cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Imaging of the total knee arthroplasty

We have reviewed the essentials of TKA imaging. Because the purpose of a knee arthroplasty is to relieve pain and improve function, radiographs should be viewed in the context of these goals.
Landscape variation in tree regeneration and snag fall drive fuel loads in 24-year old post-fire lodgepole pine forests.

Escalating wildfire in subalpine forests with stand-replacing fire regimes is increasing the extent of early-seral forests throughout the western US. Post-fire succession generates the fuel for future fires, but little is known about fuel loads and their variability in young post-fire stands. We sampled fuel profiles in 24-year-old post-fire lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) stands (n=82) that regenerated from the 1988 Yellowstone Fires to answer three questions. (1) How do canopy and surface fuel loads vary within and among young lodgepole pine stands? (2) How do canopy and surface fuels vary with pre- and post-fire lodgepole pine stand structure and environmental conditions? (3) How have surface fuels changed between 8 and 24 years post-fire? Fuel complexes varied tremendously across the landscape despite having regenerated from the same fires. Available canopy fuel loads and canopy bulk density averaged 8.5 Mg ha-1 [range 0.0-46.6] and 0.24 kg m3 [range: 0.0-2.3], respectively, meeting or exceeding levels in mature lodgepole pine forests. Total surface-fuel loads averaged 123 Mg ha-1 [range: 43 - 207], and 88% was in the 1000-hr fuel class. Litter, 1-hr, and 10-hr surface fuel loads were lower than reported for mature lodgepole pine forests, and 1000-hr fuel loads were similar or greater. Among-plot variation was greater in canopy fuels than surface fuels, and within-plot variation was greater than among-plot variation for nearly all fuels. Post-fire lodgepole pine density was the strongest positive predictor of canopy and fine surface fuel loads. Pre-fire successional stage was the best predictor of 100-hr and 1000-hr fuel loads in the post-fire stands and strongly influenced the size and proportion of sound logs (greater when late successional stands had burned) and rotten logs (greater when early successional stands had burned). Our data suggest that 76% of the young post-fire lodgepole pine forests have 1000-hr fuel loads that exceed levels associated with high-severity surface fire potential, and 63% exceed levels associated with active crown fire potential. Fire rotations in Yellowstone National Park are predicted to shorten to a few decades and this prediction cannot be ruled out by a lack of fuels to carry repeated fires. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collaborative Administration: Academics and Administrators in Higher Education

The central thesis of this paper is that institutions of higher education and their members need to demonstrate their commitment to collaboration. A humanities perspective is used to frame administrative practices and roles, which provides for an articulation, rather than a critique, of power through an examination of key concepts employed in current educational and administrative literature – autonomy, professionalism, and collaboration. This perspective is further delineated by its setting within a state comprehensive university. Additionally, descriptions of roles, responsibilities, and obligations of faculty and administration are provided alongside descriptive and normative evaluations of these roles, offering a view of the University as a place of shared, concrete commitment to collaboration and education. The potential obstacles of “insistent individualism” and corruption are also addressed. Finally, a continuum of collaboration is constructed, with the goal of elaborating ethical collaborative policies that are plausible and possible, through an analysis of various scenarios which arise in university settings.
The Development of Prosocial Behavior versus Nonprosocial Behavior in Children

The purpose of this chapter is to review factors related to behavior in children that is egoistic, selfish, and lacking in prosocial elements. There is, however, little research in which the primary intent of the investigator was to study such behavior; most researchers concerned with children’s negative moral behavior have focused upon delinquency, aggression, dishonesty, and lack of resistance to temptation, but not upon selfishness and related behaviors (Hoffman, 1970; Parke & Slaby, 1983). Nonetheless, there is considerable information available concerning our topic—information embedded in the large and fast-growing literature concerning the development and maintenance of prosocial behavior (i.e., voluntary behavior intended to benefit another), including altruistic behavior (i.e., voluntary behavior intended to benefit another which is not motivated by the expectation of external reward; Eisenberg, 1982; Staub, 1978).
Measuring double consciousness among black law enforcement officers to understand the significant role of race in law enforcement occupational cultures

The current study correlates Merton's anomie theory and W. E. B. Dubois's double-consciousness theory to measure black law enforcement officers' reactions to occupational strain resulting from offi...
Glycosylation of Cblns attenuates their receptor binding

