cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preferential Use of CXCR4 by R5X4 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Isolates for Infection of Primary Lymphocytes

Coreceptor specificity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains is generally defined in vitro in cell lines expressing CCR5 or CXCR4, but lymphocytes and macrophages are the principal targets in vivo. CCR5-using (R5) variants dominate early in infection, but strains that use CXCR4 emerge later in a substantial minority of subjects. Many or most CXCR4-using variants can use both CXCR4 and CCR5 (R5X4), but the pathways that are actually used to cause infection in primary cells and in vivo are unknown. We examined several R5X4 prototype and primary isolates and found that they all were largely or completely restricted to CXCR4-mediated entry in primary lymphocytes, even though lymphocytes are permissive for CCR5-mediated entry by R5 strains. In contrast, in primary macrophages R5X4 isolates used both CCR5 and CXCR4. The R5X4 strains were also more sensitive than R5 strains to CCR5 blocking, suggesting that interactions between the R5X4 strains and CCR5 are less efficient. These results indicate that coreceptor phenotyping in transformed cells does not necessarily predict utilization in primary cells, that variability exists among HIV-1 isolates in the ability to use CCR5 expressed on lymphocytes, and that many or most strains characterized as R5X4 are functionally X4 in primary lymphocytes. Less efficient interactions between R5X4 strains and CCR5 may be responsible for the inability to use CCR5 on lymphocytes, which express relatively low CCR5 levels. Since isolates that acquire CXCR4 utilization retain the capacity to use CCR5 on macrophages despite their inability to use it on lymphocytes, these results also raise the possibility that a CCR5-mediated macrophage reservoir is required for sustained infection in vivo.
Ecophysiology of two Sonoran Desert evergreen shrubs during extreme drought

Abstract Recent drought across the desert Southwest US may strongly affect the physiological functioning of evergreen desert species that maintain leaves through these dry periods. In July 2002 we compared the ecophysiological performance of the open-canopied, small-leaved creosotebush ( Larrea tridentata ) to the dense-canopied, more broad-leaved jojoba ( Simmondsia chinensis ) growing on a ridge-top, east- and west-facing slopes to assess how differences in leaf habit and exposure affect these species' ability to withstand severe drought. Standardized precipitation index (SPI) from 100 years precipitation data showed July 2002 rainfall was normal, but the 12-month period ending July 2002 was of extreme aridity (SPI = −2.71). Predawn water potentials were extremely low, and lower in jojoba (−8.1 to −9.5 MPa) than in Larrea (−6.6 to −9.4 MPa). Chlorophyll fluorescence showed jojoba had more consistent photochemical performance than Larrea across three exposures, having higher optimal photosystem II (PSII) efficiency ( F v / F m ), lower light-adapted PSII yield, and better ability to thermally dissipate light energy (i.e. higher NPQ), especially in inner-canopy jojoba leaves. These findings suggest jojoba may better cope with high light under drought conditions, and that canopy shading in jojoba may reduce high-light stress. Moreover, lower F v / F m , NPQ and high PSII yields in Larrea was similar between east-facing and ridge-top locations, but achieved levels similar to jojoba on west-facing exposures. These findings suggest these drought-tolerant evergreens rely on different physiological mechanisms to cope with high light under extreme drought conditions.
The Development of Valvular Strands During Thrombolytic Therapy Detected by Transesophageal Echocardiography

A case report of a patient who had valvular strands while undergoing treatment with thrombolytic therapy for prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis is presented. The development of valvular strands during thrombolytic therapy provides unique evidence supporting a thrombotic/fibrotic origin to this relatively common finding on transesophageal echocardiography.
Theory of ultrafast optical gain in the nonlinear reflectivity of semiconductor Bragg structures

We present a microscopic theory for the nonlinear reflection of semiconductor Bragg structures. Our theoretical results showing ultrafast optical gain complement recent experimental observations and allow for the identification of the underlying many-particle processes.
Reintroduction of wild lupine (Lupinus perennis L.) depends on variation in canopy, vegetation, and litter cover.

