cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metformin, pre-eclampsia, and pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Aims Was metformin during pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) associated with pre-eclampsia, and was it safe for mother and neonate? Methods In the current study, pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy outcomes were prospectively studied in 90 women with PCOS who conceived on metformin 1.5–2.55 g/day, and had ≥ 1 live birth (97 pregnancies, 100 live births) compared with 252 healthy women (not known to have PCOS) with ≥ 1 live birth, consecutively delivered in a community obstetrics practice. Results Women with PCOS were older than controls (33 ± 5 vs. 29 ± 6 years, P 35 years old at conception (23 vs. 13%, P = 0.028), much heavier (93 ± 23 vs. 72 ± 18 kg, P < 0.0001, BMI 33.8 ± 7.8 kg/m2 vs. 25.6 ± 5.9, P < 0.0001), and more likely to be Caucasian (97 vs. 90%, P = 0.05), but there were similar numbers with preconception Type 2 diabetes mellitus [2/90 (2.2%) vs. 1/252 (0.4%), P = 0.17]. Pre-eclampsia in PCOS (5/97 pregnancies, 5.2%), did not differ (P = 0.5) from controls (9/252, 3.6%), nor did it differ (P = 1.0) in PCOS vs. control primigravidas [2/45 (4.4%) vs. 4/91 (4.4%)]. Development of gestational diabetes in PCOS did not differ from controls [9/95 pregnancies (9.5%) vs. 40/251 (15.9%), P = 0.12]. Of the 100 live births to 90 women with PCOS, there were no major birth defects. Mean ± sd birth weight of the 80 live births ≥ 37 weeks gestation in women with PCOS (3414 ± 486 g) did not differ from controls’ 206 live births ≥ 37 weeks (3481 ± 555 g), P = 0.34, nor did the percentage of ≥ 37 week gestation neonates ≥ 4000 g (12.5 vs. 17.5%, P = 0.3) or ≥ 4500 g (1.3 vs. 2.9%, P = 0.7). Conclusions Metformin is not associated with pre-eclampsia in pregnancy in women with PCOS, and appears to be safe for mother and fetus.
Carbohydrate recognition: Enantioselective spirobifluorene diphosphonate receptors

Abstract The mono- and bis-tetrabutylammonium salts of 2-ethyl-spirobifluorene monophosphonate and (±) 2,2′-diethyl-7,7′-didodecyloxy-spirobifluorene diphosphonate respectively, were synthesized and shown to bind strongly to a series of 1-O-octylglycosides in CD3CN.
On the role of monoamine oxidase-A for the maintenance of the volitional consumption of ethanol in two different rat models

It is hypothesized that although the overall metabolism of ethanol in the brain is very limited, a very small percentage of the brain tissue may carry out that little amount of metabolism. Specifically, hydrogen peroxide may be used as a co-substrate for the metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde by catalase and the action of monoamine oxidase in the monoaminergic neurons would supply the hydrogen peroxide. This production of acetaldehyde may result in the formation of novel metabolites that provide the rewarding stimulus for the consumption of ethanol. To test this hypothesis, a reversible inhibitor of the A-isoform of monoamine oxidase, BW A616U, was compared to irreversible inhibitors of one or both MAO-A and B isoenzymes. Doses of 12.5–75 mg/kg p.o. BW A616U reduced the behavioral effects, ptosis and catalepsy, due to monoamine depletion by 2.5 mg/kg reserpine, but these signs of monoamine depletion were evident 24 h after injection. In the cyanamide-induced drinking rat, 50 mg/kg BW A616U reduced consumption of ethanol by 37%. Phenylzine, an irreversible MAO-A and B inhibitor, reduced consumption of ethanol by 67%, but also food consumption; however, the intake of both increased during the post-treatment period. The MAO-B inhibitor, R(-)-deprenyl, was without effect. Both BW A616U, 50 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg, and 2.0 mg/kg i.p. clorgyline reduced the consumption of ethanol in the genetic drinking Myers high-ethanol preferring (mHEP) rat and reduced the proportion of ethanol consumed to total fluids by over 50%. Again, R(-)-deprenyl was without effect. Clorgyline also markedly reduced the intake of food during the 3-day treatment period, only. However, the consumption of ethanol remained depressed during the 4 days after either 75 mg/kg BW A616U or clorgyline. These data demonstrate that inhibition of MAO-A, but not MAO-B, reduces the volitional consumption of ethanol probably by preventing the formation of both biogenic aldehydes and acetaldehyde so that rewarding alkaloidal products cannot be formed.
An Electronic Sensor for Detection of Early-Stage Biomarker/s for Ovarian Cancer

