cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective thermal conductivity of composites containing spheroidal inclusions

The effective thermal conductivity of composite materials containing perfectly-conducting, perfectly-aligned, spheroidal inclusions has been computed to O(c2), where c is the volume fraction of the inclusions, by incorporating two-particle interactions in a rigorous fashion. Relevant two-particle problems were solved by boundary collocation and method of reflections in the near and far fields, respectively. Our results for the effective thermal conductivity are rigorous extensions of Maxwell's theory in the form of an expansion in small clα, where l is the spheroid aspect ratio (α = 1 for oblate and α = 2 for prolate spheroids). The influence of microstructure was examined with two ad hoc model distribution functions: 1. a uniform distribution and 2. a stretched hard-sphere pair distribution. The latter yielded superior results over a greater range of c, as judged by comparisons with Willis' (1977) bounds developed from variational methods.
More house calls by fewer physicians.

Before World War II 40% of patient visits were conducted in the home.[1][1] Since then the number of house calls by physicians had been decreasing until 1998 when payment restructuring improved reimbursement. As the article by Peterson et al[2][2] points out, the number of patients receiving house
Micellar Systems for Defining the Active Site of Phospholipase-A 2 : Methyl Branching in Short-Chain Lecithins

Short-chain lecithin micelles have been used extensively to characterize the activity of water soluble phospholipases. In order to understand the mechanism of such esterases we have synthesized and characterized a series of micellar seven-carbon fatty acyl lecithins with varied acyl chain branching: diheptanoyl phosphatidylcholine (PC), di(2-methyl)hexanoyl-PC, di(3-me thy1)hexanoy1-PC, di(4,4-me thy1)pentanoy1-PC, di(5-methyl)hexanoyl-PC, l-heptanoyl-2-(2-methyl)hexanoyl-PC, and l-(3-methyl)hexanoyl-2-heptanoyl-PC. Compared to diheptanoy1-PC, the lecithins with both chains branched are poor substrates and good inhibitors of phospholipase-A2. When only one acyl chain bears a branch methyl group, the hybrid is a substrate comparable to the linear lecithin. Such variations in phospholipase activity towards these systems might be caused by altered micelle surface properties or altered phospholipid structure and do not reflect binding constraints at the enzyme active site. Analyses of micellar structure and dynamics with H and C NMR spectroscopy, quasielastic light scattering and critical micelle concentrations indicate little significant difference in the conformation and aggregate structure of these branched chain lecithins from the linear compound, even when the methyl group is adjacent to the carbonyl group. The low hydrolytic activity of phospholipase-A2 against the branched chain micellar lecithins can then be attributed to a steric interaction of both bulky fatty acyl chains with the enzyme that prevents a catalytically efficient conformational change in the protein. U.V. difference spectroscopy of the different micellar lipids binding to the enzyme supports this view.
Effect of sampling rate on Fourier transform spectra: Oversampling is overrated

In Fourier transform spectrometry, an analog time-domain signal is sampled at equally spaced intervals and subjected to a discrete Fourier transform to yield a discrete frequency-domain spectrum. Round-off errors in the sampling process can generate quantization "noise" even for a noiseless time-domain analog signal. Oversampling refers to sampling a time-domain analog signal at a rate faster than that required by the Nyquist limit. Oversampling has been applied in a wide variety of fields, including image, speech, and audio spectral analysis. It has been variously claimed that oversampling can increase the effective number of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) bits, increase signal-to-noise ratio and/or resolution, allow for improved phase and/or magnitude linearity, and reduce quantization "noise" in the bandwidth of interest. In this paper, we explain and demonstrate the effects of oversampling in Fourier transform spectrometry. For Fourier transform interferometry, magnetic resonance, or ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry conducted with an ADC of at least 12 bit/word, we conclude that quantization "noise" is negligible; oversampling thus has little effect on FT spectral signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, or resolution. Oversampling can, however, improve phase and magnitude linearity by eliminating the need for a sharp cutoff in the passband of the analog filter. Finally, autocorrelation analysis of simulated time-domain signals shows that quantization "noise" is random and essentially independent of frequency (i.e., "white") at practically attainable sampling rates.
Signaling pathways of PDZ2 domain: A molecular dynamics interaction correlation analysis

