cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of the Gene that Encodes the Peptide Core of Heparin Proteoglycan and Other Proteoglycans that are Stored in the Secretory Granules of Hematopoietic Cells

Proteoglycans are a complex family of macromolecules that consist of a protein core to which at least one glycosaminoglycan is covalently attached through the neutral trisaccharide, Galsl→3Galsl→4Xyls→Ser (for review, see Roden, 1980). The heparin/heparan sulfate family of glycosaminoglycans is formed in the Golgi by the sequential addition of alternating GlcA and GlcNAc onto this trisaccharide, whereas the chondroitin sulfate family of glycosaminoglycans is formed by the sequential addition of alternating GlcA and GalNAc. After addition of the precursor saccharides, the polymer undergoes a number of enzymatic modifications including N- and O-sulfation and epimerization of GlcA to IdoA to yield mature glycosaminoglycans. The combination of different core proteins, varied numbers, types, and sizes of glycosaminoglycans, and possible N- and O-linked oligosaccharides results in a diverse family of proteoglycans. This diversity probably reflects the proteoglycans’ numerous functions in different cells and tissues. Proteoglycans are major constituents of the extracellular matrix where they help to determine both the physical properties and function of connective tissues. Proteoglycans are also important components of plasma membranes where they bind growth factors and often participate in intercellular binding and cell/matrix interactions.
A challenging intervention with maternal anxiety: Babies requiring surgical correction of a congenital anomaly after missed prenatal diagnosis

L'objectif de cette etude est d'evaluer l'impact de l'anxiete maternelle sur une intervention a court terme dans une situation particulierement stressante, telle qu'une anomalie chirurgicale uniquement diagnostiquee a la naissance malgre des ultrasons prenatals repetes. Les patients etaient 30 meres de bebes devant recevoir des corrections chirurgicales pour une anomalie congenitale, ayant ete divisees en Groupe d'intervention A=16 patients ou Groupe de controle B=14 patients. Le groupe d'intervention a recu des soins normaux et une intervention a court terme comprenant des reunions hebdomadaires avec le psychologue et des reunions d'equipe hebdomadaires. Le groupe de controle n'a recu que les soins normaux disponibles a l'Unite de Chirurgie Neonatale. La principale mesure de resultat fut les niveaux d'anxiete maternelle evalues a la naissance et a la sortie de l'hopital avec l'Inventaire d'Anxiete Etat-Trait de Spielberger (STAI-S). Des comparaisons statistiques ont ete faites entre les deux groupes. Aucune difference importante n'a ete trouvee a la naisssance dans les scores chez les deux groupes. A la sortie de l'hopital, le groupe d'intervention a fait etat d'un score bien plus bas avec le STAI-S que le groupe sans intervention a court terme. Les auteurs concluent que l'aide psychologique pour les parents de nouveau-nes s'est averee etre utile. Cependant, l'impact d'une telle assistance s'est averee etre particulierement benefique pour les parents faisant face au stress emotionnel de voir leurs enfants necessiter des corrections chirurgicales imprevues d'anomalies congenitales a la naissance. Par consequent, la presence d'un psychologue est recommandee, comme faisant partie des soins normaux aux nouveau-nes ayant besoin de correction chirurgicale.
The PKD domain distinguishes the trafficking and amyloidogenic properties of the pigment cell protein PMEL and its homologue GPNMB

Proteolytic fragments of the pigment cell-specific glycoprotein, PMEL, form the amyloid fibrillar matrix underlying melanins in melanosomes. The fibrils form within multivesicular endosomes to which PMEL is selectively sorted and that serve as melanosome precursors. GPNMB is a tissue-restricted glycoprotein with substantial sequence homology to PMEL, but no known function, and was proposed to localize to non-fibrillar domains of distinct melanosome subcompartments in melanocytes. Here we confirm that GPNMB localizes to compartments distinct from the PMEL-containing multivesicular premelanosomes or late endosomes in melanocytes and HeLa cells, respectively, and is largely absent from fibrils. Using domain swapping, the unique PMEL localization is ascribed to its polycystic kidney disease (PKD) domain, whereas the homologous PKD domain of GPNMB lacks apparent sorting function. The difference likely reflects extensive modification of the GPNMB PKD domain by N-glycosylation, nullifying its sorting function. These results reveal the molecular basis for the distinct trafficking and morphogenetic properties of PMEL and GPNMB and support a deterministic function of the PMEL PKD domain in both protein sorting and amyloidogenesis.
Effects of decreased estradiol-17beta on the serum and anterior pituitary IGF-I system in pigs.

