cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Turbulence measurements in a transonic two-passage turbine cascade

This paper presents detailed turbulence measurements in a two-dimensional, transonic, double passage turbine cascade. Particle image velocimetry was used to obtain mean velocity and turbulence measurements all around a single turbine blade within about 2 mm of the blade and wall surfaces. The passage walls were designed using an optimization procedure so that the blade surface pressure distribution matches that of the blade in an infinite cascade. The resulting experimental model captures much of the complexity of a real turbine stage (including high streamline curvature, strong accelerations, and shocks) in a passage with a continuous wall shape, allowing for high measurement resolution and well controlled boundary conditions for comparison to CFD. The measurements show that in the inviscid regions of the passage the absolute level of the turbulent fluctuations does not change significantly as the flow accelerates, while the local turbulence intensity drops rapidly as the flow accelerates. These results provide a benchmark data set that can be used to improve turbulence models.
natural selection in cultural evolution: warfare versus peaceful diffusion

In the past two decades several methods for objectively measuring cultural evolution have been developed. It is now possible to measure the degree of cultural evolution, but we know very little about its processes. Theorists have long proposed that among human societies warfare is the primary mechanism of natural selection. In other words, they say it is through success in warfare that societies evolve. We tested this theory cross-culturally on a world-wide sample of forty-nine societies. We used rigorous controls for diffusion and data error. We found no real evidence at all in our sample that a society's success in warfare (as measured by territorial change) was substantially related to its level of cultural evolution. From this we presume that ordinarily the chief selective mechanism in cultural evolution is more likely to be not warfare but peaceful diffusion through voluntary borrowing of specific traits by one society from its neighbor.
Rapid converging adaptive interference suppression for direct-sequence code-division multiple-access systems

Rapid converging adaptive equalization algorithms for interference suppression in direct sequence code division multiple access (DS/CDMA) systems are presented. These adaptive algorithms, based on an orthogonal transformation, do not require a priori knowledge on interfering signals parameters such as spreading sequences and relative signal power levels. The convergent rate of these algorithms is independent of the eigen-value spread of the input data correlation matrix. The performance of these proposed rapid converging adaptive equalizers is investigated both in the absence and presence of frequency offsets among transmitters. >
Evaluation of Direct and Iterative Methods for Overdetermined Systems of TOA Geolocation Equations

We analyze and rigorously test over a wide range of noise levels some of the most popular algorithms for solving overdetermined systems of the time of arrival (TOA) or pseudorange geolocation equations. Four criteria are given for evaluating these methods, one of which is that the method should achieve the minimum Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) solution error variance. We discuss some straightforward techniques to determine if a method is minimum variance (MV) and apply this analysis to several solution methods. We consider two popular iterative algorithms, Newton-Raphson and Gauss-Newton, applied to both the primitive and squared TOA equations, both without and with explicit differencing (TDOA). We prove that each of these formulations is MV and examine the robustness of several initialization methods. We also consider three direct (noniterative) methods by Bancroft, by Chan and Ho, and by Abel and Chaffee and show when these methods achieve MV. In particular we show how the performance of each of these three algorithms depends on whether or not the large equal radius (LER) conditions are satisfied. Finally we give a new direct method that we prove is MV and show that it is robust in simulated geometries where the other direct methods are not.
Hearing the Right Heart's Sotto Voce

The left ventricle (LV) typically dominates the conversation around cardiovascular risk. This includes symptoms stemming from LV ischemia, signs of increased LV voltage by electrocardiography in hypertensive heart disease and, apparently, a focus on the LV to open an editorial devoted to the right ventricle (RV) in preclinical risk assessment.
The alcohol breath test—a review

Hlastala, Michael P. The alcohol breath test—a review. J. Appl. Physiol.84(2): 401–408, 1998.—The alcohol breath test (ABT) is evaluated for variability in response to changes in physiological para...
Extrinsic factors regulate partial agonist efficacy of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors

Background Strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in many adult forebrain regions consist of alpha2 + beta heteromeric channels. This subunit composition is distinct from the alpha1 + beta channels found throughout the adult spinal cord. Unfortunately, the pharmacology of forebrain alpha2beta receptors are poorly defined compared to 'neonatal' alpha2 homomeric channels or 'spinal' alpha1beta heteromers. In addition, the pharmacologic properties of native alpha2beta glycine receptors have been generally distinct from receptors produced by heterologous expression. To identify subtype-specific pharmacologic tools for the forebrain alpha2beta receptors, it is important to identify a heterologous expression system that closely resembles these native glycine-gated chloride channels.
A protective role of mast cells in intestinal tumorigenesis.

