cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low scatter and ultra-low reflectivity measured in a fused silica window

We investigate the reflectivity and optical scattering characteristics at 1064 nm of an antireflection coated fused silica window of the type being used in the Advanced LIGO gravitational-wave detectors. Reflectivity is measured in the ultra-low range of 5–10 ppm (by vendor) and 14–30 ppm (by us). Using an angle-resolved scatterometer we measure the sample’s bidirectional scattering distribution function (BSDF) and use this to estimate its transmitted and reflected scatter at roughly 20–40 and 1 ppm, respectively, over the range of angles measured. We further inspect the sample’s low backscatter using an imaging scatterometer, measuring an angle resolved BSDF below 10^(−6) sr^(−1) for large angles (10°–80° from incidence in the plane of the beam). We use the associated images to (partially) isolate scatter from different regions of the sample and find that scattering from the bulk fused silica is on par with backscatter from the antireflection coated optical surfaces. To confirm that the bulk scattering is caused by Rayleigh scattering, we perform a separate experiment measuring the scattering intensity versus input polarization angle. We estimate that 0.9–1.3 ppm of the backscatter can be accounted for by Rayleigh scattering of the bulk fused silica. These results indicate that modern antireflection coatings have low enough scatter to not limit the total backscattering of thick fused silica optics.
Detection of Low-Copy-Number Genomic DNA Sequences in Individual Bacterial Cells by Using Peptide Nucleic Acid-Assisted Rolling-Circle Amplification and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization

An approach is proposed for in situ detection of short signature DNA sequences present in single copies per bacterial genome. The site is locally opened by peptide nucleic acids, and a circular oligonucleotide is assembled. The amplicon generated by rolling circle amplification is detected by hybridization with fluorescently labeled decorator probes.
Tidemarks and Legacies: Building on the Past and Moving to the Future

In this address, I ask a number of questions including: What are the tidemarks of our time? In response, I make three points. First, we live in a neoliberal world driven by the myth of disinterested markets. Second, CAE and its leadership has always been interested in issues of social justice. Third, I argue that relationships are a vital part of the work of educational anthropologists.
A high-power pulsed xenon ion laser as a pump source for a tunable dye laser

An inexpensive pulsed xenon ion laser with peak power outputs up to 4 kW has been constructed and used as a pump source for a tunable rhodamine 6G dye laser with a 0.25-A bandpass in the yellow-red range of the spectrum. The dye laser is tunable from 5465 to 6300 A. Over 50 W are obtained at the peak of the tuning range.
Allograft juvenile articular cartilage transplantation for treatment of talus osteochondral defects.

Osteochondral (OCD) lesions of the talus are frequent sequelae of traumatic ankle injuries such as ankle sprains, fractures, and recurrent ankle instability. Initial management of talus lesions in most cases involves arthros- copy and microfracture/curettage. Tissue resulting from the microfracture is fibro- cartilage. Clinical improvement in pain is seen in approximately 75% to 85% of people in a number of studies with long- term follow-up. Often, large lesions (>1 cm 2 ) or those with cystic changes require secondary procedures such as talus allograft/autograft or autologous chondrocyte implantation. The use of a juvenile articular chondrocyte allograft is an option for large or refractory lesions and has the advantage of obviating the need for a tibial or fibular osteotomy. The purpose of this article is to describe a novel arthroscopic surgical technique for transplantation of juvenile chondrocytes as a treatment for talus OCD defects.
Stabilizing vapor-cell temperature: The isoclinic-point “atomic thermometer”

In this paper, we introduce our isoclinic-point “atomic thermometer.” Briefly, in vapor-cell atomic clocks one of the primary impediments to long-term frequency stability derives from vapor temperature fluctuations. We believe that the isoclinic-point thermometer may be a means of more accurately assessing and stabilizing temperature in these clocks. Here, we review the spectroscopic nature of the isoclinic point, and we outline its use for the thermometry of vapor-phase systems. Our results suggest that it should be possible to stabilize the temperature of these systems at the sub-mK level on a time scale of minutes.
Electron beam lithography

Abstract Electron beam lithography means writing patterns in thin films of electron sensitive material using a finely focused (sub-micrometre diameter) electron beam. By combining electrical scanning with interferometrically monitored mechanical motion, very complex patterns can be generated with great accuracy; for example, a pattern containing one-micrometre features can extend over 100 mm with a positional accuracy of 025 μm. In the manufacture of integrated circuits this technique is used for generating masks which are then projected optically onto silicon wafers which are coated with photosensitive resists. For making circuits with sub-micrometre features the resist-coated wafer can be exposed directly with the electron beam; however this is slow because the electron beam exposure is point-by-point and there are limits to electron beam intensity and resist sensitivity. Overcoming this limit is possible using techniques which allow the exposure of many points simultaneously but such techniques are not...
The MBE Growth and Optical Quality of BaTiO3 and SrTiO3Thin Films on MgO

