cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Explantation in Tissue Expander and Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction with Acellular Dermal Matrix: How to Avoid Early Reconstructive Failures.

Background In the United States, approximately 57,000 tissue expander/implant-based breast reconstructions are performed each year. Complete submuscular tissue expander coverage affords the best protection against implant exposure but can restrict lower pole expansion. The benefits of using acellular dermal matrix are enticing, but questions remain as to whether or not its presence increases reconstructive failures. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of explantation in those patients with acellular dermal matrix reconstructions and to discuss salvage techniques. Methods An approved retrospective review was conducted of 137 patients undergoing 234 individual breast reconstructions over 4 years performed by a single plastic surgeon (J.D.) at a single institution. Patients who underwent implant-based reconstruction with either immediate placement of a tissue expander that was subsequently exchanged for a permanent implant at a second operation or immediate placement of a permanent implant when indicated were included. Results One hundred thirty-seven patients who underwent 234 implant-based breast reconstructions using acellular dermal matrix met criteria. There was an overall 23 percent complication rate, including any cellulitis, seroma, skin necrosis, and hematoma formation. Significant preoperative risk factors for any postoperative complication included body mass index greater than 25 kg/m2 and a history of radiation therapy before acellular dermal matrix placement. Radiation therapy was found to be a significant risk factor for postoperative skin necrosis. Of explantations, many fluid cultures grew Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions Skin necrosis is a serious risk factor for explantation in implant-based reconstruction with acellular dermal matrix. The reconstructive surgeon should consider early excision of any skin necrosis as soon as it is identified. Clinical question/level of evidence Risk, III.
Human gnathostomiasis in Sri Lanka: An underreported disease?

A healthy young man from Sri Lanka, currently living in Switzerland, consulted at the University Hospital of Geneva with a history of painful erythema and swelling of the left forearm. Laboratory tests showed a slight eosinophilia. Western blot serology for Gnathostoma spp, inconclusive at presentation, became positive two weeks later.
Novel Mechanisms of Exosome-Mediated Phagocytosis of Dead Cells in Injured Heart.

Rationale: After myocardial ischemic injury, improper phagocytic clearance of dying cardiac cells and the ensuing lack of inflammation resolution results in adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfuncti...
How can ocean science observations contribute to humanity

Abstract Experience is needed to prepare young ocean researchers to work in interdisciplinary environments and to teach them how to deal with complex processes. Such experience can be provided in courses/internships aimed at preparing qualified personnel to work on solution-oriented projects. These lessons are designed to deepen understanding in particular elements of ocean data science education: oceanography as a science in evolution, mutual understanding, the enrichment of data, and the process of moving from data to information. Such lessons combine the history of ocean science with ocean data methodologies and technologies, data quality elements, “fitness for use”/“fitness for purpose” and analyses. The approach consists of a significant mentoring program aimed at strengthening “thinking skills”—critical and creative thinking—and therefore the ability to solve complex problems.
Demographic Variation in Chronic Rhinosinusitis by Subtype and Region: A Systematic Review.

Background Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) describes a heterogenous group of diseases including CRS with (CRSwNP) or without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). It affects 10 to 15% of the US population and is more common in women and White patients. However, these estimates are based on survey and database studies with innate diagnostic inaccuracy. Additionally, few studies report subtype-specific demographics. We explore the demographic differences of CRS in the U.S. by subtype and region. Objective To characterize demographic differences between the CRS population and the overall US population, and also between different CRS subtype populations. Methods We performed a systematic review for articles reporting on US demographics of adults with CRS. Study participants were required to have been diagnosed using consensus criteria. Data on demographics, geographic region, and CRS subtype were analyzed. Results Our study analyzed 31 unique studies representing 8409 patients with 50.7% females and weighted mean age of 48.0 years. Compared to the overall US population, CRS patients were predominantly White (78.5%) and non-Hispanic (94.5%) with under-representation of other races. Grouped by subtype, CRSwNP affected a significantly higher proportion of men (59.8%). AFRS affected a significantly higher proportion of Black patients (53.8%) while CRSsNP was more prevalent in White patients (84.2%). When grouped by region, the South had a significantly higher proportion of female (53%) and Black (17.8%) CRS patients. The West had a significantly higher proportion of Asian (4.5%) and Hispanic (12.3%) patients. Conclusions Significant demographic differences exist in CRS patients based on subtype and region. These data provide an estimation of the demographic make-up of CRS, but further high-level demographic studies are needed.
Visual Techniques for the Controlled Movement of Docking

This paper discusses ongoing research in developing vision strategies for the docking behavior of an autonomous mobile robot, concentrating on the needs of the controlled movement of docking in a manufacturing environment. In the controlled movement, a perceptual strategy must provide feedback to the motor behavior in order to make accurate corrections to the mobile robot’s approach trajectory. Two novel techniques have been developed: adaptive tracking of an artificial landmark through a sequence of images, and the use of texture to recover relative depth and orientation. Experimental results are presented. These techniques, in conjunction with an inverse perspective transform technique for the coarse recovery of depth and orientation, form the basis of the perceptual strategy for the controlled movement.
Full-State Feedback Tracking Controllers

