cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Action of β‐N‐Oxalylamino‐l‐Alanine on Mouse Brain NADH‐Dehydrogenase Activity

beta-N-Oxalylamino-L-alanine (L-BOAA), a non-protein neuroexcitatory amino acid present in the seeds of Lathyrus sativus (chickling or grass pea), is known to produce its neurotoxic effects by overstimulation of non-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, especially alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors, at micromolar concentrations. It has recently been reported that L-BOAA selectively inhibits mitochondrial enzyme NADH-dehydrogenase (NADH-DH) in brain slices at subpicomolar concentrations. The present study finds that up to 4 mM concentrations of pure L-BOAA fail to inhibit NADH-DH activity in mouse brain homogenate and isolated brain mitochondria. Two known inhibitors (rotenone and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion, MPP+) of this mitochondrial enzyme produced significant inhibition under identical conditions. NADH-DH inhibition was also not observed in the homogenate or mitochondria from the brains of animals systemically treated with convulsive doses of L-BOAA. Some inhibition (20-37%) of NADH-DH activity was observed in mouse brain slices incubated with 100-1,000 microM concentrations of L-BOAA for 1 h at 37 degrees C in an atmosphere of 95% O2 and 5% CO2, but the inhibition was nonselective, because the activity of another mitchondrial enzyme, succinic dehydrogenase, was similarly inhibited by L-BOAA. These results are in contrast with the report that L-BOAA inhibits mitochondrial NADH-DH selectively at subpicomolar concentrations. We suggest the observed nonselective NADH-DH inhibition in mouse brain slices treated with L-BOAA is caused by neuronal damage through an excitotoxic mechanism.
The Systems Approach to Electronic Packaging

The hardware that represents an electronic system is usually in the form of a group of packages, generally referred to as units, components, or “black boxes,” together with racks or other mounting, cables or harnesses, and miscellaneous input and/or output devices. All too often, this assortment is an accumulation of odd sizes and shapes, not well coordinated from a design point of view, resulting in a hodge-podge of poorly arranged items that are costly to manufacture and difficult to service.
The toxicology of methyl ethyl ketone.

Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK; Other synonyms: 2-butanone; methyl acetone; ethyl methyl ketone; butanone) is a volatile, water-soluble, colorless liquid with a characteristic odor resembling that of acetone. Its odor threshold has been reported to be in the range of approximately 0.25 to 0.025 ppm (Krasavage et al. 1982, OHMTADS 1985). It is soluble in about four parts water (27.5%) but is less soluble at higher temperatures; it is miscible with acetone, alcohol, ether, and benzene. A constant boiling mixture with water, bp 73.4°C, contains 88.7% MEK. The melting and boiling points of MEK are -86.35 °C and 79.6°C, respectively; its vapor pressure at 20°C is 70.6 mm Hg. The specific gravity of MEK at 20°C/4°C is 0.805 and its vapor density is 2.41 (Air = 1). MEK is flammable and its flash point is 16°F or -9°C (Merck Index 1983, Toxicology Data Bank 1985).
Latino parents' accounts of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Although researchers have conducted a vast amount of research about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), few have addressed how Latino families experience ADHD. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how Latino parents managed their child’s ADHD within the sociocultural context of their everyday lives. This article presents a grounded theory of how Latino parents ( N = 24 families) managed their child’s ADHD. The following five themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) finding out about ADHD, (b) taking on a biomedical meaning, (c) living between two cultures, (d) caring for a child with ADHD, and (e) looking toward the future with ADHD. Although some of the circumstances encountered by Latino parents resemble those typically found in the literature about ADHD and families, their experience is rendered inordinately complex by multiple overlapping sociocultural, linguistic, and parental circumstances.
Nonlinear observer performance in chaotic synchronization with application to secure communication

This work is on performance comparison of five different nonlinear observers in two chaotic synchronization case studies and their application to secure communications. Extended Kalman filter, state dependent Riccati equation, Thau's observer, high-gain observer, and covariance upper bound assignment techniques are used in state reconstruction of two chaotic nonlinear systems, namely Chua and Lorenz systems. We show that synchronization of chaotic systems can be effectively achieved by using any of the above techniques. However, they exhibit different performances. A comparative robustness study involving performance under different measurement noise levels is also included. The above methods are then applied to introduce a method of secure communications, by chaotic masking, where the message is injected into the chaotic signal generated by Chua's circuit in the transmitter where they are simultaneously transmitted over a noisy channel to the receiver. The proposed observers are then applied in the receiver and the performances are compared based on Monte-Carlo simulations in order to demonstrate the relative effectiveness of these techniques.
Semiclassical Theory—Path Integrals

