cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of ZnGeAs 2 thin films produced by pulsed laser deposition

We have characterized the properties of chalcopyrite ZnGeAs2 thin films produced over a wide range of growth conditions using pulsed laser deposition. By using a Zn-enriched target, stoichiometric films could be produced up to a substrate temperature of 315° C; above which the films were Zn and As deficient. Optical absorption measurements indicate that bandgap of the ZnGeAs 2 thin films is direct with a value of ∼1.15 eV. Hot point probe indicate that the as-deposited and annealed thin films are both p-type. Hall measurements confirm this and also indicate that the carrier mobility, μ p , is over 50 cm2/V·sec in the 600° C annealed samples. Channeling Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) indicates that the structurally best films are achieved after 450 °C annealing with a channeling yield, ? min , of 50%. Our results, in combination with the observation that the constituents are abundant elements, suggest that ZnGeAs 2 is an ideal candidate for photovoltaic applications.
Ignition studies of fuel droplet streams

Experiments have been conducted to identify the importance of transport mechanisms on fuel droplets ignition. An electrically heated flat plate was positioned in front of a vertical stream of decane droplets. The geometry and dynamic of the arrangement was photographically recorded to obtain time and space resolved information. The following results were observed: The ignition event depends on the temperature of the hot surface, the geometry of the arrangement, the physical properties of the fuel, the residence time of the droplets in the thermal boundary layer and the fuel vapor concentration of the carrier gas at room temperature. Comparisons of ignition delay times which translate into ignition delay distances show discrepancy with predicted values. The lack of a radiation heat transfer mechanism in the model and the enhanced convective heat transfer due to the thermal boundary layer of the vertical flat plate are assumed to be the reason for the mismatch between theory and experimental data.
In vivo 7Li NMR diffusion studies in rat brain

Lithium (Li) is widely used for the treatment of several psychiatric disorders and is the drug of choice in the treatment of bipolar disorders. The mechanism of action of Li, however, is unknown. A knowledge of brain Li concentration, its distribution in the brain, and its properties in the cellular microenvironments may contribute significantly towards the understanding of its function. We recently demonstrated by in vivo 7Li NMR the distribution and pharmacokinetics of Li ion in rat brain. We have made diffusion measurements of Li in the head and brain regions of anesthetized rats using the localized STEAM (stimulated echo acquisition mode spectroscopy) technique suitably sensitized to diffusion. In this paper we demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of Li diffusion measurements in the mammalian brain model with the ultimate goal of performing such studies on humans under Li therapy.
BMI-related progression of atypical PKC-dependent aberrations in insulin signaling through IRS-1, Akt, FoxO1 and PGC-1α in livers of obese and type 2 diabetic humans

Information on insulin resistance in human liver is limited. In mouse diet-induced obesity (DIO), hepatic insulin resistance initially involves: lipid+insulin-induced activation of atypical protein kinase C (aPKC); elevated Akt activity/activation but selective impairment of compartmentalized Akt-dependent FoxO1 phosphorylation; and increases in gluconeogenic and lipogenic enzymes. In advanced stages, e.g., in hepatocytes of type 2 diabetes (T2D) humans, insulin activation of insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1) and Akt fails, further increasing FoxO1-dependent gluconeogenic/lipogenic enzyme expression. Increases in hepatic PGC-1α also figure prominently, but uncertainly, in this scheme. Here, we examined signaling factors in liver samples harvested from human transplant donors with increasing BMI, 20→25→30→35→40→45. We found, relative to lean (BMI=20-25) humans, obese (BMI>30) humans had all abnormalities seen in early mouse DIO, but, surprisingly, at all elevated BMI levels, had decreased insulin receptor-1 (IRS-1) levels, decreased Akt activity, and increased expression/abundance of aPKC-ι and PGC-1α. Moreover, with increasing BMI, there were: progressive increases in aPKC activity and PKC-ι expression/abundance; progressive decreases in IRS-1 levels, Akt activity and FoxO1 phosphorylation; progressive increases in expression/abundance of PGC-1α; and progressive increases in gluconeogenic and lipogenic enzymes. Remarkably, all abnormalities reached T2D levels at higher BMI levels. Most importantly, both "early" and advanced abnormalities were largely reversed by 24-hour treatment of T2D hepatocytes with aPKC inhibitor. We conclude: hepatic insulin resistance in human obesity is: advanced; BMI-correlated; and sequentially involves increased aPKC-activating ceramide; increased aPKC levels and activity; decreases in IRS-1 levels, Akt activity, and FoxO1 phosphorylation; and increases in expression/abundance of PGC-1α and gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes.
Effect of cost-sharing reductions on preventive service use among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries.

