cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Women's autonomy and cervical cancer screening in the Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey 2009.

Abstract Rationale There are vast global disparities in the burden of cervical cancer; 85% of incident cases and 87% of deaths occur in the developing world. There is a growing body of literature asserting that women's autonomy is associated with a broad range of health outcomes. Objective This study examined the relationship between women's autonomy and cervical cancer screening to inform interventions in global cervical cancer care. Methods A generalized estimating equation approach to logistic regression was used to analyze associations between women's autonomy indicators and both cervical cancer screening knowledge and personal history in a cross sectional sample of 4049 married women in Lesotho. Results More than half of the women surveyed (65.2%) had never heard of a pap smear, and only 7.2% had ever had one. Women who participated in all types of household decision-making were 1.4 times more likely to have heard of a pap smear (estimated risk ratio = 1.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 1.8) compared to women with lower participation levels (p = 0.032). Conclusions This study extends earlier research demonstrating that women's autonomy predicts improved health outcomes, to include cervical cancer screening awareness, but not action. This finding, that augmenting women's autonomy improves cervical cancer screening awareness, adds yet another to the myriad reasons for focusing global attention on issues of gender equity.
Significantly improved carrier lifetime and reduced interface recombination velocity for CdTe/MgCdTe double heterostructures

The carrier lifetime of CdTe/MgCdTe double heterostructures has been enhanced significantly up to 2.1 µs through using 30 nm Mg0.48Cd0.52Te barriers. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence measurements indicate that the radiative recombination contributes significantly to the total recombination at room temperature, and the internal quantum efficiency is estimated to be 40 %. A radiative and a non-radiative lifetimes have thus been calculated to be 5.25 µs and 3.5 µs, respectively. The interface recombination velocity of CdTe/Mg0.48Cd0.52Te is determined to be smaller than 2.7 cm/s, which is better or very close to the best values reported for GaAs/AlGaAs and GaAs/Ga0.5In0.5P double heterostructures.
Rubber formation in plants: a mini-review

The ability of plants to synthesize rubber is based on a single enzyme, rubber transferase, which causes the cis-polymerization of isoprene units, as isopentenyl pyrophosphate, into long, single stranded hydrocarbons. These are assembled and accumulated in the cell as rubber particles which range in size from 0.01 to 15 μm and are bounded by an osmiophilic film. Parthenium argentatimi (guayule) and Hevea brasiliensis represent two species which accumulate large quantities of high molecular weight rubber by different intercellular routes. Rubber synthesis takes place in parenchyma cells in guayule and in specialized latex vessels in Hevea. Biochemical questions concerning rubber synthesis are discussed.
The Li7(He3, α)Li6 reaction between 1.3 and 5.5 MeV

Abstract The differential cross sections for the Li 7 (He 3 , α)Li 6 reactions leading to the ground and 2.18 MeV states of Li 6 have been measured as a function of bombarding energy between 1.3 and 5.5 MeV at laboratory angles of 8°, 90° and 165°. Angular distributions have been measured at bombarding energies of 1.81, 2.14, 2.50, 2.98, 3.64, 4.36 and 5.13 MeV. The total cross sections for these reactions have been obtained by integration of the angular distributions. The reactions appear to proceed largely via direct interaction processes although there is some evidence for compound nucleus formation at the lower energies. The angular distributions for the two alpha-particle groups are strikingly dissimilar especially at the higher energies, suggesting that different reaction mechanisms are involved. These possible reaction mechanisms are discussed.
The Complex Role of Neutrophils in Tumor Angiogenesis and Metastasis

Chronic inflammation fosters cancer development and progression and also modulates tumor responses to anticancer therapies. Neutrophils are key effector cells in innate immunity and are known to play a critical role in various inflammatory disorders. However, the functions of neutrophils in cancer pathogenesis have been largely neglected until recently and still remain poorly characterized compared with other immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. We highlight recent findings on the mechanisms by which tumor cells, in cooperation with tumor-associated stromal cells, induce expansion, recruitment, and polarization of neutrophils. We also review the multifaceted roles that neutrophils play in different aspects of cancer development and progression, with an emphasis on tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.
NON-DIMER UV DAMAGE IN DNA AND POLY d(A-T)

