cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipschitz Functions and Rectifiable Sets

This chapter introduces the m -dimensional surfaces of geometric measure theory called rectifiable sets. These sets have folds, corners, and more general singularities. The relevant functions are not smooth functions as in differential geometry but Lipschitz functions. A function f : R m → R n is Lipschitz if there is a constant C such that f ( x )- f ( y )|≤ C | x - y |. The least such constant is called the Lipschitz constant and is denoted by Lipschitz function. The chapter presents the graphs of two typical Lipschitz functions. Rectifiable sets can have countably many rectifiable pieces, perhaps connected by countably many tubes and handles and perhaps with all points in R n as limit points. From the point of view of measure theory, rectifiable sets behave similar to C 1 submanifolds.
A Pre-Post Analysis of Participant Learning and Growth Using a New Outward Bound Outcomes Instrument

This study examined differences in participants’ perceptions of their Character Development, Leadership, and Environmental Service prior to and immediately following participation in a North Carolina Outward Bound School (NCOBS) course using the NCOBS Course Impression Survey (NCOBCIS). The three-fold purpose of this study was to confirm the a priori factor structure of the NCOBSCIS, assess true change in participants’ scores following completion of an NCOBS course, and to investigate questions that emerged in the quantitative data that could be better explained by qualitative analysis. Quantitative results indicated improvements in Character Development and Environmental Service. This study furthers our understanding of the NCOBSCIS using a true pre-post design, provides further evidence of the validity and reliability of the NCOBSCIS and its factor structure, and the qualitative inquiry enhances our understanding of the potential influence of program participation.Subscribe to JOREL
Monogenic models of obesity

The study of rodent monogenic models of obesity has yielded significant insights into the pathogenesis of obesity. Multiple independent mutations in several genes can produce obesity. As these genes act in different regulatory pathways, it is clear that multiple mechanisms can produce obesity. Furthermore, a single gene defect can produce regulatory deficits in multiple modes of energy expenditure. The most severe forms of genetic obesity involve multiple pathogenic processes. It is significant that regulatory defects in any single component of caloric intake or energy expenditure appear to be sufficient to produce obesity. Finally, the systems regulating energy balance are loosely coupled; positive and negative influences are not completely balanced, both in strength as well as temporally.
Bulk assembly of organic metal halide nanotubes.

The organic metal halide hybrids welcome a new member with a one-dimensional (1D) tubular structure. Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of a single crystalline bulk assembly of organic metal halide nanotubes, (C6H13N4)3Pb2Br7. In a metal halide nanotube, six face-sharing metal halide dimers (Pb2Br95−) connect at the corners to form rings that extend in one dimension, of which the inside and outside surfaces are coated with protonated hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) cations (C6H13N4+). This unique 1D tubular structure possesses highly localized electronic states with strong quantum confinement, resulting in the formation of self-trapped excitons that give strongly Stokes shifted broadband yellowish-white emission with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) of ∼7%. Having realized single crystalline bulk assemblies of two-dimensional (2D) wells, 1D wires, and now 1D tubes using organic metal halide hybrids, our work significantly advances the research on bulk assemblies of quantum-confined materials.
Broadband THz spectroscopy of materials at 10-nm Scale (Conference Presentation)

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy offers unique insights into the electronic and vibrational degrees of freedom of materials. Because of the long wavelength of THz portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, it can be challenging to generate and detect THz radiation on nanometer scales. In this talk I will describe our efforts to develop a platform for generation and detection of broadband terahertz (~10 THz bandwidth) emission using 10-nm-scale LaAlO3/SrTiO3 nanostructures created by conductive atomic force microscope (c-AFM) lithography. The technique relies on the large inherent third-order optical susceptibility of SrTiO3. Inversion symmetry is locally broken at this interface at nanoscale junctions, enabling local optical rectification of light from ultrashort near-infrared optical pulses that is electrically detected by the same junction1. This system is capable of generating and detecting broadband THz emission on a scale set by the junction, which can be as small as 10 nanometers2. I will describe how these devices are created and used to probe nanoscale objects (e.g., Au nanorods3) that can be placed and co-located with these sensitive sources and detectors of THz emission. Our current focus involves graphene nanostructures that are integrated with the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 system, but a host of other materials can in principle be integrated with this platform. 1. Irvin, P.; Ma, Y. J.; Bogorin, D. F.; Cen, C.; Bark, C. W.; Folkman, C. M.; Eom, C. B.; Levy, J., Rewritable nanoscale oxide photodetector. Nat Photonics 2010, 4 (12), 849-852. 2. Ma, Y.; Huang, M.; Ryu, S.; Bark, C. W.; Eom, C.-B.; Irvin, P.; Levy, J., Broadband Terahertz generation and detection at 10 nm scale. Nano Lett 2013, 13 (6), 2884-2888. 3. Jnawali, G.; Chen, L.; Huang, M.; Lee, H.; Ryu, S.; Podkaminer, J. P.; Eom, C.-B.; Irvin, P.; Levy, J., Photoconductive response of a single Au nanorod coupled to LaAlO$_3$/SrTiO$_3$ nanowires. Applied Physics Letters 2015, 106 (21), 211101.
Teaching Moments: Rapidly Diffusing Pedagogical Advances