Cbln1 is the prototype of a family (Cbln1-Cbln4) of secreted glycoproteins and is essential for normal synapse structure and function in cerebellum by bridging presynaptic Nrxn to postsynaptic Grid2. Here we report the effects of glycosylation on the in vitro receptor binding properties of Cblns. Cbln1, 2 and 4 harbor two N-linked glycosylation sites, one at the N-terminus is in a region implicated in Nrxn binding and the second is in the C1q domain, a region involved in Grid2 binding. Mutation (asparagine to glutamine) of the N-terminal site, increased neurexin binding whereas mutation of the C1q site markedly increased Grid2 binding. These mutations did not influence subunit composition of Cbln trimeric complexes (mediated through the C1q domain) nor their assembly into hexamers (mediated by the N-terminal region). Therefore, glycosylation likely masks the receptor binding interfaces of Cblns. As Cbln4 has undetectable Grid2 binding in vitro we assessed whether transgenic expression of wild type Cbln4 or its glycosylation mutants rescued the Cbln1-null phenotype in vivo. Cbln4 partially rescued and both glycosylation mutants completely rescued ataxia in cbln1-null mice. Thus Cbln4 has intrinsic Grid2 binding that is attenuated by glycosylation, and glycosylation mutants exhibit gain of function in vivo.
Dix tendances directrices qui vont révolutionner la gestion de la chaîne logistique

Dans cet article, les auteurs analysent l’evolution des grandes tendances dans la gestion de la chaine logistique et font le point sur la position actuelle des entreprises par rapport a ces tendances. Ils indiquent aussi les changements et les transformations qui doivent s’operer pour permettre aux entreprises de s’adapter a cette evolution.
ON THE NATURE OF TRANSFER FACTOR

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines results of experiments conducted to study the nature of transfer factor (TF). The chapter states that available nonspecificity means that TF is only one kind of a molecule and the selectivity is imparted by the adjuvant. It is suggested that as B cells produce immunoglobulin molecules that can recognize three dimensional structure of an antigen, so do T cells produce a specific TF molecule in spleen that can recognize the same 3 dimensional structure of the same antigen. The tests point out that a single stranded RNA molecule, on the other hand, could have a tertiary structure as a random coil, and might be capable of recognizing different antigens. However, this molecule would be very sensitive toward RNase and we know TF resists RNase treatment. The tests showed that a small polypeptide with 6000 molecular weight could have 30–50 amino acids, even allowing for the presence of a few ribonucleotides.
Abrupt versus gradual cessation of steroids in patients with septic shock.

Abstract Purpose To determine if a difference in hemodynamic stability would be identified in patients with abrupt withdrawal of steroids compared to patients who underwent a taper. Material and methods This retrospective cohort study identified patients who received vasopressors followed by IV hydrocortisone for treatment of septic shock from January 1, 2013 until January 1, 2015.The primary endpoint evaluated the percent of patients requiring vasopressor re-initiation during taper and 72 h following taper, or 72 h directly following abrupt withdrawal. Secondary endpoints evaluated include glycemic control, and ICU length of stay. Results A total of 87 patients were included for final analysis. Of the 87 patients, 7 out of 41 patients (17.1%) in the steroid taper group developed hemodynamic instability and required re-initiation of vasopressors compared to 1 out of 46 patients (2.2%) in the abrupt withdrawal group (p = 0.024). Patients in the taper group also had worse glycemic control (125.1 mg/dL abrupt vs. 150.8 taper; p Conclusion The abrupt withdrawal of steroids in patients with resolving septic shock did not impact hemodynamic stability and offers an opportunity to reduce medication burden and reduce adverse drug reactions.
Navigating Surgical Decision Making in Disorders of Sex Development (DSD)

Surgical management of disorders of sex development (DSD) is associated with contentious debate between and within stakeholder communities. While the intent of surgical management of the genitals and gonads is to benefit the patient physically and psychosocially, these goals have not always been achieved; reports of harm have surfaced. Harm experienced by some patients has resulted in the emergence of an activist platform calling for a moratorium on all surgical procedures during childhood-excepting those forestalling threats to life within the childhood years. This ban is not universally endorsed by patient advocacy groups. Parents, meanwhile, continue to need to make decisions regarding surgical options for their young children. Constructive paths forward include implementation of Consensus Statement recommendations that call for comprehensive and integrated team care, incorporating mental health services, and adopting shared decision making.
Online education for interprofessional competency in opioid-sparing acute pain management (P3.343)