This chapter will concentrate on the full-state feedback (FSFB) (i.e., position and velocity are available for feedback) control problem for general, nonlinear, MIMO, rigid mechanical systems with parametric uncertainty. Specifically, we will emphasize the adaptive control solution to this problem. First (as in Chapter 2), we will present, owing to its popularity and relative simplicity, the standard adaptive controller of Slotine and Li [27] in its original MIMO version. The idea is for this adaptive controller to serve as a benchmark for the subsequent MIMO, FSFB controllers of this chapter and the output feedback controllers of Chapter 4.
Crossings: Africa, the Americas and the Atlantic Slave Trade. By James Walvin. (London, England: Reaktion Books, 2013. Pp. 272. $35.00.)

The solution to the conundrum of which came first, slavery or racism, could explain the experience of Africans in the Americas, an issue that has troubled several historians, particularly those stu...
Genome on demand: interactive substring searching

We consider the problem of interactive string searching, and propose two k-NN (k-nearest neighbor) search algorithms. For a given query, our techniques start reporting the initial results quickly. Later, these results are periodically refined depending on the user satisfaction. We briefly discuss the two techniques. The first technique, called LIS (Local statistics-based Interactive Search),and the second technique, called GIS (Global Statistics-based Interactive Search).
Inosine stimulates axon growth in vitro and in the adult CNS

Unlike mammals, lower vertebrates can regenerate their optic nerves and certain other CNS pathways throughout life. To identify the molecular bases of this phenomenon, we developed a cell culture model and found that goldfish retinal ganglion cells will regenerate their axons in response to the purine nucleoside inosine. Inosine acts through a direct intracellular mechanism and induces many of the changes in gene expression that underlie regenerative growth in vivo, e.g., upregulation of GAP-43, T alpha-1 tubulin, and the cell-adhesion molecule, L1. N-kinase, a 47-49-kDa serine-threonine kinase, may mediate the effects of inosine and serve as part of the modular signal transduction pathway that controls axon growth. In vivo, inosine stimulates extensive axon growth in the mature rat corticospinal tract. Following unilateral transection of the corticospinal tract, inosine applied to the intact sensorimotor cortex stimulated layer 5 pyramidal cells to upregulate GAP-43 expression and to sprout axon collaterals. These collaterals crossed the midline at the level of the cervical enlargement and reinnervated regions whose normal connections had been served. Further understanding of the molecular changes that lie upstream and downstream of N-kinase may lead to new insights into the control of axon growth and to novel methods to improve functional outcome in patients with CNS injury.
Motorcycle rider training for the prevention of road traffic crashes: a review synopsis.

Injury prevention is a major goal of public health nursing practice within communities and across populations. Injuries and deaths from road crashes continue to climb across the world every year. Motorcycle riding is a popular form of road transportation and in lower and middle income countries, motorcycles constitute one of the most frequent means of transportation. However, motorcycles are less crashworthy than closed vehicles and serious injuries and deaths occur at a much higher rate. From Australia to the United States, death rates from motorcycle accidents have been reported at 30–39 times the rate for car occupants. Serious injuries associated with motorcycle crashes are even more prevalent. Operating a motorcycle requires a different set of physical and mental skills than driving a four wheel vehicle. Investigators have cited lack of experience as a potential reason for accidents. Motorcycle rider training courses are suggested as an important measure to reduce the number of crashes and the severity of injuries.
Hormonal control of hepatic gluconeogenesis.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the hormonal control of hepatic gluconeogenesis, which is the process whereby lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and certain amino acids are converted into glucose and glycogen. The liver is the major site of gluconeogenesis although the kidney becomes important during prolonged starvation. The most important function of gluconeogenesis is the maintenance of blood glucose levels during times when food intake is restricted and/or glycogen stores are depleted. Hormonal control of gluconeogenesis can be divided for convenience into three categories. The first involves the regulation of substrate supply. All gluconeogenic substrates reach the liver in subsaturating concentration. Thus, the regulation of substrate release into the blood from the extrahepatic tissues will directly affect hepatic glucose formation. The regulation of the level of cyclic AMP (cAMP) could also explain the inhibitory effect of insulin on gluconeogenesis. There is also evidence that insulin can suppress gluconeogenesis by a mechanism that is independent of changes in cAMP.
Chemical Sensors and Biosensors for Fluoride: Current Status and Developing Technologies:

Portable sensors for bioanalytes are becoming of increasing interest, because their development will permit analyses of biological samples at the point of sampling, i.e., at the time when an individual is being examined by a health professional. In this paper, the design requirements for a fluoride sensor are outlined. Currently, commercially available fluoride sensors, ion-selective electrodes, do provide the capability to measure fluoride content in samples directly. However, the sensitivity of these devices is lower than the normal content of fluoride in plasma, and thus, samples must be concentrated before measurement. Recent progress in improving the sensitivity of chemical sensors for fluoride shows sensitivities up to 0.1 mumol/L, which is within the range of interest. In addition, the use of biological systems for developing sensors (biosensors) is expanding rapidly, because of the potential of achieving high selectivity and sensitivity through the use of the amplification power of enzymes. However, relatively few enzyme systems have been discovered that are affected by fluoride--thus the need for expanded research to find appropriate enzymes for this purpose. The characteristics of some enzymes, such as adenylate cyclase, that could be used in the development of a fluoride biosensor are discussed.
Cannibalism, Class and Power

AbstractAlthough cannibal films may exist on the fringes of the “food film” genre, foodways methodology offers a productive lens through which to analyze how these films negotiate issues of class and power. A foodways analysis of key films in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series reveals how issues of class and power are linked to food behaviors. More specifically, a food studies approach illuminates how the image of the American cannibal changes throughout these films. The cannibal begins as a starving member of the working class who eats humans only to survive. In later films, the cannibal transforms into a member of the middle class, and cannibalism becomes an expression and endorsement of unfettered capitalism. The cannibal eventually comes to embody a class warrior as the last film in the series implies that one must be a cannibal to be a good soldier.
Active-Optical Sensors Using Red NDVI Compared to Red Edge NDVI for Prediction of Corn Grain Yield in North Dakota, U.S.A.

Active-optical sensor readings from an N non-limiting area standard established within a farm field are used to predict yield in the standard. Lower yield predictions from sensor readings obtained from other parts of the field outside of the N non-limiting standard area indicate a need for supplemental N. Active-optical sensor algorithms for predicting corn (Zea mays, L.) yield to direct in-season nitrogen (N) fertilization in corn utilize red NDVI (normalized differential vegetative index). Use of red edge NDVI might improve corn yield prediction at later growth stages when corn leaves cover the inter-row space resulting in “saturation” of red NDVI readings. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of red edge NDVI in two active-optical sensors (GreenSeeker™ and Holland Scientific Crop Circle™) improved corn yield prediction. Nitrogen rate experiments were established at 15 sites in North Dakota (ND). Sensor readings were conducted at V6 and V12 corn. Red NDVI and red edge NDVI were similar in the relationship of readings with yield at V6. At V12, the red edge NDVI was superior to the red NDVI in most comparisons, indicating that it would be most useful in developing late-season N application algorithms.
Basic Concepts and Issues in Fault-Tolerant Distributed Systems

The dependability of computing services will become increasingly important in the 90s and beyond. This paper proposes a small number of basic concepts that can be used to explain the architecture of present and future fault-tolerant distributed systems and discusses a list of architectural issues that we find useful to consider when designing or examining such systems. For each issue we present known solutions and design alternatives, we discuss their relative merits and we give examples of systems which adopt one approach or the other. The aim is to introduce some order in the complex discipline of designing and understanding fault-tolerant distributed systems.
Combined ECC/RLL codes

Two novel combined error-correcting/run-length-limited (ECC/RLL) trellis codes are presented. One is a two-state
The corrosion of carbon steel in a chloride environment due to periodic voltage modulation: Part I

Abstract The influence of negative half-cycle rectified and full-wave sinusoidal potentials superimposed at two DC levels on carbon steel (1018) in 3.33% NaCl solution under nitrogen purge on materials degradation behavior was investigated. The results obtained indicate that the metal dissolution rate increases with the peak potential for the two signals applied at 60 Hz and a fixed potential of −580 mV(SCE). The dissolution rate was found to be the highest for the full-wave sinusoidal and the lowest for the negative half-cycle rectified signals. The metal dissolution rate decreases for the negative half-cycle rectified, but increases albeit moderately for the full-wave sinusoidal potential with the peak potential for experiments conducted at a potential of −780 mV(SCE). Generally, the current was found not to decrease with time except for the experiment involving application of signals at a more cathodic potential of −780 mV(SCE). Micrographs show that the samples experienced extensive pitting. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis data show that the chloride content in corrosion products increases as the metal dissolution rate increases. The data indicate that the arithmetic sum of materials degradation rates for the positive half-cycle and negative half-cycle rectified potentials approximately equals the rate for the full-wave sinusoidal potential. The data obtained strongly indicate that although the corrosion is enhanced by the application of alternating voltages, the rate is generally determined by the DC potential maintained at the anode; the more anodic the potential, the higher the corrosion rate.
Surface and interfacial study of half cycle atomic layer deposited Al2O3 on black phosphorus

