cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Calcium Sulfate on Hard-Tissue Healing After Periradicular Surgery

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of calcium sulfate (CS) on cementum deposition and osseous healing after periradicular surgery. The root canals of 24 mandibular premolars in four 2-yr-old beagle dogs were endodontically treated, followed 2 weeks later by periradicular surgery. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was used as root– end-filling material. The right or left side was assigned at random to receive CS alphahemihydrate or no material in the osteotomy sites before closure. The animals were killed after 4 months. Hard-tissue healing was analyzed histomorphometrically. All samples displayed evidence of cementum deposition adjacent to the root-end fillings and bone regeneration in the osteotomy sites. The data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, comparing the scores for cementum and osseous healing of the two groups at significance level of alpha 0.05. The results indicated that placement of CS in osteotomy sites after periradicular surgery does not significantly affect periradicular healing.
On the Observability of Pressure in a Pneumatic Servo Actuator

Pneumatic servo actuators are characterized by highly nonlinear dynamics from spool valve command to cylinder pressure and, as such, are well suited to the use of nonlinear control methods requiring measurement of the full state, such as sliding mode control. This paper investigates the possibility of eliminating the pressure measurement required for nonlinear control in lieu of a nonlinear pressure observer, based on measurement of the output motion. A nonlinear observability analysis is conducted that demonstrates that such a system loses local observability in several regions of the state space, thus rendering the system unobservable. @DOI: 10.1115/1.1850530#
Mast cells mediate substance P-induced bladder inflammation through an NK1 receptor-independent mechanism

The role of neurokinin-1 receptors (NK1R) in the interaction between mast cells and substance P (SP) in bladder inflammation was determined. Mast cell-deficient KitW/KitW-v , congenic normal (+/+),...
Synthesis and gas barrier characterization of poly(ethylene isophthalate)

Poly(ethylene isophthalate) (PEI) was synthesized for this research with essentially a condensation polymerization of isophthalic acid and ethylene glycol catalyzed by zinc acetate and antimony trioxide. Several samples were obtained, and their characteristics were observed and compared with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The synthesized PEI samples were chemically identified by 1H NMR. Thermal analysis with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) yielded results that indicate the samples were primarily amorphous, with a glass-transition temperature of 55–60 °C. Molecular weights of these PEI samples were also obtained through intrinsic viscosity measurements (Mark–Houwink equation). Molecular weights varied with conditions of the polymerization, and the highest molecular weight achieved was 21,000 g/mol. Finally, the diffusion coefficient, solubility, and permeability of CO2 gas in PEI were measured and found to be substantially lower than in PET, as anticipated from their isomeric chemical structures. This is because in PET the phenyl rings are substituted in the para (1,4) positions, which allows for their facile flipping, effectively permitting gases to pass through. However, the meta-substituted phenyl rings in PEI do not permit such ring flipping, and thus PEI may be more suitable for barrier applications. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4247–4254, 2004
CRYSTAL STRUCTURES OF ADENINE PHOSPHORIBOSYLTRANSFERASE FROM LEISHMANIA DONOVANI

The enzyme adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) functions to salvage adenine by converting it to adenosine-5-monophosphate (AMP). APRT deficiency in humans is a well characterized inborn error of metabolism, and APRT may contribute to the indispensable nutritional role of purine salvage in protozoan parasites, all of which lack de novo purine biosynthesis. We determined crystal structures for APRT from Leishmania donovani in complex with the substrate adenine, the product AMP, and sulfate and citrate ions that appear to mimic the binding of phosphate moieties. Overall, these structures are very similar to each other, although the adenine and AMP complexes show different patterns of hydrogen-bonding to the base, and the active site pocket opens slightly to accommodate the larger AMP ligand. Whereas AMP adopts a single conformation, adenine binds in two mutually exclusive orientations: one orientation providing adenine-specific hydrogen bonds and the other apparently positioning adenine for the enzymatic reaction. The core of APRT is similar to that of other phosphoribosyltransferases, although the adenine-binding domain is quite different. A C-terminal extension, unique to Leishmania APRTs, extends an extensive dimer interface by wrapping around the partner molecule. The active site involves residues from both subunits of the dimer, indicating that dimerization is essential for catalysis.
Momentum and Heat Transfer in Laminar Flow Past a Circular Cylinder with Slip and Temperature Jump Boundary Conditions

Vorticity transport and energy equations are solved numerically in a laminar gas flow past a circular cylinder. The slip boundary condition and temperature jump are applied at the cylinder wall. Heat transfer and the velocity at the cylinder wall are studied by Knudsen and Reynolds number variations. As Knudsen number increases the slip increases at the wall and the heat flux between the cylinder wall and the flow decreases.
The Effect of Aluminum vs. Photoresist Masking on the Etching Rates of Silicon and Silicon Dioxide in CF 4 / O 2 Plasmas

