cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solid state transformers, the Energy Router and the Energy Internet

Abstract Energy Internet is a grand vision for future electric power system in which ubiquitous ownership, ubiquitous use, and ubiquitous sharing of electric energy can be achieved in real time. To facilitate the realization of such a vision, addressable and intelligent energy routers need to be developed. This chapter discusses the concept of Energy Internet, Energy Router, and how solid-state transformer can be utilized as an energy router in the Energy Internet.
A Class of 3D Problems for Layered Plates

A class of 3D problems of elasticity theory for a layered package of orthotropic plates, which, in particular, models the behavior of the lithospheric plates of Earth during the preearthquake stage, is considered. The case of separation between some layers of the package is explored. Using the asymptotic method for solving singularly perturbed differential equations, a solution of the internal 3D problem is found. The cases where the solution becomes mathematically exact are indicated, and exact solutions for a four-layer package of plates are given.
Comparing value coding models of context-dependence in social choice

Abstract Decision-makers consistently exhibit violations of rational choice theory when they choose among several alternatives in a set (e.g., failing to buy the best product in a set when it is presented alongside high-quality alternatives). Many of society's most significant social decisions similarly involve the joint evaluation of multiple candidates. Are social decisions subject to the same violations, and if so, what account best characterizes the nature of the violations? Across five studies, we tested whether decision-makers exhibit context-dependent preferences in hiring scenarios and past U.S. congressional race outcomes and compared different models of value coding as sources of the hypothesized context-dependence. Studies 1a, 1b, and 1d revealed that a divisive normalization value coding scheme best characterized participants' choices across a series of hiring decisions, and that participants exhibited context-dependent preferences. However, the distractor had the opposite effect of that predicted by divisive normalization once we accounted for the random effect of participant: as the value of the distractor increased, participants were more likely to hire the highest-valued candidate. In Study 2, we used a combination of archival electoral data and survey data to examine whether normalization models could explain the outcomes of congressional elections. Electoral outcomes were predicted by political candidates' inferred competence, but this time in line with the divisive normalization account. Our findings offer mixed support for a formal, neurobiologically-derived account of when and how specific alternatives exert their effects on social evaluation and choice, and highlight conditions under which high-value distractors increase versus decrease relative choice accuracy.
Global circulation and local adaptation of tax models: business tax in China, 1931–1949

ABSTRACTIn light of certain conceptual constructs in comparative taxation, this study examines how Chinese tax reformers chose and adopted a particular form of business tax from a variety of tax mo...
Design and Analysis of a Microwave-Optical Dual Modality Biomolecular Sensing Platform

A combined microwave-optical biomolecular sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity is presented. The microwave sensor characterizes the dielectric properties of a medium using the oscillation frequency shift. To improve the sensor sensitivity beyond the 1/ $ {f^{{3}}}$ phase noise limit, a quadrature-oscillator-based reactance sensing scheme is proposed, which attenuates the 1/ $ {f^{{3}}}$ noise by 20 dB/decade. Further sensitivity enhancement is realized by a novel chopping technique that modulates the free-running frequencies of the coupled oscillators differentially while maintaining a fixed locking frequency. To achieve a higher selectivity, optical sensors are introduced to target specific biomolecules. Utilizing single-photon avalanche diodes, they detect both photon intensity and photon emission time. A biosensor prototype was fabricated in a 28 nm CMOS technology. The microwave sensor achieves 0.2 ppm/ $\sqrt {\text {Hz}}$ frequency sensitivity with 11.5 mW power consumption. The optical sensor shows 500/s dark count rate and 300 ps timing jitter at 1 V excess bias. A protein thermal denaturation experiment confirms the sensitivity and selectivity enhancement of the dual-modality biosensing platform.
Thermal Conductivity of Power Semiconductors—When Does It Matter?

A study comparing the interaction between wide bandgap (WBG) materials, chip thickness, and heat sink selection on the total temperature rise in a standard power electronics package was performed. The thermal calculations, using the ARL ParaPower tool, showed that chips with thermal conductivities of less than 150 W/mK (including β-Ga 2 O 3 ) had a dominant effect on total temperature rise, whereas thermal conductivities greater than 400 W/mK (including SiC and diamond) had little impact. In designs with devices having thermal conductivities between 150 and 400 W/mK (including GaN) the temperature rise resulting from the chip is a significant fraction of the total rise for heatsinks with heat transfer coefficients of 50,000 W/m2K or higher. For chips with thermal conductivities less than Si, the thickness of the chip can be a significant factor affecting the overall temperature rise.
The Nexus of Confidence and Gender in an Engineering Project-Based STEM Camp