Mast cells have been observed in numerous types of tumors; however, their role in carcinogenesis remains poorly understood. The majority of epidemiological evidence suggests a negative association between the presence of mast cells and tumor progression in breast, lung and colonic neoplasms. Intestinal adenomas in the multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min, APC Min/+ ) mouse displayed increased numbers of mast cells and increased abundance of mast cell-associated proteinases as determined by transcriptional profiling with the Hu/Mu Protin microarray. To examine the role of mast cells in intestinal tumorigenesis, a mutant mouse line deficient in mast cells, Sash mice (c-kit W-sh/W-sh ), was crossed with the Min mouse, a genetic model of intestinal neoplasia. The resulting mast cell-deficient Min-Sash mice developed 50% more adenomas than littermate controls and the tumors were 33% larger in Min-Sash mice. Mast cell deficiency did not affect tumor cell proliferation; however, apoptosis was significantly inhibited in mast cell-deficient mice. Mast cells have been shown to act as critical upstream regulators of numerous inflammatory cells. Neutrophil, macrophage and T cell populations were similar between Min and Min-Sash mice; however, eosinophils were significantly less abundant in tumors obtained from Min-Sash animals. These results indicate a protective, antitumor role of mast cells in a genetic model of early-stage intestinal tumorigenesis.
Cell and gene therapy for severe heart failure patients: The time and place for Pim-1 kinase

Regenerative therapy in severe heart failure patients presents a challenging set of circumstances including a damaged myocardial environment that accelerates senescence in myocytes and cardiac progenitor cells. Failing myocardium suffers from deterioration of contractile function coupled with impaired regenerative potential that drives the heart toward decompensation. Efficacious regenerative cell therapy for severe heart failure requires disruption of this vicious circle that can be accomplished by alteration of the compromised myocyte phenotype and rejuvenation of progenitor cells. This review focuses upon potential for Pim-1 kinase to mitigate chronic heart failure by improving myocyte quality through preservation of mitochondrial integrity, prevention of hypertrophy and inhibition of apoptosis. In addition, cardiac progenitors engineered with Pim-1 possess enhanced regenerative potential, making Pim-1 an important player in future treatment of severe heart failure.
Expression of Decidual Prolactin-Related Protein in the Rat Decidua*

It is well established that rat decidual tissue produces a PRL-like hormone(s) that binds to the PRL receptor on both the corpus luteum and the decidual cells and initiates profound changes in the endocrine milieu required for the establishment of pregnancy. The recent cloning of a decidual PRL-related protein (dPRP) prompted us 1) to determine whether the expression of this gene is triggered by decidualization of the endometrial stromal cells, 2) to examine the temporal and cell-specific pattern of its expression, and 3) to examine the role of both decidual signals and PRL on levels of its messenger RNA (mRNA). Total RNA was isolated from uteri of either nonpseudopregnant rats or pseudopregnant rats with or without decidual tissue. A 1-kilobase mRNA species hybridizing strongly with the dPRP probe was present in decidualized uteri. No dPRP mRNA could be detected in uteri not subjected to decidualization. Developmental studies indicated a constant high level of dPRP mRNA in the decidual tissue until day 1...
Induction of Diabetes in the RIP-B7.1 Mouse Model Is Critically Dependent on TLR3 and MyD88 Pathways and Is Associated With Alterations in the Intestinal Microbiome

RIP-B7.1 transgenic mice express B7.1 costimulatory molecules in pancreatic islets and develop diabetes after treatment with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA and agonist of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 and retinoic acid-inducible protein I. We used this model to investigate the role of TLR pathways and intestinal microbiota in disease progression. RIP-B7.1 mice homozygous for targeted disruption of TLR9, TLR3, and myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88), and most of the wild-type RIP-B7.1 mice housed under normal conditions remained diabetes-free after poly I:C administration. However, the majority of TLR9-deficient mice and wild-type animals treated with poly I:C and an antibiotic developed disease. In sharp contrast, TLR3- and MyD88-deficient mice were protected from diabetes following the same treatment regimen. High-throughput DNA sequencing demonstrated that TLR9-deficient mice treated with antibiotics plus poly I:C had higher bacterial diversity compared with disease-resistant mice. Furthermore, principal component analysis suggested that TLR9-deficient mice had distinct gut microbiome compared with the diabetes-resistant mice. Finally, the administration of sulfatrim plus poly I:C to TLR9-deficient mice resulted in alterations in the abundance of gut bacterial communities at the phylum and genus levels. These data imply that the induction of diabetes in the RIP-B7.1 model is critically dependent on TLR3 and MyD88 pathways, and involves modulation of the intestinal microbiota.
Laboratory studies of Blattisocius keegani (Fox) (Acari: Ascidae) reared on eggs of navel orangeworm: potential for biological control.

