cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Insulin glargine and receptor-mediated signalling: clinical implications in treating type 2 diabetes

Most patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus will eventually require insulin therapy to achieve or maintain adequate glycaemic control. The introduction of insulin analogues, with pharmacokinetics that more closely mimic endogenous insulin secretion, has made physiologic insulin replacement easier to achieve for many patients. However, there are also concerns regarding alteration of binding affinities for the insulin receptor (IR) or insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) may increase the mitogenic potential of some analogues. Therefore, this article will review the relevant preclinical and clinical data to assess the mitogenic potential of insulin glargine, a basal insulin analogue, compared with regular human insulin (RHI). Searches of the PubMed database were performed using terms that included ‘IR,’ ‘insulin-like growth factor-1,’ ‘IGF-1R,’ ‘type 2 diabetes mellitus,’ and ‘insulin glargine.’ Original articles and reviews of published literature were retrieved and reviewed. Although one study reported increased binding affinity of insulin glargine for the IGF-1R and increased mitogenic potential in cells with excess IGF-1Rs (Saos/B10 osteosarcoma cells), most in vitro binding-affinity and cell-culture studies have demonstrated behaviour of insulin glargine comparable to that of RHI for both IR and IGF-1R binding, insulin signalling, and metabolic and mitogenic potential. Currently published in vivo carcinogenic studies and human clinical trial data have shown that insulin glargine is not associated with increased risk for either cancer or the development or progression of diabetic retinopathy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of column-to-beam strength ratio on the seismic response of steel MRFs

The strong-column/weak-beam seismic design concept in moment resisting frames is perhaps one of the least well-understood design provisions. This study is aimed at improving the understanding of the effect of column-to-beam strength ratio (CBSR) on several seismic performance measures. Through nonlinear analyses of 3-, 9-, and 20-story moment resisting frame, the impacts of CBSR on member ductility demands, maximum inter-story drifts, and floor acceleration amplifications are investigated. For each frame, the value of CBSR is varied by changing the yield strength of the material and/or by altering sizes of the columns. The probabilities of exceeding certain performance limits are investigated through fragility analyses. The single curvature bending of the columns within a story is found to be inevitable due to the participation of higher modes of vibration. Consequently, under large ground motions, the yielding of the columns is expected even for CBSRs larger than 2.0. The fragility relationships were used to calculate the design force modification factors needed for achieving a comparable probability of column yielding for different values of CBSR. The values of the yield base shear and the inter-story drifts were found to depend more on the strength of the beams than the value of CBSR. The floor acceleration amplification was found to be the least sensitive demand parameter to the CBSR.
Survival in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis is dramatically improved by aortic valve replacement: results from a cohort of 277 patients aged 80 years §

Background: Calcific aortic stenosis (AS) is a disease of the elderly. However, there is reluctance to offer aortic valve replacement (AVR) for elderly patients with severe AS. We investigated if AVR confers a survival benefit in elderly patients with severe AS. Methods: We screened our echocardiographic database from 1993 to 2003 for patients with severe AS (AVarea 0.8 cm 2 ) and age 80 years. Two hundred and seventy seven patients were identified. Complete chart reviews were performed for clinical data. Mortality data were obtained from National Death Index. Survival curves of patients who underwent AVR during the follow-up period were compared with those managed nonsurgically. Results: Patient characteristics were as follows: age 85 4 years, 53% male, AVarea 0.68 0.16 cm 2 ,EF52 20%, CAD 47%, diabetes 17%. Over a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, 55 (20%) had AVR and there were 175deaths. One-year, 2-yearand 5-year survival ratesamong patients with AVR were 87, 78 and 68% respectively, compared with 52, 40 and 22%, respectively, in those who had no AVR (p < 0.0001). Hazard ratio for death with AVR adjusted for 19 covariates including age, EF, gender, comorbidities and pharmacotherapy was 0.38 (95% CI 0.26—0.66, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Prognosis of medically managed severe calcific AS in the elderly patients is dismal. AVR appears to improve survival of these patients and should be strongly considered in the absence of other major comorbidities.
Increased penile perfusion and reversal of vasculogenic impotence following femoro-femoral bypass.

This study assessed the effect of femoro-femoral bypass on penile perfusion and impotence. Twelve patients with femoro-femoral grafts had Doppler pressure measurements and penile/brachial indices (PBI) recorded at both dorsal penile arteries, first with the graft open and then with the inflow portion of the graft temporarily occluded by manual external compression. Doppler pressure measurements and PBI did not change significantly in the dorsal penile artery on the donor (inflow) side of the graft when the graft was temporarily occluded. Patients who were potent both pre- and postoperatively (n - 5) had no significant change in pressure or PBI on the recipient (outflow) side of the graft with graft occlusion. In those patients who experienced reversal of impotence following bypass (n = 4) the mean dorsal penile artery pressure on the recipient side decreased from 101 mmHg with the graft open to 30 mmHg with the graft occluded (P < 0·05). Review of arteriograms revealed that patients most likely to experience increases in penile perfusion have either (a) recipient side common iliac artery occlusion and a patent internal iliac system which is perfused in a retrograde fashion or (b) recipient side proximal internal iliac occlusion with well-developed collateral circulation between the profunda femoris and the distal internal iliac arterial systems. Femoro-femoral bypass can increase penile perfusion and alleviate vasculogenic impotence in selected patients.
TSLP regulates intestinal immunity and inflammation in mouse models of helminth infection and colitis

