cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Geometric and Dosimetric Accuracy of Synthetic Computed Tomography Images for Magnetic Resonance Imaging-only Stereotactic Radiosurgery.

Introduction Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) plans created using synthetic computed tomography (CT) images derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data may offer the advantage of inhomogeneity correction by convolution algorithms, as is done for CT-based plans. We sought to determine and validate the clinical significance and accuracy of synthetic CT images for inhomogeneity correction in MRI-only stereotactic radiosurgery plans for treatment of brain tumors. Methods In this retrospective study, data from two patients with brain metastases and one with meningioma who underwent imaging with multiple modalities and received frameless SRS treatment were analyzed. The SRS plans were generated using a convolution algorithm to account for brain inhomogeneity using CT and synthetic CT images and compared with the original clinical TMR10 plans created using MRI images. Results Synthetic CT-derived SRS plans are comparable with CT-based plans using convolution algorithm, and for some targets, based on location, they provided better coverage and a lower maximum dose. Conclusions The results suggest similar dose delivery results for CT and synthetic CT-based treatment plans. Synthetic CT plans offered a noticeable improvement in target dose coverage and a more gradual dose fall-off relative to TMR10 MRI-based plans. The major disadvantage is a slightly increased dose (by 0.37%) to nearby healthy tissue (brainstem) for synthetic CT-based plans relative to those created using clinical MRI images, which may be a problem for patients undergoing high-dose treatment.
Paper solubilization chromatography

Abstract A series of 8 high-molecular-weight ketones was separated directly by development on ion-exchange paper with aqueous methanol. The effects of a number of variables on the results were studied and an attempt was made to elucidate a simple mechanism for paper solubilization chromatography.
Early Detection for Li-Ion Batteries Thermal Runaway Based on Gas Sensing

During battery storage and transport, thermal runaway is a critical issue for battery safety. For cells stored in a 55 gallon (0.208 m3) drum, a single cell thermal runaway can heat up neighboring cells, causing a chain reaction of thermal runaway propagation. It is important to detect a thermal runway event before it propagates to other cells and becomes difficult to extinguish. This paper presents a Li-ion batteries thermal runaway early detection method based on gas sensing. By monitoring CO2 concentrations, which is produced at early stage of battery thermal runaway, early detection at cell failures are possible. The simulation shows much faster response of gas sensing comparing to conventional surface temperature sensing. While the surface temperature sensing approach fails to detect thermal runaway before it propagates to other cells, the gas sensing approach detects the event ahead of thermal runaway propagation.
Contra Tooley: Divine Foreknowledge is Possible

Michael Tooley’s latest argument against the possibility of divine foreknowledge trades on the idea that, whichever theory of time is true, the ontology of the future—or lack thereof—gives rise to special problems for God’s prescience. I argue that Tooley’s reasoning is predicated on two mischaracterizations and conclude that, on at least some theories of time, the possibility of divine foreknowledge appears secure.
The Diagnostic Approach to Lymphedema: a Review of Current Modalities and Future Developments

Breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic disease that results from a disruption or obstruction in the lymphatic system and affects 15 in 100 individuals in the USA with newly diagnosed breast cancer. As no curative therapy exists for lymphedema, early detection is crucial in order to reduce the risk of developing late stage symptoms, such as swelling, decreased limb flexibility, disfigurement, and impaired function of the extremity. The objective of this review is to discuss current modalities and devices as well as highlight promising advancements intended to aid in diagnosing secondary lymphedema in breast cancer patients. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can offer high resolution of the lymphatics but are expensive and time-consuming. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is an alternative that reveals organ function as opposed to organ structure. Other imaging methods, such as color duplex ultrasound (CDU), laser scanner 3D (LS3D), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), are relatively easy to use, reproducible, and fast to perform. However, the disadvantages of these techniques include lower sensitivity and specificity compared with CT and MRI. Of note, direct imaging techniques are highly effective for the diagnosis of lymphedema because they utilize dyes or radiotracers in order to directly visualize lymphatic vessels. Fluorescent microlymphography (FMLG) and near-infrared imaging (NIR) involve injection of fluorescent dyes that can be excited with light. Lymphoscintigraphy has effectively replaced lymphangiography as the method of choice for the diagnosis of lymphedema because it is safer, less invasive, and has no risk of causing an allergic reaction in patients. Novel approaches that are currently in development include bioimpedance spectroscopy, ultra-high-frequency ultrasound systems (UHFUS), and magnetic resonance lymphography (MRL). The wide range of diagnostic methods for BCRL exhibit the tradeoff between simplicity and sensitivity; some techniques provide high resolution but are expensive and time consuming. On the other hand, other modalities are easy to use, reliable, and relatively fast in execution yet lack the ability to precisely visualize the lymphatic system. In review of these various techniques, lymphoscintigraphy serves as a clear gold standard for diagnosing secondary lymphedema while more advanced and promising techniques continue to emerge as newer alternatives in clinical practice.
Nanoscale Measurements of the Real Area of Contact and Comparison to Theoretical Models

