cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategy for Texture Management in Metals Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have long been recognized for their ability to fabricate complex geometric components directly from models conceptualized through computers, allowing for complicated designs and assemblies to be fabricated at lower costs, with shorter time to market, and improved function. Lacking behind the design complexity aspect is the ability to fully exploit AM processes for control over texture within AM components. Currently, standard heat-fill strategies utilized in AM processes result in largely columnar grain structures. Proposed in this work is a point heat source fill for the electron beam melting (EBM) process through which the texture in AM materials can be controlled. Through this point heat source strategy, the ability to form either columnar or equiaxed grain structures upon solidification through changes in the process parameters associated with the point heat source fill is demonstrated for the nickel-base superalloy, Inconel 718. Mechanically, the material is demonstrated to exhibit either anisotropic properties for the columnar-grained material fabricated through using the standard raster scan of the EBM process or isotropic properties for the equiaxed material fabricated using the point heat source fill.
Legal Issues: Liberty or Safety: Should the Law Fall Mute?

Benjamin Franklin really did say, “Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” Well, technically he wrote those words in a letter written nearly 20 years prior to the Revolutionary War. Those words are regularly invoked whenever the government imposes some restriction or potential restriction on civil liberties, privacy or other personal rights in the interest of national security protection. History shows that this is a very common occurrence. In his book, All the Laws But One, the late Supreme Court Justice William Renhquist outlined a continuing series of restrictions on civil liberties starting famously with Abraham Lincoln’s suspension of the writ of Habeas Corpus and his administration’s arrest and detention without trial of over 13,000 citizens during the Civil War. During World War I, Congress enacted the Espionage and Sedition Acts, which made it illegal to publish any information opposing or resisting the war, and more infamously, World War II saw the internment of thousands of U.S. citizens of Japanese ancestry. The Cold War, the Vietnam War and the war on terrorism have all seen similar restrictions, including the controversial USA PATRIOT and its successors.
NF1+/- Hematopoietic Cells Accelerate Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Development without Altering Chemotherapy Response.

Haploinsufficiency in the tumor suppressor NF1 contributes to the pathobiology of neurofibromatosis type 1, but a related role has not been established in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) where NF1 mutations also occur. Patients with NF1-associated MPNST appear to have worse outcomes than patients with sporadic MPNST, but the mechanism underlying this correlation is not understood. To define the impact of stromal genetics on the biology of this malignancy, we developed unique mouse models that reflect the genetics of patient-associated MPNST. Specifically, we used adenovirus-Cre injections to generate MPNST in Nf1 Flox/Flox ; Ink4a/Arf Flox/Flox and Nf1 Flox/− ; Ink4a/Arf Flox/Flox paired littermate mice to model tumors from NF1-wild-type and NF1-associated patients, respectively. In these models, Nf1 haploinsufficiency in hematopoietic cells accelerated tumor onset and increased levels of tumor-infiltrating immune cells comprised of CD11b + cells, monocytes, and mast cells. We observed that mast cells were also enriched in human NF1-associated MPNST. In a coclinical trial to examine how the tumor microenvironment influences the response to multiagent chemotherapy, we found that stromal Nf1 status had no effect. Taken together, our results clarify the role of the NF1-haploinsufficient tumor microenvironment in MPNST. Cancer Res; 77(16); 4486–97. ©2017 AACR .
My Life With Erwin: The Beginning of an Atom-Probe Legacy.

The atom-probe field ion microscope was introduced in 1967 at the 14th Field Emission Symposium held at the National Bureau of Standards (now, NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The atom-probe field ion microscope was, and remains, the only instrument capable of determining "the nature of one single atom seen on a metal surface and selected from neighboring atoms at the discretion of the observer". The development of the atom-probe is a story of an instrument that one National Science Foundation (NSF) reviewer called "impossible because single atoms could not be detected". It is also a story of my life with Erwin Wilhelm Muller as his graduate student in the Field Emission Laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University in the late 1960s and his strong and volatile personality, perhaps fostered by his pedigree as Gustav Hertz's student in the Berlin of the 1930s. It is the story that has defined by scientific career.
Assessing Representativeness of Kernels Using Descriptive Statistics

A kernel or mini-app is a self-contained small application that retains certain characteristics of the original application [7]. Working on a kernel or mini-app in the place of the original application can dramatically reduce the resources and effort required for performing software tasks such as performance optimization and porting to new platforms. However, using kernel as a proxy is based on the assumption that it represents the original application in the context of how it is being used. In this paper, we introduce an extension to the Fortran Kernel Generator (KGen) which is an automated kernel extraction tool [1]. The extension allows comparison of the execution characteristics between the original application and the generated kernel using descriptive statistics. From the comparison, the user is provided with statistics that provide information on the degree and context of representativeness of the kernel. KGen also utilizes the information generated to help it to automatically improve representativeness of the kernels whilst reducing the size of the workload generated. We applied this extension to three kernels. One is generated from a Fortran scientific library and the remaining two are generated from an earth system model. We have demonstrated that the descriptive statistics provided in the enhancement provide not only quantitative metrics and context of representativeness but also a way to improve the quality of representativeness of the kernels generated.
A dietary pattern based on estrogen metabolism is associated with breast cancer risk in a prospective cohort of postmenopausal women.

