cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of Metallic Thermal Protection System Panel Bowing

Numerical simulation of the thermoelastic response of metallic thermal protection panels is presented. The panels, which arebeing designed foruseon the windward surface of theX-33 e ighttest vehicle, deform into convex and concavebowedsurfacesdueto thermalgradientscausedbyaerodynamicheating.Threenumerical models, for the e owe eld, forthein-depth heat transfer, and for the thermoelasticdeformation, are coupled in sequence to yield the transient response of the metallic panel. The aerothermal loads are derived from computational e uid dynamic solutionsandareprescribedasadistributionfunctionwithmaximumbowheightasthegoverningparameter.Finite element models are used to simulate the thermal and structural responses. The coupled simulation is compared to a single-pass uncoupled solution. Results show negligible feedback between the structural deformation and the deformation-induced perturbation of the aerothermal heat load. Nevertheless, signie cant temperature variations on the surface of the panel are produced. The deformations induce lateral temperature gradients that increase the thermal stress within the panel. Finally, it is shown that panel bowing does not appreciably alter the trajectory integrated heat load.
Toward a safer drinking environment for youth and adults

The study by (Raitasalo, Holmila, & Makela 2011) adds nicely to the literature about parent drinking behaviors and attitudes, offers insights into the mechanisms through which inter-generational tr...
Cervical spine movement during orotracheal intubation: comparison of the Belscope and Macintosh blades

This study was designed to compare the degree of cervical spine movement during laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation using the Belscope and Macintosh laryngoscope blades. Twenty ASA 1 and 2 patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation were studied. Following induction of anaesthesia and muscle relaxation, a neutral cross-table lateral cervical spine X ray was taken. Laryngoscopy was then performed in each patient using both the Belscope and Macintosh blades. After visualisation of the vocal cords and tracheal intubation the cervical spine X ray was repeated. Movement of the cervical spine was evaluated by tracing bony landmarks on each film and then superimposing the neutral and intubating films. We were unable to demonstrate a difference in the amount of cervical spine movement comparing the two blades. Using the Belscope blade, intubation took longer (median 18 s) than the Macintosh blade (median 12 s, p < 0.01) and was unsuccessful in two patients despite adequate visualisation of the vocal cords.
Recent Insights Emerging from Malignant Mesothelioma Genome Sequencing

In this issue of JTO, Lo Iacono et al. present a retrospective study performed on 123 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsies from 123 malignant mesothelioma (MM) patients, using next generation sequencing (NGS) with a commercially available library of genes that are frequently mutated in cancers. Biopsies were sequenced with the Ion Torrent platform and positive results were validated by Sanger sequencing1. Two limitations of this approach, acknowledged by the Authors, are: 1) Since BAP1 and NF2 were not represented in the commercial library, their mutations status was analyzed using a different custom-made library; 2) the particular targeted NGS methodology chosen in this paper specifically detects small gene mutations, while this methodology cannot detect large genetic losses, gene amplifications and translocations, or epigenetic changes.
Growth and characterization of tin disulfide single crystals

Tin disulfide is a layered semiconductor, crystallizing in the cadmium iodide structure, with a band gap of 2.2 eV. The layered structure makes it useful for many experiments where a semiconductor with a reproducible renewable surface is needed. The easy cleavage of the surface exposes a clean atomically flat surface for use as a substrate for the deposition of solid-state materials or molecules or scanning probe microscopy experiments. Its semiconducting properties are also useful for photoelectrochemical dye sensitization studies. We report the crystal growth of this material by a Bridgman method with control of the dopant identity and level to obtain useful n-type semiconducting properties. Doping levels measured with both Hall effect and Mott Schottky analysis were well correlated. The electron mobility and hole diffusion lengths were also measured for the various doped crystals using solid-state and photoelectrochemical techniques.
Aeroallergen sensitization rates in military children with rhinitis symptoms

Background Childhood sensitization rates for many aeroallergens are underreported. Objectives To examine aeroallergen sensitization rates in military children undergoing skin testing for rhinitis and investigate the timing of atopic development for perennial and seasonal allergens. Methods A skin testing database was retrospectively analyzed. Children 18 years and younger referred for rhinitis underwent skin prick testing to either a screening panel of 8 tests or a standard panel of 51 allergens. Results A total of 209 patients underwent skin testing to the 8-test panel. Of these patients, 35.4% had at least 1 positive result. Atopy increased with age, from 6.3% in those younger than 1 year to 58.8% in those 5 years old. The most common allergens were mold mix (16.3%), cat (13.2%), dust mite mix (11.4%), tree mix (9.4%), and grass mix (9.4%). Only 4.0% were sensitized to seasonal aeroallergens before the age of 3 years. A total of 345 children underwent testing to a 51-allergen panel. A total of 80.3% had at least 1 positive test result, and the average number of positive test results was 11.4. Both the percentage of atopy and the average number of positive skin test results increased with age. The most common allergens were grasses, Alternaria , and cottonwood. Thirty-two of 51 allergens were positive in 20% or more children. Rates for many underreported allergens are presented. Conclusions In children, aeroallergen sensitization rates are high and increase with age. Perennial allergens predominate up to the age of 3 years. Rates for many underreported allergens are presented. Although performed in a military population, these results should be applicable to many practices.
Theoretical Studies of Inorganic and Organometallic Reaction Mechanisms. 12. Intramolecular Carbon−Hydrogen Bond Activation in (Butenyl)manganese Tricarbonyl

