cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Studies on the Mitochondrial Fission Protein Fis1 Suggest a Mechanism of TPR Protein Self-Association

Tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains are protein-protein interaction domains present in all kingdoms of life and mutations of human TPR domains have been linked to disease. The TPR protein fission 1 (Fis1) is conserved in all species that contain mitochondria. In S. cerevisiae, Fis1 is essential for mitochondrial fission, acting as a scaffold for other fission proteins through its TPR domain. It remains unclear if the function of Fis1 is conserved in mammals. Fis1 oligomers exist in high molecular weight complexes on isolated mitochondria. However, the structural basis of these Fis1 oligomers remains largely unknown. The TPR and transmembrane domains of Fis1 have been shown to be essential for Fis1 oligomer formation on the mitochondrial membrane. We hypothesize that the ability of Fis1 to self-associate on the membrane is mediated by dimerization of the cytoplasmic domain and dimerization of the transmembrane domain. Here, we use biophysical and structural techniques to test this hypothesis. We demonstrate that Fis1 is able to self-associate via its cytoplasmic TPR domain and have developed reagents in order to reconstitute Fis1 in a membrane environment. This project will address the structure of the Fis1 oligomer on the membrane, which is an outstanding question in the field.
11 – THERMODYNAMICS AND BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Systems may exhibit two different types of behavior: (1) the tendency toward maximum disorder, or (2) the spontaneous appearance of a high degree of organization in space, time, and/or function. The best examples of the latter are dissipative systems at nonequilibrium conditions, such as the Benard cell, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, ecosystems, and living systems. As living systems grow and develop, a constant supply of energy is needed for reproduction and survival in changing conditions. Organized structures require a number of coupled metabolic reactions and transport processes that control the rate and timing of life processes. Biochemical reaction cyclic processes maintain the biological cell in nonequilibrium state by controlling the influx of reactants and efflux of products. Biological systems do not decay toward an equilibrium state, but instead increase in size, developing organized structures and complexity. An evolved and adapted biological system converts energy in an efficient manner for the transport of substances across a cell membrane, the synthesis and assembly of proteins, muscular contraction, reproduction, and survival. The source of energy is adenosine triphosphate, which is produced by oxidative phosphorylation in the inner membrane of the mitochondria.
Sampling survey of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Zhenjiang City

Objective To understand the status of drug-resistant tuberculosis in Zhenjiang City.Methods The investigation was performed according to World Health Organization/International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease guidelines,and the results were analyzed by SPSS13.0.Results The total drug resistance rate was 41.7%,the initial drug resistance rate was 31.1% and acquired drug resistance rate was 56.3%.The total multidrug resistance(MDR) rate was 19.2%,the initial MDR rate was 9.5% and the acquired MDR resistance rate was 34.8%.The MDR rate was correlated with gender,age of patient and the duration of medication.Conclusion The overall situation of drug-resistance tuberculosis in Zhenjiang City might be close to the average level of Jiangsu province,but very serious.Further strengthen should paid for the prevention and control of MDR tuberculosis.
Web Applications Development Integrating Struts with Hibernate

To solve the problems such as complicated framework and poor expansibility in building Web applications, the paper introduces Struts and Hibernate in detail, proposes a development strategy for beer manufacturing surveillance management system based on these two frameworks and discusses how to combine and deploy flexibly Hibernate and Struts framework to simplify object persistence mapping and MVC structure with its implementation. The result shows the system is provided with high expansibility and maintainability as well as its clear frame.
High-speed flip chip package Co-Design with Optimization of anti-pad size variations on metal plane layout

Co-Design with Optimization of Physical Plane Layout in FCBGA substrate is imperative for the high-speed chips to perform the best performance. It was found that ground metal plane void (anti-pad) under ball pads and core via pads had correlation with insertion and return loss. We focused on optimizing metal and trace layout of the high-speed signal net, also known as SerDes (Serializer-Deserializer) that operates frequency in Gigahertz Transceiver. It exhibits that the quality of critical signal does not only depend on the surface trace, but it also very depends on the ground metal plane layout with metal void (anti-pad) size variation against via which the path of trace-to-via discontinuities has been ignored in the field. This study shows the characteristic impedance of via can be managed by changing the capacitance of via path with modified ground metal clearance to via, which will be closed to the characteristic impedance of the surface trace for reducing return loss. So this paper proposes that simulation-based Co-Design can be provided optimized metal void (anti-pad) design for the better electrical performance of the critical signals. By applying the proposed co-design, its design rule and device in FCBGA can be optimized in the design phase.
Treatment of the Time Derivative (Parabolic and Hyperbolic PDEs)