Publisher Summary Although some attention has been given to nonpyrimidine dimer DNA photoproducts, in general the high doses of UV necessary to introduce the measurable levels of these products seemed to preclude their being of biological significance. This chapter discusses a UV-DNA specific binding protein as a probe for non pyrimidine dimer damage. It has been possible to partially characterize such damage in T7 DNA and poly d (A-T). UV-irradiation of poly d (A-T) also results in the introduction of protein-recognized damage. Heating the irradiated poly d (A-T) to its Tm value under neutral conditions results in the loss of protein binding as well as in the introduction of chain breaks. It is neither yet clear whether the protein-recognized damage is the same in poly d (A-T) and in DNA nor whether the chain breaks in poly d (A-T) indeed originate from these photoproducts. However, the discrepancy between the T7 and the poly d (A-T) sensitization data may be more apparent than real. Non pyrimidine dimer photodamage is introduced into DNA and poly d(A-T) at low doses of UV light. Irradiation of poly d(A-T) results in a form of damage unstable in the single-stranded conformation at neutral pH. Irradiation at 313nm in the presence of sensitizers suggests that the photodamage is derived from triplet state adenine.
Estimate of the Influence of Feeding by Monelliopsis pecanis and Monellia caryella (Homoptera: Aphididae) on the Fruit, Foliage, Carbohydrate Reserves, and Tree Productivity of Mature ‘Stuart” Pecans

Early-season feeding by large mixed aphid populations of Monellia caryella (Fitch) and Monelliopsis pecanis Bissell on mature ‘Stuart’ pecans ( Carya illinoensis [Koch]) had a major adverse influence on tree productivity, growth, and energy reserves. Nut volume and weight, shoot starch, and reducing sugars were reduced during early fruit development. Similarly, nut volume and weight, kernel weight and lipid content, leaf area and chlorophyll content, shoot starch and reducing sugars, and nut yield were reduced at fruit maturity. Leaflet shedding and subsequent secondary mid-season shoot growth was associated with high aphid levels.
Parametric Geometry for Propulsion-Airframe Integration

The design of advanced aircraft that simultaneously meet increasingly strict noise, emissions, and fuel burn requirements will require accurate analysis of propulsion-airframe integration effects even at the conceptual design level. To meet this requirement, there is a need for new, easy-to-use parametric-based geometry and modeling analysis methodologies. This paper presents a research strategy to develop improved parametric geometry tools suitable for incorporation into an automated or batch-mode Multidisciplinary Design, Analysis and Optimization (MDAO) environment., and to develop an improved capability for 3D representation of the engine internal flowpath, in order to permit more detailed analyses of the engine cycle selection for highly integrated vehicle concepts. The primary tools utilized in this research include the NASA-developed programs Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS), Weight Analysis for Turbine Engines (WATE++), and Vehicle Sketch Pad (VSP).
The Morphological Stability of Strained Epitaxial Layers

The morphological stability of strained-layer thin films is analyzed using classical nucleation theory. For the case where strain relaxation occurs by formation of coherent islands, the model predicts that the critical thickness for transition from two-dimensional (2D) to three dimensional (3D) growth depends inversely on the square of the misfit. The predicted dependence of critical thickness on misfit is in agreement with recent experimental studies on the heteropitaxy of III-V compounds.
Conservation and Renewable Natural Resources

THE ACTIVITIES of the Division pertinent to conservation fall into two general categories: 1) those of committees of the Division as a whole appointed for Division-wide purposes, and 2) those of committees of a segment of the Division, the Agricultural Board, appointed to consider problems within its more limited domain of interest. The interests and activities of these two categories of committees are not mutually exclusive; rather they are complementary and reflect, in part, the concern of the Division for a broad multifaceted problem, the solution of which affects many individual segments of our population and many aspects of our national welfare. This brief summary should in no way be construed as a substitute for the committee reports, which are or will be available to interested groups; rather it provides information on Division interests, activities, responsibilities and recommendations.
Historical Perspectives on Atopic Dermatitis: Eczema Through the Ages

Throughout history, individuals have had a myriad of dermatologic conditions characterized as chronic pruritic dermatoses. The term atopic dermatitis was not coined until the early 20th century. Many diseases typical of this condition were reported using a variety of eponyms and descriptive terms. Even as the incidence of atopic dermatitis rises, it remains poorly understood in the modern era, and viewing the disease from a historical perspective provides useful insight into its nature. This article highlights the evolution of concepts related to the pathogenesis of and recommended treatments for atopic dermatitis.
Epidemiological study of endemic fluorosis in Guizhou province

Objective To appraise the epidemiology and control effects of endemic fluorosis in Guizhou province.Methods A cross section investigation was conduced on the prevalence of dental fluorosis in the children aged 8~12 in the township central school of the coal-burning area, at the same time a clue survey was carried out for the firewood-burning area in Guizhou province.Results Seven hundred and seventy two out of 857 towns and villages were investigated, and 592 (76.68%) were the endemic area, among which 519 (87.67%) were the mild, 49(8.28%) the middle and 24(4.05%) the severe. The population in the whole endemic area was about 19 000 000. The incidence of the total and severe dental fluorosis in the children aged 8~12 was 56% and 6.5%, respectively. The population of the children aged 8~12 years with dental fluorosis was about 1 100 000. The severe endemic towns and villages were mainly distributed in the northwestern region of Guizhou. The cases with dental fluorosis were found in about 40% towns and villages of fire wood-burning area where the households had used coal as life fuel instead.Conclusions The results indicate that Guizhou province still has a rigorous situation to deal with endemic fluorosis. The influencing factors and control measures are widely discussed.
Study on the Hydroxyapatite Antibacterial