In this study, a new experimental method is proposed to measure the real area of contact between a alumina sphere and an Al surface based on the adhesive transfer of the Au film and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) in the back-scattered mode. A thin film of Au is sputtered on the alumina sphere before the indentation with the Al surface. After indentation, the interfaces of the alumina sphere and Al surface are observed by SEM. The contact area can be identified based on both the distributions of the alumina and Au on the alumina sphere and Al surface, respectively. The measured contact area at different nominal pressures are compared to predictions made by several popular theoretical elastic-plastic rough surface contact models.
Correction: The orphan nuclear receptor Nr4a1 mediates perinatal neuroinflammation in a murine model of preterm labor.

Prematurity is associated with perinatal neuroinflammation and injury. Screening for genetic modulators in an LPS murine model of preterm birth revealed the upregulation of Nr4a1, an orphan nuclear transcription factor that is normally absent or limited in embryonic brains. Concurrently, Nr4a1 was downregulated with magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and betamethasone (BMTZ) treatments administered to LPS exposed dams. To understand the role of Nr4a1 in perinatal brain injury, we compared the preterm neuroinflammatory response in Nr4a1 knockout (KO) versus wild type (wt) mice. Key inflammatory factors Il1b, Il6 and Tnf, and Iba1+ microglia were significantly lower in Nr4a1 KO versus wt brains exposed to LPS in utero. Treatment with MgSO4/BMTZ mitigated the neuroinflammatory process in wt but not Nr4a1 KO brains. These results correspond with a reduction in cerebral hemorrhage in wt but not mutant embryos from dams given MgSO4/BMTZ. Further analysis with Nr4a1-GFP-Cre × tdTomato loxP reporter mice revealed that the upregulation of Nr4a1 with perinatal neuroinflammation occurs in the cerebral vasculature. Altogether, this study implicates Nr4a1 in the developing vasculature as a potent mediator of neuroinflammatory brain injury that occurs with preterm birth. It is also possible that MgSO4/BMTZ mitigates this process by direct or indirect inhibition of Nr4a1.
Jointly produced metal markets are endogenously unstable

Abstract The production of many minerals and fossil fuels is unstable, and managing volatilities is an important task for managers. External shocks have been regarded as sources of market instability, but a recent empirical analysis showed that external shocks do not fully explain the price volatilities of coproducts. The present study provides an analytic model that identifies the endogenous sources of the market instability of jointly produced metals using a game-theoretic approach. In this model, a joint product company that produces both a primary product and a by-product competes with two firms: 1) a primary product company that produces only primary products in the primary market; and 2) a by-product company that produces only the by-product in the secondary market. This study models the competition among these firms as single-period, sequential quantity competitions. The results indicate that competition causes market instability if the joint product firm sets its production after observing the decisions of other firms and if the joint product firm has efficient capacity. The numerical example, which is motivated by zinc and indium markets, suggests that the endogenous factor affected the markets in 2013. Moreover, endogenous instability will be more important as the price sensitivity to production quantity increases, the relative size of the by-product market grows, and the by-product production technology improves.
Laser ultrasonic testing of titanium alloy parts inside the directed energy deposition additive manufacturing chamber (Conference Presentation)

Additive manufacturing (AM) requires a new paradigm for quality assurance testing. A nondestructive test setup has been integrated into an AM chamber. A pulsed laser generates Rayleigh waves that are then received by a laser interferometer. Two levels of interrogation are investigated; detection of defects using linear ultrasonic methods and tracking changes in microstructure using nonlinear ultrasonic methods. One of the challenges in AM chambers is surface roughness, which affects both light collection for reception as well as the Rayleigh wave propagation characteristics. This paper describes the laser ultrasonic system, its integration into an AM chamber, and some sample results.
Influence of Changes in Soft Tissue Composition on Changes in Bone Strength in Peripubertal Girls: The STAR Longitudinal Study

Obesity and osteoporosis remain two major public health concerns. Soft tissue composition and bone are interrelated; however, it is still not well understood how changes in adiposity during adolescence affect bone development. The aim of this study was to assess how changes in DXA-derived total body lean mass (TBLM) and total body fat mass (TBFM) associate with 2-year changes in bone outcomes at the 20% femur, 66% tibia, 66% radius, and 4% tibia, as measured by pQCT, during the years surrounding the onset of menarche in a cohort of 9- to 12-year-old (baseline) adolescent girls (70% Hispanic). From baseline to 2-year follow-up, girls showed statistically significant increases in all bone outcomes, except radial endosteal circumference. In separate linear regression models, change in TBLM and change in TBFM were both positively associated with 2-year changes in bone outcomes at all measured bone sites, after controlling for relevant covariates. However, when change in TBLM and change in TBFM were included in the same model, change in TBLM was the predominant predictor of bone outcomes, explaining 4% to 14% of the variance in bone strength outcomes. Change in TBFM remained a positive predictor of tibia polar strength strain index (SSIp) (2% variance explained). A significant interaction between change in TBFM and menarcheal status was identified at the radius for SSIp and indicated that greater gains in TBFM were beneficial for SSIp in girls that were premenarcheal at baseline but detrimental for girls who were postmenarcheal at baseline. The overall findings suggest that changes in TBLM during the peripubertal years have a greater influence on bone outcomes than changes in TBFM. While gains in TBFM might benefit the weight bearing 66% tibia, greater gains in TBFM may be detrimental to bone development at the non-weight bearing 66% radius after the onset of menarche. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Evaluating instructional labs’ use of deliberate practice to teach critical thinking skills

