cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solution-processable and functionalizable ultra-high molecular weight polymers via topochemical synthesis.

Topochemical polymerization reactions hold the promise of producing ultra-high molecular weight crystalline polymers. However, the totality of topochemical polymerization reactions has failed to produce ultra-high molecular weight polymers that are both soluble and display variable functionality, which are restrained by the crystal-packing and reactivity requirements on their respective monomers in the solid state. Herein, we demonstrate the topochemical polymerization reaction of a family of para-azaquinodimethane compounds that undergo facile visible light and thermally initiated polymerization in the solid state, allowing for the first determination of a topochemical polymer crystal structure resolved via the cryoelectron microscopy technique of microcrystal electron diffraction. The topochemical polymerization reaction also displays excellent functional group tolerance, accommodating both solubilizing side chains and reactive groups that allow for post-polymerization functionalization. The thus-produced soluble ultra-high molecular weight polymers display superior capacitive energy storage properties. This study overcomes several synthetic and characterization challenges amongst topochemical polymerization reactions, representing a critical step toward their broader application. Topochemical polymerization reactions produce ultra-high molecular weight crystalline polymers. Here the authors show a family of para-azaquinodimethane compounds that undergo facile visible light and thermally initiated polymerization in the solid state and the crystal structure has been resolved via cryoelectron microscopy.
Impingement of the Thyroid Cartilage on the Carotid Causing Clicking Larynx Syndrome and Stroke.

We present the case of a patient with a recent history of ischemic stroke who presented with clicking larynx syndrome, a condition in which clicking noises in the larynx can be provoked by movement of the head and neck. Diagnostic imaging revealed unusual development and posterior angulation of the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage that potentially was causing trauma to the left common carotid artery. We deduced that symptomatic impingement of the carotid artery by the thyroid cartilage was not only the cause of the patient's clicking larynx syndrome, but also suspected to be the cause of her prior strokes due to repetitive trauma resulting in thrombus. The patient was managed surgically with thyroplasty and transcervical resection of the left greater cornu of the thyroid cartilage with resolution of her symptoms. Anatomical displacement of the thyroid cartilage can manifest as clicking larynx syndrome as well as cause mechanical injury to the carotid artery, resulting in turbulent flow, possible thrombosis, and stroke. Laryngoscope, 2021.
Chronic Reaction Patterns of First-Set Skin Allografts

As stated in the Introduction, if a first-set allograft of skin is not rapidly and violently destroyed within 2 weeks by its host, it is capable of evoking a milder form of cellular inflammatory reaction and will show protracted survival with no evidence of incompatibility. In some instances the graft may survive permanently.
Learning Leadership Skills in Middle School

Abstract For middle school students, the essence of 21st-century leadership development is being “in influence” versus being “in control.” A core student leadership skill involves listening intently to others, framing others’ concerns, and advancing the other person's interests. Creating contexts in which middle school students feel a profound impulse to dialogue regarding common cause enables students to experience the dynamics of leadership development firsthand. In solving large-scale, intractable problems, the distinctive leadership trait of our nation's founders was not that of leaders-as-hero but rather that of leaders-as-hosts. The leadership lesson for middle school students as tomorrow's leaders is: it is time for all the heroes to go home.
Wasteful Killing in Urban Black Widows: Gluttony in Response to Food Abundance

Current work in behavioral ecology contrasts traditional hypotheses of context-specific adaptation with the suggestion that behaviors are often coupled such that animals exhibit context-general behavioral syndromes. Wasteful killing, the partial consumption and/or abandonment of prey, is a perplexing phenomenon because the costs of this behavior seem high (e.g. energetic loss, risk of injury). Wasteful killing may be the product of a context-specific, adaptive foraging strategy restricted spatially and/or temporally to conditions of prey abundance. Alternatively, wasteful killing may represent a context-general syndrome of high aggression that results in the capture of prey that are not consumed. We investigated the conditions in which a web-building spider the North American black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) participates in wasteful killing. We employed a powerful repeated-measures design that reduces error variance by controlling for individual differences. Across the adult life cycle of female spiders collected from urban habitats throughout Phoenix, AZ, we repeatedly measured each spider’s foraging voracity and wastefulness after varied periods of food restriction (2, 7, and 14 d). While food restriction decreased body condition, condition alone was a poor predictor of voracity and wasteful killing. Our results indicate that previous food restriction i) shortens latency to attack, ii) heightens the number of prey killed per trial, and iii) reduces wastefulness. Latency to attack and wasteful killing were neither repeatable within individuals nor correlated with each other and therefore appear unlikely to be components of a behavioral syndrome. We discuss other possible benefits for wasteful killing in the contexts of predation risk and mate attraction.
Detection and isolation of circulating exosomes and microvesicles for cancer monitoring and diagnostics using micro-/nano-based devices