The etch rates of silicon and silicon dioxide in a plasma when masked with photoresist and aluminum are compared. It was observed that silicon is etched more rapidly when masked by aluminum than when masked by photoresist. In contrast, the etch rate of silicon dioxide is suppressed by the aluminum mask. It was shown that the phenomenon is not electrical in origin, nor caused by aluminum mask redeposition due to sputtering. It is suggested that the effect be attributed either to a surface catalytic reaction involving aluminum and a species that leads to a local increase in fluorine atom production, or to local fluorine radical consumption by the photoresist.
A Comparison of Students with Learning Disabilities to Low Achieving and Higher Achieving Students on Three Dimensions of Social Competence

Research continues to accumulate attesting to the fact that many children with learning disabilities are experiencing social difficulties in school. Nonetheless, it is also clear that achievement deficits, with or without the presence of a handicapping condition, are also related to social problems in the classroom. Several studies attempting to clarify the relative roles of handicapping condition and achievement in social adjustment have produced mixed results. The purpose of the present study was to clarify this issue further by examining the social differences between elementary school students with learning disabilities and other low achieving and higher achieving children on three social dimensions: sociometric status, behavior as rated by teachers, and self-ratings of social competence. The results indicated that the children with learning disabilities may be at higher risk socially than their low achieving and higher achieving peers. Variables that may account for these results are discussed as wel...
Stochastic dynamics: A review of stochastic calculus of variations

We present the main results of a variational calculus for Markovian stochastic processes which allows us to characterize the dynamics of probabilistic systems by extremal properties for some functionals of processes. They generalize, by construction, the main variational formulations of classical dynamics. This framework is used for the dynamical analysis of Nelson's stochastic mechanics, an approach to quantum mechanics in which the concept of trajectory for particles still makes sense. The semiclassical limit is formulated in terms of the second variation of the starting functional. We also use the proposed stochastic calculus of variations in the context of statistical mechanics of systems far from equilibrium, namely, to solve the Onsager-Machlup problem.
Cytosine Methylation Represses Glutathione S-Transferase P1 (GSTP1) Gene Expression in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Methylation of the glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene has been described as a highly specific and sensitive biomarker for prostate cancer. However, at present, it is not known whether methylation represses GSTP1 gene expression in human prostate cancer. We found the GSTP1 gene promoter to be completely methylated in the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line, where this gene is transcriptionally inactive. In contrast, Du145 and PC3 prostate cancer cells express the GSTP1 gene and exhibit methylated and unmethylated GSTP1 alleles. In a transient transfection assay using LNCaP cells, methylation of the GSTP1 promoter-driven luciferase reporter vector (GSTP1-pGL3) resulted in a >20-fold inhibition of transcription, and this repression was not relieved by the presence of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA). Treatment of LNCaP cells with a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine, resulted in demethylation and activation of the GSTP1 gene. In contrast, TSA treatment failed to demethylate or activate the GSTP1 gene. Fully methylated but not unmethylated GSTP1 promoter fragment was shown to bind to a complex similar to methyl cytosine-binding protein complex 1 that contains methyl-CpG-binding domain 2 protein (MBD2) in electrophoretic mobility shift assays using LNCaP cell nuclear extracts. These data demonstrate that cytosine methylation can repress GSTP1 gene expression in LNCaP prostate cancer cells and that this effect is possibly mediated by a methyl cytosine-binding protein complex 1-like complex. Furthermore, these data also support the notion of the dominance of methylation over TSA-sensitive histone deacetylation in silencing genes with a high CpG density in the promoter region.
Control of material damping in high-Q membrane microresonators.

We study the mechanical quality factors of bilayer aluminum–silicon-nitride membranes. By coating ultrahigh-Q Si3N4 membranes with a more lossy metal, we can precisely measure the effect of material loss on Q’s of tensioned resonator modes over a large range of frequencies. We develop a theoretical model that interprets our results and predicts the damping can be reduced significantly by patterning the metal film. Using such patterning, we fabricate Al-Si3N4 membranes with ultrahigh Q at room temperature. Our work elucidates the role of material loss in the Q of membrane resonators and informs the design of hybrid mechanical oscillators for optical-electrical-mechanical quantum interfaces.
Optimum beam duty cycle for coincidence experiments

It is argued that continuous beam is commonly thought to be ideal for a coincidence experiment because it minimizes the false coincidence rate. A false coincidence rate up to a factor of two lower can be obtained (for fixed average current) by a pulsed beam with relatively short pulses separated by the resolution time of the detector. The micropulse structure of the beam is discussed. Most RF accelerators produce a train of micropulses within a macropulse during which the RF is on. Macropulse timing is generally very long compared to resolution times, hence a macropulse structure that is continuous is desirable. An analysis is given of the errors associated with different duty cycle lengths. >
Integrating service learning into a first-year engineering course

