cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frames, Framing, and Designed Conversational Processes: Lessons From the World Café

In this article, we use the anthropologist Gregory Bateson’s conceptualization of framing and his theory of interpersonal communication process to explore how relational realities develop in designed conversational processes. In recent years, there has been a blossoming of interest in large group methods as a way of achieving whole-system change. Many of these techniques seek to construct alternative spaces or dialogic “containers” in which the usual routines and authority structures are suspended; as such, they require that practitioners give particular attention to issues of framing. By analyzing examples drawn from two World Cafe events, we attempt to clarify theoretical principles underlying dialogic approaches to organizational change. We also consider the practical implications inherent in Bateson’s ideas, particularly the possibilities they offer for enhancing the facilitator’s awareness of the context in which he or she is a participating member.
Reduction of the ring size of radiolabeled lactam bridge-cyclized alpha-MSH peptide, resulting in enhanced melanoma uptake.

The purpose of this study was to examine the profound effect of the ring size of the radiolabeled lactam bridge–cyclized α-melanocyte–stimulating hormone (α-MSH) peptide on its melanoma-targeting properties. Methods: A novel cyclic α-MSH peptide, 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid-Nle-c[Asp-His-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-CONH2 (DOTA-Nle-CycMSHhex), was synthesized and radiolabeled with 111In. The melanocortin-1 receptor–binding affinity of DOTA-Nle-CycMSHhex was determined in B16/F1 melanoma cells. The internalization and efflux of 111In-DOTA-Nle-CycMSHhex were examined in B16/F1 cells. The melanoma-targeting properties and SPECT/CT characteristics of 111In-DOTA-Nle-CycMSHhex were determined in B16/F1 melanoma–bearing C57 mice. Results: DOTA-Nle-CycMSHhex displayed 1.77 nM receptor-binding affinity. 111In-DOTA-Nle-CycMSHhex exhibited rapid internalization and extended retention in B16/F1 cells. The tumor uptake of 111In-DOTA-Nle-CycMSHhex was 24.94% ± 4.58% and 10.53% ± 1.11% injected dose per gram at 0.5 and 24 h after injection, respectively. Greater than 82% of the injected radioactivity was cleared through the urinary system by 2 h after injection. The tumor-to-kidney uptake ratios reached 2.04 and 1.70 at 2 and 4 h after injection, respectively. Flank melanoma tumors were clearly visualized by SPECT/CT using 111In-DOTA-Nle-CycMSHhex as an imaging probe at 2 and 24 h after injection. The radioactivity accumulation in normal organs, except for the kidneys, was low at 2, 4, and 24 h after injection. Conclusion: The reduction of the peptide ring size dramatically increased the melanoma uptake and decreased the renal uptake of 111In-DOTA-Nle-CycMSHhex, providing a new insight into the design of a novel radiolabeled lactam bridge–cyclized α-MSH peptide for melanoma imaging and treatment.
Analysis of Nonstandard Noise Dosimeter Microphone Positions

This study was conducted as part of a project involving the evaluation of a new type of noise exposure monitoring paradigm. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess how “nonstandard” dosimeter microphones and microphone positions measured noise levels under different acoustical conditions (i.e., diffuse field and direct field). The data presented in this article reflect measurement differences due to microphone position and mounting/supporting structure only and are not an evaluation of any particular complete dosimeter system. To varying degrees, the results obtained with the dosimeter microphones used in this study differed from the reference results obtained in the unperturbed (subject absent) sound field with a precision (suitable for use in an ANSI Type 1 sound level meter) 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) measurement microphone. Effects of dosimeter microphone placement in a diffuse field were found to be minor for most of the test microphones/locations, while direct field microphone placement effects were found...
Reconstitution of the artificial amoeboid system based on bacterial membrane protein ActA mediated actin motility

Actin is a well-known cytoskeleton protein performing morphology and locomotion of the cell. Listeria monocytogenes, pathogenic bacteria, can move intracellular space using the actin motility system of their host cells. Their transmembrane protein, ActA, can recruit actin polymerization factors of the cell, such as Arp2/3 complex and VASP proteins. Particularly, the ActA proteins localized on the pole surface of the bacteria concentrate actin polymerization on the end point of their bacterial bodies and propel their movement in the direction of both sides creating actin comet tails. Previously, research studies have investigated micro-bead motility test based on the ActA interfacial mechanism in cytoplasm extracts, and artificial motility media that included several actin binding proteins (ABPs), ATP, and ions. We had not only observed actin comet tails with ActA conjugated micro-beads in the minimum essential motility solution but also confirmed that the ActA mediated actin polymerization generated sufficient force for the vesicle protrusion. Here we enclosed the ActA conjugated gold nano-particles with actin motility solution including non-muscle actin, ABPs, ATP, ATP regenerating enzymes, and cations into the liposome. Consequently, we can observe liposome vesicle movement protruding their pseudopodia. (Moreover, the vesicle motility was faster than the ActA-conjugated micro-bead motility in the minimum essential motility solution. In the proposed approach, this nano-bio fused artificial amoeboid-like system is to be a novel biomimetic species in prospective applications of biopowered devices.
FOZCIL: A framework for converting formal specifications in Object-Z to design contracts in OO programming languages

