cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Appalachian basin stratigraphic response to convergent‐margin structural evolution

ABSTRACT From study of Palaeozoic formations in the Appalachian foreland basin, a predictive stratigraphic model is proposed based on facies tract development during convergent‐margin structural evolution. Five major facies tracts are recognized: shallow‐water carbonates that formed during interorogenic quiescence and initial foreland subsidence; deep‐water siliciclastics that accumulated in the proximal foreland basin during early collision; syn‐collisional shallow‐water siliciclastics; syn‐collisional, channellized fluvial sandstones that aggraded in the proximal foreland; and progradational shoreline sandstones that were deposited in response to filling of the proximal foreland. Two other facies tracts that occur are organic‐rich siliciclastics (‘black shales’), which accumulated in oxygen‐deficient areas of low clastic‐sediment influx, and incised valley‐fill deposits, which formed where subsidence rate was low. Because the origin of each facies tract is dependent upon a unique combination of rate of accommodation change and rate of sediment supply, facies tract distribution is predictable from spatial and temporal patterns of subsidence and uplift associated with plate convergence. Alternating phases of thrust loading and quiescence caused fluctuations between underfilled and overfilled conditions during Palaeozoic evolution of the Appalachian basin. Along‐strike variations in stratigraphic thickness, facies tract distribution, and development of unconformities in the Appalachian basin reflect the influence of structural irregularities along the collisional margin. In distal parts of the Appalachian foreland and in areas of structural recesses, eustatic influence on stratigraphic patterns is expressed more clearly than in areas of higher subsidence rate.
Multi-Physics Pore-Network Modeling of Two-Phase Shale Matrix Flows

We construct a three-dimensional pore-network model with mixed wettability to study the two-phase flow mechanisms in dry gas producing shales. Previous pore-scale modeling studies on shale have been focused on single-phase gas flow through the nano-pores. However, at most field sites, the majority of the injected fracking fluid does not return to the surface during the flow-back period. It is believed that a large portion of the fracking fluid imbibes into the shale matrix during the fracking process, and thus two-phase flow occurs. In addition, while the inorganic shale matrix is generally water-wet, the organic material embedded within the matrix is hydrophobic. As such, the system displays spatial heterogeneity of wettability. Other important physics are also coupled in the model. Pressure-dependent gas sorption effects are included in the organic pores, with pore size reduction accounted for in those pores. Compressibility and slip flow effects of the gas phase are included throughout the pore-network, with the latter underscoring the fact that the sizes of the nano-pores are comparable to the mean free path of the methane molecule. The coupled effects of these various physical processes are studied to determine the importance of each effect. Continuum-scale properties are computed, including relative permeability curves, as a function of fraction and structure of organic regions and type and magnitude of boundary conditions.
Double heterostructure InP HBT technology for high resolution A/D converters

For high resolution analog circuits we have developed a double heterostructure bipolar transistor (DHBT) technology using InP as the collector material. Our baseline DHBTs have demonstrated current gain /spl beta/, early voltage V/sub A/, f/sub T/, and f/sub max/ of 55, 100 V, 70 GHz, and 60 GHz, respectively. We have implemented an analog cell library to build high resolution /spl Delta//spl Sigma/ modulator circuits in this technology. We have used the cell library to demonstrate a first order modulator and to verify the design of these analog cells. At a sample rate of 4 GSPS and an OSR equal to 32 (i.e., input bandwidth of 62.5 MHz) the first order modulator demonstrated an SNR of 40.3 dB. This first order modulator operates using /spl plusmn/5 V power supplies and dissipates 572 mW.
Two-phase flow and heat transfer in pin-fin enhanced micro-gaps

Thermal management of integrated circuits (IC) has emerged as one of the key challenges for continued performance enhancement of modern microprocessors. Cooling schemes utilizing two-phase, microfluidic technologies are some of the more promising modular thermal management solutions for next generation devices. In this study, the flow and heat transfer in pin-fin enhanced micro-gaps are experimentally investigated. It has been known that pin-fin structures inside micro-gaps can increase convective heat transfer coefficients in single phase flow conditions. However, two-phase microfluidic cooling is becoming an increasingly popular method in thermal control of electronics, and this cooling strategy has not been well characterized for pin-fin enhanced micro-gaps. Pin-fin, micro-gap structures studied had a pin diameter, height and pitch of 150µm, 200µm and 225µm, respectively, providing an aspect ratio of 1.33. Both the overall micro-gap width and length are 1cm. The working fluid used was R245fa. The structure contained a transparent cover which allowed for visualization of flow through the micro-gap. A high speed camera allowed for image capture and characterization of various two-phase flow regimes. The thermal performances of the heat sink were experimentally evaluated using pressure drop and temperature measurements.
Calcification of implanted vascular tissues associated with elastin in an experimental animal model.