An electronic sensor composed of interdigitated electrode arrays with nano-scale gaps has been investigated as a platform for label-free detection of ovarian cancer (OC) biomarkers. These electrodes, together with bio-affinity label-free sandwich immunoassay, were utilized as signal transducers. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed as a technique for detection of affinity type interactions at the electrode surface. An unconventional approach is described for label-free impedimetric detection using faradic EIS at a DC bias less than the formal potential of the redox probe using nanogapped IDEAs as the transducing elements. The platform was optimized for detection of HE4, a biomarker for OC that is indicated in the early and late stages of the disease, along with CA-125 and CEA as conventional biomarkers that are currently used for diagnosis and monitoring of OC patients. The capability of the sensor platform to detect OC biomarkers in singular and multiplexed detection has been demonstrated. The sensor was successfully utilized for stand-alone detection of HE4 down to 1.5 ng/mL and was able to differentiate signal from three different biomarkers present in the same sample down to 100 pg/mL in a label-free biosensor assay.
Inactivation of IκB-kinase-β dependent genes in airway epithelium reduces tobacco smoke induced acute airway inflammation

We have examined the role of NF-kappaB regulated genes in airway epithelium in mediating tobacco smoke induced airway inflammation in studies of CC10-Cre(tg)/Ikk beta(Delta/Delta) mice in which NF-kappaB signaling through I kappaB-kinase-beta (IKK-beta) is selectively ablated in epithelial cells in the airway. CC10-Cre(tg)/Ikk beta(Delta/Delta) mice exposed to tobacco smoke for seven days had a significant decrease in the number of BAL cells (total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages) as well as significantly reduced numbers of peribronchial cells (F4/80+ and myeloperoxidase+) compared to tobacco exposed WT mice. In addition to the reduction in peribronchial cells, CC10-Cre(tg)/Ikk beta(Delta/Delta) mice exposed to tobacco smoke had a significant decrease in the number of macrophages and neutrophils in the alveolar space suggesting that inactivation of NF-kappaB in the airway epithelium influenced the number of neutrophils and macrophages recruited to the alveolus. Levels of the NF-kappaB regulated chemokines KC and MCP-1 were significantly reduced in lungs of tobacco smoke exposed CC10-Cre(tg)/Ikk beta(Delta/Delta) mice compared to tobacco exposed WT mice. In contrast, there was no significant difference in levels of NF-kappaB regulated MIP-1 alpha between CC10-Cre(tg)/Ikk beta(Delta/Delta) and WT mice. Lung sections of tobacco smoke exposed CC10-Cre(tg)/Ikk beta(Delta/Delta) mice immunostained with KC or MCP-1 antibodies demonstrated reduced expression of these chemokines in the airway epithelium, but not in alveolar epithelium. Overall, these studies demonstrate an important role for NF-kappaB regulated genes in airway epithelium in contributing to acute tobacco smoke induced airway inflammation not only in the peribronchial space but also in the alveolar space.
Accuracy of overlay measurements: tool and mark asymmetry effects

Results of recent Investigations uncovering significant errors in overlay (O/L) measurements are reported. The two major contributors are related to the failures of symmetry of the overlay measurement tool and of the mark. These may result In measurement errors on the order of 100 nm. Methodology based on the conscientious verification of assumptions of symmetry is shown to be effective in identifying the extent and sources of such errors. This methodology can be used to arrive at an estimate of the relative accuracy of the O/L measurements, even in absence of certified O/L reference materials. Routes to improve the accuracy of O/L measurements are outlined and some examples of improvements are given. Errors in O/L measurements associated with the asymmetry of the metrology tool can be observed by comparing the O/L measurements taken at 0 and 180 degree orientations of the sample in reference to the tool. Half the difference of these measurements serves as an estimate of such tool related bias in estimating O/L. This is called tool induced shift (TIS). Errors of this kind can be traced to asymmetries of tool components, e. g., camera, illumination misalignment, residual asymmetric aberrations etc. Tool asymmetry leads to biased O/L estimates even on symmetric O/L measurement marks. Its impact on TIS depends on the optical properties of the structure being measured, the measurement procedure and on the combination of tool and sample asymmetries. It is also a function of design and manufacture of the O/L metrology tool. In the absence of certified O/L samples, measurement accuracy and repeatability may be improved by demanding that TIS be small for all tools on all structures.
Optimal control of sun tracking solar concentrators

Application of the modern control theory to derive an optimal sun tracking control for a point focusing solar concentrator is presented. A standard tracking problem converted to regulator problem using a sun rate input achieves an almost zero steady state tracking error with the optimal control formulation. However, these control techniques are costly because optimal type algorithms require large computing systems, thus they will be used mainly as comparison standards for other types of control algorithms and help in their development.
Simulated Dynamic Balances for Mid-Ocean Mesoscale Eddies

Abstract Eulerian potential vorticity and heat balances calculated for a multi-layered quasi-geostrophic model are shown to be consistent with those inferred from the MODE data. Above the thermocline the balances are the result of the turbulent cascade of relative vorticity which tends to separate the first moments of the enstrophy and energy spectra. The vorticity balance is dominated by the passive advection of the small-scale contributions to the relative vorticity by the energy-containing scales. By either transferring to the Lagrangian frame or focusing on the energy-containing scales this advective effect is suppressed and one observes a nearly linear response by relative vorticity and vertical vortex stretching to changes in planetary vorticity. In the bottom layer there are topographic Rossby waves superposed on a time-mean flow along f/H contours. Both of these effects “detune” the bottom layers from those above the thermocline to inhibit the cascade to barotropic flow which otherwise occurs in q...
Recovering surface properties for hyperspectral scenes