The “Old Quantum Theory” which is based on the Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization condition, provided a means of quantizing a classical mechanical system by quantizing the action variables associated with invariant tori. (For a historical discussion see [Born 1960].) However, it was recognized by Einstein, as early as 1917 [Einstein 1917], that this method could only be used for systems in which trajectories lie on invariant tori. The Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization condition could not be used to quantize chaotic systems and until recently no method existed by which to connect classically chaotic systems with their quantum counterpart.
Intolerance to Intragastric Enteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Patients: Complications and Management

Compared with parenteral nutrition, early administration of enteral nutrition (EN) to critically ill patients improves clinical outcomes and reduces infection rates. Intragastric EN often is complicated by intolerance, as indicated by elevated volumes of aspirated gastric residuals. Conflicting data are available for the volume of residual that represents intolerance, but most clinicians use 150-200 ml to signify gastrointestinal motility dysfunction. Intolerance is associated with mortality. Data support an association between intragastric EN and aspiration pneumonia, but little information is available regarding the contributory effect of intolerance. Transpyloric migration of the feeding tube may facilitate tolerance but does not reduce the likelihood of aspiration pneumonia. Prokinetic agents (cisapride, erythromycin, metoclopramide) promote gastric emptying. Results of most studies are limited because patients did not receive or tolerated intragastric EN. Metoclopramide is the agent of choice for treating intolerance. Further studies are necessary before prokinetic drugs can be recommended for preventing intragastric EN-associated aspiration pneumonia.
Compressive Creep of Dental Composites

The creep compliance curves for P-10, Adaptic, and Silar composite materials were obtained at 23°C, 37°C, and 50°C and at a number of initial stress levels ranging from 5 to 75% of their compressive strengths. The creep compliance curves were characterized by large instantaneous compliances, followed by retarded strain compliances with very minimal viscous flow. Rupturing occurred only at the higher stresses and temperatures, and was characterized by a sharp upsurge in the compliance just before failure. Empirical curve-fitting of the data indicated that the creep compliances exhibited a very good representation when plotted against log t.Both isochronous stress-strain and isochronous compliance-stress diagrams indicated that linear visco-elasticity was followed below the stress of about 70-100, 50-70, and 120-<240 MPa for Silar, Adaptic, and P-10, respectively. The combined Voight-Maxwell linear viscoelastic model was used to describe the compliance curves. At higher stresses, where compliance was depend...
Models of Pattern Formation in Insect Oocytes

Pattern formation in early insect development is dominated by coordination of the germ lines polarity with the polarity of the follicle cell layer. The production of an elabo- rate protective chorion, covering the ovulated oocyte, has made establishing parallel polarity of germ line and soma absolutely essential. Genetics and molecular biology, particu- larly on Drosophila melanogaster, have identified numerous signals passed from follicle cell to oocyte and vice versa. The physiological basis of this communication is beginning to be established with the identification of several membrane recep- tors and potential signal transduction steps. The contributions of three physiological models of pattern formation are discus- sed as they relate to the growing genetic model. Evidence for and against ionic currents as factors in polarity determinations is particularly emphasized.
Hepatic Arteriovenous Malformation or Rapidly Involuting Congenital Hemangioma

To the Editor: Agha and colleagues1 presented the case of a 20-day-old, full-term girl who had respiratory distress, tachycardia, mild hepatomegaly, and pulmonary hypertension. There were no skin or mucosal vascular lesions, and the relevant family history was negative. A computed tomographic scan showed a large, well-circumscribed vascular structure with enlargements of the hepatic vein and internal mammary and celiac arteries. Results of a 4-month follow-up evaluation revealed substantial clinical improvement, resolution of the pulmonary hypertension, and reduced vascularity. The authors assumed that the diagnosis was hepatic arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and treated the patient with furosemide, captopril, and digoxin. Having reviewed the clinical features and images reported by the authors, I would like to comment on the diagnosis of this lesion. Hepatic AVMs are exceedingly rare. The hallmark of AVM is the presence of abnormal communication between arteries and veins without a mass component. The authors reported a “large, well-circumscribed” vascular lesion within the liver with enlarged draining hepatic veins and feeding (internal mammary and celiac) arteries. I strongly believe that the proper diagnosis in this child is a rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma (RICH), rather than an AVM. Hepatic hemangiomas are the most prevalent benign liver tumors in early infancy.2 There are 3 main types of hepatic hemangiomas: focal, multifocal, and diffuse.3 Whereas the multifocal and diffuse types are true infantile hemangiomas, focal lesions are RICH. The natural history of hepatic RICH is different from that of infantile hemangioma, because RICH does not typically grow after birth, and it regresses within months.4 The RICH is a solitary, often large hypervascular lesion that typically parasitizes flow from adjacent vascular pedicles, including the celiac, superior mesenteric, phrenic, and internal mammary arteries. Pulmonary hypertension is likely to occur, because of increased hepatic venous return. On analysis, RICH stains negatively for glucose transporter isoform 1 (GLUT-1, a glucose transporter enzyme), and it has no gender preference, whereas infantile hemangiomas are GLUT-1–positive and preferentially affect females.5 The natural history of AVMs is eventual progression, not spontaneous resolution, particularly for such a large lesion as that reported by the authors. Regardless of the diagnosis, the treatment of the infant in this report appears to have been satisfactory, and the authors deserve commendation for it.
Tensorial description of the geometrical arrangement of the fibrous molecules in vascular endothelial cells.

