cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral analyses of wrist motion in individuals poststroke: the development of a performance measure with promise for unsupervised settings.

Background. Upper extremity use in daily life is a critical ingredient of continued functional recovery after cerebral stroke. However, time-evolutions of use-dependent motion quality are poorly understood due to limitations of existing measurement tools. Objective. Proof-of-concept study to determine if spectral analyses explain the variability of known temporal kinematic movement quality (ie, movement duration, number of peaks, jerk) for uncontrolled reach-to-grasp tasks. Methods. Ten individuals with chronic stroke performed unimanual goal-directed movements using both hands, with and without task object present, wearing accelerometers on each wrist. Temporal and spectral measures were extracted for each gesture. The effects of performance condition on outcome measures were determined using 2-way, within subject, hand (nonparetic vs paretic) × object (present vs absent) analysis of variance. Regression analyses determined if spectral measures explained the variability of the temporal measures. Results....
Transmission of many WDM channels through a cascade of EDFA's in long-distance links and ring networks

We analyze the transmission of many wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) channels through a cascade of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) in both long-distance links and ring-based networks. For a megameter long-distance system, optimal operating conditions are found for achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per channel with as small an SNR differential as possible between 20 WDM channels spaced 0.5 nm apart. Critical issues addressed in this paper include: (a) the non-uniformity of the EDFA gain with wavelength: (b) the link loss between amplifiers; (c) the small-signal gain per amplifier; and (d) the input signal power. >
Late preconditioning against stunning is not mediated by increased antioxidant defenses in conscious pigs

Previous studies in conscious pigs have demonstrated that a sequence of ten 2-min coronary occlusion/2-min reperfusion cycles renders the heart relatively resistant to myocardial stunning 24 h late...
Evaluating the Economic Effectiveness of Pathogen Reduction Technologies in Cattle Slaughter Plants

Increasing risk and costs from food-borne illness has led food-processing firms to intensify pathogen reduction efforts+ Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points ~HACCP! is one system for evaluating which hazards need to be controlled and where in the production process they can be controlled+ Firms may choose among many competing technologies that differ in cost and effectiveness at controlling pathogen growth+ To evaluate a firm’s pathogen control options, a probabilistic risk analysis model based on typical slaughterhouse practices is linked to a decision model to evaluate the cost effectiveness of seven combinations of pathogen-reducing technologies+The likely comparative advantage of different strategies for large vs+ small slaughterhouses is examined+ Risk is compared for two cases with the same mean risk to illustrate the importance of correct model specification+ The report concludes with a discussion of the institutional barriers and incomplete markets that affect the adoption and development of more effective pathogen reduction technologies+ @EconLit citations: Q180, O300, L510#+ © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc+
Toward a Spherical Pseudo-Wavelet Basis for Geodetic Applications

Abstract: In this contribution an investigation is made to exploit the advantages of 2D planar wavelets for the representation of scalar-valued signals on the sphere, with particular emphasis on the local or regional patches as they may originate from the so-called “Igloo” decomposition of the spherical surface. After introducing isometric coordinates on the sphere and applying a suitable map projection (such as “Mercator” along the equator, for instance) a family of basis functions which we called “pseudo-wavelets” can be constructed on the sphere that may be well suited to capture regional phenomena such as the fine structure of the terrestrial gravity field, and its representations toward multi-resolution flexibility. Such wavelet functions, if successful, are critically needed for a number of research topics and applications.
Regulation of pseudosexual behavior in the parthenogenetic whiptail lizard, Cnemidophorus uniparens.

Neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying complementary behaviors like male-typical mounting and female-typical receptivity are most often studied independently in males and females, respectively. Cnemidophorus uniparens is a unisexual lizard species consisting only of females that alternately express male- and female-like pseudosexual behavior across the ovarian cycle. Intact, postovulatory (PostOv), and ovariectomized (OVX), androgen-implanted animals [OVX plus testosterone (T)] exhibit male-like mounting, but not receptivity, whereas intact, preovulatory (PreOv), and OVX lizards injected with estradiol [OVX plus estrogen (E)] express receptivity, but not mounting. We tested whether the serotonergic system in the preoptic area (POA) and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) gates the reciprocal inhibition characterizing this alternating expression of mounting and receptivity. Serotonergic signaling at the POA appears to be key to gating male-like behavior. Postovulatory and OVX plus T animals have lower intracellular serotonin (5-HT) levels, and greater abundance of inhibitory 5-HT1A receptor mRNA in the POA compared with both PreOv and OVX plus E lizards. Moreover, injecting 5-HT into the POA of OVX plus T animals suppressesmounting,whereasinjectionintoVMNofOVXplus E lizards suppresses receptivity. Although 5-HT levels in the VMN do not differ across the ovarian cycle or between hormonally manipulated animals, PreOv and OVX plus E lizards have a lower abundance of 5-HT2A mRNA in the VMN. Stimulating 5-HT1A receptors using systemic drug administration inhibits mounting, whereas activating 5-HT2A receptors facilitates receptivity. This study illuminates how male- and female-typical sexual behaviors share common neural circuits, and that 5-HT regulates these naturally complementary, and mutually exclusive, behaviors. (Endocrinology149: 4622–4631, 2008)
Kleptoparasitism of Nesting Material from a Red-faced Spinetail (Cranioleuca erythrops) Nest Site

