cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoenhanced oxidation of nC60 in water: Exploring H2O2 and hydroxyl radical based reactions

Abstract The transformations of water-stable C60 clusters (nC60) to oxidized C60 derivatives via photoreactions and ground-state reactions have been described as critical processes in understanding the ultimate environmental fate of fullerene-based materials. However, (photo)oxidation of aqueous-based C60 (as water stable, nanoscale aggregates termed nC60) with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and/or hydroxyl radical ( OH), common environmental oxidants, has not been fully explored. To address this, the aqueous physicochemical transformations of C60 (as nC60 aggregates) in the presence of H2O2 and/or OH in both photoexcited-state and ground-state under environmentally relevant conditions are quantitatively described. Results show that nC60 undergoes facile oxidation in the presence of H2O2 under UVA irradiation but not under dark conditions, and the oxidation reaction rates increase with effective OH concentration (via photodecomposition of H2O2), while being inversely related to solution pH. Product characterization via dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, total organic carbon, high-performance liquid chromatography, and octanol-water partition experiments collectively describe resulting C60 derivatives with new covalent oxygen functionality which are also relatively more hydrophilic. For all cases, photoirradiation was observed to significantly enhanced the rates and extent of C60 oxidation.
Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Biventricular Assist Devices

Purpose Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are common in patients after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant. However, literature on VA after biventricular assist device (BIVAD) placement is limited. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with BIVADs to evaluate the prevalence of VA and their clinical outcomes. Methods Consecutive patients who received a BIVAD between June 2014 to July 2017 at University of California San Diego were included. Patients who experienced clinically significant VA were compared to those who did not. We assessed for predictors of VA and clinical endpoints of cardiovascular events. Results Of the 13 patients who received BIVAD (16% ischemic cardiomyopathy), 9 experienced clinically significant VA. Baseline characteristics including age, ejection fraction, and duration of heart failure were similar between the two groups. A prior history of VA predicted patients with VA after BIVAD (100% vs 0%, p Conclusion Ventricular arrhythmias are common in patients with BIVADs and are associated with worse outcomes. Future work should assess whether therapies such as ablation improve the outcome of BIVAD patients with VA.
Fiber-based platform for synchronous imaging of endogenous and exogenous fluorescence of biological tissue

Endogenous and exogenous fluorescence emission from biological samples encodes complementary information. Here we report, to the best of our knowledge, the first results from an optical imaging platform with interleaved excitation and detection of exogenous and endogenous fluorescence from tissue samples using a single flexible multimode fiber that delivers the excitation beam and collects the emitted light. A custom-built reflective optical chopper wheel with synchronized rotation temporally multiplexes an autofluorescence lifetime imaging apparatus with an intensity-based fluorescence module tailored to imaging green fluorescent protein. We demonstrate the functionality of such platform imaging dyes of varying fluorescence signatures and resolving cellularized areas on bio-engineered tissue constructs.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Franchising Research (1988–2017):

This article conducts a bibliometric analysis of published research on the topic of franchising during the last three decades (1988–2017). This analysis is based on 570 articles related to franchis...
Design Considerations for MHz PCB Winding Magnetic Components

High frequency PCB windings magnetic is one of the key components in high power density and high efficiency MHz power converter. High frequency PCB windings magnetic losses are the main limitation for the whole converter efficiency and power density, while the PCB windings losses are the main part of the magnetic losses. Currently, the Dowell’s model is used for the layout of PCB windings. However, the Dowell’s model has its restrictions, namely, magnetic field is assumed to be distributed evenly in one direction. But the magnetic field around the windings are three-dimensional and unevenly. Therefore, further arrangement of PCB windings is proposed to minimize the PCB windings losses. Besides, the magnetic circuit is analogous to electrical circuit, and the magnetic core structure shape the footprint of the PCB winding, so different magnetic core structure can be proposed for the trade-off design among the high power density, high efficiency, and low temperature stress. Therefore, both PCB winding layout and magnetic core structure design are important for the optimization of high frequency magnetic components.
Getting Lost: Proprioception and Thinking in the Gothic Novel

ABSTRACTDrawing on recent phenomenological theories in addition to Paul Henri Thiry’s eighteenth-century theory of thought as movement, this essay argues that Ann Radcliffe’s novels present percept...
Inhibition of Wound Epidermis Formation via Full Skin Flap Surgery During Axolotl Limb Regeneration

