cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytochrome P450 expression and regulation in CYP3A4/CYP2D6 double transgenic humanized mice

Analysis of the developmental and sexual expression of cytochrome P450 drug-metabolizing enzymes is impeded by multiple and varied external factors that influence its regulation. In the present study, a CYP2D6/CYP3A4-double transgenic (Tg-CYP2D6/CYP3A4) mouse model was employed to investigate hepatic CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 ontogeny and sexual dimorphism. Both age and sex have considerable effects on hepatic CYP3A4 protein expression in 3- to 8-week-old transgenic mice, whereas neither factor alters CYP2D6 content. Constitutive CYP2D6 expression resulted in 2- to 3-fold higher dextromethorphan O-demethylase activity in Tg-CYP2D6/CYP3A4 mouse liver microsomes compared with wild-type mice. In contrast, expression of CYP3A4 in transgenic mouse livers did not increase dextromethorphan N-demethylase and midazolam 1'-hydroxylase activities. Pretreatment with pregnenolone 16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) and 1,4-bis-2-(3, 5-dichloropyridyloxy)-benzene (TCPOBOP) elevated CYP3A4 expression in double transgenic mice. Interestingly, induction of hepatic CYP3A4 was greater in females than age- and treatment-matched males. Consequently, the increase in midazolam 1'-hydroxylase activity was markedly higher in 8-week-old female mice than in corresponding males (8-fold versus 6-fold for PCN treatment and 6-fold versus 5-fold for TCPOBOP). Furthermore, increases in testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase activity after CYP3A induction were relatively lower compared with those in midazolam 1'-hydroxylation for age-, sex-, and treatment-matched mice. The difference in CYP3A4 expression and induction between male and female mice suggests that women may be more susceptible to CYP3A4-mediated drug-drug interactions, and the extent of drug-drug interactions could be substrate dependent.
Inspiratory duty cycle responses to flow limitation predict nocturnal hypoventilation

Upper airway obstruction (UAO) can elicit neuromuscular responses that mitigate and/or compensate for the obstruction. It was hypothesised that flow-limited breathing elicits specific timing responses that can preserve ventilation due to increases in inspiratory duty cycle rather than respiratory rate. By altering nasal pressure during non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep, similar degrees of UAO were induced in healthy males and females (n = 10 each). Inspiratory duty cycle, respiratory rate and minute ventilation were determined for each degree of UAO during non-REM sleep and compared with the baseline nonflow-limited condition. A dose-dependent increase in the inspiratory duty cycle and respiratory rate was observed in response to increasing severity of UAO. Increases in the inspiratory duty cycle, but not respiratory rate, helped to acutely maintain ventilation. Heterogeneity in these responses was associated with variable degrees of ventilatory compensation, allowing for the segregation of individuals at risk for hypoventilation during periods of inspiratory airflow limitation. Upper airway obstruction constitutes a unique load on the respiratory system. The inspiratory duty cycle, but not the respiratory rate, determine the individual9s ability to compensate for inspiratory airflow limitation during sleep, and may represent a quantitative phenotype for obstructive sleep apnoea susceptibility.
Congenital glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands

The glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-islands is considered a rare variant of an astrocytoma. Congenital cases of glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-islands, which typically arise in adults, have not been reported to our knowledge. We report an autopsy case of an in-utero demise of a 38-week-gestation female fetus in a 29-year-old female. At autopsy, a previously detected supratentorial tectal mass (by fetal MRI) was identified. Histology showed a biphasic neoplasm marked by island of gray matter-like parenchyma rimmed by mature-appearing neuronal cells intermixed with variably cellular areas resembling a low grade astrocytoma. Focally, the tumor was noted to involve the overlying meninges. The neuronal cell components were highlighted with synaptophysin and neuN antibodies and the glioma areas stained with glial fibrillary acidic protein antibody. The tumor did not stain with isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (R132H) antibody and had a low Ki-67 labeling index (1.4%), in keeping with a low grade tumor. The pathologic findings were interpreted as representing a low grade glioneuronal tumor with neuropil-like islands. There have been few reports of this tumor arising in children, with most of those developing in the spinal cord. To our knowledge, this is the first reported congenital case of this tumor described in the literature.
The role of carbohydrate and protein level in the regulation of lipogenesis by the turkey poult.