Over the last several years, the first-year-engineering course offered at Calvin College (USA) has included a significant team design project. What has made the project special to both faculty and students is the service-learning aspect. The author has developed relationships with several local organizations that support and assist disabled persons to become employed in the community. The design projects require the students to design and build assistive devices for specific clients of these organizations. The motto of the service learning program at Calvin College is "Learning to Serve, Serving to Learn" and the author has found that this project is a rewarding experience as it combines the students' engineering education with service opportunities. This paper provides examples of past projects and discuss the organization, the difficulties, and the benefits of this service-learning project.
Nutrient recycling by Daphnia reduces N2 fixation by cyanobacteria

A field experiment in an experimentally eutrophied lake (Lake 227) tested the hypothesis that differential recycling of nitrogen and phosphorus by Daphnia (a zooplankter with low body N:P ratio) affects the physiological status of cyanobacteria, including rates of N2 fixation (stoichiometric recycling hypothesis). After a 5-d incubation in 2.4-liter bottles, Daphnia treatments had lower standing stocks of algae (based on particulate carbon or Chl a) and higher concentrations of dissolved nutrients than did Epischura (a high N:P ratio consumer) or control treatments lacking macrozooplankton. The N:P ratio of dissolved nutrients was higher in the Daphnia treatments than in control or Epischura treatments, consistent with the stoichiometric recycling hypothesis, and was associated with greater algal P deficiency. Measurements of absolute and C-specific N2 fixation rates following the incubation showed that Daphnia treatments experienced a 50% reduction in N2 fixation relative to Epischura and control treatments. This reduction is consistent with the higher N:P ratio of the dissolved pool in the Daphnia treatment, as N4-N inhibits N2 fixation. Thus, by differentially recycling N4-N relative to P, Daphnia reduce the advantage (N2 fixation) cyanobacteria have~over other phytoplankton. We suggest that this mechanism may be an important factor in the ability of Daphnia to reduce the incidence of cyanobactetial blooms in lakes with low N:P loading ratios.
Texar Federal Credit Union: Where Your Friends Are

TEXAR Federal Credit Union (formerly Bowie County Teachers Credit Union, Bowie-Cass Teachers Credit Union, and the Teachers Federal Credit Union) has been, from inception in 1951, a provider of a broad range of financial services to its members, primarily in Texarkana, Texas, and Arkansas and the surrounding areas. The credit union experienced normal growth over the years as it progressed through major name changes, especially to TEXAR in 2001. Another significant milestone was the decision to launch a major building program that concluded with moving into a new, large, and modern building in 2003. As the national economy went into a recession in 2008, the states of Texas and Arkansas experienced economic slowdowns that were not as significant as the changes that were reflected in the economic indicators at the national level or those experienced by other states that were much more severely affected. The Texarkana area economy was moderately affected by slowdowns in lending, especially for housing, automobiles, and other durable products.There was additional impact by an elevation in member loan defaults. Another significant occurrence, not related to the local economy, was the failure of U.S. Central Federal Credit Union and Western Corporate (WesCorp) Federal Credit Union and the financial losses of Southwest Corporate Federal Credit Union.Similar to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation that insures losses in the banking industry, the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) insures losses among credit unions. To help cover the losses of U.S. Central and WesCorp, TEXAR was assessed approximately $750,000 and because of the losses at Southwest Corporate, it was assessed approximately $700,000.That is the essence of this case.
Spatial Analysis of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Oviposition in Suburban Neighborhoods of a Piedmont Community in North Carolina

Temporal and spatial distribution of egg-laying by Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) was investigated in suburban neighborhoods in Raleigh, NC, by using oviposition traps (ovitraps) at fixed sampling stations during the 2002 and 2003 mosquito seasons. Variations in the phenology of oviposition between the two mosquito seasons resulted from differences in the patterns and amounts of rainfall early in the season. Aerial images of each study neighborhood were digitized, and the proportions of specific types of land cover within buffer zones encompassing ovitraps were estimated. Retrospective analyses showed that in some neighborhoods, oviposition intensity was significantly associated with specific types of land cover. However, in general, it seemed that gravid Ae. albopictus searched throughout the landscape for water-filled containers in which to lay eggs. Peridomestic surveys were carried out concurrently with ovitrap collections to estimate production of Ae. albopictus pupae in discarded water-filled containers and the abundance of females in vegetation that made up the resting habitat. Results of linear regression analyses indicated that the mean standing crop of pupae (total and per container) per residence was not a significant predictor of mean egg densities in ovitraps. However, the mean standing crop of adult females was a significant but weak predictor variable, because the magnitude and sign of regression coefficients varied between neighborhoods. Linear spatial regression analyses revealed that oviposition intensity was not spatially dependent on pupal standing crop or the numbers of pupae-positive containers distributed peridomestically. However, a weak spatial dependence on the standing crop of adult females was found in some neighborhoods. Based on spherical variogram models, kriging was carried out to predict the spatial patterns of oviposition in suburban neighborhoods. Focal areas of high and low oviposition intensity were evident in most neighborhoods; however, the spatial patterns of oviposition changed between mosquito seasons. Kriging predictions were evaluated, using cross-validation, by systematically removing each data point from our data set and predicting the removed point by using the remaining points. The root mean square (standardized) error values of best fitting variogram models approximated 1, and plots of standardized PRESS residuals showed no distinct pattern for most neighborhoods, indicating that predictions of the spatial distribution of oviposition intensity were valid. Spherical variogram models are a satisfactory method for describing the spatial distribution of Ae. albopictus oviposition, and kriging can be a useful technique for predicting oviposition intensity at locations that have not been sampled.
Teaching Archivists About Information Technology Concepts: A Needs Assessment