Background: Section 4104 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) waives previous cost-sharing requirements for many Medicare-covered preventive services. In 1997, Congress passed similar legislation waiving the deductible only for mammograms and Pap smears. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the deductible waiver on mammogram and Pap smear utilization rates. Methods: Using 1995–2003 Medicare claims from a sample of female, elderly Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries, two pre/post analyses were conducted comparing mammogram and Pap smear utilization rates before and after implementation of the deductible waiver. Receipt of screening mammograms and Pap smears served as the outcome measures, and two time measures, representing two post-test observation periods, were used to examine the short- and long-term impacts on utilization. Results: There was a 20 percent short-term and a 25 percent longer term increase in the probability of having had a mammogram in the four years following the 1997 deductible waiver. Beneficiaries were no more likely to receive a Pap smear following the deductible waiver. Conclusions: Elimination of cost sharing may be an effective strategy for increasing preventive service use, but the impact could depend on the characteristics of the procedure, its cost, and the disease and populations it targets. These historical findings suggest that, with implementation of Section 4104, the greatest increases in utilization will be seen for preventive services that screen for diseases with high incidence or prevalence rates that increase with age, that are expensive, and that are performed on a frequent basis.
A Polymer Electrolyte for Operation at Temperatures up to 200°C

In developing advanced fuel cells and other electrochemical reactors, it is desirable to combine the advantages of solid polymer electrolytes with the enhanced catalytic activity associated with temperatures above 100 C. This will require polymer electrolytes which retain high ionic conductivity at temperatures above the boiling point of water. One possibility is to equilibrate standard perfluorosulfonic acid polymer electrolytes such as Nafion, with a high boiling point Bronsted base such as phosphoric acid. The Nafion/H[sub 3]PO[sub 4] electrolyte has been evaluated with respect to water content, ionic conductivity and transport of oxygen, and methanol vapor. The results show that at elevated temperatures reasonably high conductivity (>0.05 [Omega][sup [minus]1] cm[sup [minus]1]) can be obtained. Methanol permeability is shown to be proportional to the methanol vapor activity and thus decreases with increasing temperature for a given partial pressure. Comparisons and distinctions between this electrolyte and pure phosphoric acid are also considered.
Structure and function of AMPA receptors

The application of X-ray diffraction has allowed the structure of the ligand-binding core of AMPA receptors to be determined. Here I review the insights that this has given into the molecular mechanisms of activation and desensitization of these receptors.
Evaluations of Presidential Campaign Speakers as a Function of Similarity and Expectancy Disconfirmation

During the week prior to the November 1972 U.S. Presidential election, 249 college students heard a young, “freaky”-appearing or an old, “straight”-appearing speaker—corresponding to a stereotyped McGovern or Nilon advocate—deliver a speech for either the expected or unexpected candidate. Espectancy had little effect on speaker ratings, but speakers were rated more positively by subjects who were similar to them in age. appearance, and (especially) candidate preference. Similarity, particularly in regard to preferred presidential candidate, affected the ratings of the speaker made by pro-McGovern subjects to a greater degree than the ratings made by pro-Nixon subjects. These data suggested that college-aged Nixon supporters may have experienced an identification conflict.
Risk factors associated with preeclampsia in healthy nulliparous women

Abstract Objective: Our goal was to identify risk factors for the development of preeclampsia in nulliparous women enrolled in a multicenter trial comparing calcium supplementation to a placebo. Study Design: A total of 4589 women from five centers was studied. Analysis of risk factors for preeclampsia was performed in 4314 who carried the pregnancy to >20 weeks. Baseline systolic and diastolic blood pressure, demographic characteristics, and findings after randomization were examined for the prediction of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia was defined as hypertension (diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg on two occasions 4 hours to 1 week apart) and proteinuria (≥300 mg/24 hours, a protein/creatinine ratio ≥0.35, one dipstick measurement ≥2+ or two dipstick measurements ≥1+ at an interval as specified for diastolic blood pressure). Results: Preeclampsia developed in 326 women (7.6%). The first analysis treated each risk factor as a categoric variable in a univariate regression. Maternal age, blood group and Rh factor, alcohol use, previous abortion or miscarriage, private insurance, and calcium supplementation were not statistically significant. Risk factors initially found to be significant were body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, non-white race (African-American and other), clinical center, and smoking. Adjusted odds ratios computed with a Iogistic regression model revealed that body mass index (odds ratio 3.22 for ≥35 kg/m 2 vs 2 ), systolic blood pressure (odds ratio 2.66 for ≥120 vs p Conclusion: These risk factors should be of value in counseling women regarding preeclampsia and should aid in understanding the pathophysiologic characteristics of this syndrome.
Neutral Lipid Droplets in Bovine Oviductal Epithelium and Lipid Composition of Epithelial Cell Homogenates