PDZ domains are found in many signaling proteins. One of their functions is to provide scaffolds for forming membrane-associated protein complexes by binding to the carboxyl termini of its partners. PDZ domains are thought to play a signal transduction role by propagating the information that binding has occurred to remote sites. In the current study, a molecular dynamics simulation based approach, referred to an interaction correlation analysis, is applied to the PDZ2 domain to identity the possible signal transduction pathways. A residue correlation matrix is constructed from the interaction energy correlation between all residue pairs obtained from the molecular dynamics simulations. Two continuous interaction pathways, starting at the ligand binding pocket, are identified by a hierarchical clustering analysis of the residue correlation matrix. One pathway is mainly localized at the N terminal side of helix α1 and the adjacent C terminus of loop β1–β2. The other pathway is perpendicular to the central β sheet toward the side of PDZ2 domain opposite to the ligand binding pocket. The present results extend previous studies based on multiple sequence analysis, NMR and molecular dynamics simulations. Importantly, they reveal the energetic origin of the long-range coupling. The PDZ2 results, as well as the earlier rhodopsin analysis, show that the interaction correlation analysis is a robust approach for determining pathways of intramolecular signal transduction.
ADHESION MECHANISMS OF COPPER FILMS DEPOSITED ONTO LASER-IRRADIATED ALUMINA

Strong adhesion between a deposited copper film and an alumina substrate takes place when the substrate is laser-irradiated prior to deposition. A post-deposition annealing is required to achieve the strong bonding. In this work, the interfacial region between the copper film and the alumina substrate was analyzed using Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). It was found that a transitional region is always present in couples that have a high adhesion strength, while little or no transitional region was found in weakly bonded couples. The transitional region depends on the laser irradiation atmosphere. In the case of laser irradiation in air, oxygen excess was found on the surface of the alumina substrate, and in the copper/alumina couple the transitional region consists of a copper oxide and a Cu–Al double oxide. When the laser irradiation was performed in a reducing atmosphere (Ar–4% H2), substoichiometric alumina and metallic aluminum were found on the surface of the substrate and also a reaction between copper and the substoichiometric aluminum oxide was detected in the subsurface. Although the substoichiometric alumina is formed on the surface irradiated in Ar–4% H2, a stable Al2O3 thin layer is formed on the outmost surface because the irradiated substrate is exposed to the atmosphere before deposition. This reoxidized layer remains whole at the interface of the couple upon low temperature (at least up to 300 °C) annealing, while it is ruptured upon higher temperature annealing (500 °C in this work). In the latter case, the copper film can contact and react with the substoichiometric alumina formed in the subsurface of the substrate irradiated in the Ar–4% H2 atmosphere. It is concluded that the Cu–Al–O interfacial compound formed in the transitional region causes the strong adhesion between the copper film and the alumina substrate.
Control of DNA origami inter-tile connection with vertical linkers

This communication describes a new method that enables high yield assembly along both of the two-dimensional edges of DNA origami tiles by controlling the Mg2+ concentration; high Mg2+ concentrations promote linkage connections between the vertical edges of the tiles. As a demonstration, DNA origami dimers assembled from two rectangular origami along the vertical edges are used as scaffolds for the double sided assembly of gold nanoparticles with different inter-particle spacings.
Transitioning from paternalism to empowerment of farmers in low-income countries: Farming components to systems

Abstract Reasons for the initiation of farming systems/participatory approaches in non-Green Revolution (i.e., in more heterogeneous and less favourable production environments) areas in low-income countries is followed by a discussion of their evolution. Four phases are described along, with a brief description of some of the significant methods in which farmer participation has been sought, accessed and evaluated. They enabled/facilitated the evolutionary process. Although, over the last 40 years there has been a progress in making small-scale farmers much more visible in driving the agricultural research/development agenda through using the four basic stages embodied in the farming systems approach (i.e., descriptive, diagnosis, testing/evaluation and finally dissemination), much still needs to be done. This leads on to a discussion as to some of the barriers still inhibiting true farmer empowerment and why further, such empowerment is imperative, if the agricultural challenges of this century are to be addressed successfully, namely substantially increasing agricultural productivity in an ecologically sustainable manner. Given the heterogeneity of the production environments and that many identified improvements are likely to be incremental rather than revolutionary in nature, this will require farmers’ intimate involvement in their identification, evaluation and dissemination. Discussion in the paper recognizes that there is increasing globalization/commercialization of agriculture and is predicated on the need to consider the whole farmer-research-development continuum involving multiple stakeholders (i.e., farmers, scientists, extension workers, input/output service providers and policymakers). Such a continuum has been explicitly recognized in the operational plans for the recently reformed international agricultural research (i.e., CGIAR) system. The paper concludes with a short discussion on the potential role of formal modelling.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for Fatigue in Parkinson's Disease

Background Fatigue is a common and debilitating nonmotor symptom of PD. Because preliminary evidence suggests that acupuncture improves fatigue in other conditions, we sought to test its efficacy in PD. Methods Ninety-four PD patients with moderate-to-high fatigue were randomized to receive 6 weeks of biweekly real or sham acupuncture. The primary outcome was change on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included sleep, mood, quality of life, and maintenance of benefits at 12 weeks. Results Both groups showed significant improvements in fatigue at 6 and 12 weeks, but with no significant between-group differences. Improvements from baseline in mood, sleep, and quality of life were noted without between-group differences. Overall, 63% of patients reported noticeable improvements in their fatigue. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions Acupuncture may improve PD-related fatigue, but real acupuncture offers no greater benefit than sham treatments. PD-related fatigue should be added to the growing list of conditions that acupuncture helps primarily through nonspecific or placebo effects. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Evaluating the Chemical Compatibility of Potential Substrate Materials for Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O Films