Abstract We report observations of Thick-billed Euphonias (Euphonia laniirostris) and a Golden-faced Tyrannulet (Zimmerius chrysops) kleptoparasitizing nest material from Red-faced Spinetail (Cranioleuca erythrops) nests in Antioquia, Colombia. Thick-billed Euphonias (12 ± 1 m, n = 11 encounters) and Golden-faced Tyrannulets (10 ± 1 m, n = 19) at our study site typically foraged at similar heights as the Red-faced Spinetail nests they parasitized (9 m for both nests), consistent with the idea that a kleptoparasite might steal material from nests in its home stratum to avoid predation risk associated with descending to the ground in search of nest material. We encourage ornithologists to continue reporting instances of nest material kleptoparasitism so its prevalence in birds can be rigorously assessed.
Magnetic properties of biosynthesized magnetite nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles, which are unique because of both structural and functional elements, have various novel applications. The popularity and practicality of nanoparticle materials create a need for a synthesis method that produces quality particles in sizable quantities. This paper describes such a method, one that uses bacterial synthesis to create nanoparticles of magnetite. The thermophilic bacterial strain Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus TOR-39 was incubated under anaerobic conditions at 65/spl deg/C for two weeks in aqueous solution containing Fe ions from a magnetite precursor (akaganeite). Magnetite particles formed outside of bacterial cells. We verified particle size and morphology by using dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Average crystallite size was 45 nm. We characterized the magnetic properties by using a superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer; a saturation magnetization of 77 emu/g was observed at 5 K. These results are comparable to those for chemically synthesized magnetite nanoparticles.
A phase II trial of oral capecitabine in patients with platinum--and taxane--refractory ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer.

Abstract Purpose To determine the efficacy, toxicity, and quality of life of capecitabine (Xeloda), an oral 5-fluorouracil derivative, in patients with chemorefractory recurrent mullerian cancers. Patients and methods Patients with chemorefractory persistent or recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer with measurable disease were enrolled. Capecitabine was administered beginning at 2000 mg/m 2 /day orally in two divided doses with meals on a 21-day cycle: 14 days of capecitabine followed by a 7-day rest period. One dose escalation or reduction was allowed. Response was assessed after cycle 2 and cycle 4 and every third cycle thereafter. Standard evaluation included two-dimensional measurement of evaluable disease. Standard criteria for response were used. Therapy was discontinued if progression occurred after at least two cycles of therapy. Quality of life and symptoms were assessed. Results Forty-one patients were enrolled. Ninety-two percent of patients had > 2 previous chemotherapy regimens. All patients had platinum- and taxane-resistant disease. Thirty-six patients were evaluable for response. Three patients had a partial response, with a median response duration of five cycles. Twenty-two patients had stable disease for 3 to 11 cycles (median, 6 cycles). Eleven had progressive disease. The only grade 4 toxicity was abdominal pain ( n = 2). The most common grade 3 toxicities were fatigue ( n = 19), hand–foot syndrome ( n = 11), abdominal pain ( n = 7), and diarrhea ( n = 4). One patient had a grade 3 hematologic toxicity (anemia). Conclusion Capecitabine at the dosages used in this study is well tolerated and has minimal hematologic toxicity.
Recovery of fuels and chemicals through catalytic pyrolysis of plastic wastes

The effects of various promoted and unpromoted mixed oxide catalysts on yields and compositions of liquid organic products as measured in a small laboratory pyrolysis reactor are reported. While such small-scale results do not accurately predict process plant yields, they provide a useful reference in preliminary economic evaluations and in planning larger-scale tests. Therefore, on the basis of laboratory results, a commercial-scale catalytic pyrolysis plant for the production of synthetic crude oil was simulated by using Aspen Plus and the economics were developed. Depending on certain assumptions, such a process could be profitable. To test the possibility of producing chemicals, a separations plant was added. Simulation results again suggested potential economic viability.
The Brown Dwarf Kinematics Project I. Proper motions and tangential velocities for a large sample of late-type M, L, and T dwarfs

