cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oral amphipathic peptides as therapeutic agents.

Cholesterol can promote inflammation by its ability to stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species that result in the formation of pro-inflammatory oxidised phospholipids. High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are part of the innate immune response and can be either pro- or anti-inflammatory independently of plasma HDL–cholesterol levels. During systemic inflammation as occurs with atherosclerosis, Apolipoprotein A-I can be altered, reducing its ability to promote reverse cholesterol transport and HDL can become pro-inflammatory. Amphipathic peptides with either a class A amphipathic helix (D-4F) or a class G* amphipathic helix (D-[113-122]apoJ), or even those that are too small to form a helix (KRES and FREL) have some similar characteristics. Their interaction with lipids leads to a reduction in lipoprotein–lipid hydroperoxides that releases HDL-associated antioxidant enzymes, such as paraoxonase, therefore providing antiatherosclerosis and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, the peptide D-4F st...
Global voltage dynamics: study of a generator with voltage control, transmission, and matched MW load

A rudimentary but representative model for voltage dynamics of a power system is studied. A comprehensive analysis of the different types of dynamic behavior across both state and parameter space is given with control gains and load varied. The model is subject to algebraic constraints in the form of load flow equations. A singular transformation changes the resulting singular model into a smooth dynamical system, facilitating the analysis. Singular manifolds in the state space and bifurcation manifolds in the parameter space turn out to be the principal and interacting determinants for the problem. Both local and global bifurcations play vital roles. Some of the bifurcations are directly connected to the singularity. The maximum practical load is increasing with control gain, but the region of transient stability, which is a halfspace at low gains, gradually shrinks down to a point at the Hopf bifurcation. The characteristics of stability boundaries are observed, and the loosely understood term of voltage collapse is classified into well-defined types. Simulations are used to illustrate the mathematical results. >
When systems engineering fails-toward complex systems engineering

We review the lessons learned from problems with systems engineering over the past couple of decades and suggest that there are two effective strategies for overcoming them: (1) restricting the conventional systems engineering process to not-too-complex projects, and (2) adopting an evolutionary paradigm for complex systems engineering that involves rapid parallel exploration and a context designed to promote change through competition between design/implementation groups with field testing of multiple variants. The second approach is an extension of many of the increasingly popular variants of systems engineering today.
Antigen Load and Viral Sequence Diversification Determine the Functional Profile of HIV-1–Specific CD8+ T Cells

Background Virus-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes play a key role in the initial reduction of peak viremia during acute viral infections, but display signs of increasing dysfunction and exhaustion under conditions of chronic antigen persistence. It has been suggested that virus-specific CD8+ T cells with a “polyfunctional” profile, defined by the capacity to secrete multiple cytokines or chemokines, are most competent in controlling viral replication in chronic HIV-1 infection. We used HIV-1 infection as a model of chronic persistent viral infection to investigate the process of exhaustion and dysfunction of virus-specific CD8+ T cell responses on the single-epitope level over time, starting in primary HIV-1 infection. Methods and Findings We longitudinally analyzed the polyfunctional epitope-specific CD8+ T cell responses of 18 patients during primary HIV-1 infection before and after therapy initiation or sequence variation in the targeted epitope. Epitope-specific CD8+ T cells responded with multiple effector functions to antigenic stimulation during primary HIV-1 infection, but lost their polyfunctional capacity in response to antigen and up-regulated programmed death 1 (PD-1) expression with persistent viremic infection. This exhausted phenotype significantly decreased upon removal of stimulation by antigen, either in response to antiretroviral therapy or by reduction of epitope-specific antigen load in the presence of ongoing viral replication, as a consequence of in vivo selection of cytotoxic T lymphocyte escape mutations in the respective epitopes. Monofunctionality increased in CD8+ T cell responses directed against conserved epitopes from 49% (95% confidence interval 27%–72%) to 76% (56%–95%) (standard deviation [SD] of the effect size 0.71), while monofunctionality remained stable or slightly decreased for responses directed against escaped epitopes from 61% (47%–75%) to 56% (42%–70%) (SD of the effect size 0.18) (p < 0.05). Conclusion These data suggest that persistence of antigen can be the cause, rather than the consequence, of the functional impairment of virus-specific T cell responses observed during chronic HIV-1 infection, and underscore the importance of evaluating autologous viral sequences in studies aimed at investigating the relationship between virus-specific immunity and associated pathogenesis.
Bibliometric analysis of radiation oncology departmental scholarly publication productivity at domestic residency training institutions.