Three and 8-week feeding trials were conducted with Large White turkey poults to determine the role of dietary protein and carbohydrate levels on in vitro lipogenesis. In vitro lipogenesis was measured as nanomoles of sodium acetate incorporated into fatty acids per 100 mg of liver. A 23% protein-51% carbohydrate energy diet was selected as a lipogenic diet. Antilipogenic diets were formulated by adding fat at the expense of carbohydrate while the protein level (23%) was held constant. Antilipogenic diets were also formulated by holding the carbohydrate energy level at approximately 45% and increasing the protein level. When the carbohydrate energy level was held between 45 and 51% of the total energy content, increasing the protein level was held constant, decreasing carbohydrate energy decreased (P less than .05) in vitro lipogenesis. Dietary reversals were also conducted with 3 and 8-week-old poults. Poults consumed either the lipogenic diet (23% protein-51% carbohydrate energy) or the antilipogenic diets (24% protein-33% carbohydrate energy) for 3 and 8 weeks. At the end of each period, poults were switched for 3-day periods from lipogenic to antilipogenic diets and vice versa. At both age periods, the switch from lipogenic to antilipogenic diets decreased (P less than .05) lipogenesis whereas the opposite switch increased (P less than .05) lipogenesis. Diets containing 33% carbohydrate energy were more effective repressors of lipogenesis after 3 days than was the 30% protein-45% carbohydrate energy diet.
Mechanical Behavior of Single Crystalline A166.8Ti27.4Fe5.8

The operating slip systems and flow behavior of single crystalline Al66.8Ti27.4Fe5.8 having the L12 structure were investigated at elevated temperatures using specimens with compressive axes near [001], [113], [112], [013] and [133]. Plastic deformation was carried exclusively by octahedral slip at low temperatures, and by both octahedral and cube slip at high temperatures. The yield stress is roughly temperature-independent at intermediate temperatures, but changes rapidly with temperature at high and low temperatures. At 770°C fracture occurs by cleavage on {011}, {001}, {013} and {111} planes. Al2Ti and AlTi3 were found in the single crystal matrix. The effects of these second phases on the mechanical behavior are not the same: Al2Ti does not embrittle the material but AlTi3 does.
Abstract 226: Transcriptional control of the BRCA1 expression by a metabolic switch

Deletion or loss of BRCA1 function is the major cause of most familial forms of breast cancer, decreased expression of non-mutated BRCA1 alleles is often found in sporadic breast cancer, suggesting that alterations in BRCA1 transcriptional regulation may contribute to non-inherited forms of breast cancer. BRCA1 plays a central role in maintenance of genome stability and cell cycle control and therefore, often recognized as both a “care taker” and “gate keeper” of the genome. In this study, we show that BRCA1 expression is controlled by a tightly regulated dynamic balance between the association of transcriptional co-activators and co-repressors that regulate histone acetylation and chromatin accessibility at the BRCA1 promoter during the transcriptional response to estrogen stimulation. A central regulatory step in the control of the BRCA1 promoter is the eviction of the co-repressor and metabolic sensor C-terminal-binding protein1 (CtBP1). Loss of CtBP1 from the BRCA1 promoter either by estrogen induction, CtBP1 RNAi depletion or increasing NAD+/NADH ratio results in elevated histone acetylation, HDAC1 dismissal from the BRCA1 promoter and increased BRCA1 transcription. These findings indicate that BRCA1 expression is controlled by a metabolic switch that dynamically influences the localized deposition of epigenetic marks and chromatin structure at the BRCA1 promoter and suggests that caloric intake may influence the levels of this critical tumor suppressor in mammary tissues. Strikingly extended observation of other DNA damage response genes indicate that they are also under direct regulation by CtBP and CtBP complex. These data suggest a global molecular linkage between cellular metabolic status and the capacity to maintaining the genome free from damage or mistakes. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 226. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-226
Protein-ligand binding free energies from exhaustive docking.

We explore the use of exhaustive docking as an alternative to Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics sampling for the direct integration of the partition function for protein–ligand binding. We enumerate feasible poses for the ligand and calculate the Boltzmann factor contribution of each pose to the partition function. From the partition function, the free energy, enthalpy, and entropy can be derived. All our calculations are done with a continuum solvation model that includes solving the Poisson equation. In contrast to Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, exhaustive docking avoids (within the limitations of a discrete sampling) the question of “Have we run long enough?” due to its deterministic complete enumeration of states. We tested the method on the T4 lysozyme L99A mutant, which has a nonpolar cavity that can accommodate a number of small molecules. We tested two electrostatic models. Model 1 used a solute dielectric of 2.25 for the complex apoprotein and free ligand and 78.5 for the solven...
Ultrasonic imaging using wave structure-based weights and global matched coefficients

In the field of non-destructive evaluation of structures, 2D and 3D imaging of internal flaws is a critical task. Defect imaging allows making informed follow-up decisions based on the morphology of the flaw. This paper will present advances in ultrasonic tomography for the 2D and 3D visualization of internal flaws in solids. In particular, improvements to the conventional tomographic imaging algorithms have been made by utilizing a mode-selective image reconstruction scheme that exploits the specific displacement field, respectively, of the longitudinal wave modes and the shear wave modes, both propagating simultaneously in the test volume. The specific mode structure is exploited by an adaptive weight assignment to the ultrasonic tomographic array. Such adaptive weighting forces the imaging array to look at a specific scan direction and better focus the imaging onto the actual flaw (ultrasound reflector). Moreover, the introduction of a global matched coefficient, computed through the matching of measured and expected times of flight for each pixel, is illustrated. The benefits deriving from the application of this coefficient to conventional imaging frameworks are shown. This study shows that the adaptive weighing based on wave structure and the integration of the global matched coefficient improve image contrast and resolution compared to a conventional ultrasonic imaging technique based on a delay-and-sum or minimum variance distortionless method. Results will be shown from experimental tests of simulated flaws in solids.
The status of plague in Zimbabwe.

