cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of hanging-strip electrophoresis to study statistical constraints in the amino acid order of Escherichia coli.

Tryptic peptides of E. coli protein have been analyzed by hanging-strip electrophoresis. By the use of radioactive label of one or more amino acids it is possible to utilize the data obtained to look for statistical constraints in the amino acid order. The data obtained are in reasonable agreement with a random model of amino acid sequence. These data may be used to eliminate certain classes of constraints in the order of the amino acids.
A new approach to very high resolution mini-brain PET using a small number of large detectors

A novel very-high-resolution positron emission tomography (PET) using only a small number of large detectors in a circular ring format with collimating apertures is proposed, and a design example is given. The proposed system is ideally suited for very-high-resolution brain imaging, i.e. close to 2 mm FWHM (full width at half maximum) resolution, and can be converted to a medium-resolution system by simply changing the size of the collimating aperture if higher-sensitivity operation is desired. The basic concept of the system design is the optimization of the detector size and system diameter. The former relates to the detection efficiency and photon spillage and penetration to adjacent crystals, while the latter (system diameter) relates to the overall system sensitivity. Since conventional sampling schemes are unlikely to satisfy the sampling requirements for such a system where only a small number of large detectors are arranged in a circular ring format, a sequentially arranged collimating aperture rotating-ring detector (SCARD) scheme has been developed. This scheme makes it possible to sample the object space finely enough for image reconstruction. >
Quantitation of respiratory motion during 4D-PET/CT acquisition

We report on the variability of the respiratory motion during 4D-PET/CT acquisition. The respiratory motion for five lung cancer patients was monitored by tracking external markers placed on the abdomen. CT data were acquired over an entire respiratory cycle at each couch position. The x-ray tube status was recorded by the tracking system, for retrospective sorting of the CT data as a function of respiration phase. Each respiratory cycle was sampled in ten equal bins. 4D-PET data were acquired in gated mode, where each breathing cycle was divided into ten 500 ms bins. For both CT and PET acquisition, patients received audio prompting to regularize breathing. The 4D-CT and 4D-PET data were then correlated according to their respiratory phases. The respiratory periods, and average amplitude within each phase bin, acquired in both modality sessions were then analyzed. The average respiratory motion period during 4D-CT was within 18% from that in the 4D-PET sessions. This would reflect up to 1.8% fluctuation in the duration of each 4D-CT bin. This small uncertainty enabled good correlation between CT and PET data, on a phase-to-phase basis. Comparison of the average-amplitude within the respiration trace, between 4D-CT and 4D- PET, on a bin-by-bin basis show a maximum deviation of approximately 15%. This study has proved the feasibility of performing 4D-PET/CT acquisition. Respiratory motion was in most cases consistent between PET and CT sessions, thereby improving both the attenuation correction of PET images, and co-registration of PET and CT images. On the other hand, in two patients, there was an increased partial irregularity in their breathing motion, which would prevent accurately correlating the corresponding PET and CT images.
Forcing the issue of physician-assisted suicide. Impact of the Kevorkian case on the euthanasia debate.

(1993). Forcing the issue of physician‐assisted suicide. Journal of Legal Medicine: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 93-124.
Distributed, dynamic, and autonomous reconfiguration planning for chain-type self-reconfigurable robots

This paper presents a dynamic and distributed reconfiguration planning algorithm for chain-type self-reconfigurable robots, by which a robot can autonomously self-reconfigure from one arbitrary acyclic configuration to another in a distributed way. The novel features of this algorithm include: (1) an efficient representation for unlabeled complex configurations; (2) a distributed comparison to detect common/different substructures in two configurations; (3) reconfiguration are limited to those modules that indicate the differences in topology; and (4) reconfiguration actions are performed in parallel and distributed fashion, where every module decides its own actions locally and coordinate asynchronously to rearrange into the goal configuration. The algorithm is applicable to any chain-type self-reconfigurable robots in general.
Crystal structure of native Anopheles gambiae Serpin-2, a negative regulator of melanization in mosquitoes

Serpins are the dominant group of protease inhibitors in metazoans that control a wide variety of biological processes including major innate immune reactions. One of these inhibitors, SRPN2, controls melanization in mosquitoes – a powerful, arthropod-specific innate immune response. SRPN2 depletion from the hemolymph of adult female mosquitoes significantly reduces longevity and therefore this serpin is a potential target for novel insecticides. We report here the crystal structure of SRPN2 in its native conformation from the African malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae to 1.75 A resolution. SRPN2 adopts a similar fold as observed for other serpins with a core of three β-sheets surrounded by nine α-helices with an exposed reactive center loop (RCL) that extends from the protein body. Similar to other native serpin structures, several residues within the reactive center loop were disordered and could not be modeled. Intriguingly, the N-terminal hinge of the RCL in SRPN2 was found to be inserted into β-sheet A, suggesting a potential activation mechanism analogous to heparin-mediated activation of Antithrombin III.
Oxidation of Black Carbon by Biotic and Abiotic Processes

