cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conceptualizing automated palletizing systems

The present paper addresses the determination of decision parameters in conceptualizing automated palletizing systems (APS). Conceptualizing is the process of developing an initial system design solution for a complex real-world material-handling problem. Such an initial solution is preliminary in nature and reflects the interaction between the problem environment (e.g. throughput needs, cost) and the material-handling system environment (e.g. equipment, operating system practices). The decision parameters for the concept are grouped in two categories: configuration options and operational strategies. In the system configuration stage, a system type is chosen among end-of-line, multi-line and multi-line-with-sortation. The number and length of the accumulation lines and the number of palletizers are also determined in this stage. Operational strategies are listed with regard to assigning the accumulation lanes to the items, selection of a dispatching rule and the setting of conveyor speeds. An ‘unbalanced...
Addendum to The well-posedness of a swimming model in the 3-D incompressible fluid governed by the nonstationary Stokes equation

We introduce and investigate the well-posedness of a model describing the self-propelled motion of a small abstract swimmer in the 3-D incompressible fluid governed by the nonstationary Stokes equation, typically associated with low Reynolds numbers. It is assumed that the swimmer's body consists of finitely many subsequently connected parts, identified with the fluid they occupy, linked by rotational and elastic Hooke forces. Models like this are of interest in biological and engineering applications dealing with the study and design of propulsion systems in fluids.
Thermal Regimes and Snowpack Relations of Periglacial Talus Slopes, Sierra Nevada, California, U.S.A.

Abstract Thermal regimes of eight periglacial talus slopes, at contrasting elevations, aspects, and substrates, in the Sierra Nevada, California, had complex microclimatic patterns partially decoupled from external conditions. Over three years, warm seasons showed mean talus matrix temperatures and daily variances lower than surfaces and cooler than free-air; talus surface and matrix positions low in the taluses were colder than higher positions, yielding highly positive altitudinal temperature differentials; ground surface temperatures had greater daily extremes than talus positions; and talus matrix temperatures lagged in response to surface temperature changes. Regulating processes in summer include evaporative cooling, cold-air drainage and Balch effect, and shading effects. In the cold season, talus matrices were warmer than surfaces; low talus positions were warmer than high; isothermal zero-curtain periods occurred before snow disappearance; and snow covered talus low positions more often and longe...
High-Temperature Measurements of the Reactions of OH with Small Methyl Esters: Methyl Formate, Methyl Acetate, Methyl Propanoate, and Methyl Butanoate

The overall rate constants for the reactions of hydroxyl radicals (OH) with four small methyl esters, namely methyl formate (CH(3)OCHO), methyl acetate (CH(3)OC(O)CH(3)), methyl propanoate (CH(3)OC(O)C(2)H(5)), and methyl butanoate (CH(3)OC(O)C(3)H(7)), were investigated behind reflected shock waves using UV laser absorption of OH radicals near 306.69 nm. Test gas mixtures of individual methyl esters and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), a fast source of OH at elevated temperatures, diluted in argon were shock-heated to temperatures spanning from 876 to 1371 K at pressures near 1.5 atm. The overall rate constants were determined by matching the measured OH time-histories with the computed profiles from the comprehensive chemical kinetic mechanisms of Dooley et al. (2010) and Dooley et al. (2008), which were originally developed for the oxidation of methyl formate and methyl butanoate, respectively. These measured values can be expressed in Arrhenius form as k(CH(3)OCHO+OH) = 2.56 × 10(13) exp(-2026/T) cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1), k(CH(3)OC(O)CH(3)+OH) = 3.59 × 10(13) exp(-2438/T) cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1), k(CH(3)OC(O)C(2)H(5)+OH) = 6.65 × 10(13) exp(-2539/T) cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1), and k(CH(3)OC(O)C(3)H(7)+OH) = 1.13 × 10(14) exp(-2515/T) cm(3) mol(-1) s(-1) over the temperature ranges studied. Detailed error analyses were performed to estimate the overall uncertainties of these reactions, and the estimated (2σ) uncertainties were found to be ±29% at 913 K and ±18% at 1289 K for k(CH(3)OCHO+OH), ± 29% at 930 K and ±17% at 1299 K for k(CH(3)OC(O)CH(3)+OH), ± 25% at 909 K and ±17% at 1341 K for k(CH(3)OC(O)C2H(5)+OH), and ±24% at 925 K and ±16% at 1320 K for k(CH(3)OC(O)C(3)H(7)+OH). We believe these are the first direct high-temperature rate constant measurements for the reactions of OH with these small methyl esters. These measured rate constants were also compared with the estimated values employed in different comprehensive kinetic mechanisms. Additionally, the structure-activity relationship from Kwok and Atkinson (1995) was used to estimate these four rate constants, and the estimations from this group-additivity model are in good agreement with the measurements (within ~25%) at the present experimental conditions.
Analysis of Nano-scale Stress in Strained Silicon Materials and Microelectronics Devices by Energy-filtered Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction

The convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) technique of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has excellent capabilities for strain detection at high spatial resolution. Here we report strain measurements in bulk e-Si/SiGe/Si and in a strained 35nm PMOS device in which SiGe acts as the source and drain. CBED measurements of the composition of the relaxed SiGe buffer are in quantitative agreement with Raman spectroscopy. For the PMOS device, CBED measured a uniaxial compressive stress of 1.12GPa in the channel. However, it was found that even in the cross-sectional TEM samples with thicknesses greater than 300nm, the intrinsic surface strain relaxation was often so severe that no recognizable high-order Laue zone lines in the CBED patterns could be collected. The amorphorization of both free surfaces of the TEM sample to a range of about 80nm is proposed to minimize the impact of surface strain relaxation for future studies.
Multiple chronic conditions and the aging of america: challenge for primary care physicians.