In the last several years, nanoscale vesicles that originate from tumor cells and which can be found circulating in the blood (i.e. exosomes and microvesicles) have been discovered to contain a wealth of proteomic and genetic information to monitor cancer progression, metastasis, and drug efficacy. However, the use of exosomes and microvesicles as biomarkers to improve patient care has been limited by their small size (30 nm-1 μm) and the extensive sample preparation required for their isolation and measurement. In this Critical Review, we explore the emerging use of micro and nano-technology to isolate and detect exosomes and microvesicles in clinical samples and the application of this technology to the monitoring and diagnosis of cancer.
Evaluating the impacts of crop rotations on groundwater storage and recharge in an agricultural watershed

Abstract The Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer, which underlies the Big Sunflower River Watershed (BSRW), is the most heavily used aquifer in Mississippi. Because the aquifer is primarily used for irrigating crops such as corn, cotton, soybean, and rice, the water levels have been declining rapidly over the past few decades. The objectives of this study are to analyze the relationship and interactions between evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge rates in the BSRW, and model the effects of various crop rotation practices on groundwater storage and recharge. The model performed well during the calibration period (R2 = 0.53–0.68 and NSE = 0.49–0.66) and validation period (R2 = 0.55–0.75 and NSE = 0.49–0.72) for daily streamflow, which was achieved by the SUFI-2 auto-calibration algorithm in the SWAT-CUP package. The model also performed well in simulating seasonal water table depth fluctuations during calibration (R2 = 0.76 and NSE = 0.71) and validation (R2 = 0.86 and NSE = 0.79). This study demonstrated a seasonal relationship between evapotranspiration and groundwater storage and recharge in the BSRW SWAT model. In general, groundwater storage decreased during the summer months while ET rates were high, and increased during the winter and spring months when ET rates were low. The crop rotation scenarios that include rice planting resulted in the lowest groundwater storage (down to −10.7%) compared to the baseline crop scenario, which is due to the high irrigation rates of the rice crop. However, the rice crop rotations resulted in the highest increases of groundwater recharge rates (up to +60.1%), likely because of the response to the deficiency of groundwater needed for irrigation as well as the limited water uptake by the rice crop. The crop rotations with corn and cotton resulted in the largest increases in groundwater storage (up to +27.2%), which is the result of the low irrigation rates as well as the short time period for irrigation applications. The results of this study are expected to aid farmers and watershed managers to conserve groundwater resources, but still maintain crop production.
A new species of Chlerogas from the Andes of central Colombia (Hymenoptera: Halictidae).

ABSTRACTA new species of the long-headed bee genus Chlerogas Vachal (Halictinae:Augochlorini) is described and fi gured from a male captured at high elevation in centralColombia. Chlerogas tatamaensis Engel & Gonzalez, new species, is distinguishedfrom its congeners on the basis of integumental coloration and sculpturing as wellas features of the male terminalia. A revised key to the species of Chlerogas isprovided.
Data compression in end-to-end information systems for NASA space science missions

Summary form only given. The unique characteristics of compressed data have important implications to the design of space science data systems, science applications, and data compression techniques. The sequential nature of data dependence between each of the sample values within a block of compressed data introduces an error multiplication/propagation factor which compounds the effects of communication errors. The data communication characteristics of the on-board data acquisition, storage and telecommunication channels may influence the size of the compressed blocks and the frequency of included re-initialization points. On the ground, there exist key trade-off issues associated with the distribution and management of the science data products when data compression techniques are applied in order to alleviate the constraints imposed by ground communication bandwidth and data storage capacity. >
PMD induced system impairments in long-haul optical communication system

With increasing bit-rate polarization mode dispersion (PMD) is becoming a major system impairment. The fact that PMD is a statistical parameter of the system, depending sensitively on environmental condition and deployment, analysis of impairment caused by PMD is difficult. PMD is defined as the statistical ensemble average of differential group delay (DGD) between the two principal states of polarization (PSP). First order PMD impairments arises from distortions caused by the DGD that is assumed constant as a function of wavelength. We discuss how to budget PMD induced impairment for such systems where statistical distribution of DGD is taken into account. We also discuss the validity of this analysis in presence of fixed DGD elements, e.g., EDFAs and other discrete optical elements. In reality, because of random distributed mode coupling between the two eigenpolarization directions, DGD is wavelength dependent. In addition, the direction of PSP varies as a function of wavelength causing added penalties. Variation of DGD and PSP direction over the signal bandwidth causes the 2nd order PMD impairments. We discuss the amount of 2nd order PMD for various system configurations and the impact of this 2nd order PMD for high bit-rate systems. We conclude by reviewing the current state of PMD compensation and comment on the effectiveness of 1st order PMD compensation for high bit-rate systems.
Choices of Jacketed or Bare Concentric Neutral Cable for Effective Grounding and Corrosion Control

