cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
One-Step Large-Scale Nanotexturing of Nonplanar PTFE Surfaces to Induce Bactericidal and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Here we demonstrate a simple and scalable nanotexturing method for both planar (films) and nonplanar (tubes) polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surfaces using a commercial desktop oxygen plasma etcher. The simple process can generate semiordered nanopillar structures on both tubular and planar samples with high radial and axial uniformity. We found that the resulting surfaces exhibit good in vitro bactericidal and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties. When tested against Staphylococcus aureus, the nanotextured surfaces showed significantly decreased live bacteria coverage and increased dead bacteria coverage, demonstrating significant bactericidal functionality. Moreover, the etched planar PTFE films exhibited better healing and inflammatory responses in the subcutis of C57BL/6 mice over 7 and 21 days, evidenced by a thinner inflammatory band, lower collagen deposition, and decreased macrophage infiltration. Our results suggest the possibility of using this simple process to generate large scale biomimetic nanotextured surfaces with good antibiofouling properties to enhance the functionality of many implantable and other biomedical devices.
Work-in-Progress—The Impact of Kinesiology XR-Immersive Labs for Motor Control Learning Attitudes

Kinesiology is an inherently spatial discipline, both physically and visually. The use of Extended Reality-immersive lab activities can enhance student motivation to learn by providing opportunities to deeply interact with visually rich kinesiology content and concepts. Using the instrumental case study method, this work-in-progress paper assesses the use of extended reality immersion across three semesters of an upper division kinesiology course focused on motor control.
Metastatic Disease of the Temporal Bone: A Contemporary Review

OBJECTIVES To identify the frequency and primary site of metastatic pathologies to the temporal bone and characterize the associated symptomatology. METHODS The MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically reviewed according to the PRISMA guidelines to identify all cases of pathologically confirmed distant temporal bone metastases published with English translation until October 2019. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS Out of 576 full-length articles included for review, 109 met final criteria for data extraction providing 255 individual cases of distant temporal bone metastases. There was a male predominance (54.9%) with median age of 59.0 years (range 2-90). The most common locations of primary malignancy included the breasts (19.6%), lungs (16.1%), and prostate (8.6%). Most tumors were carcinomas of epithelial origin (75.3%) and predominantly adenocarcinoma (49.4%). The commonest metastatic sites encountered within the temporal bone were the petrous (72.0%) and mastoid (49.0%) portions. Bilateral temporal bone metastases occurred in 39.8% of patients. Patients were asymptomatic in 32.0% of cases. Symptomatic patients primarily reported hearing loss (44.3%), facial palsy (31.2%), and otalgia (16.6%) for a median duration of 1 month. Petrous lesions were associated with asymptomatic cases (P = .001) while mastoid lesions more often exhibited facial palsy (P = .026), otalgia (P < .001), and otorrhea (P < .001). Non-carcinomatous tumors were associated with petrosal metastasis (P = .025) and asymptomatic cases (P = .109). Carcinomatous metastases more often presented with otalgia (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS Temporal bone metastasis is uncommon but should be considered in patients with subacute otologic symptoms or facial palsy and history of distant malignancy. Laryngoscope, 131:1101-1109, 2021.
Perceptive eating as part of the journey in inflammatory bowel disease: Lessons learned from lived experience

Summary Background Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), incurable remitting-relapsing conditions that impact more than 3 million people in the United States alone. A diagnosis of IBD can be life-altering; patients must make significant adjustments to manage their symptoms, and this may include dietary changes. While diet may impact IBD symptoms and disease progression, there is currently no one diet recommendation for IBD patients to follow. Few studies explored patient beliefs and practices around their dietary intake. Objective Our objective was to identify patient beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors around diet in management of symptoms and flares in patients with IBD. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients N = 16 patients with UC or Crohn's colitis, recruited from an IBD center in a large metropolitan medical center. All patients were referred by their behavioral health provider. Interviews were transcribed verbatim; two analysts coded the transcripts using NVivo software. This analysis examines the themes derived from the questions about diet. Results The sample of participants in this study (N = 16) was adult patients of the IBD clinic with either UC or Crohn's disease in the colon. Three main themes emerged from our analysis: evolving attempts at controlling symptoms through diet (subthemes: initial attempts to modify diet to control symptoms, and food avoidance was commonly reported but safe foods were not), beliefs about how food affects IBD (subthemes: liquid nutrition rests the bowels, diet for general health is all that is needed for IBD management, and diet is part of IBD management), and perceptive eating. Discussion Our findings confirmed those from previous studies that patients with IBD do notice that eating certain foods induces symptoms, and controlling dietary intake is one way that they choose to manage symptoms of IBD. Some patients had beliefs about how food affects their IBD, whether by reducing inflammation, or giving the gut rest. We also noted that patients used perceptive eating in their approach to diet by using a combination of experience and knowledge.
Identifying adherent patients to newly initiated statins using previous adherence to chronic medications.

