cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Visual assessment of brain magnetic resonance imaging detects injury to cognitive regulatory sites in patients with heart failure.

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) patients exhibit depression and executive function impairments that contribute to HF mortality. Using specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis procedures, brain changes appear in areas regulating these functions (mammillary bodies, hippocampi, and frontal cortex). However, specialized MRI procedures are not part of standard clinical assessment for HF (which is usually a visual evaluation), and it is unclear whether visual MRI examination can detect changes in these structures. Methods and Results Using brain MRI, we visually examined the mammillary bodies and frontal cortex for global and hippocampi for global and regional tissue changes in 17 HF and 50 control subjects. Significantly global changes emerged in the right mammillary body (HF 1.18 ± 1.13 vs control 0.52 ± 0.74; P = .024), right hippocampus (HF 1.53 ± 0.94 vs control 0.80 ± 0.86; P = .005), and left frontal cortex (HF 1.76 ± 1.03 vs control 1.24 ± 0.77; P = .034). Comparison of the visual method with specialized MRI techniques corroborates right hippocampal and left frontal cortical, but not mammillary body, tissue changes. Conclusions Visual examination of brain MRI can detect damage in HF in areas regulating depression and executive function, including the right hippocampus and left frontal cortex. Visual MRI assessment in HF may facilitate evaluation of injury to these structures and the assessment of the impact of potential treatments for this damage.
Efficient dynamic spectrum access in vehicular networks using filterbank multicarrier

Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), widely recommended for sharing the spectrum among different nodes in a dynamic spectrum access network, imposes tight timing and frequency synchronization requirements. We examine the use of filterbank multicarrier (FBMC), a some-what lesser known and understood alternative, for dynamic spectrum access in vehicular networks. FBMC promises very low out-of-band energy of each subcarrier signal when compared to OFDM. In order to fully understand and evaluate the promise of FBMC in mobile, outdoor settings, we first examine the use of special pulse shaping filters of the FBMC PHY layer in reliably transmitting data packets at a very high rate. Next, to gain an understanding of the cross-layer performance of FBMC, as well as to understand its impact beyond the PHY layer, we build a discrete event simulator using realistic models. Using extensive simulations, we show that FBMC consistently achieves an order of magnitude performance improvement over OFDM in terms of packet transmission delays and effective data transmission rate available to each node, over large distances in comparison to OFDM. Finally, our analysis in the case of multi-hop networks shows that FBMC can achieve about 20x smaller end-to-end data packet delivery delays, and relatively low packet drop probabilities in comparison to OFDM. In summary, our results can serve as guidelines for designing ad hoc, dynamic spectrum access communication standards for future vehicular networks.
Chemical and physical characterization techniques in highlighting intermetallic compound (IMC) formation

Evaluations and qualifications on ball attach process for bump packages, studies on solderability between lead to PCB on leaded packages, wire bond integrity evaluations, these are studies that involves thorough characterization on bonds and intermetallic compound (IMC) layers for different interfaces. For ball attach process in bumped packages, we focus on intermetallic formation between solder ball to the under bump metal (UBM). For solder integrity, studies focus on the lead post to solder to PCB interface. Intermetallic Compound (IMC) formations between interfaces, is valuable in characterizations. The formation of intermetallics not just cause good integrity on the interface or bond, but can also cause assembly related problems. Example, intermetallics of gold and aluminum are a significant cause of wire bond failures in semiconductor devices and other microelectronic devices. In analyzing intermetallic compound formations, there is a need for the IMC layer to be highlighted, for interface layer difference, for measurement on the thickness, and to merely highlight. This paper aims to present a study on the manual techniques in highlighting intermetallics. Chemical etching, delayering, and immersion on chemical solutions, done on different types of samples to highlight intermetallic compound (IMC).
Dynamic Surface Emitting Fiber Laser

We report on the conceptual framework and development of a radially surface-emitting fiber laser that is capable of dynamic tuning of both the gain medium position along the fiber axis and the direction of emission.
Evidence for dopamine as a transmitter in dorsal hippocampus

Abstract Intrahippocampal distribution of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), was studied along with those of noradrenaline (NA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine in rats. DA concentration in the dorsal part of the hippocampus was found to be 4–10 times higher than in other parts. A study of metabolite distributions produced similar results, showing a higher concentration in the dorsal part of the hippocampus. A ratio of NA/DA had a value similar to that of the hypothalamus in which apparent dopaminergic innervation has been reported. Haloperidol decreased the DA level, whereas it increased the concentration of metabolites, in whole and dorsal hippocampus. The ratio HVA/DOPAC increased after haloperidol treatment. These findings strongly suggest the presence of dopaminergic innervation in at least the dorsal part of the hippocampus.
Einfluß konformativer Starrheit auf die Stabilisierung von α‐Ferrocenyl‐Carbokationen: Ein cis‐fixiertes Diferrocenylcarbenium‐Ion

Das vollstandige Manuskript dieser Zuschrift erscheint in: Angew. Chem. Suppl. 1982, 686. DOI: 10.1002/ange.198206860
Predictive value of history and physical examination in patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy.