Evaluation scheme for experimental lab curricula developed to identify the promotion of critical thinking, with implications for curriculum design.
Factors Impacting Hydrocephalus Incidence in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Analysis

Objective To test which intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) characteristics impact incidence of hydrocephalus and characterize subsequent impact on outcomes. Methods A search of the electronic medical record of Sinai Grace Hospital between January 2009 and April 2018 using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision codes for ICH identified 847 patients. After excluding patients with hemorrhagic conversion of stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and traumatic hemorrhage, 560 patients remained for analysis. Generalized linear modeling was used to assess variance in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score and length of stay. Results Incidence of hydrocephalus on arrival varied with ICH volume (P Conclusions Bleed characteristics affect incidence of hydrocephalus on admission, rates of long-term shunt dependency, and outcomes. Hemorrhage location did not predict shunt dependency; however, it did predict outcomes. Specifically, cerebellar ICH was associated with a better discharge mRS score.
Small Area Analysis of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services Data

Objective:To identify geographic variation in mental health service use in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the authors constructed utilization-based VA mental health service areas (MHSAs) ...
Targeted Phenolic Characterization and Antioxidant Bioactivity of Extracts from Edible Acheta domesticus.

With entomophagy gaining popularity in the Western hemisphere as a solution for future food insecurity, research on alternative protein sources, such as edible insects, has become relevant. Most of the research performed on insects has been on their nutritional qualities; however, little is known regarding bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, that, if present in the insect, could provide additional benefits when the insect is consumed. In this study, methanolic extracts of Acheta domesticus from two farms and their corresponding feeds were obtained using a microwave-assisted extraction. Targeted phenolic characterization was accomplished through LC-MS/MS leading to the identification of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and syringic acid as major phenolic compounds in both A. domesticus extracts. Furthermore, the in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical cation (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical assays demonstrating the superior quenching activity of the A. domesticus extracts compared to the feeds. The discovery of phenolic compounds in A. domesticus implies the ability of this insect species to sequester and absorb dietary phenolics leading to possible added health benefits when consumed.
Abstract 18647: Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Coronary Events in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Background: Despite a decrease in acute mortality, a considerable number of patients who have acute coronary syndrome (ACS) go on to experience major adverse coronary events (MACE). The objectives of this prospective ACS study are to examine relationships between depressive symptoms and risk of subsequent MACE and most importantly, examine if gender differences exist. We hypothesized that the presence of depressive symptoms will be related to increased risk of MACE and gender differences will exist. METHODS: We analyzed 1194 patients enrolled during hospitalization for ACS. Patients were screened using the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Annual telephone interviews were conducted to obtain MACE data. MACE was defined and death, stroke, AMI, re-admission for ACS requiring vascularization. Basic descriptive statistics were determined and analysis of risk for MACE was conducted with logistic regression. Logistic regression models for occurrence of MACE included gender and depression as the independent variables. An interaction term for gender-by=depression was included in the model to test if the association of depression and MACE varies by gender. RESULTS: Of the 1104 with MACE data, 16% reported MACE. Of those, 33% were women and 67% were men. Women were older (64.19 ± 13) than men (61.06 ± 11.60) (p CONCLUSIONS: To conclude important gender differences were noted, but the association between depression and MACE did not vary significantly by gender. This study has the potential to add to the growing body of literature that suggests that gender-related differences exist with regard to ACS.
Molecular cloning, sequence, and specificity of expression of the gene encoding the low molecular weight human salivary mucin (MUC7).

