-ray excited photodynamic therapy in deep cancer treatment.
Self-Knowledge and Social Influence

Socialization and the uses of social control involve the parent as the agent of the distribution of social rules, ideas, and action, and the child as an agent of receipt. Adaptive significance requires the wish to become a conspecific. It is not a struggle between child and parent, but a mutual learning experience. To be socialized does not involve, for the child, a passive role but an active one. The infant’s development of consciousness or objective self-awareness facilitates this process.
Prüfung des ZVD-Systems

Eine regelmasige Uberprufung des ZVD-Systems ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil jeder Messung. Folgendes mus gepruft werden: 1. sichere Verbindung der Einzelteile, 2. Luftleere im Infusionssystem und Venenkatheter, 3. ausreichende Flussigkeitsmenge in der Infusionsflasche, 4. genugende bzw. vorgeschriebene Infusionsgeschwindigkeit und 5. knickfreier Verlauf aller Schlauche. Diese Vorsichtsmasregeln mussen bei jeder Infusion beachtet werden. Deshalb werden im folgenden lediglich die fur die Uberwachung des ZVD spezifischen Regela berucksichtigt.
Boundary element method in anisotropic media with grain sliding and dislocation dynamics

Boundary element method (BEM) is an effective numerical technique to solve complex engineering problems. The fundamental solutions for both isotropic and anisotropic boundary element method are studied as the basic to develop elastostatic boundary integral equations. The numerical implementation of BEM is described in a very detailed fashion. Multi zone BEM is introduced to calculate polycrystal grains structure. The connectivity between grains is modeled with a stiffness spring system. The sliding effect at grain boundaries is simulated by a non linear sliding model. After anisotropy and grain sliding are implemented with BEM, the information on the grain boundaries can be calculated effectively. Inside the grains, the dislocation theory is discussed. For multiple dislocations stress field, two calculation methods are introduced: discrete dislocation method and dislocation density tensor method. For the dislocation density tensor method, the domain integral involved are transformed into boundary integral to save the runtime and be compatible with the BEM formulation. To control the total error and save time, a combined method with those two is developed to calculate multiple dislocations stress field. The new mixed method reduce the run time from the order O(n2) to O(n) and keep the error within 2%. With dislocation stress field, the dislocation dynamics are generated with the dislocation calculation and the superposition with the boundary conditions. The size effect for yielding is shown and satisfies the Hall-Petch law. The results with grain sliding and anisotropy are also shown and analyzed.
Compensation, Opportunity, and Information: A Comparative Analysis of Legislative Nonresponse in the American States:

We present a parsimonious framework for understanding contextual variation in legislative nonresponse. We argue that legislators’ propensity to vote is a function of their willingness and ability to be physically present in the chamber and determine the best position to take on a given proposal. From this framework, we derive four hypotheses regarding the compensation legislators receive, their opportunity to pursue work outside of the chamber, and their informational resources. Analyzing data on over seven million voting opportunities across two sessions in ninety-nine chambers, we find robust evidence that longer legislative sessions decrease nonresponse and that informational resources increase nonresponse, but no evidence that compensation influences nonresponse.
Examining Investments in Information Technology: a Critical Appraisal Approach

Abstract Evaluation of the feasibility (benefits, costs, and risks) of traditional capital expenditures such as plant and equipment are relatively simple. Most of the benefits associated with traditional capital expenditures are of the tangible category. These benefits can be easily quantified and are amenable to conventional evaluation techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis. Investment in information technology (IT) however, reaps benefits that are mainly of the intangible category. These benefits are sometimes difficult to categorize and even more difficult to quantify. In addition, the risks associated with IT are different from those relating to traditional investments. The objective of this paper is to develop a method to allow the inclusion of tangible and intangible benefits and the risk associated with IT projects, and facilitates comparison among diverse IT projects using a scoring methodology including objective and subjective factors. We demonstrate tlle application of this methodology through a case study.
Characterization of Leader Peptide Binding During Catalysis by the Nisin Dehydratase NisB

