cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endosomal trafficking regulates receptor-mediated transcytosis of antibodies across the blood brain barrier.

Current methods for examining antibody trafficking are either non-quantitative such as immunocytochemistry or require antibody labeling with tracers. We have developed a multiplexed quantitative me...
Same-sex marriage and the pinkwashing of state migration controls

In May 2015, the Republic of Ireland became the first country to affirm same-sex marriage through the popular vote. This paper explores how the same-sex marriage referendum enabled the Irish state ...
Evaluating Paraeducator-led Reading Interventions in Elementary School: A Multi-Cutoff Regression-Discontinuity Analysis

A two-cutoff regression discontinuity design (RDD) was used to assign 321 students in grades 1 through 6 at a Title I elementary school to two types of Tier 2 reading interventions administered by ...
Depression and Victimization in a Community Sample of Bisexual and Lesbian Women: An Intersectional Approach

Mental health inequities among bisexual and lesbian women are well-documented. Compared to heterosexual women, both bisexual and lesbian women are more likely to report lifetime depressive disorders, with bisexual women often faring the worst on mental health outcomes. Risk factors for depression, such as victimization in childhood and adulthood, are also more prevalent among bisexual women. Less is known about the intersection of racial/ethnic and sexual minority identities, and how depression and victimization may differ across these multiple, co-occurring identities. Data were from Wave 3 of the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study, an 18-year, community-based longitudinal study of sexual minority women’s health. We constructed a six-category “intersection” variable based on sexual identity and race/ethnicity to examine group differences in lifetime depression and victimization. We tested childhood and adult victimization as moderators of lifetime depression (n = 600). A majority (58.2%) of the total sample met criteria for lifetime depression. When considering the intersection of race/ethnicity and sexual identity, Black bisexual and Black lesbian women had significantly lower odds of depression than White lesbian women, despite their higher reports of victimization. Latina bisexual and lesbian women did not differ from White lesbians on depression. Victimization did not moderate the association between the intersection variable and depression. More research is needed to better understand risk and protective factors for depression among racially/ethnically diverse sexual minority women (SWM). We highlight the need to deliberately oversample SWM of color to accomplish this goal.
Role of macrophages in lentivirus infections.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of macrophages in lentivirus infections. Cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system are important hosts for the replication of lentiviruses. This host–virus relationship has been studied most extensively in lentivirus infection in ruminants in which the macrophage plays two roles: (1) as a host cell for virus replication and (2) as an antigen-presenting cell attempting to perform normal immunological functions. Three major factors are related to the macrophage as a virus host cell. Cells of the macrophage lineage seem to be the only host cells for replication of virus in the animal; this carries the implication that the host will be unable to clear the virus. Only certain subsets of tissue macrophages express the virus genome; this seems to be the determining factor for localization of the inflammatory response to specific organs. Expression of the viral genome is closely associated with the state of maturation of the cell, precursor cells being less susceptible than mature cells. With respect to the effect of infection on immune functions, infected macrophages express viral antigens in close association with class II antigens of the MHC.
Camera-Based Vibration Measurement of the World War I Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

AbstractStructural health monitoring (SHM) is a method for determining the structural integrity of civil infrastructure elements as a basis for maintenance and repair protocols. This monitoring dep...
Sexual Orientation and Pregnancy Among Adolescent Women in the National Survey of Family Growth, 2002-2015

Abstract Purpose: Given elevated pregnancy rates, fluctuating sexual identity, and varying sexual experience among adolescent sexual minority women (ASMW; lesbian/bisexual identity, attraction to/s...
China's Intellectual Property Policies for Transmission and Exploitation of Technological Knowledge

The Chinese state has formulated a plethora of IP-related regulations and policies to try and increase transmission and exploitation of technological knowledge – including direct technology transfer, spillovers, and patent commercialization. Many of these measures are very recent. The measures include the technology import and export regulations (TIER), regulations governing the interface between anti-trust and IP/abuse of IP, regulations and practices governing the interface between technical standards and IP, policies considered by foreign firms to “force” technology transfer, a draft regulation for service/employee inventor remuneration and rewards (draft SIR), laws governing scientific and technological progress and achievements, state-supported technology markets and funds for IP development, financial incentives for development of “indigenous” IP, amongst other policies. The Chinese state currently faces the challenge of proactively encouraging transmission and exploitation of technological knowledge in an economy where firms are often reluctant or unable to do so. Further, the Chinese state faces the challenge of balancing the strategic goal of eroding incumbents’ IP-derived barriers to entry with the reality that absorption of external resources from foreign firms alongside dynamic use of internal capabilities is needed for sustainable indigenous innovation. These ongoing challenges are reflected by the fact that parts of the aforementioned IP measures are arguably not optimal for encouraging innovation investments, technology transfer (especially of frontier technology), patent commercialization, or spillovers in China because they are overly ambiguous or burdensome. This raises transaction costs of compliance and otherwise creates an uncertain legal environment for innovation in China. The Chinese state is currently considering several initiatives to reform some of these measures, although more could be done. Several ambiguous and overly-burdensome provisions in the aforementioned IP-related policies, laws and other legal measures should be revised or removed entirely. Perhaps most importantly, the draft SIR should not be instituted into law as is. Another priority should be to revise the TIER to make it less onerous and offer more appropriability to firms contracting-out research and licensing technology.
Na+-binding modes involved in thrombin's allosteric response as revealed by molecular dynamics simulations, correlation networks and Markov modeling

