cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Greatest Gift Is Something Worth Thinking About

Walter, I was never your student, postdoc, collaborator, or co-worker. Yet most of my career in science since graduate school has been shaped by your intellectual and personal influence. In the density functional theory (DFT), you gave us something worth thinking about. That is a great gift, one of the greatest, one that has provided me with many years of perplexity and enjoyment.
Low Incidence of Lead Related Complications Associated with Nonthoracotomy Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Systems

UNLABELLED Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are increasingly being implanted without the need for thoracotomy. Long-term lead performance and stability were evaluated in 150 consecutive patients in whom 1 of 3 nonthoracotomy ICD lead systems was implanted over a 3-year period from September 1990. RESULTS Twelve (8%) patients (7 males, 5 females) experienced 13 lead complications during a follow-up period of 12 +/- 10 months. Complications were related to intracardiac leads in 7 (4 dislodgments, 2 fractures, 1 right ventricular perforation) and patch leads in 6 (2 folding, 1 fracture, 1 erosion, and 2 hematomas) cases. Freedom from lead related complications at 1 year was 92% (95% confidence interval, 86%-95%). A significant difference in freedom from lead complications between the two most frequently implanted lead systems was observed (P = 0.02). Complication rates were similar in the initial 75 and the more recent 75 implants (P = 0.5). The median time between lead implant and detection of complications was 37 days (range 3-1,147). Complications were diagnosed before hospital discharge in only two cases. In five patients, complications were asymptomatic and in three of these, reoperation was required due to inadequate defibrillation thresholds. Reoperation was necessary in 9 of 12 patients. CONCLUSIONS Nonthoracotomy ICD lead systems are associated with a low complication rate. Complications may or may not cause symptoms, usually occur after hospital discharge, and require reoperation. Complications are not related to a "learning curve." There is a significant difference in performance between different lead systems.
Intra-abdominal fat: is it a major factor in developing diabetes and coronary artery disease?'

Abdominal obesity has emerged as a strong and independent predictor for non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Adiposity located centrally in the abdominal region, and particularly visceral as opposed to subcutaneous fat, is also distinctly associated with hyperlipidemia, compared with generalized distributions of body fat. These lipoprotein abnormalities are characterized by elevated very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, small dense LDL with elevated apolipoprotein B levels, and decreased high density lipoprotein2b (HDL2b) levels. This is the same pattern seen in both familial combined hyperlipidemia and NIDDM. The pronounced hyperinsulinemia of upper-body obesity supports the overproduction of VLDL and the increased LDL turnover. We have proposed that an increase in the size of the visceral fat depot is a precursor to the increased lipolysis and elevated free fatty acid (FFA) flux and metabolism and to subsequent overexposure of hepatic and extrahepatic tissues to FFA, which then, in part, promotes aberrations in insulin actions and dynamics. The resultant changes in glucose/insulin homeostasis, lipoprotein metabolism, and vascular events then lead to metabolic morbidities such as glucose intolerance, NIDDM, dyslipidemia, and increased risk for coronary heart disease.
The effect of mutual coupling on the capacity of the MIMO cube

The effect of mutual coupling on the capacity of the multiple-input-multiple output (MIMO) cube antenna is demonstrated using numerical simulations. The twelve edges of the cube constitute center-fed electrical dipole antennas. A simple double bouncing scattering model is used to form the MIMO channel matrix. Mutual coupling between the elements that has impact on both the spatial correlation and the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is taken into account using the mutual impedance matrix of the cube. Results of Monte Carlo simulations show that the theoretical capacity due to mutual coupling is lower than without mutual coupling for cube side lengths less than about 0.3/spl lambda/ but the results roughly match those for higher side lengths.
Current-voltage relationships in negative pulsed corona

Some interesting properties of negative pulse corona have been noted by several investigators.1,2 Among these properties are sparkover voltages and pulse currents considerably above d-c values. Such properties are desirable for those applications, such as electrostatic precipitation, where maximum corona loss may be sought. A more detailed study of negative pulse corona is therefore pertinent.
On the gender orientation of the product design task

This study highlights the potential effect of the gender orientation of the product design task on the performance of design teams with different gender compositions. Results of an experiment conducted during Spring 2001 and Spring 2002 semesters at the Pennsylvania State University are also presented. For the experiment, two sections of the Introduction to Engineering Design course (ED&G 100) were used for each semester. During this course, four-student project teams work on two design projects over a 16-week semester. Design projects focus on product improvement or solution designs. Design team's gender composition, average of team members' cumulative grade point average (GPA), design project topic, average contribution level and the meeting time for the class were investigated for their effects on the performance of design teams via a multiple regression study. 64.7% of the variation in the data set was accounted for by the generated regression equation.
Prototyping Fast, Simple, Secure Switches for Etha