To further delineate the role of estradiol in the IGF system an experiment was conducted to determine the dosage of the aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole, needed to decreases serum concentrations of estradiol-17beta (E2) in maturing boars. A second experiment was conducted to determine if administration of anastrozole to growing boars decreased serum concentrations of E2 and affected components of the serum and anterior pituitary gland (AP) IGF system vs untreated boars and barrows. In Experiment 1, 12 crossbred boars (292 days, 158 kg) were administered either 0, 1 or 10 mg/day anastrozole (n = 4/group) beginning on day 1. Blood samples were collected every 7-14 days. Mean serum concentrations of E2 were decreased (P 0.05) existed between the 0 and 1 mg groups. In Experiment 2, 24 crossbred boars and 12 barrows (101 days, 44 kg) were stratified by litter to one of three treatment groups (n = 12): boars administered 10 mg/day anastrozole, boars administered 0 mg/day, and barrows administered 0 mg/day. Blood samples were collected and pigs were weighed on day 0 and every 14 days thereafter, then killed on day 84 when blood and APs were collected. The 10 mg/day pigs were fed the anastrozole-amended diet beginning on day 1. Mean serum concentrations of E2 did not differ (P > 0.05) between the 10 mg/day pigs and 0 mg/day pigs on day 0; however, on day 15 through to 84 mean serum concentrations of E2 were greater (P < 0.05) in 0 mg/day pigs than in the 10 mg/day pigs. Mean percentage increase in serum concentrations of IGF-I was greater (P < 0.05) in untreated boars than anastrozole-treated boars and barrows from day 58 through to 84. Mean percentage of basal IGF-I increased (P < 0.05) from day 29 through to 84 in untreated boars. Mean relative amounts of AP IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 and -5 were less (P < 0.01) in 10 mg/day pigs than in the 0 mg/day pigs, but each was greater (P < 0.01) than in barrows administered 0 mg/day. These results indicate anastrozole administered at a dosage of 10 mg/day suppresses serum concentrations of E2 in pigs. Administration of anastrozole to boars reduced the percentage increase in serum concentrations of IGF-I and relative amounts of AP IGFBP-2 and -5. These data further support a role for E2 in regulating components of the IGF system in pigs.
A range-wide survey to determine the current distribution of New England cottontails

The abundance and distribution of New England cottontails (NEC; Sylvilagus transitionalis) have been declining for several decades. Remnant populations in some regions are known to be vulnerable to extirpation but little is known about the status of populations in most areas. We conducted a survey of the historic range (ca. 1960) of NEC to determine the current distribution and relative status of extant populations. Because NEC were sympatric with eastern cottontails (S. floridanus) and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in much of their historic range, identity of resident lagomorphs was based on DNA extracted either from tissue of captured cottontails or from fecal pellets of free-ranging lagomorphs. We searched 2,301 patches of suitable habitat and detected NEC in 162. We identified 5 disjunct populations in approximately 14% of the historic range. Forest maturation and fragmentation are the most plausible explanations for the widespread decline of NEC. Contraction of the historic distribution was toward eastern and southern edges where a variety of anthropogenic disturbances (e.g., brushy edges of highways and railroad corridors and idle portions of agricultural fields) provided habitat. Land-ownership patterns (dominated by small acreages) and land-use activities (expanding development and limited forest management) within the currently occupied range of NEC suggest a continued decline of suitable habitats. As a result, we recommend efforts to enhance remaining populations of NEC that include responses at 2 spatial scales. At the population or landscape scale, current land uses should guide habitat manipulations that expand existing populations. At the regional scale, we recommend consideration should be given to increasing dispersal among remnant populations, possibly by generating “stepping stones” of suitable habitat. In addition to improving long-term viability of NEC, other species of conservation concern that are dependent on early successional habitats will benefit from these efforts.
Moral Discourse in Economic Contexts

The connection between morals and markets, once a central concern of the discipline of sociology, now finds itself the focus of renewed popular and academic interest. We consider these relationships between moral codes and various aspects of market society through the lens of language, specifically the different forms of moral discourse that perpetually surround economic activity. Our review focuses on discourse produced by both individuals and institutions in three different areas of the literature: identity construction relative to the labor market, decision-making and boundary-maintenance in market environments, and the shared discourses that legitimate key aspects of market structures and economic systems. A theme across these literatures concerns the ways in which individuals use moral discourse to both legitimate their own economic activities and decisions even as these same discourses are shaped in key ways by the institutions of market society, such as the workplace. Accordingly, we argue that language represents a key link between the institutions that structure economic order (the workplace, corporations, governments, and families) and the larger moral codes that sustain them. We conclude that analyzing moral discourse can help to identify deeper dimensions of existing economic inequalities as well as imaging some of their solutions.
The Kenyan Pro-Democracy Struggle, 1985-1992: Nonviolent Resistance and the Transition to Democracy

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, a series of pro-democracy unarmed insurrections swept sub-Saharan Africa, ousting autocratic leaders in Mali, Benin, Madagascar, Malawi, and elsewhere. The 1985-92 pro-democracy struggle in Kenya is often depicted as a failure due to its inability to oust the authoritarian president Daniel arap Moi. Based upon interviews with participants and observers of the movement, as well as secondary sources, this paper argues that while a divided opposition allowed Moi to be twice re-elected by a plurality of votes, the growth and empowerment of civil society made possible important constitutional reforms and put major checks on Mois ability to rule in the absolute manner that he had previously. Unlike some civil insurrections which were able to oust a dictator without fundamentally changing the regime, Kenya appears to be a case where the regime was changed even while the ruler remained in the presidents office. The paper will focus on the application of various methods and tactics of strategic nonviolent action used by the opposition and how the mass struggle helped mature the Kenyan body politic and made possible a more complete democratic transition when Moi was finally forced to not seek re-election.
Large-Area Synthesis of Graphene on Palladium and Their Raman Spectroscopy