The dehydratase NisB performs stepwise tRNAGlu-dependent glutamylation of Ser/Thr residues and subsequent glutamate elimination to effect eight dehydrations in the biosynthesis of the antibacterial peptide nisin. Its substrate, NisA, bears a C-terminal core peptide that is modified and an N-terminal leader peptide (LP) that is not modified but that is required for efficient dehydration. To elucidate the mechanism of LP-NisB interactions during dehydration, we engineered a disulfide that covalently links the NisA LP to NisB. The enzyme fully dehydrated tethered NisA, confirming the functional LP binding site and supporting a mechanism where NisB uses a single LP binding site for glutamylation and elimination. We also show an order of NisA and tRNAGlu binding to NisB that enables dehydration.
Prediction of heart transplant rejection using histopathological whole-slide imaging

Endomyocardial biopsies are the current gold standard for monitoring heart transplant patients for signs of cardiac allograft rejection. Manually analyzing the acquired tissue samples can be costly, time-consuming, and subjective. Computer-aided diagnosis, using digitized whole-slide images, has been used to classify the presence and grading of diseases such as brain tumors and breast cancer, and we expect it can be used for prediction of cardiac allograft rejection. In this paper, we first create a pipeline to normalize and extract pixel-level and object-level features from histopathological whole-slide images of endomyocardial biopsies. Then, we develop a two-stage classification algorithm, where we first cluster individual tiles and then use the frequency of tiles in each cluster for classification of each whole-slide image. Our results show that the addition of an unsupervised clustering step leads to higher classification accuracy, as well as the importance of object-level features based on the pathophysiology of rejection. Future expansion of this study includes the development of a multi-class classification pipeline for subtypes and grades of cardiac allograft rejection.
Intersubjectivity and Accessibility

I wish to take up a question pertinent to the concerns of phenomenological sociology: What is the proper approach to the foundations of the human sciences and on what grounds do we have access to the “social as such”,? This question engages us in the three-fold problem of human access to the social.1 How does the human actor gain access to his social world? How can the human scientist have access to the social world which is his subject matter? How can the philosopher, the “transcendental observer,” have access to the “social as such”?
John Rawls and American Pragmatisms

This paper was written for and presented at "Rawlsian Liberalism In Context(s)" conference held at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in February, 2010. In it, the author argues, first, that there is no doctrine of "classical pragmatism" uniting the figures often identified as founding the movement; and, second, that contrmporary pragmatists ignore or dismiss Rawls at their own peril.
On a Problem of Dobrowolski and Williams and the Pólya-Vinogradov Inequality

In [2] E. Dobrowolski and K.S. Williams considered a problem of obtaining estimates for the sum ∑ n=a+1 a+N f(n),for a certain class of functions f. One specific application of their result is a new method for estimating character sums. In particular, they obtain a form of the Polya-Vinogradov inequality with the constant 1/(2 log 2). In this note we improve their estimates and obtain, in particular, a form of the Polya-Vinogradov inequality with the constant 1/(3 log 3). A nice feature of our estimate is that it is obtained by a very simple argument.
Unusual Complications of Transvesical Ureteral Reimplantation

Four of 8 cases that represent unusual and infrequent complications of the transvesicle Politano-Leadbetter ureteral reimplantation technique are reported. Approximately 90 per cent of ureteral reimplantations for vesicoureteral reflux may be done satisfactorily as a transvesical procedure but combining it with an extravesical approach of the ureter when necessary or indicated will serve to correct any conceivable congenital, acquired or iatrogenic lesion of the lower ureteral segment. The extravesical approach should be used if there is any difficulty in performing the procedure transvesically or if the patient has undergone previous attempts at antireflux operation. Obstructive complications may occur in either the early or late postoperative period. When discovered, surgical correction is usually indicated. We strongly advocate strict adherence to the surgical technique involved and meticulous postoperative followup of these patients.
Active Rehabilitation After Childhood and Adolescent Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: a Narrative Review and Clinical Practice Implications

Development of rehabilitation strategies for youth after mTBI can be challenging for the rehabilitation professional. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight current evidence for the use of active rehabilitation to manage common impairments after concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Exertional intolerance, vestibular deficiency, visual problems, and cervical dysfunction are common after mTBI. Active rehabilitation strategies targeting these problems are likely effective at reducing these impairments, leading to improved functioning. Active rehabilitation recommendations for mTBI are evolving rapidly. There appears to be consensus that various impairment domains can be targeted with exercise and education after a thorough evaluation. More rigorous studies within the youth population are needed to move the field toward individualized, active rehabilitation strategies for youth after mTBI.
U.S. Media Coverage of Brittany Maynard’s Choice to Die: How Ideology and Framing Converged