Theoretical treatment of the fluxional behavior exhibited by (butenyl)manganese tricarbonyl, (C4H7)Mn(CO)3, is challenging because the structure contains a first-row transition metal and an agostic interaction between the butenyl fragment and the manganese center. (C4H7)Mn(CO)3 displays two fluxional processes on the NMR time scale. The first averages the hydrogens on the agostic carbon and has an activation free energy of ΔG⧧ = 9.1 kcal/mol. We have identified the transition state in this process and calculated an activation free energy of ΔG⧧theor = 8.43 kcal/mol. In the transition state structure, the agostic bond is broken and the methyl group rotated. The second process averages the two halves of the syn-butadiene fragment and has an activation free energy of ΔG⧧ = 17.1 kcal/mol. We have identified the transition state and intermediate structures for this process in which the agostic hydrogen oxidatively adds to the metal center. The calculated free energy of activation is ΔG⧧theor = 17.2 kcal/mol. G...
Use of molecular sieve 5A in the analysis of the flavour volatiles of cooked chicken

A short column of molecular sieve 5A has been used to simplify the complex pattern of flavour volatiles extracted by isopentane from cooked meat, prior to analysis by gas-liquid chromatography and identification by mass spectrometry. The molecular sieve removed all components from the mixture except aromatic hydrocarbons, branched cyclic compounds and some halogenated derivatives. Recovery experiments showed no loss of aromatics on the sieve and there was complete removal of n-alkanes, n-alkanals, n-alkanones, n-alkanols and fatty acid methyl esters. Some n-alkanes were recovered from the molecular sieve by displacement with hexadecane.
Modeling the Dimensionality of DSM-IV Alcohol Use Disorder Criteria in a Nationally Representative Sample of College Students

This study examined the dimensionality of DSM-IV alcohol use disorder (AUD) criteria in a nationally representative sample of college students (N = 4,605) using latent variable techniques. We used data from the 2009 National Survey of Drug Use and Health and selected those who were currently enrolled in college and current drinkers. Confirmatory factor analysis provided support for a one-factor solution of the AUD criteria. Item Response Theory analyses indicated that the alcohol abuse and dependence criteria severity parameters were intermixed along the AUD severity continuum with high discrimination parameters. Findings support reformulating the current AUD diagnostic system for the DSM-V. Study's limitations are noted.
Bio-inspired synthesis of protein-encapsulated CoPt nanoparticles

The 24 subunit heat-shock protein from Methanococcus jannaschii has been genetically altered to display a dodecapeptide on the interior surface that has a strong binding affinity to the L10 phase of CoPt (CP_Hsp). Reaction of CoII and PtII salts at 65 °C under reducing conditions results in the formation of a stable CoPt mineral encapsulated within the protein cage. Metallic particles commensurate in size with the interior dimensions of the protein cage (6.5 ± 1.3 nm) have been imaged by transmission electron microscopy and are shown to be surrounded by the intact protein cage. Magnetic measurements performed on the encapsulated nanoparticles exhibit room-temperature hysteresis on the order of 150 G (1 G = 10–4 T) prior to annealing and 610 G after annealing at 650 °C.
Direct observation of anelastic bond-orientational anisotropy in amorphous Tb26Fe62Co12 thin films by x-ray diffraction

We have measured the scattering intensity of amorphous ${\mathrm{Tb}}_{26}$${\mathrm{Fe}}_{62}$${\mathrm{Co}}_{12}$ thin films using synchrotron radiation with the scattering vector Q both in and out of the plane of the film. The anisotropy in the position of the first and second peaks of the scattering intensity indicates the presence of bond-orientational anisotropy, which we propose to be the principal origin of the magnetic anisotropy in these films.
Synthesis and structures of new salen complexes with bulky groups

Abstract A new series of Schiff base complexes [Fe(III), VO(II), Pd(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II)] has been developed. The ligand possesses bulky t -pentyl groups at the 3- and 5-positions. The iron (III) complex is obtained in monomeric form with a square-pyramidal configuration while the copper complex is with square-planar configuration.
Coupling in absence of tertiary amines:: III Deprotection with the help of the carboxyl component or its activated derivatives

Highly acid sensitive amine protecting groups, such as the triphenylmethyl or the biphenylylisopropyloxycarbonyl group, are cleaved by the N-protected carboxyl component particularly if deprotection is carried out in trifluoro-ethanol. It was also found possible to apply certain activated derivatives of the carboxyl component (symmetrical anhydrides and 2,4-dinitrophenyl esters) for deblocking and concurrent acylation in the same solvent.
VAGUE: a user interface to relational databases that permits vague queries