Increased exposure to estrogen is a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer, and dietary factors can influence estrogen metabolism. However, studies of diet and breast cancer have been inconclusive. We developed a dietary pattern associated with levels of unconjugated estradiol and the ratio of 2- and 16-hydroxylated estrogen metabolites in a subsample of Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Screening Trial (PLCO) participants (n = 653) using reduced rank regression, and examined its association with postmenopausal breast cancer prospectively in the larger PLCO cohort (n = 27,488). The estrogen-related dietary pattern (ERDP) was comprised of foods with positively-weighted intakes (non-whole/refined grains, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, cheese, fish/shellfish high in ω-3 fatty acids, franks/luncheon meats) and negatively-weighted intakes (nuts/seeds, other vegetables, fish/shellfish low in ω-3 fatty acids, yogurt, coffee). A 1-unit increase in the ERDP score was associated with an increase in total (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18), invasive (HR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04-1.24) and estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.24) breast cancer risk after adjustment for confounders. Associations were observed for the fourth quartile of ERDP compared with the first quartile for overall breast cancer (HR: 1.14; 95% CI: 0.98-1.32), invasive cases (HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.02-1.42) and ER-positive cases (HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.99-1.41). The increased risk associated with increasing ERDP score was more apparent in strata of some effect modifiers (postmenopausal hormone therapy non-users and non-obese participants) where the relative estrogen exposure due to that factor was lowest, although the p values for interaction were not statistically significant. Results suggest a dietary pattern based on estrogen metabolism is positively associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk, possibly through an estrogenic influence.
Forms as Simple and Individual Grounds of Things’ Natures

To understand Aristotle’s conception of form, we have to see clearly the relationship between his account and Plato’s Theory of Forms. I offer a novel interpretation of Aristotle’s Moderate Realism, in which forms are simple particulars that ground the character and mutual similarity of the entities they inform. Such an account has advantages in three areas: explaining (1) the similarity of particulars, (2) the synchronic unity of composite particulars, and (3) the diachronic unity or persistence of intrinsically changing particulars.
Episodic memories and the longitudinal impact of high school physics on female students' physics identity

Students enter physics classes with negative attitudes towards physics compared to the other sciences. Female students are more likely to opt out of a second higher-level physics course. Thus, the ...
Effect of Delaying the Addition of Polymeric Coagulant-Aid on Settled Water Turbidity

The effect of polymeric coagulant aids and the time of their addition relative to the addition of the primary metal coagulants was investigated in a series of jar tests. Solutions of humic acid were coagulated using iron and aluminum coagulants in conjunction with various commercial polymers. Turbidity, particle size distributions, pH and absorbance of UV light at 254 nm were measured in these experiments. The morphology of flocs was characterized by their fractal dimensions as determined by light scattering as a function of angle. Settled water turbidity appears to be more sensitive to the time of polymer addition when ferric coagulants are used as the primary coagulant in comparison with alum.
Sensing solutions for assessing and monitoring pipeline systems

Abstract: Pipeline systems are essential for the well-being and security of the people, the vitality of the economy, and the prosperity of society. Damage to pipelines can lead to potentially disastrous humanitarian, social, economic, and ecological consequences. Therefore, the assessment and monitoring of pipeline conditions are essential. An overview of sensing solutions for that purpose is presented. First, the most common types of pipeline and related damage are introduced. Then, current and emerging sensing solutions are presented, with accent on the applicability of each solution and its suitability to detect defects. The advantages and weaknesses are summarized, and a few illustrative examples briefly presented.
Small Animal Anesthesia and Pain Management : A Color Handbook

This is a concise and quick reference guide, clinically oriented, based on experience underpinned by published research data.The book covers anesthetic equipment, monitoring, premedication, intravenous induction agents, injectable anesthetic combinations, inhalant anesthesia, anesthesia for specific diseases, fluid therapy, anesthetic emergencies a
Expression of neuron specific enolase (NSE) in metastatic melanoma: Implications for progression of disease