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) produce thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP); however, the in vivo influence of TSLP-TSLP receptor (TSLPR) interactions on immunity and inflammation in the intestine remains unclear. We show that TSLP-TSLPR interactions are critical for immunity to the intestinal pathogen Trichuris. Monoclonal antibody-mediated neutralization of TSLP or deletion of the TSLPR in normally resistant mice resulted in defective expression of Th2 cytokines and persistent infection. Susceptibility was accompanied by elevated expression of interleukin (IL) 12/23p40, interferon (IFN) gamma, and IL-17A, and development of severe intestinal inflammation. Critically, neutralization of IFN-gamma in Trichuris-infected TSLPR(-/-) mice restored Th2 cytokine responses and resulted in worm expulsion, providing the first demonstration of TSLPR-independent pathways for Th2 cytokine production. Additionally, TSLPR(-/-) mice displayed elevated production of IL-12/23p40 and IFN-gamma, and developed heightened intestinal inflammation upon exposure to dextran sodium sulfate, demonstrating a previously unrecognized immunoregulatory role for TSLP in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease.
Pten dependence distinguishes haematopoietic stem cells from leukaemia-initiating cells

Recent advances have highlighted extensive phenotypic and functional similarities between normal stem cells and cancer stem cells. This raises the question of whether disease therapies can be developed that eliminate cancer stem cells without eliminating normal stem cells. Here we address this issue by conditionally deleting the Pten tumour suppressor gene in adult haematopoietic cells. This led to myeloproliferative disease within days and transplantable leukaemias within weeks. Pten deletion also promoted haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) proliferation. However, this led to HSC depletion via a cell-autonomous mechanism, preventing these cells from stably reconstituting irradiated mice. In contrast to leukaemia-initiating cells, HSCs were therefore unable to maintain themselves without Pten. These effects were mostly mediated by mTOR as they were inhibited by rapamycin. Rapamycin not only depleted leukaemia-initiating cells but also restored normal HSC function. Mechanistic differences between normal stem cells and cancer stem cells can thus be targeted to deplete cancer stem cells without damaging normal stem cells.
Development of the cetacean spinal cord

Embryos of dolphins and whales have been studied in sectional series ranging from 4.2 mm to 95 mm crown rump (CR) in length. The species include Stenella ceruleoalbus, Prodelphinius ceruleoalbus, Escherichtius robustus, Physeter catodon. Development of the spinal cord is similar in all these forms and differs from that of the seals and primates largely in the much slower expansion of the brain and eyes. By a 26 mm CR stage the lumbar swelling is relatively suppressed, but is still evident at the 95 mm CR length. This retention is based on the development of the tail muscles and the profuse autonomic system. The dorsal horn also is repressed, probably because of the relatively insensitive trunk skin. Paired intravertebral vessels form a blood reservoir, particularly in the thoracic region, but still large to lumbar levels.
Failure to confirm association between RGS4 haplotypes and schizophrenia in caucasians

The regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) and RGS-like proteins are a diverse family of over 30 molecules that function as GTPase activating proteins for Gα subunits of the Gq and Gi families of heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins). By accelerating GTPase activity, RGS proteins drive G proteins into their inactive GDP-bound forms. G-protein coupled dopamine, metabotropic glutamate, and other neurotransmitter receptors can be modulated by RGS4, the predominant form in brain. The recent finding of decreased RGS4 mRNA expression in post-mortem brains from schizophrenic patients, coupled with the map position of RGS4 to a region previously linked to schizophrenia, as well as other biological data, prompted the investigation of the gene as a disease candidate. Multiple family-based and case-control association studies have been conducted, with modest and conflicting support for particular single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and SNP marker haplotypes. The present case-control analysis of 568 patients and 689 controls, one of the largest single studies to date, failed to confirm support for association of particular RGS4 SNP alleles, or for association of any particular four, three, or two SNP haplotype. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Can neural circuit structure define its signal patterns

In this study, a comprehensive neuronal model of a living central pattern generator network was implemented in custom analog VLSI hardware. After the model was designed and assembled, signals denoting membrane potential in each cell were seen to compare faithfully and regularly with those in their living counterparts, but as key cell parameters were varied, the network was observed to settle into alternate signal patterns and rhythms. This suggests that defining the structure of a nerve network is not enough to specify the signals that will reside therein.
A Multiperiod Generalized Network Flow Model of the U.S. Integrated Energy System: Part II—Simulation Results

