cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel methods of microparticulate production: application to drug delivery.

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this paper is to present two novel techniques, electrostatic spraying and oscillating capillary nebulization, for the production of microspheres of uniform reproducible particle size distribution. Cholesterol was chosen as a model compound to show the utility of both procedures. The processes for each method are described, illustrating their simplicity and absence of an external detrimental phase. Scanning electron microscopy was used to assess morphology while laser diffraction analysis was used to determine particle size. Electrostatic spraying of cholesterol yielded particles of round shape, smooth surface, and uniform distribution of particle size ranging between 10-30 μm and 100-300 μm. Oscillating capillary nebulization of cholesterol molten at 170°C produced microspheres with an average diameter ranging from 22 μm to 30 μm when gas back pressures controlling the vibration of the capillary ranged from 60 to 90 psi. Electrostatic spraying and oscillating capillary nebulization ...
Lucifer yellow uptake in developing rat retina: selective staining of horizontal cells.

Abstract We have examined the uptake of Lucifer yellow CH by developing rat retina. We find that selective dye uptake occurs in retina incubated in vitro in the absence of external Ca2+. The pattern of uptake appears to depend on the developmental stage examined. Although little uptake is seen before postnatal day 5, between days 6 and 9, the dye selectively stains putative horizontal cell bodies and their process. Later, other cell bodies located deeper in the INL begin to show staining until day 21, when the uptake pattern becomes analogous to that seen in adult retina. By nearest neighbor analysis of labeled cell bodies in wholemounts of D-9 retina, we have shown that the labeled cells are distributed in a quasi-regular mosaic in the retina. Upon proteolytic dissociation of labeled retina, individual cells with Lucifer yellow fluorescence could be readily identified in the cell suspensions.
A sector approach to the: formulation of system dynamics models

A sector or subsystem approach to the formulation of system dynamics models is described. The approach concentrates on the development of the T'orrester flow or schematic diagram, and incorporates the concept of an interaction matrix to assist in the formulation of such models. The interaction matrix, together with an explicit sequence of steps for model formulation, are described in the paper. This description is followed by applications to illustrative problems. The approach facilitates the determination of the quantities to be included as well as the existence of couplings between the quantities and the identities of the quantities and couplings. A discussion of the limitations, extensions, and possible alternatives to the sector approach concludes the paper, The paper is accompanied by an Appendix which formally derives the interaction matrix. Set and graph thcsorctic concepts are utilized in the derivation. The rules of system dynamics are expressed in the form of definitions, axioms, and an assumpti...
Response of aquatic macroinvertebrates to early-spring drawdown in nodding smartweed marshes

Effects of early-spring water-level reduction on aquatic macroinvertebrate populations were studied in four nodding smartweed (Polygonum lapathifolium L.) marshes in northwest Ohio. Water depths in two marshes were maintained at normal (>40 cm) overwinter levels then were reduced in early April each year to approximately 50% (20 cm) of over-winter depth. Water levels in two other marshes were allowed to fluctuate naturally throughout the study period. Aquatic invertebrate density and biomass were sampled from late March through mid-Junc in the water column, in the benthos, and on the surfaces of nodding smartweed plants. Invertebrate levels (activity, density, and biomass) in the water column were higher (P<0.05) in shallow marshes than in deep marshes. Benthic invertebrate levels in all marshes were low compared to invertebrate levels in the water column. Water-level reduction in smartweed marshes did not significantly increase benthic or periphytic invertebrate levels in shallow marshes over those in deep marshes.
Effect of exercise duration on session RPE at an individualized constant workload

Session RPE (SRPE) permits subjective ratings of global effort following exercise. SRPE is useful for evaluating training load; however, mediating factors are not well understood. This study compared SRPE among treadmill trials at a clamped workload with a varied duration. Ten subjects (VO2max: 48.9 ± 10.5 ml kg−1 min−1) completed a maximal-exertion treadmill trial followed by treadmill trials of 20 (TM20), 30-(TM30), and 40-(TM40) min (counterbalanced) duration at approximately 70% individualized VO2max. Heart rate (HR) and acute RPE (during exercise) were recorded every 5 min with blood lactate concentration [La] recorded before initiating exercise and every 10 min throughout exercise to completion. Analyses showed no significant differences among TM20, TM30, and TM40 for mean HR, [La] or acute RPE which isolated effects of duration on SRPE. Session RPE (recorded 20 min post exercise) relative to overall (SRPEO), legs (SRPEL) and breathing (SRPEB) was analyzed using a 3 (trial) × 3 (SRPE: O, L, B) repeated measures ANOVA (alpha 0.05). There was no main effect for duration, but there was a significant main effect for SRPE type with SRPEO (4.40 ± 2.18) greater than SRPEB (3.56 ± 1.98) but no difference for SRPEL (4.43 ± 2.16). Follow-up tests for within-trial differences showed no significant differences for SRPEL versus SRPEO, but blunted SRPEB estimations (vs. SRPEO and SRPEL). Primary results indicate affects of duration on SRPE are minimal. Further, within the limits of the current study, differentiating SRPE estimations do not appear advantageous; however, further work is warranted.
Polyimide-b-polysiloxane Copolymers: Synthesis and Properties