Potential substrate and buffer layer materials for Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (BSCCO) were surveyed using bulk ceramic processing techniques. Of the materials tested, only Ag was inert with respect to BSCCO. MgO slightly degrades the superconducting onset temperature and volume fraction. LaGa03 may be a feasible ceramic substrate for BSCCO, although some reaction appears to occur.
Detection of the Air in the Workshops of Gold and Jewelry Enterprises of Luohu District of Shenzhen City

[Objective]To learn the hazardous factors in the working environment of 25 jewelry enterprises in Wanshan Jewelry Park in Luohu District,and provide evidence for the administrative supervision.[Methods]Based on the national standard,sampling and detection were carried out on the hazardous substances like dust,benzene,toluene,xylene,acetone,hexane and methanol in the workplaces of 25 enterprises in Wanshan Jewelry Park.[Results] Among the 114 detected samples,101 of which were eligible(88.60 %);the TWA concentration range of benzene was 0.6～58.6 mg/m3,the highest of which exceeded the national standard by 9.7 times;the spot eligible rate of benzene was 43.48%.[Conclusion] The benzene concentration in the 13 gemmy cleaning workshops of 25 enterprises exceeded the national standard for the occupational contact limit of hazardous substances;supervision management should be strengthened in the sanitary administrative departments.
SURVEY ON OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT SITUATION OF CLEAN OPERATING ROOMS IN HOSPITALS IN GUANGZHOU

Objective To know the operation and management situation of clean operating rooms in hospitals,and to provide the basis for scientific management. Methods On-the-spot sampling and testing were used to monitor the microclimate and clean effects for the in-using clean operating rooms,and the management situation were surveyed. Results Fifty three in-using clean operating rooms in 18 hospitals were surveyed,the qualified rate( all the indexed net differential pressures,temperature,humidity,speed of transverse wind,air purity,aettlement bacteria passed) of the 53 surveyed rooms was 18. 87%. As to the indexes,the qualified rate of temperature,settling bacteria and dust particle count was88. 89%,88. 68% and 83. 02% respectively; the qualified rate of relative humidity,net differential pressures and speed of transverse wind( frequency of ventilation) was 60. 00%,58. 49% and 54. 72% respectively. In Internal management,there was no full-time staff responsible for the management of the clean operating rooms in some hospitals; some of the surveyed hospitals did not according to the guideline to carry out the cleaning and replacement of equipments. Conclusion The management of the clean operating rooms in hospitals in Guangzhou are lack of standardization,the overall qualified rate of the clean air are low,it should be strengthened in the routine maintenance and standardized management.
Bone and Joint Deformity in Metabolic, Inflammatory, Neoplastic, Infectious, and Hematologic Disorders

Bone and joint deformity in metabolic, inflammatory, neoplastic, infectious, and hematologic disorders reviews entities known to be associated with pediatric orthopedic deformities from the perspective of: pathobiology of the disorder, pathoanatomy of deformation, and principles of medical and orthopedic management. The epiphyseal, metaphyseal, and joint abnormalities are reviewed for rickets, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, benign and malignant neoplasms, pyogenic and tuberculous infections (which concentrate at the epiphyseal–metaphyseal regions), and hematologic disorders such as hemophilia.
Compound Versus Pure Metal Microclusters: How the Photoabsorption Profiles Relate to the Abundance Spectra

We report a strong connection between the abundance spectra and the photoabsorption profiles of heteroatomic metal clusters of composition YA x , where A is an alkali metal and Y is either a divalent or a monovalent impurity atom (Y=A encompasses the limiting case of pure clusters). This trend is established within the framework of a two-step-background jellium model by allowing for a continuous variation of the density parameter representing the impurity. For divalent impurities, parameters substantially away from the bulk values are required to reproduce the observations. Parallel molecular calculations are being carried out to elucidate this behavior in depth.
Unternehmensnetzwerke zur Durchsetzung eines Standards

The importance of corporate networks has constantly increased during the past years. In this regard there is a number of different reasons to justify the increased usage of this institutional arrangement to coordinate economic activities between different corporations. The following article presents an economic approach to explain the emergence of corporate networks in industries, in which indirect network externalities can be found. A game theoretic model is used to show that these corporate networks allow the adoption of standards and that the establishment of networks may still make sense from the economic perspective, even though internal network coordination costs exist.
Self-Employment Success and Challenges

There have been indications that self-employment could be a viable option for individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, the sparse empirical literature limits our understanding of the phenomeno...
Tic Disorders and Tourette’s Syndrome