FOZCIL (Framework for Object Z Conversion to Implementation Language) captures and implements language-independent features as the fixed part of a framework, and language-dependent properties as the extensible part of a framework. Once the framework has accepted the language-dependent features of a target OO language, it generates a FOZCIL tool instance. The tool instance is capable of accepting Object-Z specifications and of converting those specifications to skeletal code with dynamically-checkable design contracts written in that target language. This provides a significant improvement over existing tools that are custom built to provide automatic conversion from Object-Z only to a specific implementation language. FOZCIL streamlines the process of developing both the reusual language-independent portions and the language dependent portions of such tools.
Early versus delayed percutaneous coronary intervention for patients with non‐ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

Background: Studies assessing the timing of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with Non-ST segment elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes (NSTE-ACS) have failed to generate a consensus on how early PCI should be performed in such patients. Purpose: This meta-analysis compares clinical outcomes at 30 days in NSTE-ACS patients undergoing PCI within 24 hours of presentation (early PCI) with those receiving PCI more than 24 hours after presentation (delayed PCI). Data Sources: Data were extracted from searches of MEDLINE (1990-2010) and Google scholar and from scrutiny of abstract booklets from major cardiology meetings (1990-2010). Study selection: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that included the composite endpoint of death and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) at 30 days after PCI were considered. Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted data using standard forms. The effects of early and delayed PCI were analyzed by calculating pooled estimates for death, non-fatal MI, bleeding, repeat revascularization and the composite endpoint of death or non-fatal MI at 30 days. Univariate analysis of each of these variables was used to create odds ratios. Data Synthesis: Seven studies with a total of 13,762 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in the odds of the composite endpoint of death or non-fatal MI at 30 days between patients undergoing early PCI and those receiving delayed PCI (OR-0.83, 95%CI 0.62-1.10). Patients receiving delayed PCI experienced a 33% reduction in the odds of repeat revascularization at 30 days compared to those undergoing early PCI (OR-1.33, 95%CI 1.14-1.56, P=0.0004).Conversely, patients undergoing early PCI experienced lower odds of bleeding than those receiving delayed PCI (OR-0.76, 95%CI 0.63-0.91, P = 0.0003). Conclusions: In NSTE-ACS patients early PCI doesn't reduce the odds of the composite endpoint of death or non-fatal MI at 30 day. This strategy is associated with lower odds of bleeding and higher odds of repeat revascularization at 30 days than a strategy of delayed PCI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the stability of manipulators performing contact tasks

Manipulation requires contact with the object being manipulated, and the full potential of robots can only be realized when they are applied to contact tasks. One of the difficulties engendered by contact tasks is that they require intimate dynamic interaction between the robot and its environment. That interaction changes the performance of the robot and can jeopardize the stability of its control system. A discussion is presented of the problem of preserving the stability of a manipulator's control system during contact tasks. It will be shown that contact stability may be guaranteed if the control system provides the manipulator with an appropriately structured dynamic response to environmental inputs. Two aspects of one implementation of such a controller will be considered. Robustness to large errors in the manipulator kinematic equations and to unmodeled interface dynamics is shown. >
Causal inference at the population level

Three elements are needed to formalize a causal quantity at the population level: response, treatment, and the causal element, which are introduced here by notation. Inclusion of two essential causal assumptions, the monitoring and illumination assumptions, in a function distinguishes causal from association analyses. The discussion provides insight into causal inference.
Time Resolved Photoluminescence from Patterned GaAs/AlGaAs Multiple Quantum Well Structures

Temporally and spatially resolved photoluminescence has been used to study patterned structures prepared by focused ion beam (FIB) implantation of multiple quantum wells (MQWs) followed by rapid thermal annealing (RTA). Exciton lifetimes at different positions across the interface between implanted and unimplanted regions suggest that the interface between these two regions is of good quality. Anisotropic exciton diffusion is also observed, suggesting that these structures provide lateral confinement for excitons.
Greenland Ice Sheet Surface Mass Balance Variability (1988–2004) from Calibrated Polar MM5 Output