We report proper-motion measurements for 427 late-type M, L, and T dwarfs, 332 of which have been measured for the first time. Combining these new proper motions with previously published measurements yields a sample of 841 M7-T8 dwarfs. We combined parallax measurements or calculated spectrophotometric distances, and computed tangential velocities for the entire sample. We find that kinematics for the full and volume-limited 20 pc samples are consistent with those expected for the Galactic thin disk, with no significant differences between late-type M, L, and T dwarfs. Applying an age-velocity relation we conclude that the average kinematic age of the 20 pc sample of ultracool dwarfs is older than recent kinematic estimates and more consistent with age results calculated with population synthesis models. There is a statistically distinct population of high tangential velocity sources (V tan > 100 km s^–1) whose kinematics suggest an even older population of ultracool dwarfs belonging to either the Galactic thick disk or halo. We isolate subsets of the entire sample, including low surface gravity dwarfs, unusually blue L dwarfs, and photometric outliers in J – Ks color and investigate their kinematics. We find that the spectroscopically distinct class of unusually blue L dwarfs has kinematics clearly consistent with old age, implying that high surface gravity and/or low metallicity may be relevant to their spectral properties. The low surface gravity dwarfs are kinematically younger than the overall population, and the kinematics of the red and blue ultracool dwarfs suggest ages that are younger and older than the full sample, respectively. We also present a reduced proper-motion diagram at 2MASS (Two Micron All Sky Survey) Ks for the entire population and find that a limit of HKs > 18 excludes M dwarfs from the L and T dwarf population regardless of near-infrared color, potentially enabling the identification of the coldest brown dwarfs in the absence of color information.
Removing overhead from high-level interfaces

Hardware modules would be much easier to reuse if they supported generic flexible high-level interfaces. However, these interfaces are rarely used since they lead to timing and area overheads compared to a customized design. This paper describes a reachability analysis framework that identifies over-provisioning in instances of flexible design, and offers a technique for annotating this information so that modern synthesis tools can remove most of the overhead. Results are demonstrated on a variety of flexible structures, including functional blocks, programmable state machines, and latency-insensitive interfaces.
Bifurcation and category learning in network models of oscilating cortex

Abstract A genetic model of oscillating cortex, which assumes “minimal” coupling justified by known anatomy, is shown to function as an associative memory, using previously developed theory. The network has explicit excitatory neurons with local inhibitory interneuron feedback that forms a set of nonlinear oscillators coupled only by long-range excitatory connections. Using a local Hebb-like learning rule for primary and higher-order synapses at the ends of the long-range connections, the system learns to store the kinds of oscillation amplitude patterns observed in olfactory and visual cortex. In olfaction, these patterns “emerge” during respiration by a pattern forming phase transition which we characterize in the model as a multiple Hopf bifurcation. We argue that these bifurcations play an important role in the operation of real digital computers and neural networks, and we use bifurcation theory to derive learning rules which analytically guarantee CAM storage of continuous periodic sequences-capacity: N /2 Fourier components for an N -node network-no “spurious” attractors.
Single Defect Single Layer (SDSL) Model

A method to assess deterministically the sensitivity of layouts to spot defects is presented in this chapter[56,57]. The models for catastrophic faults considered are unintended bridges and unintended cuts related to patterns in one layer. The classical prototype of this construction, in the case of bridges, consists of three steps (see also chapter 2) : (1) Extend all patterns by half the defect size; (2) Compute all the mutual intersections of the extended patterns; (3) Compute the area of the union of all intersections. Applying the scanline principle and assuming N line segments of the original mask patterns leads to an algorithm with asymptotic complexity N 2 log N 2, a bound which is sharp in particular for large defect sizes. Our approach, based on the new concept of “susceptible sites” reduces this complexity to NlogN. Moreover, only two scans are necessary to extract all “susceptible sites” which then are used to compute the “critical areas” for a whole set of points in a domain of defect sizes. Complex layouts can be analyzed under interactive operating conditions on standard workstations. Prior to this method, critical area extractions have been based on approximations, on layout simplifications, or on Monte Carlo statistical simulations[25,71]. Because of the complexity of the layouts, several approaches derive a “layout image” to avoid the real extraction and computation of the critical areas.
Flow Rates in Two-Dimensional, Unsteady, Confined Groundwater Flow

The theory of two-dimensional, unsteady, confined groundwater flow is first reviewed and then extended to allow unsteady flow rates to be computed from steady-state solutions. The difference between the steady and unsteady solutions is examined, and it is shown that the steady-state solution can be used to approximate the unsteady solution under certain special conditions.
Modification of Abiotic–Biotic Interfaces with Small Molecules and Nanomaterials for Improved Bioelectronics

Low efficiency of charge extraction (and conversely charge injection) across biotic–abiotic interfaces constitutes an obstacle to the integration of biological and electronic systems in high-performance bioelectronic devices. Advances in the promotion of charge transport across these typically nonconductive interfaces will have far-reaching implications in important applications such as alternative energy generation, bioelectrosynthesis, diagnostics, and environmental monitoring. This review highlights the use of synthetic materials to improve electrical interfacing between biological systems and electrodes, focusing specifically on whole cell bioelectrochemical systems. By taking advantage of a rich variety of materials chemistry and synthetic methodologies, significant improvements to the facilitation of charge transport across abiotic–biotic interfaces have been realized. The modifications of the bioelectronic interfaces presented herein include the use of organic small molecules, semiconducting and re...
Composition of Ore Fluid Inclusions from the Viburnum Trend, Southeast Missouri District, United States: Implications for Transport and Precipitation Mechanisms