We have previously studied the process of calcification in bioprosthetic porcine heart valves crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. Observations using light microscopy had indicated that calcification of elastic fibers occurs in implanted heart valves, in addition to calcification associated with collagen fibers. To determine the contribution of elastin to the process of calcification, small pieces of rabbit aorta were crosslinked with 0.2% glutaraldehyde, rinsed in buffer, and implanted subcutaneously in young adult male rats. Cross-linked jugular vein implants were included as controls. After an implantation period of 1 month or longer, we observed many areas of calcification in the aortic media associated with elastin and fewer such areas associated with collagen. The elastin-rich aortic tissues accumulated more calcium than venous tissues. Calcium deposits appeared similar in both allogeneic and xenogeneic implants. Calcified areas viewed under the electron microscope included intercellular nonfibrous material. Calcified areas involved predominantly the outer layers of elastic fibers. Calcific deposits included needle- like crystals of hydroxyapatite but often consisted of an amorphous flocculant material surrounded by crystals. The close spatial relationship of hydroxyapatite crystals and elastic membranes seen in this study may be relevant to the initiation of dystrophic calcification in glutaraldehyde cross-linked aortic grafts. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ROBUST CONTROL OF IDENTIFIED REDUCED-INTERVAL STATE SPACE MODEL

This paper proposes the use of an identified reducedinterval state space model for robust control design of a multivariable system with parametric uncertainty. First, an interval modeling technique is used to model a dynamic system with parametric uncertainty via an interval state space model, where each interval represents one bounded identified uncertainty parameter. The interval lengths indicate the distribution of the identified uncertainty parameters, and they can be used to determine the order of the reduced-interval state space model. This identified reduced-interval state space model is used to form the structural uncertainty for /^-synthesis for the robust control design. To verify the performance of the designed controller based on the reduced-interval model, we apply a sensitivity analysis. This sensitivity technique can also be used for model validation of the reduced-interval model. A 20bay truss structure with potential damage of various elements is used to demonstrate and verify the approach.
Antipsychotic treatment in outpatients with dementia.

Uncontrolled reports suggest that 25% to 75% of patients with behavioral disturbances of dementia respond to conventional neuroleptic drugs. Yet during the past 20 years, results from only four randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of neuroleptics in dementia have been published. These studies were conducted in hospitalized inpatients or nursing home residents.
Adaptive transmission with discrete code rates and channel state uncertainty

Without perfect channel state information at the transmitter, it is possible for adaptive transmission systems to experience information outage. In this paper, we formulate the throughput maximization with both an average power constraint and an information outage constraint. It is verified that, for the optimal transmission policy, the transmission only needs to adapt to a sufficient statistic for the channel state. For a Rayleigh fading channel with a simple training scheme, numerical results show that, with a reasonable amount of training and a small set of code rates, the adaptive transmission can achieve a performance very close to the ergodic capacity.
Using Unconstrained Tongue Motion as an Alternative Control Mechanism for Wheeled Mobility

Tongue drive system (TDS) is a tongue-operated, minimally invasive, unobtrusive, noncontact, and wireless assistive technology that infers userspsila intentions by detecting and classifying their voluntary tongue motions, and translating them to user-defined commands. We have developed customized interface circuitry between an external TDS (eTDS) prototype and a commercial powered wheelchair (PWC) as well as three control strategies to evaluate the tongue motion as an alternative control input for wheeled mobility. We tested the eTDS performance in driving PWCs on 12 able-bodied human subjects, of which 11 were novice. The results showed that all subjects could complete navigation tasks by operating the PWC using their tongue motions. Despite little prior experience, the average time using the eTDS and the tongue was only approximately three times longer than using a joystick and the fingers. Navigation time was strongly dependant on the number of issued commands, which reduced by gaining experience. Particularly, the unintended issued commands (the Midas touch problem) were rare, demonstrating the effectiveness of the tongue tracking and external magnetic field cancellation algorithms as well as the safety of the TDS for wheeled mobility.
Recovery of Lithium from Seawater by Manganese Oxide Adsorbent

Abstract Ion-sieve (microporous) type manganese oxide (HMnO) was prepared by acid treatment of lithium-introduced manganese oxide which was obtained from γ-type manganese oxide and lithium hydroxide. The HMnO showed high selectivity for lithium ions in seawater. The maximum lithium uptake by the HMnO from seawater reached 7.8 mg/g which corresponded to a lithium content of 1.7% as Li2O. The adsorbed lithium could be easily eluted with 0.01 or 0.05 M hydrochloric acid solution. The adsorptive capacity for lithium ion scarcely changed during five repetitions of the adsorption-elution cycle. The column test was carried out by using granulated HMnO which was prepared with polyacrylic hydrazide as a binder.
Intrusion detection in wireless ad hoc networks

