cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adapted Neighborhood Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Kilobot in Kilombo Simulations

This paper presents the simulation results of a swarm of Kilobots optimized to find a given region of interest. In a previous paper the authors have shown that Neighborhood Particle Swarm Optimization (NPSO) is a viable candidate to deal with the constraints of Kilobots such as noise and limited communication range and have applied an NPSO control algorithm to Kilombo, a Kilobot simulator, which incorporates physical attributes of Kilobots. The physical attributes of Kilobots that had been ignored in the Matlab simulation earlier include the following: (1) The particles are assumed to be dimensionless, and hence they could overlap in space to all land at the optimum solution. (2) Kilobots can sense the range of its neighbor but lack the direct mapping capability to execute a movement using a displacement vector in the Cartesian coordinate. (3) (trilateration is possible but costly in computation and energy and hence not used). They cannot make instant moves or turns as required in the update steps of the Matlab simulations. The realistic physical constraints require adaptation of the NPSO algorithm, yielding a new NPSO-inspired movement control algorithm. Due to (1), Kilobots cannot overlap and all land at the best solution, instead, they will accumulate around the successful solution and stop the search. Therefore, the metric to determine success is adapted to represent the feasible ending state instead of exact accuracy for the Kilobots to have to all land at the best solution. (2) and (3) require that we change the discrete vector math in NPSO into a pseudo-continuous method. In this paper, we presented four algorithms by adding more and more factors to guide the Kilobot movement. Then, the simulation results in the Kilombo environment are evaluated and presented using convergence plots and success tables.
Simulation of Hypersonic-Shock-Wave–Laminar-Boundary-Layer Interaction over Blunt Fin

Shock-wave–boundary-layer interaction is one of the most important phenomena in hypersonic flights due to its ubiquitous presence and its extreme effects on the aerothermodynamic loads on the aircr...
Harnack inequality for the fractional nonlocal linearized Monge--Ampère equation

The fractional nonlocal linearized Monge–Ampere equation is introduced. A Harnack inequality for nonnegative solutions to the Poisson problem on Monge–Ampere sections is proved.
RIsk Stratification prior to lead Extraction and impact on major intraprocedural complications (RISE protocol).

BACKGROUND An internal risk stratification algorithm was developed to decrease the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) during lead extractions (LEs). OBJECTIVE To report upon the impact of a risk stratification algorithm (RISE [RIsk Stratification prior to lead Extraction] protocol) on outcomes of LEs in a high-volume center. METHODS A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained LEs database was performed to identify features associated with MACEs. On the basis of the retrospective data, the RISE protocol differentiated LEs procedures into "High" and "Low" risk for occurrence of MACEs. High-risk LEs included dual-coil defibrillator lead (≥3 years), pacemaker and single-coil lead (≥5 years), and any StarFix coronary sinus lead. During the prospective evaluation of the RISE protocol, "High-risk" LEs were performed in an operating room (OR) or hybrid laboratory with the cardiac anesthesiologist, OR nursing team, perfusionist in the room, and a cardiac surgeon on the premises. "Low-risk" LEs were performed in the electrophysiology (EP) laboratory with anesthesia provided by EP nursing team. The preintervention (pre-RISE) and postintervention (post-RISE) group spanned 19 and 40 months and consisted of 449 (632 leads) and 751 patients (1055 leads), respectively. The primary outcome of MACEs in the two groups was compared. RESULTS Protocol compliance was 100%. The primary outcome of MACEs occurred in 15 patients (3.34%) before and 12 (1.6%) after implementation of the RISE protocol (P = .04). CONCLUSION RISE identified a low-risk group where minimal resources are needed and allowed for rapid intervention in the high-risk group that reduced the consequences of MACEs.
Femoral Osteomyelitis Presenting as a Pathologic Fracture in a 53 Year Old Male: A Rare Case Report.

Introduction Hematogenous osteomyelitis of long bones in immunocompetent adults is extremely rare and uncommonly presents as a pathological fracture. Case Report A 53-year-old Caucasian male presented with an atraumatic mid-shaft femur fracture secondary to hematogenous osteomyelitis. The organism was found to be Streptococcus anginosus. The patient required multiple surgical debridements and was treated with an antibiotic-impregnated cement rod and external fixator along with IV Rocephin. Furthermore, the patient was on chronic Carbamazepine therapy for the refractory bipolar disorder. We discuss the effect cytochrome p450 inducing medications have on bone health and how this may have contributed to this rare presentation of pathologic fracture. Conclusion We report a rare case of femoral osteomyelitis presenting as a pathologic fracture. Treatment involves multiple surgeries and an extended recovery.
Lesch-Nyhan disease: I. Construction of expression vectors for hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGprt) enzyme and amyloid precursor protein (APP).

Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) is a rare X-linked inherited neurogenetic disorder of purine metabolism in which the enzyme, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGprt) is defective. Despite h...
Multicomponent Organic Metal Halide Hybrid with White Emissions.

