cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-interference cancellation via beamforming in an integrated full duplex circulator-receiver phased array

This paper describes how phased array beamforming can be exploited to achieve wideband self-interference cancellation (SIC). This SIC is gained with no additional power consumption while minimizing link budget (transmitter (TX) and receiver (RX) array gain) penalty by repurposing spatial degrees of freedom. Unlike prior works that rely only on digital transmit beamforming, this work takes advantage of analog/RF beamforming capability that can be easily embedded within an integrated circulator-receiver array. This enables (i) obtaining SIC through beamforming on both TX and RX sides, thus increasing the number of degrees of freedom (DoF) that can be used to obtain SIC and form the desired beams, while (ii) sharing the antenna array between TX and RX. A 750MHz 65nm CMOS scalable 4-element full-duplex circulator-receiver array is demonstrated in conjunction with a TX phased array implemented using discrete components. A tiled 8-element system shows (i) 50dB overall RF array SIC over 16.25MHz (WiFi-like) bandwidth (BW) with < 3.5/3dB degradation in TX and RX array gains, respectively, and (ii) 100dB overall array SIC including digital SIC, supporting +16.5dBm TX array power handling.
Targeting the host immune response for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications

Abstract Biomaterials and cells are essential components of almost every tissue-engineering approach for the repair or replacement of injured or missing tissue. Until recently, the host response to these materials and cells has been considered as a proinflammatory phenomenon to be suppressed to the extent possible. However, technological advances in immunolabeling, cell sorting, genomics, and proteomics among other laboratory techniques have revealed the essential roles of the immune system in tissue and organ development, homeostasis, and stem cell recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation; processes of interest and importance to tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine. The present chapter reviews the role of individual immune cell in the context of TE and remodeling, specialized functions and signaling mechanisms of these immune cells, and current methods for manipulating immune cell activity to achieve better outcomes.
Analysis of the efficacy of meropenem in treating secondary peritonitis in newborn infant

Objective To investigate the efficiency of meropenem in treating secondary peritonitis in newborn infant. Methods Twenty-four newborn infants with secondary peritonitis were treated by meropenem from January 2006 to June 2009 in Tianjin Childrens Hospital. The therapeutic effects were evaluated in the 24 cases. Results Twenty-one patients revealed positive of germiculture and 30 germ strains were isolated from the culture. After the treatment with meropenem, complete cure were observed in 21 newborns. One case gave up treatment,and the other two died. Overall bacterial clearance rate was 86. 7%. Both the clinical cure rate and the total cure rate were 87.5%. The clinical effect consisted with bacteriological effect. Conclusions Meropenem is effective and safe in the treatment of secondary peritonitis in newborn infant. Key words: Meropenem; Newborn; Peritonitis
Tropical principal component analysis on the space of phylogenetic trees.

Motivation Due to new technology for efficiently generating genome data, machine learning methods are urgently needed to analyze large sets of gene trees over the space of phylogenetic trees. However, the space of phylogenetic trees is not Euclidean, so ordinary machine learning methods cannot be directly applied. In 2019, Yoshida et al. introduced the notion of tropical principal component analysis (PCA), a statistical method for visualization and dimensionality reduction using a tropical polytope with a fixed number of vertices that minimizes the sum of tropical distances between each data point and its tropical projection. However, their work focused on the tropical projective space rather than the space of phylogenetic trees. We focus here on tropical PCA for dimension reduction and visualization over the space of phylogenetic trees. Results Our main results are 2-fold: (i) theoretical interpretations of the tropical principal components over the space of phylogenetic trees, namely, the existence of a tropical cell decomposition into regions of fixed tree topology; and (ii) the development of a stochastic optimization method to estimate tropical PCs over the space of phylogenetic trees using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach. This method performs well with simulation studies, and it is applied to three empirical datasets: Apicomplexa and African coelacanth genomes as well as sequences of hemagglutinin for influenza from New York. Availability and implementation Dataset: http://polytopes.net/Data.tar.gz. Code: http://polytopes.net/tropica_MCMC_codes.tar.gz. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Cobalamin Deficiency and Acute-Onset Auditory and Visual Hallucinations in an Elderly Man.