We recently published our proposal for Ethane: A clean- slate approach to managing and securing enterprise networks. The goal of Ethane is to make enterprise networks (e.g. networks in companies, universities, and home offices) much easier to manage. Ethane is built on the premise that the only way to manage and secure networks is to make sure we can identify the origin of all traffic, and hold someone (or some machine) accountable for it. So first, Ethane authenticates every human, computer and switch in the network, and tracks them at all times. Every packet can be immediately identified with its sender. Second, Ethane implements a network-wide policy language in terms of users, machines and services. Before a flow is allowed into the network, it is checked against the policy. Ethane requires two substantial changes to the network: Network switches and routers are replaced with much simpler switches, which are based on flow tables. The switch doesn't learn addresses, doesn't run spanning tree, routing protocols or any access control lists. All it does is permit or deny flows under the control of a central controller. The controller is the second big change. Each network contains a central controller that decides if a flow is to be allowed into the network. It makes its decisions based on a set of rules that make up a policy. One premise of Ethane is that although the network is much more powerful as a whole, the switches are much simpler than conventional switches and routers. To explore whether this is true, we built 4-port Ethane switches in dedicated hardware (on the NetFPGA platform), running at 1Gb/s per port. We have deployed the switches in our network at Stanford University, and demonstrated that despite the simplicity of the switches, Ethane can support a very feature-rich and easy-to-manage network.
Pref-1 interacts with fibronectin to inhibit adipocyte differentiation.

Pref-1/Dlk1 is made as an epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeat-containing transmembrane protein but is cleaved by tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme (TACE) to generate a biologically active soluble form. Soluble Pref-1 inhibits adipocyte differentiation through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) and the subsequent upregulation of Sox9 expression. However, others have implicated Notch in Pref-1 signaling and function. Here, we show that Pref-1 does not interact with, or require, Notch for its function. Instead, we show a direct interaction of Pref-1 and fibronectin via the Pref-1 juxtamembrane domain and fibronectin C-terminal domain. We also show that fibronectin is required for the Pref-1-mediated inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, the activation of ERK/MAPK, and the upregulation of Sox9. Furthermore, disrupting fibronectin binding to integrin by the addition of RGD peptides or by the knockdown of α5 integrin prevents the Pref-1 inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. Pref-1 activates the integrin downstream signaling molecules, FAK and Rac, and ERK activation by Pref-1 is blunted by the knockdown of Rac or by the forced expression of dominant-negative Rac. We conclude that, by interacting with fibronectin, Pref-1 activates integrin downstream signaling to activate MEK/ERK and to inhibit adipocyte differentiation.
The evolving role of radiotherapy in treatment of oligometastatic NSCLC

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with metastases limited in site and number, termed oligometastases, may represent a unique subpopulation of advanced NSCLC with improved prognosis. The optimal management of these patients remains unclear with the treatment approach currently undergoing a paradigm shift. The potential benefit of aggressive metastasis directed local treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy (RT) in combination with systemic therapy is bolstered predominantly by retrospective analyses but also by a growing number of non-randomized prospective studies regarding the use of ablative RT techniques including stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), alternatively termed stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), directed at the primary tumor (if present) and all metastatic sites. Long-term survival is possible in a subset of patients treated aggressively in this manner. The challenge for the clinical oncology community moving forward is appropriately selecting patients for this treatment approach based on clinical, imaging, and molecular features and increasing enrollment of patients to prospective clinical trials to more definitively determine the added benefit and appropriate timing of aggressive metastasis directed therapy in the oligometastatic setting.
End of the Pleistocene: elk-moose (Cervalces) and caribou (Rangifer) in Wisconsin

Abstract Fossils of caribou (Rangifer tarandus) and elk-moose (Cervalces scotti) were found in a Wisconsinan–Holocene outwash bog on Kluck Farm, near Bevent, Marathon County, Wisconsin. These caribou fossils are the northernmost records for the state, and the extinct Cervalces the 1st known from the state and northernmost record for the species. The site is located at the mapped ice front of the Green Bay Lobe of the late Wisconsinan Valder's Readvance, which was present between 12,500 and 11,500 years before present. Examination of accelerator mass spectrometry 14C data indicated that the elk-moose was older than the caribou by 1,600–1,700 years. Matching the radiocarbon dates with those of nearby sites and to their pollen records helps to clarify the nature of climatic conditions and corresponding plant communities at the upper Pleistocene boundary. The pattern of replacement of taiga forest southward and westward of the Green Bay Lobe to warmer, open-range conditions, with invading prairie, pine (Pinus...
Single-cycle, pulse-shaped critical path monitor in the POWER7+ microprocessor

A 32nm SOI critical path monitor (CPM) that can provide timing measurements to a Digital PLL for dynamic frequency adjustments in the 8-core POWER7+™ microprocessor is described. The CPM calibrates to within 2% of cycle time from nominal to turbo voltages. Its voltage sensitivity is 10mV/bit. It tracks processor temperature sensitivity to within 1.5% of nominal frequency, and has a sample jitter less than 1.5% of nominal frequency. The ability to detect noise dynamically allows the system to operate the processor closer to its optimal frequency for any given voltage, resulting in lower voltage for power savings or higher frequency for performance improvements.
Aligned core-shell nanofibers delivering bioactive proteins.

