cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CORR Insights®: Does Proximal Rectus Femoris Release Influence Kinematics In Patients With Cerebral Palsy and Stiff Knee Gait?

This CORR Insights®is a commentary on the article “Does Proximal Rectus Femoris Release Influence Kinematics In Patients With Cerebral Palsy and Stiff Knee Gait?” by Vegvari and colleagues available at: DOI:10.1007/s11999-013-3086-4. The author certifies that he, nor a member of his immediate family, has any funding or commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. The opinions expressed are those of the writers, and do not reflect the opinion or policy of CORR® or the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®. This CORR Insights® comment refers to the article available at DOI: 10.1007/s11999-013-3086-4.
Coverage-time optimization for clustered wireless sensor networks: a power-balancing approach

In this paper, we investigate the maximization of the coverage time for a clustered wireless sensor network by optimal balancing of power consumption among cluster heads (CHs). Clustering significantly reduces the energy consumption of individual sensors, but it also increases the communication burden on CHs. To investigate this tradeoff, our analytical model incorporates both intra- and intercluster traffic. Depending on whether location information is available or not, we consider optimization formulations under both deterministic and stochastic setups, using a Rayleigh fading model for intercluster communications. For the deterministic setup, sensor nodes and CHs are arbitrarily placed, but their locations are known. Each CH routes its traffic directly to the sink or relays it through other CHs. We present a coverage-time-optimal joint clustering/routing algorithm, in which the optimal clustering and routing parameters are computed using a linear program. For the stochastic setup, we consider a cone-like sensing region with uniformly distributed sensors and provide optimal power allocation strategies that guarantee (in a probabilistic sense) an upper bound on the end-to-end (inter-CH) path reliability. Two mechanisms are proposed for achieving balanced power consumption in the stochastic case: a routing-aware optimal cluster planning and a clustering-aware optimal random relay. For the first mechanism, the problem is formulated as a signomial optimization, which is efficiently solved using generalized geometric programming. For the second mechanism, we show that the problem is solvable in linear time. Numerical examples and simulations are used to validate our analysis and study the performance of the proposed schemes.
Ghrelin controls hippocampal spine synapse density and memory performance

The gut hormone and neuropeptide ghrelin affects energy balance and growth hormone release through hypothalamic action that involves synaptic plasticity in the melanocortin system. Ghrelin binding is also present in other brain areas, including the telencephalon, where its function remains elusive. Here we report that circulating ghrelin enters the hippocampus and binds to neurons of the hippocampal formation, where it promotes dendritic spine synapse formation and generation of long-term potentiation. These ghrelin-induced synaptic changes are paralleled by enhanced spatial learning and memory. Targeted disruption of the gene that encodes ghrelin resulted in decreased numbers of spine synapses in the CA1 region and impaired performance of mice in behavioral memory testing, both of which were rapidly reversed by ghrelin administration. Our observations reveal an endogenous function of ghrelin that links metabolic control with higher brain functions and suggest novel therapeutic strategies to enhance learning and memory processes.
Depiction of carotid plaque ulceration and other plaque-related disorders by intravascular sonography: a flow chamber study.

PURPOSE To evaluate the ability of intravascular sonography to depict plaque ulceration and to identify the limitations of and the artifacts associated with this technique. METHODS Twenty-eight human carotid arteries were mounted in a pulsatile flow chamber and examined with intravascular sonography. We compared 140 intravascular sonograms with gross pathologic and histologic sections. Ulcerations with a diameter or depth of at least 0.5 mm were sought. RESULTS All eight arteries with ulcerated plaques and nine of 10 individual ulcerations were depicted by intravascular sonography. One artery (one of 140 arterial cross sections) with a small mural thrombus was misinterpreted as ulcerated. Our intravascular sonographic measurements underestimated the gross ulceration dimensions by 22% (depth) and 17% (orifice diameter). CONCLUSIONS Intravascular sonography is highly accurate for the diagnosis of plaque ulceration. The central position of the high-frequency transducer within the target vessel facilitates high resolution of the arterial lumen-wall border, permitting more powerful definition of small ulcerations than available by other diagnostic methods. However, the utility of invasive intravascular sonography for detecting carotid ulcerations cannot be determined until the pathologic significance of plaque ulceration is clearly defined.
Invading the yeast nucleus: a nuclear localization signal at the C terminus of Ty1 integrase is required for transposition in vivo.