Background: As the United States population ages, chronic conditions are becoming more prevalent and our healthcare system is faced with increasing costs. This aging population with increased multi...
Building energy storage device on a single nanowire.

Hybrid electrochemical energy storage devices combine the advantages of battery and supercapacitors, resulting in systems of high energy and power density. Using LiPF6 electrolyte, the Ni–Sn/PANI electrochemical system, free of Li-based electrodes, works on a hybrid mechanism based on Li intercalation at the anode and PF6– doping at the cathode. Here, we also demonstrate a composite nanostructure electrochemical device with the anode (Ni–Sn) and cathode (polyaniline, PANI) nanowires packaged within conformal polymer core–shell separator. Parallel array of these nanowire devices shows reversible areal capacity of ∼3 μAh/cm2 at a current rate of 0.03 mA/cm2. The work shows the ultimate miniaturization possible for energy storage devices where all essential components can be engineered on a single nanowire.
Phylogeographic and Population Genetic Analyses Reveal Multiple Species of Boa and Independent Origins of Insular Dwarfism

Boa is a Neotropical genus of snakes historically recognized as monotypic despite its expansive distribution. The distinct morphological traits and color patterns exhibited by these snakes, together with the wide diversity of ecosystems they inhabit, collectively suggest that the genus may represent multiple species. Morphological variation within Boa also includes instances of dwarfism observed in multiple offshore island populations. Despite this substantial diversity, the systematics of the genus Boa has received little attention until very recently. In this study we examined the genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships of Boa populations using mitochondrial sequences and genome-wide SNP data obtained from RADseq. We analyzed these data at multiple geographic scales using a combination of phylogenetic inference (including coalescent-based species delimitation) and population genetic analyses. We identified extensive population structure across the range of the genus Boa and multiple lines of evidence for three widely-distributed clades roughly corresponding with the three primary land masses of the Western Hemisphere. We also find both mitochondrial and nuclear support for independent origins and parallel evolution of dwarfism on offshore island clusters in Belize and Cayos Cochinos Menor, Honduras.
Digestibilidade de trato total de fósforo em subprodutos de sangue para leitões desmamados

Summary Objective: an experiment was conducted to measure the apparent (ATTD) and the standardized (STTD) total tract digestibility of P in spray dried plasma protein (SDPP), and in two sources of dried blood meal fed to weanling pigs. Methods: four diets were formulated. Three diets contained each of the three blood products. The only source of P in these diets was the blood products that were used. Each of three diets contained 60 - 60.4% cornstarch, 15% sucrose, 3% soybean oil, 1.3 or 0.9% limestone, 0.4% salt, and 0.3% vitamin and mineral premix in addition to 20% of each of the test ingredients (SDPP, porcine blood meal, or avian blood meal). The fourth diet was a P-free diet that was used to measure the basal endogenous phosphorus losses from the pigs that were fed this diet. Twenty four weanling pigs (initial BW: 18.8 ± 3.2 kg) were randomly allotted to the four dietary treatments with six pigs per treatment. Pigs had 5 days of adaptation to diets followed by 5 days of total collection of feces. Results: the ATTD of P was greater (p<0.01) for pigs that were fed SDPP (91.31%) than for pigs that were fed either porcine blood meal (76.46%) or avian blood meal (57.67%), and pigs that were fed porcine blood meal also had greater (p< 0.01) ATTD of P than pigs that were fed avian blood meal. There were no differences in the STTD of P between pigs that were fed porcine blood meal (89.74%) or avian blood meal (86.11%), but the STTD of P in these two ingredients was less (p < 0.05) than the STTD of P in SDPP (102.79%). Conclusions: the present experiment demonstrated that blood products are excellent sources of organic P. Spray dried plasma protein has a greater STTD of P than porcine or avian blood meal.
Transient Oxygen/Glucose Deprivation Causes a Delayed Loss of Mitochondria and Increases Spontaneous Calcium Signaling in Astrocytic Processes.