Aims: Continuous nanostructures embedded with proteins may synergistically present topographical and biochemical signals to cells for tissue engineering applications. This study presents the co-axial electrospinning of aligned poly(e-caprolactone) nanofibers encapsulated with bovine serum albumin and platelet-derived growth factor-bb for demonstration of controlled release and bioactivity retention, respectively. Materials & methods: Controllable release kinetics is achieved by incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) as a porogen in the shell of the nanofibers. Results & discussion: Poly(ethylene glycol) leaches out in a concentration- and molecular weight-dependent fashion, leading to bovine serum albumin release half-lives that range from 1 to 20 days. Optimized platelet-derived growth factor-bb-encapsulated nanofibers can completely release the protein with near zero-order kinetics and preserved bioactivity. Conclusion: Co-axial electrospinning is shown to be a versatile technique in achieving the deliv...
Use of combined NAA and SIMS analyses for impurity level isotope detection

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) offers advantages for detecting impurity levels of select isotopes that have suitable neutron cross sections. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) on the other hand detects most isotopes, but suffers various molecular interferences and covers only a small beam size volume per run. These two methods are combined here to study a large number of isotopes in titanium thin films in an electrolytic cell experiment. Nine isotopes are covered by NAA and over 50 with SIMS. An overlap in the data sets allows a normalization of SIMS data to the more accurate NAA measurements.
Products and mechanisms of the gas-phase reactions of OH radicals and O3 with 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol

Abstract Products of the gas-phase reactions of OH radicals (in the presence of NO) and O 3 with the biogenic organic compound 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol have been investigated using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID), combined gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography with Fourier transform infrared detection (GC-FTIR), in situ FT-IR spectroscopy and in situ atmospheric pressure ionization tandem mass spectrometry (API-MS/MS). Formaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal and acetone were identified from both the OH radical and O 3 reactions, glycolaldehyde and organic nitrate (s) were also observed from the OH radical reaction, and the OH radical formation yield from the O 3 reaction was measured. The formaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal, glycolaldehyde, acetone and organic nitrate yields from the OH radical reaction were 0.29±0.03, 0.19±0.07, 0.61±0.09, 0.58±0.04 and 0.05±0.02, respectively, and the formaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanal and OH radical formation yields from the O 3 reaction were 0.29±0.03, 0.30±0.06 (0.47 from FT-IR measurements) and 0.19 (uncertain to a factor of 1.5), respectively. Acetone was also observed from the O 3 reaction, but appeared to be formed from secondary reactions. Reaction mechanisms are presented and discussed.
Emerging lssues in Sales Forecasting and Decision Support Systems

There are two distinct groups of emerging issues in the area of sales forecasting and decision support systems: methodological issues and implementational issues. This paper discusses each of them. The discussion of implementational issues includes some results of a survey of forecasting practice. The paper serves as a preface to the special section on sales forecasting and decision support systems and introduces the papers included in the special section.
NGS-based deep bisulfite sequencing

We have developed an NGS-based deep bisulfite sequencing protocol for the DNA methylation analysis of genomes. This approach allows the rapid and efficient construction of NGS-ready libraries with a large number of PCR products that have been individually amplified from bisulfite-converted DNA. This approach also employs a bioinformatics strategy to sort the raw sequence reads generated from NGS platforms and subsequently to derive DNA methylation levels for individual loci. The results demonstrated that this NGS-based deep bisulfite sequencing approach provide not only DNA methylation levels but also informative DNA methylation patterns that have not been seen through other existing methods.•This protocol provides an efficient method generating NGS-ready libraries from individually amplified PCR products.•This protocol provides a bioinformatics strategy sorting NGS-derived raw sequence reads.•This protocol provides deep bisulfite sequencing results that can measure DNA methylation levels and patterns of individual loci.
Plaque Prolapse After Stenting in Myocardial Infarction: Bad Plaque—Bad Omen?⁎

In this issue of iJACC (JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging) , Hong et al. ([1][1]) have made a number of interesting observations regarding the relatively high incidence (27%) and poorer prognosis associated with the intravascular ultrasound finding of tissue prolapse through stent struts in the setting
Cobalt-centred boron molecular drums with the highest coordination number in the CoB16− cluster

