cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Starch‐stearic Acid Complex Development within Single and Twin Screw Extruders

Corn starch was extruded with 4% stearic acid in Brabender single screw and twin screw laboratory extruders. The screws were cooled and removed and samples were collected from locations along the screws. In the single screw extruder, starch gelatinization as determined by DSC and polarized light microscopy started in the compression zone and was completed in the metering zone. Starch-stearic acid complex formation as determined by iodine binding capacity and X-ray diffraction started at the same point as gelatinization and increased to a maximum near the tip of the screw. In the twin screw extruder, starch gelatinization and starch-stearic acid complex formation started at a distance of seven screw diameters and continued from there to the die end.
Microwave Assisted Magnetic Recording Utilizing Perpendicular Spin Torque Oscillator With Switchable Perpendicular Electrodes

In this paper, we present a systematic micromagnetic modeling study on microwave assisted magnetic recording (MAMR) utilizing a perpendicular spin torque oscillator (PSTO) to generate localized circular ac field. The PSTO at narrow track width naturally produces a circular field rotating at desired high frequency within the plane of the media, resulting in a substantially enhanced effective write field gradient. With the STT oscillator generated ac field waveform, recording simulations show that area recording density exceeding 3 Tbits/in2 can be readily achieved with a medium signal-to-noise ratio above 13 dB (1T-SNR) and thermal stability at KuV = 60 kB T300°K.
HYDROXOCOBALAMIN AS A CYANIDE ANTIDOTE: SAFETY, EFFICACY AND PHARMACOKINETICS IN HEAVILY SMOKING NORMAL VOLUNTEERS

The safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic parameters of 5 g of hydroxocobalamin given intravenously, alone or in combination with 12.5 g of sodium thiosulfate, were evaluated in healthy adult men wh...
A Review of: “Speth, James Gustave. Red Sky at Morning: America and the Crisis of the Global Environment”

Introducing environmental problems to the uninitiated often results in a sense that the sky is falling. As an analyst, policymaker, academic, and visionary in the U.S. environmental movement, Speth...
New Ways of Managing Under Prospective Payment and Their Impact on the Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases

Medicare's Prospective Payment System (PPS) and its Diagnostic Related Groups (DRG) have celebrated a second anniversary. There is little doubt that the momentum of change started by the prospective payment concept will be around for some time. The formula for success contains a new approach to the management of health care organizations, instilling new life into health care management, creating challenges of new relationships and roles for medical staff, and serving to reshape the organizational structure of health care providers. Medicare will not be the only benefactor of this new scheme as prepayment spreads to other payors and providers of health care. Health care organizations have an opportunity to be innovative. Success will depend on whether health care executives and physicians can change, whether the results are satisfactory to users and payors, and whether the right incentives are preserved. The practice of infectious disease can play a unique and beneficial role in the prevention and control of infections through cost-effective surveillance programs and in the development and management of the antibiotics formulary. The costs of care can be appropriately controlled under the fixed payment systems, and survival in the new environment, more assured.
An optimal control algorithm using the Davidon‐Fletcher‐Powell method with the fibonacci search

A numerical method for solving a class of nonlinear optimal control problems is presented. The approach reformulates the associated two-point boundary value problem as a multidimensional minimization problem. This problem is, in turn, solved by using the method of Davidon-Fletcher-Powell. The one-dimensional minimization problem implicit in the implementation of the Davidon-Fletcher-Powell algorithm is handled with the Fibonacci search technique. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method for problems with and without magnitude constraints on the control variable(s).
CtBP2 proteome: Role of CtBP in E2F7-mediated repression and cell proliferation

C-terminal binding protein (CtBP) family transcriptional corepressors include CtBP1 and CtBP2. While CtBP1 and CtBP2 share significant amino acid sequence homology, CtBP2 possesses a unique N-terminal domain that is modified by acetylation and contributes to exclusive nuclear localization. Although CtBP1 and CtBP2 are functionally redundant for certain activities during vertebrate development, they also perform unique functions. Previous studies have identified several CtBP1-interacting proteins that included other transcriptional corepressors, DNA-binding repressors and histone modifying enzymatic components such as the histone deacetylases and the histone demethylase LSD-1. Here, we carried out an unbiased proteomic analysis of CtBP2-associated proteins and discovered the association of several components of the CtBP1 proteome as well as novel interactions. The CtBP2 proteome contained components of the NuRD complex and the E2F family member E2F7. E2F7 interacted with the hydrophobic cleft region of CtBP1 and CtBP2 through a prototypical CtBP binding motif, PIDLS. E2F7 repressed E2F1 transcription, inhibited cell proliferation in a CtBP-dependent fashion. Our study identified CtBP as a corepressor of E2F7 and as a regulator of DNA damage response.
A Finite Element Model to Simulate Formation of the Inverted-V Deformity

ImportanceComputational modeling can be used to mimic the forces acting on the nasal framework that lead to the inverted-V deformity (IVD) after surgery and potentially determine long-range outcome...
Layer-by-layer deposition of all-nanoparticle multilayers in confined geometries.