The results of tests in Zimbabwe from 1975 to 1978 showed the presence of antibodies to Yersinia pestis in 4·24% of 3964 dog sera; 0·86% of 1048 human sera and 0·88% of 454 small mammal sera. Antibodies to plague were demonstrated in the following rodent species: Aethomys chrysophitus, A. namaquensis, Tatera teucogasler and Pedetes capensis. The significance of the results is discussed in relation to the 1974–75 epidemic in Zimbabwe, and the distribution of human cases of plague in southern Africa is linked to the distribution of species B of the Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis species complex.
Excess electrons bound to molecular systems with a vanishing dipole but large molecular quadrupole.

Electron attachment properties of covalent molecules and ion clusters with vanishing dipole moments but large quadrupoles are studied with coupled cluster ab initio methods. Selection of the molecules studied is driven by two goals, finding a paradigm quadrupole-bound anion and investigating whether there is a correlation between the magnitude of the molecular quadrupole and the vertical attachment energy. Out of all examined species, only the ion clusters and four of the covalent molecules are found to support bound anions. The shapes and spatial extents of the associated excess electron distributions are qualitatively and quantitatively characterized, respectively. Two of the four covalent systems are especially promising as paradigm systems because of advantageous trade-offs regarding the number of isomers and conformers as well as synthetic closeness to commercial sources. No correlation was found between the vertical attachment energy and molecular quadrupole in an analysis that included the newly id...
Mapping of behavior in Drosophila mosaics.

By making genetic mosaics and constructing embryonic “fate maps” it is possible to locate the anatomical site of abnormalities affecting behaviour.
Controlling Membrane Dynamics by Tuning the Hydrophobic Mismatch and Lipid Compostion

Lipid membranes undergo an array of conformational and dynamic transitions, ranging from individual lipid motions to undulations of micron-sized patches of the membrane. However, the dynamics at intermediate length scales are largely unexplored due to experimental challenges in accessing the appropriate length and time scales. Here we use neutron spin echo spectroscopy (NSE) to provide unique insights into these elusive dynamics and measure both bending and collective thickness fluctuations in model lipid bilayers. We build on our previous direct measurements of thickness fluctuations in single component lipid vesicles and extend the use of NSE to study more complex two component systems. We show that hydrophobic mismatch between lipids with different acyl chain lengths tunes the thickness fluctuation amplitude and relaxation time in a way not achievable in single component systems. In the mixed lipid systems, the fluctuation amplitude is enhanced in the fluid phase and reaches approximately 20% of the bilayer thickness, presumably due to an increase in the bilayer compressibility. Meanwhile the fluctuation relaxation time is comparable to the result for single component bilayers in the fluid phase but slows upon gelation of the longer-tailed lipid. Interestingly, our results suggest a decoupling of the fluctuation amplitude with the relaxation time, implying the potential for independent control over the fluctuation space and time domains and providing new insights into the role of lipid diversity in controlling the rich dynamics of biomembranes.
Langevin-Poisson-EQT: A dipolar solvent based quasi-continuum approach for electric double layers

Water is a highly polar solvent. As a result, electrostatic interactions of interfacial water molecules play a dominant role in determining the distribution of ions in electric double layers (EDLs). Near a surface, an inhomogeneous and anisotropic arrangement of water molecules gives rise to pronounced variations in the electrostatic and hydration energies of ions. Therefore, a detailed description of the structural and dielectric properties of water is important to study EDLs. However, most theoretical models ignore the molecular effects of water and treat water as a background continuum with a uniform dielectric permittivity. Explicit consideration of water polarization and hydration of ions is both theoretically and numerically challenging. In this work, we present an empirical potential-based quasi-continuum theory (EQT) for EDL, which incorporates the polarization and hydration effects of water explicitly. In EQT, water molecules are modeled as Langevin point dipoles and a point dipole based coarse-g...
10 Years Later: Lessons Learned from an Academic Multidisciplinary Cosmetic Center.