Retrotransposon Ty1 faces a formidable cell barrier during transposition—the yeast nuclear membrane which remains intact throughout the cell cycle. We investigated the mechanism by which transposition intermediates are transported from the cytoplasm (the presumed site of Ty1 DNA synthesis) to the nucleus, where they are integrated into the genome. Ty1 integrase has a nuclear localization signal (NLS) at its C terminus. Both full-length integrase and a C-terminal fragment localize to the nucleus. C-terminal deletion mutants in Ty1 integrase were used to map the putative NLS to the last 74 amino acid residues of integrase. Mutations in basic segments within this region decreased retrotransposition at least 50-fold in vivo. Furthermore, these mutant integrase proteins failed to localize to the nucleus. Production of virus-like particles, reverse transcriptase activity, and complete in vitro Ty1 integration resembled wild-type levels, consistent with failure of the mutant integrases to enter the nucleus.
Streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction: Western Washington randomized trial—protocol and progress report

Abstract A randomized trial of intracornary thrombolysis in a multicenter, geographically limited community has been undertaken. There have been no deaths or important morbidity because of heart catheterization. Preliminary data analysis has shown that patient entry within 3 hours of the onset of infarction has been the exception rather than the rule. It is anticipated that this trial will be completed by mid 1983. It is hoped that the data obtained from this study will help clarify the role of thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction.
Adsorption and Degradation of Doxorubicin from Aqueous Solution in Polypropylene Containers

The purpose of this study was to examine doxorubicin adsorption in polypropylene containers as a function of pH and drug concentration based on anecdotal evidence of such adsorption. Doxorubicin loss was first examined in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) glass inserts by UV absorbance to determine appropriate pH and time durations for subsequent analysis. Doxorubicin loss was then investigated in polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes at different pH values and starting drug concentration at 37°C over 48 h using HPLC with fluorescent detection. Doxorubicin concentrations was essentially constant in HPLC glass inserts at pH 4.8 up to 12 h but declined 5% at pH 7.4 by 3 h. The percent doxorubicin adsorption was calculated in polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes from extrapolations to zero time and was the least at pH 4.8, but increased with pH values 6.5 and 7.4, and decreased with drug concentration to reach a maximum adsorption of 45% in 2.0 μg/mL at pH 7.4 and 37°C. Degradation rate constants, ranging from 0.0021 to 0.019 h−1, also increased with pH in these studies. Determinations of low amounts of doxorubicin in polypropylene containers at pH 7.4 may be underestimated if adsorption and degradation issues are not taken into account.
Tanzanite: Commodity fiction or commodity nightmare?

Karl Polanyi's discussion of the commodification of land, labour, and money is useful in analysis not only of nineteenth century markets but also of twenty-first century social and economic developments. This working paper explores the process of commodification of tanzanite, a gemstone discovered in the 1960s south of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and actively mined only since the 1980s. More rare than diamonds because the source area is limited to the Mererani hills east of Arusha, the gemstones reach markets through Maasai middlemen, foreign buyers, processors, cutters, polishers and dealers in Tanzania, India, Hong Kong, and the United States. The U.S. is responsible for 80% of the market for tanzanite. Production of the stone is occasionally slowed by flooding, accidents, and conflict over rights to mining areas. Children and teenagers often work in the tanzanite mines. These miners suffer death and disease not only because of unsafe mine conditions but also because of drug use and HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, this new commodity received close scrutiny after the attacks of September 11, 2001, because of a Wall Street Journal report that members of al Qaeda bought tanzanite for use in funding its networks and activities. This paper explores policy issues raised not only by that report and by global NGOs such as Global Witness, but also by the Tanzanian state, by health and safety workers and the miners and mining companies at Mererani. The paper is based on field interviews with buyers and sellers, in Tanzania and in the United States, as well as analysis of media reports, in order to argue that this particular commodity is, in Polanyi's terms, a fiction, one which has serious policy, social, health, and economic implications.
Free 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Cystic Fibrosis.

Abstract: Background Vitamin D deficiency is common in cystic fibrosis (CF), but there is no previous data on free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in CF or in relation to healthy individuals. Methods We assessed total serum 25(OH)D concentration by chemiluminescence and serum free 25(OH)D concentration by both direct measurement (ELISA) and calculation, using serum albumin and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) levels in 80 subjects (28 healthy adults, 25 clinically stable adults and children with CF and 27 adults experiencing a CF exacerbation). Results Serum albumin and VDBP concentrations were lower in CF compared with healthy controls. Total serum 25(OH)D concentrations were positively correlated with both calculated and measured free 25(OH)D ( P P Conclusions Serum levels of directly measured free 25(OH)D positively correlated with total 25(OH)D, suggesting that achieving sufficient total serum 25(OH)D may result in adequate free 25(OH)D levels in CF.
Spatiotemporal diffusion modeling of global mobilization in social media: The case of the 2011 egyptian revolution

This study explores transnational diffusion of social movement information in social media by introducing a mathematical model. Although the literature extensively discusses social media uses in social movements, few studies have examined a spatiotemporal dynamic diffusion process. Even fewer have taken into account international relational factors that may interplay with the diffusion process. This study addresses this gap by examining different notions of spatial proximity—each of which pertains to the level of democracy, diaspora size, economic relations, and physical distance—and applying them to a mathematical “diffusion-advection” model. The model was validated by tweets during the Egyptian revolution of 2011. The spatial diffusion was most effectively explained when the model was fitted using a democracy-based spatial arrangement. Although the diffusion of ad hoc reporting and action supportive messages were particularly in high volume during the most active protest period, situation-verifying information was diffused at a steady pace throughout the entire period examined. By demonstrating the model’s validity with the Egyptian revolution Twitter data, the article reveals the potential of using mathematical modeling in social movement research.
Chemical studies of an antitumor substance from African onions.