Nanofluidic arrays containing high-aspect-ratio nanochannels were used as a platform for the deposition of all nanoparticle multilayers. LbL assembly of 6 nm titania and 15 nm silica nanoparticles resulted in conformal multilayers of uniform thickness throughout the nanochannels. These multilayers are inherently nanoporous with void volume fractions of about 0.5. Compared to unconfined assembly of the same materials on flat substrates, thinner multilayer films were observed for the case of deposition within confined channel geometries because of surface charge-induced electrostatic depletion of the depositing species. Additionally, systematic and reproducible bridging of the nanochannels occurred as multilayer assembly progressed, a phenomenon not seen in our earlier work involving polyelectrolytes. This behavior was attributed to relatively weak nanoparticle adsorption and the resulting formation of large aggregates. These results demonstrate a new route by which confined geometries can be coated and eve...
Development of an Incurred Cornbread Model for Gluten Detection by Immunoassays

Gluten that is present in food as a result of cross-contact or misbranding can cause severe health concerns to wheat-allergic and celiac patients. Immunoassays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and lateral flow device (LFD), are commonly used to detect gluten traces in foods. However, the performance of immunoassays can be affected by non-assay-related factors, such as food matrix and processing conditions. Gluten (0-500 ppm) and wheat flour (20-1000 ppm) incurred cornbread was prepared at different incurred levels and baking conditions (204.4 °C for 20, 27, and 34 min) to study the accuracy and precision of gluten measurement by seven immunoassay kits (three LFD and four ELISA kits). The stability and immunoreactivity of gluten proteins, as measured by western blot using three different antibodies, were not adversely affected by the baking conditions. However, the gluten recovery varied depending upon the ELISA kit and the gluten source used to make the incurred cornbread, affecting the accuracy of gluten quantification (BioKits, 9-77%; Morinaga, 91-137%; R-Biopharm, 61-108%; and Romer Labs, 113-190%). Gluten recovery was reduced with increased baking time for most ELISA kits analyzed. Both the sampling and analytical variance increased with an increase in the gluten incurred level. The predicted analytical coefficient of variation associated with all ELISA kits was below 12% for all incurred levels, indicative of good analytical precision.
Carrier-Mediated Magnetoelectric Coupling in Functionalized Graphene

Materials in which magnetic order and electric fields can be coupled are of high fundamental and technological interests. Electrical control of magnetism is not only important for ultralow power consumption applications, but also enables control over intrinsic material properties that may have a major step in new developments in spintronic and magnetoelectric devices. Here we show that the magnetism induced by aryl-radicals covalently functionalized on top of multilayer graphene is sensitive to external electric fields which coupled to the interlayer charge-imbalance yields a strong magnetoelectric coupling. We used first-principles simulations, taking into account van der Waals dispersion forces, to show that this effect is thickness-dependent: it increases dramatically to thicker graphene structures reaching magnetoelectric coefficients comparable to perovskite interfaces. The interplay between electric fields and magnetism also leads functionalized graphene layers to a fully polarized spin state (half-...
The University of California Center Sacramento Public Engagement through Research, Public Service, and Teaching

In submitting this document to the Academic Senate and executive leadership of the ten campuses of the University of California (UC), the University of California Center Sacramento (UCCS) proposes to convert from a successful pilot education program to a permanent portal for engagement between UC research and education and the Sacramento policy community. This introduction explains why UCCS has been established, and why UCCS’s further institutional evolution will enhance the public engagement of – and public support for – UC’s campuses. Context: The Challenge of Relevance. UC is arguably the world’s foremost center of higher learning and research. Its faculty, researchers, and students constitute a deep, resilient network whose intellectual resources have radiated ideas into every corner of human endeavor. The University also is a land-grant institution. As such, it has a continuing obligation to serve California and its residents – a responsibility embodied in the university’s threefold mission of teaching, research and public service. UC meets this obligation in part through the activities of its campuses and laboratories, each of which improves the common weal by pursuing the university’s overall mission. The instructional mission leads to the training of ever-new generations of California policy and political leaders. Research findings isolated and reported on campuses also are, of course, generally applicable. Each campus contributes to the university’s com-
Forward-Looking Radar Imaging: A Comparison of Two Data Processing Strategies

This paper aims at comparing the conventional backpropagation algorithm and a microwave tomographic approach in the framework of forward-looking ground-penetrating radar imaging. The reconstruction capabilities of both methods are investigated in terms of achievable resolution limits for a sensing configuration similar to the Synchronous Impulse Reconstruction radar developed at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. Furthermore, reconstruction results obtained by processing full-wave simulated data are shown with the goal of comparing the capability of both methods to detect buried and surface targets in scenarios emulating realistic operation conditions.
Long-term operational testing of quantum cascade lasers