Classical experiments in salamander regenerative biology over the last century have long established that the wound epidermis is a crucial signaling structure that forms rapidly post-amputation and is required for limb regeneration. However, methods to study its precise function at the molecular level over the last decades have been limited due to a paucity of precise functional techniques and genomic information available in salamander model systems. Excitingly, the recent plethora of sequencing technologies coupled with the release of various salamander genomes and the advent of functional genetic testing methods, including CRISPR, makes it possible to re-visit these foundational experiments at unprecedented molecular resolution. Here, I describe how to perform the classically developed full skin flap (FSF) surgery in adult axolotls in order to inhibit wound epidermis formation immediately following amputation. The wound epidermis normally forms via distal migration of epithelial cells in the skin proximal to the amputation plane to seal off the wound from the outside environment. The surgery entails immediately suturing full thickness skin (which includes both epidermal and dermal layers) over the amputation plane to hinder epithelial cell migration and contact with the underlying damaged mesenchymal tissues. Successful surgeries result in the inhibition of blastema formation and limb regeneration. By combining this surgery method with contemporary downstream molecular and functional analyses, researchers can begin to uncover the molecular underpinnings of wound epidermis function and biology during limb regeneration.
Identification and Characterization of a B-Raf Kinase Alpha Helix Critical for the Activity of MEK Kinase in MAPK Signaling

In the MAPK pathway, an oncogenic V600E mutation in B-Raf kinase causes the enzyme to be constitutively active, leading to aberrantly high phosphorylation levels of its downstream effectors, MEK and ERK kinases. The V600E mutation in B-Raf accounts for more than half of all melanomas and ~3% of all cancers and many drugs target the ATP-binding site of the enzyme for its inhibition. Since B-Raf can develop resistance against these drugs and such drugs can induce paradoxical activation, drugs that target allosteric sites are needed. To identify other potential drug targets, we generated and kinetically characterized an active form of B-RafV600E expressed using a bacterial expression system. In doing so, we identified an alpha helix on B-Raf, found at the B-Raf-MEK interface, that is critical for their interaction and the oncogenic activity of B-RafV600E. We performed binding experiments between B-Raf mutants and MEK using pull downs and biolayer interferometry, and assessed phosphorylation levels of MEK as well as its downstream target ERK to show that mutating certain residues on this alpha helix is detrimental to binding and downstream activity. Our results suggest that this B-Raf alpha helix binding site on MEK could be a site to target for drug development to treat B-RafV600E-induced melanomas.
Supervised Machine-Learning Algorithms in Real-time Prediction of Hypotensive Events*

Hypotension is common in critically ill patients. Early prediction of hypotensive events in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) allows clinicians to pre-emptively treat the patient and avoid possible organ damage. In this study, we investigate the performance of various supervised machine-learning classification algorithms along with a real-time labeling technique to predict acute hypotensive events in the ICU. It is shown that logistic regression and SVM yield a better combination of specificity, sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). Logistic regression is able to predict 85% of events within 30 minutes of their onset with 81% PPV and 96% specificity, while SVM results in 96% specificity, 83% sensitivity and 82% PPV. To further reduce the false alarm rate, we propose a high-level decision-making algorithm that filters isolated false positives identified by the machine-learning algorithms. By implementing this technique, 24% of the false alarms are filtered. This saves 21 hours of medical staff time through 2,560 hours of monitoring and significantly reduces the disturbance caused by alarming monitors.
An Interesting Civilian Case of Complex Maxillofacial Trauma Due to Target Fragmentation Following Bullet Impact and Review of the Branches of the Maxillary Artery.

Serious morbidity and mortality for the operator and bystanders are associated with a lack of knowledge and failure to utilize appropriately manufactured targets. The management of firearm-related facial trauma is challenging and requires rapid intervention from a multidisciplinary team. We present a case of penetrating facial trauma secondary to the fragmentation of a homemade target. We highlight how firearm operators can optimize safety by matching ballistics with target selection and review pertinent vascular structures, including the terminal branches of the external carotid artery and branches of the maxillary artery. This case demonstrates that trauma physicians must be well-versed with complex maxillofacial anatomy and multimodal approaches to hemostasis.
Towards Gauging Time-Reversal Symmetry: A Tensor Network Approach

It is well known that unitary symmetries can be “gauged,” i.e., defined to act in a local way, which leads to a corresponding gauge field. Gauging, for example, the charge-conservation symmetry leads to electromagnetic gauge fields. It is an open question whether an analogous process is possible for time reversal which is an antiunitary symmetry. Here, we discuss a route to gauging time-reversal symmetry that applies to gapped quantum ground states that admit a tensor network representation. The tensor network representation of quantum states provides a notion of locality for the wave function coefficient and hence a notion of locality for the action of complex conjugation in antiunitary symmetries. Based on that, we show how time reversal can be applied locally and also describe time-reversal symmetry twists that act as gauge fluxes through nontrivial loops in the system. As with unitary symmetries, gauging time reversal provides useful access to the physical properties of the system. We show how topological invariants of certain time-reversal symmetric topological phases in D=1, 2 are readily extracted using these ideas.
Development and application of high-throughput screens for the discovery of compounds that disrupt ErbB4 signaling: Candidate cancer therapeutics