Zero-dimensional (0D) organic metal halide hybrids, in which organic and metal halide ions cocrystallize to form neutral species, are a promising platform for the development of multifunctional crystalline materials. Herein we report the design, synthesis, and characterization of a ternary 0D organic metal halide hybrid, (HMTA)4 PbMn0.69 Sn0.31 Br8 , in which the organic cation N-benzylhexamethylenetetrammonium (HMTA+ , C13 H19 N4 + ) cocrystallizes with PbBr4 2- , MnBr4 2- , and SnBr4 2- . The wide band gap of the organic cation and distinct optical characteristics of the three metal bromide anions enabled the single-crystalline "host-guest" system to exhibit emissions from multiple "guest" metal halide species simultaneously. The combination of these emissions led to near-perfect white emission with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency of around 73 %. Owing to distinct excitations of the three metal halide species, warm- to cool-white emissions could be generated by controlling the excitation wavelength.
Asymmetric Synthesis of 1-Tetralones Bearing a Remote Quaternary Stereocenter through Rh-Catalyzed C–C Activation of Cyclopentanones

Herein, we describe the preparation of 1-tetralones bearing a remote quaternary stereocenter in a highly enantioselective manner. A sequence of Pd-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition and Rh-catalyzed...
Post Keynesian modelling and simulation for the classroom

For those of us coming from the Post Keynesian perspective, intermediate macroeconomics may be our one and only opportunity to introduce students to Keynes, Kalecki, and Minsky. Several useful texts exist, and today there are many online resources, too. However, one aspect that is difficult to communicate is the importance of dynamic as opposed to general-equilibrium analysis. It is for this reason that I have developed an Excel-based computer simulation that students build and operate. It is not only set in time and capable of creating a business cycle, it demonstrates the effect of fundamental uncertainty in creating volatile forecast adjustments, includes debt and the possibility of financial crisis, and can be used to compare the effects of automatic stabilisers versus a job guarantee. This paper offers step-by-step instruction.
Immune and gene expression profiling during tacrolimus to everolimus conversion early after liver transplantation.

Abstract Early elimination of tacrolimus in favor of everolimus can improve renal function in liver transplant recipients. However, as this approach increases the risk of acute rejection, it may benefit from predictive biomarkers guiding weaning. We enrolled 20 recipients on stable tacrolimus + everolimus to undergo tacrolimus withdrawal early post-liver transplant. Blood samples were collected at month 3 (withdrawal initiation), 4 (withdrawal completion), 4.5 and 6 (both everolimus alone). 15 patients did not reject and 5 had mild rejection responding to tacrolimus resumption. Before tacrolimus withdrawal, eventual rejecters had higher percentages of CD56+ NK cells and CD19+CD27+CD24+ memory B cells, and lower levels of T cells expressing the exhaustion marker PD-1. Over time, memory B cells, Ki-67+CD3+ (proliferating) cells and CD4+CD127-CD25HIGH FOXP3+ Tregs increased in rejecters. Tregs also increased in non-rejecters over time. The number of differentially expressed genes progressively increased in rejecters, particularly in mTOR, Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2, and Neuroinflammation signaling pathways. There was no difference in anti-HLA antibodies between the groups. In summary, blood mononuclear cell and gene expression may predict successful vs. failed early tacrolimus withdrawal in liver transplant recipients. While needing validation, these preliminary findings highlight the potential for cellular and molecular biomarkers to guide decision-making during tacrolimus weaning.
Estimation of the Minimum Probability of a Multinomial Distribution

The estimation of the minimum probability of a multinomial distribution is important for a variety of application areas. However, standard estimators such as the maximum likelihood estimator and the Laplace smoothing estimator fail to function reasonably in many situations as, for small sample sizes, these estimators are fully deterministic and completely ignore the data. Inspired by a smooth approximation of the minimum used in optimization theory, we introduce a new estimator, which takes advantage of the entire data set. We consider both the cases with a known and an unknown number of categories. We categorize the asymptotic distributions of the proposed estimator and conduct a small-scale simulation study to better understand its finite sample performance.
WHAT'S RACE GOT TO DO WITH IT? PRESS COVERAGE OF THE LATINO ELECTORATE IN THE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY SEASON

The 2008 presidential election was perhaps the most significant in U.S. history for Latinos,1 who have surpassed African Americans as the nation’s largest minority group. By 2050, when non-Latino whites in the U.S. will be less than fifty percent of the nation’s population, Latinos are projected to be thirty percent, double the estimated percentage of African Americans.2 The election was history-making for Latinos for at least three reasons. This was the first presidential election in which a Latino candidate sought the nomination of a major party. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson was a viable candidate and competed in several Democratic caucuses and primaries before withdrawing from the presidential race.3 As several
42. The Effect of Non-pharmacologic Interventions on Pain and Anxiety During IUD and Contraceptive Implant Insertions in Young Women