With the growing use of information technologies in all aspects of work and leisure, automation and electronic records have become commonplace within most modern organizations. To address the varied and often complex user-support requirements associated with these developments, we must educate a new breed of information services professional. The traditional role models of archivist, records manager, librarian, museum curator, and the like will not suffice. The accompanying essay briefly describes the emerging information services environment, the special demands it places on archivists, the types of skills required in response to these articulated needs, and a strategy and criteria for a programmatic response. This paper was originally prepared for the Society of American Archivists' Committee on Automated Records and Techniques as part of a NHPRC-funded grant to develop an automation curriculum for the archival profession.
A fequency analysis of the regional variation in the contribution from action potentials to the primate multifocal ERG

The multifocal technique as described by Sutter and colleagues1,2 allows for simultaneous measurement of 103 focal retinal responses.
Stereoselective access to tubuphenylalanine and tubuvaline: improved Mn-mediated radical additions and assembly of a tubulysin tetrapeptide analog.

Stereoselective access to tubuphenylalanine and tubuvaline: improved Mn-mediated radical additions and assembly of a tubulysin tetrapeptide analog
Synthetical Experiments and Alkaloid Analogues: Liebig, Hofmann, and the Origins of Organic Synthesis

This essay provides the first historical account of the origins of synthetic organic chemistry, one of the most powerful and productive of late nineteenth-century sciences. It builds on a revised understanding of the program of organic analysis instituted in the early 1830s by Justus Liebig, showing why and how Liebig guided his students August Wilhelm Hofmann and James Sheridan Muspratt in the introduction of synthesis to organic chemistry in early 1840s Giessen. What Muspratt and Hofmann called “ synthetical experiments” became Hofmann’s main investigative method, but they did not enable the artificial laboratory production of specified target substances. Instead, synthetical experiments increased chemical understanding of reactions and their products. When applied to aniline, Hofmann’s model for natural alkaloids, they produced the array of artificial organic bases underpinning Hofmann’s major theoretical innovation, the ammonia type. Despite his reliance on artificial bases, this essay shows that Hofmann’s primary and enduring scientific goal was to understand the natural alkaloids. By revealing the essential stabilizing and progressive role of chemists’ daily work at a time when theory was uncertain and contested, it contributes to ongoing studies of science as practice.
Misuse of the Tarsal-Contact Method for Detecting Insecticide Resistance in the German Cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Methods for detecting resistance to chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica (L.), were evaluated. Results from the tarsal-contact method (jar test) are greatly influenced by the amount of insecticide used. In tests with high levels of insecticide, little or no resistance was detected. By using less insecticide, the existence of resistance was revealed. Recognition of this fact allows discrepencies between the lethal dose, lethal concentration, and lethal time methods to be largely resolved. These findings indicate that caution must be exercised in the use of the jar test to avoid misinterpretation of the results.
A new fragile site at 10q25 requiring brdu for expression

A fragile site has been found at 10q25. This represents a new class of fragile site in that it requires Brd U to be present in the culture medium from late S or earlier for expression. This fragile site cannot be suppressed by folic acid. The fragile site is common, being present in approximately 1 in 30 of the Adelaide population. The fragile site is inherited as a Mendelian co-dominant. It has been observed in 43 individuals following 21 independent ascertainments. No new mutant has been identified. The homozygous state, which should occur in approximately 1 in 4000 live births (if not lethal), has not been detected. Efforts are being made to identify homozygotes to determine whether or not the fragile site is a cytological expression of a deleterious ‘gene’.
Plasticity Of MOSi2 Below 900°C

The mechanical behavior of polycrystalline MoSi2 tested in compression at temperatures from 750°C to 950°C has been investigated. This material can be deformed to several percent strain without fracture at temperatures as low as 900°C. This same material prestrained at 1300°C and subsequently tested at lower temperatures can be deformed to substantial strain at 800°C, and even exhibits modest plasticity at 750°C. Both prestrained and unprestrained materials exhibit microcracking combined with dislocation substructures containing high densities of dislocations. Unprestrained MoSi2 exhibits a yield point in this temperature range which does not exist when it is prestrained. The stress-strain curves of the prestrained material in this temperature range are similar qualitatively to those of the unprestrained material at 1100°C and above. These observations suggest that at these temperatures MoSi2 is a dislocation density limited material which can deform by dislocation plasticity processes if a sufficient dislocation density is available.
Precipitation of Norsethite at Room Temperature