A specific query establishes a rigid qualification and is concerned only with data that match it precisely. A vague query establishes a target qualification and is concerned also with data that are close to this target. Most conventional database systems cannot handle vague queries directly, forcing their users to retry specific queries repeatedly with minor modifications until they match data that are satisfactory. This article describes a system called VAGUE that can handle vague queries directly. The principal concept behind VAGUE is its extension to the relational data model with data metrics, which are definitions of distances between values of the same domain. A problem with implementing data distances is that different users may have different interpretations for the notion of distance. VAGUE incorporates several features that enable it to adapt itself to the individual views and priorities of its users.
Inclusion and Problem-Based Learning: Roles of Students in a Mixed-Ability Group

The literature on the use of problem-based learning in K–12 settings has traditionally focused on gifted and average students. However, mainstreaming is placing increasing numbers of students with ...
Can trial quality be reliably assessed from published reports of cancer trials: evaluation of risk of bias assessments in systematic reviews

Objective To evaluate the reliability of risk of bias assessments based on published trial reports, for determining trial inclusion in meta-analyses. Design Reliability evaluation of risk of bias assessments. Data sources 13 published individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses in cancer were used to source 95 randomised controlled trials. Review methods Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RevMan5.1) and accompanying guidance. Assessments were made for individual risk of bias domains and overall for each trial, using information from either trial reports alone or trial reports with additional information collected for IPD meta-analyses. Percentage agreements were calculated for individual domains and overall ( Results Percentage agreement between the two methods for sequence generation and incomplete outcome data was fair (69.5% (95% confidence interval 60.2% to 78.7%) and 80.0% (72.0% to 88.0%), respectively). However, percentage agreement was low for allocation concealment, selective outcome reporting, and overall risk of bias (48.4% (38.4% to 58.5%), 42.1% (32.2% to 52.0%), and 54.7% (44.7% to 64.7%), respectively). Supplementary information reduced the proportion of unclear assessments for all individual domains, consequently increasing the number of trials assessed as low risk of bias (and therefore available for inclusion in meta-analyses) from 23 (23%) based on publications alone to 66 (66%) based on publications with additional information. Conclusions Using cancer trial publications alone to assess risk of bias could be unreliable; thus, reviewers should be cautious about using them as a basis for trial inclusion, particularly for those trials assessed as unclear risk. Supplementary information from trialists should be sought to enable appropriate assessments and potentially reduce or overcome some risks of bias. Furthermore, guidance should ensure clarity on what constitutes risk of bias, particularly for the more subjective domains.
On the Feasibility of AB Initio Calculations of Ordering Alloy Phase Diagrams

Many stable or metastable intermetallic phases useful to the alloy designer have crystal structures which are ordered superstructures of a parent disordered phase. A highly reliable statistical mechanical method (CVM) has now been developed for calculating such superstructure phase equilibria derived from say, the fcc parent lattice. To obtain phase diagrams, one needs certain physical parameters, such as effective pair interaction ratios. It is possible, in principle, to extract these parameters from band structure calculations in the coherent potential approximation (CPA), particularly from recently developed cluster-CPA techniques. If sufficient accuracy can be achieved, truly first-principles phase diagram calculations may soon become feasible.
A bit too precise? bounded verification of quantized digital filters

Digital filters are simple yet ubiquitous components of a wide variety of digital processing and control systems. Errors in the filters can be catastrophic. Traditionally digital filters have been verified using methods from control theory and extensive testing. We study two alternative verification techniques: bit-precise analysis and real-valued error approximations. In this paper, we empirically evaluate several variants of these two fundamental approaches for verifying fixed-point implementations of digital filters. We design our comparison to reveal the best possible approach towards verifying real-world designs of infinite impulse response (IIR) digital filters. Our study reveals broader insights into cases where bit-reasoning is absolutely necessary and suggests efficient approaches using modern satisfiability-modulo-theories (SMT) solvers.
Dynamic mechanical studies of irradiated polyethylene

Abstract The dynamic mechanical properties of high density polyethylene irradiated in a 60 Co source at dosages of 10 8 –10 9 r.e.p. have been investigated from 80°K to 450°K at audiofrequencies using a resonance technique. With increasing radiation dose the slope of the modulus v. temperature relation above the melting temperature, 410°K, increases, indicating an increasing degree of crosslinking of the network structure. The damping peak in the 390°K region is also observed to decrease in magnitude. At gamma-ray doses of 6 × 10 8 –10 9 r.e.p. the crosslinking efficiency is found to be somewhat greater for the high density polyethylene than for a low density polyethylene irradiated at room temperature under similar conditions. The effect of a subsequent heat treating and annealing operation has been studied for both low and high density polyethylene and for both 60 Co irradiation and pile irradiation. For doses up to 10 18 n.v.t. or so, the primary effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of the pile-irradiated high density samples is to decrease the values of dynamic modulus and increase the values of the mechanical loss over the entire temperature range from 100 K to 400 K. This is attributed to a reduction in crystallinity and is confirmed by room temperature measurements of crystallinity and density. It is also observed that, especially after subsequent heat treatment above the original melting temperatures, samples of high density polyethylene crosslinked to a similar degree in either a 60 Co source or a nuclear reactor exhibit comparable dynamic mechanical behaviour. For samples of high density polyethylene irradiated in a pile to a dose of 1.5 × 10 18 n.v.t. the influence of oxygen on the dynamic mechanical properties of laboratory size samples has been found to be negligible.
Calcium Time Course as a Signal for Spike-Timing–Dependent Plasticity