Background Intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the contraceptive implant are long acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods commonly used by adolescents. Gynecology visits and insertion of LARC devices can provoke anxiety and pain for adolescents. Research on non-pharmacological interventions for management of adolescent anxiety and pain and is lacking; we aimed to determine the impact of non-pharmacologic interventions on patient reported pain and anxiety during office LARC insertions. Methods Patients undergoing an office LARC insertion were eligible. After IRB approval, a systematic controlled trial was conducted; allocating patients to an intervention group (aromatherapy, Buzzy Bee device, aromatherapy + Buzzy Bee device, nursing bedside support) using an alternating sequence. Three outcome variables were analyzed: self-reported pain scores and responses to 2 survey questions (regarding perceived effectiveness of the intervention on pain and anxiety). Numeric data was summarized using medians/IQRs and categorical data as frequency/percent. Chi-squared tests were used to detect differences by group in categorical variables and Kruskal-Wallis tests in continuous variables. A linear mixed effects model determined pain score association with age, time, procedure, and intervention. Proportional odds ordinal regression models were used for survey questions (age, procedure, intervention as possible predictor variables). Results 58%) underwent IUD insertion. Intervention groups were roughly equal in size. After adjusting for age, procedure, and time, we found no evidence for an effect of intervention on pain scores [(χ]_3^2=1.7,p=0.64). Variability in pain scores was driven by time point and procedure. Nexplanon insertions had lower pain scores throughout compared to IUD insertions. There was little evidence of an effect of intervention on the pain effectiveness survey question (χ_3^2=4.1,p=0.25) or anxiety effectiveness survey question after controlling for age and procedure (χ_3^2=2.5,p=0.47). However, the effect of procedure was significant in both models (pain: p=0.01, anxiety: p=0.05). Conclusions IUD insertion was more painful than Nexplanon insertion regardless of age; this may impact preprocedural counseling. When controlling for age and procedure, pain scores did not differ among intervention groups. The value of bedside nursing support cannot be underestimated. Ongoing research regarding non-pharmacologic interventions is needed to help minimize patient anxiety/discomfort and increase acceptability of office gynecologic procedures.
Discussion of the role of 5-hydroxyindoles in the carcinoid syndrome.

Publisher Summary One of the most intriguing problems of the carcinoid syndrome is the problem of fibrosis, which occurs in the heart in patients with the syndrome. Fibrosis is also found in vascular structures outside the heart, and is related to the rapidity with which traumatized peripheral veins undergo sclerosis, a problem that is quickly evident to those who have done repeated venepunctures on patients with the carcinoid syndrome. This chapter describes the experiment conducted to study the role of 5-hydroxyindoles in the carcinoid syndrome. In the experiment, four patients were studied, two having catheterization evidence (which was proved at autopsy) of cardiac lesions, and two having no evidence of cardiac involvement. Simultaneous 5-HT assays were done in the hepatic vein and aorta during flushing episodes induced by E, NE, and alcohol. Only radioactive 5-HT was detected in serial arterial samples after injection. There was a poor correlation between measured changes in 5-HT concentrations and radioactive 5-HT removal but the highest PPP 5-HT values occurred in patients with the least apparent platelet binding of radioactive 5-HT. It was suggested that platelet 5-HT binding and pulmonary removal are more efficient in patients without cardiac lesions than in the presence of such lesions. Electron microscopic observations of the cardiac lesions suggested that the material resembles collagen, and immunofluorescent studies indicated that a major component of the endocardial lesions is fibrin.
Valganciclovir Prophylaxis Extension from 3 to 6 Months in High Risk Pancreas Transplant Recipients Does Not Impact Incidence of Cytomegalovirus Infection at 12 months

PROBLEM Incidence and impact of CMV infection in pancreas-transplant recipients (PTRs) in the valganciclovir prophylaxis era has not been completely elucidated. METHODS Adult D+/R- PTRs were divided into a current era (1/1/2011-12/31/17; 6-month PPX) and a historic era (1/1/2003-12/31/09; 3-month PPX). PRIMARY OBJECTIVE effect of prophylaxis extension on the incidence of CMV infection. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE impact of extension on valganciclovir-related toxicity (leukopenia) and transplant outcomes. RESULTS There were 177 D+/R- PTRs in the study period (historic:98, current:79). Prophylaxis extension resulted in significant reduction of CMV infection from 25.4% to 10.9% at 6 months, (57% reduction, p = .021). However, 1-year rates of CMV infection (historic:31% vs current:36%) and end-organ disease (historic:7.7% vs current:6.9%) were not different (p = .93). Prophylaxis extension significantly increased leukopenia (white blood cell count<3 K/uL) at 6 months (historic:9.5% vs current:28.6%, p = .018). On multivariable analysis prophylaxis extension was not associated with reduced rates of CMV infection (p = .99) or CMV end-organ disease (p = .3). Additionally, there was no significant difference in rejection (p = .2), graft survival (p = .08), death-censored graft survival(p = .07) or patient survival (p = .6). CONCLUSIONS Prophylaxis extension in D+/R- PTRs appears to delay time to first CMV but not reduce overall incidence. These findings suggest a hybrid approach, incorporating antiviral withdrawal and protocolized monitoring, may be needed to improve CMV-related outcomes.
Reduction of Astrocytic Glutamate Transporter Contributes to Amyloid-induced phagocytosis (1419)