New types of underground corrosion have been experienced following widespread use of direct-buried cables for electric power distribution at 7.2/12.47 and 14.4/24.9kV. Alternatives that should be considered in selecting types of cable and corrosion control measures for underground electric facilities are discussed. The choices are examined in light of the permanence of other buried metal connected to the electric neutral wires, as well as possible corrosion of the copper neutral wires.
The Deep Impact Network Experiment Operations Center

Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) promises solutions in solving space communications challenges arising from disconnections as orbiters lose line-of-sight with landers, long propagation delays over interplanetary links, and other phenomena. DTN has been identified as the basis for the future NASA space communications network backbone, and international standardization is progressing through both the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). JPL has developed an implementation of the DTN architecture, called the Interplanetary Overlay Network (ION). ION is specifically implemented for space use, including design for use in a real-time operating system environment and high processing efficiency. In order to raise the Technology Readiness Level of ION, the first deep space flight demonstration of DTN was performed using the Deep Impact (DI) spacecraft. Called the Deep Impact Network (DINET), operations occurred during Autumn 2008. An essential component of the DINET project was the Experiment Operations Center (EOC), which generated and received experiment communications traffic as well as “out-of-DTN band” command and control traffic, archived DTN flight test information in a database, provided display systems for monitoring DTN operations status and statistics (e.g., bundle throughput), and supported query and analyses of the data collected. This paper describes the DINET EOC and its value in the DTN flight experiment and potential for further DTN testing. The DINET EOC housed ground nodes that produced and consumed “payload” data that was relayed through the DTN router on board the DI spacecraft. The EOC also controlled the topology among the nodes, altering the connectivity to test DTN functionality. An additional node in the EOC acted to perform administrative functions, and contained the Monitor and Control System to view experiment health and concurrently collect and analyze the data delivery status and statistics. The software diagnostic messages and protocol diagnostic messages issued by network nodes were collected analyzed and stored into a database in real-time. The DINET EOC was located within the JPL Protocol Technology Lab (PTL). The PTL provides connectivity to other NASA centers and external entities, and is itself a node in the larger DTN Experiment Network (DEN). The DINET EOC is envisioned to become a general tool in this broader context of experimental testing of DTN across a geographically dispersed user community.
Playing Defense in a Punishing Market

High equity allocations were a boon for pension funds during the incredibly prosperous 1990s, but the deteriorating markets of the past two years have put many pension funds and endowments in a vulnerable position. Responsible fund managers should now start playing defense. Analyzing how the asset allocation of a typical pension fund today would have fared in five poor equity market scenarios over the past 30 years, the author demonstrates how severe the damage would have been. These results underscore the benefit of a more defensive asset strategy featuring a smaller equity allocation and more alternative investments. A fund structured in this manner could outperform a typical pension fund across a wide range of bear market scenarios.
Science and technology development in the third world: Competing policy perspectives

A planned strategy of engagement, in order to benefit from, and contribute to Western science and technology, should be the major focus of science and technology policy in the Third World. What is needed is a strategy of vigorous and innovative engagement which will be based on an open approach to Western science and technology, a dynamic model of science development integration and institutional reforms for qualitative improvements in the social structure of science in the Third World.
Combined Analyses of Phase 2 studies for ARX-01 Sufentanil NanoTab PCA System for the management of moderate to severe post-operative pain

References! • Sufentanil NanoTab 15 mcg was effective, safe, and welltolerated for treatment of moderate to severe post-operative pain in all three studies • Data combined from both double-blind studies demonstrate a significant difference drop-out rates due to inadequate analgesia compared to placebo, with an average of 16% for the 15 mcg group and 33% for the 10 mcg group (p=0.047) • AE rates did not differ between the 10 mcg and 15 mcg dosing groups • These data suggest that a single 15 mcg sufentanil NanoTab dosage strength with a fixed 20-minute lock-out is appropriate for use in a wide variety of post-operative patients • Patients using 15 mcg sufentanil NanoTabs averaged interdosing intervals of 70 – 100 minutes. Published studies of IV PCA morphine use post-operatively report interdosing intervals of 20 – 40 minutes10-12 • The Sufentanil NanoTab PCA System (15 mcg) offers patients a user-friendly, non-invasive method of post-operative patientcontrolled analgesia Conclusions! Abstract!
Dietary protein intake, clinical proteinuria, and microalbuminuria in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Abstract Objective : To determine the relationship between dietary protein intake and microalbuminuria in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Design : Cross-sectional. Setting : University-affiliated medical center. Patients : 283 patients with NIDDM (58% women, 45% black) recruited from a family practice clinic population and a community health clinic to participate in a study to screen for risk factors for future renal and cardiovascular disease. Intervention : None. Main outcome measures : Urinary protein excretion. Results : Using correlation analysis, analysis of variance, and regression analysis, no relationship was observed between urinary protein and dietary protein in patients with either clinical proteinuria or microalbuminuria. Conclusions : Additional data may be necessary before low-protein diets are routinely prescribed for delaying or preventing nephropathy in patients with NIDDM.
Wrist pain syndrome in the gymnast. Pathogenetic, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations

Gymnast wrist pain syndrome presents a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It is common and debilitating among gymnasts, resulting in a reduction in training and performance, and may be the result of a response to repetitive trauma during the period of growth and development. This study was undertaken to define and characterize factors contributing to the causes and development of gymnast wrist pain and to establish an effective means of systematic and comprehensive evaluation and treatment. Thirty-eight collegiate gymnasts (20 UCLA: 9 female, 11 male; 18 NCAA: all male) were evaluated by radiograph and questionnaire. Seventy-five percent (22) of the males and 33% (3) of the females had had wrist pain for at least 4 months. The UCLA males averaged 2.82 +/- 1.94 mm positive ulnar variance; this was significantly greater than that of the NCAA males, who averaged 1.28 +/- 1.02 mm (P less than 0.02). The UCLA females averaged 1.44 +/- 1.88 mm positive ulnar variance. All of the gymnasts had significantly greater variance than had the controls, who averaged -0.52 mm (P less than 0.0001). The pommel horse routine was consistently responsible for wrist pain among the males. Anatomical and histological correlation of cryosections with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to establish the usefulness of MRI in the diagnosis of wrist pain. MRI was able to differentiate the complex transitions between cortical and trabecular bone, articular surfaces, the ligaments, and the triangular fibrocartilage (TFC) complex of the wrist joint. A therapeutic algorithm was established to facilitate the evaluation and management of gymnast wrist pain. Arthroscopic surgery was successful, and arthroscopic findings correlated well with those of MRI and arthrography. Prospective studies are now underway in the pediatric and adolescent population to define further the causes and development of wrist pain problems in gymnasts.
Placental histology and clinical characteristics of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes

Objective To analyze the placental histology in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM), classify the cases according to the results of the histologic examination, and determine if these histologic groups have different clinical characteristics and outcomes. Methods During a 3-year period, a cohort of 235 women with preterm PROM was studied prospectively. The women were classified according to placental histologic findings, and their prenatal and intrapartum courses and perinatal mortality and morbidity were analyzed and compared. Results One hundred two placentas (43.4%) exhibited acute inflammatory lesions, 48 (20.4%) had vascular lesions, 48 (20.4%) had both inflammatory and vascular lesions, 31 (13.2%) had no abnormal findings, four (1.7%) had villous edema, and two (0.8%) had chronic villitis. The four largest histologic groups had distinctive characteristics with respect to gestational age at the time of PROM and at delivery, duration of the latency period, and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Conclusion Cases of preterm PROM may be classified according to placental histologic findings, and these groups have different clinical manifestations, prognoses, and outcomes.
The Contribution of Common Genetic Variation to Nicotine and Cotinine Glucuronidation in Multiple Ethnic/Racial Populations

Background: The lung cancer risk of smokers varies by race/ethnicity even after adjustment for smoking. Evaluating the role of genetics in nicotine metabolism is likely important in understanding these differences, as disparities in risk may be related to differences in nicotine dose and metabolism. Methods: We conducted a genome-wide association study in search of common genetic variants that predict nicotine and cotinine glucuronidation in a sample of 2,239 smokers (437 European Americans, 364 African Americans, 453 Latinos, 674 Japanese Americans and 311 Native Hawaiians) in the Multiethnic Cohort Study. Urinary concentration of nicotine and its metabolites were determined. Results: Among 11,892,802 variants analyzed, 1,241 were strongly associated with cotinine glucuronidation, 490 of which were also associated with nicotine glucuronidation (p<5x10-8). The vast majority were within chromosomal region 4q13, near UGT2B10. Fifteen independent and globally significant SNPs explained 33.2% of the variation in cotinine glucuronidation, ranging from 55% for African Americans to 19% for Japanese Americans. The strongest single SNP association was for rs115765562 (p=1.60 x 10-155). This SNP is highly correlated with a UGT2B10 splice site variant, rs116294140, which together with rs6175900 (Asp67Tyr) explain 24.3% of the variation. The top SNP for nicotine glucuronidation (rs116224959, p=2.56 x 10-43) was in high LD (r2=.99) with rs115765562. Conclusions: Genetic variation in UGT2B10 contributions significantly to nicotine and cotinine glucuronidation but not to nicotine dose. Impact: The contribution of genetic variation to nicotine and cotinine glucuronidation varies significantly by racial/ethnic group, but is unlikely to contribute directly to lung cancer risk.
SU‐FF‐T‐219: Evaluation of a Practical and Low Cost Gafchromic Film/flat‐Bed Scanner Combination for Planar Dosimetry