Abstract Background Cobalamin deficiency is a common disorder associated with numerous neuropsychiatric presentations. Prior literature addresses the neurocognitive and affective symptoms, which include psychotic presentations. We present the first reported case of an individual with isolated auditory and visual hallucinations in the absence of other neurocognitive, mood, or psychotic symptoms. Case Report Mr. C, a 74-year-old male with a psychiatric history of PTSD (in remission), presented to the emergency department with one month of gait instability, frequent urinary incontinence while sleeping, and near-daily auditory and visual hallucinations. Given hallucinations, psychiatry was consulted. Mr. C had no other active psychiatric symptoms at time of interview and demonstrated a high degree of insight about his hallucinations. There were no cognitive deficits, delusions, or confusion discernible on exam. Medical work-up was remarkable for vitamin B12 of 148 pg/mL (normal 200-900 pg/mL) and increased red cell distribution width of 17% (normal 11.5-14.5%) with normal folate. Cobalamin was replenished with a 1000 mcg injection of cyanocobalamin and daily oral supplementation (100 mcg). He experienced complete resolution of hallucinations over five days. Discussion Our case demonstrates that hallucinations can be a presenting symptom of cobalamin deficiency without other neurocognitive, psychotic, or mood symptoms. We will review the literature on psychosis and cobalamin deficiency, discuss the neurobiological explanations for neuropsychiatric effects of cobalamin deficiency, and provide diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Conclusion Consultation-liaison psychiatrists should be aware of isolated auditory and visual hallucinations as a presentation of cobalamin deficiency since prompt treatment can lead to rapid resolution of symptoms.
“It’s not fiction, it’s my life”: LGBTQ+ youth of color and kinships in an urban school

This article argues that chosen family structures are critical for LGBTQ+ youth of color. Further, it articulates the inherent sense of agency that is found in choosing a family—something that not ...
Disinhibition and Subjective Hunger as Mediators Between Weight Bias Internalization and Binge Eating Among Pre-Surgical Bariatric Patients

Weight bias internalization, or the process of applying negative weight-related attitudes and beliefs to oneself, is an important construct in regard to patients pursuing bariatric surgery. Weight bias internalization (or internalized weight bias) has been previously associated with depressive symptoms and binge eating among pre-surgical bariatric patients. However, a gap in the literature exists pertaining to how certain eating behaviors may mediate the relationship between weight bias internalization and binge eating. The present study assessed the role of eating behaviors (i.e., cognitive restraint, disinhibition, and hunger) as mediators between weight bias internalization and binge eating symptoms when controlling for depression. A total of 708 adults (Mage = 42.91; White = 95.3%; women = 79.4%) seeking bariatric surgery at a tertiary academic medical center in the Appalachia region of the USA were included in this retrospective study. Patients completed validated measures of weight bias internalization, eating behaviors, and depression as part of a routine, psychological evaluation in order to determine surgical clearance. Disinhibition and hunger were significant mediators in the relationship between weight bias internalization and binge eating beyond the role of depressive symptoms alone. Disinhibited eating, or the tendency to experience a loss of control and eating in response to negative emotions, as well as subjective feelings of hunger are important dimensions of eating, particularly as related to weight bias internalization and binge eating. Weight bias internalization is an important factor to consider among pre-surgical bariatric patients and warrants additional treatment considerations.
New time scale based k-epsilon model for near-wall turbulence

A k-epsilon model is proposed for wall bonded turbulent flows. In this model, the eddy viscosity is characterized by a turbulent velocity scale and a turbulent time scale. The time scale is bounded from below by the Kolmogorov time scale. The dissipation equation is reformulated using this time scale and no singularity exists at the wall. The damping function used in the eddy viscosity is chosen to be a function of R(sub y) = (k(sup 1/2)y)/v instead of y(+). Hence, the model could be used for flows with separation. The model constants used are the same as in the high Reynolds number standard k-epsilon model. Thus, the proposed model will be also suitable for flows far from the wall. Turbulent channel flows at different Reynolds numbers and turbulent boundary layer flows with and without pressure gradient are calculated. Results show that the model predictions are in good agreement with direct numerical simulation and experimental data.
The status of treatment for plantar warts in 2021: No definitive advancements in decades for a common dermatology disease

Plantar warts are among the most common skin conditions and are classically resistant to treatment. To perform an evidence-based evaluation of the efficacy and safety of available treatment options for plantar warts, we conducted a systematic review of PubMed and Cochrane databases to identify large interventional and observational studies involving more than 100 patients who were treated for plantar warts from inception to October 2020. We identified only nine contributions meeting our inclusion criteria (N ≥ 100), representing 1,657 adult and pediatric patients with plantar warts. Treatments included in this review were topical keratolytic agents, cryotherapy, laser therapies, and intralesional and systemic treatments. Our evidence-based review of the larger studies suggests keratolytic agents and destructive treatments, in particular salicylic acid and cryotherapy, remain the primary treatments for plantar warts. Treatment with pulsed dye laser had the lowest rate of recurrence. Newer treatments and intralesional treatments were not represented owing to lack of large studies involving these modalities.
Characteristics of Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium–Associated Maculopathy and Similarities With Other Maculopathies Commonly Managed in a Retina Practice:

Purpose:This work describes characteristics of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS)–associated maculopathy and its similarities with common maculopathies in a retina practice cohort.Methods:Thirty-two...
Catalytic potential of low-cost natural zeolite and influence of various pretreatments of biomass on pyro-oil up-gradation during co-pyrolysis with scrap rubber tires