Blattisocius keegani (Fox) is a predatory mite in the family Ascidae (Acari), noted for potential biological control of Coleopteran stored product pests. Performance of B. keegani on eggs of navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), was investigated. Mites completed development from egg to adult in 9.2+/-0.22 days at 25°C and 50-60% relative humidity, and in 6.33+/-0.29 days at 32.2°C, 30% relative humidity. Mites provisioned with three or five eggs consumed a median of 1.25 to 1.5 eggs, with a maximum of three eggs consumed over 24 h. Regression analyses indicated egg-laying by B. keegani was significantly correlated with the number of A. transitella eggs consumed, and female mites laid an average of 5.82+/-0.44 eggs over 72 h. Blattisocius keegani, developed on fresh and frozen eggs, laid significantly more eggs when provided with fresh eggs (F3,26=6.16, P=0.0026) and were able to develop on frozen Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs as an alternative host. Mites were equally fecund when fed eggs stored at 0° or -20°C. Provisioning of adult moth bodies in addition to egg prey items increased mite fecundity, although it was demonstrated that B. keegani are phoretic on adult moths as well. The results are the first experimental evidence of B. keegani as a predator of Lepidopteran eggs, as a phoretic species, and of their potential for biological control of navel orangeworm.
Cross-subsidization in the market for employment-related health insurance.

This paper uses data from the 1987 National Medical Expenditure Survey to examine the nature of equilibrium in the market for employment-related health insurance. We examine coverage generosity, premiums, and insurance benefits net of expenditures on premiums, showing that despite a degree of market segmentation, there was a substantial amount of pooling of heterogeneous risks in 1987 among households with employment-related coverage. Our results are largely invariant to (i) firm size and (ii) whether or not employers offer a choice among plans. Our results suggest the need for caution concerning incremental reforms that would weaken the link between employment and insurance without substituting alternative institutions for the pooling of risks.
A Review of Facebook Research in the Social Sciences

With over 800 million active users, Facebook is changing the way hundreds of millions of people relate to one another and share information. A rapidly growing body of research has accompanied the meteoric rise of Facebook as social scientists assess the impact of Facebook on social life. In addition, researchers have recognized the utility of Facebook as a novel tool to observe behavior in a naturalistic setting, test hypotheses, and recruit participants. However, research on Facebook emanates from a wide variety of disciplines, with results being published in a broad range of journals and conference proceedings, making it difficult to keep track of various findings. And because Facebook is a relatively recent phenomenon, uncertainty still exists about the most effective ways to do Facebook research. To address these issues, the authors conducted a comprehensive literature search, identifying 412 relevant articles, which were sorted into 5 categories: descriptive analysis of users, motivations for using Facebook, identity presentation, the role of Facebook in social interactions, and privacy and information disclosure. The literature review serves as the foundation from which to assess current findings and offer recommendations to the field for future research on Facebook and online social networks more broadly.
A new robust operator for computer vision: application to range data

The basic MINPRAN (MINimize the Probability of RANdomness) technique, introduced by C.V. Stewart (1994), is extended to handle range data taken from complex scenes. Such data often includes: (1) a large numbers of outliers, (2) points from multiple surfaces interspersed over large image regions, and (3) extended regions containing only bad data. The initial version of MINPRAN handles cases (1) and (3). For (2), given an image region containing data from more than one surface, the basic technique tends to favor a single fit that "bridges" two surfaces. We analyze the extent of this problem and introduce two modifications to solve it. The new version of the algorithm, called MINPRAN2, produces extremely good results on difficult range data. >
Effect of Didanosine on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viremia and Antigenemia in Patients with Advanced Disease: Correlation with Clinical Response

To determine if suppression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication during antiretroviral therapy correlates with clinical outcome, serial quantitative serum cultures and HIV p24 antigen measurements were made in patients with advanced HIV disease treated with didanosine. Twenty-one (78%) of 27 had viremia detected, and in 14 (67%) viral titer decreased by fivefold or more. Compared with those with no decrease, patients who had a decrease in titer were more likely to achieve a > or = 5% increase in body weight (8/12 vs. 0/7, P = .013) and had a significantly greater mean increase in body weight during treatment months 1-5. Occurrence of new AIDS-defining illnesses and survival were not significantly different between groups. Changes in p24 antigenemia did not correlate with any parameter of clinical outcome examined. Changing serum HIV titer is a marker of the virologic effect of didanosine therapy that correlates with the early clinical benefit as reflected by weight gain. However, correlation of this marker with long-term clinical benefit is uncertain.
Use of Antimicrobial Catheter Lock Solutions to Prevent Catheter-Related Bacteremia

Catheter-related bacteremia is an important source of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. A number of well-designed, controlled, prospective trials using antimicrobial catheter lock solutions to prevent catheter-related bacteremia have shown a dramatic, statistically significant decrease in not only infection but also mortality related to catheter-related bacteremia. Despite evidence of significant benefit, these locks are not routinely used in the United States. This review describes the epidemic problem of catheter-related bacteremia, reviews recent clinical trials with antimicrobial catheter lock solutions, and discusses current options and potential indications for catheter lock solutions in the hemodialysis population.
Numerical method for time‐delay problems

Analytical solutions for linear systems with time-delays are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain. This is particularly true in the synthesis of an optimal control for a system with time-delays or of optimal strategies for a differential or difference game with delays. Some of these problems are discrete in nature while many others can be converted into a discrete format. Probably the most direct method of handling linear, discrete problems with time delays is by using an enlarged state vector to eliminate the delays. The main disadvantage of this technique is the increased dimensions of the resulting matrices. This paper shows, through an illustrative example, that these dimensions of the resulting matrices. This paper shows, through an illustrative example, that these dimensions (and thus the storage requirements and computational time) can be effectively reduced. Thus the method is computationally feasible for a larger class of problems than if standard matrix algebra routines were used.
Role of matrix metalloproteases in the kinetics of leukocyte-endothelial adhesion in post-capillary venules.

