cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss of tritiated water during liquid scintillation counting with special reference to polyethylene-film tubes

Loss of tritiated water (THO) from aqueous samples can occur either as bulk water loss to a desiccating environment without concomitant changes in specific activity or through water vapor exchange between the radiolabeled sample and a humidfied environment, the latter decreasing the specific activity of the labeled sample without affecting sample volume. THO is lost from liquid scintillation (LS) vials as a function of vial composition. One half of the label is lost from 20 ml borosilicate glass vials in around 2 30 days whereas polyethylene vials lose half the THO in 90 days (20 ml vials) or 27 days (3 ml vials) and polyethylene-film tubes (Filmware ®) lose the same amount in under 4 days. THO moves directly through the wall of the film tube and appears to diffuse through the polyethylene in contact with the solvent as well as through the air space above the scintillator. The closure seams of the tube do not constitute a significant pathway for THO loss. The composition of the scintillant in the tubes can change the halftime of THO loss from 1,5 day (“Ready-Solv HP”,® Beckman) to 4 days (“Liquiscint”, ® National Diagnostics). The absolute loss of THO activity from sol-gel scintillators in either uncapped glass vials or sealed film tubes decreases as the fraction of unlabeled water in the scintillation solution increases. THO is lost from solutions of tritiated biomolecules in film tubes with two rate constants, one reflecting THO permeation of the tube and the second indicative of T-H exchange between water and the labeled molecule. Although filmware tubes are highly cost effective for counting most beta emitters they are unsuitable for counting tritiated water or biomolecules with labile tritium.
Grip strength of cerebral palsied.

Grip strength of 120 cerebral palsied and 136 able-bodied was measured to establish comparative values. The cerebral-palsied male and female had average grip strength of 228 N and 171 N in the dominant hand, respectively. The corresponding values for able-bodied male and female were 505 N and 308 N, respectively.
Fluorescein angiography of the canine posterior segment using a dSLR camera adaptor.

Purpose To describe the use of a digital single lens reflex (dSLR) camera adaptor for conducting posterior segment fluorescein angiography in canines. Methods Ten beagle dogs free of ocular and systemic disease were used. All dogs received maropitant citrate (1.0 mg/kg SQ), diphenhydramine (2.0 mg/kg SQ), and topical 1% tropicamide 20 min prior to sedation using butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg IV). Standard color and red-free fundus images were obtained prior to the administration of 10% sodium fluorescein (20 mg/kg IV). Image acquisition was performed using a dSLR camera (Canon 7D), dSLR camera adaptor, camera lens (Canon 60 mm macro), and a 60D indirect ophthalmic lens, in addition to an accessory flash (Canon 580EXII). Two combinations of excitation and barrier filters were assessed (absorptive vs. interference). Imaging occurred at a rate of 1/s immediately following the fluorescein bolus for a total of 30 s and then at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min. Results Quality high resolution fluorescein angiographic images of the canine posterior segment were obtainable. All angiographic phases were identified and time sequences were recorded. Use of interference filters improved image contrast and transmission properties as compared to absorptive filters. No adverse events were noted. Conclusions The described dSLR camera adaptor provides an alternative to existing posterior segment imaging systems capable of performing fluorescein angiography. High resolution image acquisition occurred at a fraction of the cost of established imaging systems.
An empirical analysis of c preprocessor use

This is the first empirical study of the use of the C macro preprocessor, Cpp. To determine how the preprocessor is used in practice, this paper analyzes 26 packages comprising 1.4 million lines of publicly available C code. We determine the incidence of C preprocessor usage-whether in macro definitions, macro uses, or dependences upon macros-that is complex, potentially problematic, or inexpressible in terms of other C or C++ language features. We taxonomize these various aspects of preprocessor use and particularly note data that are material to the development of tools for C or C++, including translating from C to C++ to reduce preprocessor usage. Our results show that, while most Cpp usage follows fairly simple patterns, an effective program analysis tool must address the preprocessor. The intimate connection between the C programming language and Cpp, and Cpp's unstructured transformations of token streams often hinder both programmer understanding of C programs and tools built to engineer C programs, such as compilers, debuggers, call graph extractors, and translators. Most tools make no attempt to analyze macro usage, but simply preprocess their input, which results in a number of negative consequences; an analysis that takes Cpp into account is preferable, but building such tools requires an understanding of actual usage. Differences between the semantics of Cpp and those of C can lead to subtle bugs stemming from the use of the preprocessor, but there are no previous reports of the prevalence of such errors. Use of C++ can reduce some preprocessor usage, but such usage has not been previously measured. Our data and analyses shed light on these issues and others related to practical understanding or manipulation of real C programs. The results are of interest to language designers, tool writers, programmers, and software engineers.
A high efficiency ultra-deep sub-micron DC-DC converter for microprocessor applications