Calcium has been proposed as a postsynaptic signal underlying synaptic spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). We examine this hypothesis with computational modeling based on experimental results from hippocampal cultures, some of which are presented here, in which pairs and triplets of pre- and postsynaptic spikes induce potentiation and depression in a temporally asymmetric way. Specifically, we present a set of model biochemical detectors, based on plausible molecular pathways, which make direct use of the time course of the calcium signal to reproduce these experimental STDP results. Our model features a modular structure, in which long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) components compete to determine final plasticity outcomes; one aspect of this competition is a veto through which appropriate calcium time courses suppress LTD. Simulations of our model are also shown to be consistent with classical LTP and LTD induced by several presynaptic stimulation paradigms. Overall, our results provide computational evidence that, while the postsynaptic calcium time course contains sufficient information to distinguish various experimental long-term plasticity paradigms, small changes in the properties of back-propagation of action potentials or in synaptic dynamics can alter the calcium time course in ways that will significantly affect STDP induction by any detector based exclusively on postsynaptic calcium. This may account for the variability of STDP outcomes seen within hippocampal cultures, under repeated application of a single experimental protocol, as well as for that seen in multiple spike experiments across different systems.
Huxley’s Model of Muscle Contraction with Compliance

Huxley’s cross-bridge dynamics of muscle contraction is widely used in understanding, in particular, laboratory experiments on muscles and subunits of muscle. The hard-connection version of the model has several defects. In this paper I present a detailed and precise method of solution of the problem with a compliant element in series with the muscle.
On the economics of requirements-based test case prioritization

Software testing is a strenuous and expensive process. At least 50% of the total software cost is spent on testing activities [12]. Companies are often faced with time and resource constraints that limit their ability to effectively complete testing efforts. Companies generally save suites for reuse; test suite reuse accounts for almost half of the maintenance cost [9]. As the product goes thru several versions, executing all the test cases in a test suite can be expensive [9]. Prioritization of test cases can be cost effective when the time allocated to complete testing is limited [9]. Test case prioritization (TCP) involves the explicit planning of the execution of test cases in a specific order and is shown to improve the rate of fault detection [3, 9]. The current software TCP techniques are primarily coverage-based (statement, branch or other coverage) [3,9]. Coverage-based white-box prioritization techniques are most applicable for regression testing at the unit level and are harder to apply on complex systems [2]. These techniques require testers to read and understand the code, which can be time consuming [2], and may assume that all faults are equally severe.
The Role of the N Terminus and Transmembrane Domain of TRPM8 in Channel Localization and Tetramerization

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a family of cation channels involved in diverse cellular functions. They are composed of a transmembrane domain of six putative transmembrane segments flanked by large N- and C-terminal cytoplasmic domains. The melastatin subfamily (TRPM) channels have N-terminal domains of approximately 700 amino acids with four regions of shared homology and C-terminal domains containing the conserved TRP domain followed by a coiled-coil region. Here we investigated the effects of N- and C-terminal deletions on the cold and menthol receptor, TRPM8, expressed heterologously in Sf21 insect cells. Patch-clamp electrophysiology was used to study channel activity and revealed that only deletion of the first 39 amino acids was tolerated by the channel. Further N-terminal truncation or any C-terminal deletions prevented proper TRPM8 function. Confocal microscopy with immunofluorescence revealed that amino acids 40-86 are required for localization to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, analysis of deletion mutant oligomerization shows that the transmembrane domain is sufficient for TPRM8 assembly into tetramers. TRPM8 channels with C-terminal deletions tetramerize and localize properly but are inactive, indicating that although not essential for tetramerization and localization, the C terminus is critical for proper function of the channel sensor and/or gate.
Top-down modeling of RISC processors in VHDL

The authors present a high-level design modeling methodology with three modeling levels: a specification level, an interface level, and a functional level. They demonstrate the methodology on a RISC processor design. All models have been implemented in VHDL and simulated on a SPARC 1 workstation using the ZYCAD VHDL simulator, version 1.0a. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and usefulness of the methodology. >
Pulsed-laser hyperdoping and surface texturing for photovoltaics

We describe two ways in which pulsed lasers can be used to increase efficiency in photovoltaic devices. First, pulsed-laser hyperdoping can introduce dopants into a semiconductor at non-equilibrium concentrations, which creates an intermediate band in the bandgap of the material and modifies the absorption coefficient. Second, pulsed-laser irradiation can enhance geometric light trapping by increasing surface roughness. Hyperdoping in silicon enables absorption of photons to wavelengths of at least 2.5 μm, while texturing enhances the absorptance to near unity at all absorbing wavelengths. This article reviews both effects and comments on outstanding questions and challenges in applying each to increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic devices.
On the Association Between SROs, Private Security Guards, Use-of-Force Capabilities, and Violent Crime in Schools