This review discusses the synthesis, structure and properties of polyimide-b-polysiloxane copolymers. Polysiloxane modified polyimides has become an important class of materials over the past 20 years because of their ease of processing and interesting properties. Although polyimides are widely used in engineering applications because of their outstanding mechanical properties and thermal stability, their processability, toughness, and adhesion can be significantly enhanced by incorporation of polysiloxanes. The synthesis of polyimide-b-polysiloxane copolymers is performed by a one-step copolymerization method or a two-step method, resulting in a wide range structures and thermo-mechanical properties. The initial modulus and thermal stability of polyimide-b-linear polysiloxane copolymers can be further improved by copolymerization with ladder-like polysiloxanes which possess outstanding thermal stability and mechanical properties. The study of synthesis and properties of polyimide-b-polysiloxane copolymers is essential because it provides a useful insight into the processing-structure–property relationship.
The function of stimulus meaning and ability level in discrimination learning

Groups of Ss with high and low verbal skills performed on a rote learning task with meaningful and non-meaningful pictures as stimuli. An interaction effect was predicted in which highly verbal Ss differed little on the two tasks and low verbal Ss differed widely. Both main effects and the interaction were statistically significant.
Strongly coupled stimulated Raman backscatter from subpicosecond laser-plasma interactions.

We have observed strongly coupled stimulated Raman backscatter from the interaction of an intense, subpicosecond laser with an underdense plasma. The strongly coupled backscatter spectra have widths greater than the plasma frequency, extend to the blue side of the laser frequency, and at the highest densities, are shifted by less than ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\omega}}}_{\mathit{p}}$. These observations are consistent with the predictions of a strongly coupled Raman theory, appropriately modified for short laser pulses.
China’s Rights in the Marine Arctic

Abstract The new Arctic Council observer guidelines specify that in determining the suitability of applicants for observer status, their recognition of Arctic states’ sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the Arctic will be noted. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is one of the applicants for Arctic Council observer status and maintains that it respects the rights of Arctic states and has its own rights in the region. In this article, two questions are examined: first, whether the PRC’s policy steps in the Arctic have been within the scope of the rights of non-Arctic states in the region under the Law of the Sea, and second, the degree to which China’s rights in the marine Arctic may be limited by its legislative policies in its coastal waters.
Morphological evolution of coherent misfitting precipitates in anisotropic elastic media.

The shapes of coherent misfitting ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$Al precipitates were systematically investigated using a parameter \ensuremath{\zeta} defined essentially by the ratio of particle sizes along 〈100〉 and 〈110〉. The variation of \ensuremath{\zeta} with size was measured in several alloys using electron microscopy. \ensuremath{\zeta} does not depend uniquely on particle size; it is also strongly influenced by the volume fraction of ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}$Al. These results provide the first quantitative evidence that elastic interaction energy plays a major role not only in spatial correlations, but also in the morphological evolution of individual particles.
JAKs, Stats, and CK2?

Activating mutations in JAK2, a tyrosine kinase that serves as a critical signaling protein for multiple cytokines, are associated with BCR-ABL1 –negative myeloproliferative neoplasms. In this issue of Blood , Zheng and colleagues report that the constitutively activated kinase CK2 binds to JAK2
Towards a theory of irregular variations in the length of the day and core-mantle coupling

Determinations of fluctuations in the length of the day reveal changes due to the transfer of angular momentum between the Earth’s ‘solid’ mantle and the overlying atmosphere on time scales upwards of a few weeks, as well as the slower but more pronounced ‘decade variations’ due largely (according to current ideas) to angular momentum transfer between the mantle and the Earth’s liquid core. Improvements in techniques for monitoring the Earth’s rotation, such as those afforded by recent advances in methods of ranging to artificial satellites and the Moon and of very long baseline interferometry, should therefore lead to results of interest to meteorologists concerned with planetary-scale motions in the atmosphere and to geophysicists con­cerned with the magnetohydrodynamics of the core and the origin of the main geo­magnetic field. The consideration of the stresses at the Earth’s surface and at the core­mantle interface that bring about angular momentum exchange between the solid and fluid parts of the Earth raises a number of basic hydrodynamical questions requiring further experimental and theoretical research. In the case of the core, quantitative difficulties encountered by the suggestion that the stresses are electromagnetic in origin led to the idea of topographic coupling associated with hypothetical undulations of the core-mantle interface.
A sensemaking-supporting information gathering system

This paper introduces a sensemaking-supporting information gathering system (SSIGS), which provides a workspace with features that not only facilitate information search but also the representation search and representation shift which are crucial for sensemaking tasks.
A silicone pellet for continuous cocaine: comparison with continuous amphetamine.

