cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The US PATENT SYSTEM: Does It Strengthen or Weaken Innovation and Progress?

The development and commercialization of new technologies— technological innovation—creates broad social benefits. Over time, it allows us collectively to live longer, healthier lives, to increase our incomes, and to consume a broader array of goods and services. Innovation enables us to live differently from our grandparents. Thus, it is in our collective interests to create social, cultural and legal institutions that foster technological innovation.
Deidamia inscriptum (Lettered Sphinx Moth) Caterpillars Feeding on Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood) and Their Predation by Black Bears in Northeast Tennessee

Abstract An outbreak of Deidamia inscriptum (Lettered Sphinx Moth) caterpillars was noted in northeast Tennessee where Oxydendrum arboreum (Sourwood) trees were defoliated. Nearly all published literature and online resources list only plants in the grape family (Vitaceae) as larval food plants. Food-plant preference trials using fresh leaves of 3 woody plant species showed that Deidamia caterpillars from this region had a preference for Sourwood over Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper), and rejected Acer rubrum (Red Maple), a non-host species. Ursus americanus (Black Bear) were feeding on the caterpillars as evidenced by bent and broken Sourwood saplings bearing claw marks and by abundant sphingid remains in bear scat.
Modeling of bubble dynamics in single diabatic microchannel

Abstract A newly developed mechanistic model of bubble dynamics in single microchannel is presented in this paper. The comparison between high-speed visualization and simulation results shows that this model is capable of capturing the transient flow regime and slug velocity inside of single microchannel and predicting flow reversal. The model quantitatively demonstrates the mechanism of flow reversal. Within one periodic cycle, the evolvement of flow regime, pressure distribution along channel length and mass flux at tube inlet are well correlated with each other. The local pressure peak caused by the build-up of downstream flow resistance can cause negative pressure gradient, which induces flow reversal.
Fixing Reference, by Imogen Dickie

Dickie's Fixing Reference develops an original, ambitious proposal for what makes a subject's beliefs about a certain object. It centres on the idea of linking aboutness of belief to justification,...
Prevalence and correlates of everyday discrimination among black Caribbeans in the United States: the impact of nativity and country of origin.

ABSTRACTObjectives: Black Caribbeans in the United States have been the victims of major discrimination (e.g. unfairly fired, denied a promotion, denied housing). What is not known is the degree to which they also experience more routine forms of everyday discrimination such as receiving poor restaurant service, being perceived as dishonest, and being followed in stores. This paper investigates the distribution and correlates of everyday discrimination among a national sample of black Caribbeans in the U.S.Design: This analysis used the black Caribbean sub-sample (n = 1,621) of the National Survey of American Life. Demographic and immigration status correlates of ten items from the Everyday Discrimination Scale were investigated: being treated with less courtesy, treated with less respect, receiving poor restaurant service, being perceived as not smart, being perceived as dishonest, being perceived as not as good as others, and being feared, insulted, harassed, or followed in stores.Results: Roughly one o...
Fourier-Transform MS and Closed-Path Multireflection Time-of-Flight MS Using an Electrostatic Linear Ion Trap

An electrostatic linear ion trap (ELIT) has been configured to allow for the simultaneous acquisition of mass spectra via Fourier transform (FT) techniques (frequency measurement) and via time-of-flight (TOF; time measurement). In the former case, the time-domain image charge derived from a pick-up electrode in the field-free region of the ELIT is converted to frequency-domain data via Fourier transformation (i.e., FT-ELIT MS). In the latter case, the time difference between ion injection into the ELIT and ion detection after release from the ELIT using a microchannel plate (MCP) enables the acquisition of multireflection time-of-flight mass spectra (MR-TOF MS). The ELIT geometry facilitates the acquisition of both types of data simultaneously because the detection schemes are independent and do not preclude one another. The two MS approaches exhibit a degree of complementarity. Resolution increases much faster with time with the MR-TOF approach, for example, but the closed-path nature of executing MR-TOF...
An Optimization Framework for Curvilinearly Stiffened Composite Pressure Vessels and Pipes

With improvement in innovative manufacturing technologies, it became possible to fabricate any complex shaped structural design for practical applications. This allows for the fabrication of curvilinearly stiffened pressure vessels and pipes. Compared to straight stiffeners, curvilinear stiffeners have shown to have better structural performance and weight savings under certain loading conditions. In this paper, an optimization framework for designing curvilinearly stiffened composite pressure vessels and pipes is presented. NURBS are utilized to define curvilinear stiffeners over the surface of the pipe. An integrated tool using Python, Rhinoceros 3D, MSC.PATRAN and MSC.NASTRAN is implemented for performing the optimization. Rhinoceros 3D is used for creating the geometry, which later is exported to MSC.PATRAN for finite element model generation. Finally, MSC.NASTRAN is used for structural analysis. A Bi-Level Programming (BLP) optimization technique, consisting of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Gradient-Based Optimization (GBO), is used to find optimal locations of stiffeners, geometric dimensions for stiffener cross-sections and layer thickness for the composite skin. A cylindrical pipe stiffened by orthogonal and curvilinear stiffeners under torsional and bending load cases is studied. It is seen that curvilinear stiffeners can lead to a potential 10.8% weight saving in the structure as compared to the case of using straight stiffeners.
Using the magmatic record to constrain the growth of continental crust—The Eoarchean zircon Hf record of Greenland