Objective: Despite the prevalence of pain in clinical practice, pain is under represented in medical school curricula. Neurologists are often engaged in teaching about pain neurobiology, pain-associated conditions and treatments, as well as caring for patients with chronic pain. Chronic opioid exposure is one factor that increases chronic pain and prevention of unnecessary opioid exposure is a key clinical objective. Background: As an NIH Pain Consortium Center of Excellence in Pain Education, we are creating online learning modules grounded in interprofessional competencies in pain. Our goal is comprehensive, opioid-sparing, patient-centered pain care: incorporating pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. Members of our interprofessional team, headed by a neurologist, collaborate to create learning modules highlighting clinical skills in pain assessment, neurobiology, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Design/Methods: Our first case is a pregnant patient with anterior pelvic pain, a highly prevalent condition. Case variations including “occasional” and “daily” opioid use, are situated at the end of the learning flow so that opioids do not distract from the primary focus of the module. Including videos demonstrating patient-provider interactions, as well as interactive slides, the module is delivered such that learners are able to choose their own path through the content. After extensive peer feedback during development, we piloted our module to neurology clerkship students and others at multiple training levels. Results: Narrative analysis showed the module was highly satisfactory to students who appreciated the interdisciplinary and interprofessional aspects, as well as the ability to pace and shape their own learning. Students expressed eagerness to access additional modules covering further conditions of pain. Our results show that module based learning is well-received and advances stated learning objectives. Conclusions: Additional research is needed to identify those aspects of online learning most strongly associated with learner satisfaction and attainment of pain-associated educational objectives in neurology with a goal of reducing opioid exposure and dependence. Study Supported by: Funding Body : National Institute on Drug Abuse Grant Title : NIH Pain Consortium Center of Excellence in Pain Education Project Number/Project Number Application ID : 271201500066C-0-0-1 Disclosure: Dr. Nugent has nothing to disclose. Dr. Buenaver has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez-Fernandez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kozachik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nesbit has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hogans has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Pain Medicine.
Hydration of gadolinium oxide ( Gd O x ) and its effect on voltage-induced Co oxidation in a Pt / Co / Gd O x / Au heterostructure

Magneto-ionic control of magnetism has garnered great interest in recent years due to the large magnetic changes that can be induced using a relatively small voltage. One model structure for this is $\mathrm{Pt}/\mathrm{Co}/\mathrm{Gd}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}/\mathrm{Au}$, where Co is the magnetic layer and $\mathrm{Gd}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}$ is the ionic conductor, with the magnetic properties dependent on the oxidation state of Co. While this structure is commonly used, there is limited understanding of the effect of $\mathrm{Gd}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}$ properties on voltage-induced magnetic changes. In this work, we show that hydration of $\mathrm{G}{\mathrm{d}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ to form $\mathrm{Gd}{(\mathrm{OH})}_{3}$ is crucial for voltage-induced Co oxidation in a $\mathrm{Pt}/\mathrm{Co}/\mathrm{Gd}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}/\mathrm{Au}$ device. By examining the rate of Co oxidation in nonhydrated and hydrated devices, we conclude that ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{O}$ in the $\mathrm{Gd}{\mathrm{O}}_{x}$ layer acts as an oxidant during the voltage-induced Co oxidation process. Co oxidation through this interfacial reaction process is confirmed by in situ x-ray absorption spectroscopy.
The IFN-λ4 Conundrum: When a Good Interferon Goes Bad.

Since its discovery in 2013, interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4) has received a reputation as a paradoxical type III IFN. Difficulties in detecting IFN-λ4, especially in secreted form even led to question...
Cerebral Trypanosomiasis in an Immunocompromised Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background We document a case of central nervous system infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. Case Description An 88-year-old woman presented with altered mental status, right-sided weakness, and slurred speech. Her medical history was significant for methotrexate intake for rheumatoid arthritis, and she tested negative for human immunodeficiency virus. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed bilateral thick and peripherally enhancing white matter lesions in the frontoparietal region with extensive surrounding vasogenic edema. A lumbar puncture revealed increased protein and lymphocytic pleocytosis, and needle biopsy highlighted brain necrosis, chronic inflammation, and numerous intracellular organisms suggestive of T. cruzi amastigotes. Despite treatment with benznidazole, the patient expired soon after presentation. Conclusion Chagas disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of an immunocompromised patient presenting with a central nervous system mass, meningoencephalitis, or focal neurologic signs.
Voltage Sharing of Series Connected Battery Modules in a Plug-and-Play DC Microgrid

This paper is focused on output voltage sharing among series-connected battery modules in an active battery management system (BMS) for a plug-and-play (PnP) DC micro-grid where the output voltage may vary in a wide range. In the considered active balancing system, battery cells are interfaced to the bus voltage through series connected step-up DC/DC converters. A cell current sensor is utilized to achieve BMS objectives, including state-of-charge (SOC) regulation, as well as output voltage sharing. To improve microgrid modularity, the battery pack behaves as a current source. A current-dependent droop between the individual output voltages to the input current is used to facilitate voltage sharing, which reduces the overall system cost and complexity by eliminating the need for an output current sensor in each DC/DC converter. Results of experimental validation are reported for a 1.5 kW experimental prototype system consisting of five series-connected modules, each module consisting of three battery cells and three DC/DC converters.
Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras as Therapeutics and Tools for Biological Discovery

New biological tools provide new techniques to probe fundamental biological processes. Here we describe the burgeoning field of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which are capable of modulating protein concentrations at a post-translational level by co-opting the ubiquitin-proteasome system. We describe the PROTAC technology and its application to drug discovery and provide examples where PROTACs have enabled novel biological insights. Furthermore, we provide a workflow for PROTAC development and use and discuss the benefits and issues associated with PROTACs. Finally, we compare PROTAC-mediated protein-level modulation with other technologies, such as RNAi and genome editing.
Machine Learning Model Based Digital Hardware System Design for Detection of Sleep Apnea Among Neonatal Infants