Abstract Study objective: To identify historical and physical examination findings that are predictive of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in pregnant patients with abdominal pain or bleeding. Methods: This study was conducted in an urban academic emergency department as a prospective observational study of consecutive patients from August 1, 1991, to August 31, 1992, who had abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding and a positive β-human chorionic gonadotropin level. Patients were excluded if they had a diagnostic ultrasound during a previous visit, or if the uterine size was larger than 12 weeks by pelvic examination. Data were analyzed using χ 2 with a P value less than .05 identified as significant. Odds ratios were determined for significant variables. A classification and regression tree analysis was then performed using the predictive variables to derive a decision tree. Results: Four hundred forty-one patients were enrolled, 57 of whom (13%) had an EP. Factors by history that increased the risk of EP included pain that was described as moderate to severe, lateral, or sharp. Pain located in the midline decreased the risk of EP. A history of previous intrauterine device use, infertility, prior pelvic surgery, or tubal ligation were each found to be predictive. On physical examination, the presence of peritoneal signs, cervical motion tenderness, or lateral or bilateral abdominal or pelvic tenderness increased the risk of EP. A uterine size larger than 8 weeks by pelvic examination decreased the risk of EP. Combinations of predictive variables identified subsets of patients with either an increased or decreased frequency of EP, but in no case was a combination identified that would confirm or exclude this diagnosis with a high degree of certainty. Conclusion: History and physical examination findings predictive of EP were identified. However, no constellation of findings could confirm or exclude this diagnosis with a high degree of reliability. [Dart RG, Kaplan B, Varaklis K: Predictive value of history and physical examination in patients with suspected ectopic pregnancy. Ann Emerg Med March 1999;33:283-290.]
Localized Radon transform-based detection of linear features in noisy images

This paper presents a Radon transform-based approach to the detection of linear features in images characterized by high noise levels. This approach is based on the localized Radon transform where the intensity integration is performed over short line segments rather than across the entire image. The algorithm, referred to as the feature space line detector (FSLD) algorithm, is tested on synthetic images of linear features with very high noise levels. The results of this testing demonstrate the algorithm's robustness in the presence of noise, as well as its ability to detect and localize linear features that are significantly shorter than the image dimensions or that display some curvature. >
When Studies Collide: Meta-analysis and Rules of Evidence for Environmental Health Policy-Applications to Benzene, Dioxins, and Formaldehyde

Environmental epidemiology increasingly is being used as a foundation for environmental health policy. Since environmental epidemiologic studies have increased dramatically in number, approaches are needed to interpret them. Two approaches used in epidemiology are rules of evidence and meta-analysis. Rules of evidence pertain to the consistency, strength, uniqueness, and medical basis of the relationship between disease and risk factors such as chemicals. Meta-analysis is a systematic and rigorous approach to comparing studies and understanding their heterogeneity. Dioxins, benzene, and formaldehyde are three chemicals that are at the forefront of health policy debates. These chemicals illustrate some of the conditions under which researchers are drawn or are not drawn to approaches to compare studies. A meta-analysis was not conducted for dioxins or benzene, but was conducted for formaldehyde. Rather than addressing study comparisons, epidemiologic studies of dioxins are focusing on expanding the number of health effects studied and obtaining greater specificity for exposures, whereas studies of benzene are focusing on effects at low dose exposures. In the case of formaldehyde, meta-analysis has strengthened the evidence for some health effects beyond what individual studies could provide. Thus, whether rules of evidence and meta-analysis approaches to synthesizing information are used can depend upon where the debates are focused.
An Interview with Jaime Shaggy Flores

In this interview Jaime "Shaggy" Flores talks about recent changes within the Nuyorican poetry movement and the emergence of two new generations of poets over the last two decades. He discusses a number of issues including the ongoing "island" vs. "mainland" debate, the impact of music on both generations, race and class differences, and his own views about the place of Nuyorican poetry within the African diaspora and Black cultures of the United States.
Performance of successive interference cancellation in convolutionally coded multicarrier DS/CDMA systems

This article presents a successive interference cancellation (SIC) scheme for a multicarrier (MC) asynchronous DS/CDMA system, wherein the output of a convolutional encoder modulates bandlimited spreading waveforms at different subcarrier frequencies. In every subband, the SIC receiver successively detects the interferers' signals and subtracts them from that of the user-of-interest. The SIC receiver employs maximal-ratio combining (SIC-MRC) for detection of the desired user, and feeds a soft decision Viterbi decoder. A comparison is made among SIC-MRC, matched filter detection with MRC (MF-MRC), and N-tap minimum mean-squared error (MMSE) receivers with optimal tap coefficients, assuming a slowly varying, frequency selective, Rayleigh fading channel, where N is the processing gain. Analysis and simulation results show that the SIC-MRC can obtain performance close to that of N-tap MMSE receivers, and both of them have better ability to suppress multiple-access interference (MAI) than does MF-MRC. Finally, with timing or phase tracking errors, the results show that SIC-MRC can still retain a performance advantage over MF-MRC.
A Collaborative Model to Guide Program Development and Change: Involving the Users