We present a detailed investigation of the nucleation sites, growth, and morphology of large-area graphene samples synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on bulk palladium substrates. The CVD chamber was systematically controlled over a large range of growth temperatures and durations, and the nature of graphene growth under these conditions was thoroughly investigated using a combination of scanning electron microscopy and a statistical analysis of >500 Raman spectra. Graphene growth was found to initiate at ∼825 °C, above which the growth rate increased rapidly. At T = 1000 °C, defect-free high-quality graphene was found to grow at an unprecedented rate of tens of micrometers per second, orders of magnitude faster than past reports on Cu- or Ni-based growth, thus leading to macroscopic coverage of the substrate within seconds of growth initiation. By arresting the growth at lower temperatures, we found that graphene nanoislands preferred to nucleate at very specific positions close to terrace e...
Dynamic Polarization Control of Two-Dimensional Integrated Phased Arrays

Simultaneous two-dimensional (2-D) beam steering and dynamic polarization control (DPC) of the radiated electric field in 2-D phased arrays ensure polarization matching between the transmitter and receiver antennas in both fixed and mobile wireless systems. Polarization matching is maintained regardless of the polarization, orientation, and location of the receiver antenna in space within the 2-D steering range of the transmitter. This work implements a fully integrated 2 $\,\times\,$ 2 DPC phased-array transmitter in a 32-nm CMOS silicon-on-insulator process, radiating at 122.9 GHz. It achieves a maximum effective isotropic radiated power of $+{\hbox{12.3 dBm}}$ in the broadside direction and enables polarization angle control of the radiated linear and elliptical polarizations across the full range of 0 $^{\circ}$ to 180 $^{\circ}$ with tunable axial ratio down to 1.2 dB to achieve circular polarization and the ability to steer the radiated beam up to 15 $^{\circ}$ in both dimensions.
Serum Glycoprotein Changes in Pregnancy.

SummaryDuring pregnancy, total serum protein and serum albumin concentration decreased, while the α- and β-globulin protein fractions increased and the γ-globulin protein fraction remained at a rather constant level throughout pregnancy. Total serum glycoprotein, expressed as protein bound hexose, increased throughout the gestational period. This was accompanied by a rise in the levels of all glycoprotein fractions expressed as mg per 100 ml. Relative to the protein content of each fraction, the glycoprotein content of the albumin and γ-globulin fractions increased during pregnancy, while the α1-, α2- and β-fractions decreased in relative percentage of bound carbohydrate. During the early post partum period, albumin and γ-globulin glycoprotein decreased, while α1-, α2- and β-globulin glycoprotein increased. These results indicate that striking alterations of plasma protein metabolism occur in pregnancy.
Action of halothane on myocardial adenylate cyclase of rat and cat.

SummaryThe effect of halothane on myocardial adenylate cyclase was studied since cAMP is thought to participate in the regulation of myocardial contractility and since halothane has been shown to alter the activity of the cAMP-generating enzyme in other organs. Halothane significantly decreased the stimulatory effect of catecholamines on myocardial adenylate cyclase without altering the basal or the sodium fluoride-induced adenylate cyclase activity. In the presence of halothane (2%, vol/vol) the effect of 5 μM norepinephrine on adenylate cyclase in rat myocardium, 74.0 ± 3.0, was reduced to 53.0 ± 3.0 pmol/mg protein/5 min (P < 0.001) (control adenylate cyclase activity, 140.0 ± 1.0 pmol/mg protein/5 min). The activation of adenylate cyclase by isoproterenol was also significantly decreased by halothane in rat and cat myocardium. The maximum stimulatory effect of isoproterenol (2.5 μM) on adenylate cyclase in rat myocardium, 71.0 ± 8.0, was decreased to 26.0 ± 6.0 pmol/mg protein/5 min (P < 0.001) in the...
Illustrations of Fungi—XIX

Pileus fleshy, thin, convex to nearly plane, 3-7 cm. broad; surface smooth, viscid when moist, often radiate-rugose, grayish, grayish-brown, or umbrinous, the center usually darker; context white; lamellae white, broad, rather distant, adnexed; spores ellipsoid, hyaline, with a slight oblique apiculus at one end, 15-I7 X Io-I2/ ; stipe long, with a very long root, slender, firm, generally slightly tapering upward, stuffed, white above, concolorous or slightly paler below, 10-20 cm. long, 4-8 mm. thick. This common and widely distributed edible species may be looked for in open deciduous woods. In the vicinity of New York City, the typical form figured occurs most frequently about beech stumps and under beech trees, and the long rooting base of the
Predictive Value of Neonatal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Preterm Infants