The relationship between Tourette’s syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorder was evaluated in 71 unselected children referred for psychopharmacological treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
BDNF effects on functional recovery across motor behaviors after cervical spinal cord injury

This study demonstrates that after unilateral C2 spinal cord hemisection (SH), there are differences in the spontaneous recovery of diaphragm (DIAm) electromyographic activity during ventilatory co...
Load-conscious maximization of base-station location privacy in wireless sensor networks

Abstract In various applications of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), sensor nodes forward data packets towards an in-situ base-station (BS) over multi-hop routes. The BS not only collects and analyzes the incoming data, but also interfaces the WSN to a higher authority. The unique role of the BS attracts adversary's attention since it can be a single point of failure for the WSN. An adversary that seeks to diminish the network utility can apply traffic analysis techniques in order to uncover the sink of all traffic (i.e., the BS) and target it with denial of service attacks. In this paper, we present a technique for preserving location privacy of the BS. Our technique injects deceptive transmissions aiming to even the traffic density across the network and make the BS undistinguishable. We highlight the trade-off between location privacy and network's performance/lifetime, and show how our technique strikes a balance between conflicting metrics. The simulation results confirm that our proposed traffic analysis countermeasure effectively boosts the location privacy of the BS without a significant impact on the network's performance and lifetime.
Cumulative Effects of Concussion History on Baseline Computerized Neurocognitive Test Scores: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context:It is unclear whether individuals with a history of single or multiple clinically recovered concussions exhibit worse cognitive performance on baseline testing compared with individuals with no concussion history.Objective:To analyze the effects of concussion history on baseline neurocognitive performance using a computerized neurocognitive test.Data sources:PubMed, CINAHL, and psycINFO were searched in November 2015. The search was supplemented by a hand search of references.Study Selection:Studies were included if participants completed the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test (ImPACT) at baseline (ie, preseason) and if performance was stratified by previous history of single or multiple concussions.Study Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis.Level of Evidence:Level 2.Data Extraction:Sample size, demographic characteristics of participants, as well as performance of participants on verbal memory, visual memory, visual-motor processing speed, and reaction time were extract...
Comparison of the Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Anthocyanin Metabolites, Protocatechuic Acid and 4-Hydroxybenzoic Acid

Anthocyanins are being increasingly investigated for their neuroprotective and antineuroinflammatory effects; however, the overall bioavailability of many anthocyanins is relatively low. In contrast, phenolic acids, metabolites of many polyphenols, including anthocyanins, have been shown to accumulate in tissue at higher concentrations than those of parent compounds, suggesting that these metabolites may be the bioactive components of anthocyanin-rich diets. We examined the neuroprotective capacity of two common phenolic acids, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) and protocatechuic acid (PCA), in primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons. Both HBA and PCA are capable of mitigating oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide, which is thought to contribute to neuronal cell death in neurodegeneration. Under conditions of nitrosative stress, which occur during inflammation in the central nervous system, only PCA was neuroprotective, despite similar structural characteristics between HBA and PCA. Intriguingly, this trend was reversed under conditions of excitotoxicity, in which only HBA was neuroprotective. Lastly, we explored the anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds in microglial cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. PCA was an effective anti-inflammatory agent, reducing nitric oxide production, while HBA had no effect. These data indicate that phenolic acids possess distinct neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory characteristics that could make them suitable for the treatment of neurodegeneration.
Coordinating intermediaries: The prospects and limitations of professional associations in decentralized regulation

A key question in understanding regulation through independent intermediaries is the extent to which intermediary actions are either coordinated, thereby supporting consistency in regulatory application, or uncoordinated, leading to monitoring and enforcement disparities. This paper examines professional associations as one mechanism by which policy action may be coordinated in decentralized arrangements. Professional associations provide means and venues for members to interact, offer training and education that develops shared understanding of policy directives, are collective representation bodies for professional members, and may play an important role in establishing and enforcing collective standards for appropriate behavior. We examine these functions in the decentralized administration of United States organic food certification, focusing on two relevant professional associations – the Accredited Certifiers Association and the International Organic Inspectors Association. Drawing on multiple methods, including interviews and survey data, our findings indicate that professional organic certification associations provide valuable education and training, disseminate information, and facilitate knowledge sharing among administrative entities and with regulatory authorities. We conclude with a discussion of the prospects and limitations of professional associations for third-party regulation, and how accounting for professional association functions can improve our understanding of regulatory intermediary coordination and conduct.
On the self-similar solution to the Euler equations for an incompressible fluid in three dimensions

Abstract The equations for a self-similar solution to an inviscid incompressible fluid are mapped into an integral equation that hopefully can be solved by iteration. It is argued that the exponents of the similarity are ruled by Kelvin's theorem of conservation of circulation. The end result is an iteration with a nonlinear term entering a kernel given by a 3D integral for a swirling flow, likely within reach of present-day computational power. Because of the slow decay of the similarity solution at large distances, its kinetic energy diverges, and some mathematical results excluding non-trivial solutions of the Euler equations in the self-similar case do not apply.
Cultivating Physician Character in Diagnostic Radiology Through Virtuous Caring and Collaborative Professionalism.

