cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photosynthesis by isolated chloroplasts. IV. Regulation by factors from leaf cells.

Abstract The rate of photosynthesis by isolated spinach chloroplasts is strongly affected by the presence of clarified juice from spinach leaves. With chloroplasts photosynthesizing under otherwise optimal conditions (which include the presence of 5 mM pyrophosphate), the presence of juice in an amount which corresponds to 1 4 of the calculated ratio in vivo of juice/chloroplasts causes a 20% stimulation in the rate, whereas 3 4 of the full calculated amount causes 90% inhibition. The degree of inhibition or stimulation is a complex function of the ratio of added pyrophosphate to added juice. With a wide range of concentrations of added juice, additions of small amounts of pyrophosphate cause the rate of photosynthesis to decrease, and this inhibition increases with increasing pyrophosphate concentration, becoming and remaining severe until a threshold ratio of pyrophosphate to juice is reached. This threshold ratio is nearly constant over a 12-fold range of added juice. Beyond the threshold ratio, increasing pyrophosphate (at a given level of juice) reverses the inhibition, and with roughly 3 times the threshold ratio, the control rate is surpassed and stimulation is observed. Gel filtration of the juice produces two well-separated inhibitory fractions. One inhibitory fraction contains a compound of high molecular weight complexed with a small molecule, while the second inhibitory fraction contains the unassociated small molecule. The complex is inhibitory only in the presence of pyrophosphate, whereas the small unassociated molecule has the same activity whether pyrophosphate is present or not. The complex is stabilized in the presence of pyrophosphate. Without pyrophosphate present, the complex dissociates almost completely into its constituents. Dialysis of the dissociated complex gives an inactive large molecule in the retentate. The activity of the small molecule is greatly amplified when it is added back to the inert large molecule. The inhibitory fractions are found, at least in part, in previously isolated chloroplasts. These findings and other results described in the text strongly suggest a role for these factors in the regulation in vivo of photosynthesis.
Nursing in a Complex World A Case for Grand Theory

The authors of this column put forth a call for more grand theory to be used as the basis of nursing research. To that end, complexity theory and the Neuman systems model are reviewed followed by a discussion of the links that occur between them. Then evidence of the increased use of middle-range theory as the foundation of current nursing research is put forth. Finally, there is a discussion about the authors' conclusion that the complexity of the phenomena of interest for nursing research requires theories to be used as underpinnings that are more abstract and less reductionistic.
Protein folding: Then and now

Over the past three decades the protein folding field has undergone monumental changes. Originally a purely academic question, how a protein folds has now become vital in understanding diseases and our abilities to rationally manipulate cellular life by engineering protein folding pathways. We review and contrast past and recent developments in the protein folding field. Specifically, we discuss the progress in our understanding of protein folding thermodynamics and kinetics, the properties of evasive intermediates, and unfolded states. We also discuss how some abnormalities in protein folding lead to protein aggregation and human diseases.
Current use of hepatitis B immune globulin for prevention of de novo hepatitis B in recipients receiving anti-HBc-positive livers

Livers from donors positive for antibody against anti-HBc can potentially transmit de novo hepatitis B (DNH) to their recipients. Despite a good outcome, prophylaxis is usually offered to such recipients. There is no consensus on the standard prophylactic regimen and hence prophylaxis varies among different transplant centres. Nonetheless, hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is considered the mainstay of such prophylaxis, either alone or in combination with an oral antiviral treatment. We aim to provide a concise review of the current use of HBIG in prevention of DNH. We also address a few important questions regarding HBIG use.
PEG-like nanoprobes: multimodal, pharmacokinetically and optically tunable nanomaterials.

“PEG-like Nanoprobes” (PN’s) are pharmacokinetically and optically tunable nanomaterials whose disposition in biological systems can be determined by fluorescence or radioactivity. PN’s feature a unique design where a single PEG polymer surrounds a short fluorochrome and radiometal bearing peptide, and endows the resulting nanoprobe with pharmacokinetic control (based on molecular weight of the PEG selected) and optical tunability (based on the fluorochrome selected), while the chelate provides a radiolabeling option. PN’s were used to image brain capillary angiography (intravital 2-photon microscopy), tumor capillary permeability (intravital fluorescent microscopy), and the tumor enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect (111In-PN and SPECT). Clinical applications of PN’s include use as long blood half-life fluorochromes for intraoperative angiography, for measurements of capillary permeability in breast cancer lesions, and to image EPR by SPECT, for stratifying patient candidates for long-circulating nanomedicines that may utilize the EPR mechanism.
Posttranscriptional regulation of primate Ldhc mRNA by its AUUUA-like elements.