Background The endothelial glycocalyx serves as a barrier to leukocyte (WBC)-endothelium (EC) adhesion. Shedding of glycans, by matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) exposes EC integrin receptors to facilitate firm adhesion. However, the effect of shedding on the strength of the adhesive bond remains to be determined. Objectives Examine the effect of MMP inhibition on the kinetics of WBC-EC adhesion under normal and inflammatory conditions to delineate differences in the duration and number of adhesive bonds. Methods WBC adhesion in post-capillary venules was observed in rat mesentery. Adhesion duration and off-rates (KOFF) were correlated with shear stress during adhesion in response to 1 µM fMLP or 0.5 µM doxycycline (doxy, to inhibit MMP activation). Results Doxy increased mean adhesion time significantly from 2.5 (control) to 5.6 s, whereas fMLP increased it 8-fold to 20 s, which was not affected by pre-treatment with doxy. Estimates of the number of adhesive bonds (simplified Bell-model) revealed a significantly greater increase with fMLP compared to doxy alone, with no effect on fMLP by pretreatment with doxy. With doxy alone, KOFF was significantly 4-fold greater compared to fMLP, suggesting a much weaker bond. Conclusions Although the increased number of bonds by MMP inhibition with doxy alone and fMLP were similar, the bonds due to doxy appeared weaker as evidenced by their shorter duration, and lesser reduction in KOFF relative to control. Thus doxy limits the availability of integrin binding sites during fMLP stimulated adhesion, but has a pro-adhesive effect due to increased ligands for WBC binding that arises from inhibition of normal sheddase activity on the EC.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Spawning in the Green Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis along the Coast of Maine

ABSTRACT The timing and spatial variation in spawning in the green sea urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (Muller) was investigated at three moderately protected sites in each of three geographic regions along the coast of Maine before the commencement of significant commercial harvesting. Urchins were sampled monthly (1987 to 1988) from subtidal hard bottoms, and test diameter (TD), height, total wet weight, and gonad wet weight were measured. To interpret reproductive and spawning patterns additional data were taken on habitat type, water temperature, salinity, urchin density, and diets. Over a range of TD (34.1–89.4 mm), 1,594 urchins were sampled. Gonad index (GI) increased as an allometric function of TD, and for urchins from the northeast and southwest regions, GI was independent of TD for animals ≥64 mm. In the central region, the size at independencewas ≥55 mm. Analysis of variance with a priori, planned contrasts was used to quantify temporal changes in GI and spawning at two spatial scales...
CONDITIONAL NEUTRALITY OF POLYGENE EFFECTS.

The complex genetic structure of natural populations poses an almost endless series of challenges to our powers of measurement and theoretical analysis. A case in point is the long-standing controversy between "selectionists," who propose that the high levels of genetic variation in nature are maintained by natural selection, and "neutralists," who account for it in
Toxicity and Repellency of 4–Allylanisole and Monoterpenes from White Spruce and Tamarack to the Spruce Beetle and Eastern Larch Beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Monoterpenes found in the oleoresin of white spruce, Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, and tamarack, Larix laricina (DuRoi) K. Koch, and 4-allylanisole (= estragole, methyl chavicol) were bioassayed for their toxicity to adult spruce beetles, Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby), and adult eastern larch beetles, D. simplex LeConte. Limonene and 4-allylanisole at 20 ppm were most toxic to spruce beetles at 24 h; whereas, limonene, myrcene, beta phellandrene, and 4-allylanisole were most toxic to eastern larch beetles. Limonene and 4-allylanisole caused 100% mortality to spruce beetle adults exposed to 80 ppm for 24 h. In comparison, limonene, 4-allylanisole, myrcene, and beta phellandrene caused 88-98% mortality to eastern larch beetles exposed to 80 ppm for 24 h. In field tests, limonene, 4-allylanisole, myrcene, and beta phellandrene inhibited the response of the spruce beetle to frontalin; whereas, myrcene and limonene inhibited the response of the eastern larch beetle to seudenol. Limonene, myrcene, and beta phellandrene were found in greater quantities in the wound tissues surrounding the induced reaction zones of white spruce and tamarack than in unwounded tissues which indicates the presence of an induced defensive system. Defoliated tamarack trees responded with increased levels of limonene in the oleoresin during the first 2 yr of successive defoliation, but these levels decreased during the first and 4th yr of successive defoliation. Limonene and 4-allylanisole were the most toxic and inhibitory monoterpenes tested in this study
The Effect of Scale on Fluid-Filled Flexible Composite Actuators