Abstract Organizations have different structures and cultures within which to conduct their business activities. Ranging from autocratic and rigid styles to more laissez-faire models, this report describes the program development and change model used by the Missouri Kidney Program (MoKP). Two examples illustrate how involvement of renal community professional staff and MoKP program staff in instituting and modifying program elements help to build in acceptance from the very beginning, avoiding start-up difficulties and miscues on implementation. Examples cited are the inception of the Nutritional Supplement Program and ongoing modification of the Centralized Drug Program's formulary. The Missouri Kidney Program uses a participatory approach to involve the users of service in program design and modification and historically has used this sort of approach with relative success over time. Index Words Collaboration kidney organization interdigitation communication
Influence of stimulus luminance upon the upper speed threshold for the visual discrimination of movement.

The observer viewed the center of a circular black area surrounded by a dimly illuminated area. A small moving spot of white light traversed the path of a horizontal line centered in the circle. At high speeds, the observer reported a stationary line and could not indicate the direction of movement. At slow speeds, he indicated the direction (right or left). Three subjects made observations for different combinations of luminance and speed of the moving spot.The threshold luminance for visibility of either the moving spot or stationary line increased directly with the stimulus speed. The threshold luminance for discrimination of motion of the moving spot also increased directly with its speed but approached infinity for a limiting asymptotic velocity at high speeds. The upper speed threshold increased directly with luminance at moderate luminances. At intense luminances, the upper speed threshold was approximately constant (35° of visual angle per sec).
FIRE METROLOGY: CURRENT AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN PHYSICS-BASED MEASUREMENTS

The robust evaluation of fire impacts on the biota, soil, and atmosphere requires measurement and analysis methods that can characterize combustion processes across a range of temporal and spatial scales. Numerous challenges are apparent in the literature. These challenges have led to novel research to quantify the 1) structure and heterogeneity of the pre-fire vegetation; 2) energy released during the combustion process and the ultimate disposition of that energy through conduction, radiation, and convective transport; and 3) landscape-scale impacts of fire on soils, vegetation, and atmosphere. The grand challenge is how to integrate the pre-, active-, and post-fire measurements and physical process models into a single robust and well validated framework. This paper presents a brief review of the current state of fire metrology research and proposes future research to address the measurement grand challenge.
The Fate of Hypertensive Patients with Clinically Proven Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematomas Treated Without Intracranial Surgery

Twenty-five hypertensive patients who had clinically proven intracerebral hematomas, mainly in the internal capsule, were not treated surgically because of stabilization or improvement of their condition or because of extreme brain damage. All of these patients were treated medically, although therapy was not standardized. Ten of the 25 patients were discharged from the hospital and 15 died during their acute illness. Long-term follow-up was ultimately accomplished and the results are recorded. Profound disturbance in sensorium and abnormal pupillary or corneal reflexes were present in those who died, whereas in the group that survived only two patients had coma or stupor and none had bilateral involvement of pupillary or corneal reflexes. Analysis of a group of patients receiving surgery for intracerebral hemorrhage revealed that the mortality was 65%; thus, the results of conservative or surgical therapy were essentially the same.
Designing an Interactive Program to Simulate Economic Growth Models for College Education.

Using Excel, an interactive program is designed to simulate the Solow and endogenous growth models to facilitate the understanding of these models for students of growth theory and macroeconomics. An excel spreadsheet is utilized to develop the equations and calculate their interrelationship based on the structure and the properties of the model. The model is simulated by changes of each exogenous-variable and each parameter in the system of equations in the model, as well as computing and showing the endogenous variables in their boxes and simultaneously in the graphs. The changes in magnitude are seen in the boxes, and shown in the graphs and corresponding numbers of the variables in the model. This simulation exercise can be used for undergraduate courses in Economic Growth, and Macroeconomic courses. The structure of Harrow (1939) and Domar (1946), that of Solow, and that of endogenous growth models are explained in the following section. Next, the excel formulation and simulation of Solow and that of the endogenous growth model are presented. The final section provides conclusions. The excel setup for the models will be attached, and can be received free of charge by email request.
Uncontrolled ignition mechanisms in liquid propellant guns