The electron deficiency and strong bonding capacity of boron have led to a vast variety of molecular structures in chemistry and materials science. Here we report the observation of highly symmetric cobalt-centered boron drum-like structures of CoB16(-), characterized by photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio calculations. The photoelectron spectra display a relatively simple spectral pattern, suggesting a high symmetry structure. Two nearly degenerate isomers with D8d (I) and C4v (II) symmetries are found computationally to compete for the global minimum. These drum-like structures consist of two B8 rings sandwiching a cobalt atom, which has the highest coordination number known heretofore in chemistry. We show that doping of boron clusters with a transition metal atom induces an earlier two-dimensional to three-dimensional structural transition. The CoB16(-) cluster is tested as a building block in a triple-decker sandwich, suggesting a promising route for its realization in the solid state.
Rapid Identification and Characterization of Formulated Protein Products by Raman Spectroscopy Coupled with Discriminant Analysis

The rapid identification of protein drug products for packaging and receiving can significantly reduce disposition cycle time, and thereby improve the efficiency and productivity of the supply chain to better meet the needs of patients. In this feasibility study, we demonstrate a novel methodology that combines Raman spectroscopy with discriminant analysis that can be used for rapid identification or verification of finished products. With this methodology, Raman spectra of formulated therapeutic proteins were collected non-invasively, either in a quartz cuvette or directly inside a glass vial, and analyzed without subtraction of buffer or placebo. The algorithm used for the discriminant analysis was Mahalanobis distance by principal component analysis with residuals. In addition to product identification, the methodology has the potential to be used for characterizing formulated proteins when exposed to external stresses based on the changes of Mahalanobis distances.
PARTICLE IMAGE VELOCIMETRY OF VANE-ROTOR INTERACTION IN A TURBINE STAGE

Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is an innovative whole field velocimetry technique that provides visualization and quantitative measurement of a two-dimensional velocity field. Although PIV is a powerful measurement technique, the application of PIV to measure complex turbomachine flow fields presents many challenging obstacles. These include optical access, laser energy management, seeding, and the acquisition of rotating frame data. In spite of the difficulties, data resulting from PIV studies of these flow fields can provide information difficult or impossible to achieve with point measurement techniques. This work is directed at providing PIV data describing the vane-rotor interaction event in a low speed research turbine. Specifically, experiments are performed to investigate the unsteady flow field between the trailing edge of the first stage vane and the leading edge of the first stage rotor. The contribution of the moving potential field generated by the rotor blade and mat of the vane wake to the nature of the rotor inlet flow is characterized with these data.
Extensive personal experience. Validation of prolactin levels in menstrual disorders and in prolactinomas

It is now well established that hyperprolactinaemia is not rare and in the majority of cases is caused by a pituitary tumor, a prolactinoma. However, despite a plethora of relevant publications there are still certain questions that have not been adequately addressed: 1. What is the upper normal level of serum prolactin beyond which the condition should be characterized as hyperprolactinaemia requiring evaluation by imaging. 2. What is the incidence of non-secreting adenomas of the pituitary that might be erroneously regarded as prolactinomas. 3. How long should medical treatment be continued in the case of a prolactinoma. In this communication an attempt is made to critically analyze results on prolactinaemia obtained in our laboratory over a long time period, a sort of “meta-analysis” of our previously published data, aiming at reaching certain conclusions with practical implications for the clinician. Particular emphasis is placed on the prolactin levels in various menstrual disorders observed in 2500 women.
Risk assessment of intestinal communicable disease transmission based on analytic hierarchy process in children

Objective To establish a risk assessment model for intestinal communicable disease transmission in children based on analytic hierarchy process(AHP)method,and to identify the risk factors. MethodsRisk lists of communicable diseases transmission were made using brainstorming method,which were then scored by 55experts.AHP was used to establish risk assessment model.In April and May,2012,a face-toface survey was conducted among children aged 13and under or their guardians selected randomly in Xiaoshan district and Longyou county,which located in north and southwest Zhejiang province.Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis method,and the final score of each risk factor was calculated based on the actual occurrence and the product of weight.SPSS 13.0was used to analyze data. Results In the risk assessment model, there were rule layer and index layer which included hygienic habits of children,family environment, community environment in rule layer,and case contact history and other 14elements in index layer.The model had high consistency and satisfaction with the CI and CR less than 0.10in both rule layer and index layers.A total of 458participants in community were surveyed,and majority(82.97%)were guardians aged 25-42 years working as household,worker,or unemployed.53.49%of children were younger than 5years with the male to female ratio of 1.36∶1and scattered children accounting for 38.64%.The overall risk score of children intestinal communicable disease transmission in community was 16.40(out of 100).The major risk factors were found to be case contact history(5.84),poor family finance(1.78),and drinking tap water(1.74).There was no significant difference between individuals from rural and urban areas(P0.05). Conclusions Although the risk of children intestinal communicable disease transmission is not very high in Zhejiang community,and preventive measures still need to be taken to avoid children from contacting cases.Risk assessment model based on AHP combined with field survey has practical value in assessing transmission risk of infectious diseases in children.
Preparation of Al-Ca Alloy by Molten-Salt Electrolysis and Analysis of Electrode Process