Whereas recent clinical studies report metastatic melanoma survival rates high as 30-50%, many tumors remain nonresponsive or become resistant to current therapeutic strategies. Analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) data set suggests that a significant fraction of melanomas potentially harbor gain-of-function mutations in the gene that encodes for the ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase. In this work, a drug discovery strategy was developed that is based on the observation that the Q43L mutant of the naturally occurring ErbB4 agonist Neuregulin-2beta (NRG2β) functions as a partial agonist at ErbB4. NRG2β/Q43L stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation, fails to stimulate ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation, and inhibits agonist-induced ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation. Compounds that exhibit these characteristics likely function as ErbB4 partial agonists, and as such hold promise as therapies for ErbB4-dependent melanomas. Consequently, three highly sensitive and reproducible (Z' > 0.5) screening assays were developed and deployed for the identification of small-molecule ErbB4 partial agonists. Six compounds were identified that stimulate ErbB4 phosphorylation, fail to stimulate ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation, and appear to selectively inhibit ErbB4-dependent cell proliferation. Whereas further characterization is needed to evaluate the full therapeutic potential of these molecules, this drug discovery platform establishes reliable and scalable approaches for the discovery of ErbB4 inhibitors.
A hypothesis for the pathogenesis of radiation-induced oral mucositis: when biological challenges exceed physiologic protective mechanisms. Implications for pharmacological prevention and treatment.

Oral mucositis (OM) remains a significant unmet need for patients being treated with standard concomitant chemoradiation (CRT) regimens for head and neck cancers (HNC). OM’s pathogenesis is complex and includes both direct and indirect damage pathways. In this paper, the field is reviewed with emphasis on the initiating and sustaining role of oxidative stress on OM’s pathobiology. A hypothesis is presented which suggests that based on OM’s clinical and biological trajectory, mucosal damage is largely the consequence of cumulative CRT-induced biological changes overwhelming physiologic self-protective mechanisms. Furthermore, an individual’s ability to mount and maintain a protective response is dependent on interacting pathways which are primarily determined by a multiplex consisting of genomics, epigenomics, and microbiomics. Effective biologic or pharmacologic OM interventions are likely to supplement or stimulate existing physiologic damage-control mechanisms.
Maturation-induced modification of organic matter in shales: Implications for geological CO2 storage

Abstract Shales have low to ultra-low porosity and permeability, which makes Bakken shales an attractive candidate for CO2 storage or as a caprock. The organic material within source rocks consists of extremely complex macromolecules with a host of other minor components. In this study, we experimentally investigated how the artificially-induced thermal maturation of organic matter in shales will impact geological CO2 storage (GCS). We artificially induced Bakken shale samples to thermal maturity (Tmax) for an exposure period of 0–48 hr, with incremental Tmax. Firstly, we conducted source rock analyses to evaluate and analyze the modified geochemical properties due to artificially-induced thermal maturation. Secondly, we utilized X-ray diffraction to assess the mineralogical changes in the immature and mature samples. Subsequently, we conducted scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructural characterization of the morphological modifications and distribution of organic matter. Our post-treatment geochemical results showed a decrease (-42%) in the total organic carbon content (TOC) and a decrease (-26%) in quartz content, and these alterations continued with an increasing Tmax. The results of the microstructural analyses also suggest changes in the pore structure of the shale samples. Further, we assessed the implications of the modified geochemical and microstructural properties for GCS. The observed modifications in the properties of Bakken Shales due to the impact of artificially-induced thermal maturation of organic matter may improve its suitability as a caprock in conventional trapping scenarios, or as a CO2 storage unit.
22. Assigned Female Infant with Clitoromegaly due to Pre- and Post-Natal Exogenous Testosterone Exposure: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background Clitoromegaly is an abnormal enlargement of the clitoris that can be congenital or acquired. Both endogenous and exogenous androgen exposure can cause clitoromegaly. We report a case of a 10-month-old assigned female infant with exogenous testosterone exposure resulting in clitoromegaly, with evidence of possible prenatal exposure. There are limited reports of accidental exposure to exogenous androgens in infant females. To our knowledge, only one other case has been reported of possible prenatal exposure causing female infant virilization. Case This is a case of a 10-month-old assigned female, born at 39 weeks, referred to our clinic for assessment of clitoromegaly. The enlarged clitoris was first noted by her pediatrician at her six-month exam, although parents state present since birth. Physical exam showed an enlarged clitoris (1.5cm length x 1.5cm width) and an anogenital ratio of 0.5. Laboratory studies revealed significantly elevated total testosterone (826 ng/dL, range for age/sex Comments This case raises awareness of testosterone absorption in direct physical contacts of those who use topical testosterone gel, leading to unintended hormonal effects. Transdermal testosterone gels are often prescribed to cisgender males with low androgen levels and as a masculinizing hormone therapy in transgender care. Prescribers must educate patients to enact measures to prevent accidental exposure to other household members. The risk of clinically significant absorption may be greater in infants given their high body-surface-area to body weight ratio. Significant early exogenous androgen exposure in assigned female infants has unknown long-term health effects, highlighting the importance of preventing skin contamination with topical testosterone preparations.
Safety and immunogenicity of an inactivated eastern equine encephalitis virus vaccine