Teaching Moments is the Society for Marketing Advances’ catalyst to the more rapid diffusion of teaching innovation. This article introduces the reader to an abundant set of new, classroom-tested, ...
Benchmarking thermoception in virtual environments to physical environments for understanding human-building interactions

Abstract Thermal comfort influences occupant satisfaction, well-being and productivity in built environments. Several decisions during the design stage (e.g., heating, ventilation, air conditioning design, color and placement of furniture, etc.) impact the building occupants’ thermoception (i.e., the sense by which animals perceive the temperature of the environment and their body). However, understanding the influence of design decisions on occupant behavior is not always feasible due to the resources needed for creating physical testbeds and the need for controlling several contributing factors to comfort and satisfaction. Virtual environments (environments created with virtual reality technology) are novel venues for studying human behavior. However, in order to use virtual environments in the thermoception domain, validation of these environments as adequate representations of physical environments (built environments) is imperative. As the first step towards this goal, we benchmarked virtual environments to physical environments under different thermal stimuli (i.e., hot and cold indoor air temperature). We identified perceived thermal comfort and satisfaction, perceived indoor air temperature, number and type of interactions as markers for the thermoceptive comparison of virtual and physical offices. We conducted an experiment with 56 participants and pursued a systematic statistical analysis. The results show that virtual environments are adequate representations of physical environments in the thermoception domain, especially for subjective perceived thermal comfort and satisfaction assessment. We also found that the type of first adaptive interactions could be used as the markers of thermoception in virtual environments.
Transition Metal Mediated Cycloadditions

Five-membered ring systems are rapidly emerging as important structural features in a large number of natural products and theoretically interesting molecules. The development of methodologies for the construction of these systems has thus become a subject of great interest and intense effort for synthetic chemists. In recent years, one has seen a number of C5 annulation procedures, with the majority focusing on multistep sequences based on 1,4-dicarbonyl compounds or their functional equivalents.
Chapter 1 Historical Overview

Publisher Summary This chapter provides a historical overview of the development of uncooled thermal imaging, with an emphasis on pyroelectric and bolometric detectors. They also describe possible future developments in the field. Conceptually, thermal imaging is a form of remote thermometry, but with simultaneous measurements over many neighboring regions. The materials issues are primarily of sensitivity, uniformity, and adaptability to available read-out mechanisms. These aspects and their history are explored in this chapter. There are two steps to infrared (IR) imaging: First, the thermal radiation of the scene must be focused onto a sensor to cause a physical effect, such as photoconductivity, which generally requires cooled devices, or a change in a physical property caused by an increase in temperature, as in bolometric devices. Second, the resulting physical effect must be read and displayed. These devices are already militarily and commercially viable and are now going into mass production. Two of the major advantages of the uncooled arrays over the MCT photonic detectors are the linearity and uniformity of their response and the small number of defective pixels, both of which are a major advantage at the system level because of the need for less correction circuitry.
Empirical Processes and VC Theory

Like martingales, empirical processes also unify an incredibly large variety of problems in probability and statistics. Results in empirical processes theory are applicable to numerous classic and modern problems in probability and statistics; a few examples of applications are the study of central limit theorems in more general spaces than Euclidean spaces, the bootstrap, goodness of fit, density estimation, and machine learning. Familiarity with the basic theory of empirical processes is extremely useful across fields in probability and statistics.
Comparison of demographic variables related to 30-day readmission in cancers with similar risk factors: Analysis of 290,270 hospitalizations.

e15596Background: There has been increasing focus on reducing hospital readmissions which are an ongoing economic challenge. This study was targeted at cancer of the esophagus (CE), stomach (CS), a...
Regulatory signaling network in the tumor microenvironment of prostate cancer bone and visceral organ metastases and the development of novel therapeutics.