Previous biochemical studies have determined that human saliva contains high and low molecular weight mucin glycoproteins (MG1 and MG2, respectively) that are structurally distinct. In this study, we describe the isolation and characterization of overlapping cDNA clones which code for the MG2 protein core. DNA sequencing revealed a translated region of 1131 nucleotides encoding a protein of 377 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 39 kDa. The first 20 N-terminal residues were very hydrophobic and probably comprise the MG2 leader peptide. The region encoding the secreted protein can be divided into three distinct domains; unique 5‘- and 3‘-translated regions containing 4 and 1 potential N-glycosylation sites, respectively, and a central region of six almost perfect tandem repeats of 23 amino acid residues with a high number of Thr and Ser. No sequence homology with any other human or animal mucins, and no significant homology to any other proteins was found. MG2 mRNA is about 2.5 kilobases long, and its expression appears to be species-, tissue-, and cell-specific. We propose to name this gene MUC7 in accordance with the mucin genes cloned to date named MUC1-MUC6.
Silicon Compounds, Organic

The article contains sections titled: 1. Introduction 2. Fundamental Synthetic Routes for Organosilicon Compounds 2.1. Direct Synthesis of Organohalosilanes 2.2. Grignard Synthesis 2.3. Syntheses with Alkali Metals 2.4. Addition Reactions (Hydrosilylation) 2.5. Substitution Reactions of Si−H Bonds 2.6. Coproportionation and Disproportionation 3. Silicon-Functional Organosilicon Compounds 3.1. Halo- and Pseudohalosilanes 3.2. Alkoxy- and Aryloxysilanes 3.3. Acyloxysilanes 3.4. Oximino- and Aminoxysilanes 3.4.1. (Alkylamino)alkylsilanes 3.5. Organofunctional Organosilicon Compounds 4. Vinyl and Other Alkenyl Compounds 4.1. Organohalogenated Compounds 4.2. Nitrogen-Containing Compounds 4.3. Cyanoalkyl Compounds 4.3.1. Organic Amino Compounds 4.3.2. Other Nitrogen Compounds 4.3.3. Organosulfur Compounds 4.4. Mercapto and Sulfidic Organofunctions 4.4.1. Compounds Containing Sulfur - Oxygen Groups 4.4.2. Oxygen-Containing Compounds 4.5. Epoxy and Other Oxy Compounds 4.5.1. Acrylates and Other Ester Functions 4.5.2. Acid Anhydrides and Other Carboxy Groups 4.5.3. Other Organofunctions 4.6. Other Organosilanes 5. Tetraorganosilanes 5.1. Production 5.1. Polysilanes 5.2. Uses 6. Silylating Agents 6.1. Silanes as Protecting Groups 6.1. Organosilicon Pharmaceuticals 6.1. Silanes for Modification of Organic Polymers 6.1.1. Cross-Linking of Polyethylene 6.1.1. Donor Silanes 6.2. Silane Coupling Agents 6.2.1. Mode of Action 6.3. Analysis 6.4. Toxicology and Environmental Aspects 7. Economic Aspects 8. References
Considerations for Written Testing in Physical Education

This article discusses practical considerations relevant to the use of written products in physical education. It begins by determining the readability (i.e., the ease with which text can be read and understood) of an assignment, and then offers some specific recommendations for administering written tests in physical education classes while keeping student diversity in mind.
Viral suppression in HIV studies: Combining times to suppression and rebound

In HIV-1 clinical trials the interest is often to compare how well treatments suppress the HIV-1 RNA viral load. The current practice in statistical analysis of such trials is to define a single ad hoc composite event which combines information about both the viral load suppression and the subsequent viral rebound, and then analyze the data using standard univariate survival analysis techniques. The main weakness of this approach is that the results of the analysis can be easily influenced by minor details in the definition of the composite event. We propose a straightforward alternative endpoint based on the probability of being suppressed over time, and suggest that treatment differences be summarized using the restricted mean time a patient spends in the state of viral suppression. A nonparametric analysis is based on methods for multiple endpoint studies. We demonstrate the utility of our analytic strategy using a recent therapeutic trial, in which the protocol specified a primary analysis using a composite endpoint approach.
An Acidic Cluster in the Cytosolic Domain of Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein B Is a Signal for Endocytosis from the Plasma Membrane

We previously reported that human cytomegalovirus (CMV) glycoprotein B (gB) is transported to apical membranes in CMV-infected polarized retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells and in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells constitutively expressing gB. The cytosolic domain of gB contains a cluster of acidic amino acids, a motif that plays a pivotal role in vectorial trafficking in polarized epithelial cells and may also function as a signal for entry into the endocytic pathway. Here we compared gB internalization and recycling to the plasma membrane in CMV-infected human fibroblasts (HF) and ARPE-19 cells by using antibody-internalization experiments. Immunofluorescence and quantitative assays showed that gB was internalized from the cell surface into clathrin-coated transport vesicles and then recycled to the plasma membrane. gB colocalized with clathrin-coated vesicles containing the transferrin receptor in the early endocytic/recycling pathway, indicating that gB traffics in this pathway. The specific role of the acidic cluster in regulating the sorting of gB-containing vesicles in the early endocytic/recycling pathway was examined in MDCK cells expressing mutated gB derivatives. Immunofluorescence assays showed that derivatives lacking the acidic cluster were impaired in internalization and failed to recycle. These findings, together with our earlier observation that the acidic cluster is a key determinant for targeting gB molecules to apical membranes in epithelial cells, establish that this signal is recognized by cellular proteins that participate in polarized sorting and transport in the early endocytic/recycling pathway.
Biomass burning in Siberia and Kazakhstan as an important source for haze over the Alaskan Arctic in April 2008