Abstract This work presents a tensorial description of the geometrical arrangement of the cellular molecules in the vascular endothelial cells. The geometrical arrangement of the molecules is the foundation of the mechanical properties of the molecular aggregates, which are the foundation of the physical behavior of the cells and tissues. For better studying the physical behavior of the cells and tissues, the geometrical arrangement of the cellular molecules has to be described quantitatively. In this paper, a second order molecular configuration tensor P(g)ij for fibrous protein in the cells is defined for quantitative measurement. Here, the subscripts i, j refer to the coordinate axes x1, x2, x3, and the superscript g refers to the kind of fibrous protein. Every molecular configuration tensor P(g)ij has 9 components. To give an example, the F-actin fibers in the vascular endothelial cells were studied. These molecules were stained with phalloidin and observed in a confocal microscope. Digitized images of the F-actin fibers were analyzed to determine the F-actin's molecular configuration tensor P(g)ij. The tensor P(g)ij is a simple and definitive description of a complex system of molecules which are important in the research on tissue remodeling of blood vessels. In this article, the P31 and P32 values in the P(g)ij tensor of F-actin fiber in the endothelial cells in rat's abdominal aorta were obtained, and the distributions of these two components in the endothelial cells were presented. The molecular configuration tensor P(g)ij can be applied to other fibrous proteins in the cells and to cells other than vascular endothelial cells.
Radiative decay of neutron-unbound intruder states in O 19

The $^{9}\mathrm{Be}$($^{14}\mathrm{C}, \ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\gamma}$) reaction at ${E}_{Lab}=30$ and 35 MeV was used to study excited states of $^{19}\mathrm{O}$. The Florida State University (FSU) $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ detector array was used to detect $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ radiation in coincidence with charged particles detected and identified with a silicon $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}E\ensuremath{-}E$ particle telescope. $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decays have been observed for the first time from six states ranging from 368 to 2147 keV above the neutron separation energy (${S}_{n}=3962$ keV) in $^{19}\mathrm{O}$. The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-decaying states are interspersed among states previously observed to decay by neutron emission. The ability of electromagnetic decay to compete successfully with neutron decay is explained in terms of neutron angular momentum barriers and small spectroscopic factors implying higher spin and complex structure for these intruder states. These results illustrate the need for complementary experimental approaches to best illuminate the complete nuclear structure.
Cultural characteristics of some species of xylaria

SUMMARY Cultural characteristics are described and illustrated for Xylaria hypoxylon, X. persicaria, X. magnoliae, X. carpophila, and a collection of X. hypoxylon with small ascospores. Anamorphs of X. carpophila and X. hypoxylon "small-spored collection" are described and that of X. magnoliae partially characterized.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of third-line salvage therapy with infliximab or cyclosporine in severe ulcerative colitis.

Background In patients with ulcerative colitis who fail corticosteroids and are treated with rescue therapy (e.g. infliximab or cyclosporine) but fail to respond, salvage therapy with infliximab or cyclosporine can be considered. We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of this third-line salvage therapy. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of trials published in PubMed up to January 2015 relating to the use of third-line salvage therapy following failure of intravenous corticosteroids and infliximab or cyclosporine. Pooled outcome rates for each salvage strategy and pooled odds ratio comparing the two strategies were calculated using the random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the Q and I2 statistics. Results The search strategy yielded 40 articles of which 4 were eligible for inclusion. Four articles assessed patients who were treated with infliximab aft er failure of cyclosporine and 2 articles assessed the use of cyclosporine aft er failure of infliximab. There were 138 patients using infliximab as a third-line salvage therapy and 30 patients using cyclosporine. When comparing these two strategies, there was no significant difference in clinical response (RR 1.03, 95%CI 0.7- 1.46 P=0.87), clinical remission (RR 0.69, 95%CI 0.30-1.57 P=0.37), or colectomy at 12 months (RR 1.14, 95%CI 0.79-1.67 P=0.48). Similarly, there was no significant difference in total (RR 1.91, 95% CI0.38-9.64 p=0.43) or serious adverse events (RR 1.18, 95%CI 0.34-4.07 P=0.80). Conclusion While third-line salvage therapy may be efficacious in achieving short-term clinical response/remission, there remains a significant risk of colectomy and adverse events. Keywords Ulcerative colitis, infliximab, cyclosporine, salvage therapy Ann Gastroenterol 2016; 29 (3): 341-347
Effect of Temperature and the Synergist Piperonyl Butoxide on Imidacloprid Toxicity to the Cat Flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)