ConclusionAn antitumor substance has been isolated and fractionated from the bulb of the African onion. Antitumor activity of this material against Walker 256 (intramuscular) carcinosarcoma was demonstrated.
SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF A PROTEOLYTIC SYSTEM FROM PHYMATOTRICHUM OMNIVORUM.

SummaryThe existence of proteolytic enzymes has been shown in 4 strains of Phymatotrichum omnivorum of varying stages of pathologic and physiologic vigor. One other strain failed to exhibit proteinase production in laboratory culture. Various properties of the enzymes from 2 strains have been studied. The enzymes were optimally active at pH 4.5 to 5.0, and required a divalent metal ion. This requirement could be met by Co++, Zn++, Ni++, Mg++, Mn++ or Ca++ ions; Fe+++ ions were inhibitory. Slight inhibition resulted from the presence of reducing agents, and 0.001 m diisopropyl-phosphofluoridate reduced proteolysis partially. The enzymes from both strains were inactivated fairly quickly at 70°C.
Abstract 142: Physical activity prior to diagnosis and risk of fatal breast cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Data suggest an inverse association between physical activity and risk of breast cancer, as well as lower risk of death among breast cancer survivors with higher levels of physical activity. Breast cancer survival rates are relatively high. However, lifestyle factors prior to diagnosis may be related to whether subsequent breast cancer is aggressive, and ultimately fatal. We examined this association in the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), among 105,387 women with 18 years of follow-up (1986-2010). Physical activity was assessed every 2-4 years on the NHS biennial questionnaire; new cases of breast cancer were reported on the biennial questionnaire and followed-up via medical record review. Cause of death was determined through review of medical records and death certificates. Overall, 762 fatal cases were identified during follow-up among 8356 total cases of breast cancer. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the association between the cumulative average of physical activity over follow-up and fatal breast cancer. In multivariable models, higher physical activity was significantly inversely associated with fatal breast cancer risk. Relative to <3 MET-hrs of activity per week, participation in activities totaling 3 to < 9, 9 to < 18, 18 to <27, and ≥27 MET-hrs/week were associated with reductions in risk of 21% (95% CI: 0.63-1.00), 35% (95% CI: 0.51-0.82), 41% (95% CI: 0.45-0.78), and 43% (95% CI: 0.43-0.74), respectively (ptrend<0.001). Results were virtually unchanged after additionally adjusting for BMI (e.g. ≥27 vs. <3 MET-hrs/week total activity RR=0.56 (95% CI: 0.43-0.73, ptrend<0.001)). Results for fatal breast cancer were stronger than those for overall breast cancer. Our findings suggest higher physical activity before breast cancer diagnosis is associated with reduced risk of fatal breast cancer. Our results extend existing evidence supporting an inverse association between physical activity and breast cancer risk to the outcome of fatal breast cancer. View this table: Physical Activity and risk of overall and fatal breast cancer: Nurses’ Health Study, 1986–2010 Citation Format: Renee T. Fortner, Shelley S. Tworoger, Rulla M. Tamimi, Bernard Rosner, Walter C. Willet, Susan E. Hankinson, A. Heather Eliassen. Physical activity prior to diagnosis and risk of fatal breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 142. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-142
Epigenetic Basis of Mental Illness

Psychiatric disorders are complex multifactorial illnesses involving chronic alterations in neural circuit structure and function as well as likely abnormalities in glial cells. While genetic factors are important in the etiology of most mental disorders, the relatively high rates of discordance among identical twins, particularly for depression and other stress-related syndromes, clearly indicate the importance of additional mechanisms. Environmental factors such as stress are known to play a role in the onset of these illnesses. Exposure to such environmental insults induces stable changes in gene expression, neural circuit function, and ultimately behavior, and these maladaptations appear distinct between developmental versus adult exposures. Increasing evidence indicates that these sustained abnormalities are maintained by epigenetic modifications in specific brain regions. Indeed, transcriptional dysregulation and the aberrant epigenetic regulation that underlies this dysregulation is a unifying theme in psychiatric disorders. Here, we provide a progress report of epigenetic studies of the three major psychiatric syndromes, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. We review the literature derived from animal models of these disorders as well as from studies of postmortem brain tissue from human patients. While epigenetic studies of mental illness remain at early stages, understanding how environmental factors recruit the epigenetic machinery within specific brain regions to cause lasting changes in disease susceptibility and pathophysiology is revealing new insight into the etiology and treatment of these conditions.
STUDY OF FRACTURE INITIATION OF THE EXTENDED REACH WELLS WITH OPENHOLE COMPLETION