[1] During the ARCPAC (Aerosol, Radiation, and Cloud Processes affecting Arctic Climate) airborne field experiment in April 2008 in northern Alaska, about 50 plumes were encountered with the NOAA WP-3 aircraft between the surface and 6.5 km. Onboard measurements and the transport model FLEXPART showed that most of the plumes were emitted by forest fires in southern Siberia-Lake Baikal area and by agricultural burning in Kazakhstan-southern Russia. Unexpectedly, these biomass burning plumes were the dominant aerosol and gas-phase features encountered in this area during April. The influence on the plumes from sources other than burning was small. The chemical characteristics of plumes from the two source regions were different, with higher enhancements relative to CO for most gas and aerosol species from the agricultural fires. In 2008, the fire season started earlier than usual in Siberia, which may have resulted in unusually efficient transport of biomass burning emissions into the Arctic.
Analysis Strategies for Tubular SOFC Based Hybrid Systems

The emergence of fuel cell systems and hybrid fuel cell systems requires the evolution of analysis strategies for evaluating thermodynamic performance and directing design and development. A description and application of the recently developed tool for analyzing tubular SOFC based systems is presented. The capabilities of this tool include an analytical model for the tubular SOFC as well as the secondary equipment required to analyze hybrid power plants. Examples of such secondary equipment are gas turbine, reformer, partial oxidation reactor, shift reactor, humidifier, steam turbine, compressor, gas expander, heat exchanger and pump. In addition to these equipment models, modules required for performing functions such as separating a component from a stream, splitting a stream or combining streams are also included. A “Solver” is included which is essential for modeling systems to automatically iterate in order to meet the desired process or system design criteria such as maintaining a specified steam to carbon ratio in the reformer feed stream or a specified temperature difference between two streams in the system. Another important capability that is included is to be able to arrange the various components or modules as defined by the user in order to configure different hybrid systems.Copyright © 2000 by ASME
Photoelectron Imaging and Density-Functional Investigation of Bismuth and Lead Anions Solvated in Ammonia Clusters†

We present the results of photoelectron velocity-map imaging experiments for the photodetachment of small negatively charged ammonia solvated Bin and Pbn (n = 1, 2) clusters at 527 nm. The vertical detachment energies of the observed multiple electronic bands and their respective anisotropy parameters for the solvated Bi and Pb anions and clusters derived from the photoelectron images are reported. The electronic bands of Bi(NH3)n=1,2 are distinct from the Bi metal ion in exhibiting a perpendicular distribution whereas the electronic bands in Pb(NH3)n=1,2, unlike the Pb anion, show an isotropic distribution with respect to the laser polarization. Density-functional theory calculations with a generalized gradient approximation for the exchange−correlation potential were performed on these clusters to determine their atomic and electronic structures. Calculated geometries show a dramatic change between anionic and neutral ammonia solvated Bi and Pb species. Anionic clusters exhibit van der Waals interaction...
Changes in blood coagulation factors during the first week of life

Summary Various factors concerned with the clotting of blood were studied in normal, full-term infants during their first week of life. During the period when so-called prothrombin times (plasmatic clotting times determined by the Quick test) were lengthened, infant blood was deficient in both prothrombin and stable factor, but not in labile factor. When an analogue of vitamin K was administered at birth, the infants' prothrombin times tended to remain normal, the concentration of prothrombin was still diminished, the concentration of the stable factor approached adult values and the amount of labile factor continued to be normal or was more than adult values. Variations in the blood clotting of infants during the first week of life, as measured by the Quick test, appeared to parallel the concentration of the stable factor. This is in agreement with the concept that the Quick test is primarily an index of the accessory conversion factors and not of prothrombin.
Molecular dynamics simulation of single asperity contact

We present a series of molecular dynamics simulations of single asperity contact and deformation that occurs as two rough surfaces are brought together, loaded and then separated. We monitor the force between the two surfaces, the total potential energy, the Q6 order parameter, the effective minimum contact radius and the conductance (using the modified Sharvin equation). The deformation is observed using the local bond order parameter. During loading, the force–displacement relation exhibits a sawtooth form, associated with repetitive generation and motion of partial dislocations and the concomitant creation and annihilation of stacking fault pyramids. Unloading is characterized by an extended elastic deformation regime followed by plastic deformation of a type that is distinct from that in loading. The qualitative features of the force, contact area and conductance versus displacement plots are in excellent qualitative agreement with experimental observations. The simulations and experiments both show that Johnson–Kendall–Roberts theory should not be applied to describe asperity loading, but is applicable to the case of unloading, where the deformation is nearly elastic.
Dopant Effects on the Photocatalytic Activity of Colloidal Zinc Sulfide Semiconductor Nanocrystals for the Oxidation of 2-Chlorophenol