We present an algorithm to estimate the orientation of a ground material corresponding to a pixel in a hyperspectral image acquired by an airborne sensor under unknown atmospheric conditions. A physics-based image formation model is used in which the spectral reflectance of the ground material, orientation of the material surface, and the atmospheric and illumination conditions determine the sensor radiance of a pixel. The algorithm uses a low-dimensional coupled subspace model for the solar radiance, sky radiance, and path-scattered radiance. The common inter-dependence of these spectra on the environmental condition and viewing geometry is considered by using the coupled subspace model. The physics-based image formation model used by the algorithm uses two orientation parameters which are used to determine the surface orientation. A constrained nonlinear optimization method is used to estimate the orientation and the coupled-subspace model parameters. We have tested the utility of our algorithm using a large set of 0.42-1.74 micron sensor radiance spectra simulated for varying surface orientations of different materials.
“THEIR CALLING ME ‘MOTHER’ WAS NOT, I THINK, ALTOGETHER UNMEANING”: MARY SEACOLE'S MATERNAL PERSONAE

IN AUTUMN OF 1854, Mary Jane Grant Seacole traveled to England from Jamaica and “laid…pertinacious siege” to the official and private residences of Sidney Herbert, Secretary-at-War, hoping to secure a post as hospital nurse in the Crimea. Thwarted in her attempts to see the Secretary, Seacole applied to his wife, Elizabeth Herbert, who informed her “that the full complement of nurses had been secured” (Seacole 78, 79). Seacole made one last effort, meeting this time “with one of Miss Nightingale's companions”; this woman, she reports, “gave me the same reply [as Mrs. Herbert], and I read in her face the fact, that had there been a vacancy, I should not have been chosen to fill it” (79). These interlocutors rejected her, Seacole implies, on account of her colored skin (her mother was Jamaican, her father Scottish), but English prejudice did not keep the “doctress” (as she termed herself) from the front.
FORMULATION OF AN ELASTODYNAMIC THEORY OF LAMINATED SHEAR-DEFORMABLE FLAT PANELS

A higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT) is developed, designed to preserve all the characteristics of the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) with regard to the number of the unknowns and to the order of the associated governing equations. In contrast to the FSDT theory, the HSDT theory is characterized by a parabolic distribution of transverse shear stress and strain components throughout the laminate thickness thus eliminating the need of a shear correction factor, and by the elimination of the contradictory assumption of the FSDT concerning the simultaneous consideration of zero transverse normal stress and zero transverse normal strain. The governing equations of the HSDT are presented, and several special applications are discussed.
Sulfur, Chlorine, and Argon in Planetary Nebulae. I. Observations and Abundances in a Northern Sample

This paper is the first of a series specifically studying the abundances of sulfur, chlorine, and argon in type II planetary nebulae (PNe) in the Galactic disk. Ratios of S/O, Cl/O, and Ar/O constitute important tests of differential nucleosynthesis of these elements and serve as strict constraints on massive star yield predictions. We present new ground-based optical spectra extending from 3600-9600 A for a sample of 19 type II northern PNe. This range includes the strong near-infrared lines of [S III] λλ9069,9532, which allows us to test extensively their effectiveness as sulfur abundance indicators. We also introduce a new, model-tested ionization correction factor for sulfur. For the present sample, we find average values of S/O = 1.2 × 10-2 ± 0.71 × 10-2, Cl/O = 3.3 × 10-4 ± 1.6 × 10-4, and Ar/O = 5.0 × 10-3 ± 1.9 × 10-3.
Mercury Reduces the Enzymatic Activity of Neprilysin in Differentiated SH-SY5Y Cells.

Levels of amyloid beta (Ab) in the central nervous system are regulated by the balance between its synthesis and degradation. Neprilysin (NEP) is associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by its ability to degrade Ab. Some studies have involved the exposure to mercury (Hg) in AD pathogenesis; therefore, our aim was to investigate the effects on the anabolism and catabolism of Ab in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells incubated with 1–20lM of Hg. Exposure to 20m Mo f Hg induced an increase in Ab-42 secretion, but did not increase the expression of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Hg incubation (10 and 20mM) increased NEP protein levels; however, it did not change NEP mRNA levels nor the levels of the amyloid intracellular domain peptide, a protein fragment with transcriptional activity. Interestingly, Hg reduced NEP activity at 10 and 20mM, and circular dichroism analysis using human recombinant NEP showed conformational changes after incubation with molar equivalents of Hg. This suggests that the Hg-induced inhibition of NEP activity may be mediated by a conformational change resulting in reduced Ab-42 degradation. Finally, the comparative effects of lead (Pb, 50lM) were evaluated. We found a significant increase in Ab-42 levels and a dramatic increase in APP protein levels; however, no alteration in NEP levels was observed nor in the enzymatic activity of this metalloprotease, despite the fact that Pb slightly modified the rhNEP conformation. Overall, our data suggest that Hg and Pb increase Ab levels by different mechanisms.
Nanofiller reinforcement of elastomeric polyurea

Abstract The effects of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), nanolayered silicate (nanoclay), and trisilanolphenyl-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) on the rheology and mechanical properties of an oligomeric polydiamine and the polyurea formed by its reaction with isocyanate were measured. The MWCNT and nanoclay increase the viscosity of the polydiamine and form a flocculated filler network at very low concentrations (
Neonatal intubation with direct laryngoscopy vs videolaryngoscopy: an extremely premature baboon model.