Abstract This study investigates the influence of low-cost natural zeolite (NZ) catalyst, metallic content and various pretreatments of rice straw (RS) on quality and quantity of oil derived from co-pyrolysis and catalytic co-pyrolysis of RS and scrap rubber tire (SRT). Oil obtained from co-pyrolysis of combined acid-washed and torrefied RS (WT-RS) and SRT (WT-RS/SRT) had 41% less oxygenates, 17% more hydrocarbons (HCs) and a significant amount of levoglucosan compared to the combination of raw RS and SRT (R-RS/SRT). Besides, char from WT-RS/SRT combination had more HHV (30.15 MJ/kg) than that of R-RS/SRT combination (26.85 MJ/kg). NZ incorporation into co-pyrolysis enhanced deoxygenation by 34% for catalytic combination of R-RS/SRT/NZ than non-catalytic co-pyrolysis of R-RS/SRT combination whilst the combination of WT-RS/SRT/NZ encountered 77.27%, 61.53% and 65.51% more deoxygenation than R-RS/SRT, WT-RS/SRT and R-RS/SRT/NZ combinations, respectively. An increase in HCs was found to be 40% and 31.25% for WT-RS/SRT/NZ contrary to WT-RS/SRT and R-RS/SRT/NZ, respectively. Additionally, 69.23% more mono aromatics along with more valuable gaseous composition were obtained in WT-RS/SRT/NZ than R-RS/SRT/NZ. HHV and physical characteristics of oil were superior for WT-RS/SRT/NZ. Results showed co-pyrolysis of pretreated RS-SRT as an effective route to improve product quality, which was further improved by the catalyst incorporation.
In utero intraocular AAV injection for early gene expression in the developing rodent retina.

Summary The visual system is the best system to study activity-dependent sensory circuit development. The connections from the retina to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, the retinogeniculate connections, undergo extensive remodeling during early postnatal life. Thus, techniques that allow the expression of transgenes early in the developing retina are essential to study visual system development. Here, we describe a protocol to express genes-of-interest in the developing mouse retina via in utero intraocular adeno-associated virus injections. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Yasuda et al. (2021) .
Laser access and utilization preferences for pediatric ureteroscopy: A survey of the Societies of Pediatric Urology.

Introduction We sought to evaluate laser access and practice variability for pediatric ureteroscopy (URS) across the Societies of Pediatric Urology (SPU) to identify opportunities and barriers for future technology promulgation and evidence dissemination. Methods A 25-question survey was sent electronically to members of the SPU. The questionnaire assessed surgeon and hospital characteristics, treatment preferences based on an index case, and information about available laser units. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed to assess patterns of care and laser accessibility across the SPU. Results A total of 105 of 711 (15%) recipients responded. Seventy-seven respondents (73%) reported laser ownership, which was associated with greater after-hours laser access (87% vs. 13%, p 60 W). Standard-power lasers were used more frequently in free-standing children's hospitals, as compared to those working within a larger hospital complex (75% vs. 50%, p=0.049). Variation existed in treatment preferences with respect to dusting (33, 34%), fragmentation (18, 19%), or a hybrid approach (46 respondents, 48%). Stone clearance was the most important consideration irrespective of treatment choice. Conclusions Variability in surgical preferences and accessibility to laser units exist across pediatric urologists who performing URS. Laser ownership and access to newer technologies vary across practices and may influence treatment options. Understanding access to laser technology will be important when considering opportunities for surgical optimization to improve patient outcomes through future studies.
Single-Shot Beam Metrology via Ptychography

We demonstrate a novel single-shot ptychographic imaging system based on diffractive splitting capable of simultaneous phase and amplitude beam metrology. We experimentally reconstruct vortex beams in both amplitude and phase from a single camera exposure.
Direct molecular dynamics simulation of Ge deposition on amorphous SiO2 at experimentally relevant conditions

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study Ge island nucleation and growth on amorphous SiO2 substrates. This process is relevant in selective epitaxial growth of Ge on Si, for which SiO2 is often used as a template mask. The islanding process was studied over a wide range of temperatures and fluxes, using a recently proposed empirical potential model for the Si–SiO2–Ge system. The simulations provide an excellent quantitative picture of the Ge islanding and compare well with detailed experimental measurements. These quantitative comparisons were enabled by an analytical rate model as a bridge between simulations and experiments despite the fact that deposition fluxes accessible in simulations and experiments are necessarily different by many orders of magnitude. In particular, the simulations led to accurate predictions of the critical island size and the scaling of island density as a function of temperature. The overall approach used here should be useful not just for future studies in this particular system, but also for molecular simulations of deposition in other materials.
The Evolving Understanding of the Contribution of Lipid Metabolism to Diabetic Kidney Disease

Although diabetes is mainly diagnosed based on elevated glucose levels, dyslipidemia is also observed in these patients. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a frequent occurrence in patients with diabetes, is associated with major abnormalities in circulating lipoproteins and renal lipid metabolism. At baseline, most renal epithelial cells rely on fatty acids as their energy source. CKD, including that which occurs in diabetes, is characterized by tubule epithelial lipid accumulation. Whether this is due to increased uptake or greater local fatty acid synthesis is unknown. We have recently shown that CKD also leads to decreased fatty acid oxidation, which might be an additional mechanism leading to lipid accumulation. Defective fatty acid utilization causes energy depletion resulting in increased apoptosis and dedifferentiation, which in turn contributes to fibrosis and CKD progression. Enhanced fatty acid oxidation in the kidney induced by fenofibrate, a peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α agonist, showed benefit in mouse models of CKD. Fenofibrate treatment also reduced albuminuria in patients with diabetes in multiple clinical trials. Taken together, these findings suggest that further understanding of lipid metabolism in diabetic kidney disease may lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
Dying: The Most Economical Way to Go!