This paper is the second of a two-part paper and describes the application of a multiperiod generalized network flow model that is used to analyze the economic efficiencies of the energy movements from the coal and natural gas suppliers to the electric load centers, providing a simulation tool that captures dynamics of and interdependencies between the coal, natural gas, and electricity networks. The modeling approach, mathematical formulation, and modeling assumptions are presented in part I. This sequel presents and discusses numerical results to illustrate the application of the model. The model enables public and private decision makers to carry out comprehensive analyses of a wide range of issues related to the energy sector, such as strategic planning, economic impact assessment, and different regulatory regimes
Designing mega-ASICs in nanogate technologies

This paper discusses challenges the designer faces in integrating entire system product designs, containing tens or even hundreds of millions of logic gates, into single chip solutions now within reach using circuit densities possible in the latest silicon technologies. Managing designs of this size presents a new dimension of issues, and managing the physical and electrical effects of these high density device geometries presents another; solutions in both these areas are presented. Lastly, this paper discusses the integration of multiple functional components (previously organized as systems of multiple chips from multiple design sources and technologies) into a single chip product.
A convenient synthesis of nitrogen-15 and deuterium labelled octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX)

The preparation of pure octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) labelled with nitrogen-15 and deuterium was accomplished by sequential nitrolysis of appropriately labelled octahydro-1,5-diacetyl-3,7-endomethylene-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine. The latter compounds were obtained from the reaction of acetic anhydride with hexamethylenetetramine that was specifically labelled by the reaction of the appropriate formaldehyde and ammonia.
The C. elegans homolog of Drosophila Lethal giant larvae functions redundantly with PAR-2 to maintain polarity in the early embryo

Polarity is essential for generating cell diversity. The one-cell C. elegans embryo serves as a model for studying the establishment and maintenance of polarity. In the early embryo, a myosin II-dependent contraction of the cortical meshwork asymmetrically distributes the highly conserved PDZ proteins PAR-3 and PAR-6, as well as an atypical protein kinase C (PKC-3), to the anterior. The RING-finger protein PAR-2 becomes enriched on the posterior cortex and prevents these three proteins from returning to the posterior. In addition to the PAR proteins, other proteins are required for polarity in many metazoans. One example is the conserved Drosophila tumor-suppressor protein Lethal giant larvae (Lgl). In Drosophila and mammals, Lgl contributes to the maintenance of cell polarity and plays a role in asymmetric cell division. We have found that the C. elegans homolog of Lgl, LGL-1, has a role in polarity but is not essential. It localizes asymmetrically to the posterior of the early embryo in a PKC-3-dependent manner, and functions redundantly with PAR-2 to maintain polarity. Furthermore, overexpression of LGL-1 is sufficient to rescue loss of PAR-2 function. LGL-1 negatively regulates the accumulation of myosin (NMY-2) on the posterior cortex, representing a possible mechanism by which LGL-1 might contribute to polarity maintenance.
Gemini Systems: Managing From The Middle In A High-Tech Company

This business case study is designed for MBA courses in Organizational Behavior, Organization Change and Negotiations. The case follows a young middle manager who has very little formal authority as she attempts to implement a new project staffing system for engineers in a high-tech matrix organization. As the company rapidly grows, she experiences significant resistance to change from section leaders, program managers and engineers who have become accustomed to competitive behavior in an environment rich with opportunities. However, as the company experiences retrenchment during the economic downturn of 2009, the change resistance continues, but within an environment where there is a paucity of projects. The case shows how Sophie grows as a middle manager and learns the necessary skills to be successful at managing change and “influencing without authority”.
Synthetic Urine, Flushing, Detoxifying, and Related Agents for Beating Urine Drug Tests: Are They Effective?

Searching the Internet with key words Beat + Drug Test produced over 140,000 results, indicating that many commercial products are readily available through the Internet for the purpose of invalidating urine drug testing. Fortunately, most of the products have no documented ability to invalidate drug tests and may be considered mostly as an advertising gimmick. although synthetic urine has characteristic properties of normal urine, a simple temperature check at the point of collection may provide a clue to identify such specimens. In addition, diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide as well as various detoxifying agents may produce dilute urine where the creatinine concentration may be below an acceptable limit. Contrary to the claims of the manufacturers, these detoxifying agents and herbal pills are mostly ineffective in invalidating a urine drugs test result.
Urease: Principal Cause of Infection Stones

Urinary infection has long been regarded as a causative factor in urinary stone formation. Proteus species have been most commonly associated with stone formation.
Some applications of quasi-boundedness for excessive measures

Let ξ and m be excessive measures for a right Markov process X and let Q ξ and Q m be the associated stationary Kuznetsov processes. We show that if ξ and m are harmonic, then Q ξ « Q m if and only if ξ is quasi-bounded by m in the sense that ξ=Σkξk where each term in the sum is an excessive measure dominated by m. This result allows us to describe the Lebesgue decomposition of Q ξ relative to Q m and to give an explicit formula for the Radon-Nikodym derivative dQ ξ /dQ m in case Q ξ « Q m . As a second application of quasi-boundedness for excessive measures, we obtain a general form of a theorem of U. Kuran, in which regularity for the Dirichlet problem is characterized by the quasi-boundedness of a suitable excessive measure.
Ozonolysis of Polyisoprene Popcorn Polymer