Intrusion detection has, over the last few years, assumed paramount importance within the broad realm of network security, more so in the case of wireless ad hoc networks. These are networks that do not have an underlying infrastructure; the network topology is constantly changing. The inherently vulnerable characteristics of wireless ad hoc networks make them susceptible to attacks, and it may be too late before any counter action can take effect. Second, with so much advancement in hacking, if attackers try hard enough they will eventually succeed in infiltrating the system. This makes it important to constantly (or at least periodically) monitor what is taking place on a system and look for suspicious behavior. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs) do just that: monitor audit data, look for intrusions to the system, and initiate a proper response (e.g., email the systems administrator, start an automatic retaliation). As such, there is a need to complement traditional security mechanisms with efficient intrusion detection and response. In this article we present a survey on the work that has been done in the area of intrusion detection in mobile ad hoc networks.
NIMA-related protein kinase 1 is involved early in the ionizing radiation-induced DNA damage response.

Cellular functions of the NimA-related mammalian kinase Nek1 have not been demonstrated to date. Here we show that Nek1 is involved early in the DNA damage response induced by ionizing radiation (IR) and that Nek1 is important for cells to repair and recover from DNA damage. When primary or transformed cells are exposed to IR, Nek1 kinase activity is increased within 4 minutes, and Nek1 expression is up-regulated shortly thereafter and sustained for hours. At the same early time frame after IR that its kinase activity is highest, a portion of Nek1 redistributes in cells from cytoplasm to discrete nuclear foci at sites of DNA double-strand breaks. There it colocalizes with γ-H2AX and NFBD1/MDC1, two key proteins involved very early in the response to IR-induced DNA double-strand breaks. Finally, Nek1-deficient fibroblasts are much more sensitive to the effects of IR-induced DNA damage than otherwise identical fibroblasts expressing Nek1. These results suggest that Nek1 may function as a kinase early in the DNA damage response pathway.
Paramagnetic lanthanide complexes as PARACEST agents for medical imaging

This tutorial review examines the fundamental aspects of a new class of contrast media for MRI based upon the chemical shift saturation transfer (CEST) mechanism. Several paramagnetic versions called PARACEST agents have shown utility as responsive agents for reporting physiological or metabolic information by MRI. It is shown that basic NMR exchange theory can be used to predict how parameters such as chemical shift, bound water lifetimes, and relaxation rates can be optimized to maximize the sensitivity of PARACEST agents.
Honeycomb Wachspress finite elements for structural topology optimization

Traditionally, standard Lagrangian-type finite elements, such as linear quads and triangles, have been the elements of choice in the field of topology optimization. However, finite element meshes with these conventional elements exhibit the well-known “checkerboard” pathology in the iterative solution of topology optimization problems. A feasible alternative to eliminate such long-standing problem consists of using hexagonal (honeycomb) elements with Wachspress-type shape functions. The features of the hexagonal mesh include two-node connections (i.e. two elements are either not connected or connected by two nodes), and three edge-based symmetry lines per element. In contrast, quads can display one-node connections, which can lead to checkerboard; and only have two edge-based symmetry lines. In addition, Wachspress rational shape functions satisfy the partition of unity condition and lead to conforming finite element approximations. We explore the Wachspress-type hexagonal elements and present their implementation using three approaches for topology optimization: element-based, continuous approximation of material distribution, and minimum length-scale through projection functions. Examples are presented that demonstrate the advantages of the proposed element in achieving checkerboard-free solutions and avoiding spurious fine-scale patterns from the design optimization process.
Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry and Functional Microporous Molecular Materials

An enormous number and variety of discrete, isolable, supramolecular-coordinationchemistry-based assemblies featuring well-defined nanoscale cavities have been designed, synthesized, and characterized over the past decade. A small number of these have subsequently been used as building blocks for microporous materials and now comprise an important component of an emerging chemistry of microporous molecular materials. The extant materials typically have displayed large void volumes, high internal surface areas, and the ability to withstand the systematic removal of solvent. These and other properties (chemical tailorability, alignment of cavities to form extended channels, good processability, etc.) suggest a number of potentially very exciting applications involving selective molecular transport, sensing, or chemical transformationswith many of these now supported by proofof-concept experiments.
Muscadine grape skin extract reverts snail-mediated epithelial mesenchymal transition via superoxide species in human prostate cancer cells