Purpose Corporate scientific activity lies at the heart of the modern academic institution, and yet field-specific estimates of institutional or departmental scholarly productivity are difficult to assess. The authors sought to estimate long-term and current departmental research efforts at residency-sponsoring US radiation oncology departments, using modifications of established bibliometric indices. Methods Bibliometric citation database searches were performed for all residency-affiliated academic radiation oncology departments and their component physician radiation oncology faculty members. Metrics based on publication, citation, and the Hirsch index ( h -index) were calculated, and departments were ranked by departmental productivity from 1996 to 2007, as well as by current mean faculty bibliometric output. Results Seventy-eight academic radiation oncology departments and their component 826 radiation oncologist faculty members were analyzed bibliometrically. The average number of publications per department from 1996 to 2007 was 363.8, with a mean of 8,116.0 citations and a mean institutional h -index of 37.2. Departments at academic institutions demonstrated a grand mean of 41.0 publications, 709.0 citations, and an h -index of 7.6 as of fall 2007. A larger number of physician faculty members (>12) was associated with increased scholarly activity. Conclusions The use of quantitative metrics provides departments and researchers with a mechanism to evaluate collective scientific productivity and serves as an impetus for improved performance across the field.
Effects of buprenorphine and naloxone in morphine-stabilized opioid addicts

The present study, conducted as part of the development of a buprenorphine/naloxone combination product, was designed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of intravenously administered buprenorphine and naloxone. This in-patient trial used a randomized, double-blind, crossover design. Ten opioid-dependent male subjects were stabilized and maintained on morphine, 15 mg given intramuscularly four times daily. Then, at 48- to 72-h intervals, subjects received one of the following by intravenous injection: (1) placebo, (2) morphine 15 mg, (3) buprenorphine 2 mg, (4) buprenorphine 2 mg/naloxone 0.5 mg, and (5) naloxone 0.5 mg. Both naloxone and buprenorphine/naloxone produced significant (P<0.005) opioid withdrawal effects compared to placebo as assessed with the CINA scale, an instrument which utilizes subject- and observer-reported, as well as physiological parameters. The combination of buprenorphine with naloxone in a 4:1 ratio produced opioid antagonist-like effects which should limit its potential for intravenous abuse by opioid addicts.
Test challenges for SONET/SDH physical layer OC3 devices and beyond

Testing SONET/SDH physical layer devices at and above OC3 (optical carrier 3)/STS3 (synchronous transport signal 3) rates needs a new approach. Due to fast edge rates the spectral content of the signals is in the GHz range. High speed transceivers must have low voltage differential I/O to meet fast data transfer rates over longer transmission lines. Such devices with high pin count and data rates above OC3/STS3 are sensitive to pin to pin skew on the Automatic Test Equipment (ATE). Many factors have to be taken into account during test development phase to capture and test the above signal conditions. Transmission line effects are one of the key parameters to be accounted for load board design. Test instrumentation and their limitations are another important resource. With technology improvements in CMOS design, mass production of high speed devices will happen in the immediate future. The following paper discusses challenges in production test of a OC3/STS3 physical layer device. ATE requirements for future higher speed devices at OC12/48/192 rates are discussed to overcome the limitations faced during test development of the OC3/STS3 device.
A Technique for Measuring Phase Modulation or Rapid Phase Changes of a Microwave Signal

The system takes advantage of the fact that a phase-modulated carrier signal will produce equivalent frequency modulation, where the change of frequency is proportional to the time rate of change of the phase variation. A mirowave carrier frequency, FC, is shifted in a single sideband generator to a frequency, FC+FM. The upper sideband is transmitted through the phase modulating medium and then mixed with the original carrier frequency. The difference frequency FM contains the phase modulation information and, after preamplification, the signal is put through a wide-band limiter-discriminator of center frequency, FM. The discriminator output voltage will be directly proportional to the rate of phase change. To compensate for the time rate of change dependency, the discriminator output is followed by an integrating network (E/sub 0/~1/f) which will produce an output voltage proportional to the phase change only. Calibration is accomplished by imposing a known amount of phase modulation on the sideband modulating signal FM and observing the system output signal. This measuring scheme has been built in the 70 Gc/s band and is capable of following a wide range of phase changes over microsecond periods.
Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging of the mechanical properties of arteries: In vivo and ex vivo results

