cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE U.S. AIR FORCE WEAPON SYSTEMS FATIGUE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Since the close of World War II, the U.S. Air Force has been faced with the problem of maintaining a force of aircraft over a relatively long service life as opposed to a short combat life. Early problems predominantly associated with fighter-bomber types were solved by after the fact cut-and-try laboratory tests. About 1958, problems with some first line large flexible aircraft forced a much more comprehensive program and multiload level fatigue tests were begun. The evolution of the present U.S. Air Force fatigue life evaluation requirements is presented, some correlation of service experience is shown, benefits realized from the program are discussed, and some areas for future exploratory development are suggested.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Depression: a Review of the Candidate Mechanisms of Action

Numerous studies published in the last 10 years indicate that repeated administration of prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a potential effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the mechanisms of action are unclear and methods of patient selection for clinical trials are limited. This review seeks to examine the potential neural and cognitive mechanisms of action of tDCS in the treatment of MDD, to aid patient selection for future clinical trials. Cognitive measures of tDCS efficacy in the treatment of MDD have begun to be examined over the past 5 years. Baseline measures of working memory and letter fluency have been shown to predict treatment response. In addition, tDCS reduced cognitive deficits induced by stress, suggesting a protective mechanism. Baseline measures of working memory and letter fluency may aid patient selection in future clinical trials of tDCS. In addition, reduction of stress responsivity may be a key mechanism of action for tDCS in clinical groups and merits further investigation, acutely and post-treatment.
Evidence for Phase-Transition in Nerve Membrane

The process of excitation of the nerve membrane is characterized by a sudden, large change in both the membrane potential and the membrane resistance1. It is possible to induce such a change in the membrane properties by non-electric means 2. A detailed analysis of such processes of excitation by non-electric means has led us to the notion that the membrane macromolecules are capable of undergoing phase-transitions under a variety of conditions. In the present paper we review the results of recent experiments along this line3 and discuss their interpretation based on the consideration of stability, fluctuations and phase-transitions m open systems4.
Cyanide Toxicity of Freshly Prepared Smoothies and Juices Frequently Consumed

Aims This study was conducted to detect the presence of cyanide in popular fruit and vegetable smoothies and juices marketed as raw and natural. Study design Eleven (11) popular varieties of drinks were analyzed for total cyanide (TCN). Drinks contained raw vegetables and fruits, flax seeds, whole apples with seeds, raw almond milk, and pasteurized almond milk as ingredients. Place and study duration Samples were collected from health food eateries located within Las Vegas, Nevada (USA) during the summer of 2017. Methodology Fifty milliliters (mL) of a homogenized smoothie and juice drink and 1 gram of flax seeds were subjected to the above-referenced methods for sample preparation per USEPA Methods 9012B (digestion) followed by USEPA method 9014 (colorimetry). Results The highest TCN was detected in drinks containing raw flax seed followed by unpasteurized raw almond milk, then fresh whole apple juice. No TCN was observed in drinks that contained none of the above mentioned items (e.g. flax seed, raw almond milk) or those utilizing pasteurized ingredients. Conclusion This study observed that TCN is present in smoothies and juices containing raw flax seeds, fresh whole apples, and/or unpasteurized almond milk. Concentrations were detected as high as 341 μg L-1 in commercially available smoothies containing vegetables, raw flax seeds, almond milk and fruits. Smoothies with vegetables, fruits, unpasteurized almond milk, and no flax seeds contained 41 ug L-1 TCN, while similar smoothies with pasteurized almond milk contained negligible to 9.6 ug L-1 CN-. Unpasteurized almond milk and raw flax seeds were the major sources of TCN in drinks. With the increased demand for raw and natural foods, there is a potential sublethal exposure of TCN by consumers.
Reviving Zombie Pages on SSDs

SSDs are being increasingly adopted in the storage hierarchy as they provide substantially lower latencies compared to HDDs. However, there is still a tremendous need for faster service to satisfy the low latency and high bandwidth demands of large-scale computing platforms. Long latency write operations and Garbage Collection (GC) costs are detrimental to the SSD performance as they negatively affect the responsiveness of the drive. Reducing write traffic to the SSD can help significantly lower the response times and minimize the GC costs. In this paper, we show that a majority of pages written to SSD turn into garbage pages. To date, these pages have been immediately (or very soon at the next GC invocations) removed from the device to clean up space for the incoming writes. However, our study in this paper suggests that delaying removal of some garbage pages can help. Specifically, leveraging value popularity to estimate their rebirth can be used to postpone collecting these pages. We design an efficient buffering mechanism to store garbage pages, thereby reducing overheads for GC, and using some of this garbage content to service subsequent writes. Our enhancements considerably reduce the number of writes and lead to lower latency, with an average improvement of 29% and 24.5%, respectively.
Multi-Component Multiphase Flow Through a Poroelastic Medium

