cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anatomic spectrum of left coronary artery anomalies and associated mechanisms of coronary insufficiency

This is a novel re-appraisal of an understudied and misunderstood group of important coronary anomalies. The general name of the group is "anomalous origin of the left coronary artery," but several additional details should be included in this group of anomalies and the explanation of their pathophysiology. The most lethal form in young athletes or military recruits features intramural aortic proximal course. This comprehensive review is based on a large experience at a dedicated center for coronary artery anomalies, using evolving knowledge (over 20 years) while employing prospective and disciplined programs of evaluation and treatment, according to the nature and severity of each anomaly. The most common pathogenic mechanism of coronary dysfunction relates to intramural coronary course, with or without ectopic origin, leading to variable lateral compression and stenosis inside the aortic tunica media; this compression is present at rest and worsens with exertion. We propose that such variable and dynamic stenoses can be best studied by examining their specific anatomy and clinical presentation, stress testing, and, most importantly, in vivo evaluation by intravascular ultrasonography. Such methods should be used to support individual risk evaluation and selection among treatment options.
The Placebo Effect in Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Initially seen as a nuisance variable, the placebo effect has been widely recognized as a distinct determinant of health in a number of different diseases and conditions. Some of the popular theories explaining the placebo effect are a “regression to the mean,” “expectancy theory,” “classical conditioning” theory, “context effect,” “meaning response,” and learned response theory. The effect of placebo in overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) has been examined from a number of different perspectives. It has been postulated that conservative treatment options, which include keeping a bladder diary and counseling about fluid intake and receiving education about the storage and voiding phases of the micturition cycle, have significantly influenced improvement in patients’ symptoms. Two large meta-analyses examined the placebo effect in OAB. Lee et al. showed that individual studies utilized two approaches to try to manage the placebo response: the first approach was to enroll more severely affected patients, and the second approach was to use a larger study size to decrease the placebo response. Magnera et al. found that placebo led to a statistically significant improvement in four out of five commonly reported OAB parameters. Neither study could determine which definitive factor played a significant role in their findings. The placebo effect plays a significant role in the treatment of OAB. This stems from the fact that treatment of OAB is complex and involves significant behavioral and physiological changes. While placebo effects have a greater impact on subjective versus objective outcome measures, they seem to significantly influence both in OAB.
Development and validation of a 5-year mortality prediction model using regularized regression and Medicare data.

Purpose De-implementation of low-value services among patients with limited life expectancy is challenging. Robust mortality prediction models using routinely collected health care data can enhance health care stakeholders' ability to identify populations with limited life expectancy. We developed and validated a claims-based prediction model for 5-year mortality using regularized regression methods. Methods Medicare beneficiaries age 66 or older with an office visit and at least 12 months of pre-visit continuous Medicare A/B enrollment were identified in 2008. Five-year mortality was assessed through 2013. Secondary outcomes included 30-, 90-, and 180-day and 1-year mortality. Claims-based predictors, including comorbidities and indicators of disability, frailty, and functional impairment, were selected using regularized logistic regression, applying the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) in a random 80% training sample. Model performance was assessed and compared with the Gagne comorbidity score in the 20% validation sample. Results Overall, 183 204 (24%) individuals died. In addition to demographics, 161 indicators of comorbidity and function were included in the final model. In the validation sample, the c-statistic was 0.825 (0.823-0.828). Median-predicted probability of 5-year mortality was 14%; almost 4% of the cohort had a predicted probability greater than 80%. Compared with the Gagne score, the LASSO model led to improved 5-year mortality classification (net reclassification index = 9.9%; integrated discrimination index = 5.2%). Conclusions Our claims-based model predicting 5-year mortality showed excellent discrimination and calibration, similar to the Gagne score model, but resulted in improved mortality classification. Regularized regression is a feasible approach for developing prediction tools that could enhance health care research and evaluation of care quality.
eBook Readers, Location Surveillance and the Threat to Freedom of Association

In this work we consider the impact of eBook reader location surveillance on freedom of association. We begin with a survey of Amazon's Kindle patents, indicating the types of surveillance that may be used in the Kindle. We then consider the impact of location surveillance on freedom of association through a study of the US and European law. Particular emphasis is placed on the chilling effect of loss of anonymity in a group setting.
Introduction to a symposium on development implementation: discipline, deception, and the relational work of development

This article introduces a symposium of three ethnographic papers on the relational work of policy implementation in the context of international development. Relational work is usually unrecognized...
Caring Democracy: How Should Concepts Travel?