High quality epitaxial BaTiO3 and SrTiO3 have been grown on MgO, stabilized at a one unit cell height, and grown to film thicknesses of 0.5 - 0.7 μm. These relatively thick films remain adherent when thermally cycled between growth temperatures and room temperature, are crack free with high optical quality, and have both in-plane and out-of-plane X-ray rocking curves of 0.3-0.5°. These films have been grown using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) methods starting with the TiO2 layer of the perovskite structure. The TiO2-Iayer/MgO interface uniquely satisfies electrostatic requirements for perovskite heteroepitaxy and provides the template structure that leads to the high quality films that are obtained. Wavelength dependence of optical loss has been characterized between 475 nm and 705 nm with loss coefficients < 1dB/cm being obtained at the He-Ne wavelength.
Thermally Activated Martensitic Transformations in Mg‐PSZ

The thermally activated, stress-assisted martensitic tetragonal {yields} monoclinic (t {yields} m) and tetragonal {yields} orthorhombic (t {yields} o) transformations in a high-toughness Mg-PSZ were investigated by monitoring the phase assemblage with Raman spectroscopy after a variety of heat treatments and loading conditions. After a short anneal at 1,000 C, which transforms m- and o-ZrO{sub 2} to the t polymorph, isothermal t {yields} m and t {yields} o transformations occur at room temperature during the months following the anneal. The transformation rates in the annealed samples are greatly enhanced under external stress. Alternatively, samples containing regions of significant residual stress, introduced by indentation for example, and then annealed at relatively low temperatures, underwent additional thermally activated transformation in the stressed regions. The thermodynamics and kinetics of this complex transformation ``plasticity,`` and its effect on mechanical properties, are discussed.
Quantum fluctuations and glassy behavior: The case of a quantum particle in a random potential.

In this paper we expand our previous investigation of a quantum particle subject to the action of a random potential plus a fixed harmonic potential at a finite temperature T. In the classical limit the system reduces to a well-known ``toy'' model for an interface in a random medium. It also applies to a single quantum particle like an an electron subject to random interactions, where the harmonic potential can be tuned to mimic the effect of a finite box. Using the variational approximation, or alternatively, the limit of large spatial dimensions, together with the use the replica method, and are able to solve the model and obtain its phase diagram in the $T - (\hbar^2/m)$ plane, where $m$ is the particle's mass. The phase diagram is similar to that of a quantum spin-glass in a transverse field, where the variable $\hbar^2/m$ plays the role of the transverse field. The glassy phase is characterized by replica-symmetry-breaking. The quantum transition at zero temperature is also discussed.
Formation and fate of ethionine-induced cytoplasmic crystalloids in rat parotid acinar cells

The formation and fate of cytoplasmic crystalloids in rat parotid acinar cells were investigated during ethionine intoxication and recovery. By day 3 of ethionine treatment, acinar cells had numerous autophagic vacuoles containing recognizable secretory granules and fragments of rough endoplasmic reticulum. By day 5, immature crystalloids were present in many of the autophagic vacuoles, and as the crystalloids matured, a 7-nm periodicity became apparent. Crystalloids were never observed in the Golgi saccules or in any other organelle associated with secretory granule formation. When ethionine treatment was stopped, the acinar cells rapidly returned to their normal morphology. The majority of the crystalloids and autophagic vacuoles were lost from the cells during the first two to three days of recovery. At this time annulate lamellae were present intracellularly, and macrophages, many containing crystalloids, were associated with the basal surface of the acinar cells. These results indicate that the cytoplasmic crystalloids are formed in autophagic vacuoles, and do not represent an abnormal secretory product. Additiontionally, during recovery crystalloids may be removed from the acinar cells by interaction with macrophages. The sequence of autophagic vacuole formation, development of crystalloids, macrophage infiltration and phagocytosis of acinar cell debris appears to be a non-specific response of the rat parotid gland to cellular injury occurring in a variety of experimental and pathological conditions.
High performance SAW dispersive delay lines for low time bandwidth using periodically sampled transducers

It is shown that it is possible to construct dispersive devices with only periodic transducers. This structure allows better design accuracy and easier device manufacture. Gating or Frensel sidelobes can be rejected by approximately 12 dB by adding frequency extensions to the expander. These two techniques have been used to design a 10- mu s dispersion and 7.35-MHz-bandwidth nonlinear FM system. A 46 dB sidelobe level was achieved experimentally for an analyzed 50 dB level. >
The ABCs of Measuring Intracerebral Hemorrhage Volumes

Background and Purpose Hemorrhage volume is a powerful predictor of 30-day mortality after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We compared a bedside method of measuring CT ICH volume with m...
Evaluating Sampling Method Bias in Culex tarsalis and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Bloodmeal Identification Studies