Norsethite, BaMg(COa)a can be formed from aqueous solution by mixing a solution containing 0.06 molar barium chloride and 0.1 molar magnesium chloride with an equal amount of 0.5 molar sodium carbonate solution and allowing the precipitate to age in contact with the solution for three days or longer. Other barium and magnesium concentrations give rise to precipitates containing witherite alone, witherite plus norsethite, norsethite alone, norsethite plus hydrated magnesium carbonates, or hydrated magnesium carbonates alone. The wide range oforiginal barium to magnesium ratios of solutions from which norsethite can be precipitated suggests that it should be a more common mineral than is presently recognized. fntroduction The mineral norsethite, BaMg(CO')r, although apparently rare in nature, has received a considerable amount of attention since its discovery by Mrose el a/ (1961) in the Green River Formation in Wyoming. It was first synthesized by Chang (1964) at 500"C and later by Lippmann (1967a, 1968b) at 2AoC. Norsethite is structurally similar to dolomite (Lippmann, 1967b, 1968a) but, in contrast to dolomite, is easily formed at low temperatures. Hence, study of the stability relations of norsethite may aid in the understanding of the origin of dolomite and other ordered rhombohedral carbonate minerals. This paper reports the synthesis of norsethite at 20"C from aqueous solutions of widely varying barium and magnesium ratios.
Epidemic situation of human brucellosis in Jilin Province from 2010 to 2014

Objectives To analyze the prevalent features of human brucellosis in Jilin Province from 2010 to 2014,and provide scientific basis for the prevention and control. Methods Data were collected from surveillance and investigation of human brucellosis in Jilin Province from 2010 to 2014 that were analyzed by descriptive study and statistics methods.Results About 10757 new cases were reported during 5 years with the incidence rate of 6.85 to 10.60 per 100 000,the average incidence rate was 7.83 per 100 000. The annual average incidence decreased,Baicheng and Songyuan were regions with high prevalence rate of human brucellosis,the incidence time mainly concentrated in March and May. The incidence rate in males was higher than in females,most cases were the farmer aged from25 to 64 years. Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the quarantine and management in livestock trading,active surveillance in goat market and health education by close multispectral cooperation to prevent and control brucellosis in Jilin Province.
A Review of Some Extensions to the PAC Learning Model

The Probably Approximately Correct (PAC) learning model, which has received much attention recently in the machine learning community, attempts to formalize the notion of learning from examples. In this paper, we review several extensions to the basic PAC model with a focus on the information complexity of learning. The extensions discussed are learning over a class of distributions, learning with queries, learning functions, and learning from generalized samples.
A retractor for simplified cholecystectomy.

A broad, shallow Deaver retractor has been modified by providing 2 inch parallel slits, one-eighth of an inch from the edges of the curved retracting position. These slits allow the edge of a Kelly retractor to lock the Deaver retractor in place, so that the assistant can maintain exposure with one hand
MINING THE COSTA RICAN WEB

There is much to say about the structure and composition of a local web. Identification of authorities, topics and web communities can be used to improve search engines, change a portal design or to develop marketing strategies. The Costa Rican web was chosen as a test case for web mining analysis. After the study we obtained several descriptors of the web as well as the answers to typical questions like how many pages on average a site has, which file type is preferred for building a dynamic site, what is the most referenced site, which sites are similar, and many more.
Horizontal gene transfer: essentiality and evolvability in prokaryotes, and roles in evolutionary transitions.

The wide spread of gene exchange and loss in the prokaryotic world has prompted the concept of ‘lateral genomics’ to the point of an outright denial of the relevance of phylogenetic trees for evolution. However, the pronounced coherence congruence of the topologies of numerous gene trees, particularly those for (nearly) universal genes, translates into the notion of a statistical tree of life (STOL), which reflects a central trend of vertical evolution. The STOL can be employed as a framework for reconstruction of the evolutionary processes in the prokaryotic world. Quantitatively, however, horizontal gene transfer (HGT) dominates microbial evolution, with the rate of gene gain and loss being comparable to the rate of point mutations and much greater than the duplication rate. Theoretical models of evolution suggest that HGT is essential for the survival of microbial populations that otherwise deteriorate due to the Muller’s ratchet effect. Apparently, at least some bacteria and archaea evolved dedicated vehicles for gene transfer that evolved from selfish elements such as plasmids and viruses. Recent phylogenomic analyses suggest that episodes of massive HGT were pivotal for the emergence of major groups of organisms such as multiple archaeal phyla as well as eukaryotes. Similar analyses appear to indicate that, in addition to donating hundreds of genes to the emerging eukaryotic lineage, mitochondrial endosymbiosis severely curtailed HGT. These results shed new light on the routes of evolutionary transitions, but caution is due given the inherent uncertainty of deep phylogenies.
Non-invasive respiration and ventilation prediction using a single abdominal sensor belt

