cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Headway, Vehicle Size and Route Choice for Minimum Cost Feeder Service

Many people use public transportation systems to reach their destination, while others use personal vehicles. Poor transportation systems do not attract ridership. Therefore, the usage of passenger cars increases, and traffic and environmental conditions deteriorate. Efficient public transportation has been recognized as one of the potential ways of mitigating air pollution, reducing energy consumption, improving mobility and alleviating traffic congestion. The objective of this study is to optimize a bus feeder service that provides the shuttle service between a recreation center (e.g. Sandy Hook, NJ) and a major public transportation facility, subject to site-specific constraints such as vehicle schedules, bus availability, service capacity and budget. The decision variables include bus headway, vehicle size and route choice. The solution methodology integrating both analytical and numerical techniques is developed, which optimizes the decision variables. Finally, the proposed solution methodology is applied to a case study. Numerical results, including optimal solutions and sensitivity analyses, are presented while the level of coordination between the feeder service and a major transportation service is discussed.
Origin and tentative identification of tri to pentaunsaturated ketones in sediments from Lake Fryxell, East Antarctica

Abstract Chromatographic and mass spectrometric analysis of surface sediments from perennially ice-covered Lake Fryxell (McMurdo Dry Valleys, East Antarctica) enabled tentative identification from mass spectral data of previously unreported pentaunsaturated ketones, octatriacontapentaen-2-one (C38:5Me), nonatriacontapentaen-3-one (C39:5Et) and tetradecapentaen-2-one (C40:5Me). In addition, the C37, C38 and C40 alkenones occur as di, tri and tetraunsaturated compounds, whereas the C39 alkenones only include the tetraunsaturated components. Analysis of environmental DNA extracted from the water column of Lake Fryxell produced two 18S rDNA sequences closely related to Isochrysis spp., Chrysotila lamellosa and haptophyte sequences previously recognized in sediment samples collected from a Greenland lake and from Ace Lake, Antarctica. Based on the alkenone distribution, coupled with phylogenetic data, we propose that haptophytes related to Isochrysis and/or C. lamellosa are the source organisms of alkenones in Lake Fryxell. The occurrence of pentaunsatured alkenones may represent a response to the year-round cold water temperature (ca. 1 °C average), likely combined with oxygen supersaturation and growth under light- and nutrient-limited conditions in the upper water column.
Measurement Uncertainties in Wear Rates

Measurement uncertainties are vital to discussions of differences in measured values, yet they scarcely accompany discussions of wear and wear rates in the tribology literature. In this methods article, approaches to calculate uncertainties in single-point and steady-state wear rates are presented. The analysis includes analytical treatments of uncertainties for typical macroscopic tribology instrumentation. A fully statistical treatment using Monte Carlo simulations is also presented and discussed for steady-state wear rate uncertainty analysis for an arbitrary number of interrupted measurements of volume loss.
“Rescue” Utilization of Abciximab for the Dissolution of Coronary Thrombus Developing as a Complication of Coronary Angioplasty

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to test the effect on thrombus score of the “rescue” utilization of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist abciximab given to patients in whom intracoronary thrombus has developed as a complication after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and to determine its clinical utility. Background. Abciximab is effective in the prevention of acute ischemic complications when given prophylactically to patients during high risk PTCA. However, its ability to therapeutically dissolve newly formed intracoronary thrombus occurring as a complication after PTCA is not known. Methods. We performed an observational study in 29 consecutive patients who received abciximab (0.25 mg/kg body weight intravenous bolus, followed by a 12-h infusion at 10 μg/min) after attempted PTCA caused either the new development or further progression of thrombus. Angiograms were analyzed to determine thrombus score and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade before and after abciximab. Procedural and clinical success and long-term outcome were also determined. Results. Thrombus score decreased from 3.0 ± 0.9 (mean ± SD) to 0.86 ± 0.92 (p Conclusions. Dissolution of thrombus and restoration of TIMI grade 3 flow were readily achieved after administration of abciximab when delivered in a “rescue” manner after the development of thrombosis after PTCA. This novel use of abciximab will need to be validated in randomized trials.
A DIFFERENTIAL COMPARISON OF TWO TYPES OF ELECTROPULSE ALPHABETS BASED ON LOCUS OF STIMULATION

Recognition accuracy was observed on 25 Ss with variation in the type placement (single- and multi-body regions) when varying numbers (1, 2, 3, 5, and 7) of electrode sites were pulsed simultaneously from among a 10-electrode array. Accuracy dropped drastically with increased number of sites pulsed and was most pronounced when the electrode array was restricted to a single region of the body. The accumulated data appear to cast serious doubt on the use of patterning of simultaneous electropulses as a fruitful approach to tactual communication. An alternative approach was proposed.
Congenital longitudinal deficiency of the tibia