Recently, mitochondria have been localized to astrocytic processes where they shape Ca2+ signaling; this relationship has not been examined in models of ischemia/reperfusion. We biolistically transfected astrocytes in rat hippocampal slice cultures to facilitate fluorescent confocal microscopy, and subjected these slices to transient oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) that causes delayed excitotoxic death of CA1 pyramidal neurons. This insult caused a delayed loss of mitochondria from astrocytic processes and increased colocalization of mitochondria with the autophagosome marker LC3B. The losses of neurons in area CA1 and mitochondria in astrocytic processes were blocked by ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) antagonists, tetrodotoxin, ziconotide (Ca2+ channel blocker), two inhibitors of reversed Na+/Ca2+ exchange (KB-R7943, YM-244769), or two inhibitors of calcineurin (cyclosporin-A, FK506). The effects of OGD were mimicked by NMDA. The glutamate uptake inhibitor (3S)-3-[[3-[[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]phenyl]methoxy]-l-aspartate increased neuronal loss after OGD or NMDA, and blocked the loss of astrocytic mitochondria. Exogenous glutamate in the presence of iGluR antagonists caused a loss of mitochondria without a decrease in neurons in area CA1. Using the genetic Ca2+ indicator Lck-GCaMP-6S, we observed two types of Ca2+ signals: (1) in the cytoplasm surrounding mitochondria (mitochondrially centered) and (2) traversing the space between mitochondria (extramitochondrial). The spatial spread, kinetics, and frequency of these events were different. The amplitude of both types was doubled and the spread of both types changed by ∼2-fold 24 h after OGD. Together, these data suggest that pathologic activation of glutamate transport and increased astrocytic Ca2+ through reversed Na+/Ca2+ exchange triggers mitochondrial loss and dramatic increases in Ca2+ signaling in astrocytic processes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the brain, are vital integrators of signaling and metabolism. Each astrocyte consists of many long, thin branches, called processes, which ensheathe vasculature and thousands of synapses. Mitochondria occupy the majority of each process. This occupancy is decreased by ∼50% 24 h after an in vitro model of ischemia/reperfusion injury, due to delayed fragmentation and mitophagy. The mechanism appears to be independent of neuropathology, instead involving an extended period of high glutamate uptake into astrocytes. Our data suggest that mitochondria serve as spatial buffers, and possibly even as a source of calcium signals in astrocytic processes. Loss of mitochondria resulted in drastically altered calcium signaling that could disrupt neurovascular coupling and gliotransmission.
Vitamin D in Disorders of Phosphorus

A 52-year-old female presented to the clinic for evaluation of bone pain. She presented initially with rachitic bone changes at the age of 2 years and was diagnosed based on laboratory findings (low phosphorous) and a potential family history of rickets (maternal family members with short stature). She was placed on 50,000 IU of vitamin D daily and phosphate five times per day. The diagnosis of XLH was eventually confirmed by genetic testing. The patient received medical management until she was 18 and was determined to be finished with growth. However, at age 22 the patient began experiencing bone pain and was started on calcitriol 0.25 mg orally twice a day and elemental phosphorous two times a day. Despite this treatment, she developed multiple rib fractures and continued to experience intermittent bone pain. Her medications were eventually titrated to phosphorus three times a day and calcitriol 0.50 mcg twice a day. Though she was stable on this regimen for many years, over the year prior to this presentation, she experienced worsening bone pain. Recent laboratory results showed a serum phosphate of 2.2 mg/dL (normal range: 2.7–4.5 mg/dL), a serum calcium of 10.4 mg/dL (normal range: 8.9–10.3 mg/dL), and a serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration of 136 pg/mL (normal range, 14–62 pg/mL).
Modeling Knowledge Using a Crowd Of Experts

This paper describes a series of methodological enhancements made to the model-building method in DESIM (Descriptive to Executable Simulation Modeling), which is a participatory modeling technique that converts qualitative models drawn from subject-matter experts into quantitative models that can be used for decision support. The knowledge elicitation methods of three studies are reviewed and evaluated in terms of the quality of the models they produced and their ability to generate actionable information for decision makers. The results, which can be applied across other participatory modeling techniques, demonstrate the practical impacts of different knowledge elicitation strategies for modeling expert knowledge, including the time and cost of acquiring qualified experts and the level of hands-on involvement of experts in model building.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Dasatinib-Amino Acid and Dasatinib-Fatty Acid Conjugates as Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

Derivatives of dasatinib were synthesized via esterification with 25 carboxylic acids including amino acids and fatty acids by extending the inhibitor to interact with more diverse sites and to improve specificity. Dasatinib-L-arginine derivative (Das-R, 7) was the most potent of the inhibitors tested with IC50 values of 4.4 nM, <0.25 nM, and <0.45 nM against Csk, Src, and Abl kinases, respectively. The highest selectivity ratio obtained in our study, 91.4 Csk/Src belonged to compound 18 (Das-C10) with an IC50 of 3.2 µM for Csk compared to 35 nM for Src. Furthermore, many compounds displayed increased selectivity toward Src, as compared with Abl. Compounds 15 (Das-E) and 13 (Das-C) demonstrated the largest gains (10.2 and 10.3 Abl/Src IC50 ratios). Das-R (IC50 = 2.06 µM) was significantly more potent than Das (IC50 = 26.3 µM) against Panc-1 cells while they both showed an IC50 < 51.2 pM against BV-173 and K562 cells. Molecular modeling and binding free energy simulations revealed a good agreement with the experimental results and rationalized differences in selectivity of the studied compounds. Integration of experimental and computational approaches in the design and biochemical screening of dasatinib derivatives facilitated rational engineering and diversification of dasatinib scaffold, providing useful insights into mechanisms of kinase selectivity.
Fools, frauds, and firebrands: thinkers of the new left