An integral part of the voltage scaling system for a microprocessor is the high-efficiency DC-DC converter, which directly provides the core Vdd. Built in an ultra-deep sub-micron (UDSM) baseline 90 nm process, this converter must meet several challenging design constraints. First, using only 30 angstrom CMOS, the design must convert to the nominal core voltage of 1.2 V from a direct-battery input that can be as high as 5.4 V. Second, the converter must detect the output current to switch between pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) and pulse-width modulation (PWM) modes thereby enabling efficient conversion at a broad range of loads. Finally, since there is no post-regulation of the output, this converter must have improved output accuracy without any additional external components. This paper highlights the design techniques used to overcome these challenges as well as the optimizations that can be done when the converter is fully integrated with the microprocessor. Also discussed are future designs that will migrate this converter to the baseline 65 nm process.
An analysis/synthesis model for the human visual system based on subspace decomposition and multirate filter bank theory

A two-stage model of the human visual system (HVS) comprised of low-level (analysis) and a high-level (synthesis) processing stages is presented. The processing done at the low-level stage is described using two approaches, one based on a subspace decomposition and the other on a multirate filter bank. These two models simultaneously provide the high-level processing stage with different perspectives or representations of the retinal image. Based on these representations, the high-level processing stage attempts to perceive the encoded visual information. A single framework, which models the hypercolumn-based structure in the striate cortex and combines the different retinal image representations, is proposed. The model resolves differences among previously proposed HVS models, and suggests the development of image processing algorithms which combine and exploit the information provided by different transformations or representations of the input image. >
The Remaking of British Administrative Culture Why Whitehall can't Go Home Again

This article analyzes the basis and success of Margaret Thatcher's attempts to shape the senior British civil service into a responsive instrument of policy implementation from the standpoint of her political values. It also considers some key questions affecting the roles of civil servants in the post-Thatcher period. Emphasis is given to efforts to alter roles and attitudes in four central areas: deprivileging, reorganization, managerialism, and politicization. Although granting that Thatcherism has not succeeded in transforming all elements of traditional Whitehall culture, it is argued that for a number of reasons Thatcher's actions have erected formidable barriers to any hoped—for return to the heyday of the British mandarin or to the attitudes associated with it.
A comparison of thymidylate synthetase activities from 5-fluorodeoxyuridine sensitive and resistant variants of mouse neuroblastoma.

— We have previously described a 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR) resistant variant of mouse neuroblastoma possessing an 8-fold elevation in methylenetetrahydrofolate: dUrd-5′-P C-methyltransferase (EC2.1.1.b) [trivial name: thymidylate synthetase] specific activity relative to that of the sensitive parental clone. This increased specific activity is not associated with a change in cytoplasmic inhibitors or activators, a decreased degradation rate of the enzyme, or the synthesis of a new species with an increased Vmax, but appears to represent an increased synthesis of the enzyme species found in the sensitive parental clone. More resistant cell populations demonstrate even higher specific activities of this enzyme. The enzymatic activities from both the FUdR sensitive and resistant cells have identical stabilities to sonication, freezing, heat, urea, and sodium dodecyl sulfate, are equally and strongly inhibited by 5-fluorodeoxyuridine-5′-phosphate, and have the same affinity for the substrate 2′-deoxyuridine-5′-phosphate (Km= 1·4 = 10−6m). Both are stimulated by the addition of mercaptans and partially protected from heat denaturation in the presence of substrate. Unlike Don Chinese hamster cells (Conrad & Ruddle 1972) an actinomycin d pulse of neuroblastoma cells in monolayer culture did not increase the thymidylate synthetase specific activity. Mixed growth of FUdR sensitive and resistant cells produced only additive activities.
An organizational model for developing multidisciplinary clinical research in the academic medical center.

Objective. To assess the impact of a new organizational model designed to stimulate multidisciplinary clinical research. Methods. We conducted a prospective, 3½-year follow up of a research training program for residents, fellows, faculty, nurses, and allied health professionals in rheumatology and orthopedic surgery. Program components included a multidisciplinary clinical research conference, a clinical research methods curriculum, consultations, a patient registry, and regular meetings of a Research Methodology Core group. Measures included participation in each program component and the number of new investigators who developed funded clinical research projects. Results. The multidisciplinary clinical research conference was attended by 369 new health professionals; 218 professionals participated in at least one of the courses; and 280 consultations were provided to 108 professionals. Thirteen new investigators developed 17 new grant proposals, of which 14 were externally funded. Investigators who successfully procured funding for new projects demonstrated significantly more participation in program components compared with those who did not (P < 0.001 overall). Conclusion. Participation in the program was significantly correlated with the development of new prospective patient-based studies. We conclude that our model has the potential to foster such research in other settings.
ONTOGENESIS OF DOPAMINERGIC‐CHOLINERGIC INTERACTIONS IN THE RAT STRIATUM: A NEUROCHEMICAL STUDY