Abstract An inexpensive silicone pellet is described for the continuous administration of cocaine for up to 5 days. Rats implanted with this pellet show minimal skin irritation and go through distinct behavioral stages, with an initial period of hyperactivity followed by motor stereotypies. Then, at 3–4 days after implantation, a variety of hallucinogen-like (“late-stage”) behaviors appear, including limb flicks, sudden startle responses, and repetitive mid-air grasping movements. Compared to continuous d-amphetamine, continuous cocaine induces decreased motor stereotypies but heightened “late-stage” behaviors.
On the Existence of Special Cases of Input Speed Doubling Linkage Mechanisms

A special class of planar and spatial linkage mechanisms is presented in which for a continuous full rotation or continuous rocking motion of the input link, the output link undergoes two continuous rocking motions. In a special case of such mechanisms, for periodic motions of the input link with a fundamental frequency ω, the output motion is periodic but with a fundamental frequency of 2ω. In this paper, the above class of linkage mechanisms are referred to as speed-doubling linkage mechanisms. Such mechanisms can be cascaded to provide further doubling of the fundamental frequency (rocking motion) of the output motion. They can also be cascaded with other appropriate linkage mechanisms to obtain crank-rocker or crank-crank type of mechanisms. The conditions for the existence of speed-doubling linkage mechanisms are provided and their mode of operation is described in detail. Such speed-doubling mechanisms have practical applications, particularly when higher output speeds are desired, since higher output motions can be achieved with lower input speeds. Such mechanisms also appear to generally have force transmission and dynamics advantages over regular mechanisms designed to achieve similar output speeds.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
A new kinin moiety in human plasma kininogens.

Summary Recently, we isolated a new kinin from human urine and tentatively identified it as [Ala 3 ]-Lys-bradykinin. However, there were inconsistencies between the properties of the naturally occurring new kinin and synthetic [Ala 3 ]-Lys-bradykinin. In the present work, we determined whether the new kinin was released from human plasma kininogen, and further investigated the structure of the new kinin. After incubation of plasma (n=6) with human urinary kallikrein, kinins were separated by HPLC and measured by RIA. The new kinin and Lys-bradykinin were found representing 23±3 and 76±6%, respectively, of total kinins released (2.0±0.4 μg/ml). The new kinin was also released from both purified low- and high-molecular-weight kininogens, representing 40-42% of total kinins released. Amino acid sequencing and composition analysis indicated that the structure of the new kinin was [Hyp 3 ]-Lys-bradykinin (Lys-Arg-Pro-Hyp-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg) and not [Ala 3 ]-Lys-bradykinin. We conclude that an important proportion of human kininogens contain hydroxyproline instead of proline in position three of the bradykinin moiety.
The Thermal Properties of Bovine Joint Capsule: The Basic Science of Laser- and Radiofrequency-Induced Capsular Shrinkage

Orthopaedic surgeons have recently adapted the holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser for the shrinkage of capsular tissues for treatment of glenohumeral instability. The molecular mechanism of capsular shrinkage has not been documented to date. This study examined the effects of heating on bovine calf knee capsule and subsequent shrinkage of the capsule. Capsule specimens were placed in a saline bath at temperatures ranging from 55 degrees to 75 degrees C for 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes. Shrinkage was quantified by digital imaging, and the tissue was examined by light and polarized light microscopy. Tissue contraction was not measurable at or below 57.5 degrees C. At 60 degrees C, tissue shrinkage occurred with corresponding basophilic staining and loss of birefringence in collagen fibers. For specimens heated at 60 degrees C and 62 degrees C, shrinkage directly correlated with duration of thermal exposure. Maximal shrinkage of approximately 50% in length occurred at and above 65 degrees C with thermal exposures of 1 minute or greater. This study demonstrates that thermal shrinkage of bovine knee capsule correlates with denaturation of collagen fibers and depends on both time and temperature. Capsular shrinkage treatments may be performed with any energy source that is capable of well-controlled heating of capsular tissue and does not depend on the special properties of laser light.
Reliability of KRAS mutation testing in metastatic colorectal cancer patients across five laboratories

Mutations in the KRAS gene are associated with poor response to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Factors influencing KRAS test results in tumor specimens include: tumor heterogeneity, sample handling, slide preparation, techniques for tumor enrichment, DNA preparation, assay design and sensitivity. We evaluated comparability and consistency of KRAS test results among five laboratories currently being used to determine KRAS mutation status of metastatic colorectal cancer specimens in a large, multi-center observational study. Twenty formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human colorectal cancer samples from colon resections previously tested for KRAS mutations were selected based on mutation status (6 wild type, 8 codon 12 mutations, and 6 codon 13 mutations). We found good agreement across laboratories despite differences in mutation detection methods. Eighteen of twenty samples (90%) were concordant across all five labs. Discordant results are likely not due to laboratory error, but instead to tumor heterogeneity, contamination of the tumor sample with normal tissue, or analytic factors affecting assay sensitivity. Our results indicate commercial and academic laboratories provide reliable results for the common KRAS gene mutations at codons 12 and 13 when an adequate percentage of tumor cells is present in the sample.
Responses of deciduous broadleaf trees to defoliation in a CO2 enriched atmosphere.