BACKGROUND: Statins are one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States. Despite well-documented benefits in managing hyperlipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risks, statin...
Elevated N-glycosylation of immunoglobulin G variable regions in myasthenia gravis highlights a commonality across autoantibody-associated diseases

Abstract Elevated N-linked glycosylation of immunoglobulin G variable regions (IgG-VN-Glyc) is an emerging molecular phenotype associated with autoimmune disorders. To test the broader specificity of elevated IgG-VN-Glyc, we studied patients with distinct subtypes of myasthenia gravis (MG), a B cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Our experimental design included adaptive immune receptor repertoire sequencing to quantify and characterize N-glycosylation sites in the global B cell receptor repertoire, proteomics to examine glycosylation patterns of the circulating IgG, and production of human-derived recombinant autoantibodies, which were studied with mass spectrometry and antigen binding assays to confirm occupation of glycosylation sites and determine whether they alter binding. We found that the frequency of IgG-VN-Glyc motifs was increased in the B cell repertoire of MG patients when compared to healthy donors. Motifs were introduced by both biased V gene segment usage and somatic hypermutation. IgG-VN-Glyc could be observed in the circulating IgG in a subset of MG patients. Autoantigen binding, by patient-derived MG autoantigen-specific monoclonal antibodies with experimentally confirmed presence of IgG-VN-Glyc, was not altered by the glycosylation. Our findings extend prior work on patterns of variable region N-linked glycosylation in autoimmunity to MG subtypes. Although occupied IgG-VN-Glyc motifs are found on MG autoantigen-specific monoclonal antibodies, they are not required for binding to the autoantigen in this disease.
Presentation and outcomes of patients with undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma: a national perspective

Background Undifferentiated thyroid cancer (UTC) accounts for only 1-2% of all thyroid cancers. UTC is one of the most aggressive solid tumors with high metastatic rates and mortality. The objectives of this study are to examine the characteristics of patients with UTC and their overall survival. Methods Retrospective analysis utilizing the National Cancer Database, 2004-2014 is performed. The study population included adults (≥18 years) patients with UTC or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), which served as a reference group. Results A total of 1,870 UTC and 209,707 DTC patients were identified. The median follow-up time of UTC patients was 3.9 months (interquartile range: 1.6-9.0 months). When compared to DTC patients, patients with UTC were more likely to be ≥45-year-old [OR: 48.62, 95% CI: (35.75, 66.14), P<0.001], male [OR: 2.02, 95% CI: (1.84, 2.22), P<0.001], and/or black [OR: 1.27, 95% CI: (1.08, 1.49), P=0.004]. UTC patients were more likely to have Medicaid/Medicare or no insurance and treated in low-volume hospitals (P<0.001). Overall survival in patients with UTC was lower in patients older than 65 years [OR: 1.63, 95% CI: (1.12, 2.38), P=0.011], with multiple comorbidities [OR: 1.65, 95% CI: (1.02, 2.67), P=0.040] and/or presented with metastatic disease [OR: 1.93, 95% CI: (1.71, 2.17), P<0.001]. Compared to thyroidectomy alone, patients without metastasis who received adjuvant radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy had a better overall survival (P<0.001 each). In patients with metastatic disease, any intervention or combination of interventions other than thyroidectomy alone improved survival (P<0.05). Conclusions Older age, male, and/or black are associated with a higher prevalence of UTC compared to DTC. Although overall survival is poor in UTC, utilization of multi-modal treatment may improve survival.
Control of BVDV

Much progress had been made in defining BVDV in molecular terms. While this information has been useful in some aspects of BVDV pathogenesis, this information has not led to a significant decrease in concern expressed by practitioners regarding prevention and control of BVDV-induced disease. There are several factors which contribute to this continued uneasiness, but a major contributor may be the inability of research personnel to deliver a clear and concise message concerning BVDV. The most important aspect of control of BVDV is the prevention of the generation of persistently infected animals. Management is a significant factor and the management of heifers may be the most overlooked problem in BVDV control programs.
Analysis of Risk Factors, Complications, Reoperations, and Demographics Associated With Open and Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: An Analysis of a Large National Database.