5567 For immunotherapeutic treatment of organ-metastasized melanoma patients, we formulate melanoma cell vaccine from patients own tumor tissues. Antigen profiling is a critical aspect of immunotherapy. In view of well known heterogeneity of human melanoma, neither all tumor cells express all the antigens nor the antigens expressed by all cells are of same density. Very few studies have been undertaken to correlate antigen expression by the tumor cells used in vaccine with therapeutic outcome. Using a semiquantitative immunocytochemistry protocol, we have carried out antigen profiling of the autologous tumor cell vaccine. The following marker antigens were studied: CD20, CD24, CD33, CD34, CD44, CD117, CD133, CD166, ABCG2, Chk1, Chk2, 4-Oct, Muc-18, Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), and Nestin in 27 cell lines. There are two aspects to these antigen markers. First, their prevalence or absence in the tumor tissue of the patient. Second, their prevalence or absence in the tumor cell vaccine administered to the patient. Both are critical to make correlation of antigen expression with survival. All cell lines have expressed uniformly CD44. Of other antigens, CD20, CD33, CD166, Muc-18, Nestin, and NSE were expressed at varying levels in these cell lines. The rest of the antigens (CD24, CD34, CD117, CD133, ABCG2, Chk1, Chk2, and 4-Oct) were negative in all cell lines. Expression of Nestin was seen in 26/27 cell lines with >25% cells in 21 and 25% cells in 24 and 25% cells in 14 cell lines whereas
Psychosocial and Behavioral Correlates of Internalized Homonegativity in Midlife and Older Gay and Bisexual Men

This study investigated psychosocial and demographic variables that might influence internalized homonegativity (IH) in midlife and older gay and bisexual men (GBM). Data were collected from 802 community-dwelling GBM aged 40 to 94 years (M = 54.8) through an anonymous questionnaire that assessed levels of IH, coping self-efficacy, self-silencing, and other characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis successfully explained 22% of the variance in predicting IH, which was significantly related to coping self-efficacy, self-silencing, gay community volunteering, partnership status, and race, F = 59.74, p < .001. IH scores were highest in participants who were single, had lower education levels, were non-White, were less involved in gay community volunteering, experienced less coping self-efficacy, and reported higher levels of self-silencing behaviors. These data underscore the need for more tailored programming approaches for midlife and older GBM, focusing on underlying factors contributing to IH that include skill-building to increase coping self-efficacy, community involvement, and decrease self-silencing behaviors in this overlooked population.
In Situ Resistance Monitoring and Fatigue Life Prediction for Flip-Chip Solder Interconnects Using RAPID Mechanical Cycling Method

A mechanical loading technique for reliability assessment of flip-chip BGA interconnects was developed as a rapid alternative to traditional temperature cycling methods. Sinusoidal shear loading was used to accelerate fatigue cracking within the solder interconnects of a chip-scale test while shear force and circuit resistance were monitored in situ with resistance increases of 30% considered the point of failure in tested devices. Test parameters were selected and optimized by leveraging finite element analysis (FEA) simulations of mechanical cycling and temperature cycling to select shear force, frequency, and test duration such that the inelastic strain energy density (plastic work density per cycle) achieved in the mechanical cycling test agreed closely with that predicted by FEA for more traditional temperature cycling tests. These FEA simulations were conducted using Anand's constitutive material model to make accurate predictions of the inelastic strain energy density, accumulation per cycle, and therefore fatigue lifetimes of chip-scale devices containing Sn63/Pb37 solder interconnects using energy based fatigue models. With optimized test parameters, this mechanical loading method was able to induce the same inelastic strain energy density into the flip-chip interconnects as traditional temperature cycling (as predicted by FEA simulations). By monitoring resistance in situ, determinations were made as to the affects this amount of damage had on the performance and reliability of the studied device. Failure localization and crack visualization was achieved using MicroCT imaging to study interconnect cross-sections. Thus, the total amount of damage predicted for a thermal cycling test by FEA simulation can be generated in flip-chip interconnects at a much higher rate by utilizing the mechanical loading technique, reducing overall test time duration and associated testing costs. Assessments can then be made as to the impact the fatigue damage has had on the electrical performance of the device. Additionally, inexpensive mechanically analogous Si test vehicles were used to make predictions about the reliability of more expensive SiC devices using this mechanical cycling technique.
Relative Age Effects in Elite Olympic Weightlifters.

ABSTRACT Kollars, JM, Taber, CB, and Beyer, KS. Relative age effects in elite olympic weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1223-1228, 2021-The time of year in which an athlete is born may provide an advantage developmentally for competition, known as relative age effects (RAEs). The presence of RAEs in sport may result in athletes participating less or leaving the sport early. To determine if RAEs exist in elite Olympic weightlifting, data were examined from the past 5 Olympic Games. Using retrospective competition data, a total of 953 weightlifters (595 men and 358 women) who competed in the Olympic Games between 2000 and 2016 were included in this study. Athletes were divided into lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight for analysis. Using the subset weight classes, the observed date of birth distribution vs. the expected worldwide date of birth distribution were compared using multiple chi square tests. Relative age effects were present overall for weightlifters (χ2 = 189.428, p < 0.001), with over-representation in January (z = +12.6, 20.9%) and under-representation in June (z = -2.1, 6.3%), September (z = -3.2, 5.7%), and November (z = -3.0, 5.1%). Relative age effects were also present in men lightweight (χ2 = 74.773, p < 0.001), men middleweight (χ2 = 41.786, p < 0.001), men heavyweight (χ2 = 39.395, p < 0.001), and women lightweight (χ2 = 37.251, p < 0.001). Determining that RAEs are present in weightlifting is important because it will help maintain the amount of opportunity for all athletes regardless of when they were born in the year. Coaches should be aware of the possible advantages of training age and the effect of physical maturation as a result of these RAEs. Coaches may use this information for athlete selection, but the presence of RAEs should not discourage athletes from participating in the sport of weightlifting.
Facts and Myths of Dielectric Breakdown Processes—Part II: Post-Breakdown and Variability