An axiomatic development for a continuum description of a multi-component multiphase porous flow in an elastic medium is developed. The Coleman–Noll procedure is used to derive constitutive restrictions which guarantee that the resulting model satisfies an appropriate statement of the second law of thermodynamics and a corresponding dissipation inequality. Many of the models and formulations appearing in the engineering literature are shown to be special cases of the model developed here.
Social Justice Collaboration in Schools: A Model for Working with Undocumented Latino Students

Undocumented Latino students raise unique challenges for school counselors and student affairs professionals. Fears of deportation, limited access to higher education, and restrictions in future opportunities for employment are common. These obstacles can be lessened in the academic setting when school counselors and student affairs professionals work collaboratively toward systemic social justice advocacy. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the challenges encountered by undocumented Latino students and to introduce an ecological model that promotes social action within a K-16 system. Reflections on individual and collaborative social action interventions for undocumented students will be included. Implementation of this model may generate insights into how to educate professionals in both school counseling and student affairs on realistic and empowering methods to facilitate opportunities for undocumented Latino students.
The Normal Aortic Valve Complex

The aortic valve (AV) complex involves the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), aortic annulus, AV leaflets, and the aortic root (to the sinotubular junction). Three-dimensional imaging studies have advanced our current understanding of the AV anatomy. Acquisition protocols and standardized imaging planes allow for more accurate descriptions of anatomy.
Assessment of the Quality, Content, and Readability of Freely Available Online Information for Patients Regarding Diabetic Retinopathy.

Importance Diabetic retinopathy is a global leading cause of blindness. Patients increasingly use the internet to search for health-related information that may affect medical decision-making, but to date, no standard exists across published websites. Objective To assess the quality, content, and readability of information found online for diabetic retinopathy. Design and Setting This cross-sectional study analyzed 11 medical sites with information on diabetic retinopathy. Twenty-six questions were composed to include information most relevant to patients, and each website was independently evaluated by 1 vitreoretinal surgeon and 2 vitreoretinal fellows. Readability was analyzed using an online readability tool. TheJAMAbenchmarks were used to evaluate the quality of each site. Data were collected from December 2018 to January 2019 and analyzed in February 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures A 26-question survey,JAMAbenchmarks, Flesch reading ease score, Flesch-Kincaid grade level, Gunning Fog Index, Coleman Liau Index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index. Results The mean (SD) questionnaire score for all websites was 55.76 (13.38) (95% CI, 47.85-63.67) of 104 possible points. There was a difference between the content quality of the websites (H = 25.811,P = .004). The mean (SD) reading grade for all websites was 11.30 (1.79; 95% CI, 10.24-12.36). No correlation was found between content accuracy and the mean reading grade (r = 0.445,P = .17) or Google rank (r = −0.260,P = .43). No website achieved the full 4JAMAbenchmarks, and only 1 website achieved 3 of the 4JAMAbenchmarks. No correlation was found between the accuracy of the content of the website andJAMAbenchmarks (r = 0.422,P = .20). The interobserver reproducibility was similar among the 3 observers (r = 0.87 between observers 1 and 2,r = 0.83 between observers 1 and 3, andr = 0.84 between observers 2 and 3,P Conclusions and Relevance These findings suggest that freely available information online about diabetic retinopathy varies by source but is generally of low quality. The material presented seems difficult to interpret and exceeds the recommended reading level for health information. Most websites reviewed did not provide sufficient information using the grading scheme used to support the patient in making medical decisions.
Increased Retention in Care After a Palliative Care Referral Among People Living With HIV.

BACKGROUND Early palliative care addresses biopsychosocial needs for people living with HIV in an outpatient setting. We sought to describe patients referred to a palliative care program and compare the medical outcomes of emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, primary care visits, and viral load suppression among patients enrolled in the program, to patients who did not enroll (no-show group). SETTING We completed a retrospective cohort study at an urban, academically affiliated HIV primary care clinic. METHODS Data were collected from electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics characterized patient demographics at baseline, comorbidities, and reasons for referral to palliative care. Viral load suppression, rates of ED visits, hospitalizations, primary care visits, and retention in care were compared between the palliative and no-show groups. RESULTS The most common reasons for referral were chronic pain management and medication/appointment adherence. Median percent of viral load measurements suppressed increased over time, but did not differ statistically between groups (pre: 28.6% and 15.5%, post: 70.8% and 50.0%, palliative and no-show groups, respectively). Median rates of ED visits and hospitalizations were low and were not impacted by palliative care. Rates of primary care visit attendance remained stable in the palliative group (4.6/year) but declined in the no-show group (3.5/year), P < 0.05. Retention in care improved significantly after the palliative intervention (palliative: 85.4%-96.1%, no-show: 94.4%-82.5%), and at high and low palliative engagement, suggesting a threshold effect of the intervention. CONCLUSION Outpatient early palliative care is a promising intervention that might impact retention in HIV care.
Identification and characterization of calyceal diverticula with MR urography (MRU) in children