Summary Objective To compare the ability to successfully intubate extremely preterm baboons using conventional direct laryngoscopy (DL) vs videolaryngoscopy. Methods A prospective randomized crossover study using experienced and inexperienced neonatal intubators. All participants were shown an educational video on intubation with each device, followed by attempt of the procedure. The time for successful intubation was the primary outcome. Results Seven subjects comprised the experienced group, while 10 individuals were in the inexperienced group. The overall intubation success rate was comparable between both devices (53% vs 26%, P = 0.09); however, mean time to intubate with the conventional laryngoscope was faster (25.5 vs 39.4 s, P = 0.02). Although both groups intubated faster with DL, it only reached statistical significance in the inexperienced group (27.0 vs 48.7 s, P < 0.05). Conclusion Conventional DL and videolaryngoscopy are suitable modes for intubating extremely preterm baboons. Although experienced intubators prefer DL, intubation success rate and time to intubate with both devices were comparable. In inexperienced intubators, participants preferred and intubated faster with DL.
Radiation‐induced polymerization and other reactions of n‐perfluoropentadiene‐1,4 at high temperature and pressure

The radiation-induced polymerization of n-perfluoropentadiene-1,4 was studied at temperatures of 100–170°C. and pressures of 8,000–15,000 atm. Kinetic evidence indicates that polymerization occurs by a free radical reaction; the activation energy is between 14 and 17 kcal./mole and the activation entropy is −8 ± 5 e.u./mole. Transfer with monomer limits the number-average degree of polymerization to values of 40 or less except in special circumstances. Dimerization and double bond migration occur to some extent; n-perfluoropentadiene-1,3 is formed in the latter process. It and the 1,4-diene copolymerize; the latter undergoes cyclic addition so that the polymers are soluble and have little perfluorovinyl unsaturation. The polymers are brittle if the fraction of 1,3-diene in the polymer is less than 0.1. They are rubbery and of considerably higher molecular weight if the fraction of 1,3-diene is greater than 0.4. The thermal stability of the polymers decreases as the content of 1,3-diene increases.
The Causal Conundrum: The Diet-Heart Debates and the Management of Uncertainty in American Medicine

Starting in the 1950s, physicians and researchers began to debate the exact nature of the relationship among blood cholesterol, diet, and cardiovascular risk. Using professional medical, public health, and scientific journals, this article examines the history of a series of intense and sustained debates regarding the credibility of the diet-heart hypothesis, which proposed that diet was causally linked to coronary artery disease. Brought about by intellectual disagreements and illuminated by personal quarrels, these debates created a profound professional rift among researchers who debated whether observational data could be used to prove that dietary intake caused heart disease and who sought to differentiate between "good" and "bad" science. But while the debate persisted into the early 1980s, Americans had begun to adopt the diet-heart hypothesis as public health truth as early as the 1960s, embracing cookbooks promoting "heart healthy" diets that promised to prevent coronary artery disease. Although critics and advocates of diet-heart continued to debate the theory's finer points, the widespread adoption of diet-heart in American homes meant that the debate had become almost moot by the time the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute officially endorsed the hypothesis in the 1980s.
Generating Enhanced Fishery Rents by Internalizing Product Quality Characteristics

This paper demonstrates howadditional rents are generated in a fisherycharacterized by intraseasonal variation infish characteristics, including size,condition, and composition. Based on anexpanded conceptual model of the optimalharvest rule, fish characteristics affect preand post harvest production yields and outputprices. A dynamic empirical model, which uses asystem of quality characteristics and anhedonic equation, illustrates the complexrelationships and management choices associatedwith internalizing seafood qualitycharacteristics in a hake fishery. The modelretains the regulated open access managementsystem, but controls intertemporal andintersectoral quotas, production portfolios,and total allowable catch. Results demonstratethat including revenue-side effects frominternalizing fish quality can generatesignificantly greater rents and reduce therelative benefits of increased productionyields. If excluded, bioeconomic models canunderestimate the level of regulatory rentdissipation and overemphasize managementobjectives such as full utilization, whichcould misdirect processing decisions and resultin a suboptimal resource management plan.Implications for data collection,multidisciplinary analysis, and improvements inmarine resource management are discussed.
TECHNIQUES FOR EXTENDING THE LIFE OF LOW-VOLUME ROADS IN SEASONAL FROST AREAS