BACKGROUND In 2006, a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-accredited multidisciplinary academic ambulatory surgery center was established with the goal of delivering high-quality, efficient reconstructive, and cosmetic services in an academic setting. We review our decade-long experience since its establishment. METHODS Clinical and financial data from 2006 to 2016 are reviewed. All cosmetic procedures, including both minimally invasive and operative cases, are included. Data are compared to nationally published reports. RESULTS Nearly 3,500 cosmetic surgeries and 10,000 minimally invasive procedures were performed. Compared with national averages, surgical volume in abdominoplasty is high, whereas rhinoplasty and breast augmentation is low. Regarding trend data, breast augmentation volume has decreased by 25%, whereas minimally invasive procedural volume continues to grow and is comparable with national reports. Similarly, where surgical revenue remains steady, minimally invasive revenue has increased significantly. The majority of surgical cases (70%) are reconstructive in nature and insurance-based. Payer mix is 71% private insurance, 18% Medicare and Medicaid, and 11% self-pay. Despite year-over-year revenue increases, net profit in 2015 was $6,120. Rent and anesthesia costs exceed national averages, and employee salary and wages are the highest expenditure. CONCLUSION Although the creation of our academic cosmetic ambulatory surgery center has greatly increased the overall volume of cosmetic surgery performed at the University of Wisconsin, the majority of surgical volume and revenue is reconstructive. As is seen nationwide, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures represent our most rapidly expanding revenue stream.
RANTES/CCL5 Induces Collagen Degradation by Activating MMP-1 and MMP-13 Expression in Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts

Regulated on activation, normal T expressed, and secreted (RANTES)/CC ligand 5 (CCL5) participates in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis by facilitating leukocyte infiltration, however, its other pathological functions are not fully defined in RA. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of RANTES/CCL5 on tissue degrading enzymes matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-13 expression and its contribution to the progressive joint damage by RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs). Our results showed that RANTES/CCL5 dose dependently induced MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression in monolayers and three-dimensional (3D) micromass of human RASFs, which correlated with an increase in collagenase activity. This activation by RANTES/CCL5 was observed in RASF, but not in osteoarthritis SFs (OASFs). Evaluation of the signaling events showed that RANTES/CCL5 selectively activated PKCδ, JNK, and ERK proteins to induce MMP expression in human RASFs. Pretreatment with a functional antagonist (Met-RANTES) or heparinase III [an enzyme that selectively digests heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs)] completely abrogated RANTES/CCL5-induced MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression. Interestingly, the inhibition of RANTES/CCL5 using small-interfering RNA approach reduced the ability of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to induce MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression, asserting its mediatory role in tissue remodeling. In the inhibitor study, only the selective inhibition of HSPGs or PKCδ, ERK, and JNK markedly inhibited RANTES/CCL5-induced MMP-1 and MMP-13 production. Circular dichroism spectroscopy results demonstrated the degradation of collagen triple-helical structure upon exposure to the conditioned media from RANTES/CCL5 stimulated RASFs, which was reverted by a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor (GM6001). These findings suggest that RANTES/CCL5 not only upregulates MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression by partly utilizing HSPGs and/or PKCδ-JNK/ERK pathways but also mediates IL-1β-induced MMP-1 and MMP-13 expression.
Toward understanding weak matrix effects in TOF SIMS

Chemical imaging methods, including imaging mass spectrometry, are increasingly used for the analysis of samples ranging from biological tissues to electronic devices. A barrier to wider adoption of imaging mass spectrometry is the presence of matrix effects which complicate quantitative analysis. Interactions between an analyte molecule and its surroundings (the “matrix”) can substantially alter both the yield and type of ions observed. Furthermore, such “intrinsic” effects can be confused with nonlinear response due to detector saturation and other instrument-related complications. As a result, quantitative analyses of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF SIMS) data that attempt to account for matrix effects are rare. The authors discuss analysis of such data using maximum a posteriori reconstruction based on physically motivated models, and present progress toward the quantitative extraction of chemical concentration profiles and component spectra in the presence of matrix effects, using mixed self-assembled alkanethiolate monolayers as a test system. The authors demonstrate that the incorporation of matrix effects to lowest order using a series-expansion approach is an effective strategy and that doing so provides improved quantitative performance in measuring surface compositions and can also yield information about interactions between species during the SIMS process.Chemical imaging methods, including imaging mass spectrometry, are increasingly used for the analysis of samples ranging from biological tissues to electronic devices. A barrier to wider adoption of imaging mass spectrometry is the presence of matrix effects which complicate quantitative analysis. Interactions between an analyte molecule and its surroundings (the “matrix”) can substantially alter both the yield and type of ions observed. Furthermore, such “intrinsic” effects can be confused with nonlinear response due to detector saturation and other instrument-related complications. As a result, quantitative analyses of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF SIMS) data that attempt to account for matrix effects are rare. The authors discuss analysis of such data using maximum a posteriori reconstruction based on physically motivated models, and present progress toward the quantitative extraction of chemical concentration profiles and component spectra in the presence of matrix effects, using...
Orthostatic Headache After Suboccipital Craniectomy Without CSF Leak: Two Case Reports.