— In the striatum of the newborn rat, the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase, the concentration of dopamine and the activity of the synaptosomal high-affinity uptake process for dopamine is 10% of that of the adult; there is a linear and closely associated increase in all three parameters during maturation, achieving 75% of adult levels by 4 weeks after birth. In contrast, the specific activity of choline acetyltransferase exhibits a more delayed developmental rise commencing 1 week after birth; the concentration of acetylcholine is disproportionately high in the neonatal striatum and precedes the developmental increase in the activity of choline acetyltransferase. At birth, the specific activity of dopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase is 20% of that of the adult striatum and achieves adult activity by 4 weeks after birth. Pretreatment with the neuroleptic, fluphenazinc. does not reduce the striatal content of acetylcholine until 8 days after birth. It is postulated that dopaminergic influences on cholinergic neuronal activity appear when the cholinergic neurons in the striatum cease dividing and start differentiating.
Specificity and Kinetics of Interstrand and Intrastrand Bifunctional Alkylation by Nitrogen Mustards at a G-G-C Sequence

Previous work showed that melphalan-induced mutations in the aprt gene of CHO cells are primarily transversions and occur preferentially at G-G-C sequences, which are potential sites for various bifunctional alkylations involving guanine N-7. To identify the DNA lesion(s) which may be responsible for these mutations, an end-labeled DNA duplex containing a frequent site of melphalan-induced mutation in the aprt gene was treated with melphalan, mechlorethamine or phosphoramide mustard. The sequence specificity and kinetics of formation of both interstrand and intrastrand crosslinks were determined. All mustards selectively formed two base-staggered interstrand crosslinks between the 5'G and the G opposite C in the 5'G-G-C sequence. Secondary alkylation was much slower for melphalan than for the other mustards and the resulting crosslink was more stable. Mechlorethamine and phosphoramide mustard induced intrastrand crosslinks between the two contiguous Gs in the G-G-C sequence in double-stranded DNA, but melphalan did not. Molecular dynamic simulations provided a structural explanation for this difference, in that the monofunctionally bound intermediates of mechlorethamine and phosphoramide mustard assumed thermodynamically stable conformations with the second arm in a position appropriate for intrastrand crosslink formation, while the corresponding melphalan monoadduct did not.
Porcelain—Raw Materials, Processing, Phase Evolution, and Mechanical Behavior

Porcelain represents the foundation of the ceramics discipline and one of the most complex ceramic materials. Composed primarily of clay, feldspar, and quartz, porcelains are heat-treated to form a mixture of glass and crystalline phases. This review focuses on raw materials, processing, heat treatment, and mechanical behavior. Because of the complexities of the porcelain system and despite the substantial amount of research already conducted within the field, there remain significant opportunities for research and study, particularly in the areas of raw material understanding, processing science, and phase and microstructure evolution.
Bayesian network model for reliability assessment of power systems

This paper presents an application of Bayesian networks (BN) to the problem of reliability assessment of power systems. Bayesian networks provide a flexible means of representing and reasoning with probabilistic information. Uncertainty and dependencies are easily incorporated in the analysis. Efficient probabilistic inference algorithms in Bayesian networks permit not only computation of the loss of load probability but also answering various probabilistic queries about the system. The advantages of BN models for power system reliability evaluation are demonstrated through examples. Results of a reliability case study of a multi-area test system are also reported.
The kinetic dose limit in room‐temperature time‐resolved macromolecular crystallography

Protein X-ray structures are determined with ionizing radiation that damages the protein at high X-ray doses. As a result, diffraction patterns deteriorate with the increased absorbed dose. Several strategies such as sample freezing or scavenging of X-ray-generated free radicals are currently employed to minimize this damage. However, little is known about how the absorbed X-ray dose affects time-resolved Laue data collected at physiological temperatures where the protein is fully functional in the crystal, and how the kinetic analysis of such data depends on the absorbed dose. Here, direct evidence for the impact of radiation damage on the function of a protein is presented using time-resolved macromolecular crystallography. The effect of radiation damage on the kinetic analysis of time-resolved X-ray data is also explored.
Postoperative management of heart failure in pediatric patients

ABSTRACTLow cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a well-described entity occurring in 25–65% of pediatric patients undergoing open-heart surgery. With judicious intensive care management of LCOS, most patients have an uncomplicated postoperative course, and within 24 h after cardiopulmonary bypass, the cardiac function returns back to baseline. Some patients have severe forms of LCOS not responsive to medical management alone, requiring temporary mechanical circulatory support to prevent end-organ injury and to decrease myocardial stress and oxygen demand. Occasionally, cardiac function does not recover and heart transplantation is necessary. Long-term mechanical circulatory support devices are used as a bridge to transplantation because of limited availability of donor hearts. Experience in usage of continuous flow ventricular assist devices in the pediatric population is increasing.
House prices, bank balance sheets, and bank credit supply