Major highways are designed to withstand heavy vehicles and high traffic volumes year round. However, low-volume roads (LVRs) in seasonal frost areas are extremely susceptible to damage from trafficking by heavy vehicles during spring thaw. As a result, the maintenance-free life of an LVR in a seasonal frost area averages less than half that of a similar road in a nonfrost area. This study serves as a practical primer on addressing thaw weakening of LVRs: it offers guidance for identifying frost-susceptible soils, summarizes methods used and currently undergoing research to determine when conditions are critical, and provides several solutions for avoiding the costly impact of spring thaw on LVRs. Diagnostic tools and recommended road-usage techniques are provided for existing roads; alternative design techniques are presented for new and reconstructed roads. Tools and techniques are applicable across much of Europe, North America, and Asia; some also apply to wet areas outside seasonal frost areas.
Seasonal productivity in a population of migratory songbirds: why nest data are not enough

Population models for many animals are limited by a lack of information regarding juvenile survival. In particular, studies of songbird reproductive output typically terminate with the success or failure of nests, despite the fact that adults spend the rest of the reproductive season rearing dependent fledglings. Unless fledgling survival does not vary, or varies consistently with nest productivity, conclusions about population dynamics based solely on nest data may be misleading. During 2007 and 2008, we monitored nests and used radio telemetry to monitor fledgling survival for a population of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) in a managed-forest landscape in north-central Minnesota, USA. In addition to estimating nest and fledgling survival, we modeled growth for population segments partitioned by proximity to edges of non-nesting cover types (regenerating clearcuts). Nest survival was significantly lower, but fledgling survival was significantly higher, in 2007 than in 2008. Despite higher nest productivity in 2008, seasonal productivity (number of young surviving to independence per breeding female) was higher in 2007. Proximity to clearcut edge did not affect nest productivity. However, fledglings from nests near regenerating sapling-dominated clearcuts (7–20 years since harvest) had higher daily survival (0.992 ± 0.005) than those from nests in interior forest (0.978 ± 0.006), which in turn had higher daily survival than fledglings from nests near shrub-dominated clearcuts (≤6 years since harvest; 0.927 ± 0.030) in 2007, with a similar but statistically non-significant trend in 2008. Our population growth models predicted growth rates that differed by 2–39% (x¯ = 25%) from simpler models in which we replaced our estimates of first-year survival with one-half adult annual survival (an estimate commonly used in songbird population growth models). We conclude that nest productivity is an inadequate measure of songbird seasonal productivity, and that results based exclusively on nest data can yield misleading conclusions about population growth and clearcut edge effects. We suggest that direct estimates of juvenile survival could provide more accurate information for the management and conservation of many animal taxa.
Effects of altering motivation for food in rats trained with food reinforcement to discriminate between d-amphetamine and saline injections.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that altering motivation typically affects stimulus generalization in animals trained to discriminate exteroceptive stimuli, but few studies have evaluated the effects of manipulating motivation on drug stimuli. In the few published studies, motivation levels were manipulated by arranging different feeding conditions prior to stimulus generalization tests with rats trained to discriminate morphine from vehicle and in pigeons trained to discriminate phencyclidine or pentobarbital from vehicle. In the present study, rats maintained at 80% of free-feeding weights were trained to discriminate between injections of 1.0 mg/kg d -amphetamine and saline in a two-lever food-reinforced operant procedure. Generalization tests were then conducted with a range of d -amphetamine doses (0, 0.03, 0.1, and 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg) when the rats were not fed before experimental sessions (high motivation) and when they were pre-fed 1 g of food (moderate motivation) or their daily ration of food (low motivation) 1 h before test sessions. Changing the motivation level significantly affected response rate and latency to the first response in generalizations tests, but did not significantly affect mean percentage of drug-appropriate responding (a continuous measure) or percentage of animals that selected the drug-appropriate lever (a quantal measure). The present findings indicate that manipulating motivation for food minimally impacts d -amphetamine discrimination, however, the range of conditions used to examine the effects of motivating operations on stimulus control by d -amphetamine drugs and other drugs is limited and the topic may warrant further investigation.
SU-C-BRB-01: Radiogenic Second Cancer Risk Differences in Female Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients Treated with Proton versus Photon Radiotherapies