We present results of a pilot study of ex vivo and in vivo acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging demonstrating measurements of the mechanical properties of the carotid and popliteal arteries. The results were obtained on a modified commercial scanner, providing coregistered B-mode and color Doppler images. 2D and 1D through time images are formed from the measurements of tissues' response to very brief and localized applications of radiation force. The images show good correlation with B-mode and, in ex vivo studies, pathology-based characterizations of vessel geometry and plaque stiffness. In vivo measurements of arterial response during both systole and diastole are presented. We address implementation issues and discuss potential applications of this new vascular imaging method.
The Processing of Sonar Echoes by Bats

There are two different types of echolocation in bats, really the two extremes of a continuum of variations in the use of echo information by different species. One type is broadband echo-location, used for producing very acute, multidimensional acoustic images of targets, and it is used by all bats. The other is narrowband echolocation, used for target detection and for acoustic imaging of specific target features related primarily to movement. The results of behavioral (Griffin, 1958; Novick, 1977; Schnitzler, 1978; Simmons, 1977, in preparation; Simmons, Howell, Suga, 1975), physiological (Grinnell, 1973; Henson, 1970; Suga, 1973, 1978), and anatomical (Bruns, 1976; Henson, 1970) investigations reveal the existence of these two distinct modes of biological sonar. The dual nature of echolocation appears in the design of the orientation sounds, in the mechanisms for processing the signals, in the performance of echolocation and the kinds of information gathered, and, to the extent that it is understood, in the evolution of echolocation and bats (Simmons, 1979). Many species actually use a mixture of both extremes in different situations (Simmons, Fenton, O’Farrell, 1979).
Sintering Trajectories: Description on How Density, Surface Area, and Grain Size Change

Sintering is a mainstay production step in forming metal, ceramic, polymer, and composite components from particles. Since the 1940s, the sintering process is treated using a matrix of mathematical relationships that include at least seven atomic transport mechanisms, several options on powder characteristics, and three pore–grain morphology options. The interplay of these relationships is handled by numerical solutions to predict property development. An alternative approach is to track the sintering trajectory using relatively simple relationships based on bulk measures. Energy minimization dictates that initial stage sintering acts to reduce surface area. In late stage sintering, the energy minimization turns to grain boundary area reduction via grain growth. Accordingly, relationships result between density, surface area, and grain size, which largely ignore mechanistic details. These relationships are applicable to a wide variety of materials and consolidation conditions, including hot pressing, and spark sintering.
State Benefits under the Pike Balancing Test of the Dormant Commerce Clause: Putative or Actual

Under our federal system of government, the states can regulate the health, safety, and general welfare of their citizens. Problems arise when the states either enact protectionist regulations that discriminate against the commerce of other states, or when legitimate non-discriminatory regulations interfere with the harmony of national commerce. The Supreme Court developed dormant Commerce Clause jurisprudence to prevent such problems. This Note argues that dormant Commerce Clause jurisprudence has been random. This randomness arises from a lack of uniformity in how to apply the Pike test, which says a state law should be struck down if the burdens it imposes on interstate commerce are clearly excessive in relation to its local benefits. Circuits disagree about how to apply Pike, with some requiring the challenged state law to bear a rational basis to a legitimate state goal, while others apply a stricter rational basis or rational basis “with bite” test, while still others subject state laws to intermediate scrutiny. This Note proposes that courts should apply rational basis scrutiny when applying Pike since this is the majority rule, it is the rule most in keeping with the structure of the Constitution, and anything stricter than rational basis would put federal courts in the position of evaluating the wisdom and utility of state legislation, transforming the Pike test into one bordering on strict scrutiny.
Effects of biofeedback on distress in a university counseling center: Preliminary results