To determine the MRU imaging findings of calyceal diverticula in a large cohort of children and to compare the frequency of calyceal diverticula in our cohort with what has been previously reported. This was a HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved retrospective study of all patients with suspected CD based on their medical records. All patients in this study underwent MRU at our institution between 2010 and 2017. Two pediatric radiologists reviewed each MRU blinded to clinical information and other urologic imaging regarding the presence, size, location, and morphology of the cyst and presence/absence of contrast within it. The time when contrast first appeared within the cystic mass was recorded, and a χ2 test was used to determine significance on differences between the different characteristics of renal cysts and diverticula. Fifty children (29 girls and 21 boys; median age of 11.5 years, IQR 7–16) with a total of 66 individual cystic masses were included. 21 (21/66, 31.8%) Cystic masses demonstrated contrast filling and were characterized as diverticula, resulting in a frequency of 26.6 cases per 1000 patients (21/787). The remaining 45 cystic masses (45/66, 68.1%) were cysts. The median diameter of CD was 2.5 cm (IQR 1.5–3.7). Contrast was observed within the cystic mass on average at 4.6 min (SD ± 2.4; range 1.5–13 min). The agreement between both radiologists was 91% (k = 0.78). 6 Cysts and 18 CD were confirmed surgically, MRU demonstrated accurate diagnosis in 100% of those cases. Magnetic resonance urography is reliable in differentiating calyceal diverticula from renal cysts. On MRU, all diverticula were identified within 15 min of contrast administration; hence longer delays in imaging are unnecessary.
Current and Emerging Treatments for Waldenström Macroglobulinemia.

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. The primary goal of therapy is to reduce symptoms related to direct infiltration of the bone marrow and decrease monoclonal IgM-associated complications. Active agents in the management of WM can be broadly classified as rituximab-alkylator combination therapy, proteasome inhibitor-based therapy, and Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor-based therapy. MYD88L265P and CXCR4 genetic status are pivotal for tailoring treatment options. Ibrutinib is a suitable treatment option for both treatment-naive and relapsing WM patients. Recent advances in the intracellular B cell and cytokine signaling pathways have contributed to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Current clinical trials are promising and may further advance WM-directed therapy.
Precision multidimensional neural population code recovered from single intracellular recordings

Neurons in sensory cortices are more naturally and deeply integrated than any current neural population recording tools (e.g. electrode arrays, fluorescence imaging). Two concepts facilitate efforts to observe population neural code with single-cell recordings. First, even the highest quality single-cell recording studies find a fraction of the stimulus information in high-dimensional population recordings. Finding any of this missing information provides proof of principle. Second, neurons and neural populations are understood as coupled nonlinear differential equations. Therefore, fitted ordinary differential equations provide a basis for single-trial single-cell stimulus decoding. We obtained intracellular recordings of fluctuating transmembrane current and potential in mouse visual cortex during stimulation with drifting gratings. We use mean deflection from baseline when comparing to prior single-cell studies because action potentials are too sparse and the deflection response to drifting grating stimuli (e.g. tuning curves) are well studied. Equation-based decoders allowed more precise single-trial stimulus discrimination than tuning-curve-base decoders. Performance varied across recorded signal types in a manner consistent with population recording studies and both classification bases evinced distinct stimulus-evoked phases of population dynamics, providing further corroboration. Naturally and deeply integrated observations of population dynamics would be invaluable. We offer proof of principle and a versatile framework.
Developmental programming: gestational testosterone excess disrupts LH secretion in the female sheep fetus

Prenatal testosterone (T) excess results in reproductive and metabolic perturbations in female sheep that closely recapitulate those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). At the neuroendocrine level, prenatal T-treated sheep manifest increased pituitary sensitivity to GnRH and subsequent LH hypersecretion. In this study, we investigated the early effects of gestational T-treatment on LH secretion and pituitary function in the female sheep fetus. Additionally, because prenatal T effects can be mediated via the androgen receptor or due to changes in insulin homeostasis, prenatal co-treatment with an androgen antagonist (flutamide) or an insulin sensitizer (rosiglitazone) were tested. Pregnant sheep were treated from gestational day (GD) 30 to 90 with either: 1) vehicle (control); 2) T-propionate (~ 1.2 mg/kg); 3) T-propionate and flutamide (15 mg/kg/day); and 4) T-propionate and rosiglitazone (8 mg/day). At GD 90, LH concentrations were determined in the uterine artery (maternal) and umbilical artery (fetal), and female fetuses were euthanized. Pituitary glands were collected, weighed, and protein level of several key regulators of LH secretion was determined. Fetal pituitary weight was significantly reduced by prenatal T-treatment. Flutamide completely prevented the reduction in pituitary weight, while rosiglitazone only partially prevented this reduction. Prenatal T markedly reduced fetal LH concentrations and flutamide co-treatment partially restored LH to control levels. Prenatal T resulted in a marked reduction in LH-β protein level, which was associated with a reduction in GnRH receptor and estrogen receptor-α levels and an increase in androgen receptor. With the exception of androgen receptor, flutamide co-treatment completely prevented these alterations in the fetal pituitary, while rosiglitazone largely failed to prevent these changes. Prenatal T-treatment did not alter the protein levels of insulin receptor-β and activation (phosphorylation) of the insulin signaling pathways. These findings demonstrate that prenatal T-treatment results in reduced fetal LH secretion, reduced fetal pituitary weight, and altered protein levels of several regulators of gonadotropin secretion. The observations that flutamide co-treatment prevented these changes suggest that programming during fetal development likely occurs via direct androgen actions.
Elongin A associates with actively transcribed genes and modulates enhancer RNA levels with limited impact on transcription elongation rate in vivo.