The finite difference method is extended to parabolic and hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs). Specifically, this chapter addresses the treatment of the time derivative in commonly encountered PDEs in science and engineering. Both explicit (forward Euler) and implicit (backward Euler) time advancement methods are discussed for both these types of PDEs. Formal von Neumann stability analysis is conducted to establish stability criteria for each method. Higher order implicit methods, such as the Crank–Nicolson method and the time-splitting alternating direction implicit (ADI) method are also discussed. The chapter ends with a discussion of higher order explicit methods for solving ordinary differential equations, such as the Runge–Kutta method and the Adams–Bashforth method, and their utility in solving PDEs using the method of lines.
Using tailored methodical approaches to achieve optimal science outcomes

The science community is actively engaged in research, development, and construction of instrumentation projects that they anticipate will lead to new science discoveries. There appears to be very strong link between the quality of the activities used to complete these projects, and having a fully functioning science instrument that will facilitate these investigations.[2] The combination of using internationally recognized standards within the disciplines of project management (PM) and systems engineering (SE) has been demonstrated to lead to achievement of positive net effects and optimal project outcomes. Conversely, unstructured, poorly managed projects will lead to unpredictable, suboptimal project outcomes ultimately affecting the quality of the science that can be done with the new instruments. The proposed application of these two specific methodical approaches, implemented as a tailorable suite of processes, are presented in this paper. Project management (PM) is accepted worldwide as an effective methodology used to control project cost, schedule, and scope. Systems engineering (SE) is an accepted method that is used to ensure that the outcomes of a project match the intent of the stakeholders, or if they diverge, that the changes are understood, captured, and controlled. An appropriate application, or tailoring, of these disciplines can be the foundation upon which success in projects that support science can be optimized.
Microbiota induces tonic CCL2 systemic levels that control pDC trafficking in steady state

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) detect viruses initiating antiviral type I interferon responses. The microbiota is known to shape immune responses, but whether it influences pDC homeostasis and/or function is poorly understood. By comparing pDCs in germ-free and specific pathogen-free mice, we found that the microbiota supports homeostatic trafficking by eliciting constitutive levels of the chemokine CCL2 that engages CCR2. Mononuclear phagocytes were required for tonic CCL2 levels. CCL2 was particularly important for trafficking of a CCR2hi subset of pDCs that produced proinflammatory cytokines and was prone to apoptosis. We further demonstrated that CCR2 was also essential for pDC migration during inflammation. Wild-type (WT):Ccr2-/- mixed bone marrow chimeras revealed that CCR2 promotes pDC migration in a cell-intrinsic manner. Overall, we identify a novel role for the microbiota in shaping immunity, which includes induction of CCL2 levels that control homeostatic trafficking of pDCs.
Empirical Demonstration that Expected Utility Decision Analysis is Not Operational

Decision analysis can be thought of as a discipline whose objective is to help an individual who must choose one, or a few, alternatives from a set of possible actions. One of the most commonly practiced techniques used in decision analysis where future consequences of each action are not known with certainty is based upon the axiomatic theory proposed by von Neumann and Morgenstern (vNM) in 1947. The presentation of the original vNM axioms has been modified several times in order to render them more intuitively, and thus normatively, appealing (see, for example, the review by MacCrimmon and Larsson, 1979), but the essence remains the same. Any of these sets of the axioms implies that: (1) an interval-scaled utility function for outcomes, dependent only on the outcome levels, exists; and (2) actions with specified probability distributions can be ranked by the expectations of the associated vNM utilities. Thus, the theory is also known as expected utility theory, and one can speak of the expected utility decision analysis (EUDA).
Differentiating Squamous Cell Carcinoma from other entities

Hypertrophic lupus erythematosus may mimic squamous cell carcinoma when there is prominent keratinocytic atypia, particularly if a superficial biopsy is performed.
Developmental Psychology in East Asia: A Preliminary Report

This article reviews briefly the history of psychology in East Asia and describes the present status of developmental psychology in Japan, Nationalist China (Taiwan), and mainland China. In Japan psychology is mostly experimental, and developmental studies cover a broad spectrum. In Taiwan the functionalist-behaviorist tradition continues, and developmental psychology stresses studies of personality, social development, and mental testing. Psychology in mainland China is similar to that in the U.S.S.R., and developmental psychology deals mostly with concept formation, conditioning, classroom learning, and perception.
Engineering Attitudes: An Investigation of the Effect of Literature on Student Attitudes toward Engineering.

