cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A potent HDAC inhibitor, 1-alaninechlamydocin, from a Tolypocladium sp. induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in MIA PaCa-2 cells.

The cyclic tetrapeptide 1-alaninechlamydocin was purified from a Great Lakes-derived fungal isolate identified as a Tolypocladium sp. Although the planar structure was previously described, a detailed analysis of its spectroscopic data and biological activity are reported here for the first time. Its absolute configuration was determined using a combination of spectroscopic (1H–1H ROESY, ECD, and X-ray diffraction) and chemical (Marfey’s analysis) methods. 1-Alaninechlamydocin showed potent antiproliferative/cytotoxic activities in a human pancreatic cancer cell line (MIA PaCa-2) at low-nanomolar concentrations (GI50 5.3 nM, TGI 8.8 nM, LC50 22 nM). Further analysis revealed that 1-alaninechlamydocin induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Similar to other cyclic epoxytetrapeptides, the inhibitory effects of 1-alaninechlamydocin are proposed to be produced primarily via inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity.
Atomic Scale Simulations of Tensile Failure in Metal Oxides

We describe atomic-scale simulations of the failure under tensile load of an aluminum-alumina heterostructure, comparing the results with similar simulations of failure in metallic aluminum and the ceramic α-alumina. The simulations were performed using a novel computational method which explicitly includes variable charge transfer between cations and anions in an empirical potential. From our simulations we estimate the theoretical limit of yield stress for the interface to be approximately 2 GPa, at a strain of only a few percent. The theoretical limit for yield stress in α-alumina, for comparison, is about 45 GPa.
Factors influencing the response to withdrawal from mechanical ventilation.

Deciding when to withdraw mechanical ventilatory support depends on a quantitative assessment of the degree of mechanical impedance to breathing, ventilation-perfusion abnormalities, thoracic muscular weakness, and impairment of respiratory control mechanisms.
Moving from Student Development to Student Success

By using a reconstructionist and critical theory approach, a review of student development theories demonstrates the problematic nature of such ideas as they continue to be used to shape student affairs practice in community colleges.
Evaluation of platelet glycoprotein Ib by fluorescence flow cytometry

Platelet glycoprotein Ib (GpIb), a receptor for von Willebrand's factor (vWF), was studied by way of fluorescence flow cytometry. Using a sandwich staining technique, GpIb was identified by a monoclonal antibody (6D1) directed against an epitope close to the vWF binding site. Platelets from normal individuals were symmetrically distributed with respect to GpIb content. Treatment of washed platelets with plasmin resulted in progressive loss of GpIb as measured by fluorescence flow cytometry and by loss of agglutination response when combined with ristocetin in the presence of vWF. In mixing experiments with GpIb-deficient and normal platelets, it was possible to detect a subpopulation of deficient cells comprising 2% of the total population. Streptokinase treatment of platelet-rich plasma caused loss of the agglutination response to ristocetin and the emergence of a population of GpIb-deficient platelets. Fluorescence flow cytometry appears to be an important new technique by which to study platelet surface receptors.
Phenobarbital-Induced Increases in Methylation of Ribosomal Precursor Ribonucleic Acid

In young adult male rats killed either 6 or 16 hr after a single intraperitoneal injection of phenobarbital (100 mg/kg) on 0.9% NaCl, hepatic nucleolar RNA methyltransferase activity and nucleolar RNA polymerase activity were measured as well as labeling of microsomal RNA in vivo. Nucleolar RNA methyltransferase activity was assayed, using isolated nucleoli, by the incorporation of S-adenosyl[3H]methionine into RNA. RNA polymerase activity was determined in a similar manner by measuring [3H]UTP incorporation. Incorporation in vivo of [3H]orotic acid was used in the cytoplasmic microsomal RNA-labeling studies. By 6 and 16 hr after phenobarbital, incorporation of methyl label into RNA increased by 29% and 36%, respectively. Six hours after a single intraperitoneal injection of phenobarbital, nucleolar RNA polymerase activity was unchanged. Six hours after phenobarbital, incorporation in vivo of [3H]orotic acid into cytoplasmic microsomal 18 S and 28 5 RNA was stimulated by approximately 50%. The increase in cytoplasmic RNA after phenobarbital administration appears to result from increased stability of nucleolar ribosomal precursor (45 S) RNA due to enhanced methylation rather than from an increase in transcription of 45 S RNA.
Coordinate protein kinase activation and specific enzyme induction by cyclic nucleotide derivatives in intact cultured hepatoma cells.