Credit booms and housing booms tend to go hand in hand. The causal effect between the two events, however, is not clear. This paper estimates the impact of house prices on bank credit extension by using housing supply elasticity as a potential source of exogenous variation in house price cycles during the period of 1996 to 2006. It shows that house price appreciation causes banks to extend not only more real estate loans but also more commercial & industrial loans, which are largely financed by a rapid growth in non-core liabilities such as brokered deposits. To further investigate whether the housing-driven credit growth is due to the bank-lending channel or the credit-demand channel, we rely on bank origination of small business loans at the county level and decompose the growth in small business loans into supply shocks and demand shocks. We find that house prices have a significantly positive impact on bank supply of small business loans. Finally, we show that bank supply of small business loans is positively correlated with employment growth of small establishments at the county level.
Altered expression of developmental regulators of parvalbumin and somatostatin neurons in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia

Dysfunction of prefrontal cortex (PFC) inhibitory neurons that express the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin or the neuropeptide somatostatin in schizophrenia may be related to disturbances in the migration, phenotypic specification, and/or maturation of these neurons. These pre- and postnatal developmental stages are regulated in a cell type-specific manner by various transcription factors and co-activators, fibroblast growth factor receptors (FgfR), and other molecular markers. Consequently, we used quantitative PCR to quantify mRNA levels for these developmental regulators in the PFC of 62 schizophrenia subjects in whom parvalbumin and somatostatin neuron disturbances were previously reported, and in antipsychotic-exposed monkeys. Relative to unaffected comparison subjects, subjects with schizophrenia exhibited elevated mRNA levels for 1) the transcription factor MafB, which is expressed by parvalbumin and somatostatin neurons as they migrate from the medial ganglionic eminence to the cortex, 2) the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α, which is expressed postnatally by parvalbumin neurons to maintain parvalbumin levels and inhibitory function, and 3) FgfR1, which is required for the migration and phenotypic specification of parvalbumin and somatostatin neurons. Elevations in these markers were most prominent in younger schizophrenia subjects and were not present in antipsychotic-exposed monkeys. Finally, expression levels of other important developmental regulators (i.e. Dlx1, Dlx5, Dlx6, SATB1, Sip1/Zeb2, ST8SIA4, cMaf, Nkx6.2, and Arx) were not altered in schizophrenia. The over-expression of a subset of molecular markers with distinct roles in the pre- and postnatal development of parvalbumin and somatostatin neurons might reflect compensatory mechanisms to sustain the development of these neurons in the face of other insults.
Isolable, copper(I) dicarbonyl complexes supported by N-heterocyclic carbenes.

Cationic copper(I) dicarbonyl complexes supported by N-heterocyclic carbene ligands, SIPr and IPr*, have been synthesized. [(SIPr)Cu(CO)2][SbF6] and [(IPr*)Cu(CO)2][SbF6] have a trigonal planar, three-coordinate copper atom with an average Cu–CO distance of 1.915 A and display C–O stretching frequencies higher than that of the free CO (2143 cm–1). The high CO stretching frequencies suggest that the Cu(I)–CO interaction in these cationic adducts is dominated by electrostatic and OC → Cu σ-donor components. [(SIPr)Cu(CO)2][SbF6] and [(IPr*)Cu(CO)2][SbF6] readily form the corresponding [(SIPr)Cu(CO)(H2O)][SbF6] and [(IPr*)Cu(CO)(H2O)][SbF6] with loss of a CO even with traces of water, but they can be converted back to the dicarbonyl adducts using excess CO. The synthesis and structure of [(IPr*)Cu(H2O)][SbF6] are also reported. It is a two-coordinate copper adduct with a Cu–O distance of 1.874(2) A. It reacts with excess CO to form [(IPr*)Cu(CO)2][SbF6].
Electrical Measurement of Feeding by the Strawberry Aphid on Susceptible and Resistant Strawberries and Nonhost Plants

Probing behavior of the strawberry aphid, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell), whose principal natural host is strawberry ( Fragaria spp.), was measured electrically. The plants tested were strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne, cv. ‘Northwest’ and F. vesca L. var. ‘Alpine’ (susceptible hosts), strawberry selections ‘72-69-T’ and ‘Del Norte’ clone of F. chiloensis L. (resistant strawberries), and red raspberry, Rubus idaeus L., and broadbean, Vicia faba L. (nonhost plants). Although the aphid tended to probe less on broadbean, some individuals ingested for long periods of time. Feeding for 3- or 12-h periods was similar on all the other test plants. In longevity studies, the aphid survived well on Alpine strawberry but poorly on 72-69-T and Del Norte strawberries, raspberry, and broadbean.
A wind tunnel investigation of ship airwake/rotor downwash coupling using design of experiments methodologies