The toxicity of imidacloprid to cat fleas on glass was investigated at 20, 26, 30, and 35 degrees C. Imidacloprid was most toxic to adult cat fleas at 35 degrees C and to larvae at 20 degrees C. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a synergist, increased the relative potency of imidacloprid (1:5 imidacloprid:PBO) 16-fold at 26 degrees C against adults, but had no effect at 35 degrees C. No synergism occurred in larvae at 20 degrees C, but addition of PBO (1:5 imidacloprid:PBO) doubled toxicity at 26 degrees C. PBO (1:5 imidacloprid:PBO) could possibly be used to synergize imidacloprid premise treatments (20-30 degrees C), but it is not likely to be effective in pet treatments because no synergism occurred in adult fleas at 35 degrees C (average fur temperature of tested cats and dogs).
Mechanism of the Enzymatic Synthesis of 4-(Hydroxymethyl)-2- furancarboxaldehyde-phosphate (4-HFC-P) from Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Catalyzed by 4-HFC-P Synthase.

A single enzyme, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furancarboxaldehyde-phosphate synthase (MfnB), from the methanogen Methanocaldococcus jannaschii catalyzed at least 10 separate chemical reactions in converting two molecules of glyceraldehyde-3-P (GA-3-P) to 4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furancarboxaldehyde-P (4-HFC-P), the first discrete intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway to the furan moiety of the coenzyme methanofuran. Here we describe the biochemical characterization of the recombinantly expressed MfnB to understand its catalytic mechanism. Site-directed mutagenesis showed that the strictly conserved residues (Asp25, Lys27, Lys85, and Asp151) around the active site are all essential for enzyme catalysis. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization analysis of peptide fragments of MfnB incubated with GA-3-P followed by NaBH4 reduction and trypsin digestion identified a peptide with a mass/charge ratio of 1668.8 m/z present only in the D25N, D151N, and K155R mutants, which is consistent with Lys27 having increased by a ...
Voltammetric behavior of selenocystine at modified gold substrates

Abstract The voltammetric response of seleno- l -cystine has been studied at gold substrates under physiological conditions. The reactivity of diselenides is utilized to generate a modified electrode surface, which in turn allows for electroanalysis of solution-based selenium species. Stable and reproducible voltammetry is observed for selenocystine reduction at pH 7 on selenium-modified gold substrates (E mid = − 486 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) and is consistent with a diffusionally controlled process. Modification of the gold surface is readily achieved via electrochemical cycling in the presence of a diselenide source at conventional scan rates. These studies afford voltammetric characterization of the selenocystine/selenocysteine redox couple under physiologically relevant conditions and highlight the potential utility of selenium-modified substrates for electroanalysis of chalcogen-containing species.
ProCA1.GRPR: a new imaging agent in cancer detection.

Precision molecular imaging addresses major medical gaps including the early detection of small lesion and biomarker expression, especially for high-risk patients, and monitoring the dynamic changes of biomarkers during disease progression and upon therapeutic treatment. One of the major challenges in achieving precision medicine is developing our capabilities to select patients with genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity while monitoring treatment responses. Current golden standard of histological analysis coupled with biopsy has many limitations, such as invasiveness, significant sampling errors especially for small lesions and risks of tumor peritoneal seeding [1]. Important avenues to achieve these goals include identifying biomarkers whose expression are capable of accurately reflect disease stages and treatment effects, and developing sensitive and noninvasive precision molecular imaging methodology for early responsive, predictive and prognostic biomarkers with increased levels of spatial and temporal resolution [2]. Here, we will first discuss GRPR as an attractive biomarker for molecular imaging of various types of cancers. We will then report our development of protein-based MRI contrast agent against GRPR with significantly improved sensitivity and spatial resolution. GRPR is a G-protein coupled receptor belonging to the bombesin receptor family [3]. The nature ligand for GRPR is gastrin releasing peptide (GRP). The C-terminal peptide sequence of GRP is highly similar to its amphibian counterpart, bombesin, a 14 amino acid peptide with high affinity to both GRPR and neuromedin B receptor. GRP and bombesin have strong affinity to GRPR at nanomolar range. The binding of these peptides to GRPR triggers downstream signaling cascades and activates a series of physiological and biological events, such as hormone release in endocrine organs [4]. GRPR is an attractive biomarker expressed on a series of human malignancies including prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor, head and neck cancer, various CNS/neural tumors, renal cell cancers and uterine cancer. As investigated by PCR, immunohistochemistry and radionuclide binding assay of clinic samples, GRPR is expressed in almost 100% on the prostate tumors. The expression level of GRPR in prostate cancer is significantly higher than that of other normal tissues. In addition, 33–72% of breast cancer, 40–50% of gastric cancer, 85% of carcinoids cancer and 29–85% of small cell lung cancer also have high GRPR expression [5]. GRPR is highly expressed in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias, primary prostate cancer and invasive prostate carcinomas, whereas the expression level in normal prostate tissue and benign prostate hyperplasia are relatively low [6,7]. The distribution of GRPR in prostate cancer is heterogeProCA1.GRPR: a new imaging agent in cancer detection
PRESYNAPTIC AFFERENT INHIBITION OF LOBSTER OLFACTORY RECEPTOR CELLS : REDUCED ACTION-POTENTIAL PROPAGATION INTO AXON TERMINALS