Biofeedback (BF) and its mechanisms of change were examined alongside self-regulation and mind-body approaches in the context of counseling centers. The advance in psychopathology within this context and its intersections with neurophysiological, psychological, and social variables were highlighted. Although BF is commonly provided to students, its effect on self-regulation and mind-body connection remains unclear. There is limited data on the efficacy of treatment modalities in counseling centers, yet with ever-increasing demand for services, it necessitates further study and evaluation for effective planning and resource allocation. Preliminary data from a current study offer important thoughts in this discussion, suggesting that students who receive either individual therapy (treatment as usual) or biofeedback alone tend to report more significant symptom reduction than the combination of these treatments.
In vitro studies of inflammatory bowel disease. Surface receptors of the mononuclear cell required to lyse allogeneic colonic epithelial cells.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis (collectively referred to as inflammatory bowel disease) are cytotoxic in vitro for isologous or allogeneic colonic epithelial cells. Utilizing the ability of thymusderived (T) lymphocytes to bind sheep red blood cells to their surface and the property of bone marrow-derived (B) lymphocytes to display easily detectable surface immunoglobulin determinants, the cytoxicity of these lymphocyte subpopulations was tested. The results indicate that the mononuclear cell required for the lysis of colonic epithelium was not included within the bulk of T or B lymphocytes. Indeed, enrichment for cytotoxicity correlated best with enrichment for a mononuclear cell population lacking classical T or B markers. Additionally, mononuclear cells specifically adhering to plastic petri dishes coated with heat-aggregated immunoglobulin, and thus presumably bearing a surface Fc receptor, were enriched in their cytotoxicity. Alternatively, cells not adhering to aggregated Ig-coated petri dishes were relatively depleted of cytotoxicity. The implications of these findings as they relate to possible interactions between cellular and humoral immune mechanisms as a pathogenic mechanism for the colonic inflammatory process noted in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are discussed.
Parasitoids of the Western Spruce Budworm in Colorado

The western spruce bud worm, Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, like its E counterpart, is host to many parasitoids. The composition of the complex differs. however, with space and time. The only published inventory of parasitoids of the budworm in the Colorado Rockies is by Dowden et al. (1948), who reared budworms and collected parasitoids during the final stages of an outbreak which ended in 1946–1947. A major budworm outbreak developed in the late 1950's, spread over most of the susceptible host type, and collapsed in the early 1960's, except in some areas where it still persists. During this period the parasitoids were studied to identify the species present and to evaluate their role in determining population trends (Dalleske 1963; McKnight 1971 a). This Note updates the earlier inventory.
Natural history of excessive daytime sleepiness: role of obesity, weight loss, depression, and sleep propensity.

Study objectives Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is highly prevalent in the general population and is associated with occupational and public safety hazards. However, no study has examined the clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) predictors of the natural history of EDS. Design Representative longitudinal study. Setting Sleep laboratory. Participants From a random, general population sample of 1,741 individuals of the Penn State Adult Cohort, 1,395 were followed up after 7.5 years. Measurements and results Full medical evaluation and 1-night PSG at baseline and standardized telephone interview at follow-up. The incidence of EDS was 8.2%, while its persistence and remission were 38% and 62%, respectively. Obesity and weight gain were associated with the incidence and persistence of EDS, while weight loss was associated with its remission. Significant interactions between depression and PSG parameters on incident EDS showed that, in depressed individuals, incident EDS was associated with sleep disturbances, while in non-depressed individuals, incident EDS was associated with increased physiologic sleep propensity. Diabetes, allergy/ asthma, anemia, and sleep complaints also predicted the natural history of EDS. Conclusions Obesity, a disorder of epidemic proportions, is a major risk factor for the incidence and chronicity of EDS, while weight loss is associated with its remission. Interestingly, objective sleep disturbances predict incident EDS in depressed individuals, whereas physiologic sleep propensity predicts incident EDS in those without depression. Weight management and treatment of depression and sleep disorders should be part of our public health policies.
A 3-year M.D.--accelerating careers, diminishing debt.

In recent decades, the length of medical training has increased, slowing the entry of new physicians into practice. Experiments with 3-year medical schools, like the one at New York University, attempt to address this delay.
Shoe Last Model Reconstruction and Surface Development Based on Reverse Engineering

Shoe pattern interactive design is a core technique in shoe-making CAD system.Based on generating the digitalized model of shoe last surface and its developing graph using reverse engineering method,the interactive design between shoe last surface and its developing graph is researched.The arithmetic of point mapping and its error analysis is given,and the results show that the precision requested for shoe-making can be satisfied completely.The interactive generating and editing of shoe pattern curve between the shoe last surface and its developing graph is realized by curve mapping.An application example is given.The system is realized on the UG software.
Effects of methionine enkephalin (met-enkephalin) on regional blood flow and vascular resistance: radioactive microsphere techniques.