BACKGROUND Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a mosquito borne alphavirus spread primarily in Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions of the United States. EEEV is the causative agent of a devastating meningoencephalitis syndrome, with approximately 30% mortality and significant morbidity. There is no licensed human vaccine against EEEV. An inactivated EEEV vaccine has been offered under investigational new drug (IND) protocols at the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) since 1976. METHODS Healthy at-risk laboratory personnel received inactivated PE-6 strain EEEV (TSI-GSD 104) vaccine under two separate IND protocols. Protocol FY 99-11 (2002-2008) had a primary series consisting of doses on day 0, 7, and 28. Protocol FY 06-31 (2008-2016) utilized a primary series with doses on day 0 and 28, and month 6. Participants with an inadequate immune response, plaque reduction neutralization test with 80% cut-off (PRNT80) titer < 40, received booster vaccination. Volunteers with prior EEEV vaccination were eligible to enroll for booster doses based on annual titer evaluation. RESULTS The FY06-31 dosing schema resulted in significantly greater post-primary series immune response (PRNT80 ≥ 40) rates (84% vs 54%) and geometric mean titers (184.1 vs 39.4). The FY 06-31 dosing schema also resulted in significantly greater cumulative annual immune response rates from 1 to up to 7 years post vaccination (75% vs 59%) and geometric mean of titers (60.1 vs 43.0). The majority of probably or definitely related adverse events were mild and local; there were no probably or definitely related serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Inactivated PE-6 EEEV vaccine is safe and immunogenic in at-risk laboratory personnel. A prolonged primary series, with month 6 dose, significantly improved vaccine immunogenicity both post-primary series and longitudinally on annual titers. Despite decades of safe use under IND, full licensure is not planned due to manufacturing constraints, and ongoing development of alternatives.
The role of psychosocial factors in Black women's self-efficacy in receiving genetic counseling and testing.

Higher self-efficacy in receiving genetic counseling and testing (GCT) has been associated with greater participation in GCT for women at risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), but little is known about correlates of self-efficacy in Black women eligible for GCT. The goal of this secondary analysis was to identify sociodemographic and psychosocial factors regarding GCT. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between self-efficacy and correlates of interest. Of the 100 Black women surveyed, most women had a college degree (64%), were employed (84%), and had health insurance (93%). In the multivariable model, greater self-efficacy was associated with more positive attitudes toward GCT (Β = 0.126; CI = 0.01 to 0.25; p = 0.039), greater confidence in the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) (Β = 0.250; CI = 0.04 to 0.46; p = 0.019), and lower ratings of perceived difficulty obtaining GCT (Β = -0.219; CI = -0.46 to -0.10; p = 0.003). Community-level interventions to promote self-efficacy are needed that address perceived barriers to GCT, with the goals of increasing GINA Law awareness in the general public, increasing accessibility to genetic counseling (e.g., telemedicine), and promoting more positive attitudes about GCT.
Synthesis, Thermal Analysis, Optical, Electric Properties and Conduction Mechanism of Hybrid Halogenometallates: [N(C2H5)4]2CoCl4

The X-ray powder diffraction pattern indicates that at room temperature, [N(C2H5)4]2CoCl4 crystallized in the tetragonal system with the space group P4/mmm (D4h). The chemical composition of [N(C2H...
Systematic review of Parkinson’s disease related mobile applications (P7.293)