Wachowiak, Matt and Lawrence B. Cohen. Presynaptic afferent inhibition of lobster olfactory receptor cells: reduced action-potential propagation into axon terminals. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 1011–1015,...
Palatability evaluation of free fatty acid encapsulated potassium carbonate as a feed ingredient for lactating dairy cows fed a total mixed ration

ABSTRACT Potassium carbonate has been used as a feed supplement to improve ration buffering capacity, increase K supply during heat stressed conditions, and balance electrolytes in the ration for optimum lactational performance. However, potassium carbonate can cause heating and caking in feed mixes. Milk Specialties Global (Eden Prairie, MN) has developed a new product that involves a coating process to encapsulate potassium carbonate with FFA, which could eliminate these problems. The objective of this study was to determine whether feeding FFA encapsulated potassium carbonate would create palatability issues in lactating dairy cows when compared with feeding DCAD Plus (stabilized potassium carbonate) with Energy Booster 100 (rumen bypass fat). Ten lactating (191 ± 107 DIM) Holstein dairy cows producing 37.9 ± 11.0 kg/d of milk were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments in 2 blocks each lasting 5 d. Treatments were (1) a control consisting of DCAD Plus (Church and Dwight Company Inc., Ewing, NJ) fed at 68 g/d with 204 g/d of Energy Booster 100 (Milk Specialties Global, Eden Prairie, MN) as individual ingredients and (2) FFA encapsulated potassium carbonate (Milk Specialties Global) fed at 272 g/d. Cows were fed a TMR 1×/d. No differences were found in DMI between cows receiving control compared with cows receiving FFA encapsulated potassium carbonate for either 10 min after initial feeding or daily ad libitum intake. This study suggests that there is no palatability issue with the new product (FFA encapsulated potassium carbonate) when fed to lactating Holstein dairy cows.
Importance of topical hypothermia during heterogeneous distribution of cardioplegic solution

Recent studies have suggested that topical hypothermia may be unnecessary during coronary bypass operations because of possible pulmonary complications resulting from phrenic nerve damage. This study was undertaken to determine whether topical hypothermia is necessary for optimal myocardial protection when distribution of the cardioplegic solution is heterogeneous because of coronary occlusions. Twenty pigs were subjected to 120 minutes of ischemic arrest with multidose potassium crystalloid cardioplegia (4° C). During arrest, the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded with a snare that was released on reperfusion. Ten of these pigs received topical hypothermia and 10 others served as controls. Hearts protected with topical hypothermia had lower temperatures in the left anterior descending (7.0° ± 0.7° C versus 18.5° ± 0.5° C; p
The Influence of Speech Rate and Pause on Sociolinguistic Variables

In this final part of the book we change gears considerably from looking at speech rate and pause as the objects of study to considering their potential influences on, or roles as predictors of, the realization of other, more traditional sociolinguistic variables. Thus far, we have found more robust sociolinguistic patterns for speech rate than we have for pause. A range of factors were found to influence articulation rates and the statistical models achieved good fits (with R2 values reaching just above 0.60). In light of all of the factors we did not consider (like communicative intent, discourse- and topic-related factors, affect, and so on), the modeling results were, I believe, quite impressive.
Cortázar’s Cacaphonic Cacoethes

In his critical study of Joyce’s language, Joysprick, Anthony Burgess writes: Novelists, like poets, work in the medium of human language, but some work in it more than others. There is a kind of novelist (conveniently designated as Class 1), usually popular, sometimes wealthy, in whose work language is a zero quantity, transparent, unseductive, the overtones of connotation and ambiguity totally dampened … Such work is closer to film than to poetry, and it invariably films better than it reads. The aim of the Class 1 novel can only properly be fulfilled when the narrated action is transformed into represented action: content being more important than style, the referents ache to be free of their words and to be presented directly as sense-data. To the other kind of novelist (Class 2) it is important that the opacity of language be exploited, so that ambiguities, puns and centrifugal connotations are to be enjoyed rather than regretted, and whose books, made out of words as characters and incidents, lose a great deal when adapted to a visual medium.1
Autonomous mobile robot navigation using machine learning

This paper develops a decision-making system based on the BP Neural Network to navigate a robot in an unknown environment. Based on the neural network model, the robot can move out of specific mazes successfully through adjusting its direction and speed continuously. A BP neural network, which includes three input nodes and nine output nodes, are designed for the navigation system. The information of the surrounding environment is returned by six ultrasonic sensors on the front and bilateral sides of the robot. After thousands of training, the robot learns the navigation knowledge successfully from the samples, and move out of the mazes autonomously. The performance of the robot is validated with the simulation results and two physical experiments. The results show that the robot could navigate autonomously in unknown environments.
Challenging Women: Gender, Culture and Organization