Ever since Hughes et al. (1975) discovered opioid-like peptides from the brain extract of rat, many advancements in the field of neurophysiology and pharmacology have been made. Methionine enkephalin ([met5]enkephalin), a simple pentapeptide, has been implicated in many physiological functions such as pain perception, appetite, hormone-release, thermoregulation, gastrointestinal function, and cardiovascular function (Martin, 1983). Although the cardiovascular effects of [met5]enkephalin depend on many factors, the level of anesthesia (Schaz et al., 1980; Eulie and Rhee, 1984), the sites of peptide injection (Wei et al., 1980; Petty and DeJong, 1983) and the animal species have been shown to be important factors.
Multiculturalism and diversity: How to ethically care for a prejudiced patient

Dr Jane Smith is a dermatologist who is caring for a patient with basal cell nevus syndrome. The patient acknowledges working for a Mexican employer, and during the appointment mentions a presidential candidate’s rhetoric regarding undocumented Mexican immigrants. While the dermatologist is treating one of the patient’s basal cell cancers, the patient comments that he endorses the candidate’s comments and then proceeds to vent regarding his Mexican boss, including the patient’s disdain for working for an ‘‘immigrant’’ and support for the idea of constructing a wall between Mexico and the United States to keep out Mexicans ‘‘since they do not contribute to the US and only bring problems.’’ Dr Smith is Mexican, but the patient has failed to realize this because she adopted her husband’s surname after marriage. She feels uncomfortable and is enraged by the patient’s remarks.
Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics: Entropy and how the macroscopic world works

Microstate probabilities In Chapter 3 we discussed the way the world works at a microscopic level: the interactions and laws governing the time evolution of atoms and molecules. We found that an important, unifying perspective for both quantum and classical descriptions is the concept of energy. Now we take a macroscopic point of view. What happens when many (~10 23 ) molecules come together, when we cannot hope to measure individual atomic properties but can probe only bulk material ones? As the title of this chapter suggests, the relevant concept at the macro-resolution is entropy. Remember that from a macroscopic perspective, we care about macrostates, that is, states of a system characterized by a few macroscopic variables, like E , V , N , T , or P . Empirical measurements generally establish values for properties that are the net result of many atomic interactions averaged over time, and we are thus able to describe a system only in terms of these large-scale, reduced-information metrics that smooth over the molecular world. The statement that a system is at one specific macrostate actually implies that it is evolving through a particular ensemble of many microscopic configurations. We will focus on classical isolated systems because these offer the simplest introductory perspective. Let us imagine that a closed, insulated container of molecules evolves in time.
On-label and off-label prescribing patterns of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in inpatient hospital settings in the US during the period of major regulatory changes.

Abstract Background A number of policy and labeling interventions aimed at reducing inappropriate prescribing of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) were implemented in the U.S. between 2006 and 2010. These interventions included the addition of an FDA Black Box Warning to ESA labeling, the implementation of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program, and the adoption of payment restrictions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The impact of these safety interventions on different types of ESA prescribing (on-label, off-label; evidence-based, not evidence-based) has not been investigated in a single study. Objectives The objective of this study was to explore the prescribing patterns of ESAs for on- and off-label indications in the U.S. hospital inpatients during the period of major policy and labeling changes. Methods A retrospective analysis of ESAs utilization patterns was conducted using Cerner Health Facts ® database from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2011. The study population consisted of adult patients admitted to hospitals during the study period who received at least one ESAs order. Indications for ESA use were assigned based on ICD-9 CM diagnosis codes, procedure codes, and medication records. ESA use was then classified based on FDA-approval and the strength of scientific evidence supporting its use. Indication categories included (1) on-label use (ONS); (2) off-label use, supported (OFS); and (3) off-label use, unsupported (OFU). Descriptive statistics were used to examine ESA use by patient, hospital, and physician characteristics and over time. Results ESAs were most frequently prescribed for ONS (48.7%), followed by OFU (42.7%) and OFS indications (8.6%). Of all off-label use, 83.2% were for unsupported indications. Between 2005 and 2010, the percent of inpatient visits with ESA use decreased for supported indications, both on-label (−63.2%) and off-label (−78.2%), but increased for unsupported indications (80%). OFU use surpassed ONS use as the most common type of ESA use in 2009. Conclusions Total and ONS ESA use decreased markedly, while OFU ESA use continued to increase during the period of major policy and labeling changes.
885 Safe schools project, South Africa