Display Omitted The interfacial chemistry of half cycle ALD of Al2O3 on black-P was examined.The ALD process increases the extent of oxidation of the black-P surfaces with an initial thin oxide.Several incubation cycles are needed for the ALD Al2O3 on black-P surfaces.Surface oxidation of the black-P enhances the nucleation of Al2O3 on black-P. The interfacial chemistry between the "half cycle" atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al2O3 and black phosphorus (black-P) was examined using in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two samples, native and freshly exfoliated, are investigated to understand the effect of oxidation on the initial ALD nucleation. It is found that annealing samples in the ALD chamber results in an increase of oxidation, caused most likely by oxygen transferring from surface adventitious contamination. After the half cycle ALD process, the P-oxide concentration increases, indicating interface deterioration during the Al2O3 deposition. Based on the Al2O3 nucleation or growth behavior observed in the half cycle ALD studies, a true ALD growth tends to occur only after formation of a complete monolayer of oxide on the clean black-P surface with minimum oxidation concentration.
Absolute gamma intensities in the A=98 transitional nuclei and shape coexistence in 98Y.

Absolute gamma intensities have been measured for the strong transitions in the decay chain /sup 98/Rb..-->.. /sup 98/Sr..-->.. /sup 98/Y..-->.. /sup 98/Zr and /sup 98/Nb..-->.. /sup 98/Mo and found approximately four times higher than those currently adopted. As a consequence, several contradictions in this crucial chain of nuclei are resolved. Shape coexistence is established in /sup 98/Y with a J/sup ..pi../ = 1/sup -/ ''spherical'' ground state and with a previously reported deformed band with band head at 495.7 keV.
An Anomalous Hammett Correlation for a Series of Substituted 3-Benzyl-2-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones

A series of 3-benzyl-2-phenyl-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives, with substituents at the N-benzyl site, was synthesized and characterized. Excluding the p -MeO and m -Br derivatives, distinct correlations between Hammett constant ? and 13 C substituent chemical shifts were observed in the C2, C4, and C5 carbons in the thiazolidin-4-one ring. This was unexpected because the transmission of substituent effects appears to be occurring via the sp 3 hybridized N-benzyl carbon. No discernible correlation was seen for the N-benzyl carbon; the carbon through which the effects were occurring. Correlations for substituent chemical shifts to Swain Lupton substituent parameters r and f constants were also attempted. Similar to the Hammett correlations, C2, C4, and C5 showed a reasonable degree of correlation with minimal to no improvement over Hammett constants; similarly, as with the Hammett correlations, the benzyl carbon exhibited no correlation with Swain Lupton parameters. Normal 0 7.8 ? 0 2 false false false EN-US ZH-CN X-NONE
What is dental ecology

Teeth have long been used as indicators of primate ecology. Early work focused on the links between dental morphology, diet, and behavior, with more recent years emphasizing dental wear, microstructure, de- velopment, and biogeochemistry, to understand primate ecology. Our study of Lemur catta at the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve, Madagascar, has revealed an unusual pattern of severe tooth wear and frequent tooth loss, pri- marily the result of consuming a fallback food for which these primates are not dentally adapted. Interpreting these data was only possible by combining our areas of expertise (dental anatomy (FC) and primate ecology (MS)). By integrating theoretical, methodological, and applied aspects of both areas of research, we adopted the term ''dental ecology''—defined as the broad study of how teeth respond to the environment. Specifically, we view dental ecology as an interpretive framework using teeth as a vehicle for understanding an organism's ecology, which builds upon earlier work, but creates a new syn- thesis of anatomy and ecology that is only possible with detailed knowledge of living primates. This framework includes (1) identifying patterns of dental pathology and tooth use-wear, within the context of feeding ecology, behavior, habitat variation, and anthropogenic change, (2) assessing ways in which dental development and biogeo- chemical signals can reflect habitat, environmental change and/or stress, and (3) how dental microstructure and macro-morphology are adapted to, and reflect feeding ecology. Here we define dental ecology, provide a short summary of the development of this perspective, and place our new work into this context. Am J Phys Anthro- pol 148:163-170, 2012. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low-adiabat implosions for fast-ignition inertial confinement fusion

A method to assemble thermonuclear fuel for fast ignition with high densities, high pR, and a small size hot spot is presented. Massive cryogenic shells can be imploded with a low implosion velocity V l on a low adiabat α using the relaxation-pulse technique. While the low V 1 yields a small hot spot, the low α leads to large peak values of the density and areal density. It is shown that a 750-kJ laser can assemble fuel with V 1 · 1.7 x 10 7 cm/s, α ·0.7, ρ 400 g/cc, ρR 3 g/cm 2 , and hot-spot volume less than 10% of the compressed core. If ignited, this fuel assembly can produce yields up to 5 x 10 19 of interest to IFE applications.
Ray γM immunoglobulin: Isolation and some biological characteristics