Can the conceptual framework of ‘caring democracy’ be applied beyond the time and place where it first emerged? The chapters in this volume suggest so. Yet several dangers exist. First, such applications may be so remote as to render the concept of ‘caring democracy’ unintelligible. Second, past experience with western discourses, including discourses of care, suggest that they can become justifications for colonial and imperial domination. Many scholars have begun to propose ways in which scholars of care can avoid such dangers, drawing upon frameworks such as dislocation, solidarity, cosmopolitanism, intersectionality, and virtue. This chapter argues, though, the solution needs to arise out of the practices of a political conception of caring democracy itself, most especially, in thinking about and acting to foreground responsibility for more democratic practices in concrete and global frameworks. Some promising directions for doing so are proposed.
Aspects of Silicification in Biological Systems

A very condensed overview of the biological mineralization of silicon is presented. Siliceous structures in chrysophytes, silicoflagellates, diatoms, testaceous amebae, choanoflagellates, radiolarians, sponges, and vascular plants are described. The systems involved m the origin of the structures and possible mechanisms of silicification are discussed.
How Robots are Helping with COVID-19 and How They Can Do More in the Future

This talk will describe how ground, aerial, and marine robots have been used to protect healthcare workers from unnecessary exposure, handle the surge in demand for clinical care, prevent infections, restore economic activity, and maintain individual quality of life during the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The talk is based on an analysis of the publicly available Robotics For Infectious Diseases (R4ID) dataset of over 200 instances capturing how robots have been used in 33 countries. The uses span six sociotechnical work domains and 30 different use cases representing different missions, robot work envelopes, and human-robot interaction dyads. The dataset also provides a model of adoption of robotics technology for disasters. Adoption favors robots that maximize the suitability for established use cases while minimizing risk of malfunction, hidden workload costs, or unintended consequences as measured by the NASA Technical Readiness Assessment metrics. Regulations do not present a major barrier but availability, either in terms of inventory or prohibitively high costs, does. The model suggests that in order to be prepared for future events, roboticists should partner with responders now, investigate rapidly manufacturing complex, reliable robots, and conduct fundamental research on predicting and mitigating risk in extreme or novel environments.
Fabrication of height-modulated carbon nanotube forests: Morphologies and prospects for broadband absorption

Abstract Carbon nanotube (CNT) forests can be the darkest manmade surfaces in the visible to near-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, if the dimensions and alignment of the individual tubes and the densities and heights of the forests are in an appropriate range. However, it has been recognized that to push the absorption range beyond mid-infrared, hierarchical structures are needed. Site-selective CNT forest synthesis has been well-developed but not height-modulated CNT forest. Four different approaches and their resulting forest morphologies are analyzed here. Patterning substrates by either reactive ion etching or wet-chemical etching could create height- modulated forests but with regions of imperfect alignment for light absorption. Patterning diffusion barriers with the same catalyst do not always create forest height modulation because lower CNTs were uprooted by the van der Waals forces. Differential growth created by catalyst patterns results in height-modulated forests with vertically aligned CNTs, which is promising for broadband absorption. Novel CNT forest morphologies are revealed by the non-planar substrates and uneven distribution of catalyst. From the forest height ratios, the lifetime of Fe catalyst on silicon dioxide can be estimated to be ~60% of that on aluminum oxide.
Dimensions of Perceived Risk in Organizational Buying Decisions

Perceived risk is typically examined as a global contruct, or one whose major dimensions can be ad-ditively or multiplicatively combined to provide an aggregate measure. This paper stresses that risk should be defined in terms of the specific problem areas found in a given buying decision. It is examined as the likelihood of loss and magnitude of loss resulting from six individual problem areas. Influence in purchase decision-making is viewed as situational, arising from the relative abilities of different individuals to handle the critical uncertainties contained in a vendor or product decision. Results of an exploratory study in which risk is operationalized and related to influence are described.
Fault tolerant decentralized receding horizon control for cooperative multiple vehicle systems

The decentralized receding horizon control (DRHC) of multiple cooperative vehicles with the possibility of communication failure is considered. The neighbouring vehicles exchange information on their states and predict the trajectory of neighbours at each sample time to maintain cooperation objectives. It is assumed that the communication failure is partial in nature, which in turn leads to large communication delays. A new fault detection (FD) algorithm along with a reconfigurable fault tolerant DRHC approach is developed that guarantees the safety of the entire fleet in the presence of inter-vehicle communication failures. This new method is applied to a fleet of cooperative vehicles to illustrate the proposed approach.
Sex Differences Research, Precision Medicine, and the Future of Women's Health

The National Institutes of Health's (NIH) commitment to improving health outcomes for women and men through rigorous science has been compromised by the lack of basic science evidence obtained from female animals. To correct this limitation, in June 2015 the NIH announced expectations that "sex," as a biological variable, be included into research design and analysis in studies of vertebrate animals and humans (NOT-OD-15-102). Scientists must take the responsibility to implement this directive. However, in doing so, there is a risk that attention could be restricted to only studies of direct comparison between female/women and male/men. By contrast, understanding how sex influences health and disease needs to take a programmatic approach that includes the study of sex-specific conditions. A programmatic approach will assure the advancement of knowledge to improve women's health.
Educating Hearts and Minds: Reflections on Japanese Preschool and Elementary Education