Purpose: To assess the accuracy and practicality of using GAFCHROMIC® EBT Film in combination with an Epson flat‐bed scanner for the verification of advanced treatment techniques in radiation therapy. EBT is a new type of Gafchromic film with high sensitivity to ionizing radiation. The combination of EBT with flat‐bed scanner represents a very low cost and convenient dosimetry system. Methods and Materials: Experiments were conducted to evaluate two aspects of the EBT/flat‐bed‐scanner combination. First the stability of the scanner was evaluated by repeat scanning, over several weeks, of a conventional Kodak XV film, which is known to be highly stable post‐irradiation. Second the dose response and stability of EBT film was investigated by repeat scanning, over several weeks, of EBT film pieces irradiated to different doses (0 to 8Gy with 6MV photon beam). Results: The reproducibility of the Epson scanner was found to be highly stable, to within 1.03%, over all ranges of OD studied. A slight non‐uniformity in background was observed, but this background was consistent enabling efficient correction. The dose response was observed to be highest in the red channel of the scanner. The dose response curve of EBT film was found to be non‐linear but stable (within 1.32%) within one week after irradiation. Conclusions: The Epson® 4990 Scanner/ GAFCHROMIC® EBT Film dosimetry combination appears a promising, low‐cost, and highly convenient dosimetry system for radiation therapy.
The transcriptional coactivator and acetyltransferase p300 in fibroblast biology and fibrosis.

The transcriptional coactivator p300 is a ubiquitous nuclear phosphoprotein and transcriptional cofactor with intrinsic acetyltransferase activity. p300 controls the expression of numerous genes in cell-type and signal-specific manner, and plays a pivotal role in cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and embryogenesis. By catalyzing acetylation of histones and transcription factors, p300 plays a significant role in epigenetic regulation. Recent evidence suggests that abnormal p300 function is associated with deregulated target gene expression, and is implicated in inflammation, cancer, cardiac hypertrophy, and genetic disorders such as the Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. The activity of p300 is regulated at multiple levels, including developmental stage-specific expression, post-translational modifications, subcellular localization, and cell-type and gene-specific interactions with transcription factors. Although p300 has been investigated extensively in epithelial and hematopoietic cells, its role in fibroblast biology and tissue repair has received little attention to date. Recent studies implicate p300 in the regulation of collagen synthesis by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Both the acetyltransferase activity of p300 and its inducible interaction with Smad3 are essential for mediating TGF-β-induced stimulation of collagen synthesis. As a signal integrator whose availability for intracellular interactions with transcription factors is strictly limiting, p300 mediates the antagonistic regulation of TGF-β-induced collagen synthesis by IFN-γ and TNF-α via intracellular competition for limiting amount of p300. Significantly, p300 is itself a direct transcriptional target of TGF-β in normal fibroblasts, and its levels are significantly elevated in fibrotic lesions as well as in experimental models of fibrosis. The emerging appreciation of the importance of p300 in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and fibrosis and novel insights concerning the regulation, mechanism of action, and significance of p300 in fibroblast biology are discussed in this minireview. J. Cell. Physiol. 213:663–671. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Childhood-Onset Hemifacial Spasm: Successful Treatment With Botulinum Toxin

Hemifacial spasm is a disorder characterized by involuntary contractions of muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve. The majority of cases are of adult-onset. However, a few cases have been described in children. Detectable causes of pediatric hemifacial spasm include facial nerve compression by vasculature and brainstem masses. In the treatment of hemifacial spasm, surgical decompression of the facial nerve has been used with good results in both adults and children. However, surgical procedures have serious risks and should be used only in selected cases. Although injections of botulinum toxin type A have been successfully used in adult hemifacial spasm patients, to our knowledge there is no report of use of this indication in children. This report presents the first case of a pediatric patient with childhood-onset hemifacial spasm successfully treated with periorbital botulinum toxin injections. The literature on the subject is also reviewed.
Nuclear factor κ-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells is activated by radiotherapy and is prognostic for overall survival in patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative fluorouracil-based chemoradiotheraphy.

Purpose Rectal cancer is often clinically resistant to radiotherapy (RT) and identifying molecular markers to define the biologic basis for this phenomenon would be valuable. The nuclear factor κ-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is a potential anti-apoptotic transcription factor that has been associated with resistance to RT in model systems. The present study was designed to evaluate NF-κB activation in patients with rectal cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy to determine whether NF-κB activity correlates with the outcome in rectal cancer patients. Methods and Materials A total of 22 patients underwent biopsy at multiple points in a prospective study and the data from another 50 were analyzed retrospectively. The pretreatment tumor tissue was analyzed for multiple NF-κB subunits by immunohistochemistry. Serial tumor biopsy cores were analyzed for NF-κB–regulated gene expression using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and for NF-κB subunit nuclear localization using immunohistochemistry. Results Several NF-κB target genes (Bcl-2, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein [cIAP]2, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated-1) were significantly upregulated by a single fraction of RT at 24 h, demonstrating for the first time that NF-κB is activated by RT in human rectal tumors. The baseline NF-κB p50 nuclear expression did not correlate with the pathologic response to RT. However, an increasing baseline p50 level was prognostic for overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.15; p = .040). Conclusion NF-κB nuclear expression at baseline in rectal cancer was prognostic for overall survival but not predictive of the response to RT. Larger patient numbers are needed to assess the effect of NF-κB target gene upregulation on the response to RT. Our results suggest that NF-κB might play an important role in tumor metastasis but not to the resistance to chemoradiotherapy.
Examining the role that personal, professional, and community relationships play in respondent relationship recognition and intended behavior