Relatively little is known about the implications of atmospheric CO 2 enrichment for tree responses to biotic disturbances such as folivory. We examined the combined effects of elevated CO 2 concentration ([CO 2 ]) and defoliation on growth and physiology of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). Seedlings were planted in the ground in eight open-top chambers. Four chambers were ventilated with CO 2 -enriched air (ambient + 283 μmol mol −1 ) and four chambers were supplied with ambient air. After 6 weeks of growth, half of the leaf area was removed on a subset of seedlings of each species in each CO 2 treatment. We monitored subsequent biomass gain and allocation, along with leaf gas exchange and chemistry. Defoliation did not significantly affect final seedling biomass in either species or CO 2 treatment. Growth recovery following defoliation was associated with increased allocation to leaf mass in maple and a slight enhancement of mean photosynthesis in aspen. Elevated [CO 2 ] did not significantly affect aspen growth, and the observed stimulation of maple growth was significant only in mid-season. Correspondingly, simulated responses of whole-tree photosynthesis to elevated [CO 2 ] were constrained by a decrease in photosynthetic capacity in maple, and were partially offset by reductions in specific leaf area and biomass allocation to foliage in aspen. There was a significant interaction between [CO 2 ] and defoliation on only a few of the measured traits. Thus, the data do not support the hypothesis that atmospheric CO 2 enrichment will substantially alter tree responses to folivory. However, our findings do provide further indication that regeneration-stage growth rates of certain temperate tree species may respond only moderately to a near doubling of atmospheric [CO 2 ].
Social anxiety mediates the effect of autism spectrum disorder characteristics on hostility in young adults

Problems with social anxiety are frequently reported in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It is possible that social anxiety, when present, exacerbates the experience of hostility and other forms of aggression in relation to ASD symptoms. This study sought to determine if social anxiety symptoms mediate the relationship between features of ASD and feelings of hostility in young adults. Self-report measures of social anxiety, ASD, and facets of aggression were collected in a non-clinical sample (n = 618) of college students. Social anxiety was found to partially mediate the relationship between ASD features and self-reported hostility. There was also evidence for inconsistent mediation, such that social anxiety dampened the strength of the relationship between ASD symptoms and verbal and physical aggression. Findings highlight the potential influence of associated psychiatric symptoms in people with ASD. In addition, dimensional conceptualization of ASD symptoms, as opposed to a categorical approach solely, may be a useful approach to studying complex personality processes.
GABAergic lineage differentiation of AF5 neural progenitor cells in vitro

We have previously described an immortal rat central-nervous-system progenitor cell line, AF5, which is able to exit the cell cycle and assume a differentiated state with neuronal properties. The phenotypic specification of differentiated AF5 cells, however, is not known. In the present study, when induced to differentiate by serum starvation in Neurobasal medium, AF5 cells down-regulate glial fibrillary acidic protein and up-regulate expression of β–III–tubulin, medium-molecular-weight neurofilament protein, and neuronal growth-associated protein 43. Expression of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) lineage marker, glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), increases during differentiation, suggesting that AF5 cells adopt a GABAergic lineage. Time-course analysis of the GABAergic neuron specification transcription factor, Pitx2, by reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction, has shown an increase in the Pitx2 transcript 48 h after initiation of differentiation. In differentiated AF5 cells, expression of the Pitx2 target gene products GAD65 and GABA transporter-1 increases. Cellular GABA levels in differentiated AF5 cells increase by about 26-fold, and GABA release into the medium is 150-fold higher compared with that of undifferentiated cells. Therefore, AF5 cells can be induced to differentiate to a neuronal phenotype with a GABAergic lineage.
Interleaving and the arbitrarily varying channel

The arbitrarily varying channel (AVC) models a channel with unknown parameters that change with time in an arbitrary way from one symbol transmission to the next. The relationship between the error probability suffered on the AVC by a deterministic code with random block interleaving and the error probability predicted by an unknown, fixed channel model (i.e. a compound channel) is investigated. The main results are that codes of this form can achieve the same error exponents as fully random codes. Optimal codes (those achieving the exponent) can be designed by choosing codes appropriate for the associated compound channel. >
Histone deacetylase inhibition suppresses the transforming growth factor β1–induced epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in hepatocytes

