cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective cardiac function monitoring in immunotherapy-treated patients.

e14157Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) demonstrate activity and long-term benefit in melanoma and other cancers. While certain immune-related toxicities have been well described, card...
Study and Application of the Integrated Energy Management and Service System

The expansion of business management and outward service of new market participants, for example integrated energy service corporations, results in the increasing demand for developing the integrated energy management and service system. By analyzing the business feature of integrated energy, a comprehensive system architecture, which features distributed self-control, centralized coordination, hierarchical operation and bidirectional interaction, is proposed to match the characteristics of multi-type, multi-operator, multi-customer and multi-service requirement of IES. Core techniques including comprehensive steady energy-flow model, IES comprehensive decision-making based on hierarchical analysis were studied. The effectiveness, applicability and functional completeness of the proposed system architecture are demonstrated by its successful application in practical projects such as Tongli Project.
RFI Mitigation for One-Bit UWB Radar Systems

Radio frequency interference (RFI) mitigation is critical to the proper operation of ultra-wideband (UWB) radar systems. This paper considers RFI mitigation for a one-bit UWB radar system, with its measurements obtained via a low-cost and high-rate sampling strategy using a known threshold varying with slow-time. We first establish a data model for the RFI sources. Then we present a relaxation based algorithm to estimate the parameters of the RFI sources from the signed measurements and thresholds. Next, a sparse method is introduced to recover the desired UWB radar echoes using the estimated RFI parameters. Finally, numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Applications of proteomics in SIRS and sepsis

Sepsis,the systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS)induced by infection,is the first cause of death of patients in intensive care unit. Early diagnosis of sepsis with the actions of corresponding treatment can improve the prognosis of sepsis.It is an appropriate way to achieve early diagnosis of sepsis that using proteomics methods to detect unknown proteins during early stage of sepsis,in which we search for new protein biomarkers. Key words: Sepsis; Systemic inflammatory response syndrome; Proteomies
Canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, corrects glycemic dysregulation in TallyHO model of T2D but only partially prevents bone deficits.

Abstract Higher fracture risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is attributed to disease-specific deficits in micro-structural and material properties of bone, although the primary cause is not yet established. The TallyHO (TH) mouse is a polygenic model of early-onset T2D and obesity analogous to adolescent-onset T2D in humans. Due to incomplete penetrance of the phenotype, ~25% of male TH mice never develop hyperglycemia, providing a strain-matched, non-diabetic control. Utilizing this model of T2D, we examined the impact of glucose-lowering therapy with canagliflozin (CANA) on diabetic bone. Male TH mice with or without hyperglycemia (High BG, Low BG) were monitored from ~8 to 20 weeks of age, and compared to age-matched, male, TH mice treated with CANA from ~8 to 20 weeks of age. At 20 weeks, untreated TH mice with high BG [High BG: 687 ± 106 mg/dL] exhibited lower body mass, decrements in cortical bone of the femur (decreased cross-sectional area and thickness; increased porosity) and in trabecular bone of the femur metaphysis and L6 vertebra (decreased bone volume fraction, thickness, and tissue mineral density), as well as decrements in cortical and vertebral bone strength (decreased yield force and ultimate force) when compared to untreated TH mice with low BG [Low BG: 290 ± 98 mg/dL; p
A Model for Building Research Capacity and Infrastructure in Oncology: A Nursing Research Fellowship.

Objective: This article describes how one comprehensive cancer center in the Northeast United States reorganized their nursing research fellowship (NRF) with the goals of engaging nurses in research processes, developing a culture of inquiry, building nursing research capacity, and sustaining infrastructures for facilitating high-quality, nurse-led oncology research studies. Methods: The basis for the curriculum, course work, and research practicum is derived from academic courses taught at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Evidence from the current literature, expertise of nurse-scientists, and feedback from former fellows provided the background for a fellowship model that included: (1) amending curriculum timeframes; (2) incorporating protected time; (3) improving access to resources; (4) enhancing the protection, data sharing, and accessibility of data; and (5) involving nurse-scientists as mentors and facilitators of research processes. These factors were incorporated over 3 years. Metrics included individual class and overall course evaluations and ongoing assessments. Results: In three cohorts from 2016 to 2019, a total of 21 nurses were accepted, and 18 (86%) nurses completed the NRF. In cohort 1 through cohort 3, 17 fellows presented their research findings internally, and a total of nine projects were presented at external forums. There were seven fellows whose manuscript submissions resulted in 21 journal publications. Of the 18 fellows, 15 (83%) conducted institutional review board-approved studies and three (17%) fellows developed studies involving one concept analysis and two systematic reviews. Conclusions: Utilizing technology, the fellowship improved access beyond the classroom setting. Improved application processes, the inclusion of protected time for nurses, and mentoring from nurse-scientists demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture supporting new knowledge and innovation for improving patient care.
Evaluating a standardized protocol for the management of diabetes insipidus in pediatric neurosurgical patients.