Abstract Ozonolysis of polyisoprene popcorn polymer gave the volatile products: water, formic acid, acetic acid, levulinaldehyde, 2,5-hexanedione, and propionic acid. The rates of formation of levulinaldehyde and 2,5-hexanedione varied during the 96-hour ozonolysis period; more levulinaldehyde was formed during the early stages, and more 2,5-hexanedione during the later stages. The molar yields of formic and acetic acid were approximately 20 and 10 times larger, respectively, than the average hexanedione or levulinaldehyde yield. A chain unzipping mechanism is postulated for the production of most of the formic and acetic acids, and it is believed that most of the 2,5-hexanedione is formed in secondary reactions initiated by alkoxy or peroxy radicals. A large amount of oxygen remained on the polymer which still had a high degree of unsaturation following the ozonolysis. Ozonolysis of bulk PIP is not a satisfactory way for the determination of head-to-head and tail-to-tail structural sequences. The evidenc...
On-Demand Big Data Analysis in Digital Repositories: A Lightweight Approach

We describe a use and reuse driven digital repository integrated with lightweight data analysis capabilities provided by the Docker framework. Using building sensor data collected from the Virginia Tech Goodwin Hall Living Laboratory, we perform evaluations using Amazon EC2 and Container Service with a Fedora 4 repository backed with storage in Amazon S3. The results confirm the viability and benefits of this approach.
Addressing the challenges of using ferromagnetic electrodes in the magnetic tunnel junction-based molecular spintronics devices

Addressing the challenges of using high-Curie temperature ferromagnetic (FM) electrodes is critical for molecular spintronics devices (MSDs) research. Two FM electrodes simultaneously chemically bonded with a thiol-functionalized molecule can produce novel MSDs to exploring new quantum mechanical phenomenon and computer technologies. For developing a commercially viable MSD, it is crucial to developing a device fabrication scheme that carefully considers FM electrodes’ susceptibility to oxidation, chemical etching, and stress-induced deformations during fabrication and usage. This paper studies NiFe, an alloy extensively used in present-day memory devices and high-temperature engineering applications, as a candidate FM electrode for the fabrication of MSDs. Our spectroscopic reflectance studies show that NiFe oxidized aggressively after heating beyond ~90 °C. The NiFe surfaces, aged for several months or heated for several minutes below ~90 °C, exhibited remarkable electrochemical activity and were found suitable for chemical bonding with the thiol-functionalized molecular device elements. NiFe also demonstrated excellent etching resistance against commonly used solvents and lithography related chemicals. Additionally, NiFe mitigated the adverse effects of mechanical stress by subsiding the stress-induced deformities. A magnetic tunnel junction-based MSD approach was designed by carefully considering the merits and limitations of NiFe. The device fabrication protocol considers the safe temperature limit to avoiding irreversible surface oxidation, the effect of mechanical stresses, surface roughness, and chemical etching. This paper provides foundational experimental insights in realizing a versatile MSD allowing a wide range of transport and magnetic studies.
Influence of Rainfall, Sex Ratio, and Physiological Condition of Boll Weevils on Their Response to Pheromone Traps ,

Tests with traps baited with male Anthonomus grandis Boheman indicated that early-spring temperature influenced emergence of overwintered weevils but that rainfall had more influence as temperatures increased. Since higher percentages of males than females were captured early in the spring and the reverse became true later, the pheromone may serve initially as an aggregating factor and then subsequently as a true sex attractant. Most weevils emerged in the spring with little fat reserve, but the variation in the amount of fat reserve among individuals may account for the emergence of boll weevils over such an extended period.
Interventional Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Is Associated with Poor Outcomes (P05.214)

Objective: To determine patient populations that benefit from intra-arterial (IA) interventional therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Background IA therapy is becoming more frequently used, but outcome data and predictors of good outcome are limited. Design/Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients treated at a single stroke center between 2006-2010. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were retrospectively collected. Admission and discharge NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were recorded. When missing, scores were retrospectively calculated. Imaging characteristics, such as ASPECT score, vessel occlusion, post-treatment hemorrhage, and time to treatment were identified. A poor outcome was defined as mRS ≥3. Results: We identified 66 patients; 42% were women, 47% African-American. Mean age was 63(±16) (range: 27-87) years. All patients had pre-stroke mRS of ≤2. Median pre-treatment NIHSS was 21.5 (range:10-38). On baseline CT scan, mean ASPECTS score was 9(±1.1). ASPECTS score on CTA source images and the non-contrast scan did not correlate (r 2 =0.21). Before IA therapy, IV tPA was administered in 29/66 (44%) patients; treatment with IV tPA did not correspond with discharge mRS ≤3 (p=0.54). Stroke onset-IA treatment interval was 355 (±194) minutes; time to treatment and discharge mRS did not correlate (r 2 =0.02). Median discharge NIHSS of surviving patients was 11 (range: 0-26). Discharge mRS was ≥3 in 89% of patients, including 21 (32%) of 66 patients who died. Hypotension (SBP Conclusions: Interventional therapy for acute ischemic stroke is likely to produce poor outcomes (mRS ≥3) at discharge. Recanalization of basilar artery occlusion usually results in improved outcomes. Pre-treatment with IV tPA may make no significant difference in early neurological recovery. Further study of this topic is needed. Disclosure: Dr. Simpson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Marin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Penstone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mitsias has nothing to disclose.
Optical probes for molecular-guided surgery: Using photomedicine to prevent recurrence in the surgical bed(Conference Presentation)