Transforming growth factor b 1( TGFb1) plays a crucial role in the induction of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocytes, which contributes to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The inhibition of the TGFb1 cascade suppresses EMT and the resultant fibrosis. In this study, we focus on EMT-induced fibrosis in hepatocytes and the epigenetic regulation of the type I collagen gene. Histone acetylation is an important, major epigenetic mechanism that modulates gene transcription. We evaluated the epigenetic regulation of type I collagen in alpha mouse liver 12 hepatocytes (an untransformed mouse cell line) that had undergone EMT after treatment with TGFb1. The histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) inhibited EMT; this was reflected by the preservation of epithelial markers and function (E-cadherin and albumin). Fibrosis, the ultimate outcome of EMT, was abolished by TSA; this was indicated by the inhibition of type I collagen deposition. TSA exerted its anti-EMT effects by deactivating the mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3)/Smad4 transcription complex and by interfering with p300, a coactivator of the type I collagen promoter, and preventing its binding to Smad3. TSA also restored Friend leukemia virus integration 1, an inhibitor of the type I collagen gene. TGFb1-induced EMT and its inhibition by TSA were replicated in human primary hepatocytes. Conclusion: Histone deacetylase inhibition abrogates TGFb1induced EMT in hepatocytes and reverses EMT-induced fibrosis by epigenetic modulation of type I collagen. (HEPATOLOGY 2010;52:1033-1045)
Error propagation mitigation for wireless network coding

Cooperative diversity has been proposed as an implementation for networks where terminals are restricted to use physical arrays; this technique implements space diversity by creating virtual antennas arrays with cooperating nodes in order to combat multipath fading. In this article, we propose the use of network coding over some scenarios in relay networks, in order to mitigate the propagation of errors in a wireless network that maximises throughput using network coding. In short, we propose a scheme for a wireless network using channel side information and ideas based on network coding.
Impact of the organic halide salt on final perovskite composition for photovoltaic applications

The methylammonium lead halide perovskites have shown significant promise as a low-cost, second generation, photovoltaic material. Despite recent advances, however, there are still a number of fundamental aspects of their formation as well as their physical and electronic behavior that are not well understood. In this letter we explore the mechanism by which these materials crystallize by testing the outcome of each of the reagent halide salts. We find that components of both salts, lead halide and methylammonium halide, are relatively mobile and can be readily exchanged during the crystallization process when the reaction is carried out in solution or in the solid state. We exploit this fact by showing that the perovskite structure is formed even when the lead salt's anion is a non-halide, leading to lower annealing temperature and time requirements for film formation. Studies into these behaviors may ultimately lead to improved processing conditions for photovoltaic films.
Switched-capacitor current conveyor building blocks

Recent implementations of switched-capacitor circuits using current conveyors show promising results. The circuits derived provide the opportunity to explore other uses of the versatile current conveyor in developing additional signal processing building blocks. In this paper we present building blocks that can be used for both filtering and non-filtering applications. Experimental results from the new building blocks demonstrate they work as predicted by the theory.
Recreational Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Relation to Ovarian Cancer Risk in a Large Cohort of US Women

Factors that influence circulating sex hormones, such as physical activity, have been proposed to influence ovarian cancer risk; however, results from previous epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent. The authors examined the association among physical activity, sedentary behavior, and ovarian cancer risk in the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort, a prospective study of cancer incidence and mortality, using information obtained at baseline in 1992. From 1992 to 2001, 314 incident ovarian cancer cases were identified among 59,695 postmenopausal women who were cancer free at enrollment. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to compute hazard rate ratios while adjusting for potential confounders. No overall association was observed between measures of past physical activity or with recreational physical activity at baseline and risk of ovarian cancer in this study (for the highest category of physical activity compared with none: hazard rate ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval: 0.40, 1.34). However, a prolonged duration of sedentary behavior was associated with an increased risk (for > or = 6 vs. < 3 hours per day: hazard rate ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.08, 2.22; p(trend) = 0.01). Results from this study suggest that high levels of sedentary behavior may increase the risk of ovarian cancer, but they do not support a major impact of light and moderate physical activity on ovarian cancer risk.
Histrelin for central precocious puberty—a single surgeon experience

Abstract Background The most common cause of precocious puberty is idiopathic central precocious puberty (CPP), which is usually treated with monthly injections. An alternative treatment of precious puberty is a subcutaneous implant that contains histrelin acetate, which is continuously released for more than 1 y and then removed or replaced with a new implant. Methods The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective review of one surgeon's experience with the histrelin implant and to examine patient satisfaction. After obtaining institutional review board approval, the charts of all children who had undergone at least one implant were reviewed. Results Fifty-eight children, average age 8.4 y old (range 7–14), underwent at least one histrelin implant insertion for treatment of CPP. Parents of 44 patients were able to be reached by telephone for this study and rated the histrelin implant treatment highly. All implants were placed, replaced, or removed without significant difficulty, and there were no complications. Conclusions This study suggests that the use of a histrelin subcutaneous implant for control of CPP is a safe and effective method for the treatment of this condition.
BIVALVE MOLLUSCAN MARICULTURE: A Mytilus PERSPECTIVE