OBJECTIVES Central diabetes insipidus (DI) is a known complication following surgical resection of a suprasellar mass. There are limited data analyzing the outcomes of a standardized protocol for the management of postoperative DI in the pediatric population. We sought to fill this gap and hypothesized that utilizing a standardized protocol for fluid management (3-bag system) would reduce serum sodium fluctuations in the postoperative period after suprasellar surgery. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed. Patients were identified with the following criteria: age ≤ 18 years, undergoing a surgical procedure for suprasellar mass that also had postoperative DI. The primary outcome was the variability in serum sodium during the first 48 h and between 48 and 120 h postoperatively. RESULTS There were 21 encounters pre-protocol and 22 encounters post-protocol for neurosurgical procedures. Use of the standardized protocol was associated with a lower range of sodium within 48 h postoperatively (p=0.065) and 83% lower odds of hypernatremia (Na>150 mmol/L) within 48 h postoperatively (CI 0.039-0.714) after controlling for age, gender, and prior DI diagnosis. History of DI conferred a lower risk of hypernatremia as well as less sodium fluctuation within 48 h postoperatively. Younger patients, those <9.7 years of age were associated with increased risk of hyponatremia and greater sodium fluctuations during the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS In patients with postoperative DI after suprasellar surgery, using a standardized protocol for fluid management (3-bag system) appears to reduce serum sodium variability in the first 48 h after surgery.
Interval-valued kriging for geostatistical mapping with imprecise inputs

Abstract Many geosciences data are imprecise due to various limitations and uncertainties in the measuring process. In other situations, collocated measurements of variables from the same, yet unknown, distribution are characterized with separate models that may not respect the relatedness of the measurements. One way to preserve this imprecision or relatedness in a geostatistical mapping framework is to characterize the measurements as intervals rather than single numbers. To effectively analyze the interval-valued data, this paper develops an interval-valued kriging based on the modification of a previous attempt and the recent development of the random sets theory. Numerical implementation of our interval-valued kriging is provided using a penalty-based constrained optimization algorithm. An interval-valued kriging of design ground snow loads in Ohio, USA, demonstrates the applicability and advantages of the proposed methodology.
Modeling and Validation of Renewable Energy Sources in the OpenIPSL Modelica Library

This paper presents the implementation of industry grade renewable energy source phasor time-domain models from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) Renewable Energy Modeling Task Force (REMTF) utilizing the OpenIPSL Modelica library. The modules described in this paper are generic, thus being able to be used to represent photovoltaic (PV), battery (BESS), and wind energy sources in transient stability scenarios, with added modularity given the object-oriented nature of Modelica models. The modeled components are briefly described, giving emphasis on how they were modeled in Modelica and coupled to the OpenIPSL library. Finally, the models described in this work were validated against the commercial software tool Siemens PTI PSS®E and showed to accurately replicate its results bringing validity to the Modelica-based implementation.
The Effects of Extra‐Articular Suture Tension on Contact Mechanics of the Lateral Compartment of Cadaveric Stifles Treated with the TightRope CCL® or Lateral Suture Technique

Objective: To determine the effect of suture tension on contact pressures in the lateral compartment of the stifle for the TightRope CCL® (TR) and circumfabellar–tibial suture (LS) techniques. Study Design: Ex vivo biomechanical study. Sample Population: Pelvic limbs (n=12) from dogs weighing 21–24 kg. Methods: A pressure sensor was used to record peak contact pressure (PCP) and mean contact pressure (MCP) and contact area (CA) in limbs mounted in a materials testing machine. Stifles were stabilized using either a TR or LS technique and the prosthesis was tensioned increasingly from 25 to 70 N. PCP, MCP, and CA were collected at each applied tension before and after applying an axial load of 150 N. Results: In the unloaded condition, LS stabilization resulted in a significant increase (P=.034) in PCP at ≥40 N tensions, whereas TR stabilization resulted in a significant increase (P=.047) in PCP at 70 N tension. There was a significant increase in CA at tensions ≥60 N in the LS group. No effect on MCP was noted. No significant differences in contact pressures were observed in the loaded condition. There were no significant differences in normalized PCP and CA between stabilization groups at any of the tension increment. Conclusions: The application of high tension to the extra-articular prosthesis alters lateral compartment contact pressures in the unloaded stifle in this ex vivo model. Clinical Relevance: Over tightening of an extra-articular prosthesis may increase lateral compartment pressure at the time of surgery. The clinical implications of this finding are unknown, as weight bearing may negate any detrimental effect of high prosthesis tension.
Cryogenic Engineering and Fusion Power

The goal of controlled fusion research is to eventually produce electric power; after some twenty years of worldwide research effort, there has been much progress toward this goal. We can now outline a reasonable timetable for the U. S. fusion program which leads to the possibility of commercial power in about thirty years [1]; this assumes that a scientific feasibility demonstration will be successful within the next ten years, and serious design studies are now underway on several scientific feasibility demonstration experiments.
Penicillin Binding Protein 1 Is Important in the Compensatory Response of Staphylococcus aureus to Daptomycin-Induced Membrane Damage and Is a Potential Target for β-Lactam–Daptomycin Synergy