Elongin A (EloA) is an essential transcription factor that stimulates the rate of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription elongation in vitro. However, its role as a transcription factor in vivo has remained underexplored. Here we show that in mouse embryonic stem cells, EloA localizes to both thousands of Pol II transcribed genes with preference for transcription start site and promoter regions and a large number of active enhancers across the genome. EloA deletion results in accumulation of transcripts from a subset of enhancers and their adjacent genes. Notably, EloA does not substantially enhance the elongation rate of Pol II in vivo. We also show that EloA localizes to the nucleoli and associates with RNA polymerase I transcribed ribosomal RNA gene, Rn45s. EloA is a highly disordered protein, which we demonstrate forms phase-separated condensates in vitro, and truncation mutations in the intrinsically disordered regions (IDR) of EloA interfere with its targeting and localization to the nucleoli. We conclude that EloA broadly associates with transcribed regions, tunes RNA Pol II transcription levels via impacts on enhancer RNA synthesis, and interacts with the rRNA producing/processing machinery in the nucleolus. Our work opens new avenues for further investigation of the role of this functionally multifaceted transcription factor in enhancer and ribosomal RNA biology.
Promoting Savings for Financial Resilience: Expanding the Psychological Perspective:

In the United States, the lack of personal savings has been a perennial concern in the world of public policy. Policymakers and other practitioners constantly struggle with how to encourage familie...
Sequence variation in the β7-β8 loop of bacterial class A sortase enzymes alters substrate selectivity.

Gram-positive bacteria contain sortase enzymes on their cell surfaces that catalyze transpeptidation reactions critical for proper cellular function. In vitro, sortases are used in sortase-mediated ligation (SML) reactions for a variety of protein engineering applications. Historically, sortase A from Staphylococcus aureus (saSrtA) has been the enzyme of choice to catalyze SML reactions. However, the stringent specificity of saSrtA for the LPXTG sequence motif limits its uses. Here, we describe the impact on substrate selectivity of a structurally conserved loop with a high degree of sequence variability in all classes of sortases. We investigate the contribution of this β7–β8 loop by designing and testing chimeric sortase enzymes. Our chimeras utilize natural sequence variation of class A sortases from eight species engineered into the SrtA sequence from Streptococcus pneumoniae. While some of these chimeric enzymes mimic the activity and selectivity of the WT protein from which the loop sequence was derived (e.g., that of saSrtA), others results in chimeric Streptococcus pneumoniae SrtA enzymes that are able to accommodate a range of residues in the final position of the substrate motif (LPXT X ). Using mutagenesis, structural comparisons, and sequence analyses, we identify three interactions facilitated by β7–β8 loop residues that appear to be broadly conserved or converged upon in class A sortase enzymes. These studies provide the foundation for a deeper understanding of sortase target selectivity and can expand the sortase toolbox for future SML applications.
An Ultra-High-Frequency Wirelessly-Powered Smart Bandage for Wound Monitoring and Sensing Using Frequency Modulation

In this paper, a battery-less and wireless smart bandage is proposed, where the RF and sensor circuit are wirelessly powered, and the sensor data is modulated and wirelessly collected. The sensor is designed with minimalistic electronics to interface to tri-electrode electrochemical sensors. The RF electronics, power telemetry and data-communication antennas are realized via conductive thread embroidery on fabric substrate. The wireless power transmitter operates at frequencies between 350 MHz to 573 MHz, while the return communication signal path is designed to be around 915 MHz. The bandage electronics feature a rectifier for RF-to-DC conversion of received RF power, used for driving a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) and electrochemical sensor. It is demonstrated that restored wound, emulated by a resistive load, yields a modulated frequency of 845 MHz, which is tunable based on value of resistive load and wirelessly collected by a remote receiver at 3 ft. away from the bandage. This modulated frequency corresponds to a tuning voltage of 0.1 V for the VCO. The VCO consumes a total DC power of less than 6 mW. This is the first time a battery-less wirelessly powered smart bandage is demonstrated and this result can be served as a foundation for remote sensing of chronic wounds in the near future.
Reflections on our Food Systems and Social Justice Special Issue

JCTP Editor, Gabrielle Roesch-McNally describes the inspiration for the JCTP Special Issue and highlights the wonderful list of submissions published in the Special Issue on Food Systems and Social Justice.
Political Events at the University of Washington