Purpose: To determine the significance of neutron and scatterdose in comparing the predicted risk of developing a radiogenic second cancer (RSC) to the breast and lungs of a female Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) patient irradiated at 30 years old when treated with photon Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMXT) versus Passive Scatter Proton Therapy (PSPT). Methods: Clinically approved IMXT and PSPT treatment plans were designed and prescribed 36 Gy to the treatment volume. For both plans, the therapeuticdose was calculated using a commercial treatment planning system (TPS). To account for inaccuracies in the TPS, the stray and neutrondose was calculated using an in‐house Monte Carlo code for IMXT and with an analytical model fit to Monte Carlo data for PSPT. The mean equivalent dose was calculated for the breasts and lungs for both techniques, input into the BEIR VII Excess Relative Risk (ERR) models, and RSC risk compared at subsequent 10 year intervals. Results: Mean dose to the patient's breast, including neutron and scatterdose, was 6.5 Sv for both the PSPT and IMXT plans which led to nearly equivalent ERR values. Sparing of the lungs was seen from PSPT (4.5 Sv) compared to the IMXT plan (8.4 Sv), however, which led to a reduction in ERR of nearly 50% for PSPT compared to IMXT. For the PSPT plan, the mean neutron equivalent dose contribution for the breast was 0.38 Sv (5% of the ERR contribution) and 0.28 Sv (6% of the ERR contribution) for the lungs. The IMXT plan had no neutrondose since it was planned with a 6 MV beam. Conclusions: Mean breast dose was nearly equivalent for both plans leading to equal ERR to the patient. The mean lungdose, however, was reduced by a factor of two for PSPT, even taking into account the dose from neutrons. Work supported by the National Cancer Institute (awards 1 RO1 CA131463‐01A1)
New proconsuloid postcranials from the early Miocene of Kenya

New early Miocene forelimb fossils have been recovered from the Songhor and Lower Kapurtay localities in southwestern Kenya. We describe four specimens that are similar in size and functional capabilities. Their specific allocation is problematic but these forelimb specimens must belong to either Rangwapithecus gordoni or Proconsul africanus. If these new postcranial specimens should belong to R. gordoni, on the basis of size and common dental specimens found at Songhor, they represent a new elbow complex. The morphology of these fossils is anatomically and functionally similar to that of Proconsul. The proconsuloid elbow complex allows extensive forelimb rotations and is capable of performing arboreal quadrupedalism and climbing activities. No suspensory adaptations are apparent. The proconsuloid elbow complex remains a good ancestral condition for hominoid primates.
Thermal instabilities in magnetically confined plasmas - Solar coronal loops

The thermal stability of confined solar coronal structures ('loops') is investigated, following both normal mode and a new, global instability analysis. It is demonstrated that: (1) normal mode analysis shows modes with size scales comparable to that of loops to be unstable, but to be strongly affected by the loop boundary conditions; (2) a global analysis, based upon variation of the total loop energy losses and gains, yields loop stability conditions for global modes dependent upon the coronal loop heating process, with magnetically coupled heating processes giving marginal stability. The connection between the present analysis and the minimum flux corona of Hearn is also discussed.
Small heat shock proteins : a new classification scheme in mammals

Small MW heat shock proteins (i.e. sHSPs approximately 15-30 kDa) share significant sequence similarity within the "alpha-crystallin domain" but exhibit different patterns of gene expression, transcriptional regulation, sub-cellular localization, and, perhaps, function. The chaperone-like properties of many sHSPs are defined biochemically by their ability to prevent protein aggregation and/or restore biological activity of client substrates in vitro. Furthermore, such functions are widely believed to mitigate protein misfolding and denaturation triggered by noxious environmental stimuli such as hyperthermia stress, decreased pH(i), osmotic stress, heavy metals, hypoxia, and ischemic injury in vivo. At least 10 mammalian sHSPs, several with tissue-restricted expression, have been identified in recent genome surveys of mice, rats, and humans, but their functions have remained poorly understood. Here, we propose a simple classification scheme for sHSPs to reflect emerging evidence that their specialized roles (e.g. apoptosis, protein trafficking, redox control, and cytoskeletal interactions) might be inextricable linked to both coordinate regulation and multimeric protein complexes in a lineage-specific manner. Thus, Class I proteins display ubiquitous expression, whereas the tissue distribution of Class II proteins is primarily restricted to myogenic and testicular lineages. Because the expression patterns and modifications of sHSPs are potentially surrogate biosignatures for underlying pathophysiological events, we propose that this classification should accelerate progress to define the functional diversification for sHSPs especially in selective tissues predisposed to inheritable, degenerative, and other acquired diseases in humans.
Analysis of temporal change of mammographic features for computer-aided characterization of malignant and benign masses

A new classification scheme was developed to classify mammographic masses as malignant and benign by using interval change information. The masses on both the current and the prior mammograms were automatically segmented using an active contour method. From each mass, 20 run length statistics (RLS) texture features, 3 spiculation features, and mass size were extracted. Additionally, 20 difference RLS features were obtained by subtracting the prior RLS features from the corresponding current RLS features. The feature space consisted of the current RLS features, the difference RLS features, the current and prior spiculation features, and the current and prior mass sizes. Stepwise feature selection and linear discriminant analysis classification (LDA) were used to select and merge the most useful features. A leave-one-case-out resampling scheme was applied to train and test the classifier using 140 temporal image pairs (85 malignant, 55 benign) obtained from 57 biopsy-proven masses (33 malignant, 24 benign) in 56 patients. An average of 10 features were selected from the 56 training subsets: 4 difference RLS features, 4 RLS features and 1 spiculation feature from the current image, and 1 spiculation feature from the prior, were most often chosen. The classifier achieved an average training A z of 0.92 and a test A z of 0.88. For comparison, a classifier was trained and tested using features extracted from the 120 current single images. This classifier achieved an average training A z of 0.90 and a test A z of 0.82. The information on the prior image significantly (p=0.01) improved the accuracy for classification of the masses.
Intellectual capital and university performance in Taiwan