In 2014 Brittany Maynard, 29, diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, moved from California to Oregon, one of few U.S. states with legal aid in dying, so she could determine when and how she would di...
High temperature properties of fiber reinforced polymers and fire insulation for fire resistance modeling of strengthened concrete structures

Abstract Temperature dependent properties of materials are a crucial input for evaluating fire resistance of a structural member through calculation methods. While considerable amount of data is available on high temperature properties of concrete and reinforcing steel, only limited information is available on the temperature dependent properties of FRP and fire insulation. This paper reviews the currently available high temperature property test data and associated relations for FRP, and highlights the influence of different property relations on the fire resistance predictions of FRP-strengthened concrete structural members. Further, the influence of temperature dependent thermal properties of fire insulation on fire resistance prediction of FRP-strengthened member is also evaluated. Results from the analysis indicate that use of different property relations for FRP significantly alters the predicted fire response as well as the fire resistance of the strengthened concrete members. Results from the numerical studies further indicate that thermal properties of fire insulation have significant influence on fire resistance of FPR-strengthened RC members. Based on these numerical studies, recommendations are made for using appropriate property relations for FRP and fire insulation, in evaluating fire resistance of FRP-strengthened concrete members.
The Prognostic Role of Programmed Death‐Ligand 1 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Objectives Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is an immune checkpoint protein that may be a useful prognostic biomarker in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the relationship between PD-L1 expression and survival in NPC. Methods PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to present. A predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select articles. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and disease metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Results Eleven studies published from 2014 to 2018 were included, with 1,356 total participants. PD-L1 expression was not associated with OS (HR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.79-1.55), DFS (HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 0.68-4.03), or DMFS (HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.44-3.20). Conclusions The prognostic role of PD-L1 in NPC remains unsubstantiated. Future research is needed. Laryngoscope, 130:2598-2606, 2020.
A fracture mechanics approach to enhance product and process sustainability in diamond wire sawing of silicon wafers for solar cells through improved wire design

By decreasing the subsurface damage in silicon wafers produced by diamond wire sawing, the mechanical strength of wafers can be increased, and the amount of silicon to be etched in subsequent manufacturing steps can be minimised, enhancing both product and process sustainability. Apart from the sawing process parameters, the subsurface damage in as-sawn silicon wafers is influenced by the design of the diamond wire. We present a fracture mechanics approach for the design of fixed abrasive diamond wires used in wire sawing of silicon wafers for solar cells. Starting from an allowable damage (crack) depth, indentation fracture mechanics and contact analysis are used to determine the wire design parameters, namely the grit protrusion and peripheral distribution of diamond abrasives. The improved wire design can reduce subsurface damage and thereby improve the surface integrity (product sustainability), and reduce the processing time and chemicals used in the subsequent saw-damage removal step (process sustainability).
Linking R&D To Growth and Shareholder Value

The increase in shareholder value realized from seemingly modest increases in real growth rates is surprisingly high, and herein lies the financial rationale for sustained investment in R&D. At the...
Ultrasonic mapping of hybrid additively manufactured 420 stainless steel.

Abstract Metal hybrid additive manufacturing (AM) processes are suitable to create complex structures that advance engineering performance. Hybrid AM can be used to create functionally graded materials for which the variation in microstructure and material properties across the domain is created through a synergized combination of fully-coupled manufacturing processes and/or energy sources. This expansion in the engineering design and manufacturing spaces presents challenges for nondestructive evaluation, including the assessment of the sensitivity of nondestructive measurements to functional gradients. To address this problem, linear ultrasound measurements are used to interrogate 420 stainless steel coupons from three manufacturing methods: wrought, AM, and hybrid AM (directed energy deposition + laser peening). Wave speed, attenuation, and diffuse backscatter results are compared with microhardness measurements along the build/axial direction of the coupons, while microstructure images are used for qualitative verification. The ultrasound measurements compare well with the destructive measurements without any substantial loss in resolution. Furthermore, ultrasonic methods are shown to be effective for identification of the gradient and cyclic nature of the elastic properties and microstructure on the hybrid AM coupon. These results highlight the potential of ultrasound as an efficient and accessible nondestructive characterization method for hybrid AM samples and inform further nondestructive evaluation decisions in AM.
Exploring How Older Adults Use a Smart Speaker–Based Voice Assistant in Their First Interactions: Qualitative Study