Morphing aircraft and other shape-changing structures are well suited to McKibben-like flexible composite actuators. These actuators, made from fiber-reinforced elastomeric composites, are extremely efficient in converting potential energy (pressurized air) into mechanical energy. Such actuators are promising for use in micro air vehicles, prosthetics and robotics because they offer excellent force-to-weight ratios and behave similar to biological muscle. Use of an incompressible pressurizing fluid instead of compressible air may also offer higher actuator stiffness, better control, and compatibility with existing actuation systems. Using incompressible fluids also allows the actuator to serve as a variable stiffness element which can be modulated by opening and closing valves that constrain or allow fluid flow. The effect of an incompressible fluid (water) on the performance of Rubber Muscle Actuators (RMA), with varying diameters, lengths and segment lengths, was experimentally investigated in the current work. Upon pressurization with air or water, past an activation threshold, overall force and stroke increased with increasing actuation length and diameter. Actuation force when pressurized with water is slightly greater than with air. Both air and water-pressurized actuation force and strain decrease significantly when segment length is less than a minimum critical length. Closed valve actuator stiffness (modulus) of actuators at full length, when pressurized with an incompressible fluid is up to 60× greater than the open valve stiffness of the same actuator. Air-filled RMAs with equal parameters only see a 10× increase. Incompressible fluid-filled RMAs have great potential to provide needed high actuation forces within adaptive material systems. Design guidelines are given to aid additional RMA use.© 2011 ASME
Predictors of Long Term Survival on Left Ventricular Assist Device Support

laboratory, clinical and intraoperative signs of an infection. All patients with positive PET-CT scans were treated by iv-antibiotics. Nine patients had DI confirmed by local inflammation and were treated by antibiotics alone, four patients had an impaired wound healing with and without mediastinitis treated by VAC therapy, four patients had device infections, two with and two without DI. The PET-CT was able to show the device infection at an early stage. The positive findings for device infection were first undervalued, but later on confirmed intraoperatively. In 9 patients who had two PET-CT scans at different time points the results correlated with clinical improvement of the infection. Conclusion: PET-CT scan results correlated well with clinical parameters and were specific for infection. Therefore, it may have the potential to guide the clinician in correct handling of infectious complications after VAD implantation.
QTL Mapping for Cold Resistance at Seedling Stage in Dongxiang Wild Rice

A rice population consisting of 172 F2 plants from 9311 / Dongxiang Wild Rice(Oryza rufipogon Griff.) was employed to construct a linkage map with 108 SSR markers.The leaf relative conductivity at seedling stage was used as the index of cold resistance to identify cold-resistant QTLs by the inclusive composite interval mapping(ICIM).Two QTLs,qSCR3 and qSCR11,were identified on Chromosome 3 and Chromosome 11,explaining 16.3% and 19.2% of phenotypic variation,respectively.
Agent-Based Practices for an Intelligent Tutoring System Architecture

The Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring GIFT project is partially an effort to standardize the systems and processes of intelligent tutoring systems. In addition to these efforts, there is emerging research in agent-driven systems. Agent-based systems obey software and messaging communication protocols and accomplish objectives to the original system, but have different architectural structure. This paper describes the upcoming research changes for GIFT, from a module-driven system to an agent-driven system, the reasons for wanting to do so, the advantages of the change, some initial technical approaches which encapsulate current functionality, and the types of research that this change will enable in the future.
Gay and Lesbian Couples in Stepfamilies

How do same-sex stepfamilies compare to heterosexual stepfamilies? How are they similar and how do they differ? In this chapter stepfamilies headed by gay and lesbian couples are examined. There are multiple pathways to creating a same-sex stepfamily (i.e., after a divorce, via donor insemination, hiring a surrogate to deliver, adopting); these pathways are examined and their implications for stepfamily dynamics and relationships are considered. The multiple types of stigma encountered by same-sex stepfamilies are handled by stepfamily members in various ways; we look at resilience processes and coping strategies that are used. Particular attention is paid to parent’s coming out processes and the development of stepparent–stepchild relationships.
An experimental study of deposition of suspended magnetite in high temperature-high pressure boiler type environments