Determining the bloodmeal hosts of the Culex vectors of encephalitis viruses such as West Nile virus is essential for understanding the role of these mosquitoes in enzootic and epidemic transmission. Although molecular techniques have increased our knowledge of blood feeding patterns by allowing host identification to the species level, few studies have focused on the role that sampling methods may play in determining these patterns. In the current study, we identified 644 bloodmeals from Culex tarsalis Coquillett and Culex quinquefasciatus Say females collected in CO2 traps (dry ice-baited Center for Disease Control traps), in gravid traps, and aspirated from resting sites. There was no significant difference in the bloodmeal host apportionment in sampling methods such as gravid traps and resting collections that collected fully engorged females. However, CO2 traps that collected partially fed females had a significantly different apportionment of hosts than either gravid or resting collections. Bloodfed females from CO2 traps had either fed on only a small subset of available host species or were biased toward more mammalian and fewer nonpasserine avian feeds than females from other collections. Because both full and partial bloodmeals can contribute to viral transmission, obtaining Culex bloodmeal collections from multiple sampling methods may be important to fully interpret the role of these mosquitoes as maintenance and/or bridge vectors.
Steady state approximations of limited processor sharing queues in heavy traffic

We investigate steady state properties of limited processor sharing queues in heavy traffic. Our analysis builds on previously obtained process limit theorems, and requires the interchange of steady state and heavy traffic limits, which are established by a coupling argument. The limit theorems yield explicit approximations of the steady state queue length and response time distribution in heavy traffic, of which the quality is supported by simulation experiments.
Hepatitis C Virus-Specific T-Cell Gamma Interferon and Proliferative Responses Are More Common in Perihepatic Lymph Nodes than in Peripheral Blood or Liver

The activation state, differentiation state, and functions of liver lymphocytes and perihepatic lymph nodes during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are not well understood. Here, we performed phenotypic and functional analyses of freshly prepared lymphocytes isolated from the livers, perihepatic lymph nodes, and peripheral blood compartments of chronic HCV-infected and disease control subjects with end-stage liver disease undergoing liver transplantation. We measured lymphocyte subset frequency and memory T-cell gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and proliferative responses to HCV peptide and control viral antigens in direct ex vivo assays. We found higher frequencies of CD4 cells in the lymph node compartment than in the other compartments for both HCV-infected and disease control subjects. Lymph node CD4 and CD8 cells less commonly expressed the terminal differentiation marker CD57, a finding consistent with an earlier differentiation state. In HCV-infected subjects, HCV-specific IFN-γ-producing and proliferative responses were commonly observed in the lymph node fraction, while they were uncommonly observed in the peripheral blood or liver fractions. In contrast, control viral CD4 protein antigen and CD8 peptide antigen-specific IFN-γ responses were commonly observed in the periphery and uncommonly observed in the lymph nodes of these same subjects. These findings are consistent with a selective defect in HCV-specific T-cell effector function or distribution in patients with advanced chronic HCV infection. The high frequency of HCV-reactive T cells in perihepatic lymph nodes indicates that a failure to generate or sustain T-lymphocyte HCV reactivity is not responsible for the paucity of functional cells even in end-stage liver disease.
Kinetic Analysis of Escherichia coli 2-C-Methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate Cytidyltransferase, Wild Type and Mutants, Reveals Roles of Active Site Amino Acids†

Escherichia coli 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phosphate cytidyltransferase (YgbP or IspD) catalyzes the conversion of 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) and cytidine triphosphate (CTP) to 4-diphosphocytidyl-2-C-methylerythritol (CDPME). Pulse chase experiments established that the reaction involves an ordered sequential mechanism with mandatory initial binding of CTP. On the basis of analysis of the previously reported crystal structures of apo-YgbP as well as YgbP complexed with both CTP‚ Mg 2+ and CDPME‚Mg 2+ (Richard, S. B., Bowman, M. E., Kwiatkowski, W., Kang, I., Chow, C., Lillo, A. M., Cane, D. E., and Noel, J. P. (2001) Nat. Struct. Biol. 8, 641-648), a group of active site residues were selected for site-directed mutagenesis and steady-state kinetic analysis. Both Lys27 and Lys213 were shown to be essential to catalytic activity, consistent with their proposed role in stabilization of a pentacoordinate phosphate transition state resulting from in-line attack of the MEP phosphate on the R-phosphate of CTP. In addition, Thr140, Arg109, Asp106, and Thr165 were all shown to play critical roles in the binding and proper orientation of the MEP substrate.
Assigning Textual Names to Sets of Geographic Coordinates

NameSet is a system that translates a set of geographic coordinates into a textual name based on the geographic regions where the coordinates occur. One possible application of NameSet is to concisely present the geographical scope of a set of geo-referenced observations to a human user. Another application is to generate text to depict a set of coordinates that appear on a web site -- text that could later be used for information retrieval applications. NameSet's computation is based on a simple algorithm, using off-the-shelf and web-based data sources. The system was proven effective in an application that automatically organizes and names sets of geo-referenced digital photographs.
Structural and spectropotentiometric analysis of Blastochloris viridis heterodimer mutant reaction center

