cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localization and accumulation of fibronectin in rabbit fetal lung tissue.

Abstract An interaction between mesenchyme and epithelium is required for the normal differentiation of fetal lung tissue. This morphogenic interaction may be mediated, in part, by changes in the composition and/or structure of the extracellular matrix. Therefore, we characterized the localization and accumulation of fibronectin, an extracellular-matrix component, during several stages of lung development in the rabbit fetus in vivo as well as in day-21 rabbit fetal lung explants maintained in vitro. Fibronectin was detected immunocytochemically in the basement-membrane zone beneath the epithelial ducts in lung tissue obtained from rabbit fetuses at 19 and 21 days of gestation. In fetal lung tissue obtained at these early stages of lung development, mesenchymal cells were stained only at their periphery. Immunostaining for connective-tissue fibronectin increased greatly between days 24 and 31 of gestation. A similar increase in the intensity of immunostaining for connective-tissue fibronectin was observed in rabbit fetal lung explants that had been maintained in vitro for 7 days. The concentration of fibronectin in fetal lung tissue obtained at different days of gestation was determined using a specific enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) and was found to increase from 1.7 ng/μg protein in fetal lung tissue obtained at day 19 of gestation to 7.3 ng/μg protein in fetal lung tissue obtained at day 24 of gestation. The levels of fetal lung fibronectin then remained relatively constant through to day 31 of gestation. A similar increase in fibronectin concentration was observed in day-21 fetal lung explants maintained in vitro for 7 days. The increase in the concentration of fetal lung fibronectin, both in vivo and in vitro, occurred prior to type-II cell differentiation. In contrast, the concentration of fibronectin in adult rabbit lung tissue was much lower than that in fetal lung tissue (0.25 ng/μg protein). Our results suggest that changes in the localization and accumulation of fibronectin are associated with the morphogenesis of the fetal lung alveolar epithelium.
Latent class profiles of internalizing and externalizing psychosocial health indicators are differentially associated with sexual transmission risk: Findings from the CFAR network of integrated clinical systems (CNICS) cohort study of HIV-infected men engaged in primary care in the United States.

OBJECTIVE To examine whether latent class indicators of negative affect and substance use emerged as distinct psychosocial risk profiles among HIV-infected men, and if these latent classes were associated with high-risk sexual behaviors that may transmit HIV. METHODS Data were from HIV-infected men who reported having anal intercourse in the past 6 months and received routine clinical care at 4 U.S. sites in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort (n = 1,210). Latent class membership was estimated using binary indicators for anxiety, depression, alcohol and/or drug use during sex, and polydrug use. Generalized estimating equations modeled whether latent class membership was associated with HIV sexual transmission risk in the past 6 months. RESULTS Three latent classes of psychosocial indicators emerged: (a) internalizing (15.3%; high probability of anxiety and major depression); (b) externalizing (17.8%; high probability of alcohol and/or drug use during sex and polydrug use); (c) low psychosocial distress (67.0%; low probability of all psychosocial factors examined). Internalizing and externalizing latent class membership were associated with HIV sexual transmission risk, compared to low psychosocial class membership; externalizing class membership was also associated with higher sexual transmission risk compared to internalizing class membership. CONCLUSIONS Distinct patterns of psychosocial health characterize this sexually active HIV-infected male patient population and are strongly associated with HIV sexual transmission risk. Public Health intervention efforts targeting HIV sexual risk transmission may benefit from considering symptom clusters that share internalizing or externalizing properties.
Evidence from Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of the Participation of Radical Intermediates in the Reaction Catalyzed by Methylmalonyl-coenzyme A Mutase

Recombinant methylmalonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) mutase from Propionibacterium shermanii has been purified 20-fold to near homogeneity in a highly active form. Neither the apoenzyme (the form in which the enzyme is isolated) nor the holoenzyme (reconstituted with the cofactor, adenosylcobalamin) has an electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum associated with it. However, the addition of either the substrate, methylmalonyl-CoA, or the product, succinyl-CoA, results in the appearance of a transient EPR signal. The signal has hyperfine features that indicate coupling of the unpaired electron to the cobalt nucleus. In the presence of [CD3]methylmalonyl-CoA, an EPR signal is also seen and is similar to that obtained in the presence of protiated substrate. Power saturation studies reveal the presence of two components, a slow relaxing species (with an apparent g value of 2.11) and a fast relaxing species (with an apparent g value of 2.14) that can be partially resolved at low temperature and high power. The EPR-active intermediate is observed under catalytic conditions and is approximately midway in its resonance position between a free radical and cob(II)alamin. It is postulated to represent an exchange-coupled cob(II)alamin.…free radical pair. The signal bears close resemblance to those observed with partially dehydrated polycrystalline adenosylcobalamin following laser photolysis (Ghanekar, V. D., Lin, R. J., Coffman, R. E., and Blakley, R. L. (1981) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 101, 215-221) and with the adenosylcobalamin-dependent ribonucleotide reductase under freeze-quench conditions (Orme-Johnson, W. H., Beinert, H., and Blakley, R. L. (1974) J. Biol. Chem. 249, 2338-2343). When cob(II)alamin is generated under noncatalytic conditions (i.e. in the presence of propionyl-CoA or by electrochemical reduction of enzyme-bound hydroxocob(III)alamin), a different EPR signal is observed with g┴ = 2.26 and g║ = 2.00, typical of base-on cob(II)alamin.
Chiral transmission to crystal photodimerizations of leucine–methionine quasiracemic assemblies