A variety of cyclic nucleotide derivatives were tested for their ability to activate cAMP-dependent protein kinase (ATP:protein phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.37) and to induce tyrosine aminotransferase (L-tyrosine: 2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.5) in intact Reuber H35 rat hepatoma cells. The ratio of protein kinase activity toward a mixed histone preparation ± cAMP in 10,000 x g supernatant fractions of H35 cells incubated with or without a number of different cyclic nucleotide derivatives was used as an index of the degree of protein kinase activation in the intact cells. Basal ratios of 0.3-0.4 were observed but the actual ratio of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in untreated cells was estimated to be 0.10-0.15, based on the use of the skeletal muscle inhibitor and the slight stimulatory effect of dilution. The increase in the protein kinase activity ratio generated by each cyclic nucleotide derivative preceded that in aminotransferase activity, a pattern to be expected if a cause-effect relationship exists. The dose-response relationships for a variety of these derivatives revealed a highly significant correlation between kinase activation and enzyme induction. Furthermore, the effects of cAMP itself and two derivatives on both processes were converted from weak to strong by addition of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. One of the cyclic nucleotide derivatives tested, 8-parachlorophenylthio cAMP, exhibited dramatically higher potency (ED50 for kinase activation and enzyme induction ≅ 2-3 µM) than N6,O29-dibutyryl cAMP (ED50 ≅ 100 µM). Sephadex G-100 chromatography of protein kinase activity was used to confirm the results of the ratio method. The results demonstrate that enzyme induction is tightly coupled to protein kinase activation and is consistent with the possibility that these two processes are causally related.
The future of brand protection: responding to the global risk

Counterfeit products are a significant global risk to brands and those who hold intellectual property rights to them. They also pose significant risks to public health and safety, the economy, and even national security. Given consumer and organizational dependence on branded products, virtually everyone is vulnerable to counterfeits and has a stake in preventing, identifying, and responding to their occurrence. The multifaceted nature of product counterfeiting calls for an equally multidimensional response that is both strategic and comprehensive. This article attempts to provide some context for developing such a response. It compiles the ideas and perspectives of a diverse array of experts – including representatives of brand-owning corporations, industry associations, law enforcement agencies, private service providers, and academia – who are leaders in the global fight against product counterfeiting. In particular, it identifies and discusses critical aspects of the counterfeiting problem that need to be considered as 2020 approaches.
Ultrafast Spectroscopic Investigation of Energy Transfer in Site-Directed Mutants of the Fenna–Matthews–Olson (FMO) Antenna Complex from Chlorobaculum tepidum

Ultrafast transient absorption (TA) and time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) spectroscopic studies were performed on several mutants of the bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a-containing Fenna–Matthews–Olson (FMO) complex from the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum. These mutants were generated to perturb a particular BChl a site and determine its effects on the optical spectroscopic properties of the pigment–protein complex. Measurements conducted at 77 K under both oxidizing and reducing conditions revealed changes in the dynamics of the various spectral components as compared to the data set from wild-type FMO. TRF results show that under reducing conditions all FMO samples decay with a similar lifetime in the ∼2 ns range. The oxidized samples revealed varying fluorescence lifetimes of the terminal BChl a emitter, considerably shorter than those recorded for the reduced samples, indicating that the quenching mechanism in wild-type FMO is still present in the mutants. Global fitting of TA data yielded si...
Mosquito aging modulates the heart rate and the proportional directionality of heart contractions

Mosquito aging impacts a myriad of physiological processes, including digestion, flight, mating, reproductive success, and immunity. In the present study, we conducted intravital video imaging in 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20-day-old Anopheles gambiae female adults to assess whether aging impacts mosquito heart physiology. We found that the heart contraction rate increases over the first 15days of adulthood and then decreases. These changes occur for both contraction directions, although aging results in a relative change in the anterograde versus retrograde contraction rates. That is, whereas for the first 5days of life the anterograde and retrograde contraction rates are similar, from day 10 to day 20 the retrograde contraction rate is higher than the anterograde contraction rate. Aging also biases the proportional directionality of heart contractions, from approximately two thirds of the time being spent contracting in the anterograde direction and two thirds of the contractions propagating anterograde during the first 5days of life to an approximately even split between anterograde and retrograde when the mosquitoes have reached 10 to 20days of age. Transcriptional analyses of crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), FMRFamide, calcium-calmodulin dependent kinase II (CaMKII), pygopus, manganese-iron superoxide dismutase (MnSOD1) and vinculin by quantitative RT-PCR revealed age-associated changes in gene expression, with MnSOD1 and vinculin expression showing a declining trend with age. RNAi-based knockdown of MnSOD1 or vinculin resulted in heart physiology that trended toward the aging phenotype for every parameter that was measured, suggesting that these two genes are involved in cardiac aging.
Beyond diffraction limit in optical lithography via quantum entanglement

The ever-increasing power of computers entirely rely on the fine technique of lithography which writes the circuit images onto semiconductor chips. The resolution in optical lithography is limited by so-called Rayleigh diffraction limit of of λ/2, where λ is the optical wavelength. Hence the conventional way to achieve better resolution is to use shorter wavelength light. But the imaging technique, however, easily becomes problematic for UV or X-ray region. By using entangled photon pairs we may overcome such difficulties.
Cycle-expansion method for the Lyapunov exponent, susceptibility, and higher moments