In this work, colloidal zinc sulfide nanocrystals, prepared with selected concentrations of manganese(II) ions in the range of 0−2% and stabilized with a polymeric capping agent, were used in the photocatalytic degradation of 2-chlorophenol in aqueous solutions. Particle sizes for the synthesized nanocrystals were determined using UV−vis absorbance spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). UV−vis spectra for all of the synthesized nanocrystals display an excitonic peak at around 290 nm, which corresponds to a particle size of approximately 3 nm, in agreement with the XRD analysis. Photoluminescence emission spectra recorded for undoped ZnS nanocrystals exhibit an emission peak at 460 nm in the spectrum, whereas peaks corresponding to the dopant ion are red-shifted to 590 nm. With increasing addition of the dopant ion, the area of the peak at 460 nm first increases and then decreases for higher dopant concentrations, whereas the area of the peak at 590 nm increases. This finding clearly indicates that the ...
The thick an thin of car cabling

As the number of electronic modules in cars continues to increase, so, too, does the size of the wiring harnesses that interconnect them. These cables not only add weight, increase costs, and complicate troubleshooting of electrical problems-they are also becoming so thick that routing them around a vehicle is by now a real challenge. Here, the author describes how multiplexing many signals onto a single wire will curb motor vehicles' voracious appetite for wire and cable, once standards and volume production take hold.
What is lifespan regulation and why does it exist

The development of a unified conceptual framework for the field of biogerontology has been impeded by confusing and misleading terminology. Thus, distinctions and definitions are provided for key terms (and their concepts) used in the paper: senescence, lifespan, potential lifespan, essential lifespan, and lifespan regulation. An organismal perspective is then used to examine the relationships between reproduction, lifespan regulation and senescence. The principal conclusions drawn from this examination are: (1) the inevitability of death makes physiological investments in reproduction a higher priority than somatic maintenance, (2) the race between reproduction and death creates a probabilistic window of time (essential lifespan) within which reproduction must occur, (3) the integrated network of genetic processes responsible for achieving essential lifespan (lifespan regulation) must be evolutionarily conserved and extensively regulated, (4) senescence is a stochastic byproduct of these regulated processes rather than a direct target of natural selection, and (5) genomic instability (an important stochastic component of senescence) plays no active role in lifespan regulation.
Sociology and Social Work: Challenge and Invitation

Although this session is devoted to "the relationships of sociology and social work at midcentury," it is not the major purpose of this paper to develop and to document in detail a point of view about such relationships in the past or about the dynamics of current relationships. A number of papers have appeared in recent years devoted to these themes, and a significant book on the subject was published by Robert M. MacIver more than two decades ago. (4)
The determination of the plate count for large molecules under reversed-phase gradient conditions

The true performance of HPLC columns in the gradient separation of macromolecules can be assessed by measuring the true plate count, if we know the retention factor of the analyte at the point of elution. We are demonstrating in this short communication how this can accomplished in a straightforward fashion. The procedure used here is a significant simplification over previous approaches, and enables the chromatographer to do so without complex algebra or additional experiments.
Simultaneous expression of the SP-peptidergic and noradrenergic phenotypes in rat sympathetic neurons.

Abstract We previously observed that substance P (SP) levels in the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) rise sharply when the ganglion is maintained in vitro 9 . To define the cellular localization of SP, sections of cultured SCG were stained for the possible dual presence of SP and tyrosine hydroxylase (TOH). Immunoreactivity to both SP and TOH was present in the majority of principal neurons. This observation suggests that principal sympathetic neurons can express simultaneously both the noradrenergic and SP-peptidergic phenotypes.
Power-over-fiber sensor network

We present the characteristics of a prototype all-fiber sensor network that is useful in structure-health management and distributed sensor data acquisition. In this network, each remote sensor node is powered over a fiber by a laser in the base station. The sensor data are sent back to a base station through a different fiber. Issues concerning power consumption per node, data rate, fault-tolerance, packaging, cost, and network expandability will be discussed.
Effects of metal working fluids on B6C3F1 mouse skin

Over 10 million workers in the United States are exposed to metal working fluids (MWFs) through dermal contact and/or inhalation of aerosolized fluids. The objective of this study was to elucidate ...
Endometrial signaling pathways during ovarian stimulation for assisted reproduction technology