Beginning with the Canwell hearings of 1948, restraints on academic freedom at the UW extended into the 1950s, exposed contrasting views of the university’s purpose and responsibilities, damaged its reputation, disrupted normal campus processes, and in my judgment jeopardized the future of the institution.18 Fortunately, later events helped to arrest this decline and contributed to a period of development ultimately leading the UW to positions of leadership in many academic fields. The periods of decline and development have been part of corresponding events played on the larger national and international stages; they have been important drivers in the evolution of the atmospheric sciences over the past half century.
Nano- and Microstructural Characterization of Portland Limestone Cement Pastes

This research effort examines the rates of nano- and microstructural development in portland limestone cement pastes through Raman spectroscopy, specific surface area (SSA) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This paper considers the first of these techniques, evaluating chemical composition through in situ Raman spectroscopy measurements. Changes in the chemical composition of the hydrated cement paste is evaluated at various stages of hydration as a first step toward to relating compositional changes over time to rates of nano- and microstructural development. Results from this research effort will provide better insights into how changes in composition and fineness affect the rates of microstructural development in cement-based materials, which can ultimately be used to assess and predict their mechanical behavior and long-term durability.
The effect of a structured story reading intervention, story retelling and higher order thinking for English language and literacy acquisition

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of structured story reading intervention, Story reTelling and higher order thinking for English Language and Literacy Acquisition (STELLA), delivered to 38 Hispanic English language learners (ELL) placed in an enhanced transitional bilingual programme over 2 years from first to second grade as compared with 34 control students placed in a typical practice transitional bilingual programme during the same time period. Both treatment and comparison ELL students' retellings of two stories in Spanish and English were measured by five story elements. Findings were that (a) students receiving intervention outperformed their comparison peers in all five story elements in English and Spanish of both stories; (b) students showed stronger ability in their native language in four of five story elements; and (c) students performed at a higher level in the narrative-informational story than a narrative story in both languages. Educational implications are discussed.
Characterization of Labeled Ribonucleic Acid from Tissue Grown on 14C-Containing Cytokinins

Abstract Soybean tissues requiring cytokinins for growth in vitro were incubated on media containing 6-benzylaminopurine labeled with 14C in either the purine ring (8-14C), the side chain (methylene-14C), or the benzene ring (benzene-14C). In each case radioactivity was incorporated into RNA; the bulk of the incorporated material appeared to be the nucleotide of 6-benzylaminopurine on the basis of anion exchange and paper chromatographic procedures. Methylated albumin chromatography indicated that nearly all of the 14C was in the soluble RNA (sRNA) fraction. Further chromatography of the 14C-labeled sRNA on columns of O-benzoyldiethylaminoethyl cellulose resulted in the appearance of six subfractions, only one of which contained 14C. It is therefore suggested that cytokinins may be incorporated preferentially into certain sRNAs.
Identification, purification, and characterization of truncated forms of the human nerve growth factor receptor.

Abstract We report the presence of truncated forms of the nerve growth factor receptor (NGFRt) in the conditioned medium of the human melanoma cell line A875 and in human urine and amniotic fluid. Radioiodinated nerve growth factor (125I-NGF) specifically bound to NGFRt was chemically cross-linked. After immunoprecipitation, labeled receptor species were visualized by autoradiography following sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. NGFRts were purified from human adult male urine or a mixture of human amniotic fluid and infant urine by using a combination of either ion exchange chromatography (adult) or ammonium sulfate precipitation (infant) and immunoaffinity chromatography. Typical yields were about 1 microgram/liter of adult urine and 75 micrograms/liter of amniotic fluid/infant urine. The purified proteins, with molecular masses of 45, 40, and 35 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (12%), were confirmed to be NGFRts by amino-terminal sequencing and were designated NGFRt-1, NGFRt-2, and NGFRt-3, respectively. The isoelectric points of these three species ranged from 3.3 to 3.95 and displayed intraspecies heterogeneity; subsequently, amino acid residues covalently modified with sialic acid-containing carbohydrates were documented. The binding affinities of these species for nerve growth factor were comparable to that of the low affinity cell surface receptor. The potential to isolate milligram quantities of human NGFRts allows for model studies of the physicochemical structure of the intact receptor and the generation of polyclonal antibodies to study the biological functions of the NGF receptor.
Renewables Can Help Transform Lives in Rural Areas [Point of View]

Electrification has been one of the greatest engineering achievements in human history. In spite of the fantastic progress in all areas of electrotechnology, a large section of humanity has limited access to electricity, and some do not have any access to it at all. Fifteen years into the 21st century, it is hard to imagine that more than 1.2 billion people around the world have never been touched by the electric grid and another 3 billion people have intermittent or limited grid connectivity. Life and economic activity in large areas of the developing world remain unchanged, as access to reliable electricity is key to participate in and enjoy the benefits of modern conveniences.
PET evaluation of bone metastases: Degree of hypermetabolic activity of FDG-PET depends on the degree of osteolytic or osteoblastic component in the bone metastases