Abstract This study was undertaken to locate and to quantify lipids within the oviduct epithelial cells that might serve as a source of luminal lipids. Oviduct epithelial cells were analyzed from 12 cows in either the follicular or luteal stage of the ovarian cycle. Histochemical differences in neutral lipid droplets and phospholipids containing choline were detected among the oviductal regions. Neutral lipid staining was greatest in the preampulla and the ampulla and least in the isthmus. Staining of phospholipids containing choline was similar in preampullary and ampullary epithelia but was concentrated in isthmic crypts. Neutral lipid droplets, detected fluorescently with Nile Red, were present in a greater percentage of preampullary epithelial cells (76.8±1.8) than ampullary (42.1±2.1) or isthmic cells (12.2±1.3). Neither ovarian cycle stage nor side of ovulation affected the concentration of epithelial lipid droplets. Colorimetric lipid assays determined that concentrations of free cholesterol and glycerides in the preampulla were higher than in other regions. Most esterified cholesterol was detected in the isthmus. These findings indicate that the bovine oviduct epithelium exhibits regional differences in phospholipid and neutral lipid distribution. Because many of the lipids studied affect gamete and early embryo membranes, localization differences may affect the functional variability of the oviductal regions.
Factors contributing to difference in performance between small and large sections

Using large sections is a common option for extending scarce faculty resources. However, the students in small sections of an introductory course in computer information systems scored higher on average than students in large sections. This study seeks to identify what factors contribute to the difference in student performance of small and large sections. The analysis uses common exam scores for ten small sections (about 50 students each) and nine large sections (more than 100 students each) to measure the performance difference. The analysis started with sixteen factors. Eight factors were found to contribute significantly to explaining the variation in performance. The significant factors are: individual ability, number of years work experience, previous experience with databases, class category, repeat status, level of math completed, and the instructor. Section size was not a significant factor. >
Ad hoc network routing and security: A review

Ad hoc network is a collection of wireless mobile nodes dynamically forming a local area network without the use of any existing network infrastructure or centralized administration. One problem in the design of such network is its wireless vulnerabilities and limited physical security. This paper considers the security attributes and goals of ad hoc network, reviews the latest developments of current routing and security mechanissm including encryption, protocols, user authentication, and physical security. It also explores the new approaches trying to solve current problems and points out the future research directions. These methods will be helpful in the military and other security-sensitive fields. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WEATHER EFFECTS ON ISOPRENE EMISSION CAPACITY AND APPLICATIONS IN EMISSIONS ALGORITHMS

Many plants synthesize isoprene. Because it is volatile and reacts rapidly with hydroxyl radicals, it is emitted to the atmosphere and plays a critical role in atmospheric chemistry. Determining effective remediation efforts for ozone pollution requires accurate isoprene-emission inventories. Temperature and light effects on isoprene emission from plants over minutes to a few hours are fairly well known, but effects over a few days (i.e., influenced by weather) are also possible. We measured isoprene emission and photosynthesis under constant temperature and light (known as the basal emission rate, which reflects the capacity for isoprene emission) during eight field trips from 1994 to 1996. Measurements were made at the tops of oak trees at two sites between May and September. On six of the trips, the effect of short-term (minutes to hours) temperature changes was also investigated. The basal emission rate of isoprene was highly correlated with the average temperature of the previous two days. Including ...
Engendering History in Sub-Saharan Africa

Book reviewed in this article: Gender, Work and Population in Sub-Saharan Africa. Aderanti Adepoju and Christine Oppong, eds. Sex and the Empire That Is No More: Gender and the Politics of Metaphor in Oyo Yoruba Religion. J. Lorand Matory. Cutting Down Trees: Gender, Nutrition, and Agricultural Change in the Northern Province of Zambia, 1890–1990. Henrietta L Moore and Megan Vaughan.
Welcome to the Block: Developing Freshman Learning Communities That Work

To assist incoming freshmen to integrate into the academic environment, improve social acclimation, and increase student retention, Northern Michigan University created a First Year Experience (FYE...
Two novel monolithic silicon substrate slapper detonators

Two slapper detonators constructed of silicon with conventional microelectronic fabrication techniques were demonstrated. In both devices, a barrel was formed by preferentially etching a cavity in the substrate. The conductive bow-tie of the slapper was fabricated by two different techniques. The first technique involved selectively depositing metal at the base of the cavity (i.e., metal bow-tie structure). The second approach involved the selective diffusion of impurities into the base of the cavity to greatly increase the conductivity of the silicon (i.e., diffused bow-tie structure). It is demonstrated that both devices operated as intended. The diffused bow-tie device exhibited an interesting effect due to the negative thermal coefficient of the resistivity of the silicon. The effect may be exploited to improve the EMI (electromagnetic interference) and ESD (electrostatic discharge) insensitivity of the device. >
Lipid hydroperoxide generation, turnover, and effector action in biological systems