This paper presents a fully integrated machine learning (ML) based hardware system for detection of sleep apnea among infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The system is comprised of a PVDF sensor and a pulse oximeter to acquire breathing signal and oxygen saturation level, respectively, representing the input data. Accuracy rate of this system is over 85 percent with low error loss. The trained ML model has been developed in digital hardware design platform by translating each component into corresponding logic block. Estimated power consumption budget of this system is below 9W. This model can be adopted in future low-cost ML on-chip biomedical system design for apnea detection.
Moral Management: Spaces of Domestication in Jane Eyre and I Walked with a Zombie

“Moral Management” reads Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre (1847) alongside Jacques Tourneur’s I Walked with a Zombie (1943). The chapter begins by contextualizing Jane’s bildungsroman within agrarian capitalism’s connection between land improvements and moral improvement. The chapter troubles the critical understanding of Jane’s development into subjecthood by proposing instead that she undergoes a series of “enclosures” in spaces that seek to produce a docile domestic subject. Drawing upon the work of Neil Smith, David Harvey, Yi-Fu Tuan, Michel de Certeau, Henri Lefebvre, and Edward Said, Kao claims that Jane’s moral improvement entails a psychological constriction and narrowing down of possibilities that correspond with the spaces she inhabits, and that Tourneur’s film creates an analogy between Jane’s situation and early twentieth-century workers on a Caribbean sugar plantation on the eve of the postwar era of decolonization contemporary with the film’s release.
Defective memory engram reactivation underlies impaired fear memory recall in Fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an X chromosome-linked disease associated with severe intellectual disabilities. Previous studies using the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse, an FXS mouse model, have attributed behavioral deficits to synaptic dysfunctions. However, how functional deficits at neural network level lead to abnormal behavioral learning remains unexplored. Here, we show that the efficacy of hippocampal engram reactivation is reduced in Fmr1 KO mice performing contextual fear memory recall. Experiencing an enriched environment (EE) prior to learning improved the engram reactivation efficacy and rescued memory recall in the Fmr1 KO mice. In addition, chemogenetically inhibiting EE-engaged neurons in CA1 reverses the rescue effect of EE on memory recall. Thus, our results suggest that inappropriate engram reactivation underlies cognitive deficits in FXS, and enriched environment may rescue cognitive deficits by improving network activation accuracy.
Of rodents and ruminants: a comparison of small noncoding RNA requirements in mouse and bovine reproduction

Ruminants are major producers of meat and milk, thus managing their reproductive potential is a key element in cost-effective, safe, and efficient food production. Of particular concern, defects in male germ cells and female germ cells may lead to significantly reduced live births relative to fertilization. However, the underlying molecular drivers of these defects are unclear. Small noncoding RNAs, such as piRNAs and miRNAs, are known to be important regulators of germ-cell physiology in mouse (the best-studied mammalian model organism) and emerging evidence suggests that this is also the case in a range of ruminant species, in particular bovine. Similarities exist between mouse and bovids, especially in the case of meiotic and postmeiotic male germ cells. However, fundamental differences in small RNA abundance and metabolism between these species have been observed in the female germ cell, differences that likely have profound impacts on their physiology. Further, parentally derived small noncoding RNAs are known to influence early embryos and significant species-specific differences in germ-cell born small noncoding RNAs have been observed. These findings demonstrate the mouse to be an imperfect model for understanding germ-cell small noncoding RNA biology in ruminants and highlight the need to increase research efforts in this underappreciated aspect of animal reproduction.
Recognizing and responding to Traumatized Youth: preliminary results and implications for police trainings

This research study analyzed 944 pre-training and 871 post-training survey responses from a youth-specific in-service police training. Before training, police largely had negative views on youth, b...
Structural Change in the Investment Function

Investment is an important contributor to aggregate demand, and it is critical to fostering productivity and fueling innovation. Absent from the existing literature on business investment is the recognition that the determinants of investment have changed over time in fundamental ways. Using quarterly data from 1953–2016, we estimate an augmented accelerator function of U.S. business investment and present evidence of a structural change in the year 2000. Our findings suggest that while the accelerator and crowding-out effects have weakened over time, the sensitivity of investment growth to cost of capital, risk spread, cash flows, and economic policy uncertainty have increased in recent years. In light of these results, we highlight and evaluate several recent hypotheses regarding structural changes in the U.S. economy. In particular, we argue that our results are not consistent with the secular stagnation hypothesis, but are more closely connected to long-term trends in demographics, market concentration, financialization, and the inter-industry reconfiguration of firms away from traditional manufacturing.
Desert Environments: Soil Microbial Communities in Hot Deserts

Soil Water Potential Desert Soil Microbial Abundance Spatial and Temporal Distributions Diversity of Desert Soil Microbes Adaptations to Desert Soil Conditions Practical Applications Keywords: bioremediation; bioremediation of hot desert soils; biostimulation in hot desert soils; desiccation, adaptation of microorganisms to; desert environments; extreme environments; mycorrhizae; soils
Low-moment ferrimagnetic phase of the Heusler compound Cr2CoAl