1615 Objectives: To investigate natures of discordant or concordant scan finding between PET and other diagnostic imaging studies for bone metastases and its clinical relevance. Methods: Retrospective reviews of 75 patients whose PET or PET/CT scan finding, suspicious of bone metastasis were analyzed for follow-up clinical outcome. The PET scan findings were correlated with other imaging studies including bone scan, CT, MRI, with respect to a type of primary tumor, nature of osteolytic, sclerotic, or mixed, and concordancy or discordancy with other imaging studies. In the subset of the patients who had PET/CT scan, SUV and Hounsfields Unit (HU) values were calculated in the metastatic sites and normal bone sites. Results: Thirty-two patients had bone metastases; In 13 of these, PET finding showed more hypermetabolic metastatic lesions than that of other imaging studies: the types of primary tumor are breast, lung, lymphoma and thyroid; In 12 patients, PET and other imaging studies showed concordant appearance in the breast, lung, lymphoma, colon and esophageal tumor; In 6 patients, PET scan showed less lesions than other imaging studies in colon and lung. SUV values of metastatic sites ranged from 3.6 to 14.4 (mean of 8.1) whereas SUV values of normal bone ranged 0.6 to 3.1 (mean of 2.2). 95% CI values of maximum and minimum HU values of metastatic sites ranged from 548 to 903 (mean 724) and 26 to 146 (118) whereas normal bone sites ranged 324-to 439 (mean 391) and 11.5-38 (mean value 25). No statistically significant positive or negative correlation between the SUV and HU values is noted. However, qualitatively PET scan is more positive and hypermetabolic in the osteolytic tumor and there was no statistical difference in the proportion of such occurrence between the tumor types. Conclusions: One should be cautious about concluding the presence of bony metastases by PET scan finding alone. PET scan finding of bone metastases can be variable, either concordant or discordant with other imaging studies. Hypermetabolic metabolic foci are more prevalent in the osteolytic tumor. False negative FDG PET finding could be noted in the 6/35 patients (17%) with osteoblastic bone metastases.
Preservice elementary teachers' emotional connections and disconnections to climate change in a science course

Due to emotions' evaluative nature, they provide a lens for understanding personal and urgent engagement with events and experiences. Grounding this work in ethnography and sociolinguistics, I utilized discourse analysis to study the emotions of 30 preservice elementary teachers expressed about climate change in a science course. I describe the emotional connections and disconnections within and across the three aspects of climate change that students engaged with most deeply: the impacts, lack of action, and causes of climate change. These emotional connections and disconnections provide new ways to understand preservice elementary teachers' emotional sense-making of this scientific issue. Implications for examining features of emotions to make salient emotional sense-making of climate change are discussed. This emotional engagement differs from other findings in which people typically distance themselves from climate change. In addition, the value of analyzing all emotional expressions (“positive” and “negative”) in science learning settings is explained. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 52: 1296–1324, 2015.
Interference suppression in M-QAM OFDM mobile wireless receivers using antenna arrays

This paper focuses on using adaptive antenna arrays at a mobile receiver for M-ary OFDM signals. The array structure is devised to mitigate co-channel and inter-channel interference as well as have equalizing effects in the frequency domain. Effects of array mobility on the steering vector are included and spatial smoothing is employed to improve the signal-to-interference plus noise performance of the array. Scenarios of variable number of co-channel interferers with different angles of arrivals as well as inter-channel interferers are considered. The effects of the size of the array, the subarrays, and the spatial smoothing are examined.
Lessons from turnaround leaders

Purpose – Environmental uncertainty threatens many companies. This paper seeks to offer a strategic model to help imperiled firms overcome employee inertia, counter competitive forces, and speed organizational renewal.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a change model which outlines five major steps, each comprised of three elements. Examples from the field illustrate sequential stages of the cycle.Findings – This framework aligns human resources and organizational processes. By adhering to this approach, leaders can become transformational change agents.Practical implications – The proposed strategic format evolved from face‐to‐face discussions with exemplary turnaround leaders. In their visits to the author's classroom over the last six years, they offered insights that should prove beneficial to other leaders in turnaround situations.Originality/value – The paper extends existing business models by providing a comprehensive set of action steps to engage all organizational members.
Uteroglobin binding proteins: regulation of cellular motility and invasion in normal and cancer cells.