We report the deliberate use of molecular shape as a structural tool for generating homochiral photoreactive crystalline materials. Building on the crystal packing tendencies of amino acid quasiracemates to form near inversion related motifs, L-leucine and D-methionine were decorated with sulfonamidecinnamic acid groups. When co-crystallized, the ‘fish hook’ shaped components organize into supramolecular dimers with favorable olefin⋯olefin spacing (3.71 and 4.09 A). UV exposed samples were processed as single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations and showed quantitative conversion to the expected enantiopure photodimerization product. Similar crystal motifs and reaction outcomes were achieved using the racemic counterparts suggesting the importance of best-fit scenarios directed by the complementary features of molecular shape and non-bonded contacts.
Solid freeform fabrication of epoxidized soybean oil/epoxy composite with bis or polyalkyleneamine curing agents

Extrusion freeform fabrication has been used to make bars of fiber-reinforced epoxidized soybean oil (ESO)/epoxy resin. Freeform fabrication methods build materials by the repetitive addition of thin layers. The mixture of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and epoxy resin are modified with a gelling agent to solidify the materials until curing occurs. The high strength and stiffness composites are formed through fiber reinforcement. Glass, carbon and mineral fibers are used in the formulations. It is shown that the fiber orientation follows the direction of motion of the write head that deposits the resins and has a large influence on the properties of the composite. In addition, the effects of curing agents, curing temperature, epoxy/ESO ratio, and fiber loading on mechanical properties of composites are studied and reported.
On rule width and the unreasonable effectiveness of policy verification

Policies, such as routing tables and firewalls, are fundamental components of networking infrastructure. Unfortunately, existing policy verification and optimization algorithms require O(nd) time, where n is the number of rules (thousands), and d the number of fields (usually < 10). However, these algorithms perform very well in practice. In this paper, we provide the explanation for this result: n and d are not the only parameters of interest! Through experimental study of our Parallel Next-step Lookup system PaNeL, as well as the FDD and Probe algorithms for policy verification, we clearly demonstrate the importance of our proposed new metric - the “width index”. Some established algorithms (such as FDD, used for structured firewall design) indeed become intractable for policies with poor width index values. We therefore suggest that the “unreasonable effectiveness” of such algorithms for practical policies is possible because such policies have a reasonable width index.
One-stage esophagectomy and in situ colon interposition for esophageal replacement in children

Abstract Purpose: Esophageal replacement has been achieved using stomach, gastric tube, small intestine, and colon in various positions and in single or multiple stages. Long-term functional results are of prime importance in children with benign disease. The aim of this study is to present the immediate and long-term results of one-stage esophagectomy and in situ colon interposition esophageal replacement in children. Methods: Seven children have undergone onestage esophagectomy and in situ colon interposition esophageal replacement for stricture secondary to caustic ingestion (n = 4), battery ingestion (n = 2), and epidermolysis bullosa (n = 1). Technique: Via thoracoabdominal and cervical incisions, the transverse colon, isolated on the left colic artery, is pulled through the esophageal hiatus and normal esophageal bed into the neck at the time of simultaneous esophagectomy. The stomach is partially wrapped around the colon as an antireflux procedure and a pyloroplasty are performed. Results: There was no immediate postoperative morbidity or mortality. All patients were discharged taking a soft diet by mouth. There were no anastamotic leaks or strictures, and functional swallowing is excellent. Contrast studies show no dilation of the colon in the chest. Growth and development have been normal up to 7 years postoperatively. Conclusion: The one-stage esophagectomy and in situ colon interposition is an excellent technique for esophageal replacement in children. Continued evaluation of this technique will be necessary to confirm these preliminary results.
Studies of Opposed Flow Diffusion Flames with Solid-gas Interface— I. Experimental Measurements of Ammonium Perchlorate-Hydrocarbon Systems

Abstract To examine the gas-kinetics parameters pertinent to the flame reactions of ammonium perchlorate (AP) based propellants we have employed the heterogeneous opposed flow diffusion flame (HOFD). In this combustion system a diffusion flame is formed in the stagnation region between a gaseous stream of fuel and an opposing stream of oxidizer originating at the solid surface of A P. With increasing fuel flux the steady-state mass flux of AP reaches a value at which the kinetics of reaction limit the consumption of reactants. This limiting condition provides information on the gas phase kinetic parameters of the combustion system. Both the composition of the solid oxidizer and the gaseous fuels were varied in ( The experimental studies. The effect of different catalysts and solid fuels on the burning rate characteristics of the solid phase were examined. A number of gaseous hydrocarbon fuels were used . Based on the results kinetic expressions are derived for the overall combustion progress in the diffus...
World Stage: Crowdsourcing Paradigm for Expressive Social Mobile Music