The monovalent sodium ion (Na+) is a critical modulator of thrombin. However, the mechanism of thrombin's activation by Na+ has been widely debated for more than twenty years. Details of the linkage between thrombin and Na+ remain vague due to limited temporal and spatial resolution in experiments. In this work, we combine microsecond scale atomic-detailed molecular dynamics simulations with correlation network analyses and hidden Markov modeling to probe the detailed thermodynamic and kinetic picture of Na+-binding events and their resulting allosteric responses in thrombin. We reveal that ASP189 and ALA190 comprise a stable Na+-binding site (referred as “inner” Na+-binding site) along with the previously known one (referred as “outer” Na+-binding site). The corresponding newly identified Na+-binding mode introduces significant allosteric responses in thrombin's regulatory regions by stabilizing selected torsion angles of residues responsive to Na+-binding. Our Markov model indicates that the bound Na+ prefers to transfer between the two Na+-binding sites when an unbinding event takes place. These results suggest a testable hypothesis of a substrate-driven Na+ migration (ΔG ∼ 1.7 kcal mol−1) from the “inner” Na+-binding site to the “outer” one during thrombin's catalytic activities. The binding of a Na+ ion at the “inner” Na+-binding site should be inferred as a prerequisite for thrombin's efficient recognition to the substrate, which opens a new angle for our understanding of Na+-binding's allosteric activation on thrombin and sheds light on detailed processes in thrombin's activation.
Retailers’ Differentiation Strategy and Pricing in the Rental Market of Digital Content: A Case of E-Textbooks

Offering digital content for renting has become popular among online retailers. Following the trend, textbook retailers have introduced e-textbook rental programs which satisfy students’ needs to reduce the cost of textbooks. Under the e-textbook rental model, retailers have homogeneous digital products and delivery channel. Therefore, they need specific differentiation strategies to distinguish themselves in the competition. In this study we aim to investigate the key factors of retailers’ differentiation strategy and their impact on retailers’ price advantage in the market. Our horizontal model shows that factors such as service quality are essential for the leading retailer to maintain price advantage in the competityon. We also carry out an empirical study on service design and consumers’ input by analyzing a unique data set of 151 e-textbooks from two major textbook rental retailers Amazon and Chegg. Our results show that factors including service flexibility, earliest return time, consumers’ rating, and e-textbook selling price play a significant role in retailers’ pricing differentiation strategy. Overall, our research provides useful managerial insights and operational policies for online textbook rental retailers.
An intelligent intrusion detection system

With the introduction of emerging technologies cybersecurity has become an inherited and amplified problem. New technologies bring significant developments but also come with new challenges in the cybersecurity area. The fight against malicious attacks is an everyday battle for every company. Challenges brought by security breaches can be devastating for a company and sometimes bring un-survivable circumstances. In this paper, we propose a novel two-stage intelligent intrusion detection system (IDS) to detect and protect from such malicious attacks. Intrusion Detection Systems are feasible solutions for cybersecurity problems, but they come with implementation challenges. Anomaly based IDS usually have a high rate of false positives (FP) and they require considerable computational requirements. The approach proposed in this paper consists of a two-stage architecture based on machine learning algorithms. In the first stage, the IDS uses K-Means to detect attacks and the second stage uses supervised learning to classify such attacks and eliminate the number of false positives. The implementation of this approach results in a computationally efficient IDS able to detect and classify attacks at a 99.97% accuracy while lowering the number of false positives to 0. The paper also evaluates the performance results and compares them with other relevant research papers. The performance of this proposed IDS is superior to the current state of the art.
Is It Time to Revisit the Role of Allogeneic Transplantation in Lymphoma