The Ldhc locus encodes the testis-specific isozyme of lactate dehydrogenase in mammals. In our efforts to understand the regulatory mechanisms involved in expression of Ldhc, we recognized the possibility that this gene could be post-transcriptionally regulated in certain species as the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of Ldhc in primates, but not rodents, contains a number of AU-rich motifs and is conserved. To determine whether the primate Ldhc mRNA is posttranscriptionally regulated, comparison of baboon and mouse Ldhc mRNA stability was made in a cell-free system. The results indicated that the baboon mRNA is labile, while that of mouse, which does not contain the AU-rich motifs, is highly stable. Consistent with these results, the steady state level of primate Ldhc was found to be 8 to 12 fold lower than that of the mouse. We show that in a transformed murine germ cell line, the human Ldhc mRNA is moderately unstable, and removal of its 3'-UTR leads to stabilization of the mRNA. Mutations disrupting t...
Pulmonary hypoplasia associated with reduced thoracic space in mice with disproportionate micromelia (DMM).

Background: Fetal mice homozygous for the Disproportionate micromelia (Dmm) gene were studied as a model for pulmonary hypoplasia in chondrodystrophy. Methods: Wet weight, dry weight, and biochemical content were determined in excised whole lungs, terminal sac morphology and presence of multilamellar bodies were determined by electron microscopy, and volume of the thoracic space was estimated from paraffin casts. Lung development of the mutant was further assessed in whole organ culture. Results. Compared with normal littermates, the mutant showed a significant decrease (28%) in lung wet weight without showing altered lung dry weight or tissue content of DNA and protein. The terminal sacs of lungs fixed by intratracheal instillation were significantly smaller than normal. However, the lungs appeared to have undergone maturation on schedule since the surfactant precursors, multilamellar bodies, were observed and normal tissue-levels of phospholipid were detected. The volume of the mutant's thorax was markedly reduced. Finally, the mutant's lungs when removed from the fetus prior to the onset of thoracic dystrophy (day 15) and cultured for three days demonstrated that, without the confining influence of a reduced thoracic space, they are capable of development comparable to normal. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that the Dmm mutant can be further studied as a model for human pulmonary hypoplasia associated with chondrodystrophy, and that the relationship between the reduced thorax and the lung disorder is cause-and-effect. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Impacts of a Parameterization Deficiency on Offline and Coupled Land Surface Model Simulations

Surface water and energy balance plays an important role in land surface models, especially in coupled land surface‐atmospheric models due to the complicated interactions between land surfaces and the overlying atmosphere. The primary purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the significant negative impacts that a minor deficiency in the parameterization of canopy evaporation may have on offline and coupled land surface model simulations. In this research, using the offline NCAR Land Surface Model (LSM) and the locally coupled NCAR Single-column Community Climate Model (SCCM) as examples, intensive effort has been focused on the exploration of the mechanisms involved in the activation of unrealistically high canopy evaporation and thus unreasonable surface energy partitions because of a minor deficiency in the parameterization of canopy evaporation. The main causes responsible for exacerbating the impacts of the deficiency of the land surface model through the coupling of the two components are analyzed, along with possible impacts of land surface parameters in triggering the problems. Results from experimental runs show that, for a large number of randomly generated physically realistic land surface parameter sets, this model deficiency has caused the occurrences of negative canopy water with a significantly high frequency for both the offline NCAR LSM and the coupled NCAR SCCM, suggesting that land surface parameters are not the only important factors in triggering the problems associated with the model deficiency. In addition, the concurrence of intense solar radiation and enough precipitation is identified to be mainly responsible for exacerbating the negative impacts of the parameterization deficiency. Finally, a simple adjustment has been made in this study to effectively prevent the occurrences of negative canopy water storages, leading to significantly improved model performances.
Gestational Protein Restriction Reduces Expression of Hsd17b2 in Rat Placental Labyrinth

Accumulating evidence strongly supports the premise that testosterone may be a key player in fetal programming on hypertension. Studies have shown that gestational protein restriction doubles the plasma testosterone levels in pregnant rats. In this study, we hypothesized that elevated testosterone levels in response to gestational protein restriction were caused by enhanced expression of steroidogenic enzymes or impaired expression of Hsd17b2, a known testosterone inactivator that converts testosterone to androstenedione in placenta. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed normal (20% protein, control; n = 10) or a low-protein diet (6% protein, PR; n = 10) from Day 1 of pregnancy until killed at Days 14, 18, or 21. Junctional (JZ) and labyrinth (LZ) zones of placenta were collected for expression assay on steroidogenic genes (Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b2, and Srd5a1) by real-time PCR. The main findings include the following: 1) expressions of Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, and Cyp17a1 in JZ were not affected by diet but were affected by day of pregnancy; 2) expression of Hsd17b2 in both female and male JZs was remarkably increased by PR at Days 18 and 21 of pregnancy; 3) expressions of Hsd17b2 were reduced by PR in both female and male LZ at Day 18 of pregnancy and in female LZ at Day 21 of pregnancy; and 4) expression of Srd5a1in LZ was not affected by day of pregnancy, gender, or diet. These results indicate that in response to gestational protein restriction, Hsd17b2 may be a key regulator of testosterone levels and associated activities in placental zones, apparently in a paradoxical manner.
Using hardware-in-the-loop traffic simulation to evaluate traffic signal controller features