The manufacturing of hydroxyapatite antibacterial agent with Ag+ and Ce3+ as antibacterial ions was dealt with by orthogorial experimental design in this paper. Influence factors such as AgNO3 concentration ?Ce(NO3)3?temperature and reaction time were studied. Microstructure of hydroxyapatite antibacterial agent was analyzed with XRD and antibacterial effect of hydroxyapatite antibacterial agent was test by antibacterial circle. The results of hydroxyapatite antibacterial agent showed that it was beneficial to hydroxyapatite antibacterial effect under the condition of AgNO3 (0.2 mol/L)?temperature 30 ℃?time 3 h and Ce(NO3)3 (0.01 mol/L).
Epidemiological status and influencing factors of hypertension among residents in Donghu District of Nanchang City

[Objective]To know the epidemiological status and influencing factors of hypertension among residents in Donghu District of Nanchang City,provide a scientific basis for formulating the intervention measures of hypertension.[Methods]Using the cluster sampling method,a certain amount of households were sampled based on the sampling unit of community,a questionnaire survey was conducted in residents over 18 years old,and related physical examination was performed.[Results]A total of 7 437 people were investigated,and 1 226 were diagnosed with hypertension.The prevalence rate of hypertension was 16.49%;the awareness rate of hypertension was 78.79%,the treatment rate was 51.04%,and the control rate was 43.20%.The main risk factors of hypertension were overweight and obesity,long-term stress,family history of hypertension,alcohol consumption,unhealthy dietary pattern,and lack of physical exercise.[Conclusion]Hypertension is one of the main diseases that harm health of community residents,so it is necessary to carry our comprehensive prevention and intervention among high risk population according to main risk factors.
The Forecast Method of Low-carbon Potential of Energy-conservation Based Dispatch

Energy-conservation based dispatch(ECD) has become one of important works in the electric power industry as it is of signality for reaching the goal of energy saving and emission reduction in China.In a view of power supply planning structure,and with various scenes analysis as well as introducing ECD-contribution coefficients for thermal power plants,this paper proposes a forecast method for evaluating the low-carbon potential of annual ECD.A case study is carried out based on the ‘Twelve Five’ data of Guangdong Power Grid.The results show that the proposed method can demonstrate the optimization space of ECD,and is feasible for coal saving potential and benefit analysis under various dispatching patterns.
On the relevance of gender in the analysis of discourse: A case study from Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential bid in 2007–2008

This article presents an analysis of politicians’ laughter in broadcast news interviews and of mass media representations of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s laughter during her failed bid for the Democrat...
The impact of insurance status on performance of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection and cancer specific death in patients with non seminomatous germ cell tumors.

e16062Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of insurance status on disease stage on diagnosis, receiving retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND), and cancer speci...
Reflected appraisals and self-view in delinquency development: An analysis of retrospective accounts from members of the Racine birth cohorts

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether reflected appraisals of delinquency from parents and friends preceded a delinquent self-view in participants reporting adult criminality. Methods Retrospective accounts of reflected appraisals of delinquency, a delinquent self-view, and adult offending were examined in 791 participants from the original 1942 and 1949 Racine cohorts. Results Mediation analysis revealed the presence of a significant target pathway from reflected appraisals at age 14–17 to self-view at age 18–20 to adult offending at age 21 +. The control pathway, which ran from self-view at age 14–17 to reflected appraisals at age 18–20 to adult offending at age 21 + was not significant. The Preacher–Hayes contrast test revealed a significant difference between the two pathways. Conclusions Consistent with the hypothesis tested in this study, the current results suggest that reflected appraisals of delinquency from others lay the groundwork for an individual's own view of themselves as delinquent.
Quantification of the thermal hazard from metallic and organic dust flash fires

Abstract An in-house constructed nominally 20-L flash fire apparatus was used to evaluate and compare the flash fires fueled by an organic dust (non-dairy coffee creamer) a metal dust (aluminum) and a flammable gas (methane). Dispersion was achieved using an injection system similar to the injection systems found in standard Siwek 20-L combustion chambers and a 10-J spark igniter was used to ignite the fuels. A heat flux gauge, thermocouples, a high-definition video recorder and an infrared wavelength camera were used to evaluate the severity of the flash fires. Multiple concentrations of dusts and a stoichiometric methane mixture were tested. All measurement methods showed reasonable agreement when ranking the severity of different deflagrations, but thermocouple and heat flux gauge measurements were sensitive to the position of the flame relative to the sensors, leading to some inconsistency. Analysis of IR measurements taken at 30 Hz provided fireball dimensions, growth rates, and relative temperatures for dust-fueled deflagration, but were unable to accurately assess the high-turbulence premixed methane flash fires due to the high flame speeds and 30 frames per second limitation. The IR camera was also limited to a maximum temperature of 1200 °C, which is inadequate for the temperature of some metal dust deflagrations, including aluminum and requires adjustment of the material emissivity, which would require additional analysis and testing. Measurement strategies for a next-generation flash fire testing apparatus are proposed based on the results of this study.
Comparison of S-adsorption on (111) and (100) facets of Cu nanoclusters