The Hydraulic Fractured Extended Reach Wells(ERW) has been became an important technical means of reservoir stimulation with increasing amount of the ERW. The fracture initiation of fractured ERW differ from those of the vertical and the conventional directional wells, the initiation mode is not only relative to the well trajectory (deviation and azimuth angle) but also the in-situ stress azimuth. The prior initiation mode of the deviated wells has not been satisfied with the demand of fractured ERW, based on influencing factors of the treatment condition and the filtration effect of fracturing fluid and the pore pressure, this paper established the model of the stress field distribution around the ERW wellbore and presented the predicting model of fracture initiation pressure and azimuth, and analyzed the fracture initiating influence under the condition of different in-situ stress configuration. The calculated results show that the model presented in this paper can be able to apply to the hydraulic fractured ERW.
A Simplified Technique for Continent Urinary Diversion: An All-Stapled Colonic Reservoir

AbstractA simple continent colonic reservoir was constructed in its entirety with the aid of surgical stapling techniques in 17 men and 10 women. In 5 men an orthotopic pouch was created and in the rest a continent stoma was designed. Detubularization of the entire colonic segment assures a low pressure system with disruption of directional peristaltic activity. The ureters are implanted by simply burying them in a mucosal furrow. Operative time required for the creation of the reservoir (excluding time for cystectomy) has ranged between 70 and 140 minutes (mean 95.4minutes). With a followup of 9 to 60 months (mean 22.8 months) continence has been achieved in all but 1 patient with no ureteral reflux or obstruction. Urodynamically the pouch has achieved a large capacity (mean 750 cc) with low filling pressures (8.1cm. water) because of technical ease of construction together with a shortened operative time due to the stapling techniques. This form of bladder replacement offers an option for select patient...
Visualization of in vivo septin ultrastructures by platinum replica electron microscopy

Septins are cytoskeletal proteins involved in diverse biological processes including cytokinesis, cell morphogenesis, motility, and ciliogenesis. Septins form various filamentous structures in vitro and in vivo, but the higher-order architecture of septin structures in vivo remains poorly defined. The best understood system in this respect is the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, where septins form a ring structure that undergoes multiple stages of remodeling during the cell cycle. In this chapter, we describe a method for visualizing supramolecular septin structures in yeast at high spatial resolution using platinum replica electron microscopy. This approach can be applied to further understand the regulation of assembly and remodeling of septin higher-order structures, as well as the relationship between septin architecture and function.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Risk of CKD Progression in Children

Background and objectives Plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) concentrations increase early in the course of CKD in children. High FGF23 levels associate with progression of CKD in adults. Whether FGF23 predicts CKD progression in children is unknown. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We tested the hypothesis that high plasma FGF23 is an independent risk factor for CKD progression in 419 children, aged 1–16 years, enrolled in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) cohort study. We measured plasma FGF23 concentrations at baseline and determined GFR annually using plasma disappearance of iohexol or the CKiD study estimating equation. We analyzed the association of baseline FGF23 with risk of progression to the composite end point, defined as start of dialysis or kidney transplantation or 50% decline from baseline GFR, adjusted for demographics, baseline GFR, proteinuria, other CKD-specific factors, and other mineral metabolites. Results At enrollment, median age was 11 years [interquartile range (IQR), 8–15], GFR was 44 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 (IQR, 33–57), and FGF23 was 132 RU/ml (IQR, 88–200). During a median follow-up of 5.5 years (IQR, 3.5–6.6), 32.5% of children reached the progression end point. Higher FGF23 concentrations were independently associated with higher risk of the composite outcome (fully adjusted hazard ratio, 2.52 in the highest versus lowest FGF23 tertile; 95% confidence interval, 1.44 to 4.39, P =0.002; fully adjusted hazard ratio, 1.33 per doubling of FGF23; 95% confidence interval, 1.13 to 1.56, P =0.001). The time to progression was 40% shorter for participants in the highest compared with the lowest FGF23 tertile. In contrast, serum phosphorus, vitamin D metabolites, and parathyroid hormone did not consistently associate with progression in adjusted analyses. Conclusions High plasma FGF23 is an independent risk factor for CKD progression in children.
Degradation of Ethylene Carbonate Electrolytes of Lithium Ion Batteries via Ring Opening Activated by LiCoO2 Cathode Surfaces and Electrolyte Species.