Background: Smart speaker–based voice assistants promise support for the aging population, with the advantages of hands-free and eyes-free interaction modalities to handle requests. However, little is known about how older adults perceive the benefits of this type of device. Objective: This study investigates how older adults experience and respond to a voice assistant when they first interact with it. Because first impressions act as strong predictors of the overall attitude and acceptability of new technologies, it is important to understand the user experiences of first exposure. Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with 18 people 74 years and older who had never used a smart speaker before, investigating the patterns of use, usability issues, and perspectives that older adults have when using a voice assistant for the first time. Results: The overall first response to a voice assistant was positive, thanks to the simplicity of a speech-based interaction. In particular, a positive and polite response to complete the interaction with a voice assistant was prevalent, such as expressing gratitude or giving feedback about the quality of answers. Two predominant topics of commands made in the first interaction include asking health care–related questions and streaming music. However, most of the follow-up reactions were unfavorable because of the difficulty in constructing a structured sentence for a command; misperceptions about how a voice assistant operates; and concerns about privacy, security, and financial burdens. Overall, a speech-based interaction was perceived to be beneficial owing to its efficiency and convenience, but no other benefits were perceived. Conclusions: On the basis of the findings, we discuss design implications that can positively influence older adults' first experiences with a voice assistant, including helping better understand how a voice assistant works, incorporating mistakes and common interaction patterns into its design, and providing features tailored to the needs of older adults.
Fin Shape, Asymmetry, and Evolutionary Ecomorphology in Triggerfishes and Filefishes (Superfamily: Balistoidea)

Triggerfishes and filefishes exhibit a wide range of fin and body morphologies, inhabit many marine habitats, and feed on a variety of benthic and pelagic organisms. Particular morphologies are predicted to provide functional advantages for swimming behaviors that facilitate life in diverse habitats and feeding guilds. Ecomorphological relationships can, in turn, inform evolutionary patterns of morphological convergence. We quantified morphological diversity of 80 balistoid species using geometric morphometrics and assigned each species a primary habitat and feeding mode. Results revealed strong evidence for evolutionary integration among body and fin shapes as well as widespread convergence of both high and low aspect ratio (AR) dorsal and anal fins, the fins that power steady locomotion in these fishes. Dorsal and anal fins were determined to be moderately to highly asymmetrical in most species. Families exhibited considerable overlap in fin and body shapes, but triggerfishes generally exhibited higher AR and more asymmetrical fins than filefishes. Fin asymmetry was not strongly associated with ecology. Planktivorous and offshore-pelagic species exhibited high AR dorsal and anal fins suitable for high endurance swimming performance, while benthic grazing and structured reef species exhibited convergence on low AR median fins more suitable for facilitating maneuverability.
Synthesis of Isotopically Labeled, Spin-Isolated Tyrosine and Phenylalanine for Protein NMR Applications

Isotopically labeled amino acids are widely used to study the structure and dynamics of proteins by NMR. Herein we describe a facile, gram-scale synthesis of compounds 1b and 2b under standard laboratory conditions from the common intermediate 7. 2b is obtained via simple deprotection, while 1b is accessed through a reductive deoxygenation/deuteration sequence and deprotection. 1b and 2b provide improved signal intensity using lower amounts of labeled precursor and are alternatives to existing labeling approaches.
Ketogenic Diet in Glut 1 Deficiency Through the Life Cycle: Pregnancy to Neonate to Preschooler.

A 19-year-old woman with glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS) treated with ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) became pregnant. Her pregnancy included close monitoring of her diet as w...
The Rate of Mass Return to the Galaxy by Evolved Stars

Mass loss rates for cool evolved giants can be estimated from observations of emission in the CO rotational lines, of the structure of OH maser shells, and of the infrared excess, among other methods. If complete enough, these data can be used to estimate the total rate of mass return to the interstellar medium by AGB stars.
α2-Macroglobulin is a binding protein for basic fibroblast growth factor