Residual tumor deposits missed by conventional treatments frequently seed local and distal recurrence utilizing a network of molecular signaling mechanisms. Beyond providing contrast for molecular-guided surgery, this talk will highlight new concepts in phototherapy to address residual cancer cells in danger zones of recurrence, including selective treatment of microscopic disease using molecular-targeted, activatable immunoconjugates, and photo-initiated release of multikinase inhibitors that suppress multiple modes of tumor escape using optically active nanoparticles. These new approaches support an expanded role for the use of light in fluorescence-guided surgery—for phototherapy and for focused drug release to maximize tumor debulking with suppression of disease recurrence.
K l4 Decay in an Algebraic Model for Mesons

The associative algebraic model $\mathfrak{B}$ which had previously been applied to the meson-spectrum problem and the two- and three-body leptonic decays of mesons has been used to calculate the absolute rates for ${K}_{l4}$ decays. It predicts $\ensuremath{\Gamma}({{K}^{+}}_{l4})=3.47\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}{10}^{3}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and $\ensuremath{\Gamma}({{K}_{l4}}^{0})=0$, in agreement with the experimental data.
Patch-burn grazing increases habitat heterogeneity and biodiversity of small mammals in managed rangelands

Citation: Ricketts, A. M., & Sandercock, B. K. (2016). Patch-burn grazing increases habitat heterogeneity and biodiversity of small mammals in managed rangelands. Ecosphere, 7(8). doi:10.1002/ecs2.1431
Nanoscale Si3N4 tuning fork cavity optomechanical sensors with high fmQm product

There exists a tradeoff between the mechanical resonant frequency ( f m ) and the mechanical quality factor ( Q m ) of a nanomechanical transducer, which resulted in a tradeoff between the band width and sensitivity. Here, we present monolithic silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) cavity optomechanical transducer, in which high f m and Q m are achieved simultaneously. A nanoscale tuning fork mechanical resonator is near-field coupled with a microdisk optical resonator, allowing the displacement of mechanical resonator to be optically read out. Compared with a single beam with same length, width, and thickness, the tuning fork simultaneously increases f m and Q m by up to 1.4 and 12 times, respectively. A design enabled, on-chip stress tuning method is also demonstrated. By engineering the clamp design, we increased the stress in the tuning fork by 3 times that of the Si 3 N 4 film. A fundamental mechanical in-plane squeezing mode with f m ≈ 29 MHz and Q m ≈ 2.2×10 5 is experimentally achieved in a high-stress tuning fork device, corresponding to a f m Q m product of 6.35×10 12 Hz. The tuning fork cavity optomechanical sensors may find applications where both temporal resolution and sensitivity are important such as atomic force microscopy.
A reflection on gender issues in elder abuse research: Brazil and Portugal.

Abstract Neglect, abuse and violence against older women has not been a prominent focus of elder abuse research. This is in spite of the fact that from an international human rights perspective this is considered a gap in policy and practice addressing abuse across the lifespan. A review of the literature reveals three dominant paradigms for studying older women and abuse, all of which have the potential for marginalizing older women’s experiences and needs. An emergent human rights perspective is discussed as a more holistic framework for understanding abuse of older women and ways of addressing this from an international perspective. Examples of research from Brazil and Portugal are reviewed and discussed.
Banach Algebras and Spectral Theory for Operators on a Banach Space

The theory of Banach algebras is a large area in functional analysis with several subdivisions and applications to diverse areas of analysis and the rest of mathematics. Some monographs on this subject are by Bonsall and Duncan [1973] and C. R. Rickart [1960].
A New Model for Sustainable Changeability and Production Planning

Abstract Changeable Manufacturing Systems have the capability to adapt to varying production plans and different product designs by changing their configuration and layout. This paper presents a new linear mixed integer mathematical model to maximize sustainability of Changeable Manufacturing Systems based on the daily varying energy pricing. The daily production demand of several product variants has to be satisfied by corresponding configuration of the manufacturing system. System configuration planning consists of machine arrangement and job sequencing for each planning day. The proposed linear mixed integer mathematical model is solved by CPLEX solver in GAMS software for nine different problem sizes. The new LMI model finds the optimum configuration plan and job sequence in a reasonable time, which illustrates the efficiency and practicality of the proposed model.
Conservación crítica: re-imaginando el "objeto" de conservación contemporáneo