Abstract This article describes cell signaling network of metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) to bone and visceral organs in the context of tumor microenvironment and for the development of novel therapeutics. The article focuses on our recent progress in the understanding of: 1) The plasticity and dynamics of tumor–stroma interaction; 2) The significance of epigenetic reprogramming in conferring cancer growth, invasion and metastasis; 3) New insights on altered junctional communication affecting PCa bone and brain metastases; 4) Novel strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance to hormonal antagonists and chemotherapy; 5) Genetic-based therapy to co-target tumor and bone stroma; 6) PCa-bone-immune cell interaction and TBX2-WNTprotein signaling in bone metastasis; 7) The roles of monoamine oxidase and reactive oxygen species in PCa growth and bone metastasis; and 8) Characterization of imprinting cluster of microRNA, in tumor–stroma interaction. This article provides new approaches and insights of PCa metastases with emphasis on basic science and potential for clinical translation. This article referenced the details of the various approaches and discoveries described herein in peer-reviewed publications. We dedicate this article in our fond memory of Dr. Donald S. Coffey who taught us the spirit of sharing and the importance of focusing basic science discoveries toward translational medicine.
Contrast Agents in Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful noninvasive cardiovascular imaging modality providing excellent soft tissue contrast. Tissue contrast can be further enhanced by the use of contrast agents, enhancing MRI’s diagnostic capabilities. Paramagnetic metals are ideal MRI contrast agents, with the lanthanide metal gadolinium preeminent in clinical cardiovascular MRI. Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) increase image signal intensity by shortening T1 relaxation time, improving image contrast. GBCAs consist of free gadolinium ion, which is attached to a chelator to reduce toxicity. There are currently nine approved GBCAs, which can be categorized as linear or macrocyclic, depending on the chemical structure of the chelate. GBCA administration can be associated with adverse effects such as allergic-like reactions, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, and neuronal deposition. There are non-gadolinium-based contrast agents with potential cardiovascular MRI applications, such as the iron-based agent ferumoxytol and manganese-based contrast agents.
Identification of druggable small molecule antagonists of the Plasmodium falciparum hexose transporter PfHT and assessment of ligand access to the glucose permeation pathway via FLAG-mediated protein engineering.

Although the Plasmodium falciparum hexose transporter PfHT has emerged as a promising target for anti-malarial therapy, previously identified small-molecule inhibitors have lacked promising drug-like structural features necessary for development as clinical therapeutics. Taking advantage of emerging insight into structure/function relationships in homologous facilitative hexose transporters and our novel high throughput screening platform, we investigated the ability of compounds satisfying Lipinksi rules for drug likeness to directly interact and inhibit PfHT. The Maybridge HitFinder chemical library was interrogated by searching for compounds that reduce intracellular glucose by >40% at 10 μM. Testing of initial hits via measurement of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake in PfHT over-expressing cell lines identified 6 structurally unique glucose transport inhibitors. WU-1 (3-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-N-[2-(4-methylbenzenesulfonyl)ethyl]-1,2-oxazole-4-carboxamide) blocked 2-DG uptake (IC50 = 5.8 ± 0.6 μM) with minimal effect on the human orthologue class I (GLUTs 1–4), class II (GLUT8) and class III (GLUT5) facilitative glucose transporters. WU-1 showed comparable potency in blocking 2-DG uptake in freed parasites and inhibiting parasite growth, with an IC50 of 6.1 ± 0.8 μM and EC50 of 5.5 ± 0.6 μM, respectively. WU-1 also directly competed for N-[2-[2-[2-[(N-biotinylcaproylamino)ethoxy)ethoxyl]-4-[2-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirin-3-yl]benzoyl]-1,3-bis(mannopyranosyl-4-yloxy)-2-propylamine (ATB-BMPA) binding and inhibited the transport of D-glucose with an IC50 of 5.9 ± 0.8 μM in liposomes containing purified PfHT. Kinetic analysis revealed that WU-1 acts as a non-competitive inhibitor of zero-trans D-fructose uptake. Decreased potency for WU-1 and the known endofacial ligand cytochalasin B was observed when PfHT was engineered to contain an N-terminal FLAG tag. This modification resulted in a concomitant increase in affinity for 4,6-O-ethylidene-α-D-glucose, an exofacially directed transport antagonist, but did not alter the Km for 2-DG. Taken together, these data are consistent with a model in which WU-1 binds preferentially to the transporter in an inward open conformation and support the feasibility of developing potent and selective PfHT antagonists as a novel class of anti-malarial drugs.
Looking beyond the model with SAS simulation studio: data input, collection, and analysis

Discrete-event simulation is regularly intertwined with many other forms of analytics. Source data often must be repaired or processed before being used to characterize variation in a simulation model. Collection of simulated data needs to coordinate with and support the evaluation of performance metrics. Or you might need to integrate other analytics into a simulation model to capture specific complexities in a modeled system. SAS Simulation Studio provides an interactive, graphical environment for building, running, and analyzing discrete-event simulation models, and is an integral part of the SAS analytic platform. We illustrate how SAS Simulation Studio helps you tackle each of these challenges. You have full control over the use of input data and the creation of simulated data. Strong experimental design capabilities mean you can simulate for all needed scenarios. Additionally, you can embed any SAS analytic program---optimization, data mining, or otherwise---directly into the execution of your simulation model.
RF Filter Synthesis Based on Passively Coupled N -Path Resonators

${N}$ -path circuits, consisting of an array of switched capacitors driven with non-overlapping clocks, have been used to create radio frequency bandpass and band-stop filters. This paper covers a synthesizing methodology of RF bandpass filters (BPFs) that uses multiple passively coupled ${N}$ -path resonators to realize a more selective transfer function with transmission zeros. Design details and measurement results of a proof-of-concept filter prototype with a 0.8–1.1-GHz tunable bandpass frequency realized in a 65-nm CMOS technology are presented.
Hematopoietic Specific GATA-1-Improved Cre Mouse for Erythroid-Specific Gene Modification.