Although school crime and the use of security measures to combat school crime has been the focus of a number of prior empirical studies, there is substantially less information known about the relationship between school resource officers (SROs) and private security guards in schools and school crime. Using data from the 2006 School Survey on Crime and Safety, this study investigates the relationships among school characteristics and school crime with a particular focus on their differential effects across schools that utilize varying types of security personnel (e.g., no security, SROs only, or private security guards only) and use-of-force capabilities (e.g., oleoresin-capsicum spray/pepper spray, Tasers, and firearms). Results from a series of negative binomial regression models indicate that there is a considerable degree of variability in the effect of school characteristics on school crime across schools that utilize SROs only versus private security guards only. Additional results suggest that mid-...
Monitoring yeast activation with sugar and zero-calorie sweetener using terahertz waves

We report for the first time the use of terahertz waves (0.75 THz–1.1 THz) to monitor activation of yeast cells in solutions containing normal sugar and artificial sucralose sweetener. We observed that the yeast solution with regular sugar and artificial sweetener each showed 14 dB of variation in the terahertz reflection over 42 minute. The solution with sweetener was in particular very active and generated CO2 bubbles more vigorously than sugar. The control solution containing only yeast and water had a nearly constant terahertz reflection coefficient over time. This finding is quite surprising and we did not expect any activations of yeast with sweetener.
Glomerular disease with idiopathic linear immunoglobulin deposition: a rose by any other name would be atypical.

Nasr et al. (2016) report 20 cases of "atypical anti-GBM disease," characterized by bright, linear glomerular basement membrane (GBM) immunoglobulin deposition in patients who lacked anti-GBM antibodies by conventional testing and who had a relatively benign course. Half had light chain restriction. The term "idiopathic linear immunoglobulin deposition" may be preferable until anti-GBM activity is demonstrable, since there are alternative mechanisms of linear deposition in the GBM, including physicochemical affinity for GBM components and alterations of the GBM itself.
ON the interconfigurational 4fn↔4fn-15d1 optical transitions of Ce3+ and Pr3+ in Ca9R3+ (PO4)7 [R3+=Al, Ga, Sc, Lu, Y, Gd, La]

Abstract A systematic study of the optical properties of Ce 3+ and Pr 3+ in Ca 9 R 3+ (PO 4 ) 7 [R 3+ =Al, Sc, Lu, Y, Gd, La] is presented. The materials crystallize in the Whitlockite structure of β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 . From the room temperature excitation spectra, the crystal-field splitting and centroid shift of the Ce 3+ 5d 1 configuration is estimated. The optical properties (crystal-field splitting, the centroid shift and Stokes shift of emission) of Ce 3+ is independent of the R 3+ cation in Ca 9 R 3+ (PO 4 ) 7 . It is concluded that in this family of materials and in the parent β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 lattice, the Ce 3+ and Pr 3+ preferentially occupy the eight coordinated 18(b) Ca(3) site of the R3c space group. Relative to other phosphates, the covalence of the Ce 3+ –O 2− bonding is high in this family of orthophosphate materials.
Variational versus Perturbational Treatment of Spin-Orbit Coupling in Relativistic Density Functional Calculations of Electronic g Factors: Effects from Spin-Polarization and Exact Exchange.