Device dimension scaling and process complexity have revealed new phenomena such as post-breakdown (BD) and variability issues in advanced technology nodes. Coupling of the first BD phenomena and their methodologies discussed in part I with the development of post-BD methodologies allows engineers to use device stress-data to accurately predict the product failure lifetime. The statistical modeling and new advances in understanding the root cause of variability issues have mitigated these seemingly uncontrollable “catastrophes” so that the scaling of the advanced technology process can continue its successful path forward. These two important aspects of dielectric BD will be reviewed in part II.
What’s in a Task? Complications in the Study of the Task-Unrelated-Thought Variety of Mind Wandering:

In recent years, the number of studies examining mind wandering has increased considerably, and research on the topic has spread widely across various domains of psychological research. Athough the...
1 Pathophysiology of portal hypertension

Portal hypertension is a common clinical syndrome associated with chronic liver diseases and is characterized by a pathological increase in portal pressure. Increase in portal pressure is because of an increase in vascular resistance and an elevated portal blood flow. The site of increased intrahepatic resistance is variable and is dependent on the disease process. The site of obstruction may be: pre-hepatic, hepatic, and/or post-hepatic. In addition, part of the increased intrahepatic resistance is because of increased vascular tone. Another important factor contributing to increased portal pressure is elevated blood flow. Peripheral vasodilatation initiates the classical profile of decreased systemic resistance, expanded plasma volume, elevated splanchnic blood flow and elevated cardiac index. The elevated portal pressure leads to formation of portosystemic collaterals and oesophageal varices. Pharmacotherapy for portal hypertension is aimed at reducing both intrahepatic vascular tone and elevated splanchnic blood flow.
Synergistic roles of macrophages and neutrophils in osteoarthritis progression.

Objective To evaluate the role of immune cells and their effector cytokines in the pathogenesis and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in matched OA synovial fluid (SF) and synovial tissue samples. Methods Cells from matched samples of synovial tissue and SF acquired from individuals undergoing total knee replacement for OA (n = 39) were characterized for immune cell-associated surface markers and intracellular cytokine expression using polychromatic flow cytometry. Additional individuals with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren/Lawrence severity grades ≥1) who had available etarfolatide (inflammatory cell) imaging (n = 26) or baseline and 3-year data on progression of radiographic knee OA (n = 85) were also assessed. SF cytokine concentrations in all cohorts were evaluated for associations with synovial tissue and SF cell phenotypes and severity of radiographic knee OA. Results Macrophages (predominant in the synovial tissue, 53% of total cells) and neutrophils (predominant in the SF, 26% of total cells) were the major immune cell populations identified in the OA knee joints, exhibiting expression of or association with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and elastase, respectively, in the SF. Expression levels of TGFβ1 and elastase were significantly associated with severity of radiographic knee OA. Baseline SF concentrations of TGFβ1 and elastase along with radiographic knee OA severity scores were predictive of knee OA progression, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.810 (for TGFβ1), 0.806 (for elastase), and 0.846 (for both TGFβ1 and elastase combined), with greater stability of prediction when both markers were utilized. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the hitherto underappreciated role of neutrophils in the sterile inflammatory process and progression of OA. Two soluble mediators, SF elastase and TGFβ1, are strong predictors of knee OA progression, reflecting a synergistic role of neutrophil and macrophage populations in the pathogenesis and worsening of OA that could potentially be utilized to identify patients who may have a greater risk of more rapid disease progression.
Policing the Police: A Roadmap to Police Accountability Using Professional Liability Insurance

“I can’t breathe,” pleaded George Floyd in May 2020 after an officer stopped him for allegedly using a phony $20 bill. Police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Mr. Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes, killing Mr. Floyd and sparking protests around the country that continue to this day. A few years earlier, in Staten Island, Eric Garner uttered the same words as Officer Pantelo used an illegal chokehold on Mr. Garner that ended his life for allegedly selling untaxed cigarettes. In light of recent police shootings and violence, there have been rampant discussions about defunding and abolishing the police, the abolition of qualified immunity and police accountability more generally. These discussions have revealed that it is nearly impossible to weed out the bad officers so that the good officers can thrive. Incident after incident demonstrates to the nation what many of those in communities of color have long known, there is currently no real police accountability for police misconduct. It is our thesis that even if we defund, dismantle and reimagine a narrowed police force by transferring responsibilities to other professionals such as social services, healthcare and community services, we will still need a system of accountability for a police force focused more narrowly on routine, on-going and violent crimes. This article proposes a four-part solution to the current lack of real police accountability by restricting police union’s collective bargaining, narrowing qualified immunity and by using professional liability insurance as an instrument for identifying officers engaged in risky policing behaviors and pricing them out. Just as physicians, lawyers, accountants and other professionals carry insurance for protection against claims made by their clients, our solution proposes that police officers carry insurance to mitigate police misconduct. Our proposal offers a constructive roadmap to police accountability and aims to create a system that will save lives by detecting, preventing and deterring police misconduct, and at the same time, reduce taxpayer costs, and compensate victims fairly.
A lightweight supervised intrusion detection mechanism for IoT networks