Fluid inclusions hosted by sphalerite and dolomite cement from the Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) deposits of the Viburnum Trend of the Southeast Missouri district were analyzed by microthermometry and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to determine the composition of mineralizing fluids and to seek insights into ore-forming processes. On the whole, fluid inclusions from throughout the paragenesis have compositions resembling deep sedimentary brines. A population of anomalously Pb-rich fluid inclusions with concentrations reaching 1,500 ppm was identified in some of the paragenetically early and main-stage sphalerite, which is interpreted to represent the influx of a Pb- and possibly overall metal-rich fluid into Southeast Missouri during the time of sulfide mineralization. This influx of Pb-rich fluid appears to have been intermittent, as at least one stage of dolomite cement that hosts Pb-poor fluid inclusions occurs between intervals of sphalerite that host Pb-rich fluid inclusions. If fluid flow into the district was principally from one direction, for example, from the Arkoma basin to the south, then the intermittency in high Pb concentrations could be explained by compositional changes in the source region or along the flow path. Alternatively, if fluid flow into the district was from two or more directions and fluid arriving from each direction had a different composition, then the intermittency in high Pb concentrations could be explained by transient variations in the relative flow rates from each direction. Lead concentrations on the order of thousands of parts per million make it unlikely that the Southeast Missouri ores were precipitated by any mechanism that involved simultaneous transport of metals and sulfide in the same fluid, as the concentrations of sulfide that could coexist with such high concentrations of Pb would be too low to allow the ores to be deposited within a geologically reasonable period of time, unless the pH was very low or groundwater flow rates were very high. Thus, some type of mixing scenario seems more likely involving either mixing of a metal- with a sulfide-rich fluid or mixing of a metal- and sulfate-rich fluid with a reductant present either in the host rock or in another fluid. Fluid inclusions hosted by sphalerite have K/Na and Ca/Mg ratios that partly resemble the compositions of both main-stage cuboctahedral galena and less abundant late-stage cubic galena, suggesting that sphalerite was precipitated from a mixture of the fluids that precipitated these two types of galena. However, the fact that aqueous Pb concentration does not correlate with these ratios or other indicators of main-stage mineralization, such as matrix Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ag, and Cd content in sphalerite, suggests that more than two fluids were involved in mixing.
Effect of length of alkyl linkage on selectivity of anion-exchange resins

La preparation des resines echangeuses d'anions s'effectue en deux etapes: une bromoalkylation de la resine, une amination avec la trimethylamine. Cinq types de resines sont ainsi preparees et possedent un, deux, trois, quatre ou six atomes de carbone entre la surface de la resine et le groupe echangeur d'ammonium quaternaire
Paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction: A primer for the interventional radiologist

Paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction is a complication of large volume paracentesis that leads to faster reaccumulation of ascites, hyponatremia, renal impairment, and shorter survival. Knowledge of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prevention of this condition is vital to the interventional radiologist as a valued team member in the treatment of ascites.
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors: Present perspectives and future horizons.

Abstract Aims Our comprehensive review highlights the drug development and pharmacogenomics leading to the recent approval of PCSK9 inhibitors. We also review the anticipated future advances into the uses of PCSK9 inhibition. Background Despite the present advances in pharmacotherapy, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering is the primary target for ASCVD risk reduction, showing demonstrable benefits in mortality. However, 70% of events occur even in the presence of statins. This residual risk may be approached with additional LDL-C reduction. Statin intolerance is a common clinical concern affecting adherence and the benefit with statins. There is also significant variation of individual lipid-lowering. Following rapid development, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have progressed from genetic observations, to mechanistic studies, to closer realization of the goal of CVD risk reduction. This review discusses the science behind PCSK9 inhibition, evidence of trials involving efficacy and safety, and reflections of its present and future role in clinical care, especially in high-risk patients with ASCVD, persons with suboptimal responses to statins and familial hyperlipidemia. Monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated LDL-C lowering of up to 57% as monotherapy and up to 73% when added to statins. Statins have limited efficacy in reduction of LDL-C due to an increased number of LDL-receptors. Elevated lipoprotein (a) levels may also be significantly lowered by PCSK9i. The journey from discovery to PSCK9 target validation took less than five years, and development and approval of therapeutic modalities for PCSK9 inhibitors happened over the next seven. This review highlights the drug development and pharmacogenomics leading to the recent approval of two agents, alirocumab and evolocumab, with a third bococizumab, and other novel approaches to the pathway pending. Data synthesis We searched MEDLINE database via Pubmed for reviews, research publications and relevant trials available on PCSK9 inhibition. Conclusion Despite decades of medical advances, ASCVD remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Statin use has multiplied since the validation of LDL hypothesis, however, it is undeniable a more effective and well-tolerated agent is needed in significant number or patients. With the arrival of the era of unprecedented CV protection with PCSK9 inhibition, this exciting new therapy holds a pivotal promise as the future of lipid management. The data available already indicate safety, tolerability and superb efficacy of these agents, which are already changing contemporary cholesterol management. The rapid translation of innovative basic science research into drug development may lead to CV outcomes reduction and confirm that this pathway will become prominently utilized.
Machine-Learning-Augmented Chemisorption Model for CO2 Electroreduction Catalyst Screening