High-performance lithium-ion batteries require electrolytes that are stable over wide operating voltages. We used density functional theory to investigate the degradation of ethylene carbonate (EC) electrolytes activated by interactions with LiCoO2 cathode surfaces and PF5 species in the electrolyte. We report detailed mechanisms for the activation of EC ring-opening reactions by Lewis acids to form CO2, organics, or organofluorines. We find that Lewis acid–base complexation between EC and either PF5 or LiCoO2 weakens the C–O bonds of the EC ring and consequently lowers the barrier to and energy of EC ring-opening reactions. Our results predict that ring opening activated by the LiCoO2 cathode surface forms a cathode–electrolyte interphase primarily composed of an organic and organofluorine film. Simultaneous degradation of an EC molecule and PF6– forms PF5 and a surface organofluorine with an activation barrier of 1.28 eV and reaction energy of −0.26 eV. Ring opening of EC activated by the cathode to for...
Complete Genome Sequence of Edwardsiella piscicida Isolate S11-285 Recovered from Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in Mississippi, USA.

ABSTRACT Edwardsiella piscicida is a recently described Gram-negative facultative anaerobe and an important pathogen to many wild and cultured fish species worldwide. Here, we report the complete and annotated genome of E. piscicida isolate S11-285 recovered from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), consisting of a chromosome of 3,923,603 bp and 1 plasmid.
Scenario-Based Hazard Trees for Depicting Resolution of Hurricane Uncertainty over Time

AbstractGreat uncertainty surrounds the future track, intensity, and resulting flooding and wind hazards associated with an offshore hurricane. As time progresses, that uncertainty is reduced, but ...
Prognostication of system-state in lead-free electronics equipment under cyclic and steady-state thermo-mechanical loads

Abstract In this paper, a mathematical approach for interrogation of system-state under cyclic thermo-mechanical stresses has been developed for three-different lead-free solder alloy systems. Data have been collected for leading indicators-of-failure for alloy systems including, Sn1Ag0.5Cu, Sn3Ag0.5Cu, Sn4Ag0.5Cu second-level interconnects under the application of cyclic thermo-mechanical loads. Methodology presented resides in the pre-failure space of the system in which no macro-indicators such as cracks or delamination exist. Systems subjected to thermo-mechanical damage have been interrogated for system state and the computed damage state correlated with known imposed damage. The approach involves the use of condition monitoring devices which can be interrogated for damage proxies at finite time-intervals. Interrogation techniques are based on non-linear least-squares methods. Various techniques including the Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm have been investigated. The system’s residual life is computed based on residual-life computation algorithms. Detection of system-state significantly prior to catastrophic failure can significantly impact the reliability and availability of electronic systems. Requirements for system availability for ultra-high reliability electronic systems are driving the need for advanced heath monitoring techniques for early detection of onset of damage. Traditional health monitoring methodologies have relied on reactive methods of failure detection often providing little on no insight into the remaining useful life of the system.
Community Service Learning, Learning by Design , and Heritage Learners: A Case Study

This chapter considers the impact of service learning as a means to build and reinforce Spanish heritage students’ language abilities while allowing for meaningful engagement with local communities. It does so through the discussion of a project grounded in the Learning by Design framework. Over the course of a semester, 15 university students in a service learning course at the University of Memphis collaborated with Spanish-speaking local community leaders and artisans to develop and implement self-sustaining projects centered on the arts. Learners documented their experience in a multimodal journal that included digital storytelling, written reflections, and self-generated questions for critical inquiry. The analysis of this work suggests that the students experienced not only linguistic gains, but also an increase in their confidence as Spanish speakers.
Efficient key distribution protocol for wireless sensor networks

Key distribution is a challenging issue for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) because sensor nodes are built from resource-constrained devices that carry limited-power batteries. Thus, a key distribution scheme for WSNs must be efficient — at least in terms of energy consumption and storage. However, most proposed key distribution schemes in the literature ignore energy consumption and do not consider efficiency. Therefore, we propose an efficient key distribution protocol that is designed to suit resource-constrained devices such as WSNs. In this research, we utilized OPNET Modeler to create and to model a wireless sensor node and then developed a wireless sensor network. Our sensor model not only calculate the energy consumption of a node transceiver but also it computes the energy consumption that is caused by wireless channel effects. Furthermore, we utilized an automatic cryptographic protocol verifier, ProVerif, to verify the security properties of the proposed protocol. The findings show that the proposed protocol is secure and more efficient compared to key distribution schemes in the literature.
Formate as a sensitivity enhancer of holographic emulsions

This paper reports experiments that confirm Belloni (2003) that pre-soaking a silver halide holographic emulsion in a dilute solution of the formate ion (HCO2-) will hypersensitize the emulsion by a factor of 5xs to 10xs, depending on the timing of development post-exposure. The quantum efficiency of the emulsion is effectively 1 in the first case. The extremely fine grain size of the holographic emulsion (Slavich PFG-01) is maintained and holographic image quality is excellent. When combined with a TEA pre-soak the expected TEA color shift is maintained.
Investigation of simultaneous ultrasonic processing of polymer-nanoparticle solutions for electrospinning of nanocomposite nanofibers