In order to gain insight into the nature of chemical bonding of sulfur atoms on coinage metal surfaces, we compare the adsorption energy and structural parameters for sulfur at four-fold hollow (4fh) sites on (100) facets and at three-fold hollow (3fh) sites on (111) facets of Cu nanoclusters. Consistent results are obtained from localized atomic orbital and plane-wave based density functional theory using the same functionals. PBE and its hybrid counterpart (PBE0 or HSE06) also give similar results. 4fh sites are preferred over 3fh sites with stronger bonding by ∼0.6 eV for nanocluster sizes above ∼280 atoms. However, for smaller sizes there are strong variations in the binding strength and the extent of the binding site preference. We show that suitable averaging over clusters of different sizes, or smearing the occupancy of orbitals, provide useful strategies to aid assessment of the behavior in extended surface systems. From site-projected density of states analysis using the smearing technique, we show that S adsorbed on a 4fh site has similar bonding interactions with the substrate as that on a 3fh site, but with much weaker antibonding interactions.
Testing the feasibility of using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) to assess caregiver symptom burden.

Objective: Caregiver symptom assessment is not part of regular clinical cancer care. The ESAS (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System) is a multidimensional tool regularly used to measure symptom burden in patients but not caregivers. The objectives of the present study were to determine the feasibility of the ESAS in caregiver completion (defined as ≥ 9 of 12 items) and determine its concurrent validity with the Zarit Burden Interview–12 (ZBI–12). Method: We conducted a prospective study on 90 patient–primary caregiver dyads seen in an outpatient supportive care center in a cancer center. The 12 item ESAS–FS (financial–spiritual) was completed by the dyads along with other clinical and psychosocial measures. Results: The caregiver ESAS was found to be feasible (90/90 caregivers, 100% completed ≥ 9/12 items) and useful (66/90 caregivers, 73%) by caregivers to report their symptom burden. Some 68 of 90 (76%) caregivers had symptom distress scores ≥ 4 on at least one symptom. A significant association was found between the ESAS scores of caregivers and patients for fatigue (0.03), depression (<0.01), anxiety (<0.01), sleep (0.05), well-being (<0.01), financial distress (<0.01), spiritual pain (<0.01), and total ESAS score (<0.01). Concurrent validity with the ZBI–12 was not achieved (r = 0.53, p = 0.74). A significant correlation was found between caregiver ESAS scores and time spent feeding, housekeeping, total combined caregiver activities, and total ZBI–12 scores. Significance of results: The caregiver ESAS is a feasible tool and was found useful by our caregivers. Further research is needed to modify the ESAS based on caregivers' recommendations, and further psychometric studies need to be conducted.
Impact of multiple access technique on wireless structural control

In a wireless structural control system, a linear quadratic Gaussian regulator, under measurements loss, is used to limit the RMS structural response to natural hazards. The analysis shows the dependence of the state estimation error, and corresponding control performance, to the packet error probability and transmission delay. These metrics are studied for two communication access techniques: code-division multiple-access (CDMA) and time-division multiple-access (TDMA). By simulating a 9-story benchmark building with real earthquake inputs, it is shown that CDMA scheme performs better with few sensors scenario due to the low latency, however, more sensors may decrease the closed-loop performance due to high delay (TDMA) or high lost rate (CDMA).
Inferring Mechanism of Action of an Unknown Compound from Time Series Omics Data

Identifying the mechanism of action (MoA) of an unknown, possibly novel, substance (chemical, protein, or pathogen) is a significant challenge. Biologists typically spend years working out the MoA for known compounds. MoA determination is especially challenging if there is no prior knowledge and if there is an urgent need to understand the mechanism for rapid treatment and/or prevention of global health emergencies. In this paper, we describe a data analysis approach using Gaussian processes and machine learning techniques to infer components of the MoA of an unknown agent from time series transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data.
Space Warfare in the 21st Century: Arming the Heavens

This book examines the recent shift in US space policy and the forces that continually draw the US back into a space-technology security dilemma. The dual-use nature of the vast majority of space technology, meaning of value to both civilian and military communities and being unable to differentiate offensive from defensive intent of military hardware, makes space an area particularly ripe for a security dilemma. In contrast to previous administrations, the Obama Administration has pursued a less militaristic space policy, instead employing a strategic restraint approach that stressed multilateral diplomacy to space challenges. The latter required international solutions and the United States, subsequently, even voiced support for an International Code of Conduct for Space. That policy held until the Chinese anti-satellite (ASAT) test in 2013, which demonstrated expanded Chinese capabilities. This volume explores the issues arising from evolving space capabilities across the world and the security challenges this poses. It subsequently discusses the complexity of the space environment and argues that all tools of national power must be used, with some degree of balance, toward addressing space challenges and achieving space goals. This book will be of much interest to students of space policy, defence studies, foreign policy, security studies and IR.
Long-term efficacy and outcomes with sequential crizotinib followed by alectinib in ALK+ NSCLC.