Abstract A method is described for isolating a homogeneous γM from rat serum uncontaminated by other serum proteins. This γM is a slow-moving immunoglobulin in an electrophoretic field and has a half-life in rats of 65 hr. Only 2–4 mg was obtained from 100 ml of serum, approximately a 4–10 per cent yield. A fast moving γM was also isolated but was invariably mixed with γA polymer and could not be separated from the latter.
Positron autoradiography for intravascular imaging: feasibility evaluation

Approximately 70% of acute coronary artery disease is caused by unstable (vulnerable) plaques with an inflammation of the overlying cap and high lipid content. A rupturing of the inflamed cap of the plaque results in propagation of the thrombus into the lumen, blockage of the artery and acute ischaemic syndrome or sudden death. Morphological imaging such as angiography or intravascular ultrasound cannot determine inflammation status of the plaque. A radiotracer such as 18F-FDG is accumulated in vulnerable plaques due to higher metabolic activity of the inflamed cap and could be used to detect a vulnerable plaque. However, positron emission tomography (PET) cannot detect the FDG-labelled plaques because of respiratory and heart motions, small size and low activity of the plaques. Plaques can be detected using a miniature particle (positron) detector inserted into the artery. In this work, a new detector concept is investigated for intravascular imaging of the plaques. The detector consists of a storage phosphor tip bound to the end of an intravascular catheter. It can be inserted into an artery, absorb the 18F-FDG positrons from the plaques, withdrawn from the artery and read out. Length and diameter of the storage phosphor tip can be matched to the length and the diameter of the artery. Monte Carlo simulations and experimental evaluations of coronary plaque imaging with the proposed detector were performed. It was shown that the sensitivity of the storage phosphor detector to the positrons of 18F-FDG is sufficient to detect coronary plaques with 1 mm and 2 mm sizes and 590 Bq and 1180 Bq activities in the arteries with 2 mm and 3 mm diameters, respectively. An experimental study was performed using plastic tubes with 2 mm diameter filled with an FDG solution, which simulates blood. FDG spots simulating plaques were placed over the surface of the tube. A phosphor tip was inserted into the tube and imaged the plaques. Exposure time was 1 min in all simulations and experiments. Experiments showed that detecting the coronary plaques using the proposed technique is possible. The proposed technique has the potential for fast and accurate detection of vulnerable coronary and other intravascular plaques.
Trade Globalization, Economic Performance, and Social Protection: Nineteenth-Century British Laissez-Faire and Post–World War II U.S.-Embedded Liberalism

How have market and state shaped the long-term coevolution of economic performance and social protection during the nineteenth century and post–World War II waves of globalization associated with British laissez-faire liberalism and U.S.-embedded liberalism? Under the impulse of seemingly ever-intensifying globalization, this question is emerging at the core of a novel body of political economy research that seeks to compare the two waves of globalization to draw useful lessons from the past. This research also reflects the concerns recently voiced by neoliberals and neointerventionists about the long-term stability and viability of post–World War II embedded liberalism. Satisfactory investigations of how market and state shape the long-term coevolution of economic performance and social protection in the two regimes remain lacking. Cointegration analyses of the two hegemonic powers that shaped the evolution of the two regimes—nineteenth-century Great Britain and post–World War II United States—demonstrate that the complementarity of market and state in embedded liberalism is associated with better long-term economic performance and social protection.I thank the following people for their help and support in developing this project: Katarina Juselius, Soren Johansen, Mike Artis, Ilijan Georgiev, Suzanne Perry, Ed Mansfield, Dennis Quinn, Lars-Erik Cederman, Ron Jepperson, Mark Kesselman, Luis Moreno, Martin Rhodes, Benedicta Marzinotto, Ron King, David Clinton, and the participants in the Nordic Project funded by the Danish Social Sciences Research Council. Two anonymous reviewers provided valuable suggestions. A Jean Monnet Fellowship from the Robert Schuman Center for Advanced Studies at the European University Institute provided financial support for the project. Any errors are my own.
Modeling of Electrodynamic Zero-Net Mass-Flux Actuators