In the contemporary environment of patient- and value-centered care, it is no longer sufficient to limit the definition of an “excellent radiologist” to someone who is skilled at image interpretation. Since diagnostic radiologists are physicians, they are held to a certain character standard expected of a physician, whose primary objective is to serve the best interest of patients. An “excellent radiologist,” then, is better defined as one who is both skilled at interpreting medical imaging and embodies the attributes of physician character. The concept of physician character can be understood as the interplay between the practice of the care-related virtues, such as empathy, compassion, and kindness, and cooperative efforts with nonradiologist health care team members, termed collaborative professionalism. The very nature of the work of diagnostic radiology, aided by advances in technology, increasingly isolates the radiologist from both patients and other care providers, making it difficult to find opportunities for virtuous care and collaborative professionalism. Using the moral intuitionist model of character development as a conceptual framework, we first delineate the challenges that diagnostic radiologists face in demonstrating virtuous caring and collaborative professionalism. Then, we explore strategies that diagnostic radiologists can employ to overcome these barriers, thereby cultivating their own physician character and setting an example for other radiologists, medical students, and trainees. Finally, we will examine some of the limitations of applying this theoretical model to the real world.
The Phytoplankton Community

The phytoplankton community of Lake Lanao is composed of 70 euplanktonic species, including Cyanophyta (12), Euglenophyta (4), Chlorophyta (44), Chrysophyceae (1), Bacillariophyceae (4), Dinophyceae (3), and Cryptophyceae (2) (Fig. 3-1). Composition similar to this appears to be very widespread in tropical lakes that are not highly saline or extremely shallow (Lewis, 1978a). The data that are currently available indicate that tropical lakes in general contain between 50 and 100 euplanktonic autotroph species which reach detectable abundances (greater than 1/ml) at least once per year. In Lake Lanao, approximately half of the species can be found in an integrated sample of 1 ml taken at any time of the year.
ADP-ribose in glycation and glycoxidation reactions

Glycation is initiated by reaction of a reducing sugar with a protein amino group to generate a Schiff base adduct. Following an Amadori rearrangement to form a ketoamine adduct, a complex chemistry involving oxidation often leads to protein glycoxidation products referred to as advanced glycosylation end products (AGE)f. The AGE include protein carboxymethyllysine (CML) residues and a heterogeneous group of complex modifications characterized by high fluorescence and protein-protein cross links. The sugar sources for the glycoxidation of intracellular proteins are not well defined but pentoses have been implicated because they are efficient precursors for the formation of the fluorescent AGE, pentosidine. ADP-ribose, generated from NAD by ADP-ribose transfer reactions, is a likely intracellular source of a reducing pentose moiety. Incubation of ADP-ribose with histones results in the formation of ketoamine glycation conjugates and also leads to the rapid formation of protein CML residues, histone HI dimers, and highly fluorescent products with properties similar to the AGE. ADP-ribose is much more efficient than other possible pentose donors for glycation and glycoxidation of protein amino groups. Recently developed methods that differentiate nonenzymic modifications of proteins by ADP-ribose from enzymic modifications now allow investigations to establish whether some protein modifications by monomers of ADP-ribose in vivo represent glycation and glycoxidation.
P43: Nitrite activates protein kinase A in normoxia to promote mitochondrial fusion and confer delayed tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion

Background Nitrite has been demonstrated to confer potent cardioprotection in animal models of acute myocardial infarction. Notably, administration of exogenous nitrite or elevations in endogenous nitrite during ischemia, or hours to days prior to the ischemic episode, significantly decrease infarct size after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). When present during ischemia, the reduction of nitrite to bioactive NO by deoxygenated heme proteins accounts for its protective effects. However, the mechanism underlying normoxic nitrite-induced ischemic tolerance remains unexplored. Methods We established an in vitro cell model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) using H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Cells were treated with nitrite (10–100 μM; 30 min; 21% O 2 ), after which nitrite was removed, and cells incubated in normoxia for 5 min to 72 h prior to initiation of an ischemic episode (1% O 2 , pH 6.2) and reperfusion. Results Transient (30 min) normoxic nitrite treatment significantly attenuated cell death after H/R initiated 5 min–72 h later. Mechanistically, nitrite-mediated cytoprotection was dependent on increased activity of protein kinase A (PKA; 157.8 ± 23.8% of control), which propagated mitochondrial fusion through the phosphorylation and inhibition of dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1). This morphological change in mitochondrial phenotype led to a functional change characterized by a slight increase in mitochondrial superoxide generation (157.2 ± 16.3% of control). We show that this superoxide generated is responsible for the oxidation and subsequent activation of the cardioprotective mediator AMP kinase (214.7 ± 28.8% of control), as scavenging of reactive oxygen species by the mitochondrially targeted scavenger mitoTEMPO significantly abrogated AMPK activation and cytoprotection after H/R. Ongoing studies are investigating the mechanism by which nitrite modulates PKA activity. Preliminary data suggest that nitrite signaling may be mediated through the G protein beta 2 receptor (G β 2), as nitrite-induced phosphorylation of Drp1 was attenuated in the presence of the selective G β 2 inhibitor, ICI 118,551. Conclusions These data are the first to elucidate a mechanism by which nitrite confers ischemic resilience priorto I/R and are the first to report normoxic NO 2 - dependent activation of PKA and regulation of mitochondrial dynamics. Disclosure This work was supported by the Institute of Transfusion Medicine and the Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania, the NIH (1R01HL096973 to SS; R01NS065789 to CTC) and by the American Heart Association (09SDG2150066 to SS).
Environmental life-cycle assessment of polymer nanocomposites