Abstract Synthesizing half-metallic fully compensated ferrimagnets that form in the inverse Heusler phase could lead to superior spintronic devices. These materials would have high spin polarization at room temperature with very little fringing magnetic fields. Previous theoretical studies indicated that Cr 2 CoAl should form in a stable inverse Heusler lattice due to its low activation energy. Here, stoichiometric Cr 2 CoAl samples were arc-melted and annealed at varying temperatures, followed by studies of their structural and magnetic properties. High-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction revealed a chemically ordered Heusler phase in addition to CoAl and Cr phases. Soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism revealed that the Cr and Co magnetic moments are antiferromagnetically oriented leading to the observed low magnetic moment in Cr 2 CoAl.
Radiopharmaceuticals and Instruments

A radiopharmaceutical is a radioactive compound used for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of human diseases. In nuclear medicine nearly 95% of the radiopharmaceuticals are used for diagnostic purposes, while the rest are used for therapeutic treatment. Radiopharmaceuticals usually have no pharmacologic effect, because in most cases they are used in tracer quantities. In these cases, they do not show any dose-response relationship and thus differ from conventional drugs. Because they are administered to humans, they should be sterile and pyrogen free, and they should undergo all quality control measures required of a conventional drug. A radiopharmaceutical may be a radioactive element such as 133Xe or 85Kr, or a labeled compound such as 131I-iodinated proteins and 99mTc-labeled compounds.
Caffeine decreases the occurrence of cadmium‐induced forelimb ectrodactyly in C57BL/6J mice

Background: Cadmium is a well-known animal teratogen. Caffeine is an alkaloid widely consumed by humans. Interactions between teratogens and nonteratogenic doses of other agents are becoming widely studied, as they may shed light on understanding mechanisms of teratogenicity or possible prevention of teratogenic effects. Methods: C57BL/6JBK mice were injected intraperitoneally (ip) with cadmium sulfate (Cd) at 0, 1.00 (LDCd), 2.50 (MDCd), or 5.00 (HDCd) mg/kg, immediately followed by subcutaneous (sc) administration of 0 or 50 mg/kg caffeine (CAFF) on gestation day (GD) 9. Fetuses were examined on GD 18 for ectrodactyly and other gross morphological malformations. Results: Amelioration of cadmium-induced forelimb ectrodactyly by CAFF was seen in both the high-dose cadmium (HDCd = 65.4%, HDCd+CAFF = 39.2%) and medium-dose cadmium (MDCd = 46.2%, MDCd+ CAFF = 20.8%) treatment groups (P < 0.025). Bilateral expression of ectrodactyly was also decreased in the presence of caffeine. A statistically significant reduction in Cd-induced abnormalities, including: eye, abdominal, and other skeletal defects, was not seen with caffeine addition, although they did trend downward in the caffeine-supplemented groups. Litter size, fetal weight, fetal mortality, and dam weight also were not affected by co-treatment with caffeine. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that a subteratogenic dose of caffeine can ameliorate cadmium-induced forelimb ectrodactyly in the Cd-sensitive C57BL/6J inbred mouse strain.
ENERGY USE AND CARBON EMISSIONS FROM FREIGHT IN 10 INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES: AN ANALYSIS OF TRENDS FROM 1973 TO 1992

This paper reviews trends in freight activity and energy use in 10 industrialized countries from 1973 to 1992. We review changes in modes used to carry freight and analyze changes in the role of trucks. We carry out a decomposition of changes in freight energy use to identify the relative contribution of activity, modal structure, and energy intensity to the rise in energy use observed in each country. A similar analysis is carried out for carbon emissions, one of the many environmental problems associated with freight. Our three major findings are: (1) domestic freight volumes rose, with trucks carrying most of the increment, in almost every country we studied, (2) freight energy use and associated carbon emissions increased markedly and are rising vis-a-vis those associated with passenger travel in the 10 industrialized countries studied, and (3) energy use for freight will continue to rise unless there are substantial reductions in the energy intensities of truck freight. We conclude that restraining or reducing emissions from freight will be particularly difficult because the factors that increased energy use and emissions for freight in the past are still important to raising energy use for freight. Noting that emissions from most other sectors have either fallen or grown less than freight, we discuss technologies and policies that might lead to restraint in this sector in the future.
Work Function of Gold

The work functions of sixteen gold surfaces have been determined by measurement of their contact differences of potential with respect to barium reference surfaces of known work function. The gold surfaces were prepared by subjecting spectroscopic standard gold to repetitive fusion-solidification outgassing followed by fractional distillation and condensation on tantalum; the barium surfaces by a similar technique which yields surfaces reproducible and constant to 0.01 ev. Measurement was by the Kelvin method with a time interval of 15 seconds between deposition and measurement of a fresh surface.The contact difference of potential Au-Ba is found to be 2.31\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 volts and the work function of gold 4.83\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 ev, referred to a barium work function of 2.52 ev.
Partial-pupae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus).