Despite advances in neonatal and perinatal care, prematurely born infants remain at significant risk for brain injury and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Traditionally, cranial ultrasound has been used to identify cerebral abnormalities in this population. However, this technique has limitations in its ability to detect injury and identify infants at risk for subsequent neurodevelopmental disability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an improved mechanism for comprehensive assessment of cerebral development and characterization of injury. Growing expertise has demonstrated that MRI scans can be performed safely and routinely on premature infants at any institution. Recent investigations have shown that findings from conventional MRI sequences demonstrate strong associations with childhood outcomes in this population. In addition, advanced magnetic resonance techniques have been applied to provide additional insights into normative and aberrant cerebral development and enhance predictive capabilities. These findings demonstrate that MRI is a widely available tool well-suited for predicting the neurodevelopmental consequences of prematurity, supporting an expanded role for its use in the clinical care of this high-risk population.
Using Reality Therapy to Facilitate Successful Aging in Clinical Practice

Within the next 15 years, the population of older persons in the United States is expected to reach 20% of the population by 2030. Undoubtedly, there will be an increase in the number of older pers...
Causal Impact: Epidemiological Approaches for a Public Health of Consequence

In the article, the authors discuss issues in health care in the U.S. as of mid-2016, particularly the epidemiological approaches for a public health of consequence. Also examined are such topics as the causal impact framework, the components of said framework like the population intervention effects and internal validity, as well as the need to focus on the causes of health and disease in public health research.
Reconstructing CO 2 concentrations in basaltic melt inclusions using Raman analysis of vapor bubbles

Abstract Melt inclusions record valuable information about pre-eruptive volatile concentrations of melts. However, a vapor bubble commonly forms in inclusions after trapping, and this decreases the dissolved CO2 concentration in the melt (glass) phase in the inclusion. To quantify CO2 loss to vapor bubbles, Raman spectroscopic analysis was used to determine the density of CO2 in bubbles in melt inclusions from two Cascade cinder cones near Mt. Lassen and two Mexican cinder cones (Jorullo, Paricutin). Using analyses of dissolved CO2 and H2O in the glass in the inclusions, the measured CO2 vapor densities were used to reconstruct the original dissolved CO2 contents of the melt inclusions at the time of trapping. Our results show that 30–90% of the CO2 in a melt inclusion is contained in the vapor bubble, values similar to those found in other recent studies. We developed a model for vapor bubble growth to show how post-entrapment bubbles form in melt inclusions as a result of cooling, crystallization, and eruptive quenching. The model allows us to predict the bubble volume fraction as a function of ΔT (the difference between the trapping temperature and eruptive temperature) and the amount of CO2 lost to a bubble. Comparison of the Raman and modeling methods shows highly variable agreement. For 10 of 17 inclusions, the two methods are within ± 550 ppm CO2 (avg. difference 290 ppm), equivalent to ±~300 bars uncertainty in estimated trapping pressure for restored inclusions. Discrepancies between the two methods occur for inclusions that have been strongly affected by post-entrapment diffusive H+ loss, because this process enhances bubble formation. For our dataset, restoring the CO2 lost to vapor bubbles increases inferred trapping pressures of the inclusions by 600 to as much as 4000 bars, highlighting the importance of accounting for vapor bubble formation in melt inclusion studies.
Transvaginal repair of the posthysterectomy vesicovaginal fistula using a peritoneal flap: the gold standard.

Objective To evaluate the transvaginal approach to management of vesicouterine fistulas. Study design Over a 10-year period, 7 cases of simple posthysterectomy vesicovaginal fistulas were identified. The surgical technique involved resection of the fistulous tract completely, performance of layered closure and placement of a peritoneal flap between the bladder and vaginal suture lines. Results One fistula closed spontaneously, and the remaining 6 were repaired transvaginally. Primary repair was successful in all cases, with no complications. Conclusion The transvaginal repair described is the preferred method of repair, associated with an extremely high success rate, low morbidity and cost savings. Its approach should be considered the gold standard.
Orosomucoid, Carotid Plaque, and Incidence of Stroke.

Background and Purpose— Orosomucoid (α-1-acid glycoprotein) is an acute-phase protein that has been implicated in anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and angiogenic pathways. Orosomucoid has also been associated with coronary disease and stroke. The relationship between orosomucoid, carotid plaque, and stroke incidence were explored in this study. Methods— Plasma levels of orosomucoid were assessed in 4285 subjects (39.8% men; mean age 57.5±5.9 years) without cardiovascular disease, who participated in the Malmo Diet and Cancer Study, between 1991 and 1994. The right carotid artery was examined for plaque using B-mode ultrasound examination. Incidence of stroke was followed up during a median follow-up time of 17.7 years. Results— Carotid plaque was present in 43.5% at baseline. Orosomucoid was significantly higher in subjects with carotid plaque (mean±SD: 0.72±0.22 versus 0.69±0.20 g/L; P <0.001). A total of 234 subjects were diagnosed with ischemic stroke during follow-up. Orosomucoid was associated with ischemic stroke after adjustment for risk factors, with hazard ratio 1.48 (95% confidence interval, 1.02–2.16) comparing the third versus first tertile. In subjects with plaque and belonging to the top tertile of orosomucoid, the hazard ratio was 2.07 (95% confidence interval, 1.38–3.11) compared with those without plaque and with orosomucoid in the first and second tertiles, after adjustment for C-reactive protein and other risk factors. Conclusions— Elevated levels of orosomucoid are associated with increased occurrence of carotid plaque and increased incidence of ischemic stroke. The combination of high orosomucoid and carotid plaque substantially increase the risk of stroke.
When Politicians Attack: Conclusion: Uncircling the Firing Squad