Regional climate model runs using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesocale Model modified for use in polar regions (Polar MM5), calibrated by independent in situ observations, demonstrate coherent regional patterns of Greenland ice sheet surface mass balance (SMB) change over a 17-yr period characterized by warming (1988–2004). Both accumulation and melt rates increased, partly counteracting each other for an overall negligible SMB trend. However, a 30% increase in meltwater runoff over this period suggests that the overall ice sheet mass balance has been increasingly negative, given observed meltwater-induced flow acceleration. SMB temporal variability of the whole ice sheet is best represented by ablation zone variability, suggesting that increased melting dominates over increased accumulation in a warming scenario. The melt season grew in duration over nearly the entire ablation zone by up to 40 days, 10 days on average. Accumulation area ratio decreased by 3%. Albedo reductions are apparent in five years of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived data (2000–04). The Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR)-derived albedo changes (1988–99) were less consistent spatially. A conservative assumption as to glacier discharge and basal melting suggests an ice sheet mass loss over this period greater than 100 km 3 yr 1 , framing the Greenland ice sheet as the largest single glacial contributor to recent global sea level rise. Surface mass balance uncertainty, quantified from residual random error between model and independent observations, suggests two things: 1) changes smaller than approximately 200 km 3 yr 1 would not satisfy conservative statistical significance thresholds (i.e., two standard deviations) and 2) although natural variability and model uncertainty were separated in this analysis, the magnitude of each were roughly equivalent. Therefore, improvements in model accuracy and analysis of longer periods (assuming larger changes) are both needed for definitive mass balance change assessments.
De novo assembly of bacterial transcriptomes from RNA-seq data

Transcriptome assays are increasingly being performed by high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). For organisms whose genomes have not been sequenced and annotated, transcriptomes must be assembled de novo from the RNA-seq data. Here, we present novel algorithms, specific to bacterial gene structures and transcriptomes, for analysis of bacterial RNA-seq data and de novo transcriptome assembly. The algorithms are implemented in an open source software system called Rockhopper 2. We find that Rockhopper 2 outperforms other de novo transcriptome assemblers and offers accurate and efficient analysis of bacterial RNA-seq data. Rockhopper 2 is available at http://cs.wellesley.edu/~btjaden/Rockhopper.
An Improved Implementation of Elliptic Curves over GF(2) when Using Projective Point Arithmetic

Here we provide a comparison of several projective point transformations of an elliptic curve defined over GF(2n) and rank their performance.We provide strategies to achieve improved implementations of each. Our work shows that under certain conditions, these strategies can alter the ranking of these projective point arithmetic methods.
Asymptotic Approximations Used in Probabilistic Failure Modeling of Woven Fiber Networks

Approximate numerical results for the strength distributions of large woven fiber networks are given. The system under consideration consists of fibers arranged in a mutually orthogonal, simple weave pattern. The goal is to estimate the cumulative distribution function for failure of the network as a function of the fiber properties and the failure mechanism. Based on a two-dimensional load sharing model developed earlier and appropriate asymptotic theory, we have constructed conservative upper bound approximations for arbitrarily large networks. Additionally, we have introduced a translation ratio that may be used to relate the lower tail behavior of diverse networks experiencing different biaxial loading conditions.
Relations between CSCW and software process research: a position statement

The field of CSCW is investigating computer support for arbitrary, distributed cooperative work while the field of software process is focusing on control and automation of the activities of collaborating software engineers. We look at the scope and important ideas of these fields and address the following questions: are software process and CSCW two approaches for the same research field? Are the two fields taking incompatible approaches to solve the same problem? Can each field help the other to better meet its goals? We explore the possibility of integrating our solutions. We give only preliminary answers to these questions and hope that by raising these questions we can develop better answers and a concrete plan to integrate our own efforts and those of other participants in the workshop.
Ultraviolet Stability of Three-Dimensional Lattice Pure Gauge Field Theories*

We prove the ultraviolet stability for three-dimensional lattice gauge field theories. We consider only the Wilson lattice approximation for pure Yang-Mills field theories. The proof is based on results of the previous papers on renormalization group method for lattice gauge theories.
A data-driven approach for embedded security

As embedded systems are being used in a wide variety of critical applications, providing security to data stored and processed in these systems has become an important issue. However, providing security incurs performance and power overheads that need to be limited in resource-constrained embedded environments. Consequently, architectural support to limit these overheads to be incurred only while storing or processing vital data is desirable. In this paper, we present an architecture that provides selective encryption protection for storage and processing protection to power analysis attacks for data marked as requiring security. Further, we show how the code can be transformed to reduce the overhead associated with protecting secure data.
Evaluating a Genetically Encoded Optical Sensor of Neural Activity Using Electrophysiology in Intact Adult Fruit Flies