9093Background: Alectinib was recently approved for first-line treatment of advanced ALK+ NSCLC based on the ALEX trial, which demonstrated improved PFS with first-line alectinib compared to crizot...
The decision to advertise nonprofit accreditation status

ABSTRACTNonprofits seek accreditation to bolster their reputation and signal their worthiness to funders. The Better Business Bureau accredits nonprofits who pass 20 standards of accountability. Ac...
Sun heated surfaces are an environmental hazard for young children.

AIMS Children commonly sustain heat contact type burn injuries from sun heated surfaces during the summer months in hot, sunny climates. The aim of this study was to review the causes and outcomes in a series of heat contact type burns sustained by children who touched hot sun heated surfaces. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all children who sustained burn injuries due to naturally heated surfaces and were treated between January 2012 and December 2017 at Children's Hospital Colorado. Demographics of the subjects and clinical data regarding their burn injuries were collected. RESULTS A total of 58 children were identified over the study period, involving 118 burn wounds. The median age was 17 months (interquartile range = 14-23), and 33 were male (57%). Mean total body surface area (TBSA) was 1.4% (standard deviation = 1). A foot was the most commonly involved area, affecting 36 subjects (62%). The most common causes of these burn injuries were metal thresholds (n = 7, 12%) and metal covers or lids (n = 5, 9%) outside the home. The depth of the burn injury was partial thickness in 57 children (98%). The mean time to heal was 12 ± 6 days, and the majority of injuries occurred in June (n = 28, 48%). CONCLUSION Heat contact type burn injuries from sun heated surfaces commonly affect children ⩽2 years of age during the summer months, and the majority of these injuries occur around the home environment. They are preventable injuries, and this information should be used for prevention and education materials for parents and healthcare providers, who reside in hot, sunny climates.
Effects of all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity and transforming growth factor beta-1 production in experimental anti-GBM antibody-mediated glomerulonephritis.

Sustained high output release of Nitric oxide (NO) as result of activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and increased production of the antiproliferative/profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are well documented in glomerulonephritis. Modulation of iNOS activity and of TGF-β1 production can therefore be viewed as anti-inflammatory strategies. The present study employed all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) which is known to have anti-inflammatory effects and to modulate expression of iNOS and TGF-β1, in order to explore its effect on iNOS enzyme activity and TGF-β1 production in anti-GBM antibody induced glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis was induced in Lewis rats by injection of anti-GBM antibody. A group of nephritic rats were given daily administration of atRA for 14–16 days. Extent of proteinuria was assessed by measuring urine protein and creatinine excretion. iNOS enzyme activity was measured by calculating conversion of L[14C]arginine to L-[14C]citrulline in glomerular protein lysates. Levels of TGF-β1 in glomerular protein lysates were measured by quantitative ELISA. Levels of proliferating nuclear antigen (PCNA), TGF-β receptor II (TGFβ-RII), and fibronectin were assessed by Western blot analysis. Glomerular iNOS activity in atRA treated nephritic animals was attenuated in comparison to that in nephritic controls that were not. Glomerular expression of PCNA was also reduced. Levels of TGF-β1 were increased in glomeruli of atRA treated nephritic animals. In these animals, there was no change in glomerular levels of TGF-β receptor II (TGFβ-RII) or fibronectin, and there was no reduction in urine protein excretion. These results suggest that atRA attenuates iNOS activity and proliferation in glomeruli of nephritic animals. The failure of atRA treatment to reduce proteinuria could be due to the increase in TGF-β1 levels and to inhibition of iNOS-driven NO production.
Causes and Timing of Pediatric Readmissions

Background: Hospital readmissions have negative consequences for patients and families and can place patients at higher risk of complications. Rates of 30-day readmission are lower in children than in adults but remain common with rates ranging from 3 to >30%. Several studies have examined predictors and rates of readmission for specific conditions; however, little is known about the causes and timing of readmission within these first 30-days after discharge. Objective: To examine readmission timing and causes among pediatric patients readmitted within 30-days after hospitalization. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2013 National Readmissions Database for patients aged 1 to 18 years to identify patterns of 30-day readmission after hospitalization …
Coupling biology to synthetic nanomaterials for semi-artificial photosynthesis.