On-line measurement of respiration plays an important role in monitoring human physical activities. Such measurement commonly employs sensing belts secured around the abdomen of the test object. This paper first presents a signal decomposition technique for tissue artifact removal from respiratory signals and respiratory signal reconstruction, based on the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD). Methods based on spectral analysis and multiple linear regressions were then developed to predict the respiration rate and minute ventilation, respectively. Performance of the algorithms was evaluated through real-life experiments of 105 subjects engaged in 14 types of physical activities. The predictions were compared to the criterion respiration measurements using a bidirectional digital volume transducer housed in a respiratory gas exchange system. Results have verified reasonably good performance of the algorithms and the applicability of the wearable sensing system for respiratory parameter prediction during physical activity.
A Dual Low Power 1/2 LSB NL 16b/1Msample/s SAR A/D Converter with on-chip Microcontroller

A 0.35 mum double-poly CMOS 16 b SAR A/D converter uses self-calibration techniques to obtain frac12 LSB INL. The differential and single-ended THD at 1Msample/s are 101dB and 96 dB, respectively. Each ADC consumes 20 mW at 3 V and occupies 2.9 mm2 active area, resulting in a 0.9 pJ/b FOM. The chip includes 3 ADCs, 2 DACs, 8051-microcontroller, CAN controller, DMA controller, 64 K flash memory and 4 K RAM occupying 26 mm2.
Nuclear Fuel, Cladding, and the “Discovery” of Zirconium

Zirconium cladding played an important role in both the Fukushima and TMI accidents. As nuclear reactors increased in size and power, metallic cladding materials were needed to protect fuel elements. Initially, aluminum and stainless steel were used, but neither of these materials is ideal for use in the high temperature, high radiation environments of nuclear reactors. Zirconium was identified as a potential “miracle” cladding material because it maintains its characteristics at high temperatures and is very corrosion resistant. At 0.185 b, zirconium also has a very low neutron absorbing cross-section. Unfortunately, zirconium is not perfect. At very high temperatures, zirconium reacts with steam to generate heat and to produce hydrogen gas. Both of these attributes can have major negative impacts during nuclear emergencies.
Renal Reconstruction Techniques for Renal Tumors in Various Locations

The use of the robotic surgical platform facilitate renal reconstruction during partial nephrectomy. It is important to follow standardized surgical steps that have been proven to provide excellent outcomes. Using the techniques and principles described in this chapter, robotic partial nephrectomy can effectively and safely perform for a wide range of indications.
163. Hepatocyte Targeted Endosomal Escape Agents

The successful development of potent non-viral DNA and mRNA delivery agents to transfect liver hepatocytes in vivo requires the use of an endosomal escape molecule. Two major strategies have emerged, one that utilizes membrane lytic peptides, and a second that uses proton sponge polymers. Both approaches would require administration of excess endosomal release agent with a smaller dose of targeted polyplex. The present study compared these approaches by conducting 384-well in vitro transfections on primary hepatocytes, as previously described1. An N-glycan targeted melittin was designed to target hepatocytes via the asialoglycoprotein receptor. The synthesis used a purified triantennary N-glycan from bovine fetuin as an potent high affinity asialoglycoprotein receptor targeting ligand that was conjugated by disulfide bound to an N-terminal Cys on melittin, a 26 amino acid membrane lytic peptide. Following targeted entry into hepatocytes via receptor mediated endocytosis, melittin is bioactivated by reduction of the disulfide bond to release the N-glycan, leading to endosomal lysis. RBC hemolysis assays established the membrane lytic activity of triantennary-melittin was muted prior to reduction, which allowed it to be safely i.v. dosed in mice. A second strategy involved the modification of PEI by reductive amination with lactose followed by acetylation, resulting in an asialoglycoprotein receptor targeted proton sponge polymer. The resulting LacAcyl-PEI was purified by RP-HPLC and characterized by NMR. The i.v. dosing of LacAcyl PEI in mice demonstrated that it possessed a much greater safety margin than unmodified PEI. These novel endosomal escape agents are being compared for their ability to mediate in vitro gene transfer of glycan targeted DNA and mRNA in miniaturized primary hepatocyte transfection assays.
Operando X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic investigations of the electrochemical double layer at Ir/KOH(aq) interfaces

Tender X-ray operando photoemission spectroscopy has been used to directly analyze the energetics of the double layer at a metal-water interface in a dilute electrolyte having a Debye length of several nanometers. The data are compared to a theoretical evaluation of the potential of the solution near the electrode. Due to its noble nature, Ir was chosen as a working electrode material, and KOH(aq) at varied concentrations and thicknesses constituted the electrolyte. Shifts in peak width and binding energy of the water O 1s core level were analyzed by modeling based on Debye-Huckel approximations. The data are consistent with electrochemical formulations of the double layer that provide a foundation to electrochemistry.
Collaborative Learning to Realize United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and Professional Roles