Lipid peroxidation is a well known example of oxidative damage in cell membranes, lipoproteins, and other lipid-containing structures. Peroxidative modification of unsaturated phospholipids, glycolipids, and cholesterol can occur in reactions triggered by i) free radical species such as oxyl radicals, peroxyl radicals, and hydroxyl radicals derived from iron-mediated reduction of hydrogen peroxide or ii) non-radical species such as singlet oxygen, ozone, and peroxynitrite generated by the reaction of superoxide with nitric oxide. Lipid hydroperoxides (LOOHs) are prominent non-radical intermediates of lipid peroxidation whose identification can often provide valuable mechanistic information, e.g., whether a primary reaction is mediated by singlet oxygen or oxyradicals. Certain cholesterol-derived hydroperoxides (ChOOHs) have been used very effectively in this regard, both in model systems and cells. Being more polar than parent lipids, LOOHs perturb membrane structure/function and can be deleterious to cells on this basis alone. However, LOOHs can also participate in redox reactions, the nature and magnitude of which often determines whether peroxidative injury is exacerbated or prevented. Exacerbation may reflect iron-catalyzed one-electron reduction of LOOHs, resulting in free radical-mediated chain peroxidation, whereas prevention may reflect selenoperoxidase-catalyzed two-electron reduction of LOOHs to relatively non-toxic alcohols. LOOH partitioning between these two pathways in an oxidatively stressed cell is still poorly understood, but recent cell studies involving various ChOOHs have begun to shed light on this important question. An aspect of related interest that is under intensive investigation is lipid peroxidation/LOOH-mediated stress signaling, which may evoke a variety of cellular responses, ranging from induction of antioxidant enzymes to apoptotic death. Ongoing exploration of these processes will have important bearing on our understanding of disease states associated with peroxidative stress.
Attitude Control Augmentation Using Wing Load Sensing - A Biologically Motivated Strategy

Many flying animals are able to achieve highly robust flight without feedback from dedicated angular rate sensors. In general, these animals use their vision systems to provide attitude rate and orientation information. Limitations of vision based measurements for stabilizing the body include the high level of latency incurred in the visual processing system and the need to maintain some level of ocular isolation in order to achieve adequate image quality. This paper investigates the potential for load sensors on the aerodynamic surfaces to enhance body platform stability. Two complementary techniques are explored: one using body torque error to control actuator position and the other using body force sensing to compensate for high optical feedback latency. The benefits of responding reflexively to forces on the aerodynamic surfaces include low latency, a reference frame inherently consistent with the control actuation, and alleviation of the necessity for control based explicitly on aerodynamic characterization. This paper uses 6DOF simulation to demonstrate the robustness derived from load sensing in a turbulent flow field with high levels of plant uncertainty and optical feedback latency. The results of this paper suggest that direct sensing of forces acting on the body can significantly enhance the robustness and performance of an attitude control system, perhaps giving insight into how natural systems can fly with high levels of damage, coarse sensors, and large sensorimotor information processing latencies.
The Play‐Learning Binary: U.S. Parents’ Perceptions on Preschool Play in a Neoliberal Age

Although many studies have examined parental decision-making patterns in regard to early childhood care and education, few studies have examined how parents’ perceptions on play influence those patterns. This study explores parental perceptions regarding play in early education and the broader socioeconomic context within which these perceptions emerge. Twenty parents of preschool-aged children completed questionnaires comprised of ratings and open-ended questions. Findings indicate that the parents in this study defined play and learning in binary terms as opposed to mutually constitutive processes. Subsequently, while parents rated play as important, they also described it as peripheral to, and less important than, the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills. This study argues that this binary thinking is an outgrowth of neoliberalism and ultimately undermines child well-being.
Patterns of reading‐to‐write

Abstract The purpose of this article is to determine what patterns of researching proficient middle school students conducting a school research task use and whether the organizational pattern of the final written text follows the researching pattern. Six middle school students were interviewed and observed while they were conducting a reading‐to‐write activity. Students were interviewed before and after seven researching sessions. While they were researching, investigators took field notes and videotaped their actions to record their searching, reading, and writing strategies. From the data, individual researching profiles were established. Of the six students in the study, one used a sequential approach, four used a spiral approach, and one used a recursive approach to researching. The students who used a sequential or spiral pattern wrote summary papers, and the student who used a recursive researching pattern wrote an integrated paper. This study concludes that at least three separate researching patt...
Evaluation of Global Climate Models Based on Global Impacts of ENSO

Global climate models (GCMs) play a vital role in understanding climate variability and estimating climate change at global and regional scales. Therefore, it becomes crucial to have an appropriate evaluation strategy for evaluating these models. A lot of work has been done to evaluate the ENSO simulations of different GCMs. However, they do not consider how well a GCM simulates the impact of ENSO all over the globe. Therefore, in this work, we used this criteria to evaluate the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) GCMs. We found that the global impact of ENSO in CNRM-CM5, GFDL-CM3, and CESM-FASTCHEM is highly similar to that of observations.
Comparison of Job Satisfaction Between Nonprofit and Public Employees