“If books by authors on the right are noticed by left-wing reviewers (and in the academic world left-wing reviewers are the norm) it is only in order to trash them” (273). Perhaps the conservative ...
Patterns of Cellular Immunity in Malignant Melanoma

Rejection of a growing solid tumor, such as malignant melanoma, appears to depend on an effective cell-mediated immune response. For example, the primary lesions of melanoma often contain areas of flattening and depigmentation overlying sites of dense lymphoid infiltration [26]; metastatic deposits regressing either spontaneously [16] or as a result of immunologic stimulation [45] show features of delayed hypersensitivity [4[. Cellular immunity can also be detected in patients who do not show these phenomena either by a positive delayed hypersensitivity skin test to tumor antigens [4], or by in vitro testing. Data from in vitro tests indicate that cell-mediated immunity is present [18, 21, 31] in cancer patients, even with advanced disease, but is antagonized by serum blocking factors [6, 21, 24] which allow the tumor to grow through the mechanism of immunological enhancement.
Hispanic students’ mathematics achievement in the context of their high school types as STEM and non-STEM schools

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate Hispanic students’ mathematics achievement growth rate in Inclusive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) high schools compared to Hispanic students’ mathematics achievement growth rate in traditional public schools. Twenty-eight schools, 14 of which were Texas STEM (T-STEM) academies and 14 of which were matched non-STEM schools, were included in this study. A hierarchical linear modelling method was conducted. The result of the present study revealed that there was no difference in Hispanic students’ mathematics achievement growth rate in T-STEM academies compared to Hispanic students’ mathematics achievement growth rate in comparison schools. However, in terms of gender, the results indicated that female Hispanic students in T-STEM academies outperformed female Hispanic students in comparison schools in their mathematics growth rate.
APICAL HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY WITH MYOCARDIAL AUTOINFARCTION AND RECURRENT PERICARDITIS

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (aHCM) is uncommon and apical myocardial infarction (MI) with normal coronary arteries is seen in 10% of these patients. We present an unusual case of aHCM with apical MI complicated by myopericarditis and large left ventricular (LV) thrombus in the setting of
Effects of drugs of abuse on channelrhodopsin-2 function.

Abstract Channelrhodopsins are light activated ion channels used extensively over the past decade to probe the function of genetically defined neuronal populations and distinct neural circuits with high temporal and spatial precision. The widely used Channelrhodopsin-2 variant (ChR2) is an excitatory opsin that undergoes conformational changes in response to blue light, allowing non-selective passage of protons and cations across the plasma membrane thus leading to depolarization. In the addiction neuroscience field, opsins such as ChR2 provide a means to disambiguate the overlapping circuitry involved in mediating the reinforcing and aversive effects of drugs of abuse as well as to determine the plasticity that can occur in these circuits during the development of dependence. Although ChR2 has been widely used in animal models of drug and alcohol self-administration, direct effects of drugs of abuse on ChR2 function may confound its use and lead to misinterpretation of data. As a variety of neuronal ion channels are primary targets of various drugs of abuse, it is critical to determine whether ChR2-mediated currents are modulated by these drugs. In this study, we performed whole-cell electrophysiological recordings in HEK293 cells expressing the commonly used ChR2(H134R) variant and examined the effects of various drugs of abuse and other commonly used agents on light-induced currents. We found no differences in ChR2-mediated currents in the presence of 30 μM nicotine, 30 μM cocaine, 100 μM methamphetamine or 3 mM toluene. Similarly, ChR2 currents were insensitive to 30 mM ethanol but higher concentrations (100–300 mM) produced significant effects on the desensitization and amplitude of light-evoked currents. Tetrahydrocannabinol (1–10 μM) and morphine (30–100 μM) significantly inhibited ChR2 currents while the cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM-251 had no effect. The sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (5 μM) and the generic channel blocker/contrast agent gadolinium chloride (10 mM) also reduced ChR2 currents while the divalent ion magnesium (10 mM) had no effect. Together, the results from this study highlight the importance of conducting appropriate control experiments when testing new compounds in combination with optogenetic approaches.
Acute Sleep Deprivation

Acute sleep deprivation in humans is defined as wakefulness that is extended as compared with normal (usually understood as 16 h) without naps or other sleep periods. It is well known that acute sleep deprivation produces changes in mood such as increased sleepiness, fatigue, and confusion; poor performance on many tasks; and increased likelihood of falling asleep when sedentary. Current research has also shown, however, that the effects of sleep loss may be mediated by a number of factors ranging from activity levels to medications to genetic composition.
Protecting Your Own Private Key in Cloud: Security, Scalability and Performance