Snail transcription factor can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), associated with decreased cell adhesion-associated molecules like E-cadherin, increased mesenchymal markers like vimentin, leading to increased motility, invasion and metastasis. Muscadine grape skin extract (MSKE) has been shown to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis without affecting normal prostate epithelial cells. We investigated novel molecular mechanisms by which Snail promotes EMT in prostate cancer cells via Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and whether it can be antagonized by MSKE. ARCaP and LNCaP cells overexpressing Snail were utilized to examine levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), specifically, superoxide, in vitro using Dihydroethidium (DHE) or HydroCy3 dyes. Mitosox staining was performed to determine whether the source of ROS was mitochondrial in origin. We also investigated the effect of Muscadine grape skin extract (MSKE) on EMT marker expression by western blot analysis. Migration and cell viability using MTS proliferation assay was performed following MSKE treatments. Snail overexpression in ARCaP and LNCaP cells was associated with increased concentration of mitochondrial superoxide, in vitro. Interestingly, MSKE decreased superoxide levels in ARCaP and LNCaP cells. Additionally, MSKE and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) reverted EMT as evidenced by decreased vimentin levels and re-induction of E-cadherin expression in ARCaP-Snail cells after 3 days, concomitant with reduced cell migration. MSKE also decreased Stat-3 activity in ARCaP-Snail cells. This study shows that superoxide species may play a role in Snail transcription factor-mediated EMT. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of Snail with various antioxidants such as MSKE may prove beneficial in abrogating EMT and ROS-mediated tumor progression in human prostate cancer.
Genotype, phenotype: upstairs, downstairs in the family of cardiomyopathies

I loved Upstairs, Downstairs . . . you identify with the downstairs people while vicariously enjoying the life of the upstairs people. —Alistair Cooke, Host of Masterpiece Theatre Upstairs, Downstairs was beloved by a generation of Americans who became entranced by this classic story of an upstairs Edwardian family and its downstairs household. The series chronicled the daily repartee and tangled relationships between the upstairs and downstairs contingents, a tale laced with all of the ingredients of human complexity. Despite their diverse perspectives and backgrounds, the lives at 165 Eaton Place became entwined by their core values, conserved traits, and the shared challenges of the day. In terms of human biology, Upstairs, Downstairs was a classic saga of the interplay between genes and environment. In the family of human cardiomyopathies, another complex story is unfolding, this time around the divergent backgrounds and perspectives of clinical cardiology and molecular genetics. In this cardiological version of Upstairs, Downstairs, the theme is Genotype, Phenotype, and the initial storyline revolves around the precept that the primary determinant of the clinical phenotype is the molecular genotype. The clinical viewpoint has been underpinned by noninvasive analyses that can quantitatively assess differences in chamber volume, wall thickness, hypertrophy, systolic versus diastolic dysfunction, and outflow tract obstruction, leading to three clinical subtypes: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM). The molecular viewpoint has been driven by: 1) the discovery of diverse cardiomyopathic genotypes, resulting in a detailed examination of the differential phenotypic effects of mutations in a myriad of sarcomeric and cytoskeletal genes, 2) cataloguing the effects of missense mutations by the severity of the charge change within a given disease gene, 3) evaluating differences between haploinsufficiency and missense mutations, and 4) correlating these diverse disease genotypes with differences in the severity, time of onset, and diversity of the cardiomyopathy phenotype. The theme of this early script is that there may be a specific set of molecular pathways
Reflexive Photography, Attitudes, Behavior, and CALL: ITAs Improving Spoken English Intelligibility.

Research in the field of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has frequently taken a top-down approach when investigating learners’ attitudes and behavior, often in the form of surveys, case studies, usage tracking, and experiments (Levy & Stockwell, 2006; Beatty, 2010). One perspective that has not been examined in CALL is Reflexive Photography, a method that lends itself to rigorous and focused analysis and can illuminate the participants’ experiences and perceptions in a way that the above methods cannot. In reflexive photography, participants are asked to photograph their experience of the phenomenon in question. These photographs serve as the basis for the discussion with the researcher that follows, and help to define the scope of the particular phenomenon. Together, the participants and the researcher co-produce the information regarding the phenomenon (Jenkings, Woodward & Winter, 2008). Reflexive photography has been used to explore issues of identity and experience in other fields, although in CALL, it has been underutilized. The present study identified current uses of technology among International Teaching Assistants (ITAs) taking a course to improve their spoken English intelligibility. Midway through the term, learners photographed what they deemed to be helpful and what they felt obstructed the improvement of their oral English production. They then shared seven to ten photographs in a focus group of peers. At the end of the term, the researcher interviewed the learners regarding these experiences. The photos and the interviews were coded and the researcher examined the emergent findings, using observations and electronic communication from throughout the term to triangulate and support the data. The findings revealed valuable insights through the eyes of the learners regarding what technology the learners found to be helpful and/or obstructive, both in the course as well as for their personal use, and suggestions for improvements in use of technology are given. Finally, future research directions in CALL using reflexive photography are discussed.
The sparrow and the hawk: aggressive signaling under risk of predation