Abstract After incubation with human serum or plasma, 125I-basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) (molecular mass 18.5 kDa) exhibits molecular mass forms greater than 200 kDa as determined by nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography. These high molecular mass forms of bFGF are immunoprecipitable with antiserum raised against alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M). Purified alpha 2M and 125I-bFGF form a covalent complex in a specific, saturable manner. Excess unlabeled bFGF competes with 125I-bFGF for complex formation. Complex formation is complete after 4 h and is inhibited by pretreating alpha 2M with dithiothreitol, iodoacetamide, iodoacetic acid, and N-ethylmaleimide. The complex is resistant to acidic conditions and denaturants such as urea. Heparin, which binds bFGF, has no effect on complex formation. Methylamine, which blocks protease binding to alpha 2M, increases the amount of 125I-bFGF that can be bound 2-fold. Plasmin and trypsin treatment of alpha 2M has no effect on 125I-bFGF binding. The ability of growth factors to compete for binding is specific, as aFGF and TGF-beta compete for binding to alpha 2M, whereas platelet-derived growth factor does not. 125I-bFGF.alpha 2M complexes do not bind to low affinity bFGF binding sites and bind poorly to high affinity bFGF binding sites on BHK-21 cells. In addition, 125I-bFGF bound to alpha 2M has decreased ability to stimulate plasminogen activator production in bovine capillary epithelial cells.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Body Temperature on Outcome After Adult Traumatic Brain Injury.

Objective This systematic review describes effects of body temperature alterations defined as fever, controlled normothermia, and spontaneous or induced hypothermia on outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults.
Some Debts I Owe

The primary objects of this paper are: (1) to acknowledge my debts to a number of important mathematicians who have passed away, and (2) to describe some of the beginnings of several themes in my research.
Nickel-doped nano-crystalline glass-ceramic fiber

Summary from only given. The dramatic improvement in the spectroscopic properties obtained by using a nanocrystalline environment for the active ion is clearly worth the trouble of using a glass-ceramic fiber. This, coupled with the improved formability of a glass-ceramic over a single crystal host, is the driving force behind the work presented here.
Dendritic cell subversion permits viral persistence (VIR1P.959)

Persistent viral infections share the ability to combat the normally protective function of dendritic cells (DC). We and others postulate that DC inhibition is necessary for viruses to persist in spite of an adaptive T cell response (e.g. HIV, HBV, and HCV). However, resolving whether viral subversion of DC (directly or indirectly) actually permits systemic viral persistence in vivo has not been determined. We developed a model system that allows us to inhibit viral replication in specific cell types to answer this question. We used cell-specific genetic deletion of the host site-1 protease (S1P) to determine a requirement for DC infection in viral persistence. The host site-1 protease (S1P) is required for replication of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and other hemorrhagic arenaviruses in addition to HCV replication. We deleted S1P in DC (S1PDCnull) to selectively eliminate viral replication in DC. Three weeks post LCMV infection, S1PDCnull mice had NO detectable viremia in contrast to >5 logs of infectious virus present in WT controls. Thus, productive infection of DC was required for viral persistence. This genetic deletion occurs in <1% of the cells LCMV infects. Thus, overall viral loads were equivalent during the 1st week of infection between WT and S1PDCnull mice. However, S1PDCnull mice possessed more polyfunctional T cells which we reason led to a rapid loss of viral persistence.
Perceptual semantics: the construction of meaning in artificial devices

The design of an artificial device that can acquire its own perceptually grounded meanings for internally represented control structure is discussed. A perceptual semantics, in which perceptual routines are mapped onto innate conceptual operators, is described. Entities and relations in the environment take on 'meaning' for the device in three forms: the connotation, which is the internal encoding of an object within a syntactic discrimination lattice; the annotation, which is a procedural encoding of how connotations are translated into action/perception; and the denotation, which is the action associated with a procedure within the action-percept feedback loop. The author argues against model-theoretic interpretations for semantics of devices interacting within their environment, and in favor of pragmatically determined models of meaning. >
Ultrahigh Carbon Steels, Damascus Steels and Ancient Blacksmiths

The processing and mechanical properties of ultrahigh carbon steels (UHCS) have been studied over the past twenty-five years, initially at Stanford University and later at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. These studies have shown that such steels ( 1 to 2.1% C) can be made superplastic at elevated temperature, and have high strength and good ductility at room temperature. The metallurgy of UHCSs is now well understood allowing economical procedures to achieve ultra-fine hypereutectoid spheroidite, pearlite and optically-unresolvable martensite. The investigation of these UHCSs brought us, eventually, to study the history and metallurgy of Damascus steel and Japanese swords, and of ancient blacksmiths. These ancient Persian and Japanese weapons, the most famous in the world, were also ultrahigh carbon steels. It is proposed that the iron age may have begun at the same time period as the early bronze age, approximately 7000 BC. The Damascus steel age began at about 2000 BC, the same as the full bronze age.
The Inotropic Effects of the Calcium Ionophore X-537A in the Anesthetized Dog