Different approaches are compared for relativistic calculations of electronic g factors of molecules with light atoms, transition metal complexes, and selected complexes with actinides, using density functional theory (DFT) and Hartree–Fock (HF) theory. The comparison includes functionals with range-separated exchange. Within the variationally stable zeroth-order regular approximation (ZORA) relativistic framework, g factors are obtained with a linear response (LR) method where spin–orbit (SO) coupling is treated as a linear perturbation, a spin-polarized approach based on magnetic anisotropy (MA) that includes SO coupling variationally, and a quasi-restricted variational SO method previously devised by van Lenthe, van der Avoird, and Wormer (LWA). The MA and LWA approaches were implemented in the open-source NWChem quantum chemistry package. We address the importance of electron correlation (DFT vs HF), the importance of including spin polarization in the g tensor methodology, the question of whether the...
Evidence for intracellular partitioning of serine and glycine metabolism in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is the primary enzyme in the interconversion of serine and glycine. The roles of mitochondrial and cytosolic SHMT in the interconversion of serine and glycine were determined in two Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines that both contain cytosolic SHMT but either have (CHOm+) or lacK (CHOm-) mitochondrial SHMT. Mitochondrial SHMT activity was significantly reduced in CHOm- (0.24 +/- 0.11 nmol/min per mg of mitochondrial protein) compared with CHOm+ (3.21 +/- 0.66 nmol/min per mg of mitochondrial protein; P = 0.02) cells, whereas cytosolic SHMT activity was similar in CHOm- and CHOm+ cells (1.09 +/- 0.31 and 1.53 +/- 0.12 nmol/min per mg of cytosolic protein respectively; P = 0.57). In CHOm+ and CHOm- cells, the relative flux of glycine to serine measured with either [1-13C]- or [2-13C]-glycine was similar (CHOm-: 538 +/- 82 nmol/24 per mg of DNA; CHOm+: 616 +/- 88 nmol/24 h per mg of DNA; P = 0.42). In contrast, the relative flux of serine to glycine measured with [1-13C]serine was low in CHOm- cells (80 +/- 28 nmol/24 h per mg of DNA) compared with CHOm+ cells (3080 +/- 320 nmol/24 h per mg of DNA; P = 0.0001). The rate of glycine production determined by [1-(13)C]glycine dilution was lower in CHOm- (1200 +/- 200 nmol/24 h per mg of DNA) than CHOm+ (10200 +/- 1800 nmol/24 h per mg of DNA; P = 0.03) cells, whereas glycine utilization was similar in the two cell lines. Serine production was similar in the two cell lines but serine utilization was lower in CHOm- (3800 +/- 1200 mu mol/24 h per mg of DNA) than CHOm+ (6600 +/- 1000 nmol/24 h per mg of DNA; P = 0.0002) cells. Increasing the serine concentration in the medium resulted in an increase in glycine production in CHOm+ but not in CHOm- cells. Intracellular studies with [1-13C]serine confirm the findings of decreased glycine production from serine. In CHO cells there is partitioning of intracellular serine and glycine metabolism. Our data support the hypothesis that mitochondrial SHMT is the primary pathway for serine into glycine interconversion.
Quantitative imaging of enzymatic vitreolysis-induced fiber remodeling.

PURPOSE Collagen fiber remodeling in the vitreous body has been implicated in cases of vitreomacular traction, macular hole, and retinal detachment, and also may occur during pharmacologic vitreolysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate quantitative polarized light imaging (QPLI) as a tool for studying fiber organization in the vitreous and near the vitreoretinal interface in control and enzymatically perturbed conditions. METHODS Fiber alignment was measured in anterior-posterior sections of bovine and porcine vitreous. Additional tests were performed on bovine lenses and nasal-temporal vitreous sections. Effects of proteoglycan degradation on collagen fiber alignment using trypsin and plasmin were assessed at the microstructural level using electron microscopy and at the global level using QPLI. RESULTS Control vitreous showed fiber organization patterns consistent with the literature across multiple-length scales, including the global anterior-posterior coursing of vitreous fibers, as well as local fibers parallel to the equatorial vitreoretinal interface and transverse to the posterior interface. Proteoglycan digestion with trypsin or plasmin significantly increased fiber alignment throughout the vitreous (P < 0.01). The largest changes (3×) occurred in the posterior vitreous where fibers are aligned transverse to the posterior vitreoretinal interface (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Proteoglycan loss due to enzymatic vitreolysis differentially increases fiber alignment at locations where tractions are most common. We hypothesize that a similar mechanism leads to retinal complications during age-related vitreous degeneration. Structural changes to the entire vitreous body (as opposed to the vitreoretinal interface alone) should be evaluated during preclinical testing of pharmacological vitreolysis candidates.
Basal Cell Carcinoma Involving the Lacrimal Canaliculus: A Documented Mechanism of Tumor Spread

BACKGROUNDBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the eyelid and periocular tissues but rarely involves the lacrimal system. In addition, BCC in this location frequently recur due to inadequate margin control. A further understanding of the pathophysiology of periocular BCC
Physical activity from menarche to first pregnancy and risk of breast cancer.

Breast tissue is particularly susceptible to exposures between menarche and first pregnancy, and a longer interval between these reproductive events is associated with elevated breast cancer risk. Physical activity during this time period may offset breast cancer risk, particularly for those at highest risk with longer menarche-to-first-pregnancy intervals. We used data from 65,576 parous women in the Nurses' Health Study II free of cancer in 1989 (baseline) and recalled their leisure-time physical activity at ages 12-34 in 1997. Current activity was collected at baseline and over follow-up. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. Between 1989 and 2011, 2,069 invasive breast cancer cases were identified. Total recreational activity between menarche and first pregnancy was not significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer. However, physical activity between menarche and first pregnancy was associated with significantly lower breast cancer risk among women in the highest category of a menarche-to first-pregnancy interval (≥20 years; RR for the highest versus the lowest quartile = 0.73, 95% confidence interval = 0.55-0.97; Ptrend = 0.045; Pinteraction = 0.048). This was not observed in women with a shorter interval. Physical activity between menarche and first pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of breast cancer among women with at least 20 years between these reproductive events. This may provide a modifiable factor that women can intervene on to mitigate their breast cancer risk associated with a longer interval.
Re: The Use of Medical Scribes in Health Care Settings: A Systematic Review and Future Directions.