Abstract As the Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming increasingly popular, we have experienced more security breaches that are associated with the connection of vulnerable IoT devices. Therefore, it is crucial to employ intrusion detection techniques to mitigate attacks that exploit IoT security vulnerabilities. However, due to the limited capabilities of IoT devices and the specific protocols used, conventional intrusion detection mechanisms may not work well for IoT environments. In this paper, we propose a novel intrusion detection model that uses machine learning to effectively detect cyber-attacks and anomalies in resource-constraint IoT networks. Through a set of optimizations including removal of multicollinearity, sampling, and dimensionality reduction, our model can identify the most important features to detect intrusions using much fewer training data and less training time. Extensive experiments were performed on the CICIDS2017 and NSL-KDD datasets respectively to evaluate the proposed approach. The experimental results on two popular datasets show that our model has a high detection rate and a low false alarm rate. It outperforms existing models in multiple performance metrics and is consistent in classifying major cyber-attacks, respectively. Most importantly, unlike traditional resource-intensive intrusion detection systems, the proposed model is lightweight and can be deployed on IoT nodes with limited power and storage capabilities.
Outcomes of BRAF Mutated vs. Wild Type Tumors in Melanoma Brain Metastasis.

Purpose/Objective(s) Melanoma is the third most common cause of metastatic brain tumors. A mutation of the BRAF protein, a kinase implicated in cell differentiation and growth, is present in approximately 50% of patients with melanoma. BRAF inhibitors, such as Vemurafenib, have been used as treatment for BRAF mutant melanoma brain metastasis (MBM). BRAF mutations may impact patient outcomes in melanoma brain metastasis. Materials/Methods Patients with Melanoma Brain Metastasis (MBM) and known BRAF mutation status treated at our tertiary care center (2010-2020) were evaluated. Overall Survival (OS) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS) were measured from diagnosis of MBM to date of death, progression, or last follow up. Many of these patients received multiple lines of treatment including targeted therapies at some point during their care. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine differences in OS and PFS. Results 238 patients with MBM were included. Of these, 116 of which were of BRAF mutant and 122 were BRAF wild type status. For BRAF wild type patients the median age at diagnosis was 68 years (Interquartile range (IQR) 26-89), 70% of the patients were male, and 99% were white. For BRAF mutant patients the median age at diagnosis was 58 years (IQR 23-85), 63% of the patients were male, and 99% were white. Overall Survival for BRAF wild type and BRAF mutant patients had a median of 26.1 and 31.1 months and a 2 year rate of 64% and 51%, respectively. With BRAF wild type as a reference, BRAF mutant MBM patients had an OS hazard ratio, HR = 0.87 (95% CI = 0.64 – 1.17, P = 0.35). Progression-Free Survival for BRAF wild type and BRAF mutant patients had a median of 16.9 and 18.9 and a 2-year rate of 45% and 44%, respectively. With BRAF wild type as a reference, BRAF mutant MBM patients had an PFS hazard ratio, HR = 1.05 (95% CI = 0.79 – 1.39, P = 0.73). Conclusion BRAF mutation status alone does not have a significant effect on OS or PFS in patients with MBM. Further studies need to be done to determine effectiveness of treatments within each cohort, as well as to control for other patient variables such as KPS/ECOG, number of lesions, and extra-cranial metastasis.
The Activin/FLRG pathway associates with poor COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalized patients

A subset of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, particularly the aged and those with co-morbidities, develop the most severe form of the disease, characterized by Acute Respiratory Disease Syndrome (ARDS), coincident with experiencing a "cytokine storm." Here, we demonstrate that cytokines which activate the NF-kappaB pathway can induce Activin A. Patients with elevated Activin A, Activin B, and FLRG at hospital admission were associated with the most severe outcomes of COVID-19, including the requirement for mechanical ventilation, and all-cause mortality. A prior study showed that Activin A could decrease viral load, which indicated there might be a risk to giving COVID-19 patients an inhibitor of Activin. To evaluate this, the role for Activin A was examined in a hamster model of SARS-CoV2 infection, via blockade of Activin A signaling. The hamster model demonstrated that use of an anti-ActivinA antibody did not worsen the disease and there was no evidence for increase in lung viral load and pathology. The study indicates blockade of Activin signaling may be beneficial in treating COVID-19 patients experiencing ARDS.
A High-Density 5kW 800V to 48VDC/DC Converter for Vehicle Applications