Genetically encoded optical indicators hold the promise of enabling non-invasive monitoring of activity in identified neurons in behaving organisms. However, the interpretation of images of brain activity produced using such sensors is not straightforward. Several recent studies of sensory coding used G-CaMP 1.3-a calcium sensor-as an indicator of neural activity; some of these studies characterized the imaged neurons as having narrow tuning curves, a conclusion not always supported by parallel electrophysiological studies. To better understand the possible cause of these conflicting results, we performed simultaneous in vivo 2-photon imaging and electrophysiological recording of G-CaMP 1.3 expressing neurons in the antennal lobe (AL) of intact fruitflies. We find that G-CaMP has a relatively high threshold, that its signal often fails to capture spiking response kinetics, and that it can miss even high instantaneous rates of activity if those are not sustained. While G-CaMP can be misleading, it is clearly useful for the identification of promising neural targets: when electrical activity is well above the sensor's detection threshold, its signal is fairly well correlated with mean firing rate and G-CaMP does not appear to alter significantly the responses of neurons that express it. The methods we present should enable any genetically encoded sensor, activator, or silencer to be evaluated in an intact neural circuit in vivo in Drosophila.
Reduction of 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide inner salt (XTT) is dependent on CaFRE10 ferric reductase for Candida albicans grown in unbuffered media.

The reduction of 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide inner salt (XTT) and other tetrazolium salts is widely used as an assay for bacterial, fungal and mammalian cell viability, but the genes encoding the reductase activities have not been defined. Here, it was shown that XTT and plasma membrane ferric reductase activities were 10–40-fold greater in Candida albicans than in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. XTT reductase activity was induced fivefold in C. albicans grown in low-iron conditions compared with iron-replete conditions, and for cells grown in unbuffered (pH 4.0–4.4) medium, XTT reductase activity was largely dependent on CaFRE10. XTT reductase activity of C. albicans grown in medium buffered to pH 6.8 was independent of CaFRE10 but, nonetheless, was upregulated in cells deprived of iron. Reduction of 2-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-3,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), a membrane-permeable tetrazolium salt, occurred at an intracellular location and was independent of CaFRE10. However, MTT activity was induced by iron deprivation in C. albicans but not in S. cerevisiae. C. albicans possessed multiple iron- and pH-regulated reductase activities capable of reducing tetrazolium salts, but, when grown in unbuffered medium, CaFRE10 was required for XTT reductase activity.
Continuum modeling of material interfaces and surfaces based on molecular statics computations

The effective macroscopic properties of a broad variety of different materials are defined by the properties of the involved material interfaces and surfaces. However, in contrast to classical bulk materials, the mechanical properties of material interfaces can usually only be determined indirectly. For that purpose, two different approaches are presented which allow to compute macroscopic properties of material interfaces based on molecular statics computations. While the first of those is based on the principle of energy equivalence, the second one relies on the principle of stress equivalence. The advantages and disadvantages of both frameworks are analyzed. (© 2015 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bonding of Butyl and Nitrile Rubber by in situ Copolymer Formation

Abstract We summarize and conclude the following: 1. The T-peel adhesion between uncrosslinked layers of IIR and NBR is rate and temperature dependent. Failure is interfacial at low rates; bulk cohesive tearing of the rubber occurs at intermediate rates, while interfacial failure returns at high rates. 2. Adhesion data could be reduced to mastercurves with experimentally determined shift factors which were in reasonable agreement with those calculated from the universal WLF equation with a Tg=−69°C. 3. At the lowest test rates, peel specimens containing in situ-formed copolymer had lower strength than those without the copolymer. This is probably due to the easy slippage of the segments of the low-molecular-weight copolymer in this regime. 4. At intermediate rates, in situ copolymer had no effect on peel strength; specimens failed by bulk cohesive tearing of rubber, whether or not the copolymer was present. 5. At high rates, peel specimens containing the copolymer exhibited improved strengths. The behavio...
Open-ocean fish reveal an omnidirectional solution to camouflage in polarized environments

Despite appearing featureless to our eyes, the open ocean is a highly variable environment for polarization-sensitive viewers. Dynamic visual backgrounds coupled with predator encounters from all possible directions make this habitat one of the most challenging for camouflage. We tested open-ocean crypsis in nature by collecting more than 1500 videopolarimetry measurements from live fish from distinct habitats under a variety of viewing conditions. Open-ocean fish species exhibited camouflage that was superior to that of both nearshore fish and mirrorlike surfaces, with significantly higher crypsis at angles associated with predator detection and pursuit. Histological measurements revealed that specific arrangements of reflective guanine platelets in the fish's skin produce angle-dependent polarization modifications for polarocrypsis in the open ocean, suggesting a mechanism for natural selection to shape reflectance properties in this complex environment.
Atmospheric Layers in Response to the Propagation of Gravity Waves under Nonisothermal, Wind-shear, and Dissipative Conditions