A multitude of new drug and cell therapy approvals for lymphoma has prompted questions about the role of allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (allo-BMT). We sought to review the latest evidence examining the role of allo-BMT for lymphoma in this evolving landscape. Despite several new drug classes, there remains a large unmet need, particularly in hard to treat subtypes of lymphoma and for patients with relapsed/refractory disease. Allo-BMT can provide an opportunity for cure due to a potent graft vs lymphoma effect in high-risk relapse/refractory follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and aggressive T cell lymphomas. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy and checkpoint blockers have improved outcomes for patients with relapsed /aggressive B cell lymphomas and Hodgkin lymphoma respectively; the role of allo-BMT consolidation in the treatment algorithm for responders to these therapies is an evolving topic. Expanded donor availability including haploidentical relatives has improved access to allo-BMT. Non-myeloablative conditioning regimens and post-transplant cyclophosphamide prophylaxis have improved early transplant-related morbidity and rates of graft versus host disease and translated into long-term survival for patients with lymphoid malignancies. Patient selection remains key, but allo-BMT remains the only modality able to deliver durable long-term remissions across different types of lymphoma.
Ultrasonographic size of the canine parathyroid gland may not correlate with histopathology

Accurate ultrasonographic differentiation of normal versus abnormal parathyroid glands is important for clinical workup and presurgical screening in dogs with hypercalcemia. In previous published studies, size has been the only ultrasonographic criterion correlated with histologic diagnoses of abnormal parathyroid glands. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, the medical records of dogs with ultrasonographic examinations of the parathyroid glands and histologic diagnoses of parathyroid gland hyperplasia, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma were evaluated. Ultrasonographic characteristics were recorded for each gland and compared among histologic diagnosis groups. A total of 49 dogs and 59 parathyroid glands were sampled and assigned to the following groups for analyses: adenoma (n = 24), hyperplastic (n = 20), and adenocarcinoma (n = 15). There were no associations with dog age, sex, weight, breed; or gland laterality, location, ultrasonographic shape, or echogenicity among histologic diagnosis groups (P > .05). Parathyroid gland adenocarcinomas were found to be less likely to have a homogeneous echotexture on ultrasonographic evaluation, with hyperplastic glands being smaller (P = .022) and adenocarcinomas being larger (P = .042). While 3 mm was the optimum cutoff for differentiating hyperplastic and neoplastic parathyroid glands in this sample of dogs, values varied widely within groups and there were overlapping values between groups. Therefore, authors caution against using ultrasonographic size as a sole criterion for differentiating hyperplasia from neoplasia and normal versus abnormal parathyroid glands.
Perinatal Oral Health Among Underserved Women: A Call to Action for North Carolina Patients, Providers and Policymakers

Knowledge gaps exist among providers and pregnant women about the importance and safety of oral health care around pregnancy. This article describes the current state of perinatal oral health and healthcare among underserved women in North Carolina (NC) and provides policy recommendations to improve their access to and utilization of dental services. A descriptive analysis is provided using (a) 2016 oral health surveillance data of a convenience sample of 459 pregnant women across NC, (b) 2014–2016 Medicaid dental provider and dental services utilization data for the Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW) program, and (c) 2017 Medicaid dental benefits policy. Surveillance data was not linked to Medicaid dental services utilization data. Less than 20% of pregnant women surveyed reported having a dental visit during pregnancy and oral screenings revealed 33% had untreated caries. Medicaid data showed a steady decline since 2014 in percentage of MPW beneficiaries utilizing any dental service—less than 10% as of 2016. MPW dental benefits lapse at delivery because dental care is not considered pregnancy-related in NC policy. Only 20% of practicing NC dentists provided care to MPW beneficiaries in 2015. Inadequacies in oral health knowledge, beliefs and practices exist among pregnant women, health care professionals and policymakers. Statewide efforts are needed to promote a standard of perinatal care that emphasizes collaborative practice and addresses existing barriers at the patient, provider and policy levels.
‘It’s difficult, it’s life changing what happens to you’ patient perspective on life with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a qualitative study

Rationale Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (CHP) is a distinct form of interstitial lung disease caused by an inhaled environmental antigen. Some patients with CHP develop progressive pulmonary fibrosis and varying degrees of symptom severity, with heterogeneous impact on functioning and overall well-being. There are no universally accepted diagnostic criteria, few FDA-approved (Food and Drug Administration) therapies and no standardised approach to identifying an antigen. The impact that living with CHP has on patients’ quality of life is understudied, preventing the identification of patient-centred research questions and endpoints for future CHP clinical trials. Objectives We explored patients’ experiences, perceptions and expectations of living with CHP. Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with patients with CHP. Patients were recruited using a purposive heterogeneous sampling strategy. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using the grounded theory method. Results Eighteen patients were interviewed. Six major themes emerged from the interviews: (1) suffering due to lack of knowledge and uncertainty, (2) hypervigilance, (3) psychosocial, (4) physical impacts, (5) interpersonal and (6) self-perception and identity. The need to identify and avoid an antigen played a prominent role across the themes and subthemes. Conclusions We identified several key influences on quality of life in patients with CHP that have not been adequately explored. The prevalence of these influences should be quantified, and they should be included in quality of life assessment and should guide the development of targeted interventions to improve quality of life in this patient population.
Digital services in academic libraries: present and future