It is only human for one to feel sympathetic toward the person who dies with everything going wrong; a malfunctioning liver, arteriosclerosis, a defective kidney, ulcers, respiratory problems, and waning eyesight. However, such a tumultuous exit may indicate that the individual involved has more thoroughly enjoyed life than the person who dies with only a failing heart and everything else in perfect order. If this is the case, the sympathy may be misplaced.
Practical approaches to protein formulation development.

As is the case with other pharmaceuticals, formulation development is one of the critical steps in developing a protein as a therapeutic product. Development of stable protein formulations may require even more resources and effort than conventional small molecule pharmaceuticals. Proteins typically have more stability issues as a result of their complexity and delicate structural stability. Fortunately, a great deal of research regarding protein stability has been conducted and this information is readily available in the literature (reviewed by Manning et al., 1989; Chen, 1992; Ahern and Manning, 1992a; Ahern and Manning, 1992b; Arakawa et al., 1993; Cleland et al., 1993; Wang and Pearlman, 1993; Pearlman and Wang, 1996; Volkin and Middaugh, 1997). Ultimately, it would be ideal to be able to develop a pure pharmaceutical containing only the native protein. However, it is not practical to have only the native form of a protein in the formulation because the protein must be purified from a complex biological mixture containing a pool of other proteins which includes misfolded, denatured, and degraded forms of the same protein. Furthermore, a major challenge is to maintain the integrity of the purified protein during routine pharmaceutical processing, storage, handling, and delivery to the patient. One could envision achieving this goal by developing a formulation with perfect stability, i.e., no physical and chemical change in the protein. Becauise proteins are complex molecules composed of numerous reactive chemical groups and delicate three-dimensional structures, identifying a set of conditions to keep all components stable is virtually impossible. In general, commercial therapeutic protein formulations are developed under the assumption that some degree of physicochemical changes will occur during storage and handling.
This Is Not Our Fathers' Generation: Web Pages, the Chicago Lyric Opera, and the Philadelphia Orchestra

Accoutumee a l'interaction dans un monde digital, l'influence de la generation Nitendo ou de la Net-generation se retrouve aujourd'hui dans les pages web, dans les salles de concerts, et dans les lieux de spectacle comme l'opera. Selon l'A., en plus des differences economiques, educatives et politiques decrites par D. Tapscot et des deviations emotionnelles et sociales decrites par S. Turkle, l'âge electronique a egalement genere des differences intergenerationnelles du point de vue des reponses visuelles et kinesthesiques envers le medium lui meme et envers les arts.
What Factors Contribute to the Resilience of African-American Children Within Kinship Care?

Research about African-American children who overcome adversity to adapt successfully within kinship care is virtually nonexistent. To address this knowledge gap, we studied the caregivers of 30 African-American children residing in kinship care homes to determine why some children succeed in their placements while others do not. In this qualitative investigation, we interviewed the kinship caregivers of resilient and nonresilient children. Resilient children generally resided in families characterized by more structure, clear boundaries, and well-defined roles. Kinship caregivers indicated that the support they received from extended family was helpful and promoted positive child outcomes.
The Role of Labor Market Regulation in Rebuilding Economic Opportunity in the U.S.

In the search for policy solutions to rising inequality and precariousness in the U.S., this essay argues for the central role of labor market regulation. It presents research and policy evidence for a three-pronged approach: (1) strengthening the floor of labor standards (wages, health and safety, and right to organize chief among them); (2) vigorously enforcing that floor; and (3) leveraging government contracting and grants to build a base of good jobs on top of that floor. The essay concludes that getting to scale in the current political climate will require ratcheting up from state and local policy campaigns to federal reform.
Characteristics of convicted drunken drivers.