Abstract Assessing university performance is an important yet complex issue. Knowing whether policy is effective in achieving its goal of advancing teaching and research is critical. Furthermore, at the level of implementation, it is necessary to understand if university resource allocation is sufficiently efficient for delivering expected results. To achieve this insight, this study utilizes a two-stage data envelopment analysis to evaluate the cost and teaching and research efficiencies of public universities in Taiwan. Additionally, this paper also employs a truncated-regression to discuss whether intellectual capital affects the operating efficiency of universities. The results demonstrate that the universities are much better at handling cost efficiencies than teaching and research efficiencies. The regression analysis indicates that intellectual capital does play an important role in influencing teaching and research efficiency. Finally, the conceptual roadmap to performance improvement strategies, which helps the manager and/or authorities to improve their operating efficiencies, also is presented.
Intrinsic chromospheric emission from ζ Aurigae binaries

The question of whether the eclipses of Zeta Aur binaries reveal information about the chromospheres of single stars is addressed. It is concluded that Al II 2669 A, and the fluorescent iron lines, as well as CI II 2325 A are formed by the intrinsic thermal processes of the chromospheres of the K supergiant components of the Zeta Aur binaries. That these lines have roughly the same intensities as in single stars is a strong indication that the B components of Zeta Aur binaries do not alter the thermal physics of the chromosphere much, at least not in the bulk of the gas which forms the dominant chromospheric emission in normal stars.
Problem-Based Learning in Pathophysiology: Report of a Project and Its Outcome

Background: This article describes the application of problem-based learning (PBL) to a single discipline in a traditional medical curriculum. It covers the preparatory stages and the initial 3 years. Description: Preparatory workshops took place with emphasis on tutor training and the use of appropriate learning materials. The PBL format applied was the tutorial process supported by PBL modules (paper simulations based on complete clinical cases). Evaluation: Students' PBL skills were assessed during the sessions, and the final examination consisted of a multiple-choice test (MCT). Students with higher PBL marks also scored significantly higher in the final MCT. Both students and teachers found the method motivating and useful in the learning of pathophysiology. Conclusions: A detailed PBL format was applied to a single discipline without major curricular changes. Although the effects on other disciplines are still minor, the project allowed for the development of educational activities at the institutio...
Repairing CAD models

We describe an algorithm for repairing polyhedral CAD models that have errors in their B-REP. Errors like cracks, degeneracies, duplication, holes and overlaps are usually introduced in solid models due to imprecise arithmetic, model transformations, designer errors, programming bugs, etc. Such errors often hamper further processing such as finite element analysis, radiosity computation and rapid prototyping. Our fault-repair algorithm converts an unordered collection of polygons to a shared-vertex representation to help eliminate errors. This is done by choosing, for each polygon edge, the most appropriate edge to unify it with. The two edges are then geometrically merged into one, by moving vertices. At the end of this process, each polygon edge is either coincident with another or is a boundary edge for a polygonal hole or a dangling wall and may be appropriately repaired. Finally, in order to allow user-inspection of the automatic corrections, we produce a visualization of the repair and let the user mark the corrections that conflict with the original design intent. A second iteration of the correction algorithm then produces a repair that is commensurate with the intent. This, by involving the users in a feedback loop, we are able to refine the correction to their satisfaction.
Acne in ethnic skin.

Acne is the most common disorder observed in ethnic skin. Clinical presentation is different than in white skin. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common sequelae of acne in darker skin. The management of acne in ethnic skin is based largely on the prevention and treatment of hyperpigmentation.
Simple battery armor to protect against gastrointestinal injury from accidental ingestion

Inadvertent battery ingestion in children and the associated morbidity and mortality results in thousands of emergency room visits every year. Given the risk for serious electrochemical burns within hours of ingestion, the current standard of care for the treatment of batteries in the esophagus is emergent endoscopic removal. Safety standards now regulate locked battery compartments in toys, which have resulted in a modest reduction in inadvertent battery ingestion; specifically, 3,461 ingestions were reported in 2009, and 3,366 in 2013. Aside from legislation, minimal technological development has taken place at the level of the battery to limit injury. We have constructed a waterproof, pressure-sensitive coating, harnessing a commercially available quantum tunneling composite. Quantum tunneling composite coated (QTCC) batteries are nonconductive in the low-pressure gastrointestinal environment yet conduct within the higher pressure of standard battery housings. Importantly, this coating technology enables most battery-operated equipment to be powered without modification. If these new batteries are swallowed, they limit the external electrolytic currents responsible for tissue injury. We demonstrate in a large-animal model a significant decrease in tissue injury with QTCC batteries compared with uncoated control batteries. In summary, here we describe a facile approach to increasing the safety of batteries by minimizing the risk for electrochemical burn if the batteries are inadvertently ingested, without the need for modification of most battery-powered devices.
Enriching and International Program Graduate Offering: A Blended Delivery Model