We experimentally examined the effects of canopy, vegetation, and leaf litter cover on the demography of Wild lupines (Lupinus perennis) in a central North American oak savanna spanning 9 years. We also compared the distribution of Wild lupine across the landscape to results predicted by the demographic experiments. With less canopy cover, soil temperatures were warmer and seedlings emerged earlier. Seedling survival increased 14% with each additional leaf grown. Seedling survival was four times greater in openings and partial shade than in dense shade. Seedling survival was also influenced by interactions between canopy cover and vegetation cover, between canopy cover and leaf litter, and among canopy cover, vegetation cover, and litter cover. In openings, seedlings had higher survival when vegetative cover was present, suggesting a positive shading effect on survival, but with greater canopy cover vegetative cover reduced survival. Seedling survival was greater for plants that experienced herbivory, a result that was probably related to plant size and quality rather than having been eaten. Survival of lupines to 9 years after seed planting was greatest in the partial shade, moderate in openings, and least in dense shade. Wild lupine cover across the landscape was greatest when litter cover was low and canopy cover and ground layer cover were moderate. Reduction of canopy cover by burning or cutting, and reduction of leaf litter by prescribed burning will benefit the reintroduction of Wild lupine by increasing light, reducing litter cover, and creating disturbances; however, the reduction of vegetation cover in openings may hinder lupine reintroduction.
Ordered subset analysis for case‐control studies

Genetic heterogeneity, which may manifest on a population level as different frequencies of a specific disease susceptibility allele in different subsets of patients, is a common problem for candidate gene and genome-wide association studies of complex human diseases. The ordered subset analysis (OSA) was originally developed as a method to reduce genetic heterogeneity in the context of family-based linkage studies. Here, we have extended a previously proposed method (OSACC) for applying the OSA methodology to case-control datasets. We have evaluated the type I error and power of different OSACC permutation tests with an extensive simulation study. Case-control datasets were generated under two different models by which continuous clinical or environmental covariates may influence the relationship between susceptibility genotypes and disease risk. Our results demonstrate that OSACC is more powerful under some disease models than the commonly used trend test and a previously proposed joint test of main genetic and gene-environment interaction effects. An additional unique benefit of OSACC is its ability to identify a more informative subset of cases that may be subjected to more detailed molecular analysis, such as DNA sequencing of selected genomic regions to detect functional variants in linkage disequilibrium with the associated polymorphism. The OSACC-identified covariate threshold may also improve the power of an additional dataset to replicate previously reported associations that may only be detectable in a fraction of the original and replication datasets. In summary, we have demonstrated that OSACC is a useful method for improving SNP association signals in genetically heterogeneous datasets.
Measurable improvements in cycle-time-constrained capacity

This study uses simulation-based analysis to evaluate the operating practices of a high-volume, multiple-product semiconductor fab, with the goal of finding potential areas for productivity improvement that will yield a quantifiable increase in fab capacity. The parameters setup, batching, tool/operator dedication, lot release, and dispatch rule were studied. The analysis revealed that some of the current operating practices of the factory were beneficial while changing some other practices would increase "cycle-time-constrained capacity" by up to 12%. A significant opportunity for potential improvement for this factory lies in implementing a strict setup avoidance policy. The first implementation in the actual fab is a relaxation of the photolithography equipment dedication which has helped the factory achieve a 25% reduction in cycle time and inventory.
The floating population: an informal process of urbanisation in China.

China's low level of urbanisation has been the result of tight controls over population movement under a rigid rural and urban household registration system. Since the modification of population mobility policies in the mid 1980s, surplus workers have been moving to coastal regions without changes in their rural residency status. The floating population has been estimated at around 80 million in recent years. The research was partly based on the official 1990 census and partly on the analysis of local documents and literature published in China. This paper attempts to employ substantial source materials to shed light on the characteristics of population migration in a centrally planned society that is in the process of transforming to a market economy. In order to compare rural–urban migration in China with that in other developing countries, the data on 1985–1990 interprovincial population migration have been analysed. Some demographic research techniques on population migration, such as the impact on the place or origin and the place of destination, have been employed to assess the influence of rural–urban migration on China's long-term economic development. Economic betterment appears to be the sole motivation of rural population migration in China. Concluding suggestions are advanced on how to deal with excessive rural labour which could be guided and efficiently utilised as an advantageous human resource in China's long-term developmental strategy.
Venture Capital Distributions: Short-Run and Long-Run Reactions

Venture capital distributions, a legal form of insider trading, provides an ideal arena for examining the share price impact of transactions by informed parties. These sales, which occur after substantial run-ups in share value, generate a substantial price reaction immediately around the event. In the months after distribution, returns apparently continue to be negative. When the short- and long-run reactions are decomposed, they are consistent with the view that venture capitalists use inside information to time stock distributions: Distributions of firms brought public by lower quality underwriters and of less seasoned firms have more negative price reactions. AN ENDURING ISSUE IN THE CORPORATE finance literature has been the impact of trading by informed insiders on securities prices. Two cases initiated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ~SEC! in the early 1960s 1 stimulated an interest in this relationship and its implications for social welfare ~e.g., Manne ~1966!! that continues to this day. An extensive body of research has examined the trading by corporate insiders. Most notably, Seyhun ~e.g., 1986, 1988! has documented the shortand long-run price impacts of trading by officers, directors, and other insiders. But as Meulbroek ~1992! notes: * Both authors are at the Harvard Business School and NBER. We thank Tim Bliamptis, T. Bondurant French, Robert Moreland, Tom Philips, and several organizations—Brinson Partners and its various affiliate limited partnerships, Kemper Securities, RogersCasey Alternative Investments, the US West Investment Trust, and a major corporate pension fund—for providing us with distribution data and limited partnership agreements. Additional data were provided
Combinatorial Chemical Vapor Deposition of Metal Silicate Films Using Tri( t -butoxy) silanol and Anhydrous Metal Nitrates