Educating Hearts and Minds: Reflections on Japanese Preschool and Elementary Education. Catherine C. Lewis. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1995. 249 pp.
Studies of the Rapid Pyrolysis of Sweet Gum Hardwood

Many previous studies on biomass pyrolysis, including several kinetic investigations, are reviewed by: Molton and Demmitt,1 Lewellen et al.2 and Hajaligol3 (cellulose); Allan and Mattila4 and Klein5 (lignin); Roberts6 and Wenzl7 (wood); and Milne8 and Antal9 (different forms of biomass). Much remains to be learned about the quantitative effects of temperature, heating rate, solids residence time, volatiles residence time, pressure, gaseous atmosphere, sample dimension and biomass type on product yields, compositions and rates of production. Improved understanding of the role of primary decomposition and volatiles secondary reactions in pyrolysis is also needed. Better information in these areas would advance basic understanding of biomass thermal conversion pathways, and facilitate development of models of the thermochemical conversion and combustion of biomass.2
Comparative physiology of serotonin and melatonin.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the comparative physiology of 5-HT and melatonin. It presents a hypothesis that 5-HT and its congeners in some of their biological response systems may be functionally associated with certain cytoplasmic microtubular mechanisms and have significant chemical interactions with specific nucleotides. This double barreled hypothesis may have utility in the reevaluation of the nature of the mechanisms of the actions of 5-HT and related compounds in neural tissue of man and other organisms. The implication of this is that the energetics of neurotubular and axoplasmic flow mechanisms may be more relevant to 5-HT's site(s) of action than some of the currently emphasized loci. Preliminary information on the phylogeny of the melatonin-forming enzyme, hydroxyindole- O -methyltransferase (HIOMT) shows a progressively restricted tissue distribution in the evolution of vertebrates. Tissue contents of HIOMT, developmental correlations, and retinal responses to melatonin suggest tentatively that in some lower aquatic vertebrates, the retina may be a primary source as well as site of action of this compound.
Comparison of Levels of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 RNA in Plasma as Measured by the NucliSens Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification and Quantiplex Branched-DNA Assays

This study compared levels of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA in plasma as measured by the Quantiplex branched-DNA and NucliSens nucleic acid sequence-based amplification assays. RNA was detectable in 118 of 184 samples (64.13%) by the Quantiplex assay and in 171 of 184 samples (92.94%) by the NucliSens assay. Regression analysis indicated that a linear relationship existed between the two sets of values (P < 0.0001), although the Quantiplex and NucliSens values were significantly different (P < 0.001), with the NucliSens values being approximately 0.323 log higher. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the overall changes in patient viral load patterns were highly correlative between the two assays: r = 0.912, P < 0.0001. The lower limits of sensitivity were determined to be approximately 100 copies/ml and 1,200 to 1,400 copies/ml for the NucliSens and Quantiplex assays, respectively.
Inflammation: cytokines and RNA‐based regulation

The outcome of an inflammatory response depends upon the coordinated regulation of a variety of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and other proteins. Regulation of these inflammation mediators can occur at multiple levels, including transcription, mRNA translation, post-translational modifications, and mRNA degradation. Post-transcriptional regulation has been shown to play an important role in controlling the expression of these mediators, allowing for normal initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response. Many inflammatory mediators have unstable mRNAs due, in part, to the presence of AU-rich elements in their 3'-untranslated regions. Increasing numbers of RNA-binding proteins have been identified that can bind to these AU-rich elements and then regulate the stability and/or translation of the mRNA. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of several RNA-binding proteins that act through AU-rich elements to post-transcriptionally regulate the biosynthesis of proteins involved in inflammation.
An Improved Medium for Growing Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm

A medium (Brain Heart Infusion plus 10% human plasma) was developed, tested, and validated for growing Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in vitro. With this medium, S. aureus forms reproducible and robust biofilms in flow chambers under controlled shear flow and with increased viability recovery in static well plates.
Effects of the calcium channel blocker nimodipine on nicotine-induced locomotion in rats.

The effects of nimodipine, an L-type calcium channel antagonist, on nicotine-induced locomotor activity were investigated in drug-naive rats. Nicotine (0.4 mg/kg IP) produced significant increases in locomotion following acute administration. However, when rats were given injections of nimodipine (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg IP) 1 h prior to the test drug, nicotine-induced locomotor activity was altered. Nimodipine 5 mg did not significantly block locomotor activity produced by nicotine. In contrast, pretreatment with 10 and 20 mg nimodipine significantly blocked nicotine-induced locomotor activity. These findings clearly indicate that nicotine-induced locomotion is altered by nimodipine in a dose-dependent fashion. Results further suggest that the effect of nicotine on locomotion is calcium-dependent.
Novel universal statistic for computing upper limits in an ill-behaved background