In this paper, we present the results of long-term operational testing of several quantum cascade laser (QCL) variants to illustrate their robustness and long lifetimes. Performance factors are investigated including power and spectral stability over different timescales ranging from days to years. The effects of burn-in, packaging, mounting, and facet coatings are considered with respect to their influence on long-term laser performance. In addition, the results from the several years’ operation of a custom external cavity quantum cascade laser-based trace gas sensor are presented to highlight the reliable performance of QCL-based sensor systems. This sensor monitored the laboratory air for multiple chemicals and operated continuously for two years without any evidence of degradation in performance. The data from all of these experiments will be discussed to demonstrate the reliability and robust performance of QCLs.
A GENERAL EXPRESSION FOR ABELIAN IDENTITIES

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a general explicit expression for the Abelian identities, for all p, q ≥0, using similar word counting arguments. A mapping is a function from a set into itself. The graph of a mapping f is a directed graph where every node has outdegree one. It consists of a collection of directed trees with their roots linked into directed loops. The elements that are part of a loop are called recurrent . The restriction of f to the recurrent elements is a permutation of these elements. The end of a cycle is signalled by a new left-to-right maximum. FF-encoding is a permutation of the trivial encoding. It is a 1–1 correspondence because it can be reversed.
9. IOM of peripheral nerves, plexus, roots and spinal cord

In the laboratory, motor conduction studies are recorded using surface electrodes. Supramaximal stimulation can synchronously depolarize all the functioning motor axons with minimal temporal dispersion. A well-placed surface electrode captures a large, compound muscle action potential (CMAP). Needle electromyography (EMG) can effectively record only a restricted field of a few cubic millimeters. Near field recording makes possible motor unit analysis and acquisition of pathologic Surface electrodes (including short “EEG” needles) often fail to record intraoperative neurotonics. Intraoperative navigation about nerves depends on reliable neurotonic surveillance and acquisition of amply summated CMAPs after stimulation. Robust conduction studies (and neurotonic recording) can usually be performed if a sufficient length of bare wire (a partially denuded monopolar EMG electrodes) can be implanted intramuscularly. Peripheral motor axons will depolarize if struck with sufficient energy. For a given mass, end velocity 2 of the nerve impact determines (1) whether individual axons will fire and (2) how many axons will fire (i.e., the amplitude of the recorded submaximal nerve action potential). Acutely (or chronically) injured nerves may lose the ability to accommodate; that is, they keep firing repetitively well after the stimulus. Train neurotonics (“A trains” per Romstock, 2000) are likely explained by the “breakdown” of accommodation.
Enhanced metathesis of ethylene and 2-butene on tungsten incorporated ordered mesoporous silicates

Abstract Tungsten-incorporated 3D mesoporous silicates, W-KIT-6, W-KIT-5, and W-SBA-16 catalysts, outperform supported tungsten oxide catalysts (WO3/SiO2 and WO3/KIT-6) for the metathesis of ethylene and 2-butene to propene at 450 °C. All catalysts exhibit steady activity and stability during 7 h runs in a fixed-bed reactor. Furthermore, on all mesoporous catalysts, a maximum propylene yield was obtained at an optimum W loading at which the catalyst acidity is also maximum. Slightly delayed addition of the W source during the one-pot synthesis protocol markedly improves the propene yield on W-KIT-6 catalyst. XPS results conclusively show that this enhancement is due to preferential enrichment of active W species on the catalyst surface. Extended runs lasting five days reveal very little loss of activity even which is easily recovered by calcination in air.
Improving Upper Extremity Motor Skills in Girls with Rett Syndrome Using Virtual Reality

Introduction : Rett Syndrome is a genetic disorder that limits a girlâ€™s ability to use her upper extremities for daily activities, such as dressing and playing. One possible intervention to improve upper extremity function in this population is virtual reality, which can be used to increase activity demands during therapy sessions. Objectives : To determine the feasibility of using internet-based virtual reality intervention for Rett Syndrome (RTT-IVR), to decrease hand wringing/mouthing and increase hand and arm movements away from the midline by identifying attributes and limitations to the proposed intervention. Materials and Methods : Using FAAST Software and Microsoft Kinect sensor, RTT-IVR was trialed with 6 girls with RTT. Upper extremity movements were used to play free Internet games as means of increasing repetitions and purposeful arm movements. Data regarding attributes and limitations of the RTT-IVR intervention were collected via observation and post-session parent interviews. Results : Interviews and observation revealed successful game play when games were motivating, clearly established cause and effect, and matched level of cognitive ability of the participant. Limitations include technological glitches regarding Kinect sensor sensitivity and identifying appropriate games for each participantâ€™s interests and abilities. Conclusion : Internet based virtual reality interventions for girls with RTT should be highly individualized to increase motivation and success of intervention.
GENETIC CONTROL OF δ-AMINOLEVULINATE DEHYDRATASE IN ADULT LIVER, FETAL LIVER, AND A HEPATOMA OF INBRED MICE