A modified low-pressure chemical vapor deposition reactor was used to create compositional spreads of MO 2 /SiO 2 films (M = Hf, Zr and Sn) using tri( t -butoxy) silanol and anhydrous metal nitrates of hafnium, zirconium and tin at temperatures below 250 °C. The compositional spreads formed by this process were characterized by ellipsometry and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. A survey of possible reactions involved in the deposition is included.
Challenges of Documenting Tursiops truncatus Montagu (Bottlenose Dolphin) Bycatch in the Stop Net Fishery along Bogue Banks, North Carolina

Each fi shery presents its own challenges for observers to document by- catch. The North Carolina (NC) stop net fi shery is especially challenging because it uses anchored gear (the stop net) that soaks up to 15 days to herd fi sh, which are then hauled to shore via another gear (a beach seine). Three Tursiops truncatus (Bottle- nose Dolphin) entanglements in stop nets and six Bottlenose Dolphin strandings, each suspected of having been entangled in stop net gear based on injuries noted (lesions) and spatio-temporal overlap with the fi shery, were documented by the NC Marine Mammal Network between 1992 and 2007. In 2001-2002, new observational techniques and surveys were used to observe this fi shery to estimate bycatch and to document dolphin behavior around the gear. Techniques included observations from the beach during net retrievals and in situ surveys using a vessel with a sonar-video camera system. No entangled dolphins were observed, and, in fact, observations indicated dolphins were not attracted to stop nets and generally changed direction to avoid the gear. Nonetheless, characteristics of the fi shery impose severe limitations on the effi cacy of bycatch observer methods, rendering those results unreliable. Giv- en low levels of known or suspected entanglements and the challenges of observing this fi shery, stranding network data may be the most practical and effective method to monitor dolphin bycatch.
Spectral Doppler US.

Doppler ultrasonography (US) is used to measure blood velocity by means of the Doppler frequency shift of the echoes received from red blood cells. The two most common types of equipment for measuring Doppler shifts are continuous-wave (CW) Doppler and pulsed, or range-gated, Doppler. A CW Doppler transducer has a separate receiver and transmitter because it transmits continuously. Because of its continuous transmission, there is no depth resolution. CW Doppler systems, however, have high sensitivity and are not susceptible to aliasing. Pulsed Doppler systems transmit a pulse and measure the Doppler shift of the received echo signals from an operator-selectable depth interval (range gate). The ultrasound Doppler shifts occur in the audible range and are displayed in spectral form, with Doppler frequency shifts on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis so that the time-history of the blood flow is presented. The amplitude of the Doppler signal (proportional to the number of red blood cells at each velocity) is represented by the monitor gray-scale. The gray-scale image serves as a road map for range-gate placement. Pulsed Doppler US is not as sensitive as CW Doppler US, and aliasing can occur when high velocities are being measured.
Implementing digital logic with sinusoidal supplies

In this paper, a new type of combinational logic circuit realization is presented. Logic values are implemented as sinusoidal signals. Sinusoidal signals of the same frequency are phase shifted by π to destructively interfere with each other, and represent the logic 0 and 1 values of Boolean Logic. These properties of sinusoids can be used to identify a signal without ambiguity. Thus, representing logic values as sinusoidal signals yields a realizable system of logic. The paper presents a logic gate family that can operate using the sinusoidal signals for logic 0 and logic 1 values. Due to orthogonality of sinusoid signals with different frequencies, multiple sinusoids could be transmitted on a single wire. This provides a natural way of implementing multilevel logic. Signals traveling long distances could take advantage of this fact and can share interconnect lines. Recent research in circuit design has made it possible to harvest sinusoidal signals of the same frequency and 180° phase difference from a single resonant clock ring in a distributed manner. Other advantage of such a logic family is its immunity from external additive noise. The experiments in this paper indicate that this paradigm, when used to implement binary valued logic, yields an improvement in switching (dynamic) power.
Hatching Brine Shrimp Larvae Axenically and/or in a Range of Quantities