This paper introduces the concept of hardware-in-the-loop traffic simulation and shows how it can be used to evaluate the effect of traffic signal control on traffic performance. The components of a hardware-in-the-loop traffic simulation system are identified and discussed. The paper then describes the use of simulation-based traffic control evaluation as an alternative to field survey-based evaluation. The paired-comparison statistical method is proposed to evaluate traffic signal controller features with hardware-in-the-loop traffic simulation. Practical guidelines for using hardware-in-the-loop simulation for paired comparisons of traffic controller features are given. Finally, the proposed methodology is illustrated with a sample evaluation of diamond interchange control.
In vivo disassembly of free polyubiquitin chains by yeast Ubp14 modulates rates of protein degradation by the proteasome

Degradation of many eukaryotic proteins requires their prior ligation to polyubiquitin chains, which target substrates to the 26S proteasome, an abundant cellular protease. We describe a yeast deubiquitinating enzyme, Ubp14, that specifically disassembles unanchored ('free') ubiquitin chains in vitro, a specificity shared by mammalian isopeptidase T. Correspondingly, deletion of the UBP14 gene from yeast cells results in a striking accumulation of free ubiquitin chains, which correlates with defects in ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. Increasing the steady-state levels of ubiquitin chains in wild-type cells (by expressing a derivative of ubiquitin with an altered C-terminus) inhibits protein degradation to a degree comparable with that observed in ubp14delta cells. Inhibition of degradation is also seen when an active site mutant of Ubp14 is overproduced in vivo. Surprisingly, overproduction of wild-type Ubp14 can inhibit degradation of some proteins as well. Finally, Ubp14 and human isopeptidase T are shown to be functional homologs by complementation analysis. We propose that Ubp14 and isopeptidase T facilitate proteolysis in vivo by preventing unanchored ubiquitin chains from competitively inhibiting polyubiquitin-substrate binding to the 26S proteasome.
Computer-Aided Testing of Electrical Machines: Software Development

Computer-aided test stations have been developed for research, experimentation, and testing of electric motors and generators. Data acquisition and control of the machines and drives are provided through a computer and its interfaces. Machines are connected to the computer through transducers for data acquisition, and power electronic drives for machine control. General software was written to enable the monitoring of all transducers continuously on the CRT screen while giving the user manual control of the machines and drives. Specialized software was written for automatic control of the induction, dc, and synchronous machines for specific experiments on each type of machine.
Development, Implementation, and Validation of a Capacity Management System:

Organizational capacity management remains a significant tactic in reducing drug development cycle times and cost. The implementation of a project management system from the German software company, SAP, and supporting business processes was a significant step forward in our journey toward an enhanced capacity management system. However, it became apparent that a supplemental tool was needed to schedule resources and provide more detail on resource type. To achieve an effective capacity management process, each of the functions must have a robust capacity model with supporting tools in place. This article describes how a functional capacity model was constructed and utilized for ongoing capacity management. In addition, it describes how that model has been validated with data from the project time entry system. Finally, this article outlines the roles and responsibilities of various groups involved in the capacity management system. When the linkages between the groups are leveraged along with the capacity model and supporting information technology tool, it results in a capacity management process that allows for optimal project resourcing.
A theory of impact philanthropy

This article develops a new model of altruism called impact philanthropy. An impact philanthropist is someone who wants to personally ‘make a difference.’ While that motive is straightforward, its logical implications are significantly different from other models of philanthropy. For example, the contributions of other donors can reduce an impact philanthropist’s charitable fulfillment. As a result, cooperation among impact philanthropists can reduce aggregate giving. In addition, impact philanthropy can lead to a codependent relationship between givers and receivers in which both benefit from the other. Finally, the model suggests a conflict between charitable organizations and its donors concerning the allocation of charitable gifts. In particular, a charitable organization prefers to spread a donor’s contribution across many goods, whereas a donor prefers to target his or her contribution at a specific good. D 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in Infants and Toddlers