Heterodimer mutant reaction centers (RCs) of Blastochloris viridis were crystallized using microfluidic technology. In this mutant, a leucine residue replaced the histidine residue which had acted as a fifth ligand to the bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) of the primary electron donor dimer M site (HisM200). With the loss of the histidine-coordinated Mg, one bacteriochlorophyll of the special pair was converted into a bacteriopheophytin (BPhe), and the primary donor became a heterodimer supermolecule. The crystals had dimensions 400×100×100 μm, belonged to space group P43212, and were isomorphous to the ones reported earlier for the wild type (WT) strain. The structure was solved to a 2.5 A resolution limit. Electron-density maps confirmed the replacement of the histidine residue and the absence of Mg. Structural changes in the heterodimer mutant RC relative to the WT included the absence of the water molecule that is typically positioned between the M side of the primary donor and the accessory BChl, a slight shift in the position of amino acids surrounding the site of the mutation, and the rotation of the M194 phenylalanine. The cytochrome subunit was anchored similarly as in the WT and had no detectable changes in its overall position. The highly conserved tyrosine L162, located between the primary donor and the highest potential heme C380, revealed only a minor deviation of its hydroxyl group. Concomitantly to modification of the BChl molecule, the redox potential of the heterodimer primary donor increased relative to that of the WT organism (772 mV vs. 517 mV). The availability of this heterodimer mutant and its crystal structure provides opportunities for investigating changes in light-induced electron transfer that reflect differences in redox cascades.
Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage During Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion and Its Effect on Spinal Fusion.

Background Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a commonly performed procedure. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, although uncommon, may occur and can be a potentially serious complication. Little is known regarding the fusion rate after durotomy in ACDF. This study sought to investigate the clinical outcomes and fusion rates of patients with CSF leak after ACDF. Methods In this single-institution retrospective review, 14 patients who experienced CSF leak after ACDF between 1995 and September 2014 were identified. Results The median follow-up was 13.1 months. The diagnoses included spondylosis/degenerative disc disease ( n = 10), disc herniation with radiculopathy ( n = 3), and kyphotic deformity ( n = 1). Of ACDFs, 7 were 1-level, 5 were 2-level, and 2 were 3-level procedures. The posterior longitudinal ligament was intentionally opened in all cases, and the microscope was used in 9 cases. Durotomy was discovered intraoperatively in all cases and was generally repaired with a combination of fibrin glue and synthetic dural replacement. Lumbar drainage was used in 5 patients, and 3 patients reported orthostatic headaches, which resolved within 1 month. Two patients reported hoarseness, and 8 patients reported dysphagia; all cases were transient. Follow-up imaging for fusion assessment was available for 12 patients, and a 100% fusion rate was achieved with no postoperative infections. Conclusions ACDFs with CSF leak had a 100% fusion rate in this series, with generally excellent clinical outcomes, although it is difficult to conclude definitively that there is no effect on fusion rates because of the small sample size. However, given the relative rarity of this complication, this study provides important data in the clinical literature regarding outcomes after CSF leak in ACDFs.
Endoscopic Biopsy Pathology of Helicobacter pylori Gastritis

Abstract Objectives.—To describe the endoscopic biopsy pathology of Helicobacter pylori gastritis, compare bacterial detection by immunohistochemistry using a specific antibody with the Genta stain, and to compare the relative costs of the 2 techniques. Design.—One hundred cases of gastritis identified as positive for H pylori by Genta stain and 100 cases considered negative by the same technique were stained using an anti-H pylori–specific polyclonal antibody. Laboratory reagent and labor costs for the 2 methods were compared. Results.—Chronic active gastritis with lymphoid follicles was significantly associated with H pylori infection (P < .0001). The immunohistochemical method had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 98% compared with the Genta stain, with strong agreement for grading density of organisms (κ = 0.85; P < .001). Reagent costs were similar for both methods, but immunohistochemistry using an autoimmunostainer required less dedicated technical time and hence was less expensive than the...
Greasing the Wheels of Social Integration: Housing and Beyond in Mixed-Income, Mixed-Race Neighborhoods

Twenty-first century metropolitan America and its urban and suburban neighborhoods are more racially mixed than they have been since the 1920s (Ellen, Horn, & O'Regan, 2012; Glaeser & Vigdor, 2012;...
Reliable Computation with Asynchronous Cellular Arrays

The homogeneous construction and local connectivity of cellular arrays makes them the natural domain for the formulation of certain general questions concerning reliable computation. We have addressed the problem of reliable computation in discrete time in two works. Gacs [1] constructs a (fairly complex) one-dimensional array while Gacs and Reif [2], based on Toom’s work, construct a very simple three-dimensional array. Even if built of unreliable components, these arrays can simulate any one-dimensional cellular array reliably.
Imaging mass spectrometry of three-dimensional cell culture systems.