Lyapunov exponents characterize the chaotic nature of dynamical systems by quantifying the growth rate of uncertainty associated with the imperfect measurement of initial conditions. Finite-time estimates of the exponent, however, experience fluctuations due to both the initial condition and the stochastic nature of the dynamical path. The scale of these fluctuations is governed by the Lyapunov susceptibility, the finiteness of which typically provides a sufficient condition for the law of large numbers to apply. Here, we obtain a formally exact expression for this susceptibility in terms of the Ruelle dynamical ζ function for one-dimensional systems. We further show that, for systems governed by sequences of random matrices, the cycle expansion of the ζ function enables systematic computations of the Lyapunov susceptibility and of its higher-moment generalizations. The method is here applied to a class of dynamical models that maps to static disordered spin chains with interactions stretching over a varying distance and is tested against Monte Carlo simulations.
Social Influence Diffusion and Coordinated Decision Making on Networks

Essential properties of a social influence network are a) the mechanism by which social influence is diffused throughout the network and b) the mechanism by which social influence is combined to create emergent interrelationships that enable coordinated decision making. Conditional game theory addresses these issues by a) enabling individuals to invoke conditional preferences to dynamically modulate their preferences in response to the intentions of those who influence them, and b) aggregating the conditional preferences to generate a comprehensive social model that enables agents to coordinate their individual choices. This paper develops an operational definition of coordination and establishes a formal relationship between group level coordination and individual level performance for both acyclical and cyclical social influence networks.
Preferential stabilization of newly formed dendritic spines in motor cortex during manual skill learning predicts performance gains, but not memory endurance.

Previous findings that skill learning is associated with the formation and preferential stabilization of new dendritic spines in cortex have raised the possibility that this preferential stabilization is a mechanism for lasting skill memory. We investigated this possibility in adult mice using in vivo two-photon imaging to monitor spine dynamics on superficial apical dendrites of layer V pyramidal neurons in motor cortex during manual skill learning. Spine formation increased over the first 3 days of training on a skilled reaching task, followed by increased spine elimination. A greater proportion of spines formed during the first 3 training days were lost if training stopped after 3, compared with 15 days. However, performance gains achieved in 3 training days persisted, indicating that preferential new spine stabilization was non-essential for skill retention. Consistent with a role in ongoing skill refinement, the persistence of spines formed early in training strongly predicted performance improvements. Finally, while we observed no net spine density change on superficial dendrites, the density of spines on deeper apical branches of the same neuronal population was increased regardless of training duration, suggestive of a potential role in the retention of the initial skill memory. Together, these results indicate dendritic subpopulation-dependent variation in spine structural responses to skill learning, which potentially reflect distinct contributions to the refinement and retention of newly acquired motor skills.
Adaptation of Candida albicans during gastrointestinal tract colonization

Colonization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with Candida albicans (CA), the most common human fungal pathogen, is the first step towards the development of invasive infection. Yet, the fungal virulence factors and host factors that modulate CA GI colonization are still poorly understood. In this review, we will review emerging evidence of the importance of select CA genetic determinants and CA’s interaction with the host that contribute to its successful adaptation as a pathobiont in the human GI tract. Recent data reveal the importance of (1) CA genetic determinants, (2) host factors, and (3) environmental factors in modulating CA GI colonization in humans. As evidence continues to grow supporting the notion that the GI tract and its resident microbiota are an integral part of the host immune system, it will be critical for studies to interrogate the interaction of CA with the host (including both the host innate and adaptive immune system as well as the endogenous gut microbiota) in order to dissect the mechanisms of CA pathogenesis and thus lay the foundation for novel therapeutic approaches to prevent and/or treat invasive fungal infections.
When ancillary services decrease with more wind in ERCOT

Abstract The extant literature predicts that increasing penetration of variable generation resources should have a profound effect on ancillary services for maintaining system frequency and reliability. However, a study of the ERCOT market found that between 2014 and 2017, the procured quantities of ancillary services continuously declined, while annual wind generation output increased by 26 million MWh. This article discusses potential reasons for the phenomenon of declining need for ancillary services and its implications.
Analysis of Nonstationary Channel Kinetics

Many voltage-dependent channels open transiently when activated by a sudden change in voltage. This transient behavior presents a particular problem in studying channels with single-channel recording because it cannot be studied with the membrane potential held constant. Methods for the analysis of channel opening and closing at a constant membrane potential are described in several other chapters in this volume. In this chapter, we discuss the analysis of single-channel data from experiments in which the membrane potential is suddenly changed and the probabilities of the channel occupying particular conformational states change from one distribution to another. This approach is essential for studying channels that inactivate, but it also complements the usual methods for studying other channels and gives information that is difficult or impossible to obtain otherwise.
Relationship of whole body oxygen consumption to perfusion flow rate during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.