Abstract The objectives of this study were to assess the relative importance of either biotic or abiotic oxidation of biomass-derived black carbon (BC) and to characterize the surface properties and charge characteristics of oxidized BC. We incubated BC and BC–soil mixtures at two temperatures (30 °C and 70 °C), with and without microbial inoculation, nutrient addition, or manure amendment for four months. Abiotic processes were more important for oxidation of BC than biotic processes during this short-term incubation, as inoculation with microorganisms at 30 °C did not change any of the measured indicators of surface oxidation. Black C incubated at both 30 °C and 70 °C without microbial activity showed a decrease in pH (in water) from 5.4 to 5.2 and 3.4, as well as an increase in cation exchange capacity (CEC at pH 7) by 53% and 538% and in oxygen (O) content by 4% and 38%, respectively. Boehm titration and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy suggested that formation of carboxylic functional groups was the reason for the enhanced CEC during oxidation. Analysis of surface properties of BC using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the oxidation of BC particles was initiated on the surface. Incubation at 30 °C only enhanced oxidation on particle surfaces, while oxidation during incubation at 70 °C penetrated into the interior of particles. Such short-term oxidation of BC has significance for the stability of BC in soils as well as for its effects on soil fertility and biogeochemistry.
A New Tvar Modeling in Cascaded Form for Nonstationary Signals

In the nonstationary process identification, a time varying autoregressive (TVAR) model may possess temporal model instability in the conventional direct form. In this study, we propose a new TVAR cascaded form to overcome model instability. The model stability in TVAR the cascaded form is accomplished through the parameterization of time varying poles using pole tracking and monitoring methods. Our simulation on synthetic data demonstrates that the TVAR cascaded form stability can easily be achieved, monitored, and controlled. The performance evaluation of TVAR cascaded model has shown that the Cartesian coordinate with orthogonal representation performs better than other pole representation.
Rapid Resolution of Intense Suicidal Ideation after Treatment of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Patients with insomnia may develop suicidal ideation; however, we know of no reports of suicidal ideation associated with obstructive sleep apnea. We report on a 74-year-old man who presented to his primary care physician with excessive daytime sleepiness, poor quality nocturnal sleep, depressed mood, and suicidal ideation with active suicide plans. An emergency outpatient psychiatry consultation was arranged. The patient declined psychiatric hospitalization. He agreed to a trial of continuous positive airway pressure, using a self-titrating machine, followed by an urgent sleep study. Polysomnography revealed an apnea hypopneaindex of 64, arousal index of 91 and minimum oxygen saturation of 65%. The patient's sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness responded to nCPAP. The patient declined antidepressant medication but had excellent adherence to nCPAP. Suicidal ideation and depression resolved promptly and at 4-month followup were in remission. Further studies examining the relationship among untreated obstructive sleep apnea, depression, and suicidal ideation are warranted.
Genome-wide specificity of DNA binding, gene regulation, and chromatin remodeling by TALE- and CRISPR/Cas9-based transcriptional activators

Genome engineering technologies based on the CRISPR/Cas9 and TALE systems are enabling new approaches in science and biotechnology. However, the specificity of these tools in complex genomes and the role of chromatin structure in determining DNA binding are not well understood. We analyzed the genome-wide effects of TALE- and CRISPR-based transcriptional activators in human cells using ChIP-seq to assess DNA-binding specificity and RNA-seq to measure the specificity of perturbing the transcriptome. Additionally, DNase-seq was used to assess genome-wide chromatin remodeling that occurs as a result of their action. Our results show that these transcription factors are highly specific in both DNA binding and gene regulation and are able to open targeted regions of closed chromatin independent of gene activation. Collectively, these results underscore the potential for these technologies to make precise changes to gene expression for gene and cell therapies or fundamental studies of gene function.
Hybrid airfoil design method to simulate full-scale ice accretion throughout a given α range

A design procedure is presented for hybrid airfoils with full-scale leading edges and redesigned aft sections that exhibit full-scale airfoil water droplet-impingement characteristics throughout a given angle of attack or a range. The design procedure is an extension of a previously published method in that it not only allows for subcritical and viscous-flow analysis in the design but is also capable of off-design droplet-impingement simulation through the use of flap system. The limitations of the flap-system-based design for simulating both on- and off-design full-scale droplet-impingement characteristics and surface-velocity distribution are discussed with the help of specific design examples. In particular, we present the design of two hybrid airfoils at two different angles of attack, such that they simulate both the full-scale velocity distribution as well as droplet-impingement characteristics at the respective design angles of attack. Both of the hybrid airfoils are half-scale airfoil models with the nose section matching the full-scale coordinates of the Learjet 305 airfoil back to 5% chord on the upper surface and 20% chord on the lower surface
Trade-Offs between Stretch Factor and Load-Balancing Ratio in Routing on Growth-Restricted Graphs