Objective To review the clinical and radiographic characteristics of orthostatic headache following suboccipital craniectomy without CSF leak after encountering 2 such patients. Background Orthostatic headache may occur without CSF leak, suggesting alternative mechanisms for postural head pain in some patients. Methods Patients who were referred for orthostatic headache and suspected CSF leak within 1 year after suboccipital craniectomy but who had negative post-operative head and spine MRI, normal radioisotope cisternography, and normal or elevated CSF opening pressure were identified and their medical records reviewed. Results Two patients satisfied all inclusion criteria. One underwent suboccipital craniectomy for treatment of Chiari malformation type I in adolescence; the same surgical approach was used to resect a posterior fossa meningioma in the second. Both patients had non-orthostatic headache before surgery and newly developed orthostatic headache later. Delay from surgery to orthostatic headache onset was variable (2-9 months). Headaches were predominantly occipital and pressure-like, worsened by upright posture, bending forward, and exertion. MRI consistently showed adequate decompression of the posterior fossa. Epidural blood patches were unhelpful in the one patient in whom they were performed. Conclusions Orthostatic headaches may develop after suboccipital craniectomy in the absence of CSF leak. Possible mechanisms include (1) scarring of the dura in the posterior fossa that leads to compensatory increased distensibility of lumbar dura and (2) sensitization of mechanosensitive dural nociceptors from altered skull-dura apposition.
Eddy Current Curvilinear Scanned Linear Array Near Real-Time Imaging Technique

This paper describes work by Battelle, Pacific Northwest Laboratories (Battelle Northwest) to assist General Dynamics/Convair to meet its general requirement for near real-time nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of cruise missile surfaces and components using rotary scanned eddy current imaging techniques.
A community-based study on the association between Helicobacter pylori Infection and obesity

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection can induce chronic inflammation and is associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) changes. This study aimed to evaluate the association between H. pylori infection and overweight/obesity. This research was a cross-sectional study conducted from March 2014 to November 2016, using data from the three districts in the northeastern region of Taiwan. The inclusion criteria were an age >30 years and the absence of pregnancy. Ultimately, 2686 subjects (1713 women) were included in this study. Among the subjects aged less than 50 years, the subjects with H. pylori infection had higher mean BMI values than those without H. pylori infection (40–49 years: 25.7 ± 4.4 vs. 24.7 ± 3.8, P = 0.025; 30–39 years: 24.9 ± 4.4 vs. 24.0 ± 4.1, P = 0.063). H. pylori infection increased the risk of being obese 2 (BMI ≥30) (odds ratio, OR = 1.836, 95% CI = 1.079–3.125, P = 0.025) with adjustments for demographic factors in subjects aged less than 50 years. In conclusions, subjects with H. pylori infection and age less than 50 years may increase a risk of being obesity (BMI ≥30) compared to those without this type of infection.
The Construction of the African Human Rights System: Prospects and Pitfalls

The regional Mrican human rights system is based on the Mrican Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Mricanor Banjul Charter)1 which entered into force on October 21, 1986, upon ratification by a simple majority of member states of the Organization of Mrican Unity (OAU).2 In June 1998 the OAU adopted the Protocol to the Mrican Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Establishment of an Mrican Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.3 The Mrican Human Rights Court is intended to complement4 the Mrican Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the body that has exercised continental oversight over human rights since 1987.5 The Protocol suggests that the Mrican Human Rights Court will make the promotion and the protection of human rights within the regional system more effective.6 But the mere addition of a court, although a significant development, is unlikely by itself to address sufficiently the normative and structural weaknesses that have plagued the Mrican human rights system since its inception.
Ranking Critical Activities in Complex System Development Projects

This paper proposes a discrete-time Markov chain-based ranking algorithm to rank critical activities in development processes for complex systems. Critical activities are those that lead to greater rework, involve close coordination or interdependence between development units, or produce task volatility. For example, the product development processes of the Ford Motor Company have several activities that are sensitive to information variability which can lead to higher task volatility or higher probability of rework. It is important to identify such activities early to ensure that the requirements for these activities are met and risk mitigation efforts can be planned. Analysis of the results from a variety of process architectures across a range of systems engineering domains shows that the proposed algorithm is more effective in identifying these critical activities than existing network ranking algorithms.
Enhanced Near-Infrared-to-Visible Upconversion by Synthetic Control of PbS Nanocrystal Triplet Photosensitizers