Continued growth in the demand for mussels (Mytilus edulis) in the United States will (in the near future) necessitate transforming conditions of supply based on wild harvest to conditions based on mariculture. Mussel cultivation presents an effective means of expanding the resource base, and the accelerated growth and superior quality of cultured mussels make this product an attractive addition to the industry. Experimental and pilot commercial mussel culture systems have been successful in various areas of the United States and continued expansion of mariculture operations offers the potential for a dependable commercial supply of high quality mussels. To enable production at a competitive cost, labor-intensive processes, associated with various aspects of mussel mariculture, should be mechanized. Considerable research is required in order to obtain an adequate understanding of the manner in which biological and physical parameters will affect production efficiency of large-scale commercial operations.
Analysis of the effects of scaling on interconnect delay in ULSI circuits

A model has been developed to assess interconnect delay in ULSI circuits as dimensions are scaled deep into the submicrometer regime. In addition to RC delay, the model includes the effects of current density limitations imposed to prevent electromigration of the interconnect metallurgy. The authors confirm that interconnect delays will contribute significantly to the total circuit delay in future ULSI circuits unless improvements are implemented. However, contrary to previous reports, the authors show that lowering the resistivity of the interconnect will not result in significant improvements in interconnect switching speed. Only by introducing lower dielectric constant interlevel insulators or by improving the electromigration resistance of the interconnect can significant performance enhancements be realized. >
A unification of multivariable mrac ]based on high frequency gain matrix decompositions

This paper presents a unification of multivariable model reference adaptive control (MRAC) based on LDU, SDU and LDS decompositions of high frequency gain matrices of controlled systems. A unified framework for system parametrizations, controller structures, error models, adaptive laws and stability analysis is developed for both discrete-time and continuoustime MRAC systems. New SDU and LDS based discrete-time adaptive control schemes are given to complete the unified multivariable MRAC theory.
Perspectives on Second-Language Development: Implications for Bilingual Education

This article provides a guide to basic research in second-language acquisition by characterizing distinct perspectives from foreign language teaching, first-language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and sociocultural factors. The research in these areas provides some answers to common questions about second-language acquisition, including those of optimum age, factors that facilitate learning, the consequences of bilingualism, individual differences, and assessment techniques. It is argued that the crucial insights of the sociocultural perspective must be introduced if we are to have adequate assessments of bilingual individuals or evaluation of bilingual programs.
Recognizing Partially Occluded Parts

The problem of recognizing an object from a partially occluded boundary image is considered, and the concept of saliency of a boundary segment is introduced. Saliency measures the extent to which the boundary segment distinguishes the object to which it belongs from other objects which might be present. An algorithm is presented which optimally determines the saliency of boundary segments of one object with respect to those of a set of other objects. An efficient template matching algorithm using templates weighted by boundary segment saliency is then presented and employed to recognize partially occluded parts. The results of these experiments illustrate the effectiveness of the new technique.
The five-box thoracoscopic maze procedure.

Purpose Comprehensive treatment of atrial fibrillation requires both compartmentalization of the posterior left atrium and connecting ablations to the mitral annulus to interrupt perimitral macro reentry and to isolate the arrhythmogenic left atrial substrate. We present a new procedure that compartmentalizes virtually all arrhythmogenic anatomy etiologic in atrial fibrillation, enabling simple verification by demonstration of bidirectional block. Description Through a totally thoracoscopic approach, complete dissection of the transverse sinus and exposure of the left atrial floor enables the creation of contiguous compartments connecting to the anterior mitral trigone and isolating the posterior left atrium. The result is a comprehensive electrophysiologic replication of the Cox Maze left atrial lesion pattern. Evaluation Each compartment is verified in real time using bidirectional block with a probe placed on the untreated atrium inside the compartment. Conclusions Interruption of perimitral macro reentry in two perpendicularly oriented planes in a totally thoracoscopic procedure results in an operation with efficacy approximating the Cox Maze benchmark.
Compost and rubber tire chips as peat substitutes in nursery container media: effects on chemical and physical media properties.