electrodynamic zero-net mass-flux (ZNMF) actuator for flow control applications. The electrodynamic actuation schemeemploysamagneticassemblytoestablisharadialmagnetic fieldpatternwithanimbeddedcurrent-carrying coil winding. The coil is attached to a composite diaphragm having a rigid center boss and compliant outer annular region. The magnetic field acting on the coil assembly is modeled using a one-dimensional magnetic circuit. The composite diaphragm is modeled as a transversely isotropic, annular clamped plate. An overall lumped-element electromechanical system model is obtained by combining previously developed lumped models of the cavity/neck structures with lumped models for the composite diaphragm and electrodynamic actuation. The complete lumpedelement model is used to provide insight regarding performance characteristics and design limitations. The model is validated over a frequency range of 10–1000 Hz with hotwire anemometry measurements for both slot and orifice configurations for the jet. The model is useful as a design tool for electrodynamic ZNMF actuators. Nomenclature Amagnet = cross-sectional area of the permanent magnet, m 2 a = outer radius of the diaphragm, m aorif = axisymmetric orifice radius, m Bavg = average magnetic flux density acting on the coil placed in the magnetic assembly, T Bgap = magnetic flux density in the magnet gap predicted by magnetic circuit, T Br = remnant magnetic flux density of the permanent magnet, T b = inner radius of the compliant part of the diaphragm or the radius of the center boss, m CaC = acoustic compliance of the cavity, m 5 =N CaD = acoustic compliance of the diaphragm, m 5 =N CmD = mechanical compliance of the diaphragm, m=N c0 = speed of sound in air, m=s dC = diameter of the cavity, m dslot = diameter of the rectangular slot, m dT = overall diameter of the ZNMF actuator, m Ememb = Young’s modulus of the material of the compliant region of the diaphragm, Pa fN = undamped natural frequency of the diaphragm, Hz fr = steady-state resonant frequency of the diaphragm, Hz f1 = lower 3 dB cutoff frequency, Hz
Morphological and physiological correlates of unilateral agenesis of the urogenital system in young ovariectomized ACI rats

ACI rats are distinguished by a polygenic trait resulting in unilateral agenesis of the urogenital system in 20-30% of animals of both sexes. This report details additional features, both morphological and physiological, which distinguish ACI rats with unilateral agenesis of the reproductive and urinary tracts from the majority of ACI rats that have intact urogenital systems. Young female ACI rats were ovariectomized at 34 days of age and sacrificed 19 days later. A preliminary determination of the urogenital morphology was made at the time of ovariectomy and then confirmed by careful abdominal inspection at necropsy. Data on the time of vaginal opening were obtained at selected intervals prior to sacrifice. At necropsy, the mammary glands were removed and were prepared as stained whole mounts for morphological evaluation; the remaining portions of the reproductive tracts were excised, weighed, fixed, and sectioned for microscopic examination. A majority of animals with unilateral agenesis had mammary glands that had higher degrees of glandular proliferation than the mammary glands of intact rats. Unilateral agenesis animals also possessed significantly thicker and heavier uterine horns, despite having been ovariectomized. Furthermore, rats with unilateral agenesis were found to have an earlier time of vaginal opening than that of their intact counterparts. These features of ovariectomized ACI rats with unilateral agenesis are consistent with an active, extra-ovarian source of endogenous estrogen. Further investigation of the endocrinological state of animals with unilateral agenesis of the urogenital tract is warranted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Regulatory regimes and accountability

This research considers accountability issues for new forms of regulation that shift the emphasis from prescribing actions to regulating systems or regulating for results. Shortfalls at various levels of accountability are identified from experiences with these regimes in the regulation of building and fire safety, food safety and nuclear power plant safety. These experiences illustrate how accountability shortfalls can undermine regulatory performance and introduce a potential for subtle forms of regulatory capture. These concerns underscore the importance of finding the right fit between regulatory circumstances and the design of regulatory regimes.
Tunable Room Temperature THz Sources Based on Nonlinear Mixing in a Hybrid Optical and THz Micro-Ring Resonator

We propose and systematically investigate a novel tunable, compact room temperature terahertz (THz) source based on difference frequency generation in a hybrid optical and THz micro-ring resonator. We describe detailed design steps of the source capable of generating THz wave in 0.5–10 THz with a tunability resolution of 0.05 THz by using high second order optical susceptibility (χ(2)) in crystals and polymers. In order to enhance THz generation compared to bulk nonlinear material, we employ a nonlinear optical micro-ring resonator with high-Q resonant modes for infrared input waves. Another ring oscillator with the same outer radius underneath the nonlinear ring with an insulation of SiO2 layer supports the generated THz with resonant modes and out-couples them into a THz waveguide. The phase matching condition is satisfied by engineering both the optical and THz resonators with appropriate effective indices. We analytically estimate THz output power of the device by using practical values of susceptibility in available crystals and polymers. The proposed source can enable tunable, compact THz emitters, on-chip integrated spectrometers, inspire a broader use of THz sources and motivate many important potential THz applications in different fields.
Aberrant methylation of genes in low-grade astrocytomas.

The underlying basis of the malignant progression of astrocytomas is a specific and cumulative series of genetic alterations, most of which are confined to high-grade tumors. In contrast, a proportion of low-grade astrocytomas have a relatively normal-appearing genome when examined with standard genetic screening methods. These methods do not detect epigenetic events such as aberrant methylation of CpG island, which result in transcriptional silencing of important cancer genes. To determine if aberrant methylation is involved in the early stages of astrocytoma development, we assessed the methylation status of 1184 genes in each of 14 low-grade astrocytomas using restriction landmark genome scanning (RLGS). The results showed nonrandom and astrocytoma-specific patterns of aberrantly methylated genes. We estimate that an average of 1544 CpG island-associated genes (range, 38 to 3731) of the approximately 45,000 in the genome are aberrantly methylated in each tumor. Expression of a significant proportion of the genes could be reactivated by 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine-induced demethylation in cultured glioma cell lines. The data suggest that aberrant methylation of genes is more prevalent than genetic alterations and may have consequences for the development of low-grade astrocytomas.
Formation of H - and D - ions by hydrogen and deuterium particle backscattering from alkali-metal surfaces