Careers in STEM are evolving and growing rapidly, creating a need for more qualified workers. Females are underrepresented in STEM fields despite the need for additional STEM professionals and programs designed to enfranchise women. Within this study, researchers examined how an individual’s confidence in his or her ability to implement the engineering design process and to create innovative products differed by gender. Given the underrepresentation of females in STEM fields, researchers in the present study believe that participating in a residential camp in which students attend daily STEM project-based classes that incorporate the engineering design process (EDP), panels sessions, and STEM lab tours with STEM professionals will improve their confidence. Seventy-two students responded to both the pre-and post- Students Attitudes toward STEM(S-STEM) surveys which were used to determine if students who attended a STEM camp in which they were introduced to and applied the engineering design process (EDP) experienced improved confidence in using the EDP. Cohen’s d effect sizes, confidence intervals, and paired t-tests were calculated by gender to analyze the data in this quasiexperimental study. Effect size results indicated males were more confident in their ability to design and build innovative products than females by more than one standard deviation. In addition, results from the paired t-tests by gender indicated that male students were statistically significantly more confident in designing and building innovative products by the end of camp. Conversely, female students became less confident in their ability to ideate, design, and build innovative products after attending the STEM summer camp. The combination of female students’ prior low self-confidence, working in co-educational groups, and the significant increase of male students’ confidence during the camp could have contributed to the perpetuation of female students’ low self-confidence in applying the engineering design process at the end of camp. These results underscore the importance of identifying methods that will enhance female students’ confidence in their abilities to ideate, design, and build innovative products.
In vitro prototyping of limonene biosynthesis using cell-free protein synthesis

Abstract Metabolic engineering of microorganisms to produce sustainable chemicals has emerged as an important part of the global bioeconomy. Unfortunately, efforts to design and engineer microbial cell factories are challenging because design-build-test cycles, iterations of re-engineering organisms to test and optimize new sets of enzymes, are slow. To alleviate this challenge, we demonstrate a cell-free approach termed in vitro Prototyping and Rapid Optimization of Biosynthetic Enzymes (or iPROBE). In iPROBE, a large number of pathway combinations can be rapidly built and optimized. The key idea is to use cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) to manufacture pathway enzymes in separate reactions that are then mixed to modularly assemble multiple, distinct biosynthetic pathways. As a model, we apply our approach to the 9-step heterologous enzyme pathway to limonene in extracts from Escherichia coli. In iterative cycles of design, we studied the impact of 54 enzyme homologs, multiple enzyme levels, and cofactor concentrations on pathway performance. In total, we screened over 150 unique sets of enzymes in 580 unique pathway conditions to increase limonene production in 24 h from 0.2 to 4.5 mM (23–610 mg/L). Finally, to demonstrate the modularity of this pathway, we also synthesized the biofuel precursors pinene and bisabolene. We anticipate that iPROBE will accelerate design-build-test cycles for metabolic engineering, enabling data-driven multiplexed cell-free methods for testing large combinations of biosynthetic enzymes to inform cellular design.
Using positioning theory to examine how students collaborate in groups in mathematics

Abstract Understanding the mechanisms by which learners collaborate in groups is vital for advancing research and practice on collaborative learning. In this study, we utilize positioning theory to examine how middle grade and university learners participate in groups to solve challenging mathematics tasks, referring to such collaborative structures as patterns of participation. Thirty students at two sites (middle school and university) were video/audio recorded while they worked in groups of three on challenging mathematics tasks. Analysis centered on how students were positioned and the story-lines that developed while working in groups. Five story-lines were constructed revealing the patterns of participation exhibited by groups: confirming one group member, competing strategies, free-for-all, co-construction, and two-member collaboration. Implications are offered for research and practice.
The Role of Storytelling in Crisis Communication: A Test of Crisis Severity, Crisis Responsibility, and Organizational Trust:

This study tested the effectiveness of storytelling as a crisis communication strategy with a 2 (Storytelling: Present Vs. Not-Present) × 2 (Crisis Locus of Control: External Vs. Internal) experime...
Effects of live and video simulation on clinical reasoning performance and reflection.

In recent years, researchers have recognized the need to examine the relative effectiveness of different simulation approaches and the experiences of physicians operating within such environments. The current study experimentally examined the reflective judgments, cognitive processing, and clinical reasoning performance of physicians across live and video simulation environments. Thirty-eight physicians were randomly assigned to a live scenario or video case condition. Both conditions encompassed two components: (a) patient encounter and (b) video reflection activity. Following the condition-specific patient encounter (i.e., live scenario or video), the participants completed a Post Encounter Form (PEF), microanalytic questions, and a mental effort question. Participants were then instructed to re-watch the video (i.e., video condition) or a video recording of their live patient encounter (i.e., live scenario) while thinking aloud about how they came to the diagnosis and management plan. Although significant differences did not emerge across all measures, physicians in the live scenario condition exhibited superior performance in clinical reasoning (i.e., PEF) and a distinct profile of reflective judgments and cognitive processing. Generally, the live condition participants focused more attention on aspects of the clinical reasoning process and demonstrated higher level cognitive processing than the video group. The current study sheds light on the differential effects of live scenario and video simulation approaches. Physicians who engaged in live scenario simulations outperformed and showed a distinct pattern of cognitive reactions and judgments compared to physicians who practiced their clinical reasoning via video simulation. Additionally, the current study points to the potential advantages of video self-reflection following live scenarios while also shedding some light on the debate regarding whether video-guided reflection, specifically, is advantageous. The utility of context-specific, micro-level assessments that incorporate multiple methods as physicians complete different parts of clinical tasks is also discussed.
Sports Medicine: The Bigger Picture