The combination of powerful mobile devices and the connective potential of cloud-based computing are changing how, where, and when people use computers. No longer physically tethered, computers embedded in mobile phones and tablets freely roam in daily life alongside their human users while persistently connected to the network. At the same time, the pervasiveness of computing enables us to engage people to solve large-scale problems by leveraging human intelligence and the effect of large crowds. In this paper, we discuss a new model for crowdsourced musical interactions based on mobile devices. This model, which we call World Stage, is a pseudo-anonymous, location-aware ecosystem designed to connect hundreds of thousands of users in a social-musical game involving expressive musical performance and collaborative musical feedback. We describe the motivation and mechanics of the World Stage, and present a full implementation and case study around a commercial iPhone application: Smule’s Leaf Trombone: Wor...
A Temporal Dynamic Logic for Verifying Hybrid System Invariants

We combine first-order dynamic logic for reasoning about possible behaviour of hybrid systems with temporal logic for reasoning about the temporal behaviour during their operation. Our logic supports verification of hybrid programs with first-order definable flows and provides a uniform treatment of discrete and continuous evolution. For our combined logic, we generalise the semantics of dynamic modalities to refer to hybrid traces instead of final states. Further, we prove that this gives a conservative extension of dynamic logic. On this basis, we provide a modular verification calculus that reduces correctness of temporal behaviour of hybrid systems to non-temporal reasoning. Using this calculus, we analyse safety invariants in a train control system and symbolically synthesise parametric safety constraints.
Genetic and Environmental Aspects of Udder Infections

Abstract Information on the presence or absence of bacterial infections and abnormal secretions in each quarter of cows in their initial survey on the New York State Veterinary College Mastitis Program was used to obtain several criteria of udder infection. Year-season and stage of lactation effects were statistically significant for several criteria of infection in first, second, and later lactation groups but did not explain much of the variation in any infection criterion. Age within first and second lactation group also accounted for little of the variation in infection although age within later lactations accounted for up to 5% of the variation in some criteria. Heritabilities from sire components of variance were all low for first, second, and later lactation cows. Heritabilities from daughter-dam regression were low for first and second lactation cows but moderately high for later lactation cows. Regression of second lactation infections on first lactation infections, later lactation infections on first lactation infections, and later lactation infections on second lactation infections were moderately high. Heritabilities from sire components of variance were not increased by using two surveys per cow, by using only herds with high incidence of infections, or by using only sires with large numbers of daughters. Phenotypic relationships between milk yield and infections were all low. Some of the overall measurements of infection on later lactation cows had genetic correlations of approximately .3 with first lactation milk production.
Episodic luteinizing-hormone release in the ovariectomized female guinea pig: rapid inhibition by estrogen.

Negative feedback of estrogen was investigated in ovariectomized female guinea pigs. Two weeks after ovariectomy, indwelling catheters were inserted into the jugular vein, and 3 days later, blood samples were taken every 10 min to determine the pattern of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. LH secretion in these guinea pigs was episodic, with a mean pulse period of 32 min. The mean pulse amplitude was 2.1 ng/ml, with mean plasma LH levels of 1.8 ng/ml. Twenty-five micrograms 17 beta-estradiol (E2), given i.v., caused a pronounced inhibition of pulsatile LH release. Twenty-five microliters of 100% ethanol (vehicle) had no effect on plasma LH values. In a second set of experiments, ovariectomized female guinea pigs were given two injections of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) (1 microgram/kg BW, i.v.) separated by 30 min. Sharp rises in serum LH values were detected after each injection. A third injection of LHRH was administered after an injection of either 25 micrograms E2 or 25 microliters vehicle. In the presence of E2, the LH response was significantly (p less than 0.005) diminished, whereas the vehicle did not change the LH response to LHRH. These rapid effects of E2 on LH secretion and the pituitary responsiveness to LHRH infusion indicate that in the ovariectomized guinea pig E2 can directly block gonadotropin secretion. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that negative feedback actions of E2 are directly on the membrane of the gonadotrope.
Tunneling MOSFETs Based on III-V Staggered Heterojunctions