With the development of digital technologies, academic libraries tend to prove a broad scale of digital services for faculty members and students. This column describes challenges for some common d...
The positive side of negative identity: Stigma and deviance in backlash movements:

Backlash movements often engage in extraordinary acts of deviance and taboo-breaking. Yet violating mainstream norms is costly, as it provokes public condemnation and stigma. Why do backlash moveme...
Psychophysiological Assessment and Biofeedback

One of the major problems of interest to sport psychologists has been the study of stress responses of athletes to competition. Over the years, many theories and hypotheses have been advanced to explain this relationship. For example, the popular inverted-U hypothesis between arousal and performance predicts that performance will be best when arousal for a given individual on a particular task is at a moderate level. Unfortunately, this and other theories/hypotheses have been tested primarily by examining performance outcome measures (such as an average performance score or win/loss record). Few research studies have been designed to measure physiological arousal reactions continually while subjects are performing. If an attempt has been made to measure arousal at all, it usually consisted of a discrete physiological measure (i.e., a stethoscope measure of heart rate or Palmar Sweat Index) or a global paper—pencil measure of arousal (e.g., STAI or SCAT). Without some measure of an intervening process to describe the physiological and behavioral manifestations of arousal that ultimately affects performance, limited understanding would be gained upon which to base biofeedback or other cognitive—behavioral strategies.
Adverse events of fecal microbiota transplantation: a meta-analysis of high-quality studies.

Background Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown excellent efficacy in treating Clostridioides difficile infection, as well as promise in several other diseases. The heightened interest is accompanied by concerns over adverse events (AE) and safety. To further understand that in FMT, we performed a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of high-quality, prospective randomized controlled trials FMT. Methods Studies were selected based on predefined exclusion criteria and were assessed for quality. Only prospective, randomized, controlled studies of high quality were included in the final analysis. Data were extracted on demographics, AE, indication, delivery method and follow-up duration. Results Out of 334 articles reviewed, 9 high quality studies with 756 FMTs were selected for final analysis. The pooled rate of AE was 39.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19-0.642) as they were reported by 112 patients who received FMT. The SAE rate was 5.3% (95%CI 3.1-8.8%). The most common AE reported was abdominal pain, followed by diarrhea. The most common SAE was Clostridium difficile infection. Upper gastrointestinal tract delivery was associated with a higher rate of total AE, but not SAE. Conclusions Based on the selected studies, the AE rate of FMT is 39.3%, with most AE being mild and self-limiting. SAE were uncommon at 5.3%, and many were only possibly related to the FMT. Adherence to standardized reporting of AE as well as longitudinal studies and registries will help further clarify the safety of FMT in the future.
Expressive NLG for Next-Generation Learning Environments: Language, Affect, and Narrative

Recent years have seen the appearance of adaptive learning technologies that offer significant potential for bringing about fundamental improvements in education. A promising development in this arena is the emergence of narrative-centered learning environments, which integrate the inferential capabilities of intelligent tutoring systems with the rich gameplay supported by commercial game engines. While narrative-centered learning environments have demonstrated effectiveness in both student learning and engagement, their capabilities will increase dramatically with expressive NLG. In this talk we will introduce the principles motivating the design of narrative-centered learning environments, discuss the role of NLG in narrative-centered learning, consider the interaction of NLG, affect, and learning, and explore how next-generation learning environments will push the envelope in expressive NLG.
SU‐E‐J‐120: Comparing 4D CT Computed Ventilation to Lung Function Measured with Hyperpolarized Xenon‐129 MRI

Purpose: To correlate ventilation parameters computed from 4D CT to ventilation, profusion, and gas exchange measured with hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MRI for a set of lung cancer patients. Methods: Hyperpolarized Xe-129 MRI lung scans were acquired for lung cancer patients, before and after radiation therapy, measuring ventilation, perfusion, and gas exchange. In the standard clinical workflow, these patients also received 4D CT scans before treatment. Ventilation was computed from 4D CT using deformable image registration (DIR). All phases of the 4D CT scan were registered using a B-spline deformable registration. Ventilation at the voxel level was then computed for each phase based on a Jacobian volume expansion metric, yielding phase sorted ventilation images. Ventilation based upon 4D CT and Xe-129 MRI were co-registered, allowing qualitative visual comparison and qualitative comparison via the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Analysis shows a weak correlation between hyperpolarized Xe-129 MRI and 4D CT DIR ventilation, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.17 to 0.22. Further work will refine the DIR parameters to optimize the correlation. The weak correlation could be due to the limitations of 4D CT, registration algorithms, or the Xe-129 MRI imaging. Continued development will refine parameters to optimize correlation. Conclusion: Current analysis yieldsmore » a minimal correlation between 4D CT DIR and Xe-129 MRI ventilation. Funding provided by the 2014 George Amorino Pilot Grant in Radiation Oncology at the University of Virginia.« less
Acute Alcohol Treatment and Cardiac Dysfunction in Obese Diabetic Mice: Role of PDE5 and MicroRNA-21