Abstract Fouling in boilers has been a problem for decades. In addition to iron oxide deposits on tube walls impeding heat transfer, some forced circulation boilers experience magnetite deposition in lower orifices. These deposits impede flow, cause inefficiencies and lead to boiler tube failures from overheating and corrosion. Particle deposition in some boiler/reactor type environments has been attributed to particle transport and the probability of particle attachment. The attachment is governed by both the inter-particle and particle-substrate interactions, which depend on the aqueous environment. In this study, a novel experimental system is presented, which focusses on the particle attachment aspect of the deposition issues observed in boiler type environments. To identify the effect of boiler water chemistry on the deposition of suspended magnetite on stainless steel, a high temperature high pressure electrophoretic deposition cell with provisions to test metal substrates and different chemistries was developed. Tests were conducted at pH 25 °C of 9.3 in simulated boiler conditions in terms of temperature, pressure and water chemistry. In addition to visual observations, the deposition was investigated using in-situ Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and post-test surface analyses including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). As predicted by Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey- Overbeek (DLVO) theory, deposition was confirmed possible in the above-mentioned aqueous environment at 300 °C. The experimental system presented here was successful in simulating boiler type environments with accelerated deposition. The capability to understand particulate fouling and also to study interfacial phenomena in high temperature, high pressure aqueous environments has been demonstrated.
Fiber-Network Modeling in Biomechanics: Theoretical and Analytical Approaches

Network problems arise in all aspects of bioengineering, including biomechanics. For decades, the mechanical importance of highly interconnected networks of macromolecular fibers, especially collagen fibers, has been recognized, but models at any scale that explicitly incorporate fiber-fiber interactions into a mechanical description of the tissue have only started to emerge more recently. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with the basic tools to develop next-generation, fiber-based models of tissue mechanics, a goal that is pursued in three steps. First, we provide a brief introduction to the mathematical language for describing networks in general. Second, existing single-scale mechanical network models are reviewed, including a short discussion of how the different models differ in approach based on the biophysics of their specific problems. Third, and finally, we describe a multiscale approach in which individual network problems at the small scale are coupled to a macroscopic finite element scheme. This approach is general and can be applied with any microstructural model but has significant computational demands, so it should be used only when the value of the scale coupling is great.
SOI for a 1-volt CMOS technology and application to a 512 Kb SRAM with 3.5 ns access time

In this paper a CMOS technology that is optimum for low voltage (in the I-volt range) applications is presented. Thin but undepleted SOI is used as the substrate, which gives low junction capacitance and no body effect. Furthermore floating body effects causes a reduction of subthreshold slope at high drain bias. This lowers the high-V/sub DS/ threshold to be used, which increases the current drive without significant increase in the off-current. This technology was applied to a high performance 512 Kb SRAM. Access time of 3.5 ns at 1 V was obtained. >
Mechanisms of Erythropoietin-Mediated Cardioprotection during Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Role of Protein Kinase C Signaling.

The biologic effects of erythropoietin (EPO) are mediated by its cellular receptor EPOR, a member of the cytokine receptor superfamily. EPOR expression in non-hematopoietic cells is associated with novel biologic effects for EPO in diverse organ systems. We recently demonstrated functional EPOR expression in adult rat cardiac myocytes and found that recombinant EPO exerts a rapid cardioprotective effect during ischemia-reperfusion injury of the isolated, perfused heart. Here we investigated the mechanisms of the cardioprotective effect of EPO using Langendorff-perfused rat hearts while left-ventricular-developed pressure (LVDP) was measured continuously to assess contractile function. Hearts were treated directly with EPO in the presence or absence of inhibitors of specific signal transduction pathways prior to normothermic global ischemia followed by reperfusion. Post-ischemic recovery of contractile function was determined by measuring LVDP at the end of reperfusion and expressed as a percentage of the baseline pre-treatment measurement. We investigated EPO-mediated activation of signal transduction pathways in the isolated, perfused heart and observed phosphorylation of p44/p42 MAP kinases ERK 1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) and protein kinase B/Akt (Ser473), a downstream target of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway. Furthermore, EPO treatment of the isolated, perfused heart was associated with translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) e and δ isoforms to the membrane fraction. We investigated the role of specific signaling pathways in EPO-mediated cardioprotection by employing inhibitors targeting PI3K, PKC and MAP kinase kinase (MEK1). PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin attenuated EPO-induced phosphorylation of Akt but had no effect on EPO-mediated cardioprotection. MEK1 inhibitor U0126 had no effect on EPO-mediated cardioprotection. The PKC catalytic inhibitor chelerythrine (chel) significantly inhibited EPO-mediated improvement in post-ischemic recovery of LVDP (figure 1). Hearts pre-treated with EPO exhibited significantly improved post-ischemic recovery of LVDP compared to control hearts (mean±SE: 72±3 in EPO-treated versus 35±3% in control hearts, P<0.05 by ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test, n=10 experiments each group ) and the protective effect of EPO was significantly inhibited in chel-treated hearts (52±4% in EPO+chel versus 72±3% in EPO-treated hearts, P<0.05, n=10 ). As a control, treatment of the hearts with chelerythrine alone had no significant effect on LVDP (49±4%) compared to control hearts. These data demonstrate that EPO-mediated activation of the PKC signaling pathway is required for the cardioprotective effect of EPO during ischemia-reperfusion injury. ![Figure][1] Figure [1]: pending:yes
Evaluating potential competitive bottlenecks between invasive common carp and native bluegill and yellow perch