The dissimilarities in governance, clientele, and organizational imperatives between the nonprofit and public sectors suggest that understanding employee job satisfaction requires distinction between the two. This study examines similarities and differences in what affects managers’ job satisfaction in nonprofit and public organizations, focusing on managers’ perception of their organization, job, and top management. While the results suggest that pride in the organization is a determining factor of managers’ job satisfaction in both sectors, they also reveal that certain attributes of job satisfaction influence managers’ job satisfaction differently between the two sectors. In particular, the findings suggest that nonprofit organizations should establish clear definitions of employees’ tasks and roles and allow employees more autonomy to increase their job satisfaction.
Confronting Deep Strictures: Robinson, Rickey, and Racism

This essay attempts both a first step and a paradigmatic leap, a yank and a dodge. In it, I refuse to give lip service to the belief that nice guys finish last, but I also challenge the assumption that last guys finish nice. We cannot escape our own empowerment; we must decide for ourselves if we should share glory and at what price. Can we halve our cake and eat it too? After all, even strikes are matters of intersubjective perception. To choose whether to swing and what to take may be the only way to reach the big time.
Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates

Acute kidney injury in the neonate is due to a myriad of causes, often resulting in death from ultimate renal failure. Outcomes for the infant are dependent on underlying cause, degree of injury, and response to treatment. Improved outcomes can be seen with prompt recognition and appropriate treatment of the neonate who develops acute kidney injury.
Abstract 589: NQO1-dependent anticancer action with combination β-lapachone and ionizing radiation in the head and neck cancer.

The number of new cases of oral cavity, pharynx and larynx cancers is estimated be 52,610 in 2012 with an expected 11,500 deaths. Despite progressive improvements in outcome, current treatment approaches still result in an overall survival rate of approximately 50% at five years for locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC). Additional therapeutic approaches are needed to further enhance outcomes. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is a two-electron oxidoreductase that reduces quinones to hydroquinones and has been shown to be overexpressed in a number of solid tumors. For the first time, our studies in 45 HNC cell lines identified NQO1 overexpression in more than 70% of HNC cell lines. Furthermore over-expression of NQO1 has been shown to be a critical determinant for tumor-selective therapy using β-lapachone (β-lap), a substrate of NQO1 that undergoes partial reduction and spontaneous reversion, creating a futile cycle that produces very high levels of reactive oxygen species. HNC cell lines that overexpress NQO1 are significantly killed by treatment with β-lap. The anti-cancer action of β-lap in HNC cells is initiated and processed through five essential downstream mediators: (i) reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ); (ii) DNA single strand breaks (SSBs) induced by ROS; (iii) hyperactivation of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP1) and accompanying poly(ADP-ribose)-PARP1 (PAR) formation; (iv) dramatic NAD + /ATP depletion; and (v) programmed necrosis (necroptosis). In combination with ionizing radiation (IR), β-Lap radiosensitized NQO1(+) HNC cells under conditions where nontoxic doses of either agent alone did not achieve threshold levels of DNA lesions and /or SSBs required for PARP-1 hyper-activation. Furthermore, combination therapy with β-lap and IR significantly enhanced γ-H2AX and 53BP1 foci formation and PARP-1 hyper-activation which was associated with ATP loss and induction of programmed cell death. Furthermore, the anticancer effects of combination β-Lap and IR were blocked by the NQO1 inhibitor dicoumarol. Our findings offer a strategy for the clinical utilization of β-lap as a radiosensitizer in HNC. Citation Format: Long Shan Li, Srilakshmi Reddy, Jinming Gao, David A. Boothman, Baran Sumer, John S. Yordy. NQO1-dependent anticancer action with combination β-lapachone and ionizing radiation in the head and neck cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 589. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-589
Reflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity during furosemide diuresis in rats

To examine the relative role of cardiopulmonary and sinoaortic baroreceptor afferents in reflex changes in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity (ERSNA) during furosemide diuresis, ERSNA was measured before and after administration of a maximal diuretic dose of furosemide (300 mg/kg iv) in four groups (n = 8 each) of pentobarbital sodium-anesthetized rats: animals with intact baroreflexes, sinoaortic denervation (SAD), bilateral vagotomy, or SAD plus bilateral vagotomy. In addition, measurements of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate, and afferent vagal nerve activity were performed. Furosemide administration produced an early increase in MAP (+40 mmHg) and ERSNA (+50%) that was maintained in rats with SAD plus vagotomy, suggesting that this effect is not of sinoaortic or cardiopulmonary baroreflex origin. The early pressor response was due to the vehicle, 2% ethanolamine, whereas the early renal sympathoexcitation was due to furosemide. Whereas MAP remained unchanged in rats with intact arterial baroreflexes, MAP gradually decreased along with a reduction in LVEDP during progressive diuresis-related volume depletion in animals with SAD. With progressive diuresis-related volume depletion and falling LVEDP, ERSNA increased in intact animals (delta ERSNA/delta LVEDP = 46.0 +/- 1.5%/mmHg). This late increase in ERSNA was inhibited by bilateral vagotomy or SAD, suggesting that vagal and sinoaortic baroreceptor afferents are both essential for expressing the reflex increase in ERSNA observed during furosemide-induced volume depletion. There were no significant differences among furosemide groups in urinary flow rate and sodium excretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
WEB-based Management Information System for CNC Maintainence

A kind of management system for CNC equipment maintenance designed for a aviation manufacturing enterprise was introdcued.The system structure and mode,and the functional constitutions of system were described.The real running effect of this system and the improvement of the system were mentioned.
Hepatitis E seroprevalence and related risk factors among seafood processing workers: a cross-sectional survey in Shandong Province, China.