Abstract: This chapter discusses the needs, challenges, and benefits of life-cycle assessment (LCA) in the environmental evaluation of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs). The chapter provides a detailed description of the LCA approach and describes the unique challenges surrounding the LCA of nanotechnology, specifically PNCs. The benefits of LCA and an overview of the major studies on the LCA of nanotechnology are also presented. Case studies on the LCA of carbon nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced polymer nanocomposites are presented along with a general discussion about the LCA of specific nanoproducts. The role of predictive approaches in the evaluation of emerging nanoproducts is also discussed.
Comments on Clusters in Beams, Spectroscopy, and Phase Transitions

This paper contains a discussion of “clusters” found typically in 1) molecular beams, and 2) in saturated and supersaturated vapors. Important differences as well as similarities between these two kinds of clusters are discussed. The point is made that most clusters in beams are large “molecules” (and are treated by theory as such) rather than fragments of matter intermediate between vapor molecules and bulk matter, and that careful consideration is necessary in order to avoid the confusion and “paradoxes” which have plagued the field of nucleation
An in vitro intestinal platform with a self-sustaining oxygen gradient to study the human gut/microbiome interface

An oxygen gradient formed along the length of colonic crypts supports stem-cell proliferation at the normoxic crypt base while supporting obligate anaerobe growth in the anoxic colonic lumen. Primary human colonic epithelial cells derived from human gastrointestinal stem cells were cultured within a device possessing materials of tailored oxygen permeability to produce an oxygen-depleted luminal (0.8% ± 0.1% O2) and oxygen-rich basal (11.1% ± 0.5% O2) compartment. This oxygen difference created a stable oxygen gradient across the colonic epithelial cells which remained viable and properly polarized. Facultative and obligate anaerobes Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and Clostridium difficile grew readily within the luminal compartment. When formed along the length of an in vitro crypt, the oxygen gradient facilitated cell compartmentalization within the crypt by enhancing confinement of the proliferative cells to the crypt base. This platform provides a simple system to create a physiological oxygen gradient across an intestinal mimic while simultaneously supporting anaerobe co-culture.
Projection of good quantum numbers for reaction fragments

In reactions, the wave packets of the emerging products typically are not eigenstates of particle number operators or any other conserved quantities, and their properties are entangled. I describe a particle projection technique in parts of space, which eschews the need to evaluate Pfaffians in the case of overlap of generalized Slater determinants or Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov type of vacua. The extension of these formulas for calculating either angular momentum or particle projected energy distributions of the reaction fragments are presented as well. The generalization to simultaneous particle and angular momentum projection of various reaction fragment observables is straightforward.
Hepatic Silicone Granulomas Secondary to Ruptured Breast Implants: A Report of Two Cases

The differential diagnosis of hepatic granulomas is vast and includes infections, drugs, immunologic diseases, foreign material exposure, and neoplasia. Silicone, whether directly injected into tissues or used as a filler in breast implants, is known to cause localized granulomatous reactions. It can also migrate to other anatomic locations resulting in granulomatous inflammation at a distance. We report two cases of unsuspected hepatic silicone granulomas in patients undergoing liver biopsy for isolated elevated alkaline phosphatase levels, both with a history of ruptured breast implants. These cases highlight the need for awareness of hepatic silicone granulomas as an etiology of elevated liver enzymes in patients with a history of surgical interventions utilizing silica, such as cosmetic surgery.
Neural networks with multiple general neuron models: A hybrid computational intelligence approach using Genetic Programming