Whole body oxygen consumption (Vo2) and its relationship to randomly selected arterial perfusion flow rates (Q) during profoundly hypothermic (20 degrees C) cardiopulmonary bypass were determined in 17 adult patients undergoing routine coronary artery bypass operations. Vo2 falls progressively as Q decreases, from 33 +/- 8.2 ml . min(-1) . m(-2) at Q of 2.0 L . min(-1) . m(-2) to 28 +/- 5.8 at Q of 1.5, 25 +/- 5.7 at Q of 1.0, 20 +/- 4.1 at Q of 0.5, and 14 +/- 5.4 at Q of 0.25. This progressive decrease suggests shutdown of areas of the microcirculation. The upper 70% confidence limit overlaps the asymptote at Qs above 1.2. Percent oxygen extraction increases progressively as Q decreases, from 11 +/- 3.3% at Q of 2.0 to 45 +/- 9.6% at Q of 0.25, suggesting reduced reserves. Mixed venous Po2 and oxygen saturation fall linearly with decreasing Q below 1.2 (r = 0.78 and r = 0.89, p less than 0.0001, respectively), suggesting decreasing flow to perfused areas. Internal jugular venous Po2 and oxygen saturation (measured in 10 patients) fall linearly with decreasing Q below 1.8 (r = 0.72 and r = 0.88, p less than 0.0001, respectively), suggesting decreasing flow to perfused areas of the brain and a difference from the rest of the body in its behavior with decreasing Q. Thus, during cardiopulmonary bypass cerebral blood flow, autoregulation seems present at 20 degrees C. The data set indicates that flows of about 1.2 may be adequate despite limited reserves.
Gene panels to help identify subgroups at high and low risk of coronary heart disease among those randomized to antihypertensive treatment: the GenHAT study.

Objective To identify panels of genetic variants that predict treatment-related coronary heart disease (CHD) outcomes in hypertensive patients on one of four different classes of initial antihypertensive treatment. The goal was to identify subgroups of people based on their genetic profile who benefit most from a particular treatment.
Justice, Emotion, and Identity Theory

In its current form, identity theory has two slightly different emphases and thus two somewhat different programs of research (Stryker & Burke, 2000). In the work of Stryker and his colleagues (Serpe & Stryker, 1987; Stryker & Serpe, 1982, 1994), the focus is on how social structure in fluences one’s identity and, in turn, behavior. Thoits’ (Thoits, 1983, 1991, 1995) ongoing research also has this emphasis. In the work of Burke and his associates (Burke & Cast, 1997; Burke & Reitzes, 1981, 1991; Burke & Stets, 1999; Cast & Burke, 2002; Stets & Burke, 1996, 2000; Tsushima & Burke, 1999), the emphasis is on the internal dynamics of the self that influence behavior.1 Though there are different emphases, both versions of identity theory assume that persons always act within the context of social structure in which others and themselves are named in that each recognizes the other as an occupant of societal positions or roles (Stryker, 1980).2 Thus,there is the shared view that at the core of an identity is the categorization of the self as an occupant of a role and that within this categorization are the meanings and expectations associated with the role and its performance. This is what is meant by a role identity.3
Algal-mediated priming effects on the ecological stoichiometry of leaf litter decomposition: a meta-analysis

In aquatic settings, periphytic algae exude labile carbon (C) that can significantly suppress or stimulate heterotrophic decomposition of recalcitrant C via priming effects. The magnitude and direction of priming effects may depend on the availability and stoichiometry of nutrients like nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), which can constrain algal and heterotrophic activity; in turn, priming may affect heterotrophic acquisition not only of recalcitrant C, but also N and P. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of algal-mediated priming across leaf litter decomposition experiments to investigate (1) bottom-up controls on priming intensity by dissolved N and P concentrations, and (2) effects of algal-mediated priming on the fate of litter-periphyton N and P during decomposition. Across a total of 9 datasets, we quantified priming intensity and tested algal effects on litter-periphyton C:N, C:P, and N- and P-specific mass loss rates. Algal effect sizes did not significantly differ from zero, indicating weak or inconsistent algal effects on litter-periphyton stoichiometry and nutrient loss. These findings were likely due to wide variation in algal priming intensity across a limited number of experiments, ranging from strongly negative (410% reduced decomposition) to strongly positive (104% increased decomposition). Correlation and response surface analyses showed that priming intensity switched from negative to positive with increasing dissolved inorganic N:P across datasets. Algal effects on litter-periphyton stoichiometry and nutrient loss further co-varied with dissolved N:P across datasets, suggesting algae most strongly influence the stoichiometry of decomposition under imbalanced N:P, when priming is most intense. Our findings from this limited meta-analysis support the need for additional tests of aquatic priming effects, especially across gradients of N and P availability, with consideration of coupled C and nutrient dynamics during priming of organic matter decomposition.
Natural orifice endoluminal technique (NOEL) for the management of congenital duodenal membranes