: Uteroglobin (UG) is a multifunctional, secreted protein with anti-inflammatory and antichemotactic properties. While its anti-inflammatory effects, in part, stem from the inhibition of soluble phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) activity, the mechanism(s) of its antichemotactic effects is not clearly understood. Although specific binding of UG on microsomal and plasma membranes has been reported recently, how this binding affects cellular function is not clear. Here, we report that recombinant human UG (hUG) binds to both normal and cancer cells with high affinity (20–35 nM, respectively) and specificity. Affinity cross-linking studies revealed that 125I-hUG binds to the NIH 3T3 cell surface with two proteins of apparent molecular masses of 190 and 49 kDa, respectively. UG affinity chromatography yielded similar results. While both the 190- and 49-kDa proteins were expressed in the heart, liver, and spleen, the lung and trachea expressed only the 190-kDa protein. Some cancer cells (e.g., mastocytoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma) expressed both the 190- and 49-kDa proteins. Further, using functional assays, we found that UG dramatically suppressed the motility and extracellular matrix invasion of both NIH 3T3 and some cancer cells. In order to further characterize the anti-ECM-invasive properties of UG, we induced expression of hUG into cancer cell lines derived from organs that, under physiological circumstances, secrete UG at a high level. Interestingly, it has been reported that a high percentage of the adenocarcinomas arising from the same organs fail to express UG. Our results on induced hUG expression in these cells show that inhibition of motility and ECM invasion requires the expression of both UG and its binding proteins. Taken together, our data define receptor-mediated functions of UG in which this protein regulates vital cellular functions by both autocrine and paracrine pathways.
Chemisorption and reaction of NH3 on Ni(111)

Abstract The chemisorption of ammonia on Ni(111) has been investigated using LEED, thermal desorption, and angle-resolved photoemission. For exposures at 200 K, thermal desorption shows a coverage-dependent binding energy associated with dipole-dipole interactions. A (2 × 2) LEED pattern occurs at 2–4 L exposure. Time dependence of the LEED pattern and changes in the thermal desorption induced by the LEED beam indicate that the (2 × 2) pattern is due to a stable intermediate decomposition species. Using synchrotron radiation photoemission all three valence orbitals of ammonia have been observed for the first time. The energies of the ammonia-induced features in the photoemission (−22.0, −11.0 and −6.7 eV below the Fermi energy) and the observed symmatries positively identify the absorbed species as molecular ammonia. Additional structure observed in the photoemission spectra after electron bombardment is associated with the stable adsorbed intermediate.
Tunable photogalvanic effect on topological insulator surfaces via proximity interactions

An unusual photogalvanic effect is predicted on the topological insulator surface when its semimetallic electronic spectrum is modified by an adjacent ferromagnet. The effect is correlated with light absorption in a wide frequency range (from a few to hundreds of meV) and produces a pronounced response that is not only resonant to the photon energy but also tunable by an external electrical bias. The exceptionally strong peak photocurrent of the order of $\ensuremath{\mu}$A/cm may be achieved at elevated temperatures with the illumination power of 1 W/cm${}^{2}$ in the THz range on Bi${}_{2}$Se${}_{3}$. These advantages could enable room-temperature detection of far-infrared radiation.
A Solid-State EMF Study of the Fe-S-O and Co-S-O Ternary Systems

The equilibrium oxygen potentials of the two-phase equilibria Fe3O4/Fe1−xS, Co1−xS/Co3S4, Co3S4/CoS2, Co1−xS/CoO, and CoO/CoSO4 were measured as a function of temperature. A solid-state emf technique using calcia-stabilized zirconia (CSZ) solid electrolyte was used. These equilibria were studied atP SO2≃1 atm; the equilibrium Co1−xS/CoO was also studied atP SO2≃0.1 atm. Two emf cell designs were used for the measurements atP SO2≃1 atm andP SO2≃1 and 0.1 atm, respectively. The homogeneity range of FeS in equilibrium with Fe3O4 and that of Co1−xS in equilibrium with CoO at ∼ 1073 K andP SO2≃1 atm were measured by electron microprobe analysis.
Aneurysmal Bone Cysts and Giant Cell Tumors of the Spine

Tumors affecting the spinal column include primary and metastatic tumors. Primary tumors of the spine comprise less than 11% of all primary musculoskeletal tumors, and only 4.2% of all spine tumors and include aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) and giant cell tumors (GCTs). The radiographic and histologic features of these tumors may appear similar, as both create osteolysis and cystic patterns in the vertebra, and both may contain giant cells and hemosiderin on histology. However, the biological behavior and clinical course of these tumors differ significantly and an effective approach to treatment is distinct in these conditions. The purpose of this article is to describe ABCs as a primary benign tumor of the spine and to differentiate this entity from GCTs of the spine, which have the capacity to undergo osteosarcomatous transformation and metastasize.
Computer simulation of the generation of the electroencephalogram