(2000). Challenging Women: Gender, Culture and Organization. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 647-652.
Normal Aortic Anatomy and Variations of Its Branches

Development of the vascular system involves continual growth and regression of vascular structures. Thus, each segment of the aorta is subject to variations in anatomy. The main limitation for endovascular repair of aortic pathology has been the need to maintain perfusion to the arch, mesenteric, renal, and iliac branches of the aorta. To properly plan and treat aortic segments spanning these branch zones, understanding their anatomic relationships and common variations in arterial anatomy is critical. This chapter focuses on normal and common variations of the aorta and its major branches that have implications in the use of fenestrated and branched endografts.
Defined system to assess the in vitro induction of a psoriasis phenotype on normal keratinocytes by fibroblasts from psoriatic subjects

Background:Research has shown that involved as well as uninvolved skin of psoriatic subjects have an inherent defect that manifests, at a minimum, as nonapparent epidermal hyperplasia. Fibroblasts ...
Superior Vena Caval Stenosis

This represents a typical case in which previous tunneled dialysis catheters resulted in central venous stenosis, which only became evident once the peripheral access was created.
On Human Nature: by Roger Scruton, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 151 pp. ISBN: 978–0691168753. Publication Date: 2017

Few contemporary writers and thinkers have the breadth, depth, and feel for human things to write intelligently and authoritatively on “human nature.” Sir Roger Scruton is one of these few. Scruton...
Role of TRAF6 in the immune system

TRAF6 is a member of the TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF) family, members of which are important for signaling induced by a variety of the TNF receptor family members. TRAF6 was initially identified as a signaling adapter for CD40, but has subsequently been shown to be a critical factor for the interleukin-1 receptor~Toll-like receptor (IL-lR/TLR) family. Therefore, TRAF6 represents a central point of con- vergence for the signal transduction by the TNFR and the IL-lR/TLR superfamilies, and thus plays a critical role in the regulation of innate immune responses. Considering the importance of the TNFR and IL-RITLR family members to the regulation of the innate immune system, the extent to which TRAF6 regulates the physiology of innate immunity, as well as the connection between the innate and adaptive immune responses, is of great interest. Here we have described the potential role of TRAF6 in regulating dendritic cell fates.
Internet protocols over wireless networks

We discuss the problems that arise when standard Internet protocols are used over wireless links, such as degraded Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) performance when wireless errors are interpreted as congestion losses. We use case studies drawn from commercial Wireless Local Area Networks and cellular telephony systems to illustrate these problems. Then, we survey some proposed approaches to mitigating such problems and examine their applicability. Finally, we look at the future of wireless systems and the new challenges that they will create for Internet protocols and state some goals for further protocol enhancement and evolution.
Sources of resistance to viruses in the Potyviridae

Resistance to 56 viruses in the family Potyviridae in 334 plant species was tabulated. Studies conducted in the last 60 years have elucidated the genetics and usefulness of 135 resistance genes, but no reports on the heritability of other sources of resistance are available. In most of the plant species, resistance to species of Potyviridae was simply inherited, either dominantly (60 genes) or recessively (39 genes). In some cases resistance was conferred by two or more genes. Symbols have been assigned to 86 genes, of which very few are duplicate entities. Resistance genes can be useful in determining relationships among these viruses, as well as for their identification. The role of conventional breeding and biotechnology in transferring genes from one species to another is discussed.
Some implications of a scale invariant model of statistical mechanics to transport phenomena

Some implications of a scale invariant model of statistical mechanics to transport phenomena in general and the iso-spin diffusion in connection to the Onsager's reciprocity principle and the modified Helmholtz vorticity equation are discussed. The invariant forms of mass, energy, linear momentum, and angular momentum conservation equations are derived from an invariant Enskog equation of change. A scale invariant definition of Reynolds number is introduced as Reβ = (LxβWxβ)/(λxβ-1Vxβ-1) and applied to describe the phenomena of super-fluidity, BEC, superconductivity, and super-luminosity (laser action) as transitions from turbulent (strongly dissipative) to laminar (weakly dissipative) flows at molecular-, atomic-, electro-, and chromo-dynamic scales, respectively. Also, a scale-invariant model of "particle" wave amplification by simulated emission of particles parallel to laser phenomenon is introduced. Finally, a model of Faraday line of force as strings of electrons and positrons is described that is in harmony with the perceptions of Dirac.
THE IN VIVO AND IN VITRO LEACHING BEHAVIOR OF TOBRAMYCIN-PMMA BEADS

ABSTRACT The in vivo release of tobramycin from P.M.M.A. beads is reported and compared with that previously determined in an in vitro study. It was found that the elution kinetics varied with the exchange of fluids surrounding the antibiotic-containing beads.
Media Watch: Exposing Pediatric Trainees to Social Media Topics in Morning Report