Photon upconversion employing semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) makes use of their large and tunable absorption to harvest light in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths as well as their small gap between singlet and triplet excited states to reduce energy losses. Here, we report the highest QY (11.8%) thus far for the conversion of NIR to yellow photons by improving the quality of the PbS NC. This high QY was achieved by using highly purified lead and thiourea precursors. This QY is 2.6 times higher than from NCs prepared with commercially available lead and sulfide precursors. Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals two reasons for the enhanced QY: longer intrinsic exciton lifetimes of PbS NCs and the ability to support a longer triplet lifetime for the surface-bound transmitter molecule. Overall, this results in a higher efficiency of triplet exciton transfer from the PbS NC light absorber to the emitter and thus a higher photon upconversion QY.
Self-healing of ‘green’ thermoset zein resins with irregular shaped waxy maize starch-based/poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microcapsules

Abstract Self-healing ‘green’ thermoset zein resin was developed using elongated multi-geometrical poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microcapsules (MCs) containing waxy maize starch (WMS) or oxidized WMS (OWMS) as healing agents. A novel method combining co-axial injection and emulsion-solvent evaporation technique was developed to fabricate multi-geometrical MCs with aspect ratios greater than 1. While their rougher surface enhances the resin-MC mechanical bonding, higher aspect ratio increases the probability of MC being in the path of microcracks. Also, the OWMS, containing aldehyde groups, forms covalent bonds with zein, whereas WMS only provides H-bonding. Results indicated that zein resins with 15 wt% WMS/PLGA and OWMS/PLGA MCs had self-healing efficiencies of 51% and 72% in fracture stress, respectively. This significant enhancement for OWMS healant is possibly due to covalent bonding with zein resin. This study demonstrates that self-healing thermoset zein resin can be a promising ‘green’ solution with longer service life, for a broad range of applications.
Spatial Contrast Sensitivity through Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System

Visual acuity is often used to assess vision through image intensifying devices such as night vision goggles (NVG's). Fewer attempts have been made to measure contrast sensitivity through NVG's. Such information would be useful to better understand contrast processing through NVG's under various stimulus conditions. In this study, computer-generated letter charts were used to measure contrast sensitivity through third generation NVG's for a range of letter sizes. The red phosphor of a standard color monitor proved to be an effective stimulus for third generation devices. Different night sky conditions were simulated over a 3 log unit range. The results illustrate the profile of contrast sensitivity through third generation NVG's over a range of night sky conditions. Comparison of measurements through NVG's to measurements obtained without the device but at the same luminance and color distinguish between effects of luminance and noise on contrast sensitivity.
Religiosity and Patient Activation Among Hospital Survivors of an Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Optimum management after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) requires considerable patient engagement/activation. Religious practices permeate people’s lives and may influence engagement in their healthcare. Little is known about the relationship between religiosity and patient activation. To examine the association between religiosity and patient activation in hospital survivors of an ACS. Secondary analysis using baseline data from Transitions, Risks, and Actions in Coronary Events: Center for Outcomes Research and Education (TRACE-CORE) Study. A total of 2067 patients hospitalized for an ACS at six medical centers in Central Massachusetts and Georgia (2011–2013). Study participants self-reported three items assessing religiosity—strength and comfort from religion, making petition prayers, and awareness of intercessory prayers for health. Patient activation was assessed using the 6-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM-6). Participants were categorized as either having low (levels 1 and 2) or high (levels 3 and 4) activation. The mean age of study participants was 61 years, 33% were women, and 81% were non-Hispanic White. Approximately 85% derived strength and comfort from religion, 61% prayed for their health, and 89% received intercessory prayers for their health. Overall, 58% had low activation. Reports of a great deal (aOR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.44–2.84), and little/some (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.07–1.98) strength and comfort from religion were associated with high activation, as were receipt of intercessions (aOR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.07–2.05). Praying for one’s health was associated with low activation (aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61–0.99). Most ACS survivors acknowledge religious practices toward their recovery. Strength and comfort from religion and intercessory prayers for health were associated with high patient activation. Petition prayers for health were associated with low activation. Healthcare providers should use knowledge about patient’s religiosity to enhance patient engagement in their care.
Avalanche airbag post-burial active deflation - The ability to create an air pocket to delay asphyxiation and prolong survival.

Abstract Aim The primary purpose of an avalanche airbag is to prevent burial during an avalanche. Approximately twenty percent of avalanche victims deploying airbags become critically buried, however. One avalanche airbag actively deflates three minutes after deployment, potentially creating an air pocket. Our objective was to evaluate this air pocket and its potential to prevent asphyxiation. Methods Twelve participants were fitted with an airbag and placed prone on the snow. Participants deployed the airbag and were buried in 1.5 m of snow for 60 min with vital signs including oxygen saturation (SpO2) and end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) measured every minute. Participants completed a post-burial survey to determine head movement within the air pocket. Results Eleven of the 12 participants (92%) completed 60 min of burial. Preburial baseline SpO2 measurements did not change significantly over burial time (P > 0.05). Preburial baseline ETCO2 measurements increased over the burial time (P Conclusion The avalanche airbag under study creates an air pocket that appears to delay asphyxia, which could allow extra time for rescue and improve overall survival of avalanche victims.
PulseCam: a camera-based, motion-robust and highly sensitive blood perfusion imaging modality.

Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the trillions of cells in our body to sustain vital life processes. Lack of blood perfusion can cause irreversible cell damage. Therefore, blood perfusion measurement has widespread clinical applications. In this paper, we develop PulseCam — a new camera-based, motion-robust, and highly sensitive blood perfusion imaging modality with 1 mm spatial resolution and 1 frame-per-second temporal resolution. Existing camera-only blood perfusion imaging modality suffers from two core challenges: (i) motion artifact, and (ii) small signal recovery in the presence of large surface reflection and measurement noise. PulseCam addresses these challenges by robustly combining the video recording from the camera with a pulse waveform measured using a conventional pulse oximeter to obtain reliable blood perfusion maps in the presence of motion artifacts and outliers in the video recordings. For video stabilization, we adopt a novel brightness-invariant optical flow algorithm that helps us reduce error in blood perfusion estimate below 10% in different motion scenarios compared to 20–30% error when using current approaches. PulseCam can detect subtle changes in blood perfusion below the skin with at least two times better sensitivity, three times better response time, and is significantly cheaper compared to infrared thermography. PulseCam can also detect venous or partial blood flow occlusion that is difficult to identify using existing modalities such as the perfusion index measured using a pulse oximeter. With the help of a pilot clinical study, we also demonstrate that PulseCam is robust and reliable in an operationally challenging surgery room setting. We anticipate that PulseCam will be used both at the bedside as well as a point-of-care blood perfusion imaging device to visualize and analyze blood perfusion in an easy-to-use and cost-effective manner.
An exploration of the peer group mentoring experiences of university female basketball athletes

Peer group mentoring is a dynamic, relational learning experience. In this paper, the authors explore the lived experiences of seven peer group mentoring participants – representing three different...
An artificial intelligence-enabled analysis of ECG changes after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer.

e17535Background: Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is commonly used to treat prostate cancer (PC), but has been associated with cardiac morbidity and mortality. The exact mechanisms of this assoc...
A comparison of mangrove and marsh influences on soil respiration rates: A mesocosm study

Abstract Due to reductions in freeze events, mangroves have been rapidly encroaching into previously salt marsh-dominated coastal wetlands along the northeastern shores of Florida, USA. This shift in dominant wetland vegetation type may have significant implications for belowground processes such as soil organic matter decomposition and respiration. Using a full factorial greenhouse mesocosm experiment, we investigated the effects of plant type (no plant, Avicennia germinans, or Spartina alterniflora) and soil type (sand, mangrove-derived soil, or marsh-derived soil) on estimated heterotrophic soil respiration rates. While we predicted that A. germinans mangrove seedlings would increase heterotrophic respiration, we found that mangrove seedlings did not increase heterotrophic respiration when compared to control (no plant) treatments. Additionally, we found that heterotrophic respiration was higher in marsh-derived soils than in mangrove-derived soils for both control and mangrove plant treatments. Our findings suggest that the stage of mangrove invasion and the level of root development may influence changes in heterotrophic soil respiration.
Mathematics for Human Flourishing

Mathematics for Human Flourishing is an idea and book that has deep relevance for our time. Millions of people in the world would probably argue that mathematics has nothing to offer to the societa...
Does The Fall of Sparta Support Thomas Piketty’s r > g?

Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-first Century makes the assertion that r > g, or that the rate of capital increase will, generally speaking, outstrip the growth rate of the economy. In this paper I will show that the available statistics regarding ancient Sparta, though sparse, do support Piketty’s theory.
Relative Infectuousness of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic COVID-19 Infectives: Review and Quantitative Synthesis

The relative infectuousness of asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 infectives is surrounded by contradictory clinical findings and confusion. This paper provides a critical review of the available clinical and virological literature, and traces the source of the present confusion. We provide a quantitative synthesis of the empirical results based on a time profile of effective infectuousness, separately for symptomatics and asymptomatics. For mild to moderate symptomatic cases we calculate that this period is 14 days on average, while for asymptomatic cases it is 9 days. Most of the replication-competent virus material is emitted during the first 4 days of this period, with few differences between symptomatics and asymptomatics. Because they shed virus over a longer interval, symptomatic infectives are likely to constitute the largest source of secondary infections. In early phases of the epidemic when medical isolation for symptomatics is not yet very effective, the relative infectuousness of asymptomatics is 0.80, versus 1.20 for symptomatic infectives. In the later phases of the epidemic, the infectuousness of asymptomatics increases in importance for overall transmission of infections: the relative infectuousness of asymptomatics and symptomatics becomes, respectively, 0.93 and 1.07. This shift in relative infectuousness is caused by two factors: the counter-intuitive fact that asymptomatics emit most virus material in a short period, while medical isolation of symptomatics often halves the much longer period during which the latter could otherwise have transmitted the virus.
The Profitability Index