Purpose To assess the national trends in arthroscopic and open rotator cuff repair surgery and the associated demographics, complications, and risk factors specific to each procedure. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) dataset between the years 2007 and 2018. Patients were identified using Common Procedural Terminology codes for open and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Variables collected including basic demographics, procedural, and outcome specific variables as available through the NSQIP repository. Appropriate statistical measures were used to compare the groups, with the χ2 test used for categorical variables and t test for continuous variables. Results The arthroscopic cohort comprised 39,013 patients; the open group consisted of 8,664. Reported arthroscopic and open cases increased significantly between 2007 and 2018 from 135 to 7,269 and 65 to 1,168, respectively. Average operative time for arthroscopic procedure was 89 minutes and 76 minutes for open. The open group consisted of a slightly greater percentage of smokers, 18.3% versus 15.2%, and patients with diabetes, 18.2% versus 15.9%, both of which were statistically significant (P Conclusions According to the NSQIP database, the increase in arthroscopic procedures is significantly outpacing the increase in open procedures during this study period, which matches the trends seen in previous studies. Patients with diabetes and who smoke also represent a greater risk group for postoperative complications when undergoing open surgery. These findings suggest that perhaps the decision to pursue one technique over the other may be influenced both by provider preference and patient-related factors. Level of Evidence III, retrospective comparative trial.
CO2 EOR Performance Evaluation in an Unconventional Reservoir through Mechanistic Constrained Proxy Modeling

Abstract There are multiple parameters including reservoir characteristics, hydraulic fracture design, injection solvent selection, and the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operational design, etc., that are directly and indirectly involved in the unconventional reservoir development. And due to the lack of field data availability, the key performance indicators for such complex reservoirs are not well defined, therefore, reservoir engineers end up with a huge volume of numerical simulation scenarios to find an optimum field development plan. This approach makes the field development planning process complicated and time-consuming. In this study, a smart unconventional EOR performance evaluation tool is presented utilizing intelligent modeling strategies through proxy modeling approach with mechanistic constraints. The mechanistic constraints incorporate physics-based numerical simulation dataset. Key reservoir and hydraulic fracture topographies including average reservoir pressure and the matrix & hydraulic fracture permeability contrast are used as some of the key input parameters for the Deep Neural Network (DNN) modeling. Total four DNN models are generated for primary and EOR cases presenting the recovery performance prediction at two different timelines. The trained and validated DNN models are finally found well qualified to be applied for the development of the unconventional reservoirs with identical reservoir and hydraulic fracture characteristics for the EOR application forecasting.
The Professional Edge: Competencies in Public Service

1. Public Service Today: Complex, Contradictory, Competitive 2. The Technical Professional: Developing Expertise 3. The Ethical Professional: Cultivating Scruples 4. The Consummate Professional: Creating Leadership 5. The Future of Public Service: Cases and Commentary for the New Millennium
Simultaneous use of auctions and posted prices

Abstract I consider a model in which several identical objects are sold simultaneously via an auction and a posted price mechanism. The model explains several empirical regularities regarding bidding behavior in eBay auctions such as the finding that some bidders bid multiple times over the course of the auction, and that bidders tend to bid with greater frequency near the end of the auction than the beginning. I also show that sellers prefer to simultaneously use auctions and posted prices than to use either mechanism individually.
Alterations in eliminative and sexual reflexes after spinal cord injury: defecatory function and development of spasticity in pelvic floor musculature.

Abstract Spinal cord injury often results in loss of normal eliminative and sexual functions. This chapter is focused on defecatory function, although aspects of micturition and erectile function will be covered as well due to the overlap in anatomical organization and response to injury. These systems have both autonomic and somatic components, and are organized in the thoracolumbar (sympathetic), lumbosacral (somatic), and sacral (parasympathetic) spinal cord. Loss of supraspinal descending control and plasticity-mediated alterations at the level of the spinal cord, result in loss of voluntary control and in abnormal functioning of these systems including the development of dyssynergies and spasticity. There are several useful models of spinal cord injury in rodents that exhibit many of the autonomic dysfunctions observed after spinal cord injury in humans. Numerous studies involving these animal models have demonstrated development of abnormalities in bladder, external anal sphincter, and erectile function, such as detrusor–sphincter–dyssynergia and external anal sphincter hyperreflexia. Here we review many of these studies and show some of the anatomical alterations that develop within the spinal cord during the development of these hyperreflexias. Furthermore, we show that spasticity develops in other pelvic floor musculature as well, such as the bulbospongiosus muscle, which results in increased duration and magnitude of pressures developed during erectile events and increased duration of micturition. Advances and continued improvement in the use of current animal models of spinal cord injury should encourage and increase the laboratory work devoted to this relatively neglected area of experimental spinal cord injury.
Time stretch optical header recognition

To overcome the electronic speed limitation, all-optical packet extraction and recognition has been extensively studied. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a new method named time stretch header recognition technique, where the header is (i) optically extracted and (ii) slowed down so that it can be processed with conventional electronics running at lower speed than the data rate. A 10 Gb/s bit stream is stretched by the factor of around 20 allowing capture and processing by low speed electronics. An optical quality factor of 18 dBQ was achieved for the time-stretched header.
A Critical Role for Dendritic Cells in the Evolution of IL-1β–Mediated Murine Airway Disease

Chronic airway inflammation and fibrosis, known as airway remodeling, are defining features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and are refractory to current treatments. How and whether chronic inflammation contributes to airway fibrosis remain controversial. In this study, we use a model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease airway disease utilizing adenoviral delivery of IL-1β to determine that adaptive T cell immunity is required for airway remodeling because mice deficient in α/β T cells (tcra(-/-)) are protected. Dendritic cells (DCs) accumulate around chronic obstructive pulmonary disease airways and are critical to prime adaptive immunity, but they have not been shown to directly influence airway remodeling. We show that DC depletion or deficiency in the crucial DC chemokine receptor ccr6 both protect from adenoviral IL-1β-induced airway adaptive T cell immune responses and fibrosis in mice. These results provide evidence that chronic airway inflammation, mediated by accumulation of α/β T cells and driven by DCs, is critical to airway fibrosis.
Spatial regulation of the gap gene giant during Drosophila development.