An introduction is presented in which discusses several articles in the issue on topics including sports participation during coronavirus pandemic;clinical sports medicine practices;and pandemic impact on sports medicine
Research in Speech Science and Voice Disorders: The Promise of Modern Genetic Approaches in Improving Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment

Much of the research in speech science and voice biology characterizes disorders through observations of functional behaviors, physiological measurements (e.g., videostroboscopy, subglottic pressur...
The Intertwined Fates of Affirmative Action in the Military

This Article explores the deep connections between the crises facing the military and affirmative action. The military struggles with a sexual assault epidemic and a related failure to achieve gender and racial equality, both of which undermine its ability to effectively carry out its mission. Affirmative action faces growing skepticism from the American public and from the courts, which have been gradually eliminating the ground on which genderand race-conscious measures can be constitutionally justified. In this time of crisis for both, the military and affirmative action need each other like never before. Affirmative action needs the military to tell the American public and the courts, once again, the story of how raceand gender-conscious measures permitted it to endure earlier crises and emerge as a stronger, highly respected institution. And the military needs affirmative action because it cannot hope to eliminate the damaging gender hostility within its ranks unless it uses genderconscious measures to rapidly integrate its leadership—especially by assigning women to the combat positions from which they were unfairly excluded. If the military can once more lead by example, it may persuade a conservative Court to accept that there is still a place for affirmative action in American life. But the military must be willing to act and to use all of the available constitutional arguments in defense of its own policies, as well as those in civilian institutions. If affirmative action cannot survive in the military, it probably cannot survive anywhere in public life. Its fate and that of the military are inextricably intertwined.
Altered drug metabolism and increased susceptibility to fatty liver disease in an inducible liver-specific mouse model of myotonic dystrophy

Abstract Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is multi-systemic muscular dystrophy, affecting 1 in 3000 people, characterized by muscle wasting, myotonia, cardiac and gastrointestinal abnormalities and cognitive impairment, among other symptoms. DM1 is caused by a (CTG)n repeat expansion in the 3’ UTR of the ubiquitously expressed gene DMPK. The (CUG)n containing RNAs resulting from the transcription of this diseased DMPK gene aggregate in the nucleus, forming foci which sequester muscleblind-like (MBNL) family proteins, a group of splicing factors that play significant roles in the juvenile-to-adult development of many tissues. Recent studies show that DM1 patients have increased susceptibility toward glucose intolerance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, DM1 patients are abnormally sensitive to a wide range of analgesics and anesthetics, with complications ranging from prolonged anesthesia recovery to heightened pulmonary dysfunction. These findings suggest a predisposition for liver damage and dysfunction in DM1 patients; however, this possibility has gone uninvestigated. To understand the effects of DM1 in the liver, we generated a hepatocyte-specific DM1 mouse model in which we can induce the expression of CUG containing RNA, specifically in the liver. Through these mice, we demonstrate that the expression of the toxic RNA in hepatocytes sequesters MBNL proteins, causing a reduction in mature hepatocellular activity, however, we find that, in contrast to other tissues, loss of MBNL1 activity only reproduces a small portion of the transcriptome changes in DM1 afflicted hepatocytes. We characterized the transcriptomic changes driven by DM1 in the liver and show that these lead to changes in hepatocellular morphology, inflammation, and necrosis, as well as excessive lipid accumulation and fatty liver disease. We further demonstrate that DM1 mice livers are defective in drug metabolism and clearance, and when challenged, exhibit marked impairment against zoxazolamine-induced paralysis and acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Together, these results reveal that the expression of CUG repeat containing RNA disrupts the normal hepatic functions and predisposes the liver to injury, fatty liver disease, and drug clearance pathologies that may jeopardize the health of DM1 patients and complicate the treatment of DM1.
Efficacy and Safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in the Treatment of Left Ventricular Thrombus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) may develop in systolic heart failure or after acute myocardial infarction. The current recommendations support the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for the treatment of LVT. Limited data exist regarding the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with LVT. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of DOACs versus VKAs for LVT. Methods We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases through November 2020 for all studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of DOACs versus VKAs in patients with LVT. The primary outcomes were LVT resolution, overall thromboembolic events, and thromboembolic stroke. The secondary outcomes were major bleeding and all-cause mortality. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained by the Mantel-Haenszel method within a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 statistic. Results A total of 11 studies including 2153 patients with LVT on anticoagulation (570 on DOACs vs. 1583 on VKAs) were included. LVT resolution was significantly higher in DOACs compared with VKAs [RR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.04-1.35); P = 0.01, I2 = 25%]. However, no significant difference existed between DOACs and VKAs regarding overall thromboembolic events [RR: 1.10 (95% CI: 0.75-1.62); P = 0.61, I2 = 0%] and thromboembolic stroke [RR: 0.63 (95% CI: 0.39-1.02); P = 0.06, I2 = 0%]. Major bleeding [RR: 1.00 (95% CI: 0.66-1.51); P = 0.99, I2 = 4%] and all-cause mortality [RR: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.50-1.43); P = 0.53, I2 = 0%] were similar between the 2 groups. Conclusions DOACs seem to be more efficacious in achieving LVT resolution compared with VKAs. However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in thromboembolic events, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.
Hybrid Large Eddy Simulation/Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes Analysis of a Premixed Ethylene-Fueled Dual-Mode Scramjet Combustor