Background/purpose The aim of this report is to assess the technique and outcome of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in infants and toddlers. Methods From January 2001 to January 2005, 7 consecutive patients, ages 5 to 15 months, underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomies. All patients had duplicated systems associated with ureteroceles (5), severe reflux (1), ectopic ureter (1), and nonfunctioning systems. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 51 months. Results All procedures were completed successfully using 4 ports (2 x 5 and 2 x 3 mm) except one, which required an additional port. The distal ureter, renal parenchyma, and hilar vessels were all transected using the harmonic scalpel. The mean operating time was 179 minutes with minimal blood loss in each case. The average hospital stay was 2.4 days (range, 1-5 days). The first case in the series, initially attempted retroperitoneally, was converted to a transabdominal approach because of lack of space. All subsequent approaches were transabdominal. One patient required ureteral stump reexcision because of frequent urinary tract infections associated with a distal ureteral diverticulum. Conclusions Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can be performed safely. The harmonic scalpel divides the parenchyma bloodlessly. The cosmetic result is excellent. A transabdominal approach with division of the ureteral cuff flush with the bladder is recommended.
Humanities and social sciences in engineering education-postwar to postmodern and beyond

The impact of EC2000 on the humanities/social sciences (HSS) component of engineering curricula concerns both engineering and HSS faulty members. This paper reviews how the events of the last fifty years have affected the role of the HSS in engineering education. After World War II a strong effort was made to strengthen the scientific basis of the undergraduate engineering curriculum to better prepare students for graduate study and research. At the same time there was an effort to return the HSS, which had been neglected during WW II, to a more important role in this curriculum. By the late 1960s this had led to overcrowded curricula. Dissatisfaction with the HSS led to calls for reform, but in the press of other events, these went largely unheeded. In the post-Cold War era, industry's need to compete in global markets has put other demands on the engineering curriculum that may further diminish the role of the HSS. Some tentative conclusions are drawn from these events about the future prospects of the HSS Under EC2000.
A case of a lethal febrile illness in a renal transplant patient presenting after a dental visit

Division of Nephrology, the Department o Pathologyf , and the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USAA 28-year-old man with type I diabetes mellitus andrenal replacement by a cadaver kidney transplant pre-sented with fever, swelling and pain in the right jawfollowing a tooth extraction.His ill health began at the age o 2f when he presentedwith an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis. After a yearhe was started on insulin therapy. The ensuing 18 yearswere relatively quiescent, save for progressive prolifer-ative diabetic retinopathy requiring surgery. At the ageof 23 he developed rapidly progressive renal failurewithout the usual diabetic prodrome of nephroticsyndrome, which culminated in a renal biopsy.Interestingly the biopsy revealed endocapillary andmesangial proliferation, subendothelial electron-densedeposits positive, immunofluorescence for IgG andcomplement in the same localization, on a backgroundof mild diabetic glomerulopathy. There was reduplica-tion of the basement membrane with tram-tracking.There was no evidence for systemic vasculitis by his-tory, serologies, or other laboratory data. A diagnosisof membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type IIIwas made and a course of steroids was attempted.After a brief period of haemodialysis, renal functionrecovered either consequent to or in spite of steroidtherapy. During the next 4 years the diabetic diathesismarched briskly along with increasing retinopathy,sensorimotor polyneuropathy, and the onset of prob-able diabetic nephropathy seen on the original biopsyand now the probable cause of renal deterioration withfirst the nephrotic syndrome, fixed hypertension, andthen renal failure. Just prior to the need for renalreplacement by dialysis he received a IB, 1DR matchedcadaver renal allograft which functioned immediately,lowering the serum creatinine to 1.4 mg/dl managedby anti T-cell antibody induction, and sequential quad-ruple immunosuppression. He was discharged to theclinic on cyclosporin, prednisone, and azathioprine.Over the next 15 months renal transplant excretoryfunction remained superb, but gross haematuria, pro-teinuria, with 2.3 g for 24-h excreted despite a glomer-ular filtration rate by isotopic clearance methods of
Race and Sex Differences in Bone Mineral Density and Geometry at the Femur

Introduction Differences in osteoporotic hip fracture incidence between American whites and blacks and between women and men are considered to result, in part, from differences in bone mineral density and geometry at the femur. The aim of this study was to quantify differences in femoral bone density and geometry between a large sample of healthy American white and black women and men.
An EST survey of the sugarcane transcriptome

Its large genome and high polyploidy makes sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) a singularly challenging crop to study and improve using genetic approaches. To provide large numbers of functionally characterized candidate genes that might be tested for direct association (rather than distant linkage) with economically important traits, we sequenced the 5' ends of 9,216 clones from three cDNA libraries (apex, leaf and mature internode), representing 3,401 non-redundant sequences. About 57% of these sequences could be assigned a tentative function based on statistically significant similarity to previously characterized proteins or DNA sequences. Another 28% corresponded to previously identified, but uncharacterized, sequences. Some of the remaining unidentified sequences were predicted to be genes which could potentially be new to plants or unique to sugarcane. Comparisons of the sugarcane ESTs to a large sorghum EST database revealed similar compositions of expressed genes between some different tissues. Comparison to a detailed Arabidopsis protein database showed some highly conserved sequences, which might be useful DNA markers for pan-angiosperm comparative mapping. These EST sequences provide a foundation for many new studies to accelerate isolation of agronomically important genes from the cumbersome sugarcane genome.
The Twilight of Tort? How the Economic Loss Doctrine Redirects Claimants to Commercial Remedies in Article 2 Transactions