Two potential mechanisms are described which may result in uncontrolled ignition in liquid propellant regenerative guns. The two mechanisms are related to reverse burn in the injection orifice. One mechanism is associated with a poorly designed injection orifice, which may result in a low discharge coefficient, boundary layer separation, and flame holding in the orifice. The second mechanism is related to the response of the liquid propellant reservoir to the ignition pressure, which may excite pressure oscillations in the reservoir resulting in a reverse orifice pressure gradient. Both mechanisms may result in a reverse orifice burn or flash back to the reservoir.
A Goal-Directed Approach to Gaining Compliance Relating Differences Among Goals to Differences in Behaviors

This research examines how particular face threats intrinsic to compliance gaining goals constrain compliance gaining behaviors, finding that (a) threats to certain negative and positive face wants differentiate compliance gaining goals from each other; (b) compliance gaining goals are distinct from each other in their arrangements of the number and kind of both appropriate and inappropriate, and efficient and inefficient, compliance gaining behaviors, particularly the goals of stopping an annoying habit, getting a date, asking a favor, and ending a relationship; and (c) a compliance gaining goal’s restriction of cointeractants’ autonomy accounts for differences in which compliance gaining behaviors are judged more and less appropriate, and which more and less efficient, for different compliance gaining goals. Although compliance gaining goals differentially threaten aspects of both negative and positive face, a goal’s autonomy restriction, although not its negative affect potential, relates systematicall...
Practice patterns in FNA technique: A survey analysis.

AIM: To ascertain fine needle aspiration (FNA) techniques by endosonographers with varying levels of experience and environments. METHODS: A survey study was performed on United States based endosonographers. The subjects completed an anonymous online electronic survey. The main outcome measurements were differences in needle choice, FNA technique, and clinical decision making among endosonographers and how this relates to years in practice, volume of EUS-FNA procedures, and practice environment. RESULTS: A total of 210 (30.8%) endosonographers completed the survey. Just over half (51.4%) identified themselves as academic/university-based practitioners. The vast majority of respondents (77.1%) identified themselves as high-volume endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) (> 150 EUS/year) and high-volume FNA (> 75 FNA/year) performers (73.3). If final cytology is non-diagnostic, high-volume EUS physicians were more likely than low volume physicians to repeat FNA with a core needle (60.5% vs 31.2%; P = 0.0004), and low volume physicians were more likely to refer patients for either surgical or percutaneous biopsy, (33.4% vs 4.9%, P < 0.0001). Academic physicians were more likely to repeat FNA with a core needle (66.7%) compared to community physicians (40.2%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is significant variation in EUS-FNA practices among United States endosonographers. Differences appear to be related to EUS volume and practice environment.
On-chip temperature sensor with high tolerance for process and temperature variation

A reliable temperature sensor circuit that is robust against wafer or chip process and sensing temperature variation is introduced. The circuit includes a reference voltage generator and a constant current bias voltage generator in order to compensate for process and sensing temperature variations. This method eliminates post-production adjustments by circuits such as fuses or non-volatile memory devices. It reduces adjustment test costs and silicon area for these devices, their test control circuits and the interface circuits. Temperature measurement variation of less than 0.6/spl deg/C by the proposed circuit with a simple low-power structure was verified. The circuit is implemented for a refresh cycle control in 1.5 times of the PAD space on a low-power pseudo-SRAM type DRAM product with a 0.175-/spl mu/m CMOS bulk process.
Automated tuning of large-scale multivariable model predictive controllers for spatially-distributed processes

This paper presents an automated tuning method of a large-scale multivariable model predictive controller for multiple array paper machine cross-directional (CD) processes. Paper machine CD processes are large-scale spatially-distributed dynamical systems. Due to these systems' (almost) spatially invariant nature, the closed-loop transfer functions are approximated by transfer matrices with rectangular circulant matrix blocks, whose input and output singular vectors are the Fourier components of dimension equivalent to either number of actuators or number of measurements. This approximation enables the model predictive controller for these systems to be tuned by a numerical search over optimization weights in order to shape the closed-loop transfer functions in the two-dimensional frequency domain for performance and robustness. A real industrial multiple array CD process is used for illustrating the effectiveness of this method
Identification of the Immunodominant Epitope Region in Phospholipase A2 Receptor-Mediating Autoantibody Binding in Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Recent clinical studies established that >70% of patients with idiopathic (also called primary) MN (IMN) possess circulating autoantibodies targeting the M-type phospholipase A 2 receptor-1 (PLA 2 R) on the surface of glomerular visceral epithelial cells (podocytes). In situ , these autoantibodies trigger the formation of immune complexes, which are hypothesized to cause enhanced glomerular permeability to plasma proteins. Indeed, the level of autoantibody in circulation correlates with the severity of proteinuria in patients. The autoantibody only recognizes the nonreduced form of PLA 2 R, suggesting that disulfide bonds determine the antigenic epitope conformation. Here, we identified the immunodominant epitope region in PLA 2 R by probing isolated truncated PLA 2 R extracellular domains with sera from patients with IMN that contain anti-PLA 2 R autoantibodies. Patient sera specifically recognized a protein complex consisting of the cysteine-rich (CysR), fibronectin-like type II (FnII), and C-type lectin-like domain 1 (CTLD1) domains of PLA 2 R only under nonreducing conditions. Moreover, absence of either the CysR or CTLD1 domain prevented autoantibody recognition of the remaining domains. Additional analysis suggested that this three-domain complex contains at least one disulfide bond required for conformational configuration and autoantibody binding. Notably, the three-domain complex completely blocked the reactivity of autoantibodies from patient sera with the full-length PLA 2 R, and the reactivity of patient sera with the three-domain complex on immunoblots equaled the reactivity with full-length PLA 2 R. These results indicate that the immunodominant epitope in PLA 2 R is exclusively located in the CysR-FnII-CTLD1 region.
Simultaneous Determination of E, G and ν of Soft Hydrogels Using Theory of Elasticity