Hydrocarbon fuels offer optimal high energy per volume for scramjet applications for sustained hypersonic flight but require additional residence time due to slower ignition delays (compared with h...
The Roles of Social Comparison Orientation and Regulatory Focus in College Students' Responses to Fitspiration Posts on Social Media: Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Information shared via social media influences college students’ self-perceptions and behavior, particularly, “fitspiration” posts (ie, images of healthy food, people exercising, or fitness quotations). There are mixed findings regarding the mental health implications of fitspiration and its potential to motivate healthy behavior. Individual differences such as social comparison orientation and regulatory focus could aid in determining for whom fitspiration may be helpful versus harmful, though these characteristics have received limited attention in terms of students’ fitspiration perceptions. Objective: This cross-sectional study examined associations between students’ fitspiration use (ie, intentional versus unintentional exposure while using social media), response tendencies (ie, feelings about the self and motivation to be physically active), social comparison orientation, and regulatory focus. Methods: College students (N=344; 239/344, 69.5% women) completed an electronic survey in which they self-reported demographic information, the frequency of their social media use, exposure to fitspiration posts, typical feelings in response to fitspiration posts, and typical motivation for physical activity after viewing fitspiration posts. They also completed validated self-report measures of social comparison orientation and regulatory focus. Results: College students reported frequent exposure to fitspiration posts on social media and that they experienced negative feelings in response to these posts more often than positive feelings. Average motivation for physical activity was rated as feeling motivated “some of the time.” However, students who reported more negative feelings after viewing fitspiration also reported greater motivation to be physically active after exposure. Associations between the frequency of intentional fitspiration use and motivation for physical activity after viewing fitspiration posts were moderated by social comparison orientation (b=−0.01, P=.03) but not by regulatory focus (b=−0.002, P=.67). Conclusions: Negative feelings about the self may be motivating for students with weak social comparison orientation, as fitspiration may highlight a discrepancy between one’s real and ideal self that does not prompt dejection or disengagement. However, negative feelings for prevention-focused students might not be as motivating because there are no salient negative models to avoid. Further research into these associations is warranted and could inform future efforts to promote student health and well-being during college.
Delta power robustly predicts cognitive function in Angelman syndrome.

Author(s): Ostrowski, Lauren M; Spencer, Elizabeth R; Bird, Lynne M; Thibert, Ronald; Komorowski, Robert W; Kramer, Mark A; Chu, Catherine J | Abstract: ObjectiveAngelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of function of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene in neurons. Promising disease-modifying treatments to reinstate UBE3A expression are under development and an early measure of treatment response is critical to their deployment in clinical trials. Increased delta power in EEG recordings, reflecting abnormal neuronal synchrony, occurs in AS across species and correlates with genotype. Whether delta power provides a reliable biomarker for clinical symptoms remains unknown.MethodsWe analyzed combined EEG recordings and developmental assessments in a large cohort of individuals with AS (Nn=n82 subjects, 133 combined EEG and cognitive assessments, 1.08-28.16nyears; 32F) and evaluated delta power as a biomarker for cognitive function, as measured by the Bayley Cognitive Score. We examined the robustness of this biomarker to varying states of consciousness, recording techniques and analysis procedures.ResultsDelta power predicted the Bayley Scale cognitive score (Pnln10-5 , R2 n=n0.9374) after controlling for age (Pnln10-24 ), genotype:age (Pnln10-11 ), and repeat assessments (Pnln10-8 ), with the excellent fit on cross validation (R2 n=n0.95). There were no differences in model performance across states of consciousness or bipolar versus average montages (ΔAICnln2). Models using raw data excluding frontal channels outperformed other models (ΔAICngn4) and predicted performance in expressive (Pn=n0.0209) and receptive communication (Pnln10-3 ) and fine motor skills (Pnln10-4 ).InterpretationDelta power is a simple, direct measure of neuronal activity that reliably correlates with cognitive function in AS. This electrophysiological biomarker offers an objective, clinically relevant endpoint for treatment response in emerging clinical trials.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alter MicroRNA Expression and Attenuate Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Formation.