The growth of STEM career occupations is outpacing the college enrollment of STEM students in the United States. There have been many research projects investigating this issue. There has not however been a study which investigated the impact non-fiction literature has on student interest in studying STEM (specifically engineering) content. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of student attitudes toward engineering after reading literature involving non-fiction engineering centric narratives. The study used a modified version of the PATT (Pupils Attitudes Towards Technology) called the TEAS (Technology and Engineering Attitudes Scale) to measure student attitude change. The students were high-school aged students in the United States (ages: 15–17) who were enrolled in an English Literature course. The students completed the TEAS before and after reading and studying two engineering and technology centric non-fiction books (The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind and October Sky). The data revealed that student attitude after reading and studying the two books did not statistically change.
The evolution and functions of nuclei of the visual pulvinar in primates

In this review, we outline the history of our current understanding of the organization of the pulvinar complex of mammals. We include more recent evidence from our own studies of both New and Old World monkeys, prosimian galagos, and close relatives of primates, including tree shrews and rodents. Based on cumulative evidence, we provide insights into the possible evolution of the visual pulvinar complex, as well as the possible co-evolution of the inferior pulvinar nuclei and temporal cortical visual areas within the MT complex.
Mixed convection heat transfer from confined tandem circular cylinders in cross-flow at low Reynolds number

Numerical simulations of mixed convective incompressible flow in a horizontal plane channel with adiabatic walls over two isothermal tandem circular cylinders of equal size are presented to investigate the effect of wall proximity of obstacles, gap space (i. e. gap between two cylinders), Reynolds number, and Richardson number. Computations have been carried out by using package ANSYS-CFX to solve the governing equations, for Reynolds numbers of 5 to 40, and Richardson number of 0 to 4. Results show that, gap space has different effect under aiding thermal buoyancy on first and second cylinder in fluid characteristics as well as heat transfer effect.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.23.4.15258
Estimating and interpreting effects from nonlinear exposure-response curves in occupational cohorts using truncated power basis expansions and penalized splines

Truncated power basis expansions and penalized spline methods are demonstrated for estimating nonlinear exposure-response relationships in the Cox proportional hazards model. R code is provided for fitting models to get point and interval estimates. The method is illustrated using a simulated data set under a known exposure-response relationship and in a data application examining risk of carpal tunnel syndrome in an occupational cohort.
Can effective obesity counseling fit into the 20-minute appointment?

Information from a previsit questionnaire lays the foundation for effective and reimbursable counseling and interventions.
Unified, Efficient, and Scalable Synthesis of Halichondrins: Zirconium/Nickel-Mediated One-Pot Ketone Synthesis as the Final Coupling Reaction.

Unified, efficient, and scalable syntheses of the halichondrin natural products are reported. A newly developed Zr/Ni-mediated one-pot ketone synthesis was used to couple the two halves of the final product at a late stage in the synthesis. With the use of a slight excess of the left halves, the desired ketones were isolated in yields of 80-90 %. The halichondrins were obtained from these ketones in two steps, namely desilylation and [5,5]-spiroketal formation. The new synthetic route was effective for the total synthesis of all members in the homohalichondrin subgroup. The scalability of this process was demonstrated with halichondrin B; 150 mg of halichondrin B (68 % overall yield) were obtained from 200 mg of the right-half precursor.
Inorganic Hardmask Development for EUV Patterning

Extreme ultra violet (EUV) patterning offers an opportunity to explore new hardmask materials and patterning approaches. Traditional patterning stacks for Deep UV (DUV) patterning have been based on optimizing multi-layer schemes for reflectivity control and pattern transfer. At EUV wavelength, the patterning challenges are dominated by stochastics and aspect ratio control. This offers an opportunity to think differently about underlayer design for sub-36nm pitch patterning. The choice of hardmask can be used to modulate post-litho defectivity to mitigate the stochastics effects and enable more efficient pattern transfer. Through different case studies this paper will explore a range of silicon-based inorganic hardmasks for sub36nm EUV patterning. How film properties dominate patterning performance will be studied systematically. The relative merits of patterning a chemically amplified organic resist directly on an inorganic hardmask or having different types of organic adhesion promoters as an intermediate layer will be also be presented.
Unit Price or Lump Sum? A Stochastic Cost-Based Decision-Making Tool for Design-Bid-Build Projects:

The appropriate selection of procurement tools and strategies is a key factor in the successful completion of construction projects. Despite the increasing use of alternative project delivery metho...
Incidence and Risk of Celiac Disease in Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes over the Lifespan—A Population-Based Cohort Study Using the Health Improvement Network Database