Abstract We have used a computer program for modeling some features of the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) in terms of the time- and space-dependent interactions of populations of neurons in different hypothetical brain configurations of increasing levels of complexity. The input of the model consists of: (1) geometric and anatomic data characterizing the brain configuration, including interconnecting fiber pathways between neuronal groups; (2) physiologic characteristics of neurons, such as thresholds, driving potentials and conductances of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, synaptic delay times, and rise and fall times of postsynaptic potentials; and (3) functions describing the time-dependent afferent impulses to the brain configuration under study. The output of the model consists of plots of selected intracellular and extracellular potentials, including electrical potentials measured by an array of electrodes on the surface of the head, as a function of time. The objective was to assess how the characteristic frequencies seen in scalp EEG recordings might be determined by characteristics of local neuronal circuits (such as thalamic ‘pacemakers’) and by global circuit characteristics (such as cortico-cortical and thalamo-cortical interactions). We find that in our model the basic requirement for rhythmic behavior is the existence of local feedback circuits containing inhibitory neurons and that, when parameters of the model are chosen so that sustained rhythmic oscillations in the alpha frequency range are generated, the characteristic frequencies of these oscillations are primarily determined by the local circuit parameters, especially the duration of the inhibitory postsynaptic potentials, and are relatively independent of global circuit parameters such as the ranges of the long interconnecting axons and the propagation velocity of action potentials in these axons.
A Study of School Achievement Among Adolescent Children with Working and Nonworking Mothers.

AbstractThis study sought to determine if there was a difference in school achievement among 312 ninth-grade pupils that were categorized according to their mothers’ work history. Differences in ability among the children were controlled by holding IQ constant by using analysis of covariance-multiple classification. The findings revealed that 1) there was no significant difference in school achievement among the children whose mothers worked full-time, part-time or not at all; 2) boys and girls did not differ in school achievement among the three maternal employment groups.
A synthetic hydrogel with thermoreversible gelation, III: an NMR study of the sol–gel transition

The sol–gel transition mechanism of a thermoreversible hydrogel composed of a copolymer comprising poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PNIPAAm–PEG) was studied by NMR. The 1H– and 13C–NMR spectra measured on a PNIPAAm–PEG solution in 99.9% D2O showed a remarkable line width broadening of the PNIPAAm block of more than that of the PEG block, during thermally induced hydrogel formation. This result suggested that the mobility of the PNIPAAm block is more restricted than that of the PEG block during gelation. A crosslinked polymer network formation was ascertained by a sudden reduction in the spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) of the residual HDO proton during gelation. The temperature dependency of the T1 values for the PNIPAAm and PEG blocks revealed that the microscopic condition of the PNIPAAm block in water was drastically changed during gelation, while that of the PEG block was unchanged. The experimental results from NMR supported the following gelation mechanism; that an aggregation of PNIPAAm blocks in the separate copolymers caused by hydrophobic interaction forms crosslinking points to give an infinite three-dimensional network structure. The hydrated PEG chains in the copolymers provide the network with a swelling property in water, and prevent the aggregation from causing a macroscopic phase separation.
The effect of base doping on the performance of Si bipolar transistors at low temperatures

The possibility of using Si bipolar transistors at low temperatures (77 to 200 K) is examined. Estimates of the de-current gain β and the switching performance are obtained from results on the variation of the effective band gap with the concentration of impurities in the emitter region and from the variation of the transport properties with the impurity concentration in the base. The reduction in β at low temperatures cannot be eliminated by using an optimum As concentration in transistors with As doped emitters. There is, however, a significant improvement in the low-temperature from eliminating the compensating acceptors from the emitter region. It is important to also reduce the number of compensating donor traps from the base region at low temperatures. The effect of varying the base doping is calculated using the data on Si of Morin and Maita, replotted to obtain the dependence on impurity concentration. The switching speed goes through a maximum close to 150 K. At even lower temperatures majority-carrier freeze out is responsible for a decreased performance. At low temperatures, the de-current gain can be increased by reducing the base doping. The resulting performance decrease is less than at room temperature and the improvement in β is greater, because, at low temperatures, the decreased impurity scattering at a lighter doping significantly improves the electron and hole mobilities in the base region.
Simultaneous 25 GHz-spaced DWDM wavelength conversion of 1.03 Tbit/s (103/spl times/10 Gbit/s) signals in PPLN waveguide

A periodically poled LiNbO/sub 3/ (PPLN) waveguide that simultaneously converts the wavelengths of 25 GHz-spaced, 1.03 Tbit/s (103 /spl times/10 Gbit/s) DWDM signals, from C-band to L-band, with the small guard band of 8 nm (4 nm/spl times/2) is shown. The converted signals have Q-factors of at least 15.6 dB.
The Dust Distribution Immediately Surrounding V Hydrae

ABSTRACT.Dust surrounding the star V Hydrae has been measured at a 11.15 μm wavelength using the three-telescope Infrared Spatial Interferometer (ISI). The narrowband heterodyne detection system is tuned to a region free of spectral lines due to molecules surrounding the star, and only continuum radiation from the dust and star is measured. Closure-phase data show that the dust is symmetrically distributed around the star. Results obtained in 2006–2007 are well fitted by a model with a Gaussian intensity distribution with HWHM of 49 mas that contributes 0.52 of the total flux and by a uniform disk of radius 287 mas with a total flux fraction of 0.26; the remaining 0.22 of the total flux is due to the star, which is unresolved. Visibility measurements conducted in 1997 show a substantial difference from those of 2006–2007, indicating that the star was surrounded by more dust in 1997.