We performed a clinical and radiographic review of 15 patients (19 limbs) with longitudinal deficiency of the tibia treated between 1981 and 2001. Ten limbs with Kalamchi type I deficiencies were managed by through-knee amputation. Five type II deficiencies were treated by foot ablation and tibiofibular synostosis, either at the same time or staged, but prosthetic problems may arise from varus alignment and prominence of the proximal fibula. Patients with type III deficiencies (four cases) were treated by foot ablation. Prosthetic problems relating to proximal or distal tibiofibular instability may necessitate additional surgical intervention.
Histopathological evaluation of materials implanted in the cerebral cortex

Histopathological changes of the cerebral cortex in response to small, penetrating metal and non-metal implants were analyzed by means of light and electron microscopy. The needle-shaped implants were left in place during all stages of histological preparation and embedded in plastic together with the cortex. Changes of the brain-implant boundary were classified as non-reactive, reactive, or toxic, according to the reactive cellular constituents. Among the non-reactive materials were several plastics and metals such as aluminum, gold, platinum, and tungsten. The boundary of these implants displayed little or no gliosis and normal neuropile with synapses within 5 μm of the implant's surface. The boundary of reactive materials such as tantalum or silicon dioxide was marked by multinucleate giant cells and a thin layer (10 μm) of connective tissue. Toxic materials such as iron and copper were separated from the cortical neuropile by a capsule of cellular connective tissue and a zone of astrocytosis. Cobalt, a highly toxic material, produced more extensive changes in the zones of connective tissue and astrocytes. These results indicate that a variety of materials are well tolerated by the brain and could be used in the fabrication of neuroprosthetic devices.
Cryptococcal Meningitis in a Young Obese Female with Takayasu Arteritis and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

A 30-year-old African-American obese female, with hypovitaminosis D, was diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and Takayasu arteritis 2 years before; symptoms improved with acetazolamide and immunosuppressive therapy. She then presented with headaches, photophobia, tinnitus, facial paraesthesiae, fatigue, and subjective night fevers. Brain imaging was normal. Lumbar puncture was performed, and spinal fluid fungal cultures grew Cryptococcus neoformans. Antifungal therapy was instituted with relief of symptoms. Immunosuppressive treatment for Takayasu arteritis was tapered. The authors report a unique case in the medical literature and would like to raise awareness of cryptococcal meningitis, as it can simulate idiopathic intracranial hypertension and cause a non-specific neurological syndrome. Risk factors, detection, and management are discussed.
Deterring International Terrorism and Rogue States: U.S. National Security Policy after 9/11

Deterring International Terrorism and Rogue States: U.S. National Security Policy after 9/11. By James H. Lebovic. New York: Routledge, 2007. 240p. 37.95 paper.Recent literature on terrorism and so-called “rogue” proliferation states is vast, and James Lebovic's book stands out among the very finest for its original arguments, richly documented presentation, and engaging and thought-provoking discussion. Overall, it is critical of the post-9/11 view dominant in U.S. strategic thinking that the main adversaries are undeterrable. It shows that terrorists and leaders of renegade regimes are neither mindless nor irrational, but rather are often sensitive to the costs of punishment and thus susceptible to the logic of deterrence. Deterrence doctrines should therefore not be abandoned as Cold War relics, and the book makes a remarkable contribution toward bridging the doctrinal issues and debates from the Cold War (nuclear deterrence) past to the current problems of antiproliferation and counterterrorism.
Unstable Binary Capsulated Transformants in Pneumococcus

Through transformation reactions, binary capsulated SI-III strains of pneumococci have been isolated that are unstable and lose the SI capsular genome at high frequency. The instability is caused by the specific mutation in the SIII capsular genome common to all of the unstable strains. In the family of strains studied, the SI capsular genome was integrated into the recipient chromosome in at least two loci: one apparently adjacent to the resident capsular genome and a second some distance from it. A hypothesis is presented to explain the instability of the strains on the basis of redundancy of genetic information.
Cutinase Gene Disruption in Fusarium solani f sp pisi Decreases Its Virulence on Pea

Fusarium solani f sp pisi (Nectria haematococca) isolate 77-2-3 with one cutinase gene produced 10 to 20% of the cutinase produced by isolate T-8 that has multiple cutinase genes, whereas cutinase gene-disrupted mutant 77-102 of isolate 77-2-3 did not produce cutinase. On the surface of pea stem segments, lesion formation was most frequent and most severe with T-8, less frequent and less severe with 77-2-3, and much less frequent and much milder with the gene-disrupted mutant. Microscopic examination of the lesions caused by the mutant strongly suggest that it penetrated the host mostly via the stomata. In seedling assays, 77-2-3 caused severe lesions on every seedling and stunted growth, whereas the mutant showed very mild lesions on one-third of the seedlings with no stunting. Thus, cutinase gene disruption resulted in a significant decrease in the pathogenicity of F. s. pisi on pea.
The Materials Analysis Particle Probe (MAPP) Diagnostic System in NSTX