In this paper, a high density 5 kW LLC resonant converter is proposed to enable a single stage dc to dc conversion from 800V to 48V for vehicle applications. The proposed LLC converter with hybrid winding structure features high efficiency and high power density. The primary winding is implemented by using vertically oriented copper foil embedded in a 3Dprinted bobbin to reduce the AC losses and the parasitic capacitance. The secondary winding, synchronous rectifiers (SR) and output capacitors are integrated in the same printed circuit board. In addition, a direct cooling approach using an additive manufactured (AM) manifold is proposed to further increase the power density of the converter. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed LLC design, a converter prototype has been developed with comprehensive experimental studies undergoing. Preliminary experimental results are presented in this digest. With the AM manifold, the prototype has achieved a power density over 5 kW/L.
Regulation of Pentitol Metabolism by Aerobacter aerogenes II. Induction of the Ribitol Pathway

The incubation of Aerobacter aerogenes PRL-R3 with ribitol resulted in the induction of ribitol dehydrogenase and d-ribulokinase, coordinately controlled enzymes of the pathway of ribitol catabolism. A dehydrogenase-negative mutant was unable to induce d-ribulokinase activity following incubation with ribitol. Similar experiments using a kinase-negative mutant resulted in normal induction of ribitol dehydrogenase, as compared to the wild-type PRL-R3 strain. Constitutive or induced cells for l-fucose isomerase were capable of catalyzing the isomerization of d-arabinose to d-ribulose. In contrast to the experiments using ribitol as the substrate, the isomerization of d-arabinose resulted in the induction of d-ribulokinase with dehydrogenase-negative cells. These data indicated that d-ribulose, rather than ribitol, acts as the inducer of the enzymes for ribitol degradation.
A longitudinal view of HTTP traffic

In this paper we analyze three and a half years of HTTP traffic observed at a small research institute to characterize the evolution of various facets of web operation. While our dataset is modest in terms of user population, it is unique in its temporal breadth. We leverage the longitudinal data to study various characteristics of the traffic, from client and server behavior to object and connection characteristics. In addition, we assess how the delivery of content is structured across our datasets, including the use of browser caches, the efficacy of network-based proxy caches, and the use of content delivery networks. While each of the aspects we study has been investigated to some extent in prior work, our contribution is a unique long-term characterization.
New inverter output filter configuration reduces common mode and differential mode dv/dt at the motor terminals in PWM drive systems

In this paper, a new inverter output filter is proposed for PWM induction motor drive systems. The proposed filter is shown to effectively reduce both the differential mode and common mode dv/dt at the motor terminals even in the presence of long motor leads. Reducing differential mode dv/dt reduces overvoltages at the motor terminals and lowers the stress on the motor insulation. Lowering common mode dv/dt is shown to significantly reduce high frequency leakage currents to ground and induced shaft voltage in the motor. An important advantage of the proposed concept is that the filter can be installed within the inverter enclosure to achieve both differential mode and common mode dv/dt reductions at the motor terminals. Thus the use of the proposed filter can contribute to enhanced bearing life and improved reliability of PWM induction motor drive systems. Analysis, design equations and experimental results on a 480 V, 20 hp, PWM motor drive system are presented. The proposed filter configuration is an excellent candidate for many new and retrofit PWM motor drive systems.
Characterization of Serum Cytokine Profile in Predominantly Colonic Inflammatory Bowel Disease to Delineate Ulcerative and Crohn's Colitides.

Background: As accessible diagnostic approaches fail to differentiate between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s colitis (CC) in one-third of patients with predominantly colonic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to inappropriate therapy, we aim to investigate the serum cytokine levels in these patients in search of molecular biometric markers delineating UC from CC. Methods: We measured 38 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors using magnetic-bead-based multiplex immunoassay in 25 UC patients, 28 CC patients, and 30 controls. Our results are compared with those from a review of current literature regarding advances in serum cytokine profiles and associated challenges preventing their use for diagnostic/prognostic purposes. Results: Univariate analysis showed statistically significant increases of eotaxin, GRO, and TNF-α in UC patients compared to controls (Ctrl); interferon γ, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-7 in CC group compared to Ctrl; and IL-8 in both UC and CC versus Ctrl. No cytokines were found to be different between UC and CC. A generalized linear model identified combinations of cytokines, allowing the identification of UC and CC patients, with area under the curve (AUC) = 0.936, as determined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Conclusions: The current knowledge available about circulating cytokines in IBD is often contradictory. The development of an evidence-based tool using cytokines for diagnostic accuracy is still preliminary.
Synthesis and conformational study of poly(L-valyl-L-valyl-L-lysine) in solution and in solid state

The synthesis and the conformational study of poly(L-valyl-L-valyl-L-lysine) were carried out in aqueous and in organic solvents as well as in the solid state. X-ray measurements indicate the presence of β-helices. IR, UV, and CD spectra suggest the occurrence of β-, unordered, and α-conformations both in solution and in the solid state. The gradual transition from the charged to the uncharged state seems to increase the β-helical structure at the expense of the random coil content. The same trend is observed passing from water solution to methanol/water, acetonitrile/water and trimethyl phosphate/water mixtures. Again, as for other sequential copolypeptides containing the valyl residue, more than one conformation is detected and the β-structure results the most ordered in the solid state.
Maser theory of pulsar radiation

In this paper we present an account of a theory of pulsar radio emission. The emission mechanism is via a maser amplification process. This theory avoids the difficulty of coherent plasma emission, that the bandwidth of radiation must be less than 1/2 λ. The high brightness radio temperature and the insensitivity of pulsar radio flux to pulsar periods can be easily accounted for.
Instrumental assay of microbial lipase at constant pH.