Analysis of experimental data must sometimes deal with abrupt changes in the distribution of measured values. Setting upper limits on signals usually involves a veto procedure that excludes data not described by an assumed statistical model. We show how to implement statistical estimates of physical quantities (such as upper limits) that are valid without assuming a particular family of statistical distributions, while still providing close to optimal values when the data are from an expected distribution (such as Gaussian or exponential). This new technique can compute statistically sound results in the presence of severe non-Gaussian noise, relaxes assumptions on distribution stationarity and is especially useful in automated analysis of large data sets, where computational speed is important.
ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AFFECTS HOW PHYTOPLANKTON RESPOND TO NUTRIENT PULSES

Ecological theory suggests that community structure determines how eco- systems respond to perturbation. However, this idea is not well-tested empirically, in part because it is difficult to define the appropriate reference state for evaluating post-pertur- bation dynamics in field experiments. In this study, we (1) evaluated two different methods of determining the reference state, and (2) tested hypotheses derived from theory and previous experiments about the effects of herbivore community structure on autotroph responses to nutrient pulses in freshwater plankton communities. We hypothesized that (1) phytoplankton are less sensitive to a nutrient pulse with increasing zooplankton biomass, size, and Daphnia abundance, and (2) phytoplankton recover more quickly from the nutrient pulse with increased zooplankton biomass and increased abundance of taxa with rapid numerical responses, especially small-bodied cladocerans. We tested these hypotheses in field mesocosm experiments, which crossed four zooplankton community structures with two nutrient pulse treatments in a fully randomized factorial design. We found that phy- toplankton sensitivity decreased with increased zooplankton biomass, size, and Daphnia biomass regardless of the method used to define the reference state, supporting our first hypothesis and suggesting that results for sensitivity are robust to methodology. This result, together with previous work, clearly demonstrates that zooplankton have a strong effect on phytoplankton sensitivity. Further, as predicted, return times were shorter with increased zooplankton biomass and biomass of small cladocerans. However, contrary to expectations, return times also declined with Daphnia and copepod biomass, suggesting that the effects of zooplankton on return time are more complex than we hypothesized. Moreover, con- clusions for return time depended somewhat on methodology, indicating that we may need to reevaluate whether the concept of return time is relevant for field experiments.
Developmental Alterations in Motor Coordination and Medium Spiny Neuron Markers in Mice Lacking PGC-1α

Accumulating evidence implicates the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) in the pathophysiology of Huntington Disease (HD). Adult PGC-1α −/− mice exhibit striatal neurodegeneration, and reductions in the expression of PGC-1α have been observed in striatum and muscle of HD patients as well as in animal models of the disease. However, it is unknown whether decreased expression of PGC-1α alone is sufficient to lead to the motor phenotype and striatal pathology characteristic of HD. For the first time, we show that young PGC-1α −/− mice exhibit severe rotarod deficits, decreased rearing behavior, and increased occurrence of tremor in addition to the previously described hindlimb clasping. Motor impairment and striatal vacuolation are apparent in PGC-1α −/− mice by four weeks of age and do not improve or decline by twelve weeks of age. The behavioral and pathological phenotype of PGC-1α −/− mice can be completely recapitulated by conditional nervous system deletion of PGC-1α, indicating that peripheral effects are not responsible for the observed abnormalities. Evaluation of the transcriptional profile of PGC-1α −/− striatal neuron populations and comparison to striatal neuron profiles of R6/2 HD mice revealed that PGC-1α deficiency alone is not sufficient to cause the transcriptional changes observed in this HD mouse model. In contrast to R6/2 HD mice, PGC-1α −/− mice show increases in the expression of medium spiny neuron (MSN) markers with age, suggesting that the observed behavioral and structural abnormalities are not primarily due to MSN loss, the defining pathological feature of HD. These results indicate that PGC-1α is required for the proper development of motor circuitry and transcriptional homeostasis in MSNs and that developmental disruption of PGC-1α leads to long-term alterations in motor functioning.
Semiconductor Resonant Tunneling Device Physics and Applications

A discussion of resonant tunneling physics in both diode and transistor heterojunction structures is presented. It is evident the In(GaAl)As/InP system is significantly superior for this application. We also present results on resonant tunneling in lower dimensional systems.
Increased acute and chronic mitotic activity in rat laryngeal muscles after botulinum toxin injection.

Objectives: To characterize the acute and chronic cellular effects of botulinum toxin (BT) injection into rat laryngeal muscles. A complete characterization of these effects is important because patients with focal dystonias of the head and neck are commonly treated with BT injection. Further, potential muscular changes in the larynx must be carefully delineated owing to the critical phonatory and airway protective functions of these muscles. Study Design: The acute and chronic cellular effects of BT injection were studied using 5′-bromo 2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) following single and repeated BT injection into rat laryngeal muscles. BrdU is incorporated into mitotically active nuclei such that changes in cell proliferative behavior following BT injection can be monitored. Results: Increased mitotic activity was detected in the tissue samples studied following BT injection. Differences in the times of the peak distribution of BrdU-labeled cells in each laryngeal muscle were observed. This may be related to the diffusion effects of BT. Prolonged muscle fiber changes, including splitting, were also observed as the result of repeated BT injection. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that BT may induce a proliferative response in muscle tissue.
The nubbin sign on computed tomography and sonography.