Objective: To determine how dysfunctional astrocyte glutamate transporters contribute to microglial pruning of glutamatergic synapses and memory deficiency in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Background: Astrocytes are the most abundant and heterogeneous type of glial cells in the brain, we tested the hypothesis that amyloid fibrils impair astrocyte glutamate transporters, thus leading to an abnormal accumulation of extrasynaptic glutamate, which in turn contributes to microglial pruning of glutamatergic synapses and memory deficiency in the rodent models of AD. Design/Methods: Aβ1–40 fibrils were microinjected bilaterally into hippocampal CA1 areas in rats. In another cohorts, DL-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate (DL-TBOA), a specific inhibitor of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1), or ceftriaxone (used to enhance GLT1 function) were also microinjected into hippocampal CA1 areas. Immunostaining and immunoblotting were performed to detect the expression of GLT1 in astrocytes. Complement C1q production and microglial pruning of glutamatergic synapses were assessed by 3D immunofluorescence imaging. Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the cognitive function. Results: A significant GLT1 reduction in the hippocampal astrocytes in rats injected with amyloid fibrils, indicating dysfunctional glutamate uptake. Microinjection of ceftriaxone significantly attenuated C1q expression and endocytosis of vGluT1 within microglia, and improved behavioral performance in the modeled rats. These results suggested that upregulation of GluT1 expression restored the synaptic microglial pruning and cognition impaired by amyloid fibrils. Meanwhile, in naive rats, microinjection of DL-TBOA substantially increased C1q expression, increased localization of vGluT1 within microglia, and impaired performance in the Morris water maze. This suggests that dysfunctional GluT1, which likely leads to extracellular accumulation of glutamate, contributes to C1q-mediated microglial pruning of synapses and cognitive deficits induced by amyloid fibrils. Conclusions: Reduction of astrocytic GLT1 contributes to C1q production and microglial pruning of glutamatergic synapses, hippocampal synaptic dysfunction and memory deficit in the AD model. Disclosure: Dr. Wu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bie has nothing to disclose. Dr. Naguib has nothing to disclose.
Crystallographic analysis of Thermus aquaticus RNA polymerase holoenzyme and a holoenzyme/promoter DNA complex.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the RNA in all cellular organisms that are synthesized by a complex molecular machine, the DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP). The catalytically competent bacterial core RNAP is conserved evolutionarily in sequence, structure, and function from bacteria to humans. It discusses that in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, promoter-specific initiation of transcription requires protein factors in addition to the catalytic core RNAP, ranging from an 750-kD collection of more than a dozen basal initiation factors for messenger RNA (mRNA) synthesis in eukaryotes to a single polypeptide in bacteria, the σ subunit, which binds core RNAP to form the holoenzyme. The holoenzyme locates specific DNA sequences called “promoters”, forms the open complex by melting the DNA surrounding the transcription start site, and initiates the synthesis of an RNA chain. To understand the molecular mechanism of transcription initiation, it is necessary to solve the structures of the holoenzyme and holoenzyme–DNA complex. The chapter reports on details of the purification, crystallization, and structure determination of macromolecular complexes.
Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) and neuropsychological syndrome analysis

The ideographic, syndrome analysis and the nomothetic, standardized test battery approaches to neuropsychological assessment are compared and contrasted within the context of advances in noninvasive technology readily available for use within the examiner's office. By demonstrating the relative strengths and benefits of syndrome analysis, it is suggested that this approach provides a thorough and efficient method of neuropsychological assessment. Subsequently, the utility of an a priori hypothesis testing process approach as a critical technique in syndrome analysis will be supported. It will be proposed that QEEG procedures provide a useful method for further substantiating conclusions generated from a syndrome analysis approach to neuropsychological assessment. Two cases are described demonstrating the utility and flexibility of the QEEG as a confirmatory test of localization following syndrome analysis. In summary, the contributions that neuropsychologists make to the understanding of brain-behavior relationships may be strengthened by combining neuropsychological and neurophysiological assessment methods.
Fiber products, Poincare duality and A-ring spectra

For a Poincare duality space X d and a map X → B, consider the homotopy fiber product X × B X. If X is orientable with respect to a multiplicative cohomology theory E, then, after suitably regrading, it is shown that the E-homology of X × B X has the structure of a graded associative algebra. When X → B is the diagonal map of a manifold X, one recovers a result of Chas and Sullivan about the homology of the unbased loop space LX.
Selective etching and photoetching of {100} gallium arsenide in CrO3-HF aqueous solutions