Lithium conditioning of plasma-facing surfaces has been implemented in National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) leading to improvements in plasma performance such as reduced D recycling and a reduction in edge localized modes. Analysis of postmortem tiles and offline experiments along with atomistic modeling has identified interactions between Li-O-D and Li-C-D as chemical channels for deuterium retention in ATJ graphite. However, previous surface chemistry analysis of NSTX tiles were conducted postmortem (i.e., after a completed annual campaign), and it was not possible to correlate the performance of particular discharges with the state of the material surface at the time. Materials Analysis Particle Probe (MAPP) is the first in-vacuo surface analysis diagnostic directly integrated into a tokamak and capable of chemical surface analysis of plasma facing samples retrieved from the vessel in between discharges. It uses X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, direct recoil spectroscopy, low energy ion surface spectroscopy, and thermal desorption spectroscopy to investigate the chemical functionalities between D and lithiated graphite at both the near surface (5-10 nm) and top surface layer (0.3-0.6 nm), respectively. MAPP will correlate plasma facing component surface chemistry with plasma performance and lead the way to improved understanding of plasma-surface interactions and their effect on global plasma performance. Remote operation and data acquisition, integrated into NSTX diagnostic and interlocks, make MAPP an advanced PMI diagnostic with stringent engineering constraints.
Filament winding cylinders. II - Validation of the process model

Analytical and experimental studies were performed to validate the model developed by Lee and Springer for simulating the manufacturing process of filament wound composite cylinders. First, results calculated by the Lee-Springer model were compared to results of the Calius-Springer thin cylinder model. Second, temperatures and strains calculated by the Lee-Springer model were compared to data. The data used in these comparisons were generated during the course of this investigation with cylinders made of Hercules IM-6G/HBRF-55 and Fiberite T-300/976 graphite-epoxy tows. Good agreement was found between the calculated and measured stresses and strains, indicating that the model is a useful representation of the winding and curing processes.
Complementary Thin-Film Electronics Based on n-Channel ZnO and p-Channel ZnTe

In this letter, we report on the fabrication of ZnO and ZnTe thin-film transistors (TFTs) on SiO2/Si substrates in a bottom-gate configuration. The ZnO TFT devices exhibit field effect mobility of mu ~ 4 cm2/V middot s and an on/off current ratio exceeding 109. The on/off-current ratio of the ZnTe devices was found to be 100, limited by the off current. Incorporation of the ZnTe and ZnO TFTs in a complementary logic circuit demonstrates inverter behavior with a high output voltage of VOH > 14 V and low output voltage of VOL < 0.2 V for a supply voltage of 15 V. The small signal gain for the transfer characteristic is found to be dVout/ dVin = -5 at Vin = 6 V.
Developing ideological networks using social network analysis and writeprints: A case study of the international Falun Gong movement

The convenience of the Internet has made it possible for activist groups to easily form alliances through their Websites to appeal to wider audience and increase their impact. In this study, we investigate the potential of using social network analysis (SNA) and Writeprints to discover the fusion of activitst ideas on the Internet, focusing on the Falun Gong movement. We find that network visualization is very useful to reveal how different types of Websites or ideas are associated and, in some cases, mixed together. Furthermore, the measures of centrality in SNA help to reveal which Websites most prominently link to other Websites. We find that Writeprints can be used to identify the ideas which an author gradually introduces and combines through a series of messages.
Educators, Illegal Behavior, and Deterrence: A Resource Allocation Approach to Malpractice in Education

This analysis concentrates on determining optimal policies to combat illegal behavior in education. A resource allocation model is used to help policy makers balance the legal interests of students, teachers, and governments with the practical concerns that school officials have in the effective and efficient administration of schools. Effective use offines or their equivalent is urged so that officials can effectively weigh the benefits of "illegal" activity against the probability of being caught and punished.
Phaseless auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo calculations with plane waves and pseudopotentials: Applications to atoms and molecules

The phaseless auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (AF QMC) method [S. Zhang and H. Krakauer, Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 136401 (2003)] is used to carry out a systematic study of the dissociation and ionization energies of second-row group 3A--7A atoms and dimers: Al, Si, P, S, and Cl. In addition, the ${\mathrm{P}}_{2}$ dimer is compared to the third-row ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ dimer, which is also triply bonded. This method projects the many-body ground state by means of importance-sampled random walks in the space of Slater determinants. The Monte Carlo phase problem, due to the electron-electron Coulomb interaction, is controlled via the phaseless approximation, with a trial wave function $\ensuremath{\mid}{\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{T}⟩$. As in previous calculations, a mean-field single Slater determinant is used as $\ensuremath{\mid}{\ensuremath{\Psi}}_{T}⟩$. The method is formulated in the Hilbert space defined by any chosen one-particle basis. The present calculations use a plane wave basis under periodic boundary conditions with norm-conserving pseudopotentials. Computational details of the plane wave AF QMC method are presented. The isolated systems chosen here allow a systematic study of the various algorithmic issues. We show the accuracy of the plane wave method and discuss its convergence with respect to parameters such as the supercell size and plane wave cutoff. The use of standard norm-conserving pseudopotentials in the many-body AF QMC framework is examined.
Medical Error: Is the Solution Medical or Cognitive?