Objective: Excessive intake of alcohol under diabetic condition leads to increased stress and causes both transient and lasting structural changes including fibrosis in heart. We tested the hypothe...
Learning and Tuning of Fuzzy Rules

The main idea in integrating fuzzy logic systems with learning and tuning techniques is to use the strength of each one collectively in the resulting adaptive fuzzy system. This fusion produces a major group of techniques required for computing with words and soft computing [1, 2, 3]. In this chapter, we discuss a small set of these techniques for generation of fuzzy rules from data and also, a set of techniques for tuning fuzzy rules. For clarity, we refer to the process of generating rules from data as the learning problem and distinguish it from tuning an already existing set of fuzzy rules. For learning, we touch on unsupervised learning techniques such as fuzzy c-means, fuzzy decision tree systems, fuzzy genetic algorithms, and linear fuzzy rule generation methods. For tuning, we discuss Jang’s ANFIS architecture, Berenji-Khedkar’s GARIC architecture and its extensions in GARIC-Q. We show that the hybrid techniques capable of learning and tuning fuzzy rules, such as CART-ANFIS, RNN-FLCS, and GARIC-RB, are desirable in development of a number of future intelligent systems.
Gonad Differentiation Genetics

The manner in which the indifferent embryonic gonad is induced to become testis or ovary is a prime question in developmental biology, and may have more general relevance for ontogeny as a whole. Identification of a pathway of sex-determining genes and their products will provide useful insights into the nature of sex differentiation and the various syndromes of abnormal gonadal development, as well as new approaches to the diagnosis and study of these conditions. Differentiation of the gonad is the key event leading to development of the sex phenotype. In males, this event is governed by the Y chromosome testis-determining gene, and other, recently discovered, X-linked and autosomal genes. In females, in the absence of the Y chromosome, alternative pathways are set in motion. Keywords: Sex Determination; Gonad; Testis-determining Gene; Sex Reversal
Lives deferred? Exploring social disconnection and perceived quality of life among young adults residing in a long-term care facility.

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of young adults concerning their experiences in a long-term care facility. Qualitative data were gathered via 15 intensive semistructured interviews with participants ages 18–45. Three dominant themes emerged: (a) social and family disengagement, (b) nonstimulating activities, (c) inadequate finances, and (d) the nature of resident/staff relations. Theoretical implications of empowerment theory, as well as implications for increasing social support and reducing barriers to service delivery for younger underserved residents, are discussed.
Approximating the Chromatic Polynomial of a Graph

The problem of computing the chromatic polynomial of a graph is #P-hard. This paper presents an approximation algorithm for computing the chromatic polynomial of a graph. This algorithm has time complexity O(n2 log n + nm2) for a graph with n vertices and m edges. This paper also shows that the problem of computing the chromatic polynomial of a chordal graph can be solved in polynomial time. Knowledge about the chromatic polynomial of graphs can be employed to improve the performance of logic programs and deductive databases.
The geography of AIDS: patterns of urban and rural migration.

ABSTRACT:We sought to describe the migration patterns of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who seek health services in North Carolina. Of 390 consecutive adult patients with HIV seen at one tertiary care medical center in the southeastern United States in the summer of 19
Mixed Models and Variance Components

Traditionally, linear models have been divided into three categories: fixed effects models, random effects models, and mixed models. The categorization depends on whether the β vector in Y = Xβ + e is fixed, random, or has both fixed and random elements. Random effects models always assume that there is a fixed overall mean for observations, so random effects models are actually mixed.
Object-based Schema Integration for Heterogeneous Databases: A Logical Approach

Given the large number of conceptual schema design tools and methodologies in use today, conversion efforts need strategies by which any source schemas can be easily integrated in heterogeneous database systems. We discuss the design and analysis of strategies for multiple schema/view integration with an extensible redesign system that is object-based, as defined herein. Our focus is on well-defined, clearly identifiable objects; E-R schemas describable in linear form, or in graphical (E-R Diagram) form with annotations. E-R schemas are a composite class of basic objects: E-sets (of entities) and R-sets (of relationships), each of which is extended. E-sets are described by structured sets of keys, lists of attributes (with domains), indexes, and textual constraints. R-sets are structured lists of E-set names with a description of their participation in the R-set [“one” or “many”], and textual constraints, e.g. foreign keys. We propose a design for the missing step: a Graphic Schema Algebra to merge various conceptual schemas, to provide a leverage point for interoperation.
Tungsten‐loaded SMP foam nanocomposites with inherent radiopacity and tunable thermo‐mechanical properties