To the Editor: We appreciate the review entitled “The Use of Medical Scribes in Health Care Settings: A Systematic Review and Future Directions,” by Drs. Shultz and Holmstom.[1][1] We are in complete agreement with the key points raised: electronic health records have important benefits to
Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Control of Ventilation, and Anesthesia in Children

Pathologic disturbances in breathing in children become clinically apparent in the syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea. The surgical approach to this syndrome is often removal of hypertrophied tonsils and adenoids. The preoperative, operative, and postoperative concerns with special attention to the role of anesthesia are reviewed.
Centralized radiolabeling of antibodies for radioimmunotherapy.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the factors involved in the selection of antibodies, radionuclides and labeling methods in the development of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) from a single clinical study site through multicenter trials and commercialization. Methods: The development of an effective radioimmunotherapeutic agent is described, with a discussion of the practical considerations in its development. The critical issues related to the commercial preparation and administration of 131 I anti-B 1 for therapeutic purposes are reviewed. Results: RIT with radiolabeled antibodies to the CD20 surface antigen represents a new modality for the treatment of NHL and, potentially, other malignancies. One monoclonal antibody showing great promise for the treatment of NHL is 131 I-Iabeled anti-B1. Iodine-131 is preferred by many investigators over other radionuclides such as 90 Y for labeling therapeutic antibodies because of its relatively low cost, accessibility, ease of labeling, 8-day half-life and imaging capabilities. To ensure their safety and consistency, radiolabeled antibodies must undergo the same quality assurance measures as nonradioactive pharmaceuticals. Therefore, radiolabeling in a centralized facility has numerous advantages over localized radiolabeling in the preparation of 131 I-Iabeled antibodies for RIT. Conclusion: Centralized radiolabeling has significant advantages over the local production of radiolabeled antibodies. The developmental challenges of centralized radiolabeling have been successfully addressed for 131 I anti-B1 therapy.
Differential regulation of connexin43 and connexin37 in endothelial cells by cell density, growth, and TGF-beta1

We studied the growth-related expression of the gap junction proteins connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin37 (Cx37) to characterize mechanisms of their differential regulation in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. During growth to confluency, Cx43 mRNA levels were high in subconfluent cells and decreased at confluency; Cx37 mRNA was weakly detectable until the cultures became confluent, when Cx37 levels became similar to those of Cx43. Immunoprecipitation, immunoblots, and immunostaining demonstrated that Cx43 synthesis and content paralleled the changes in mRNA levels. These data suggested regulation of connexin expression related to growth status or cell density. We tested this hypothesis by inhibiting growth with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). TGF-beta1 treatment caused an upregulation of Cx43 synthesis, content, and apparent half-life and an upregulation of mRNA, independent of changes in cell density. Increases in Cx43 synthesis preceded increases in mRNA, suggesting both translational and transcriptional regulation, whereas the increased half-life suggested post-translational regulation, as well. Immunostaining revealed the development of intense vesicular staining in the treated cells, which may explain the increased half-life. TGF-beta1 treatment also suppressed the upregulation of Cx37 expression. These alterations in connexin expression may have implications for endothelial communication under conditions of elevated vascular TGF-beta1 concentrations such as in wound healing.
Heart Valve Biomechanics and Underlying Mechanobiology

Heart valves control unidirectional blood flow within the heart during the cardiac cycle. They have a remarkable ability to withstand the demanding mechanical environment of the heart, achieving lifetime durability by processes involving the ongoing remodeling of the extracellular matrix. The focus of this review is on heart valve functional physiology, with insights into the link between disease-induced alterations in valve geometry, tissue stress, and the subsequent cell mechanobiological responses and tissue remodeling. We begin with an overview of the fundamentals of heart valve physiology and the characteristics and functions of valve interstitial cells (VICs). We then provide an overview of current experimental and computational approaches that connect VIC mechanobiological response to organ- and tissue-level deformations and improve our understanding of the underlying functional physiology of heart valves. We conclude with a summary of future trends and offer an outlook for the future of heart valve mechanobiology, specifically, multiscale modeling approaches, and the potential directions and possible challenges of research development. © 2016 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 6:1743-1780, 2016.
First Test of Long-Range Collisional Drag via Plasma Wave Damping

This paper presents the first experimental confirmation of a new theory predicting enhanced drag due to long-range collisions in a magnetized plasma. The experiments measure damping of Langmuir waves in a multispecies pure ion plasma, which is dominated by interspecies collisional drag in certain regimes. The measured damping rates in these regimes exceed classical predictions of collisional drag damping by as much as an order of magnitude, but agree with the new theory.
Neurophysiological Monitoring during Surgery on the Central Nervous System: The Role of Evoked Responses

Neurosurgical, orthopedic and vascular interventions may be associated with an inherent risk of ischemia and structural damage to the central nervous system. Along with other modalities used to monitor the intraoperative nervous function, registration of evoked responses is intended to provide real-time feedback about the functional integrity of the central nerv- ous system and help to prevent avoidable trauma during surgery. In this review, the principal indications and limitations of monitoring various evoked responses during surgery on the brain and spinal cord are discussed. Current approaches, recent advances and problems associated with intraoperative rhomboid fossa mapping, cranial nerve stimulation and electroocu- lographic monitoring are presented as well. The authors discuss the effects of general anesthesia on evoked responses and possible ways to avoid signal variability during registration. It is emphasized that only with close cooperation between neuro- surgeons, anesthesiologists and neurophysiologists it will be possible to maximize the benefits of intraoperative monitoring of evoked responses and avoid misinterpretation of the results.
The Dover Treaty