The ability of ion permeability-inducing agents (ionophores) to complex and transport cations and amines across membranes has provided a novel approach for the pharmacological modification of biological systems. Of particular interest is X-537A, since it not only transports alkali ions but compared to most of the known ionophores it is unusually efficient in transporting calcium as well as catecholamines. The cardiovascular effects of this agent were studied in normal anesthetized dogs. X-537A produced a dramatic augmentation of myocardial contractility with up to 210% increases in max dP/dt after intravenous doses of 1.0-1.5 mg/kg. The moderate dose of 0.5-0.75 mg/kg X-537A induced significant increases in max dP/dt (68%, P < .001), isometric ventricular segmental tension (IVST) (79%, P < .01), peak dT/dt (65%, P < .05), cardiac output (44%, P < .001), aortic systolic (18%, P < .001) and diastolic (15%, P < .001) pressures, pulse pressure (28%, P < .001), left ventricular systolic pressure (18%, P < .001), and decrease in total peripheral resistance (23%, P < .05) without significant changes in heart rate and atrioventricular conduction. Beta-blockade with large doses of propranolol showed 20% suppression of the cardiac inotropism of X-537A. The action of X-537A is typically rapid with a smooth continuous progression until maximal response is attained in 10-15 minutes, sustained for about one hour, then gradually subsides during the third hour. Such ideal cardiovascular effects of X-537A portend a profound therapeutic potential in cases of cardiac decompensation and circulatory compromise. X-537A may also prove to be a valuable tool for probing the complex factors influencing myocardial contractility.
Irreversible thermodynamics for vortex motion in type II superconductors

Irreversible thermodynamics consideration is applied to give a systematic discussion of dissipative processes involving vortex motion in superconductors.
Influence of stacking fault energy on twin spacing of Cu and Cu–Al alloys

Thick Cu and Cu–Al films were sputtered under identical conditions. A wide range of stacking fault energies (6–78 mJ m−2) were explored in order to manipulate the twin spacing and microstructure. The Cu–Al samples showed highly columnar and nanotwinned grains, while the Cu sample showed a limited number of nanotwinned grains. The effects of changes in sputtering rate were also evaluated and compared to theoretical calculations. It was observed that, contrary to predictions, the twin spacing increased at higher sputtering rates.
Design and implementation of a citywide breastfeeding promotion program: the New York City approach.

Breastfeeding has regained more popularity in the US since 1970 but there has been a definite disparity in its resurgence among minority poor and less educated mothers. This article outlines the history of breastfeeding prevalence in the US and New York City as an introduction to explaining the design and implementation of New York Citys breastfeeding promotion program. In 1982 the Steering Committee to Promote Breastfeeding in New York City was generated and it designed task forces to address each of their defined barriers to breastfeeding promotion (e.g. lack of relevant data centralized compilation data analysis health care professional education inhibitory practices by hospitals and ambulatory services public misinformation and unsupportive public policy). The Research Task Force Professional Education Task Force Hospital Practices Task Group Policy and Legislation Task Group and Public Information Task Group were outlined and some policies strategies and practices they have enacted were described. Some of their accomplishments include: educational kits on breastfeeding for health care professionals guidelines for work-site health and nutrition programs for pregnant and lactating workers research on the economics of breastfeeding breastfeeding information posters on the subway and establishment in 1984 of a breastfeeding coordinator in each municipal hospital. These strategies demonstrate a successful model for breastfeeding promotion in large urban areas as seen by the rise in breastfeeding at the time of newborn discharge from New York City hospitals.
Sampling for indoor fungi.