Summary Objective This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection and the potential risk factors for acquiring HEV infection in the seafood processing factories in Yantai City of Shandong Province, China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in five randomly selected seafood processing factories in Yantai City. Subjects were 15–66 years of age and were raw seafood processing workers, semi-finished products processing workers, and administrative staff, etc. Each participant completed a structured questionnaire and agreed to blood drawing. Anti-HEV IgG antibody was detected in the blood samples by ELISA method. Results A total of 1028 of 1044 eligible workers were tested for HEV IgG antibody (response rate 98.5%). The prevalence of HEV IgG seropositivity was found to be 22.20%. Occupation was significantly associated with anti-HEV IgG antibody seropositivity ( p Conclusions There is a higher risk of HEV infection in those who have direct contact with raw seafood. This study will help identify the risk factors for HEV infection and provide guidance on controlling HEV infection in the seafood processing occupations.
Beyond medications: group therapy for the chronic psychiatric patient.

(1980). Beyond Medications: Group Therapy for the Chronic Psychiatric Patient. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 187-199.
Site response estimation from earthquake data

Abstract Aftershocks of the 1989 Loma Prieta, California, earthquake are used to estimate site response along the San Francisco Peninsula. A total of 215 shear-wave records from 24 sources and 21 sites are used in a linear inversion for source and site response spectra. The methodology makes no assumptions about the shape of the source spectrum. However, to obtain a stable, unique inverse a Q model and geometrical spreading factor are assumed, as well as a constraint on site response that sets the site response averaged over two specific stations to 1.0. Site responses calculated by this formulation of the problem are compared with other studies in the same region that use different methodologies and / or data. The shear-wave site responses compare favorably with estimates based on an ω 2 -constrained source model. Comparison with coda amplification factors is not as close, but still favorable considering that the coda values were determined for nearby locations with similar geology, and not the same sites. The degree of agreement between the three methods is encouraging considering the very different assumptions and data used.
Swarm Cognition and Swarm Construction: Lessons from a Social Insect Master Builder

Termites of the genus Macrotermes are renowned for the large mounds they construct. This structure, which is built above the colony’s subterranean nest, is one of the most remarkable animal-built structures on the planet—remarkable both for its size (up to 11 m tall), and for its complex function. At one level, the mound is a superorganismal organ of physiology: the colony’s lung. It captures turbulent wind energy to power respiratory gas exchange. At the same time, the mound’s respiratory function is embedded in a larger matrix of the colony’s overall physiological function, integrated with other functions such as moisture balance, waste disposal and digestion. Thus, like conventional organs of physiology such as lungs, hearts, guts and skin, the colony’s “lung” is an expression of a broader purpose: colony level homeostasis. Homeostasis requires both the ability to appraise environments and to do work to change them: to adapt the environment to the organism, turning a well-known trope on its head. As it does in conventional organ systems and organisms, the superorganismal homeostasis of the termite colony betokens a complex cognitive system at work. In my contribution, I outline our current understanding of the system of “swarm cognition” among these termites and how this integrates with the operational rules that govern “swarm construction ”: the cooperative effort to build and maintain the mound. I go on to consider what lessons, if any, this offers the discipline of urban planning. To wit: should there really be such a thing? The emergence of the complex and integrated function of the termite colony is an expression of a broadly-based, “bottom-up” cognitive system: it proceeds without any “plan” directing it. Understanding cities and other urban systems as an expression of the “cognitive swarm ” of their inhabitants, one must ask to what extent the imposition of a “plan” by architects and urban designers can lead to integrated, well-functioning and well-designed urban systems. Should architects and urban planners be “planners” per se, imposing their vision on cities and the people that live within them, or should they be “implementers” of the organic development that will arise as an expression of the “swarm cognition ” of the city’s inhabitants?
Abstract 1527: Urinary miRNAs as predictors of tumor metastasis in localized patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a pilot study