Objective: Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk for celiac disease (CD), though the incidence for those diagnosed with T1D beyond childhood is unknown. We used survival analysis to investigate the incidence and risk factors for diagnosis of CD over time in a population-based cohort of children and adults with T1D. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using The Health Improvement Network (THIN), a primary care electronic medical records database of >13 million people in the United Kingdom. Subjects were 1-35 years old at T1D diagnosis; subjects with type 2 diabetes or prevalent CD were excluded. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to identify factors associated with diagnosis of CD during follow-up. Risk factors assessed included age at T1D, sex, year of T1D diagnosis, and time-varying covariates of thyroid disease and adrenal insufficiency. Results: Subjects (n=11,537; 43% female) had a median follow-up time of 6.8 years (IQR 2.5-14.1). CD was diagnosed in 234 (2%), with median time to diagnosis of 2.9 years (IQR 1.2-7.8); 37% were diagnosed > 5 years after T1D. Incidence (per 10,000 person-years) was greater in females than males (26.9 [95% CI 22.4-31.9] vs. 16.4 [95% CI 13.4-19.9]) and in subjects Conclusions: A significant proportion of CD cases were diagnosed more than 5 years after T1D diagnosis, the time frame currently recommended for screening. A more personalized approach to CD screening, accounting for the greater risk for younger-onset and female patients with T1D, may be warranted to minimize over-testing while limiting missed diagnoses. Disclosure M. Vajravelu: None. D. De Leon: Employee; Spouse/Partner; Merck & Co., Inc.. Research Support; Self; Zealand Pharma A/S. Consultant; Self; XOMA Corporation, ProSciento. Research Support; Self; Biomarin Corporation. D.R. Weber: None. R. Keren: None. M.R. Denburg: Research Support; Self; Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. R. Verma: None.
Historic Figure Investigation and Polis Discussion

(2006). Historic Figure Investigation and Polis Discussion. SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education: Vol. 21, No. 1, pp. 155-158.
Initiation of Chloroplast DNA Replication in Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii

The chloroplast is a self-duplicating extrachromosomal organelle with its own hereditary apparatus. Chloroplast DNAs from higher plants and green algae have been isolated as covalently closed circular molecules with lengths in the range of 110 to 215 kb. Chloroplasts contain multiple copies of the circular genome (1). Chloroplast DNA can be purified on the basis of either its location within the organelle or its distinct base composition. Nuclear and chloroplast genomes differ in the degree of control exerted over their replication, recombination, and segregation (2,8,20).
The Concept of Defense Mechanism Development

In this chapter, we consider defenses from a developmental point of view. To do so implies that defenses change over time. In fact, there are two different types of change to be considered. In the first instance, the concept of defense development refers to the idea that there may be a chronological ordering of the emergence of the different defenses. In this case, the appearance of each defense may be age- or stage-related. As in Piaget’s (1952) theory, which proposes that different cognitive operations are related to successive developmental cognitive stages, a developmental hypothesis regarding defenses suggests that different defenses may be typical of different periods of development. Research evidence for the age-or stage-related use of defenses is presented at the end of the chapter.
Temporal Processing in the Auditory Pathway

The ability to localize sounds and to perceive pitch depends on the ability of neurons to carry acoustic information concerning the fine structure of sounds in the timing of firing, but our understanding of speech depends on our ability to detect envelopes in the acoustic energy. Some neurons at early stages in the auditory pathway are neuronal differentiators that encode transient depolarizations that signal acoustic transients and periodicity with great temporal precision but are unable to respond to slow depolarizations. Other types of neurons encode timing with less precision but can respond to slow depolarizations; these can signal the envelope of the acoustic energy to which they are tuned.
Protection against phenol toxicity by the spore mucilage of Colletotrichum graminicola, an aid to secondary spread

Abstract Phenolic compounds inhibitory to the germination of spores of Colletotrichum graminicola were shown to leach from necrotic lesions on corn leaves caused by the fungus. Primary components of the phenolic mixture were identified as esters and glycosides of p -coumaric and ferulic acids as well as the free compounds themselves. Spores of C. graminicola produced in acervuli on infected leaves were shown to be surrounded by a mucilaginous matrix as is the case when the fungus is cultured in vitro . It is suggested that the mucilage protects spores from the inhibitory effects of the phenols by the presence of proline-rich proteins that have been shown to have a high binding affinity for a variety of phenols.
Potential Cytochrome P450 Drug-Drug Interactions among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency of potential cytochrome P450 (CYP) drug-drug interactions affecting opioid metabolism among children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.Study DesignCase series with ch...
Synthesis and Isolation of a Fullerene Carbocation (C76

Development of an `electron hole` oxidant, [Ar{sub 3}N{sup .+}][CB{sub 11}H{sub 6}Br{sub 6}{sup -}], that is generally suited to the preparation of highly reactive cations and illustrates its use in the isolation of a C{sub 76}{sup +} salt, is reported. The choice of C{sub 76} over C{sub 60} or C{sub 70} was made on the basis of electrochemical oxidation potentials: E{degree} = +0.81 V compared to +1.26 V for C{sub 60} and +1.20 V for C{sub 70} (E{degree} are quoted vs the ferrocene/ferrocenium couple = 0.00 V; SCE = -0.31 V). 16 refs., 4 figs.
A conservative level set method on unstructured meshes for modeling multiphase thermo-fluid flow in additive manufacturing processes