The activity of daptomycin (DAP) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is enhanced in the presence of β-lactam antibiotics. This effect is more pronounced with β-lactam antibiotics that exhibit avid binding to penicillin binding protein 1 (PBP1). Here, we present evidence that PBP1 has a significant role in responding to DAP-induced stress on the cell. Expression of the pbpA transcript, encoding PBP1, was specifically induced by DAP exposure whereas expression of pbpB, pbpC, and pbpD, encoding PBP2, PBP3, and PBP4, respectively, remained unchanged. Using a MRSA COL strain with pbpA under an inducible promoter, increased pbpA transcription was accompanied by reduced susceptibility to, and killing by, DAP in vitro. Exposure to β-lactams that preferentially inactivate PBP1 was not associated with increased DAP binding, suggesting that synergy in the setting of anti-PBP1 pharmacotherapy results from increased DAP potency on a per-molecule basis. Combination exposure in an in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model system with β-lactams that preferentially inactivate PBP1 (DAP-meropenem [MEM] or DAP-imipenem [IPM]) resulted in more-rapid killing than did combination exposure with DAP-nafcillin (NAF) (nonselective), DAP-ceftriaxone (CRO) or DAP-cefotaxime (CTX) (PBP2 selective), DAP-cefaclor (CEC) (PBP3 selective), or DAP-cefoxitin (FOX) (PBP4 selective). Compared to β-lactams with poor PBP1 binding specificity, exposure of S. aureus to DAP plus PBP1-selective β-lactams resulted in an increased frequency of septation and cell wall abnormalities. These data suggest that PBP1 activity may contribute to survival during DAP-induced metabolic stress. Therefore, targeted inactivation of PBP1 may enhance the antimicrobial efficiency of DAP, supporting the use of DAP-β-lactam combination therapy for serious MRSA infections, particularly when the β-lactam undermines the PBP1-mediated compensatory response.
Divertor heat flux scaling with heating power and plasma current in H-mode discharges in the national spherical torus experiment

Abstract We present the first results of lower divertor heat flux scaling with input power ( P NBI ) and plasma current ( I p ) in H-mode discharges in the National Spherical Torus Experiment. These experiments were conducted with 0.6 ⩽ I p ⩽ 0.9 MA, 1 P NBI B t = 0.45 T, in a lower-single null discharge shape with elongation κ ∼ 2.0, triangularity δ ∼ 0.45, and the ion grad- B drift toward the X -point. As P NBI was raised from 1 MW to 6 MW, the outer divertor peak heat flux was observed to increase up to 6 MW/m 2 . A break in the slope of peak heat flux vs. power was observed at heating power ∼3 MW, which we interpret as the transition of the divertor toward the high recycling regime and well away from the detachment threshold. The peak heat flux was also observed to increase strongly with I p .
Treatment of cutaneous granulocytic sarcoma in a patient with myelodysplasia

In this report, we have presented our experience with a patient with a rare cutaneous granulocytic sarcoma. In addition to hematoxylin and eosin, myeloperoxidase stain and specific stains for lysozyme and esterase were helpful in confirming the histologic diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma. Despite multiple attempts to control this patient's tumor by conservative surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, we eventually had to resort to limb amputation. This procedure restored a meaningful quality of life to this patient for one and a half years prior to the development of acute leukemia. Treatment with corticosteroids at the time of surgery may have prevented a local recurrence of granulocytic sarcoma despite positive tissue margins. Our experience underscores the importance of directing treatment toward the granulocytic sarcoma whereas the myelodysplasia concurrently present may not require therapy for several years.
Incentive reduction: Varied simultaneous reductions and subsequent responding

Delay and magnitude of reinforcement in the first goal box (G1) of a double alley apparatus were manipulated in two experiments. The results indicated that a decrease in reward magnitude in G1 accompanied by an increase in delay of reinforcement elevated the speed with which rats traversed the second alley (A2). Facilitation of A2 speeds was positively related to the length of delay increase, but inversely related to the amount of reward reduction.
A Revolutionary Romance: Particularity and Universality in Karen Tei Yamashita’s I Hotel

Early in the fifth novella of Karen Tei Yamashita’s historical novel I Hotel (2010), three characters involved in the San Francisco struggle over the I-Hotel have an exchange about racial identification. Two of the characters—Ben and Olivia—are young Asian American revolutionaries, part of San Francisco State College and the University of California, Berkeley’s Third World Strikes, who are fumbling toward both romance and revolution. Their mentor, Karl Kang, sets the stage for their courtship in the context of a Marxist reading group. At one point during the couple’s study-group courtship, the dialogue (the lines of which Yamashita numbers) turns to the relationship between ethnicity and broader struggle:
Unzipping Kinetics of Duplex DNA Containing Oxidized Lesions in an α-Hemolysin Nanopore