Advanced undergraduates often seek a capstone learning experience to demonstrate the skills and understanding they have honed in college. Learning to apply both to a global challenge, such as realizing one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, provides students a pathway from learning to contributing professionally to their own distinct social concerns. This session demonstrates how students can rapidly coalesce around a subset of these 17 global goals, then develop “novums” and test “theories of change” as they learn to contribute to the goals at campus to community scales. Participants are then introduced to this approach as implemented through collaborative learning across an entire semester. This is followed by discussion of how to adapt the approach to other courses promoting experiential learning through social changemaking. For more information about collaborative learning: https://stearnscenter.gmu.edu/teaching/collaborative-learning
A Theory of Steering Committee Capabilities for Implementing Enterprise-Wide Information Systems

Organizations often struggle to achieve success when implementing complex enterprise systems despite the use of traditional governance structures such as project management methods and risk assessm...
Sensitivity of restriction spectrum imaging to memory and neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease.

Diffusion imaging has demonstrated sensitivity to structural brain changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, there remains a need for a more complete characterization of microstructural alterations occurring at the earliest disease stages, and how these changes relate to underlying neuropathology. This study evaluated the sensitivity of restriction spectrum imaging (RSI), an advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, to microstructural brain changes in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD. MRI and neuropsychological test data were acquired from 31 healthy controls, 12 individuals with MCI, and 13 individuals with mild AD, aged 63–93 years. Cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-β levels were measured in a subset (n = 38) of participants. RSI measures of neurite density (ND) and isotropic free water (IF) were computed in fiber tracts and in hippocampal and entorhinal cortex gray matter, respectively. Analyses evaluated whether these measures predicted memory performance, correlated with amyloid-β levels, and distinguished impaired individuals from controls. For comparison, analyses were repeated with standard diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity. Both RSI and DTI measures correlated with episodic memory and disease severity. RSI, but not DTI, measures correlated with amyloid-β42 levels. ND and FA in the arcuate fasciculus and entorhinal cortex IF most strongly predicted recall performance. RSI measures of arcuate fasciculus ND and entorhinal cortex IF best discriminated memory impaired participants from healthy participants. RSI is highly sensitive to microstructural changes in the early stages of AD, and is associated with biochemical markers of AD pathology. Reduced ND in cortical association fibers and increased medial temporal lobe free-water diffusion predicted episodic memory, distinguished cognitively impaired from healthy individuals, and correlated with amyloid-β. Although further research is needed to assess the sensitivity of RSI to preclinical AD and disease progression, these results suggest that RSI may be a promising tool to better understand neuroanatomical changes in AD and their association with neuropathology.
It Follows and Rape Culture: Critical Response as Disavowal

ABSTRACTIn 2014, the independent horror film It Follows debuted, garnering rave reviews from those who deemed the film subversive. In our view, this subversive potential could be generated from the ways the film explicitly references and counters rape culture. Yet so many critical responses to this film fail to even acknowledge that It Follows portrays or addresses sexual violence. We argue that while the film offers ample opportunity for the audience to grapple with the horrors of sexual violence, critical responses suggest that audiences do not overcome the entrenched violence of rape culture. Taking a novel path, this article first details the elements of the film that attempt to overturn horror film conventions and then analyzes critical responses to It Follows. We contend that critics use a variety of tactics to disavow rape in this film and thereby indicate the limits of filmic subversion.
Phosphorylation of the FUS low‐complexity domain disrupts phase separation, aggregation, and toxicity

Abstract Neuronal inclusions of aggregated RNA‐binding protein fused in sarcoma (FUS) are hallmarks of ALS and frontotemporal dementia subtypes. Intriguingly, FUS9s nearly uncharged, aggregation‐prone, yeast prion‐like, low sequence‐complexity domain (LC) is known to be targeted for phosphorylation. Here we map in vitro and in‐cell phosphorylation sites across FUS LC. We show that both phosphorylation and phosphomimetic variants reduce its aggregation‐prone/prion‐like character, disrupting FUS phase separation in the presence of RNA or salt and reducing FUS propensity to aggregate. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy demonstrates the intrinsically disordered structure of FUS LC is preserved after phosphorylation; however, transient domain collapse and self‐interaction are reduced by phosphomimetics. Moreover, we show that phosphomimetic FUS reduces aggregation in human and yeast cell models, and can ameliorate FUS‐associated cytotoxicity. Hence, post‐translational modification may be a mechanism by which cells control physiological assembly and prevent pathological protein aggregation, suggesting a potential treatment pathway amenable to pharmacologic modulation.
A high throughput electrorotation flow cytometer for single-cell analysis in continuous flows

We report a novel microfluidic-based high-throughput electrorotation flow cytometer for label-free single-cell analysis in continuous flows. This is realized by a heterogeneously integrated microfluidic channel with electrodes for high precision 3D single stream focusing and electrorotation of cells in high speed flows. This device provides 4 orders of magnitude higher throughput than prior electrorotation based cytometers.
Real-World Experience with Targeted Therapy for the Treatment of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma.