This Article observes that there is not a clear consensus among courts in how to address the scope and nature of the economic loss doctrine, when applied to sales of goods. The economic loss doctrine’s categorization of damages into three components: personal injury, injury to the product, and injury to other property, tends to redirect traffic from tort recovery to the classic contractual measurement of damages permissible under Article 2 of the U.C.C. While this has the potential of limiting the amount and extent of litigation in these matters, the differences in application of the economic loss doctrine have actually led to extensive litigation in some jurisdictions, as courts attempt to discern an acceptable approach. This lack of consensus in approaching the doctrine undermines uniformity, which ultimately underscores the policy of the Code and subjects sellers to unpredictable outcomes in nationwide sales. This Article argues that while the economic loss doctrine preserves the boundary between tort and contract, courts should not overextend the doctrine to eliminate tort claims where such claims might not naturally be considered to emanate from the bargain struck in the sales transaction.
Apparent inverse Gibbs-Thomson effect in dealloyed nanoporous nanoparticles.

The Gibbs-Thomson effect (the reduction of local chemical potential due to nanoscale curvature) predicts that nanoparticles of radius $r$ dissolve at lower electrochemical potentials than bulk materials, decreasing as $1/r$. However, we show here that if the particle is an alloy---susceptible to selective dissolution (dealloying) and nanoporosity evolution---then complete selective electrochemical dissolution and porosity evolution require a higher electrochemical potential than the comparable bulk planar material, increasing empirically as $1/r$. This is a kinetic effect, which we demonstrate via kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. Our model shows that in the initial stages of dissolution, the less noble particle component is easily stripped from the nanoparticle surface, but owing to an increased mobility of the more noble atoms, the surface of the particle quickly passivates. At a fixed electrochemical potential, porosity and complete dealloying can only evolve if fluctuations in the surface passivation layer are sufficiently long-lived to allow dissolution from percolating networks of the less-noble component that penetrate through the bulk of the particle.
Are Same-Sex and Single Adoptive Parents More Likely to Adopt Transracially? A National Analysis of Race, Family Structure, and the Adoption Marketplace:

This study contributes to the literature on child adoption by providing an analysis of how conceptions of kinship and constructions of race shape how families are sorted and matched in an adoption ...
Efficient and unbiased fit-free algorithm for quantification of collagen fiber alignment for SHG imaging applications

An efficient and unbiased algorithm for quantification of collagen fiber alignment from SHG images is presented and its performance validated by application to digital phantoms and SHG images of tissues.
Intramural pseudodiverticulosis of the esophagus.

Two cases of esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis are presented. A brief review is made of previously published reports. This entity, first described in 1960, is still rarely diagnosed. Its etiology is still debatable. However, as more cases are published, it becomes more apparent that esophageal intramural pseudodiverticula can be found as part of a distinct syndrome with diffuse intramural pseudodiverticulosis, as originally described by Mendl, or localized in a limited extension of the esophagus as a reponse to esophageal obstruction.
Merger Activity, Stock Prices, and Measuring Gains from M&A

Fitting aggregate merger data to a stylized model, we estimate 10-15% of aggregate stock market valuation can be attributed to broad anticipation of mergers. Accordingly, exogenous shifts in deal activity lead to significant changes in aggregate price levels. In empirical tests, every additional dollar of announced merger premiums is associated with up to $40 dollars of increased aggregate market valuation over the following week. Changes in deal activity have broad effects on returns across industries, exchanges, and firm types. Large embedded merger premiums imply traditional event study methods used in M&A research significantly underestimate merger synergies and premiums. Lastly, we show part of the observed link between stock prices and merger activity comes from increased deal activity inducing higher prices, as opposed to the general assumption that higher prices induce more merger activity.
An Alarm System for Flu Outbreaks Using Google Flu Trend Data

Outbreaks of influenza pose a serious threat to communities and hospital resources. It is important for health care providers not only to know the seasonal trend of influenza, but also to be alarmed when unusual outbreaks occur as soon as possible for more efficient, proactive resource allocation. Google Flu Trends data showed a good match in trend patterns, albeit not in exact occurrences, with the proportion of physician visits attributed to influenza from the Centers for Disease Control, and, hence, provide a timely, inexpensive data source to develop an alarm system for outbreaks of influenza. For the State of Connecticut, using weekly Google Flu Trends data from 2003 to 2012, an exponentially weighted moving average control chart was developed after removing the seasonal trend from the observed data. The control chart was tested with the 2013–2015 data from the Center for Disease Control, and was able to issue an alarm at the unusually earlier outbreak in the 2012–2013 season.
Review: Nature's Orchestra