Abstract Under laboratory culture, individuals of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus), are occasionally observed which only partially complete the larval-pupal transformation and then die. In form they appear as larvae, however, a large portion of the body is hard and dark and thereby appears pupal. Histological sections clearly reveal such individuals to be in a late pharate stage. The last larval cuticle is equally digested over both “larval” and “pupal” areas and appears fully prepared for ecdysis. The new (pupal) cuticle in the hard and dark areas appears normal. The main abnormality is in the light-colored areas where the new cuticle appears to have been partially laid down and then its development arrested. The induction mechanism of G. mellonella partial-pupae is unknown, though it appears to be an injury-induced phenomenon.
Microfibril-associated MAGP-2 stimulates elastic fiber assembly

Elastic fibers are complex structures composed of a tropoelastin inner core and microfibril outer mantle guiding tropoelastin deposition. Microfibrillar proteins mainly include fibrillins and microfibril-associated glycoproteins (MAGPs). MAGP-2 exhibits developmental expression peaking at elastic fiber onset, suggesting that MAGP-2 mediates elastic fiber assembly. To determine whether MAGP-2 regulates elastic fiber assembly, we used an in vitro model featuring doxycycline-regulated cells conditionally overexpressing exogenous MAGP-2 and constitutively expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged tropoelastin. Analysis by immunofluorescent staining showed that MAGP-2 overexpression dramatically increased elastic fibers levels, independently of extracellular levels of soluble tropoelastin, indicating that MAGP-2 stimulates elastic fiber assembly. This was associated with increased levels of matrix-associated MAGP-2. Electron microscopy showed that MAGP-2 specifically associates with microfibrils and that elastin globules primarily colocalize with MAGP-2-associated microfibrils, suggesting that microfibril-associated MAGP-2 facilitates elastic fiber assembly. MAGP-2 overexpression did not change levels of matrix-associated fibrillin-1, MAGP-1, fibulin-2, fibulin-5, or emilin-1, suggesting that microfibrils and other elastic fiberassociated proteins known to regulate elastogenesis do not mediate MAGP-2-induced elastic fiber assembly. Moreover, mutation analysis showed that MAGP-2 does not stimulate elastic fiber assembly through its RGD motif, suggesting that integrin receptor binding does not mediate MAGP-2-induced elastic fiber assembly. Because MAGP-2 interacts with Jagged-1 that controls cell-matrix interaction and cell motility, two key factors in elastic fiber macroassembly, microfibril-associated MAGP-2 may stimulate elastic fiber macroassembly by targeting the release of elastin globules from the cell membrane onto developing elastic fibers.
The Chicano Movement: Paths to Power

This article is a quick overview of the Chicano Movement (CM) with specific analyses of the five major strategies employed by its adherents to effect social change. The CM was a social movement that occurred in the United States with increased activity in the southwest and midwest during a time frame: 1950s to 1980s. Persons of Mexican ancestry residing in the U.S. were its participants and self-identified as Chicanos. The term Chicano stems from the ancient Nahuatl language of the Meshica (Meh Shee Ka) peoples, also known as the Aztecs. Shicano is a shortened version of Meshicano; later pronunciation changed to Chicano and, for some in spelling, Xicano. As a social movement, the CM had as its ultimate goals the acquisition of political power with which to change the power relations between them and the Euro-Americans, also known as the Anglos.
Time Resolution Performance Studies of Hamamatsu R1564U Microchannel Plate Photomultiplier

Time resolution characteristics of the Hamamatsu R1564U 18 mm-diameter photomultiplier have been investigated. This new prototype high gain photomultiplier has two microchannel plates in cascade for electron multiplication. Some typical photomultiplier characteristics-such as gain, dark current, and output pulse rise and fall times-are compared with data provided by the manufacturer. Photomultiplier characteristics, generally not available from the manufacturer, such as the single photoelectron time spread and pulse-height spectrum for full photocathode illumination, were measured and are discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of polyoxazoline–polysulfone triblock copolymers

Abstract Amphiphilic triblock poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline- b -sulfone- b -2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOX- b -PSF- b -PEOX) and poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline-co-ethyleneimine- b -sulfone- b -2-ethyl-2-oxazoline-co-ethyleneimine) (PEOXcoPEI- b -PSF- b -PEOXcoPEI) copolymers were synthesized for potential use as water purification membranes. Poly(arylene ether sulfone) (polysulfone) oligomers of controlled molecular weight were prepared by nucleophilic step polymerization of 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl sulfone with a molar excess of bisphenol-A. The phenolate endgroups were then reacted with ethylene carbonate to afford telechelic aliphatic hydroxyethyl groups. These were tosylated to produce macroinitiators for ring-opening cationic polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline. Subsequently, the pendent amides on the hydrophilic PEOX blocks were also hydrolyzed to generate positively charged PEOXcoPEI- b -PSF- b -PEOXcoPEI copolymers. Compositions with high polysulfone compositions relative to the hydrophilic blocks were of particular interest because they maintained good mechanical integrity in water. Water uptake at room temperature increased up to 18 wt% for copolymers with 22 wt% of the hydrophilic components. Solid-state thermal properties suggested some phase mixing of the components in the PEOX- b -PSF- b -PEOX copolymers but better phase separation of the blocks in the partially hydrolyzed PEOXcoPEO- b -PSF- b -PEOXcoPEI materials.
Numerical Analysis of the Hemodynamics and Embolus Capture of a Greenfield Vena Cava Filter