Abstract Southern West Greenland contains some of the best-studied and best-preserved magmatic Eoarchean rocks on Earth, and these provide an excellent vantage point from which to view long-standing questions regarding the growth of the earliest continental crust. In order to address the questions surrounding early crustal growth and complementary mantle depletion, we present Laser Ablation Split Stream (LASS) analyses of the U–Pb and Hf isotope compositions of zircon from eleven samples of the least-altered meta-igneous rocks from the Itsaq (Amitsoq) Gneisses of the Isukasia and Nuuk regions of southern West Greenland. This analytical technique allows a less ambiguous approach to determining the age and Hf isotope composition of complicated zircon. Results corroborate previous findings that Eoarchean zircon from the Itsaq Gneiss (∼3.85 Ga to ∼3.63 Ga) were derived from a broadly chondritic source. In contrast to the Sm–Nd whole rock isotope record for southern West Greenland, the zircon Lu–Hf isotope record provides no evidence for early mantle depletion, nor does it suggest the presence of crust older than ∼3.85 Ga in Greenland. Utilizing LASS U–Pb and Hf data from the Greenland zircons studied here, we demonstrate the importance of focusing on the magmatic (rather than detrital) zircon record to more confidently understand early crustal growth and mantle depletion. We compare the Greenland Hf isotope data with other Eoarchean magmatic complexes such as the Acasta Gneiss Complex, Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt, and the gneissic complexes of southern Africa, and all lack zircons with suprachondritic Hf isotope compositions. In total, these data suggest only a very modest volume of crust was produced during (or survived from) the Hadean and earliest Eoarchean. There remains no record of planet-scale early Earth mantle depletion in the Hf isotope record prior to 3.8 Ga.
Emerging Technologies in Mineral-Bonded Wood and Fiber Composites

North American markets have traditionally relied heavily on wood-based products for light construction applications. This region of the world has enjoyed the benefits of substantial wood resources. These wood resources have largely fueled the industrialization of the United States and Canada over the last century. It continues to be a major economic force today. However, the forest products and the building products industries are facing significant change. Pressures are continuing on multiple fronts: (a) the federal government continues to restrict access to the federal timber lands; (b) the quality of timber available is far less than it used to be; (c) price of timber, although at times widely fluctuating, is on the rise; and (d) market continues to demand low-maintenance, durable building materials. The public, the governmental agencies and corporations are also continuing to access waste resources (waste paper, etc.) as raw material ranging from remanufactured paper to their use as fiber for building materials.
Contractility of Muscle Cells and Non-Muscular Contractile Cells

To fully understand the roots of our current concern over the application of biological techniques to behavior, one needs to consider the pioneering work of Darwin, Pavlov and Mendel. The works of each of these men provided radical insights into comparative aspects of behavior in different species; physiological responses to behavioral conditioning and a methodology for understanding the hereditary basis for behavioral traits in living organisms.
Hybrid on-chip communication architectures for heterogeneous manycore systems

The widespread adoption of big data has led to the search for high-performance and low-power computational platforms. Emerging heterogeneous manycore processing platforms consisting of CPU and GPU cores along with various types of accelerators offer power and area-efficient trade-offs for running these applications. However, heterogeneous manycore architectures need to satisfy the communication and memory requirements of the diverse computing elements that conventional Network-on-Chip (NoC) architectures are unable to handle effectively. Further, with increasing system sizes and level of heterogeneity, it becomes difficult to quickly explore the large design space and establish the appropriate design trade-offs. To address these challenges, machine learning-inspired heterogeneous manycore system design is a promising research direction to pursue. In this paper, we highlight various salient features of heterogeneous manycore architectures enabled by emerging interconnect technologies and machine learning techniques.
Keratin-Based Biofilms, Hydrogels, and Biofibers

Keratin is a nearly ubiquitous, filamentous protein with high amounts of sulfur molecules. The sulfur content of keratin, resulting from a high proportion of cystine residues, is significant to the form and function of keratin in naturally occurring structures and chemically synthesized biomaterials. The intrinsic physical and chemical properties of keratin have led to the development of a variety of biotechnical and materials science applications. The exploitation of the biochemical and physical properties of this abundant and naturally occurring protein has led to numerous novel uses including drug delivery, dental implants, wound dressings, and food packaging. This chapter describes the intrinsic properties of keratin, as well as the production and use of keratin-based biofilms and biofibers.
Associations between age and sleep apnea risk among newborn infants.