Background Pediatric clinical practice calls for physicians to address parental concerns regarding health information obtained online through social media. Pediatric training requires residents to appraise scientific studies and educate families, but there is no traditional forum in pediatric training to address the overabundance of information (or often misinformation) available to patients and to practice counseling families to discern the credibility of online sources. Current medical professional standards highlight implications of engaging in social media with regard to patient privacy and professional boundaries with patients. Undergraduate Medical Education literature suggests …
Bursty Event Detection Throughout Histories

The widespread use of social media and the active trend of moving towards more web-and mobile-based reporting for traditional media outlets have created an avalanche of information streams. These information streams bring in first-hand reporting on live events to massive crowds in real time as they are happening. It is important to study the phenomenon of burst in this context so that end-users can quickly identify important events that are emerging and developing in their early stages. In this paper, we investigate the problem of bursty event detection where we define burst as the acceleration over the incoming rate of an event mentioning. Existing works focus on the detection of current trending events, but it is important to be able to go back in time and explore bursty events throughout the history, while without the needs of storing and traversing the entire information stream from the past. We present a succinct probabilistic data structure and its associated query strategy to find bursty events at any time instance for the entire history. Extensive empirical results on real event streams have demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach.
Discrete trial analysis of drug action.

Discrete trial procedures permit exact control or description of the time of occurrence of stimuli, the probability of response occurrence, and the patterning of responses. They also make possible the experimental manipulation of the composition of the stimuli controlling behavior. The use of discrete trial procedures is illustrated here in an examination of the effects of scopolamine, a representative cholinergic blocker, on several aspects of behavior: Memory. Response alternation experiments, in which the spacing of discrete trials varies within the experimental session, show that, whereas accuracy of responding is consistently poorer under drug, the decline of accuracy with time since last trial is similar for drugged and nondrugged animals. Thus the drug does not affect memory “storage.” Inhibition. Experiments in which discrete trials are presented in pairs, such that the correct response on Trial 2 of the pair is contingent upon Trial 1 events, show how the “disinhibiting” effect of scopolamine (as indicated by enhanced responding on “no go” trials) is augmented by increasing the time gap between Trial 1 and Trial 2, or by minimizing controlling stimuli on Trial 1. Discrimination. A variety of experiments suggest that scopolamine decreases the “detectability” of stimuli. Detectability effects, along with disinhibition observed under certain specific conditions, constitute the principal behavioral actions of scopolamine observed with discrete trial procedures. — Heise, G. A. Discrete trial analysis of drug action. Federation Proc. 34: 1898–1903, 1975.
Compact spectral irradiance monitor flight demonstration mission

Accurate, long-term solar spectral irradiance (SSI) measurements are vital for interpreting how solar variability impacts Earth’s climate and for validating climate model sensitivities to spectrally varying solar forcing. The Compact Spectral Irradiance Monitor (CSIM) 6U CubeSat successfully launched on Dec. 3rd, 2018 as part of the SpaceX SSO-A: SmallSat Express Mission ultimately achieving a sun-synchronous 575 km orbit. CSIM brings new, emerging technology advancements to maturation by demonstrating the unique capabilities of a complete SSI mission with inherent low mass and compact design. The instrument is a compact, two-channel prism spectral radiometer incorporating Si, InGaAs, and extended InGaAs focal plane photodiodes to record the solar spectrum daily across a continuous wavelength region spanning 200 – 2800 nm (>97% of the total solar irradiance). A new, novel electrical substitution radiometer (ESR) using vertically aligned carbon-nanotube (VACNT) bolometers serves as an absolute detector for periodic on-orbit spectral calibration corrections. Pre-launch component level performance characterizations and final instrument end-to-end absolute calibration achieved low combined standard uncertainty (uc<0.5%) in irradiance. These calibrations were performed in the LASP Spectral Radiometer Facility (SRF), a comprehensive spectral irradiance calibration facility utilizing a tunable laser system tied to an SI-traceable cryogenic radiometer. On-orbit, optical degradation corrections to better than 0.05% / year uncertainty are achieved by comparing periodic, simultaneous solar measurements of the two CSIM channels operating with significantly different solar exposure duty cycles. Operational overlap of CSIM with existing SSI measurements validate concepts for maintaining critical long-term solar data records.
Work Organization Influences and Strategies

The third sphere in our Faith and Work Integration Spheres of Influence model (FWSI) is that of the work organization. This is the arena in which the individual Christian worker applies their personal faith (Chap. 9) within a given occupational role (Chap. 10), using guidance they may or may not have received from outside faith organizations (to be discussed in Chap. 12). It has been recognized that organizational-level factors such mission, culture, and policies can have significant impact on employee behavior, including the likelihood of employees integrating faith in the workplace (Weaver & Stansbury, 2014). Likewise, in addition to person-job fit, there has been growing emphasis on how the person–organization fit (Memon, Salleh, & Baharom, 2014; Sekiguchi, 2004) impacts the employment relationship. It has also been acknowledged that when individuals choose to become parts of an organization, there will be an interaction between their spiritual being and the nature of the organization (Pawar, 2017).
Nano-scale molecular analysis of positive tone photo-resist films with varying dose