We present a machine-learning-augmented chemisorption model that enables fast and accurate prediction of the surface reactivity of metal alloys within a broad chemical space. Specifically, we show that artificial neural networks, a family of biologically inspired learning algorithms, trained with a set of ab initio adsorption energies and electronic fingerprints of idealized bimetallic surfaces, can capture complex, nonlinear interactions of adsorbates (e.g., *CO) on multimetallics with ∼0.1 eV error, outperforming the two-level interaction model in prediction. By leveraging scaling relations between adsorption energies of similar adsorbates, we illustrate that this integrated approach greatly facilitates high-throughput catalyst screening and, as a specific case, suggests promising {100}-terminated multimetallic alloys with improved efficiency and selectivity for CO2 electrochemical reduction to C2 species. Statistical analysis of the network response to perturbations of input features underpins our fundamental understanding of chemical bonding on metal surfaces.
Studies on intracerebral inoculation of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) into mice.

2. Henle, W. and Henle, G. 1946, J. Exper. Med. 84: 623-637. 3. Hale, W. M. and McKee, A. P. 1945, Proc. Soc. Exper. Biol. & Med. 59: 81-84. 4. Henle, W. and Henle, G. 1946, J. Exper. Med. 84: 639-660. and Newcastle disease viruses to factors producing other effects, such as febrile reactions, leucopenia, and drop in blood pressure, has not been clarified. In several instances, however, the neurotoxic agent was apparently more labile than these factors.4,9-12
An In Vitro DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Assay Based on End-Joining of Defined Duplex Oligonucleotides

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are caused by endogenous cellular processes such as oxidative metabolism, or by exogenous events like exposure to ionizing radiation or other genotoxic agents. Repair of these DSBs is essential for the maintenance of cellular genomic integrity. In human cells, and cells of other higher eukaryotes, DSBs are primarily repaired by the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) DSB repair pathway. Most in vitro assays that have been designed to measure NHEJ activity employ linear plasmid DNA as end-joining substrates, and such assays have made significant contributions to our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of NHEJ. Here we describe an in vitro end-joining assay employing linear oligonucleotides that has distinct advantages over plasmid-based assays for the study of structure–function relationships between the proteins of the NHEJ pathway and synthetic DNA end-joining substrates possessing predetermined DSB configurations and chemistries.
Genome-wide association analysis on pre-harvest sprouting resistance and grain color in U.S. winter wheat

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) in wheat can cause substantial reduction in grain yield and end-use quality. Grain color (GC) together with other components affect PHS resistance. Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been reported for PHS resistance, and two of them on chromosome 3AS (TaPHS1) and 4A have been cloned. To determine genetic architecture of PHS and GC and genetic relationships of the two traits, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted by evaluating a panel of 185 U.S. elite breeding lines and cultivars for sprouting rates of wheat spikes and GC in both greenhouse and field experiments. The panel was genotyped using the wheat 9K and 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays. Four QTL for GC on four chromosomes and 12 QTL for PHS resistance on 10 chromosomes were identified in at least two experiments. QTL for PHS resistance showed varied effects under different environments, and those on chromosomes 3AS, 3AL, 3B, 4AL and 7A were the more frequently identified QTL. The common QTL for GC and PHS resistance were identified on the long arms of the chromosome 3A and 3D. Wheat grain color is regulated by the three known genes on group 3 chromosomes and additional genes from other chromosomes. These grain color genes showed significant effects on PHS resistance in some environments. However, several other QTL that did not affect grain color also played a significant role on PHS resistance. Therefore, it is possible to breed PHS-resistant white wheat by pyramiding these non-color related QTL.
Hematopoietic Aging Biomarkers in Peromyscus leucopus Mice

We analyzed hematopoietic phenotypes in Peromyscus leucopus (PL) mice at young (2-9 months), middle (22-23 months) and old (33-46 months) ages aimed at characterizing age-associated changes in this unique rodent species. We found a significantly higher number of monocytes in old PL mice in peripheral blood, and higher proportions of CD44+ cells in blood, spleen and bone marrow in old PL mice than in middle and young counterparts. We conclude that elevated blood monocyte counts and up-regulated hematopoietic cell CD44 expression are two useful aging biomarkers for PL mice.
Interaction of rice and human SRP19 polypeptides with signal recognition particle RNA