Objective To determine the effects of different hormonal levels on endometrial biochemical development during ovulation induction for assisted reproduction technology (ART) cycles. Design Prospective controlled study. Setting University center. Patient(s) Nine women during a natural cycle (control) and 9 oocyte donors (treated) during an ART cycle. Intervention(s) At the time consistent with day 3 embryo transfer (LH+5 in control, hCG+5 in treated), transvaginal ultrasound, endometrial biopsy, and blood sampling were performed. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to measure mRNA levels for insulin receptor (InsR), type I IGF receptor (IGFRI), prolactin receptor (PRL-R), androgen receptor (AR), TSH receptor (TSHR), nuclear receptors for T3 and T4 (TRα1, TRα2, and TRβ1), iodothyronine deiodinase (DIO2), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor (VDR) in the endometrial tissue. Main Outcome Measure(s) Biochemical endometrial development. Result(s) IGFRI mRNA levels were 69% lower in treated patients than in control subjects, 0.12 ± 0.005 pg/μg RNA versus 0.39 ± 0.01 pg/μg RNA. TSHR mRNA was 57% lower, 2.6 ± 0.1 fg/μg RNA versus 6.0 ± 0.2 fg/μg RNA. TRα1 and TRα2 mRNA did not change, but TRβ1 mRNA levels were 63% higher. DIO2 mRNA was 63% lower, 1.2 ± 0.07 pg/μg RNA versus 3.2 ± 0.2 pg/μg RNA. InsR mRNA levels, despite being 68% lower in treated patients, did not reach significance, and PRL-R, AR, and VDR did not significantly change. Conclusion(s) Exposure of the endometrium to ovarian stimulation appears to influence insulin and thyroid hormone signaling pathways in the decidua at day 3 embryo transfer, whereas prolactin, androgen, and vitamin D pathways are uninfluenced. These findings echo the known delayed endometrial maturation during ovarian stimulation.
Shock: a semantic enigma.

The first step in analyzing any clinical problem must be the identification and precise definition of the entity. An adequate definition must be based on accurate and quantitative description in terms of crucial variables. Since many of the essential variables can be measured or estimated on patients, shock can be approached in a series of logical steps for each type: 1. A discrete clinical condition currently classified under the term "shock" could be identified. 2. A specific and unique name and definition of this condition could be derived by direct and quantitative measurements of variables such as those represented in figure 1. 3. The initiating factors would become apparent from these measurements. 4. The compensatory reactions that are inadequate should be distinguished from responses that are inappropriate. 5. With this knowledge at hand, a suitable model of the circulatory disturbance could be evolved and validated by quantitative measurements in experimental analysis. 6. Appropriate therapy of the defined condition could then be based on knowledge of the nature of the basic disturbance. Obviously, treatment that would effectively correct the fundamental defect from extravasation or anaphylaxis might be dangerous if applied to a patient with myocardial infarction. 7. The terminal events in fatal shock-like states can be regarded as a group of potential vicious circles that may have no obvious connection with the original cause of the systemic arterial hypotension. Effective therapy during the final stages of circulatory deterioration requires a great deal more knowledge regarding the various mechanisms of circulatory collapse than we now possess.
Pathway-Centric Integrative Analysis Identifies RRM2 as a Prognostic Marker in Breast Cancer Associated with Poor Survival and Tamoxifen Resistance

Breast cancer (BCa) molecular subtypes include luminal A, luminal B, normal-like, HER-2–enriched, and basal-like tumors, among which luminal B and basal-like cancers are highly aggressive. Biochemical pathways associated with patient survival or treatment response in these more aggressive subtypes are not well understood. With the limited availability of pathologically verified clinical specimens, cell line models are routinely used for pathway-centric studies. We measured the metabolome of luminal and basal-like BCa cell lines using mass spectrometry, linked metabolites to biochemical pathways using Gene Set Analysis, and developed a novel rank-based method to select pathways on the basis of their enrichment in patient-derived omics data sets and prognostic relevance. Key mediators of the pathway were then characterized for their role in disease progression. Pyrimidine metabolism was altered in luminal versus basal BCa, whereas the combined expression of its associated genes or expression of one key gene, ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2) alone, associated significantly with decreased survival across all BCa subtypes, as well as in luminal patients resistant to tamoxifen. Increased RRM2 expression in tamoxifen-resistant patients was verified using tissue microarrays, whereas the metabolic products of RRM2 were higher in tamoxifen-resistant cells and in xenograft tumors. Both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of this key enzyme in tamoxifen-resistant cells significantly decreased proliferation, reduced expression of cell cycle genes, and sensitized the cells to tamoxifen treatment. Our study suggests for evaluating RRM2-associated metabolites as noninvasive markers for tamoxifen resistance and its pharmacological inhibition as a novel approach to overcome tamoxifen resistance in BCa.
Nicholas in Hell: Rewriting the Tsarist Narrative in the Revolutionary Skazki of 1917