Three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures have increased complexity compared to simple monolayer and suspension cultures, recapitulating the cellular architecture and molecular gradients in tissue. As such, they are popular for in vitro models in biological research. Classical imaging methodologies, like immunohistochemistry, are commonly used to examine the distribution of specific species within the spheroids. However, there is a need for an unbiased discovery-based methodology that would allow examination of protein/peptide distributions in 3D culture systems, without a need for prior knowledge of the analytes. We have developed a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS)-based imaging approach to examine protein distributions in 3D cell culture models. Using colon carcinoma cell lines, we detect changes in the spatial distribution of proteins across 3D culture structures. To identify the protein species present, we are combining results from the MS/MS capabilities of MALDI-MS...
Teaching Undergraduate Aerospace Structural Analysis - Preparing Students for Future Workforce

Developments in modern computational tools have led to changes in the way we analyze, design and manufacture aircraft. This paper explores how the practice of structural analysis and design has changed in the aircraft industry; new abilities and skills a new graduate must possess to be successful in this changed environment; how aerospace structures education has changed to meets the new needs of industry practice; and changes needed to improve teaching and learning the aerospace structures curriculum. We find that computational tools and programs have significantly reduced the time spent by engineers and students to perform calculations. This provides opportunities for more emphasis on understanding the mechanics of aircraft structures. However, current learning resources and teaching practices are not developed explicitly for this purpose.
Treatment of heart failure: state of the art and prospectives.

Heart failure is unique among the major cardiovascular disorders in that it alone is increasing in prevalence while there has been a striking decrease in other conditions. Some of this can be attributed to the aging of the U.S. and European populations. The ability to salvage patients with myocardial damage is also a major factor, as these patients may develop progression of left ventricular dysfunction due to deleterious remodelling of the heart. This process involves structural and conformational changes in the heart characterized by pathological hypertrophy and fibrosis. The net effect is deterioration in cardiac function and the onset of heart failure. Neurohormonal activation is known to be a major factor in promoting cardiac remodelling. Increased neurohormone levels systemically and within the heart lead to increased load on the heart. Many neurohormones involved also directly act as growth factors on cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. Due to its central role in remodelling, neurohormonal activation has emerged as an inviting target for therapeutic interventions. The use of agents to block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems has been shown to inhibit (and sometimes even reverse) cardiac remodelling and to improve the clinical course of patients with cardiac dysfunction. Neurohormonal activation is known to be widespread and there is evidence that additional agents such as endothelin and tumour necrosis factor-a (TNFa) may be involved in the remodelling process. Clinical trials evaluating the effects of blocking these agents are currently under way and should soon provide important information about therapy.
Etiology monitoring of hand-foot-and-mouth disease and genetic characterization of coxsackievirus A16 in Shijiazhuang

Objective To reveal the pathogenic characteristics of hand foot and mouth disease( HFMD) and genetic characterization of coxsackievirus A16( CA16) in Shijiazhuang from 2010 to 2012,so as to provide reference for prevention and control of HFMD. Methods Clinical specimens were collected from HFMD patients to detect enterovirus nucleic acid( human enterovirus / HEV,enterovirus 71 / EV71,CA16) with real time RT- PCR. Some CA16 positive samples were involved for VP1 coding genes sequencing,and MEGA 5. 0 was used for sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree construction. Results There were 2556 HEV positive specimens in 3173 clinical specimens,including 851 CA16 positive cases. The prevalent genotype of CA16 was B1 type in Shijiazhuang from 2010 to 2012,with B1a subtype in 2010,coexistence of B1a and B1b in 2011 and 2012. In addition,there were multiple transmission chains in Shijiazhuang. Conclusion The CA16 strains circulated in Shijiazhuang belong to Bl genotype. B1a and B1b are co- evolved and co- prevailed in Shijiazhuang.
A database in private practice: the Brooklyn Outcomes of Arthritis Rheumatology Database (BOARD).

Rheumatologists generally use few quantitative measures in making clinical decisions. In the US, fewer than 10% use questionnaires in routine clinical care, and fewer than 15% perform a formal joint count at each visit. Patient q u e s t i o n n a i res are the quantitative tools rheumatologists have to monitor their patients’health status and re sponse to therapy. The health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and its derivatives have been shown to be the best predictors of functional and work disability, costs, joint replacement sur gery and mortality; they are as good as and usually better predictors than joint counts, radiographs and laboratory tests. The Brooklyn Outcomes of Arthritis Registry Database was initiated with the aim of collecting quantitative data using a multi-dimensio nal health assesment questionnire (MDHAQ) fr o m all rheumatology patients seen as part of routine care, each and every time the patient was seen. Data that are feasible to collect in routine clinical care pro vide the only way to assess quantitatively how our patients are doing. If data are not collected and recorded, an opportunity is lost forever. If there is a reason for the visit, there is a reason to complete a questionnaire.
CD47 regulates renal tubular epithelial cell self-renewal and proliferation following renal ischemia reperfusion