We study the atmospheric structure in response to the propagation of gravity waves under nonisothermal (nonzero vertical temperature gradient), wind-shear (nonzero vertical zonal/meridional wind speed gradients), and dissipative (nonzero molecular viscosity and thermal conduction) conditions. As an alternative to the “complex wave-frequency” model proposed by Vadas and Fritts, we employ the traditional “complex vertical wave-number” approach to solving an eighth-order complex polynomial dispersion equation. The empirical neutral atmospheric models of NRLMSISE-00 and HWM93 are employed to provide mean-field properties. In response to the propagation of gravity waves, the atmosphere is driven into three sandwich-like layers: the adiabatic layer (0–130 km), the dissipation layer (130–230 km) and the pseudo-adiabatic layer (above 230 km). In the lower layer, (extended-)Hines’ mode or ordinary dissipative wave modes exist, whereas viscous dissipation and thermal conduction fail to exert perceptible influences; in the middle layer, Hines’ mode ceases to exist, and both ordinary and extraordinary dissipative wave modes flourish; in the top layer, only extraordinary wave modes survive, and dissipations affect the real part of the vertical wavenumber ( m r ) substantially; however, they contribute little to the imaginary part, which is the vertical growth rate ( m i ). We also analyze the transition of Hines’ classical mode to ordinary dissipative wave modes, describe both the upward and downward modes of gravity waves and illustrate nonisothermal and wind-shear effects on the propagation of gravity waves of different modes.
LEADERS, FOLLOWERS, AND ASYMMETRIC LOCAL TAX POLICY DIFFUSION

Complementing recent theoretical models of tax competition with endogenous leadership, we empirically model local policy diffusion as a dynamic asymmetric process. Using a setting where local option sales taxes rapidly transitioned from nonexistence to ubiquity, we construct a policy leadership index to classify jurisdictions as leaders or followers. Using models that control for vertical tax competition effects, we show how asymmetric leader–follower dynamics characterize horizontal tax competition over the three decades that follow. A placebo test further supports our main conclusions. This methodological approach could be adapted to other settings where policies exhibit both extensive and intensive margins.
Marketing Japan: Manga as Japan’s New Ambassador

If one is rolling through any major bookstore in the U.S. today one will encounter a prominently placed set of shelves labeled “Graphic Novels.” This is a relatively recent phenomenon. Fifteen years ago, most comic books were sold in specialty stores in the U.S.. but since the turn of the century, comics have made a resurgence. This trend has been fueled by new marketing tactics such as the use of the term “graphic novel” in order to combat the connotations of geeky adolescent boys, and by the promotion of a succession of Hollywood blockbusters based on traditional American comics—X Men, Batman, Spiderman, Iron man, the Hulk, the Shadow, Watchmen, etc, and the end is not yet in sight. However, as you start to peruse the “Graphic Novel” section of your local bookstore you will notice that roughly three quarters of the shelf space is devoted to manga (Japanese comics). Manga sales in the US have escalated in the past decade, from $60 million in 2002 to $200 million in 2007. In fact, the explosive popularity of manga along with the cross-promotion of American comics through Hollywood are the driving forces behind the increasing prominence of graphic novels in the United States overall.
Role of estrogen in sex difference of the electrocardiogram of the chicken.

SummaryThe data demonstrate that amplitudes of R, S and RS of the ECG of normal hens are approximately half those of normal males. The effects of estrogen on the ECG of adult males were studied. The voltage of these waves of estrogenized males is decreased about 30 to 35%.
Shakedown of the Purdue Mach-6 Quiet-Flow Ludwieg Tube

Purdue University continues to develop a 9.5-inch Mach-6 Ludwieg tube for quiet-flow operation to high Reynolds number. The aerodynamic and mechanical design were reported earlier, along with the design and testing of several facility subsystems. Measurements of the coordinates of the completed upstream nozzle sections are here reported. The development and further testing of other facility systems are also described: these include the second round of burst-diaphragm tests, the bleed-slot suction system, and the driver-tube and contraction heating systems. Delivery of the quiet-flow nozzle is presently scheduled for February 2001. Progress in developing repeatable hot-wire calibrations is also reported.
Resistances of wild Anopheles sinensis adult populations to five insecticides in Shanghai and Daoxian county of Hunan province

Objective To determine the resistance levels of wild populations of Anopheles sinensis to commonly used insecticides in Shanghai and Hunan.Methods The adult mosquito filter paper contact method recommend by WHO was used to determine the resistance levels of An.sinensis to deltamethrin,lambdacyhalothrin,permethrin,BPMC and fenitrothion in Qingpu,Baoshan,Jiading,Jinshan districts,Chongming county of Shanghai and Daoxian county of Hunan.Results Anopheles sinensis in six districts in Shanghai showed different resistance levels to five tested insecticides.High resistance to all five insecticides was detected in Baoshan,as well as to deltamethrin,permethrin and BPMC in Qingpu.Mosquitoes collected from Chongming showed the high resistance to deltamethrin and low resistance to lambdacyhalothrin.Low levels of resistance to lambdacyhalothrin and BPMC was also noted in mosquitoes originated from Jiading.High resistance to deltamethrin,lambdacyhalothrin,BPMC and fenitrothion was encountered in An.sinensis collected from Daoxian county of Hunan.Conclusion Anopheles sinensis has developed resistance to five tested insecticides in Shanghai and Hunan,and cross resistance among pyrethroid,organophosphate and carbamate may exist as revealed by correlation analysis.
An inexpensive miniaturized linear CdTe detector array system.