Cryptographic keys are critical assets in all cryptographic systems. However, keys stored in plain text format in memory are vulnerable to a variety of memory based attacks, such as buffer overflows, improper bound checks, privilege escalation and physical attacks such as DIMM freeze attacks. Key management in cloud and CDN services is typically performed at two extreme ends of the security spectrum: either the customer keys are shared with the provider in clear violation of security and regulatory requirements, or their keys are maintained securely in customer owned infrastructure, which is a secure solution, but sacrifices performance due to the large roundtrip latencies between the provider and the customer. Existing key management solutions based on network HSMs, PCIe card HSMs or TPMs offer excellent security properties, yet do not scale well at the cloud and CDN. In this paper, we propose a secure, scalable solution which combines the benefits of secure hardware based key management with very high throughput acceleration for private key operations. This novel solution integrates key protection with hardware acceleration and scales easily to support a distributed cloud infrastructure. Through our experiments based on Intel® KPT, we demonstrate that this solution could accelerate the throughput of TLS handshake connections based on RSA2048 by about 4 times with 20% of CPU resources saved.
Schlichtman, Patch, and Hill: Gentrifier

Gentrifier is a book by and about gentrifiers. Its story arc starts from a point of Should we be here? to We are here; we should try to help. Along the way the authors contribute a framework for un...
IR820-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for photothermal therapy of triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15-25% of breast cancer cases and lacks expression of the three most common receptors seen on other subtypes of breast cancer. This lack of expression makes TNBC unsusceptible to currently available targeted or hormonal therapies, so new treatment strategies are desperately needed. Photothermal therapy (PTT), which utilizes nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in tumors as exogenous energy absorbers to convert externally applied near-infrared (NIR) light into heat to ablate cancer cells, has shown promise as an alternative strategy. However, it typically uses gold-based NPs that will remain in the body for extended period of time with unknown long-term health effects. To enable PTT with biodegradable, polymeric NPs, we encapsulated the NIR-absorbing dye IR820 in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs. We characterized the physicochemical properties of these IR820-loaded PLGA NPs and evaluated their performance as PTT agents using both in vitro and in vivo models of TNBC. The results demonstrate that these NPs are potent mediators of PTT that induce cell death primarily through apoptosis to effectively hinder the growth of TNBC tumors. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1702-1712, 2019.
From Deregulation to Decoupling - and Beyond

From Deregulation to Decoupling - and Beyond analyzes regulatory obstacles to greater renewable integration, offers a consideration of alternative approaches, and proposed the best solutions along two long-term arcs to transformative regulatory reform: a) continued adaptation and implementation of carrot-and-stick renewable energy policies that operate under the prevailing model; and, b) a wholesale change to the way that energy is produced, distributed, consumed and - perhaps most importantly - the way it is bought and sold.
Parties, agendas, and roll rates:

For the US House of Representatives, Cox and McCubbins discover tiny majority-party roll rates and offer them as evidence of majority-party agenda control. However, the observed roll rates are appr...
Adaptive variation and plasticity in non-structural carbohydrate storage in a temperate tree species.

Trees' total amount of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) stores and the proportion of these stores residing as insoluble starch are vital traits for individuals living in variable environments. However, our understanding of how stores vary in response to environmental stress is poorly understood as the genetic component of storage is rarely accounted for in studies. Here, we quantified variation in NSC traits in branch samples taken from over 600 clonally transplanted black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) trees grown in two common gardens. We found heritable variation in both total NSC stores and the proportion of stores in starch (H2 TNC = 0.19, H2 PropStarch = 0.31), indicating a substantial genetic component of variation. In addition, we found high amounts of plasticity in both traits in response to cold temperatures and significant genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions in the total amount of NSC stored (54% of P is GxE). This finding of high GxE indicates extensive variation across trees in their response to environment, which may explain why previous studies of carbohydrate stores' responses to stress have failed to converge on a consistent pattern. Overall, we found high amounts of environmental and genetic variation in NSC storage concentrations, which may bolster species against future climate change.
Neuroimaging and Epilepsy

The purpose of surgery in drug-resistant epilepsy is to resect or disconnect the epileptogenic focus. Reliable preoperative localization of the epileptogenic focus, therefore, is critical to the success of epilepsy surgery. In majority of the patients with focal epilepsy, structural lesions serve as the generator for seizure onset. Surgical treatment strategies, therefore, rely upon identification of a structural lesion on MRI. These lesions are often quite subtle, requiring the clinical MR acquisition protocol to be optimized for high-resolution and high gray-white matter contrast to maximize the diagnostic yield. In MRI-negative or “nonlesional” epilepsy, the surgical results are less favorable compared with those of “lesional” epilepsy surgery. The epileptogenicity of the structural lesion detected on MRI needs to be confirmed either by scalp or intracranial EEG before proceeding to surgery. MRI also plays an important role in planning and intraoperative guidance of minimally invasive stereotactic surgical procedures.
Changes in risk factors for severe low-back pain among caregivers in care facilities in Japan from 2014 to 2018.