ABSTRACT. δ-Aminolevulinate dehydratase isolated from fetal liver and a hepatoma has been compared to the enzyme from adult liver. The fetal liver enzyme is less stable to denaturation by heat and is catalytically more efficient than the enzyme from adult liver. The enzyme from a fast growing hepatoma has the same properties as the enzyme from fetal liver. The enzymes from all three tissue sources are similar in molecular size, electrophoretic mobility, apparent K m for the substrate, δ-aminolevulinic acid, number of active sites, and pattern of peptides released by trypsin. These results indicate that the cellular mechanism controlling the structure of δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase in fetal liver is expressed again in the hepatoma and that a combined genetic-biochemical approach can provide insight into this mechanism of regulation.
Surface roughness dependence of the electrical resistivity of W(001) layers

The resistivity ρ of epitaxial W(001) layers grown on MgO(001) at 900 °C increases from 5.63 ± 0.05 to 27.6 ± 0.6 μΩ-cm with decreasing thickness d = 390 to 4.5 nm. This increase is due to electron-surface scattering but is less pronounced after in situ annealing at 1050 °C, leading to a 7%–13% lower ρ for d < 20 nm. The ρ(d) data from in situ and ex situ transport measurements at 295 and 77 K cannot be satisfactorily described using the existing Fuchs-Sondheimer (FS) model for surface scattering, as ρ for d < 9 nm is larger than the FS prediction and the annealing effects are inconsistent with a change in either the bulk mean free path or the surface scattering specularity. In contrast, introducing an additive resistivity term ρmound which accounts for surface roughness resolves both shortcomings. The new term is due to electron reflection at surface mounds and is, therefore, proportional to the ballistic resistance times the average surface roughness slope, divided by the layer thickness. This is confir...
Exponential Decay for the Wave Equation Equipped with a Point Damping Device

In this chapter we introduce a particular type of degenerate point damping device for the one-dimensional wave equation and show that it can provide its uniform stabilization with exponential decay rate, regardless of the location of this point on the string. Its physical interpretation is explicitly described. We also extend this result to chains of strings.
Cloud-based system for rational use of pesticide to guarantee the source safety of traceable vegetables

Abstract Recent legal requirements and market demands have motivated more food companies to implement traceability systems. Ensuring safe farming practices is the first step in food supply chain traceability, and reasonable pesticide use is a main feature of food safety and sustainable production. This study describes the design and development of a cloud-based platform for rational pesticide use to guarantee the source safety of traceable vegetables. The system includes a pesticide use control cloud platform (PUCC) and a pesticide user application (PUA), which interactively guide users through the steps of pesticide purchasing, pesticide application, harvest time, and pesticide evaluation. Models for evaluating and recommending potential pesticides were developed based on an open library of pesticide use rules. The PUCC, which includes the main functions of farmer registration, authentication of platform administrator, and information management for plant protection service agencies, was developed using Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 and deployed on the Internet. The PUA provides interfaces for pesticide purchasing guideline, pesticide application, optimal harvest time, and feedback. As a case study, the system was used for about a year in 24 vegetable bases in Tianjin. The effectiveness of the system was evaluated by investigating 8 management center staff members and 41 farmers. Management agencies noted the positive effects of promoting reasonable pesticide use, facilitating information accessibility, and enhancing management. Advantages to farmers included reducing the risk of unreasonable pesticide usage, decreasing the risk of counterfeit pesticides, and improving vegetable quality and safety; disadvantages included increased costs and reduced efficiency. In addition, the system improved external and internal traceability to ensure crop quality and safety.
Employee recruitment and job search: Towards a multi-level integration

Abstract This study describes an attempt to develop an integrative model of job search and employee recruitment. Inevitably multi-level in nature, the model demonstrates the interplay between organizational-level factors and individual-level factors in influencing the outcomes of employee recruitment and job search activities. According to the model, influenced by job seeker and organizational characteristics, job search and recruitment activities jointly create job awareness, which is the first step in organizational attraction. Next, depending on the job seeker's current job situation, this attraction leads to job pursuit intention and behavior. The model also emphasizes the longitudinal nature of the process by which individuals gain employment. Finally, since each organization's applicant pool consists of job seekers with some common characteristics attracted to the same position, the model proposes that recruitment and job search can be examined by utilizing a multilevel framework.
Flipping the Switch: Fast Photoisomerization in a Confined Environment