Demographic data were obtained from 310 persons (206 first and 104 repeat offenders 56 women) consecutively convicted in El Cajon, California of driving while under the influence of alcohol. Ages ranged from under 20 to over 60 and 93% were between 20 and 59 years old; 86% were "Anglos," 10% Mexican Americans, 3% American Indians; 55% were married and 11% were single; 65% had 12 or more years of schooling; 85% were employed; all were enrolled in a course on drinking and driving as a condition of probation. Prior to being arrested, 52% of the 140 probationers who submitted narratives had been drinking at bars or pool halls and 22% at friends' homes, parties or picnics; 46% had been drinking beer, 16% mixed drinks, 14% beer and mixed drinks, 10% other combinations. Fatigue (21%), stress (17%) and concurrent use of other drugs (5%) were also involved. No attempt had been made to prevent 92% from driving. Denial or projection of guilt were noted in 31% of the narratives. The Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) was given to 269 of these (201 first and 68 repeat offenders, 35 and 5 women, respectively). Repeat offenders has significantly higher MAST scores (indicating likelihood of alcoholism) than first offenders; among first offenders, men had higher MAST scores than women (9.4 vs 5.9) but the proportion of men with scores indicating alcoholims (71%) was not significantly different from that of women (63%). There was no correlation between age and MAST scores. Blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) were obtained from 346 men and 78 women first offenders and from 131 men and 16 women repeat offenders. A significant difference between BACs of repeat offenders of both sexes and first offenders (mean 0.22 vs 0.19%) was found, but not between those of men and women. /Author/
Selectable starting bit SAR ADC

Prior work used least-significant bit first quantization (LSBFQ) to conserve switching energy and comparator bitcycles, but is limited to low activity signals. Furthermore, LSBFQ results in a large bitcycle range in the quantizer. A novel selectable starting bit quantizer (SSBQ) is proposed which starts quantization with neither the MSB nor the LSB, but an intermediate bit chosen for target applications. It is shown that the proposed algorithm reduces bitcycle range in the quantizer compared to LSBFQ, and provides design flexibility for various activity signals. Furthermore, the proposed solution encompasses LSBFQ since it is a specific case of the proposed architecture. For target applications, the proposed solution will save bitcycles in an A/D conversion, as well as switching energy, over the LSBFQ and the merged capacitor switching (MCS) SAR, the most energy-efficient traditional MSB-first SAR.
The Milky Way’s bright satellites as an apparent failure of ΛCDM

We use the Aquarius simulations to show that the most massive subhaloes in galaxy-mass dark matter (DM) haloes in Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) are grossly inconsistent with the dynamics of the brightest Milky Way dwarf spheroidal galaxies. While the best-fitting hosts of the dwarf spheroidals all have , ΛCDM simulations predict at least 10 subhaloes with Vmax > 25 km s−1. These subhaloes are also among the most massive at earlier times, and significantly exceed the reionization suppression mass back to z∼ 10. No ΛCDM-based model of the satellite population of the Milky Way explains this result. The problem lies in the satellites’ densities: it is straightforward to match the observed Milky Way luminosity function, but doing so requires the dwarf spheroidals to have DM haloes that are a factor of ∼5 more massive than is observed. Independent of the difficulty in explaining the absence of these dense, massive subhaloes, there is a basic tension between the derived properties of the bright Milky Way dwarf spheroidals and ΛCDM expectations. The inferred infall masses of these galaxies are all approximately equal and are much lower than standard ΛCDM predictions for systems with their luminosities. Consequently, their implied star formation efficiencies span over two orders of magnitude, from 0.2 to 20 per cent of baryons converted into stars, in stark contrast with expectations gleaned from more massive galaxies. We explore possible solutions to these problems within the context of ΛCDM and find them to be unconvincing. In particular, we use controlled simulations to demonstrate that the small stellar masses of the bright dwarf spheroidals make supernova feedback an unlikely explanation for their low inferred densities.
Priority Scheduling and Spares Stocking Policies for a Repair Shop: The Multiple Failure Case

Improved scheduling rules and spares stocking policies are examined for a repair shop supporting a multi-item repairable inventory system with a hierarchical product structure. The results from an earlier paper are extended to the case where more than one unit fails in each item to be repaired. A variety of scheduling rules and methods for initializing the vector of spare parts are evaluated using a simulation of a representative shop. The results indicate that procedures which perform well when only a single unit fails also perform well when multiple failures occur. More complex rules, which recognize assembly mating requirements, do not appear to provide any significant improvement.
CPG2:A brain- and synapse-specific protein that regulates the endocytosis of glutamate receptors

Long-term maintenance and modification of synaptic strength involve the turnover of neurotransmitter receptors. Glutamate receptors are constitutively and acutely internalized, presumptively through clathrin-mediated receptor endocytosis. Here, we show that cpg2 is a brain-specific splice variant of the syne-1 gene that encodes a protein specifically localized to a postsynaptic endocytotic zone of excitatory synapses. RNAi-mediated CPG2 knockdown increases the number of postsynaptic clathrin-coated vesicles, some of which traffic NMDA receptors, disrupts the constitutive internalization of glutamate receptors, and inhibits the activity-induced internalization of synaptic AMPA receptors. Manipulating CPG2 levels also affects dendritic spine size, further supporting a function in regulating membrane transport. Our results suggest that CPG2 is a key component of a specialized postsynaptic endocytic mechanism devoted to the internalization of synaptic proteins, including glutamate receptors. The activity dependence and distribution of cpg2 expression further suggest that it contributes to the capacity for postsynaptic plasticity inherent to excitatory synapses.
Modeling Driver Behavior in Dilemma Zones: A Discrete/Continuous Formulation with Selectivity Bias Corrections