Background: Vena Cava filters are used to prevent pulmonary embolism in patients with deep vein thrombosis who are unresponsive to anticoagulation therapy. Various filter designs exist in the market with different characteristics distinguishing them. An understanding of the characteristics of these filters is desirable in order to develop better designs. Methods: A computational fluid dynamical study of the flow over an unoccluded stainless steel Greenfield Vena Cava filter (Boston Scientific, Watertown, MA) to determine its properties has been performed. Simulation of flow over a filter placed axisymmetrically in a rounded inferior vena cava has been performed at a Reynolds numbers of 1000 and the consequences of the flow (by studying parameters like shear stress and stagnation zones) have been discussed. Furthermore, a new finite element based numerical method has been developed that allows the study of capturing properties of Inferior Vena Cava filters. The key idea is the introduction of a thin-wire-model (TWM) that enables a drastic reduction in the computational cost while still maintaining control on the physics of the problem. This numerical technique has been applied to evaluate the embolus capture characteristic of a Greenfield filter. Results: The flow around the unoccluded filter is found to be steady and laminar at the conditions studied. A recirculation/ stagnation zone develops immediately downstream of the filter head. This zone is significantly larger when the central hole is occluded. The shear stress and stagnation zone properties for such a flow over a Greenfield filter are compared with existing literature (in vitro studies). A graph showing the regions wherein clots escape or get captured has been determined by a means of numerical simulations. The data has further been analyzed to determine the probability of clot capture as function of the clot size. Conclusions: The stagnation zone formed behind the head of the Greenfield filter is found to be smaller in size when compared to that of the same filter with the central hole occluded. A map of the shear stress distribution shows a small region having the potential for thrombogenesis. The non-Newtonian properties of blood are not seen to cause much variation in the flow field when compared to the Newtonian model. However variation in the cava size leads to a significant change in the shear stresses. This study also establishes a novel method wherein computational means are used to determine the efficacy of clot capturing of filters. These techniques can further be used to compare the different characteristics among filters.
Characteristics of Road-Kill Locations of San Clemente Island Foxes

Mortalities from collisions with vehicles have created concern for the welfare of the San Clemente Island fox (Urocyon littoralis clementae); 1 of only 6 genetically distinct subspecies of island fox. To find possible solutions for minimizing these mortalities, we compared 9 characteristics of roads and roadsides at kill-sites and control-sites to ascertain whether certain features were associated with risk of collisions. We found that kill-sites were positively associated with the volume of traffic, and negatively associated with the distance of motorists' visibility, which had not been previously identified for island foxes. Additionally, visual obstructions along roadsides (i.e., steep ditches and tall vegetation) showed some evidence of increasing mortalities. We also found that gravel mounds, a possible pseudo-barrier along roadsides, were associated with reduced mortalities. Speeds of vehicles, presence of drainages, cacti, and culverts, and seasonality showed minimal effects on road-kills. Our findings suggest that efforts to reduce mortalities should focus on roads with high volumes of traffic and high amounts of visual obstruction for motorists. Possible methods for reducing road-kills include installing signs and speed bumps on curves of roads, regular mowing of roadsides, constructing gravel-mound barriers along edges of roads, and educating motorists. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Incorporating FLT3 inhibitors into acute myeloid leukemia treatment regimens

FMS-Like-Tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) mutations are found in about 30% of cases of acute myeloid leukemia and confer an increased relapse rate and reduced overall survival. Targeting of this tyrosine kinase by direction inhibition is the focus of both preclinical and clinical research in AML. Several molecules in clinical development inhibit FLT3 with varying degrees of specificity. Preclinical models suggest that these compounds enhance the cytotoxicity of conventional chemotherapeutics against FLT3 mutant leukemia cells. The pharmacodynamic interactions between FLT3 inhibitors and chemotherapy appear to be sequence dependent. When the FLT3 inhibitor is used prior to chemotherapy, antagonism is displayed, while if FLT3 inhibition is instituted after to exposure to chemotherapy, synergistic cytotoxicity is seen. The combination of FLT3 inhibitors with chemotherapy is also complicated by potential pharmacokinetic obstacles, such as plasma protein binding and p-glycoprotein interactions. Ongoing and future studies are aimed at incorporating FLT3 inhibitors into conventional induction and consolidation therapy specifically for patients with FLT3 mutant AML.
Rheology of swellable microgel dispersions: Influence of crosslink density☆