Al-Ca alloy was successfully prepared in CaCl2-CaF2 molten salt system with CaO as raw materials and liquid aluminum as cathode.The electrochemical behavior of CaCl2-CaF2 system and CaCl2-CaF2-CaO system were investigated by cyclic voltammetry.The results show that the intermediate product CaC2 is produced in CaCl2-CaF2 system with carbon as electrode besides that chlorine gas is produced at anode and calcium is produced at cathode.Upon adding CaO into CaCl2-CaF2 system,O2-discharges to generate CO2 for depolarization.Lasting for about 20 min,the feeding period of CaO is determined by monitoring variation of back electromotive force through potential control method.
Microlocal analysis of edge flatness through directional multiscale representations

Edges and surface boundaries are often the most relevant features in images and multidimensional data. It is well known that multiscale methods including wavelets and their more sophisticated multidimensional siblings offer a powerful tool for the analysis and detection of such sets. Among such methods, the continuous shearlet transform has been especially successful. This method combines anisotropic scaling and directional sensitivity controlled by shear transformations in order to precisely identify not only the location of edges and boundary points but also edge orientation and corner points. In this paper, we show that this framework can be made even more flexible by controlling the scaling parameter of the anisotropic dilation matrix and considering non-parabolic scaling. We prove that, using `higher-than-parabolic' scaling, the modified shearlet transform is also able to estimate the degree of local flatness of an edge or surface boundary, providing more detailed information about the geometry of edge and boundary points.
A rodent model of spontaneous stereotypy : Initial characterization of developmental, environmental, and neurobiological factors

Stereotypies are patterns of motor behavior that are repetitive, excessive, topographically invariant, and that lack any obvious function or purpose. In humans, stereotyped behaviors are associated with psychiatric, neurological, and developmental disorders. In animals, stereotypy has been frequently associated with adverse environmental circumstances and often related to alterations in striatal dopamine. To assess the development of stereotyped behaviors and to test the hypothesis that these behaviors are associated with environmental restriction, deer mice were housed in either standard laboratory cages or larger, enriched cages, and the development of stereotypy was followed from weaning over a 17-week period. Standard-caged deer mice engaged in stereotyped behaviors at a higher rate and developed these behaviors more quickly when compared to animals in enriched caging. Additionally, enriched caging was associated with higher rates of patterned running, whereas jumping and backward somersaulting were typically observed in standard cages. In addition, there was a significant effect of litter, but no effect of sex or cage, on the time to develop stereotypy. No differences were found in the density of either striatal D1 or D2 dopamine receptors or the concentration of striatal dopamine or its metabolites as a function of rearing condition or as a function of whether the animals developed stereotypy. These results characterize the development of stereotypies in this species, demonstrate the importance of environmental conditions in the genesis of stereotypy, and suggest that alterations in striatal dopamine content or dopamine receptor density do not account for the expression of stereotyped behaviors in this model.
Test of the Nature of the Vector Interaction in β Decay

An experiment is proposed to test the theory recently advanced by Feynman and Gell-Mann on the vector interaction in β decay. According to the theory, the Fermi coupling constant is not appreciably altered by renormalization, in agreement with experiment. A further property of the theory is exploited here, that analogous γ and β transitions in light nuclei have proportional matrix elements, as far as the V interaction is concerned. In particular, the V interaction gives rise to "weak magnetism" analogous to the magnetic effects that induce the emission of M1 photons. This "weak magnetism" obeys Gamow-Teller selection rules and interferes with the A coupling, distorting the spectra of high-energy β transitions with ΔJ=1 (no). It is suggested that the β spectra of B12 and N12 be measured accurately and compared. Departure from linearity of the Kurie plot should be noticed in each case; the ratio of the spectra can be calculated with confidence on the basis of the theory, which predicts a 20% effect. The measured γ-ray width of the 15.11-Mev state in C12 is used in the calculation.
Effects of Ecologically-Based Family Therapy with substance-using, prostituting mothers