Abstract Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Dart's Gold’, Forsythia x ‘Meadowlark’, Spiraea x billiardii, Juniperus chinensis ‘Seagreen’, J. sabina ‘Mini Arcade’, J. horizontalis ‘Hughes’, and Lamiastrum galeobdolon were grown in container media amended with three yard waste (YW) composts, one municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and shredded rubber tire chips. Each of the five amendments was used to replace 50% or 100% of the sphagnum peat in a standard container medium resulting in eleven media treatments. Effects of peat replacement with compost or tire chips were compared relative to chemical and physical media characteristics. Amendments evaluated had limited long term nutritional value. Initial pH was increased when peat was replaced with compost or rubber tire chips; the increase in pH was proportional to the amount of peat replaced (50 or 100%). Over time, pH of all media equilibrated with irrigation water pH. Soluble salts were reduced for media amended with rubber tire chips while peat replacement with com...
Terrorism and the American Experience: A State of the Field

In 1970, just months before his death, the historian Richard Hofstadter called on U.S. historians to engage the subject of violence. For a generation, he wrote, the profession had ignored the issue, assuming that consensus rather than confl ict had shaped the American past. By the late 1960s, with assassinations, riots, and violent crime at the forefront of national anxieties, that assumption was no longer tenable. Everywhere, Americans seemed to be thinking and talking about violence, except within the historical profession. Hofstadter urged historians to remedy their “ inattention ” and construct a history of violence that would speak to both the present and the past. 1
High Efficiency White Organic Light-Emitting Devices

We report two efficient white OLED structures with efficacy up to 100 lm/W. One structure involves using three different emitters in the same emitting layers, while the other integrates a blue-emitting OLED with down-conversion phosphors.
Study changes of immune function before and after pregnancy in pregnant women and the influence of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells and estradiol on pregnancy

Objective:To study the effect of changes both in immune function and CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells function and the level of estradiol on pregnancy in pregnant women.Methods: The proportion of T lymphocyte cell subsets and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells of peripheral blood were were determined by flow cytometry,and the level of estradiol were detected in 30 cases of pregnant women,in addition,20 cases of women were included serving as control group.Results: The proportion T lymphocyte cell subsets had a significant difference compared to controls,CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells and the level of estradiol were higher than those in control group.Conclusion: The immune function in pregnant women are inhibited,CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells and estradiol play important roles in modulating immune tolerance of pregnant women.
Replacing the workshop model.

The U.S. health care delivery system is undergoing precipitate reorganization. The focus of medical care is shifting to group practice, away from the work of individuals. This chapter surveys this reorganization, presenting a review of the system beforehand, examining hospital-affiliated group practices, and posing questions about the impact the emerging system may have on physician-hospital relationships.
Taking stock of the occupational safety and health challenges of nanotechnology: 2000–2015

Engineered nanomaterials significantly entered commerce at the beginning of the 21st century. Concerns about serious potential health effects of nanomaterials were widespread. Now, approximately 15 years later, it is worthwhile to take stock of research and efforts to protect nanomaterial workers from potential risks of adverse health effects. This article provides and examines timelines for major functional areas (toxicology, metrology, exposure assessment, engineering controls and personal protective equipment, risk assessment, risk management, medical surveillance, and epidemiology) to identify significant contributions to worker safety and health. The occupational safety and health field has responded effectively to identify gaps in knowledge and practice, but further research is warranted and is described. There is now a greater, if imperfect, understanding of the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle toxicology, hazards to workers, and appropriate controls for nanomaterials, but unified analytical standards and exposure characterization methods are still lacking. The development of control-banding and similar strategies has compensated for incomplete data on exposure and risk, but it is unknown how widely such approaches are being adopted. Although the importance of epidemiologic studies and medical surveillance is recognized, implementation has been slowed by logistical issues. Responsible development of nanotechnology requires protection of workers at all stages of the technological life cycle. In each of the functional areas assessed, progress has been made, but more is required.
Hemoglobin Synthesis in Short-term Cultures of Human Fetal Hematopoietic Tissues

Hemoglobin synthesis in the erythropoietic tissues of 11 normal human fetuses ranging in age from 6 to 21 wk has been studied. The incorporation of 3H-labeled and 14C-labeled leucine, valine, and isoleucine into the separated hemoglobins has been measured, and rates of synthesis of hemoglobins F, F1, and A determined. Hemoglobin A synthesis could be detected in all of the embryos studied and was produced in fetal liver and spleen, as well as bone marrow and peripheral reticulocytes. The effect of a partially purified preparation of human erythropoietin (ESF: NIH, NHI Erythropoietin Committee; pool Al Ta LSL) on short-term cultures of these tissues has also been studied. Three phases of hepatic erythropoietin sensitivity have been observed. Early in gestation (before 10-12 wk), when the liver is predominantly an erythropoietic organ, cultured cells respond poorly to ESF; later (14-18 wk) as the hepatic functions of the liver begin to become dominant, maximal ESF sensitivity is achieved. At this time treated cultures synthesize up to ten times more hemoglobin than do controls. ESF responsiveness subsequently begins to decline, and by 21 wk only modest (1.5- to twofold) increments in hemoglobin synthesis are produced by ESF. No changes in the pattern of hemoglobins synthesized were noted as a consequence of ESF stimulation.
Screening patterns for cervical cancer: how best to reach the unscreened population

Although the mortality rate for cervical cancer in the United States has declined steadily since the introduction of the Pap smear for screening in 1945, recent statistics show a rising incidence, with the number of new cases expected in 1996 representing a record high since the mid-1980s. Part of the rising incidence may be because of increasing numbers of women in the United States who did not receive screening or having inadequate screening with the Pap smear. This paper will examine the recent patterns of cervical cancer screening in the United States, with particular attention to defining which populations are not being screened. Barriers to screening in these populations will be defined and grouped into four categories: lack of knowledge, economic, cultural, and belief system; and logistical. Successful approaches that have been used to overcome these barriers in screening programs targeted at the "hard to reach" population will be described.
Advances in liver transplantation. New strategies and current care expand access, enhance survival.