Biohybrid artificial photosynthesis aims to combine the advantages of biological specificity with a range of synthetic nanomaterials to create innovative semi-synthetic systems for solar-to-chemical conversion. Biological systems utilize highly efficient molecular catalysts for reduction–oxidation reactions. They can operate with minimal overpotentials while selectively channeling reductant energy into specific transformation chemistries and product forming pathways. Nanomaterials can be synthesized to have efficient light-absorption capacity and tuneability of charge separation by manipulation of surface chemistries and bulk compositions. These complementary aspects have been combined in a variety of ways, for example, where biological light-harvesting complexes function as antenna for nanoparticle catalysts or where nanoparticles function as light capture, charge separation components for coupling to chemical conversion by redox enzymes and whole cells. The synthetic diversity that is possible with biohybrids is still being explored. The progress arising from creative approaches is generating new model systems to inspire scale-up technologies and generate understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that control energy conversion at the molecular scale. These efforts are leading to discoveries of essential design principles that can enable the development of scalable artificial photosynthesis systems.
Image-guided Application and Monitoring of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound in Realistic Human Head Phantom

Dual-mode ultrasound arrays (DMUAs) have been used for monitoring and delivery of transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) in small-animal models in vivo. Synthetic-aperture (SA) imaging can be used for stereotaxic guidance, while high frame rate imaging modes, such as single-transmit focus (STF) imaging, can provide feedback for thermal and mechanical closed-loop control of lesion formation and neuromodulation. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of DMUA guidance and control of tFUS application in a realistic human head phantom. A DMUA was used to image through the temporal bone of the phantom in SA and STF modes. Results from the SA imaging mode demonstrates the ability to image fine targets such as vessels with aneurysms. Additionally, subaperture processing of SA data shows it is possible to reduce reverberation. Results from the STF imaging mode show the feasibility of speckle tracking using transranial echo data, both with and without subaperture processing. These results demonstrate the value of judicial design of subaperture beamforming for identifying tissue structure and improving speckle statistics for high fidelity thermography and elastography. Results from tFUS-monitoring experiments will be given.
Numerical calculation with detailed chemistry on ammonia co-firing in a coal-fired boiler: Effect of ammonia co-firing ratio on NO emissions

Abstract NH3 co-firing in a commercial 1000 MWe pulverized coal-fired boiler has been considered for reducing CO2 emissions. However, the abundance of fuel-N in NH3 co-firing may cause an increase in NO emissions. The effects of the NH3 co-firing ratio on NO emissions in a commercial boiler are studied through a zero-dimensional numerical calculation with detailed chemistry. A simplified boiler system is composed of a burner zone, an over-fire zone, and two downstream zones. A network of perfectly stirred reactors is used to determine NO emissions in flue gas. The NH3 co-firing ratio is varied from 0 to 80%. NH3 is injected into the flame zone, which is part of the burner zone. As a result of calculation, amount of CO2 emission decreases as an increase in the NH3 co-firing ratio. Since the location where NH3 reacts shifts to the downstream side with an increase in the co-firing ratio, the peak of NO also tends to transfer to the downstream side. Nevertheless, NH3 is almost completely dissociated in the burner zone and unburned NH3 emissions are approximately zero independent of the co-firing ratio. Within the range of 20–60%, NO emissions increase monotonically with the co-firing ratio. However, at 80% co-firing, the NO emission decreases from the value attained at 60% co-firing. With a co-firing ratio higher than 40%, reactions of rich NH3 chemistry, which are characteristic in rich and low-temperature NH3 flame become effective. Due to these reactions, fuel(NH3)–NO production tends to decrease in the location where NH3 reacts.
Clinical and imaging features of newly recognized Kelch-like protein 11 paraneoplastic syndrome.

A 32-year-old man presented with hearing loss and gait difficulties. His symptoms, including double vision, dysarthria, dysphagia, neck posturing, and tremors, evolved rapidly over 9 months. Within 15 months of onset, he used a wheelchair. He experienced no improvement after trials of intravenous methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis, and rituximab. His CSF testing was unrevealing except for elevated proteins and oligoclonal bands. He underwent serial brain imaging (figure). Extensive laboratory investigations, including nutritional, metabolic, mitochondrial, infectious, autoimmune, and paraneoplastic panels, were unremarkable (video). Expanded tissue-based immunofluorescence testing revealed positive Kelch-like protein 11 immunoglobulin G in the serum, a newly recognized paraneoplastic encephalitis.1,2
Making GAN-Generated Images Difficult To Spot: A New Attack Against Synthetic Image Detectors.