The loss of parenchyma in the lower pole of a kidney with a duplicated collecting system may mimic a mass on urography (“the nubbin sign”). Computed tomographic findings of this entity are diagnostic. The diagnosis may be difficult to make using sonography alone.
Ways of speaking: The relation of talk and discourse on a documentary film site

(1991). Ways of speaking: The relation of talk and discourse on a documentary film site. Continuum: Vol. 5, Media/Discourse, pp. 115-135.
MEDICAL–LEGAL ASPECTS OF SLEEP MEDICINE

Sleepiness and sleep disorders are increasingly raising interesting and important medical-legal issues in three areas: violent or injurious behavior arising from the sleep period, accidents or errors in judgment caused by sleepiness behind the wheel or in the workplace, and disability determinations caused by sleepiness-induced work impairment. Sleep-related violence may be caused by many conditions, most of which are diagnosable and treatable. Legal issues raised by these behaviors are usually enigmatic. The nature of such behaviors may be extremely complex, and documenting that a given violent act was caused by such a behavior, after the fact, may be difficult. Guidelines for the medical-legal evaluation of such behaviors have been developed and are evolving. Culpability determination in sleepiness-related industrial or motor vehicle accidents is in the developmental stage, and varies by jurisdiction. Disability determination for workplace sleepiness caused by sleep disorders is in its infancy, and poses a challenge, given the erroneous but pervasive societal attitude that sleepiness is a manifestation of laziness, depression, sloth, work-avoidance behavior, or a defect of character.
Prenatal diagnosis of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in a pregnancy with low maternal serum oestriol and a sex-reversed fetus

A cytogenetically normal male fetus was subsequently found to have female external genitalia, a cardiac malformation and mid-trimester intra-uterine growth retardation by ultrasound examination. The maternal serum oestriol level was low. The combination of low oestriol and sonographic findings suggested Smith Lemli Opitz syndrome (SLO), which was confirmed by a markedly increased amniotic fluid level of 7-dehydrocholesterol. We review the differential diagnosis of apparent sex reversal in a fetus and low maternal serum oestriol level. To further examine the specificity of low maternal oestriol level as a marker for SLO a follow-up study of 12141 pregnancies screened for Down syndrome using three biochemical markers: alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin and oestriol was performed. 26 pregnancies had an oestriol level that was 0.25 MoM or less. SLO was not diagnosed clinically in any of the liveborn children ascertained through a low maternal oestriol level. Nine of the pregnancies ended in spontaneous miscarriage. Although the frequency of SLO in pregnancies with low maternal oestriol levels or sex-reversed fetuses is unknown, the diagnosis of SLO should, nevertheless, be considered in both clinical settings.
Nitration of tert-butyloxycarbonylated aniline and 1,3,5-triaminobenzene by acetyl nitrate

Abstract Acetyl nitrate was found to be an effective reagent for aromatic mono- and dinitration of Boc-protected aminobenzenes. The method was used in a new synthesis of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4-dinitrobenzene in two steps with 63% yield.
Optimizing the control-unit through the resynchronization of operations

Most approaches to control-unit optimization use a finite state machine model, where operations are bound to control states. However, when synthesizing circuits from a higher, more abstract level of hardware specification that supports concurrency and synchronization, these approaches may be overly restrictive. We present a strategy for optimizing control circuits based on resynchronization of operations such that the original specification under timing constraints is still satisfied but with a lower control implementation cost. We use a general constraint graph model to capture the high level specification; the model supports unbounded delay operations, detailed timing constraints, and concurrency. We introduce the notion of synchronization redundancy and formulate the optimization problem as the task of mapping operations to synchronization points. We present algorithms to find a minimal control cost implementation. Results of applying the technique within the framework of the Hercules/Hebe High-level Synthesis system are presented.
Comparison of the Corrosion Fatigue Characteristics of CP Ti-Grade 4, Ti-6Al-4V ELI, Ti-6Al-7Nb, and Ti-15Mo