Eavesdropping by predators imposes a major cost on signalers, which in turn have evolved a number of strategies to deal with this cost. These strategies however, have not been well studied in the context of aggressive signaling. Here, we report an experiment on male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) in which we experimentally increased the perceived predation risk by playing Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperi) calls or control Northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) calls in the midst of a simulated conspecific territorial intrusion and assessed the change in signaling strategies. We found that song sparrows clearly discriminated between the hawk call and the flicker call. Specifically, subjects decreased number of songs and wing wave displays (a visual signal of aggressive intent) and increased alarm calling during the hawk playback. However, the change in signaling behaviors did not persist when the simulated intruder resumed his challenge, despite the fact that the subjects were still alarmed as indicated by high rates of alarm calling. Additionally, we found no evidence for the eavesdropping avoidance hypothesis as an explanation for the low amplitude of soft song, the most reliable signal of aggression in this species. These results suggest that male song sparrows flexibly adjust their signaling effort in response to both the predation risk and the need to defend their territory against an intruder.
On the skill of balancing while riding a bicycle

Humans have ridden bicycles for over 200 years, yet there are no continuous measures of how skill differs between novice and expert. To address this knowledge gap, we measured the dynamics of human bicycle riding in 14 subjects, half of whom were skilled and half were novice. Each subject rode an instrumented bicycle on training rollers at speeds ranging from 1 to 7 m/s. Steer angle and rate, steer torque, bicycle speed, and bicycle roll angle and rate were measured and steering power calculated. A force platform beneath the roller assembly measured the net force and moment that the bicycle, rider and rollers exerted on the floor, enabling calculations of the lateral positions of the system centers of mass and pressure. Balance performance was quantified by cross-correlating the lateral positions of the centers of mass and pressure. The results show that all riders exhibited similar balance performance at the slowest speed. However at higher speeds, the skilled riders achieved superior balance performance by employing more rider lean control (quantified by cross-correlating rider lean angle and bicycle roll angle) and less steer control (quantified by cross-correlating steer rate and bicycle roll rate) than did novice riders. Skilled riders also used smaller steering control input with less variation (measured by average positive steering power and standard deviations of steer angle and rate) and less rider lean angle variation (measured by the standard deviation of the rider lean angle) independent of speed. We conclude that the reduction in balance control input by skilled riders is not due to reduced balance demands but rather to more effective use of lean control to guide the center of mass via center of pressure movements.
The impact of transaction costs on the use of mixed service delivery by local governments

When governments deliver services through mixed delivery arrangements, the sponsoring government and an implementing partner split or share service production, delivery, or management responsibilit...
Increasing blatticidal efficacy with aggregation pheromone.

Chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and propoxur were tested for repellency and efficacy against German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (L.). Repellency of each material was determined by using a relative avoidance index (RAI) and was directly proportional to concentration. Avoidance to each toxicant decreased significantly and mortality increased in choice tests when an extract of aggregation pheromone (AP) was added. Chlorpyrifos (0.25% + AP) and diazinon (0.5% + AP) produced significantly higher mortality than any toxicant alone. In field control tests in apartments infested with German cockroaches, chlorpyrifos (0.5%) and Knox-Out® (1.0%) produced over 90% reductions within 4 wk, but diazinon (0.5%) and flowable microencapsulated diazinon (Knox-Out® 2 FM) (0.5%) failed to produce significant control within 2 wk after treatment; chlorpyrifos (0.25%) produced only partial control. However, similar concentrations of each material + AP produced 78.4, 82.0, and 90.7% reductions at 2 wk, respectively.
Historical Review of Addressing the Challenges of Use of Ceramic Components in Gas Turbine Engines

Since the invention of the gas turbine engine, engineers have continuously strived to achieve higher operating temperature and improved thermal efficiency. Ceramic-based materials were considered in the 1940s and 1950s, but did not have adequate properties to survive the thermal shock and high temperature conditions. By the end of the 1960s, new materials were developed in the silicon nitride and silicon carbide families that appeared to have potential. Substantial efforts have subsequently been conducted worldwide. These efforts have identified and sought solutions for key challenges: improvement in properties of candidate materials, establishing a design and life prediction methodology, generating a material database, developing cost-effective fabrication of turbine components, dimensional and non-destructive inspection, and validation of the materials and designs in rig and engine testing. Enormous technical progress has been made, but ceramic-based turbine components still have not reached bill-of-materials status. There are still problems that must be solved. In addition, metals-based technology has not stood still. Implementation of sophisticated cast-in internal cooling passages, development of directionally solidified and later single crystal superalloy hot section components, improved alloys, and use of ceramic thermal barrier coatings have combined to allow thermal efficiency increases that exceed the 1970s goals that engineers thought could only be achieved with ceramics. As a result of these metal and design advances, the urgency for use of ceramics has decreased. Emphasis of this paper is on review of the key challenges of implementing ceramic components in gas turbine engines, progress towards solving these challenges, some challenges that still need to be resolved, and a brief review of how technology from the turbine developments has been successfully spun off to important products.© 2006 ASME
Assessing Innovations in Cloud Security