Defects in renal tubular epithelial cell repair contribute to renal ischemia reperfusion injury, cause acute kidney damage, and promote chronic renal disease. The matricellular protein thrombospondin-1 and its receptor CD47 are involved in experimental renal ischemia reperfusion injury, although the role of this interaction in renal recovery is unknown. We found upregulation of self-renewal genes (transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and cMyc) in the kidney of CD47 -/- mice after ischemia reperfusion injury. Wild-type animals had minimal self-renewal gene expression, both before and after injury. Suggestive of cell autonomy, CD47 -/- renal tubular epithelial cells were found to increase expression of the self-renewal genes. This correlated with enhanced proliferative capacity compared with cells from wild-type mice. Exogenous thrombospondin-1 inhibited self-renewal gene expression in renal tubular epithelial cells from wild-type but not CD47 -/- mice, and this was associated with decreased proliferation. Treatment of renal tubular epithelial cells with a CD47 blocking antibody or CD47-targeting small interfering RNA increased expression of some self-renewal transcription factors and promoted cell proliferation. In a syngeneic kidney transplant model, treatment with a CD47 blocking antibody increased self-renewal transcription factor expression, decreased tissue damage, and improved renal function compared with that in control mice. Thus, thrombospondin-1 via CD47 inhibits renal tubular epithelial cell recovery after ischemia reperfusion injury through inhibition of proliferation/self-renewal.
Teaching medical students by role playing: a model for integrating psychosocial issues with disease management.

Abstract Background. Medical students on third‐year rotations seem to be focused more on the particulars of disease management than on patient management. They often pay too little attention to the psychological and social needs of the patient and to the importance of working in a multidisciplinary team. The authors postulated that a model for teaching breast cancer management that included role playing, self‐study, and active student involvement would facilitate the integration of psychosocial and affective issues into scientific content and would demonstrate the importance of the team approach in managing patients with breast cancer. Methods. One month following a problem‐oriented, case‐based, interactive session focusing on clinical management of breast disease, each student was assigned the role of either “patient” or one of four “specialists”—1) a general surgeon, 2) a medical oncologist, 3) a radiation oncologist, or 4) a plastic surgeon. A packet of readings containing discipline‐specific informati...
Structural Assessment of a School Building in Sankhu, Nepal Damaged Due to Torsional Response During the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake

This paper discusses the structural assessment of a red-tagged four-story school building in Sankhu, Nepal. The building had a masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frame which was severely damaged during the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake. The concentration of damage in the west end of the first story indicates that the frame exhibited torsional response to the ground excitation. The authors visited the structure 2 months after the earthquake, collected LiDAR scans, and recorded the ambient vibrations of the damaged structure. The LiDAR data has been used to create a three-dimensional point cloud of the building which has allowed the identification of the locations and geometry of the major cracks but also the measurement of the permanent deformations of the building. The structure was also instrumented with four unidirectional accelerometers on every floor; two at opposite corners, to capture the translational and torsional motion. The translational and torsional modes have been identified with an operational modal analysis method and have been used to validate a finite element model of the structure. The comparison indicates that the model can capture the modal properties of the structure utilizing the strut modeling approach for the infill panels.
FURTHER RESULTS FOR CRACK-EDGE MAPPINGS BY RAY METHODS.

Methods to map crack edges by the use of arrival times of edge-diffracted signals, which have been presented earlier by the authors, have been extended to the pulse-echo case and to configurations of water immersed specimens and transducers. Applications of the methods to experimental data are presented in a companion paper.
Potential Impact of Intentional Interaction and Coalition Forming

This chapter defines how Meta and Normative are being used and applied to the respective fields and then applies these concepts to an article from DSQ and one from JPED to show specific examples of how each field frames specific concerns; how does the conversation within and between fields change when each field adopts something of the viewpoint of the other? What questions grow out of dialogue that are less likely to be produced by the fields working independently?
Membrane Probes in the Olfactory System

The mechanisms involved in the perception of chemical substances by the olfactory epithelium have been a matter of both great interest and rampant speculation since the time of the early Greek philosophers. In about 320 BC, Theophrastus (Stratton, 1917) appears to have been the first to suggest that the odor of a substance was due to some innate property and not simply to the act of inhalation.
Cavitational kyphoplasty: a new technique for reducing the rates of cement extravasation through targeted low-pressure cement injection

Previous studies have demonstrated lower rates of cement extravasation when comparing balloon kyphoplasty with vertebroplasty, an effect attributed to the low-pressure injection. However, in patients with isolated endplate fractures, balloon kyphoplasty may lead to further endplate damage and increased risks of intradiscal extravasation. The author provides a stepwise description of a new technique called cavitational kyphoplasty that allows targeted low-pressure cement injection without the necessity of balloon inflation. The new technique of cavitational kyphoplasty has been shown to be specially useful in patients with isolated endplate fractures without significant loss of the vertebral body height.
A Safe Place To Go? A Descriptive Study of Safety Strategies Among College Female Students