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) is an emerging technology that fuses deposited powder materials together layer-by-layer using a localized heat source to create an arbitrarily complex geometry. This technology is an inherently multiphysics problem, involving the simultaneous evolution of fluid flow, heat transfer, free surface, laser-material interaction and material phases including solid, liquid and gas. Multiphysics and multiphase models are typically used to understand the dominant physics driving AM processes through high fidelity simulations resolving the individual powders as they melt onto the substrate. However, these types of high fidelity models have not been applicable to modeling directed energy deposition (DED) process, where powders are delivered through the ambient vapor onto the substrate by a nozzle and subsequently fused. This paper presents a novel multiphase thermo-fluid formulation for modeling DED processes. A diffuse level set formulation coupled with the Navier–Stokes, energy conservation and radiative transport equation allows us to model complex free surface, fluid flow, thermal and laser interaction evolution. In addition, our formulation enables us to resolve the vapor flow field and its effect on deposited material during AM processes. The accuracy of our proposed method is assessed by comparing with literature solutions and experimental benchmarks. Our proposed formulation is then used to model simple DED processes that enable us to visualize the entrainment of powder particles into the melt pool. This process elucidates the dominant physical forces that can drive powders into the melt pool as well as their effect on the melt pool evolution within DED processes.
The genesis of the Jurassic-hosted Mississippi Valley-type Pb-Zn ore deposit, Tigrinine-Taabast district (Central High Atlas, Morocco): Insights from fluid inclusion and C-O-S-Pb isotope studies

Abstract The Mississippi Valley-type Pb-Zn ore deposit of the Tigrinine-Taabast ore district, located in the southern border of the Moroccan Central High Atlas, is hosted in hydrothermally dolomitized Hettangian-Sinumerian carbonates. The mineralogical paragenetic sequence is simple: Quartz-dolomite-pyrite-galena-sphalerite. Fluid inclusions carried out on sphalerite reveal that sulfide ore precipitated from a NaCl-CaCl2-MgCl2 basin-derived warm (78° - 168 °C) and saline (21–36 wt% NaCl equiv.) brine. The carbon and oxygen isotopes of the ore-related calcite (Cal-1) suggests an equilibrium between the calcite-forming fluid and carbonates. The late post-ore calcite (Cal-2) reveals the influx of the isotopically light meteoric fluid during the precipitation of this calcite. The δ34S values range from 6.6 to 9.4‰ and from 12.7 to 13.0‰ for galena and sphalerite, respectively. Sulfur derived from dissolved Triassic-Jurassic sulfates and/or coeval seawater pore sulfates primarily through thermochemical sulfate reduction and possibly bacterial sulfate reduction. Galena samples have a homogeneous Pb isotopic composition with 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios ranging from 18.229 to 18.236, 15.643 to 15.655, and 38.448 to 38.527, respectively. This uniform Pb isotope composition suggests that Pb and by inference other metals derived primarily from the Paleozoic rocks. During the African-European Cenozoic collision, the metal-bearing fluid was remobilized and migrated through the major faults and mixed with a shallow, diluted, cooler fluid, leading to the precipitation of ore sulfides.
Shifting Human/Technology Agency and Auditor Legal Liability

Recent advances in decentralized, autonomous technology enables replacement of human agents with technology agents that perform recurring transactions with little human intervention. Theory suggests that this shift from human to technology agency will change perceptions of causality which could affect surrounding legal institutions. Of course, since humans both develop and audit the autonomous system, legal liability for a failure should not change because of the system that generated the failure. However, based on the human/computer interaction literature, we predict that jurors will shift liability assessments from the auditor to the system. In a between-participants experiment with eligible jurors, we manipulate human intervention in the transaction processing system (human agency versus technology agency) and the auditor’s collection of substantive test evidence (less versus more), and we measure participants’ association of technology with success (technology optimism). For human agency, we find the auditor’s conduct of substantive tests is associated with jurors’ assessments of auditor causal influence, while the conduct of substantive tests is not associated with jurors’ assessments for technology agency. Instead, for technology agency, we find jurors’ technology optimism is associated with jurors’ assessments of auditor causal influence, consistent with jurors focusing on the system rather than the auditor’s evidence collection. Together our results suggest that shifts in human/technology agency could lead to unintended shifts in judgments of auditor liability that depend on the client’s transaction processing system rather than the auditor’s extent of evidence.
Microbes, mutualism, and range margins: testing the fitness consequences of soil microbial communities across and beyond a native plant's range