The goals of this paper are to analyze the ongoing trends in innovation related to security in cloud computing, and to identify areas for improvement. To this end, we collect all cloud security patent applications (about 512 patent applications) from the United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO) and apply data mining techniques to their titles. This allows us to identify unique keywords that these patent applications share, and to apply social network analysis to study the relationships between them. We then use cluster analysis to uncover specific focal innovation areas that correspond to the well-known confidentiality, integrity and availability (CIA) triad, thus complementing the USPTO classification of cloud security innovations. Our results reveal in particular that the area of cloud availability is under-investigated, suggesting that more innovation is needed on this front.
A cross-sectional study for health of medical radiation workers

[Objective]To identify the high risk group of medical radiation workers through analysis of health status of medical radiation workers in Anqing City,and provide evidences for developing intervention measure in future.[Methods]The general survey was adopted to investigate 686 medical radiation workers for physical examination data.occupational history,family history and medical history.[Results] The abnormal rate of electrocardiogram was 15.55%,the prevalence rate of liver disease and gallbladder disease was 19.38% and 19.38%,respectively among medical radiation workers.The detection rate of chromosome aberration or micronucleus of workers with service length of 10-19 years and 20-29 years was 9.85% and 8.74% respectively which were higher than that of workers with service length of 0-9 years(3.67%).The detection rate of chromosome aberration or micronucleus of general radiation workers was 15.69% in third class hospitals which was higher than that of general radiation workers in second class hospitals and under second class hospitals(3.76%,3.57%,respectively),the differences were significant(both P 0.01).The abnormal rate of lens of general radiation workers engaged in general radiology and radiotherapy,interventional radiology was 15.61%,13.11%,respectively which was significantly higher than that of CT workers(3.70%) in above second class hospitals.The abnormal rate of lens of general radiation workers was 23.53% in third hospitals which was higher than that of workers in second class hospitals and lower second class hospitals(13.44%,9.64% respectively),the differences were significant(P 0.05 or P 0.01).[Conclusion]The impairment on eye,cell genetic material,blood,heart and other system induced by long-term exposure of small doses of radiation increases with the extending length of service and increasing workload,with dose-response relationship.The general radiation workers engaged in general radiology and radiotherapy,interventional radiology in above second class hospitals and medical radiation workers with service length 10 years are the key group for monitoring and intervention in future.
Differential modulation of large-conductance KCa channels by PKA in pregnant and nonpregnant myometrium

Uterine excitability depends on ion channel activity, the expression of which is regulated by sexual hormones. We show now that the action of protein kinase A (PKA) on large-conductance calcium-activated K+ (KCa) channel activity also depends on the hormonal status. PKA-dependent phosphorylation of reconstituted KCa channels from midpregnant rats usually stimulated channel activity; in contrast, KCa channels from nonpregnant rat and human myometrium were primarily inhibited by this mechanism. Both effects were reversible by phosphatase treatment. These results suggest that one important factor modulating uterine contractility during pregnancy or the regular cycle may be the differential response of KCa channels toward PKA-induced phosphorylation.
Enzyme Kinetics in Femtoliter Arrays

Over the last decade, femtoliter arrays have been used as a simple and robust way to encapsulate and monitor the kinetics of single enzyme molecules. Encapsulating individual enzyme molecules within a femtoliter-sized reaction chamber does not require immobilization of the enzyme molecules or fluorescent tagging of the enzyme molecules, which offers the unique advantage of observing unmodified single enzyme molecules free in solution. Several fascinating details about enzyme kinetics have been revealed using these femtoliter arrays, which were unattainable from traditional ensemble experiments. Here, we discuss various considerations to take into account when developing single-molecule enzyme assays in femtoliter arrays and the advantages and disadvantages of various protocols.
Inhibition of p38 MAPK Promotes Hematopoietic Stem Cells Self-Renewal and Ex Vivo Expansion.

Abstract 34 Activation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) is implicated in the inhibitory effects of TNF-α, TGF-β, interferons and reactive oxygen species (ROS) on hematopoiesis and self-renewal of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Clinically, overactivated p38 MAPK contributes to the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and Fanconi anemia. Inhibition of p38 MAPK with pharmacological agents improves hematopoietic progenitors9 function in MDS. However, it has yet to be determined if p38 MAPK plays a role in regulation of normal HSC self-renewal and whether inhibition of p38 MAPK can improve HSC ex vivo expansion. In the present study, we found that sorted mouse bone marrow HSCs (Lin− Sca1+ c-kit+ cells or LSK+ cells) exhibited specific activation of p38 MAPK after seven days culture in serum-free medium supplemented with stem cell growth factors (SCF, Tpo and Flt3 ligand). The activation of p38 MAPK was associated with rapid differentiation of HSCs and induction of cellular senescence. Addition of SB203580 (SB, a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor) to the culture abrogated the activation of p38 MAPK, inhibited the induction of cellular senescence and increased the expression of several HSC self-renewing genes (such as CXCR4, HoxB4 and Gfi1). Moreover, HSCs cultured with SB resulted in a significantly greater HSC expansion than HSCs cultured without SB as assessed by flow cytometry and cobblestone area-forming cell (CAFC) assay. Finally, competitive repopulation assays revealed that HSCs expanded with SB produced a dramatic increase in donor-derived engraftments after transplantation to irradiated recipients. These findings suggest that p38 MAPK plays an important role in the regulation of HSC self-renewal and its inhibitors (e.g. SB203580) may be clinically useful in the ex vivo expansion of HSCs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Communication: Interaction of BrO radical with the surface of water

