cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Daily trends and source apportionment of ultrafine particulate mass (PM0.1) over an annual cycle in a typical California city.

Toxicology studies indicate that inhalation of ultrafine particles (Dp < 0.1 μm) causes adverse health effects, presumably due to their large surface area-to-volume ratio that can drive heterogeneous reactions. Epidemiological associations between ultrafine particles and health effects, however, have been difficult to identify due to the lack of appropriate long-term monitoring and exposure data. The majority of the existing ultrafine particle epidemiology studies are based on exposure to particle number, although an independent analysis suggests that ultrafine particle mass (PM0.1) correlates better with particle surface area. More information is needed to characterize PM0.1 exposure to fully evaluate the health effects of ultrafine particles using epidemiology. The present study summarizes 1 year of daily PM0.1 chemistry and source apportionment at Sacramento, CA, USA. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to resolve PM0.1 source contributions from old-technology diesel engines, residential wood ...
Simultaneous Turbulence Compensation of Multiple Orbital-Angular-Momentum 100-Gbit/s Data Channels using a Gaussian Probe Beam for Wavefront Sensing

The simultaneous compensation of multiple orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes propagating through turbulent channel is experimentally demonstrated by using a Gaussian probe beam for wavefront sensing. The experimental results indicate that the turbulence-induced crosstalk and power penalty could be efficiently mitigated by ~12.5 dB and ~11 dB respectively.
No-Fly Lists as Firearms Disqualifiers

No-fly lists are part of the post-9/11 national security infrastructure. Gun control advocates argue that they should be used to disqualify persons from possessing or receiving firearms. This paper examines both the constitutional and practical difficulties with such laws.
Thoroughly Sound and Searching Training

Walter S. Goodnough (1852–1919) remembered walking to the Massachusetts Normal Art School (MNAS) in Pemberton Square on opening morning with the director. Goodnough had some previous art training, including classes at Bridgewater State Normal School, and decided to specialize in visual art. As soon as he heard about Smith, Goodnough went to him, attending Smith’s first Summer Art School for Teachers of Drawing. Although Goodnough completed only one credential from the normal art school, Certificate A in 1874, he was recognized at the first ceremony awarding certificates in June 1876.
The changing microbial landscape of Western society: Diet, dwellings and discordance

Background The last 50–100 years has been marked by a sharp rise in so-called “Western-diseases” in those countries that have experienced major industrial advances and shifts towards urbanized living. These diseases include obesity, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, and food allergies in which chronic dysregulation of metabolic and/or immune processes appear to be involved, and are likely a byproduct of new environmental influences on our ancient genome. What we now appreciate is that this genome consists of both human and co-evolved microbial genes of the trillions of microbes residing in our body. Together, host–microbe interactions may be determined by the changing diets and behaviors of the Western lifestyle, influencing the etiopathogenesis of “new-age” diseases.
A qualitative study of Southern U.S. consumers' top of the mind beliefs about the safety of local beef.

Abstract Following the Reasoned Action Approach, the aim of this study was to explore consumers' top-of-mind food safety beliefs about local beef. Beef consumers recruited from farmers' markets (N = 101) and grocery stores (N = 174) across the state of Alabama participated in face-to-face intercept surveys. The survey included closed- and open-ended questions designed to elicit consumers' food safety beliefs about local beef. Results indicate that beef safety was not a top-of-mind concern for a majority of participants, however of the total number of participants familiar with the term “local beef” (n = 168, 61%), a majority (n = 105, 63%) associated local beef with improved food safety. Content analysis of verbatim text revealed that consumers believed local beef was safer because they possess greater knowledge about the product and less shipping was involved. Respondents also believe that locally processed meat is derived from small-scale operations which provided the assurance that local beef is more likely to meet U.S. regulatory standards and therefore be safer. Consumers believe they have more oversight of local beef due to both their relationships with supply chain actors and proximity which also provided food safety assurances.
Intracranial vessel wall imaging for evaluation of steno-occlusive diseases and intracranial aneurysms