A critical problem for the progression of CMOS electronics to the nanoscale is the reduction of power density, while at the same time preserving high speed performance. One of the most promising approaches is to aggressively reduce the power supply voltage by using a novel device, the tunneling MOSFET (TMOSFET), which is a MOSFET that operates by tunnel-injection of carriers from source to channel, rather than by conventional thermionic emission. TMOSFETs benefit from steep (sub-60mV/dec) gate turn-on characteristics. In this paper we show that TMOSFET designs based on staggered heterojunctions are particularly promising, since the choice of materials for the injector (source) and channel allows optimization of the tunneling probability at the heterojunction. Analysis and simulation of MOSFETs based on the GaAlSb / InGaAs material system are presented. The energy offset between the valence band of the injector and the conduction band of the channel at the heterojunction can be tailored over a wide range, from negative values (“offset” band lineup) to values in excess of 1eV. We find by simulation that for optimal values of effective heterojunction bandgap near 0.2eV, the resulting MOSFETs are capable of delivering >0.5mA/mm while maintaining on-off ratio greater than four orders of magnitude over voltage swing of 0.3V. We also discuss a variety of materials-related challenges that must be overcome to realize the predicted performance. Among these are the need to provide near ideal heterojunctions between the materials, employ high K dielectrics with very low interface state density, and achieve good alignment between the gate and the heterojunction. Different configurations for the tunneling MOSFETs are presented.
Dynamic testing of old and young baboon cortical bone with numerical validation

Cortical bone tensile mechanical properties at quasistatic and high rates (∼300s −1 ) were determined ex vivo using the right femurs of 12 female baboons, ( Papio hamadryas spp.) from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute/Southwest National Primate Research Center in San Antonio, Texas. The animals were divided into two age groups: a young age group (6.63 ± 0.6 years) and an old age group (26.96 ± 1.3 years). Seven specimens per group were monotonically loaded to failure to determine their mechanical properties. The quasistatic strength of the bone for the old group was just a little (but not significantly) lower than the young group. High strain rate tests performed with the Hopkinson bar indicate that baboon bone from the older group was significantly weaker under impact loads than that from the younger group. This observation is particularly important due to the similarities between baboon and human bone tissue. Typical strain rates for these tests ranged from 130s −1 to 250s −1 . A full-size 3-D simulation of the Hopkinson bar test was performed to confirm that the bone specimen was under stress equilibrium and to evaluate the consistency of the modulus and strength inferred from the tests. Simulations were performed in which the modulus, strength and failure strain were varied to see the sensitivity of the results. Additionally, simplified simulations were performed to estimate the strain rate environment of a femur during a fall at an impact velocity of 5 m/s, similar to a free fall velocity from a height of 1.3 meters. The simulations confirm that strain rates obtained in the Hopkinson bar are relevant because they are similar to those expected inr such a fall.
Epigenetic Mechanisms Regulating Memory Formation in Health and Disease

In 1984, Francis Crick (1916–2004) proposed that “memory might be coded in alterations to particular stretches of chromosomal DNA” (Crick Nature 312:101, 1984). Although the response to this idea was relatively modest at the time, 20 years later it was shown that histone acetylation, a common form of epigenetic modification, was dynamically altered during memory formation (Levenson et al. J Biol Chem 279:40545–40559, 2004). Histone acetylation is regulated by the opposing activities of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs; Bird Nature 447:396–398, 2007; Berger et al. Genes Dev 23:781–783, 2009). HAT proteins are subdivided into five families that have high sequence similarity and related substrate specificity (Kimura et al. J Biochem 138:647–662, 2005). HDACs belong to an ancient protein family that is found in archea, eubacteria, plants, fungi and animals and that requires a Zn2+ ion as a cofactor. Based on phylogenetic analysis, HDACs are grouped into three classes (Class I, II and IV).
Resolving implicit barrier synchronizations in FPGA HLS (abstract only)

Existing C-to-FPGA high-level synthesis (HLS) tools are good at exploiting instruction-level and loop-level parallelism, but not efficient at exploiting task-level parallelism (or requires extensive manual re-write). In this paper, we present an automated flow and architecture template to map task-level data-model (coarse-grain task graphs) onto FPGAs. We automatically generate multiple communicating FSMDs (finite-state machine with datapath) based on the architecture template to manage the required synchronization and communication. The key architectural components in our approach include a progress table that traces task execution, an automatic memory duplication scheme that enables a larger parallelism and provides isolation between different tasks, and a memory lifetime analysis and reuse scheme to reduce the on-chip memory consumption. Through data-flow driven execution, the presented flow can reduce the total latency by 30%, with moderate area overhead, when compared with the RTL implementation using a single hierarchical FSMD generated by a state-of-art HLS tool.
The MSU Miniball 4π fragment detection array

Abstract A compact and highly granular charged particle detection array, covering 89% of 4π in solid angle, is described. In its present configuration, the array consists of 188 fast-plastic CsI(Tl) phoswich detectors arranged in 11 rings coaxial about the beam axis. Each phoswich detector is comprised of a 40 μm thick plastic scintillator foil and a 2 cm thick CsI(Tl) crystal selected for good scintillation uniformity. The detectors are read out by photomultiplier tubes. Elemental identification up to Z ≈ 18 and isotopic identification of H and He nuclei is achieved by exploiting pulse shape discrimination techniques.
A new method to obtain the shift-table in Boyer-Moore’s string matching algorithm