We describe the regulated expression of the segmentation gene giant (gt) during early embryogenesis. The gt protein is expressed in two broad gradients in precellular embryos, one in anterior regions and the other in posterior regions. Double immunolocalization studies show that the gt patterns overlap with protein gradients specified by the gap genes hunchback (hb) and knirps (kni). Analysis of all known gap mutants, as well as mutations that disrupt each of the maternal organizing centers, indicate that maternal factors are responsible for initiating gt expression, while gap genes participate in the subsequent refinement of the pattern. The maternal morphogen bicoid (bcd) initiates the anterior gt pattern, while nanos (nos) plays a role in the posterior pattern. Gene dosage studies indicate that different thresholds of the bcd gradient might trigger hb and gt expression, resulting in overlapping but noncoincident patterns of expression. We also present evidence that different concentrations of hb protein are instructive in defining the limits of kni and gt expression within the presumptive abdomen. These results suggest that gt is a bona fide gap gene, which acts with hb, Kruppel and kni to initiate striped patterns of gene expression in the early embryo.
Effects of Particle Surface Areas and Microstructures on Photocatalytic H2 and O2 Production over PbTiO3

The visible-light photocatalyst PbTiO3 was prepared in molten NaCl and PbO fluxes using 0.5:1–20:1 flux-to-reactant molar ratios by heating to 1000°C for a duration of 1 h. Yellow-colored powders were obtained in high purity, as confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and exhibited a bandgap size of ∼2.75 eV as determined by UV–Vis diffuse reflectance measurements. Roughly spherical and cubic shaped particles with homogeneous microstructures were observed with sizes ranging from ∼100 to 6 000 nm, and surface areas ranging from 0.56 to 2.63 m2/g. The smallest particle-size distributions and highest surface areas were obtained for the 10:1 NaCl flux molar ratio. By comparison, solid-state preparations of PbTiO3 particles exhibit no well-controlled sizes or microstructures. The water-splitting photocatalytic activities of the PbTiO3 particles were evaluated in visible light (λ>420 nm), and yielded maximum rates of 27.4 μmol·H2·(g·h)−1 for the PbTiO3 prepared using a 1:1 PbO molar ratio and 183 μmol·O2·(g·h)−1 for the solid-state prepared sample. The rates were inversely correlated with the particle surface areas. The relationship between particle morphology and photocatalytic activity provides important insights into understanding the origins of photocatalysis in metal-oxides.
Parallel Scheduling of Recursively Defined Arrays

A restructuring transformation is described which can be used to parallelize recurrence relations. The transformation is based on the hyperplane (or wavefront) method, but extends the applicability of the method to irregularly structured recurrences and introduces an algorithm for solving a restricted class of symbolic linear inequalities which arise from such irregularly-structured recurrences. The algorithm for solving this class of linear inequalities is also of general interest to symbolic computing with systems of linear inequalities. Various sub-problems which arise include deciding systems of linear inequalities, finding the set of extreme points and extreme directions of a convex polyhedron, identifying implicit equalities, and eliminating redundant inequalities. Some approaches to these sub-problems are discussed and a sub-algorithm is given for each.
The in vivo effect of bilirubin on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor/ion channel complex in the brains of newborn piglets.