An unweighted graph has density rho and growth rate k if the number of nodes in every ball with radius r is bounded by rhork. The communication graphs of wireless networks and peer-to-peer networks often have constant bounded density and small growth rate. In this paper, we study the trade-off between two quality measures for routing in growth-restricted graphs. The two measures we consider are the stretch factor, which measures the lengths of the routing paths, and the load-balancing ratio, which measures the evenness of the traffic distribution. We show that if the routing algorithm is required to use paths with stretch factor c, then its load-balancing ratio is bounded by O(rho1/k(n/c)1-1/k), and the bound is tight in the worst case. We show the application and extension of the trade-off to the wireless network routing and VLSI layout design. We also present a load-balanced routing algorithm with the stretch factor constraint in an online setting, in which the routing requests come one by one.
Role of Smooth Muscle Cells in the Initiation and Early Progression of Atherosclerosis

The initiation of atherosclerosis results from complex interactions of circulating factors and various cell types in the vessel wall, including endothelial cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Recent reviews highlight the role of activated endothelium and inflammatory cell recruitment in the initiation of and progression of early atherosclerosis. Yet, human autopsy studies, in vitro mechanistic studies and in vivo correlative data suggest an important role for SMCs in the initiation of atherosclerosis. SMCs are the major producers of extracellular matrix within the vessel wall and in response to atherogenic stimuli can modify the type of matrix proteins produced. In turn, the type of matrix present can affect the lipid content of the developing plaque and the proliferative index of the cells that are adherent to it. SMCs are also capable of functions typically attributed to other cell types. Like macrophages, SMCs can express a variety of receptors for lipid uptake and can form foam-like cells, thereby participating in the early accumulation of plaque lipid. Like endothelial cells, SMCs can also express a variety of adhesion molecules such as VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 to which monocytes and lymphocytes can adhere and migrate into the vessel wall. In addition, through these adhesion molecules, SMCs can also stabilize these cells against apoptosis, thus contributing to the early cellularity of the lesion. Like many cells within the developing plaque, SMCs also produce many cytokines such as PDGF, TGFβ, IFNγ; and MCP-1 all of which contribute to the initiation and propagation of the inflammatory response to lipid. Recent advances in SMC-specific gene modulation have enhanced our ability to determine the role of SMCs in early atherogenesis.
Cytokine and growth factor production by monocytes/macrophages on protein preadsorbed polymers

These studies evaluate the effect of biomedical polymers: Biomer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyethylene, expanded polytetraf luoroethylene (ePTFE), Dacron, and the control polystyrene with or without adsorbed proteins IgG, fibrinogen, and fibronectin on the ability of activated human monocytes/macrophages to produce Interleukin 1 Beta (IL-1-B), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-A). Monocytes/macrophages incubated on biomedical polymers with or without protein preadsorption produce variable levels of IL-1-B, IL-6, and TNF-A dependent on the polymer and adsorbed protein. IL-6 was produced in the greatest quantity and was the most influenced by protein adsorption. ePTFE and PDMS polymers were least stimulating while polystyrene was the most stimulating of monocyte activity. Adsorbed IgG consistently altered the ability of the polymers to activate monocytes/macrophages to produce cytokines. These studies provide important insight into conditions which modulate monocyte/macrophage activity in response to protein preadsorbed biomedical polymers.
Do additional imaging studies change operative management in patients undergoing adrenalectomy

Background The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of a secondary imaging modality (SIM) in the workup of adrenal masses and the usefulness of this additional imaging in changing surgical management. Methods A retrospective analysis of our adrenalectomy database was performed on adult patients who underwent ≥1 imaging study before surgery. A multivariate logistic regression model was then constructed to identify patient factors that predisposed SIM. Results From February 2001 to August 2014, 264 cases met inclusion criteria, of which 98 (37%) were identified to have SIM. Patients with cancer (P = .001), incidentaloma (P = .002), and pheochromocytoma (P Conclusion The high incidence of unnecessary additional imaging performed in patients undergoing adrenalectomy is counterproductive to efforts toward cost-conscious, high-quality health care. Patients with adrenal tumors would benefit from early surgical referral to allow the surgeon to help guide clinical decision making and to avoid the use of excessive imaging.
Team dynamics and tactics for mission planning

Mission planning is one of the core steps to effectively exploit the capabilities of multi-level cooperative control of multiple semi-autonomous entities, such as unmanned aerospace vehicles (UAVs). In this paper, we describe a methodology of Team Dynamics and Tactics (TDT) for mission planning in a military operation. This method for mission planning is implemented in a TDT module for an interconnected system called Strategies for Human-Automaton Resource Entity Deployment (SHARED). The main purpose of TDT is to develop and provide an effective target selection algorithm and an optimal salvo size algorithm to destroy the opposing force combat capabilities. Furthermore, the TDT mission plan will find an optimal assignment of decoys and avoid collateral damage. The proposed mission-planning scheme supplies the optimum degree of force for campaign objectives by using a linear integer programming with fuzzy objective function to allocate the best UAVs and weapons against each target and a parameter Nash game with proportional feedback control to determine optimum salvo size for each UAV. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is illustrated by a Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) example, and is demonstrated in a simulation environment based on the Boeing C4ISim Open Experimentation Platform (Boeing OEP).
Assessing stink bug resistance in soybean breeding lines containing genes from germplasm IAC-100.