Abstract The electrospinnability of polymer-nanoparticle solutions prepared by simultaneous ultrasonic liquid processing of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymer and silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles was investigated in this study. PEO-SiC nanocomposite nanofibers were produced by electrospinning of PEO-SiC precursor solutions containing different concentrations of PEO (8–12 wt.%) and SiC (1–3%) nanoparticles. Systematic investigations were then performed by analyzing the rheological properties of the solutions and observing the morphological development of nanocomposite nanofibers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The investigations showed that a 12 wt% PEO concentration in the solution allowed sufficient polymer chain entanglement for the formation of defect-free and uniform diameter nanofibers regardless of the concentration of SiC nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the neat PEO polymer and PEO-SiC nanocomposite nanofibers showed that the chemical structure of the base polymer is preserved after being subjected to ultrasonic processing and electrospinning. Shifting of peaks and changes in shape of the complex C O C absorbance band in the FTIR spectra of PEO-SiC nanofibers indicated that the SiC nanoparticles can be attracted to hydrophilic groups due to their enhanced surface energies caused by ultrasonic processing. These investigations provide strong support regarding the effectiveness of ultrasonic processing for electrospinning of polymer nanocomposite nanofibers with high concentrations of reinforcement nanoparticles. The research performed in this work will serve as a baseline for future work on scaling up the fabrication of novel nanocomposite nanofibers with enhanced mechanical and physical properties.
The Lone Wolf Amendment and the Future of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Law

In December 2004, Congress adopted an important change to the statutory framework authorizing domestic surveillance of foreign powers and their agents, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The change, directly prompted by the events of September 11, 2001, makes it easier for the government to conduct surveillance of so-called lone wolf terrorists - that is, terrorists who act in sympathy with the aims of an international terrorist group but not on its behalf, or terrorists whose link to an international terrorist group cannot be demonstrated. Although the logic of the lone wolf amendment at first seems quite compelling, the amendment offers a fascinating lens through which to examine the current state of foreign intelligence surveillance law and highlights some of the critical questions facing Congress as the December 31, 2005, sunset date for many of the post-9/11 changes to surveillance law (including the lone wolf amendment itself) approaches. As a substantive matter, the lone wolf change goes to the heart of the constitutional issues that the foreign intelligence surveillance framework presents. More important, the lone wolf amendment underscores the critical need for Congress to rethink not only FISA's scope and substantive standards, but also its information structure - the institutional mechanisms designed to generate the information necessary for evaluation of how FISA is being implemented. This Article argues that maintaining a well-functioning - and publicly acceptable - framework for foreign intelligence gathering in the United States requires a careful focus on the framework's information structure. At the time of FISA's passage, Congress recognized that fact. As the foreign intelligence surveillance framework has shifted and expanded over nearly three decades, however, Congress's attention to FISA's information structure has been haphazard and episodic. This Article presents specific reforms to FISA's information structure that Congress should consider as the sunset date approaches.
Liver Anatomy: Variant Venous Anatomy and Implications for Resection

The complexity of radiologic and surgical interventions on the liver has increased in the last decade. Knowledge of anatomical variants is crucial for safe hepatic resection and for preservation of adequate inflow and outflow to the functional remnant liver tissue. There are many congenital and acquired anomalies of the portal vein that need to be identified preoperatively, and their presence may indicate concomitant variations in biliary ductal anatomy.
Orientation and Mobility for a Totally Blind, Bilateral Hand Amputee.

The unique orientation and mobility program for a severely injured veteran involved the use of the long cane method of mobility. The veteran's program, which also included self-care skills and recr...
Implementation of a Clinical Pathway to Reduce Rates of Postextubation Stridor.

Background Unsuccessful extubation is associated with increased intensive care unit and hospital length of stays, hospital costs, morbidity, and mortality. The most common cause of reintubation is laryngeal edema, often evidenced by postextubation stridor. Objective To reduce the rates of postextubation stridor and reintubation in the neurocritical care unit at a large urban academic medical center. Methods A clinical pathway was created to aid in detecting patients expected to experience postextubation stridor and to guide prophylactic treatment. During the 12-week implementation phase, the pathway was completed on all intubated patients daily. Results The 12-week trial included a total of 606 days of mechanical ventilation. Checklists were completed for 531 days, a compliance rate of 88% for use of the clinical pathway. Of the 56 patients who were extubated during the trial, 54 had a checklist completed, for 96% compliance on the day of extubation. Outcomes after all nonpalliative extubations (n = 43) during the 12 weeks before and after implementation of the pathway (n = 56 periods) were evaluated by using χ 2 tests. Implementation of the pathway was associated with a significant reduction in rates of postextubation stridor (χ 2 = 6.2; P = .01), reintubation (χ 2 = 5.5; P = .02), and reintubation due to postextubation stridor (χ 2 = 8.3; P = .004). Conclusion The clinical pathway implemented in the neurocritical care unit was safe and effective in reducing rates of reintubation and reintubation due to postextubation stridor.
Hobbes on the Artificiality of (His Own) Authority