ABSTRACT Background Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are a progressive disease characterized by inflammation, smooth muscle cell activation and matrix degradation. We hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can immunomodulate vascular inflammation and remodeling via altered microRNA (miRNAs) expression profile to attenuate TAA formation. Materials and methods C57BL/6 mice underwent topical elastase application to form descending TAAs. Mice were also treated with MSCs on days 1 and 5 and aortas were analyzed on day 14 for aortic diameter. Cytokine array was performed in aortic tissue and total RNA was tagged and hybridized for miRNAs microarray analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed for elastin degradation and leukocyte infiltration. Results Treatment with MSCs significantly attenuated aortic diameter and TAA formation compared to untreated mice. MSC administration also attenuated T-cell, neutrophil and macrophage infiltration and prevented elastic degradation to mitigate vascular remodeling. MSC treatment also attenuated aortic inflammation by decreasing proinflammatory cytokines (CXCL13, IL-27, CXCL12 and RANTES) and upregulating anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 expression in aortic tissue of elastase-treated mice. TAA formation demonstrated activation of specific miRNAs that are associated with aortic inflammation and vascular remodeling. Our results also demonstrated that MSCs modulate a different set of miRNAs that are associated with decrease leukocyte infiltration and vascular inflammation to attenuate the aortic diameter and TAA formation. Conclusions These results indicate that MSCs immunomodulate specific miRNAs that are associated with modulating hallmarks of aortic inflammation and vascular remodeling of aortic aneurysms. Targeted therapies designed using MSCs and miRNAs have the potential to regulate the growth and development of TAAs.
Complications of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair

Ulnar collateral ligament rupture can produce significant valgus elbow instability and substantial dysfunction in overhead athletes including baseball pitchers, javelin throwers, and quarterbacks, among others. Surgical reconstruction of this ligament has led to encouraging postoperative results including return to full athletic participation at elite levels. However, complications from surgical reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament do occur including nerve injury, infection, arthrofibrosis, and graft rupture, among others. A comprehensive understanding of these complications and the mechanisms by which they occurred may aid in reducing their incidence and improving surgical outcomes.
Electric dipole moment of diatomic molecules by configuration interaction. IV.

The theory of basis set dependence in configuration interaction calculations is discussed, taking into account a perturbation model which is valid for small changes in the self-consistent field orbitals. It is found that basis set corrections are essentially additive through first order. It is shown that an error found in a previously published dipole moment calculation by Green (1972) for the metastable first excited state of CO was indeed due to an inadequate basis set as claimed.
Side Effects: State Anti-Fraud Statutes, Off-Label Marketing, and the Solvable Challenge of Causation

While the American public remains preoccupied with the lurching implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the regulation of pharmaceutical companies for their off-label marketing and promotion of drugs is a regulatory environment within the health industry that seems to be in wild flux. Following the Second Circuit’s decision in U.S. v. Caronia, commentators and providers seem unclear about the future of federal regulation in this area, with the FDA seeking to minimize the opinion, and pharmaceutical companies celebrating its impact. Much of the understandably spirited reaction to the Caronia case has omitted a discussion of the relevant and applicable state-law remedies at the disposal of state attorneys general that seek to punish and prevent the off-label marketing of pharmaceutical drugs. Of particular import, the years-long saga of allegations surrounding Johnson & Johnson (and its subsidiary, Janssen) and its allegedly off-label marketing of the powerful antipsychotic drug, Risperdal, have illustrated the potential of fraud-based state regulation of off-label marketing. Indeed, when an Arkansas jury imposed a $1.2 billion judgment against the pharmaceutical giant, all took pause, and — even though the jury verdict was ultimately overturned — it illustrated the potential for wide liability at the state level for pharmaceutical companies following allegedly deceptive marketing practices.Besides opening the potential for more state lawsuits in this area, this added attention has also exhibited the still largely unsettled and confusing analysis that occurs when courts review allegations that off-label marketing “caused” a physician to write a prescription and harmed the state Medicaid programs. The courts’ conceptions of causation in these cases seem to rely on a view of the physician as impenetrably independent — flying in the face of social science research, the financial success of off-label marketing, and day-to-day pressures on the physicians imposed by the modern administration of health care delivery. Courts cling to these views to the detriment of these states’ Medicaid programs, and indeed, to the benefit of pharmaceutical companies allegedly engaged in off-label marketing. As a result, the causation question has imposed a substantial roadblock to liability at the state level.Presenting alternative conceptions of causation and evidence to dispute the independence of physicians, this piece advocates the application of well-worn causation principles to these cases, borrowed primarily from federal courts and the common law of torts to make the argument that states can regulate off-label marketing using these remedial anti-fraud statutes. Ultimately, this piece seeks to unhinge state litigation from the outmoded view of impenetrable physician independence and open up a viable alternative regulatory path in an attempt to prevent the overwhelmingly lucrative practice of deceptive off-label marketing.
Isolation of embryonic cilia and sperm flagella.