Este ensayo revisa las teorias de la historia sobre las que la definicion del objeto de conservacion arquitectonico moderno se ha fundamentado y que la practica normativa continua perpetuando en la actualidad. En su lugar propone la teoria de la historia del critico literario Walter Benjamin, asi como la teoria del juicio estetico del filosofo Immanuel Kant como posibles vias para re-imaginar el objeto de conservacion contemporaneo y renovar la disciplina. Ambas teorias asignan a la imaginacion un rol mediador fundamental en la construccion de la realidad, y entienden dicha construccion como resultado de un proceso dialectico entre la experiencia vivida y su conceptualizacion. La mediacion de la imaginacion en la construccion del objeto de conservacion contemporaneo implica un alejamiento de teorias que presumen estatus cientifico en la recuperacion del pasado. En su lugar, la naturaleza alegorica y dialectica de nuestro entendimiento del pasado desde el presente demanda participacion, responsabilidad y compromiso de la sociedad en el proceso. Se denomina conservacion critica, por tanto, al conjunto de decisiones que se toman desde la conciencia del proyecto de conservacion arquitectonica como una construccion ideologica.
Is Working with Your Spouse Good for Business? The Effect of Working with Your Spouse on Profit for Rural Businesses

The goal of this article is to uncover more precise and unbiased estimates of the relationships between relationship satisfaction, a copreneurial business structure, and profit. Because of the suspected simultaneity between profit levels, the choice to be copreneurial and relationship satisfaction, a multivariate recursive probit is used to test for endogeneity between these variables. The results of the empirical analysis suggest that spouses self-select into a copreneurial business structure depending on the level of satisfaction they feel in their interpersonal relationships. Additionally, copreneurial businesses with high relationship satisfaction are more likely to have higher profit than if they were non-copreneurial.
A study on the effect of selected process parameters in a jet diffusion flame for Pt nanoparticle formation

Pt is used in many catalytic applications from three-way catalysts to fuel cells. Particle size and morphology are key parameters that influence the electrocatalytic activity. Flame synthesis is an efficient and continuous manufacturing route capable of producing Pt nanoparticles with desirable catalytic properties. In order to understand the effect of the forced oxidant, solvent composition, and quench rate on nanoparticle formation, a systematic study of process parameters using Pt was undertaken. Reactive spray deposition technology was used as the synthesis platform. In order to obtain a tight control of the Pt size, it was found that the fuel must contain a sufficient enthalpy of combustion and appropriate propane content. The fuel must be mixed adequately to form a turbulent diffusion flame and must create conditions where unwanted Pt coarsening cannot occur. From this study, the conditions that favor this morphology require an O2 flow rate setting of 6.89 L/min or higher, a propane content of 20 wt%, and no quenching. Electrochemical data show decreasing electrochemical surface area (75–36 m2/gPt), increasing mass activity (120–610 mA/mgPt), and increasing specific activity (150–1350 $$ \upmu {\text{A}}/ {\text{cm}}^{2} {_{\text{Pt}}} $$ ) with increasing oxidant flow.
Lunulipes, a replacement name for the trace fossil Lunula Hitchcock, 1865, preoccupied

Edward Hitchcock (1865) erected the ichnogenus Lunula with a single ichnospecies, L . obscura , for trackways (Fig. 1) that were discovered in the Lower Jurassic Turners Falls Formation of the Deerfield Basin in Massachusetts. As noted by Hantzschel (1965), however, and reiterated by Anderson (1981) later, Hitchcock’s application of that genus name to a trace fossil established an invalid …
Tapeworms Down Under and Elsewhere

While I was a graduate student in Canberra being introduced to the world of parasites, Australia was then battling more important parasitic diseases than the sparganum which I had studied, which affected only small communities in SE Asia. The sheep industry was very important to Australia’s economy and it faced several serious tapeworm diseases at that time. One of those was hydatid disease (or cystic echinococcosis) which is caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus (Fig. 2.1). This was a serious agricultural, medical and public health problem in Australia when I was a graduate student in the 1960s and it still remains the sort of public health issue that causes local health and veterinary authorities in Australia to post periodic health advisories in rural and farming communities. As tapeworms go, the adult tapeworm of E. granulosus is relatively small, only 6–7 mm (around a quarter of an inch) long, and lives in the small intestines of domestic dogs and in wild canids like wolves, jackals, hyenas and coyotes in different parts of the world. The scolex of the tapeworm is embedded firmly among the villi in the small intestines of the host by four suckers and a crown (or rostellum) of 28–50 hooks. There the adult tapeworm will mature and the segment (or proglottid) at the posterior end will produce and release eggs throughout its life in the intestines. The eggs are passed out with the dog feces and if they are swallowed by sheep, or the unfortunate human incidental host, a tiny oncosphere or hexacanth larva (so called because it has three pairs of tiny hooks) will hatch out and penetrate the gut of the sheep using the hooklets like the pitons of rock climbers to migrate in the tissues. They will eventually enter a blood or lymph vessel and be carried in the blood stream or lymphatic system, usually to the liver where the young embryo will proceed to grow within a cyst known as a hydatid cyst (Fig. 2.2). For the cycle to complete, the cysts will have to eventually be ingested by the canine host, where the hydatid cyst will evaginate (unfold), the scolex attach to the mucosal surface of the intestine of the dog and grow into a new tapeworm. Notice here that the Cyclophyllidean cestodes described here bypass the need for an aquatic stage and had evolved a life cycle that allows them to pass directly from intermediate to final hosts.
Abundance of Photosystem I Proteins in Cyanobacteria and Chloroplasts