The unzipping kinetics for lesion-containing DNA duplexes was studied in an α-hemolysin (α-HL) nanopore. The lesion of focus was the guanine two-electron oxidation product, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (OG), and its further oxidation products, the hydantoins guanidinohydantoin (Gh) and spiroiminodihydantoin (Sp). The voltage-driven unzipping of individual duplex DNA molecules with symmetrical overhangs was carried out by pulling one strand of the duplex through the α-HL channel using an electrical field. Entry from the 3′ or 5′ end produced distinct current blockages, allowing directional effects on unzipping kinetics to be investigated. We find that the strand dissociation of complementary duplexes or duplexes containing the slightly destabilizing lesion OG follows a first-order kinetic model, while opening of duplexes that contain the highly destabilizing lesions Gh or Sp is described by two sequential first-order reactions, in which the intermediate state is proposed to correspond to the duplex unzipped to...
Preliminary questions for prospective meta-analysts of global environmental change: a research note

Case studies of global environmental change have become the focus of an increasing number of meta-analyses during the past decade. In this context preliminary questions about the feasibility and desirability of conducting meta-analyses have become more salient. Here we address three questions that researchers would want to answer before embarking on a meta-analysis of research on global environmental change. (1) What are the comparative advantages of meta-analyses relative to other ways of generalising about global environmental change? (2) When is the population of cases studies in a field suitable for a meta-analysis? (3) What kinds of methodological skills contribute to well-done meta-analyses? This research note addresses each of these questions.
Resin gathering in neotropical resin bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae): functional and comparative morphology

Apiomerini (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) collect plant resins with their forelegs and use these sticky substances for prey capture or maternal care. These behaviors have not been described in detail and morphological structures involved in resin gathering, transfer, and storage remain virtually undocumented. We here describe these behaviors in Apiomerus flaviventris and document the involved structures. To place them in a comparative context, we describe and document leg and abdominal structures in 14 additional species of Apiomerini that represent all but one of the 12 recent genera in the tribe. Based on these morphological data in combination with the behavioral observations on A. flaviventris, we infer behavioral and functional hypotheses for the remaining genera within the tribe Apiomerini. Setal abdominal patches for resin storage are associated with maternal care so far only documented for species of Apiomerus. Based on the occurrence of these patches in several other genera, we propose that maternal care is widespread within the tribe. Ventral abdominal glands are widespread within female Apiomerini. We propose that their products may prevent hardening of stored resins thus providing long-term supply for egg coating. Judging from the diverse setal types and arrangements on the front legs, we predict six different behavioral patterns of resin gathering within the tribe.
A descriptive analysis of STD prevalence among urban pregnant African-American teens: data from a pilot study.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among a sample of African- American adolescent females at the time of their first prenatal visit and to assess key characteristics of those testing positive for sexually transmitted diseases. The study also determined differences in these characteristics between adolescents who were and those who were not diagnosed with an STD. Methods: One-hundred-and-seventy pregnant African- American adolescents (aged 14–20 years; mean 17.5 years) receiving their first prenatal visit were recruited at a prenatal clinic located in a large urban hospital. Biological assessment included nucleic acid amplification testing for gonococcal, chlamydial, and trichomonal infections. Rapid plasma reagin testing assessed infection with syphilis. A self-administered survey and in-depth face-to-face interview were used to collect detailed information assessing adolescents’ sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial indices, and their recent sexual risk behaviors. Data were analyzed using Student’s ttests and contingency table analyses, respectively, for continuous and categorical variables. Results: Overall, 23.5% tested positive for one of the four STDs. Thirteen percent were infected with Chlamydia trachomatis, 1.2% with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 8.9% with Trichomonas vaginalis, and 1.2% with Treponema pallidum. More than one-half reported recent (past 6 months) treatment for an STD, 30% of these tested positive for at least one of the four STDs assessed. Adolescents testing positive for STDs held favorable attitudes toward condom use, but levels of sexual risk were generally high. There were no sociodemographic, psychosocial, and sexual-risk differences between those testing positive and negative. Conclusion: Findings support STD screening efforts targeting pregnant adolescents. Providing clinic-based counseling and prevention education programs to pregnant adolescents regardless of apparent risk factors may also be warranted.
Balancing Conformational and Oxidative Kinetic Traps during the Folding of Bovine Pancreatic Trypsin Inhibitor (BPTI) with Glutathione and Glutathione Disulfide

The oxidative folding of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) has served as a paradigm for the folding of disulfide-containing proteins from their reduced form, as well as for protein folding in general. Many extracellular proteins and most pharmaceutically important proteins contain disulfide bonds. Under traditional conditions, 0.125 mM glutathione disulfide (GSSG) and no glutathione (GSH), the folding pathway of BPTI proceeds through a nonproductive route via N* (a two disulfide intermediate), or a productive route via N' (and other two disulfide intermediates which are in rapid equilibrium with N'). Both routes have the rearrangement of disulfide bonds as their rate-determining steps. However, the effects of the composition of the redox buffer, GSSG and GSH, on folding has not been extensively investigated. Interestingly, BPTI folds more efficiently in the presence of 5 mM GSSG and 5 mM GSH than it does under traditional conditions. These conditions, which are similar to those found in vivo, result in a doubly mixed disulfide between N' and glutathione, which acts as an oxidative kinetic trap as it has no free thiols. However, with 5 mM GSSG and 5 mM GSH the formation of the double mixed disulfide is compensated for by N* being less kinetically stable and the more rapid conversion of the singly mixed disulfides between N' and glutathione to native protein (N). Thus a major rate-determining step becomes the direct conversion of a singly mixed disulfide to N, a growth-type pathway. Balancing the formation of N* and its stability versus the formation of the doubly mixed disulfide and its stability results in more efficient folding. Such balancing acts may prove to be general for other disulfide-containing proteins.
Conjugation with cationic cell-penetrating peptide increases pulmonary absorption of insulin.