Abstract The morphology and formation history of hillocks formed on n-type, boat-grown, Bridgman ‘100’ GaAs after photoetching in CrO3-HF aqueous solutions are studied in detail by in situ and ex situ microscopic observations. Two types of hillocks — with pointed and rounded tops — are found. Both are formed due to inhibition of etching as a result of attachment of gas bubbles at the crystal surfaces. The point topped hillocks are caused by bubbles which are nucleated on the GaAs surface, the rounded ones result from bubbles nucleated in the solution and attached later on, after “travelling” over the surface. During this travelling these bubbles leave traces visible by optical microscopy. The contents of the bubbles is not a reaction product but gases dissolved in the etchant which are evolved by the heat of reaction and the absorbed laser light. Intensive stirring of etchant does not prevent attachment of bubbles. However, it gives rise to underetching of the base of hillocks. Most probably, the electric field of the GaAs surface is responsible for the attachment of bubbles. The number of bubbles, i.e. the density and distribution of hillocks, depends upon the composition of etchant, illumination, temperature and pretreatment of the solution. No relation between the defects and the hillock formation has been found.
Silica-Germania adsorbents

Silica-supported germania adsorbents were prepared by treating silica with GeCl4 vapor, and then causing the GeCln surface layer to react with H2O. Infrared spectroscopic techniques were used to monitor the reactions at various stages. The data suggest the following mechanism: GeCl4 reacts on the silanols and also with siloxane bridges; the initial exposure to H2O at 25°C then causes the hydrolysis of SiCl groups to form SiOH groups as well as partial hydrolysis of the GeCln layer. Degassing at high temperature then causes the partially hydrolyzed GeCln layer to become mobile and rearrange and further react with the surface, eliminating the newly-formed silanols, and causing the formation of partially-chlorided germania patches. Dechlorination and aggregation of these proceeds as hydration-degassing cycles are continued. The adsorbents prepared in this fashion have properties like those of adsorbents prepared by reacting silica with Ge(OCH3)4 and converting the methoxide layer to oxide.
The Houston Parent-Child Development Center Project: Disseminating a Viable Program for Enhancing At-Risk Families

Abstract The Houston Parent-Child Development Center was developed to assist low-income, Mexican-American families in helping their children to do well in school and to foster intellectual and social competence. The program was designed to provide a wide range of educational and support services, to deliver these services in ways that were responsive to the families' poverty, and to be sensitive to their culture. Evaluation of the program has demonstrated success in reducing the incidence of behavior problems and enhancing school performance five to eight years after completion of the program. Ways of disseminating key aspects of the program are discussed.
Gene therapy clinical trials for childhood blindness and its applications for ocular, auditory and renal ciliopathies

Methods In Phase I/II clinical trials, 12 subjects with confirmed mutations in the RPE65 gene causing inherited retinal degeneration were given a unilateral sub-retinal injection of AAV.RPE65 into the worse seeing-eye. Objective and subjective visual testing were performed at baseline and following intervention. Subsequently, 11/12 subjects received injections in the contralateral eye, in a Phase II follow on study. These results have initiated the first Phase III clinical trial for retinal disease. The methods and technology used in this study have enabled gene transfer to cells involved with ciliopathies. Unilateral subretinal, intraotocyst, and retrograde ureteral injections of AAV vectors were carried out in cohorts of mice. Intra-otocyst injections were carried out at embryonic day 12; ocular and renal injections were performed in adult mice. The transgene cassette consisted of a CMV-promoted EGFP and/or a luciferase transgene. Transgene expression was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively over time. Cellular specificity of expression was evaluated histologically. Delivery of the vector was well tolerated locally and systemically and the animals showed no alteration in behavior or general well-being.
Spectral shaping for the hearing impaired

A method is presented for shaping the audio spectrum to improve intelligibility for the hearing impaired. Actual audiological data is used to design a finite impulse response digital filter using the frequency sampling method. Cubic spline interpolation is used to generate any number of frequency samples from the limited number available from the audiological data.
Siblings in Cyberspace: Carey's Ritual Model of Communication in the Digital Age

This essay examines James W. Carey’s ritual model of communication, as described in his book Communication as Culture in 1989, long before the phenomenon of digital media became prevalent. By applying this model to the Brotherhood 2.0 project, which began as a form of personal communication between brothers John and Hank Green, this essay argues that, accounting for slight modifications, Carey’s ritual communication theory is applicable today in the world of digital media. Through their YouTube videos, the brothers have not only created a community that illustrates the ambiguity of the roles of media producer and consumer, but also shaped the way in which their audience perceives reality.
Staphylococcal Presence Alters Thrombus Formation Under Physiological Shear Conditions in Whole Blood Studies

The ability of platelets to aggregate at a site of injury and form a thrombus is central to normal hemostasis and host survival. Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogenic organism that has been described as interacting with platelets and promoting platelet aggregation. However, the fundamental effects of bacterial presence on thrombus formation are poorly understood. In this study, we quantify thrombus formation in whole blood in the presence and absence of S. aureus under physiological shear conditions. Using confocal microscopy we observed that S. aureus causes a reduction in thrombus volumes and alters the morphological structure of the growing thrombi.
Nanotechnology-based intelligent drug design for cancer metastasis treatment