Objective: We aimed to investigate features of mobile applications (apps) for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Background: m-Health is gaining increasing recognition among patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). There is little scientific evaluation of PD m-health products/technology. Methods: A systematic review was performed of PD apps (iOS and Android platforms) using the terms "parkinson" and “parkinson’s disease.” Inclusion criteria were: (1) development for use in PD, and (2) English language. For relevant apps, investigators extracted information including app type (e.g. educational, diagnostic, therapeutic), target population, producing organization, and cost. Second, a systematic review using ‘Pubmed’ and ‘Medline’ was performed using the terms “parkinson” and “mobile or app.” Results: The search resulted in 97 iOS and 137 Android apps. Fifty-seven iOS and 33 Android apps met criteria; 16 apps meeting criteria were common to both stores. Fifty-five apps were free; 35 were for-purchase (range $0.99 to $126.83, median $4.99). Sixty percent (n=54) of apps targeted patients whereas 36[percnt] (n=32) targeted HCPs; 4[percnt] targeted a mixed audience. App topics included therapeutics (information about therapies or therapy apps e.g. for speech) (27[percnt]), education (25[percnt]), assistive technology (e.g. diaries) (17[percnt]) and diagnosis (e.g. PD scales, tremor measurements) (14[percnt]). Education and diagnostics (47[percnt] and 28[percnt] respectively) were the most common app topics for HCPs. Most apps (83[percnt]) were developed by independent/private organizations or individuals. No scientific evidence was identified relating to development or use of any commercially available PD app. Conclusions:Mobile apps are likely to be increasingly used by patients and HCPs. While we identified 90 PD apps, minimal information existed about app development, potential risks and benefits, value, and cost effectiveness. No supporting research was found and few apps were developed by established advocacy organizations. Clinicians should be aware of the apps their patients may be accessing. Further research into optimizing PD apps is warranted. Disclosure: Dr. Lamichhane has nothing to disclose. Dr. Armstrong has received personal compensation for activities with Abbvie, the Parkinson Study Group, the Huntington Study Group, CHDI Foundation, Inc., and InSightec as a consultant, investigator and/or sub-investigator.
Local electronic effects and irradiation resistance in high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys are multicomponent solid solutions in which various elements with different chemistries and sizes occupy the same crystallographic lattice sites. Thus, none of the atoms perfectly fit the lattice site, giving rise to considerable local lattice distortions and atomic-level stresses. These characteristics can be beneficial for performance under radiation and in a high-temperature environment, making them attractive candidates as nuclear materials. We discuss electronic origin of the atomic-level stresses based upon first-principles calculations using a density functional theory approach.
Bilingual Children’s Language and Literacy Development

If asked to name a place that typifies issues in multicultural and multilingual pedagogy, few educators worldwide would think first of New Zealand. Yet in a world of increasing globalization, where many of us are forced to put English first while striving to preserve and respect the cultural and linguistic distinctiveness of our own or our students’ ethnicities, New Zealand presents an instructive case study. Long submerged under the dominant Englishspeaking Pakeha (euro-New Zealand) culture, the indigenous language of the Maori people foundered until a recent movement for cultural recognition brought it into the foreground of national consciousness. During roughly the same period, since a 1987 change in the immigration law, New Zealand has experienced dramatic changes in its cultural and linguistic landscape. Most notably, a significant influx of Pacific islanders and Asians of various nationalities has led to the presence of a range of new cultural communities and to a major challenge for New Zealand’s schools.
The Reed-Muller Code R(1,7) Is Normal

We prove that the Reed-Muller code R(1,7) is normal. The normality of R(1,7) was a long-standing open question, and has an important consequence in a conjecture about the function t[n,k], the smallest covering radius of any [n,k] binary linear code.
Density Estimation with Mercer Kernels

We present a new method for density estimation based on Mercer kernels. The density estimate can be understood as the density induced on a data manifold by a mixture of Gaussians fit in a feature space. As is usual, the feature space and data manifold are defined with any suitable positive-definite kernel function. We modify the standard EM algorithm for mixtures of Gaussians to infer the parameters of the density. One benefit of the approach is it's conceptual simplicity, and uniform applicability over many different types of data. Preliminary results are presented for a number of simple problems.
Commentary: Is there a problem Consent in Escrow can solve?

I welcome the opportunity to comment on Consent in Escrow by Van der Loos and her colleagues.1 The authors are correct in their premise that the conduct of human subject research after a natural or manmade disaster is ‘rife with… ethical, legal and policy challenges’.2 But I disagree with their conclusion that a revision to the process of informed consent used in the conduct of such research will overcome any of these challenges.
Heat transfer in granular materials: effects of nonlinear heat conduction and viscous dissipation

In this paper, we study the heat transfer in a one-dimensional fully developed flow of granular materials down a heated inclined plane. For the heat flux vector, we use a recently derived constitutive equation that reflects the dependence of the heat flux vector on the temperature gradient, the density gradient, and the velocity gradient in an appropriate frame invariant formulation. We use two different boundary conditions at the inclined surface: a constant temperature boundary condition and an adiabatic condition. A parametric study is performed to examine the effects of the material dimensionless parameters. The derived governing equations are coupled nonlinear second-order ordinary differential equations, which are solved numerically, and the results are shown for the temperature, volume fraction, and velocity profiles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurements of the Casimir-Lifshitz force in fluids: The effect of electrostatic forces and Debye screening

We present detailed measurements of the Casimir-Lifshitz force between two gold surfaces (a sphere and a plate) immersed in ethanol and study the effect of residual electrostatic forces, which are dominated by static fields within the apparatus and can be reduced with proper shielding. Electrostatic forces are further reduced by Debye screening through the addition of salt ions to the liquid. Additionally, the salt leads to a reduction of the Casimir-Lifshitz force by screening the zero-frequency contribution to the force; however, the effect is small between gold surfaces at the measured separations and within experimental error. An improved calibration procedure is described and compared with previous methods. Finally, the experimental results are compared with Lifshitz's theory and found to be consistent for the materials used in the experiment.
Photoionization Cross Sections of He and H2