Abstract Background A great deal of concern has arisen recently regarding the potential adverse effects of indoor fungi. Our understanding of this complex problem has been hampered by a lack of standardized protocols for performing an indoor assessment for fungi. Without such standards, it is difficult to compare results from one study with those from another or to measure the effect of indoor fungal contamination on a building and its occupants. Methods We reviewed the medical literature and here describe a hypothesis-driven approach to planning, sampling, and interpreting the results of indoor assessments for fungi. Results Fungi cause 3 primary adverse effects: (1) they can damage a building, (2) they can render a building unpleasant to live in by looking and smelling bad, and (3) they might cause adverse health effects in sensitive individuals. Sampling methods used to test hypotheses include air sampling for spores, measurement of allergens in house dust, and determination of microbially generated volatile organic compounds, ergosterols, glucans, and mycotoxins, as well as environmental conditions that lead to fungal contamination. Conclusions Standardized approaches for performing and reporting assessments of indoor fungi are essential if our understanding of this complex field is to improve.
Practical DCB for improved data center networks

Storage area networking is driving commodity data center switches to support lossless Ethernet (DCB). Unfortunately, to enable DCB for all traffic on arbitrary network topologies, we must address several problems that can arise in lossless networks, e.g., large buffering delays, unfairness, head of line blocking, and deadlock. We propose TCP-Bolt, a TCP variant that not only addresses the first three problems but reduces flow completion times by as much as 70%. We also introduce a simple, practical deadlock-free routing scheme that eliminates deadlock while achieving aggregate network throughput within 15% of ECMP routing. This small compromise in potential routing capacity is well worth the gains in flow completion time. We note that our results on deadlock-free routing are also of independent interest to the storage area networking community. Further, as our hardware testbed illustrates, these gains are achievable today, without hardware changes to switches or NICs.
Effects of pure human erythropoietin-binding protein and its antibody

Abstract P-111 Key Words: Erythropoiesis, Erythropoietin receptor, Epo-bp, Binding site, Cardiovascular parameters Key Words: Erythropoiesis, Erythropoietin Receptor, Epo-bp
The neutral plane and the molding strokes in a floating mold

A procedure was developed for calculating the position of the neutral plane and the upper and lower motions when using a floating pressure mold.
Unveiling Extragalactic Star Formation Using Radio Recombination Lines: An Expanded Very Large Array Pilot Study with NGC 253

Radio recombination lines (RRLs) are powerful, extinction-free diagnostics of the ionized gas in young, star-forming regions. Unfortunately, these lines are difficult to detect in external galaxies. We present the results of Expanded Very Large Array (EVLA) observations of the RRL and radio continuum emission at 33 GHz from NGC 253, a nearby nuclear starburst galaxy. We detect the previously unobserved H58α and H59α RRLs and make simultaneous sensitive measurements of the continuum. We measure integrated line fluxes of 44.3 ± 0.7 W m–2 and 39.9 ± 0.8 W m–2 for the H58α and H59α lines, respectively. The thermal gas in NGC 253 is kinematically complex with multiple velocity components. We constrain the density of the thermal gas to (1.4-4) × 104 cm–3 and estimate an ionizing photon flux of 1 × 1053 s–1. We use the RRL kinematics and the derived ionizing photon flux to show that the nuclear region of NGC 253 is not gravitationally bound, which is consistent with the outflow of gas inferred from the X-ray and Hα measurements. The line profiles, fluxes, and kinematics of the H58α and H59α lines agree with those of RRLs at different frequencies confirming the accuracy of the previous, more difficult, high-frequency observations. We find that the EVLA is an order of magnitude more efficient for extragalactic RRL observations than the Very Large Array. These observations demonstrate both the power of the EVLA and the future potential of extragalactic RRL studies with the EVLA.
Recycling Paper Recycling

What do you do after a product has served its function and is no longer needed? Ideally, you recycle it. What do you do if people have neglected or forgotten so much of what has been learned in recent years about paper recycling? Well, one of the things that someone can do is to write a book. Very little of the contents of such a book may be new. But the book itself can be highly valuable, representing a lot of effort to select and organized material that will be helpful for the current and upcoming generations of papermaking technologists. This editorial describes a new book by Dr. Pratima Bajpai entitled Recycling and Deinking of Recovered Paper. Readers who deal with the recycling of paper will probably want to have a copy of it on a handy shelf.
Fiber-optic two-beam interferometer fringe amplitude recovery using laser frequency control

The recovery of interference fringe amplitude by controlling only the laser current is demonstrated. Control of the interfering beam polarization states is not required.
Criterion for stable reentry in a ring of cardiac tissue

We model electrical wave propagation in a ring of cardiac tissue using an mth-order difference equation, where m denotes the number of cells in the ring. Under physiologically reasonable assumptions, the difference equation has a unique equilibrium solution. Applying Jury's stability test, we prove a theorem concerning the local asymptotic stability of this equilibrium solution. Our results yield conditions for sustained reentrant tachycardia, a type of cardiac arrhythmia.