A model has been developed for the generation of negative ions by particles backscattered from alkali-metal surfaces. The negative-ion secondary-emission coefficient (NISEC) is taken to be the product of the backscattered particle energy and angular distribution, a negative-ion formation probability, and a survival probability. The backscattered distributions are calculated using the Marlowe Monte Carlo reflection code. The formation and survival probabilities have exponential forms with adjustable parameters $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, $\ensuremath{\beta}$. A least-squares fit of the NISEC integral to the experimental data provides semiempirical values for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, $\ensuremath{\beta}$. The survival probabilities are found to vary inversely with surface work function. The formation probabilities are dependent upon work function and valence electron density. The semiempirical survival probabilities are in fair agreement with earlier model calculations. The quality of the least-squares fits together with the survival probability comparisons represents a first point of contact for theory and experiment.
Preparation of [2′,3′,5′,6′-2H4]pteroylglutamic acid

Folic acid plays a key role in nucleic acid biosynthesis, essential for normal cell proliferation and function. Localized folate deficiencies may be related to changes in cytology associated with cancer development ; analogs of folic acid, such as methotrexate, are potent chemotherapeutic agents and are widely used either alone or in combination therapy for many types of cancer. In this report we describe the synthesis of a terra-deuterated folic acid from perdeuterated toluene. The primary intermediate, N-(4-amino [2,3,5,6- 2 H 4 ]benzoyl)-L-glutamic acid diethyl ester was coupled to N(2')-acetyl-6-formylpterin to create [2',3',5',6'- 2 H 4 ]folic acid. A similar scheme can be used for the preparation of [1',2',3',4',5',6'- 13 C 6 ]folic acid from [ 13 C 6 ] ring labeled toluene.
Fabrication of photonic nanostructures in nonlinear optical polymers

Two experimental techniques have been developed for creating photonic structures in nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers with precisions down to nanoscale. The first technique uses nanoimprinting technology to directly pattern the guest-host NLO polymers. It can be applied to the fabrication of photonic bandgap structures in NLO materials, as well as many other photonic structures in both linear and nonlinear polymers. The second technique utilizes self-assembly of NLO polymer monolayers onto a nanostructured template. This approach provides a highly effective means to implement practical waveguide devices using high performance self-assembled polymers with large electro-optic activity and inherent long-term stability. An optical switching device is proposed, based on nanofabricated NLO polymers.
Modeling and Pricing Longevity Derivatives Using Stochastic Mortality Rates and the Esscher Transform

The Lee-Carter mortality model provides a structure for stochastically modeling mortality rates incorporating both time (year) and age mortality dynamics. Their model is constructed by modeling the mortality rate as a function of both an age and a year effect. Recently the MBMM model (Mitchell et al. 2013) showed the Lee Carter model can be improved by fitting with the growth rates of mortality rates over time and age rather than the mortality rates themselves. The MBMM modification of the Lee-Carter model performs better than the original and many of the subsequent variants. In order to model the mortality rate under the martingale measure and to apply it for pricing the longevity derivatives, we adapt the MBMM structure and introduce a Levy stochastic process with a normal inverse Gaussian (NIG) distribution in our model. The model has two advantages in addition to better fit: first, it can mimic the jumps in the mortality rates since the NIG distribution is fat-tailed with high kurtosis, and, second, t...
Making Regional Railroads More Attractive: Research Studies in Germany and Patronage Characteristics

This paper summarizes current research on regional rail passenger service in Germany. The aim was to help rail operators, municipalities along the rail lines, and transportation planners identify the most effective strategies for improving rail service and patronage. The paper outlines study contents and purpose and then summarizes the most important findings. It also presents action and research recommendations. In addition, current rail developments in Germany and methods for increasing patronage and reducing costs with special focus on the separation of infrastructure and operations are described. Lastly, patronage data for different rail segments is compared to help determine whether improvement measures should be applied and what impacts they could have on patronage.
Drawing Opens Pathways to Problem Solving for Young Children