Shape memory polymer (SMP) foams have been developed for use in neurovascular occlusion applications. These materials are predominantly polyurethanes that are known for their biocompatibility and tunable properties. However, these polymers inherently lack X-ray visibility, which is a significant challenge for their use as implantable materials. Herein, low density, highly porous shape memory polyurethane foams were developed with tungsten nanoparticles dispersed into the foam matrix, at increasing concentrations, to serve as a radiopaque agent. Utilizing X-ray fluoroscopy sufficient visibility of the foams at small geometries was observed. Thermal characterization of the foams indicated altered thermal response and delayed foam actuation with increasing nanoparticle loading (because of restricted network mobility). Mechanical testing indicated decreased toughness and strength for higher loading because of disruption of the SMP matrix. Overall, filler addition imparted x-ray visibility to the SMP foams and allowed for tuned control of the transition temperature and actuation kinetics for the material. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A broadband packet switch architecture with input and output queueing

The ATM is one of the most promising solutions for B-ISDN. Switch architectures based on Batcher-banyan networks are considered the most suitable for constructing large-dimension broadband packet switches. Though the Batcher-banyan network is internally nonblocking, the ubiquitous problem of packet loss resulting from outlet conflict can only be reduced by external buffering. Buffering strategies are basically categorized into two classes: input buffering and output buffering. For input-buffered switches, a phenomenon called head-of-the-line (HOL) blocking limits the maximum throughput to only 58.6 percent (2-/spl radic/2). On the other hand, output buffering achieves much higher throughput, but the entire switch has to be operated at a sufficiently high speed in order to deliver all the packets simultaneously destined for the same outlet. This generally imposes severe implementation problems. We propose a switch architecture with combined input and output queueing. The switch fabric consists of a Batcher sorting network, a radix-r shuffle mapping network, and r parallel distributing modules. The input queues and the switch fabric run at the same speed as the input and output trunks. However, up to r packets may arrive at an output queue in a single time slot. We analyze the throughput-delay characteristics of the proposed switch. The maximum throughput in the case where r=2 is 88.6 percent. For r=4, the proposed switch offers a 99.6 percent maximum throughput. In addition, the proposed switch relieves the HOL blocking by allowing up to r packets to be delivered to the same outlet in one time slot. Consequently, the average delay is also reduced.
On the Stability of Liquid Layers Spread Over Simple Curved Bodies

Abstract : The stability of liquid layers spread over simple curved bodies is investigated theoretically. It is assumed that the fluid is incompressible and inviscid and the flow irrotational. The effects of surface tension and uni-directional body forces are included. As the differential equation governing the equilibrium of liquid layers in the presence of surface tension is highly nonlinear, the problem of stability is studied by means of an inverse method. That is, the shape of the liquid layer is prescribed and the criterion for its stability established. The equations of motion for small perturbations about the equilibrium con iguration and the boundary conditions are developed for the general two-dimensional case, the three-dime sional case with axial symmetry, and the special case of a layer of uniform thickness spread over a rigid sphere. (Author)
Efficient parallel pseudo-random number generation

We present a parallel algorithm for pseudo-random number generation. Given a seed of n? truly random bits for any ? > 0, our algorithm generates n? pseuderandom bits for any c > 1. This takes poly-log time using n?? processors where ?? = k? for some fixed small constant k > 1. We show that the pseuds-random bits output by our algorithm can not be distinguished from truly random bits in parallel poly-log time using a polynomial number of processors with probability 1/2 + 1/nO(1) if the multiplicative inverse problem almost always can not be solved in RNC. The proof is interesting and is quite different from previous proofs for sequential pseudo-random number generators.Our generator is fast and its output is provably as effective for RNC algorithms as truly random bits. Our generator passes all the statistical tests in KNUTH[14].Moreover, the existence of our generator has a number of central consequences for complexity theory. Given a randomized parallel algorithm A (over a wide class of machine models such as parallel RAMS and fixed connection networks) with time bound T(n) and processor bound P(n), we show A can be simulated by a parallel algorithm with time bound T(n) + O((log n)(log log n)), processor bound P(n)n??, and only using n? truly random bits for any ? > 0.Also, we show that if the multiplicative inverse problem is almost always not in RNC, then RNC is within the class of languages accepted by uniform poly-log depth circuits with unbounded fan-in and strictly sub-exponential size ?? > 0 2n?.
Components of Attention, Methylphenidate Dosage, and Blood Levels in Children With Attention Deficit Disorder

In this study we analyzed some of the cognitive components that may constitute attention deficit disorder. It consisted of a double-blind, drug-placebo study of 12 children being treated with three doses of methylphenidate and placebo. Results of an attentional test battery, teacher and parent ratings, and blood levels of methylphenidate are reported. In general, performance was best with 0.6 mg/kg of methylphenidate (the highest dose tested) and worst with placebo. It is argued that no single test provides a complete assessment of attentional deficits and that methylphenidate can improve performance by affecting the allocation of cognitive resources to a task.
Optical second-harmonic generation for surface studies