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the corrosion fatigue (CF) characteristics of a series of titanium alloys including Grade 4 CP Ti (ASTM F 67), Ti-6Al-4V (ASTM F 136), Ti-6Al-7Nb (ASTM F 1295), and Ti-15 Mo (ASTM F 2066). Evaluation of alloy composition, microstructure, and Vicker's microhardness was performed to ensure that each material met the required specification. Smooth and notched CF tensile samples of each alloy were machined using low stress grind techniques and tested at 1Hz according to ASTM F 1801 in both Ringer's solution and distilled/deionized water at 37°C. Smooth CF samples had a 10 mm gauge length and a 2.5 mm gauge diameter, and notched CF samples had a 2.5 mm notch root diameter (Kt=3.2). A minimum of three samples was tested at five tension-tension sinusoidal load levels including a run-out level at 106 cycles. SEM analysis was performed on the fractured surfaces of representative samples of each alloy to characterize and compare the failure mechanisms. Fatigue results revealed no differences between the smooth and notched samples of each alloy run in distilled water and those run in Ringer's solution. Results indicated corrosion fatigue mechanisms were not contributing to the fractures under these conditions. However, a significant reduction of fatigue strength was observed for the notched samples of each alloy compared to the smooth samples in identical solutions. These results suggest that even though there is no notch sensitivity in these alloys under static conditions, a notch under dynamic fatigue mechanisms may cause a substantial reduction in cycles to implant fracture. SEM analysis showed typical fatigue fracture morphologies on both the smooth and notched samples. Notch samples, however, did show more defined fluting in terracing due to the higher tri-axial stress state at the root of the notch. In conclusion, corrosion fatigue mechanisms were not contributing to the fracture of these alloys under the given conditions, but the presence of a notch significantly reduced the fatigue strength of all alloys tested.
Assessment of Possible Cycle Lengths for Fully Encapsulated Microstructure fueled light water reactor Concepts

Abstract The use of TRISO-particle-based dispersion fuel within SiC matrix and cladding materials has the potential to allow the design of extremely safe LWRs with failure-proof fuel. This paper examines the feasibility of LWR-like cycle length for such fuel with the imposed constraint of strictly retaining the original geometry of the fuel pins and assemblies. The motivation for retaining the original geometry is to provide the ability to incorporate the fuel “as-is” into existing LWRs while retaining their thermal–hydraulic characteristics. Another mandatory constraint is use of low enriched uranium (at or below 20 w/o). The feasibility of using this fuel is assessed by looking at two factors: cycle lengths and fuel material failure rates. Other considerations (e.g., safety parameters such as reactivity coefficients, feedback, etc.) were not considered at this stage of the study. The study includes the examination of increases in the TRISO kernel sizes without changing the thickness of any of the coating layers. In addition, cases where the buffer layer thickness is allowed to vary are also considered. The study shows that a naive use of UO 2 (even up to 20 w/o enrichment) results in cycle lengths too short to be practical for existing LWR designs and operational demands. Increasing fissile inventory within the fuel compacts shows that acceptable cycle lengths can be achieved. The increase of fissile inventory can be accomplished through multiple means, including higher particle packing fraction, higher enrichment, larger fuel kernel sizes, and the use of higher density fuels (that contain a higher number of U atoms per unit volume). In this study, starting with the recognized highest packing fraction practically achievable (44%), combinations of the other means have been evaluated. The models demonstrate cycle lengths comparable to those of ordinary LWRs. As expected, TRISO particles with extremely large kernels are shown to fail under all considered scenarios. In contrast, the designs that do not depart too drastically from those of the nominal NGNP HTR fuel TRISO particles are shown to perform satisfactorily and display a high rates of survival under all considered scenarios.
A computational study of impurity diffusivities for 5d transition metal solutes in α-Fe

The impurity diffusivities (D) of the 5d transition metal solutes, Ta–Au, in α-Fe have been computed within a framework combining density-functional-theory calculations, harmonic transition-state theory, the Le Claire nine-frequency model and semi-empirical corrections for magnetic disorder. The calculated diffusion constants show a trend vs. atomic number featuring minimum values corresponding to Re and Os, at the center of the transition metal series. The results for D are correlated with minima and maxima in the magnitudes of the solute–vacancy binding energy and migration energy, respectively.
Transfer during systematic desensitization therapy.

Abstract Transfer of learning from systematic desensitization therapy, to a test within therapy, in which G.S.R. to the imagination of a series of feared scenes was serially recorded, and to the actual feared situation, was studied during the course of therapy in five agoraphobic patients. A delay of transfer from therapy to the feared situation was found. It appears likely that therapists carry out transfer training unwittingly during therapy. It is suggested that the discrepancies found in the literature can be explained by therapist variables such as degree of therapeutic intent, and patient variables such as degree of dependence shown by the patient.
Neuronal Precursor Cell Proliferation on Elastic Substrates

Numerous stem cells therapies have been studied for the replacement of damaged neurons due to spinal cord injury. Our laboratory’s goal is to design an implantable platform for spinal cord neuron (SCN) proliferation and differentiation in order to replace damaged neurons in the injured spinal cord. Based on previous literature, we suspect we can promote neuronal precursor cell (NPC) proliferation and differentiation utilizing elastic matrices.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Workshop: Opportunities and challenges of non-model ecoinformatics

Ongoing improvements in sequencing technology allow even greater analysis of questions related to genome biology. We will overview several of the opportunities and challenges of newer generation sequencing applied to ecological questions. We also discuss arthropod-focused applications and resulting distributed systems resources available for decentralized bioinformatics analysis.
EGCG mitigates neurotoxicity mediated by HIV-1 proteins gp120 and Tat in the presence of IFN-γ: Role of JAK/STAT1 signaling and implications for HIV-associated dementia