OBJECTIVE Among older children, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with measurable neurocognitive consequences. However, diagnostic SDB thresholds are lacking for infants < 12 months. We sought to evaluate the relationship between SDB indices, gestational age (GA), and postmenstrual age (PMA) for infants who underwent clinically-indicated polysomnograms at a tertiary care center. METHODS Every infant < 3-months chronological age whose first clinically-indicated polysomnogram was between 2/2012 and 2/2017 was included. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), obstructive-apnea index (OAI), and GA and PMA for infants with and without obvious clinical risk factors for SDB (eg, micrognathia and cleft palate). RESULTS For 53 infants without obvious SDB risk factors (GA 35.6 ± 4.5 weeks; PMA 41.2 ± 4.0 weeks), mean AHI was 27 ± 18 and OAI 2.9 ± 4.5. There was a weak inverse relationship between AHI and PMA (r 2 = 0.12, P = 0.01), but AHI was not predicted by GA (r 2 = 0.04, P = 0.13). Conversely, OAI was more strongly associated with GA (r 2 = 0.33, P < 0.0001) than PMA (r 2 = 0.08, P = 0.036). For 28 infants with congenital structural anomalies that predispose to SDB (GA 38.0 ± 3.1 weeks, PMA 43.1 ± 3.3 weeks, AHI 37.7 ± 30, OAI 8.2 ± 11.8), neither AHI nor OAI were related to PMA or GA. CONCLUSIONS Among infants who received clinically-indicated polysomnograms but did not have obvious structural risk for SDB, AHI declined with advancing PMA, but obstructive-apnea was best predicted by prematurity. In contrast, the SDB risk did not improve with increasing GA or PMA for infants with congenital structural risk factors; such infants may not outgrow their risk for SDB.
Discontinuation from Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum Therapy for Peyronie's Disease: Review and Single-Center Cohort Analysis.

Abstract Introduction Intralesional injection therapy with collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCh) is an effective treatment option for Peyronie’s disease (PD), but it carries risks, costs, and the need for multiple visits, which may cause patients to discontinue therapy prematurely. Aims To identify and summarize the current literature on CCh discontinuation and present our experience with CCh discontinuation. Methods We performed a PubMed review of existing literature on discontinuation from CCh therapy and retrospectively analyzed our prospectively maintained Institutional Review Board–approved CCh database for January 2016–December 2018. Demographic information, clinical outcomes, and communication logs were collected. Reasons for discontinuation of therapy were assessed. A logistic regression to identify factors influencing dropout was performed. Main Outcome Measures Documentation of discontinuation statistics in published literature, and rates of and reasons for discontinuation in a single-institution cohort. Results Our literature review identified 15 studies with specified cohort sizes. Of these, 10 specifically quantified discontinuation rates, which ranged from 13% to 56%. Combined, these studies show a 20% dropout rate. Dissatisfaction with therapy was the most common reason for dropout. In our cohort, 100 men completed a course of 8 CCh injections. Twelve men (10.7%) discontinued therapy, including 4 due to relocation, 3 due to cost, 1 due to a hematoma, 1 due to early satisfaction, 2 due to no perceived improvement, and 1 due to a demanding work schedule. Hematoma formation was a predictor of dropout in our cohort (odds ratio 8.74; P = .037). Conclusion Additional focus must be placed on quantifying and evaluating CCh discontinuation. Our findings show that a majority of men complete a full course of 8 injections; most of the few men who dropped out of therapy did so due to relocation. Counseling to reduce CCh discontinuation should focus on initial sexual function, adverse events, and expectations. Amighi A, Eleswarapu SV, Mendhiratta N, et al. Discontinuation from Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum Therapy for Peyronie’s Disease: Review and Single-Center Cohort Analysis. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:690–698.
Hamstring Strength Recovery is Worse in Women than Men following ACL Reconstruction with Hamstring Autografts

Objectives:Graft choice in ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and post-operative rehabilitation may influence strength recovery and return to sports differently in men versus women. Persistent muscle weakne...
The Evolution of Endovascular Management of Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms

Introduction:Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms (ECCAs) are rare pathologies with various etiologies, presentations, and management strategies. Historically, open aneurysm re...
Fish Diet Shifts Associated with the Northern Gulf of Mexico Hypoxic Zone

The occurrence of low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia) in coastal waters may alter trophic interactions within the water column. This study identified a threshold at which hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico (NGOMEX) alters composition of fish catch and diet composition (stomach contents) of fishes using fish trawl data from summers 2006–2008. Hypoxia in the NGOMEX impacted fish catch per unit effort (CPUE) and diet below dissolved oxygen thresholds of 1.15 mg L−1 (for fish CPUE) and 1.71 mg L−1 (for diet). CPUE of many fish species was lower at hypoxic sites (≤ 1.15 mg L −1) as compared to normoxic regions (> 1.15 mg L −1), including the key recreational or commercial fish species Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus and red snapper Lutjanus campechanus. Overall, fish diets from hypoxic sites (≤ 1.71 mg L−1) and normoxic sites (> 1.71 mg L−1) differed. Fish caught in normoxic regions consumed a greater mass of benthic prey (ex. gastropods, polychaetes) than fish caught in hypoxic regions. Hypoxia may increase predation risk of small zooplankton, with observations of increased mass of small zooplankton in fish stomachs when bottom hypoxia was present. Changes in contributions of small zooplankton and benthic prey to fish diet in hypoxic areas may alter energy flow in the NGOMEX pelagic food web and should be considered in fishery management.
Dual-Polarization Radar Retrievals of Coastal Pacific Northwest Raindrop Size Distribution Parameters Using Random Forest Regression