Interactions between plants and soil fungi and bacteria are ubiquitous and have large effects on individual plant fitness. However, the degree to which spatial variation in soil microbial communities modulates plant species' distributions remains largely untested. Using the California native plant Clarkia xantiana ssp. xantiana we paired glasshouse and field reciprocal transplants of plant populations and soils to test whether plant-microbe interactions affect the plant's geographic range limit and whether there is local adaptation between plants and soil microbe communities. In the field and glasshouse, one of the two range interior inocula had a positive effect on plant fitness. In the field, this benefit was especially pronounced at the range edge and beyond, suggesting possible mutualist limitation. In the glasshouse, soil inocula from beyond-range tended to increase plant growth, suggesting microbial enemy release beyond the range margin. Amplicon sequencing revealed stark variation in microbial communities across the range boundary. Plants dispersing beyond their range limit are likely to encounter novel microbial communities. In C. x. xantiana, our results suggest that range expansion may be facilitated by fewer pathogens, but could also be hindered by a lack of mutualists. Both negative and positive plant-microbe interactions will likely affect contemporary range shifts.
Development and validation of a novel HILIC method for the quantification of low-levels of cuprizone in cuprizone-containing chow.

Cuprizone is an amide compound that has been wildly used in various animal studies, such as in the investigation of remyelination in mouse model. It is important to control the amount of cuprizone dosed in animals to be consistent as different amounts may lead to different clinical observations. Cuprizone is usually administrated as a minor component (i.e., 0.3%) of a mixture with powdered or pelleted rodent chow. Its low content, combined with the complex nature of chow, represents a significant challenge for the quantification of cuprizone in the mixture. To the best of our knowledge, no method has been reported in the literature so far. In this study, a simple, selective, and sensitive hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic method was developed for the quantification of cuprizone in cuprizone pre-clinical formulations. The analytical method comprises a fast ultrasound assisted extraction with acetonitrile/water as a solvent followed by gradient separation using a Waters Xbridge HILIC column with 0.1% TFA in water and acetonitrile as mobile phases and UV detection at 220 nm. The specificity, linearity, accuracy, repeatability, and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the method were established. The method was determined to be linear in the range of 10-200 μg/mL. Accuracy was assessed by spiking a chow placebo with various amounts of a cuprizone reference standard to achieve target concentration levels and the recoveries were within the acceptance criterion of 90-110% of the target concentrations. Repeatability was demonstrated at the nominal concentration of 100 µg/mL and LOQ level of 2.5 μg/mL. This method has been demonstrated to be suitable for its intended use and has been successfully applied to the quantification of low levels of cuprizone in chow formulations. It was found that the cuprizone content in chow could varied significantly between batches and the potential causes of the variability were investigated.
Scientific Understanding

Knowledge of many facts does not amount to understanding unless one also has a sense of how the facts fit together. This aspect of coherence among scientific observations and theories is usually overlooked in summaries of scientific method, since the emphasis is on justification and verification rather than on understanding. I argue that the inter-theoretic coherence, as the hallmark of understanding, is an essential and informative component of any accurate description of science.
Digital Ruble, Risks and Benefits

The concept of the emission and circulation of the digital ruble published by the Bank of Russia, suggests the active implementation of the intermediary functions between the end users and the digital ruble platform by credit institutions. In this regard, the risks of an outflow of deposits from the banking sector, strengthening of the regulator’s role in the payment and financial sector, as well as a wide range of technological risks due to the need to build a new ramified payment system based on distributed ledger technology remain relevant. The concept of digital ruble consolidates the significant advantages of its circulation: reducing the costs of making payments and increasing the availability of financial services for individuals and businesses through the use of the offline transactions and smart contracts. To assess the balance of risks and benefits from using the digital ruble, the Bank of Russia plans a phased launch of a pilot project for its digital currency.
A self-retaining vaginal and posterior cul-de-sac retractor

Abstract A self-retaining vaginal retractor has been described that will facilitate all vaginal operations.
Cellular Biology of AMPA Receptor Trafficking and Synaptic Plasticity

AMPA-type glutamate receptors are among the most dynamic components of excitatory synapses. Their regulated addition and removal from synapses lead to long-lasting forms of synaptic plasticity, known as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). In addition, AMPA receptors (AMPARs) reach their synaptic targets after a complicated journey involvingmultiple transport steps through different membrane compartments. This chapter summarizes our current knowledge of the trafficking pathways of AMPARs and their relation to synaptic function and plasticity.
Integrated information systems for human services: a conceptual framework, methodology and technology

ABSTRACT A conceptual framework and methodology to design and implement clinical information systems to support direct practice is described. This article presents an analysis of the information needs of clinicians in human service organizations. Three main uses of information are identified: monitoring/tracking, communicating/ reporting and learning from experience. In order to meet these needs, practitioners have to gather informatioEs store it and process it. The article demonstrates the methodology and conceptual framework with a series of examples of applications.
In vivo real-time freehand elasticity imaging