The well-known net present value (NPV) rule advocates accepting all investment projects that have a positive NPV. The NPV rule makes economic sense since positive-NPV projects are expected to create economic value. But what should a manager do if the total investment capital needed to fund the available positive-NPV projects exceeds the budgeted capital available? This note illustrates and discusses the profitability index, one tool that is used to assist managers in such constrained situations. Excerpt UVA-F-1945 Rev. Mar. 18, 2021 The Profitability Index A chief decision that managers face is the deployment of capital. The well-known net present value (NPV) rule advocates accepting all investment projects that have a positive NPV. The NPV rule makes economic sense since positive-NPV projects are expected to create economic value. But what should a manager do if the total investment capital needed to fund the available positive-NPV projects exceeds the budgeted capital available? Such budget constraints are common, as companies explicitly restrict the amount of investment to manage cash flow or corporate growth. This note discusses the profitability index (PI), one tool that is used to assist managers in such constrained situations. While the PI can be helpful, it is not a panacea. Thoughtful managers can use it as a guide and additional information to categorize projects, but not as a hard-and-fast decision rule. Happy Spoon and Big Money Decisions . . .
Purification of peroxidase by isoelectric focusing. Use of ultrastructural localization of immunoglobulins.

Abstract Ampholine isoelectric focusing has been used to rapidly purify commercially available peroxidase preparations. Increased specific enzyme activities and increased A 412 nm to 280 nm ratios suggest that peroxidases of highest purity can be obtained by this method. Utilization of purified peroxidase-coupled anti-IgG reagents for ultrastructural localization of immunoglobulins indicate that non-specific reactions are minimized while peroxidase labeling efficiency is enhanced.
HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT: UNPREDICTABILITY AND THE PRIMACY OF PLACE

Landscapes, environments, and ecosystems (i.e., places) are historically and spatially contingent and therefore unique. Generalizations and laws are based on “all other things being equal.” Owing to historical and spatial contingency, all other things are never completely equal and often do not approach that ideal closely enough to allow for reliable prediction. The problem is illustrated by examining effects of grazing and fire suppression on transitions between grass and woody vegetation communities. In three different environments in the southern United States (central Texas, southwestern Virginia, and eastern North Carolina), three different relationships exist between grazing and fire regime, and vegetation. Other examples are common in the geographic and environmental literature. This suggests that the search for a single applicable generalization or predictive model of a given human-induced environmental change that can be applied without accounting for the particular characteristics of places may ...
Abstract W P32: CSF Volumetric Analysis Reliably Quantifies Cerebral Edema And Correlates With Clinical Deterioration In Large Hemispheric Infarcts

Background: Large hemispheric infarcts (LHI) may be complicated by cerebral edema. Midline shift (MLS), a standard radiographic measure, only crudely estimates extent of edema. Volumetric analysis of CSF compartments over time may provide a reliable and accurate means of quantifying severity and kinetics of edema after LHI. Methods: We retrospectively identified stroke patients with NIHSS≥8 and baseline CT within 6 hours who developed cerebral edema (without hemorrhage) on follow-up (FU) CTs. Two raters outlined the sulci and lateral ventricles ipsilateral (IL) and contralateral (CL) to the infarct on baseline and serial FU CTs (both within 48 hours and at peak edema, 2-5 days post-stroke) and quantified CSF and infarct volumes. Changes in compartment volumes from baseline to peak edema CT were correlated with MLS and edema-related neurologic worsening (need for hemicraniectomy, osmotic therapy, or decline in GCS, associated with MLS≥5mm). Results: Ten patients were analyzed (median NIHSS 14, time to earl...
Critical density and impact of Δ(1232) resonance formation in neutron stars

The critical densities and impact of forming $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}(1232)$ resonances in neutron stars are investigated within an extended nonlinear relativistic mean-field (RMF) model. The critical densities for the formation of four different charge states of $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}(1232)$ are found to depend differently on the separate kinetic and potential parts of nuclear symmetry energy, the first example of a microphysical property of neutron stars to do so. Moreover, they are sensitive to the in-medium $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$ mass ${m}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}$ and the completely unknown $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rho}$ coupling strength ${g}_{\ensuremath{\rho}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}$. In the universal baryon-meson coupling scheme where the respective $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}$-meson and nucleon-meson coupling constants are assumed to be the same, the critical density for the first ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}^{\ensuremath{-}}(1232)$ to appear is found to be ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}^{\mathrm{crit}}=(2.08\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02){\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ using RMF model parameters consistent with current constraints on all seven macroscopic parameters usually used to characterize the equation of state of isospin-asymmetric nuclear matter at saturation density ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$. Moreover, the composition and the mass-radius relation of neutron stars are found to depend significantly on the values of the ${g}_{\ensuremath{\rho}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}$ and ${m}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}$.