AbstractRadar retrievals of drop size distribution (DSD) parameters are developed and evaluated over the mountainous Olympic Peninsula of Washington State. The observations used to develop retrieva...
The History and Future of Migrationist Explanations in the Archaeology of the Eastern Woodlands with a Synthetic Model of Woodland Period Migrations on the Gulf Coast

Migration was embraced as a general phenomenon by cultural historical archaeologists in the Eastern Woodlands, subsequently rejected by processualists, and recently invoked again with greater frequency due to advances in both method and theory. However, challenges remain in regard to establishing temporal correlations between source and host regions and identifying the specific mechanisms of migration and their archaeological correlates. Bayesian modeling, in combination with insights from recent modeling of migration processes, supports the inference that migration was a causal factor for shifts in settlement observed in the archaeology of the Woodland period (ca. 1000 BC to AD 1050) cultures of the eastern Gulf Coast subregion.
Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Part LXIV: Burnout Prevention and Wellness Promotion in Radiology Residents

Burnout and other causes of a lack of well-being among radiology residents are a major problem. The American College of Radiology has developed a "Well-being Curriculum for Radiology Residency Programs," which has many suggestions that should be helpful to residents in multiple specialties. The American College of Radiology is also collecting data on well-being in order to get benchmarking data and try to find out why some programs have more problems with decreased well-being than other programs. Wellness newsletters, providing social opportunities, insisting on professional behavior for all, fairness in work distribution, night float schedules, willingness to be flexible with work schedules, and retreats have also been advocated.
Sustainability engagement or not? U.S. SMEs approach

In the extant literature on SMEs’ sustainability engagement, relatively little research has focused on the US compared to Europe. Our study is based on semi-structured interviews with a large number of manufacturing and services firms (75), from big and small cities in New York state, investigating the major drivers and barriers to SMEs’ sustainability and whether such initiatives paid off. Findings show owners/managers’ sense of moral obligation to reduce negative environmental impact as well as their levels of sustainability education and awareness have played major roles in driving sustainability. Gaining competitive advantage, need for regulatory compliance or financial incentives offered by governmental agencies were mentioned, but not deemed as key influencers. Major barriers included cost and limited resources, though more than two-thirds of the firms’ owners/mangers believed that sustainability engagement had paid off. These results aim to help policy makers learn about the impact of their decisions and adjust them to be more effective. SMEs’ owners/managers can also learn about common drivers and barriers in adopting sustainability and plan accordingly.
Hemorrhage of the Ramus Lumbalis of the Iliolumbar Artery as a Cause for Shock in Blunt Trauma Victims on Therapeutic Anticoagulation

Noncavitary torso hemorrhage is a rare and poorly characterized injury that can lead to exsanguination if not promptly addressed. When present in a high-risk patient on therapeutic anticoagulation, it can lead to a swift fatal outcome. Two cases (an 80-year-old female on warfarin and a 67-year-old male on apixaban for atrial fibrillation) presented with shock after direct blunt trauma in their torsos. Embolotherapy techniques were utilized to obtain angiostasis while the patients were resuscitated with massive transfusion protocols and reversal of the agents received. In the setting of severe localized blunt trauma on an aging victim while on antithrombotic medications, noncavitary torso hemorrhage must be included in the differential diagnosis. Local expertise and a high level of suspicion were critical in the early intervention, and postprocedural management of the injuries sustained and secured a good result.
Visualization of Deep Transfer Learning in SAR Imagery

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery has diverse applications in land and marine surveillance. Unlike electro-optical (EO) systems, these systems are not affected by weather conditions and can be used in the day and night times. With the growing importance of SAR imagery, it would be desirable if models trained on widely available EO datasets can also be used for SAR images. In this work, we consider transfer learning to leverage deep features from a network trained on an EO ships dataset and generate predictions on SAR imagery. Furthermore, by exploring the network activations in the form of class-activation maps (CAMs), we visualize the transfer learning process to SAR imagery and gain insight on how a deep network interprets a new modality.
Clinical utilization of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate: a retrospective single center study.