A no-lift policy, which states that care recipients should not be lifted using human power but rather using care equipment, has been spreading since about 2014 in Japan. The purpose of this study is to examine whether severe low-back pain (LBP) risk factors changed between 2014 and 2018. Questionnaires for administrators and caregivers were distributed to care facilities for the elderly and caregivers, respectively, in 2014 and 2018. Questionnaires completed by 612 facilities and 2,712 caregivers in 2014, and by 504 facilities and 3,478 caregivers in 2018 were analyzed. The percentage of caregivers who experienced severe LBP did not differ significantly between 2014 (37.3%) and 2018 (38.3%). However, the number of facilities that introduced care equipment for transfer increased in 2018. Moreover, the number of participants who received training on care methods and use of care equipment increased. Although lifting a resident using human power and taking an unsuitable posture were associated with severe LBP in 2014, only taking an unsuitable posture was associated with severe LBP in 2018. Therefore, lifting a resident using human power has been improved, but taking an unsuitable posture is still the primary risk factor and needs to be improved in care facilities.
Recent dynamics in racial wage gap in the United States

Using weekly earnings data from Current Population Survey for Black and White Americans employed full time, we examine how disparities based on race stand relative to disparities between wage group...
Effect of EBR- and EBROG-GFRP laminate on the structural performance of corroded reinforced concrete columns subjected to a hysteresis load

Abstract The reinforced concrete (RC) columns infiltrated by chloride ions in the marine environment are much vulnerable under seismic loading and corrosion can severely reduce their load-bearing capacity. To improve the load-bearing capacity of RC columns subjected to different load conditions and hazardous environments using glass fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP) have been gained a great deal of attention. Therefore, this paper investigated the seismic behaviour of RC columns strengthened by GFRP laminate exposed to the different rebars corrosion levels. A total of 15 square RC columns were fabricated and tested under the lateral seismic load. A novel wrapping method was employed to perform different longitudinal rebar corrosion at levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. To introduce GFRP laminate on the specimens’ surfaces, two strengthening techniques were applied: Externally Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) and Externally Bonded Reinforcement on Grooves (EBROG), and the effect of these strengthening techniques on the hysteresis behaviour, energy dissipation, stiffness, ductility, load-bearing capacity, and deformation of specimens were studied. Additionally, new models were developed to predict the ductility, stiffness, and energy absorption of EBR- and EBROG-GFRP strengthened RC columns with various rebar corrosion levels. Results showed that using GFRP laminate improved the maximum load-bearing capacity, stiffness, ductility and energy absorption of corroded RC columns, and these properties were further improved using the EBROG technique. However, the difference between the improvement effect of EBR and EBROG techniques was declined with increasing the longitudinal rebars corrosion level. Additionally, the proposed models with high accuracy could be utilized as an efficient tool to anticipate the ductility, stiffness and energy absorption of EBR- and EBROG-GFRP strengthened RC columns exposed to different rebar corrosion levels.
Innovations in hierarchical zeolite synthesis

Abstract There has been growing interest in the research and development of hierarchical zeolites possessing at least two levels of porosity in order to reduce diffusion limitations in reactions catalyzed by microporous zeolites. Engineering and manipulation of the hierarchy of pore structures are required to facilitate transport of large reactants and to improve the accessibility of active sites in zeolite catalysts. Various strategies and approaches have been proposed and developed in order to introduce secondary porosity, which is usually in the mesopore range, for conventional zeolites. From controllable post-synthetic modifications to designed direct synthesis with or without mesopore templating agents, significant progress has been made over the past several years in making hierarchical zeolites. In this paper, recent innovations in the synthesis of hierarchical zeolites by different methods will be reviewed, including post-synthetic demetallation, hard- and soft-templating approaches, and template-free routes. We will also discuss separately the progress of hierarchical structures derived from two-dimensional (2D) zeolite nanosheets. A summary and outlook will also be discussed with the focus on providing industrial perspectives of this field.
Roberts' Rules of Writing: An Evaluation of Separate Opinion Behavior on the Roberts Court

Continuing the strand of research that examines Supreme Court Justices decisions to write and/or join their fellow justices’ opinions (e.g., Corley 2010; Maveety, Turner, and Way 2010; Maltzman, Spriggs, and Wahlbeck 2'007, this paper assesses the behavior of the early Roberts Court (2005-present). While previous work indicated an increased number of judicial voices throughout the Burger and Rehnquist Courts, recent evidence suggests that this trend may be continuing at an even greater pace over the course of the first six years of the Roberts Court (Liptak 201'7. Now that hundreds of Roberts Court decisions have been rendered, sufficient data exist to examine the issue empirically. We ask two key questions: Does the Roberts Court continue the trend of increased separate opinions established by the Burger and Rehnquist Courts? And, what rules might govern acts of concurrence on the Roberts Court? Our analysis identifies institutional, attitudinal, and strategic variables and concludes with projections regarding the future of separate opinions on the Roberts Court.
Chapter 3 History of the STEM at Brookhaven National Laboratory

Abstract The Brookhaven STEM Facility, in parallel with Andreas Engel's group in Basel, Switzerland, has established biological STEM as a key method for quantitative electron microscopy and mass measurement. The work of J. Hainfeld established heavy atom cluster labeling as an important adjunct to mass mapping in defining the composition and spatial arrangement of “molecular machines” and other biological complexes. The resulting hundreds of publications have made an important contribution to the understanding of biological systems.
Abstract 1882: The expression phenotype of SNPs linked to the risk for prostate cancer