Sixty-five soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., breeding lines containing the stink bug resistant ‘IAC-100′ in their pedigrees were evaluated for their resistance to stink bug, primarily southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula L., feeding in replicated field trials from 2001 to 2005. Plots were sampled throughout the season for stink bug abundance, and, at harvest, seed samples were rated for stink bug-induced kernel damage. Individual seeds were categorized as having none, light, moderate, or heavy damage plus 100-seed wt and plot yields were determined. Both ground cloth and sweep net sampling procedures were used to compare stink bug densities between the soybean entries. Stink bug densities varied between years; however, in the years when populations exceeded four per row-meter or six per 25 sweeps, there were more damaged soybean seeds (>25%) in the entries with higher stink bug numbers. During the first 2 yr of evaluations, the mean stink bug-damaged soybean seeds ranged from 10.0 to 38.2%. From these differential responses, 28 entries were selected for continued study in 2003–2004. In 2003, stink bug-damaged soybean seeds were low, with damage ranging from 2.9 to 18.2%. In 2004, stink bug damage ranged from 8.8 to 53.2%. From these 28 lines, 12 entries were selected for an advanced field screening trial in 2005, including the IAC-100 and ‘Hutcheson’. Damaged soybean seeds ranged from 18.5 to 54.1% among these 12 entries in 2005, under heavy stink bug pressure. From these evaluations, four breeding lines with either Hutcheson × IAC-100 or IAC-100 × ‘V71-370′ in their genealogy were identified as possible breeding material for future soybean stink bug resistance cultivar development.
Molecular signature of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: an insight from genotype to phenotype and challenges for targeted therapy

Introduction: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains one of the most clinically challenging cancers despite an in-depth characterization of the molecular underpinnings and biology of this disease. Recent whole-genome-wide studies have elucidated the diverse and complex genetic alterations which generate a unique oncogenic signature for an individual pancreatic cancer patient and which may explain diverse disease behavior in a clinical setting.Areas covered: In this review article, we discuss the key oncogenic pathways of pancreatic cancer including RAS-MAPK, PI3KCA and TGF-β signaling, as well as the impact of these pathways on the disease behavior and their potential targetability. The role of tumor suppressors particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and their role in pancreatic cancer treatment are elaborated upon. We further review recent genomic studies and their impact on future pancreatic cancer treatment.Expert opinion: Targeted therapies inhibiting pro-survival pathways have limited impact on pancreatic can...
SEVEN-MONTH SURVEY OF ALLOCORRIGIA FILIFORMIS (TREMATODA: DICROCOELIIDAE) INFECTION IN THE CRAYFISH PROCAMBARUS CLARKII

Abstract Twice monthly collections of young-of-the-year Procambarus clarkii were taken during the months of October 1998 through mid April l999 from a roadside swamp near Colfax, Louisiana. Antennal glands of 465 P. clarkii were removed and examined for presence of the trematode parasite Allocorrigia filiformis. Data on seasonal prevalence of infection suggests that newly recruited members of the P. clarkii population acquired infections during a 5-month period from October through March.
Book Review: Kingdoms of God:

Kingdoms of God. By Kevin Hart. Indiana Series in the Philosophy of Religion. Bloomington, Ind.: Indiana University Press, 2014. ix + 326 pp. $60.00 (cloth).In Kingdoms of God, Kevin Hart presents a collection of thirteen essays (some of which have been previously published elsewhere) that "cohere around the theme of the saaiAelct" (p. 2). While it is occasionally difficult to see this "coherence" clearly, Kingdoms is nonetheless a beautifully conceived and creative work, one that presses the relationship between phenomenology and theology further and outlines potential future directions for this relationship. Hart repeatedly (and appealingly) invokes the "strangeness" of the idea of the saoiAeia (see p. 4 and p. 182, for example)-frequently leaving saoitala in the Greek to further underscore this strangeness (p. 4)-and the difficulty in nailing down what constitutes it, in part to justify the wide range of topics and figures he engages here. Hart states that this volume is intended to be part of a conversation that others are already having and assures readers that he plans to continue to work with these themes more systematically in future projects (p. 2). In this way, the volume itself embodies the already / not yet tension inherent in the very idea of the kingdom.The book is divided into five parts, each of which ties its constitutive chapters together loosely by theme. The two chapters that comprise part 1, "Inward Life," take Augustine (chap. 1) and Johann Gottlieb Fichte and Michel Henry (chap. 2) as conversation partners and explore inwardness and immanence as ways of accessing the kingdom. Part II, "Aspects of the Kingdom," is comprised of chapters whose key figures are Hegel, Kierkegaard, and Bonhoeffer. In these three essays Hart considers relationality and theological anthropology and their relevance to the kingdom, including initial musings on the relationship between the coming of the kingdom and Christian relationships with practitioners of other religions (p. 107). Part III, "Manifestations," includes an extended analysis of the prodigal son parable, to which Hart continues to refer in later essays, especially as he elaborates on forgiveness in chapter 12. Hart sketches his "phenomenology of the Christ" in chapter 7, and in the form of a classical philosophical dialogue in chapter 8 he has his two characters debate the possibility of a phenomenology of the Trinity (p. 160). In these chapters he notes the difficulty of the task he has set for himself when he observes that the saaiXeia cannot be said to be "given" in the way most other objects of phenomenological analysis are, since in part "it also needs to be embodied in our actions" (p. …
Abstract 219: Adipose Angiotensin AT2 Receptors Inhibit Resting Metabolism