A wind tunnel investigation was performed to examine the interaction between ship airwakes and helicopter rotor downwash. This interaction is known to limit helicopter flight envelopes and increase overall pilot workload. A simplified 1/50th scale naval frigate model and appropriately scaled rotor model were chosen for this fundamental investigation. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) surveys were conducted to investigate the ship airwake/rotor downwash flowfield and to devise a velocity based coupling analysis technique to quantify the level of coupling between the rotor and airwake flowfields. The developed coupling technique examines the component-wise velocity discrepancies between the experimentally observed flowfield and the flowfield generated by superposition. Significant aerodynamic coupling was found below a rotor-over-deck height of Z/D=1.2 for an advance ratio of 0.075 and zero wind-over-deck angle. Detailed rotor thrust surveys were conducted as a first step in correlating thrust changes to coupled regions.
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes in term and premature neonates

Objective:Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation appears to improve survival in patients with acute refractory cardiopulmonary failure. This analysis was performed to determine survival outcomes and predictors of in-hospital mortality for term and preterm neonates who received extracorporeal c
EFFECT OF ADDITION OF AZ31 MAGNESIUM ALLOY INTO ZINC BATH ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND ERICHSEN NUMBER OF HOT-GALVANIZING COATING ON IF STEEL

The effect of addition of varied contents of AZ31 magnesium Alloy in liquid zinc on microstructures and Erichsen number of hot-galvanizing coating of IF steel was investigated.The results showed that the microstructure of the coating is prismatic structure and the Erichsen number is small when magnesium content is less than 1%(mass%).With the increasing of magnesium content and the alloying of the coating,the densification and the adhesiveness of the coating are improved and the Erichsen number grows.When magnesium content is more than 3.5%(mass%),the viscosity of the liquid zinc is obviously increased.So,the best magnesium content is 3.0%(mass%).
The Timer for Standard Bell Prover

A timer that was developed from general counter E312A and is suited to standard bell prover is introduced. The developed timer extends the functions of general counter and improves the accuracy of timer.
The acute scrotum.

In boys and adolescents, the acute scrotum usually results from one of three diseases: torsion of the spermatic cord, torsion of the appendix testis, or epididymitis. A rapid diagnosis of torsion of the cord, if present, is essential, and as soon as this diagnosis is made, arrangements must be made for timely surgical correction. Although a diagnosis for the acute scrotum in this age group can sometimes be made on the basis of the history, pathognomonic signs, and basic laboratory analysis of the urine and a urethral discharge, in the usual case diagnosis requires a Doppler ultrasound examination (which if positive for torsion makes the diagnosis), a radionuclide scan (for cases negative or indeterminate for torsion on the Doppler examination), or, as a last resort, scrotal exploration. In men, by far the most common cause of the acute scrotum is epididymitis, with the torsions being much less common. In heterosexual young men with epididymitis, N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis are the most likely etiologic organisms; in homosexual men and older men (and boys), E. coli, Pseudomonas sp., and the gram-positive cocci are the most common pathogens. Ceftriaxone plus tetracycline is the initial antimicrobial regimen of choice in heterosexual young men; in the absence of evidence of a sexually transmitted pathogen, one of the antimicrobials effective against common urinary tract pathogens is the initial antimicrobial of choice in all other patients. When torsion of the cord is suspected in adult male patients, the Doppler examination and the radionuclide scan (if the Doppler is negative or indeterminate) can again make the diagnosis or rule it out.
Beyond layers: A 3D-aware toolpath algorithm for fused filament fabrication

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is gaining traction for rapid prototyping and custom fabrication. Existing toolpath generation methods for FFF printers take as input a three-dimensional model of the target object and construct a layered toolpath that will fabricate the object in 2D slices of a chosen thickness. While this approach is computationally straightforward, it can produce toolpaths that can contain significant, yet unnecessary, extrusionless travel. In this paper we propose a novel 3D toolpath generation paradigm that leverages local feature independence in the target object. In contrast to existing FFF slicing methods which print an object layer by layer, our algorithm provides a means to print local features of an object without being constrained to a single layer. The key benefit of our approach is a tremendous reduction in “extrusionless travel,” in which the printer must move between features without performing any extrusion. We show on a benchmark of 409 objects that our method can yield substantial savings in extrusionless travel, 34% on average, that can directly translate to a reduction in total manufacturing time.
Negative Differential Resistance in Graphene Boron Nitride Heterostructure Controlled by Twist and Phonon-Scattering

The distinct negative differential resistance (NDR) mechanism arising from interlayer angular rotation in three-terminal graphene-BN heterostructures, as a function of both the twisting angle and the gate bias, is simulated and analyzed. Analytical expressions for the positions of the NDR peaks in the $I$ – $V$ characteristics are developed. To capture the degradation of peak-to-valley ratios observed in experiment at room temperature, electron–phonon scattering has been added to the simulation and good agreement with experiment is achieved. Our simulation also shows a robust preservation of NDR feature when temperature increases.
Privacy and Communication