The Boyer-Moore algorithm uses two pre-computed tables for searching a string: skip, which utilizes the occurrence heuristic of symbols in a pattern, and shift, which utilizes the match heuristic of the pattern. Researchers have pointed out that the difficulty of understanding the computation of the shift table has hindered utilization of the algorithm in a wider range of applications. This paper describes an alternative way to compute the shift table. We believe that the new method is more intuitive and straightforward both conceptually and logically than the original method, and thus, easier to understand and to implement. Also, the new method has O(m) complexity in both required space and time for a pattern of length m. Therefore, it preserves the high performance of the Boyer-Moore algorithm.
Collaborating With Parents to Establish Behavioral Goals in Child-Centered Play Therapy

The purpose of this article is to provide specific guidelines for child-centered play therapists to set behavioral outcome goals to effectively work with families and to meet the demands for accountability in the managed care environment. The child-centered play therapy orientation is the most widely practiced approach among play therapists who identify a specific theoretical orientation. While information about setting broad objectives is addressed using this approach to therapy, explicit guidelines for setting behavioral goals, while maintaining the integrity of the child-centered theoretical orientation, are needed. The guidelines are presented in three phases of parent consultation: (a) the initial engagement with parents, (b) the ongoing parent consultations, and (c) the termination phase. In keeping with the child-centered approach, the authors propose to work with parents from a person-centered orientation and seek to appreciate how cultural influences relate to parents’ concerns and goals for thei...
Mechanical effect of contrast injection on coronary artery diameter during angiography

The authors performed an angiographic study in six healthy anaesthetized pigs to investigate possible mechanical effects of contrast injection on coronary artery pressure and diameter during the period of image acquisition. Angiograms were acquired at 30 f/sec for repeated injections of 8 ml of contrast material by hand and with a power injector at rates of 2, 4, and 6 ml/sec. A 1.5 F micro-tip pressure transducer was used to measure intracoronary pressure at 1, 2, and 4 cm downstream from the injection site for each injection rate. The results show a progressive increase in intracoronary pressure with increasing rate of injection (p >
An intelligent computer vision system

A unified approach to computer vision and human perception is proposed within the context of representation theory and the spherical model. The signal distribution received by the receptive fields is expanded in terms of spherical harmonics, with the Fourier coefficients of this expansion forming a complete set of features of the signal distribution under internal representations, and the features are then processed by the neural network. Support is given for the idea of linear and nonlinear mappings between sets of neurons being cognitive behaviors such as recognition and association, by the proposal of concrete formulations of such mappings between representation and interpretation spaces for edge detection and object recognition. 35 references.
Universal Navigation: Concept and Algorithms

Advances in key technologies such as mobile devices (in particular, cell phones), wireless, geo-positioning, Internet and web services are paving the way for the emergence of Universal NAVIgation Technology (UNAVIT). Unlike modern navigation technology which supports mainly standard navigation functions, operates mostly outdoors (some indoors), and lacks features for people with special needs, UNAVIT is intended to provide navigation services via cell phones anywhere, anytime, and for any user including those with specific needs and preferences. To address the features of UNAVIT, an infrastructure that includes such components as MetaNav, NavKiosks, and Navigation Web Services is presented. In this paper, we introduce the concept of UNAVIT and discuss its key algorithms to meet the unique UNAVIT’s features.
Light Organ and Eyestalk Compensation to Body Tilt in the Luminescent Midwater Shrimp, Sergestes Similis

The posterior light organ and eyestalk of the midwater shrimp, Sergestes similis Hansen, are capable of 140° of angular movement within the body during pitch body tilt, maintaining the organs at near horizontal orientations. Counter-rotations compensate for 74–80% of body inclination. These responses are statocyst mediated. Unilateral statolith ablation reduces compensation by 50%. There is no evidence for either homolateral or contralateral control by the single functioning statocyst. Bilateral lith ablation abolishes counter-rotation. Light organ and eyestalk orientations are unaffected by the direction of imposed body tilt. Bioluminescence is emitted downward from horizontal animals with an angular distribution similar to the distribution of oceanic light. The amount of downward directed luminescence in tilted animals decreases at large angles of body inclination due to less than total compensation by the light organs. Eye turning towards a light source is induced by upward-directed illumination. The resulting change in eyestalk orientations never amounts to more than 25°. The turning is abolished by bilateral statolith ablation. Downward directed illumination, comparable in intensity to oceanic light, generally does not generate significant eye turning. Light organ orientations remain unaffected by directional illumination, both before and after bilateral statolith ablation. The compensatory counter-rotations by the posterior light organ and eyestalk suggest that counter-illumination by S. similis remains effective in inclined animals.
Sequential plasma angiogenic factors levels in women with suspected preeclampsia.