The progress of surface science relies heavily on our ability to probe surfaces and interfaces. For this purpose, many techniques have been developed in the past [13.11. Recently, laser methods for material studies have advanced to a highly sophisticated level; one therefore wonders if they can also be applied to surface studies. Indeed, there have been a number of very interesting recent discoveries in this area. It is found that laser-induced fluorescence or resonant ionization can be used to probe angular, velocity, and internal energy distributions of molecules scattered or desorbed from a surface [13.21. Coherent Raman spectroscopy [13.3], laser-induced desorption [13.4], photoacoustic spectroscopy [13, 5], and photothermal deflection spectroscopy [13.6] can be used to study surface states and molecular vibrations of adsorbates. Lately, we have shown that surface second harmonic generation (SHG) is also an effective tool for surface studies [13.7]. We describe here some of our recent work on this topic.
Reduced Level of Sialylated IgG Antibody in the CSF of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (P4.135)

OBJECTIVE: To determine IgG antibody sialylation in the CSF and paired serum of patients with multiple sclerosis. BACKGROUND: A characteristic feature of the CNS inflammatory response in multiple sclerosis (MS) is the intrathecal synthesis of IgG and the presence of oligoclonal bands (OCBs). IgG form immune complexes with the antigen, and generate negative feedback regulation through crosslinking the B cell receptor with IgG inhibitory receptor FcγRIIB, which inhibits BCR signaling and thereby B cell activation and IgG antibody (Ab) production. Recent studies showed that asialylated IgG are proinflammatory and induced by the combination of T cell-dependent protein antigens and proinflammatory costimulation. DESIGN/METHODS: We purified IgG Ab in CSF and paired serum from 12 MS patients and 9 inflammatory CNS controls with Protein A Magnetic Beads. The purified IgG were quantified for sialic acid levels using immunoblots probed with biotinylated lectin Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) specific for sialic acid, followed by detection with HRP-conjugated NeutrAvidin. Biotinylated anti-human IgG blots were used as background control. RESULTS: We found that there was a significant decrease of sialylated IgG Fc in the CSF compared to paired serum ( p =6.2 -8 ). In contrast, no significant difference of IgG Fc sialylation was detected in the CSF and serum of inflammatory controls ( p =0.18) with other neurological diseases. CONCLUSIONS : The discovery that significantly lower levels of IgG sialyaltion in MS CSF opens up new possibilities to design better immunomodulatory antibodies for MS and other demyelinating diseases. Disclosure: Dr. Yu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dennison has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pointon has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vollmer has received personal compensation for activities with Cleveland Clinic, Novartis, Mandell Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Teva Neuroscience, Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, Xenoport, University of Florida PeerView, and Krog & Partners. Dr. Vollmer has received research support from Biogen Idec, Teva Neuroscience, Genzyme Corp., Ono Pharmaceuticals, Elan Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Avanir Pharmaceuticals, and Janssen Pharmaceutica.
When right is all that is left: plasticity of right‐hemisphere tracts in a young aphasic patient

Using an adapted version of Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT), we treated an adolescent girl with a very large left-hemisphere lesion and severe nonfluent aphasia secondary to an ischemic stroke. At the time of her initial assessment 15 months after her stroke, she had reached a plateau in her recovery despite intense and long-term traditional speech-language therapy (approximately five times per week for more than one year). Following an intensive course of treatment with our adapted form of MIT, her performance improved on both trained and untrained phrases, as well as on speech and language tasks. These behavioral improvements were accompanied by functional MRI changes in the right frontal lobe as well as by an increased volume of white matter pathways in the right hemisphere. No increase in white matter volume was seen in her healthy twin sister, who was scanned twice over the same time period. This case study not only provides further evidence for MIT's effectiveness, but also indicates that intensive treatment can induce functional and structural changes in a right-hemisphere fronto-temporal network.
Stability of the q / 3 fractional quantum Hall states

Magnetotransport measurements in a wide GaAs quantum well in which we can tune the Fermi energy (${E}_{F}$) to lie in different Landau levels of the two occupied electric subbands reveal a remarkable pattern for the appearance and disappearance of fractional quantum Hall states at $\ensuremath{\nu}=10/3$, 11/3, 13/3, 14/3, 16/3, and 17/3. The data provide direct evidence that the $q/3$ states are stable and strong even at such high fillings as long as ${E}_{F}$ lies in a ground-state ($N=0$) Landau level of either of the two electric subbands, regardless of whether that level belongs to the symmetric or the antisymmetric subband. Evidently, the node in the out-of-plane direction of the antisymmetric subband does not destabilize the $q/3$ fractional states. On the other hand, when ${E}_{F}$ lies in an excited ($Ng0$) Landau level of either subband, the wave function node(s) in the in-plane direction weaken or completely destabilize the $q/3$ fractional quantum Hall states. Our data also reveal that the strength of the $q/3$ fractional states near the crossing of two Landau levels belonging to the two subbands depends on the relative spin polarization of the levels; specifically, the states remain stable very near the crossing if the two levels have parallel spins.
Estrogen receptor mRNA expression in callus during fracture healing in the rat