In this study, we determined if cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) can be used to enhance the absorption rate of insulin (INS) across the alveolar epithelial barrier. Using a heterobifunctional cross...
Stability differences between the nucleoprotein components of bean pod mottle virus.

Abstract The noninfectious 91 S nucleoprotein component of bean pod mottle virus is less stable in alkaline-chloroform emulsions than the infectious 112 S component. Particle survival may be related to time of synthesis. Electrophoretic heterogeneity and the normal component distribution were maintained from pH 4.0 to 9.0. RNA cores of the noninfectious component displayed areas of nonuniform staining.
Magnetic monopole search with the Radio Ice Cherenkov Experiment

Abstract We develop a Monte Carlo simulation of relativistic magnetic monopoles and use it to find an upper limit on the flux of relativistic monopoles based on the nonobservation of in-ice showers by the Radio Ice Cherenkov Experiment (RICE). We obtain a 95% C.L. limit of order 10 - 18 ( cm 2 s sr ) - 1 for intermediate-mass monopoles of 10 7 ⩽ γ ⩽ 10 12 at the anticipated energy E tot = 10 16 GeV . This bound is over an order of magnitude stronger than all previously published experimental limits for this kinematic range.
The Melting Point Behavior of l-Arterenol d-Bitartrate Monohydrate

Abstract The presence of seed crystals of anhydrous l ‐arterenol d ‐bitaruate in a laboratory makes it difficult to prepare samples of 2‐arterenol d ‐bitartrate monohydrate of melting point 102-104° as reported in the literature. These seed crystals cause partial resolidification as the anhydrous salt, m. p. 158-159° (dec.), at the melting point of the hydrate, partial decomposition of the melted material occurring simultaneously. These two factors, operating in varying degree, cause the melting range of the hy drated salt to extend from 100° upward toward that of the anhydrous salt.
Glutamine preserves skeletal muscle force during an inflammatory insult

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that acute glutamine (GLN) supplementation can counteract skeletal muscle contractile dysfunction occurring in response to inflammation by elevating muscle heat shock protein (Hsp) expression and reducing inflammatory cytokines. Mice received 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concurrently with 1 g/kg GLN or vehicle treatments. Plantarflexor isometric force production was measured at 2 hours post-injection. Blood and gastrocnemius muscles were collected, and serum and muscle tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and muscle Hsp70 and Hsp25 were quantified. Saline/LPS treatment was associated with a 33% reduction in maximal force and elevated serum TNF-alpha and IL-6. GLN completely prevented this force decrement with LPS. GLN was found to reduce muscle Hsp70 and IL-6, but only in the presence of LPS. GLN supplementation provides an effective, novel, clinically applicable means of preserving muscle force during acute inflammation. These data indicate that force preservation is not dependent on reductions in serum cytokines or muscle TNF-alpha, or elevated Hsp levels.
Equation of state of solid ammonia (NH3) to 56 GPa

Abstract The structure of solid ammonia (NH3) was studied by energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction in the diamond-anvil cell at pressures between 3 and 56 GPa. A phase transition from face-centered cubic to hexagonal-close-packed at around 4 GPa reduces the unit cell volume by 54%, and the molar volume by 8%. No further phase transitions were observed. The data were fit to a first-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state with B0 = 7.56 ± 0.06 GPa, B'0 = 5.29 ± 0.03, and V0 = 19.94 ± 0.04 cm3mol−1.
Deportation as a Process of Irreversible Transformation

Based on life stories from 24 deported Jamaican immigrants and extensive examination of secondary data from nearly 1 million historical newspaper pages in The Gleaner's online archives (years 1834 to 2008), this article argues that the deportation of Jamaican immigrants from the US is an emblematic case of transformation which is, in fact, irreversible. In the literature, the term ‘transformation’ is used to describe the radical changes and rapid adjustments which immigrants are forced to make in order to become American. This article contributes to the forced-return migration literature by pointing out that some immigrants’ identities are transformed from ‘voluntary migrant’ to ‘deportee’, and their transformation into deportees is a process which can begin soon after immigrants make attempts to achieve their American dreams of socio-economic mobility. In the absence of the requisite familial support and financial and human capital, some immigrants experience sharp socio-economic decline, run foul of the...
Imipramine alters β-adrenergic, but not serotonergic, mediated responses in rat hippocampal pyramidal cells

Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, acts acutely to block the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE). However, imipramine's action as an antidepressant takes several weeks to develop. This study investigated acute and chronic effects of imipramine on intracellularly-recorded responses mediated by 5-HT and beta-adrenergic receptors on pyramidal cells from area CA1 of rat hippocampal slices maintained in vitro. Addition of 10 microM imipramine in the perfusion medium sinistrally shifted the 5-HT1A concentration-response curve for membrane hyperpolarization and the 5-HT concentration-response curve for the reduction in the amplitude of the slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP) elicited by a train of action potentials. After two weeks of treatment with imipramine (10 mg/kg daily i.p. injections or s.c. osmotic mini-pumps) the responses to 5-HT were not altered. In contrast the concentration-response curve for the beta-adrenergic mediated reduction in AHP amplitude was significantly altered; there was a reduction in Emax and a log unit dextral shift in EC50. There was no change in the concentration-response curve for the beta-adrenergic mediated depolarization. These data are in agreement with previous biochemical results reporting a decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor mediated stimulation in adenylyl cyclase and down-regulation of beta-receptor in cortex and hippocampus. These findings suggest that a consequence of long-term imipramine treatment is a decrease in the augmentation of cell excitation normally produced by beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation.
Laboratory measurements of the heterogeneous oxidation of condensed-phase organic molecular makers for meat cooking emissions.

Multiphase oxidation of trace organic constituents inside of complex atmospheric particles is not well understood. In this study, organic aerosol formed from flash-vaporized residual grease from meat cooking was exposed to atmospherically relevant ozone concentrations in a smog chamber for 4−6 h. Changes in particle composition were measured to determine reaction rates for important molecular markers used for source apportionment analysis (oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, and cholesterol). Results are also presented for palmitic and stearic acids and likely reaction products. To quantify oxidation rates over a range of atmospheric conditions, separate experiments were conducted at low and high relative humidity and using particles mixed with and without secondary organic aerosol. Although particle composition, relative humidity, and secondary organic aerosol all influence the reaction rates, the unsaturated compounds were rapidly oxidized in every experiment. At typical summertime conditions, palmitoleic aci...
CZT detectors with 3D readout for gamma-ray spectroscopy and imaging

We are developing 10 mm thick CZT detectors with 3-D readout for ~100 keV to ~1.5 MeV gamma-rays. Multiple-site gamma-ray interactions are fully measured, i.e., the energy and 3-D position of each site are determined. Spatial resolution is 1 mm FWHM. Anode pixel readout with 1 mm pitch is used for x- and y-positions and charge drift times for z-positions. Drift time measurements are triggered by the cathode signal and end when each interaction site's charge cloud reaches an anode pixel. Post-event processing corrects for signal loss due to charge trapping and accurately determines gamma-ray energies, with a goal of 1% energy resolution at 662 keV. Compton kinematic analysis can identify the initial interaction site in most cases as well as constrain the incident gamma-ray direction. Tests were made with a prototype detector, measuring 10 x 10 x 10 mm3 and operated at 1000 V bias. The measured drift time resolution of 25 nsec FWHM at 662 keV and 60 nsec at 122 keV corresponds to z-position resolution of 0.25 and 0.60 mm FWHM, respectively. The technique is described and results of modeling and tests are presented.
Palladium/polyethylenimine catalysts

Abstract We report the preparation and evaluation of palladium catalysts made from polyethylenimine (PEI)/silica composites. PEI was adsorbed to either porous silica beads or silica gel. Following crosslinking, the material was leached with base to increase the surface area and availability of the polymer. The PEI/silicas rapidly chelate Pd 2+ from solution. Reduction of the chelated metal ions can be accomplished with sodium borohydride. Pd/PEI/silica beads are used effectively in suspension with formic acid as the hydrogen donor; deprotection of Cbz-Glycine-O-t-butyl (where Cbz=carbobenzoxy) is very rapid with this catalyst compared to palladium on carbon. The Pd/ PEI/silica gel catalyst can be used effectively with hydrogen gas for the reduction of nitrobenzene in methanol. Both catalysts are conveniently separated from product by simply decanting the supernatant solution. The catalysts (1% Pd) have shown no pyrophoric behavior and they are reusable. Hydrophobic derivatives of the catalysts were prepared with the hope that apolar reactants would be attracted to the metal sites with a concomitant enhancement of rate. The introduction of apolar groups into the catalyst matrix did not, however, result in a more effective catalyst compared to the catalyst made from the unmodified material.
Attenuation of the pressor response to intravenous furosemide by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition in congestive heart failure.

Abstract We have previously reported that the administration of intravenous furosemide to patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) caused an increase in mean arterial pressure, an increase in systemic vascular resistance and a decrease in cardiac output before the onset of diuresis.1 These hemodynamic events were accompanied by large increases in plasma renin activity, a moderate increase in plasma norepinephrine (NE), and a small increase in plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP). We postulated on the basis of these observations that the vasoconstrictor response induced by intravenous furosemide was due to acute neurohumoral activation. It was not possible to tell from the previous investigation which of the vasoconstrictor systems might have been responsible for the increase in vascular tone, because all 3 systems were concomitantly activated. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that the renin-angiotensin system may mediate the acute presser response to furosemide.
Periprosthetic femur fractures treated with modular fluted, tapered stems.