Solvation of a BrO radical in a slab of water is investigated using adaptive buffered force quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) dynamics simulations. The simulation results show that the BrO radical exhibits preference towards the water surface with respect to the interior region of the water slab, despite BrO's high affinity to water. Another important finding is the weakening of (BrO)Br⋯O(water) interaction at the water surface due to competitive interactions between (BrO)Br⋯O(water) and (water)H⋯O(water). As such, the BrO-water slab interaction is dominated by (BrO)O⋯H(water) interaction, contrary to that in the gas phase, suggesting that the reactive site for the BrO radical at the air/water surface is more likely the Br site. The conclusion from this study can offer deeper insight into the reactivity of the BrO radical at the air/water interface, with regard to atmospheric implications.
Boiling Experiment Facility (Bxf) Fluid Toxicity Technical Interchange Meeting (Tim) with the Payload Safety Review Panel (Psrp)

A Technical Interchange meeting was held between the payload developers for the Boiling eXperiment Facility (BXF) and the NASA Safety Review Panel concerning operational anomaly that resulted in overheating one of the fluid heaters, shorted a 24VDC power supply and generated Perfluoroisobutylene (PFiB) from Perfluorohexane.
IT planning success: a comparison between manufacturing and services

Information technology (IT) planning is a major topic of interest to IT management as well as researchers. Improved IT planning can provide a higher level of organisational performance, and can potentially enhance the organisation's ability to serve the present and future needs of its customers. IT planning can be improved when management recognises the factors that influence IT planning success. Research in IT planning has demonstrated that various organisational context variables influence IT planning success. Using data collected through a survey of ninety–two companies, this study identifies those factors that affect IT planning success in the manufacturing and service industries. These companies represent two diverse industrial spectrums: production vs. customer and capital vs. personnel/inventory orientations. The results showed different factors were significant in manufacturing and service industries.
Sensitive and Selective NO2 Sensing Based on Alkyl- and Alkylthio-Thiophene Polymer Conductance and Conductance Ratio Changes from Differential Chemical Doping

NO2-responsive polymer-based organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) are described, and room-temperature detection with high sensitivity entirely from the semiconductor was achieved. Two thiophene polymers, poly(bisdodecylquaterthiophene) and poly(bisdodecylthioquaterthiophene) (PQT12 and PQTS12, respectively), were used as active layers to detect a concentration at least as low as 1 ppm of NO2. The proportional on-current change of OFETs using these polymers reached over 400% for PQTS12, which is among the highest sensitivities reported for a NO2-responsive device based on an organic semiconducting film. From measurements of cyclic voltammetry and the electronic characteristics, we found that the introduction of sulfurs into the side chains induces traps in films of the PQTS12 and also decreases domain sizes, both of which could contribute to the higher sensitivity of PQTS12 to NO2 gas compared with PQT12. The ratio of responses of PQTS12 and PQT12 is higher for exposures to lower concentrations, making...
Low Dose Gemcitabine plus TH1 Dendritic Cell Vaccination Mediates Durable Cure of Orthotopic KrasG12D/p53−/− Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma via the Generation of Atypical CD3+CD8+NK1.1+ T-cells

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer related death in the United States with a five-year overall survival of only 7%. To explore the potential of immune-based treatment approaches to PDAC, we treated orthotopically-established K-ras G12D /p53 −/− PDAC tumors with 40 mg/kg gemcitabine and a cell-based therapeutic vaccine previously shown to generate robust and durable cell-mediated (T H 1) immunity. The results indicated that the combination of chemotherapy and a T H 1 dendritic cell (DC) vaccine was effective in eliminating tumor, preventing metastasis and recurrence, and significantly enhancing OS. No animal that received the combination therapy relapsed, while 80% of mice that received gemcitabine-only relapsed and progressed. Analysis of circulating PBMC demonstrated that mice receiving the combination therapy exhibited significantly elevated levels of IFN-γ + CCR7 + CD8 + T-cells with significantly reduced levels of exhausted GITR + CD8 + T-cells after the cessation of treatment. Retro-orbital tumor re-challenge of surviving animals at six months after treatment demonstrated durable antitumor immunity only among mice that had received the combination therapy. CD8 + splenocytes derived from surviving mice that had received the combination therapy were sorted into NK1.1 pos and NK1.1 neg populations and adoptively transferred into naive recipients. Transfer of only 1,500 CD8 + NK1.1 pos T-cells was sufficient to mediate tumor rejection whereas transfer of 1,500 CD8 + NK1.1 neg T-cells imparted only minimal effects. The data suggest that addition of a T H 1 DC vaccine regimen as an adjuvant to existing therapies can mediate eradication of tumors and offer durable protection against PDAC.
Legitimacy in bioethics: challenging the orthodoxy