Abstract Purpose Congenital Partial Duodenal Obstruction (CPDO) caused by membranes/webs/diaphragms has traditionally been managed by open or laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy or duodenojejunostomy. We report a two center case series where Natural Orifice Endoluminal technique (NOEL) was used to treat children with CPDO. Methods A retrospective case series was evaluated. Data collected included the duration of procedure, postoperative complications, length of stay, and need for further procedures. Results Fifteen patients were treated over a 10 year period by NOEL technique for late presenting CPDO. Four patients were managed at Sheffield Children's Hospital (Center A, UK), and 11 patients were managed in Bambino Gesu Hospital of Rome (Center B, Italy). 20% of the patients had more than one duodenal obstructing membrane. Both balloon dilatation and membrane incision techniques were used. Median follow up was 23 months (range 2–69) in Center A and 18 months (range 7–58) in Center B. 60% of patients were successfully treated with 1 NOEL procedure. 20% required 2 or 3 procedures to achieve long term luminal patency. 20% required surgery after NOEL failed to treat the partial obstruction definitively. One patient in Center A required radiological drainage of a retroperitoneal collection following perforation during NOEL. Conclusion NOEL technique is feasible and effective in selected children with CPDO. Both balloon dilatation and incision techniques can be used. Care must be taken to rule out a second distal obstruction. We would recommend that all infants and children with CPDO owing to a fenestrated membrane should be considered for NOEL. Type of study Case series. Level of evidence Level IV.
Developmental nicotine exposure engenders intergenerational downregulation and aberrant posttranslational modification of cardinal epigenetic factors in the frontal cortices, striata, and hippocampi of adolescent mice

Maternal smoking of traditional or electronic cigarettes during pregnancy, which constitutes developmental nicotine exposure (DNE), heightens the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia in children. Modeling the intergenerationally transmissible impacts of smoking during pregnancy, we previously demonstrated that both the first- and second-generation adolescent offspring of nicotine-exposed female mice exhibit enhanced nicotine preference, hyperactivity and risk-taking behaviors, aberrant rhythmicity of home cage activity, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and dopamine transporter dysfunction, impaired furin-mediated proBDNF proteolysis, hypocorticosteronemia-related glucocorticoid receptor hypoactivity, and global DNA hypomethylation in the frontal cortices and striata. This ensemble of multigenerational DNE-induced behavioral, neuropharmacological, neurotrophic, neuroendocrine, and DNA methylomic anomalies recapitulates the pathosymptomatology of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia. Further probing the epigenetic bases of DNE-induced multigenerational phenotypic aberrations, the present study examined the expression and phosphorylation of key epigenetic factors via an array of immunoblot experiments. Data indicate that DNE confers intergenerational deficits in corticostriatal DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) expression accompanied by downregulation of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in the frontal cortices and hippocampi, while the expression of ten-eleven translocase methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) is unaltered. Moreover, DNE evokes multigenerational abnormalities in HDAC2 (Ser394) but not MeCP2 (Ser421) phosphorylation in the frontal cortices, striata, and hippocampi. In light of the extensive gene regulatory roles of DNMT3A, MeCP2, and HDAC2, the findings of this study that DNE elicits downregulation and aberrant posttranslational modification of these factors in both first- and second-generation DNE mice suggest that epigenetic perturbations may constitute a mechanistic hub for the intergenerational transmission of DNE-induced neurodevelopmental disorder-like phenotypes.
Detailed analysis of the impact of surgeon and hospital volume in microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Background Prior investigations of microsurgical breast reconstruction have not distinguished the effects of surgeon versus hospital volume and failed to address the effect of patient clustering. Our data-driven analysis aims to determine the impacts of surgeon and hospital volume on outcomes of microsurgical breast reconstruction. Methods Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 2008 to 2011 was analyzed for patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction. Volume-outcome relationships were analyzed with restricted cubic spline analysis. A multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to account for patient clustering effect. Results A total of 5,404 NIS patients met inclusion criteria. High-volume (HV) surgeons had a 59% decrease in the risk of inpatient complications, which became non-significant after clustering correction. For HV hospitals, there was a 47% decrease in the risk of inpatient complications (odds ratio = 0.53; 95% confidence intervals 0.30, 0.91; p = 0.021) that was statistically significant with the clustering adjustment. Neither the volume-cost relationship for surgeons nor hospitals remained statistically significant after accounting for clustering. Conclusions Hospital volume plays a significant impact on outcomes in microsurgical breast reconstruction, while surgeon volume has comparatively not shown to be similarly impactful. The complexity of care related to microsurgical breast reconstruction warrants equally complex and engineered health systems.
A Qualitative Approach to Understanding the Relationship Between Mothers’ and Daughters’ Body Image and Physical Activity Levels:

The aim of this study was to explore the physical activity behaviors and body image of adolescent girls and their mothers. Adolescent girls (N = 44) and their mothers (N = 19) were recruited from t...
Finite Element Solutions for the Elastica