At a time when organizations are being structured to decrease interaction between organizational representatives and key public members, the findings from the current investigation suggest that organization‐public relationships play a role in influencing the behavioral intent of key public members. Specifically, key public members who identify themselves as in a relationship with an organization are more likely to intend to stay with that organization in the face of competition. Because self‐identification of being in a relationship with an organization can influence intended behavior, the investigation also sought to determine those relationship variables that best differentiate those who indicate they are in a relationship with the organization from those who feel they are not or are uncertain. Suggestions fin‐managing organization‐public relationships grounded in interpersonal communication strategies are provided, and arguments for measuring key public member relationship attitudes, evaluations, and i...
Block-copolymer of Polyethylene Glycol and Polylysine as a Carrier of Organic Iodine: Design of Long-circulating Particulate Contrast Medium for X-ray Computed Tomography

In order to obtain small, polymer-stabilized particulate carriers for organic iodine to serve as a contrast agent for X-ray computed tomography (CT) an attempt was made to design a carrier based on polymeric micelles. Here we describe the synthesis of an iodine-containing amphiphilic block-copolymer which can micellize in aqueous solutions. The two blocks of the copolymer consisted of methoxypoly(ethyleneglycol) and poly[epsilon,N-(triiodobenzoyl)-L-lysine]. Upon dispersion in water, the block copolymer formed particles with average diameter 80 nm and iodine content up to 44.7%. The particles start to dissociate to the individual polymeric chains in the concentration range of 0.05-0.5 microM in water at 23 degrees C. Upon intravenous injection at 250 mg of iodine/kg (570 mg of the agent/kg) in rabbits the medium demonstrated exceptional 24 hr half-life in the blood substantiating corona/core structure of the particles with PEG chains protecting the iodine-containing core. The possible use of these particulates as contrast medium for X-ray computed tomography is discussed.
Energetics of the 2+2 cyclization of limonene

Abstract The hydrocarbon 1,2-dimethyltricyclo[3.3.0.02,7]octane ( 4 ) was synthesized from carvone in two steps. Compound 4 is the product that would be obtained from the photochemical 2+2 intramolecular cyclization of limonene. The calculated enthalpy for the transformation of limonene to compound 4 is 7.2 kcal/mol, the endothermicity of the reaction being attributed to ring strain in the product. This strain energy, accompanied by the increase in specific gravity obtained upon cyclization, gives compound 4 a larger heat of combustion, on a volumetric basis, than jet fuel. Other naturally occurring terpenes, which are inexpensive and abundant, bear consideration as starting materials for easily prepared high energy density materials.
On the path-dependence of economic growth

Abstract The cumulated growth of an economy during a period of time depends on the whole economical history during this period and not only of the situation at the beginning and at the end of the interval. However, if some constraint is made on the set of possible economies, this phenomenon of history-dependence may disappear. We give a simple necessary and sufficient condition on the constraint for this to happen, generalizing results of Samuelson–Swamy and Hulten. Our approach is different, based on differential and symplectic geometry. We also solve the same question for a subsector of the economy.
Vector function estimation using splines

Abstract The optimization problem for estimating vector-valued functions is formulated based on a mixed norm, i.e. a linear combination of fidelity and smoothness. Under several sets of distinct covariance assumptions, it is shown that the optimization objective function can be transformed to linear combinations of scalar objective functions for which the solutions are traditional scalar smoothing splines. The vector valued solution to the optimization problem can thus be written as a vector of linear combinations of scalar smoothing splines. Several applications are discussed.
Bearing Strength Analysis of Pin-Loaded Elliptical Holes in Laminated Composite Joints

An analysis was performed to predict bearing strength and mode of failure of pin loaded orthotropic plates with elliptic holes of varying sizes using two dimensional stress analyses and a characteristic curve model. The stresses required to analyze joint failure were obtained by utilizing complex stress functions that were determined from assumed displacement expressions that satisfy the boundary conditions around the hole. Three different joint geometries with major-to-minor diameter ratios ranging from 1 to 5 were evaluated and the analysis revealed that the joint strength was found to vary with increasing major-to-minor diameter ratios. The material properties of graphite/epoxy laminates were used in this investigation.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Energy, Labor and Capital Considerations in Productivity Enhancements: An Editorial