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Numerous Genome Wide Association (GWA) studies of large populations have provided limited biomarkers for cancer and few linkages to phenotype. We investigated whether SNPs that are known to be associated with prostate cancer (PCa) affect expression in prostate stroma. The stroma of prostate tumors provides genetically homogenous tissue type with hundreds of tumor-dependent expression changes [1] which favors linkage identification. We surveyed published GWA studies covering a total of ∼90,000 patients and selected the most significant 35 susceptibility loci for further linkage analysis. We also selected 4030 transcripts previously associated with PCa diagnosis and prognosis. We then investigated 47 PCa cases using genetic variations in nontumor DNA (Illumina Human1M-Duov3_B snp arrays) and correlating the genotypes with RNA gene expression data from the same patients (U133 plus 2.0 arrays). A novel eQTL (Expression Quantitative Trait Loci) analysis was carried out by a modified BAYES method to analyze the associations between the risk variants and expressed transcripts jointly in a single model. The model assumed that a risk variant can be associated with multiple RNA expression changes and vice versa. We observed 47 significant linkages between 8 risk variants and 46 significant expression changes. The false discovery rates of two resampling studies are 0.03 and 0.05, respectively, which indicated the 47 linkages are significant. All linkages are “trans' linkages indicating remote effects of key SNPs on expressing genes. This is the first study to identify trans-linkages between multiple SNPs and multiple significant expression changes identified in cancer stroma. The linkages also associated with trends in clinical phenotypes. The strongest trend is between linkage rs9623117(C)-FOXD1 and biochemical relapse (p=0.01). The study reveals links between SNPs associated with PCa risk and transcription, which may identify the subset of patients where these genotypes may affect relevant phenotypes. [1] Jia et al., Cancer Research 2011; 71:2476-2487. Citation Format: Xin Chen, Zhenyu Jia, Michael McClelland, Farah Rahmatpanah, Dan Mercola. The expression phenotype of SNPs linked to the risk for prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1882. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1882
Was Malthus Right? Economic Growth and Population Dynamics

This paper studies the relationship between population dynamics and economic growth. Prior to the Industrial Revolution increases in total output were roughly matched by increases in population. In contrast, during the last 150 years, increments in per capita income have coexisted with slow population growth. Why are income and population growth no longer positively correlated? Thus paper presents a new answer, based on the role of capital-specific technological change, that provides a unifying account of lower population growth and sustained economic growth. An overlapping generations model with capital skill, complementarity rued endogenous fertility, mortality and education is constructed and parameterized to match English data from 1536 to 1920. The key finding is that the observed fall in the relative price of capital can account for more than 60% of the fall ill fertility mid over 50 of the increase in income per capita, in England occurred during the demographic transition. Additional experiments show that neutral technological change or the reduction in mortality cannot account for the fall in fertility.
Electron Escape: The Free-Ion Yield

This chapter discusses the dependence of free-ion yield on molecular structure and mobility, on external field, and in liquefied rare gases (LRGs). After measurements were made of the free-ion yield, thermal electron mobility, and the energy of the lowest conduction state of the electron (V 0 ) in various hydrocarbon liquids, speculations appeared probing their intercorrelation as well as correlation between these and other physical properties of the molecule, or of the liquid state. In all liquids, the free-ion yield increases with the external electric field E. An important feature of the Onsager theory is that the slope-to-intercept ratio (S/I) of the linear increase of free-ion yield with the field at small values of E is given by e 3 /2ɛk B 2 T 2 , where ɛ is the dielectric constant of the medium, T is its absolute temperature, and e is the magnitude of electronic charge. Remarkably, S/I is independent of the electron thermalization distance distribution or other features of electron dynamics, and it is free of adjustable parameters. With an increase of E beyond a certain value specific to the liquid, the free-ion yield increases sublinearly with the field, eventually showing a saturation trend at very high fields. The theoretical problem of the variation of free-ion yield with external field is inextricably mixed with that of the initial distribution of electron–cation separation. Electron mobility and free-ion yield in LRGs are among the highest in the liquid phase because of their relatively high density and the small Fano factor.
Optical Detectors for Microcolumn Liquid Chromatography

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the optical detectors for micro-column liquid chromatography. The development of micro-column liquid chromatography must follow a systems approach, i.e., sample preparation, injection , solvent delivery, column, and detector. It examines the various types of optical detectors that can be used in conjunction with micro-column liquid chromatography, particularly those based on lasers. It discusses the special requirements imposed by the chromatographic system, the state-of-the-art in detector technology, and the potential for future developments. To appreciate the need for a new generation of detectors to couple to micro-columns, one must consider the differences in operating parameters in the various forms of liquid chromatography (LC). The volume of these detectors can then be scaled down as much as technically possible without degrading their detectabilities with respect to concentration.
Richard McCormick: Ordered Values and Proportionate Reasons