Once upon a time, long ago, the rotten system crashed down, and our native Rus' became free. There was no tsar or tsaritsa (that foreign bird) or police or ministers. Russians lived like people, not beasts. But let us take a look at the fate of our former tsar. After stepping down from the throne and settling at Tsarskoe Selo to tend flowers and care for his cherished son Alexei, Nicholas has trouble feeling at ease. He digs in the garden and prunes his shrubs, but he's still restless and uncomfortable. Finally, he goes to the conservatory where Alexandra sits, very upset. He tries to comfort her, suggesting that they move far away from Russia—to Tunisia, perhaps—but his ideas for their new life together only make her angry. Nicholas trembles in fear under a table while she rants about their fate and mourns the loss of her Grisha [Rasputin], but finally her tantrum subsides, and he falls asleep, dreaming that he is flying to Heaven. When he reaches the gates of Heaven, an angel rudely informs him that no “tsar-tyrants” are needed there—he should proceed directly to Hell. As he enters the doors of Hell, a crowd of phantoms confronts him, accusing him of committing crimes and of inflicting unbearable suffering on them in life, while Beelzebub commands that he be thrown into a cauldron of boiling tar. In response, Nicholas protests that he was just carrying on the Romanov tradition, and asks why he alone should be found guilty when his ancestors also committed terrible crimes against the people. Then he glimpses an enormous cauldron, where his ancestors sit, boiling in the thick tar. And he gets the feeling that he too will fly into the pot. Luckily, just at this moment Nicholas awakens from his horrifying dream.
P-155L: Late-News Poster: Low-voltage, High-efficiency White Phosphorescent Organic Light-emitting Devices

In this report, We use the efficient host materials combination with an efficient blue phosphorescent FIrpic complex. We successfully improve the high-efficienct blue OLED which has up to 36.0 lm/W and a low driving voltage of 3.4V at practical brightness of 1000 cd/m2. By using the efficient orange-yellow phosphor PO-01 complex and light-extraction technology, the white OLED displayed a high power efficiency of 92.3 lm/W and a low driving voltage of 3.2V at practical brightness of 1000 cd/m2.
The effects of temperature on the dark-adapted spectral sensitivity function of the adult zebrafish.

Abstract In goldfish and other cold-blooded vertebrates, temperature can influence the rhodopsin/ porphyropsin contributions to the rod photoreceptors. This study examined the effects of temperature on the spectral sensitivity function of the dark-adapted zebrafish. Zebrafish were housed in either a warm (28–30°C) or cold (22–25°C) tank prior to testing. Fish were dark-adapted for at least 1 h and electroretinogram (ERG) responses to 200 ms stimuli of various wavelengths and irradiances were obtained. Results show that water temperature affected the spectral sensitivity function of the ERG b-wave. Subjects housed in the warm temperatures had a spectral sensitivity consistent with the rhodopsin absorption curve; however, fish housed in the colder temperatures had a spectral sensitivity function that was the result of a rhodopsin/porphyropsin mixture. In addition, ultraviolet cones (λmax: 362 nm) contributed to the dark-adapted spectral sensitivity function under both temperature conditions. Consistent with the results from other fish, the dark-adapted visual system of the zebrafish can be influenced by water temperature. The results of this study demonstrate the necessity of maintaining a stable environment when examining the contributions of the photoreceptors to the visual response.
A constitutive theory for shape memory polymers. Part II: A linearized model for small deformations

Abstract A constitutive theory is developed for shape memory polymers. It is to describe the thermomechanical properties of such materials under large deformations. The theory is based on the idea, which is developed in the work of Liu et al. [2006. Thermomechanics of shape memory polymers: uniaxial experiments and constitutive modelling. Int. J. Plasticity 22, 279–313], that the coexisting active and frozen phases of the polymer and the transitions between them provide the underlying mechanisms for strain storage and recovery during a shape memory cycle. General constitutive functions for nonlinear thermoelastic materials are used for the active and frozen phases. Also used is an internal state variable which describes the volume fraction of the frozen phase. The material behavior of history dependence in the frozen phase is captured by using the concept of frozen reference configuration. The relation between the overall deformation and the stress is derived by integration of the constitutive equations of the coexisting phases. As a special case of the nonlinear constitutive model, a neo-Hookean type constitutive function for each phase is considered. The material behaviors in a shape memory cycle under uniaxial loading are examined. A linear constitutive model is derived from the nonlinear theory by considering small deformations. The predictions of this model are compared with experimental measurements.
Targeting autoimmune diseases through nutraceuticals.

The immune system has evolved to discriminate self from non-self antigens, thereby protecting the host from microbial pathogens and malignant tumor.1 Nevertheless, a breakdown in this fundamental immunoregulatory process often results in the development of chronic infectious diseases, malignant tumors, and organ-specific autoimmune diseases. Although the etiology of autoimmune diseases is not known, it is generally believed to be influenced by genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Human diets of plant origin, containing many hundreds of biologically active compounds called nutraceuticals, appear to play a role in the regulation of immune diseases and maintenance of health. In some cases, the disease process is partly understood when the elements of protection can be related to a single compound or group of compounds in the diet. These bioactive components are featured with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Recent studies have used nutraceuticals to successfully target organspecific autoimmune diseases.2 A precise understanding of the effects and mechanism of action of nutraceuticals will help develop new strategies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.