We combine accurate measurements at low energies and theoretical calculations at high energies to construct sets of photoionization cross sections of He and H2 that should be reliable at all energies. We control the accuracy of the recommended cross section data by ensuring that they satisfy a range of oscillator strength sum rules. We provide accurate analytic formulae for the photoionization cross sections that have the proper asymptotic form. At high frequencies the cross sections for H2 are 2.8 times those for H.
Capacity-cycle life behavior in secondary lithium cells

The practical utilization of high energy density rechargeable lithium cells is dependent upon maintaining high capacity for the duration of the required cycle life. However, a critical, yet generic problem with room temperature lithium systems is that the capacity often declines considerably during the early stages of cycling. The results of our studies are reported on electrolyte degradation which is observed after cells have undergone 300 and 700 deep cycles with 3-methylsulfolane- and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran-LiAsF6 electrolytes, respectively.
The pressure-induced black phosphorus to A7 (arsenic) phase transformation: An analysis using the concept of orbital symmetry conservation

Abstract Orbital correlation diagrams for the black phosphorus to A7 (arsenic) phase transformation for various points in the Brillouin zone are presented and analyzed in symmetry terms. The level doublings observed at the black phosphorus geometry for several points are directly attributable to the nonsymmorphic nature of the space group (Herring's theorem). Doublings observed at the A7 structure derive from the choice of a four-atom, rather than two-atom, unit cell to view the geometrical transformation. The space group requirements at the beginning and end points of the transformation process simply control the form of orbital correlation diagrams. In general, HOMO LUMO crossings are found at k = ( 1 2 ,α,β) where bonds are made and broken along the x direction, a result with simple analogies to more easily visualized one-dimensional problems.
Scalar relaxation between two spin 1/2 nuclei possessing different linewidths

Abstract Unequal scalar coupling of two spin - 1 2 nuclei A and B to a rapidly relaxing heteronucleus X results in homonuclear longitudinal scalar relaxation if A and B are strongly scalar coupled to each other. The significance of this relaxation mechanism in N -phenylformamide is demonstrated with selective irradiation experiments. Other situations in which such relaxation should occur are briefly discussed.
Microstructure of diamond films as a function of deposition conditions

The microstructure of polycrystalline diamond films grown by microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) have been observed as a function of growth temperature substrate identity and surface condition. Our highest microwave PACVD growth rates have been achieved in (1 10) axis normal oriented polycrystalline diamond films. Results indicate thai at growth temperatures below 650C kinetically dominated processes induce the formation of a preferential (1 10) axis normal orientation in diamond films with micron scale microstructure1 This orientation can be sustained on silicon boron nitride and silicon nitride substrates to filrr thicknesses in excess of 60 microns through the occurrence of (I I I) twin defects. Such fiIm have the high density and generally uniform microstructure required for optical applications. 1.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Derived fibrinogen compared with C-reactive protein and brain natriuretic peptide for predicting events after myocardial infarction and coronary stenting.

Background After myocardial infarction (MI), biomarkers can be helpful to identify patients who might benefit from more intensive therapies. The prothrombin time–derived fibrinogen (PTDF) assay is widely available and relatively inexpensive. We determined whether PTDF predicts events in patients with MI and compared this assay with brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 915 patients admitted with MI. Follow-up was collected at 1 year for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as death from any cause, nonfatal MI or death, target vessel revascularization, or coronary artery bypass grafting. Results Patients in the fourth quartile of PTDF were older and had more risk factors but fewer ST-elevation MI and lower peak troponin values. The fourth quartiles of PTDF, CRP, and BNP were associated with increased MACE compared with the first quartiles with hazard ratios of 2.08 (1.30-3.33), 1.94 (1.22-3.07), and 2.56 (1.57-4.18), respectively, findings that remained significant after adjustment. When outcomes by strata of PTDF were examined, CRP failed to add additional prognostic value. Higher BNP levels predicted MACE in the upper but not lower stratum of PTDF. Conclusion In patients with MI, PTDF is a predictor of MACE at 1 year, with equivalent value compared to BNP and CRP. With low PTDF levels, neither BNP nor CRP adds prognostic value. At elevated PTDF values, higher BNP, but not CRP, identifies a higher-risk population. Therefore, PTDF can be substituted for CRP, with BNP being useful in the presence of elevated PTDF.
Effect of Frequent, Short-Term Dietary Protein Variations on Performance of Laying Hens

Abstract Variation in protein and amino acid content of sorghum grain, reported on by Waggle and Deyoe (1966), can result in variation in diet formula, unless the grain is analyzed and adjustments made when the diet is formulated. Waggle et al. (1967) reported that three sorghum grains containing varying amounts of protein resulted in diets ranging from 16.5 to 19.1% protein. The high-protein grain produced significantly more gain than the low-protein grain when formulated in diets of equal quantities of grain and soybean meal. However, performance of chicks was not affected by protein levels when the grain was formulated into diets of equal protein. The literature contains several reports on effect of protein levels on performance of layers. But few concern effect of frequent, short-term protein variations such as could occur in situations where either protein content of the grain is not known or a standard value is used. Effects of…
Reversal of food restriction-induced inhibition of mouse skin tumor promotion by adrenalectomy