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection of the central nervous system occurs in the vast majority of HIV-infected patients. HIV-associated dementia (HAD) represents the most severe form of HIV-related neuropsychiatric impairment and is associated with neuropathology involving HIV proteins and activation of proinflammatory cytokine circuits. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) activates the JAK/STAT1 pathway, a key regulator of inflammatory and apoptotic signaling, and is elevated in HIV-1-infected brains progressing to HAD. Recent reports suggest green tea-derived (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) can attenuate neuronal damage mediated by this pathway in conditions such as brain ischemia. In order to investigate the therapeutic potential of EGCG to mitigate the neuronal damage characteristic of HAD, IFN-gamma was evaluated for its ability to enhance well-known neurotoxic properties of HIV-1 proteins gp120 and Tat in primary neurons and mice. Indeed, IFN-gamma enhanced the neurotoxicity of gp120 and Tat via increased JAK/STAT signaling. Additionally, primary neurons pretreated with a JAK1 inhibitor, or those derived from STAT1-deficient mice, were largely resistant to the IFN-gamma-enhanced neurotoxicity of gp120 and Tat. Moreover, EGCG treatment of primary neurons from normal mice reduced IFN-gamma-enhanced neurotoxicity of gp120 and Tat by inhibiting JAK/STAT1 pathway activation. EGCG was also found to mitigate the neurotoxic properties of HIV-1 proteins in the presence of IFN-gamma in vivo. Taken together, these data suggest EGCG attenuates the neurotoxicity of IFN-gamma augmented neuronal damage from HIV-1 proteins gp120 and Tat both in vitro and in vivo. Thus EGCG may represent a novel natural copound for the prevention and treatment of HAD.
Quantitative assessment of myelin basic protein-reactive T cell entry to the central nervous system by using oligonucleotide probes complementary to VDJ junctional sequences of rat TCR β-chain

Abstract The VDJ junctional region represents the most diverse part of the antigenic TCR. We have previously reported that of 200 sequenced TCR β-chains of rat MBP-reactive T cells, rarely did two share sequence homology over the entire CDR3 region. In this study, we demonstrate that sequences of the TCR CDR3 region are excellent clonotypic markers for rat MBP-reactive T cell clones and oligonucleotide probes complementary to the CDR3 region of three T cell clones specifically recognized the TCR from which they were derived, but failed to recognize syngeneic T cells that express a similar TCR β-chain or T cells that share both Vβ and Jβ usage. To explore this observation, we determined the ability of MBP-reactive T cell clones to enter the CNS. We were able to show that some MBP-reactive T cell clones have an augmented ability to enter the CNS and that fully-activated T cells have a higher penetrating activity than their less-activated T cell counterparts.
Area detector design Part II. Application to a modular CCD-based detector for X-ray crystallography

Abstract The performance of laboratory and synchrotron CCD-based detectors for X-ray crystallography is modeled using expressions which describe both the detector and the experiment. The detectors are constructed from an array of identical modules, each module consisting of a phosphor X-ray-to-light convertor, a fiberoptic taper and a CCD. The performance is characterized by the detective quantum efficiency (DQE) and dynamic range (DR), and by four additional expressions; the detective collective efficiency (DCE), experimental detective quantum efficiency (XDQE), experimental detective collection efficiency (XDCE) and experimental dynamic range (XDR). These additional expressions provide a means for including experimental constraints in the design of the detector. For a crystallography detector, these constraints include the requirements that the detector a) integrate Bragg peaks to maximum precision, and b) efficiently collect data to high resolution (large Bragg angle). Results obtained using these expressions demonstrate the need for a detector with a relatively large area. In order to build a such a detector from a reasonable number of modules using currently available fiberoptic tapers and CCDs, tapers with a demagnification ratio of > 3:1 are required. A different conclusion would be arrived at if the DQE alone were considered, demonstrating the importance of this method.
Staging of biliary atresia at diagnosis by molecular profiling of the liver

Young age at portoenterostomy has been linked to improved outcome in biliary atresia, but pre-existing biological factors may influence the rate of disease progression. In this study, we aimed to determine whether molecular profiling of the liver identifies stages of disease at diagnosis. We examined liver biopsies from 47 infants with biliary atresia enrolled in a prospective observational study. Biopsies were scored for inflammation and fibrosis, used for gene expression profiles, and tested for association with indicators of disease severity, response to surgery, and survival at 2 years. Fourteen of 47 livers displayed predominant histological features of inflammation (N = 9) or fibrosis (N = 5), with the remainder showing similar levels of both simultaneously. By differential profiling of gene expression, the 14 livers had a unique molecular signature containing 150 gene probes. Applying prediction analysis models, the probes classified 29 of the remaining 33 livers into inflammation or fibrosis. Molecular classification into the two groups was validated by the findings of increased hepatic population of lymphocyte subsets or tissue accumulation of matrix substrates. The groups had no association with traditional markers of liver injury or function, response to surgery, or complications of cirrhosis. However, infants with an inflammation signature were younger, while those with a fibrosis signature had decreased transplant-free survival. Molecular profiling at diagnosis of biliary atresia uncovers a signature of inflammation or fibrosis in most livers. This signature may relate to staging of disease at diagnosis and has implications to clinical outcomes.
Endopeptidase penicillin-binding proteins 4 and 7 play auxiliary roles in determining uniform morphology of Escherichia coli