The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) modulates blood pressure and resting metabolic rate (RMR). Double-transgenic “sRA” mice exhibit brain-specific elevations in RAS activity, as a human renin transgene is expressed via the neuron-specific synapsin promoter and a human angiotensinogen transgene is expressed via its own promoter. sRA mice have a significantly lower body weight due primarily to increased RMR, which is sustained through chronically increased sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and a hypertension-mediated suppression of the circulating RAS. Here we identified the anatomical site of increased thermogenesis, and the components of the adipose/circulating RAS that suppress RMR in the sRA model. Expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) was elevated specifically within the inguinal fat of sRA mice, with no changes in UCP1 in interscapular or epididymal fat or skeletal muscle, and no change in UCP3 in skeletal muscle or any fat pad. UCP1 mRNA in differentiated 3T3L1 adipocytes was increased following treatment with the AT 2 R antagonist PD-123,319 and suppressed with the AT 2 R agonist CGP-42112a (CGP), but was unaffected by the AT 1 R antagonist losartan. Infusion of CGP (50 ng/kg/min, 8 wk, sc) into adult sRA mice normalized body mass (control n=5, 25.0±1.8; sRA n=5, 17.7±0.6*; sRA+CGP n=7, 22.7±2.0** g), epididymal fat (control 317±100, sRA 127±16*, sRA+CGP 247±45** mg/g), and RMR (control 2.8±0.2, sRA 3.6±0.2*, sRA+CGP 3.1±0.2** mL O 2 /100g/min). Food intake was unchanged across groups (control 10.5±0.5, sRA 9.8±0.6, sRA+CGP 11.2±0.9 kcal/d). CGP treatment did not suppress SNA to inguinal fat in sRA mice (control 9.7±1.0, sRA 14.7±1.3*, sRA+CGP 18.9±3.3* spikes/sec). sRA mice exhibit generally normal glucose tolerance but grossly increased insulin sensitivity (0.5 U/kg; control nadir 72±8, sRA nadir 27±5 mg/dL), and ongoing studies are designed to determine whether adipose insulin signaling is modulated by AT 2 R activation. (Throughout, * P 2 R signaling as an important regulator of thermogenic activity of adipose tissue.
Global Marine Partners

Not often when one makes a decision are the results so quickly realized! Back in July 1998, when the exchange rate was JPY145 (Japanese yen) to the U.S. dollar, Charles Bobbin, treasurer of Global Marine Partners chose to use currency options to hedge the potential yen exposure created by the signing of an agreement between Global Marine and a major Japanese shipbuilder for the purchase of two new VLCCs (very large crude carriers). Now, with the yen/U.S. dollar rate in the 135 range, the decision seemed to have proved correct. Nevertheless, Bobbin was not in a position to rest on his laurels. A number of people were interested in what should be done now to take advantage of the profit in the option position. One proposal was to sell the existing options and replace them with new ones. Of course, Bobbin could simply keep the options open. He was also concerned about the accounting for these options in view of the Financial Accounting Standards Boards (FASB) new opinion on derivatives.
Task performance in standard laparoscopy in comparison with single-incision laparoscopy in a modified skills trainer