Introduction: 25-50% of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients will eventually develop metastasis which has a dramatic adverse effect on prognosis following treatment. Unfortunately, reliable biomarkers predicting RCC metastasis are still lacking. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators for vital biological processes in humans. Urine miRNAs(UmiRNAs) present promising potential as biomarkers for diagnosis of urological cancers. However, no study has assessed the predictive value of UmiRNAs for RCC metastasis. Materials and Methods: We prospectively collected pre- and post-surgery urine samples from 117 patients with localized clear cell RCC (ccRCC,T1-3 N0/x M0). UmiRNAs were extracted and purified from 250 μl urine supernatants and measured using RT-PCR. Relative quantifications (RQ) of 137 selected miRNAs were calculated by 2 −ΔΔct method. The ratio of post/pre RQs were tested for the association with distant metastasis using multivariable Cox regression models. Results: More than half of the patients were diagnosed at pT3 (53%) or grade III-IV (69%). Twenty-two patients (18.8%) had metastasis during a mean follow-up of 73 months. The levels of 34 UmiRNAs were significantly changed after nephrectomy (p Conclusion: Our study suggests that urinary miR-191-5p, miR-324-3p, and miR-186-5p are potential biomarkers for the prediction of metastasis in localized, particularly pT3 ccRCC patients after nephrectomy. These findings may help improve individualized patient management in the clinic. Citation Format: Xiang Shu, Michelle AT Hildebrandt, Rodolfo Borges dos Reis, Yuanqing Ye, Jian Gu, Christopher G. Wood, Xifeng Wu. Urinary miRNAs as predictors of tumor metastasis in localized patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a pilot study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1527.
Simultaneous Extraction, Fractionation, and Enrichment of Microalgal Triacylglyerides by Exploiting the Tunability of Neat Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Continuous flow supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) was used to simultaneously extract, fractionate, and enrich simultaneously triacylglycerides (TAGs) of different carbon chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation from a 6-component mixture of analytical standards and from Chlorella sp., a common microalgae used as biodiesel feedstock. Evidence is presented that solubility for a given TAG can be enhanced or diminished in the presence of other, dissimilar TAGs due to solute to solute interactions and scCO2 densities. Comparison of analytical standard and Chlorella sp. extracts suggests that TAG mixtures and biomass matrices influence extraction behavior with the same TAG behaving differently depending on the starting material. This was validated by fitting Chrastil’s solubility parameters to indicate which TAGs were most susceptible to solute to solute interactions and neat CO2 density. A model was developed comparing the energy requirements for the downstream purification of TAGs trimyristin (C14:0), tri...
A portable 12-wavelength parallel near-infrared spectral tomography (NIRST) system for efficient characterization of breast cancer during neoadjuvant chemotherapy

A portable, 12-wavelength hybrid frequency domain (FD) and continuous wave (CW) near-infrared spectral tomography (NIRST) system was developed for efficient characterization of breast cancer in a clinical oncology setting. Two sets of three FD and three CW measurements were acquired simultaneously. The imaging time was reduced from 90 to 55 seconds with a new gain adjustment scheme of the optical detector. The study of integrating this system into the workflow of clinical oncology practice is ongoing.
On active and inactive voids and a compression model for granular soils

Abstract Compression models are widely used in geotechnical and reservoir engineering for the prediction of settlement and void ratio. A desirable compression model should be able to consider the initial density and particle mineralogy of the soil. It should also have a few number of parameters that are easy to be calibrated from tests data, and have clear physical meaning. In order to model the compressibility of granular soils, we examine a simple postulate of dividing the voids in a granular soil into active and inactive fractions. This postulate is verified by a linear relationship between d e d p and e, which is valid for various types of granular soil and for wide range of stress levels. Using this postulate, a two-parameter compression model is developed. One of the model parameters is the minimum void ratio of the material, and the other one is related to its particles mineralogy. The proposed model is verified by comparing the predicted results with the measured data for 20 different type of granular soil with various initial density and particle mineralogy. The coefficient of determination is very close to unity, which shows the suitability of our model to predict the compression behavior of granular soils for a wide range of stresses.
Physiological linkage and affective dynamics in dyadic interactions between adolescents and their mothers

This study examined physiological linkage (specifically, linkage in respiratory sinus arrhythmia; RSA) between parents and youth (aged 11-17) across conflict and fun activity discussion tasks. We also examined whether observed, momentary negative affect or parental depressive symptoms, would moderate patterns of RSA linkage across the interaction tasks. RSA linkage was assessed using a multilevel actor-partner interdependence model (APIM). Participants were 59 mother-adolescent dyads, including mothers with or without clinically significant depressive symptoms. Both mothers and teens evidenced stable RSA over time (actor effect), although the stability of maternal RSA was moderated by maternal depression, with maternal depressive symptoms related to slower RSA return to baseline. There was a significant partner influence on youth RSA, with maternal RSA positively related to subsequent youth RSA. However, this effect was moderated by maternal depression and maternal negative affect (NA), with low maternal depression/low maternal NA related to dyadic synchrony, whereas high depression or high NA led to attenuation of this relationship. Results demonstrate the importance of understanding the dynamic and complex nature of family interactions in the context of depression.
Structural optimization in the industrial design process