The evaluation of driver behavior in dilemma zones is of critical importance to traffic safety and intersection design, but has thus far received limited investigation. Internal and external factors that can influence this behavior include driver demographics, the use of technology in the vehicle, and even the type of dilemma zone—Type I (based on signal timing/intersection geometry) or Type II (based on driver indecision). This paper explores the effect of cell phone technology, calling behavior, and driver characteristics on drivers' decisions to stop or go through an intersection at the onset of a yellow light, along with their corresponding rate of acceleration. A discrete/continuous analysis was adopted that accounted for potential model heterogeneity that may exist across the different dilemma zone types and drivers by applying selectivity-bias corrections. The results suggested that several technology and call behavior combinations are relevant in determining driver behavior, along with gender and age. It was also found that significant differences exist in driver behavior amongst those who decide to stop and those who decide to go through the intersection in a Type II dilemma zone situation. The findings of this paper can support efforts on reducing risky driving behavior in dilemma zones and enforcing distracted driving laws.
Effects of Realistic Heat-Straightening Repair on Damaged Steel Beams

Realistic implementation of heat straightening in the field can include imperfections such as temperatures much higher or lower than recommended values, overstraining, mechanical hot bending, and multiple heat straightening. Experimental investigations were performed to evaluate the effects of realistic heat straightening with imperfections on damaged steel beams. Six steel beam specimens were fabricated from A36 steel plates and tested to evaluate the effects of various damage and repair parameters on realistic heat-straightening repair. Test specimens were statically damaged by using a hydraulic actuator, and heat-straightening repaired by applying Vee heats and restraining forces in the plastically deformed region. The damage and repair parameters considered in the test were damage magnitude, restraining force, maximum heating temperature, and number of multiple damage-repair cycles. The material properties, including the structural properties, and the fracture toughness of the damaged-repaired beam sp...
Inhibition of cytomegalovirus infection and photothermolysis of infected cells using bioconjugated gold nanoparticles

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpesvirus that causes major health problems in neonates as well as in immunocompromised individuals1. At present, a vaccine is not available for CMV infection and the available antiviral drugs suffer from toxicity, poor efficacy and resistance1,2. Here, we chemically conjugated a monoclonal antibody raised against CMV surface glycoprotein (gB) with gold nanoparticles (GNP) and characterized the potential of this gB-GNP conjugate for antiviral activity against CMV. The gB-GNP blocks viral replication, virus-induced cytopathogenic effects and virus spread in cell culture without inducing cytotoxicity. High concentrations of gB-GNP that coat the surface of virus particles block virus entry, whereas lower concentrations block a later stage of virus life cycle. Also, cells treated with gB-GNP gain resistance to CMV infection. In addition, infected cells when bound to gB-GNP can be selectively lysed after exposing them to specific wavelength of laser (nanophotothermolysis). Thus, we have not only designed a potential antiviral strategy that specifically blocks CMV infection at multiple stages of virus life cycle, but we have also characterized a technique that can potentially be useful in eliminating CMV infected cells from donor tissue during transplant or transfusion.
Dalbavancin: a novel lipoglycopeptide antibacterial

Dalbavancin is a new lipoglycopeptide antibacterial possessing in vitro activity against a variety of gram-positive pathogens. Against methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, it has demonstrated favorable minimum inhibitory concentration ranges compared with those of currently available agents. Dalbavancin is highly protein bound (> 90%), which may contribute to its prolonged half-life of 149-300 hours. Because of this long half-life, once-weekly dosing strategies have been used in clinical trials. Efficacy and tolerability have been demonstrated in a wide variety of animal infection models. Clinical success and safety have been shown in phase II and III trials for skin and soft-tissue infections and a phase II trial for catheter-related bloodstream infections. In these trials with vancomycin, linezolid, and various beta-lactams as comparators, comparable results have been reported. The results of further phase III trials are anxiously awaited and will more clearly define the clinical role of this novel agent.
The effect of in-stent restenosis on hemodialysis access patency

Endovascular stents have recently been shown to extend access patency in thrombosed and stenotic arteriovenous grafts (AVG). Concern remains over the frequency and severity of in-stent restenosis, though this has not been rigorously defined to date. The study was a retrospective analysis of hemodialysis patients referred for access dysfunction during a 2-year period. Using a prospectively collected, vascular access database, we identified 76 patients seen for follow-up angiography due to access dysfunction after stent placement. We compared the effect of in-stent restenosis vs. de novo lesions in patients with previously placed endovascular stents. Measured outcomes were primary assisted patency and frequency of in-stent and de novo lesions. Thirty-five (46.1%) patients had de novo lesions, while 41 (53.9%) had in-stent restenosis. In-stent restenosis was found to be the only factor associated with severity of luminal stenosis (beta=0.35, 95% confidence interval 2.21-15.48, P=0.01). In-stent restenosis was associated with increased primary patency among AVGs (hazards ratio 3.10; 95% confidence interval 1.35-7.10; P=0.008). Primary patency of in-stent restenosis vs. de novo lesions for AVGs were respectively: 78% vs. 94% at 1 month, 56% vs. 42% at 3 months, 33% vs. 6% at 6 months. For arteriovenous fistulae, the difference in primary patency of in-stent vs. de novo lesions was not statistically significant. In-stent restenosis is associated with higher percent luminal diameter lesions, while de novo lesions rather than in-stent restenosis are associated with higher risk of AVG access failure and reduced primary patency.
Liposome-mediated therapy of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 and mycobacterium infections