Publisher Summary Isolated cilia are useful for developmental studies concerning gene expression, organelle morphogenesis, and kinetic/length determination. Studies with protein synthesis inhibitors indicate that the cilia are assembled mainly from preexisting protein pools. Even the regeneration of cilia can take place quite normally in the presence of inhibitors of protein synthesis. With an adequate supply of healthy sea urchin embryos and the most basic technical skills, the isolation of embryonic cilia, particularly using successive regenerations, is relatively easy. For biochemical comparison of microtubule-based motile systems, sperm flagella offer an abundant source of material and involve equally simple isolation techniques. This chapter discusses isolation method and fractionation method. The chapter outlines presupposes that the worker is capable of fertilizing eggs without producing polyspermy and is able to grow the embryos through hatching without significant cell death or loss of synchrony and obtain sperm by potassium chloride (KCl) injection, electrical stimulation, or excision of gonads.
Blurring the lines: learning and assessing in quadrant D some key lessons from four successive years of embedded assessment design in our sustainable earth project

This design paper describes some of the main characteristics of four successive iterations of an embedded assessment activity used in our annual "Sustainable Earth" project. The details shared here come mainly from a comparative analysis of our last two assessment design cycles, highlighting differences between two common activity structures: a culminating student presentation and a global summit debate. We found that reframing the task and attending to a few specific elements of the teachers' and students' roles both before and during the activity resulted in two significant impacts. First, the debate activity transformed the student learning that took place in terms of its rigor and relevance, making it more characteristic of what we describe as "Quadrant D learning." Second, the debate greatly increased our teachers' ability to assess their students' learning of desired content and skills, making it an even more effective embedded assessment activity than the final presentation alone.
The influence of conditions utilized to hold apheresis and whole blood―derived platelet samples before platelet enumeration with three hematology analyzers

BACKGROUND: The Advia 120 (Siemens Diagnostics) hematology analyzer is different from other hematology analyzers in that it requires platelets (PLTs) to be “effectively spherical” to be counted. Our study evaluated how PLT counts with this hematology analyzer and two other models were influenced by the holding of PLT product samples. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples were prepared from apheresis PLT products (APs) collected in ACD-A and from whole blood–derived PLT concentrates (PCs) in CP2D or ACD-A. Samples were stored in K2 and K3ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) tubes at room temperature (RT) and in the cold. PLT counts were determined immediately, after 1 and 4 hours, and after an overnight hold, using Advia 120, XE-2100D, and Cell-Dyn 3700 hematology analyzers. RESULTS: A time-dependent increase in PLT counts was observed with AP samples held at RT using the Advia 120, but not with the other two hematology analyzers. AP samples held in the cold did not show a substantial time-dependent increase with any of the hematology analyzers. With the Advia 120, the PLT counts in the immediate samples were approximately 14% lower compared to those in cold or overnight-held RT samples. PC samples with all holding conditions and hematology analyzers did not show any substantial time-dependent increase in counts. CONCLUSIONS: With the Advia 120 hematology analyzer, the time-dependent increase in PLT counts with RT-held samples may be related to the need to have effectively sphered PLTs unlike that with the other two hematology analyzers. The absence of a holding effect with PC samples may indicate that only AP samples have population(s) that are slow to convert to spherical PLTs.
DRIVER EYE HEIGHT AND SIGHT DISTANCE ON VERTICAL CURVES

Analyses were performed to determine the sensitivity of stopping sight distance on vertical curves to driver eye height and other parameters entering into the stopping sight-distance equations. Sight distance was found to be relatively insensitive to eye height. On a given hill crest, sight distance for a driver whose eye height is 6-inches lower than the design eye height (3.75 ft) is only 5% less than the design sight distance. On the other hand, stopping distance is very sensitive to travel speed, pavement friction and reaction time.
Spent fuel interrogation using delayed fast neutron spectrum at Missouri University of Science and Technology Reactor