The knowledge that Louis XIV was seeking the alliance of Charles II against the United Provinces lay quietly beneath the surface of Pom-ponne’s activity at The Hague. He learned little and could say less about what was being done in London by Ruvigny and Croissy. He knew the general purpose of their missions, but not the details of their negotiations. References to their work in dispatches, especially from Lionne, amounted to little more than assurances that all was going well. In his conferences with De Witt, Pomponne shied away from discussion of this topic; he sought only to prove that the Dutch could not trust England and should regain the French king’s friendship on his terms. To hint at more was dangerous, lest the Dutch be driven to accept even the hardest conditions from Charles II to keep him on their side.
Streptococcus Gordonii Empyema: A Case Report and Review of Empyema.

Streptococcus gordonii (S. gordonii) is a pioneer oral bacteria that is recognized as an agent of bacterial endocarditis. However, an extensive review of the literature revealed no reported case of S. gordonii causing empyema. We present a case of a 65-year-old male who presented with respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed several dental caries with decreased breath sounds in the bibasilar regions. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and abdomen demonstrated left-sided pleural effusion and a 4.3 cm x 2.8 cm splenic abscess. He received intravenous (IV) antibiotics, and his blood cultures remained negative. Drainage of the splenic abscess grew S. gordonii. A CT-guided thoracentesis yielded 450 ml of exudative fluid. Pleural fluid cultures grew S. gordonii. A CT scan of the head and neck ruled out an intra-oral abscess. He received six weeks of IV penicillin with a follow-up CT scan showing resolution of both the splenic abscess and the left parapneumonic effusion.
Modelling the Firm-Level Multiproduct Cost Structure of Agricultural Production

Multiproduct cost analysis has been conducted at state, regional or broader levels of aggregation in agriculture. While the theory of the multiproduct firm and the quantitative tools for analysis are well developed there are no published multiproduct farm firm level studies. This is probably largely attributable to insufficient variability associated with firm level input prices thus preventing dual cost analysis.
Estimating the Depth of Concrete Pier Wall Bridge Foundations Using Nondestructive Sonic Echo

This application paper outlines procedure developed for conducting nondestructive sonic echo (SE) tests to determine the depth of unknown concrete pier wall foundations. The National Bridge Inventory recognizes that more than 86,000 bridges in the US have no foundation data on record. An unknown percentage of these could also be highly vulnerable to scouring and subsequent failure. A series of field tests using the SE method were conducted on concrete pier wall foundations in the current research. Finite element models were used to understand the effect of the duration of impact, superstructure and upward striking on the pier caps on the waveform detected at the sensors. Good agreement were identified between the field tests and simulated models. Finally, practical recommendations were made to improve the SE methodology based on laboratory and field tests.
Interaction of Pesticides with Chitosan

The uptake isotherms of 2,4-D, Dicamba, 2,4,5-T, MH and MCPA have been measured on chitosan at room temperature. Chitosan is the deacetylated derivative of the natural marine polymer, chitin. Time of equilibration was determined for each system and the effects of solution pH on pesticide uptake have been studied. The adsorption of 2,4-D on activated charcoal was measured for comparison. Ancillary measurements of the chitosan samples after pesticide uptake included SEM/EDAX (scanning electron microscopy/ energy dispersive analysis of X-rays) and ESCA (electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis).
Pediatric Ocular Surface Disease

Pediatric ocular surface disease can lead to significant morbidity and loss of vision that has the potential to become “permanent” due to amblyopia. Therefore, aggressive management is warranted especially in the amblyopic age group. Phlyctenulosis or blepharokeratoconjunctivitis is perhaps the most common pediatric ocular surface condition that can lead to stromal scarring and significant vision loss. As highlighted in case 1, an effective management strategy involves lid hygiene, long-term oral azithromycin, and topical anti-inflammatory therapy (steroids tapered to cyclosporine/tacrolimus). Cases 2 and 3 similarly describe two pediatric patients with ocular surface disease and their effective management.
Public budgeting and financial management in sub-saharan africa: a critical survey

The survey of Sub-Saharan countries shows that after nearly two decades of stagnation, growth is reviving and is likely to receive additional momentum with the pursuit and judicious implementation of further fiscal adjustment efforts. The impact of economic stagnation on the financial management systems is evident in that they continue to be under severe strain despite a series of efforts aimed at their improvement. Lack of accountability and chronically ineffective control of expenditures are two of the major problem areas that need to be addressed. Among other areas that need to be addressed on a priority basis are the revamping of budgetary processes, including the development of a macroeconomic framework and forging more enduring links between planning and budgeting and improved management of foreign aid.