(1982). Privacy and Communication. Annals of the International Communication Association: Vol. 6, Communication Yearbook 6, pp. 206-249.
WRF Forecasts of Great Plains Nocturnal Low-Level Jet-Driven MCSs. Part II: Differences between Strongly and Weakly Forced Low-Level Jet Environments

AbstractThe classic Great Plains southerly low-level jet (LLJ) is a primary factor in sustaining nocturnal convection. This study compares convection-allowing WRF forecasts of LLJ events associated with MCSs in strongly and weakly forced synoptic environments. The depth of the LLJs and magnitude, altitude, and times of the LLJ peak wind were evaluated in observations and WRF forecasts for 31 cases as well as for case subsets of strongly and weakly forced synoptic regimes. LLJs in strongly forced regimes were stronger, deeper, and peaked at higher altitudes and at earlier times compared to weakly forced cases. Mean error MCS-centered composites of WRF forecasts versus RUC analyses were derived at MCS initiation time for the LLJ atmospheric water vapor mixing ratio, LLJ total wind magnitude, convergence, most unstable convective available potential energy (MUCAPE), and most unstable convective inhibition (MUCIN). In most configurations, simulated MCSs in strongly and weakly forced regimes initiated to the n...
Culture-Negative Severe Sepsis: Nationwide Trends and Outcomes

Background Although 28% to 49% of severe sepsis hospitalizations have been described as being "culture negative," there are very limited data on the epidemiology and outcomes of those with culture-negative severe sepsis (CNSS). The objectives of this study were to investigate the proportion and trends of CNSS and its association with mortality. Methods Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2000 to 2010, we identified adults hospitalized with severe sepsis. Those without any specific organism codes were identified as "with CNSS." We examined the proportion of CNSS hospitalizations and rates of mortality associated with it. We also assessed the independent effect of CNSS on mortality. Results Of 6,843,279 admissions of patients with severe sepsis, 3,226,406 (47.1%) had culture-negative results. The age-adjusted proportion of CNSS increased from 33.9% in 2000 to 43.5% in 2010 ( P P P Conclusions CNSS among hospitalized patients is common, and its proportion is on the rise. CNSS is associated with greater acute organ dysfunction and mortality. Having CNSS is an independent predictor of death.
Detection and dissolution of needle-like hydroxyapatite nanomaterials in infant formula

Abstract The unknowns surrounding presence, composition and transformations during the use phase of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) in consumer products raises potential human and environmental health concerns and public discourse. This research developed evidence and confirmatory analytical methods to determine the presence and composition of ENPs in a consumer product with a complex organic matrix (six different infant formula samples). Nano-scale crystalline needle-shaped hydroxyapatite (HA; appx. 25 nm × 150 nm) primary particles, present as aggregates (0.3–2 μm), were detected in half the samples. This is the first report of these ENPs in infant formula. Dissolution experiments with needle-shaped HA were conducted to assess potential transformations of nano-HA particles. Rapid dissolution of needle-shaped HA occurred only under lower pH conditions present in simulated biological fluids (acidic gastric fluids), but not in simulated drinking water (near-neutral pH). Other non-nanosized HA minerals exhibited less dissolution under the same low pH conditions. This work demonstrates the occurrence of engineered nanomaterials in the food supply of a sensitive population (infants) and the need to consider transformations in nanomaterials that occur during use, which result in different exposures between pristine/as-produced ENPs and nanomaterials after passing through the human gut.
Improving student documentation using a feedback tool.

SummaryBackground Medical students are often given non-standardised midpoint feedback and final evaluation on their history and physical examination documentation, despite this written communication being one of the most important aspects of patient care. This study aims to assess the effect of using a standardised feedback tool on overall student documentation performance. Methods A standardised written evaluation form, called the history and physical examination write-up assessment (HAPA) form, was previously developed and published in The Clinical Teacher in 2011. This form evaluates the documentation of student communication, data collection and clinical reasoning, and was used to provide midpoint documentation feedback to one group of medical students, whereas a second group received non-standardised midpoint feedback on documentation. Final written history and physical examination documentation from both groups was then evaluated using the standardised tool to assess the effect of receiving more formalised midpoint documentation feedback using the HAPA form. Results The group receiving standardised midpoint feedback using the HAPA form performed significantly better on the final evaluations of their documentation, especially when examining communication and data collection documentation. Performance in clinical reasoning documentation did not demonstrate a significant change between the two groups. Medical students are often given non-standardised midpoint feedback and final evaluation Conclusions The use of a standardised evaluation tool, such as the HAPA form, may be associated with improved student documentation. This form provides educators with an effective tool to use when providing feedback and final evaluation of medical student documentation.
REGULATION OF MULTIPLE FORMS OF AMINO ACID CATABOLIZING ENZYMES IN RAT LIVER