One of the challenges of surface characterization at the nano-scale is that analytical tools which are capable of topological nano-scale analysis have limited capabilities for molecular characterization. Here we present a study on molecular characterization of positive tone photo-resist films with varying exposure dose. The technique is based on secondary ion mass spectrometry, SIMS, with gold nanoparticles (e.g. Au4+400). In the methodology a sequence of individual gold nanoparticles is used to stochastically bombard the photoresist films, where each impact results in the emission of ions from a region 10-20 nm in diameter. The technique has several unique features which enable molecular characterization at the nano-scale. Firstly, the use of individual massive clusters impacts which sample nano-volumes, and from these nano-volumes multiple molecular ions can be ejected simultaneously. Secondly, the acquisition of the mass spectra from each projectile impact allows co-ejected ions to be collected in the same mass spectrum. These two features allow for tests on the nano-scale homogeneity of molecules. This is of particular interest for photoresist films, where nano-scale inhomogeneity may result in poor quality films. In this study we examined bulk photoresist films with varying dose post development, in order to probe physical aggregation and chemical transformation on the partially exposed resist pattern side wall and surface. We found that the cation and anion of the photoacid generator were not removed equally during development, and we found that the quencher is not completely removed by the developer.
Chapter 11 – Oromotor Nuclei

Muscles of the face, tongue and jaws are innervated by motoneurons in the lower brainstem. In most instances, the locations of motoneurons innervating specific muscles have been well characterized. Most of the projections to the oromotor nuclei originate from the brainstem, although in a few instances, cortical and hypothalamic projections have also been identified. Brainstem pathways include projections from orosensory structures (e.g., the trigeminal sensory complex), the nucleus of the solitary tract and the parabrachial nuclei, as well as noradrenergic and serotonergic input from raphe and catecholaminergic nuclei. In addition, midbrain projections to specific subdivisions of the facial nucleus mediate vibrissae, orbital and pinna movements. A large proportion of the projections to the oromotor nuclei, however are from specific regions of the brainstem reticular formation, within which are neurons with projections to multiple oromotor nuclei. These reticular formation structures are integral to the ororhythmic responses of mastication, licking, swallowing, respiration, and whisking.
Stability of Solid-Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) on the Lithium Metal Surface in Lithium Metal Batteries (LMBs)

The structural character and mechanical stability of solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) play a critical role in the formation of dendrites in lithium metal batteries (LMBs). However, due to the com...
Geospatial forecasting of COVID-19 spread and risk of reaching hospital capacity

Prompt surveillance and forecasting of COVID-19 spread are of critical importance for slowing down the pandemic and for the success of any public mitigation efforts. However, as with any infectious disease with rapid transmission and high virulence, lack of COVID-19 observations for near-real-time forecasting is still the key challenge obstructing operational disease prediction and control. In this context, we can follow the two approaches to forecasting COVID-19 dynamics: based on mechanistic models and based on machine learning. Mechanistic models are better in capturing an epidemiological curve, using a low amount of data, and describing the overall trajectory of the disease dynamics, hence, providing long-term insights into where the disease might go. Machine learning, in turn, can provide more precise data-driven forecasts especially in the short-term horizons, while suffering from limited interpretability and usually requiring backlog history on the infectious disease. We propose a unified reinforcement learning framework that combines the two approaches. That is, long-term trajectory forecasts are used in machine learning techniques to forecast local variability which is not captured by the mechanistic model.
Type II cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in the setting of MALT lymphoma

The objectives of this article are to present a case of type II cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, explain why mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is an unusual cause of type II cryoglobulins and to discuss the aetiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. A 67-year-old woman presented with 4 months of weight loss, intermittent epistaxis and a purpuric skin rash. Prior to presentation, she was found to have an elevated rheumatoid factor. Further investigation revealed an acute kidney injury and elevated type II cryoglobulins suspicious for cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, which was confirmed by kidney biopsy. Additional workup for the weight loss included biopsy of newly found splenomegaly. Pathology revealed MALT lymphoma, a rare cause of type II cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Successful medical therapy required treating the underlying malignancy with rituximab and high-dose steroids. After initial resolution of symptoms with this regimen, the patient’s vasculitis worsened, which was thought to be secondary to undertreatment of the lymphoma. Bendamustine was added to further treat the lymphoma, after which the patient recovered and was able to discharge without recurrence of symptoms at 6 months.
Appendix: License Reciprocity and License Renewal

This chapter will discuss methods of obtaining state-specific EMS licensure via reciprocity, as well as your options for renewing your license.