Visually realistic GAN-generated images have recently emerged as an important misinformation threat. Research has shown that these synthetic images contain forensic traces that are readily identifiable by forensic detectors. Unfortunately, these detectors are built upon neural networks, which are vulnerable to recently developed adversarial attacks. In this paper, we propose a new anti-forensic attack capable of fooling GAN-generated image detectors. Our attack uses an adversarially trained generator to synthesize traces that these detectors associate with real images. Furthermore, we propose a technique to train our attack so that it can achieve transferability, i.e. it can fool unknown CNNs that it was not explicitly trained against. We demonstrate the performance of our attack through an extensive set of experiments, where we show that our attack can fool eight state-of-the-art detection CNNs with synthetic images created using seven different GANs.
Improving Adversarial Robustness for Free with Snapshot Ensemble.

Adversarial training, as one of the few certified defenses against adversarial attacks, can be quite complicated and time-consuming, while the results might not be robust enough. To address the issue of lack of robustness, ensemble methods were proposed, aiming to get the final output by weighting the selected results from repeatedly trained processes. It is proved to be very useful in achieving robust and accurate results, but the computational and memory costs are even higher. Snapshot ensemble, a new ensemble method that combines several local minima in a single training process to make the final prediction, was proposed recently, which reduces the time spent on training multiple networks and the memory to store the results. Based on the snapshot ensemble, we present a new method that is easier to implement: unlike original snapshot ensemble that seeks for local minima, our snapshot ensemble focuses on the last few iterations of a training and stores the sets of parameters from them. Our algorithm is much simpler but the results are no less accurate than the original ones: based on different hyperparameters and datasets, our snapshot ensemble has shown a 5% to 30% increase in accuracy when compared to the traditional adversarial training.
Market Power, Efficiency and the Dispersion of Systematic Risk

A number of studies have used the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) to integrate product market and financial theories of the firm. We reexamine the relationship between product market structure and systematic risk at the firm and industry level. We show that theory yields no testable implications at the firm level. We show, however, that there is a relationship between the intraindustry dispersion of systematic risk and industry concentration which depends on the causes and consequences of concentration. Estimates of the relationship between the intraindustry variance of β and concentration for a 1987 cross-section of U.S. industries suggest that concentration allows larger firms to exercise market power.
Exciton Storage by Mn2+ in Colloidal Mn2+-Doped CdSe Quantum Dots

Colloidal Mn2+-doped CdSe quantum dots showing long excitonic photoluminescence decay times of up to τexc = 15 μs at temperatures over 100 K are described. These decay times exceed those of undoped CdSe quantum dots by ∼103 and are shown to arise from the creation of excitons by back energy transfer from excited Mn2+ dopant ions. A kinetic model describing thermal equilibrium between Mn2+ 4T1 and CdSe excitonic excited states reproduces the experimental observations and reveals that, for some quantum dots, excitons can emit with near unity probability despite being ∼100 meV above the Mn2+ 4T1 state. The effect of Mn2+ doping on CdSe quantum dot luminescence at high temperatures is thus completely opposite from that at low temperatures described previously.
Surgical Management of Caroli’s Disease: Single Center Experience and Review of the Literature

Caroli’s disease is a rare congenital condition characterized by non-obstructive dilatation of intrahepatic ducts. In Caroli’s syndrome, there is additionally an associated congenital hepatic fibrosis. With institutional review board approval, we identified all patients with Caroli’s disease and syndrome. Nine patients were identified, seven males and two females, with a median age of 40 years. Final pathological diagnoses included Caroli’s disease (n = 6) and Caroli’s syndrome (n = 3). Patients presented with deranged liver function, cholangitis, cholangiocarcinoma, abdominal pain, cirrhosis, or were diagnosed incidentally. Four patients underwent resection and two underwent liver transplantation. Of the resection group, two patients subsequently underwent transplantation for recurrent cholangitis due to anastomotic stricture in one patient and for end-stage liver disease in the other. All patients with Caroli’s syndrome underwent liver transplantation. Three patients died during follow-up at 26.2, 7.8, and 3 months post-diagnosis with recurrence of cholangiocarcinoma, liver failure, and metastatic cholangiocarcinoma, respectively. Six patients are alive with a median follow-up of 60 months since presentation (range = 10–134 months). Caroli’s disease and syndrome have a varied presentation. Most individuals with Caroli’s disease may be adequately treated by resection, but transplantation is required for Caroli’s syndrome patients due to the associated hepatic fibrosis.
Hybrid silicon photonics and electronics solutions for communications, sensing, and imaging

Silicon photonics offer large bandwidths and low-loss delay, while integrated electronics can provide gain and complex signal processing with much lower overhead. Here, we will discuss a few examples of such hybrid solutions to demonstrate the potential of a more holistic approach to silicon integrated systems.
Clarifications on the Design of Customer Comment Cards: Question Type, Question Wording, and Writing Space