Abstract Animal models of erythropoiesis related genes have been limited by the fact that some of these genes have non-erythroid expression and other functions in addition to erythropoiesis and thus their knock-out may be embryonic lethal. Tissue specific knock-out or knock-in mice models employing GATA-1-Cre and other constructs showed that these promoters are also active in non-hematopoietic tissues, i.e. GATA-1 has activity in early embryonic development and in neuronal tissue. Suzuki et al ( Blood , 2002, 100; 2279) isolated the GATA-1 locus hematopoietic regulatory domain (GATA-1-HRD) and demonstrated that the expression of a transgene under its control is limited to the hematopoietic tissue. We generated a transgenic mouse expressing an improved Cre (iCre) under GATA-1-HRD promoter control. This mouse was crossbred with ROSA 26 mouse and the progeny was examined for tissue specificity of iCre expression using beta-galactosidase staining. Brain, spleen, kidney, heart, thymus, liver, lung and ovary were examined for whole organ LacZ staining. All tested organs were negative except kidney and spleen where some positivity was observed. Subsequently, we prepared tissue sections from kidney, spleen and bone marrow and stained with LacZ and anti-beta-galactosidase antibody. Only the bone marrow EpoR expressing cells were positive; the kidney and the spleen cells were negative. Although Suzuki et al previously showed expression of the GATA-1-HRD driven erythropoietin receptor in spleen using RT-PCR, we were not able to find iCre expression in the splenic cells using these approaches. We demonstrate that our transgenic mouse (GATA-1-HRD-iCre) showed a restricted iCre expression in hematopoietic tissue that differs from previous studies of other hematopoiesis specific cre mouse. We conclude that this mouse model should be useful in studies of function of erythroid specific genes.
Ankle and Midfoot Power During Single-Limb Heel Rise in Healthy Adults.

Although the midfoot is recognized to have an important role in the successful performance of a single-limb heel rise, healthy heel rise performance remains primarily characterized by ankle function. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of midfoot region power to single-limb heel rise in healthy adults. Participants (N = 12) performed 20 single-limb heel rises. An electromagnetic motion capture system and a force plate were used to record 3-segment foot motion and ground reaction forces. Inverse dynamic calculations were performed to obtain ankle and midfoot region powers. These data were evaluated with descriptive statistics. A correlation was performed to evaluate the contribution of midfoot region power to heel height, as heel height is a clinical measure of heel-rise performance. The midfoot contributed power during single-limb heel rise (peak positive power: 0.5 [0.2] W·kg-1). Furthermore, midfoot peak power accounted for 36% of the variance in heel height (P = .04). As energy generating internal mechanisms, such as muscle activity, are attributed to power generation, midfoot tissue loading and muscle performance should be considered during clinical and modeling applications of the heel-rise task.
CD122-targetted IL-2 signals cause acute and selective apoptosis of B cells in Peyer’s Patches

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties that have been harnessed clinically and that are used experimentally to modulate leukocyte subsets in vivo. In mice, the bioavailability and half-life of IL-2 in vivo can be increased by complexing recombinant IL-2 with different clones of anti-IL-2 monoclonal antibodies that differentially target the cytokine to cells expressing different kinds of IL-2 receptors. While the impacts of systemic IL-2: anti-IL-2 antibody complex (IL-2C) administration are well-defined in the spleen and peripheral lymph nodes, how immune cells in the gut and gut-associated lymphoid tissues respond to IL-2C is not well characterized. Here, we analyze how major leukocyte populations in these tissues respond to IL-2C. We find that IL-2C targeting cells expressing IL-2 receptor beta cause an acute decrease in cellularity of Peyer's Patches while cell numbers in the lamina propria and intraepithelial lymphocytes are unaffected. Cell contraction in Peyer's Patches is associated with the apoptosis of multiple B cell subsets. Our results are important to consider for understanding off-target impacts of IL-2C regimes in experimental models and for considering how IL-2 may contribute to the etiology or severity of gut-associated conditions such as Crohn's Disease.
Attenuated activation of knee extensor muscles during fast contractions in older men and women.