Processes influencing fish recruitment are often highly complex and inherently difficult to understand. Invasive species may complicate recruitment through habitat and food web modifications resulting in competitive bottlenecks. Common carp Cyprinus carpio have been distributed worldwide, and their introductions have resulted in destructive effects on aquatic ecosystems and food web dynamics. Common carp are highly fecund, and high densities of age-0 carp may occur in some years that may reduce invertebrate prey resources and adversely affect native age-0 fishes. We used enclosures and field observations to examine potential effects of age-0 common carp on growth and survival of age-0 yellow perch Perca flavescens and bluegill Lepomis macrochirus. Yellow perch and bluegill were stocked into enclosures with and without common carp (31 fish/m3) using a substitution experimental design, and fish growth and survival and invertebrate prey resources were assessed. Common carp reduced growth of yellow perch but not bluegill and did not affect survival of either species in mesocosms. Next, we used patterns of common carp, bluegill, and yellow perch abundance and total length across 38 lake-years to evaluate potential interspecific interactions in natural systems. Age-0 common carp abundance was not negatively related to size or abundance of bluegill or yellow perch. However, adult common carp and age-0 yellow perch abundance were inversely related, suggesting a potential competitive bottleneck. Thus, age-0 common carp may suppress growth of yellow perch when prey is limited, but adult common carp may have larger effects than early life stages on native juvenile fishes.
How will the new lease accounting standard affect the relevance of lease asset accounting

Abstract We extend Williamson, 1973 , Williamson, 1987 transaction economics research to leased assets to help explain why some assets are acquired by capital lease and the use of other assets is acquired by operating lease. We look for evidence that capital leases are used for higher asset specificity assets and operating leases are used for lower asset specificity assets. Specifically, we find that returns on capital lease assets exceed the returns on operating lease assets. That the nature of capital lease assets differs from operating lease assets suggests that the lease standard SFAS 13 better categorizes assets under lease. The new lease standard ASU 2016-02 allows only one category for lease assets. From this we conclude that ASU 2016-02 will potentially have an adverse effect on the relevance of lease asset accounting.
ROCKETS: Soar to Success

This article describes ROCKETS, an after-school program for at-risk youth, and how the university students became involved in this service-learning project. The article discusses the steps that were taken to start the program, what is being done to continue the program, and the challenges that faculty have faced. This program is an authentic opportunity for university students to practice their teaching skills and implement forms of positive discipline through relationship building. The greatest value of this program is in the development of positive relationships between the ROCKETS children and the mentors, and between the university and community.
Orthognathic Surgical Outcomes in Patients With and Without Craniofacial Anomalies.

Purpose The objective of this study is to examine hospitalization outcomes after orthognathic surgery. This study tests the hypothesis that patients with craniofacial anomalies have higher billed hospital charges, longer lengths of stay, and increased odds of development of infectious complications when compared with patients without craniofacial anomalies. Materials and Methods The Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2012 and 2013 was used. All patients who underwent an orthognathic surgical procedure were selected. The primary independent variable of interest was presence of a congenital cleft and/or craniofacial anomaly. The outcome variables were the occurrence of complications, billed hospital charges, and length of stay. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to examine the effect of the presence of craniofacial anomalies on outcomes. Results During the study period, a total of 16,515 patients underwent an orthognathic surgical procedure in the United States. Of these patients, 2,760 had a cleft and/or craniofacial anomaly. An infectious complication occurred in 7.4% of those with a craniofacial anomaly (compared with 0.6% of those without a craniofacial anomaly). The mean billed hospital charges in those with a craniofacial anomaly was $139,317 (compared with $56,189 in those without a craniofacial anomaly). The mean length of stay in the hospital in patients with a craniofacial anomaly was 8.8 days (compared with 1.8 days in those without a craniofacial anomaly). These differences in outcomes between patients with and patients without craniofacial anomalies were significant after we adjusted for patient- and hospital-level confounders. Conclusions Patients with a craniofacial anomaly are at higher risk of development of infectious complications, have higher hospital charges, and stay in the hospital for a longer duration after orthognathic surgery when compared with those without a craniofacial anomaly.
In silico investigation of blast-induced intracranial fluid cavitation as it potentially leads to traumatic brain injury

We conducted computational macroscale simulations predicting blast-induced intracranial fluid cavitation possibly leading to brain injury. To further understanding of this problem, we developed microscale models investigating the effects of blast-induced cavitation bubble collapse within white matter axonal fiber bundles of the brain. We model fiber tracks of myelinated axons whose diameters are statistically representative of white matter. Nodes of Ranvier are modeled as unmyelinated sections of axon. Extracellular matrix envelops the axon fiber bundle, and gray matter is placed adjacent to the bundle. Cavitation bubbles are initially placed assuming an intracranial wave has already produced them. Pressure pulses, of varied strengths, are applied to the upper boundary of the gray matter and propagate through the model, inducing bubble collapse. Simulations, conducted using the shock wave physics code CTH, predict an increase in pressure and von Mises stress in axons downstream of the bubbles after collapse. This appears to be the result of hydrodynamic jetting produced during bubble collapse. Interestingly, results predict axon cores suffer significantly lower shear stresses from proximal bubble collapse than does their myelin sheathing. Simulations also predict damage to myelin sheathing, which, if true, degrades axonal electrical transmissibility and general health of the white matter structures in the brain.
Lacosamide Pharmacokinetics in a Critically Ill Patient Receiving Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration

Lacosamide is a new-generation antiepileptic drug (AED) that is eliminated by both hepatic and renal mechanisms. Lacosamide elimination by continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has never been studied. The objective of this case report was to describe lacosamide pharmacokinetics in the setting of CRRT. We describe a single patient admitted to the study center with status epilepticus and multiorgan failure. The patient required both continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) and several AEDs. He was receiving intravenous lacosamide 200 mg twice/day at steady state prior to sampling. Plasma lacosamide concentrations were derived using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. Parameters were calculated using Phoenix WinNonlin 7.1 software. The peak concentration at steady state was 7.7 mg/L, the trough concentration was 5.9 mg/L (goal 5-12 mg/L). The volume of distribution was 0.7 L/kg, the elimination half-life was 21 hours, and the sieving coefficient was 0.8 (± 0.06). Lacosamide was cleared by CVVH as demonstrated by the sieving coefficient, but plasma concentrations remained within goal range throughout the dosing interval. These results may suggest that lacosamide 200 mg twice/day is a useful dosing strategy for critically ill patients who require CVVH.
A network-centric model of situational awareness

In a wireless ad hoc multimedia network, how does the Quality of Experience (QoE) of the user affect the level of Situational Awareness (SA)? Is maximum QoE necessary for high SA? In this empirical study, we propose a novel measurement approach to quantify SA based on the QoE of the user. The relationship between QoE and network Quality of Service (QoS) metrics such as delay and packet loss is well known. Therefore, quantifying the SA-QoE-QoS relationship will help the network operator to ensure a high level of SA when the network is under attack, through parsimonious allocation of network resources such as spectrum and power. We first define SA metrics in four contexts: Surroundings awareness, Target awareness, Location awareness, and Responsiveness (SETLR model). Next, we design an experiment and define an objective expression for each SETLR metric. We mathematically formulate SA as a function of QoE, using real data, and show that this relationship is logistic in nature. This new utility function for measuring SA can now be used in network optimization techniques to avoid over-provisioning. Finally, we observe that maximum QoE is in fact not necessary to ensure high SA; a Mean Opinion Score of just 2–3 is necessary in our scenario.
Regulatory Tools for Controlling Gene Expression in Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria are attractive hosts for converting carbon dioxide and sunlight into desirable chemical products. To engineer these organisms and manipulate their metabolic pathways, the biotechnology community has developed genetic tools to control gene expression. Many native cyanobacterial promoters and related sequence elements have been used to regulate genes of interest, and heterologous tools that use non-native small molecules to induce gene expression have been demonstrated. Overall, IPTG-based induction systems seem to be leaky and initially demonstrate small dynamic ranges in cyanobacteria. Consequently, a variety of other induction systems have been optimized to enable tighter control of gene expression. Tools require significant optimization because they function quite differently in cyanobacteria when compared to analogous use in model heterotrophs. We hypothesize that these differences are due to fundamental differences in physiology between organisms. This review is not intended to summarize all known products made in cyanobacteria nor the performance (titer, rate, yield) of individual strains, but instead will focus on the genetic tools and the inherent aspects of cellular physiology that influence gene expression in cyanobacteria.
Replication protein A (RPA) sumoylation positively influences the DNA damage checkpoint response in yeast.

The DNA damage response relies on protein modifications to elicit physiological changes required for coping with genotoxic conditions. Besides canonical DNA damage checkpoint–mediated phosphorylation, DNA damage–induced sumoylation has recently been shown to promote genotoxin survival. Cross-talk between these two pathways exists in both yeast and human cells. In particular, sumoylation is required for optimal checkpoint function, but the underlying mechanisms are not well-understood. To address this question, we examined the sumoylation of the first responder to DNA lesions, the ssDNA-binding protein complex replication protein A (RPA) in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). We delineated the sumoylation sites of the RPA large subunit, Rfa1 on the basis of previous and new mapping data. Findings using a sumoylation-defective Rfa1 mutant suggested that Rfa1 sumoylation acts in parallel with the 9-1-1 checkpoint complex to enhance the DNA damage checkpoint response. Mechanistically, sumoylated Rfa1 fostered an interaction with a checkpoint adaptor protein, Sgs1, and contributed to checkpoint kinase activation. Our results suggest that SUMO-based modulation of a DNA damage sensor positively influences the checkpoint response.