Nature's Orchestra (DVD, 2015; 90 minutes; directed by Robert Hillman and produced by Stephen Most; ages nine to adult) Soundscapes – collections of sounds found in a given environment – are the business and lifeblood of Bernie Krause, the human subject of Nature's Orchestra . Imagine yourself viewing a museum diorama depicting the flora and fauna of the Arctic; you are encouraged to push a button and suddenly find yourself bathed in natural sounds: wind flowing over the tundra, groundwater percolating through permafrost, and, in between, vocalizations of birds, mammals, and perhaps even insects. Odds are that soundscape came from Wild Sanctuary, Krause's organization that specializes in recording sounds from natural environments. Krause is a polymath whose credentials range from being a member of an early-sixties folk group, the Weavers, to providing sounds for >250 record albums and multiple films, as well as holding a Ph.D. from Union Institute and University – a school dedicated to nontraditional educational models. He has …
Automated Microassembly Sequence Planning With Sub-Assemblies

Assembly sequence planning is an engineering problem that has been of great interest in the manufacturing field at the macro-scale. As more complex assemblies are desired at the micro and nano scales it is no longer feasible for human beings to plan and execute the production of these systems. A promising algorithm that allows optimization of assembly sequence plans that has been developed is called the Breakout Local Search. One drawback of this algorithm is its inability to consider the need for intermediate sub-assemblies to generate feasible solutions. Here an expansion to the BLS algorithm, called the Sub Assembly Generating BLS (SABLS) algorithm, is proposed. The fitness function of this new algorithm is also tailored to the specific constraints and motion primitives for a micromanipulation test-bed allowing for its use in microassembly applications. It is shown that the proposed algorithm is capable of generating optimized solutions that can be assembled with this limited degree of freedom system.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Communication of Sedentary Plant-Parasitic Nematodes With Their Host Plants

Abstract Parasitism by sedentary plant-parasitic cyst and root-knot nematodes exhibits intriguing and fascinating examples of plant modifications induced by animals. This is reflected by the ability of these parasites to locate host plants, to trigger plant responses when approaching host roots and to induce the redifferentiation of plant root cells into specialized feeding structures. This chapter reviews current knowledge of the many layers of communication and signal exchange between plant-parasitic nematodes and host plants. In particular, it highlights host- and nematode-derived chemical signals and bioactive compounds that may facilitate plant–nematode recognition. In addition, this chapter emphasizes how this recognition results in the formation of nematode feeding sites and describes the underlying molecular mechanisms, which involve both nematode secretions and host factors.
Definition of the Apoptotic Pathway Induced in Proliferating Endothelial Cells by Cleaved High Molecular Weight Kininogen.

Previous studies from our laboratory and others have demonstrated that cleaved high molecular weight kininogen (HKa) induces selective apoptosis of proliferating endothelial cells and inhibits angiogenesis. Recently we reported that the induction of endothelial cell apoptosis by HKa was matrix dependent and requires the generation of reactive oxygen species. To further define the mechanisms of HKa-induced endothelial cell apoptosis, we have investigated the pathway through which apoptosis occurs. HKa-induced endothelial cell apoptosis was caspase-dependent, as demonstrated by the cleavage of pro-caspase 3 and the inhibition of apoptosis by the broad spectrum caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. Activation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis was also confirmed by demonstrating cleavage of pro-caspase 9 as well as the release of cytochrome C from mitochondria. These results are consistent with our previous work, as apoptosis induced through oxidative stress is a well known activator of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Given the resistance to HKa-induced endothelial cell apoptosis conferred by culture of endothelial cells on collagen I or IV, we questioned whether MMPs may be involved in this process. Interestingly, we observed that the broad spectrum MMP inhibitor GM6001 completely protected endothelial cells from HKa-induced apoptosis. Moreover, we observed that HKa-induced apoptosis was associated with PECAM-1 cleavage within 1 hour of exposure, and that inhibition of apoptosis by either GM6001 or z-VAD-fmk also inhibited the cleavage of PECAM-1. These findings are likely to be relevant to the apoptotic pathway, as intact PECAM-1 has been previously reported to inhibit cytochrome c release after exposure of cells to cytotoxic stimuli, while a cleaved cytoplasmic domain of PECAM-1 enhances the susceptibility of cells to apoptosis. In summary, our studies demonstrate that the antiangiogenic activity of HKa may be critically dependent on MMP activation, which in turn leads to ROS generation and caspase activation. The subsequent cleavage of PECAM-1, presumably by caspases, may be another important event in HKa-induced apoptosis.
An Assessment of Nobel Laureate A.K. Sen’s Economic Method:

This article analyzes the methodological foundations of Nobel Laureate A.K. Sen’s economic method as it pertains to his work on equality, poverty and economic development. The fundamental approach ...
Structured lifestyle intervention in patients with the metabolic syndrome mitigates oxidative stress but fails to improve measures of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy

Aims To assess the role of oxidative stress in mediating adverse outcomes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and resultant cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN), and to evaluate the effects of lifestyle interventions on measures of oxidative stress and CAN in subjects with MetS.
Hybrid HFR Depth: Fusing Commodity Depth and Color Cameras to Achieve High Frame Rate, Low Latency Depth Camera Interactions

The low frame rate and high latency of consumer depth cameras limits their use in interactive applications. We propose combining the Kinect depth camera with an ordinary color camera to synthesize a high frame rate and low latency depth image. We exploit common CMOS camera region of interest (ROI) functionality to obtain a high frame rate image over a small ROI. Motion in the ROI is computed by a fast optical flow implementation. The resulting flow field is used to extrapolate Kinect depth images to achieve high frame rate and low latency depth, and optionally predict depth to further reduce latency. Our "Hybrid HFR Depth" prototype generates useful depth images at maximum 500Hz with minimum 20ms latency. We demonstrate Hybrid HFR Depth in tracking fast moving objects, handwriting in the air, and projecting onto moving hands. Based on commonly available cameras and image processing implementations, Hybrid HFR Depth may be useful to HCI practitioners seeking to create fast, fluid depth camera-based interactions.
Effects of calibration methods on quantitative material decomposition in photon-counting spectral computed tomography using a maximum a posteriori estimator.

Purpose Advances in photon-counting detectors have enabled quantitative material decomposition using multi-energy or spectral computed tomography (CT). Supervised methods for material decomposition utilize an estimated attenuation for each material of interest at each photon energy level, which must be calibrated based upon calculated or measured values for known compositions. Measurements using a calibration phantom can advantageously account for system specific noise, but the effect of calibration methods on the material basis matrix and subsequent quantitative material decomposition has not been experimentally investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the range and number of contrast agent concentrations within a modular calibration phantom on the accuracy of quantitative material decomposition in the image domain. Methods Gadolinium was chosen as a model contrast agent in imaging phantoms, which also contained bone tissue and water as negative controls. The maximum gadolinium concentration (30, 60, and 90 mM) and total number of concentrations (2, 4, and 7) were independently varied to systematically investigate effects of the material basis matrix and scaling factor calibration on the quantitative (root mean squared error, RMSE) and spatial (sensitivity and specificity) accuracy of material decomposition. Images of calibration and sample phantoms were acquired using a commercially-available photon-counting spectral micro-CT system with five energy bins selected to normalize photon counts and leverage the contrast agent k-edge. Material decomposition of gadolinium, calcium, and water was performed for each calibration method using a maximum a posteriori estimator. Results Both the quantitative and spatial accuracy of material decomposition were most improved by using an increased maximum gadolinium concentration (range) in the basis matrix calibration; the effects of using a greater number of concentrations were relatively small in magnitude by comparison. The material basis matrix calibration was more sensitive to changes in the calibration methods than the scaling factor calibration. The material basis matrix calibration significantly influenced both the quantitative and spatial accuracy of material decomposition, while the scaling factor calibration influenced quantitative but not spatial accuracy. Importantly, the median RMSE of material decomposition was as low as ~1.5 mM (~0.24 mg/mL gadolinium), which was similar in magnitude to that measured by optical spectroscopy on the same samples. Conclusion The accuracy of quantitative material decomposition in photon-counting spectral CT was significantly influenced by calibration methods which must therefore be carefully considered for the intended diagnostic imaging application. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Evaluating the potential of hybrid ventilation for small to medium sized office buildings with different intelligent controls and uncertainties in US climates

Abstract Coupling natural ventilation with mechanical ventilation, hybrid ventilated buildings have the potential to minimize the energy bills for owners without compromising the thermal comfort of building occupants. The thermal performance of this type of building is much more robust compared to naturally ventilated buildings due to the supplementary cooling provided by the mechanical system when the outdoor environment is not favorable. With benefits of both energy saving and health improvement, the hybrid ventilation is promising to make buildings more sustainable and occupants healthier. The first step to popularize this type of building is to clearly realize its benefits across different climates. To fully map out the potential of utilizing hybrid ventilation, in our study, we applied general uncertainties and different intelligence levels of building control to an illustrative small to medium commercial building to investigate potential benefits of hybrid ventilation across different climate zones in US with respect to energy saving. The research is composed of two phases – the first phase for a preliminary investigation and the second phase for a thorough investigation. The results show that the hybrid ventilation could help save 10%–50% of energy across different climates. In US, Climate 3B Coast – Los Angeles and Climate 3C – San Francisco are the most suitable climate zones for the hybrid ventilation based on our investigation while the other zones share similar potentials (window opening hour percentage). Lastly, improving the hybrid ventilation operation intelligence turns out to be significant in enhancing the performance of hybrid ventilation buildings. Large discrepancy of energy saving (up to 15%) is observed when the hybrid ventilation building is controlled using different building intelligence.
Weight Loss and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tube Placement during Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Cancer of the Oropharynx Do Not Negatively Impact Outcomes