Is the solution for medical errors medical or cognitive? In this AMIA2001 panel on medical error, we argued that medical error is primarily an issue for cognitive science and engineering, not for medicine, although the knowledge of the practice of medicine is essential for the research and prevention of medical errors. The three panelists presented studies that demonstrate that cognitive research is the foundation for theories of medical errors and interventions of error reductions.
Airway Inflammation in Smokers and Nonsmokers with Varying Responsiveness to Ozone

Exposure to ozone causes symptoms, changes in lung function, and airway inflammation. We studied whether individuals who differ in lung-function responsiveness to ozone, or in smoking status, also differ in susceptibility to airway inflammation. Healthy subjects were selected on the basis of responsiveness to a classifying exposure to 0.22 ppm ozone for 4 h with exercise (responders, with a decrease in FEV1 > 15%; and non-responders, with a decrease in FEV1 < 5%). Three groups were studied: nonsmoker–nonresponders (n = 12), nonsmoker–responders (n = 13), and smokers (n = 13, 11 nonresponders and two responders). Each subject underwent two exposures to ozone and one to air, separated by at least 3 wk; bronchoalveolar and nasal lavages were performed on three occasions: immediately (early) and 18 h (late) after ozone exposure, and either early or late after air exposure. Recovery of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) increased progressively in all groups, and by up to 6-fold late after ozone exposure. Inter...
Remaking Alliances for the War on Terrorism

This essay contends that allies are vital for counterterrorism, but what we ask of them and their institutional form is quite different from what was asked of traditional alliance partners during the Cold War and its immediate aftermath. Despite these differences, some of the alliance dilemmas that plagued the United States in the past are likely to remain, though they will have different manifestations relevant to the war on terrorism. This essay concludes by arguing that, for purposes of the war on terrorism, the list of key allies has shifted and offers recommendations for improving US alliances.
Smooth orthogonal decomposition for modal analysis of randomly excited systems

Modal parameter estimation in terms of natural frequencies and mode shapes is studied using smooth orthogonal decomposition for randomly excited vibration systems. This work shows that under certain conditions, the smooth orthogonal decomposition eigenvalue problem formulated from white-noise induced response data can be tied to the unforced structural eigenvalue problem, and thus can be used for modal parameter estimation. Using output response ensembles only, the generalized eigenvalue problem is formed to estimate eigenfrequencies and modal vectors for an eight-degree-of-freedom lightly damped vibratory system. The estimated frequencies are compared against system frequencies obtained from structural eigenvalue problem and estimated modal vectors are checked using the modal assurance criterion. For lightly damped simulations, satisfactory results are obtained for estimating both system frequencies and modal vectors.
The dendritic cell system and its role in immunogenicity

Dendritic cells are a system of antigen presenting cells that function to initiate several immune responses such as the sensitization of MHC-restricted T cells, the rejection of organ transplants, and the formation of T-dependent antibodies. Dendritic cells are found in many nonlymphoid tissues but can migrate via the afferent lymph or the blood stream to the T-dependent areas of lymphoid organs. In skin, the immunostimulatory function of dendritic cells is enhanced by cytokines, especially GM-CSF. After foreign proteins are administered in situ, dendritic cells are a principal reservoir of immunogen. In vitro studies indicate that dendritic cells only process proteins for a short period of time, when the rate of synthesis of MHC products and content of acidic endocytic vesicles are high. Antigen processing is selectively dampened after a day in culture, but the capacity to stimulate responses to surface bound peptides and mitogens remains strong. Dendritic cells are motile, and efficiently cluster and activate T cells that are specific for stimuli on the cell surface. High levels of MHC class-I and -II products and several adhesins, such as ICAM-1 and LFA-3, likely contribute to these functions. Therefore dendritic cells are specialized to mediate several physiologic components of immunogenicity such as the acquisition of antigens in tissues, the migration to lymphoid organs, and the identification and activation of antigen-specific T cells. The function of these presenting cells in immunologic tolerance is just beginning to be studied.
Evolving Therapeutic Strategies for the Classic Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Despite the emergence of JAK inhibitors, there is a need for disease-modifying treatments for Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). JAK inhibitors ameliorate symptoms and address splenomegaly, but because of the heterogeneous contributors to the disease process, JAK inhibitor monotherapy incompletely addresses the burden of disease. The ever-growing understanding of MPN pathogenesis has provided the rationale for testing novel and targeted therapeutic agents, as monotherapies or in combination, in preclinical and clinical settings. A number of intriguing options have emerged, and it is hoped that further progress will lead to significant changes in the natural history of MPNs.
Growth and impurity characterization of AlN on (0001) sapphire grown by spatially pulsed MOCVD