Portions of an international masterâ€™s program were designed for a blended, online delivery in one pilot course. This approach allowed students in Central and South America to interact with the professor and other students prior to instructor arrival on-site and after instructor departure. Student reactions to this blended approach were positive. Students indicated an increase in skills and knowledge using Web-based materials, and an increase in interaction with their peers and instructor.
Enriching the Inoculation Construct The Role of Critical Components in the Process of Resistance

This investigation tested the effectiveness of inoculation treatments on 790 participants. The study probed the relationship between threat and involvement, their role in inoculation, and the nature of cognitive processes triggered via inoculation. The pattern of results suggests that inoculation elicits threat, threat contributes to resistance, and resistance is most pronounced for more involved receivers and on behalf of more involving topics. Finally, the results shed additional light on the process of inoculation but revealed a process considerably more intricate than was initially predicted. Structural equation analyses indicated that inoculation and involvement exert parallel, but independent, effects throughout the process of resistance. Both contributed directly to resistance, and both indirectly furthered resistance, but along unique paths. Whereas inoculation elicited receiver threat, which indirectly enhanced resistance through its sizable and immediate impact on Phase 2 attitudes, involvement contributed to the process of counterarguing and, thus, exerted a delayed indirect impact on Phase 3 attitudes.
A Log-Linear Analysis of Variables Associated With Self-Mutilation Behaviors of Women With Histories of Child Sexual Abuse

This study was an exploratory analysis of variables differentiating child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors who self-mutilate from those who do not. Women with histories of CSA (N = 84) were placed into two groups based on the presence or absence of self-mutilating behavior. A log-linear logit analysis was conducted to compare participants on several psychological, demographic, family-of-origin, and abuse-related variables. The model that best fit the data indicated that self-mutilators were more likely to have experienced physical or physiological abuse in their families of origin and have a history of eating disorders and currently were more depressed and dissociated.
A causality interface for deadlock analysis in dataflow

In this paper, we consider a concurrent model of computation called dataflow, where components (actors) communicate via streams of data tokens. Dataflow semantics has been adopted by experimental and production languages used to design embedded systems. The execution of a dataflow actor is enabled by the availability of its input data. One important question is whether a dataflow model will deadlock (i.e., actors cannot execute due to a data dependency loop). Deadlock in many cases can be determined, although it is generally not decidable. We develop a causality interface for dataflow actors based on the general framework we introduced in [1]and show how this causality information can be algebraically composed so that composition of components acquire causality interfaces that are inferred from their components and the interconnections. We illustrate the use of these causality interfaces to statically analyze for deadlock.
Dehalogenation of functionalized alkyl halides in water at room temperature

Alkyl bromides and chlorides can be reduced to the corresponding hydrocarbons utilizing zinc in the presence of an amine additive. The process takes place in water at ambient temperatures, enabled by a commercially available designer surfactant. The reaction medium can be readily recycled, and the amount of organic solvent invested for product isolation is minimal, leading to very low E Factors.
Gender Differences in Mathematics: an Integrative Psychological Approach Edited by Ann M. Gallagher and James C. Kaufman

(2006). Gender Differences in Mathematics: an Integrative Psychological Approach Edited by Ann M. Gallagher and James C. Kaufman. British Journal of Educational Studies: Vol. 54, No. 2, pp. 245-246.
A Review of Plaque Incision With Focus on Temporalis Fascia Grafts

This chapter reviews the history of plaque incision, the physical bases for expansion of cylindrical tissue, the numerical relationship between tunica extensibility and angular penile deformity, the effects of diameter loss on corporeal function, the design and placement of relaxing incisions, and operative technique based on 15 yr of experience with more than 130 cases. Special attention is given to the deployment and testing of relaxing incision and the use of autologous temporalis fascia as a free graft. Overall, without consideration of angle orientation or narrowing, results showed 75% of patients were corrected, 20% improved, and 7% were rendered dependent on medication for erectile rigidity.
Bulk quantities of single-crystal silicon micro-/nanoribbons generated from bulk wafers.

This Letter demonstrates a strategy for producing bulk quantities of high quality, dimensionally uniform single-crystal silicon micro- and nanoribbons from bulk silicon (111) wafers. The process uses etched trenches with controlled rippled structures defined on the sidewalls, together with angled evaporation of masking materials and anisotropic wet etching of the silicon, to produce multilayer stacks of ribbons with uniform thicknesses and lithographically defined lengths and widths, across the entire surface of the wafer. Ribbons with thicknesses between tens and hundreds of nanometers, widths in the micrometer range, and lengths of up to several centimeters, can be produced, in bulk quantities, using this approach. Printing processes enable the layer by layer transfer of organized arrays of such ribbons to a range of other substrates. Good electrical properties (mobilities ∼190 cm2V-1s-1, on/off >104) can be achieved with these ribbons in thin film type transistors formed on plastic substrates, thereby ...