OBJECTIVE Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2013 for management of severely bleeding patients on warfarin therapy. We describe use of 4F-PCC at a large, suburban academic center. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all patients receiving 4F-PCC from its introduction through 2016 at a large level 1 trauma center. Clinical and demographic data were obtained, including indications for anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents, comorbidities, concomitant medications, etiology and site of bleeding, as well as disposition, length of stay, mortality, and thrombotic events. RESULTS One hundred eighty-four patients received 4F-PCC. Mean age was 72 years; 40.8% were female. Indications for 4F-PCC administration included: active bleeding (74%), reversal prior to a procedure (14%), and elevated international normalized ratio (12%). Warfarin was the most common concomitant medication (71.1%). Most patients were receiving anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation (63%). Concomitant treatments for bleeding included vitamin K (58.2%), packed red blood cells (50%), fresh frozen plasma (38%), and platelets (26.1%), amongst others. Median length of hospital stay was 8.4 days. Nine patients (4.9%) developed thrombosis within 90 days of 4F-PCC. Mortality was 24.5%, with notably higher rates amongst those who received 4F-PCC for off-label indications (19.1% on-label mortality vs. 37.7% off-label mortality on chi-square analysis, P=0.01). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that 4F-PCC is being utilized for indications other than the reversal of warfarin-induced coagulopathy. Further investigation is warranted to determine the efficacy and safety of 4F-PCC for these potential indications.
Optimization of Mitigation Strategies During Epidemics Using Offline Reinforcement Learning

Emerging infectious diseases affect a large number of people throughout the world. Preventing the spread of viruses and mitigating their adverse societal and economic effects are major challenges facing all institutions in society. When reacting to events occurring in real-time, approaches based on human decision-making systems usually encounter difficulties in sorting out the most efficient mitigation strategies. In this paper, we present the framework for a real-time data-driven decision support tool for policymakers. Our framework is based on a reinforcement learning algorithm meant to optimize governmental responses to the state of the epidemic at each time-step. This framework adapts to changes in epidemic-spread given the advances in disease treatment methods and public health interventions. The mitigation strategy is adjusted based on the government’s priorities in a specific region. Our model is validated based on the COVID-19 data collected from New York state, USA.
Intraspecific antagonism through viral toxin encoded by chronic Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus.

Virus–host interactions evolve along a symbiosis continuum from antagonism to mutualism. Long-term associations between virus and host, such as those in chronic infection, will select for traits th...
Cost Effectiveness of Antiplatelet and Antithrombotic Therapy in the Setting of Acute Coronary Syndrome: Current Perspective and Literature Review

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The advances of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy over several years time have resulted in improved in cardiac outcomes, but with increased health care costs. Multiple cost-effectiveness studies have been performed to evaluate the use of available antiplatelet agents and anticoagulation in the setting of both ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Early on, the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors (GPIs) proved to be economically attractive in the management of ACS; however, the introduction of P2Y12 receptor antagonists limited their use to a bail out agents in complex interventions. Generic clopidogrel is probably still an economically attractive P2Y12 receptor antagonist choice, especially in low-risk ACS, while both ticagrelor and prasugrel present an economically attractive alternative option, especially in high-risk ACS and patients at risk for stent thrombosis. While enoxaparin presents an economically dominant alternative to heparin in NSTE-ACS, its role in STEMI in the contemporary era is unclear. During percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), bivalirudin monotherapy was shown to be an economically dominant alternative to the combination of heparin and GPI in ACS. However, new studies may suggest that using heparin monotherapy may offer an attractive alternative. The comparative and cost effectiveness of different combinations of antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy will be the focus of future expected clinical and economic assessments.
Confucius on Knowledge

An important passage of the Analects (2.17) will be interpreted. It is perhaps the most important epistemological utterance in the work, yet it is not easy to interpret. Some interpretations are unacceptable because they render the passage trivial. Here we shall explicate the passage in line with contemporary virtue epistemology, so that it says something both interesting and insightful.
Estimation of Energy and Protein Requirements

The essential continuity between an animal and its environment is revealed most obviously in energy exchanges and transformations.
The Application of Total Energy as a Lyapunov Function for Mechanical Control Systems

Examination of total energy shows that the global limit behavior of a dissipative mechanical system is essentially equivalent to that of its constituent gradient vector field. The class of “navigation functions” is introduced and shown to result in “almost global” asymptotic stability for closed loop mechanical control systems upon which a navigation function has been imposed as an artifical potential energy. Two examples from the engineering literature satellite attitude tracking and robot obstacle avoidance are provided to demonstrate the utility of these observations. For more information: Kod*Lab Disciplines Electrical and Computer Engineering | Engineering | Systems Engineering Comments Preprint version. First published in Control Theory and Multibody Systems , in Volume 97, 1989, pages 131-158, published by the American Mathematical Society in the Contemporary Mathematics series. NOTE: At the time of publication, author Daniel Koditschek was affiliated with Yale University. Currently, he is a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. This journal article is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn.edu/ese_papers/672
Cyberinfrastructure knowledge networks on the web a recommender system for locating resources in a knowledge network