Single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) is similar to conventional laparoscopic surgery (LAP), but carries specific technical challenges due to lack of triangulation, reduced dexterity, conflicts due to inline instrumentation, and impaired visualization. This study was designed to evaluate technical skill performance of SIL versus LAP surgery in a simulated environment. We developed a modified laparoscopic skills trainer for SIL based upon the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) model. This includes a standard laparoscopic tower for visualization, allowing replication of the conflicts between scope and instruments. It also has a modified trainer box allowing use of different access devices and instruments for SIL. Sixteen subjects at different levels of training (novice through expert) completed four FLS tasks with standard LAP techniques. They then practiced the same tasks using SIL technique until they reached a steady state of performance. The first and last SIL trials were recorded. Baseline SIL peg transfer was worse than FLS (254 ± 157 s vs 99 ± 27, p < 0.0002). Final SIL time was still significantly worse than FLS (173 ± 130, p < 0.02). FLS, baseline SIL, and final SIL circle cutting were not significantly different (p = 0.058). Final SIL loop ligation was significantly faster than FLS (48 ± 19 vs 70 ± 42, p < 0.05). FLS suturing was faster than SIL suturing (281 ± 188 vs. 526 ± 105, p < 0.01). There was substantial dropout due to frustration with SIL, and only two surgeons were able to successfully complete SIL suturing. There are technical challenges with SIL that vary depending on task. Peg transfer and suturing were significantly impaired in SIL, while circle cutting was not significantly affected, and ligating loop was faster with SIL than LAP. These challenges may impact clinical outcomes of SIL and should influence training in SIL as well as future product development.
Insights into Chronic Functional Movement Disorders: The Value of Qualitative Psychiatric Interviews

Background Patients with functional movement disorders (FMDs) are commonly seen by neurologists and psychosomatic medicine psychiatrists. Research literature provides scant information about the subjective experiences of individuals with this often chronic problem. Objective To enhance our understanding of psychologic aspects of FMDs by conducting qualitative interviews of research subjects. Methods In total, 36 patients with FMDs were recruited from the Human Motor Control clinic at the National Institutes of Health. Each subject participated in a qualitative psychiatric interview and a structured diagnostic psychiatric interview. Results Of our 36 subjects, 28 had current or lifetime psychiatric disorders in addition to conversion disorder and 22 had current disorders. Qualitative interviews provided rich information on patients' understanding of their illnesses and impaired cognitive processing of emotions. Conclusion Our study supports the addition of open-ended qualitative interviews to delineate emotional dynamics and conceptual frameworks among such patients. Exploratory interviews generate enhanced understanding of such complex patients, above and beyond that gained by assessing DSM diagnostic comorbidities.
Evaluation of 18 F-FDG PET and MRI in differentiating benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

Objective To compare 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI for differentiating benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (BPNSTs and MPNSTs) and correlate imaging characteristics with histopathology.
Export Behavior: What Do We Know Now?

A review of the published literature on the behav ior of exporting firms is presented, beginning with a literature review by Bilkey in 1978. His literature classification scheme is accepted and broadened so that it is able to include more recent research. Finally, implications for managerial and governmental action are discussed.
PREDICTABILITY OF THE CHANGE IN PLASMA NOREPINEPHRINE CONCENTRATION IN ONE VASCULAR BED KNOWING THE CHANGE IN PLASMA NOREPINEPHRINE IN ANOTHER VASCULAR BED

Comparisons between norepinephrine (NE) levels in coronary sinus, pulmonary artery, peripheral forearm vein and radial artery were used to determine that the change in the concentration of NE in one vascular bed can be utilized to predict the change in NE in other vascular beds at least in the specific situations examined.
Cellular Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic red cell disorder affecting more than 300 000 annual births worldwide and leading to significant organ toxicity and premature mortality. Although chronic therapies such as hydroxyurea have improved outcomes, more durable therapeutic and curative options are still being investigated. Newer understanding of the disease has implicated invariant natural killer T cells as a critical immune profile that potentiates SCD. Hence, targeting this cell population may offer a new approach to disease management. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is a curative option for patients with SCD, but the under-representation of minorities on the unrelated donor registry means that this is not a feasible option for more than 75% of patients. Work in this area has therefore focused on increasing the donor pool and decreasing transplant-related toxicities to make this a treatment option for the majority of patients with SCD. This review focuses on the currently available cell and gene therapies for patients with SCD and acknowledges that newer gene-editing approaches to improve gene therapy efficiency and safety are the next wave of potentially curative approaches.
NREM sleep EEG frequency spectral correlates of sleep complaints in primary insomnia subtypes.

Design: We compared EEG frequency spectra from REM and NREM sleep in PPI subjects subtyped as subjective insomnia sufferers (those with relatively long total sleep time and relative underestimation of sleep time compared with PSG), and objective insomnia sufferers (those with relatively short PSG total sleep time) with EEG frequency spectra in normals. We also studied the correlation between these indices and the degree of underestimation of sleep. Further, we determined the degree to which sleep EEG indexes related to sleep complaints. Setting: Duke University Medical Center Sleep Laboratory. Participants: Normal (N=20), subjective insomnia (N=12), and objective insomnia (N=18) subjects. Interventions: N/A Measurements and Results: Lower delta and greater alpha, sigma, and beta NREM EEG activity were found in the patients with subjective insomnia but not those with objective insomnia, compared with the normal subjects. These results were robust to changes in the subtyping criteria. No effects were found for REM spectral indexes. Less delta non- REM EEG activity predicted greater deviation between subjective and PSG estimates of sleep time across all subjects. For the subjective insomnia subjects, diminished low-frequency and elevated higher frequency non- REM EEG activity was associated with their sleep complaints. Conclusions: NREM EEG frequency spectral indexes appear to be physiologic correlates of sleep complaints in patients with subjective insomnia and may reflect heightened arousal during sleep.
Some quantitative aspects of oxygen consumption and anaerobic metabolism of molluscan tissues--a review.