The reduction of undesirable gas phase reaction between trimethylaluminum and NH3 was achieved by spatially separating the precursors using N2 purge line during AlN growth by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). Under this condition, it was shown that the growth pressure has a strong impact on the surface morphology independent of pre-reaction. For 0.8-μm-thick AlN grown on (0001) sapphire substrates, increasing pressure from 200 to 500 Torr drastically increased a root-mean-squared surface (r.m.s.) roughness from 0.48 to 33 nm. This morphological change was previously attributed to the pre-reaction. Less pre-reaction also allowed us to investigate the pressure dependence of impurity (carbon and oxygen) incorporation in AlN as the growth rate was no longer affected by the pressure. Unlike GaN, the carbon level almost doubled with increasing pressure from 200 to 500 Torr. By optimizing the surface morphology (r.m.s. roughness from 33 to 0.62 nm) at 500 Torr, the carbon concentration in AlN decreased from 5 × 1018 to 7 × 1017 cm−3. Although there was no improvement in the structural quality, this uniquely designed MOCVD could further improve the material quality of AlN by reducing the impurity level.
Procter A Gamble, Private-Label Brands, and the Wal-Mart Partnership (B)

In 1999, Procter & Gamble (P&G) witnessed its first share increase against rival Kimberly-Clark (K-C) in the U.S. disposable diaper sector in five years. However, Samâ€™s Club de-listed P&Gâ€™s Pampers from most of its stores that August, limiting its diaper offerings to K-Câ€™s Huggies and its own private label brand White Cloud, introduced that same year. By mid-2000, P&Gâ€™s stock had lost more than half its value, and the nature of the companyâ€™s â€œspecial relationshipâ€? with Wal-Mart was being called into question.This case is a supplement to UVA-M-0654.
The value of educational degrees in turbulent economic times: Evidence from the Youth Development Study

Rising costs of higher education have prompted debate about the value of college degrees. Using mixed effects panel models of data from the Youth Development Study (ages 31-37), we compare occupational outcomes (i.e., weekly hours worked, earnings, employment status, career attainment, and job security) between educational attainment categories within year, and within categories across years, from 2005 to 2011, capturing the period before, during, and in the aftermath of the Great Recession. Our findings demonstrate the long-term value of post-secondary degrees. Bachelor's and Associate's degree recipients, while experiencing setbacks at the height of recession, were significantly better off than those with some or no college attendance. Vocational-Technical degree holders followed a unique trajectory: pre-recession, they are mostly on par with Associate's and Bachelor's recipients, but they are hit particularly hard by the recession and then rebound somewhat afterwards. Our findings highlight the perils of starting but not finishing post-secondary educational programs.
Impact on CYP19A1 activity by mutations in NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase

Cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19A1), in human placenta metabolizes androgens to estrogens and uses reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate through cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) for the energy requirements of its metabolic activities. Mutations in the human POR lead to congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to loss of activities of several steroid metabolizing enzymatic reactions conducted by the cytochrome P450 proteins located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Effect of POR mutations on different P450 activities depend on individual partner proteins. In this report we have studied the impact of mutations found in the POR on the enzymatic activity of CYP19A1. We expressed wild type as well mutant human POR proteins in bacteria and purified the recombinant proteins, which were then used in an in vitro reconstitution system in combination with CYP19A1 and lipids for enzymatic analysis. We found that several mutations as well as polymorphisms in human POR can cause reduction of CYP19A1 activity. This would affect metabolism of estrogens in people with variations of POR allele. The POR mutants Y181D and R616X were found to have no activity in supporting CYP19A1 reactions. The POR mutations Y607C and delF646 showed a loss of 60-90% activity and two polymorphic forms of POR, R316W and G413S showed similar to WT activity. One POR variant, Q153R had almost double the activity of WT. Loss of CYP19A1 activity may contribute to disordered steroidogenesis in female patients with POR mutations as well as in mothers with POR variants carrying a male child.
A Direct Method for Incorporating Experimental Data into Multiscale Coarse-Grained Models.

To extract meaningful data from molecular simulations, it is necessary to incorporate new experimental observations as they become available. Recently, a new method was developed for incorporating experimental observations into molecular simulations, called experiment directed simulation (EDS), which utilizes a maximum entropy argument to bias an existing model to agree with experimental observations while changing the original model by a minimal amount. However, there is no discussion in the literature of whether or not the minimal bias systematically and generally improves the model by creating agreement with the experiment. In this work, we show that the relative entropy of the biased system with respect to an ideal target is always reduced by the application of a minimal bias, such as the one utilized by EDS. Using all-atom simulations that have been biased with EDS, one can then easily and rapidly improve a bottom-up multiscale coarse-grained (MS-CG) model without the need for a time-consuming repara...
Tissue expression profile of human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) in Tg32 transgenic mice