Despite advocating for the necessity of absolutism, Hobbes is adamant that authority can only properly be derived from an act of human artifice and consent. But if the institution of sovereignty is subject to genuine choice, how can it be necessarily absolutist? I argue that one way of resolving this apparent dilemma is to focus on how Hobbes constructs and defends his own claim to authority in the Introduction to Leviathan. By encouraging his readers to read themselves and others, rather than rely on books, Hobbes ironically calls into question his own authority at the outset of his own book. But rather than subverting his claim to authority, it only strengthens it. After examining how this seemingly paradoxical tactic works, I demonstrate how an analogous claim applies to Hobbes’s account of politics.
Addressing Mental Health Stigma in Early Adolescence: Middle School Antistigma Interventions

Early adolescence is a crucial period in the development of mental health disorders. Although a significant number of adolescents experience mental health needs, only a third of adolescents with mental health disorders receive treatment; many adolescents cite the stigmatization of mental health disorders as a deterrent to seeking help. Cognitive and social developments in early adolescence make middle school an ideal period to combat stigma. School-based antistigma interventions, however, have historically targeted high school and college students, thus missing a valuable window for intervention. This article reviews existing empirical studies on middle school antistigma interventions, along with examining relevant developmental research and theory. Taken together, the literature points to the significant potential such interventions may hold for shifting middle school students’ knowledge and attitudes around mental health disorders. In particular, interventions drawing on active learning approaches that incorporate youth’s voices, perspectives, and leadership may be more effective in influencing various aspects of mental health stigma among middle school students. At the same time, there are significant limitations to the current literature. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Forward Modeling of Cloud Shadows And the Impact of Cloud Shadows On Remote Sensing Data Products

This paper will discuss the use of the MODTRAN (MODerate spectral resolution TRANsmittance) code to simulate shadows on terrain created by broken cloud fields. Under partially cloudy conditions, there are two main cloud-induced effects: shadowing, which results in diminished and spectrally altered ground illumination, and illumination enhancement of sunlit areas due to the photons scattered from the clouds into these areas. The work presented here will focus on the effects of cloud shadows on the retrieval of reflectance signatures for target detection applications. The impact of cloud shadows is examined using forward simulations of fully and partly shadowed scenes based on the Rochester Institute of Technology Target Detection Self-Test reflectance scene. A blue roof spectral signature extracted from the scene was used as a target signature. The roof signature was randomly embedded back into the scene at subpixel levels. The scene radiance is then modeled for a low altitude sensor flying below uniform and broken cloud fields, as well as under clear sky conditions. Target detection is performed on these radiance scenes after atmospheric correction. Preliminary detection results show significant performance loss when scenes include a combination of cloud shadows and sunlit areas.
Effect of Copolymer Sequence on Local Viscoelastic Properties near a Nanoparticle

We simulate a simple nanocomposite consisting of a single spherical nanoparticle surrounded by coarse-grained polymer chains that are composed of two monomer types differing only in their interactions with the nanoparticle. We measure the atomic stress fluctuations and use them to estimate the local stress autocorrelation as a function of distance from the nanoparticle. This local stress autocorrelation is substituted into the well-known relationship between the bulk stress autocorrelation and the bulk (frequency-dependent) dynamic modulus, and the result is treated as an estimate of the local dynamic modulus. This allows us to examine the effect of adjusting copolymer sequence on estimations of local storage and loss modulus as a function of distance from the nanoparticle. Notably, we find certain blocky copolymer sequences can lead to a higher tan(δ) (hysteresis) in the interphase than either homopolymer system, suggesting that tuning the copolymer sequence could allow for significant control over nanoc...
Perceptions of couplehood among community-dwelling spousal caregivers

Objective: Spousal caregiving is increasingly common, and it is a role that can alter the nature of marriage in later life. Some may find spousal caregiving to be distressing, while others may have...
Heteroprotein complex formation of ovotransferrin and lysozyme: Fabrication of food-grade particles to stabilize Pickering emulsions