Stimuli-responsive materials are vital for addressing emerging demands in the advanced technology sector as well as current industrial challenges. Here, we report for the first time that coordinative integration of photoresponsive building blocks possessing photochromic spiropyran and diarylethene moieties within a rigid scaffold of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) could control photophysics, in particular, cycloreversion kinetics, with a level of control that is not accessible in the solid state or solution. On the series of photoactive materials, we demonstrated for the first time that photoisomerization rates of photochromic compounds could be tuned within almost 2 orders of magnitude. Moreover, cycloreversion rates of photoresponsive derivatives could be modulated as a function of the framework structure. Furthermore, through MOF engineering we were able to achieve complete isomerization for coordinatively immobilized spiropyran derivatives, typically exhibiting limited photoswitching behavior in the s...
Letter to Turing

This personal, yet scientific, letter to Alan Turing, reflects on Turing's personality in order to better understand his scientific quest. It then focuses on the impact of his work today. By joinin...
Sepsis Increases Muscle Proteolysis in Severely Burned Adults, but Does not Impact Whole-Body Lipid or Carbohydrate Kinetics

ABSTRACTSepsis is a common and often fatal consequence of severe burn injury, but its exact effects on whole body and muscle metabolism in the burn patient is unclear. To address this, 13 septic and 11 nonseptic patients (age: 36.9 ± 13.0 years) with burns encompassing >30% of their total body surfa
Identification of a Xist silencing domain by Tiling CRISPR

Despite essential roles played by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in development and disease, methods to determine lncRNA cis-elements are lacking. Here, we developed a screening method named “Tiling CRISPR” to identify lncRNA functional domains. Using this approach, we identified Xist A-Repeats as the silencing domain, an observation in agreement with published work, suggesting Tiling CRISPR feasibility. Mechanistic analysis suggested a novel function for Xist A-repeats in promoting Xist transcription. Overall, our method allows mapping of lncRNA functional domains in an unbiased and potentially high-throughput manner to facilitate the understanding of lncRNA functions.
Transgender Students in Elementary Schools: How Supportive Principals Lead:

Purpose: Increased awareness and acceptance of transgender people in the United States is reflected in our nation’s schools. Unfortunately, educational leaders do not typically receive training rel...
Prevalence of Viremic Hepatitis C Virus Infection by Age, Race/Ethnicity, and Birthplace and Disease Awareness Among Viremic Persons in the United States, 1999-2016.

Background Athough curative therapy is now available for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United States, it is not clear whether all affected persons have been diagnosed and/or linked to care. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2016) and included 46 465 nonincarcerated and noninstitutionalized participants. Results Viremic HCV prevalence decreased from 1.32% in 1999-2004 to 0.80% in 2011-2016, although most of the decrease occurred in US-born whites and blacks but not the foreign-born or those born after 1985. In 2011-2016, approximately 1.90 million US adults remained viremic with HCV, and 0.33 million were at higher risk for advanced fibrosis, but only 49.8% were aware of their HCV infection, with higher disease awareness in those with health insurance coverage and US-born persons. Conclusions The prevalence of viremic HCV has decreased in recent years among US born whites and blacks but not in other race/ethnicities and foreign-born persons and birth cohort born after 1985. Less than half of the viremic population was aware of having HCV infection. Improved HCV screening and linkage to care are needed, especially for the uninsured, foreign-born, birth cohort after 1985 and certain ethnic minorities.
Application of HPLC method in determination of miconazole nitrate in environmental samples from el gharbia governorate in Egypt nbsp

This paper describes an enhanced High performance liquid chromatography HPLC method for the analysis of miconazole in water samples In this study determination of miconazole has been carried out according to standard method for water and wastewater analysis Samples of collected water were agriculture stream water River Nile Surface water samples water and Hospital wastewater samples from El gharbia governorate in Egypt Miconazole was extracted by liquid liquid extraction and analyzed by HPLC The chromatographic separation was performed using a Phenomenex C column flow rate of mL min and UV detection at nm The optimized HPLC system was achieved using mobile phase composition containing methanol water v v The intra day and inter day precisions were lower than while the accuracy ranged from to Finally liquid liquid phase extraction in combination with HPLC is a sensitive and effective method for the determination of Miconazole Nitrate in water samples Miconazole was observed in some agricultural streams and waste water samples of El gharbia governorate hospitals
Spinoza's counter-aesthetics

Spinoza says very little about art or literature in his work; a fact which partly explains the absence of references to him by the German initiators of aesthetics in the eighteenth century, includi...
Compliant morphing structures from twisted bulk metallic glass ribbons

Abstract In this work, we investigate the use of pre-twisted metallic ribbons as building blocks for shape-changing structures. We manufacture these elements by twisting initially flat ribbons about their (lengthwise) centroidal axis into a helicoidal geometry, then thermoforming them to make this configuration a stress-free reference state. The helicoidal shape allows the ribbons to have preferred bending directions that vary throughout their length. These bending directions serve as compliant joints and enable several deployed and stowed configurations that are unachievable without pre-twist, provided that compaction does not induce material failure. We fabricate these ribbons using a bulk metallic glass (BMG), for its exceptional elasticity and thermoforming attributes. Combining numerical simulations, an analytical model based on a geometrically nonlinear plate theory and torsional experiments, we analyze the finite-twisting mechanics of various ribbon geometries. We find that, in ribbons with undulated edges, the twisting deformations can be better localized onto desired regions prior to thermoforming. Finally, we join multiple ribbons to create deployable systems with complex morphing attributes enabled by the intrinsic chirality of our twisted structural elements. Our work proposes a framework for creating fully metallic, yet compliant structures that may find application as elements for space structures and compliant robots.
Longitudinal Impact of Life Events on Adolescent Binge Drinking in the National Consortium on Alcohol and Neurodevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA).