Restricting the food intake of laboratory mice and rats markedly reduces the incidence of spontaneous and experimentally induced cancers. Using the two-stage skin tumorigenesis model in CD-1 mice, we report now that food restriction suppresses 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) stimulation of epidermal [3H]thymidine incorporation as well as TPA promotion of skin papillomas, whereas adrenalectomy completely reverses the inhibition in [3H]thymidine incorporation and tumor development. These results suggest that the adrenal gland may play an important role in mediating the tumor inhibitory effect of food restriction.
Dry catalyst impregnation in a double cone blender: A computational and experimental analysis

Abstract The dry impregnation of catalysts is widely used in industrial catalyst preparation, however, until recently, it has not been possible to model this system computationally. In this work, a novel algorithm for the spray and inter-particle transfer of fluid onto and within a rotating bed of granular catalyst support was explored using discrete element method (DEM). The simulations were validated by experiments utilizing a geometrically identical double cone blender fixed with a single nozzle impregnator. The effects of liquid flow rate and fill level were explored at a fixed rotation rate of 25 rpm. Specifically, three flow rates of 1.5, 2.5 and 5 L/h were selected and evaluated at a 30% and 45% fill fraction by volume. Mixing analysis and fluid concentration distributions were used both experimentally and computationally to investigate the propagation of fluid throughout the bed with the goal of modeling and improving industrial content uniformity. It was discovered that low flow rate systems and lower fill fractions resulted in better mixing and content uniformity throughout the bed. Results obtained from our model show good agreement with experiments, and therefore it was demonstrated that a novel fluid transfer algorithm incorporated into DEM could be used to accurately model dry catalyst impregnation, therefore introducing a new tool for optimizing catalyst manufacturing.
Increase in apoptosis and concomitant reduction of ischemic lesion volume and evidence for synaptogenesis after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rat treated with staurosporine.

We sought to determine whether induction of apoptosis alters an ischemic lesion. Rats were subjected to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and treated with staurosporine (n=8) or vehicle (n=4). Our data demonstrate that at 22 h after MCAo, staurosporine triggered a significant increase in apoptosis, a reduction of lesion volume and an increase of synaptophysin immunoreactivity, as compared to the control group.
Assessing significance of connectivity and conservation in protein interaction networks

Computational and comparative analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks enable understanding of the modular organization of the cell through identification of functional modules and protein complexes. These analysis techniques generally rely on topological features such as connectedness, based on the premise that functionally related proteins are likely to interact densely and that these interactions follow similar evolutionary trajectories. Significant recent work in our lab, and in other labs has focused on efficient algorithms for identification of modules and their conservation. Application of these methods to a variety of networks has yielded novel biological insights. In spite of algorithmic advances, development of a comprehensive infrastructure for interaction databases is in relative infancy compared to corresponding sequence analysis tools such as BLAST and CLUSTAL. One critical component of this infrastructure is a measure of the statistical significance of a match or a dense subcomponent. Corresponding sequence-based measures such as E-values are key components of sequence matching tools. In the absence of an analytical measure, conventional methods rely on computer simulations based on ad-hoc models for quantifying significance. This paper presents the first such effort, to the best of our knowledge, aimed at analytically quantifying statistical significance of dense components and matches in reference model graphs. We consider two reference graph models – a G(n,p) model in which each pair of nodes has an identical likelihood, p, of sharing an edge, and a two-level G(n,p) model, which accounts for high-degree hub nodes generally occurring in PPI networks. We argue that by choosing conservatively the value of p, the G(n,p) model will dominate that of the power-law graph that is often used to model PPI networks. We also propose a method for evaluating statistical significance based on the results derived from this analysis, and demonstrate the use of these measures for assessing significant structures in PPI networks. Experiments performed on a rich collection of PPI networks show that the proposed model provides a reliable means of evaluating statistical significance of dense patterns in these networks.
Recent advances in understanding of vanilloid receptors: a therapeutic target for treatment of pain and inflammation in skin.