Cerebrovascular diseases have traditionally been classified, diagnosed and managed based on their luminal characteristics. However, over the past several years, several advancements in MRI techniques have ushered in high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI), enabling evaluation of intracranial vessel wall pathology. These advancements now allow us to differentiate diseases which have a common angiographic appearance but vastly different natural histories (i.e. moyamoya versus atherosclerosis, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome versus vasculitis, stable versus unstable intracranial aneurysms). In this review, we detail the anatomical, histopathological and imaging characteristics of various intracranial steno-occlusive diseases and types of intracranial aneurysms and describe the role that HR-VWI can play in diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment.
A Dynamic Optimization Approach to Probabilistic Process Design Under Uncertainty

The process industry is moving toward rigorous flowsheet design optimization with modern algorithms. Optimization results are, however, influenced by uncertainty in the parameters of the mathematical models used in the optimization calculation. Parametric uncertainty is typically addressed using scenario-based approaches, whereby the process is optimized for a predetermined, finite set of scenarios representing the statistical properties of the parameters. This paper presents a novel approach for process design under uncertainty. The framework exploits the semi-infinite nature of sequential dynamic optimization, and is based on representing the uncertain parameters as continuous, time-varying disturbance variables acting on a (static) process model over a pseudo-time domain. The parameter uncertainty space is mapped by intersecting, continuous parameter trajectories instead of a limited set of discrete scenarios. We test the proposed strategy on two case studies: a dimethyl ether plant and the Williams-Ot...
The Boogie Verification Debugger (Tool Paper)

The Boogie Verification Debugger (BVD) is a tool that lets users explore the potential program errors reported by a deductive program verifier. The user interface is like that of a dynamic debugger, but the debugging happens statically without executing the program. BVD integrates with the program-verification engine Boogie. Just as Boogie supports multiple language front-ends, BVD can work with those front-ends through a plug-in architecture. BVD plugins have been implemented for two state-of-the-art verifiers, VCC and Dafny.
Chapter 2 The builders of chromatography — Major chromatography awards and the award winners

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the contributions of several Nobel laureates in the advancement of chromatography techniques. The chapter puts together the international and national award winners in a chronological order from 13 professional societies and associations for 1900-2000. A number of national and international awards honor scientists active in the field of chromatography. The two principal chromatography awards are the National Award in Chromatography of the American Chemical Society and the A.J.E Martin Award of the (British) Chromatographic Society. A further major award is the National Award in Separations Science and Technology of the American Chemical Society. The organizers of the International Symposia on Advances in Chromatography instituted the M.S. Tswett Chromatography Award to honor scientists who significantly contributed to the advancement of chromatography.
Outcomes for Gestational Carriers Versus Traditional Surrogates in the United States.

Abstract Background: Little is known about the obstetric and procedural outcomes of traditional surrogates and gestational carriers. Materials and Methods: Participants included 222 women living in the United States who completed a brief online survey between November 2015 and February 2016. Differences between gestational carriers (n = 204) and traditional surrogates (n = 18) in demographic characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, and procedural outcomes were examined using chi-squared tests, Fisher's exact tests, and t-tests. Results: Out of 248 eligible respondents, 222 surveys were complete, for a response rate of 89.5%. Overall, obstetric outcomes were similar among gestational carriers and traditional surrogates. Traditional surrogates were more likely than gestational carriers to have a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised score of 16 or higher (37.5% vs. 4.0%). Gestational carriers reported higher mean compensation ($27,162.80 vs. $17,070.07) and were more likely to travel over 40...
Abstract P4-04-08: Therapeutic strategy for ERα mutation driven-endocrine resistance in ER-positive breast cancers