A Knowledge Network is a multi-dimensional network representing the interactions and interconnections among people, documents, data, analytic tools, and interactive collaboration spaces (like forums and wikis). CI-KNOW is a suite of software tools that leverages automated data collection and social network theories, analysis techniques and algorithms to infer an individual's interests and expertise based on their interactions and activities within a knowledge network. Recent developments in social network theories and methods provide the backbone for a modular system that creates recommendations from relational metadata. The CI-KNOW recommender system is a modular tool that has been integrated into a collaborative research portal to provide the social networking capabilities for tobacco researchers, policy experts, and government representatives engaged in tobacco surveillance research. The CI-KNOW Recommender harvests the knowledge network associated with a communities' use of cyberinfrastructure tools. It combines these data with other relational digital traces about the community such as (co)authoring, (co)citation, funding, and patent data. A network navigation tool allows users to locate colleagues, documents, data or analytic tools in the network and to explore their networks through a visual, step-wise process. An auditing tool offers network leaders, managers, and funders diagnostics to assess the growth and health of the entire Knowledge Network. CI-KNOW development is supported primarily by grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
The imidazoquinoline TLR7 agonist negatively affects virus-induced type I and type III IFN induction pathways in primary human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (INM9P.452)

Human pDC recognize Influenza/Flu and HSV through TLR7 and -9, respectively, resulting in production of type I and III IFN and pro-inflammatory cytokines. We observed that TLR7 is constitutively present in the ER and LAMP1-positive late endosomes in pDC, and upon stimulation with Flu, TLR7 co-localization with late endosomes increased. Synthetic small molecule TLR7 ligands from the imidazoquinoline family are being used for anti-viral therapy and as immune adjuvants. We investigated the mechanisms by which 3M003 induces type I and III IFN production in pDCs. We found that 3M003 induced IFNs much more rapidly than Flu or HSV, but at much lower levels. Surprisingly, neither the TLR7 inhibitor IRS661 nor cysteine endolysosomal protease inhibitor Z-FM-FMK affected 3M003 induced IFN production although both effectively inhibited Flu-induced IFN production. In addition, 3M003 inhibited Flu, HSV, HIV and CpGA induced IFN production in pDC when used together with these TLR7/9 agonists. However, 3M003 did not affect uptake by pDC. Interestingly, 3M003 inhibited virus-induced IRF7 nuclear translocation while enhancing its phosphorylation. Taken together, these results suggest that in pDCs, 3M003 utilizes signaling pathways distinct from HSV or Flu resulting in the different levels of IFN production.
Precision irrigation decision-making support by using an improved genetic algorithm

The aim of the paper is to find the optimal solution for field precision irrigation through an improved genetic algorithm in which the intermediate results were retained and calculated separately. The possibility of working out the optimal solution was increased by comparing the present optimal solution with the new results. Taking the factors such as the climate and the terrain into consideration, the improved algorithm was applied to an experiment in the paper. The experiment data were collected from Xiaotangshan farmland and the constraints of the algorithm were set according to the field's basic data, historical data and the computing conditions. The improved genetic algorithm was applied to the decision-making of the irrigation. Finally, software with user-friendly interface was built using WebGIS technology. By using the software, the users could intuitively understand and operate the entire decision-making process. This study shows that the improved genetic algorithm can significantly speed up the search of the optimal solution and the efficiency of field irrigation decision-making.
First-person science inquiry 'in the field'

In this paper we describe a class of restricted simulations, virtual ambients, designed to support science inquiry learning among elementary school students. These simulations employ large multi-user VR displays to support 'first-person' collaborative exploration, data collection, and the construction of support for hypotheses in simulated environments. In order to reduce the cognitive load on learners, navigation is used instead of the traditional learning simulations' direct control of independent model variables. Users may observe phenomena in virtual environments, but cannot affect the course of the underlying simulation. We report on our early experience with second, fourth, and sixth grade students in an elementary school employing a configurable virtual ambient named 'the Field.'
Formation of Tumor-Like Structures on Legume Roots by Rhizobium

Tumor-like structures appeared on the roots of Medicago sativa, Alysicarpus vaginalis , and Trifolium pratense inoculated with a non-nodulating strain of Rhizobium trifolii or with irradiated cultures of either of two nodulating Rhizobium strains. The structures were composed of disorganized plant tissues which, on the basis of microscopic examination, were devoid of bacterial cells. Rhizobia which could nodulate legumes of one cross-inoculation group and which were able to induce formation of such tumor-like structures on plants of a second cross-inoculation group were isolated from extracts of these root growths. The apparent tumorogenic activity of some of the rhizobia, but not their nodulating capacity, was lost when the bacteria were transferred in laboratory media. Images
A Folate- and Methyl-Deficient Diet Alters the Expression of DNA Methyltransferases and Methyl CpG Binding Proteins Involved in Epigenetic Gene Silencing in Livers of F344 Rats