The backbone of Roman Catholic moral theology is the concept of ‘natural law’ (lex naturae) — objective moral claims known (to some extent, at least) to all persons by their very nature as human beings, application of which may be derived through discursive reasoning.1 Timothy O’Connell has described, in a simplified but useful way, two different sources of the notion of natural law in intellectual history ([52], Chapter 13). One of these sources, which he refers to as the “Greek” source, conceived of natural law as “precisely the objective demand placed on humankind to conform to the givenness of reality.” In this view, the cosmos was seen to be rigid, static, and unyielding, with human survival depending upon “cooperation with the rhythms of life.” So, in other words, the dictates of reason were seen to be “out there” in nature, to be observed and followed. The other conceptual source of natural law — the “Roman” source — tended to place reason fully in the human self. O’Connell cites Cicero, for example, as emphasizing the “natural” as “right reason, human intelligence, prudent and thoughtful action directed to humane ends.” This is no “abject capitulation to the facts of life,” but rather a willingness to use intelligence and common sense to solve life’s riddles and control life’s caprices.
Fibrous tumours in children: imaging features of a heterogeneous group of disorders

Background. Fibrous tumours are predominantly soft tissue lesions which are relatively frequent in childhood but are little known. Imaging is often used in the evaluation of these tumours but their characteristics, particularly on US or MRI, have not been studied systematically. Objectives. To provide an overview of the clinical and imaging features of the different disorders, and to correlate them with the currently used classification schemes. Material and methods. Twenty-five patients with fibrous tumours were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical histories were studied for the histopathological diagnosis, age, signs and symptoms at presentation, mode of therapy and follow-up where available. Imaging findings were analysed for the following variables: number, location, size, margin and architecture of soft tissue and/or visceral lesions and the presence and pattern of osseous involvement. Comparison with the available literature was performed. Results. The following tumour types were encountered: desmoid fibromatosis (n = 9), myofibromatosis (n = 7), fibromatosis colli (n = 2), congenital-infantile fibrosarcoma (n = 2), adult-type fibrosarcoma (n = 2), fibrous hamartoma of infancy (n = 1), angiofibroma (n = 1) and hyaline fibromatosis (n = 1). Conclusions. While some tumours were non-specific in their clinical and radiological manifestation, others such as myofibromatosis, fibromatosis colli, fibrous hamartoma of infancy and angiofibroma exhibited a characteristic pattern which allowed a diagnosis to be made even without histology.
XXX. On the ancient and modern formation of deltas in the Persian Gulf by the Euphrates and Tigris, in answer to Mr. Beke

(1835). XXIII. On the ancient and modern formation of delta in the Persian Gulf by the Euphrates and Tigris, in answer to Mr. Beke. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 7, No. 39, pp. 192-202.
Comparison of the new matrix system with traditional fixed prosthodontic impression procedures

Abstract This article compares the methods and effectiveness of traditional fixed partial denture impression systems, which includes the matrix impression system, in relation to the registration of the finish lines and sulci of tooth preparations in the formation of a full arch impression. Concepts relating to custom trays, retraction, homeostasis, sulcular cleansing, sulcular flange registration, configuration and strength, viscosity of elastomeric impression materials, and delivering the impression material into the sulcus are reviewed. Several concepts are questioned and alternative procedures are proposed. Forces that impact the gingival tissues and determine the success of the impression are briefly described. (J Prosthet Dent 1998;79:200-7.)
ALS drug development: Reflections from the past and a way forward

Tremendous advances in our understanding of pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have provided a rich pipeline of drugs for clinical trialists. At least 32 unique compounds have been tested. Nevertheless, riluzole is currently the only treatment that prolongs survival. We present a critical overview of past clinical trials, how therapies are selected for testing in people, challenges with ALS clinical trial design and conduct, and ways to best move forward.
Expression of Hel‐N1 and HeL‐N2 in small‐cell lung carcinoma

Hel-N1 and HuD are neuron-specific RNA-binding proteins that are antigenic targets of anti-Hu antibodies. Although expression of Hu antigens is most commonly seen in small-cell lung carcinoma, their exact identity (e.g., Hel-N1, Hel-N2, HuD, and HuC) cannot be distinguished by immunological methods. Analysis of messenger RNA expression is needed for this distinction. Here we demonstrate that Hel-N1 and Hel-N2 are expressed in small-cell lung carcinoma using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
Intra‐operative awakening during scoliosis surgery

A method of intra-operative awakening which allows assessment of spinal cord function during Harrington rod spinal fusion for scoliosis is described. The anaesthetic technique is based on a standard muscle relaxant, N2O anaesthetic sequence supplemented with intravenous morphine 0.1 mg/kg at the commencement of surgery and 0.2 mg/kg intramuscular premedication. This relatively large total dose of morphine may reduce intra-operative awareness, and may also provide substantial pain relief during the initial 24 h postoperative period. It has been used successfully in 20 patients aged between 6 and 16 yr. Five patients remembered being woken, but did not regard it as unpleasant. In one patient, this technique allowed intra-operative detection and correction of impaired motor function of the legs.