Background Alterations in circulating angiogenic factors are associated with the diagnosis of preeclampsia and correlate with adverse perinatal outcomes during the third trimester. Objective Analysis of the sequential levels of plasma angiogenic factors among patients admitted for evaluation of preeclampsia. Study Design We performed an observational study among women with singleton pregnancies admitted to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, for evaluation of preeclampsia at less than 37 weeks of gestation. Plasma samples were collected on admission and daily for the first 3 days and then weekly until delivery. Doppler ultrasound was performed on admission (within 48 hours) and then weekly (within 24 hours of blood collection) to evaluate uteroplacental and umbilical blood flows. Maternal demographics, hospital course, mode of delivery, diagnosis of hypertensive disorder, adverse maternal outcomes (elevated liver function enzymes, low platelet count, pulmonary edema, cerebral hemorrhage, convulsion, acute renal insufficiency, or maternal death), and adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes (small for gestational age, abnormal umbilical artery Doppler, fetal death, and neonatal death) were recorded. Circulating angiogenic factors (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase and placental growth factor were measured on automated platform in a single batch after delivery and in a blinded fashion. Data are presented as median (25th to 75th centile), mean, or proportions as appropriate. Results During the study period, data from 100 women were analyzed for the study, and 43 had adverse outcomes. Women with adverse outcomes had lower gestational age of delivery, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures during hospitalization, and lower birthweight and placental weight (all P P P = .01). Similarly the absolute change per day for soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase/placental growth factor ratio was 15.1 (1.8, 58.1) versus 2.7 (−0.6, 8.3) between the two groups ( P = .004). The mean (range) days from admission to delivery was 6 (0–35) among subjects with soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase/placental growth factor ratio ≥85 and 14 (0–39) below a ratio of 85 ( P r = 0.35; P = .004). Conclusion Among women admitted for evaluation of preeclampsia, women at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes have higher soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase/placental growth factor ratio on admission, which continued to rise until delivery. Women with high soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase/placental growth factor ratios delivered sooner than women with low soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase/placental growth factor levels. These data support the hypothesis that targeting angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia may lead to prolongation of pregnancy.
Ternary diffusion path in terms of eigenvalues and eigenvectors

Based on the transfer matrix methodology, a new analysis is presented for the description of slopes of the ternary diffusion path for a solid–solid diffusion couple. Concentration profiles and diffusion paths for isothermal, ternary diffusion couples are examined in the context of eigenvalues and eigenvectors obtained from the diagonalisation of the ternary interdiffusion coefficients employed for their representation. New relations are derived relating the decoupled interdiffusion fluxes to combinations of concentration gradients through the major and minor eigenvalues, and the diffusion path becomes parallel to the major eigenvector at each path end. General expressions for the slope of the ternary diffusion path at any section of the couple are also derived in terms of eigenvalue and eigenvector parameters. Expressions for the path slope at the Matano plane involve only concentrations, major and minor eigenvalues and eigenvector parameters. New constraints relating the eigenvalues and the concentration...
An Interview with Dirk Struik on the Eve of His One Hundredth Birthday

Jim Tattersall (tat@providence.edu) earned his Ph.D. in 1971 at the University of Oklahoma in combinatorial topology under the supervision of David C. Kay. From the Northeastern Section, he received a Certificate of Meritorious Service in 1992 and the Award for . .. ..Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics in 1997. He teaches at Providence College in Rhode Island. His current research interests are in number theory, combinatorics, and the history of mathematics. His other interests include reading, gardening, and travel.
Methane Hydrate Nucleation Rates from Molecular Dynamics Simulations: Effects of Aqueous Methane Concentration, Interfacial Curvature, and System Size

Methane hydrate nucleation rates are reported from over 200 μs of molecular dynamics simulations across a range of thermodynamic conditions and varying degrees of methane–water interfacial curvatur...
Dietary requirements for fertility and lactation; rice and its by-products as sources of pyridoxine and pantothenic acid for reproduction and lactation.

SummaryResults are given on rice and its by-products as sources of pyridoxine and pantothenic acid for reproduction and lactation. The data in this study show that the requirements of pantothenic acid are much greater than those of pyridoxine for the albino rat, which become more accentuated during the period of lactation.
Economic Incentives and Regulatory Framework for Shale Gas Well Site Reclamation in Pennsylvania

Improperly abandoned gas wells threaten human health and safety as well as pollute the air and water. In the next 20 years, tens of thousands of new gas wells will be drilled into the Marcellus, Utica, and Upper Devonian shale formations of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania currently requires production companies to post a bond to ensure environmental reclamation of abandoned well sites, but the size of the bond covers only a small fraction of the site reclamation costs. The economics of shale gas development favor transfer of assets from large entities to smaller ones. With the assets go the liabilities, and without a mechanism to prevent the new owners from assuming reclamation liabilities beyond their means, the economics favor default on well-plugging and site restoration obligations. Policy options and alternatives to bonding are discussed and evaluated.
UV Tunable Laser Ablation of YBa2Cu3Ox+6: Changes in the Product Population and Kinetic Energy Distributions as a Function of the Laser Wavelength and Target Bulk Temperature