C-fiber sensory afferent neurons, which contain neuropeptides such as calcitonin-gene related peptide and substance P, mediate a wide variety of physiologic responses, including chemogenic pain, thermoregulation, and neurogenic inflammation. Capsaicin, the pungent constituent in red pepper, functions to activate and then, at higher doses and longer times, desensitize this class of neurons. This latter response provides the basis for the therapeutic application of capsaicin. A major advance in the field has been the identification of resiniferatoxin, a phorbol-related diterpene, as an analog of capsaicin that is ultrapotent but with differential selectivity. In particular, resiniferatoxin is only similar in potency for induction of pain but is much more effective for desensitization. Structure-activity analysis in whole animal experiments provides further evidence for dissociation of biologic endpoints, strongly arguing for the existence of vanilloid receptor subclasses. Using resiniferatoxin, we have been able to define specific, high-affinity receptors for capsaicin both in animal models such as rats and in man. Of great importance, the pharmacologic characterization in cultured dorsal root ganglion cells of the high-affinity resiniferatoxin-binding site and of the physiologic response believed to be directly coupled to the receptor, viz. calcium uptake, differed in structure-activity and in cooperativity. We conclude that multiple high-affinity vanilloid receptor subclasses mediate vanilloid response; moreover, the resiniferatoxin-selective subclass of vanilloid receptors is not the voltage-independent, cation-nonselective ion channel as previously believed. Optimization of ligands for the individual vanilloid receptor subclasses should revolutionize this therapeutic area. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings 2:56–60, 1997
The CCM model: a stock valuation tool for a student managed investment fund

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model that can be used to help students learn the investment analysis process and accurately identify good and bad investment opportunities.Design/methodology/approach – The model tested in this research was developed by a former member of the student managed investment fund Coyote Capital Management at the University of South Dakota. The goal of this project was to refine that original model and test it using historical data from a sample of companies during both bull and bear market periods.Findings – During the bull market period (2004‐2006), 81 per cent of the model's recommendations were correct, and during the 2007‐2009 bear market period, approximately 66 per cent of the model's recommends were correct.Originality/value – While following the model's recommendations could potentially produce returns well above those of the market in the best case scenario and returns in line with the market in the worst case scenario, there are many factor...
Chloride Currents in Freshly Isolated Rat Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) were isolated from neonatal rats. The perforated-patch clamp technique, using amphotericin-B, revealed a chloride current, which was detected as a 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (DIDS)-sensitive component. A variety of chloride-channel inhibitors, other than DIDS, also blocked the chloride current, including 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid (9-AC), niflumic acid, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB) and N-phenylanthranilic acid (DPC). DIDS at 1 mmol l-1 and DPC at 2 mmol l-1 were both more potent than niflumic acid at 200 mumol l-1. The hyperosmotic condition (+50 mosmol) did not affect the chloride current. The hypo-osmotic condition (-80 mosmol), however, led to an increase of total membrane conductance, during which a chloride conductance increase occurred. The membrane-conductance increase, evoked by the hyposmotic condition, ran up and then ran down by itself. As with the steady-state chloride conductance, 1 mmol l-1 DIDS and 2 mmol l-1 DPC were more potent blockers than 200 mumol l-1 niflumic acid. DIDS at 1 mmol l-1 was more effective in blocking the outward component than 2 mmol l-1 DPC, while the inward component was blocked oppositely. When the intracellular calcium concentration was presumed to have increased, using the calcium ionophore, ionomycin, membrane conductance abruptly increased, quickly ran up and then ran down by itself. This included an elevation of a DIDS-sensitive current, and was largely carried by chloride. Chloride currents of rat RPE cells did not appear to be regulated by cyclic AMP.
Estrogen induction of alcohol dehydrogenase in the uropygial gland of mallard ducks.

Treatment of mallard ducks with estradiol, or a combination of estradiol and thyroxine, has been shown to result in the proliferation of peroxisomes and production of diesters of 3-hydroxy fatty acids, the female pheromones, in the uropygial gland of male and female mallard ducks. Such a treatment results in the induction of a unique set of proteins. A cDNA library enriched in hormone-induced transcripts was subjected to differential screening. The nucleotide sequence of one of the two unique cDNA clones, DGH1, had high similarity to the Human class I alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) gamma subunit and represented the carboxy-terminus of the protein from amino acid 190–374. SDS/PAGE and Western blot analysis of the proteins indicated that the level of a 38-kDa protein that cross-reacted with antibodies prepared against the chicken ADH was increased 5–7-fold by hormone treatment. Assays for ADH activity in the uropygial gland extracts of male mallards showed a 5–7-fold induction of the enzyme by hormone treatment. The 1.9-kb ADH mRNA levels were increased 12–14-fold under these conditions. Of all the tissues tested, the uropygial gland had the highest levels of ADH mRNA. Induction of ADH by estradiol treatment occurred only in this tissue. Elevated levels of ADH were also observed in the glands of male mallards in eclipse, the post-nuptial condition when the hormonal balance is shifted to higher estrogen levels, suggesting that this enzyme is regulated by estrogens in this period. Estradiol treatment caused an 80% decrease in the NAD+/NADH ratio in the uropygial gland and a twofold increase in the fatty alcohol oxidation rate catalyzed by the gland extract. These observations could help explain how increased levels of ADH could contribute to the production of the diesters.