Safety planning, simply put, is a detailed, personalized, and practical plan that is created to protect oneself against an abusive (or potentially abusive) partner. Relying on self-reported data from an online survey of female college students from a state university in Texas, this study focuses on safety strategies centered around escape planning (e.g., whether or not students have a safe place to go, where they would go, and what they would take with them) as well as what factors influence this (e.g., prior experiences with intimate partner violence). Using bivariate analyses to determine any association between factors that influence various aspects of the safety planning process, a number of important findings are reported. The majority of students indicated that they had a safe place to go and this was most likely to be a family or friend’s residence. Additionally, most students noted that they would take what is typically discussed in safety planning strategies (e.g., money, cellular phone, keys, id...
The Aural and Moral Idylls of “Englishness” and Folk Music

The idea of “Englishness” is explored as an historical social construction that is subject to ongoing negotiation. Important features of “Englishness” are embedded in the sacralized symbolism of the “rural idyll,” which represents traditional English values. “Landscapes” and “soundscapes” are utilized to construct personal and national identities in periods of “revivalism.” By viewing English folk music through an interactionist framework, responses to the music build upon earlier collective works that have shaped traditional song. “Englishness” is problematized as either an inclusive, or exclusive, identity. Ideational artifacts thus provide a foundation for social action.1
First Order Quasi-Phase-Matched Second-Harmonic Generation in LiTaO3 Utilizing a Periodic Domain Inversion Created by an External Stress

First order quasi-phase-matching in a proton exchanged LiTaO 3 channel waveguide structure is reported, where the periodic domain inversion is created by the application of a periodic compressive stress near the Curie temperature. The processing conditions, driving force, and effects on resulting domain structure is reported, including the observation of domain structures with periods as small as 0.36 μm. A waveguide second-harmonic generation structure with a periodic 3.45 μm domain inversion structure is fabricated and evaluated to quasi-phase-match 420 nm blue light with 840 nm output available from standard laser diode sources.
Cluster reduction in patients in a pilot treatment trial for psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Abstract Introduction The present study examined seizure clusters as a primary outcome in patients receiving treatment for PNES. Cluster reduction is examined longitudinally using frequency threshold and statistical definitions of seizure cluster for patients. Possible risk factors for clustering will be examined along with clustering as a risk factor for poorer secondary outcomes. Methods Participants were from a pilot randomized treatment trial for PNES where they received cognitive behavioral therapy-informed psychotherapy (CBT-ip), sertraline, combination therapy, or treatment as usual. Seizure data are from patients' seizure dairies. Results Cluster reduction was observed for those receiving CBT-ip or combination treatment using all definitions of daily clusters and weekly clusters. No risk factors of clustering were observed. Those who were identified as having clusters during the trial had poorer secondary outcomes on several measures at baseline relative to those who were not identified as having clusters. Discussion This is the first study known to the authors to not only examined seizure clusters as a primary outcome for those with PNES, but also the first study to suggest that CBT-ip and combination therapy may be effective in reducing the frequency of clusters.
Mandibular division trigeminal nerve injuries following primary endodontic treatment. A case series

The aim of this study is to report a series of patients with mandibular division trigeminal nerve (V3) injuries secondary to endodontic treatment, evaluate presentation characteristics and identify prevention strategies. This article describes a retrospective review of patients referred to a tertiary clinic 2007–2015 with V3 injury following endodontic treatment. The sample included 12 male and 16 female patients with a mean age of 41.5 years. Sixteen cases presented following endodontic treatment of the first and second molar, premolar teeth in eight cases and canine in two cases. Fifteen patients reported immediate post-operative symptoms, in eleven cases there was a 24–48 h asymptomatic period. The average referral delay was 23.1 months. Twenty patients had permanent neuropathy. Four patients experienced resolution of symptoms within 8 weeks. V3 injury following endodontic treatment is rare but can result in permanent neuropathy and functional impairment. This can be avoided through comprehensive pre-operative radiographic examination, identification and referral of high-risk cases.
Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) spawning habitat: a quantitative review

The loss of spawning habitat has been identified as a limiting factor to population growth for lake sturgeon, Acipenser fulvescens, the most widely distributed species of the family in North Americ...
Influence of laser doping on nanocrystalline ZnO thin films gas sensors

Abstract The effect of laser doping of Al on the gas sensing behavior of nanocrystalline ZnO thin films is reported. The doping of Al was carried out by the spin-coating of Al-precursors on nanocrystalline ZnO films followed by a pulsed laser irradiation. The laser-doped films were characterized as a function of laser power density by measuring the optical, structural, electrical, morphological and gas sensing properties of ZnO films. It was found that the laser doping process resulted in an increase of electrical conductivity of ZnO films. The performance of gas sensor was investigated for different concentrations of H2 and NH3 in the air. The results indicate that the laser doping process can be utilized to improve the sensor characteristics such as sensitivity and response time by optimization of laser power density. The optimum laser power is interpreted as the critical power level required to compete the effective doping versus developing the effective grain boundaries. Also, the selectivity of laser-doped ZnO sensors for H2 was studied for a likelihood practical gas mixture composed of H2, NH3 and CH4. It is found that these films can be optimized to develop H2 and NH3 sensors in PPM level with a higher selectivity over other reducing gases.
“Fit” for service: contrasting physician profiles and motivations for short-term medical missions and Médecins Sans Frontières