The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is a homeostatic receptor responsible for prolonging immunoglobulin G (IgG) half-life by protecting it from lysosomal degradation and recycling it to systemic circulation. Tissue-specific FcRn expression is a critical parameter in physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling for translational pharmacokinetics of Fc-containing biotherapeutics. Using online peptide immuno-affinity chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry, we established a quantitative FcRn tissue protein expression profile in human FcRn (hFcRn) transgenic mice, Tg32 homozygous and hemizygous strains. The concentration of hFcRn across 14 tissues ranged from 3.5 to 111.2 pmole per gram of tissue. Our hFcRn quantification data from Tg32 mice will enable a more refined PBPK model to improve the accuracy of human PK predictions for Fc-containing biotherapeutics.
Compatibility of Genitourinary Prostheses and Intermittent Self-catheterization

AbstractThe compatibility of genitourinary prostheses and intermittent self-catheterization was establishedin 13 prosthetic recipients who were concomitantly on intermittent self-catheterization for bladder emptying dysfunction. All patients were able to catheterize themselves successfully after implantation of the prosthesis. No prosthetic infection was encountered in our series. Two penile prosthetic recipients suffered unilateral epididymitis that was treated successfully. Although mechanical complications were encountered they were repaired readily and were not considered related to self-catheterization.
A Multi-Hospital Hepatitis B Vaccine Program: Prevalence of Antibody and Acceptance of Vaccination Among High-Risk Hospital Employees

In July 1982, five Hartford hospitals embarked on a joint hospital-sponsored program to immunize high-risk employees against hepatitis B virus (HBV). The program included a questionnaire to characterize relative risk, serology for anti-HBs, vaccination and a follow-up survey of vaccine non-recipients. Of 2,065 employees who were considered to be at high-risk for infection with HBV, 1,894 (91.7%) responded to the screening questionnaire and 1,279 (67.5%) were tested for anti-HBs serology. The prevalence of antibody varied from hospital to hospital; the highest prevalence (10.9%) was observed at one of the urban university-affiliated community hospitals and the lowest prevalence (4.1%) was reported from the smaller, rural hospital. The prevalence of antibody also varied greatly within the high-risk groups; the highest prevalence of antibody was seen among surgical house officers (15%). The rate of acceptance of vaccine among hospitals ranged from 57.5% to 23.7%. Reasons for vaccine non-acceptance included fear of as yet unknown side effects, perceived low risk of hepatitis acquisition and possible effects on present or future pregnancies. Our experience illustrates some of the epidemiologic and practical aspects that must be addressed in administering a hospital-based HBV vaccine program. Among the five hospitals, we saw marked inter- and intra-hospital variations in the prevalence of anti-HBs among high-risk employees. More significantly, we observed unexpectedly low rates of vaccine acceptance among high-risk personnel.
Student Usage And Perceptions Of The Value Of Recorded Lectures In A Traditional Face-To-Face (F2F) Class

More than ever before, today’s colleges and universities are employing innovative and mutually-beneficial ways to meet the needs of students. Due to increasing competition and changing demographics, institutions benefit from attracting more students as higher enrollments generate greater revenue; these additional tuition and fees are crucial as costs continue to rise and state funding declines. Alternative course delivery modalities provide flexibility that can enable more students to obtain access to a postsecondary education as well as appeal to those with different learning styles or who are looking for a less traditional college experience. In recent years, online programs have grown significantly when compared to the traditional face-to-face (F2F) environment. While both deliveries have their own advantages and thus supporters, each has its own disadvantages as well. As a result, blended or hybrid classes, which include features of both F2F and distance courses, are becoming more common. This article describes a study in which two sections of an F2F tax course offered students access to recorded lectures, and reports the results of a survey designed to ascertain student usage and perceptions of the value of this supplemental material.
Alpha-Interferon Role in the Management of Follicular Lymphoma Patients. The GELA Experience

Follicular lymphomas (FL) represent between 20 and 25% of all lymphomas and are slightly more frequent in America than in Europe and less frequent in Asia [1]. They are composed of follicle center cells, a mixture of centrocytes (small to large cleaved follicle center cells) and centroblasts (large noncleaved follicle center cells). Usually, centrocytes are predominant and centroblasts are the minority. The pattern of proliferation is usually follicular but diffuse areas may be present and in some cases they may predominate. The proportion of centroblasts and the size of centrocytes vary in different lymph nodes from the same patient [2]. Histologic grades associated with different outcome have been described according to the percentage of each constituent but they have proved to be irrelevant because proliferation is a continuous graduation and this grading is difficult to reproduce among groups of pathologists [3, 4]. Tumor cells are usually Slg+, B-cell-associated antigen+ (CD19, CD20, or CD22), CD10+, CD5−, and CD23−. Translocation t(14;18) involving rearrangement of bcl-2 gene is present in 70 to 90% of the cases, resulting in abnormal expression of this anti-apoptotic gene.
A MODULAR COURSE APPROACH TO IN‐SERVICE AND PRE‐SERVICE TRAINING IN GERONTOLOGY