Description d'un detecteur a tellurure de cadmium. L'appareil est decrit et ses performances (sensibilite, rapport signal-bruit, temps de reponse…) sont evaluees
Generation of stable Chinese hamster ovary pools yielding antibody titers of up to 7.6 g/L using the piggyBac transposon system

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells remain the default production host for many biopharmaceutical drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Production of gram and kilogram quantities of protein typically requires the generation of stable CHO clones. Unfortunately, this process takes several months, significantly slowing down the drug discovery and development process. Therefore, improved technologies are needed to accelerate biopharmaceutical drug discovery and final drug substance manufacturing. In this study, we describe the generation of stable CHO pools using the piggyBac transposon system. We evaluated the system using four model antibody molecules (3 mAbs and 1 bispecific Ab). Stable CHO pools were isolated in 7-12 days. Using a simple 16-day fed-batch process, we measured titers ranging from 2.3 to 7.6 g/L for the four model antibodies. This represented a 4- to 12-fold increase relative to the controls. Additionally, we isolated stable CHO clones. We found that the stable CHO clones isolated from the piggyBac transposon pools yielded titers two to threefold higher relative to the control clones. Taken together, these results suggest that stable CHO pool and clone generation can be significantly improved by using the piggyBac transposon system. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:1301-1307, 2016.
Postmarketing surveillance -- some ethical considerations.

While postmarketing surveillance presents many of the ethical problems characteristic of research involving human subjects, this article focuses on some of the more frequently encountered issues: It is necessary to distinguish research from practice because ethical justification for these two classes of activity differs in important respects. Most research involving medical records may be conducted without informed consent provided patients are given adequate notice of such activities. Access by researchers to patients through their medical records requires careful planning to avoid what patients might consider unwelcome intrusions. Choosing the timing and format of publication of results often requires careful balancing of the interests of concerned parties such as the public, regulatory agencies, industrial sponsors and researchers.
Measurement of intracellular pH with a laser scanning confocal microscope.

Publisher Summary Optical fluorescent methods for measuring intracellular pH (pHi) in single cells are advantageous because these techniques yield spatial information and have a high sensitivity and rapid response time. The most widely used pH probe is 2′,7′-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). BCECF has been used to measure intracellular pH in a diverse variety of cell types. This chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of measuring pHi with a confocal microscope. The confocal microscope has markedly improved resolution in the z dimension. Two types of excitation lights are utilized: (1) scanning laser source, and (2) white light source. The laser-based systems have a greater throughput with less overall light loss, and also have less image pixel-to-pixel variation because a single photomultiplier tube is used as the detector. However, slow image acquisition rates and limited choice of excitation wavelengths are disadvantages of the laser-based systems. Because of the time it takes to acquire an image with some laser-scanning confocal microscopes, movement of the preparation is a serious problem and must be corrected before useful two- and three-dimensional measurements can be acquired.
Citizenship, reciprocity, and the gendered division of labor: A stability argument for gender egalitarian political interventions

Despite women’s increased labor force participation, household divisions of labor remain highly unequal. Properly implemented, gender egalitarian political interventions such as work time regulation, dependent care provisions, and family leave initiatives can induce families to share work more equally than they currently do. But do these interventions constitute legitimate uses of political power? In this article, I defend the political legitimacy of these interventions. Using the conception of citizenship at the heart of political liberalism, I argue that citizens would accept political interventions aimed at protecting the ‘genuinely available option’ to enact gender egalitarian lifestyles. More strongly still, I argue that under certain circumstances, citizens would insist on the enactment of political interventions to protect this option. According to political liberalism’s constraints on legitimacy, this insistence renders these interventions not only legitimate but positively mandatory. It is legiti...
Certainty and Sensations

In some ways certainty about sensations is a more complicated issue than certainty about necessary truths or our own existence. Since there has been greater controversy about sensations, the infallibilist’s position tends to be more refined; there are also more arguments and counterarguments. It is not possible to do justice to all the issues here or even to sort them out in a few pages. In order to deal with what I take to be the central points, I will consider first the main objection to the infallibilist’s claim and, in the next section, attempt to sort out some of the standard objections that infallibilists have made to this line of argument. Finally, I will consider a modal restatement of the infallibilist position that has been discussed widely in the recent literature, namely, the claim that propositions about sensations (“basic” propositions) are incorrigible.
Familial Migraine with Vertigo and Tremor

A family with dominantly inherited migraine headaches, episodic vertigo, and essential tremor is reported from the UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA.
Putting out fire with gasoline in Tahrir Square: Revisiting the Gamson hypothesis.