Abstract The costs of energy, environmental protection and human welfare are forcing many companies to seek appropriate alternative technologies as a means of productivity enhancement. As a result, Industrial Engineers may well be forced to re-think their productivity concept as it relates to labor efficiency and energy efficiency. In this paper energy, capital and labor relationships are discussed. The enhancement of productivity is addressed in an era when energy is neither cheap nor reliable. A model of the production system is presented which considers labor, capital and the energy concerns. A number of productivity related questions are asked. The paper is editorial in nature. The desire is to call into question our present concept of productivity enhancement through mechanization. Further, the desire is to alert the industrial engineering community to the need for conservation of natural resources through increased employment of labor.
Executive Functioning in Children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been preliminarily associated with specific areas of neuropsychological functioning impairments in children; however, the relationship between PTSD symptoms and executive functioning in children is not yet well-understood. This study examined PTSD symptoms and executive functioning in a low socioeconomic status (SES), urban dwelling, ethnic minority sample of 55 children aged 8 to 16. Participants completed interviews, self-report measures, and a neuropsychological test battery assessing intellectual functioning, executive functioning, and PTSD symptoms. Results indicated that PTSD symptoms were negatively associated with one dimension of executive functioning after controlling for the effects of SES, intelligence, and prenatal alcohol exposure. Findings suggest that impairment in executive functioning may be a correlate of PTSD symptoms in some children.
Numerical parameter identifiability and estimability: Integrating identifiability, estimability, and optimal sampling design

We define two levels of parameters. The basic parameters are associated with the model and experiment(s). However, the observations define a set of identifiable observational parameters that are functions of the basic parameters. Starting with this formulation, we show that an implicit function approach provides a common basis for examining local identifiability and estimability and gives a lead-in to the problem of optimal sampling design. A least squares approach based on a large but finite set of observations generated at initial parameter estimates then gives a uniform approach to local identifiability, estimability, and the generation of an optimal sampling schedule.
An ultrastructural study on ventricular encapsulation reactions in Biomphalaria glabrata exposed to irradiated echinostome parasites.

Abstract Jeong K. H. , Lie K. J. and Heyneman D. 1984. An ultrastructural study on ventricular encapsulation reactions in Biomphalaria glabrata exposed to irradiated echinostome parasites. International Journal for Parasitology 14 : 127–133. Encapsulation reactions around sporocysts of Echinostoma lindoense and E. paraensei have been studied in the ventricle of Biomphalaria glabrata using ultrastructural procedures. Amebocytes and ameboblasts migrate from the amebocyte-producing organ to the ventricle and there surround irradiated echinostome larvae. Specialized junction sites were found that linked amebocytes in the three phases of capsule formation, migratory, flattening and phagocytic. Active engulfing of portions of the tegument by amebocytes was followed by phagocytosis of parasite internal cells and formation in amebocytes of residual bodies of indigestible material. Regression of encapsulation reactions in the ventricle was frequently associated with formation of sear tissue. Comparisons made between types of encapsulation reactions observed around echinostomes and schistosomes in B. glabrata reveal differences in speed of response, number of cells involved and size of amebocyte pseudopodia.
Geoscience: Fossil raindrops and ancient air

An analysis of fossil imprints of ancient raindrops suggests that the density of the atmosphere 2.7 billion years ago was much the same as that today. This result casts fresh light on a long-standing palaeoclimate paradox. See Letter p.359 About 2.7 billion years ago, towards the end of the Archaean period, a rain shower left its mark on ash deposits from a volcanic eruption in what is now the South African veldt. As the ash hardened to form tuff rock, the crater-like imprints of the individual raindrops were fossilized. An analysis of these imprints, aided by comparison with similar prints formed during the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull eruption in Iceland, suggests that air density during the Archaean was no more than twice modern levels. At that time, the Sun was dimmer than it is today, but the climate was warm. Most theories to explain this 'Faint Young Sun' paradox have assumed that the atmosphere was denser in the Archaean than it is now, and that the greenhouse effect was stronger, but this latest work seems to rule out higher carbon dioxide levels; nitrogen-pressure broadening remains unlikely, but possible.
Trade-Offs between Military Spending, Quality of Life and Economic Growth

To analyze the effect of military spending on the quality of life and economic growth, 101 countries are grouped by political system and economic conditions. Trade-offs between military spending and quality of life are correlated to peace, as manifested with the inception of the post-Cold War era, and tension, as featured by the Cold War period. Trade-offs between military spending and economic growth are absent for both the Cold War and post-Cold War periods, under any conditions of ethnic diversity, urbanization and population growth. Overall, regardless of the amount of defense burden countries shoulder, excessive population growth and ethnic heterogeneity were found detrimental to the quality of life and economic growth in both authoritarian and democratic countries during the time of tension or peace.
Coherent photonic processing of microwave signals using spatial light modulators