The signal recognition particle (SRP) controls the transport of secretory proteins into and across lipid bilayers. SRP-like ribonucleoprotein complexes exist in all organisms, including plants. We characterized the rice SRP RNA and its primary RNA binding protein, SRP19. The secondary structure of the rice SRP RNA was similar to that found in other eukaryotes; however, as in other plant SRP RNAs, a GUUUCA hexamer sequence replaced the highly conserved GNRA-tetranucleotide loop motif at the apex of helix 8. The small domain of the rice SRP RNA was reduced considerably. Structurally, rice SRP19 lacked two small regions that can be present in other SRP19 homologues. Conservative structure prediction and site-directed mutagenesis of rice and human SRP19 polypeptides indicated that binding to the SRP RNAs occurred via a loop that is present in the N-domain of both proteins. Rice SRP19 protein was able to form a stable complex with the rice SRP RNA in vitro. Furthermore, heterologous ribonucleoprotein complexes with components of the human SRP were assembled, thus confirming a high degree of structural and functional conservation between plant and mammalian SRP components.
Ceremony for the Presentation of the Division of Polymer Chemistry Award to Carl S. Marvel

On the occasion of the presentation of the Division of Polymer Chemistry Award to Professor C. S. Marvel on November 21, 1978, a number of formal and informal events, which accompanied the award address published in this volume, occurred which added materially to the presentation and we hope tended to enhance the tradition of the award. These events included the presentation ceremonies, the introduction of the awardee, and a panel discussion involving questions and reminiscing about the awardee’s career.
Physical Modelling of Littoral Processes

Physical modelling of littoral processes involves the correct construction of the model, including the wavemaker system and the model basin, and the correct interpretation of the results in terms of the scaling. This paper reviews these two aspects for wave tank and wave basin studies.
Worsening heart failure hospitalization epidemic we do not know how to prevent and we do not know how to treat

Until the late 1980s, there were no known medical treatments available to improve survival in patients with heart failure (HF). Since then, there has been a steady increase in research, resulting in multiple drug- and device-related treatment options for these patients. Despite these improvements,
Transoral Endoscopic Surgery: New Surgical Techniques for Oropharyngeal Cancer

Surgery of oropharyngeal cancer has evolved from large, open transcervical and transmandibular approaches to minimally invasive transoral endoscopic techniques. Transoral laser microsurgery and transoral robotic surgery allow complete oncologic resection through the mouth with minimal cosmetic deformity and optimal speech and swallow function. With a significant increase in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers, there is a growing role for up-front surgery, especially in young, healthy patients with human papillomavirus-associated squamous cell carcinoma. This article explores the development of transoral endoscopic surgery, its role in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with oropharyngeal cancer, and oncologic and functional outcomes.
Testing the role of the posterior cingulate cortex in processing salient stimuli in cannabis users: an rTMS study.

The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and precuneus are hubs in the default mode network and play a role in processing external salient stimuli. Accordingly, activation in these regions has been associated with response to salient stimuli using drug cue-reactivity paradigms in substance using populations. These studies suggest that the PCC and precuneus may underlie deficits in processing salient stimuli that contribute toward the development of substance use disorders. The goal of this study was to directly test this hypothesis using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled design, we used rTMS to target the PCC and precuneus with a double-cone coil at 10 Hz (high frequency) and 1 Hz (low frequency) in 10 adult cannabis users and 10 age- and sex-matched non-using controls. Electroencephalography data were collected before and after rTMS during a modified oddball paradigm with neutral, oddball, self-relevant, and cannabis-related stimuli. Cannabis users exhibited increased amplitude in P3 and faster latencies in the P3, N2, and P2 components in response to self-relevant stimuli compared to controls during baseline that normalized after rTMS. These results suggest that cannabis users exhibited heightened salience to external self-relevant stimuli that were modulated after rTMS. PCC dysfunction in cannabis users may be related to abnormalities in processing salient stimuli, such those during cue-reactivity, and provides a potential target for cannabis use disorder intervention.
Does Having Been Mentored Affect Subsequent Mentoring

Abstract Background How to be an effective mentor is typically not taught formally because good mentoring is thought to beget good mentoring, but there is little concrete data to support that connection. Purpose Scholars in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Nurse Faculty Scholars (NFS) program were surveyed to find out if the mentoring they received influenced their subsequent mentoring. Method The qualities that form the Mentorship Effectiveness Scale were used to investigate if the experience changed scholars' views of mentoring; open-ended questions provided an opportunity for scholars to describe additional insights. Results Thirty-nine out of 93 scholars (42%) replied. Scholars were influenced by the mentoring they received: they were now more inclined to give guidance on professional issues, provide constructive critiques, suggest resources, acknowledge mentees' contributions, and challenge mentees to extend their abilities. Scholars' experiences made them more aware of the power of mentoring, provided them with insights into how they might do the same, convinced them that mentoring shouldn't be confined to one advisor, made them realize that one style of mentoring doesn't work for everyone, and improved their likelihood of using an individual development plan when they mentored. Conclusions Effective mentoring does seem to beget effective mentoring because the interaction with mentors seems to leave a lasting impression and the perceived obligation to “pay it forward.”
The Capacious and the Ambiguous in Biomolecular Engineering