Traditional chemotherapy used today at clinics is mainly inherited from the thinking and designs made four decades ago when the Cancer War was declared. The potency of those chemotherapy drugs on in-vitro cancer cells is clearly demonstrated at even nanomolar levels. However, due to their non-specific effects in the body on normal tissues, these drugs cause toxicity, deteriorate patient's life quality, weaken the host immunosurveillance system, and result in an irreversible damage to human's own recovery power. Owing to their unique physical and biological properties, nanotechnology-based chemotherapies seem to have an ability to specifically and safely reach tumor foci with enhanced efficacy and low toxicity. Herein, we comprehensively examine the current nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical platforms and strategies for intelligent design of new nanomedicines based on targeted drug delivery system (TDDS) for cancer metastasis treatment, analyze the pros and cons of nanomedicines versus traditional chemotherapy, and evaluate the importance that nanomaterials can bring in to significantly improve cancer metastasis treatment.
Intercanthal and interpupillary distance in the black population

Intercanthal distance is an important measurement in the evaluation of congenital deformities and posttraumatic telecanthus. In this study 100 black patients (71 female and 29 male) were measured for intercanthal and interpupillary distance. For the overall group the mean intercanthal distance was 33.9 +/- 3.0 mm; previous studies of white persons and mixed populations indicate an average of 32 +/- 3 mm. The mean interpupillary distance for this study was 63.7 +/- 3.7 mm; previous studies indicate an average of 63 +/- 3 mm. This study suggests that the intercanthal and interpupillary distances in blacks are similar to findings of previous studies on whites and mixed populations.
Hardware/software solutions for scientfic visualization at large reserach laboratories

Good morning. My name is Linnea Cook from Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. This session is a panel session on hardware and software solutions for scientific visualization that are being pursued at some of the large research laboratories in the United States. This panel originated because I saw and other people at Los Alamos saw that we were pursuing different avenues of -- and quite vehemently -- pursuing different avenues of meeting our graphics needs. In Livermore in particular there was real strife for several years over graphics terminals versus graphics workstations. I thought that other people may benefit from seeing why people are pursuing some of the solutions that they are.Today there are five of us who are going to discuss a little bit about what the environment is that we work in and what we're each doing to solve the graphic needs in our environments, and also why we think our solution is the best.Each panelist is going to and make an eight to 10 minute statement to that effect. I will give each panelist a complete introduction when they get up to speak.I suppose I should tell you a little bit about who I am before we get started. My background is in math and computer science. I have a BS/MS in that, and I am currently a group leader for one of the computer science groups that supports one of our large physics divisions at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. Part of the work we do is to support our physicists with good computer graphics and I have been leading the graphics workstation effort for my group.Our first panelist to speak is Gordon Bancroft. He is from NASA Ames and he has a BS in aeronautics. He's been at NASA for six years, and is currently task manager of workstation applications, as part of the fluid dynamics division. He's involved in the creation of applications for visualization of fluid dynamic simulation. He has been involved in some of the procurement that NASA has been doing. Gordon.
Giant Benign Esophageal Schwannoma Requiring Esophagectomy

Benign esophageal schwannomas are rare tumors with only 14 cases reported in the English literature. All previous reports describe excision without major esophageal resection. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman with a giant esophageal schwannoma that required total thoracic esophagectomy.
A robust diffusion-based gradient generator for dynamic cell assays

This manuscript describes a new method to generate purely diffusive chemical gradients that can be modified in time. The device is simple in its design and easy to use, which makes it amenable to study biological processes that involve static or dynamic chemical gradients such as chemotaxis. We describe the theory underlying the convection-free gradient generator, illustrate the design to implement the theory, and present a protocol to align multiple layers of double sided tape and laminates to fabricate the device. Using this device, a population of mammalian cells was exposed to different concentrations of a toxin within a concentration gradient in a 48 h experiment. Cells were probed dynamically by cycling the gradient on and off, and cell response was monitored using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. The experiment and results illustrate the type of applications involving dynamic cell behavior that can be targeted with this type of gradient generator.
Groundwater mapping: an analysis of the United States hydrological investigation Atlas Series

Groundwater mapping is a critical component of efficient water resource management today. Difficulties arise when highly specialized and complex groundwater data are collected and presented in map form. This is an analysis of the map content and its presentation in the USGS Hydrological Investigation Atlas Series. This analysis reveals the problems to be surmounted in mapping groundwater information. The technical nature of the groundwater data requires special design considerations.
Security Access of Power terminal on Trusted Computing in Smart Grid

With the development of interactive business for smart grid, for the security access requirement of kinds of business terminal, this paper proposed security access of power terminal on trusted network connection in power of things which combined with power of things and kinds of power terminals on the basis of trusted network connection. By discussing in detail security access architecture of power terminal and flow, the feasibility of program design is confirmed.
Hamilton’s Equations for Impact Simulations With Perforation and Fragmentation