His first job, Nick Williams thought, was to separate the [Los Angeles Times] from the Republican Party, to gain some degree of independence in coverage of politics (old-time Times readers were stunned during the 1960 national campaign when the Times covered not just Richard Nixon but Kennedy as well; the idea of printing what a Democrat was saying about a Republican was unheard of). – David Halberstam, The Powers That Be (1979, 286) INTRODUCTION During the 83rd Congress, several Republican senators died in office, giving Democrats a numerical advantage in the number of seats in the chamber. Despite their unexpected new “majority” status, however, the Democrats decided not to take official control of the chamber, uncertain that there was advantage in shouldering such responsibility. Previous chapters give substantial support to this uncertainty; specifically, I argue that unified control of government has been, at best, a mixed blessing in recent years, particularly for the president's party in Congress. The central paradox of this book is that the power associated with unified control of government makes the governing party more vulnerable: In a form of political jujitsu, the opposition party can turn the governing party's own strength against it. The governing party is powerful enough to be held responsible for the output of government but is generally too weak to achieve its goals over the minority's objections.
Skeletal Muscle Excitation–Contraction Coupling

In skeletal muscle, excitation–contraction (EC) coupling refers to the sequence of events linking the action potential and its propagation through the sarcolemma and transverse tubule (TT) system to the activation of Ca 2+ release from the immediately adjacent sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and ultimately the activation of the actomyosin contractile apparatus to produce force and movement. The seminal biophysical, structural and biochemical studies of the mid-twentieth century set the playing field for more recent studies using refined versions of the classical approaches, as well as molecular biological techniques and genetically engineered animal models which have strengthened our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the excitation–contraction coupling process in skeletal muscle. However, many questions still remain to be answered, including a complete understanding of the molecular mechanism that couples the voltage-dependent conformational changes in the dihydropyridine receptor, the TT voltage sensor, to the transition of the ryanodine receptor to its open state(s). This chapter describes details of the mechanisms involved in the excitation–contraction coupling process in skeletal muscle, with an emphasis on TT voltage-dependent activation of SR Ca 2+ release.
SEC comment letters related to permanently reinvested earnings

Abstract In this paper, we examine how permanently reinvested earnings (PRE) and disclosure transparency surrounding PRE influences external monitoring from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Our research is motivated by increased congressional and SEC scrutiny into companies with substantial PRE via their foreign operations. We hypothesize that firms are more likely to receive a PRE-related comment letter if they have large amounts of PRE, a large estimated hypothetical tax on repatriation, increases in PRE, and have less transparent disclosures related to the hypothetical tax on PRE. We find that the estimated hypothetical tax on repatriation and the transparency of PRE disclosures are determinants of receiving a PRE-related comment letter. Further analysis shows that cash-constrained firms with a large estimated hypothetical tax on repatriation are more likely to receive a PRE-related comment letter. Our research contributes to a growing body of research into the external monitoring role of the SEC in the form of comment letters.
Lymphedema: Anatomy, Physiology and Pathogenesis

The authors review the current understanding of lymphatic anatomy and physiology, and the pathophysiology of lymphedema. The skin lymphatic system consists of the initial lymphatics, which converge into lymphatic precollectors, collectors and lymphatic ducts; these in turn convey the lymph to the regional lymph nodes. Interstitial fluid and particles enter the initial lymphatics through interendothelial openings and by vesicular transport. Lymphatic uptake is enhanced by external compression. Lymphatic transport depends greatly on contraction of lymphangions, which generate the suction force that promotes absorption of interstitial fluid and expels lymph to collecting ducts. In lymphedema, various types of congenital and acquired abnormalities of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes have been observed. These often lead to lymphatic hypertension, valvular insufficiency and lymphostasis. Accumulation of interstitial and lymphatic fluid within the skin and subcutaneous tissue stimulates fibroblasts, keratinocytes and adipocytes eventuating in the deposition of collagen and glycosaminoglycans within the skin and subcutaneous tissue together with skin hypertrophy and destruction of elastic fibers.
Reducing Radiation Exposure to the PET Technologist, While Increasing Volume.