Reduced physical function and increased risk of falls in older adults are accompanied by age-related reductions in torque development of leg muscles, although the mechanisms and potential sex differences are not understood. To determine the mechanistic origins (neural vs. muscular) for the age-related reduction in torque development, we compared the peak rates of torque development (RTD) during electrically-evoked and fast voluntary contractions of the knee extensors between young and older men and women. Sets of single- and double-pulse electrical stimulations evoked contractions of the knee extensor muscles in 20 young (23.0 ± 0.8 years; 10 women) and 20 older adults (78.2 ± 1.5 years; 10 women), followed by voluntary isometric knee extension contractions with torque development as fast as possible that matched the torque during electrically-evoked contraction (10–40% maximal torque). Peak RTD during fast-voluntary contractions was 41% less than electrically-evoked contractions (p < 0.001), but more so for older adults (44%) than young (38%, p = 0.04), with no sex differences. Peak RTD during fast-voluntary contractions was more variable between contractions for the older than young adults (77%MVC s−1 vs. 47%MVC s−1, p < 0.001). Additionally, older women exhibited greater variability than older men (81%MVC s−1 vs. 72%MVC s−1, p = 0.04) with no sex-related differences within the young adults. Older adults had slower and more variable RTD during voluntary contractions than young adults, particularly older women. The limited age-related differences in electrically-evoked RTD suggest the primary mechanism for the slower torque development of the knee extensor muscles in older men and women involve reduced neural activation.
Spatial transcriptomics reveals the architecture of the tumor/microenvironment interface

SUMMARY During tumor progression, cancer cells come into contact with new cell types in the microenvironment, but it is unclear how tumor cells adapt to new environments. Here, we integrate spatial transcriptomics and scRNA-seq to characterize tumor/microenvironment interactions during the initial steps of invasion. Using a zebrafish model of melanoma, we identify a unique “interface” cell state at the tumor/microenvironment boundary. This interface is composed of specialized tumor and microenvironment cells that upregulate a common set of cilia genes, and cilia proteins are enriched only where the tumor contacts the microenvironment. Cilia gene expression is regulated by ETS-family transcription factors, which normally act to suppress cilia genes outside of the interface. An ETS-driven interface is conserved across ten patient samples, suggesting it is a conserved feature of human melanoma. Our results demonstrate the power of spatial transcriptomic approaches in uncovering mechanisms that allow tumors to invade into the microenvironment.
Sarcolipin exhibits abundant RNA transcription and minimal protein expression in horse gluteal muscle

Ca2+ regulation in equine muscle is important for horse performance, yet little is known about this species-specific regulation. We reported recently that horse encode unique gene and protein sequences for the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-transporting ATPase (SERCA) and the regulatory subunit sarcolipin (SLN). Here we quantified gene transcription and protein expression of SERCA and its inhibitory peptides in horse gluteus, as compared to commonly-studied rabbit skeletal muscle. RNA sequencing and protein immunoblotting determined that horse gluteus expresses the ATP2A1 gene (SERCA1) as the predominant SR Ca2+-ATPase isoform and the SLN gene as the most-abundant SERCA inhibitory peptide, as also found in rabbit skeletal muscle. Equine muscle expresses an insignificant level of phospholamban (PLN), another key SERCA inhibitory peptide expressed commonly in a variety of mammalian striated muscles. Surprisingly in horse, the RNA transcript ratio of SLN-to-ATP2A1 is an order of magnitude higher than in rabbit, while the corresponding protein expression ratio is an order of magnitude lower than in rabbit. Thus, SLN is not efficiently translated or maintained as a stable protein in horse muscle, suggesting a non-coding role for supra-abundant SLN mRNA. We propose that the lack of SLN and PLN inhibition of SERCA activity in equine muscle is an evolutionary adaptation that potentiates Ca2+ cycling and muscle contractility in a prey species domestically selected for speed.
In non-low back musculoskeletal injuries, NSAIDs and acetaminophen reduce acute pain.

SOURCE CITATION Busse JW, Sadeghirad B, Oparin Y, et al. Management of acute pain from non-low back, musculoskeletal injuries: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized trials. Ann Intern Med. 2020;173:730-8. 32805127.
Irrationality and Its Discontents: Review of The Epistemic Innocence of Irrational Beliefs, by Lisa Bortolotti, Oxford University Press, 2020, 176 pp., 9780198863984 (hardcover)

“I have long been struck by the fact that we do not simply survive but navigate this world quite successfully despite all the irrational beliefs we are inclined to adopt and hang on to. This book i...
Bilateral middle cerebral artery occlusions treated with simultaneous bilateral thrombectomy: an approach to multivessel occlusions.

The scarcely described phenomenon of acute ischaemic stroke due to bilateral large vessel occlusions and limited reports of its treatment raises the question about the best method for revascularisation. We present a simultaneous bilateral thrombectomy method on a patient with acute bilateral middle cerebral artery occlusions. This technique resulted in successful vessel recanalisation within 35 min without haemorrhagic complications-deeming the method both safe and effective. Patient outcome was unfavourable, complicated by the patient's history of heart failure and other cardiac-related problems. Patient is residing at a skilled nursing facility with maximal assistance.
Race, transnational militarism, and neocoloniality: The politics of the THAAD deployment in South Korea:

This article explores the neglected connection between race and militarism by focusing on a US missile defense system deployed in South Korea. In September of 2017, the two countries installed the ...
Employee Raiding: A Teaching Case on Claims and Remedies