Estrogen has profound effects on bone metabolism, yet its precise mechanism of action remains unknown. Several recent investigations have located the estrogen receptor (ER) on osteoblast-like cells, suggesting a potential direct action of estrogen via its own receptor on bone cells. The protective role of estrogen on bone in osteoporosis is well known; however, neither the existence nor the mechanism of an estrogenic role in tracture healing has been well studied. In this investigation we used a modification of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification to detect and quantify ER messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in rat tracture callus previously undetectable by northern analysis. Verification of correctly amplified cDNA fragments was provided by restriction digestion. PCR failed to detect ER mRNA in total RNA extracts from tendon and fibrocartilage. The ER message was present in fracture callus at levels up to 70% of that found in rat uterus, and demonstrated a transient 13-fold increase in transcription by day 14 with retum to baseline by day 31 of fracture healing. These data demonstrate that the rat estrogen receptor gene is expressed in fracture callus and suggest that estrogen may play an important role in the normal fracture healing process. In addition, this work adds to the growing body of evidence which supports a possible directaction of estrogen via its receptor on osteogenic cells.
Acceleration of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in hamsters with antecedent virus infection

Abstract As previously reported, random bred hamsters, sensitized with neuroantigen and immunologic adjuvants, seldom exhibit clinical or histopathologic manifestations of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) before 40–250 days (mean 95 ± 6 days) postsensitization. When hamsters were infected intracerebrally with hamster brain subacute sclerosing panencephalitis virus (HBS) prior to sensitization, 34% of the animals developed EAE acutely. Extending these studies which focus on the role of persistent virus infection of the CNS in rendering hamsters more susceptible to EAE, it is now apparent as described here that a major effect of virus in the central nervous system is to significantly reduce the latent period between sensitization and onset of paralysis. Intraperitoneal infection with HBS virus, on the other hand, does not accelerate the onset of EAE suggesting that altered patterns of EAE in HBS-infected hamsters are due to virus-induced changes in the target tissue.
Is there an intrinsic period of the circadian clock

In their report “Stability, precision, and near-24-hour period of the human circadian pacemaker” (25 June 1999, p. [2177][1]), C. A. Czeisler et al. describe that under the experimental conditions of “forced desynchrony,” the human endogenous pacemaker exhibits a period averaging 24.18 hours
Increase of Reaction Rate and Sensitivity of Low-Abundance Enzyme Assay using Micro/Nanofluidic Preconcentration Chip

We report a novel method of increasing both the reaction rate and the sensitivity of low-abundance enzyme assay using a micro/nanofluidic preconcentration chip. The disposable preconcentration device made out of PDMS with a surface-patterned ion-selective membrane increases local enzyme/substrate concentrations for rapid monitoring of enzyme activity. As a model system, we used trypsin as the enzyme and BODIPY FL casein as the fluorogenic substrate. We demonstrated that the reaction rate of trypsin−BODIPY FL was significantly enhanced by increasing the local concentrations of both trypsin and BODIPY FL casein in the preconcentration chip. The reaction time required to turn over substrates at 1 ng/mL was only ∼10 min compared to ∼1 h without preconcentration, which demonstrates a significantly higher reaction rate through the increase of the concentrations of both the enzyme and substrate. Furthermore, trypsin activity can be measured down to a concentration level of 10 pg/mL, which is a ∼100 fold enhancem...
Water: A critical resource in the thermoelectric power industry

Abstract Water availability represents a growing concern for meeting future power generation needs. In the United States, projected population growth rates, energy consumption patterns, and demand from competing water use sectors will increase pressure on power generators to reduce water use. Water availability and use also exhibit strong regional variations, complicating the nature of public policy and technological response. The US Department of Energy's (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is engaged in a research and development (R&D) program to reduce freshwater withdrawal (total quantity of water utilized) and consumption (portion of withdrawal not returned to the source) from existing and future thermoelectric power generating facilities. The Innovations for Existing Plants (IEP) Program is currently developing technologies in 5 categories of water management projects to reduce water use while minimizing the impacts of plant operations on water quality. This paper outlines the freshwater withdrawal and consumption rates for various thermoelectric power generating types and then estimates the potential benefits of IEP program technologies at both the national and regional levels in the year 2030. NETL is working to protect and conserve water resources while leveraging domestic fossil fuel resources, such as coal, to increase national energy security.