Studies report that high rates of prostituting women seek substance use treatment, and that most of these women have children in their care. However, compared to non-prostituting women, they show poorer treatment outcomes. Effective intervention for this population is needed, and the current study is the first to test family therapy with mothers seeking substance use treatment, who also reported prostitution. Sixty-eight treatment-seeking women with children in their care were randomly assigned to receive twelve sessions of Ecologically-Based Family Therapy or twelve sessions of individual treatment. Results showed that women who received family therapy reported greater reductions in substance use and depressive symptoms as well as greater improvements in their mother-child interactions. Findings underscore the importance of offering family therapy as a treatment option when prostituting women with children seek substance use treatment. Practitioner points It has proved difficult to meet the unique needs of prostituting women, and this article offers practical assistance to practitioners serving this population Ecologically-Based Family Therapy (EBFT) shows promise, having some superior outcomes compared to an individual therapy with prostituting mothers Substance use treatment facilities should strongly consider including EBFT for these women and their children as an adjunct to treatment
Medication Complications in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

The need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy is a marker of disease severity for which multiple medications are required. The therapy causes physiologic changes that impact drug pharmacokinetics. These changes can lead to exposure-driven decreases in efficacy or increased incidence of side effects. The pharmacokinetic changes are drug specific and largely undefined for most drugs. We review available drug dosing data and provide guidance for use in the ECMO patient population.
The Observation of Quantum Jumps in Hg

Quantum jumps (sudden changes of quantum state) have been observed in isolated samples of one or a few atomic ions [1–4]. The method of detecting quantum jumps uses a kind of optical-optical double resonance originally proposed by Dehmelt [5]. Consider an atom, such as Hg+, which has both a strongly allowed transition (at wavelength λ1) and a weakly allowed transition (at wavelength λ2) from the ground state (see Fig. 1). Assume that radiation is present at both λ1 and λ2. The atom fluoresces strongly at λ1 until it absorbs a λ2 photon and makes a transition to the metastable state. The λ1 fluorescence is shut off until the atom decays to the ground state.
Real vs. simulated voltage phasor measurements

There has been significant growth in research into power system applications with synchrophasor measurements, which address a variety of transmission and distribution network issues, in both operations and control. The vast majority of these application use simulated data from phasor measurement units (PMUs) for the purpose of testing and validation. This paper intends to reconsider PMU simulation practice in the recent literature and evaluate some application-specific discrepancies with reference to an error analysis on real data acquired from distribution PMUs (micro-PMUs). Finally, guidelines for PMU data simulation are proposed, aimed towards establishing PMU data simulation standards.
Thinning treatments reduce severity of foliar pathogens in eastern white pine

Abstract The foliar fungal pathogens associated with the disease complex known as White Pine Needle Damage (WPND) are causing widespread defoliation of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) in the northeastern United States and Canada. Presently, there are no specific management recommendations for addressing declining stand health relating to WPND induced defoliations. This study aims to test the effects of thinning at two different residual stocking densities (14 and 25 m2 ha−1) on mitigating the negative impacts of WPND within infected stands. To quantify the impacts of WPND on individual tree health, we generated a composite health index score using response variables measured in the field and weighted according to their association with observations of WPND severity. Post-thinning changes in disease severity were used to evaluate the effectiveness of stand thinning to reduce pathogen pressure and promote overall tree vigor. Results show that thinning had a rapid positive effect on overall tree health, with no significant difference between thinning treatment levels in the first two years following tree removal. Severity of WPND was reduced by 35% in low-density residual thinnings in the second year of the study. Our findings suggest that thinning as a silvicultural tool to reduce stocking densities within infected stands can effectively promote overall tree health and maintaining proper stocking densities is recommended for stands at risk of infection.
Layout of Tileable Multistable Structures Using Topology Optimization

This work presents a formulation for the design of tileable bistable structures using a topology optimization method. Modeling is based on a ground structure approach, where each member is represented using a non-linear beam. A member is either hinged or fixed at either end and a rubber-like material is used to model the hinges. The optimization is implemented using a genetic algorithm. The methodology developed is illustrated with an example.
Neuroendocrine aspects of improving sleep in epilepsy.

Abstract Sleep plays an intricate role in epilepsy and can affect the frequency and occurrence of seizures. With nearly 35% of U.S. adults failing to obtain the recommended 7 h of sleep every night, understanding the complex relationship between sleep and epilepsy is of utmost relevance. Sleep deprivation is a common trigger of seizures in many persons with epilepsy and sleep patterns play a role in the occurrence of seizures. Some patients have their first seizure or repeated seizures after an “all-nighter” at college or after a long period of chronic sleep deprivation. The strength of the relationship between sleep and seizures varies between patients, but improving sleep and optimizing seizure control can have significant positive effects on the quality of life for all these patients. Research has shown that the changes in the brain’s electrical and hormonal activity occurring during normal sleep-wake cycles can be linked to both sleep and seizure patterns. Many questions remain to be answered about sleep and epilepsy. How can sleep deprivation trigger an epileptic seizure? How do circadian and hormonal changes influence sleep pattern and seizure occurrence? Can hormones or sleeping pills help with sleep in epilepsy? In this article we discuss these and many other questions on sleep in epilepsy, with an emphasis on sleep architecture, hormone changes, mechanistic factors, and possible prevention strategies.
Overcoming anti-PEG antibody mediated accelerated blood clearance of PEGylated liposomes by pre-infusion with high molecular weight free PEG.