Background Treatment of periprosthetic femur fractures is challenging, and high failure and complication rates have been reported in many series. The optimal techniques and implants for the management of Vancouver B2 and B3 fractures remain in debate.
Molecular aspects of the environmental induction of heritable changes in flax

The conditions for the induction and stabilisation of environmentally induced changes in flax, and the characterisation of these changes for six characters have been reviewed. A model for the induction and expression of these changes has been proposed. The environmental conditions for the successful induction of heritable changes comprise at least two components; a specific inducing component, for example a particular fertiliser treatment, which is required to induce the change, and a general inducing component, providing for vigorous healthy growth, which is necessary for the induced changes to be inherited. Stable induced changes require appropriate environments for their maintenance, for example heated greenhouses for the first 5 weeks of seedling growth and adequate pot size. Under certain growth conditions the induced changes can themselves be modified. DNA differences induced in the different genotrophs can occur at a number of sites within the genome, including the ribosomal RNA cistrons. Environmental induction causes changes in the isozyme band patterns of peroxidase, acid phosphatase and esterase isozymes. The genotrophs behave as distinct genetic types in crosses, with a complex pattern of inheritance of the hairy septa character. The association between the different induced characters is examined. All the genotrophs can be distinguished from each other on at least one of the six characters. A model for the induction of the DNA changes, involving a type of IS-element has been proposed. The expression of the induced changes, in terms of altered numbers of copies of particular sequences at specific sites within the genome, has been considered.
Strong monopole electron-collisional excitation in highly stripped ions.

The collision strengths for electric monopole collisional excitation of the outermost subshell of highly stripped closed-shell ions are examined and found to scale nearly hydrogenically. The collision strength near threshold for the principal monopole excitation process (in the distorted-wave approximation) is written as ..cap omega..(Z) = xi/sub n//sub l/(Z)eta/sub nl/(Z)N/sub nl/I/sub H//..delta..E(Z), where xi/sub n//sub l/(Z) is near 0.3, 0.5, and 0.6 for the He-like (1s--2s), Ne-like (2p--3p), and Ni-like (3d--4d) sequences, respectively, and where eta/sub n//sub l/(Z) accounts for mixing effects and is near unity at low Z. The excitation process in nickel-like ions is more effective per electron than for neonlike ions and is favorable to the development of x-ray lasers below 44 A. The extension of the monopole excitation scheme to Nd-like ions appears very attractive for longer wavelengths.
Does St Anselm Beg the Question

The following objection to the ‘ontological’ argument of St Anselm (Proslogion II) has a continuing importance. The argument begs the question by introducing into the first premise the name ‘God’. In order for something to be truly talked about, to have properties truly attributed to it—it has been said—it must exist; a statement containing a vacuous name must either be false, meaningless, or lacking in truth-value, if it is not a misleading formulation to be explained by paraphrase into other terms. In any case the question of the divine existence is begged.
Assessment of EchoMRI-AH versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure human body composition.

Assessment of EchoMRI-AH versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to measure human body composition
An examination of VEP response phase.

Abstract The accuracy of phase sensitive signal detection (PSD) as applied to swept visual evoked potential retrieval depends upon phase stability. If large phase shifts over occur the course of a swept run, amplitude will be lost in any one PSD channel and threshold estimation may be inaccurate. We were able to demonstrate large latency shifts in the conventional computer averaged VEP and phase shifts in the Fourier-analyzed steady-state VEP, as a function of contrast and spatial frequency. However, the phase changes observed over that portion of a sweep where there is a visually driven response are much smaller than obtained from averaged VEPs to a series of fixed stimulus values. The difference between the observed phase shifts may be caused by a delay in phase response when stimuli are swept. This hypothesis was supported by the finding that the phase of the steady-state VEP response requires from 1 to 2 sec to stabilize following a change in contrast. Sweeping contrast or spatial frequency results in a physiologically different response than when averaged VEP responses are measured to discrete changes in stimulus parameters.
The noncentral bivariate chisquared distribution and extensions

The distribution of certain correlated noncentral chisquared variates P, Q, is termed the noncentral bivariate chisquared distribution. Moment generating functions of the distributions of (P, Q), (P+Q) and other quadratic forms have been obtained. A relationship to the linear case of the noncentral Wishart distribution is indicated. Convolution properties and applications are presented.
Polyoxoanion- and Tetrabutylammonium-Stabilized, Near-Monodisperse, 40 ± 6 Å Rh(0)∼1500 to Rh(0)∼3700 Nanoclusters: Synthesis, Characterization, and Hydrogenation Catalysis