Background The World health Organisation indicates that child pedestrian injuries are highest in African countries with a continental mortality rate that is twice the global world (WHO 2011). In South Africa it is noted that the majority of children walk to and from school, placing them at particular risk to road traffic crashes resulting in injury, disability or death(Stats SA 2013) Child pedestrians are particular vulnerable to road crashes due to their physical and cognitive limitations. Methods The Safe School project aimed to reduce child pedestrian injuries and deaths in South Africa by introducing the iRAP star rating concept, which provides tools and training to help countries make roads safe by inspecting high-risk roads and developing star ratings for those roads, with the ultimate goal of eliminating one- and two-star rated roads from the world’s road network. 3 primary schools were selected in South Africa where intervention took place and 1 school served as a control for monitoring and evaluation purposes. Results The pilot project has developed an innovative model combining education for the school children, training for teachers and advocacy action to catalyse the introduction of safe road infrastructure. It has also enabled creation of a multi-stakeholder partnership and further contributed to development of educational tool kit by Takalani Sesame (Sesame Street). The project has been successful in one of its primary objectives to encourage the government to ensure sustained investments for safer roads thorough collaboration with City of Cape Town road engineers. Conclusion The project has been effective as a model for catalysing sustainable investment in interventions aimed to improve road safety for school children. This model has the potential to be replicated on a wider basis across other schools in South Africa and other countries. With its outcomes and potential long term impact, it has already made valuable contribution to the Decade of Action for Road Safety and has the potential to do so.
Integration of the Aurora KrF ICF laser system at Los Alamos

The Aurora laser system, under construction at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for the past few years, is now being integrated into a working system for examining the applicability of high-power KrF lasers to inertia) confinement fusion (1CF). The design principles of the system have been described in detail in earlier publications and conferences.1-3 Muitikilojoule 248-nm 5-ns duration laser pulses, which have been derived from angular-multiplexed electron-beam-driven KrF amplifiers, are to be delivered to IGF targets when the system is fully integrated.
Some Functional Properties of Succinylated Single Cell Protein Concentrate

Single cell protein concentrate was prepared by extracting dried Candida utilis with 0.2 N NaOH at 95 C for 10 min. The soluble protein was precipitated at pH 3.5, washed, and lyophilized. Portions of the protein isolates were succinylated so that 84% of the free amino groups were blocked. Alkaline extractions under optimum conditions gave a yield of 25 to 30% of total solids. Nucleic acid content of the isolates was 10.4% whereas protein comprised 67.3%. Succinylated (SI) and nonsuccinylated (NSI) single cell protein concentrate exhibited similar solubilities above pH 4, the apparent isoelectric point. At pH values below 4, SI was quite insoluble whereas NSI was very soluble at pH 2. Digestibilities as measured by percentage of lysine released from the protein by pepsin and pancreatin were 32.7%, 18.6%, and 3.3% for NSI, whole egg, and SI, respectively. Stabilities of emulsions prepared from corn oil (20–50%) tended to be lower when gelatin was used at the 1% level compared to NSI and SI. However, higher...
Ice Particle Mass–Dimensional Relationship Retrieval and Uncertainty Evaluation Using the Optimal Estimation Methodology Applied to the MACPEX Data

AbstractA Bayesian optimal estimation methodology is applied to retrieve the time-varying ice particle mass–dimensional (M–D) relationships (i.e., M = amDbm) and the associated uncertainties using the in situ data that were collected by the NASA WB-57 during the Midlatitude Airborne Cirrus Properties Experiment (MACPEX) in March and April 2011. The authors utilize the coincident measurements of bulk ice water content and projected cross-sectional area to constrain M–D relationships and estimate the uncertainties. It is demonstrated that the additional information provided by the particle area with respect to size could contribute considerable improvements to the algorithm performance. Extreme variability of M–D properties is found among cases as well as within individual cases, indicating the nondiscrete nature of ice crystal habits within cloud volumes and further suggesting the risk of assuming a constant M–D relationship in different conditions. Relative uncertainties of am are approximately from 50% t...
Plasmonic SERS nanochips and nanoprobes for medical diagnostics and bio-energy applications