We have conducted two separate experiments in the UV laser ablation of a sintered Yba2Cu3Ox+6 wafer. We have measured the photoejected population distributions using selected UV laser wavelengths (4.01, 4.17 and 4.35 eV) near the 4.1 eV optical transition in Yba2Cu3Ox+6 In addition, we have measured the change in the ejected species kinetic energy as a function of the target bulk temperature. All the experiments were conducted at laser fluences well below the plasma formation threshold, and near that for product formation. Our results show that the UV laser ablation, at threshold fluences, proceeds via a nonthermal electronic excitation mechanism.
Robust neuronal dynamics in premotor cortex during motor planning

Neural activity maintains representations that bridge past and future events, often over many seconds. Network models can produce persistent and ramping activity, but the positive feedback that is critical for these slow dynamics can cause sensitivity to perturbations. Here we use electrophysiology and optogenetic perturbations in the mouse premotor cortex to probe the robustness of persistent neural representations during motor planning. We show that preparatory activity is remarkably robust to large-scale unilateral silencing: detailed neural dynamics that drive specific future movements were quickly and selectively restored by the network. Selectivity did not recover after bilateral silencing of the premotor cortex. Perturbations to one hemisphere are thus corrected by information from the other hemisphere. Corpus callosum bisections demonstrated that premotor cortex hemispheres can maintain preparatory activity independently. Redundancy across selectively coupled modules, as we observed in the premotor cortex, is a hallmark of robust control systems. Network models incorporating these principles show robustness that is consistent with data.
Duplication of the Index Finger

Four cases of duplication of the index finger are presented. Although this particular lesion has not been previously reported, it represents a congential anomaly of the hand which is not rare.
Antifungal adjuvants: Preserving and extending the antifungal arsenal

As the rates of systemic fungal infections continue to rise and antifungal drug resistance becomes more prevalent, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options. This issue is exacerbated by the limited number of systemic antifungal drug classes. However, the discovery, development, and approval of novel antifungals is an extensive process that often takes decades. For this reason, there is growing interest and research into the possibility of combining existing therapies with various adjuvants that either enhance activity or overcome existing mechanisms of resistance. Reports of antifungal adjuvants range from plant extracts to repurposed compounds, to synthetic peptides. This approach would potentially prolong the utility of currently approved antifungals and mitigate the ongoing development of resistance.
Neoliberalism, Inequality, and the Erosion of Social Well-being

In this chapter, Rogers-Vaughn identifies neoliberalism as an adaptive, reflexive, cultural process that continually morphs to reflect and transform the cultures in which it is embedded. Tracing the history of neoliberal thought from 1920 to the present, he provides a framework for understanding neoliberalization as a cultural project that collapses economic, social, and political spheres, permeating all areas of discourse and profoundly impacting the way we relate to ourselves and each other. He argues that neoliberal societies, being founded on principles of competition and inequality, both enhance violence in society and promote isolated individualism, resulting in social fragmentation and varied forms of suffering. Rogers-Vaughn also draws attention to the ways in which postmodern theories have been complicit with neoliberalism, calling for an integration of Marx’s critique of capitalism with Foucault’s analysis of governmentality.
The modified operative technique of partial eversion carotid endarterectomy.

We report a modified operative technique termed partial eversion carotid endarterectomy (PECE). During a 9-year period (2006-2015), 352 patients underwent PECE. Indications for surgery, intraoperative details, and outcomes were recorded. The initial 185 patients had carotid duplex ultrasound imaging at 6 weeks and then at 6, 12, and 24 months. Subsequent patients had carotid imaging at 4 to 6 weeks. Indications included stroke (76), transient ischemic attack (153), and amaurosis fugax (33); 58 patients were asymptomatic, and 32 patients had surgery before cardiac surgery. Median clamp time was 14 minutes (interquartile range, 11.5-17 minutes). Median total operation time was 41 minutes (interquartile range, 31-72 minutes). Outcomes included four transient ischemic attacks (1.2%), five strokes (1.4%), and two deaths at 30 days (0.5%). No significant cranial nerve injuries or carotid restenosis was detected during follow-up. PECE is technically straightforward, with outcomes comparable to those of current operative techniques. Its advantages included reduced operative and carotid clamping time.
Regulation of Osteoblast Activity and the Osteoblast-Osteocyte Transformation

According to currently held concepts of bone formation (Table 1), osteoblasts develop from mitotically competent marrow stromal cells by a process of non-mitotic differentiation (modulation) (1,2). Osteoblasts are attracted to the bone surfaces, and are activated to elaborate lamellae of collagen-rich organic matrix (osteoid) which is subsequently mineralized. Inactive osteoblasts, having completed a cycle of bone formation, remain attached to bone, where they appear as flattened, biosynthetically dormant cells. A small proportion of osteoblasts are trapped in the newly secreted osteoid and are buried in successively formed layers of bone. These internalized cells, termed osteocytes, remain connected to each other and to surface osteoblasts by slender processes that traverse the microcanalicular system of bone (3), yielding an apparent syncytium that provides an enormous surface area for mineral exchange and a mechanism for conducting ions from bone to vascular channels. Indeed, the osteocyte network may mediate, at least in part, the role of the skeleton in maintaining mineral and acid-base homeostasis (Table 1).
Reliable Flash Calculations: Part 3. A Nonsmooth Approach to Density Extrapolation and Pseudoproperty Evaluation