Polyoxoanion- and tetrabutylammonium-stabilized near-monodisperse 40 ± 6 A Rh(0)∼1500 to Rh(0)∼3700 nanoclusters have been prepared by hydrogen reduction, in acetone, of a polyoxoanion-supported Rh(I) complex, [(n-C4H9)4N]5Na3[(1,5-COD)Rh·P2W15Nb3O62], a reaction in which the resultant Rh(0) nanoclusters serve as a cyclohexene hydrogenation catalyst. The Rh(0)∼1500 to Rh(0)∼3700 nanoclusters are isolated as a black powder that can be fully redispersed in non-aqueous solvents such as acetonitrile; they have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron diffraction, UV−vis spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Ion-exchange chromatography shows that the isolated Rh(0) nanoclusters are stabilized by the adsorption of the polyoxoanion onto their outer surfaces. Hydrogen gas-uptake stoichiometry, in combination with quantitative kinetic evidence, is presented, indicating that the nanoclusters grow by the slow nucleation, then fast autocatalytic surface-growth, ...
Feedforward and Feedback Control in Apraxia of Speech: Effects of Noise Masking on Vowel Production

Purpose This study was designed to test two hypotheses about apraxia of speech (AOS) derived from the Directions Into Velocities of Articulators (DIVA) model (Guenther et al., 2006): the feedforward system deficit hypothesis and the feedback system deficit hypothesis. Method The authors used noise masking to minimize auditory feedback during speech. Six speakers with AOS and aphasia, 4 with aphasia without AOS, and 2 groups of speakers without impairment (younger and older adults) participated. Acoustic measures of vowel contrast, variability, and duration were analyzed. Results Younger, but not older, speakers without impairment showed significantly reduced vowel contrast with noise masking. Relative to older controls, the AOS group showed longer vowel durations overall (regardless of masking condition) and a greater reduction in vowel contrast under masking conditions. There were no significant differences in variability. Three of the 6 speakers with AOS demonstrated the group pattern. Speakers with aph...
Electrophysiological analysis of dopamine cells from the substantia nigra pars compacta of circling rats.

Extracellular single unit recordings were obtained from dopamine cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta during forced locomotion on a circular turntable treadmill. Stainless steel wire electrodes, 18 μm diameter, insulated with Parylene C were used. During the entire recording session the rat was in the treadmill apparatus. The device was stopped while a cell was being sought. A cell was identified as dopaminergic by a frequency of 3 to 10 Hz and a biphasic or triphasic action potential of greater than 2 ms in duration. An attempt was made to record from cells under the following conditions: animal at rest, animal turning in one direction, at rest again, turning in the opposite direction and finally, at rest. If the cell was still firing after these recordings, haloperidol was injected i.p. to see that the presumed dopamine cell increased its firing rate. A cell was held for all the observations in 4 animals. In an additional 10 rats, recordings were made before, during and after movement in one direction. Three animals were recorded only before and during movement. In 6 of the total of 17 animals haloperidol was administered. Results showed that firing patterns of cells in awake animals were similar to those reported from dopamine cells of anesthetized rats. During either contralateral or ipsilateral turning the firing frequency and burst activity significantly increased. These results indicate that the activity of dopamine cells in substantia nigra is increased bilaterally during circling.
A Method of Swing Leg Control for a Minimally Actuated Medical Exoskeleton for Individuals With Paralysis

This paper discusses the control of a medical exoskeleton swing leg that has a “passive” (unactuated) knee. Previous work in legged locomotion has demonstrated the feasibility of achieving natural, energy efficient walking with minimally actuated robotic systems. This work will present early results for a medical exoskeleton that only has actuation that powers the flexion and extension of the biological hip. In this work, a hybrid model of the state dependent kinematics and dynamics of the swing leg will be developed and parameterized to yield swing hip dynamics as a function of desired knee flexion dynamics. This model is used to design swing hip motions that control the flexion behavior of the passive swing knee in a human-like manner. This concept was tested by a paraplegic user wearing a new minimally actuated exoskeleton. The presented results show that a human-like swing phase can be achieved with an exoskeleton that has fewer actuated degrees of freedom than current medical exoskeletons.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Bergmann ecogeographic trends among triplefin blennies (Teleostei: Tripterygiidae) in the Gulf of California, Mexico

Bergmann-type ecogeographic patterns are common among small resident rocky-shore fishes in the Gulf of California where triplefin blennies (Tripterygiidae) represent a significant component of the community. Using estimates of adult body size from samples throughout the Gulf, four triplefin species, three more than previously reported, showed significant correlations of body size with latitude. The intensity and form of the relationships are given. Measuring the length of the largest individual in samples rather than using average body weight per individuals in samples offers a better estimate of adult body size.
First experience with a distraction apparatus prototype (SM-fix-phalanx distractor) for phalanges lengthening

Depuis 1991, sept enfants âges de 5 a 17 ans, furent traites a l'Hopital universitaire de Bâle pour une amputation partielle post-traumatique de phalange avec un nouveau distracteur. Cette distraction permanente apres osteotomie permit d'obtenir un allongement de 3 a 10 mm (moyenne 55 % de la phalange restante). Cet appareil permit chez tous les enfants souffrant d'une amputation de la phalange distale d'ameliorer la fonction et l'aspect esthetique. L'allongement et la consolidation furent acquis en 5 semaines. Le recul est de 2 a 12 mois. Grâce a l'excellente histogenese apres l'allongement, il ne fut pas necessaire d'envisager de greffe pour autant que les parties molles soient intactes ou reparees