Abstract Antibodies that specifically bind polyethylene glycol (PEG), i.e. anti-PEG antibodies (APA), are associated with reduced efficacy and increased risk of serious adverse events for several PEGylated therapeutics. Here, we explored the concept of using free PEG molecules to saturate circulating APA. Surprisingly, we found that 40 kDa free PEG effectively restored the prolonged circulation of PEGylated liposomes in the presence of high titers of pre-existing APA for at least 48 h in mice. In contrast, lower molecular weight free PEG (≤10 kDa) failed to restore circulation beyond a few hours. These in vivo results were consistent with estimates from a minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic model. Importantly, the infusion of free PEG appeared to be safe in mice previously sensitized by injection of PEGylated liposomes, and free PEG did not elicit excess APA production even in mice with pre-existing adaptive immunity against PEG. Our results support further investigation of high molecular weight free PEG as a potential method to control and overcome high titers of APA, restoring the prolonged circulation of PEGylated liposomes and possibly other PEGylated therapeutics.
Marked Variation Exists Among Surgeons and Hospitals in the Use of Secondary Cleft Lip Surgery

Objective:To identify child-, surgeon-, and hospital-specific factors at the time of primary cleft lip repair that are associated with the use of secondary cleft lip surgery.Design:Retrospective co...
Antigen removal process preserves function of small diameter venous valved conduits, whereas SDS-decellularization results in significant valvular insufficiency

Chronic venous disease (CVD) is the most common reported chronic condition in the United States, affecting more than 25 million Americans. Regardless of its high occurrence, current therapeutic options are far from ideal due to their palliative nature. For best treatment outcomes, challenging cases of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) are treated by repair or replacement of venous valves. Regrettably, the success of venous valve transplant is dependent on the availability of autologous venous valves and hindered by the possibility of donor site complications and increased patient morbidity. Therefore, the use of alternative tissue sources to provide off-the-shelf venous valve replacements has potential to be extremely beneficial to the field of CVI. This manuscript demonstrates the capability of producing off-the-shelf fully functional venous valved extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold conduits from bovine saphenous vein (SV), using an antigen removal (AR) method. AR ECM scaffolds maintained native SV structure-function relationships and associated venous valves function. Conversely, SDS decellularization caused significant changes to the collagen and elastin macromolecular structures, resulting in collagen fibril merging, elimination of fibril crimp, amalgaming collagen fibers and fragmentation of the inner elastic lamina. ECM changes induced by SDS decellularization resulted in significant venous valve dysfunction. Venous valved conduits generated using the AR approach have potential to serve as off-the-shelf venous valve replacements for CVI. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Retention of the structure and composition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins within xenogeneic scaffolds for tissue engineering is of crucial importance, due to the undeniable effect ECM proteins can impose on repopulating cells and function of the resultant biomaterial. This manuscript demonstrates that alteration or elimination of ECM proteins via commonly utilized decellularization approach results in complete disruption of venous valve function. Conversely, retention of the delicate ECM structure and composition of native venous tissue, using an antigen removal tissue processing method, results in preservation of native venous valve function.
Nuclear Deformation Causes DNA Damage by Increasing Replication Stress.

Cancer metastasis, i.e., the spreading of tumor cells from the primary tumor to distant organs, is responsible for the vast majority of cancer deaths. In the process, cancer cells migrate through narrow interstitial spaces substantially smaller in cross-section than the cell. During such confined migration, cancer cells experience extensive nuclear deformation, nuclear envelope rupture, and DNA damage. The molecular mechanisms responsible for the confined migration-induced DNA damage remain incompletely understood. Although in some cell lines, DNA damage is closely associated with nuclear envelope rupture, we show that, in others, mechanical deformation of the nucleus is sufficient to cause DNA damage, even in the absence of nuclear envelope rupture. This deformation-induced DNA damage, unlike nuclear-envelope-rupture-induced DNA damage, occurs primarily in S/G2 phase of the cell cycle and is associated with replication forks. Nuclear deformation, resulting from either confined migration or external cell compression, increases replication stress, possibly by increasing replication fork stalling, providing a molecular mechanism for the deformation-induced DNA damage. Thus, we have uncovered a new mechanism for mechanically induced DNA damage, linking mechanical deformation of the nucleus to DNA replication stress. This mechanically induced DNA damage could not only increase genomic instability in metastasizing cancer cells but could also cause DNA damage in non-migrating cells and tissues that experience mechanical compression during development, thereby contributing to tumorigenesis and DNA damage response activation.
Spermatogonial Stem Cell Numbers Are Reduced by Transient Inhibition of GDNF Signaling but Restored by Self-Renewing Replication when Signaling Resumes