It is essential for reliable process simulation and optimization software to have extremely robust subroutines for thermophysical property evaluation and vapor–liquid equilibrium (flash) calculations. However, in the course of obtaining such values or solving such a problem, it is possible that the thermodynamic model will be queried for liquid or vapor properties of a mixture at conditions far from the physical solution or where one phase physically does not exist. Under these conditions, and in the common situation where both phases are described by the same equation of state (EOS), the model may return a liquid-like density for the vapor phase or vice versa. It is well-known that this behavior can cause a flash calculation algorithm to converge to the trivial solution of the equations (indistinguishable liquid and vapor phases) or simply fail. To mitigate this behavior, a number of articles have suggested methods for evaluating and postprocessing the density calculated by the EOS to promote convergence...
Uveal effusion syndrome in 104 eyes: Response to corticosteroids - The 2017 Axel C. Hansen lecture.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the corticosteroids for uveal effusion syndrome (UES). Methods: Retrospective series of 104 eyes with UES treated with oral corticosteroids (OCS), periocular corticosteroids (PCS), topical corticosteroids (TCS), or observation (OBS). Main outcome measure was UES resolution. Results: Of 104 eyes, treatment included OCS (n = 27), PCS (n = 12), TCS (n = 11), and OBS (n = 54). A comparison of the four groups (OCS vs. PCS vs. TCS vs. OBS) revealed differences in those managed with OCS versus OBS as younger (66 vs. 72 years, P = 0.049), PCS versus OBS as male (100% vs. 54%, P = 0.002), PCS versus OBS with decreased visual acuity (VA)/visual field (91% vs. 51%, P = 0.018), and OBS versus OCS as asymptomatic (28% vs. 0%, P = 0.001). Of the 59 with follow-up information, management included OCS (n = 21), PCS (n = 12), TCS (n = 6), and OBS (n = 20). There were differences in initial VA <20/400 in PCS versus OBS (42% vs. 5%, P = 0.018), effusion thickness in TCS versus OCS (7 vs. 3 mm, P = 0.004), and serous retinal detachment in PCS versus OBS (100% vs. 30%, P < 0.001) and PCS versus OCS (100% vs. 57%, P = 0.012). Regarding outcomes, VA showed less worsening in OCS versus OBS (0% vs. 30%, P = 0.008) and OCS versus PCS (0% vs. 33%, P = 0.012). There was no difference in rate of effusion resolution or effusion recurrence. Overall, using combination of corticosteroid therapies, effusion resolution was achieved in 56/59 (95%) cases and the need for surgical management with scleral windows was necessary in only 3/59 (5%) cases. Complications included cataract (n = 9) and no instance of steroid-induced glaucoma. Conclusion: Management of UES is complex and depends on disease severity. Using various corticosteroid delivery routes, UES control was achieved in 95%, and scleral window surgery was required in only 5%. A trial of corticosteroids can benefit patients with UES.
Optical Study of YBCO Thin Films: Spectral Anomales of Low Temperature Dynamics of Strongly Correlated Charges

Based on the low-temperature optical experiments (absorption and reflection) in visible and middle infrared frequency regions with epitaxial films of copper oxide materials like a YiBa2Cu306+x, we considered the anomalous spectral effects in HTSC having no analogy with conventional BCS superconductors: (1) the optical response to superconducting transition at Tc; (2) the spectral weight redistribution induced by doping and temperature; (3) the drastic enhancement of low-temperature photodoping; (4) the long spin-structure relaxation via temperature variations seen in the optical spectra. The thorough analysis of the results obtained is fully compatible with the concept of two-component system of light and heavy carriers (holes), being in dynamical coexistence. The dynamical coexistence of the intraband carriers occurs on the background of strongly correlation interrelation of the carriers with the interband (charge transfer) excitations.
ANATOMY OF THE UPPER EXTREMITY MUSCLE COMPARTMENTS

SUMMARY Multiple and anatomically distinct compartments are present in the upper extremity. A compartment is defined as an enclosed space formed by fascia or by a combination of fascia and bone that contains one or more muscles. Knowledge of these anatomic compartments and their contents will facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
Acousto-Optic Measurement of Pressure Profiles in Ultrasonic Fields

A Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) detector is used in a Schlieren imaging system to determine pressure profiles in an ultrasonic field. The ultrasonic field studied is from a 1.10 Mhz line focus transducer in water, operated in the Raman-Nath regime. The Schlieren images are made using only the first diffraction orders. Comparison of pressure profiles made with a conventional PVDF needle hydrophone are used to demonstrate the usefulness of the Schlieren imaging technique.