Comment cards are a common way to obtain timely customer feedback. Prior research has shown, however, that comment cards are often poorly designed. As such, researchers have identified areas where improvements can be made. Despite these efforts, there are at least three issues where additional clarification is warranted; namely, the appropriate types of questions to ask, question wording related to the use of double-barreled questions, and the appropriate amount of writing space for comments. This research note helps clarify these issues by proposing: (a) that the most appropriate questions are those that help quantify the qualitative comments, (b) that not all double-barreled questions are as problematic as some suggest, and (c) that the minimally acceptable amount of space for writing comments is more than previously thought. The proposed clarifications are illustrated using a sample of restaurant comment cards.
Pattern segmentation with activity dependent natural frequency shift and sub-threshold resonance

Understanding the mechanisms underlying distributed pattern formation in brain networks and its content driven dynamical segmentation is an area of intense study. We investigate a theoretical mechanism for selective activation of diverse neural populations that is based on dynamically shifting cellular resonances in functionally or structurally coupled networks. We specifically show that sub-threshold neuronal depolarization from synaptic coupling or external input can shift neurons into and out of resonance with specific bands of existing extracellular oscillations, and this can act as a dynamic readout mechanism during information storage and retrieval. We find that this mechanism is robust and suggest it as a general coding strategy that can be applied to any network with oscillatory nodes.
Near-Earth object intercept trajectory design for planetary defense

Abstract Tracking the orbit of asteroids and planning for asteroid missions have ceased to be a simple exercise, and become more of a necessity, as the number of identified potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroids increases. Several software tools such as Mystic, MALTO, Copernicus, SNAP, OTIS, and GMAT have been developed by NASA for spacecraft trajectory optimization and mission design. However, this paper further expands upon the development and validation of an Asteroid Mission Design Software Tool (AMiDST), through the use of approach and post-encounter orbital variations and analytic keyhole theory. Combining these new capabilities with that of a high-precision orbit propagator, this paper describes fictional mission trajectory design examples of using AMiDST as applied to a fictitious asteroid 2013 PDC-E. During the 2013 IAA Planetary Defense Conference, the asteroid 2013 PDC-E was used for an exercise where participants simulated the decision-making process for developing deflection and civil defense responses to a hypothetical asteroid threat.
Multiple missense mutations in the diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) gene identified in schizophrenia but lack of disease association

The diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI), alternatively known as the acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP), is involved in multiple biological actions. The polypeptide binds to the peripheral, or mitochondrial, benzodiazepine receptor and facilitates transport of cholesterol to the inner membrane to stimulate steroid synthesis. Through this action, DBI indirectly modulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission. DBI can be postulated as a candidate gene for psychiatric phenotypes including anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. In an examination of the DBI gene among 112 individuals with schizophrenia, our laboratory has identified 18 novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including three missense changes in conserved amino acids, a coding region microdeletion, and multiple SNPs in the putative promoter region. Case-control association analyses were performed for the missense changes, but none was found to be significantly associated with disease.
Initiation complex formation on Euglena chloroplast 30S subunits in the presence of natural mRNAs

Abstract An in vitro system has been developed that allows the formation of translation initiation complexes with Euglena chloroplast 30S ribosomal subunits and natural mRNAs. For these experiments two regions of the Euglena chloroplast genome have been cloned behind the T7 transcriptional promoter and the corresponding RNAs synthesized in vitro. These mRNAs are capable of forming initiation complexes with chloroplast 30S subunits in the presence of fMet-tRNA and E. coli initiation factors. Deletion of the normal translation start site results in a message that is no longer recognized by the chloroplast subunits suggesting that the correct AUG initiation codon on the mRNA is being selected by the small ribosomal subunit. Initiation complex formation with the chloroplast 30S subunits is specific for chloroplast mRNAs and mRNA from the phage MS2 is not active in this system.
Injectable and bioresponsive hydrogels for on-demand matrix metalloproteinase inhibition

Excessive activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) occurs in many diseases; however, the systemic administration of MMP inhibitors can cause undesirable, off-target effects and hence, clinical translation has been hampered. Now, injectable polysaccharide-based hydrogels are shown to enable the localized delivery of an inhibitor of MMP following the hydrogels’ degradation in response to MMP activity. This targeted approach shows efficacy in a myocardial infarction model in large animals.
MEMS Microscanner Raster-scanning Display: A Spyglass for the Future

Micromachined raster scanners promise to enable portable video displays that are lower weight, lower power, and lower cost than presently available video display technologies. The vision of creating an augmented virtual world viewed through an ergonomic, see-through head-mounted display may soon be realized.
Growth in suspension culture of rat pituitary cells which produce growth hormone and prolactin.

Abstract The GH 3 strain of rat pituitary tumor cells has been adapted to growth in suspension culture. The cells have been grown in this fashion for a year and have maintained a doubling time of 42–48 h. They have continued to produce both growth hormone and prolactin. When the cells were exposed to hydrocortisone (3 × 10 −6 M), GH production was stimulated by about 7-fold, and prolactin production was decreased by about 3- to 5-fold, while the cell doubling time was unaffected.