Bilirubin neurotoxicity can be mediated by numerous mechanisms due to its increased permeability in neuronal membranes. The present study tests the hypothesis that a prolonged bilirubin infusion modifies theN- methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor/ion channel complex in the cerebral cortex of newborn piglets. Studies were performed in seven control and six bilirubin-exposed piglets, 2-4 d of age. Piglets in the bilirubin group received a 35 mg/kg bolus of bilirubin followed by a 4-h infusion (25 mg/kg/h) of a buffer solution containing 0.1 N NaOH, 5% human albumin, and 0.055 Na2HPO4 with 3 mg/mL bilirubin. The final mean bilirubin concentration in the bilirubin group was 495.9 ± 85.5 μmol/L (29.0± 5.0 mg/dL). The control group received a bilirubin-free buffer solution. Sulfisoxazole was administered to animals in both groups. P2 membrane fractions were prepared from the cerebral cortex. [3H]MK-801 binding assays were performed to study NMDA receptor modification. TheBmax in the control and bilirubin groups were 1.20 ± 0.10 (mean ± SD) and 1.32 ± 0.14 pmol/mg protein, respectively. The value for Kd in the control brains was 6.97± 0.80 nM compared with 4.80 ± 0.28 nM in the bilirubin-exposed brains (p < 0.001). [3H]Glutamate binding studies did not show a significant difference in the Bmax andKd for the NMDA-specific glutamate site in the two groups. The results show that in vivo exposure to bilirubin increases the affinity of the receptor (decreasedKd) for [3H]MK-801, indicating that bilirubin modifies the function of the NMDA receptor/ion channel complex in the brain of the newborn piglet. We speculate that the affinity of bilirubin for neuronal membranes leads to bilirubin-mediated neurotoxicity, resulting in either short- or long-term disruption of neuronal function.
DNA:ATP RATIOS IN MARINE MICROALGAE AND BACTERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR GROWTH RATE ESTIMATES BASED ON RATES OF DNA SYNTHESIS1

DNA: ATP and carbon: DNA (C:DNA) ratios were measured in a total of 14 species of marine microalgae and bacteria. Comparison of several DNA assay methods with results obtained with cultures uniformly labeled with 33P indicated that by far the most accurate results were obtained using diaminobenzoic acid (DABA) or diphen-ylamine, with DABA having the highest precision. Both the Hoechst and DAPI methods seriously underestimated DNA concentrations in algal cultures. Average DNA: ATP ratios in the algal and bacterial cultures were I7 and 34 by weight, respectively, with almost all values lying in the range of 10–40. DNA: ATP ratios in the microalgae showed no correlation with growth conditions but varied by about a factor of 3 among species. C:DNA ratios for individual species of microalgae and bacteria ranged from 21 to 155 by weight and averaged 50 for the microalgae and bacteria taken together. Growth rates of microalgal species grown in cyclostats were estimated to within 8% of dilution rates when calculated from the uptake of 3H-adenine and the DNA: ATP ratio of the species. Use of the 3H-adenine method for estimating microalgal growth rates in the field may thus be a useful tool for investigating the physiology of microalgae in nature.
Oxygen Transfer Parameter Estimation: Impact of Methodology

Oxygen transfer is an important part of wastewater treatment and accounts for as much as 60% of energy consumption in the activated sludge process. Prior to 1984, no standard method for quantifying oxygen transfer existed, which created problems in the design and warranties for treatment plants. The ASCE standards for the measurement of oxygen transfer in clean water and the Standard Guidelines for In-Process Oxygen Transfer Testing have found widespread application and have reduced design variability. The standard has allowed operators and engineers to better evaluate process operation of existing treatment plants. This paper illustrates the key concepts of the standard and shows why they are important and how they reduce the variability of oxygen transfer testing. The reasons for the standard’s success are described, as are the pitfalls of earlier approaches. The paper also highlights key new areas of the revised clean water standard, including an optional correction for test water total dissolved solid...
Estrogen receptor-alpha and neural circuits to the spinal cord during pregnancy.

Estrogen receptor immunoreactivity and mRNAs are present in spinal cord neurons in locations that are associated with sensory and autonomic innervation of female reproductive organs. The present study was undertaken to examine the expression of estrogen receptor-alpha in the spinal cord during different stages of pregnancy and to determine whether estrogen receptor-alpha-expressing neurons are related to uterine afferent nerves bringing information to the spinal cord at parturition. Immunohistochemistry showed estrogen receptor-alpha-immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal one-half of the spinal cord, i.e., dorsal horn, dorsal intermediate gray areas (dorsal commissural nucleus), and around the central canal and sacral parasympathetic autonomic nucleus of the lumbosacral spinal cord. Neurons in these areas corresponded topographically to the distribution of central processes of visceral primary afferent neurons (e.g., containing calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P) that innervate and activate second-order spinal cord neurons (evidenced by their expression of Fos) at parturition. Western blots showed that estrogen receptor-alpha increases in the spinal cord, with a peak at day 20 of gestation, followed by a slight decrease by 2 days postpartum. These studies show that estrogen receptor-alpha is expressed by neurons in autonomic and sensory areas of the lumbosacral spinal cord that have connections with the female reproductive system and that the level of estrogen receptor-alpha changes over the course of pregnancy, which may follow profiles of steroid hormones. Many of these neurons may be involved in processing information related to reproductive organ function, changes during pregnancy, and relays to other CNS centers.
Response of different-age mallards to DDT.