Abstract 1. 1. On the basis of calculations, the possibility can be excluded that the high anoxic tolerance of certain molluscs is based on an intracellular stock of oxygen stored either by the cytosomal carotenoids or by the hem-pigments. 2. 2. The high anoxic tolerance may be explained by the special energy-productive ability of the yellow pigment granules (cytosomes) maintaining oxidative phosphorylation even in anoxia by means of an internal electron acceptor for a long period of time. 3. 3. The total quantity of the assumed electron acceptor is most probably not present in the tissues in a preformed state, but is reproduced during anaerobiosis.
Soil Erosion and Conservation

of crop-productivity loss. Conservationists refer to this process as soil loss, referring to the net loss of soil over only the portion of the field that experiences net loss over the long-term. Areas of soil loss end where net deposition begins. Off-site concerns, on the other hand, are associated with the sediment that leaves the field, which we term here sediment yield. In this case, we are not necessarily concerned with the soil loss, or for that matter the amount of sediment deposited prior to leaving the field, although estimation of both of these may be used to estimate sediment yields. Ideally, a model will compute soil loss, deposition and sediment yield, and thus have the capability to address both on-site and off-site issues. Data variability and model uncertainty are two related and important issues associated with the application of erosion models. Data from soil-erosion plots contain a large amount of unexplained variability, which is an important consideration for using erosion data to evaluate soil-erosion models, as well as for interpreting erosion data. This variability is due both to natural causes and measurement errors. When comparing measured rates of erosion to predicted values, a portion of the difference between the two will be due to model error, but a portion will also be due to unexplained variance of the measured sample value from the representative, mean value for a particular treatment. Knowledge of variability in soil-erosion data, however, is somewhat limited, although recent studies have enlightened us to some degree. Only one experimental erosion study to date has been conducted with a sufficient number of replicated erosion plots to allow an in-depth analysis of variability. Wendt et al. (1986) measured soil erosion rates on 40 cultivated, fallow, experimental plots located
General rheology of highly concentrated emulsions with insoluble surfactant

A general constitutive model is constructed and validated for highly concentrated monodisperse emulsions of deformable drops with insoluble surfactant through long-time, large-scale and high-resolution multidrop simulations. There is the same amount of surfactant on each drop, and the linear model is assumed for the surface tension versus the surfactant concentration. The surfactant surface transport is coupled to multidrop hydrodynamics through the convective–diffusive equation and the interfacial stress balance. Only the limit of small surfactant diffusivities is addressed, when this parameter does not affect the rheology. An Oldroyd constitutive equation is postulated, with five variable coefficients depending on one instantaneous flow invariant (chosen as the drop-phase contribution to the dissipation rate). These coefficients are found by fitting the model to five precise rheological functions from two steady base flows at arbitrary deformation rates. One base flow is planar extension (PE) ( ), the other one is planar mixed flow (PM) ( , , 0) with . A small but finite (a precise choice in the range is unimportant) provides a necessarily perturbation to exclude severe ergodic difficulties and abnormal, kinked behaviour inherent in simple shear for high drop volume fractions , especially at small capillary numbers and small drop-to-medium viscosity ratios . The database rheological functions are obtained for , and surfactant elasticities (based on the equilibrium surfactant concentration) from long-time simulations by a multipole-accelerated boundary-integral code with drops in a periodic cell and 2000–4000 boundary elements per drop. The code is an extension from Zinchenko & Davis (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 779, 2015, pp. 197–244) to account for surfactant transport and Marangoni stresses. Massive drop cusping or (sometimes) drop break-up limit the range of from above in the base flows, but there is no substantial lower limitation owing to the absence of phase transition difficulties. At small , even minimal surface contamination may have a strong effect on the rheology. The simulations remain accurate for quite strong drop interactions, when the PE emulsion viscosity is nine times that for the carrier fluid. The model validation against a steady PM flow with a different shows a very good agreement for various , and . In the three PE and PM time-dependent flow tests, the quasi-steady approximation is found to predict stresses poorly. In contrast, the combination of the steady-state results for PE and PM used in the present method to generate the Oldroyd parameters gives a model with much better predictions for these time-dependent flows.
Enteral nutrition support in head and neck cancer: Tube vs. oral feeding during radiation therapy