To hatch a range of quantities of brine shrimp for feeding hydra, and to prepare axenic larvae (i.e. free of other organisms).
CMOL cell assignment using exact shape of connectivity domain

This paper presents a solution to the cell assignment problem in a CMOL crossbar architecture. We show that the input and output connectivity domains of each cell has a particular shape and that the shape is very important for accurate cell assignment and placement. We show that by estimating the connectivity domain using Manhattan distance, previous work on CMOL cell assignment have greatly inflated the number of available cells and deflated the numbers of buffers needed for complete placement of a circuit to a CMOL array.
International Institutional Environment and Civil War Prevention

We examine the potential of highly structured intergovernmental organizations (HSIGOs) to prevent the escalation of low-level domestic armed conflicts in member states to civil wars. A state’s HSIGO memberships alters the bargaining game between the government and rebels by increasing the costs of escalation (e.g., via sanctions) and decreasing the amount of benefits the state hoped to receive from future international cooperation. The anticipation of such consequences provides the government with an increased interest in settling the conflict before it escalates. This in turn also mitigates an important aspect of uncertainty associated with bargaining failure, including enhancing the credibility of commitments. Empirical analyses of all domestic armed conflicts from 1945-2000 provide robust support for the hypothesized conflict management function of HSIGO memberships. Consistent with our theorizing, follow-up tests and illustrative evidence from Indonesia and Ivory Coast show that the findings are driven by those HSIGOs that have the most ability to punish and/or reward member states and that HSIGO memberships help prevent low-level conflict escalation by increasing the likelihood of settlements.
Nitric oxide dilates tight junctions and depletes ATP in cultured Caco-2BBe intestinal epithelial monolayers

We tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) modulates the permeability of tight junctions in a model intestinal epithelium (Caco-2BBe monolayers). Incubation with sodium nitroprusside (SNP) resulted in time- and concentration-dependent decreases in transepithelial resistance. Permeability to fluorescein sulfonic acid increased during incubation for 24 h in the presence of 1.25 mM SNP, 5 mM S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), or 1% NO gas. SNP-induced hyperpermeability was not due to loss of cell viability, as confirmed by intact ultrastructure, unaltered lactate dehydrogenase release, and ability to recover baseline permeability. Incubation with SNP increased permeability but only minimally increased intracellular levels of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). Incubation with Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin greatly increased cGMP levels with only a minimal effect on permeability. Cellular ATP levels decreased after incubation with SNP, SNAP, or gaseous NO. Incubation with SNP led to diminished fluoresceinphalloidin staining of junctional actin (confocal microscopy) and widened tight junctions (electron microscopy). We conclude that NO reduces ATP levels and reversibly increases the permeability of tight junctions in cultured Caco-2BBe cells.
Amphiphilic Crescent-Moon-Shaped Microparticles Formed by Selective Adsorption of Colloids

We use a microfluidic device to prepare monodisperse amphiphilic particles in the shape of a crescent-moon and use these particles to stabilize oil droplets in water. The microfluidic device is comprised of a tapered capillary in a theta (θ) shape that injects two oil phases into water in a single receiving capillary. One oil is a fluorocarbon, while the second is a photocurable monomer, which partially wets the first oil drop; silica colloids in the monomer migrate and adsorb to the interface with water but do not protrude into the oil interface. Upon UV-induced polymerization, solid particles with the shape of a crescent moon are formed; removal of fluorocarbon oil yields amphiphilic particles due to the selective adsorption of silica colloids. The resultant amphiphilic microparticles can be used to stabilize oil drops in a mixture of water and ethanol; if they are packed to sufficient surface density on the interface of the oil drop, they become immobilized, preventing direct contact between neighborin...
Interpretation of Rubidium Marking Levels in Beet Armyworm Eggs (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The trace element rubidium was used to mark adults and ova of Spodoptera exigua (Hubner). Marked ova were produced by moths reared on rubidium-treated alfalfa and cotton and on an artificial diet containing rubidium, by females mated with rubidium-marked males, and by females exposed to plants sprayed with rubidium chloride. Decreasing levels of rubidium were found in ova produced by rubidium-marked females fed a sucrose diet containing potassium in a concentration similar to that found in cotton nectar. Increasing levels of rubidium were found in ova produced by previously unmarked female moths after mating with marked males or after exposure to cotton sprayed with rubidium.
Cost utility of the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate the cost utility of nonsurgical versus surgical treatments for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS A decision analysis model was created to compare nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for women with SUI. Decision paths included conservative management, pelvic floor physical therapy (pelvic floor muscle training [PFMT]), PFMT with electrical stimulation, incontinence pessary, and surgical treatment. A Markov model cohort analysis was performed with a cycle length of 1 year starting at age 45 years with a lifetime horizon. Probabilities, success rates, and utilities were obtained from the literature when available or by expert opinion. Cost-utility analysis was performed using US recommendations from a societal perspective. Cost data were obtained from Medicare reimbursement in 2012 US dollars. RESULTS Incontinence pessary was the most cost-effective treatment option with a cost of $11,411 for 18.9 quality-adjusted life years. At a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $50,000, incontinence pessary remained the most cost-effective treatment option. At a WTP threshold of $60,000, surgery became the most cost-effective treatment option. The PFMT and PFMT with electrical stimulation were dominated at any WTP threshold. CONCLUSIONS Surgical correction is likely the most cost-effective treatment option for young healthy women with SUI. Results are driven by the high success rate of minimally invasive slings. More studies are needed to define utility values for heath states experienced by women with SUI. This will enhance our ability to develop more accurate cost-utility models and offer the best treatment for women affected by incontinence.
Polyimide materials evaluation