We are developing a system for real-time estimation and display of tissue elastic properties using a clinical ultrasonic imaging system. Results in phantoms are in excellent agreement with that predicted with finite element analysis. Results in volunteer patients have shown that high quality elasticity images are easily obtained in vivo in breast and thyroid pathologies. The key element to successful scanning is real-time visual feedback which guides the patient positioning and compression direction. Results show that the frame-to-frame changes in strain image contrast appear to be unique to specific lesion types. In addition, the size of a lesion displayed in a strain image, relative to that in a standard B-mode image, is about the same for benign lesions but the size is considerably larger for malignant lesions. The observations will likely significantly improve the discrimination of radiologically indeterminant lesions.
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT CANDIDATE EVALUATION

The practicing nephrologist is an indispensable component in the evaluation of the candidate for kidney transplantation, from referral to the transplant center to eventual transplantation, which now may be years later. Early referral may lead to preemptive transplantation, the ideal that has been achieved in 25% of living donor transplant cases. Annually approximately 30% of U.S. deceased donor kidneys are now transplanted under the allocation policies for zero human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch kidneys and expanded criteria donor kidneys. Under either of these programs, candidates may receive a kidney offer soon after entering the wait-list, so prompt and complete evaluation and preparation by the practicing nephrologist is necessary for successful early transplantation. The remaining candidates require periodic review while ascending the wait-list and thorough repeat evaluation when nearing the top, as years may have passed since initial evaluation. Wait-list management is a major challenge faced by transplant centers, aggravated by the inexorable growth of the list. Active communication between the practicing nephrologist and the transplant center is essential to maintain the candidate's preparation for transplantation.
Supply chain quality management

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a theoretical base for supply chain quality from the learning perspective. Through utilizing the relational view of inter‐organizational competitive advantage, the paper identifies learning‐driven practices that influence buyer‐supplier performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – A review of the literature in quality management, supply chain management and strategic management is conducted to develop key practices associated with quality management in a supply chain environment.Findings – The findings suggest that quality management facilitates cooperative learning and improves inter‐organizational learning processes. At the supply chain level, it enhances supply chain satisfaction and supply chain performance.Originality/value – The study contributes to our understanding of quality management practices within a supply chain environment from an inter‐organizational learning perspective. It extends the concept of quality to the supply chain through focusing on ke...
Applications of a Nonlinear Controller Design Approach based on Quasilinear System Models

In this paper, we report on recent progress in developing nonlinear control system design techniques based on sinusoidal-input describing function (SIDF) methods. Primarily, this involves illustrating a fundamental difference between SIDF and random-input describing function (RIDF) models of nonlinear systems, developing the nonlinear controller design method more fully, and demonstrating it by applying it to a significant nonlinear control design problem in robotics. Based on these results, the use of this nonlinear controller design method should be substantially better understood.
Computer assisted gamma and X-ray tomography: Applications to multiphase flow systems

In process vessels, involving two or three phases it is often important not only to know the volume fraction (holdup) of each phase but also the spatial distribution of such holdups. This information is needed in control, trouble shooting and assessment of flow patterns and can be observed noninvasively by the application of Computed Tomography (CT). This report presents a complete overview of X-ray and gamma ray transmission tomography principles, equipment design to specific tasks and application in process industry. The fundamental principles of tomography, the algorithms for image reconstruction, the measurement method and the possible sources of error are discussed in detail. A case study highlights the methodology involved in designing a scanning system for the study of a given process unit, e.g., reactor, separations column etc. Results obtained in the authors` laboratory for the gas holdup distribution in bubble columns are also presented. Recommendations are made for the Advanced Fuels Development Unit (AFDU) in LaPorte, TX.
Selection Metrics for Cooperative Multihop Relaying

Cooperative relaying enables nodes to actively cooperate to deliver packets to their destination. The bestselect protocol (BSP) implements a type of cooperative relaying that generalizes single path routing with sets of nodes (relay-sets) replacing the concept of a single node relay. Thus, while in traditional single path routing, packets hop from node to node, in BSP, packets hop from relay-set to relay-set. Through the exchange of channel gain information between relay-sets, the best node within a relay-set is selected to transmit the data packet on behalf of the entire relay-set. The node selected depends on the metric used. Any metric that can be posed in a dynamic programming framework can be used. In this paper, performance gains from a number of selection metrics are investigated. Specific selection metrics include maximizing the minimum channel gain along the path, minimizing end-to-end delay, minimizing the total power, and minimizing the total energy. It will be shown that BSP can achieve significant gains in all of these metrics.
Studies on tumor-associated antigen: TAA.