(2009). Drawing Opens Pathways to Problem Solving for Young Children. Childhood Education: Vol. 86, No. 1, pp. 7-13.
Pyogenic Osteomyelitis Versus Pseudo-Osteomyelitis in Gaucher's Disease: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Presented is a young girl with Gaucher's disease who developed acute bone pain accompanied by signs of inflammation and who was felt to have possible pyogenic osteomyelitis. The lack of significant pathogenic bacterial growth on culture and the findings at orthopedic surgery led the authors to conclude that this child probably represented a case of pseudo-osteomyelitis, but the isolation of an anaerobe from the operative culture of the involved bone leaves the exact diagnosis unclear. Since this child underwent an open surgical procedure, she was treated with antibiotics to prevent the possible develop ment of chronic osteomyelitis. The anaerobic growth on culture, although strongly felt to be a contaminant, also played a role in this decision. She had an uneventful hospital course and subsequently has done well. It is suggested that great caution be taken before subjecting a patient with Gaucher's disease to orthopedic surgical procedures. If pyogenic osteomyelitis is strongly suspected, obtaining multip...
NASA tracking and data acquisition in the 1990s - High earth orbit and planetary spacecraft support

It is pointed out that during the decade of the 1980's the Deep Space Network (DSN) and the ground stations of the Ground Spaceflight Tracking Data Network (GSTDN) will have been consolidated into one ground-based network to provide services for tracking and data acquisition for NASA deep space probes and highly elliptical earth orbiters. The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) will have been implemented to handle low earth orbiters. Anticipated solar system exploration missions of the 1990's are discussed, and a description is presented of the new tracking and data acquisition requirements for supporting these missions. The technology options needed to meet these new requirements are identified, and the impact of these technology options on the consolidated DSN is discussed. Attention is given to the evolution of the DSN of the 1980's into the DSN of the year 2000.
Soil color variations along an iron oxide gradient in a mine drainage treatment wetland

The relationship between soil color and iron oxide content in a surface-flow constructed wetland that successfully treats acid mine drainage (AMD) is examined with regard to its potential importance to wetland treatment of AMD. Twenty-one oxidized surficial soil samples (<5 cm depth) were collected along a 100-meter wetland transect and were characterized for Munsell color and iron oxide content. Soil color, expressed in terms of both a redness index as well as dominant wavelength, was found to be significantly correlated (p<0.001) with iron oxide content. In addition, an apparent red-shift in soil color was observed from the wetland effluent toward the influent in response to increasing concentrations of iron in both the soil and the drainage water. If this relationship between soil color-iron oxide content-iron removal is shown to exist for other surface-flow AMD wetlands, evaluation of soil color can give a relatively quick and inexpensive estimate of iron retention for a given influent iron concentration entering a wetland.
Formulations for three‐phase flash calculations

A study of flash equations associated with multicomponent systems that can form three phases at a given temperature and pressure indicated that different equations are needed at different boundaries of the solution space. This problem dictates that one- and two-phase trial solutions be obtained first on the boundaries prior to a search in the three-phase interior region. Two new formulations of the flash equations have been developed to avoid this problem. Solutions at boundaries as well as those in the three-phase region can now be obtained with a single search procedure. The new formulations are made using functions that are monotonic in the selected coordinates. These properties facilitate the use of nested, single-variable search methods. Interpolating with second-order functions, when applicable, nested search methods are often faster than two-dimensional simultaneous search methods. Tests of these formulations have demonstrated the advantages of these characteristics.
Optimization of a Multiple-Tone Jammer Operating against an Asynchronous Direct-Sequence Multiple-Access Spread-Spectrum System

An approach developed in [1] for calculating the probability of error in a direct-sequence (DS) spread-spectrum multiple-access (SSMA) system is used to study multiple-tone jamming strategies operating against direct-sequence SSMA systems. The parameters to be optimized include jammer band center frequency, number of jamming tones, and tone spacing for a fixed jammer power. Tight upper and lower bounds for the error probability in DS/SSMA systems including the degradation due to multiple-tone jammers are computed, and the tradeoff for jammer power between the single-user and multiple-user situation is studied.
Iodide Transport: Inhibition by Agents Reacting at the Membrane

Accumulation of iodide by thyroid tissue is inhibited by two phospholipase A-free proteins from cobra venom, filipin, crude phospholipase C, and lysolecithin. The venom proteins decrease K+ in tissue but do not significantly affect incorporation of phosphorus-32 into phospholipid or stimulation of this process by thyrotropin. However, filipin and crude phospholipase C, like thyrotropin, do increase phospholipid formation.
Simultaneous Kidney Transplantation and Bilateral Native Nephrectomy for Polycystic Kidney Disease

Purpose: Bilateral native nephrectomy with simultaneous kidney transplantation is becoming more common for patients with polycystic kidney disease in the living donor nephrectomy era. Single center reports evaluating the short-term and long-term outcomes of simultaneous kidney transplantation have been published but are generally limited by small sample sizes. We examined population level data to broadly define the complications of simultaneous kidney transplantation.Materials and Methods: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to acquire data on 2,368 patients with polycystic kidney disease treated with bilateral native nephrectomy between 1998 and 2010. We performed unadjusted, multivariable and propensity score adjusted analyses of postoperative outcomes.Results: A total of 2,368 patients were included in this study. The 271 patients (11.4%) who underwent simultaneous kidney transplantation had higher rates of intraoperative hemorrhage, blood transfusion and urological complications (propensity...