In order to meet both in‐service and pre‐service training needs in gerontology, North Country Community College has developed an innovative one‐year certificate program. Under the assumption that persons working with the aged in a rural area must have a diverse group of skills to draw upon, the gerontology certificate stresses course work in: communication skills, culture variability, gerontology knowledge, management skills, and service skills. The curriculum approach taken is that of competency based education, with most of the skills courses put into a modular course format. After the first year of the certificate, 53% (N = 65) of the students in the certificate courses are adults or community professionals turning to this community college program to upgrade skills or acquire new ones. This certificate is beginning to meet the training needs in a rural area that were only previously addressed by occasional workshops for the human service practitioner.
Risk of mortality with concomitant use of tamoxifen and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: multi-database cohort study

Objective To compare differences in mortality between women concomitantly treated with tamoxifen and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are potent inhibitors of the cytochrome-P450 2D6 enzyme (CYP2D6) versus tamoxifen and other SSRIs. Design Population based cohort study. Setting Five US databases covering individuals enrolled in private and public health insurance programs from 1995 to 2013. Participants Two cohorts of women who started taking tamoxifen. In cohort 1, women started taking an SSRI during tamoxifen treatment. In cohort 2, women were already taking an SSRI when they started taking tamoxifen. Main outcome measures All cause mortality in each cohort in women taking SSRIs that are potent inhibitors of CYP2D6 (paroxetine, fluoxetine) versus other SSRIs. Propensity scores were used to match exposure groups in a variable ratio fashion. Results were measured separately for each cohort and combined hazard ratios calculated from Cox regression models across the two cohorts with random effects meta-analysis. Results There were 6067 and 8465 new users of tamoxifen in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. Mean age was 55. A total of 991 and 1014 deaths occurred in cohorts 1 and 2 during a median follow-up of 2.2 (interquartile range 0.9-4.5) and 2.0 (0.8-3.9) years, respectively. The pooled hazard ratio for death for potent inhibitors (rate 58.6/1000 person years) compared with other SSRIs (rate 57.9/1000 person years) across cohorts 1 and 2 was 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.88 to 1.06). Results were consistent across sensitivity analyses. Conclusion Concomitant use of tamoxifen and potent CYP2D6 inhibiting SSRIs versus other SSRIs was not associated with an increased risk of death.
Measurement and Analysis of Porosity in Al-10Si-1Mg Components Additively Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting

Aluminum alloys are candidate materials for weight critical applications because of their excellent strength and stiffness to weight ratio. However, defects such as voids decrease the strength and fatigue life of these alloys, which can limit the application of Selective Laser Melting. In this study, the average volume fraction, average size, and size distribution of pores in Al10-Si-1Mg samples built using Selective Laser Melting have been characterized. Synchrotron high energy X-rays were used to perform computed tomography on volumes of order one cubic millimeter with a resolution of approximately 1.5 μm. Substantial variations in the pore size distributions were found as a function of process conditions. Even under conditions that ensured that all locations were melted at least once, a significant number density was found of pores above 5 μm in diameter.
A fast, fully verifiable, and hardware predictable ASIC design methodology

In this paper, a fast, fully verifiable, and hardware predictable ASIC design methodology is proposed and demonstrated for the Vertical Slit FET (VeSFET) based integrated circuits. The key enablers of this methodology are the unique and powerful capabilities of pillar-based two-side accessible transistor arrays and monolithic 3D integration. VeSFET is a successfully fabricated transistor of this kind. In the proposed methodology, the circuit is first designed on a 3D FPGA platform using a conventional FPGA design flow. With a little extra Back End of Line (BEOL) masking cost, the design implemented on the 3D FPGA is migrated to the final 2D ASIC, which has exactly the same performance and the verification tasks performed on the 3D FPGA platform remain valid for the final 2D ASIC. The 2D ASIC has the same layout as the silicon-proven 3D FPGA, which greatly mitigates the unpredictable factors of fabrication. The proposed methodology retains all the benefits of FPGA design flow. Eleven MCNC benchmark circuits were implemented. Comparing to the 2D FPGA, the performance of the final 2D ASIC implementation as well as the performance of the 3D FPGA design platform are on average 15% faster, consume 17% less power and 44% less area.
Acetylcholinesterase inhibition as a biomarker of adverse effect: A study of Mytilus edulis exposed to the priority pollutant chlorfenvinphos

The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity has been used widely as a biomarker of exposure to organophosphorous pesticides (OPs). However, scientific uncertainty about the risk assessment implications of data describing inhibition of cholinesterases in diverse species and tissues has hampered the use of AChE activity as a biomarker of adverse effect. Here, haemolymph AChE activity was combined with biomarkers of cellular integrity, immunotoxicity and physiological status in order to measure exposure to and the effects of the priority pollutant chlorfenvinphos. Laboratory exposures of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis to commercial grade chlorfenvinphos (Sapecron) were conducted over 24, 48 and 96 h. AChE activity in haemolymph of M. edulis was highly variable and bore no relationship to either sublethal effects or lethality over the range 0.003-0.03 mg/l chlorfenvinphos. In comparison, concentration dependent inhibition was evident for each of the remaining biomarkers (phagocytic activity, spontaneous cytotoxicity, neutral red retention time, total haemolymph protein). Mussels at the highest exposure concentration showed visual signs of neurotoxicity (impaired neuromuscular control). Haemocyte phagocytic activity and spontaneous cytotoxicity responses were highly sensitive to chlorfenvinphos with significant modulation evident after 24 h exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations of 0.007 mg/l (P = 0.0003). Thus the immune function and well being of the mussels was significantly impacted in the absence of measurable inhibition of haemolymph AChE.
Adaptive M-PAM for Multiuser MISO Indoor VLC Systems