The development of rapid, easy-to-use, cost-effective, high accuracy, and high sensitive DNA detection methods for molecular diagnostics has been receiving increasing interest. Over the last five years, our laboratory has developed several chip-based DNA detection techniques including the molecular sentinel-on-chip (MSC), the multiplex MSC, and the inverse molecular sentinel-on-chip (iMS-on-Chip). In these techniques, plasmonic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) Nanowave chips were functionalized with DNA probes for single-step DNA detection. Sensing mechanisms were based on hybridization of target sequences and DNA probes, resulting in a distance change between SERS reporters and the Nanowave chip’s gold surface. This distance change resulted in change in SERS intensity, thus indicating the presence and capture of the target sequences. Our techniques were single-step DNA detection techniques. Target sequences were detected by simple delivery of sample solutions onto DNA probe-functionalized Nanowave chips and SERS signals were measured after 1h - 2h incubation. Target sequence labeling or washing to remove unreacted components was not required, making the techniques simple, easy-to-use, and cost effective. The usefulness of the techniques for medical diagnostics was illustrated by the detection of genetic biomarkers for respiratory viral infection and of dengue virus 4 DNA.
Comparison of multiparametric MRI to PSA kinetics as an indication of prostate cancer progression in men on active surveillance.

59Background: Pathologic progression is identified in > 25% of prostate cancer (CaP) patients on active surveillance (AS). Yet, identifying patients at risk for progression is limited to PSA based biomarkers with variable utility. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) with fusion-guided prostate biopsy (FBx) has shown utility in risk stratification for patients considering AS. We compared mpMRI characteristics with PSA kinetics for the prediction of pathologic progression in AS patients. Methods: A review of men on AS with serial mpMRI and 2 or more FBx sessions was performed. FBx sessions consisted of targeted biopsies and a 12 core systematic biopsy. Men who met NIH Expanded AS criteria included those with low and intermediate risk CaP, Gleason score ≤ 3+4 = 7 with no restriction on percent core involvement or number of cores positive. Progression was defined by patients with initial Gleason 3+3 = 6 to any Gleason 4, and Gleason 3+4 = 7 to a primary Gleason 4 or higher. MRI progression was defined as increase in ...
Effects of Ground on Destructiveness of Large Earthquakes

The present state of empirical knowledge of the relation between ground conditions and earthquake damage to structures is presented in terms of observations in destructive earthquakes. Thirty-six earthquakes are cited for which a relation has been reported. Patterns of behavior exist for several kinds of building. Firm ground is much preferred to soft ground for most kinds of structure. Strong rigid buildings may be an exception.
Tracing the Anthrozoological Landscape of Central Iowa: Place and Pedagogical Possibilities

Despite widespread social and economic changes spurred by globalization, many U.S. rural lifeways and landscapes remain associated with simplicity, innocence, and family farms. Such nostalgic, romanticized perceptions of rural life obscure various kinds of place-based exploitation that occur routinely in modern-day rural settings. A dominant form of human-animal relations in central Iowa, for example, is the industrial raising and processing of animals for meat. Confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are numerous in the rural Iowa landscape, and CAFOs’ effects on rural communities are many and dire. Using central Iowa and its CAFOs as an example, I argue that educators should pay close attention to the anthrozoological landscapes of their teaching contexts. Doing so provides a deeper understanding of the politics of local place-making. Further, investigating human-animal relations can help students develop place-based identities. Finally, interrogating the human-animal relations of particular locales provides insight into ourselves. A fine-grained examination of CAFOs in rural Iowa, for example, raises questions about how power works in contemporary society and draws our attention to potential vectors for change.
BARTER BOOKKEEPING: A TENACIOUS SYSTEM