Background: Life events experienced during adolescence are associated with risk and resilience to heavy episodic drinking (HED; i.e. binge drinking). The current study builds on prior research usin...
Review of Marc Steinberg’s The Platform Economy: How Japan Transformed the Consumer Internet: University of Minnesota Press, 2019

Recently, there has been much bemoaning in academic circles about the shift in the Internet Architecture from the open-ended networks model to the walled-garden style platforms. The near global dom...
A Mechanistic Model for Plastic Metal Line Ratcheting Induced BEOL Cracks in Molded Packages

Metal line ratcheting and passivation cracking in Back End of Line (BEOL) structures are significant reliability concerns for molded packages that are in very wide spread use at the present time. When metal lines plastically deform due to ratcheting, the passivation overcoat accumulates stress at the corner upon temperature cycling and is eventually susceptible to fracture. Since packaging materials’ interaction with the die is the cause of the failure, the problem is inherently multi-scale in nature requiring bridging from package dimension to BEOL length scale. In the present paper, the mechanistic cause for the stress accumulation is elucidated. Furthermore, a global-local modeling strategy is applied to model the passivation crack initiation and growth. A global model with coarse mesh was built of the package. The local region around the interconnect metal line in the die was modeled using boundary conditions extracted from the global model. A novel load decomposition technique is developed to identify the loading mode that best correlates with the experimentally observed fracture. It is shown that shear is the dominant loading mode inducing the die cracks. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the thermal expansion mismatch between the mold compound as well as the lead frame with the silicon die induces the shear load on the BEOL structure. Owing to the fact that mold compound is applied at a temperature that is higher than that seen during thermal cycling, the direction of the induced shear load is constant regardless of whether the package is heated or cooled. As the metal plastically yields during every temperature cycle, the plastic deformation ratchets, or, accumulates in the same direction over the course of the thermal cycling test. The yielding of metal line results in stiffness reduction, leading to steady accumulation of stress in the passivation corner, causing it to fracture eventually.
Maternal nutrient restriction alters endocrine pancreas development in fetal heifers.

Abstract Maternal nutrient restriction during pregnancy alters fetal programming, which modifies the growth and health of the offspring in postnatal life. In cattle, nutrient restriction during pregnancy can be a result of environmental or economic factors, but little is known about how it alters the physiology of the fetus and affects future reproductive or growth efficiency. This study used female monozygotic twins, produced through in vitro fertilization and embryo splitting, to determine the effect of moderate maternal nutrient restriction on fetal development. Recipient Angus cross heifers pregnant with one twin were fed a diet meeting 100% National Research Council (NRC) total energy requirements (n = 4; control), whereas recipient heifers pregnant with the second twin were fed at 70% of NRC total energy requirements (n = 4; restricted) from gestational day (GD) 158 to GD 265 in Calan gate feeders. Recipient heifers were killed at GD 265. Change in maternal metabolic body weight was greater from zero in restricted heifers than controls (P 0.10). There was no difference in fetal weight, uterine weight, or total placentome weight between groups (P > 0.10). The pancreas weight was reduced in restricted fetuses compared with control fetuses (P 0.10). Plasma insulin concentrations were reduced in restricted fetuses compared with controls (P 0.10). Histological analyses of the fetal pancreas revealed no differences in endocrine cell number or localization. Results indicate that a modest late gestation nutritional restriction impairs development of the fetal pancreas in the cow. Additional research will be needed to determine if these developmental changes lead to altered glucose and insulin homeostasis in the adult.
Robust leader–follower synchronization of electric power generators

Abstract We consider the problem of synchronizing two electric power generators, one of which (the leader) is serving a time-varying electrical load, so that they can ultimately be connected to form a single power system. Each generator is described by a second-order reduced state–space model. We assume that the generator not serving an external load initially (the follower) has access to measurements of the leader’s phase angle, corrupted by some additive disturbances. By using these measurements, and leveraging results on reduced-order observers with ISS-type robustness, we propose a procedure that drives (i) the angular velocity of the follower close enough to that of the leader, and (ii) the phase angle of the follower close enough to that of the point at which both systems will be electrically connected. An explicit bound on the synchronization error in terms of the measurement disturbance and the variations in the electrical load served by the leader is computed. We illustrate the procedure via numerical simulations.
Arthritis-Dermatitis Syndrome: a Case of Disseminated Gonococcal Infection with Petechial Skin Rash