The low-molecular-weight (LMW) penicillin-binding protein, PBP 5, plays a dominant role in determining the uniform cell shape of Escherichia coli. However, the physiological functions of six other LMW PBPs are unknown, even though the existence and enzymatic activities of four of these were established three decades ago. By applying fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to quantify the cellular dimensions of multiple PBP mutants, we found that the endopeptidases PBP 4 and PBP 7 also influence cell shape in concert with PBP 5. This is the first reported biological function for these two proteins. In addition, the combined loss of three dd-carboxypeptidases, PBPs 5 and 6 and DacD, also impaired cell shape. In contrast to previous reports based on visual inspection alone, FACS analysis revealed aberrant morphology in a mutant lacking only PBP 5, a phenotype not shared by any other strain lacking a single LMW PBP. PBP 5 removes the terminal d-alanine from pentapeptide side chains of muropeptide subunits, and pentapeptides act as donors for cross-linking adjacent side chains. As endopeptidases, PBPs 4 and 7 cleave cross-links in the cell wall. Therefore, overall cell shape may be determined by the existence or location of a specific type of peptide cross-link, with PBP 5 activity influencing how many cross-links are made and PBPs 4 and 7 acting as editing enzymes to remove inappropriate cross-links.
Mechanism and enhancement of solute transport across the stratum corneum

Abstract This paper summarizes recent biophysical investigations of (a) stratum corneum (SC) barrier function, and (b) percutaneous penetration enhancement. Specifically, applications of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) to probe the intercellular lipid domains of the SC are described. In vitro DSC experiments on isolated SC have determined the thermal melting behavior of the membrane and have indicated the presence of lipid phase transitions in the range 65–85 °C. Corresponding IR studies have confirmed this observation and, in conjunction with measurements of tritiated water permeability (Kp), have shown that solute flux increases with the number of gauche conformers along the lipid acyl hydrocarbon chains. There is an excellent correlation between Kp and the absorbance shift (to higher wavenumber) of the C-H antisymmetric stretching vibration associated with the SC lipids. Furthermore, it was found that certain putative penetration enhancers (e.g., cis-unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and vaccenic acids) induced similar shifts when applied to excised SC at ambient temperature. Concomitantly, the flux of another model solute (salicylic acid) was significantly enhanced by the treatment. The implied mechanism of penetration promotion (i.e., through the overall increased freedom of motion of the lipid acyl chains) was then examined in vivo, in humans, using attenuated total reflectance IR. Again, significant and sustained lipid disordering was induced by (in this case) oleic acid. In addition, through the assignment of unique absorbances, it was possible to obtain semi-quantitative measurements of (1) the enhancer in the upper layers of the SC, (2) the co-applied penetrant (4-cyanophenol, unequivocally identified by the intense C  N absorbance) and (3) the major vehicle component used (namely, propylene glycol, via the C-O stretching vibration). In this way, we have (i) documented the effect of the enhancer on the SC lipids, (ii) assessed the relative amount of the enhancer responsible for this action, and (iii) observed the kinetics of penetrant (solute) and solvent transport (in the presence and absence of enhancer) through the SC, from a single series of spectroscopic experiments in vivo in man. We suggest, therefore, that biophysical measurements of this type have considerable potential, often in clinically relevant situations, to reveal the crucial details of the mechanism and enhancement of solute transport across the SC.
Residual Manganese(II) Entrapped in Single-Layer-Hydrate Montmorillonite Interlayers

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in combination with X-ray diffractometry and thermal methods were used to determine the coordination of residual exchangeable Mn(II) in an untreated sample of Wyoming montmorillonite. At room temperature, Mn(II) in a single-layer-hydrate interlayer was proposed to be coordinated directly with oxygen ions of the siloxane surface on one layer and to form water bridges to the oxygens on the siloxane surface of the opposite layer. Dehydration and collapse of the interlayer entrapped and thereby stabilized the partially solvated Mn(II) up to 600°C. A change to Mn(II) in highly symmetric coordination occurred during dehydroxylation of the montmorillonite structure between 600°C and 700°C. Manganese(II) remained coordinated at the surface but positioned in a bicapped trigonal antiprism formed by oxygens of the silicate structure. This coordination was metastable at 800°C when the structural decomposition of the clay mineral began.