The biosynthesis of photosynthetic complexes encompasses the coordination of diverse processes with the potential for many levels of regulation. Collectively, complex assembly involves the expression of chloroplast and nuclear genes, the targeting of subunits to their proper locations within the chloroplast, and the proper organization and assembly of the subunits and cofactors into functional complexes [5]. Degradation of proteins is another crucial process that is regulated by internal and extrinsic factors. The abundance of functional photosystem I (PSI) can be affected by altering any one of these processes. Different environmental conditions and various mutations have been characterized that affect the abundance of PSI complexes.
The Protein C System in Septic Shock

Septic shock can present a cruel paradox, for in spite of watchful care it occurs most often in the hospital. It occurs in a wide variety of patients ranging from premature neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis to the aged with burns limited to only 20%-30% of the body surface. It affects 30000 out of one million admissions per year in the Veterans Administration (VA) system; approximately half of these are due to gram-positive and the other half to gram-negative organisms. Approximately 15 000 of this group of 30000 patients die [1] in spite of diagnostic monitoring and treatment with appropriate antibiotics.
Therapeutic Interventions to Improve Endothelial Function in Diabetes

Endothelial dysfunction often marks an early stage in the development atherosclerosis and can be observed in coronary and peripheral arterial beds (1,2). Endothelial dysfunction has been documented in patients with type 2 diabetes (3, 4, 5) and also type 1 diabetes particularly those who have microalbuminuria (6). Recent data also showed its existence in individuals at high risk for developing diabetes (7) (e.g., impaired glucose tolerance [IGT], first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome) and in women with pervious gestational diabetes (8).
Initial test and results of an AwakeAnimalPET system

We have developed AwakeSPECT, a small animal SPECT/CT system for imaging the live mouse brain using an optical motion tracking system. The system successfully has been used in mouse brain studies without the need of anesthesia. As an extension of this technology we have built a prototype Awake Animal PET system by using the motion tracking system and modular PET detectors. The system consists of a commercial motion tracking system that utilizes four CCD cameras equipped with near infra-red (NIR) strobes and retro-reflective markers, and a modular PET system with 8 detector modules. The motion tracking system measures six degrees of freedom (x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw) of then moving target at 60 frames per second. The PET system uses a 32 channel flash ADC system developed at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Each PET detector module is built with a Hamamatsu H8500 position sensitive photomultiplier tubes (PSPMT) optically coupled to a 48 x 48 pixelated 1 mm pitch LYSO scintillator array. Custom built PSPMT read-out electronics were built that uses Anger-logic to provide four channel output per detector module. Geometrical calibration was performed using Na-22 point source phantom using the same method used for AwakeSPECT. Initial proof-ofprinciple tests were performed using a foam mouse phantom with three IR reflectors and an embedded Na-22 point source. During the PET scan, the foam mouse was moved/rotated by hand motion. Image reconstruction with motion compensation resulted in good point image reconstruction.
Asynchronous games with transfers: Uniqueness and optimality

Abstract This paper studies asynchronous dynamic games with one period ahead transfers. There is a unique equilibrium that coincides with the Utilitarian Pareto Optimum whenever the horizon is finite. With an infinite horizon, the same result holds when action history dependence is allowed but not history dependence on transfers. The result is restored with a finite but costly memory of transfers as well as with continuous transfer strategies. Multiplicity can arise from strategies that have an infinite memory of transfers. Finally, we provide a full characterization of equilibrium payoffs when players become infinitely patient.
Understanding the Value of International Research Networks: An Evaluation of the International Cancer Screening Network of the US National Cancer Institute.

PURPOSEInternational research networks have the potential to accelerate scientific progress via knowledge sharing and collaboration. In 2018, the US National Cancer Institute evaluated the Internat...
Organic Rankine cycle model for well-described and not-so-well-described working fluids

This paper presents an ORC (organic Rankine cycle) model consisting of turbine, condenser, pump, and boiler, with an optional IHX (internal heat exchanger). The model includes well-described (considerable experimental data) working fluids using the high accuracy EoS (equations of state) contained in REFPROP. Moreover, and more importantly, the model allows one to quickly and easily create from a few to many thousands of P-R (Peng-Robinson) EoS for not-so-well-described (little or no experimental data) working fluids. The latter is realized by parametrically varying critical temperature (Tc), critical pressure (Pc), acentric factor (ω), and ideal gas specific heat (cp,co). Simulation results for a low-temperature ORC application show that efficiency (η) increases with increasing heat source temperature (Tmax), and does so more strongly when an IHX is included; whereas, volumetric work output (V) decreases with increasing Tmax. The results further show that both η and V strongly decrease with increasing heat sink temperature (Tcond). Parametrically varying Tc, Pc, ω, and cp,co showed that: (1) Increasing Tc generally leads to higher η and lower V. (2) Increasing Pc monotonically increases V. (3) Variations in ω do not significantly impact η or V. (4) η and V both generally decrease with increasing values of cp,co.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Gradients from a Working Farm through Wetlands to Streams in the Georgia Piedmont, USA