Conventional models of high velocity impact dynamics rely on approximate solutions of the governing partial differential equations for an elastic-plastic continuum, developed using weighted residual, finite difference, or other techniques prevalent in the computational mechanics literature. Hamiltonian mechanics provides an alternative approach, one which makes no reference to any PDE description of the physical system. The derived Hamilton's equations incorporate general contact-impact effects, apply to a wide class of material constitutive relations, and allow for the simulation of highly nonlinear three-dimensional impact problems.
EL TESTIMONIO COMO ELABORACIÓN DEL TRAUMA EN 'MALUCO: LA NOVELA DE LOS DESCUBRIDORES' DE NAPOLEÓN BACCINO

La conquista de America y el encuentro entre espanoles e indigenas es un topico recurrente en la narrativa latinoamericana actual. En su articulo “Trauma, Absence and Loss”, Dominique LaCapra se refiere a la necesidad que enfrentan sociedades como la sudafricana pos-apartheid o la alemana pos-nazi de elaborar las perdidas y la violencia de su pasado. Podemos decir lo mismo de los pueblos latinoamericanos que una y otra vez se ven enfrentados a un pasado de violencia producto de la conquista. En el contexto latinoamericano encontramos un ejemplo del proceso explicado por LaCapra segun el cual el trauma historico se convierte en un trauma fundante, mito del origen, base para la identidad colectiva (LaCapra 724). El problema de la identidad en Latinoamerica esta intimamente relacionado con el sitio del trauma historico, el encuentro violento entre dos civilizaciones que se desconocen ?Que significa para la historia ser la historia de un trauma? ?Que significa para la identidad latinoamericana ser producto del encuentro violento entre el espanol y el indigena? Es posible visualizar la estructura recurrente, repetitiva del trauma en la produccion cultural latinoamericana, en donde el topico de la conquista y la problematica de la identidad vuelven incesantemente: “The trauma of that historical encounter, genocide, violation, and “hybridization” haunt even the most parodic narratives as well as the most linear” (Bishop 160). Desde esta perspectiva podemos entender las novelas metahistoricas latinoamericanas como un intento de elaboracion y resignificacion de un pasado conflictivo. En este trabajo me interesa detenerme en el analisis de la construccion de la memoria en Maluco. La novela de los descubridores de Napoleon Baccino, prestando especial atencion a la manera en que se representa el trauma historico vivido por los personajes. Me interesa analizar la relacion entre el sufrimiento vivido por Juanillo, bufon de la flota y narrador de la historia, y su representacion discursiva. Con este fin utilizo la nocion de trauma historico,1 propuesta por LaCapra y algunos aportes de Trauma Theory,2 entre ellos su nocion de una temporalidad no lineal. Como sostiene Cathy Caruth, una de las figuras
Phenotypic induction in Pieris napi L.: role of temperature and photoperiod in a coastal California population

. 1. Californian Pieris napi have previously been reported as producing dark-veined and light-veined adults from diapausing and. non-diapausing pupae respectively; the converse has not been reported. 2. A population of the coastal subspecies venosa from Monterey County was examined to determine whether pupal temperature exposure was involved in proximate control of seasonal phenotypes. 3. When reared under continuous light at 25°C this stock produced seventeen diapause pupae, thirteen of which have eclosed yielding typical dark-veined adults, and thirty-eight non-diapause pupae. 4. Of fifteen non-diapause pupae held in a dark box at 25°C, fourteen produced typical light-veined adults and one produced a dark-veined individual of intermediate phenotype. 5. Of twenty-three non-diapause pupae held in a dark box at 10°C for 24 days, twenty-two produced dark-veined butterflies of intermediate phenotype and one produced a light-veined adult. 6. When the experiment was repeated with an inland, population of subspecies microstriata, which is normally univoltine and monophenic, the temperature effect on phenotype was still present but less pronounced. 7. The nature of phenotypic determination is reviewed with particular regard for the developmental environment of butterflies from diapaused pupae. The thermal environment of reactivating diapausers, rather than the diapause state itself, may determine adult phenotype.
Simultaneous projectile-target excitation in heavy ion collisions

We calculate the lowest-order contribution to the cross section for simultaneous excitation of projectile and target nuclei in relativistic heavy ion collisions. This process is, to leading order, nonclassical and adds incoherently to the well-studied semiclassical Weizs\"acker-Williams cross section. While the leading contribution to the cross section is down by only 1/${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathit{P}}$ from the semiclassical process, and consequently of potential importance for understanding data from light projectiles, we find that phase space considerations render the cross section utterly negligible.
Structural Surprises from the Flaviviruses and Alphaviruses

Recent structural studies demonstrate that the alphavirus and flavivirus fusion proteins, although very similar in overall fold, are arranged very differently in the two virions. These differences raise many interesting questions about virus assembly and fusion activity.
Biomass distribution mapping using airborne digital video imagery and spatial statistics in a semi-arid environment