Hydrogels have been used as substrates by many researchers in the study of cellular processes. The mechanical properties of these gels play a significant role in the growth of the cells. Significant research using several methods like compression, indentation, atomic force microscopy and manipulation of beads has been performed in the past to characterize the stiffness of these substrates. However, most of the methods employed assume the gel to be incompressible, with a Poisson’s ratio of 0.5. However, Poisson’s ratio can differ from 0.5. Hence, a more complete characterization of the elastic properties of hydrogels requires that one experimentally obtain the value of at least two of the three quantities: Poisson’s ratio, shear modulus, and elastic modulus.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Clinical Trials of Low‐Molecular‐Weight Heparins in Cardiology

Our understanding of the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes is evolving as the role of prognostic coagulation markers and the different effects unfractionated heparin and low-molecular-weight heparins have on these coagulation markers are investigated. The results of recent clinical trials of low-molecular-weight heparins in acute coronary syndromes are summarized, and an economic evaluation of enoxaparin for these indications is reviewed.
Ionic Conductivity of Microporous PVDF-HFP/PS Polymer Blends

Separators made from blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and polystyrene (PS) were microporous when cast from solvent/nonsolvent mixtures of acctone/dimethylcarbonate(DMC)/butanol(BuOH), where BuOH was the nonsolvent for both polymers. The ionic conductivities of these separators reached 2 mScm -1 and could be increased to 4 mScm -1 with addition of fumed silica. The morphology of the separators was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, nonsolvent (BuOH) and solvent (propylene carbonate, PC) uptake, and differential scanning calorimetry, and correlated with ionic conductivity measurements using I M LiPF 6 in ethylene carbonate/DMC/diethyl carbonate in the ratio 4:5:1 by weight. The solvent filled the microporous network and caused the pore walls to swell. The greater the former contribution, which increased with increasing PS content, the higher the ionic conductivity. Passing two identical microporous films through a double-roll laminator at a temperature above the glass transition temperature, T g , of PS (T g = 95°C) and below the melt temperature, T m , of PVDF-HFP (T m = 133°C) preserved the microporous structure, with a conductivity decrease of only 20% compared with unlaminated films.
Scholarly Publication by University Librarians: A Study at Penn State

The amount of scholarly publication that is required of academic librarians is thought to vary among different types of colleges and universities. The present study looks in detail at the aggregated publishing record of the librarians at Penn State University, an institution that requires publication as a condition of continued employment. Findings indicate that Penn State librarians are quite productive in terms of the number of publications they contribute to the literature, and they are strongly committed to research. Evidence suggests that increasing demands for publication have served to influence both the quantity and the quality of librarians’ publications in recent years.
Structure and conformational change of a replication protein A heterotrimer bound to ssDNA

Replication protein A (RPA) is the main eukaryotic ssDNA-binding protein with essential roles in DNA replication, recombination, and repair. RPA maintains the DNA as single-stranded and also interacts with other DNA-processing proteins, coordinating their assembly and disassembly on DNA. RPA binds to ssDNA in two conformational states with opposing affinities for DNA and proteins. The RPA–protein interactions are compatible with a low DNA affinity state that involves DNA-binding domain A (DBD-A) and DBD-B but not with the high DNA affinity state that additionally engages DBD-C and DBD-D. The structure of the high-affinity RPA–ssDNA complex reported here shows a compact quaternary structure held together by a four-way interface between DBD-B, DBD-C, the intervening linker (BC linker), and ssDNA. The BC linker binds into the DNA-binding groove of DBD-B, mimicking DNA. The associated conformational change and partial occlusion of the DBD-A–DBA-B protein–protein interaction site establish a mechanism for the allosteric coupling of RPA–DNA and RPA–protein interactions.
Un modelo de adjudicación de recursos sanitarios para Chile