ABSTRACT. That multiple forms of enzymes in rat liver are under regulatory control has been known for some time. Patterns of enzyme synthesis and regulation are complex. Single genes control multiple forms of the same enzyme, and multiple alleles for the same enzyme exist in different species. The synthesis of multiple forms of serine dehydratase and of tyrosine aminotransferase is regulated by one or more different hormones. Serine dehydratase occurs in two forms, one regulated by glucagon and the other by cortisone. In the case of tyrosine aminotransferase, one form appears to be comparable to that reported by others and different from the inducible tyrosine aminotransferase. The other three forms exhibit several hormonal controls, the synthesis of one form clearly being regulated by insulin. Ornithine aminotransferase occurs in soluble and intramitochondrial forms as distinguished by rate of labeling which indicates a precursor-product relationship between the soluble and the intramitochondrial form.
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The local management of stage III non-small cell lung cancer is controversial. Although definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is considered a standard-of-care in the curative management of the disease, inadequate local control outcomes have led to various treatment strategies that incorporate surgical resection. Surgery alone has long been recognized as insufficient for this stage, and thus neoadjuvant strategies have been developed to treat micrometastatic disease and increase the probability of a complete resection. The optimal induction strategy has not yet been defined, however, with arguments favoring either preoperative chemotherapy or CRT. In this article, the data supporting the use of neoadjuvant CRT and the randomized literature comparing the two approaches will be reviewed. The article will conclude with summary comparisons of these induction paradigms.
Kinetic modeling of ignition in miniature shock tube

Abstract The ignition delay times of toluene, n-heptane/iso-octane primary reference fuel blends, and toluene/n-heptane/iso-octane toluene primary reference fuel blends were studied in the miniature high repetition rate shock tube (HRRST). In the HRRST, the temperature and pressure change during the test time, complicating interpretation of ignition delay times. Two methods of chemical kinetic modeling were employed in order to account for the changing thermodynamic states. One was based on direct simulation using the pressure profile and the kinetic mechanism, and the other was based on a Livengood-Wu type approach using modeled constant state ignition delay times. Two different kinetic mechanisms were used in simulating the data. Both methods showed agreement with experimental data over a range of temperatures, pressures, and blends. While overall agreement was fair, agreement was poorer for one of the mechanisms for the primary reference fuel blends. An evaluation of the ignition delay iso-contours from these mechanisms for representative HRRST experiment thermodynamic trajectories revealed that the HRRST measured IDTs are controlled by the high temperature chemistry and are more sensitive to temperature. The different performance of mechanisms is therefore attributed to their different high temperature reactivity.
Mechanism of transcriptional activation of the immediate early gene Egr-1 in response to PIXY321.

Studies with the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM- CSF)/interleukin-3 (IL-3) fusion protein, PIXY321, demonstrated enhanced biological activity of this molecule in comparison with GM-CSF or IL-3 alone or in combination. Experiments were performed to study the mechanisms resulting in PIXY321-induced egr-1 expression in human myeloid leukemic cells (TF-1). Transfections of egr-1 promoter constructs revealed that PIXY321 stimulation resulted in fourfold induction of the -116 and -600 nucleotide (nt) constructs. We transfected a -116 nt construct containing a deletion of the cyclic AMP response element (CRE) or mutation in the serum response element (SRE) and demonstrated that both the SRE and CRE are necessary for maximal induction. However, PIXY321 stimulation resulted in 2.5-fold induction of a SRE-CRE-containing construct (P < .05), suggesting that the SRE and CRE are sufficient for PIXY321 responsiveness. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) revealed that the CRE binding protein (CREB) was phosphorylated on serine 133 in PIXY321-stimulated but not - unstimulated extracts from cells cultured in GM-CSF. By Western analysis and EMSA, CREB was constitutively phosphorylated in TF-1 cells grown on PIXY321 before growth factor and serum starvation. However, in TF-1 cells grown on GM-CSF before starvation, CREB phosphorylation was observed 10 minutes after PIXY321 stimulation. Further-more, ENSAs with PIXY321-stimulated and -unstimulated extracts demonstrated the presence of specific proteins that recognize the SRE. Our data demonstrate that transcriptional regulation of egr-1 by PIXY321 is mediated by the CRE and SRE.
Improved Test Bus Partitioning

In this chapter1we present an improved approach for designing efficient TAMs and investigate the problems of improved de-serialization of test data in the core wrapper, optimal test bus sizing, and optimal assignment of cores to test buses in the system. Place-and-route and power constraints are incorporated in the model. This work represents an important first step towards combining TAM design with wrapper design for test data de-serialization. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed TAM optimization methodology provides efficient test bus designs for minimizing the testing time.
The Cholinergic System as a Treatment Target for Opioid Use Disorder.