In the aerospace industry, there are very few examples of the use of mathematical optimization at an early stage in the design process, such that a significant contribution is made by these techniques before the structure of the vehicle has been almost fully developed. General Motors Research Laboratories have been engaged over the past ten years in the development and application of optimization techniques, but with the major aim of improving the design process. This paper focuses specifically on structural optimization. A number of examples of which are proven. It is shown that significant gains can be made if analysis takes place before bad design decisions are made.
Analyzing social interaction: Some excruciating models and exhilarating results

Considerable controversy exists among alternative approaches to the analysis of social interaction. Part of this controversy is due to the use of overly simple, inflexible, and imprecise models. Th...
The analysis of conjugated estrogen preparations

Abstract A method is proposed for the determination of estrone, equilin, and total estrogens in commercial conjugated estrogen preparations. The quantitative procedure employs a simple column separation and direct colorimetric estimations. Identity is established by paper chromatography. Assays of typical preparations are reported.
Evaluation of Respirator Filter Media under Inhalation-only Conditions

ABSTRACTFilter media for respirator applications are typically exposed to cyclic flow condition instead of constant flow adopted in the standard filter media tests. The objective of this study is thus to investigate the effects of breathing frequency (BF) and peak inhalation flow rate (PIFR) on the peak particle penetration of respirator filter media, especially for particles at the most penetration particle sizes under the constant flow condition having equivalent mean inhalation flowrate (MIFR). Five respirator filter media were evaluated under inhalation-only conditions. Three BFs and three PIFRs were selected for the testing. Our study evidenced that both BF and PIFR would increase the peak particle penetration under the cyclic inhalation-only conditions. It is further found that, for each filter media, the peak particle penetration at various PIFRs could be merged into one curve via the newly-defined peak penetration ratio (i.e., the ratio of peak particle penetration at cyclic flow condition to the penetration at the constant flow condition having the equivalent MIFR) and the curve is only a function of BF. The above observation indicates that the increase of peak particle penetration resulted from the increase of PIFR is simply because of the increase of MIFR. The effect of BF on the peak particle penetration is clearly observed using the defined penetration ratio. Based on our finding a semi-theoretical model was further proposed to estimate the peak particle penetration of respirator filter media under inhalation-only conditions.
Potential Salinity and Temperature Futures for the Chesapeake Bay Using a Statistical Downscaling Spatial Disaggregation Framework

Estuaries are productive and ecologically important ecosystems, incorporating environmental drivers from watersheds, rivers, and the coastal ocean. Climate change has potential to modify the physical properties of estuaries, with impacts on resident organisms. However, projections from general circulation models (GCMs) are generally too coarse to resolve important estuarine processes. Here, we statistically downscaled near-surface air temperature and precipitation projections to the scale of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and estuary. These variables were linked to Susquehanna River streamflow using a water balance model and finally to spatially resolved Chesapeake Bay surface temperature and salinity using statistical model trees. The low computational cost of this approach allowed rapid assessment of projected changes from four GCMs spanning a range of potential futures under a high CO2 emission scenario, for four different downscaling methods. Choice of GCM contributed strongly to the spread in projections, but choice of downscaling method was also influential in the warmest models. Models projected a ~2–5.5 °C increase in surface water temperatures in the Chesapeake Bay by the end of the century. Projections of salinity were more uncertain and spatially complex. Models showing increases in winter-spring streamflow generated freshening in the Upper Bay and tributaries, while models with decreased streamflow produced salinity increases. Changes to the Chesapeake Bay environment have implications for fish and invertebrate habitats, as well as migration, spawning phenology, recruitment, and occurrence of pathogens. Our results underline a potentially expanded role of statistical downscaling to complement dynamical approaches in assessing climate change impacts in dynamically challenging estuaries.
3-Amino-pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrazoles: A new class of CDK2 inhibitors.

2479 In the last few years the field of kinase inhibition has seen a constant surge of interest across different therapeutic areas. CDK2/cyclin A-E has been the subject of many research projects in the pharmaceutical industry. Several chemotypes have been described leading to potent inhibitors though only few of them have as yet progressed into a clinical stage. We have previously described 3-aminopyrazole inhibitors of CDK2/cyclin A-E. In an effort to explore related chemotypes which differently exploit the ATP kinase binding, we expanded a class of 3-Amino-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrrolo[4,3-c]pyrazoles. This scaffold, in contrast to the 3-aminopyrazoles, allows to easily direct substituents into the phosphate binding region of the ATP pocket of kinases. In this communication we describe the preliminary expansion and Structure-Activity Relationship of this class. From initial hits with moderate potency against both CDK2 and Aurora, we got to a series of compounds with submicromolar activity against both kinases. With an appropriate choice of substituents at R3 and R5 we obtained compounds with potent and selective CDK2/cyclin A activity in biochemical and cellular assays.