Addition cure polyimide materials made from Kerimid 601 resin are easily fabricated into multilayer boards using processes and equipment normally intended for epoxy boards.
How many admirals does it take to change a light bulb? Organizational innovation, energy efficiency, and the United States Navy’s battle over LED lighting

Abstract Energy policy research has highlighted systematic shortfalls in the adoption of new energy technologies owing to market failures and behavioral factors. However, less research has examined how organizational processes may block energy innovations. In this paper, we propose that a key organizational obstacle in the adoption of innovations may be the lack of a good justification for implementing a technology. In situations where there is no obviously correct answer regarding the adoption of an innovation, organizations put a premium on developing a justification that may be favorably received in the context of an organization’s energy culture. Absent a favorable justification an organization may abandon a new technology, or delay implementing it until a suitable justification becomes available. We draw our insights about the role of justifications in organizations from a study of the U.S. Navy’s decade-long attempt to justify LED lighting on its ships. LED lighting proponents in the Navy cycled through several justifications for the technology with little success. We conclude that a better appreciation of the organizational processes involved in justifying new energy investments is essential for the development of more effective energy policy.
Farm Policy: The Current Position

FARM policy has long been a serious source of discouragement to those who believe that, with thought and effort, public problems, however intractable, can be made to yield, however gradually, to solution. Such discouragement must seem deeply justified at the moment. We have just come through a notably agonizing reappraisal of our farm policy. First, beginning in 1953, there was a lengthly period of conference and discussion. Those whom the new Administration agreeably characterized as "the best minds" were consulted at length and called on for a program. The people in general, and the Congress in particular, were promised that the result would be a new and fresh approach to this old and tired problem. The Congress also made a notable effort to inform itself. Then, during the 1954 session of Congress, the Administration presented its proposals, and these were debated at great length. Eventually, the proposals, intact in broad outline, were enacted into law. The whole issue was then reviewed in the election campaign of 1954. This was a formidable effort. One is all but compelled to suppose that something important was accomplished. Herein lies the reason for the peculiar discouragement of the moment. Under the new farm bill the country can reasonably expect to have all of the troubles that afflicted it under the old one. Despite all of the effort no substantial problem of past farm policy was solved or greatly mitigated. This is distressing, but the point is readily established.
College Students’ Prevalence of Sleep Hygiene Awareness and Practices

Research has consistently found that college students report short sleep length and poor sleep quality. As a result of their poor sleep quality, there is concern that college students may struggle with issues associated with academic performance, physical health, and mental health. Previous research has investigated a multitude of factors that may contribute to poor sleeping behaviors, including sleep hygiene awareness and practices. The current study found that participants were obtaining less than the recommended average hours of sleep. Results indicated an almost equal number of participants reported poor sleep quality, average sleep quality, and good sleep quality. Results also indicated that between 40-50% of the sample reported difficulties related going to bed, falling asleep, maintaining sleep, reinitiating sleep, and returning to wakefulness. Although participants in the present study reported sleep hygiene awareness, their knowledge is not associated with their sleep practices. Based on these results, it may be implied that improving or increasing sleep hygiene knowledge is not an intervention that would be effective in improving sleep hygiene practices.
Applications of random search methods to foraging in ecological environments and other natural phenomena–A review

Random search methods are central to “predator–prey” problems in natural phenomena where a predator is in search of a randomly located prey. Such problems aim at explaining the movement process of a variety of life forms. It is widely known that Brownian and Levy motions optimize random search strategies and their applications have been the focus of a growing number of investigations in contemporary interdisciplinary sciences. In this review article, we discuss the applications of random search strategies that rely upon Brownian and Levy motions and their variants. In carrying out this review, we limit our focus to the areas of foraging in ecological environments, motions of T cells and other biological organisms, and robotic searches for military and civilian targets.
Fcγ Receptor Function and the Design of Vaccination Strategies.