2735 Objectives Radiation Exposure for technologists working in PET is higher than in traditional nuclear medicine. Anticipating changes to the operation of our PET facility due to increasing patient volume and staffing changes required us to evaluate how such changes would affect technologist radiation exposure. Our objective was to identify the sources of exposure and to develop procedures to minimize exposure in anticipation of operational changes. Methods We first acquired some baseline measurements using our current process. We used a whole body and extremity pocket dosimeter to measure real time results. Exposure was recorded in mrem on a datasheet. The datasheet was divided according to where radiation dose was received: drawing dose, injecting dose. Next, we examined our current procedures and identified potential tasks to improve our dispensing and injection procedures. We implemented the changes, and then repeated the experiment. Analysis of the data indicated a decrease in overall tech exposure which led to implementing the new procedures division wide. Results Two areas were identified that decreased overall radiation exposure. First, opportunities were identified at the drawing station, more specifically using devices that gave the technologist distance from the dose, changes to how we shield the dose during transport to the patient were made. This component resulted in negligible changes to overall exposure. Next, we identified an opportunity in how we administer the dose to the patient, and implemented changes to type of syringe shielding being used. On the initial experiment the total exposure for injecting FDG in a 3ml syringe averaged 2.0 mrem per patient. On the repeat experiment we did not see significant change. However, what we learned is that when the volume of the dose required the use of a 5ml syringe, our new shielding procedure showed a decrease in exposure by 70 percent. Following implementation of final changes, we analyzed 6 months of dosimetry reports. The average monthly study volumes increased by 9.75% while the average number of injections per technologist increased by 30.0 % (increased patient volume using less staff). For that period of time, the monthly average TLD body dosimeter decreased by 24% and a decrease of 1.4% in ring badge measurements. Conclusions Implementing changes to the type of shielding used during injections and the way dose is transported from the drawing station to the patient resulted in decreased radiation exposure to the technologist. There are many modern shielding tools available for PET radiation protection, and we recommend for all facilities to evaluate ways to reduce technologist radiation exposure.
Interaction between electromagnetic waves and biological materials

Abstract Applications of radio frequency and microwave in medicine and biology are diverse, as exemplified by what will be covered in the future chapters of this book or found in many other articles and books. In many of those applications, the interaction between electromagnetic waves and biological materials should be characterized. This often necessitates having proper knowledge of the complex permittivity of these materials. Complex permittivity of biological substances is dispersive and is often modeled by Debye or Cole–Cole relaxation models. In this chapter, the relaxation theory of dielectrics, which explains the frequency variation of complex permittivity at DC through millimeter wave frequencies, is discussed. Moreover, various relaxation mechanisms and complex permittivity dispersion modeling for biological materials are explained. In addition, some methods of measurement of complex permittivity, using resonant, reflection, and transmission (two-port) techniques are presented.
Abstract 216: Cyclophilin A Regulates Hemostasis by Affecting Multiple Platelet Functions

Background: Cyclophilin A (CyPA) is ubiquitously expressed and regulates multiple cellular functions including protein folding, intracellular trafficking and signal transduction. Extracellular CyPA is an inflammatory mediator that contributes to atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysms, vascular remodeling and myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury. Recent studies have shown that interactions among platelets, endothelial cells and leukocytes play important roles in inflammation. However, the role of CyPA in platelet function and thrombosis remains unclear. We hypothesized that CyPA is involved in platelet activation, resulting in an impact on hemostasis and arterial thrombosis. Methods: Hemostasis was assessed by determining tail bleeding times in CyPA -/- mice (28±3d of age) compared to age matched wild-type (WT) littermates. Blood loss during the bleeding time assays was quantified by determination of hemoglobin concentration as absorbance at 575nm. Blood was collected in EDTA tubes from the retro-orbital plexus and platelet counts were measured using an automatic hemocytometer. Flow cytometric analysis was used to determine the expression of P-selectin and fibrinogen binding in response to various agonists. Washed platelets from WT and CyPA -/- mice were allowed to spread on immobilized fibrinogen and visualized by differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. Results: Tail bleeding times were significantly prolonged in CyPA -/- mice (n=13) compared to WT mice (n=20) (median bleeding time: 1025 s vs. 456 s). Accordingly, blood loss during the bleeding time assay was also significantly increased in CyPA -/- mice (OD575: 0.54±0.22 vs. 0.08±0.01). CyPA -/- mice have similar platelet counts as the age matched WT mice. CyPA deficiency impaired P-selectin expression in response to thrombin and ADP plus U46619, and fibrinogen binding in response to thrombin. Furthermore, CyPA -/- platelets had decreased filopodia and lamellipodia formation on immobilized fibrinogen. CyPA -/- platelets exhibited a decrease of 41% in spreading area as compared to WT platelets. Conclusion: These data indicate for the first time that CyPA regulates hemostasis through affecting multiple platelet functions including α-granule secretion, platelet activation and spreading.
The context of coordinating groups in dynamic mobile networks