Abstract High resolution airborne digital video image data, biomass measurements and spatial statistics were used to map above-ground biomass for the five major semi-arid plant communities in the Jornada Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site (southern New Mexico). The two principal objectives were to determine: (1) spatial characteristics of arid shrub versus semi-arid grassland vegetation; and (2) a suitable image spatial resolution and ground sampling interval to map above-ground biomass spatial distribution for these vegetation types. The spatial characteristics of each plant community were established by analyzing digital images at varying pixel sizes using semi-variograms. As pixel size increased from 0·5 m to 16 m, little information on vegetation pattern and abundance was lost in grassland and playa grassland sites. In comparison, the pattern and abundance of vegetation became indistinct in shrubland sites once pixel size exceeded mean shrub diameter. This work illustrates the utility of variograms from remotely sensed data for two applications: (1) determining a suitable scale to examine an ecosystem's spatial structure; and (2) providing information on the spatial pattern of vegetation as an indicator of ecosystem condition in the context of a model for desertification.
The effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation during closed kinetic chain exercise on lower extremity performance following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

No studies have examined the effect of augmenting closed kinetic chain (CKCh) exercises with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effect of supplementing a CKCh training program with NMES during the initial six weeks following ACL reconstruction on anterior tibiofemoral joint laxity and the following CKCh performance activities: (1) unilateral squat, (2) 0.10 m lateral step‐up test and (3) anterior reach test. Twenty patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were randomly placed in two treatment groups post surgery: group 1 performed CKCh exercise with NMES applied to the quadriceps and hamstring musculature of the ACL reconstructed lower limb and group 2 performed CKCh exercise alone. Following five weeks of either CKCh training program, performance on the lower limb CKCh tests and knee arthrometry was compared between the two groups by multivariate analysis of variance. No significan...
Tritium inventory and permeation in the ITER beryllium

Abstract Beryllium is presently selected for use in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) as the primary plasma-facing material. The surface conditions of the beryllium as well as its tritium diffusion and solubility coefficients will determine the permeation rate of tritium to the coolant of ITER. The in-vessel tritium inventory will be affected by these coefficients and the neutron damage-induced trap density and energy. This paper presents the results of modeling of the permeation and inventory of tritium in the beryllium components of ITER. The DIFFUSE computer code was used for this modeling. Diffusivities, solubilities, surface conditions, trapping densities, and trapping energies were extracted from the most recent laboratory studies. The code predicted that the tritium inventory is a strong function of both the assumed surface recombination rate constant and the trap density.
Diet and the development of atopic disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review addresses the current literature regarding the impact of diet and the development of atopic disease. A search of the literature was carried out covering the following topics: diet and nutrition combined with immediate hypersensitivity, atopy, atopic disease, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy. RECENT FINDINGS: The search results identified a significant contribution in the form of reviews considering this important topic, which ultimately led to the author's recommendation of these reviews to impress upon readers the impact of the atopy triad: atopic dermatitis to allergic rhinitis and asthma. SUMMARY: A great deal of information exists in the pathomechanisms of atopic disease that will affect the classification of allergic and non-allergic atopic diseases. Increasing data on the genetic, humoral and cellular forms associated with these diseases will provide more clear-cut diagnostic criteria, treatment regimens and a more strict definition of the disease variants.
Pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction treated with Acucise™ retrograde endopyelotomy

Objective To determine the efficacy of retrograde endopyelotomy for the treatment of pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction using the Acucise™ ureteric balloon cutting catheter. Patients and methods Between February 1995 and July 1997, 13 consecutive patients with primary PUJ obstruction underwent Acucise™ endopyelotomy at our institution. The mean follow-up was 17.7 months (range 7–33). The success of the procedure was based on objective patency on follow-up diuretic isotopic renography and the subjective resolution of symptoms. Results The treatment was successful by objective criteria in eight of 13 patients and by subjective criteria in nine. The mean operative duration was 33 min (range 25–45) and all 13 patients were discharged within 24 h of the procedure. There were no major complications, such as vascular injury requiring transfusion. There were no delayed failures, as all failures occurred within 3 months of the procedure. Of the four total failures, two patients have successfully undergone open pyeloplasty and one other was found to have a crossing vessel at the lower pole at the time of the operation. Conclusion In this small series, Acucise™ endopyelotomy was a safe procedure that offered effective, expeditious first-line treatment for PUJ obstruction. All failures occurred soon after treatment and did not hinder subsequent open pyeloplasty. Further studies with additional patients and a longer follow-up are warranted to determine the long-term efficacy of this promising new treatment.
Alternative approaches to ambulatory training: internal medicine residents' and program directors' perspectives.

BACKGROUND Internal medicine ambulatory training redesign, including recommendations to increase ambulatory training, is a focus of national discussion. Residents’ and program directors’ perceptions about ambulatory training models are unknown.