Through specific interactions with distinct types of Fcγ receptors (FcγRs), the Fc domain of immunoglobulin G (IgG) mediates a wide spectrum of immunological functions that influence both innate and adaptive responses. Recent studies indicate that IgG Fc-FcγR interactions are dynamically regulated during an immune response through the control of the Fc-associated glycan structure and Ig subclass composition on the one hand and selective FcγR expression on immune cells on the other, which together determine the capacity of IgG to interact in a cell-type-specific manner with specific members of the FcγR family. Here, we present a framework that synthesizes the current understanding of the contribution of FcγR pathways to the induction and regulation of antibody and T cell responses. Within this context, we discuss vaccination strategies to elicit broad and potent immune responses based on the immunomodulatory properties of Fc-FcγR interactions.
A Program for Selecting Quick Switching Systems

A FORTRAN program is presented for selecting the quick switching system (QSS) with a specified acceptable quality level (AQL) and lot tolerance percent defective (LTPD) that minimizes the average s...
Optical Wireless Communications for Heterogeneous DARS

Distributed autonomous robotic systems (DARS) can provide essential support to human task forces in a variety of missions. Maintaining reliable communications on these mobile networks is critically important for cooperative autonomy. Radio-frequency is the common wireless communication technology employed for task coordination. However, it has some limitations that can be mitigated by complementing radio-frequency systems with optical wireless communications. In this chapter, we present our efforts for the development and implementation of an optical wireless communication link in DARS, more specifically between aerial (e.g., quadrotors) and ground robots. We describe a line-of-sight directed optical link between these two platforms. In addition, we detail our strategy to maintain an adequate transmitter-receiver relative position to enhance the optical signal strength. Furthermore, we provide some details about our optical transceiver prototype that can be mounted on small aerial and ground autonomous robotic systems.
Platelet-Active Agents in the Management of Thrombotic Disorders

At present there is intense interest in aspirin therapy for vascular disease. Aspirin has been shown in well-designed clinical trails to be beneficial in five and possibly six clinical settings relevant to cardiovascular disease: (1) reduction of thromboembolic complications associated with artificial heart valves; (2) prevention of stroke and death in men with transient ischemic attacks; (3) decrease in thrombotic occlusion of arteriovenous silastic cannula in uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis; (4) reduction in myocardial infarction in patients with unstable angina; (5) probably in the secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction; and (6) possibly to increase the patency of saphenous vein coronary bypass grafts, although this report requires confirmation. These reported benefits of aspirin require some comment. First, the antithrombotic effects of aspirin in patients with prosthetic mitral valves was evident in association with oral anticoagulant therapy, a combination that is associated with an unacceptably high frequency of gastrointestinal bleeding. Second, the capacity of aspirin in low doses to reduce the thrombotic complications of arteriovenous cannula was shown in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis and thus associated with significant platelet dysfunction. It cannot be assumed that a similar dose would be antithrombotic in the absence of underlying platelet dysfunction. Third, the pathogenetic mechanisms of TIA and unstable angina may not be thrombotic but vasospastic. Thus, the benefits of aspirin in those clinical settings may reflect blockade of TxA2-mediated vasospasm rather than inhibition of platelet-dependent thrombus formation. Fourth, the results of aspirin in secondary prevention of acute MI is not statistically conclusive. Sulfinpyrazone reduces A-V cannula occlusion, early coronary artery saphenous vein graft occlusion, and possibly sudden death following myocardial infarction. It may also decrease thromboembolism in patients with substitute heart valves. Dipyridamole decreases thromboembolism in patients with artificial heart valves (in combination with anticoagulants), and in combination with aspirin it has been shown to reduce both early and late coronary artery saphenous vein graft occlusion and to preserve renal function in patients with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. The relative importance of the combination versus each drug given individually remains to be established.
Electromagnetic diffraction by a thin conducting circular disk placed at the plane interface of two different media

In this paper, the problem of diffraction of time harmonic, electromagnetic waves by a thin ideally conducting disk lying at the plane interface of two different media is considered. In this analysis, the incident wave is a plane wave travelling in a direction perpendicular to the plane interface of the two media. A Hertz vector formulation is applied to reduce our electromagnetic diffraction problem to a system of two scalar problems which are solved by the help of two pairs of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind. Low frequency approximations to the tangential components of the magnetic intensity associated with the diffracted field at the surfaces of the disk, the induced surface current density on the disk and the scattering cross section are obtained.
Determination of roughness lengths for heat and momentum over boreal forests