A previously healthy 36-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with vaginal discharge, bilateral ankle pain, and a lower extremity skin rash, all of which developed after unprotected vaginal intercourse with a new male partner. On examination, there was a petechial and purpuric rash involving the lower extremities and bilateral tenosynovitis of the ankle dorsiflexor tendons. Urine NAAT was positive for Neisseria gonorrhea, confirming disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). The patient was initially treated with oral azithromycin and intravenous ceftriaxone, but as a result of psychosocial circumstances, she was prematurely discharged on an oral cephalosporin agent. She represented with treatment-failure DGI and was treated with a 7-day course of intramuscular ceftriaxone. Repeat urine NAAT was negative for gonorrhea and the patient remained asymptomatic. This case features an atypical cutaneous manifestation of DGI, characterized by a painless petechial and purpuric skin rash rather than the tender papulo-pustular lesions that are typically seen. Additionally, it highlights the importance of DGI treatment with a 7-day parenteral cephalosporin therapy when antibiotic susceptibility is not available.
Management of externally manufactured cell therapy products: the Mayo Clinic approach

Abstract Background The rise of investigative and commercially available cell therapy products adds a new dynamic to academic medical centers; that is, the management of patient-specific cell products. The scope of cell therapy has rapidly expanded beyond in-house collection and infusion of cell products such as bone marrow and peripheral blood transplant. The complexities and volumes of cell therapies are likely to continue to become more demanding. As patient-specific “living drugs,” cell therapy products typically require material collection, product provenance, transportation and maintenance of critical quality attributes, including temperature and expiration dates. These requirements are complicated by variations in product-specific attributes, reporting requirements and interactions with industry not required of typical pharmaceuticals. Methods To manage these requirements, the authors set out to establish a framework within the Immune, Progenitor and Cell Therapeutics Lab, the Current Good Manufacturing Practice facility responsible for cell manufacturing at Mayo Clinic Rochester housed within the Division of Transfusion Medicine. The authors created a work unit (biopharmaceutical unit) dedicated to addressing the specialized procedures required to properly handle these living drugs from collection to delivery and housing the necessary processes to more easily integrate externally manufactured cell therapies into clinical practice. Results The result is a clear set of expectations defined for each step of the process, with logical documentation of critical steps that are concise and easy to follow. Conclusions The authors believe this system is scalable for addressing the promised growth of cell therapy products well into the future. Here the authors describe this system and provide a framework that could be used by other centers to manage these important new therapies.
Major Complications After Textured Versus Non-textured Breast Implants in Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction: A Propensity Score Analysis.

While the risks and benefits of smooth versus textured implants for breast reconstruction and primary breast augmentation are thoroughly supported in the literature, few studies have examined the relationship between implant shell texture and complications following direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction. The present study examines the relationship between implant shell texture and complications in patients receiving DTI breast reconstruction. Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing DTI breast reconstruction between 2011 and 2018 by a single surgeon was performed. A propensity score matching algorithm was used to eliminate unwanted bias stemming from clinical covariates. Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests were used to examine the association between implant shell texture and the following major postoperative complications: capsular contracture, hematoma, seroma, necrosis, infection, and implant loss. A total of 402 unique patients (751 breasts) were included. The majority received smooth implants compared with textured implants (80.3% vs. 19.7%, respectively); 444 breasts were included for comparative analysis after 2:1 propensity score matching (296 smooth implants, 148 textured implants). The only statistically significant difference in outcomes between the two groups was a higher incidence of hematoma in the textured group (2.0% vs 0.0%), Fisher’s Exact Test p = 0.04. Additionally, the matched cohort revealed a very low overall rate of capsular contracture (1.0%) for smooth implants. Our data demonstrated non-significant differences for most major complication rates or revision surgery rates for smooth versus textured implants after matching. DTI breast reconstruction with smooth implants remains a safe and effective reconstructive option for select patients. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Graphene-Metasurface Structures for Low-Terahertz Applications

Graphene, as a single-atom layer formed in a hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms, in recent years has attracted the attention of researchers due to its superior thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. The surface conductivity model of graphene is based on the Kubo formula [1] , which takes into account both interband and intraband contributions. Despite of various electrical and electromagnetic applications, graphene and graphene based structures demonstrate a low intensity of the light-matter interaction unless an assumption on high mobility or high Fermi-energy level is made. In recent work [2] it has been shown that perfect absorption at low-terahertz frequencies can be realized even for a very practical graphene with low mobility and low level of Fermi energy, wherein the graphene is placed directly on the periodic metallic surface resulting in significant reduction of graphene losses.
Tactile display of vibratory information in teleoperation and virtual environments

This paper investigates the use of tactile displays for conveying task-related vibrations in teleoperation and virtual environments. Vibration displays can be implemented with inexpensive, open loop devices that can be added to many existing systems to improve performance. We describe the design of our prototype vibration sensing and display system, and experimentally demonstrate the utility of this type of tactile feedback. We also delineate the kinds of tasks where high-frequency vibratory feedback is important. In inspection and exploration tasks the detection of vibrations can be the fundamental goal of the task, while in some manipulation tasks vibrations can enhance performance by reducing reaction times or permitting minimization of ferees. Design guidelines for implementation of vibration displays, based on simple mechanical models, are also presented.
Fragmented QRS complex has poor sensitivity in detecting myocardial scar.