Background: Patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) have a dismal prognosis, despite systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of targeted therapy in ATC patients when used outside of a clinical trial. Methods: This is a retrospective review from April 2015 to May 2016 at a single academic institution where 16 ATC patients receiving targeted therapy outside of a clinical trial were studied. Ten patients (eight BRAF wild type and two BRAFV600E mutant tumors) were started on lenvatinib, and six with BRAFV600E-mutated tumors received a combination of dabrafenib plus trametinib. Best response evaluated by RECIST v1.1, progression-free survival, and overall survival were determined. Adverse events were evaluated for safety. Results: The majority of patients (63%) were men, and all had distant metastases or radiation-resistant primary disease at the time of treatment. In the entire cohort, 6/16 (38%) had a partial response, 6/16 (38%) had stabl...
Model and Integrate Medical Resource Availability into Verifiably Correct Executable Medical Guidelines - Technical Report.

Improving effectiveness and safety of patient care is an ultimate objective for medical cyber-physical systems. A recent study shows that the patients' death rate can be reduced by computerizing medical guidelines. Most existing medical guideline models are validated and/or verified based on the assumption that all necessary medical resources needed for a patient care are always available. However, the reality is that some medical resources, such as special medical equipment or medical specialists, can be temporarily unavailable for an individual patient. In such cases, safety properties validated and/or verified in existing medical guideline models without considering medical resource availability may not hold any more. The paper argues that considering medical resource availability is essential in building verifiably correct executable medical guidelines. We present an approach to explicitly and separately model medical resource availability and automatically integrate resource availability models into an existing statechart-based computerized medical guideline model. This approach requires minimal change in existing medical guideline models to take into consideration of medical resource availability in validating and verifying medical guideline models. A simplified stroke scenario is used as a case study to investigate the effectiveness and validity of our approach.
Nanoscale Optical Wireless Channel Model for Intra-Body Communications: Geometrical, Time, and Frequency Domain Analyses

In vivo wireless nanosensor networks (iWNSNs) consist of communicating miniature devices with unprecedented sensing and actuation capabilities, which are able to operate inside the human body. iWNSNs are the basis of emerging healthcare applications, such as intrabody health-monitoring and control of biological processes at subcellular level. Major progress in the field of nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, and wireless communication is enabling the interconnection of the nanodevices in iWNSNs. In this paper, the effect of single biological cells and cell assemblies on the propagation of optical wave for intrabody communications of nanosensors is analytically investigated in three distinct ways, namely, geometrical, time-domain, and frequency-domain analyses. The analytical channel model is validated by means of full wave electromagnetic simulations through a case study for red blood cells (RBCs) inside the blood plasma. The results show that RBCs perform as optical microlenses that confine the radiated light on a focal area, which agrees with recent experimental achievements. It is also shown that changes in shape and size of the cells slightly alter the channel impulse response. This study motivates the development of new communication solutions for intrabody nanoscale optical communication networks and new nanobiosensing strategies able to identify diseases which cause cell shape alterations.
Cardiac Arrhythmia Simulations for Comparing Remote Telemetry Monitoring Systems

To increase the potential for timely detection of cardiac events, hospitalized patients who are at risk for critical arrhythmias are put on telemetry to continuously monitor their heart rhythm. However, telemetry monitoring systems vary widely between hospitals, there are few guidelines for decisions regarding optimal practices, and few studies have compared the efficiency of different monitoring systems. Our goal was to determine the impact of different monitoring systems on the time to detect and respond to critical cardiac events. To this end, we compared the process of communicating a critical alarm to the patient’s nurse in 2 hospitals with different monitoring systems, to determine the most efficient system. We conducted in situ unannounced simulations of cardiac arrest in the 2 hospitals to measure the response times of monitor watchers and patient care unit staff. As expected, we found response times to be shorter in the hospital that had a more direct method for monitor watchers to contact patien...
Thermal Imaging with Plasmon Resonance Enhanced HgTe Colloidal Quantum Dot Photovoltaic Devices

Thermal imaging in the midwave infrared plays an important role for numerous applications. The key functionality is imaging devices in the atmospheric window between 3 and 5 μm, where disturbance from fog, dust, and other atmospheric influence could be avoided. Here, we demonstrate sensitive thermal imaging with HgTe colloidal quantum dot (CQD) photovoltaic detectors by integrating the HgTe CQDs with plasmonic structures. The responsivity at 5 μm is enhanced 2- to 3-fold over a wide range of operating temperatures from 295 to 85 K. A detectivity of 4 × 1011 Jones is achieved at cryogenic temperature. The noise equivalent temperature difference is 14 mK at an acquisition rate of 1 kHz for a 200 μm pixel. Thermal images are captured with a single-pixel scanning imaging system.