Abstract For polymethylmethacrylate microgels (submicron crosslinked particles) dispersed in a better than θ solvent, the shear viscosity was studied over an 8 order of magnitude range as a function of stress, concentration, and microgel crosslink density. The viscosity, η, was found to scale with the effective volume fraction of the swollen microgels, Φ eff . Zero and infinite shear rate-limiting viscosities, η 0 and η ∝ , respectively, were obtained along with the critical stress, σ crit , at which η = ( η 0 + η ∝ 2 . The zero shear rate-limiting viscosity was found to diverge at high Φ eff but not as sharply as for hard sphere-like dispersions due to microgel compressibility. An enhancement in η 0 over that for hard spheres was observed at intermediate Φ eff . This enhancement became more pronounced with decreasing microgel crosslink density. Similar to the behavior of hard sphere-like dispersions, σ crit exhibited a maximum as a function of Φ eff , the magnitude and position of which was found to be a function of the microgel crosslink density.
Laser intensity dependence of ion momentum distribution in strong-field double ionization

We provide the first uniform explanation basis for the laser intensity dependence of the momentum distributions that have been reported in atomic nonsequential double-ionization experiments. Our theoretical work covers laser irradiation at $780\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ and intensities in the range $I=(1\ensuremath{-}6.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{14}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{W}∕{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, which are relevant to experiments. We use a completely classical method introduced previously [Phay J. Ho, R. Panfili, S. L. Haan, and J. H. Eberly, Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 093002 (2005)]. Our calculated results suggest that just two distinct categories of electron trajectories are relevant.
Characterization of tool wear and weld optimization in the friction-stir welding of cast aluminum 359+20% SiC metal-matrix composite

Tool wear for threaded steel pin tools declines with decreasing rotation speed and increasing traverse or weld speeds for the friction-stir welding (FSW) of Al 359+20% SiC metal-matrix composite (MMC). Less than 10% tool wear occurs when the threaded tool erodes to a self-optimized shape resembling a pseudo-hour glass at weld traverse distances in excess of 3 m. There is only a 7% reduction in the SiC mean particle size in the weld zone for self-optimized pin tools with no threads as compared with a 25% variation for threaded tools wearing significantly at the start of welding. The weld zone becomes more homogeneous for efficient welding with self-optimized tools, and there is a reduction in the weld zone grain size due to dynamic recrystallization, which facilitates the solid-state flow. Transmission electron microscopy shows little difference in the dislocation density from the base material to the weld zone, but there is a propensity of dislocation loops in the weld zone. The weld zone is observed to harden by as much as 30%, in contrast to the base material, as a consequence of the recrystallized grain size reduction and the SiC particles distributed therein.
Calculational demonstration that averaging enhances data for use in a LEED analysis

Abstract Representative LEED I - V profiles have been calculated corresponding to the incident beam slightly misaligned from, and exactly aligned with, the surface normal. It is demonstrated that the average profile, obtained by taking the mean of the { ij } set of profiles for the misaligned case, has excellent agreement with the ( ij ) profile calculated for exactly normal incidence. Thus, it is inferred that using the mean of a set of experimental { ij } profiles measured at “normal incidence” in a LEED analysis reduces the effects of those errors caused by beam divergence, beam misalignment, and some variations in surface topography.
Representing and maintaining process knowledge for large-scale systems development

Discusses how the Remap system (representation and maintenance of process knowledge) uses a semiformal representation that supports the design and maintenance of large-scale software systems. The conceptual model relates design rationale knowledge to the resulting system, providing the primitives/ templates with which we can capture (often informal) design rationale information. The model's semantics are well defined, allowing automated reasoning with its components. By providing a complete design history, Remap enhances the understandability of designs and offers a mechanism for propagating changes in design decisions into changes in design solutions. >
Molecular Basis of Box C/D RNA-Protein Interactions: Cocrystal Structure of Archaeal L7Ae and a Box C/D RNA

We have determined and refined a crystal structure of the initial assembly complex of archaeal box C/D sRNPs comprising the Archaeoglobus fulgidus (AF) L7Ae protein and a box C/D RNA. The box C/D RNA forms a classical kink-turn (K-turn) structure and the resulting protein-RNA complex serves as a distinct platform for recruitment of the fibrillarin-Nop5p complex. The cocrystal structure confirms previously proposed secondary structure of the box C/D RNA that includes a protruded U, a UU mismatch, and two sheared tandem GA base pairs. Detailed structural comparisons of the AF L7Ae-box C/D RNA complex with previously determined crystal structures of L7Ae homologs in complex with functionally distinct K-turn RNAs revealed a set of remarkably conserved principles in protein-RNA interactions. These analyses provide a structural basis for interpreting the functional roles of the box C/D sequences in directing specific assembly of box C/D sRNPs.