Employee raiding scenarios provide a unique opportunity for students examine the intersection of business strategy and the law. This article provides a high-energy teaching case study and teaching note that places students in the role of business decision-makers facing the unforeseen and abrupt departure of three key employees to a competitor. Students are provided primary materials (memos, social media posts, contract terms, and correspondence from customers) containing a limited set of information that strongly implies the departing employees are trying to leverage their former employer’s working relationships and confidential information to help their new employer gain a competitive advantage in the market. This project forces students to grapple with business strategy and legal issues relating to fiduciary duties (duty of loyalty and duty of confidentiality), statutory trade secret claims, breach of non-competition contracts, and claims for tortious interference of business relationships.
Investigating the insomnia severity spectrum using the Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS)

Abstract To understand how a population natively conceptualizes insomnia along with related mental health and related disabilities, understanding how an insomnia severity spectrum operates in any given population will be a goal for sleep epidemiology. To facilitate this international goal, the comparatively theory-tolerant 65-item Pittsburgh Insomnia Rating Scale (PIRS65) had been constructed with a structure designed to mimic the classification structure of the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health(ICF), while measuring insomnia symptoms comprehensively. The PIRS65 underwent validation tests using both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses in a research clinic-based case-control study in a North American sample. These analyses indicated that the insomnia was mostly unidimensional, but with correlations to sleep-item-free measures of fatigue, depression, and anxiety. The PIRS65’s sleep clock-time items, posed as metrics of psychological disability, performed poorly as such, despite good external validation against prospective sleep logs. PIRS65 item stems with symptom attribution to a time pattern of “not sleeping well” had the highest IRT discrimination parameters, pointing to how these respondents understood their disability from insomnia. Accordingly, a 2-item PIRS2 is proposed as particularly applicable to epidemiological studies for which an insomnia metric needs to be concise. IRT item parameters for all PIRS65 items are also provided as benchmark data for possible later international comparisons of insomnia severity spectra.
Multi-axis Capability for Powered Ankle-Foot Prostheses

The ankle joint of lower extremity powered prostheses are generally designed to be capable of controlling a single degree of freedom (DOF) in the sagittal plane, allowing a focus on improved mobility in straight walking. However, the single DOF ankle movements are rare in normal lower limb actions such as walking on a straight path or turning when the ankle movements in both sagittal and frontal planes are significant. Therefore, the effectiveness of next-generation lower extremity prostheses may be significantly enhanced by improved understanding of the ankle dynamics in both sagittal and frontal planes during different maneuvers and by implementing strategies to account for these intricacies in prosthesis design.
Utilization of External Growth Factors by Intracellular Microbes: Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and Wood Pigeon Mycobacteria

Wheeler, William C. (Johns Hopkins University-Leonard Wood Memorial Leprosy Research Laboratory, Baltimore, Md.), and John H. Hanks. Utilization of external growth factors by intracellular microbes: Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and wood pigeon mycobacteria. J. Bacteriol. 89:889–896. 1965.—The extent to which the intracellular growth of microbes is dependent upon capacities for growth in vitro has been investigated by use of organisms which require a specific factor, mycobactin, for isolation and growth on conventional mycobacterial media. Similarities between growth on bacteriological media and within tissue cells have been demonstrated by examining the responses of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and wood pigeon mycobacteria to mycobactin, iron, CO2, and glycerol, and to the low pH which characterizes phagocytic vacuoles. The results indicate that success of intracellular infections depends upon the independent growth of microbes and that the phagocytic vacuoles of sheep and mouse macrophages seem to be freely accessible to bacterial growth factors, minerals, and substrates. Because these factors did not modify the appearance, overall metabolism, or surface properties of macrophages, it was concluded that the intracellular growth of microbes is not determined solely by the components, metabolism, or immunological properties of host cells, but is influenced to an important degree by compounds and conditions provided by extracellular environments.
Estimating statistical properties of MIMO Rician fading channels

We propose maximum likelihood (ML) methods for estimating the mean and covariance parameters of multi-input multi-output (MIMO) Rician fading channels. We consider both correlated and independent fading scenarios, and derive computationally efficient algorithms for a practically important special case in which the covariance matrix of the transmitted signal is constant. Numerical simulations demonstrate the performance of the proposed methods.
Life-cycle assessment of five microalgae-to-biofuels processes of varying complexity