A model for adjudication of health care resources which gathers the comparative experience and the analysis developed by specialized literature, must start from the premise that the application of exclusion mechanisms of patients openly discriminatory —such as those happening with rationing criteria by Plan AUGE related to the age of patient, his/her place of residence or his/her health status— are unacceptable, since they do not agree with the universality exigency in health care access of any system compromise with millennium health goals for equity.
Genetic Analysis of Endocytosis in Caenorhabditis elegans: Coelomocyte Uptake Defective Mutants

The coelomocytes of Caenorhabditis elegans are scavenger cells that continuously and nonspecifically endocytose fluid from the pseudocoelom (body cavity). Green fluorescent protein (GFP) secreted into the pseudocoelom from body wall muscle cells is endocytosed and degraded by coelomocytes. We show that toxin-mediated ablation of coelomocytes results in viable animals that fail to endocytose pseudocoelomic GFP, indicating that endocytosis by coelomocytes is not essential for growth or survival of C. elegans under normal laboratory conditions. We examined known viable endocytosis mutants, and performed RNAi for other known endocytosis genes, for coelomocyte uptake defective (Cup) phenotypes. We also screened for new genes involved in endocytosis by isolating viable mutants with Cup defects; this screen identified 14 different genes, many with multiple alleles. A variety of Cup terminal phenotypes were observed, consistent with defects at various steps in the endocytic pathway. Available molecular information indicates that the Cup mutant screen has identified novel components of the endocytosis machinery that are conserved in mammals but not in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the only other organism for which large-scale genetic screens for endocytosis mutants have been performed.
Dynamic model generation for application of compressed sensing to cryo-electron tomography reconstruction

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), which produces three dimensional images at molecular resolution, is one of many applications that requires image reconstruction from projection measurements acquired with irregular measurement geometry. Although Fourier transform based reconstruction methods have been widely and successfully used in medical imaging for over 25 years, assumptions of regular measurement geometry and a band limited source cause direction sensitive artifacts when applied to cryo-ET. Iterative space domain methods such as compressed sensing could be applied to this severely underdetermined system with a limited range of projection angles and projection length, but progress has been hindered by the computational and storage requirements of the very large projection matrix of observation partials. In this paper we derive a method of dynamically computing the elements of the projection matrix accurately for continuous basis functions of limited extent with arbitrary beam width. Storage requirements are reduced by a factor of order 107 and there is no access overhead. This approach for limited angle and limited view measurement geometries is posed to enable dramatically improved reconstruction performance and is easily adapted to parallel computing architectures.
From land to lake: Contrasting microbial processes across a Great Lakes gradient of organic carbon and inorganic nutrient inventories

Abstract Freshwater aquatic biota receive carbon and nutrients from within the system as well as from the terrestrial environment in varying proportions. During 2010–2011, we examined seasonal changes in carbon and nutrient inventories, plankton community composition and metabolism along a land-to-lake gradient in a major western Michigan watershed at four interconnected habitats ranging from a small creek to offshore Lake Michigan. In all seasons Lake Michigan had significantly lower concentrations of CDOM and DOC than any of the other sites. Lake levels of nitrate were not significantly lower than tributaries other than Cedar Creek, and SRP was not measurable in any of the sites other than Cedar Creek. Bacterial production as % of GPP revealed a distinct land-to-lake gradient from an average of 448% in Cedar creek to 5% in Lake Michigan. Microbial activity in Cedar Creek (bacterial production 3–93 μg C/L/d, and plankton respiration 9–193 μg C/L/d) was generally higher than other sites. Muskegon Lake dominated GPP among the sites reaching a peak of > 1000 μg C/L/d during a fall Microcystis bloom. Offshore Lake Michigan had less variation in GPP and R than other sites, with GPP:R ratio close to 1 in all seasons but spring. Aquatic metabolism appears to be substantially subsidized by terrigenous inputs in the creek/river ecosystem with heterotrophy dominant over autotrophy. Autotrophy was maximized in the coastal/estuary “Goldilocks Zone” with longer residence times, whereas both autotrophy and heterotrophy were minimal but in near-balance in offshore waters receiving little subsidy from the land.
Water quality dynamics in an urbanizing subtropical estuary(Oso Bay, Texas)

Results are presented from a study of water quality dynamics in a shallow subtropical estuary, Oso Bay, Texas, which has a watershed that has undergone extensive urbanization in recent decades. High inorganic nutrient, dissolved organic matter and chlorophyll concentrations, as well as low pH (<8), were observed in a region of Oso Bay that receives wastewater effluent. Despite being shallow (<1 m) and subjected to strong winds on a regular basis, this region also exhibited episodic hypoxia/anoxia. The low oxygen and pH conditions are likely to impose significant stress on benthic organisms and nekton in the affected area. Signatures of eutrophied water were occasionally observed at the mouth of Oso Bay, suggesting that it may be exported to adjacent Corpus Christi Bay and contribute to seasonal hypoxia development in that system as well. These results argue for wastewater nutrient input reductions in order to alleviate the symptoms of eutrophication.
A Liability and Insurance Regime for Space Debris Mitigation