Context-awareness in dynamic and unpredictable environments is a well-studied problem, and many approaches handle sensing, understanding, and acting upon context information. Entities in these environments are not in isolation, and oftentimes the manner in which entities coordinate depends on some (implicit) notion of their shared context. In this paper, we are motivated by the need to explicitly construct notions of the context of a group that can support better coordination within the group. First we identify an efficient representation of context (both of an individual and of a group) that can be shared across wireless connections without incurring a significant communication overhead. Second we provide precise semantics for different types of groups, each with compelling use cases in these dynamic computing environments. Finally, we define and demonstrate protocols for efficiently computing groups and their context in a distributed manner.
Multimode entanglement assisted QKD through a free-space maritime channel

When using quantum key distribution (QKD), one of the trade-offs for security is that the generation rate of a secret key is typically very low. Recent works have shown that using a weak coherent source allows for higher secret key generation rates compared to an entangled photon source, when a channel with low loss is considered. In most cases, the system that is being studied is over a fiber-optic communication channel. Here a theoretical QKD system using the BB92 protocol and entangled photons over a free-space maritime channel with multiple spatial modes is presented. The entangled photons are generated from a spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) source of type II. To employ multiple spatial modes, the transmit apparatus will contain multiple SPDC sources, all driven by the pump lasers assumed to have the same intensity. The receive apparatuses will contain avalanche photo diodes (APD), modeled based on the NuCrypt CPDS-1000 detector, and located at the focal point of the receive aperture lens. The transmitter is assumed to be located at Alice and Bob will be located 30 km away, implying no channel crosstalk will be introduced in the measurements at Alice’s side due to turbulence. To help mitigate the effects of atmospheric turbulence, adaptive optics will be considered at the transmitter and the receiver. An eavesdropper, Eve, is located 15 km from Alice and has no control over the devices at Alice or Bob. Eve is performing the intercept resend attack and listening to the communication over the public channel. Additionally, it is assumed that Eve can correct any aberrations caused by the atmospheric turbulence to determine which source the photon was transmitted from. One, four and nine spatial modes are considered with and without applying adaptive optics and compared to one another.
Using a Microscope to Measure the Glue that Holds us Together

We think that adhesion molecules hold cells together. This is the "glue" that holds us, and every other multicellular life form on this planet, together. Intriguingly, the atomic force microscope has recently been used to directly measure the binding force of one of these adhesion molecules. We now have direct evidence that adhesion molecules have the physical properties required to hold cells together. This essential new information shows that these molecules can perform the function that have been assigned to them. You'll be delighted to know that this molecule is more than strong enough to do its job!
The Decontamination of Concrete

In power reactor construction, concrete comprises a major portion of the structural material. During the lifetime of the plant, the concrete may become contaminated from maintenance activities or failures of plant components.
Measuring Denitrification in Soils Using 15N Techniques

Soil scientists who were involved in some of the pioneering studies of denitrification in soils used 15N methodology (Nommik, 1956; Wijler and Delwiche, 1954). At that time, thirty years ago, 15N or the use of artificial atmospheres were the only tools available to scientists interested in understanding the workings of denitrification in soil systems. Because of the expense of 75N, limited access to mass spectrometer facilities, and the analytical difficulties of working with 15N, few scientists were able to study denitrification. Despite these limitations, however, many fundamental insights were gained into the denitrification process and useful techniques were developed that were adapted several years later (Hauck and Bouldin, 1961; Hauck et al., 1958). The pace of denitrification research quickened greatly following the discovery in the mid-1970’s that C2H2 blocks the reduction of N2O to N2 (Balderston et al., 1976; Yoshinari and Knowles, 1976). The C2H2 inhibition method made the study of denitrification accessible to many more scientists, as shown by the explosive increase in the number of articles about denitrification published since the introduction of the C2H2 blockage technique. This new technique also stimulated comparisons of the efficacy of 5N versus C2H2 inhibition methods (Focht, 1985; Hauck, 1986; Keeney, 1986; Rolston, 1986).
The Endocannabinoid/Cannabinoid Receptor 2 System Protects Against Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss

Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2R) in the rat cochlea which was induced by cisplatin. In an organ of Corti-derived cell culture model, it was also shown that an agonist of the CB2R protected these cells against cisplatin-induced apoptosis. In the current study, we determined the distribution of CB2R in the mouse and rat cochleae and examined whether these receptors provide protection against cisplatin-induced hearing loss. In a knock-in mouse model expressing the CB2R tagged with green fluorescent protein, we show distribution of CB2R in the organ of Corti, stria vascularis, spiral ligament and spiral ganglion cells. A similar distribution of CB2R was observed in the rat cochlea using a polyclonal antibody against CB2R. Trans-tympanic administration of 2-methyl-1-propyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1-naphthalenylmethanone (JWH015), a selective agonist of the CB2R, protected against cisplatin-induced hearing loss which was reversed by blockade of this receptor with 6-iodo-2-methyl-1-[2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl]-1H-indol-3-yl](4-methoxyphenyl)methanone (AM630), an antagonist of CB2R. JWH015 also reduced the loss of outer hair cells (OHCs) in the organ of Corti, loss of inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses and loss of Na+/K+-ATPase immunoreactivity in the stria vascularis. Administration of AM630 alone produced significant hearing loss (measured by auditory brainstem responses) which was not associated with loss of OHCs, but led to reductions in the levels of IHC ribbon synapses and strial Na+/K+-ATPase immunoreactivity. Furthermore, knock-down of CB2R by trans-tympanic administration of siRNA sensitized the cochlea to cisplatin-induced hearing loss at the low and middle frequencies. Hearing loss induced by cisplatin and AM630 in the rat was associated with increased expression of genes for oxidative stress and inflammatory proteins in the rat cochlea. In vitro studies indicate that JWH015 did not alter cisplatin-induced killing of cancer cells suggesting this agent could be safely used during cisplatin chemotherapy. These data unmask a protective role of the cochlear endocannabinoid/CB2R system which appears tonically active under normal conditions to preserves normal hearing. However, an exogenous agonist is needed to boost the activity of endocannabinoid/CB2R system for protection against a more traumatic cochlear insult, as observed with cisplatin administration.
Music and substance use: A meta-analytic review

While previous research has documented a relation between music and substance use among consumers, to date, there are no meta-analytic reviews of the literature, making our meta-analysis the first ...
To live (code) or to not: A new method for coding in qualitative research:

Coding is an integral part of qualitative research for many scholars that use interview or focus group data. However, current practices in coding require transcription of audio/visual data prior to...
Problem Solving: Some Suggestions from Research.

As you have noted by now, the feature topic of this month's Arithmetic Teacher is problem solving. For over fifty years researchers have been exploring the improvement of instruction in this area. Many practical findings from these research studies have not as yet filtered into the elementary school classroom. Therefore, this month's column is devoted to a listing of suggestions that researchers have found to be aids in the improvement of problem solving. The comments are made informally. However, a list of selected research sources is provided for the reader who wishes to explore research findings in depth.
Acquiring background knowledge to improve moral value prediction

We address the problem of detecting expressions of moral values in tweets using content analysis. This is a particularly challenging problem because moral values are often only implicitly signaled in language, and tweets contain little contextual information due to length constraints. To address these obstacles, we present a novel approach to automatically acquire background knowledge from an external knowledge base to enrich input texts and thus improve moral value prediction. By combining basic textual features with background knowledge, our overall context-aware framework achieves performance comparable to a single human annotator. Our approach obtains 13.3% absolute F -score gains compared to our baseline model that only uses textual features. 11Our code is available at https://github.com/limteng-rpi/mvp
Curricular response to the real time data and VoIP tidal wave

The migration of almost all forms of communication to Internet Protocol (IP) based applications presents an imminent and significant challenge to educators in both traditional telecommunications and contemporary networking programs. Previously existing models, standards and curricula will quickly be out-dated if they aren't already. The rapid rate of change of communication methodologies requires that educational units react quickly to provide lecture content and lab based materials to adequately prepare students for employment or advanced study the new marketplace. This paper starts with a problem expressed by recent graduates from our program and then seeks to provide an answer to the problem by outlining a lab infrastructure and course of study for graduates of any communications program.
Association of a Remotely Offered Infectious Diseases eConsult Service With Improved Clinical Outcomes.

We performed a case-control study to evaluate an electronic, asynchronous infectious diseases consultative service at 2 rural hospitals within our health system. Patients with consultation via this platform (n = 100) had a significantly decreased odds of death at 30 days compared with propensity-matched controls (n = 300; adjusted odds ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.7; P = .003).
Return to the Isle of Ted: Simulating the Collective Action Problem of Climate Change

This article modifies the classic “Isle of Ted” simulation to teach students about the collective action problems associated with climate change. Modifications include the introduction of a common-pool resource (i.e., fish) and increased pirate attacks to model rising climate threats and unequal distribution of risk. A return to the Isle of Ted enables a deeper engagement with specific collective action problems of climate change, including the tragedy of the commons and issues of global inequality. This article provides a road map for the incorporation of this modified simulation into active-learning classrooms.
Synthesis of Ln(II)‐in‐Cryptand Complexes by Chemical Reduction of Ln(III)‐in‐Cryptand Precursors: Isolation of a Nd(II)‐in‐Cryptand Complex

Lanthanide triflates have been used to incorporate NdIII and SmIII ions into the 2.2.2-cryptand ligand (crypt) to explore their reductive chemistry. The Ln(OTf)3 complexes (Ln=Nd, Sm; OTf=SO3 CF3 ) react with crypt in THF to form the THF-soluble complexes [LnIII (crypt)(OTf)2 ][OTf] with two triflates bound to the metal encapsulated in the crypt. Reduction of these LnIII -in-crypt complexes using KC8 in THF forms the neutral LnII -in-crypt triflate complexes [LnII (crypt)(OTf)2 ]. DFT calculations on [NdII (crypt)]2+ ], the first NdII cryptand complex, assign a 4f4 electron configuration to this ion.