Abstract Interrogation of nuclear fuel and Plutonium (Pu) and Uranium (U) discrimination was performed using Missouri University of Science and Technology Reactor (MSTR) fuel by non-destructive (NDA) method. Post-irradiated delayed fast neutron spectra were obtained for two pairs of burnt and fresh fuels. Burnup and 239Pu conversions were calculated based on neutron emission intensity ratios. After 100 kW high power runs, all fuel elements showed three distinct regions of neutron spectra; a distinct low energy peak followed by intermediate energy region without distinct peak but a wide hump, followed by a high energy peak with a long tail. At 10 kW low powers, intermediate energy hump and low energy peak seems to merge together while the high energy peak still remains distinct. Based on data from 10 kW power runs, the burnup values of F1 and F2 fuel elements were estimated to be 149 MWD/T and 196 MWD/T, respectively. 239Pu conversion since 1992 for low enriched (19.75%) fuel elements was calculated as 0.24 g for F1 and 0.32 g for F2. Results based on high power runs of 100 kW provided comparable burnup of 217 MWD/T for F2. However the results for F1 were approximately 10 times higher perhaps due to unique burnup history and consequently high poison buildup. These experimental burnup results compare well with the reactor burnup calculation as reported to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Dopamine enhances glutamate-activated currents in spinal motoneurons

In cultured embryonic chick motoneurons, glutamate-activated currents rise quickly and then decay rapidly to relatively small steady-state current levels. Dopaminergic modulation of these receptors was studied using patch-clamp recording techniques. At concentrations > or = 10 nM, dopamine enhanced glutamate-activated currents by about 200%. This enhancement was diminished by the nonspecific dopamine receptor antagonist S(+)-apomorphine and the more specific D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390, and it was mimicked by the D1 partial agonist SKF38393. Glutamate receptor desensitization rate was not altered in the presence of dopamine. Enhancement was specific to the kainate component. Current-variance analysis indicated that in the presence of dopamine the conductances of glutamate-activated channels were not altered but that the relative fraction of kainate-type channels activated by glutamate increased. Intracellular cAMP levels increased by 33% following exposure to 100 microM dopamine. The effects of elevated cAMP or protein kinase A (PKA) were tested by including 100 microM cAMP or PKA, respectively, in the recording pipette solution. This increased the kainate-activated currents specifically. Dopaminergic enhancement was not observed when a PKA inhibitor was in the pipette. mRNA encoding D1 was detected in the spinal cord by a reverse transcription, polymerase chain-reaction amplification procedure. Thus, dopamine is acting most probably on an avian homolog of the D1 receptor family. We conclude that dopamine causes cAMP to increase, which results in increased activation of kainate-gated channels during glutamate-mediated transmission.
Spin-transparent interaction regions for HERA

Abstract Special spin rotators are proposed for compensating the spin perturbation in vertical and horizontal bends around the interaction regions in the 820 GeV HERA proton ring. Installing a radial snake on each side of the interaction region would allow to have a spin-transparent interaction region.
An examination of a higher order theory for sandwich beams

Sandwich construction is known to provide high stiffness with light weight. Lower modulus cores, such as characteristic of the expanded polymers used in commercial applications, require a more refined analytical treatment. A higher order theory for sandwich beams available in the literature is investigated in the present paper, and applied to a number of sandwich beam problems of interest. The application of this theory reveals certain features of the solution process that must be addressed. The results show significant stress concentrations in both the core and the faces at load application and support points. These stress-concentrations are revealed by the higher order theory, and are important in design.
The effect of age on aldolase in the livers of rats

The specific activities of aldolase of cytosols isolated from the livers of 30–31-month-old rats were statistically significantly lower (P <.01) than those isolated from young animals. Although the present study provides consistent evidence for the presence of inactive aldolase in the cytosols isolated from old rats in both studies of immunoprecipitation (13–22% inactive enzyme molecules) and purification of the enzyme (15%), the age-associated changes were smaller than those previously reported for mouse. Since it is possible that there are intrinsic differences between rats and mice which may mask similar age differences, a number of variables which may influence or provide information regarding the synthesis of aldolase were also investigated in rats and mice. The data clearly indicated that in addition to age, rats and mice respond in a qualitative but not quantitative manner to dietary manipulation. For example, an increase in aldolase activity occurs in both rats and mice fed either a high fructose-no fat (HF-NF) or a low protein-high carbohydrate diet. However, the response was markedly greater in mice than in rats.
Oxidative stress-associated impairment of proteasome activity during ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Numerous studies indicate a role for oxidative stress in the neuronal degeneration and cell death that occur during ischemia–reperfusion injury. Recent data suggest that inhibition of the proteasome may be a means by which oxidative stress mediates neuronal cell death. In the current study, the authors demonstrate that there is a time-dependent decrease in proteasome activity, which is not associated with decreased expression of proteasome subunits, after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury. To determine the role of oxidative stress in mediating proteasome inhibition, ischemia–reperfusion studies were conducted in mice that either overexpressed the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase [GPX 1(+)], or were devoid of glutathione peroxidase activity (GPX −/−). After ischemia–reperfusion, GPX 1(+) mice displayed decreased infarct size, attenuated neurologic impairment, and reduced levels of proteasome inhibition compared with either GPX −/− or wild type mice. In addition, GPX 1(+) mice displayed lower le...
Mobility-Dependent Charge Injection into an Organic Semiconductor

Measurements of charge injection from indium tin oxide (ITO) into the organic semiconductor, tetraphenyl diamine doped polycarbonate (PC:TPD), were carried out. The current injected at the contact was measured as a function of the hole mobility in the organic semiconductor, which was varied from 10(-6) to 10(-3) cm (2)/V x s by adjusting the concentration of the hole transport agent, TPD, in the PC host. These experiments reveal that the current injected at the contact is proportional to the hole mobility in the bulk. As a result, the ITO/PC:TPD contact is found to limit current flow in all samples, regardless of the hole mobility in PC:TPD.
Responses of dorsal horn cells of Gallus domesticus to cutaneous and peroneal nerve stimuli.