The finite deflection analysis of flexible bars subjected to vertical loads as well as the prediction of the buckling load and post-buckling response in the case of horizontal loading has attract the attention of numerous researchers. Publications related to large deflections of slender beams are referenced in and the monograph contains several applications as well as additional references to previous work. In the present note an efficient finite element procedure is developed for the problem of the elastica including variable loading and foundation stiffness. The effectiveness of the procedure is demonstrated by considering a number of example problems. Because of the generality of the finite element method extensions to more general problems than those presented here can easily be accomplished.
Special Considerations – Indwelling Spinal Cord Stimulators and Intrathecal Pumps

With an increase in the number of ambulatory surgeries, anesthesiologists now encounter an increasing number of chronic pain patients with implanted devices such as spinal cord stimulators (SCS) and intrathecal (IT) pumps. This unique subset of patients may exhibit central sensitization, with or without opioid tolerance. There is a paucity of literature to guide best practice in the perioperative management of patients with implanted SCS and IT pumps. For patients with implanted SCS, guidelines recommend turning the SCS down to minimal settings prior to surgery, avoidance of both electrocautery and neuraxial anesthesia, encouraging regional anesthesia, maximizing multimodal analgesia including acetaminophen and NSAIDs, as well as postoperative interrogation of the SCS before resuming normal function. IT pumps should generally be left infusing during surgery, and long acting or continuous opioid use should be avoided. Damaged IT pumps should be turned off and the patient transitioned to systemic medications. IT clonidine and baclofen pump dysfunction is an emergency as withdrawal can be fatal. Postoperatively, patients with IT pumps and SCS should have an appointment with their pain physician within 2 weeks or as soon as feasible.
Keto-Sleuths – An Unusual Cause of Loss of Ketosis?:

Ketogenic diets provide a non-pharmaceutical alternative for treatment of refractory epilepsy. When successful in reducing or eliminating seizures, medication numbers or doses may be reduced. Unexp...
Nanoslot Patterns for Enhanced Thermal Anisotropy of Si Thin Films

Abstract Materials with a large thermal anisotropy can be widely used to guide the heat flow for various energy-related applications. Other than the well-known thermal conductivity contrast along the in-plane and cross-plane directions of a thin film, the in-plane thermal anisotropy within a thin film is less emphasized. However, such a thermal anisotropy can be easily adopted for the thermal management of thin-film-based electronic devices in practice. In this work, two-dimensional Si thin films patterned with through-film nanoslots are studied for their enhanced in-plane thermal anisotropy. Specifically, the anisotropy of the nanoslot pattern can be further increased if rows of nanoslot patterns have an offset. Within the limitation of nanofabrication techniques, offset nanoslot patterns can provide more scopes for tailoring the transport properties. These nanoslot-patterned thin films can be widely used for applications such as heat guide, thermal insulation, and thermoelectrics.
Commission Savings and Execution Quality for Retail Trades

This study examines commission savings and execution quality for off-exchange retail trades and comparable on-exchange trades. Using both public and private order and execution data, we debunk some commonly held misconceptions about payment for order flow (PFOF). We find that PFOF has saved retail investors billions in unnecessary fees by allowing broker-dealers like Robinhood to eliminate trading commissions. We also find that retail investors, and especially Robinhood customers, have enjoyed substantial price improvements on trades executed off-exchange and that off-exchange retail trades generally experience better execution quality than trades of similar sizes on public exchanges.
Turning the Page: Addressing the Challenge of Remediation.

As few as 8 percent of students assigned to remedial programs eventually earn a degree.Projects supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have identified, and now model, the elements of deve...
Phosphate adsorption using modified iron oxide-based sorbents in lake water: Kinetics, equilibrium, and column tests

Abstract Adsorption behavior of Bayoxide® E33 (E33) and three E33-modified sorbents for the removal of phosphate from lake water was investigated in this study. E33-modified sorbents were synthesized by coating with manganese (E33/Mn) and silver (E33/AgI and E33/AgII) nanoparticles. Adsorbent characterization was done by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), surface area analyzer (BET), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high resolution TEM (HR-TEM) analysis. Batch, equilibrium, and column experiments were conducted to determine various adsorption parameters. Equilibrium data were fitted to different adsorption isotherms and the Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit. Based on the Langmuir model, it was found that E33/AgII had a slightly higher maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (38.8 mg g−1) when compared to unmodified E33 (37.7 mg g−1). Data for adsorption kinetics were found to best fit with the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption is the mechanism of sorption. Intra-particle diffusion studies indicated that the rate-limiting step for phosphate sorption onto E33 and modified E33 was intra-particle diffusion. Although limited improvements were seen, the results of this study suggest that the surface of E33 can be modified with nanoparticles to enhance the adsorption of phosphate from aqueous solutions and may give other advantages such as limiting biofouling over an extended lifetime of numerous recovery/regeneration steps.
Picture Archiving and Communication Systems

This article discusses the history of picture archiving and communication systems and reviews the key components and current trends. Keywords: picture archiving and communication systems; PACS; distributed; cached; centralized; cacheless
VVER1000/320 operational transient simulation with the cathare computer program