One cause of human male infertility is a scarcity of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testes with Sertoli cells that neither produce adequate amounts of GDNF nor form the Sertoli-Sertoli junctions that form the blood-testis barrier (BTB). These patients raise the issue of whether a pool of SSCs, depleted due to inadequate GDNF stimulation, will expand if normal signaling is restored. Here, we reduce adult mouse SSC numbers by 90% using a chemical-genetic approach that reversibly inhibits GDNF signaling. Signal resumption causes all remaining SSCs to replicate immediately, but they primarily form differentiating progenitor spermatogonia. Subsequently, self-renewing replication restores SSC numbers. Testicular GDNF levels are not increased during restoration. However, SSC replication decreases as numbers of SSCs and progenitors increase, suggesting important regulatory interactions among these cells. Finally, sequential loss of SSCs and then pachytene spermatocytes causes dissolution of the BTB, thereby recapitulating another important characteristic of some infertile men.
Gauge-invariant Green function in 3+1 dimensional QED (QCD) and 2+1 dimensional Abelian (Non-Abelian) Chern-Simon theory

By applying the simple and effective method developed to study the the gauge-invariant fermion Green function in $ 2+1 $ dimensional non-compact QED, we study the gauge-invariant Green function in $ 3+1 $ dimensional QED and $ 2+1 $ dimensional non-compact Chern-Simon theory. We also extend our results to the corresponding $ SU(M) $ non-Abelian gauge theories. Implications for Fractional Quantum Hall effect are briefly discussed.
Human Skeleton From an Apache Baking Pit

A human skeleton found in an Apache baking pit in Scott County, Kansas, is that of a 22 or 23 year old male, about 5 feet, 7 inches tall. It is probable that he was a Cuartelejo Apache of ca. 1700.
Urticaria and Angioedema

One in five individuals will suffer from hives at some point during his or her lifetime. These individuals usually look to their family doctor for help. As such, patients presenting with hives will be a common occurrence in the primary care setting. Clinicians will need to develop an approach that determines treatment needs based on triggers, duration, and underlying cause. If medications are recommended, these need to provide symptom relief; however, not intolerable side effects. Short-lived episodes are generally amenable to antihistamines, though chronic urticaria requires a skilled approach. Recognition of underlying causes requires diligence, but may suggest a need for modifiers of systemic autoimmune diseases. Research efforts continue to yield information on mechanisms of pathophysiology.
The Isolation and Characterization of Bovine Factor VIII (Antihemophilic Factor)

Abstract Bovine Factor VIII (antihemophilic factor) has been purified approximately 10,000-fold with an over-all yield of 10 to 15%. The purification procedure involves BaSO4, kaolin, and bentonite adsorption to remove contaminants, ethanol, polyethylene glycol, and β-alanine fractionation, calcium citrate-cellulose chromatography, concanavalin A precipitation, and an Agarose gel filtration step. The final product is homogeneous when examined by gel filtration, density gradient centrifugation, and zone electrophoresis. It also shows a single precipitin line when subjected to immunoelectrophoresis employing a specific rabbit antibody against Factor VIII. However, when examined by sedimentation equilibrium, the preparation is physically heterogeneous, apparently due to substantial aggregation of the protein. In these experiments, the smallest species which could be calculated has a molecular weight of approximately 1.1 million. After reduction in 2-mercaptoethanol, the protein shows one band in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and zone electrophoresis and a reduction in size. The smallest species of the reduced protein has a molecular weight of about 85,000. The protein contains approximately 11% hexose, 2% sialic acid, 7% hexosamine, and no lipid. Other general properties of this protein including its amino acid composition are also reported.
Axitinib: from preclinical development to future clinical perspectives in renal cell carcinoma.

Introduction: Based on extensive preclinical data and abundant evidence for clinical activity, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors are currently standard of care for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Axitinib is one of the most selective molecules in the class of anti-angiogenic agents, which confers an optimal profile between its safety and anti-cancer activity spectrum.Area covered: In this review, the authors discuss the different stages that lead to the approval of axitinib in the clinic as well as the current perspectives for its clinical use with other promising therapies in mRCC such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and vaccines.Expert opinion: In 2015, axitinib has emerged as one of the major agents used in mRCC. Based on robust preclinical data, this highly specific VEGFR inhibitor continues to be evaluated in different indications, including the adjuvant setting but also sequential administration with other molecularly targeted agents or combinations with immune t...