Opioid overdoses recently became the leading cause of accidental death in the US, marking an increase in the severity of the opioid use disorder (OUD) epidemic that is impacting global health. Current treatment protocols for OUD are limited to opioid medications, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. While these medications are effective in many cases, new treatments are required to more effectively address the rising societal and interpersonal costs associated with OUD. In this article, we review the opioid and cholinergic systems, and examine the potential of acetylcholine (ACh) as a treatment target for OUD. The cholinergic system includes enzymes that synthesize and degrade ACh and receptors that mediate the effects of ACh. ACh is involved in many central nervous system functions that are critical to the development and maintenance of OUD, such as reward and cognition. Medications that target the cholinergic system have been approved for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, tobacco use disorder, and nausea. Clinical and preclinical studies suggest that medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and scopolamine, which target components of the cholinergic system, show promise for the treatment of OUD and further investigations are warranted.
Using Thermal Analytical Techniques To Study Rejuvenators and Rejuvenated Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Binders

Rejuvenators are added to reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binders to enhance their low-temperature and fatigue performance. The effectiveness of a rejuvenator depends upon many factors, including the properties of the rejuvenator as well as the compatibility between the rejuvenator and the base binder. The thermal properties of a rejuvenator can vary greatly based on its chemical composition. This research focuses on understanding the effects of the thermal properties of rejuvenators on the rheological properties of the rejuvenated binders, particularly in relation to the critical low temperature. In this research, an extracted and recovered RAP binder was blended with two different rejuvenators at a dosage of 10% by weight of the binder and the change in the critical temperatures was assessed using rheological measurements. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to obtain the crystallization and melting points of the rejuvenators before and after aging. Modulated differential scanning calorime...
Numerical Solution of the Radiation Transport Equation at an Air-Water Interface for a Stratified Medium

This paper is a continuation of previous work that analytically examined the strength of radiation leaving an air-water interface. The approach here is to numerically integrate the radiation transport equation in order to capture the non-linear features of the problem, and also to include more realistic models for the thermal boundary layer. The radiation intensity of the photons emitted from the interface, relative to that of thermal radiation at the temperature of the interface, is defined here as the signal. This signal was computed for constant surface temperature and constant heat flux boundary conditions. As expected, the numerical computations show that the signal increased as the air-water temperature difference increased. The results are shown to form a hierarchy of signal strengths based on the chosen thermal stratification model. However, for both boundary conditions, the numerical results for a linear temperature profile compared very favorably with the simplified analytical linearized model over the thermal wavebands of 3-5 and 8-14 microns. In addition, the linearized model compared favorably with the most realistic models of thermal stratification.
Heterogeneous social sensing edge computing system for deep learning based disaster response: demo abstract

Social sensing has emerged as a new application paradigm where measurements about the physical world are collected from humans or devices on their behalf. One of the representative application of social sensing is disaster damage assessment (DDA) that automatically identifies damage severity of impacted areas from imagery reports reported by eyewitness in the aftermath of a disaster (e.g., earthquake, hurricane, landslides). In this demo, we present a Social Sensing based Edge Computing system (SSEC) that can coordinate the privately owned IoT devices in close proximity of the disaster scene to collect, process and report the real-time status of the disaster. We showcase a supply chain-based resource management framework for SSEC that tames the pronounced run-time and hardware heterogeneity of the IoT devices at the edge to provide reliable sensing and computing power. The system is demonstrated on a real-world hardware platform consists of a diverse set of heterogeneous embedded systems.
A braids and ties algebra of type B

Abstract We introduce an algebra of braids and ties (or bt-algebra) of type B . In analogy to the construction of the bt-algebra of type A, we define this bt–algebra of type B through a framization of the Hecke algebra of type B. We find a basis for it, a faithful tensorial representation, and we prove that it supports a Markov trace, from which we derive invariants of classical links in the solid torus.
The High-Resolution Structure of a UDP-l-Rhamnose Synthase from Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus.

For the field of virology, perhaps one of the most paradigm-shifting events so far in the 21st century was the identification of the giant double-stranded DNA virus that infects amoebae. Remarkably, this virus, known as Mimivirus, has a genome that encodes for nearly 1000 proteins, some of which are involved in the biosynthesis of unusual sugars. Indeed, the virus is coated by a layer of glycosylated fibers that contain d-glucose, N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, l-rhamnose, and 4-amino-4,6-dideoxy-d-glucose. Here we describe a combined structural and enzymological investigation of the protein encoded by the open-reading frame L780, which corresponds to an l-rhamnose synthase. The structure of the L780/NADP+ /UDP-l-rhamnose ternary complex was determined to 1.45 A resolution and refined to an overall R-factor of 19.9 %. Each subunit of the dimeric protein adopts a bilobal-shaped appearance with the N-terminal domain harboring the dinucleotide binding site and the C-terminal domain positioning the UDP-sugar into the active site. The overall molecular architecture of L780 places it into the short chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily. Kinetic analyses indicate that the enzyme can function on either UDP- and dTDP-sugars but displays a higher catalytic efficiency with the UDP-linked substrate. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments suggest that both Cys 108 and Lys 175 play key roles in catalysis. This structure represents the first model of a viral UDP-l-rhamnose synthase and provides new details into these fascinating enzymes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.