Aberrations in methylation profile of the genome occur in human cancers induced by folate deficiency. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, male F344 rats were fed a diet deficient in l-methionine and devoid of folic acid and choline (FMD diet), which is known to induce hepatocellular carcinomas. We investigated changes in the DNA methylation machinery, namely, de novo DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt3a and 3b), maintenance DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt1), and methyl CpG binding proteins (MBDs), in rat livers during early stages of tumorigenesis. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses revealed differential expression of these proteins in the livers of rats fed the FMD diet. Although the hepatic Dnmt1 mRNA level declined with age (P < 0.001), it was elevated (P < 0.001) in deficient rats compared with controls. The changes in hepatic Dnmt1 protein level with the diet correlated with its mRNA levels (r = 0.60, P = 0.002). Similarly, the Dnmt3a mRNA level was elevated in rats fed the FMD diet (P < 0.001), whereas the Dnmt3b level (mRNA and protein) was not affected by diet or age. Compared with controls, hepatic MBD1-3 RNA levels increased (P < 0.001) and the protein levels of MBD1, 2, and 4 were elevated (P < 0.001) in the deficient rats. In both diet groups, hepatic MBD2 protein decreased (P < 0.001), whereas MeCP2 protein increased (P < 0.001) with age. These results demonstrate that a combined folate and methyl deficiency alters components of the DNA methylation machinery by both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms during early stages of hepatocarcinogenesis.
Nebulized Tranexamic Acid as a Noninvasive Therapy for Cancer-Related Hemoptysis.

Abstract Background: Many patients with cancer involving the respiratory system suffer from the frequent recurrence of significant, submassive hemoptysis, which may result in invasive procedures, hospital stays, and a reduction in quality of life. Currently, there are no widely accepted noninvasive therapeutic options. Few case studies have looked at the benefit of tranexamic acid (TXA) as a noninvasive therapy in the treatment of hemoptysis. Methods: A patient with an invasive airway malignancy presented to the emergency department with substantial hemoptysis. A nebulized TXA solution was used as a noninvasive therapy to control the hemorrhage. Results: The patient's hemoptysis resolved fifteen minutes after the nebulized TXA therapy was initiated. There were no known adverse events. Conclusion: Nebulized TXA seems to be a safe, effective, and noninvasive method for controlling, or at least temporizing, hemoptysis in select patients. Nebulized TXA may be useful as a palliative therapy for chronic hemopty...
Rapid and high yield oxidation of phosphine, phosphite and phosphinite compounds to phosphine oxides, phosphates and phosphinates using hypofluorous acid–acetonitrile complex

The hypofluorous acid acetonitrile complex was used as a mild, rapid, and effective agent to oxidize a wide variety of phosphines, phosphites and phosphinites to the corresponding phosphine oxide, phosphate and phosphinate compounds.
Spectroscopy Of Nitrenes Bound To ∝-Chymotrypsin

Reaction of ∝-chymotrypsin with various aryl azido acylimidazoles leads to covalent attachment of the aryl azide photoaffinity label. Photolysis of the polycrystalline enzyme or a frozen solution of the enzyme at 77K leads to intense EPR signals of the triplet nitrenes. The position of the EPR resonance fields and the decay kinetics can be interpreted in terms of binding of the label within or outside the binding pocket of the enzyme.
THE GERMINATION OF ZYGOSPORES OF RHIZOPUS STOLONIFER

GAUGER, WENDELL L. (U. Nebraska, Lincoln.) The germination of zygospores of Rhizopus stolonifer. Amer. Jour. Bot. 48(5): 427-429. Illus. 1961.-Zygospores of R. stolonifer (Ehrenb. ex Fr.) Vuill. germinated in less than 30 days when placed on filter disks kept moist with sterile distilled water. Single germinating zygospores produced germ sporangiospores which, when cultured, reacted as either all plus, all minus or as mixtures of the two.
Interfacial Barriers in Interphase Transport II: Influence of Additives Upon the Transport of Diethylphthalate Across The Hexadecane-Gelatin-Water Interface

The authors recently described a novel method for investigating the effects of an interfacial barrier in interphase transport. The procedures, both theoretical and experimental, were applied to the study of the effects of an adsorbed gelatin at the hexadecane-water interface upon the transport of diethylphthalate between the two phases. The present paper describes the influences of surfactants, electrolyte type, and concentration upon the permeability coefficient for the interfacial barrier. Experiments were conducted as before, employing diethylphthalate as the solute. The transport data were analyzed by the physical model described earlier. The results showed that the two ionic surfactants, sodium lauryl sulfate and dodecylpyridinium chloride, markedly decreased (2 to 12 times) the interfacial barrier even at low concentration (0.001–0.10% in the stock emulsion). Furthermore, the analysis showed that neither the electrolyte type nor concentration influenced the permeability coefficients, although they significantly altered the interphase transport rates themselves by changing the partition coefficients. These findings are particularly interesting as they may represent types of nonspecific situations that give rise to important barriers in in vivo drug transport.
Studies on the stage of action of lasalocid against Eimeria tenella and Eimeria acervulina in the chicken.

Abstract Broiler chickens in battery pens were either fed a diet containing 100 ppm lasalocid or no drug for 24 h prior to inoculation with sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella or Eimeria acervulina . Different groups of birds remained on medicated feed for 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 or 144 h after inoculation. Conversely, other groups started on an unmedicated diet, were given medicated feed at different times after oocyst inoculation. Starting lasalocid medication 24 h ( E. tenella ) or 48 h ( E. acervulina ) after inoculation reduced the lesions and improved the weight gain. There was no significant different in performance of birds after withdrawal of the drug at 48 h ( E. tenella ) or 72 h ( E. acervulina ) and thereafter. Starting lasalocid medication at 96 or 120 h did not suppress but rather reduced oocyst production.
Hypercholesterolemia accelerates the Alzheimer's amyloid pathology in a transgenic mouse model.