Several prominent writers including Norman Daniels, James Sabin, Amy Gutmann, Dennis Thompson and Leonard Fleck advance a view of legitimacy according to which, roughly, policies are legitimate if and only if they result from democratic deliberation, which employs only public reasons that are publicised to stakeholders. Yet, the process described by this view contrasts with the actual processes involved in creating the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and in attempting to pass the Health Securities Act (HSA). Since the ACA seems to be legitimate, as the HSA would have been had it passed, there seem to be counterexamples to this view. In this essay, I clarify the concept of legitimacy as employed in bioethics discourse. I then use that clarification to develop these examples into a criticism of the orthodox view-that it implies that legitimacy requires counterintuitively large sacrifices of justice in cases where important advancement of healthcare rights depends on violations of publicity. Finally, I reply to three responses to this challenge: (1) that some revision to the orthodox view salvages its core commitments, (2) that its views of publicity and substantive considerations do not have the implications that I claim and (3) that arguments for it are strong enough to support even counterintuitive results. My arguments suggest a greater role for substantive considerations than the orthodox view allows.
Fusing acoustic and optical sensing for needle tracking with ultrasound

Needles are used in many surgical procedures such as drug delivery or needle biopsies. One of the key challenges when using needles in these interventions is the placement of the needle. Placement of the needle at the goal position will ensure proper execution of the surgical plan as well as avoid possible complications. This work explores tracking a needle with a piezoelectric sensor embedded at its tip with an ultrasound transducer and a mono-camera. While each of the ultrasound transducer and the monocamera sensors are insufficient on their own, one can uniquely locate the position of the piezoelectric sensor by combining these two sources of sensor information together. The information from each sensor can be processed to determine a geometrical locus on which the piezoelectric sensor must lie. By spatially combining the geometrical loci from the two sensors using an ultrasound calibration process, one can uniquely determine the location of the piezoelectric sensor. An experiment in a water tank was conducted with the computed results compared to ground truth cartesian stage data. An in-plane accuracy measure resulted in errors of 0.63mm and 0.18mm. The relative accuracy measure had a minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation of 0.02mm, 2.15mm, 0.61mm, and 0.61mm respectively. Future work will focus on demonstrating this method in more realistic ex vivo scenarios and explore whether our listed assumptions hold.
Association of Comorbidities With Adverse Outcomes After Enterostomy Closure in Premature Neonates.

This study uses the 2012-2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program–Pediatric database to examine the safety of enterostomy closure in premature neonates weighing less than 2 kg and identify risk factors for adverse outcomes.
Working with the Mouse Mammary End Bud

Terminal end buds (TEB) are bulbous, rapidly growing structures responsible for formation of mammary ducts during puberty. Regulation of TEB branching, turning, and extent of growth creates the characteristic pattern of the mammary tree. In this chapter we describe two methods of isolating the TEB, one by simple dissection and the other by enzymatic digestion. A procedure is proposed for the isolation of cap cells, the basal layer of the TEB that differentiates into myoepithelium and which may contribute to other mammary stem cell populations.
Head and Neck Embryology and Anatomy

In the first section of this chapter, a brief account of the embryogenesis of the human head and neck is presented. The discussions are focused on the formation of the branchial apparatus and their derivatives and development of the tongue, thyroid gland, palate, and face. In the second section, a concise survey of the anatomy of the head and neck is provided with an attempt to simplify the description of this complex anatomical region. The region is discussed under two subsections, the “Hard Tissue Framework” and the “Soft Tissue Envelope” to describe the skeletal anatomy and the connective tissues, nerves, and vascular anatomy of the region. Some important clinical considerations in plastic and reconstructive surgery are highlighted.
Advantages of Laboratory Accreditation

Laboratory accreditation provides advantages both to laboratories and users or potential users of laboratory services. Laboratories benefit by receiving national and international recognition of their competence and qualifications, by using the evaluation process as a quality assurance feature (for example, an independent audit), and by saving both time and money through the possible elimination of multiple audits from many potential clients. Users of laboratory services benefit by having an independent objective means to select a laboratory for the required services, an easy way to provide specifications for laboratory services, and a savings in both time and money by not having to perform extensive evaluations on their own. These advantages are realized only when a highly credible laboratory accreditation system is providing the service.