The significant clinical potential of biomedical endeavors provided by the functionings of biomolecular engineering can be illuminated especially vividly when utilizing various derivations of nucleic acid-based biological techniques, nanoparticles, and nanostructured dendrimers. Nucleic acids are capable of high-performance operation in genetic pathways and living systems at large in the form of tractable devices. Nanoparticles offer versatility in synthetic design. Dendrimers allow for biomaterial conjugations that can precisely transport drugs and kill targeted tumor cells. And especially when accompanied by specified conceptualizations of cell growth and drug delivery, these seismic areas of innovation demonstrate striking medical relevancy and immediacy. Imbued with an ethos of vertical integration, biotechnological interventions of the body will tend to establish bodies of medical knowledge at every scale and stage of diagnosis. The trajectory of biomolecular engineering will, however, need to address more social or humanistic complications related to the interstitial history of ethical transgression in the technological development of medicine.
A Broader Field: South of Market, Migrants, BART and TOOR

Efforts to redefine San Francisco after the Second World War were divided into sections with the downtown “renewal” set for high-rise development and a clearing of single room occupancy hotels in the western part of the city (including Chinatown), South of Market and the Mission District. These were inhabited mainly by retired workers of all ethnicities especially elderly Chinese and Filipino men. Two sections of the South of Market area were also home to a vibrant Filipino community.
Predictive Modeling for Organ Dysfunction in Children with Suspected Sepsis in the Emergency Department

Purpose: Sepsis recognition is a key challenge in the pediatric emergency department (ED). Targeting aggressive therapy to those at highest risk of morbidity and mortality may help to improve outcomes. We sought to develop a predictive model for the development of organ dysfunction in the first three hospital days among children with suspected sepsis in the ED. Methods: Prospective cohort study in a tertiary care emergency department with over 90,000 visits annually. …
Dynamics of rapidly depressurized multiphase shock tubes

Rapid depressurization is a fluid phenomenon that occurs in many industrial and natural applications. Its behaviour is often complicated by the formation, propagation and interaction of waves. In this work, we perform computer simulations of the rapid depressurization of a gas–solid mixture in a shock tube. Our problem set-up mimics previously performed experiments, which have been historically used as a laboratory surrogate for volcanic eruptions. The simulations are carried out with a discontinuous Galerkin compressible fluid solver with four-way coupled Lagrangian particle tracking capabilities. The results give an unprecedented look into the complex multiphase physics at work in this problem. Different regimes have been characterized in a regime map that highlights the key observations. While the mean flow behaviour is in good agreement with experiments, the simulations show unexpected accelerations of the particle front as it expands. Additionally, a new lifting mechanism for gas bubble (void) growth inside the gas–solid mixture is detailed.
c-MET inhibition: novel treatment for sporadic and MEN1-associated GEP NETs

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NETs) comprise a heterogenous and diverse group of neoplasms arising from a common neuroendocrine cell origin. The majority of these tumors occur sporadically while ~20% manifest within the context of hereditary syndromes. Germline MEN1 mutations cause a syndrome with an increased susceptibility to multifocal primary GEP NETs. In addition, somatic MEN1 mutations also occur in these sporadic lesions. MEN1 alterations are the most frequent somatic mutation found in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. In this review, we explore the implication of the loss of the MEN1-encoded protein menin as a key pathogenic driver in subsets of GEP NETs with downstream consequences including upregulation of the oncogenic receptor c-MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor). Furthermore, the review will summarize the data related to the clinical presentation, therapeutic standards, and outcomes of these tumors in both sporadic and germline MEN1 mutation-associated contexts. Finally, we present the data on c-MET expression in GEP NETs, clinical trials using c-MET inhibitors and provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms by which c-MET inhibition in these lesions represents a potential precision-medicine targeted approach.
Adaptive in situ model refinement for surrogate-augmented population-based optimization

In surrogate-based optimization (SBO), the deception issues associated with the low fidelity of the surrogate model can be dealt with in situ model refinement that uses infill points during optimization. However, there is a lack of model refinement methods that are both independent of the choice of surrogate model (neural networks, radial basis functions, Kriging, etc.) and provides a methodical approach to preserve the fidelity of the search dynamics, especially in the case of population-based heuristic optimization processes. This paper presents an adaptive model refinement (AMR) approach to fill this important gap. Therein, the question of when to refine the surrogate model is answered by a novel hypothesis testing concept that compares the distribution of model error and distribution of function improvement over iterations. These distributions are respectively computed via a probabilistic cross-validation approach and by leveraging the probabilistic improvement information uniquely afforded by population-based algorithms such as particle swarm optimization. Moreover, the AMR method identifies the size of the batch of infill points needed for refinement. Numerical experiments performed on multiple benchmark functions and an optimal (building energy) planning problem demonstrate AMR’s ability to preserve computational efficiency of the SBO process while providing solutions of more attractive fidelity than those provisioned by a standard SBO approach.
The college dropout scandal