PREVIEWLiver transplantation revolutionized the management of liver disease. Although the number of patients who could benefit from a transplant far exceeds the number of available cadaveric donors, new strategies, such as splitting cadaveric organs and using living donors, have expanded access to transplantation. Here, a team of transplant physicians highlights these new strategies, as well as the long-term management issues of special relevance to primary care physicians caring for transplant recipients.
Management of Postoperative Bile Duct Stricture

Postoperative bile duct strictures are relatively rare, but challenging problems to manage. Multiple techniques to treat bile duct strictures exist, including endoscopic, percutaneous, and surgical approaches. The optimal technique for individual patients is best determined by a multidisciplinary team composed of experienced endoscopists, interventional radiologists, and hepatobiliary surgeons. The location and type of injury (i.e. Bile leak, bile duct transection, etc.) dictate therapeutic approach. The underlying hepatic artery anatomy must be understood. Excellent outcomes are expected from experienced centers; these patients are ideally followed life-long, as a small percentage will develop late recurrent stricture.
A bootstrapping approach to automating prosodic annotation for limited-domain synthesis

Most speech synthesis systems use symbolic prosody labels for marking emphasis and phrase structure. but in corpus-based approaches prosodic annotation of speech is a labor intensive process driving up the cost of development of new voices. This paper explores the potential for reducing that cost by using a bootstrapping approach to automatic prosodic annotation, particularly in a limited domain application. A perceptual experiment shows that using predominantly automatic prosody labels we can achieve nearly as high synthesis quality as if all data was hand-labeled.
Youth violence and exposure to violence in childhood: An ecological review

Abstract This review adopts an ecological framework to examine the relationship between youth violence and the experience of child maltreatment, domestic violence, and community violence. In doing so, it builds upon and updates prior reviews of family violence and places these findings in a broad social learning context rather than intergenerational perspective. By summarizing research by subtopics and discussing the current status of knowledge regarding youth violence and childhood exposure to violence, it is hoped that this paper will assist in the development of future interdisciplinary research.
Target specific siRNA-conjugate therapy for experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of muscle weakness caused by Acetylcholine receptor- autoantibody and complement mediated damage of neuro-muscular junction (NMJ). We have recently shown a greater advantage of using siRNA over other conventional therapeutic tools in an experimental mouse model of MG (EAMG). However, the major drawbacks of siRNA therapy is reduced efficacy due to the lack of target restricted delivery, where it is necessary to suppress pathogenic response arising predominantly from a particular cell/tissue type. In this study, we used a novel strategy of cell specific new formulation of siRNA or siRNA conjugate delivery to pathogenic cells in EAMG. Our preliminary work shows successful preparation of siRNA conjugate and its functional efficacy over siRNA only treatment in an in vitro rodent cell line. Successful completion of the study may provide a solution for the siRNA or monoclonal antibody therapy hurdle and a new direction to ultimately explore a highly effective and safe therapy for patients with MG.
Robust Idle Speed Control of a Ford V-8 Fuel Injected Engine

Abstract Presented in this paper is the robust idle speed control of a Ford 4.6L V-8 fuel injected engine. The goal of this investigation is to design a robust feedback controller that maintains the idle speed within a 150 rpm tolerance about 600 rpm despite a 20 Nm step torque disturbance delivered by the power steering pump. The controlled input is the by-pass air valve which is subjected to an output saturation constraint. Issues complicating the controller design include the nonlinear nature of the engine dynamics, the induction-to-power delay of the manifold filling dynamics, and the saturation constraint of the by-pass air valve. An experimental verification of the proposed controller is included.
Principles of Trauma

The management of the trauma patient begins with ATLS protocols and stabilizing life-threatening injuries. Early total care can be initiated in stable, adequately resuscitated patients requiring surgical fixation of unstable fractures. In critically ill, unstable patients, damage control orthopedics (DCO) temporizes fractures and delays definitive fixation while the patient is resuscitated. Open fractures are treated with antibiotics, debridement, and external versus internal fixation. Low-velocity gunshot wounds can be treated like closed fractures with a short course of oral antibiotics, whereas, high-velocity injuries are treated as type III open fractures.
The ties that bind: How armed groups use violence to socialize fighters

How do armed groups use violence to create social ties? What are the conditions under which such violence takes place? In this article, I describe how armed groups use one type of atrocity, wartime...