Since accounting develops to meet the needs of its environment, the same systems may not be used in all parts of the country at the same time. A system of barter and credit bookkeeping was common in the U. S. during the 1700's, but began to diminish from the civilized parts of the country during the early 1800's. However, the barter-credit system continued to be used in some rural areas well into the 20th century. These 20th century barter-credit records were not antiquated. The needs of management were little different than those of other storekeepers of a century and a half earlier. Thus, the same accounting methods were sufficient to meet these needs.
Gastroduodenal artery coiling to curb upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract Background Peptic ulcers in pediatric populations are uncommon and can present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and shock on presentation. An endoscopy is done initially to identify bleeding source. However, definitive treatment is achieved with angiography. The use of coiling is effective in achieving hemorrhagic control in duodenal ulcers or gastric ulcers, particularly in adults. However, the use in pediatric populations is unknown. We present a case of peptic ulcer disease treated with a gastroduodenal artery coil in a pediatric patient that has never been reported in the literature. Case presentation A 15-year-old male with a five-year history of peptic ulcer disease was admitted with an upper gastrointestinal bleed. Angiographic imaging was done to isolate and locate the bleeding, and coil embolization of the gastroduodenal artery was performed. Coils eroded into intestinal lumen but bleeding was controlled. Conclusion Peptic ulcers in pediatric populations are rare and complex in nature. Besides aggressive resuscitation and endoscopy, other methods to control bleeding such as coil embolization can be performed. Further investigations are needed to understand long-term effects of coil embolization in pediatric peptic ulcer patients. Level of evidence 5/Case Report/.
A fully electric field driven scalable magnetoelectric switching element

A technique for micromagnetic simulation of the magnetoelectric (ME) effect in Cr2O3 based structures has been developed. It has been observed that the microscopic ME susceptibility differs significantly from the experimentally measured values. The deviation between the two susceptibilities becomes more prominent near the Curie temperature, affecting the operation of the device at room temperature. A fully electric field controlled ME switching element has been proposed for use at technologically interesting densities: it employs quantum mechanical exchange at the boundaries instead of the applied magnetic field needed in traditional switching schemes. After establishing temperature dependent physics-based parameters, switching performances have been studied for different temperatures, applied electric fields, and Cr2O3 cross-sections. It has been found that our proposed use of quantum mechanical exchange favors reduced electric field operation and enhanced scalability while retaining reliable thermal stability.A technique for micromagnetic simulation of the magnetoelectric (ME) effect in Cr2O3 based structures has been developed. It has been observed that the microscopic ME susceptibility differs significantly from the experimentally measured values. The deviation between the two susceptibilities becomes more prominent near the Curie temperature, affecting the operation of the device at room temperature. A fully electric field controlled ME switching element has been proposed for use at technologically interesting densities: it employs quantum mechanical exchange at the boundaries instead of the applied magnetic field needed in traditional switching schemes. After establishing temperature dependent physics-based parameters, switching performances have been studied for different temperatures, applied electric fields, and Cr2O3 cross-sections. It has been found that our proposed use of quantum mechanical exchange favors reduced electric field operation and enhanced scalability while retaining reliable thermal sta...
Clethrionomys (Evotomys) glareolus (Bank vole)

Karyotypes were prepared from fibroblast cultures of lung tissue of more than 10 animals. All gave similar chromosomal features which were identical to those from bone marrow preparations. The karyotypes were kindly supplied by Dr. U. Wolf, University of Freiburg, Germany. The X chromosomes have been positively identified by radioautography.
Conformation of Conjugated Polymers in Good Solvent

One of the most interesting recent advances in the field of conjugated polymers has been the synthesis of such macromolecules soluble in common organic solvents (1, 2, 3). There are many reasons for studying conjugated polymers in solution. A simple one is that basic information such as molecular weight can be obtain since it is possible to discriminate a single chain from an aggregate (several so-called “solutions” are in fact suspensions of aggregates).
Listening for the Squeaky Wheel: Designing Distance Writing Program Assessment

Distance writing programs still struggle with assessment strategies that can evaluate student writing as well as their ability to communicate about that writing with peers at a distance. This article uses Kim, Smith and Maeng’s 2008 distance education program assessment scheme to evaluate a single distance writing program at Old Dominion University. The program’s specific assessment needs include the ability to determine how well students are developing expert insider prose and working together as a virtual community. Kim, Smith and Maeng’s assessment scheme was applied to six courses within the writing program, revealing that programmatic assessment weaknesses included providing varied methods of embedded assessment and encouraging collaboration in writing. Findings further showed that few courses were using summative assessment in the form of exams and quizzes, and several lacked instruments of team or self assessment. The assessment scheme identified other assessment weaknesses across courses, including a lack of opportunities for these distance students to engage in peer discussion or evaluation and a need for greater assessment instrument variety. Applying this assessment method to courses within the single program revealed that electronic graduation portfolios best meet this program's unique interdisciplinary assessment needs.