Classical neural networks are composed of neurons whose nature is determined by a certain function (the neuron model), usually pre-specified. In this paper, a type of neural network (NN-GP) is presented in which: (i) each neuron may have its own neuron model in the form of a general function, (ii) any layout (i.e network interconnection) is possible, and (iii) no bias nodes or weights are associated to the connections, neurons or layers. The general functions associated to a neuron are learned by searching a function space. They are not provided a priori, but are rather built as part of an Evolutionary Computation process based on Genetic Programming. The resulting network solutions are evaluated based on a fitness measure, which may, for example, be based on classification or regression errors. Two real-world examples are presented to illustrate the promising behaviour on classification problems via construction of a low-dimensional representation of a high-dimensional parameter space associated to the set of all network solutions.
Fast digital lossy compression for X‐ray ptychographic data

Increases in X-ray brightness from synchrotron light sources lead to a requirement for higher frame rates from hybrid pixel array detectors (HPADs), while also favoring charge integration over photon counting. However, transfer of the full uncompressed data will begin to constrain detector design, as well as limit the achievable continuous frame rate. Here a data compression scheme that is easy to implement in a HPAD's application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is described, and how different degrees of compression affect image quality in ptychography, a commonly employed coherent imaging method, is examined. Using adaptive encoding quantization, it is shown in simulations that one can digitize signals up to 16383 photons per pixel (corresponding to 14 bits of information) using only 8 or 9 bits for data transfer, with negligible effect on the reconstructed image.
Hospitalization Rates, Prevalence of Cardiovascular Manifestations and Outcomes Associated With Amyloidosis in the United States

Background Amyloidosis is a multisystem disease characterized by the deposition of misfolded insoluble precursor protein fibrils in several organs including the heart. Cardiac amyloidosis can result in a wide range of complications that may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. However, contemporary data in the United States (US) on cardiac amyloidosis is scarce despite these negative consequences. In view of this lack of contemporary data, we sort to assess the prevalence, trends of hospitalization, and outcomes of cardiovascular manifestations in amyloidosis. We also explored this retrospective data for factors that may be associated with in-hospital mortality of amyloidosis hospitalization. Methods We used the national (nationwide) inpatient sample (NIS) database from January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2014, of adult hospitalizations. We studied the prevalence and trends of hospitalizations of amyloidosis among patient with or without cardiovascular co-morbidities. Results We identified 137,797 amyloidosis hospitalizations from 2007 to 2014 of which 87,164 (63.2%) had cardiovascular manifestations. The overall mean age was 70.3±12 years. There were more males (54.5%) overall. The trend of amyloidosis hospitalizations increased significantly from 2007 through 2014 (34 to 73 per 100,000, Ptrend <0.001) and in-hospital mortality decreased from 8.4 to 6.8 per 100 amyloidosis hospitalizations, Ptrend <0.001). Conclusion Our study showed that hospitalizations of amyloidosis have increased considerably over the past decades with a concurrent decline in in-hospital mortality. Despite this decline and after adjusting for other factors, amyloidosis hospitalization with cardiovascular manifestations was still associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Screening of patients with amyloidosis for cardiovascular manifestations should be more accessible to prevent undesired outcomes.
Golgi enzymes that synthesize plant cell wall polysaccharides: finding and evaluating candidates in the genomic era.

Although the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides is a critical process during plant cell growth and differentiation, many of the wall biosynthetic genes have not yet been identified. This review focuses on the synthesis of noncellulosic matrix polysaccharides formed in the Golgi apparatus. Dur consideration is limited to two types of plant cell wall biosynthetic enzymes: glycan synthases and glycosyltransferases. Classical means of identifying these enzymes and the genes that encode them rely on biochemical purification of enzyme activity to obtain amino acid sequence data that is then used to identify the corresponding gene. This type of approach is difficult, especially when acceptor substrates for activity assays are unavailable, as is the case for many enzymes. However, bioinformatics and functional genomics provide powerful alternative means of identifying and evaluating candidate genes. Database searches using various strategies and expression profiling can identify candidate genes. The involvement of these genes in wall biosynthesis can be evaluated using genetic, reverse genetic, biochemical, and heterologous expression methods. Recent advances using these methods are considered in this review.
Developing senior capstone projects: panel discussion

The literature is filled with positive aspects and results of undergraduate students completing significant project work as part of the computing sciences curriculum. Indeed, the IEEE-CS/ACM Joint Computing Curriculum strongly urges the inclusion of a capstone project course. Still, many small liberal arts colleges tread carefully, concerned whether developing and implementing a capstone project course is within their reach. In fact, even faculty at mid-sized schools that do not presently include projects as part of their curriculum may be seeking a little direction as to where and how to begin the process.
Effect of Load Introduction in Compression Testing of Composite Laminates

Compression testing of composite materials is affected by the manner in which the compressive load is introduced. Two such effects are studied in this paper: (a) the constrained edge effect, in which transverse expansion of the edges is prevented while the axial load is introduced, and (b) nonuniform gripping, as manifested by inplane bending of the test specimen. The principle of minimum complementary energy is used to develop an analytical model that quantifies these two effects upon the measured elastic properties of laminated composites. Numerical results are presented for selected high-strength graphite/epoxy composites.
Incoherent-Scatter Radar Observations of the Cusp