Objective: To study the association of the fragmented QRS complex versus the Q wave with myocardial scar and viability. Background: A prior study has suggested that the fragmented QRS complex on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a highly sensitive and specific marker of myocardial scar as detected by regional perfusion abnormalities on a nuclear stress test. There is no external validation of this data. Methods: We correlated the ECG and nuclear perfusion images of 460 consecutive patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. The presence of fragmented QRS or Q waves in two contiguous ECG leads was correlated with major coronary artery distributions on nuclear perfusion imaging. Results: For the 1842 evaluated territories, the fragmented QRS complex was not superior to the Q wave in detecting fixed or mixed myocardial defects. The fragmented QRS complex was associated with worse sensitivity (1.7%) in comparison to the Q wave (31.7%) for identifying myocardial scar. The fragmented QRS complex carried a higher false positive rate in patients with normal perfusion scans (15.8%, 221 segments), in comparison to Q waves (1.4%, 17 segments). Conclusion: In our study population, both the fragmented QRS and Q wave had poor sensitivity and specificity in detecting fixed or mixed myocardial scar. Larger studies are needed to evaluate fragmented QRS as a surrogate of myocardial scar before it can be incorporated into clinical practice. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(4):308-314
Physical studies on oligosaccharides related to sucrose: Part II. Mass-spectral identification of D-fructofuranosyl residues

Abstract Sucrose ( 1 ), melibiose ( 2 ), 1-kestose ( 3 ), planteose ( 4 ), raffinose ( 5 ), nystose ( 6 ), and stachyose ( 7 ) have been converted into their respective peracetates ( 1a , 2a , 3a , 4a , 5a , 6a , and 7a and per(trimethylsilyl) ethers ( 1b , 2b , 3b , 4b , 5b , 6b , and 7b ), and the two series of derivatives have been subjected to electron-impact ionization in a high-resolution mass spectrometer. The ethers show detectable molecular-ion peaks(up to m/e 1674 for 7b ) together with M + . -·CH 3 peaks, and the acetates show M + . -·OAc peaks. From the fragmentations observed, and the relative intensities of the fragments, it is possible to recognize in the oligosaccharides ( a ) the presence or absence of ketohexofuranosyl residues, ( b ) the terminal or nonterminal location of ketohexofuranosyl residues, and ( c ) the presence of ketohexofuranosyl residues (and their number) attached to adjacent residues through “methylene bridges”. A substantial temperature-dependence was observed in the intensities of certain ions.
Meckel's diverticulum complicating pregnancy. Case report and review of the literature.

Introduction Symptomatic Meckel’s diverticulum is a rare entity in pregnancy. The clinical presentation is variable and preoperative diagnosis is hampered by the various anatomical and physiological changes of pregnancy that can obscure serious underlying intra-abdominal pathology.
Requirements in Screening cDNA Libraries for New Genes and Solutions Offered by SBH Technology

Under different assumptions about the total number of genes, the number of housekeeping and tissue-specific genes, and the difference in the number of mRNAs per cell for functional and nonfunctional genes, significantly different results can be expected from screening random cDNA clones. We have developed gene expression models as a guide for interpretation of experimental results. For statistical, biological, and technical reasons, the search for 100,000 plus genes and discrimination between nonfunctional, housekeeping, and tissue-specific genes requires the analysis of up to 10 million clones from 20 to 50 tissues. Oligonucleotide hybridization of dense clone blots is an inexpensive and fast way to screen such large clone sets. Our preliminary results on control clones and thousands of cDNA clones from an infant brain library demonstrate the feasibility of the method.
Race and Fear of the ‘Other’ in Common Sense Revolution Reforms

During the 1990s, Ontario experienced significant social policy reform under the Progressive-Conservative government’s controversial, but straightforward, platform called the Common Sense Revolution (CSR), promising to solve Ontario’s economic problems with lower taxes, smaller government and pro-business policies intended to create jobs. The ideological framing led to policy direction which dismantled existing provincial policies and institutions designed to promote equity. This paper begins by providing evidence to support how the CSR functioned as racist across a broad swath of policy areas, through ideology and coded language, structure and program cuts, and processes. Based on interviews with sixteen policy actors, the paper reveals how the provincial curriculum policy formulation process overtly overlooked and dismantled anti-racism and social justice in curriculum policy.