Abstract A method for the preparation of tumor-associated antigen (TAA) is described. We have been able to demonstrate two antigens with common antigenic determinants that are separable by ion-exchange chromatography and electrophoresis. These antigens appear identical by Ouchterlony immuno-diffusion analysis and by Sephadex chromatography. The differences in electrophoretic mobility of these antigens appear related to a sialic acid moiety, although we have demonstrated that the antigenic specificity does not reside in this portion of the molecule. These antigens share at least one common determinant with a low-molecular-weight substance found in perchloric acid extracts of normal lung and colon. This and previous studies would suggest that this antigen is identical to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
Vibration isolation and suppression system for precision payloads in space

This paper describes the design and performance testing of a vibration isolation and suppression system (VISS) which can be used to isolate a precision payload from spacecraft borne disturbances. VISS utilizes six hybrid isolation struts in a hexapod configuration. Central to the concept is a novel hybrid actuation concept which provides both passive isolation and active damping. The passive isolation is provided using a flight proven D-strut design. The passive design is supplemented by a voice coil based active system. The active system is used to enhance the performance of the passive isolation system at lower frequencies, and provide the capability to steer the payload.
Identification of neuron-specific enolase and nonneuronal enolase in human and rat brain on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels.

: The location of the enzymes neuron-specific enolase and nonneuronal enolase on two-dimensional gels generated from tissue samples obtained from fresh human and rat cortex has been identified. This identification is based upon the following criteria: (1) comigration on polyacrylamide gels with the appropriate purified protein and (2) staining on nitrocellulose protein blots of human and rat cortex using antibodies specific for each protein. The results show that our preparation of neuron-specific enolase from rat and human brain is highly pure, as only one spot is obtained on two-dimensional gels. Further, the antiserum to neuron-specific enolase is highly specific, as it reacts only with neuron-specific enolase on nitrocellulose blots derived from two-dimensional gels of cortical tissue. The location of these proteins is of interest because it positively identifies two major brain proteins on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels of fresh cortical tissue. This information will be useful in a variety of future studies aimed at both identifying specific proteins on two-dimensional gels and observing the effects of experimental manipulations on brain and other neuronal proteins.
On-line sample clean-up and chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to characterize the primary sequence and disulfide bond content of recombinant calcium binding proteins.

We have used on-line sample clean-up, concentration, and chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS), to characterize and determine the presence of disulfide bonds in recombinant full-length rat brain calbindin D28K and two deletion mutants of the protein, one lacking EF-hand 2 (calbindin Δ2) and the other lacking EF-hands 2 and 6 (calbindin Δ2,6). The molecular weights of the expressed proteins dissolved in biological buffers were determined with high accuracy using a low-flow, pressurized chamber infusion system, that allows on-line protein clean-up by removing buffers/salts incompatible with ESI–MS. The molecular weight determinations showed that the amino-terminal methionine residues had been cleaved during the expression and isolation of the recombinant proteins. Approximately 85–90% of the protein sequences were confirmed by on-line HPLC–ESI–MS analysis of peptides generated by a lysyl endoproteinase C digestion. Comparisons of ESI–MS spectra of native and reduced calbindin D28K and Δ2 show that the full length- and Δ2 mutant-protein contain one disulfide bond. Molecular mass determinations of calbindin Δ2,6 showed that this protein contains a highly active cysteine residue that covalently binds a mercaptoethanol group, or forms a homodimer via a disulfide bond. The results show surprising differences amongst the deletion mutants of calbindin D28K with respect to the formation of disulfide bonds. These differences are not readily detected by other techniques and show that ESI–MS is a powerful, rapid method by which to detect disulfide linkages for intact proteins. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Theoretical Analysis of Transnational Terrorism

This article presents some “rational-actor” models that depict the negotiation process between terrorists and government policymakers for those incidents where hostages or property are seized and demands are issued. The models account for the objectives and constraints faced by both the terrorists and the policymakers. Uncertainty is introduced through probability constraints (i.e., chance constraints) requiring a specific likelihood of some event occurring. Implications are subsequently extracted from the comparative static analysis as the models' parameters are changed. The last part of the article presents a club theory analysis concerning the sharing of transnational commando forces.
Characteristics of successful and unsuccessful dieters: An application of signal detection methodology,

Signal detection methods were used to identify predictors of successful weight loss in 177 mildly to moderately overweight women and men assigned to one of two weight-loss programs. Predictors included initial demographic, physiological, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics, and program type (e.g. diet-only and diet-plus-exercise). Successful weight loss was defined as a loss of at least two units of body mass index at one year. Four subgroups were identified. Participants in the diet-plus-exercise program who were initially more satisfied with their bodies and did not have a history of repeated weight loss were most likely to succeed (63% succeeded). In contrast, participants assigned to the diet-plus-exercise program who were either extremely dissatisfied with their bodies or who had a history of repeated weight loss were at similar risk for failure as participants in the diet-only program (only 26% to 35% succeeded). The results underscore the potential utility of exploring these subgroups further to inform the development of new treatment strategies to increase the likelihood of success.