With the establishment of the incoherent-scatter radar at Sondre Stromfjord, Greenland, ground-based observations of the dayside auroral oval are now being made. The initial experiments conducted were designed to identify the ionospheric manifestation of the polar cusp in terms of plasma convection and structure in plasma density and temperature. We have identified repeatable features of these parameters. Plasma convection within the field of view of the radar (70 to 80° Λ) is generally two-celled, its flow is parallel to the auroral oval, and shear reversals and rotational reversals are frequently observed on the dayside. The F region shows structures in both density and temperature that are associated with specific features of convection patterns. Along the shear reversal, we have observed enhancements in electron density and electron temperature. Other F-region density structures have been observed without a corresponding increase in electron temperature. These structures occur most frequently when there is a strong anti-sunward component in ion velocity and structures are generally aligned in the direction of the flow.
Regulation of Follicular Dendritic Cell Networks by Activated T Cells: The Role of CD137 Signaling

B cells, but not T cells, are considered to be important for the formation of follicular dendritic cell (FDC) clusters. Stimulation with agonist mAbs against CD137 (4-1BB), a TNFR family member primarily expressed on activated T cells, was effective in promoting T cell responses, but paradoxically suppressed T-dependent humoral immunity and autoantibody production in autoimmune disease models. Our present study shows that agonistic anti-CD137 treatment activates T cells, resulting in diminished FDC networks in B cell follicles, which are important components in T-dependent humoral immune responses both before and after the initiation of an immune response. Pretreatment with anti-CD137 before the secondary immunization inhibited memory Ab responses. Interestingly, CD137 costimulation-induced diminishment of FDC is T cell dependent. In addition, both CD4 + and CD8 + T cells are recruited into FDC area and are able to regulate FDCs by CD137 costimulation through a direct or indirect mechanism. These studies have revealed a previously unappreciated role of T cells in the regulation of FDC networks.
Scholarship and Relationships: Reflections on Young Scholars in Writing

Since my late friend and colleague Candace Spigelman and I co-founded Young Scholars in Writing over a decade ago, undergraduate research in writing studies has progressed in the most exciting ways. There are increasing numbers of undergraduate scholars conducting genuine inquiry and new and diverse venues for these students to present and publish their work. Faculty and student research about undergraduate research is also multiplying and diversifying, demonstrating the power of this pedagogy. Undergraduates and their teachers are enriched in countless ways. Candace and I launched volume 1 with both excitement and trepidation. I vividly recall wondering whether we would receive any submissions at all, so we were ecstatic at the number and quality of the submissions! Volume 1’s nine published articles, by a total of fourteen student scholars from nine different colleges or universities, set a high bar that was ultimately met by many, many authors in volumes 2 through 10. In our first editors’ introduction, Candace and I wrote, Young Scholars in Writing will continue to develop and change over time. What will remain constant, however, is our commitment to and celebration of undergraduates engaged in scholarship in writing, rhetoric, and related disciplines. Just as students’ voices are crucial to the work of composition and rhetoric, student research may significantly contribute to the scholarship, learning, and ongoing formation of this disciplinary community. When we wrote these words, Candace and I expected to continue to build the journal together. Tragically, Candace died in December 2004. Yet our work together on the first two volumes laid the foundation for Young Scholars in Writing such that those words we wrote in the first editors’ introduction feel as real to me now as they did then. Young Scholars in Writing has developed and changed over time; yet it remains committed to undergraduates’ genuine, meaningful scholarly contributions to the discipline. My own journey with undergraduate research has taken many wonderful twists and turns. It has inspired my teaching, research, and service as well as the integration of these areas of my professional life. The special anniversary articles in this volume speak eloquently to the intellectual, theoretical, and practical issues and implications of Young Scholars in Writing. In my view, I can best pay tribute to the work of Young Scholars in Writing’s 10 volumes by offering the following observations at the intersection of my personal and professional lives. I hope that in so doing, I reveal what Young Scholars in Writing means to me: teaching, research and scholarship, community, and relationships.
A family of higher-order numerical schemes for the convection-diffusion equation in conservation form

In this paper, we introduce a class of compact, higher-order, exponentially-fitted discretizations of the steady, one-dimensional convection-diffusion equation in conservation form. This will be achieved by employing the Mehrstellenverfahren technique of L. Collatz. These new schemes are shown to be uniformly second order accurate in the small parameter e (the diffusion). The fourth-order accurate member of this family of schemes is studied in detail. Theoretical and numerical comparisons will be made to the methods of Allen-Southwell, El-Mistikawy-Werle, Leventhal, and Gartland. Additional examples exercising this new scheme are presented.