Abstract Single dorsal horn neurons have been recorded extracellularly in the lumbar spinal cord of chickens anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and anemically decerebrated. The location of units in the dorsal horn was marked by the electrophoretic deposition of fast green dye from the recording electrode. Seventy percent of 125 units studied were activated by mechanical, thermal, and/or electrical stimulation. Thirty percent were responsive only to electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral peroneal nerve. Some units fired spontaneously with brief bursts of 2 to 4 spikes per burst with varying interburst intervals. Frequently, spontaneously firing units could be inhibited by noxious pinch on the distal region of the comb. Chicken dorsal horn cell responses bear some resemblance to those of mammals, though with certain differences. Some may fire spontaneously in an irregular manner and show properties of convergence. Continuous background activity was uncommon in cells that were excited exclusively by electrical stimulation. Evidence of a prolonged discharge was apparent when the peroneal nerve was stimulated at A-Δ intensity. A progressive increase in frequency and duration of discharge with controlled repetitive C-fiber stimulation, i.e., “windup”, was nerver seen. Several units responded to restricted feather movement. There was no physiological evidence of identifiable zones of concentration of dorsal horn cells in the various laminae (IV to VI) investigated. The present studies provide physiological evidence that supraspinal descending influences are capable of modulating afferent input from chicken dorsal horn cells. The data further suggest that the filtering effect of dorsal horn cells is seen early in phylogeny. The results are described with reference to similarities to and differences from mammalian dorsal horn cell responses.
Acetylcodeine, an impurity of illicitly manufactured heroin, elicits convulsions, antinociception, and locomotor stimulation in mice

Abstract Acetylcodeine is one of the major impurities present in illicitly manufactured heroin (diacetylmorphine). Data on its pharmacology and toxicology are limited and its ability to alter the toxic effects of diacetylmorphine is not known. The first objective of the present study was to compare the acute pharmacological and toxicological effects of acetylcodeine to those of codeine and diacetylmorphine in mice by assessing nociception in the tail-flick test, locomotor stimulation, and convulsive behavior. The second goal of this study was to determine whether acetylcodeine would alter the convulsant effects of diacetylmorphine. The antinociceptive potencies of acetylcodeine and codeine were similar, as reflected by their ED 50 (95% confidence limits) values of 35 (29–44) and 51 (40–65) μmol/kg, respectively. Acetylcodeine was somewhat less potent than codeine in stimulating locomotor behavior, with ED 50 values of 28 (22–37) and 12 (6–24) μmol/kg, respectively. Diacetylmorphine was considerably more potent than the other two drugs, producing antinociception and locomotor stimulation at ED 50 values of 2.4 (1.4–4.1) and 0.65 (0.36–1.2) μmol/kg, respectively. On the other hand, the convulsant effects of acetylcodeine (ED 50 =138 (121–157) μmol/kg) and diacetylmorphine (ED 50 =115 (81–163) μmol/kg) were similar in potency and both were more potent than codeine (ED 50 =231 (188–283) μmol/kg). Finally, a subthreshold dose of acetylcodeine (72 μmol/kg) decreased the convulsant ED 50 dose of diacetylmorphine to 40 (32–49). These findings suggest that the convulsant effects of acetylcodeine are more potent than predicted by its effects on locomotor activity and antinociception. The observation that acetylcodeine potentiated the convulsant effects of diacetylmorphine suggests a mechanism for some of the heroin-related deaths reported in human addicts.
A control chart for a general Gaussian process

Abstract It has been repeatedly demonstrated that X-bar quality control charts perform poorly when the process subgroups being monitored are correlated. In this paper, we propose and investigate the performance of a control chart that accounts for subgroup correlations in a general Gaussian process. The time-series innovations algorithm is used to construct the desired chart from a set of one-step ahead predictions and prediction variances. The chart is applicable in both stationary and nonstationary settings. A simulation study shows that this ‘innovations’ chart performs as a traditional X-bar chart even when the correlation structure of the process must be estimated from a small number of subgroups. The innovations chart is then used to study a data set of motor shaft diameters which has correlated subgroups. The results here show that erroneous conclusions can be reached if subgroup correlations are ignored.