Around 2008 a series of books with catchy titles about innovation and disruption sold themselves as a blueprint for reforming K-12 education (Christensen, Horn & Johnson, 2008; Moe & Chubb, 2009). ...
Written Language Usage With Pen and Technology in Adults Across Generations

Writing formats have expanded beyond the pen to include new technologies, particularly in this era of immediate digital communication. Rehabilitation professionals are not routinely incorporating w...
Correction and Clarification

To the Editor.— While reviewing an article published in the January 1988 issue of theArchives, 1 we noted a minor omission in one of the tables. In the text on page 35, we noted that "the SD of tidal volume was also significantly higher for the patients than the controls...." However, in Table 4 this is given as "Tidal volume" instead of "SD of tidal volume." The correct values are 243.6 ±137.3 and 150.1 ±68.1 (not 6.81). The t and P values are as stated. The actual mean baseline tidal volumes of the patient and control groups were 423.6 mL and 340.7 mL, respectively. This is a nonsignificant difference consistent with the statement in the text on page 36 that "... neither group was hyperventilating in the canopy during the initial phase of the experiment." We regret missing the mislabeling of the table and the incorrect placement of the
China’s Western horizon: Beijing and the new geopolitics of Eurasia: by Daniel Markey, New York, NY, USA, Oxford University Press, 2020, 336 pp, $29.95 (hardcover), ISBN: 9780190680190; (eBook), ISBN: 9780190680213

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been at the center of much media and scholarly attention since the prioritization by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2015 as a core developmental str...
Thunder CTF: Learning Cloud Security on a Dime.

Organizations have rapidly shifted infrastructure and applications over to public cloud computing services such as AWS (Amazon Web Services), Google Cloud Platform, and Azure. Unfortunately, such services have security models that are substantially different and more complex than traditional enterprise security models. As a result, misconfiguration errors in cloud deployments have led to dozens of well-publicized breaches. This paper describes Thunder CTF, a scaffolded, scenario-based CTF (Capture-the-Flag) for helping students learn about and practice cloud security skills. Thunder CTF is easily deployed at minimal cost and is highly extensible to allow for crowd-sourced development of new levels as security issues evolve in the cloud.
Mouse Lung Organoid Responses to Reduced, Increased, and Cyclic Stretch.

Most lung development occurs in the context of cyclic stretch. Alteration of the mechanical microenvironment is a common feature of many pulmonary diseases with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and fetal tracheal occlusion (FETO, a therapy for CDH) being extreme examples with changes in lung structure, cell differentiation and function. To address limitations in cell culture and in vivo mechanotransductive models we developed two mouse lung organoid (mLO) mechanotransductive models using postnatal day 5 (PND5) mouse lung CD326-positive cells and fibroblasts subjected to increased, decreased, and cyclic strain. In the first model, mLOs were exposed to forskolin (FSK) and/or disrupted (DIS) and evaluated at 20 hours. mLO cross-sectional area changed by +59%, +24% and -68% in FSK, control, and DIS mLOs respectively. FSK-treated organoids had twice as many proliferating cells as other organoids. In the second model, 20 hours of 10.25% biaxial cyclic strain increased the mRNAs of lung mesenchymal cell lineages compared to static stretch and no stretch. Cyclic stretch increased TGF-β and integrin-mediated signaling with upstream analysis indicating roles for histone deacetylases, microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs. Cyclic stretch mLOs increased αSMA- and αSMA-PDGFRα-double positive cells compared to no stretch and static stretch mLOs. In this PND5 mLO mechanotransductive model, cell proliferation is increased by static stretch, and cyclic stretch induces mesenchymal gene expression changes important in postnatal lung development.
Effect of Surface Surveillance Data Sharing on FedEx Operations at Memphis International Airport

This article examines the efficacy of surface surveillance data for external airport infrastructure in terms of taxi-out time through the specific case study of the major FedEx international hub at Memphis International Airport (MEM). The specific prototype equipment that the airport uses is a product of a joint venture between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) known as a Surface Management System (SMS). The focus of this research was to estimate benefits of shared information derived by SMS that could be used for the intended STMS (Surface Traffic Management System) conceptualized by the FAA. Researchers found that the use of SMS technologies significantly decreased taxi-out time and an effective departure capacity increase which resulted from demand management using shared surface surveillance. Researchers concluded that SMS technology provided additional logistic information for FAA ground controllers that allowed for optimized runway throughput by increased collaboration and control.