AbstractWe review our recent work on the use of liposomes for the delivery of antiviral agents to human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infected cells, and antimycobactcrial drugs to cells harboring Mycobacterium avium complex or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Soluble CD4 has been used to target liposomes to HIV-1-infected cells. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides have been effectively delivered into HIV-1-infected macrophages using pH-sensitive liposomes. pH-sensitive liposomes with serum stability are being developed as in vivo delivery vehicles. Liposomes encapsulating an HIV-1 protease inhibitor were more effective in inhibiting virus production in infected macrophages than the free drug. Anionic liposomes were found to inhibit HIV-1 infectivity, while cationic liposomes had a differential toxicity for HIV-1-infected macrophages. Lipophilic sulfated cyclodextrins have been synthesized as novel antiviral agents. Liposome-encapsulated ciprofloxacin treatment reduced the number of viable M. avium in macr...
Survival of frozen-thawed human red cells as a function of the permeation of glycerol and sucrose☆

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that glycerol does not have to permeate bovine red cells to protect them against subsequent freezing and thawing. The present study is concerned with the relation between solute permeation and freezing injury of human red cells. Cells were held in 2 m glycerol for 30 sec to 10 min at 0 °C and then frozen to −196 °C at 60 °C/min. Cells cooled at this rate have a very low probability of undergoing intracellular freezing. Percent survivals (≡percent unhemolyzed) increased by 21% (from 66 to 80%) over the first 3-min period. Extrapolation to zero time (and zero glycerol permeation) yields a survival of 57%. Between 30 sec and 3 min the calculated osmolal ratio of intracellular glycerol to other solutes increased 240% (from 2.5 to 5.7). The human red cell is impermeable to sucrose at 0 °C. Cells suspended in 1.40 m sucrose (equiosmolal to 2.0 m glycerol) for 0.5 to 10 min prior to freezing yielded as high survivals after thawing as did cells in glycerol. These data indicate that prior permeation of additive is not a prerequisite for the survival of red cells subjected to subsequent freezing and thawing. Although sucrose and glycerol protect equally well to this point, differences appear when attempts are made to remove the additive. Over 90% of the cells survive the removal of glycerol. Only some 30% survive the removal of sucrose. Cells frozen in an equisomolal solution of sodium chloride do not even survive the initial freezing and thawing. The findings indicate that slow freezing injury cannot be accounted for in terms of the attainment of a critical minimum volume, nor can it be considered to be equivalent to posthypertonic hemolysis.
Fungal zoospores are induced to encyst by treatments known to degrade cytoplasmic microtubules.

Zoospores of the obligately parasitic chytrid Rozella allomycis encyst and germinate after settling on a hypha of the host, the watermold Allomyces arbuscula. Zoospores deprived of a host also encyst after aging, but do not germinate. Hence, means were sought to induce encystment of young zoospores, in order to test whether they would subsequently germinate in the absence of a host.
Environmental Testing of Iron-Based Amorphous Alloys

Iron (Fe)-based amorphous alloys possess enhanced hardness and are highly resistant to corrosion, which make them desirable for wear applications in corrosive environments. It was of interest to examine the behavior of amorphous alloys during anodic polarization in concentrated salt solutions and in the salt-fog testing. Results from the testing of one amorphous material (SAM2X5) both in ribbon form and as an applied coating are reported here. Cyclic polarization tests were performed on SAM2X5 ribbon as well as on other nuclear engineering materials. SAM2X5 showed the highest resistance to localized corrosion in 5 M CaCl2 solution at 105 °C. Salt fog tests of 316L SS and alloy 22 coupons coated with amorphous SAM2X5 powder showed resistance to rusting. Partial devitrification may be responsible for isolated pinpoint rust spots in some coatings.
Thermal Diffusivity of Papaya Fruit (Carica papaya L., Var. Solo)

The thermal diffusivity of papaya pulp is measured to be 1.52 × 10-3 cm2/s and found to be in agreement with the value predicted by the Riedel equation within the uncertainty of the measurement. The thermal diffusivity of papaya seeds is measured to be 1.60 × 10-3 cm2/s.
Cenozoic latitudinal shift of the Hawaiian hotspot and its implications for true polar wander