Concerns about the threat that space debris pose to satellites are expected to increase as the number of mostly non-maneuverable microsatellites in low-Earth orbit grows. International guidelines developed to mitigate the risk from space debris are frequently not followed, however, and may not be able to cope with the dramatic growth expected in the number of satellites. Moreover, the current legal framework is unable to determine who is liable for losses in an on-orbital collision. A space surveillance data-sharing committee is proposed to solve this liability problem. Under the proposed liability rules, satellite operators would be liable for the debris they create and insurance companies would cover such a risk, creating a new financial incentive for operators to adopt space debris mitigation guidelines.
Development of a computational model for macroscopic predictions of device-induced thrombosis

While cardiovascular device-induced thrombosis is associated with negative patient outcomes, the convoluted nature of the processes resulting in a thrombus makes the full thrombotic network too computationally expensive to simulate in the complex geometries and flow fields associated with devices. A macroscopic, continuum computational model is developed based on a simplified network, which includes terms for platelet activation (chemical and mechanical) and thrombus deposition and growth in regions of low wall shear stress (WSS). Laminar simulations are performed in a two-dimensional asymmetric sudden expansion geometry and compared with in vitro thrombus size data collected using whole bovine blood. Additionally, the predictive power of the model is tested in a flow cell containing a series of symmetric sudden expansions and contractions. Thrombi form in the low WSS area downstream of the asymmetric expansion and grow into the nearby recirculation region, and thrombus height and length largely remain within 95 % confidence intervals calculated from the in vitro data for 30 min of blood flow. After 30 min, predicted thrombus height and length are 0.94 and 4.32 (normalized by the 2.5 mm step height). Importantly, the model also correctly predicts locations of thrombus deposition observed in the in vitro flow cell of expansions and contractions. As the simulation results, which rely on a greatly reduced model of the thrombotic network, are still able to capture the macroscopic behavior of the full network, the model shows promise for timely predictions of device-induced thrombosis toward optimizing and expediting the device development process.
Iatrogenic avascular necrosis of the hip in young children. A review of six cases.

In six patients avascular necrosis of the normal hip developed while the opposite hip was being treated for dislocation. The ages of the patients ranged from one to sixteen months. All children were immobilized bilaterally with plaster casts. In addition to avascular necrosis of the originally normal hips, the dislocated hips also became avascular. The problem in five of the originally normal hips resolved without serious final deformity, but in one the growth plate and the capital epiphysis closed prematurely, resulting in a short femoral neck.
COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION-ENFORCEMENT OF FOREIGN AWARDS

IN AN earlier article an attempt was made to present the problems created by commercial arbitration in its international and interstate aspects, so far as they related to the validity and enforcement of the submission agreement.' To complete the survey it will be necessary to consider the award and its enforcement in other countries. As between many continental countries the enforcement of foreign awards is today governed by the Geneva Convention of 1927, or by bilateral treaties containing more favorable conditions for the enforcement of awards.2 The Geneva Convention is substantially in force also in England, but not in the United States and Latin-America. With respect to these noncontracting countries, the former state of the law is still in force. A general presentation of the subject will require, therefore, a discussion of foreign awards apart from the Geneva Convention, and under the provisions of the Convention. No attempt will be made to deal with the bilateral treaties that have been entered into, and the discussion will be limited to a few European and Latin-American countries whose law is of special interest. Before proceeding to the consideration of foreign awards a few words will be necessary with respect to the validity and enforcement of local awards.3
Left ventricular function in experimental mitral regurgitation with intact chordae tendineae.