We quantified nutrient concentrations and water quality parameters in soils and water from a working farm (in operation for over 100 years), through contrasting agricultural wetlands, to their receiving waters. Contrasting wetlands were a forested alluvial swamp and a ditched wetland swale. Our objective was to determine if nutrients diminished in concentration or changed in form as water moved through wetlands below the farm. Soils were collected from around the farm and receiving wetlands and were analyzed for nitrate, ammonium, and phosphorus. Water samples, collected from shallow piezometers and surface waters were analyzed for nitrate + nitrite, and total phosphorus. Nitrate in groundwater and surface water in the alluvial swamp were much lower than concentrations measured in flows from farmlands. Nitrogen in upland water was dominated by nitrate, but ammonium dominated in the swamp. Phosphorus was low in wetland soils and also diminished through the swamp. Despite receiving agricultural run-off for many decades, the natural alluvial swamp still provided an effective environment for water quality mitigation of nitrate and phosphorus. The ditched wetland swale did not significantly reduce nitrate but appeared to provide some phosphorus mitigation. Agricultural wetland conservation is an especially effective, low cost tool for water quality management.
Conservation cobenefits from air pollution regulation: Evidence from birds

Massive wildlife losses over the past 50 y have brought new urgency to identifying both the drivers of population decline and potential solutions. We provide large-scale evidence that air pollution, specifically ozone, is associated with declines in bird abundance in the United States. We show that an air pollution regulation limiting ozone precursors emissions has delivered substantial benefits to bird conservation. Our estimates imply that air quality improvements over the past 4 decades have stemmed the decline in bird populations, averting the loss of 1.5 billion birds, ∼20% of current totals. Our results highlight that in addition to protecting human health, air pollution regulations have previously unrecognized and unquantified conservation cobenefits.
Transamidation of Amides and Amidation of Esters by Selective N-C(O)/O-C(O) Cleavage Mediated by Air- and Moisture-Stable Half-Sandwich Nickel(II)-NHC Complexes.

The formation of amide bonds represents one of the most fundamental processes in organic synthesis. Transition-metal-catalyzed activation of acyclic twisted amides has emerged as an increasingly powerful platform in synthesis. Herein, we report the transamidation of N-activated twisted amides by selective N–C(O) cleavage mediated by air- and moisture-stable half-sandwich Ni(II)–NHC (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbenes) complexes. We demonstrate that the readily available cyclopentadienyl complex, [CpNi(IPr)Cl] (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene), promotes highly selective transamidation of the N–C(O) bond in twisted N-Boc amides with non-nucleophilic anilines. The reaction provides access to secondary anilides via the non-conventional amide bond-forming pathway. Furthermore, the amidation of activated phenolic and unactivated methyl esters mediated by [CpNi(IPr)Cl] is reported. This study sets the stage for the broad utilization of well-defined, air- and moisture-stable Ni(II)–NHC complexes in catalytic amide bond-forming protocols by unconventional C(acyl)–N and C(acyl)–O bond cleavage reactions.
Supporting University–Community Partnerships: A Qualitative Inquiry With Contingent Academics to Understand Their Scholarship of Engagement

Using a qualitative interview design and the conceptual framework of an engaged campus (Furco, 2010), this article examines the engaged scholarship of contingent academics in a university–community partnership with several professional development schools in the United States. This article highlights some facets that make their engaged scholarship different from traditional scholarship, and the challenges in meeting responsibilities to both the community and university. The purpose of this article is to extend our understanding of community-engaged scholarship and help higher education institution administrators think about policies to support contingent academics participating in other community partnerships.
A Gata3 enhancer necessary for ILC2 development and function

The type 2 helper effector program is driven by the master transcription factor GATA3 and can be expressed by subsets of both innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and adaptive CD4+ T helper (Th) cells. While ILC2s and Th2 cells acquire their type 2 differentiation program under very different contexts, the distinct regulatory mechanisms governing this common program are only partially understood. Here we show that the differentiation of ILC2s, and their concomitant high level of GATA3 expression, are controlled by a Gata3 enhancer, Gata3 +674/762, that plays only a minimal role in Th2 cell differentiation. Mice lacking this enhancer exhibited defects in several but not all type 2 inflammatory responses, depending on the respective degree of ILC2 and Th2 cell involvement. Our study provides molecular insights into the different gene regulatory pathways leading to the acquisition of the GATA3-driven type 2 helper effector program in innate and adaptive lymphocytes.
Coverage of Gay and Lesbian Subject Matter in Social Work Journals

This article examines the amount of writing on gay and lesbian subject matter in 12 social work journals and two gay and lesbian journals 1988-1997. Two-thirds of the 121 social work journal articles published on homosexuality focus on HIV/AIDS. Gay and lesbian subject matter not related to HIV/AIDS constitutes only 1 % of this literature. Meeting the Council on Social Work Education requirement for curriculum content on sexual orientation will be difficult if educators rely only on social work journals for knowledge. The publication record for articles on homosexuality in the 12 journals under study must be strengthened.