Experimental LC50 values for DDT in mallards of different ages ranged from 1200 to 1600 ppm. Mortality from DDT was greatest among 5-day-old ducklings and the lowest in 30-day-old ducklings. Adult female mallards were more resistant to DDT intoxication than adult males. The onset of mortality and mean time of death at each dosage level of DDT was related to the age of the mallards and was indicative of a dose-dependent relationship. Deaths among the youngest, and therefore lightest birds, began 1 to 5 days prior to mortality among adults.
A new fabrication technique for integrating silica optical devices and MEMS

We have developed a novel fabrication process which integrates silicon MEMS actuators with silica optical components. Suspended silica optical waveguides are actuated by a silicon electrostatic comb drive actuator, with a maximum displacement of 8µm at 35V bias.
Chlorophyll fluorescence response of red spruce and balsam fir to a watershed calcium fertilization experiment in New Hampshire

Decreases in soil exchangeable calcium (Ca) due to acid deposition have been linked with declines of forest species in the northeastern United States, particularly red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.). ...
Towards Hyper-Redundant and Super-Configurable Articulated Structures

In this paper, we describe preliminary analysis for a method of constructing homogeneous actuated electromechanical composite structures from many smaller electromechanical “active cells”. The preliminary cell design consists of a contractile shape memory alloy (SMA) elements (Nitinol) connecting two electrically conductive terminals. The composite structure is actuated by applying a gross electrical potential across the entire structure. This causes connected cells to activate through resistive heating. The material properties of the ensemble structure can be varied by changing the properties of the binding material, enabling a wide range of stiffness and damping properties. A structure made from these cells can be easily fabricated in a nearly arbitrary shape — simply by producing an appropriate mold — and would be highly redundant and robust to localized cell failures. The primary focus of this paper is to perform a static analysis of the connectivity of arrays of active cells and the associated power dissipation in the individual cells.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Long-term changes in nitrate conditions over the 20th century in two Midwestern Corn Belt streams

Summary Long-term changes in nitrate concentration and flux between the middle of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st century were estimated for the Des Moines River and the Middle Illinois River, two Midwestern Corn Belt streams, using a novel weighted regression approach that is able to detect subtle changes in solute transport behavior over time. The results show that the largest changes in flow-normalized concentration and flux occurred between 1960 and 1980 in both streams, with smaller or negligible changes between 1980 and 2004. Contrasting patterns were observed between (1) nitrate export linked to non-point sources, explicitly runoff of synthetic fertilizer or other surface sources and (2) nitrate export presumably associated with point sources such as urban wastewater or confined livestock feeding facilities, with each of these modes of transport important under different domains of streamflow. Surface runoff was estimated to be consistently most important under high-flow conditions during the spring in both rivers. Nitrate export may also have been considerable in the Des Moines River even under some conditions during the winter when flows are generally lower, suggesting the influence of point sources during this time. Similar results were shown for the Middle Illinois River, which is subject to significant influence of wastewater from the Chicago area, where elevated nitrate concentrations were associated with at the lowest flows during the winter and fall. By modeling concentration directly, this study highlights the complex relationship between concentration and streamflow that has evolved in these two basins over the last 50 years. This approach provides insights about changing conditions that only become observable when stationarity in the relationship between concentration and streamflow is not assumed.
Unique arthropod communities on different host-plant genotypes results in greater arthropod diversity

Studies on the effect of plant-species diversity on various ecological processes has led to the study of the effects of plant-genetic diversity in the context of community genetics. Arthropod diversity can increase with plant-species or plant-genetic diversity (Wimp et al. in Ecol Lett 7:776–780, 2004). Plant diversity effects can be difficult to separate from other ecological processes, for example, complementarity. We asked three basic questions: (1) Are arthropod communities unique on different host-plant genotypes? (2) Is arthropod diversity greater when associated with greater plant-genetic diversity? (3) Are arthropod communities more closely associated with host-plant genetics than the plant neighborhood? We studied canopy arthropods on Populus fremontii trees randomly planted in a common garden. All trees were planted in a homogeneous matrix, which helped to reduce P. fremontii neighborhood effects. One sample was comprised of few P. fremontii genotypes with many clones. A second sample was comprised of many P. fremontii genotypes with few clones. A second data set was used to examine the relationships between the arthropod community with P. fremontii genetic composition and the neighborhood composition of the focal host plant. Unique arthropod communities were associated with different P. fremontii genotypes, and arthropod community diversity was greater in the sample with greater P. fremontii genotypic diversity. Arthropod community similarity was negatively correlated with P. fremontii genetic distance, but arthropod community similarity was not related to the neighborhood of the P. fremontii host plant.
Normal modes for large amplitude vibration of a cantilever beam

We consider the non-linear normal modes for finite amplitude vibrations of a cantilever beam by using an extension of the invariant manifold techniques recently developed by the authors. Detailed results from two examples are presented. The first considers non-linearities which arise from finite deformations, including inertial non-linearities. In this case it is shown that if one simply accounts for the kinematic effects of foreshortening, the linear modes of the cantilever beam work remarkably well for describing the actual non-linear mode shapes of the beam up to quite large amplitudes. A second example demonstrates the manner in which the method handles non-linearities in the boundary conditions, in this case, a non-linear spring attached at the free end of the beam.
Nerve conduction after inactivation of choline esterase.