A simulation of VVER1000/320 operational transients was performed with the CATHARE2 V1.3L computer program. These transients consisted of consecutive shutdowns of two primary side pumps, prior to which, the reactor was under nominal operational condition with 72 and 52% power levels, respectively. The comparison between calculated and measured data indicated that the program was able to qualitatively predict the main phenomena taking place in both the primary and the secondary sides of the plant. The role of pump inertia was studied. It was found that implementation of inertial pump shutdown led to a better agreement with experiment. There was a lack of detailed information on the secondary-side geometry. Thus, it was difficult to conclude whether the quantitative discrepancy between experiment and calculation was due to the physical model or the geometric uncertainty.
Storing and Querying XML Data in Object-Relational DBMSs

As the popularity of eXtensible Markup Language (XML) continues to increase at an astonishing pace, data management systems for storing and querying large repositories of XML data are urgently needed. In this paper, we investigate an Object-Relational DBMS (ORDBMS) for storing and querying XML data. We present an algorithm, called XORator, for mapping XML documents to tables in an ORDBMS. An important part of this mapping is assigning a fragment of an XML document to a new XML data type. We demonstrate that using the XO-Rator algorithm, an ORDBMS is usually more efficient than a Relational DBMS (RDBMS). Based on an actual implementation in DB2 V.7.2, we compare the performance of the XORator algorithm with a well-known algorithm for mapping XML data to an RDBMS. Our experiments show that the XORator algorithm requires less storage space, has much faster loading times, and in most cases can evaluate queries faster. The primary reason for this performance improvement is that the XORator algorithm results in a database that is smaller in size, and queries that usually have fewer number of joins.
Lower Risk of Alzheimer's Disease Mortality with Exercise, Statin, and Fruit Intake

Background: Whether lifestyle affects Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk remains controversial. Objective: Test whether exercise, diet, or statins affect AD mortality in 153,536 participants of the National Runners’ and Walkers’ Health Studies. Methods: Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were obtained from Cox proportional hazard analyses for AD mortality versus baseline metabolic equivalent (MET) hours/d of exercise energy expenditure (1 MET equals approximately 1 km run), statin use, and fruit intake when adjusted for age, race, gender, education, and exercise mode. Results: The National Death Index identified 175 subjects who died with AD listed as an underlying (n = 116) or contributing (n = 59) cause of death during 11.6-year average mortality surveillance. Relative to exercising <1.07 MET-hours/d, AD mortality was 6.0% lower for 1.07 to 1.8 MET-hours/d (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.46, p = 0.79), 24.8% lower for 1.8 to 3.6 MET-hours/d (HR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.13, p = 0.17), and 40.1% lower for ≥3.6 MET-hours/d (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.97, p = 0.04). Relative to non-use, statin use was associated with 61% lower AD mortality (HR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.82, p = 0.01), whereas use of other cholesterol-lowering medications was not (HR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.40 to 1.38, p = 0.42). Relative to <1 piece of fruit/day, consuming 2 to 3 pieces daily was associated with 39.7% lower AD mortality (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.91, p = 0.02) and ≥3 pieces/day with 60.7% lower AD mortality (HR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.67, p = 0.0004). Conclusions: Exercise, statin, and fruit intake were associated with lower risk for AD mortality.
Migraine features in patients with Meniere's disease

Author(s): Ghavami, Yaser; Mahboubi, Hossein; Yau, Amy Y; Maducdoc, Marlon; Djalilian, Hamid R | Abstract: Objectives/hypothesisTo better understand the features of migraine in Meniere's disease (MD).Study designRetrospective review of prospectively obtained surveys in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary medical center.MethodsDetailed questionnaires on headaches and dizziness were given to consecutive patients presenting with dizziness. The responses were verified by the clinician with the patient. The data, in addition to the clinical history and audiogram, were used to diagnose patients with migraine headaches and MD using criteria set by the International Headache Society (IHS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, respectively. The prevalence of migraine-like symptoms in those patients with MD, who did not fit the diagnostic criteria for migraine, was evaluated.ResultsThirty-seven patients with definite MD were included. There was a predominance of females (female/male:26/11). Mean age of patients was 52 ± 14 years. Nineteen patients (51%) had migraine headaches. Fifteen patients fulfilled the criteria for definite vestibular migraine. Of those who did not fulfill the IHS migraine criteria, a majority had characteristics such as a family history of migraine, visual motion sensitivity, or lifelong motion sickness that were highly suggestive of a migraine disorder.ConclusionsA majority of patients with MD have migraine headaches as defined by the IHS. Sensitivity to visual motion, light and sound, head motion, smells, weather changes, or medication was present in 95% of all patients with definite MD and 82% of non-IHS migraine MD patients. This may suggest that MD may be an atypical variant of migraine.
Influence of moisture absorption in uncured underfill materials