The roughness length for momentum (z0m), zero-plane displacementheight (d), and roughness length for heat (z0h) are importantparameters used to estimate land-atmosphere energy exchange. Although many different approaches have been developed to parameterizemomentum and heat transfer, existing parameterizations generally utilizehighly simplified representations of vegetation structure. Further, a mismatch exists between the treatments used for momentum and heat exchange and those used for radiative energy exchanges. In this paper, parameterizations are developed to estimate z0m, d, and z0h for forested regimes using information related to tree crown density and structure. The parameterizations provide realistic representationfor the vertical distribution of foliage within canopies, and include explicit treatment for the effects of the canopy roughness sublayer and leaf drag on momentum exchange. The proposed parameterizationsare able to realistically account for site-to-site differences in roughness lengths that arise from canopy structural properties.Comparisons between model predictions and field measurements show good agreement, suggesting that the proposed parameterizations capture the most important factors influencing turbulent exchange of momentumand heat over forests.
The role of the microbiome in nonhealing diabetic wounds

Wound healing is a highly coordinated and complex process, and there can be devastating consequences if it is interrupted. It is believed that, in combination with host factors, microorganisms in a wound bed can not only impair wound healing but can lead to stalled, chronic wounds. It is hypothesized that the wound microbiota persists in chronic wounds as a biofilm, recalcitrant to antibiotic and mechanical intervention. Cultivation-based methods are the gold standard for identification of pathogens residing in wounds. However, these methods are biased against fastidious organisms, and do not capture the full extent of microbial diversity in chronic wounds. Thus, the link between specific microbes and impaired healing remains tenuous. This is partially because local infection and, more specifically, the formation of a biofilm, is difficult to diagnose. This has led to research efforts aimed at understanding if biofilm formation delays healing and leads to persistent and chronic infection. Circumventing challenges associated with culture-based estimations, advances in high-throughput sequencing analysis has revealed that chronic wounds are host to complex, diverse microbiomes comprising multiple species of bacteria and fungi. Here, we discuss how the use of genomic methodologies to study wound microbiomes has advanced the current understanding of infection and biofilm formation in chronic wounds.
Elevated Manganese Concentrations in United States Groundwater, Role of Land Surface-Soil-Aquifer Connections.

Chemical data from 43 334 wells were used to examine the role of land surface-soil-aquifer connections in producing elevated manganese concentrations (>300 μg/L) in United States (U.S.) groundwater. Elevated concentrations of manganese and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in groundwater are associated with shallow, anoxic water tables and soils enriched in organic carbon, suggesting soil-derived DOC supports manganese reduction and mobilization in shallow groundwater. Manganese and DOC concentrations are higher near rivers than farther from rivers, suggesting river-derived DOC also supports manganese mobilization. Anthropogenic nitrogen may also affect manganese concentrations in groundwater. In parts of the northeastern U.S. containing poorly buffered soils, ∼40% of the samples with elevated manganese concentrations have pH values < 6 and elevated concentrations of nitrate relative to samples with pH ≥ 6, suggesting acidic recharge produced by the oxidation of ammonium in fertilizer helps mobilize manganese. An estimated 2.6 million people potentially consume groundwater with elevated manganese concentrations, the highest densities of which occur near rivers and in areas with organic carbon rich soil. Results from this study indicate land surface-soil-aquifer connections play an important role in producing elevated manganese concentrations in groundwater used for human consumption.
Chapter 3 – Epithelialization

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses epithelialization of mammalian skin wounds and model systems of epithelial healing. Epithelial wound healing occurs regardless of whether a more organized regenerative process will ultimately ensue. Little detectable difference exists between epithelial wound healing in amputated limbs, which can regenerate, and those that cannot. Immediately after amputation, the soft tissues of the limb retract, leaving the protruding end of the bone as an indication of the real level of amputation. Bleeding from the severed blood vessels subsides within a minute. Regardless of the model, the initial reactions of the wound epidermis are quite similar. Within minutes after wounding, the defect is filled by a clot consisting of platelets and other blood cells embedded in a matrix of fibrin, with lesser amounts of fibronectin, thrombospondin, and vitronectin. The substrate for epidermal migration is a fibrin clot interposed among elements of the damaged dermis. In most cases of epithelial healing, regardless of species or location, the morphologic features of mobilization along the edge of the wound are remarkably similar.
Altruistic death: Neutrophil apoptosis maintains gingival health

Discussion on targeting LXR and PPAR agonists as therapeutic alternatives to ustekinumab therapy in LAD-1.
Product market competition and intermediate-term momentum