This comparison of tube feeding with oral nutrition was made in patients with advanced head and neck cancer during intensive outpatient radiation therapy. Twenty-six patients with Stage III and IV head and neck cancers were stratified by site (nasopharynx vs. all other tumors, including recurrent nasopharynx) and randomized to receive oral or tube feeding during radiation therapy. All patients were counseled to have an intake of 40 kcal/kg and 1 gm protein per kilogram body weight. Body weights and dietary recalls were obtained weekly, along with evaluation of toxicities to therapy. Serum albumins were obtained at baseline, week 4, end of radiation therapy, and 1 month after radiation therapy. Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma presented with significantly less body weight loss (means = -2.6%) than patients with all other carcinomas (means = -9.8%; p = .008). No differences in toxic responses were observed despite larger radiation field size in the tube-fed group (p = .02). Serum albumins in both groups dropped during radiation therapy, with no difference between groups. The tube-fed group maintained higher caloric and protein intakes (35 to 42 kcal/kg, 1.2 to 1.6 gm protein per kilogram) than the oral-fed group (15 to 34 kcal/kg, 0.3 to 1.3 gm protein per kilogram). No differences in body weights were observed between the tube-fed (means = 3.8%) and the oral-fed (means = 3.3%) patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Patients with oropharyngeal and recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma had significantly less weight loss with tube feeding (means = 0.2%) than with oral feeding (means = -7.3%; p = .005); thus, tube feeding is recommended during radiation therapy in such patients.
Contextually Relevant Gaze Representations for Remote Learning

Remote learning environments are rapidly changing education and becoming increasingly popular, however remote learning still lacks many of the important interpersonal features of co-located learning. Recent work has started to build in non-verbal cues to support remote collaboration by showing pairs where their partner is looking on the screen. However, we lack an extensive understanding of how the effect of these eye tracking interventions change based on the particular design of gaze representations and task features. My dissertation work will systematically evaluate the integration of novel designs for shared gaze awareness across different task features such as the degree of coupling between the pair throughout the task. This work will inform the design of remote learning environments and contribute to our understanding of the role of non-verbal cues in computer supported collaborative learning.
Investigation on the cooling performance of a green roof with a radiant cooling system

Abstract This study investigated the cooling potential of a green roof paired with a radiant cooling system in a hot and dry environment in southern California. The green roof had pipes embedded in it which were connected to a radiator inside the test cell. The radiator absorbs heat from the interior of the cells which is dissipated through the green roof and the evaporative cooling that occurs during the irrigation process. Excess water that is not absorbed is recollected and reused. Experiments demonstrate the potential for a system such as this one that combines water based cooling and green roofs, demonstrating to improve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. The test cell with the green roof and radiant cooling system was monitored and compared with other cells in over 40 tests conducted over the summers of 2015 and 2016. The results demonstrated that this test cell maintained lower indoor temperatures than the other test cells, including other cells with green roofs. The best performance occurred when the radiant system pump was operating continuously, with the irrigation sprinkler working 20 min per hour from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An equation to predict indoor maximum temperature as a function of the daily temperature swing was derived.
Intrinsic performance limits of linear time-invariant feedback control

Abstract Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation techniques are employed in this paper to derive exact expressions and bounds for the best attainable H∞ norms of the sensitivity and complementary sensitivity functions of linear time-invariant multivariable systems. These results improve the previously known performance bounds and provide intrinsic limits on the performance of feedback systems irreducible via compensator design, leading to new insights into the understanding of fundamental limitations in feedback control. It becomes clear that in a multivariable system the best achievable performance is constrained by plant nonminimum phase zeros and unstable poles, and additionally, is determined by the mutual orientation of the zero and pole directions.
What is the Role of the Oncology Nurse in Fertility Preservation Counseling and Education for Young Patients

Oncology nurses are uniquely positioned to offer fertility preservation counseling and education for cancer patients of reproductive age, yet there is a dearth of research that focuses on current practice and perceptions of nursing role. In 2013, the American Society of Clinical Oncology extended the duties of fertility preservation counseling among patients of reproductive age undergoing cancer treatment to include registered nurses and other allied health professionals as active partners in the counseling and education process. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive survey to assess current practices, role perceptions, and barriers to fertility preservation counseling among registered nurses working in an academic care setting with outpatient and inpatient services. There were significant gaps in current practices and perceptions of roles regarding fertility preservation counseling. Many nurses expressed the perception that fertility preservation counseling was important, but it was outside the scope of their practice to perform this education. This preliminary work defined need for an interdisciplinary fertility preservation team, communication surrounding educational practice norms, and designated oncofertility navigator.
Sexual Orientation in Counsellor Supervision

Little research exists about whether sexual orientation is addressed in counsellor supervision. This study examined supervisees’ and supervisors’ perceptions of how knowledge, awareness, and skills related to lesbian, gay, or bisexual issues were addressed in supervision. Results indicated there was no correlation between supervisors’ own sexual orientation identity and their perception of exploration of awareness, knowledge, and development of skills as related to issues of sexual orientation in clinical work. This study did find a significant difference between supervisors’ and supervisees’ perceptions of supervisors’ explorations related to awareness of issues of sexual orientation in counselling. Implications for counsellor supervision are discussed.