Physicians from wealthy countries often provide direct medical services in low- and middle-income countries either on a short-term or long-term basis, herein differentiated by the physician’s source of income, rather than by time or mission specifics. Research data has accumulated in recent years on physician profiles and motivations for short- and long-term dimensions of physician commitment. This review provides some current insights on these physician pathways for transnational direct caregiving activities. Comparison is made of US physician profiles and motivations for short-term medical missions and those of long-term medical missions, specifically from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) for which comparative information is available. Current literature suggests that short-term medical mission physicians tend to be older, married males while MSF physicians are more gender-balanced, younger, and less woven into the traditional domestic medical system. Altruism and idealism are shared motivations. MSF long-term physicians may be more risk tolerant. The two dimensions are not competitive for the hearts and minds of physicians, but rather complementary.
Hsp90 Modulation for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract Hsp90 serves as the master regulator of the prosurvival, heat shock response. Upon exposure to cellular stress or small molecule inhibitors of Hsp90, various heat shock proteins are induced to assist in the rematuration of misfolded proteins. Several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, manifest through the accumulation of misfolded proteins, suggesting that induction of the heat shock response may provide a viable approach toward the management of such diseases. In this chapter, the rationale for such an approach and potential therapeutics are discussed.
Differential expression of cyclosporine A-Induced calcineurin isoform-specific matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in renal fibroblasts.

Abstract Long-term treatment with the potent immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA) results in chronic nephrotoxicity. Its immunosuppressive properties are due to the inhibition of the calcium- and calmodulin-dependent phosphatase protein calcineurin A (CnA) which has three catalytic isoforms. Of those, the CnAα and β isoforms are ubiquitously expressed, particularly in the kidney. Additionally, chronic nephrotoxicity has been associated with an imbalance of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation resulting in an accumulation of ECM molecules. This study evaluates whether the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) induced by CsA are calcineurin isoform specific. Wild-type (WT), CnAα knockout (CnAα−/−) and CnAβ knockout (CnAβ−/−) kidney fibroblast cell lines (an in vitro innovative tool that was previously created in our lab) were treated with CsA at 10 ng/ml for 48 h. ELISA analysis demonstrated that the CsA-induced secretion profile of MMP-9 was highest in CnAα−/− cells and lowest in CnAβ−/− cells vs. WT cells. In contrast, CsA did not induce an increase in MMP-2 protein levels in WT, CnAα−/− nor CnAβ−/− renal fibroblasts. These results indicate that MMP-9 secretion is CnA-isoform specific, i.e. the CnAβ isoform contributes to the CsA-induced upregulation of MMP-9 while the CnAα does not. As such, understanding the role of calcineurin A isoforms in the regulation of the homeostasis of ECM degradation in the kidney after long-term CsA treatment needs to be further investigated.
CapChain: A Privacy Preserving Access Control Framework Based on Blockchain for Pervasive Environments

Devices to support pervasive computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) are becoming present in almost every aspect of our lives. Due to their limited power and computation, these devices often need to rely on some more powerful outsourced cloud services, which raises a security and privacy concern as IoT data is often sensitive. On the other hand, blockchain technology has recently gained much attention due to its decentralized, trustless and immutable design. We propose CapChain - an access control framework based on blockchain that allows users to share and delegate their access rights easily to IoT devices in public but still maintain privacy. To protect privacy, we adapt multiple techniques from anonymous crypto-currency blockchain systems to hide sensitive information, including users' identities and related information about the capabilities. We also build a testbed as a proof of concept.
Drosophila Ref1 / ALYREF regulates transcription and toxicity associated with ALS/FTD disease etiologies

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), but the underlying disease mechanisms remain unclear. In an unbiased screen in Drosophila for RBPs that genetically interact with TDP-43, we found that downregulation of the mRNA export factor Ref1 (fly orthologue to human ALYREF) mitigated TDP-43 induced toxicity. Further, Ref1 depletion also reduced toxicity caused by expression of the C9orf72 GGGGCC repeat expansion. Ref1 knockdown lowered the mRNA levels for these related disease genes and reduced the encoded proteins with no effect on a wild-type Tau disease transgene or a control transgene. Interestingly, expression of TDP-43 or the GGGGCC repeat expansion increased endogenous Ref1 mRNA levels in the fly brain. Further, the human orthologue ALYREF was upregulated by immunohistochemistry in ALS motor neurons, with the strongest upregulation occurring in ALS cases harboring the GGGGCC expansion in C9orf72. These data support ALYREF as a contributor to ALS/FTD and highlight its downregulation as a potential therapeutic target that may affect co-existing disease etiologies.