This paper examines the relationship between product market competition and intermediate-term relative strength strategies in the U.S. over the past two decades, i.e., from 1997 to 2016. As industries become increasingly concentrated, I find that return reversal patterns are observable only in competitive industries. As the industry concentration level (ICL) increases, these patterns gradually disappear and reverse in the highly concentrated industry quintile. The performance of intermediate-term relative strength strategies is affected by not only the product market competition level but also recent recessions. In the sample, I find no reliable and robust momentum effect. These results shed new light on the relationship between the product market competition levels and the performance of intermediate-term relative strength strategies.
Influence of digoxin on mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation: Overview of systematic reviews

Once a routine part of atrial fibrillation (AF) management, digoxin use has declined. Likely hastening this decline are findings from several studies and systematic reviews identifying a potential association between digoxin use and all-cause mortality in AF populations. However, inconsistency exists within some of these studies potentially leading to confusion among clinicians. To critically evaluate the current literature to contextualize the associations between digoxin and mortality risk in patients with AF by performing an overview of systematic reviews. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Database of Systematic Reviews, and SCOPUS from their earliest date through October 12, 2020, to identify systematic reviews (SRs) that included studies enrolling patients with AF or atrial flutter and evaluated the association between digoxin use and all-cause mortality. We used the AMSTAR 2 tool to assess the risk of bias for each included SR. Results from reviews are qualitatively synthesized. Our search identified 10 SRs that met our inclusion criteria. Of the 41 unique AF studies included in these SRs, 41% were cohort studies, 29% were post hoc analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 15% were RCTs, and 15% were registry studies. Based on our AMSTAR 2 assessment, the overall confidence in the results of the 10 reviews was rated as "moderate" in three SRs, "low" in three SRs, and "critically low" in the rest. Except for one review, each included SR shows that digoxin use in AF is associated with a 15 to 38% higher risk of all-cause mortality. This association may be greater when AF-only populations are considered compared with a mix of AF and heart failure populations. Serum digoxin concentration (SDC) data were infrequently considered, but available data suggested a greater association between increasing SDC and all-cause mortality. This overview of reviews found general consistency regarding the association between digoxin use and higher all-cause mortality in AF populations. However, heterogeneity exists among and between SRs and an unmet need exists for additional study in a RCT setting with close monitoring and reporting of SDC to better inform clinical practice.
Identification of Putative Biosynthetic Gene Clusters for Tolyporphins in Multiple Filamentous Cyanobacteria.

Tolyporphins A–R are unusual tetrapyrrole macrocycles produced by the non-axenic filamentous cyanobacterium HT-58-2. A putative biosynthetic gene cluster for biosynthesis of tolyporphins (here termed BGC-1) was previously identified in the genome of HT-58-2. Here, homology searching of BGC-1 in HT-58-2 led to identification of similar BGCs in seven other filamentous cyanobacteria, including strains Nostoc sp. 106C, Nostoc sp. RF31YmG, Nostoc sp. FACHB-892, Brasilonema octagenarum UFV-OR1, Brasilonema octagenarum UFV-E1, Brasilonema sennae CENA114 and Oculatella sp. LEGE 06141, suggesting their potential for tolyporphins production. A similar gene cluster (BGC-2) also was identified unexpectedly in HT-58-2. Tolyporphins BGCs were not identified in unicellular cyanobacteria. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA and a common component of the BGCs, TolD, points to a close evolutionary history between each strain and their respective tolyporphins BGC. Though identified with putative tolyporphins BGCs, examination of pigments extracted from three cyanobacteria has not revealed the presence of tolyporphins. Overall, the identification of BGCs and potential producers of tolyporphins presents a collection of candidate cyanobacteria for genetic and biochemical analysis pertaining to these unusual tetrapyrrole macrocycles.
Mapping of Eddy Current Probe Fields

An experimental determination of eddy current probe fields can be useful in several areas of nondestructive evaluation (NDE). In a very practical sense, a field map or profile is a good tool for examining the variations in probe performance. We show that probes of nominally identical construction can produce very different magnetic fields. Flaw inversion work in quantitative eddy current NDE requires an accurate knowledge of the near field produced by a probe. With the techniques developed in this experiment we have been able to map fields in considerable detail. We have done some experimental verification of theoretical models for fields produced by air core probes and mapped the fields of ferrite core probes which are difficult to calculate.
Comparability Studies for Later‐Generation Products—Plant‐Made Pharmaceuticals

Plant Made Pharmaceuticals (PMPs) use genetically engineered plants to express substances that may be used to treat and cure diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, HIV, heart disease. The boundary technology nature of PMPs places it firmly into limbo in terms of social acceptability and, ultimately, economic viability. This article explores PMPs and their potential with an eye toward public response and policy actions. Keywords: plant made pharmaceuticals (PMPs); genetic engineering; regulatory system; public response