Abstract The present work aimed to fabricate food-grade Pickering emulsions stabilized by heteroprotein complexes formed by ovotransferrin (OVT) and lysozyme (LYS) as lipid-based nutraceutical delivery vehicles. The heteroprotein complexation, as confirmed by turbidity titrations, was proved to be an effective means to prepare food-grade particles. Multiple parameters such as particle size, zeta potential and dispersion stability were characterized in screening for proper OVT–LYS particles as Pickering stabilizers. OVT–LYS particles with OVT/LYS ratio of 8:1 at pH 9.3 met all requirements of eligible Pickering stabilizers such as intermediate wettability. Titrations in the presence of sodium chloride demonstrated that primary driving force of OVT–LYS particle formation was electrostatic attraction. Afterwards, food-grade Pickering emulsions were fabricated using OVT–LYS particles. Visual observation indicated that Pickering emulsions stabilized by OVT–LYS particles at various particle concentrations and oil fractions were stable during one-month storage at room temperature, and OVT–LYS particles could stabilize high internal phase Pickering emulsions at oil fraction of 0.75. Rheological measurements revealed that viscosity and gel-like structures of Pickering emulsions were dependent on particle concentration and oil fraction. When compared with the extent of lipolysis (32.1%) in bulk oil, the extent of lipolysis (71.5%) in OVT–LYS particle-stabilized Pickering emulsion was increased by 39.4%. Curcumin bioaccessibility was increased from 16.1% to 38.3% after encapsulation of curcumin into OVT–LYS particle-stabilized Pickering emulsion. Such improved bioaccessibility demonstrated that OVT–LYS particle-stabilized Pickering emulsion was an effective delivery vehicle for curcumin.
Using a Genetic Algorithm to Replicate Allopatric Speciation

In this paper we describe a method using genetic algorithms to replicate natural allopatric speciation. There are many versions of evolutionary computation (EC) that have some characteristics of speciation, but none that match natural processes. In an effort to develop such a form of EC, we created a simple model that we used to experiment in developing an EC that mimics natural speciation. Our long term goal for speciation is to have a single population eventually become two populations that are reproductively isolated even though they reside in the same environment. In previous work we developed an environment where we replicated adaptation, survival of the fittest, and migration of a population. In this paper, we report on research where we used this environment to explore the possibility of speciation. We use a genetic algorithm that alters the agents in the environment as we allow a population of intermixing individuals to develop and become established. We then add a physical barrier that separates the individuals in the population and then remove the barrier after several generations to see if the initially single population becomes two reproductively isolated populations despite no longer being physically isolated. In this way we were able to replicate the initial stages of allopatric speciation.
Breaking upwards: the creative uncoupling of Desiree Akhavan and Ingrid Jungermann

Desiree Akhavan and Ingrid Jungermann’s partnership engendered their pioneering web series 'The Slope' and launched their careers. As its second season fictionally chronicled, the couple’s breakout...
Lymphatic Control of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment

Tumor engagement or activation of surrounding lymphatic vessels is well-known to correlate with tumor progression and metastasis in melanoma and many other cancers. We and others have identified several mechanisms by which the lymphatic growth factor VEGF-C and lymphangiogenesis can promote metastasis, including (i) increasing immune suppressive cell types and factors in the tumor microenvironment both directly and indirectly, (ii) inhibiting maturation of antigen-presenting cells and T cell activation, and (iii) driving changes in the stromal microenvironment that promote both cancer invasion and immune suppression. However, lymphatic activation also enhances communication with cells in the draining lymph node by antigen and cell transport, which may trigger the initiation of adaptive immune responses against the tumor. Under normal conditions, the potential anti-tumor effects are rendered ‘dormant’ by the pro-tumor immune suppression, and the tumor progresses. However, we are now observing that lymphangiogenic tumors are exceptionally responsive to immunotherapy, implying that the anti-tumor aspects can be unleashed when the overall balance of pro- and anti-tumor immune aspects is tipped enough towards the latter (e.g., upon tumor cell killing). On the mechanistic side, we are finding that ‘lymphangiogenic potentiation’ depends on tumor cell infiltration of both CD103+ dendritic cells and naive T cells, driving local T cell education post-immunotherapy and antigen spreading. On the translational side, we are developing novel strategies to exploit lymphangiogenesis for cancer immunotherapy. Understanding the yin and yang of lymphatic activation in the tumor microenvironment and how it affects immunity may lead to exciting new translational strategies for cancer immunotherapy. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The progress and prospect of regulatory T cells in autoimmune diseases

Regulatory T cells (Treg) are an important immune cell population, playing a crucial role in regulating immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune diseases. These cells consist of various cell sub-populations and generally have an immunoregulatory or suppressive role against immune responses. They also have a different cell heterogeneity and each populations has own biological characteristics. Treg deficiency, reduction, instability, reduced vitality and dysfunction all account for multiple autoimmune diseases. In this review, we have systemically reviewed Treg classification, phenotypic features, regulation of Foxp3 expression, plasticity and stability of Treg as well as their relationship with several important autoimmune diseases. We particularly focus on why and how inflammatory and diet environments affect the functional capacity and underlying mechanisms of Treg cell populations. We also summarize new advances in technologies which help to analyze and dissect these cells in molecular levels in-depth. We also clarify the possible clinical relevance on application of these cells in patients with autoimmune diseases. The advantages and weaknesses have been carefully discussed as well. We also propose the possible approaches to overcome these weaknesses of Treg cells in complicate environments. Thus, we have displayed the updated knowledge of Treg cells, which provides an overall insight into the role and mechanisms of Treg cells in autoimmune diseases.