A rapid, accurate method with high sensitivity and reproducibility, and having the advantage of a short incubation period under constant pH, has been developed for routine measurement of microbial lipase. Assembled from readily available and economical instrumental components, the apparatus includes a pH meter, a thermoelectric heating and stirring device, a motor-driven burette, and an automatic recorder. The reaction mixture, consisting of 5 ml of a 10% olive oil-gum arabic emulsion, 2 ml of 3 m NaCl, 2 ml of sodium taurocholate (15 mg/ml) of 0.075 m CaCl2, 5 ml of water, and 1 ml of enzyme solution, was adjusted to pH 8.0 and 37 C. The pH was maintained at a constant value by automatic addition of 0.01 n NaOH during the incubation period, which usually lasted 5 min. A lipase unit, derived from the use of this technique, may be defined as the number of microequivalents of acid liberated per minute under the specified conditions. The method was sensitive to 0.01 units. Various organisms tested produced 0.17 to 1.32 units per ml of the cell filtrate. An Arrhenius plot for staphylococcal lipase yielded 14,500 cal for function A (energy of activation).
Anatomy of the pubovisceral muscle origin: Macroscopic and microscopic findings within the injury zone.

Aims The levator ani muscle (LA) injury associated with vaginal birth occurs in a characteristic site of injury on the inner surface of the pubic bone to the pubovisceral portion of the levator ani muscle's origin. This study investigated the gross and microscopic anatomy of the pubic origin of the LA in this region. Methods Pubic origin of the levator ani muscle was examined in situ then harvested from nine female cadavers (35–98 years). A combination of targeted feature sampling and sequential sampling was used where each specimen was cut sequentially in approximately 5 mm thick slices apart in the area of known LA injury. Histological sections were stained with Masson's trichrome. Results The pubovisceral origin is transparent and thin as it attaches tangentially to the pubic periosteum, with its morphology changing from medial to lateral regions. Medially, fibers of the thick muscle belly coalesce toward multiple narrow points of bony attachment for individual fascicles. In the central portion there is an aponeurosis and the distance between muscle and periosteum is wider (∼3 mm) than in the medial region. Laterally, the LA fibers attach to the levator arch where the transition from pubovisceral muscle to the iliococcygeal muscle occurs. Conclusions The morphology of the levator ani origin varies from the medial to lateral margin. The medial origin is a rather direct attachment of the muscle, while lateral origin is made through the levator arch. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:774–780, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF HYDRALAZINE (Hz) IN INFANTS WITH IDIOPATHIC DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY (CM)

Experience with vasodilator therapy for CM has been limited primarily to adults. Thus, we evaluated the effects of Hz (0.5-1.0 mg/kg IV) during cardiac cath in 13 infants with CM. Ages were 2 to 13 (mean=6.7)months. Each infant had congestive heart failure (CHF) and angiographic evidence of markedly depressed LV ejection fraction (0.24±0.11; mean±1S.D.) with LV dilation (LV end-diastolic volume = 349±125% of normal). Hemodynamic measurements obtained immediately prior to Hz were compared to those taken 30 min after Hz. Results for mean arterial pressure (MAP;mmHg), systemic arteriolar resistance (Rs;units/M2), stroke volume index (SVI;ml/beat/M2)and cardiac index(CI;1/min/M2;by thermodilution)are tabulated below: The 41±14% decrease in Rs was accompanied by a 45±16% increase in CI. Hz increased heart rate (122±19 to 138±18; p<0.001) but this change did not account entirely for the rise in CI, as evidenced by the increase in SVI. Hz also reduced pulmonary resistance and wedge pressure. Oral Hz has been included in the treatment regimen of 10 infants followed for 1 to 38(mean=11) months. Of these, 9 have sustained clinical improvement. We conclude that Hz can be a beneficial adjunct to the management of CHF in young infants with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Serial echocardiographic Doppler evaluation of diastolic function in the normal human fetus