Underfill is used to fill the gap between the integrated circuit (IC) chip and the substrate to improve the solder joint fatigue life in a flip chip package. In order to improve underfilling process, wafer level underfill materials are being developed. Wafer level underfill materials will be applied onto silicon wafer, B-staged, and then individual chips are diced. A certain time later, the individual underfill coated chip is attached onto substrate and underfill is cured during assembly. Most underfills are based on epoxy cured with different hardeners. However, uncured or incompletely cured epoxy underfill can absorb moisture in the normal environment. This will be an important concern for wafer level underfill materials. This paper will present a systematic study on moisture absorption in uncured underfill based on epoxy cured with acid anhydride (methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride, MHHPA) and epoxy cured with non-acid anhydride curing agent. The influence of absorbed moisture on curing properties, thermomechanical property, and adhesion property of underfill after curing was investigated.
Continuity and change in infants' facial expressions following an unanticipated aversive stimulus

I agree with Williams that evolutionary theory provides the best account of the pain expression. We may disagree as to whether pain has an emotional dimension or includes discrete basic emotions as integral components. I interpret basic emotion expressions that occur contemporaneously with pain expression as representing separate but highly interactive systems, each with distinct adaptive functions.
The rediscovery of Anotea flavida (DC.) Ulbr. (Malvaceae)

Anotea flavida (DC.) Ulbr. has been known previously only from the unpublished plate (no. 376) of Sesse & Mocino, which was based on a plant (no longer extant) collected in Guerrero in 1789. The rediscovery of this species in 1967 in Guerrero permits a more detailed description to be presented. The species has apparently not been re-collected in the intervening 178 years.
Cognitive difficulty of a peripherally presented visual task affects head movements during gaze displacement

The maintenance and adjustment of visual gaze are functions both of eye and of head movement. Compared to the factors that affect eye movement during gaze displacement, the factors that affect head movement have received relatively little attention. Most experimenters have restricted head movements to determine how the eye acquires information. Information is commonly acquired without head movements (e.g., it is likely you are moving your eyes without moving your head as you read the words on this page). However, when visual information beyond the written page is acquired head movements in addition to eye movements are likely to occur. The purpose of this experiment was to study gaze displacement under more natural conditions in which the eyes and head were both free to move. Specifically, the purpose of this experiment was to identify the pattern of gaze displacement as a function of cognitive task difficulty. Visual information was presented at an eccentricity of 40 degrees of visual angle either to the left or to the right of a center fixation point (0 degree eccentricity) to 24 undergraduate subjects (12 male). On each trial, five integers were presented in rapid succession; subjects were asked to count the number of odd integers or to arithmetically manipulate the integers. When subjects expected to perform the more difficult task of arithmetic manipulation, they were more likely to make head movements in the direction of the stimuli, F1,16 = 9.34, P < 0.05. Those subjects who made head movements to acquire the peripherally presented visual information made significantly more errors than the 'non-movers', F1,24 = 6.03, P < 0.05. These results suggest subjects who moved their head to acquire peripheral information may have found the task to be more difficult than subjects who did not make head movements. The results confirm that head movements play a critical role in the intake of information even in structured laboratory tasks and suggest the common method of restricting head movements to study eye movements may not be a natural method of information intake.
Restructuring corporate r&d: from an autonomous to a linkage model

Since the mid-1980s, industrial R & D in the US has been going through major changes, i.e. a decline in industrial RD most of the changes are new and have not been examined in the literature. This paper draws the attention of scholars to recent changes in the management qf znnovatzon and sugests further study. The linkage model links scientists' research to the immediatt needs of business. However, it also decreases the likelihood of major breakthroughs occurring in technological in.innovation.
ADRENARCHE AND GROWTH DURING LHRH AGONIST (LHRH a ) ADMINISTRATION

During puberty the effect of adrenal androgens on skeletal maturation and growth is obscured by the influence of gonadal steroids. Suppression of gonadarche with an LHRHa affords an opportunity to explore the association between adrenarche, skeletal development and adult stature. In 16 girls with central precocious puberty (CPP), gonadarche was suppressed by LHRHa administration for 12 to 36 months. During treatment dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DS) levels, an index of adrenarche, were constant or increased in an age expected fashion. Rate of bone maturation (ΔBA) for change in chronologic advancement (ΔCA) decreased as shown by ΔBA/ΔCA < 1 in all subjects. DS levels were positively correlated with ΔBA/ΔCA (R = 0.07, p < 0.002). Statural growth also decreased but less than bone maturation so that predicted mature height (Bayley and Pinneau) was increased in all but one subject. A significant negative linear regression of DS levels with increase in predicted height was observed (R = 0.70, P < 0.003). Conclusions: 1) In girls with CPP, adrenarche progressed during LHRHa suppression of gonadarche. 2) In preadrenarchal girls, LHRHa administration was associated with a more striking slowing of bone maturation with relatively lesser effects on height velocity. In those girls with the onset or progression of adrenarche in the absence of gonadal steroids, therapy was associated with less evidence of restraint on bone maturation. 3) These data are compatible with a direct effect of adrenal androgens upon skeletal maturation and growth.