ConclusionsFrog nerve, exposed to DFP in a concentration and for a time sufficient fully to inactivate its choline esterase, can still conduct impulses with entirely normal action potentials. Ch.E. is not essential to nerve conduction.
Detection of the bacteriological sex factor in E. coli by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is employed to detect the presence of the bacteriological sex factor, a trait that allows some bacteria to transfer genetic information to others by means of conjugation. The principal advantage of the method is its speed. Twenty different strains of E. coli were analyzed and the results were consistent with previously known genetic information. The sex factor could be transferred from one strain to another and the outcome verified by mass spectrometry. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Privacy-Preserving Energy Theft Detection in Microgrids: A State Estimation Approach

Energy theft is a notorious problem in electric power systems, which causes great economic losses and threatens the reliability of the power grid. Recently, the Smart Grid has been proposed as the next-generation power system to modernize the current grid and improve its efficiency, sustainability, and security. Key technologies of the Smart Grid include smart meters, which allow system operators to collect real-time power consumption data from users, and microgrids, which allow users to own and control renewable resources. However, the Smart Grid is vulnerable to cyber attacks, thus making stealing energy much easier in it. Most existing energy theft detection schemes require the collection of real-time power consumption data from users, i.e., users’ load profiles, which violates their privacy. In this paper, we first propose a centralized energy theft detection algorithm utilizing the Kalman filter, called SEK. It can efficiently identify the energy thieves but cannot protect users’ privacy. Then, based on SEK, we develop a privacy-preserving energy theft detection algorithm called PPBE, which privately finds the energy thieves by decomposing the Kalman filter into two parallel and loosely coupled filters. Finally, we conduct thorough privacy analysis and extensive simulations to validate our proposed algorithms.
A disorder of dogs resembling Sjögren's syndrome.

Abstract Sjogren's syndrome is characterized by keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and xerostomia and often develops in conjunction with other inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and polymyositis (Kassan, S. S., and Gardy, M., Amer. J. Med. 64 , 1037, 1978). In this article we describe two dogs with a disease similar to the human form of Sjogren's syndrome. The canine variety of this condition has not been previously reported.
A rare case of Morgagni hernia associated with cor triatriatum

Abstract The Morgagni hernia is a rare congenital disorder that is often associated with other anomalies such as congenital heart disease. We present here a case of Morgagni hernia with concomitant cor triatriatum, both of which were repaired in one operation via a sternotomy approach with satisfactory 6 months follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind reported.
Bicuspid Aortic Valves Are Associated With Increased Turbulence Compared to Pure Aortic Stenosis: An In Vitro Study

In about 1–2% of all live births, the human aortic valve only consists of two anomalous leaflets and is known as the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). BAVs are the most common congenital cardiac anomaly, and are associated with significant valvular dysfunction, including calcific aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic regurgitation (AR), as well as aortic wall abnormalities including coarctation of the aorta, ascending aortic dilatation and aneurysms [1]. Many studies have proposed a common underlying genetic defect in progression of complications with BAVs [2]. However, other recent studies have also suggested that the altered hemodynamic environment associated with BAVs could also be responsible for accelerated disease progression in these patients [3, 4]. A recent in vitro study showed elevated levels of turbulence associated with BAVs, and indicated that fluid flow patterns in the aortic sinuses are also affected due to the altered valve morphology [5]. The present work seeks to compare the levels of turbulence in BAVs to pure trileaflet aortic stenosis models.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Silvicultural systems for southern bottomland hardwood forests.

Abstract Silvicultural systems integrate both regeneration and intermediate operations in an orderly process for managing forest stands. The clearcutting method of regeneration favors the development of species that are moderately intolerant to intolerant of shade. In fact, clearcutting is the most proven and widely used method of successfully regenerating bottomland oak species in the South. The seed-tree method of regeneration favors the establishment of light-seeded species. Mechanical soil scarification may be necessary if the desired species requires bare mineral soil for establishment. The shelterwood method of regeneration can provide for the development of heavy-seeded species, but has produced highly variable results with southern bottomland oaks. The single-tree selection method of regeneration favors the development of shade-tolerant species. When single-tree selection is applied repeatedly to stands containing commercially valuable shade-intolerant species, composition will gradually shift to less-valuable, more-tolerant species. Consequently, the single-tree selection method of regeneration is not recommended for any commercially valuable bottomland hardwood tree species. Group selection, in its strictest application, creates only small openings that usually fail to allow sufficient light to the forest floor for satisfactory establishment and development of shade-intolerant bottomland species. Patch cutting, a combination of uneven-aged (group selection) and even-aged (clearcutting) silviculture, designed to create larger openings, has been successfully used to produce an uneven-aged stand that consists of many small, irregularly shaped, even-aged groups. Silvicultural systems should include a planned program of intermediate operations designed to enhance the growth and development of those species favored during the regeneration process. Improvement cutting and commercial thinning are increasingly common in southern bottomland hardwood forests. Other partial cuttings employed today in bottomland hardwood forests typically involve some form of crop-tree release. Specific recommendations for the selection of silvicultural systems are presented for the eight most important species groups found in southern bottomland hardwood forests.
Active and Passive Compliance of the Fetal Bovine Bladder