“Cradle-to-gate” life cycle analysis surrounding five algae-to-fuel/fuel precursor scenarios was studied. The different processes modeled were: an open pond producing either triacylglycerides (TAG) or free fatty acid methyl ester (FAME); a solar-lit photobioreactor producing either FAME or free fatty acids; and a light emitting diode irradiated (LED-lit) photobioreactor-producing TAG. These processes were chosen from amongst the simplest to most sophisticated approaches available in literature. The scenarios of production with open ponds are close to being sustainable environmentally. On the other hand, the production scenarios with solar-lit and LED-lit photobioreactors are both far from being sustainable. The reason for this is the higher embedded and operating life-cycle impacts associated with the materials in the growth reactor (and some other equipment) in these two types of production facilities, as well as the artificial photon source used in the latter. Many difficult-to-achieve improvements are required to make these processes less energy intensive. Algae strains with higher lipid productivity as well as changes in the number, the complexity, and energy expenditures in operation steps are always required to reduce overall life-cycle impacts when production of commodity fuels is the focus. An important perspective to keep in mind with algae-based processes is that there are currently no significant economies-of-scale with the environmental impacts for growth systems, since they are additive above a baseline production level.
Routine behavioral and mental health screening in young children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Background The American Diabetes Association and International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes recommend that providers of diabetes care receive training in the recognition of psychosocial problems related to diabetes. Objective To report the results of routine behavioral/mental health screening for children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) seen in a multidisciplinary pediatric diabetes program. Subjects and methods This was a cross-sectional study of children with T1D ages 4–11 years, who underwent behavioral/mental health screening as part of their diabetes care. Screening utilized the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) Parent Proxy Version, and scores were reviewed by a social worker. SDQ scale and total difficulties scores were compared by gender, visit type, age, T1D duration, and HbA1c. Scores were also compared to age-appropriate normative data for children in United States of America (US). Results SDQ Parent Proxy Version total difficulties and scale scores did not differ by patient or visit characteristics. Compared with normative data for US children, a greater proportion of children with T1D ages 4–7 and 8–10 years had borderline/abnormal scores on the emotional symptoms scale (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively), suggesting risk for psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Conclusions Our findings suggest that children less than 11 years old with T1D may have greater emotional symptoms as compared to their age-matched healthy peers. Pediatric diabetes care providers, with access to mental health services, should consider incorporating routine behavioral/mental health screening for children less than 12 years old in their practice.
Elastic scattering of π - , K - and p̄ from protons at 9.8 and 13.6 GeV/c

Abstract Measurements have been made of the differential cross section for π−−p elastic scattering at 9.8 GeV/c in the angular range 25°–120° c.m.s. Together with existing data, an almost complete angular distribution has now been obtained at this momentum. Measurements have also been made over more restricted angular ranges for 9.7 GeV/c K−−p and −p-p elastic scattering and 13.6 GeV/c π−−p and K− −p elastic scattering.
MicroRNAs and Androgen Receptor 3' Untranslated Region: A Missing Link in Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer?

The ligand-activated transcription factor, androgen receptor (AR) plays a central role in the development and progression of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer initiates as an androgen-dependent disease and further accumulation of multiple sequential genetic and epigenetic alterations transform it into an aggressive, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The molecular basis of the transition from androgen-dependent prostate cancer to CRPC remains unclear. However, it is apparent that AR plays a pivotal role in this alteration. The recent discovery that microRNAs (miRNAs) can target the function of AR suggests a functional role of these non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. miRNAs usually function by targeting the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of a mRNA by base-pairing interactions and modulate translation either by destabilizing the message or by repression of protein synthesis in actively translating ribosomes. Here, we discuss the potential molecular pathways through which AR targeting miRNAs may promote CRPC. Modulation of AR expression by miRNAs presents a novel therapeutic option for prostate cancer, albeit it will likely be used in combination with the existing therapies.
Factors Affecting Stream Nutrient Loads: A Synthesis of Regional SPARROW Model Results for the Continental United States†

Preston, Stephen D., Richard B. Alexander, Gregory E. Schwarz, and Charles G. Crawford, 2011. Factors Affecting Stream Nutrient Loads: A Synthesis of Regional SPARROW Model Results for the Continental United States. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 47(5):891-915. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00577.x Abstract: We compared the results of 12 recently calibrated regional SPARROW (SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed attributes) models covering most of the continental United States to evaluate the consistency and regional differences in factors affecting stream nutrient loads. The models – 6 for total nitrogen and 6 for total phosphorus – all provide similar levels of prediction accuracy, but those for major river basins in the eastern half of the country were somewhat more accurate. The models simulate long-term mean annual stream nutrient loads as a function of a wide range of known sources and climatic (precipitation, temperature), landscape (e.g., soils, geology), and aquatic factors affecting nutrient fate and transport. The results confirm the dominant effects of urban and agricultural sources on stream nutrient loads nationally and regionally, but reveal considerable spatial variability in the specific types of sources that control water quality. These include regional differences in the relative importance of different types of urban (municipal and industrial point vs. diffuse urban runoff) and agriculture (crop cultivation vs. animal waste) sources, as well as the effects of atmospheric deposition, mining, and background (e.g., soil phosphorus) sources on stream nutrients. Overall, we found that the SPARROW model results provide a consistent set of information for identifying the major sources and environmental factors affecting nutrient fate and transport in United States watersheds at regional and subregional scales.
The Index and Other Properties of Elliptic Operators