Left ventricular function in mitral regurgitation has typically been studied in models that either sever the chordae tendineae or create a ventriculoatrial shunt. These methods may have adverse effects on left ventricular function independent of the regurgitant lesion. An animal model of chronic mitral regurgitation was therefore developed that both preserves annuloventricular continuity and avoids the use of external shunts. A circular 0.16 to 0.24 mm/kg defect was created in the anterior mitral valve leaflet of weanling sheep under direct vision with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. Six animals were studied preoperatively and immediately postoperatively (acute regurgitation group), and 20 animals were studied 8.1 ± 0.2 (mean ± one standard deviation) months postoperatively (chronic regurgitation group). Animals with chronic mitral regurgitation were compared with an age- and weight-matched control group that was not operated on (n = 7). Volumetric data and ejection fraction were derived from digitalized cineangiographic images. Maximal elastance was calculated from pressure-volume loops obtained from the simultaneous recording of left ventricular pressure by micromanometer-tipped left ventricular catheters, and volumes were obtained from digitalized images of epicardial echocardiographic recordings. Mitral valve perforation resulted in 3+ to 4+ mitral regurgitation and a calculated regurgitant fraction of 37% ± 7% (mean ± one standard deviation). Acute mitral regurgitation was associated with an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume from 110 ± 17 to 121 ± 23 ml (p ≤ 0.05) and no change in end-systolic volume. These changes were associated with an increase in fractional shortening, from 29% ±11% to 40% ±10% (p ≤ 0.05), and an increase in velocity of circumferential shortening, from 1.5 ± 0.7 to 2.9 ± 0.7 circ/sec (p ≤ 0.05). However, there was no change in maximal elastance, a load-independent index of left ventricular function. Conversely, animals with chronic mitral regurgitation exhibited an elevated end-diastolic volume (202 ± 32 versus 145 ± 34, p ≤ 0.05), an elevated end-systolic volume (104 ± 17 versus 63 ± 20 ml, p ≤ 0.05), and a reduced ejection fraction (48% ±6% versus 57% ± 9%, p ≤ 0.05) compared with controls. These changes were associated with a reduction in fractional shortening from 26% ±3% to 41% ± 9% (p ≤ 0.05), velocity of circumferential shortening from 1.2 ± 0.1 to 1.7 ± 0.5 circ/sec (p ≤ 0.05), and maximal elastance from 8 ± 1 to 10 ± 1 mm Hg/ml (p ≤ 0.05). We conclude that acute mitral regurgitation with intact chordae tendineae is associated with modest left ventricular dilatation and preservation of left ventricular function, whereas chronic mitral regurgitation is associated with marked left ventricular dilatation and depressed left ventricular function. The chordae tendineae likely contribute more to preserving diastolic, rather than systolic, function in acute mitral regurgitation, whereas their role in preserving left ventricular function in the chronically dilated ventricle remains unknown.
One-step catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol through the direct injection of metal salts into oxygen-depleted reactants

The injection of aqueous metal salts into a solution containing 4-nitrophenol and borohydride results in the formation of catalytic metal nanoparticles capable of reducing 4-nitrophenol. This single-step procedure when carried out in the absence of dissolved oxygen leads to extraordinary catalytic activity with turnover frequencies as high as 65000 h−1.
Regulation of Drosophila hematopoietic sites by Activin-β from active sensory neurons

An outstanding question in animal development, tissue homeostasis and disease is how cell populations adapt to sensory inputs. During Drosophila larval development, hematopoietic sites are in direct contact with sensory neuron clusters of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), and blood cells (hemocytes) require the PNS for their survival and recruitment to these microenvironments, known as Hematopoietic Pockets. Here we report that Activin-β, a TGF-β family ligand, is expressed by sensory neurons of the PNS and regulates the proliferation and adhesion of hemocytes. These hemocyte responses depend on PNS activity, as shown by agonist treatment and transient silencing of sensory neurons. Activin-β has a key role in this regulation, which is apparent from reporter expression and mutant analyses. This mechanism of local sensory neurons controlling blood cell adaptation invites evolutionary parallels with vertebrate hematopoietic progenitors and the independent myeloid system of tissue macrophages, whose regulation by local microenvironments remain undefined.
White Water Rafting Management at Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, Nakornnayok Province

The objective of this research was to study and compare the visitor’s opinion towards the level of white water rafting management at Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, Nakornnayok Province, Thailand during 2017 Asian Canoe Slalom Championships event week and an ordinary week. This research focused on the visitor’s opinion towards the white water rafting management with overall adventure tourism potential of the destination, its present destination management measures, and availability of skilled professionals, related tools and equipments for white water rafting, safety and security as dependent variables. Structured questionnaire was distributed to 396 visitors participating in white water rafting activity at Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam, Nakornnayok Province during the period of February 25th 2017 to March 15th 2017. The collected data was later fed into SPSS statistical software and relevant descriptive, t-test and one-way ANOVA statistics were computed to analyze the results. The outcome of the study revealed that, in overall, the White Water Rafting adventure tourism activity management is in the good level on both durations. However, the study also found that comparatively, there is a statistically significant difference in opinion among the visitors from difference provinces towards availability of skilled manpower, tools / equipments and warranty.
Non-Graded Base Si/Ge Heterojunction Transistor

Innovation of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) technology is a major game changer in wireless communication, power amplifiers and other major fields of electronics. HBTs play a vital role in extending the advantages of silicon bipolar transistors to significantly higher levels. Research on HBT is focused on reducing cost and improving reliability. These transistors have a wide range of applications namely, digital-to-analog converters, logarithmic amplifiers, RF chip sets for CDMA wireless communication systems, and power amplifiers for cellular communications. Our study focuses on utilizing the high mobility of pure Ge instead of often-used graded Ge base. Non-grtaded Ge base enhanses carrier transport which in turn increases the gain and cut-off frequency of the HBT. We have developed a high frequency, high current gain, high power gain and less noisy heterojunction bipolar transistor operating above 100GHz frequency. Lattice mismatch at emitter and collector junctions is compensated by inserting SiGe buffer layers. ATLAS TCAD - SILVACO software is used for modelling of this novel device.