AbstractPurpose: Others have shown that the fetal bovine bladder is relatively noncompliant. Previous studies on compliance of fetal bovine bladders have demonstrated that the youngest fetal bladders had lowest and the oldest fetal bladders (near full-term) had greatest compliance. Our study was designed to determine the level of participation of active tension in the compliance of fetal bladders during gestation.Materials and Methods: Fetal bovine bladders were obtained immediately after maternal harvest and crown-to-rump length was measured to determine gestational age. The fetus was inspected for genitourinary anomalies and the bladder was immediately placed in chilled M199 media. Strips (1 × 0.5 cm.) were excised from the anterior sagittal plane of the bladder and subjected to length-tension analysis in oxygenated Tyrode's buffer at 37C. Tension was measured using a force transducer and length was increased using a micropositioner. Compliance refers to the length-tension studies performed in normal Ty...
Enhancement of resistance of polyethylene to seawater-promoted degradation by surface modification

Abstract Low-density polyethylene was subjected to several surface-modification techniques, and the effectiveness of each method in retarding seawater-promoted degradation was evaluated. Surface treatments studied included radio-frequency glow-discharge exposure in air followed by diacid or triisocyanate co-polymerization and surface irradiation with 500 keV electrons of very low penetration. Plasma and co-polymerization treatments were monitored by ESCA and ATR IR spectroscopy, from which tentative conclusions were possible concerning reaction rates and probable chemical nature of the modified surface regions. Electron irradiation was monitored by gel content and cellophane dosimetry. Samples of treated polyethylene were subjected to accelerated testing by cyclic flexure in seawater and wide-angle X-ray diffraction results showed that each treatment method studied caused retardation of degradation; however, the relative effectiveness of the various techniques varied greatly.
Speeding along the protein folding highway, are we reading the signs correctly?

Detailed studies of submillisecond burst phase signals in non-folding proteins indicate that the observed optical changes may reflect the population of different ensembles of unfolded polypeptides rather than the presence of intermediate species.
A Survey of Beet Leafhopper Populations on Sugar Beets in the Imperial Valley, California, 1953–1958

During the dry years covered by the survey (1953-57) most of the beet leafhoppers ( Circulifer tenellus (Baker)) and curly top in the Imperial Valley originated in the cultivated areas. The sugar beet and weeds were the most important host plants. A curly-top outbreak occurred in 1956, a year in which desert populations were low. The beet-leafhopper population and curly-top incidence were greatly reduced in the summer because of the reduction in numbers of host plants. The reduction was increased by establishment of a voluntary beet-free period and a weed host and beet-leafhopper control program. During the comparatively damp season of 1957-58, a moderate population developed in the uncultivated areas, while reproduction was delayed in cultivated areas.
Toward a theory of distinct types of "impulsive" behaviors: A meta-analysis of self-report and behavioral measures

Impulsivity is considered a personality trait affecting behavior in many life domains, from recreational activities to important decision making. When extreme, it is associated with mental health problems, such as substance use disorders, as well as with interpersonal and social difficulties, including juvenile delinquency and criminality. Yet, trait impulsivity may not be a unitary construct. We review commonly used self-report measures of personality trait impulsivity and related constructs (e.g., sensation seeking), plus the opposite pole, control or constraint. A meta-analytic principal-components factor analysis demonstrated that these scales comprise 3 distinct factors, each of which aligns with a broad, higher order personality factor-Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality, Disinhibition versus Constraint/Conscientiousness, and Extraversion/Positive Emotionality/Sensation Seeking. Moreover, Disinhibition versus Constraint/Conscientiousness comprise 2 correlated but distinct subfactors: Disinhibition versus Constraint and Conscientiousness/Will versus Resourcelessness. We also review laboratory tasks that purport to measure a construct similar to trait impulsivity. A meta-analytic principal-components factor analysis demonstrated that these tasks constitute 4 factors (Inattention, Inhibition, Impulsive Decision-Making, and Shifting). Although relations between these 2 measurement models are consistently low to very low, relations between both trait scales and laboratory behavioral tasks and daily-life impulsive behaviors are moderate. That is, both independently predict problematic daily-life impulsive behaviors, such as substance use, gambling, and delinquency; their joint use has incremental predictive power over the use of either type of measure alone and furthers our understanding of these important, problematic behaviors. Future use of confirmatory methods should help to ascertain with greater precision the number of and relations between impulsivity-related components.