In multiuser multiple input single output (MISO) visible light communication (VLC) systems using LEDs with limited rise-times, it is essential to find effective M-ary modulation schemes to increase the bit rate. In this paper, we propose an adaptive M-ary pulse amplitude modulation (M- PAM) algorithm to support multiple users. The proposed algorithm can adjust the modulation constellation size for each user to maximize the bit rate under different channel environments such as shadowing, light dimming, and the impact of multiple access interference. In our MISO approach, multiple LED lamps coordinate to provide users with maximum data rates. We compare optical code division multiplexing access (OCDMA) using our adaptive M-PAM with time division multiplexing access (TDMA). The OCDMA technique can offer a higher bit rate when the number of users is larger than the length of the OCDMA code.
Decoding hormones for a stem cell niche.

The ability of certain adult stem cell types to differentiate into other cell types, expand massively, or quiesce until needed underlies the study of development and of how cells grow uncontrollably in cancer. Adult stem cell behavior in many organs depends on unique, protected microenvironments harboring specialized extracellular matrix proteins, support cells, hormones, or other factors collectively called stem cell niches ( 1 , 2 ). But what, exactly, constitutes a stem cell niche? On page [284][1] of this issue, Zhao et al. ( 3 ) report an element of the mammary gland stem cell niche that drives local expansion and growth of the epithelial compartment in response to global hormones. Select fibroblast cells that are peripheral to the stem cells “translate” hormones into signals that stem cells recognize. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/356/6335/284.full
Occult Plummer Vinson syndrome in a patient with haemorrhoids

Plummer Vinson syndrome is a rare condition characterised by the triad of dysphagia,irondeficiency anaemia,and upper oesophageal webs. This is a case of a middle aged lady who presented with fatigue and was diagnosed to have iron deficiency anaemia. She did not have any complaints of dysphagia. On endoscopic evaluation she was found to have post cricoid web and haemorrhoids. Since post cricoid webs can complicate to squamous cell carcinoma of gastrointestinal tract, this case highlights the importance of endoscopic evaluation of all patients presenting with severe iron deficiency anaemia even in the absence of dysphagia, to rule out occult Plummer Vinson syndrome. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2017 81-83
THE DISTRIBUTION OF BODY WATER IN SKELETAL MUSCLE AND LIVER IN NORMAL DOGS FOLLOWING INJECTIONS OF POTASSIUM SALTS

This investigation of the changes in water and electrolyte distribution in skeletal muscle following an experimental increase in body potassium and total body water is a continuation of previous studies. Data will be presented on the volumes of extracellular and intracellular phases of skeletal muscle of normal dogs, both before and after increases in potassium and total body water produced by the intravenous injection of an isotonic solution containing potassium. These findings will be compared statistically with those obtained both previous to and following the intravenous injection of an isotonic solution of sodium chloride on normal animals serving as controls. In addition, there will be included analyses of liver from a group of normal animals, both before and after the injection of the potassium salts. These data will be compared with those for the skeletal muscle for the purpose of determining whether injected potassium is concentrated in certain tissue cells. These findings will add more experimental evidence to the tentative conclusions of Fenn (1) that the liver has some special ability to absorb injected potassium.
Some Possible Roles of Polyphosphate in Microorganisms

Excess phosphate accumulation in microorganisms has been identified with a variety of biological polymers. Prominent among these are polyphosphates (Pn) which have been associated with capsid in Neisseria gonorrhoea (Noegel and Gotschlich, 1983), outside the plasma membrane (Tijssen and von Steveninck, 1984; Umanov et a1, 1975) or as long chain cytoplasmic reserves in a variety of microorganisms (Harold, 1966). Recognized over 150 years ago as one of the earliest biopolymers, interest in this molecule was renewed when Lipman (1941) pointed out that Pn could serve as sources for high energy phosphate. Subsequent studies by Harold (1966), Muhradt (1971) and Kulaev (1975) identified a wide variety of biosynthetic reactions involving Pn. Further the recognition that selected populations of microorganisms can remove excess phosphate has led to interest in this identification and the mechanism(s) of phosphate uptake and release (Harold, 1966). As will be addressed in this workshop, the lack of sufficiently sensitive analytical methods to determine the size and concentration of Pn, as well as the absence of appropriate mutants, have limited our understanding of the role of Pn in microorganisms.