This study situates the Gamson hypothesis in the non-Western country of Egypt with an attempt to explore the relationship between the Gamson typology and political behavior in a country that has traditionally been under an authoritarian regime. Furthermore, this study suggests that additional factors might play important roles in the traditional relationship; it examines a possible link among media use, political corruption, and political rights to the Gamson typology based on a representative national survey conducted in Egypt. Several results differed from studies conducted in the Western world. Dissidents were more likely to engage in conventional political activities, which goes against the Gamson hypothesis. High efficacy regardless of trust level predicted conventional activities. This study aims not only to enrich the model but also to enhance our understanding of the diverse nature of the relationships among the Gamson typology and perceptions of political system, media use, and political activities in a non-Western authoritarian state.
Endocuff assisted colonoscopy significantly increases sessile serrated adenoma detection in veterans

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for the detection of CRC. There are many colonoscopy quality measures and among these the adenoma detection rate (ADR) has demonstrated a significant impact in reducing mortality from CRC. The primary aim of our study was to compare ADR and distribution of polyp type in patients undergoing Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy (EAC) versus standard colonoscopy (SC) in a VA system. Methods: Retrospective data was collected from 496 patients who underwent routine screening, surveillance and diagnostic colonoscopies either via SC from January 6, 2014 through March 12, 2014 or EAC from September 24, 2014 through February 19, 2015. A total of 54 patients were excluded based on a personal history of CRC and prior resection, incomplete colonoscopy due to poor bowel preparation, and removal or loss of Endocuff (EC). Primary outcomes measured and compared were ADR and types of polyps found. Results: The overall ADR in the EAC group was higher at 59.91% versus 50.66% for SC, accounting for a 9% increase (P=0.0508). EAC was able to detect a total of 59 sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps) compared to SC only detecting 8 (P≤0.0001). There was a significant increase in the SSA/P detection rate with EAC at 15% versus 3% in the SC group (P≤0.0001). Conclusions: EAC significantly increases the detection of SSA/P and has shown a trend in improving ADR in our veteran population.
Heartbeat: Text messaging to improve health

It has been challenging to develop effective interventions to increase the number of people engaged in heart healthy behaviours. We all look at our phones all the time; text messaging offers a simple way to reach our patients one on one. Burn and colleagues1 used a Markov model, based on a previous randomised trial and meta-analysis, to evaluate the effect of a simple text messaging programme for secondary prevention of adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and improvement in quality adjusted life years (QALYs) in patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD). The programme, called TEXT ME, consists of 4 weekly text messages for 6 months with message content targeted to each participant’s baseline cardiac risk factor profile across the domains of general health and medication adherence, diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. (figure 1). Overall, the TEXT ME programme was estimated to result in 563 fewer myocardial infarctions, 361 fewer strokes and 1143 additional QALYs in a target population of 50 thousand CAD patients. Cost savings would be substantial, given that the text messaging programme is quite inexpensive. Figure 1 Estimated effect of TEXT ME on health outcomes. Differences in risk factors were observed at 6 months. Relative risk reductions associated with changes in these risk factors …
Hollow Cathode Simulations with a First-Principles Model of Ion-Acoustic Anomalous Resistivity

A mathematical model of the ion–acoustic turbulence that is known to develop in the plume of hollow cathodes is presented. The model takes the form of a partial differential equation for the ion–ac...
The OPRM1 A118G polymorphism: converging evidence against associations with alcohol sensitivity and consumption.

The endogenous opioid system may be involved in the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and is a target for existing AUD pharmacotherapies. A functional polymorphism of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1 A118G, rs1799971) may alter the risk of developing AUD. Human laboratory studies have demonstrated that minor allele carriers self-administer more alcohol, show greater sensitivity to alcohol’s effects, and exhibit increased alcohol-induced dopamine release. On the other hand, large genome-wide association studies and meta-analyses of candidate gene studies have not found an association between this genotype and alcohol dependence diagnosis. Given this discrepancy, the present study sought to verify whether OPRM1 A118G was associated with alcohol self-administration, subjective response to alcohol, and craving in a sample of 106 social drinkers of European ancestry who completed an intravenous alcohol self-administration session. We found no relationship between OPRM1 rs1799971 genotype and subjective response to alcohol or craving. OPRM1 genotype was not associated with total alcohol exposure or likelihood of attaining a binge-level exposure (80 mg%) during the intravenous alcohol self-administration session. Analysis of 90-day Timeline Followback interview data in a larger sample of 965 participants of European ancestry found no relationship between OPRM1 genotype and alcohol consumption in either alcohol dependent or non-dependent participants. These findings suggest that there may not be an association between OPRM1 rs1799971 genotype and alcohol consumption or sensitivity in individuals of European ancestry.
Percutaneous absorption of 2',3'-dideoxyinosine in rats.