Recent data suggest that cholesterol metabolism is linked to susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, no direct evidence has been reported linking cholesterol metabolism and the pathogenesis of AD. To test the hypothesis that amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) deposition can be modulated by diet-induced hypercholesterolemia, we used a transgenic-mouse model for AD amyloidosis and examined the effects of a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet on central nervous system (CNS) Abeta accumulation. Our data showed that diet-induced hypercholesterolemia resulted in significantly increased levels of formic acid-extractable Abeta peptides in the CNS. Furthermore, the levels of total Abeta were strongly correlated with the levels of both plasma and CNS total cholesterol. Biochemical analysis revealed that, compared with control, the hypercholesterolemic mice had significantly decreased levels of sAPPalpha and increased levels of C-terminal fragments (beta-CTFs), suggesting alterations in amyloid precursor protein processing in response to hypercholesterolemia. Neuropathological analysis indicated that the hypercholesterolemic diet significantly increased beta-amyloid load by increasing both deposit number and size. These data demonstrate that high dietary cholesterol increases Abeta accumulation and accelerates the AD-related pathology observed in this animal model. Thus, we propose that diet can be used to modulate the risk of developing AD.
Performance of carbon-fiber-containing LiFePO4 cathodes for high-power applications

Abstract This paper describes the fabrication and testing of LiFePO 4 cathodes for hybrid vehicle applications. The cathodes contained combinations of three different carbon conductivity additives: vapor-grown carbon fibers (CF), carbon black (CB) and graphite (GR). Cells of different carbon composition and active-material loading were tested with 10 s charge and discharge pulses and found under certain conditions to meet the HEV power goals for the U.S. Advanced Battery Consortium. With all other factors held constant, cathodes with a mixture of CF + CB were found to have the best power-performance, followed by cells containing CF only and then by CB + GR. Thus, the use of carbon fibers as conductive additive was found to improve the power performance of cells compared to the baseline (CB + GR). The enhanced electrode performance due to the fibers also allows an increase in energy density while still meeting power goals. The best specific-power performance for each of the compositions investigated was found to occur around an active material loading of 1 mAh cm −2 . About one-third of the available energy was lost to irreversible processes when cells were pulse-charged or discharged at the maximum rate allowed by voltage-cutoff constraints.
Two coiled-coil domains of Chlamydia trachomatis IncA affect membrane fusion events during infection.

Chlamydia trachomatis replicates in a parasitophorous membrane-bound compartment called an inclusion. The inclusions corrupt host vesicle trafficking networks to avoid the degradative endolysosomal pathway but promote fusion with each other in order to sustain higher bacterial loads in a process known as homotypic fusion. The Chlamydia protein IncA (Inclusion protein A) appears to play central roles in both these processes as it participates to homotypic fusion and inhibits endocytic SNARE-mediated membrane fusion. How IncA selectively inhibits or activates membrane fusion remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and molecular determinants of IncA’s fusogenic and inhibitory functions. Using a cell-free membrane fusion assay, we found that inhibition of SNARE-mediated fusion requires IncA to be on the same membrane as the endocytic SNARE proteins. IncA displays two coiled-coil domains showing high homology with SNARE proteins. Domain swap and deletion experiments revealed that although both these domains are capable of independently inhibiting SNARE-mediated fusion, these two coiled-coil domains cooperate in mediating IncA multimerization and homotypic membrane interaction. Our results support the hypothesis that Chlamydia employs SNARE-like virulence factors that positively and negatively affect membrane fusion and promote infection.
Pseudorandom Arrays for Built-In Tests

Parallel pseudorandom sequences for use in built-in test are discussed. The two-dimensional nature of these sequences-makes it natural to consider the resulting binary arrays. Some of the desired properties of such arrays are discussed, as well as some of the problems. Generators for such arrays are described. A conventional LFSR with parallel output is shown to be a poor choice for such a generator. Several compact generators are described, which are shown to be compromises between complexity and varying degrees of implementation of the desired properties in the resulting sequences. One of the compact generators produces sequences which have the desired properties for built-in tests.
Examination of the premature infant.

Abstract Ophthalmoscopic examination of the premature infant requires binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, use of an eyelid speculum, and wide pupillary dilatation. Normal and pathologic features unique to the infant eye often are encountered. Familiarity with these features is essential for accurate diagnosis and prevention of unnecessary therapeutic intervention. Supplemental oxygen is the mainstay of supportive therapy for the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome, a common cause for morbidity in premature infants. Arterial oxygen monitoring is essential for survival and for prevention of retrolental fibroplasia, but precise arterial oxygen levels associated with development of retrolental fibroplasia have not been established.