Objectives: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is standard of care in locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer (LA-OPC). This treatment regimen results in significant acute toxicities. This study investigates the effect of treatment-related toxicity on patient outcomes. Methods: Patient information was retrospectively collected for patients treated for LA-OPC between 2007 and 2014. Factors analyzed included age, gender, pre-treatment ECOG performance status, smoking history, patient BMI prior to and following treatment, tumor histology, disease stage, disease recurrence, incidence and timing of feeding tube placement, radiation dose received, chemotherapy regimen used and if it was completed, and patient survival. All statistical analysis was provided through the UNMC Department of Biostatistics. Results: 74 patients were identified with a median follow-up of 3.4 years and a median age of 58.5. Most patients were male (87.8%) and had squamous cell histology (98.7%). Most patients underwent chemoradiotherapy alone (98.6%) and received concurrent cisplatin (78.4%) with approximately half (53.4%) receiving all planned chemotherapy. Upon multivariate analysis, both disease-free and overall survival rates were improved by lower pre-treatment BMI, increased weight lost during treatment, and lack of PEG tube placement prior to treatment initiation. Neither disease-free survival nor overall survival were impacted by placement of a PEG tube during active treatment. Conclusions: This data suggests that weight loss and PEG tube placement during chemoradiotherapy for LA-OPC, presumably due to treatment-associated mucositis and xerostomia, are not associated with worse outcomes.
Organizing to Achieve Modular Architecture Across Different Products

This study explores the relationship between organization and the development of architecture-enabled modularity within and across product lines. We examine organization structure, formal and informal team communication, and budgetary resources within a larger framework of the matrix organization found necessary for achieving a modular product line architecture spanning different products. Results were controlled for firm size and product complexity. Outcomes were assessed at the individual product level for meeting pre-development performance objectives. We found that the practice of assigning separate, dedicated architecture teams was not necessary to achieve modular architecture across different products or for achieving positive research and development (R&D) outcomes. Nor was a dedicated budget for defining modular product line architecture required for this type of R&D success. Rather, it was found that intensive collaboration and communication between individuals assigned to different product development teams, but who nonetheless were working toward a common modular architecture, was essential. These findings, when combined with longitudinal qualitative insights, showed that including a product or systems architect on specific product development teams, where such architects meet and comprise a community of practice within the organization, were strongly associated with modular architecture development and positive R&D outcomes.
Signal via coupling effects caused by partially broken high frequency signal return

Chip package to chip package differential signal line measurements were performed to investigate increased via coupling effects. In via fields, the high frequency signal return was spread over different combinations of power and GND vias. Results are discussed for different experiments.
Least Grebes (Tachybaptus dominicus) Nesting on a Non-Floating Concrete Structure at Roatán, Honduras

Grebes typically build floating nests that are attached to vegetation and very rarely construct nests on non-floating structures. On 29 August 2017, a pair of Least Grebes (Tachybaptus dominicus) was photographed nesting on top of a non-floating concrete structure on a sewage pond at Roatan, Honduras. This observation demonstrates that Least Grebes may nest on artificial ponds lacking sufficient vegetation for constructing and anchoring a floating nest provided that a suitable flat and hard surface is available just above the water's surface.
Training in Menstrual Regulation: The Philippine Experience

The Philippines with its 54 million inhabitants, is 80 percent Catholic and 15 percent belong to various sects or denominiations which oppose abortion in any form. Abortion is illegal and the government is straightforward in its policy statement for the Philippine population program: “all acceptable methods of contraception, except abortion, will be provided for acceptors to choose from.” Pregnancy termination, even as a back-up method for contraceptive failure, is not acceptable. This policy exists despite our findings in 1980 that contraceptive effectiveness was only around 71 percent, while the contraceptive prevalence rate was estimated at 41 percent.
Physics Backgrounds to Supersymmetric Signals with Two Photons and Missing Mass at LEP

We calculate the event rates for the Standard Model production of two photons plus missing mass through the process e + e ! �¯, where � is any of the three neutrino flavors. This process can be a background to new physics signatures, such as that expected from supersymmetry with a higgsino or gravitino LSP. The missing mass spectrum is presented for several sets of kinematic cuts at p s=161, 172, 184, and 194 GeV. The effect of initial state photon radiation is also studied, and is found to be significant, approximately doubling the event rates.