We now enumerate, mostly without proof, the most important properties of elliptic operators. Let A be an elliptic operator on a compact manifold M, that is, an elliptic operator on the space of sections Γ = Γ(ξ) of a vector bundle ξ = (E, M, R n , p) over M. The kernel of A, denoted Ker A, is the set of solutions of the equation Af = 0; the dimension l(a) of Ker A is also called the number of zero modes of A. It can be proved that all eigenvalues of A have finite multiplicity, and in particular that l(A) is finite. It can also be shown that the image of A, that is, the set of g ∈ Γ such that g = Af for some f ∈ G, is a subspace of finite codimension r(A) in Γ; in other words, that set is the space of solutions of a finite set of linear equations.
Induced currents on slotted bodies of revolution under plane wave illumination

In order to develop a basic understanding of the interaction of an ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulse with a conducting body of revolution (BOR), one must accurately compute the resulting induced currents. The general problem considered here is the computation of the induced currents on a conducting BOR which contains an aperture on one end and an electrically thin circumferential slot of variable conductivity. The specific geometry of interest is a simplified missile structure. The incident electromagnetic wave is assumed to be a temporally-impulsive plane wave which is transverse magnetic (TM) to the BOR axis. The axial aperture electric field impulse response is given for several angles of incidence. The dominant resonances in the aperture electric field are noted and the currents which produces these resonances are shown for various slot conductivities. The variation of the aperture electric field is also shown at the dominant resonances as a function of conductivity.
Response characteristics of subthalamic neurons to the stimulation of the sensorimotor cortex in the rat

Responses of the subthalamic nucleus (STH) neurons to the stimulation of the sensorimotor cortex (Cx) were recorded in intact rats and in those which received lesions in the pallidum, the neostriatum, the brainstem, or the corpus callosum. Most of the STH units (78%) exhibited two excitatory peaks which were interrupted by a brief period of inhibition. Some of units which were located in the peripheral part of the STH tended to lack the brief inhibitory component and exhibited a long period of excitation. These excitations were followed by a long-lasting inhibitory period. Intracellular recording indicated that these responses were EPSPs interrupted by a short IPSP and a long period of disfacilitation of Cx inputs. A quinolinic acid lesion of the neostriatum and a knife cut of the brainstem failed to alter these responses, while an ibotenic acid lesion of the globus pallidus abolished the short inhibition seen in the midst on the excitation. Stimulation of contralateral Cx also evoked excitatory responses in the STH. The responses were completely eliminated by a parasagittal knife cut of the rostral part of the corpus callosum.
Technique for ☐ing an altered cast impression

Abstract An alternate method is presented for laboratory management of altered cast impressions. This technique provides a quick, reliable method that reduces the possibility of laboratory mismanagement. It is also an alternate to techniques by Bolouri et al. 2 and McCracken. 3
Effect of beta-carotene supplementation on periparturient health and reproduction of Holstein cows

Abstract Two trials involving 57 Holstein cows were conducted to determine the effect of feeding 300 mg supplemental beta-carotene from 30 days before expected parturition to 98 days postpartum on periparturient health and subsequent reproductive performance. Feeding supplemental beta-carotene reduced (P 0.05) on the incidence of placental retention and ovarian cysts, rate of uterine involution, fertility, milk production or somatic cell counts. Thus, benefits in health, reproduction or milk production were not generally observed from feeding supplemental beta-carotene to Holstein cows fed a diet commonly used in the United States.
Dynamic nature of the ligustilide complex.

Monomeric phthalides such as Z-ligustilide (1) and Z-butylidenephthalide (2) are major constituents of medicinal plants of the Apiaceae family. While 1 has been associated with a variety of observed biological effects, it is also known for its instability and rapid chemical degradation. For the purpose of isolating pure 1 and 2, a gentle and rapid two-step countercurrent isolation procedure was developed. From a supercritical CO2 fluid extract of Angelica sinensis roots, the phthalides were isolated with high GC-MS purities of 99.4% for 1 and 98.9% for 2 and consistently lower qHNMR purities of 98.1% and 96.4%, respectively. Taking advantage of molarity-based qHNMR methodology, a time-resolved study of the dynamic changes and residual complexity of pure 1 was conducted. GC-MS and (qH)NMR analysis of artificially degraded 1 provided evidence for the phthalide degradation pathways and optimized storing conditions. Parallel qHNMR analysis led to the recognition of variations in time- and process-dependent sa...
Modification of Drosophila Cell Surfaces by Concanavalin A

The effect of Con A on the surface morphology of cultured cells of Drosophilia melanogaster growing on coverglasses was examined by scanning electron microscopy. With low lectin concentrations (5–10μg/ml) surface filaments disappeared and the cells flattened and spread against the glass surface. Cytoplasmic fusion bridges were observed in areas where cells made contact. Concentrations of Con A ranging between 50–500 μg/ml caused cell shrinkage and surface distortions without cell flattening and filament loss. These morphologic effects were not apparent if Con A binding sites were blocked by preincubation with α-methyl-D-mannopyranoside before application to the cell cultures. However, once the Con A-mediated changes were in effect, the cells failed to show recovery when they were returned to growth medium and a majority of the cells on the coverglasses degenerated. Presumably the cells whose morphology appears unaffected by Con A treatment are the survivors that repopulate cultures returned to growth medium.