This study explored the topical route for administering of 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine (ddI), a nucleoside analog used for treating patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A dose of ddI (∼180 mg/kg) dispersed in ~1 g ointment base was applied, with or without occlusion, to the back of high follicular density (HFD) and low follicular density (LFD) rats. The systemic ddI clearance was determined using a concomitant administration of an intravenous tracer dose of [3H]ddI. At 24 hr, the experiment was terminated and skin sections at the application site were removed. After topical application, average plateau plasma levels of about 0.6 µg/ml were achieved within 1 to 2 hr and maintained for 24 hr. Occlusion gave a more uniform plasma profile but did not increase the bioavailability. The systemic bioavailability in HFD and LFD rats was about the same at 33%. In addition, a depot of about 16% of the dose was recovered by rinsing the application area and extracting the drug from the excised application site. These data indicate that about 50% of the dermal dose penetrated the skin barrier in 24 hr. The similar bioavailability in the HFD and LFD rats further suggests an unimportant role for the transfollicular absorption route for ddI. The effect of a mixture of penetration enhancers, Azone and propylene glycol (5:95), was studied in HFD rats. Coadministration of ddI with the enhancers did not increase the ddI bioavailability. However pre-treatment and coadministration with the enhancers significantly increased the bioavailability to 62%, which is a conservative estimate because the plasma drug level was still at a plateau when the experiment was terminated at 24 hr. In summary, the transdermal bioavailability of ddI exceeded the 15% oral bioavailability found in previous studies by more than 3 folds and was further increased by the pretreatment with absorption enhancers. These data indicate the topical route as an attractive administration route.
Should we break a wireless network into sub-networks?

In this paper we show that to achieve capacity of a wireless network, the global structure of the network should be considered. In other words, achieving capacity on the sub-networks of a wireless network does not guarantee achieving capacity globally. We illustrate this fact by some examples. Then we consider packet erasure wireless networks with limited sets of operations allowed at each node. We pose some interesting problems related to the optimal achievable rate of these networks and provide partial answers to some of them.
Neutron reflectivity studies of single lipid bilayers supported on planar substrates.

Neutron reflectivity was used to probe the structure of single phosphatidylcholine (PC) lipid bilayers adsorbed onto a planar silicon surface in an aqueous environment. Fluctuations in the neutron scattering length density profiles perpendicular to the silicon/water interface were determined for different lipids as a function of the hydrocarbon chain length. The lipids were studied in both the gel and liquid crystalline phases by monitoring changes in the specularly-reflected neutron intensity as a function of temperature. Contrast variation of the neutron scattering length density was applied to both the lipid and the solvent. Scattering length density profiles were determined using both model-independent and model-dependent fitting methods. During the reflectivity measurements, a novel experimental set-up was implemented to decrease the incoherent background scattering due to the solvent. Thus, the reflectivity was measured to Q ~ 0.3A-1, covering up to seven orders of magnitude in reflected intensity, for PC bilayers in D2O and silicon-matched (38% D2O/62% H2O) water. The kinetics of lipid adsorption at the silicon/water interface were also explored by observing changes in the reflectivity at low Q values under silicon-matched water conditions.
Histopathologic Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Microscopic evaluation of mucosal biopsies begins with determining whether or not colitis is present. This assessment typically involves the examination of three main components: (1) inflammatory cells, (2) crypt architecture, and (3) epithelial cells. However, in order to recognize aberrant histology, typical variation in normal mucosal appearances should be remembered. In the colon, all three of these histologic features can vary according to anatomic site.
Virtual Patient Model: An Approach for Generating Synthetic Healthcare Time Series Data

In this paper, we address the problem of research data availability and access in the healthcare sector, by proposing Virtual Patient Model (VPM) a process that combines the use of an optimization algorithm, statistical analysis and machine learning techniques to generate synthetic time series data and report their effectiveness in predictive models. We validate the proposed model by implementing a genetic algorithm that captures important features of a real-world patient time-series data (original) and in applying constraints in the generative process, outputs a best fit synthetic candidate solution of the original time series data. Experimental results using statistical verification tests on both the synthetic and original datasets showed that the synthetic dataset preserved features from the original dataset. We used machine learning prediction models that integrated the synthetic dataset into classification learners and compare their outcomes with those from learners trained with the original dataset. We found promising results in machine learner's ability to discriminate between the different classes when synthetic data is used for training.