We present a novel coherrent optical signal processing approach for synthesis of programmable microwave amplitude filters over an ultra-wideband with resolution ~ 500 MHz.
High pressure insulator-metal transition in SmB6

We report the temperature and pressure dependence of the electrical resistivity and Hall constant of single crystal StuB6 for temperatures ranging from 1.2 K to room temperature, and pressures from 1 bar to 80 kbar. Our results indicate that at low pressures StuB6 is an insulator, but undergoes a sudden transition to metallic behavior at a pressure of 50 kbar.
Glass transition temperature changes of melt-blended polymer nanocomposites containing finely dispersed ZnO quantum dots

We report the linear increase in the glass transition temperature, Tg, with nanofiller weight content. ZnO quantum dots dispersed by melt-blending in a poly(methyl methacrylate) host were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis showing that the Tg of the system is described by a power law of the interparticle distance, hp, where the percolation exponent, ν, was 0.55 to 0.64. Our analysis demonstrates that the characteristic length of the polymer in PNCs is in the range of 0.41–0.90 nm. Our results suggest that polymer nanocomposites can be described by the quantitative models of polymer thin films.
Comfortable approach distance with small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This paper presents the first known human-subject study of comfortable approach distance and height for human interaction with a small unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAV), finding no conclusive difference in comfort with a sUAV approaching a human at above head height or below head height. Understanding the amount, if any, of discomfort introduced by a sUAV flying in close proximity to a human is critical for law enforcement, crowd control, entertainment, or flying personal assistants. Previous work has focused on how humans interact with each other or with unmanned ground vehicles, and the experimental methods typically rely on the human participant to consciously express distress. The approach taken was to duplicate the experimental set up in human proxemics studies, while adding psychophysiological sensing, under the hypothesis that human-robot interaction will mirror human-human interaction. The 16 participant, within-subjects experiment did not confirm this hypothesis. Instead a sUAV above height of a “tall” person in human experiments (2.13 m) did not produce statistically different heart rate variability nor cause the participant to stop the robot further away than for a sUAV at a “short” height (1.52 m). The lack of effect may be due to two possible confounds: i) duplicating prior human proxemics experiments did not capture how a sUAV would likely move or interact and ii) telling the participants that the robot could not hurt them. Despite possible confounding, the results raise the question of whether human-human psychological and physical distancing behavior transfers to human-aerial robot interactions.
Mapping the mechanome of live stem cells using a novel method to measure local strain fields in situ at the fluid-cell interface.

During mesenchymal condensation, the initial step of skeletogenesis, transduction of minute mechanical forces to the nucleus is associated with up or down-regulation of genes, ultimately resulting in formation of the skeletal template and appropriate cell lineage commitment. The summation of these biophysical cues affects the cell's shape and fate. Here, we predict and measure surface strain, in live stem cells, in response to controlled delivery of stresses, providing a platform to direct short-term structure - function relationships and long-term fate decisions. We measure local strains on stem cell surfaces using fluorescent microbeads coated with Concanavalin A. During delivery of controlled mechanical stresses, 4-Dimensional (x,y,z,t) displacements of the bound beads are measured as surface strains using confocal microscopy and image reconstruction. Similarly, micro-particle image velocimetry (μ-piv) is used to track flow fields with fluorescent microspheres. The measured flow velocity gradient is used to calculate stress imparted by fluid drag at the surface of the cell. We compare strain measured on cell surfaces with those predicted computationally using parametric estimates of the cell's elastic and shear modulus. Finally, cross-correlating stress - strain data to measures of gene transcription marking lineage commitment enables us to create stress - strain - fate maps, for live stem cells in situ. The studies show significant correlations between live stem cell stress - strain relationships and lineage commitment. The method presented here provides a novel means to probe the live stem cell's mechanome, enabling mechanistic studies of the role of mechanics in lineage commitment as it unfolds.
Polarization splitting in polariton electroluminescence from an organic semiconductor microcavity with metallic reflectors

Organic semiconductors have received considerable attention as the active medium in microcavity devices that exploit the regime of strong exciton–photon coupling. The eigenstates of these systems are microcavity polaritons, whose properties are an admixture of the uncoupled exciton and photon. Organic microcavities are particularly interesting due to their large exciton binding energy which permits the electrical excitation of polaritons at room temperature. Measurements of electroluminescence are often facilitated through the use of metallic reflectors that form the optical microcavity and also serve as device electrodes. Here, we demonstrate that such structures exhibit a significant polarization splitting under both optical and electrical excitation. The size of the polarization splitting rivals those observed in strongly coupled microcavities based on distributed Bragg reflectors having a long optical penetration depth.