Abstract Pacific plate equatorial sediment facies provide estimates of the northward motion of the Pacific plate that are independent of paleomagnetic data and hotspot tracks. Analyses of equatorial sediment facies consistently indicate less northward motion than analyses of the dated volcanic edifices of the Hawaiian-Emperor chain. The discrepancy is largest 60–70 Ma B.P.; the 60- to 70-Ma equatorial sediment facies data agree with recent paleomagnetic results from deep-sea drilling on Suiko seamount [1] and from a northern Pacific piston core [2]. Equatorial sediment facies data and paleomagnetic data, combined with K-Ar age dates along the Emperor chain [3], indicate a position of the spin axis at 65 Ma B.P. of 82°N, 205°E in the reference frame in which the Pacific Ocean hotspots are fixed. This pole agrees well with the position of the spin axis in the reference frame in which the Atlantic Ocean hotspots and the Indian Ocean hotspots are fixed [4,5], supporting the joint hypotheses that (1) the Pacific Ocean hotspots are fixed with respect to the hotspots in other oceans, (2) the hotspots have shifted coherently with respect to the spin axis, and (3) the time average of the earth's magnetic field 65 Ma B.P. was an axial geocentric dipole. Global Neogene paleomagnetic data suggest that a shift of the mantle relative to the spin axis has been occurring during the Neogene in the same direction as the shift between 65 Ma B.P. and the present. All data are consistent with a model in which the hotspots (and by inference the mantle) have shifted with respect to the spin axis about a fixed Euler pole at a constant rate of rotation for the last 65 Ma.
Promoting Generalization of Reading: A Comparison of Two Fluency-Based Interventions for Improving General Education Student’s Oral Reading Rate

The generalization effects of empirically-supported fluency-based reading interventions have been largely ignored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two fluency-based reading interventions, Repeated Readings and Multiple Exemplars, on elementary-aged children’s immediate and generalized oral reading fluency rate. Using a within-subjects group design, a total of 42 second (n = 25) and fourth (n = 17) grade general education students were administered both interventions and their generalized responding to passages containing high word and medium word overlap was assessed. Results indicated that children’s oral fluency on intervention passages was significantly greater during the Repeated Readings intervention. However, children’s oral reading fluency on generalization passages containing medium word overlap was significantly greater following the Multiple Exemplars intervention. This difference was however possibly due to the Multiple Exemplar medium word overlap passage being easier for students to read. No significant differences between the two interventions were observed in children’s oral reading fluency on generalization passages containing high word overlap. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed in relation to improving students’ reading fluency on generalization passages.
A mathematical analysis of the influence of aging on enzyme deactivation kinetics

Abstract A series-type enzyme deactivation model is utilized to examine and to quantify the influence of aging on the deactivation kinetics of various enzymes. The effect of in vivo aging as well as the influence of “dwell time” on the deactivation kinetics of enzymes from organisms and cells of different age is examined. The influence of chemical modifiers on the deactivation kinetics of enzymes from cells of different age is elucidated. Attempts have been made to suggest and provide reasonable explanations for the structure-function relations for aging-influenced enzymes.
Multivisceral resections for rectal cancer.

Background: En bloc resection of adjacent pelvic organ(s) may be needed to achieve clear surgical margins in rectal cancer surgery. An institutional experience is reported with perioperative morbidity and oncological outcomes. Methods: Patients were identified retrospectively from a prospectively collected institutional database (1992–2010). Outcomes, and clinical and pathological factors were determined from medical records. Estimated overall survival, overall recurrence and local recurrence were compared using the log rank method and Cox regression analysis. Results: Among 1831 patients with rectal cancer, 124 (6·8 per cent) underwent en bloc resection of part or all of an adjacent organ (vagina/uterus/ovary 90, prostate/seminal vesicle 23, bladder/ureter 15, small bowel/appendix 7). Five-year overall survival and local recurrence rates were 53·3 and 18·8 per cent respectively. There was one postoperative death, from multiple organ failure in a patient with liver cirrhosis. Fifty-two patients underwent sphincter-preserving surgery and three (6 per cent) developed an anastomotic leak. On univariable analysis, the only factor associated with local recurrence was completeness of resection (local recurrence rate 15 per cent versus 69 per cent for R0 versus R1 resection; P < 0·001). On multivariable analysis, factors associated with overall survival were sphincter-preserving surgery, absence of metastatic disease and R0 resection. Conclusion: Multiple organ resection for locally advanced primary rectal cancer had good oncological outcomes when clear resection margins were achieved. Copyright © 2012 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tritium Collection and Extraction Techniques for Plant‐Water Relationship Studies

Techniques are described for quantitatively determining water movement and loss in pricklypear plants with tritiated water. Transpired vapor from plants which were injected with tritium was collected with a system that passed dry air over the pad surface and into collecting vials. Water was extracted from tissue samples by a modified freeze—drying technique. Combustion of tissue samples following extraction showed that the method was efficient for tritiated water recovery from the plant material when the extraction time was 8 hours and a warm—water bath temperature of 55°C was maintained.