The assessment of diastolic function in the developing fetus is difficult because of constantly changing conditions of loading. Previous reports suggesting improved ventricular compliance with fetal development are limited by the Doppler indices utilized. Using load-dependent and independent variables, we examined and compared serially right and left ventricular diastolic function in 11 normal fetuses (44 echocardiographic studies) at 22±1.0 weeks; 30±1.0 weeks; 36±1.0 weeks of gestation and 64±25 hours postnatally. Load-dependent indices included early to late time velocity integral ratios and percentage of early filling to total diastolic filling. The load-independent index was the peak filling rate normalized to the total time velocity integral. Both right and left ventricular time velocity integral ratios were similar initially, and shifted from late to early diastole with increasing gestational age (greater ratios). The shift in left ventricular ratios was greater, and increased earlier in fetal development. The right ventricular normalized peak filling rate decreased with increasing gestational age, while the left ventricular normalized peak filling rate remained constant, but was greater than the right ventricular rate postnatally. Both right and left ventricular filling shifts from late “active” to early “passive” diastole during fetal development. Left ventricular ratios are greater and increase earlier in fetal development, likely influenced by changes in preload. The right and left ventricular normalized peak filling rates were similar prenatally, indicating similar diastolic filling properties, but disparate postnatally, consistent with improved left ventricular relaxation immediately preceding or at the time of onset of transitional circulation.
Explaining Jewish Student Failure.

This paper will first present a description of the community of one particular Jewish school. It will then review some of the more widely debated theories of student failure and suggest an alternative explanation as the cause of failure for these Jewish students, i.e. the lack of a compelling reward as the end product of schooling. STUDENT FAILURE, BLACK STUDENTS, JEWISH EDUCATION, MINORITY EDUCATION, ANTHROPOLOGY OF EDUCATION.
Adaptive wavefront correction: a hybrid VLSI/optical system implementing parallel stochastic gradient descent

We present a hybrid VLSI/Optical system for real-time adaptive phase distortion compensation. On-chip CMOS circuitry performs parallel perturbative stochastic gradient descent/ascent of an externally supplied optimization metric, e.g. a direct measure of image or laser beam quality. Our custom mixed-mode analog-digital VLSI system can directly control several adaptive optics elements such as micro-electromechanical mirrors, liquid crystal spatial light modulators and tilt mirrors. Here we use a tilt mirror and a MEMS mirror with 37 control parameters each of which is adjusted independently and in parallel to manipulate the wavefront phase profile. We present experimental results demonstrating successful operation for an adaptive laser- beam transmitter system. The parallel VLSI architecture is extendable to higher resolutions (N equals 103 to 106 parameters).
Core and valence level characterization of the interfacial reaction between partially oxidized Ti films and graphite.

Abstract The solid state reaction between partially oxidized Ti films and highly oriented pyrolitic graphite (HOPG) was studied by soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). The reaction readily occurs upon room-temperature deposition, and is apparently catalyzed by the presence of oxide species. The interfacial reaction is also characterized by its influence on the surface electronic structure of HOPG through modification of the C 1s core-hole screening process. The characteristics of the electronic structures of the films and the interface are described by analysis of the valence band photoemission spectra. An electron-transfer model, previously suggested by the other workers, may be used to describe this catalytical reaction.
Regional depletion of central nervous system catecholamines: effects on blood pressure and drinking behavior.

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to identify which catecholamine-containing neurons (norepinephrine (NE) or dopamine (DA)) and which central nervous system (CNS) region(s) innervated by them might participate in the pressor and drinking responses produced by central drug stimulation. Forebrain NE was reduced in rats by injecting 4 μg of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the ascending noradrenergic bundles. Spinal cord NE was depleted by intracisternal injection of 50 μg 6-OHDA. Depletion of forebrain DA was produced by bilateral injection of 4 μg 6-OHDA into the substantia nigra of desipramine-pretreated rats. Pressor responses to various doses of angiotensin II (AII), carbachol or hyperosmolar NaCl injected into the lateral ventricles (LVT); and drinking responses to LVT AII and carbachol were examined. Injection of 6-OHDA into the noradrenergic bundles reduced telencephalic and hypothalamic NE by more than 80% without significantly affecting brain DA or spinal cord NE. Intracisternal 6-OHDA depleted spinal cord NE by 80% and forebrain NE by 20–25% without reducing brain DA. Injection of 6-OHDA into the substantia nigra reduced telencephalic DA by 86% and NE by 29% without significantly affecting NE in other CNS regions. Substantia nigra 6-OHDA injected animals evidenced attenuated drinking to both LVT AII and carbachol. Pressor responses to LVT AII, carbachol and hypertonic saline were largely unaffected. Almost complete depletion of brain and/or spinal cord NE failed to alter centrally mediated drinking or pressor responses. These data indicate that the integrity of brain DA neurons is required for the behavioral but not hypertensive responses produced by central drug stimulation.
SURF III - An Improved Storage Ring for Radiometry

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates the newly upgraded Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF III) mainly as a light source for radiometry. SURF III provides continuum radiation from the far-infrared to the soft X-ray spectral range and has its peak output in the extreme ultraviolet. SURF III is a circular-orbit, weak-focusing (single dipole magnet) storage ring, a feature which is advantageous if the synchrotron radiation output is calculated. We report the improvements achieved during a recent upgrade from SURF II to SURF III and our strategy to accurately determine the magnetic flux density, radio frequency (RF), beam current, and beam size, which are the parameters necessary to characterize the source completely.