Background: Although estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers are treated with endocrine therapy, 25% of these patients are at risk of relapse and the development of acquired endocrine resistance. Recently mutations in the ER gene (ESR1) have been identified which induce resistance to endocrine therapy. The most frequent ESR1 mutation, Y537S, promotes ligand-independent ER activity. It is known that ER regulates the cell cycle in a ligand-dependent manner. In this study, we examined the effects of the Y537S ESR1 mutation on cell cycle signaling and therapeutic response to checkpoint inhibitor. Material andMethods: MCF-7 cells expressing the Y537S ESR1 mutation were generated by CRISPR-Cas9 knock-in techniques. Cells were incubated in phenol red minus medium containing 5% charcoal-dextran treated serum for 5 days to remove exogenous hormones. Cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by Flow cytometry and Annexin-V assays. Proliferation was analyzed by BrdU incorporation. Cell senescence was determined using beta-galactosidase assays. Cell cycle checkpoint kinases were examined by western blot analysis. Cell growth was analyzed using soft agar or MTT assays. Results: Levels of p53 and apoptosis pathway proteins were significantly elevated in Y537S ESR1 mutant cells using RNA expression and reverse-phase protein microarrays. The ATM/ATR and Chk1/Chk2 mediated checkpoint signaling, the upstream pathway of p53, was activated in ESR1 Y537S mutation, which was repressed with fulvestrant treatment. ESR1 Y537 mutant cells accumulated about 5 fold in S phase and 1.7 fold in G2/M phase compared to control cells in estrogen deprived (ED) condition. BrdU incorporation was also increased about 2.5 fold compared with parental cells in estrogen-free medium. In addition, ESR1 Y537 mutant cells expressed a DNA double-strand break marker, gamma-H2AX protein in ED condition. Apoptosis and senescence were observed in ESR1 Y537S mutant cells in regular medium, however, apoptosis was not shown in ED medium. Chk1 inhibitor, PF477736 sensitized MCF-7 expressing ESR1 Y537S mutation to endocrine treatments such as fulvestrant, tamoxifen and AZD9496. Conclusion: Combination therapy with cell cycle checkpoint kinase inhibitor may lead better prognosis in ER mutation driven-endocrine resistance in postmenopausal breast cancers. Citation Format: Kim J-A, Fuqua SAW. Therapeutic strategy for ERα mutation driven-endocrine resistance in ER-positive breast cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-04-08.
Influence of warm-mix asphalt technology and rejuvenator on performance of asphalt mixtures containing 50% reclaimed asphalt pavement

Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technology and rejuvenator are widely used nowadays because of numerous environmental and economic benefits. This study evaluated the effects of warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technology and rejuvenator on the rutting resistance, cracking resistance, and moisture susceptibility of three types of asphalt mixtures. The three types of asphalt mixtures were (a) an asphalt mixture with 50% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), (b) an asphalt mixture with 50% RAP and rejuvenator, (c) a warm mixture containing 50% RAP. The WMA mixtures were plant-produced with a foaming technology commonly used in the United States. Laboratory performance tests included the Superpave indirect tension (IDT) test, tensile strength ratio (TSR) test, asphalt pavement analyzer (APA) rutting test, Hamburg Wheel-tracking test (HWT) and semi-circular bending (SCB) test. Research shows that the rejuvenator could improve the moisture and cracking resistance, but increase the rutting potentials and decrease the indirect tensile strength. In contrast with the mixture with 50% RAP, WMA technology showed promising results in the rutting resistance and moisture susceptibility. Besides, adoption of WMA technology was more cost-effective.
Time-Dependent Statistical Mechanics

We now turn to the statistical mechanics of systems not in equilibrium. The first few sections are devoted to special cases, which will be used to build up experience with the questions one can reasonably ask and the kinds of answer one may expect. A general formalism will follow, with applications.
Determination of Conformationally Dependent Point Charges for Potential of Mean Force Simulations

We present a method to calculate the charge redistribution that occurs during ionophore potential of mean force (PMF) calculations. A new charge distribution is calculated at the beginning of each simulation that is used to assemble the PMF energy profile. This charge distribution reflects the environment of the ionophore (i.e. the proximity of the ion and solvent). and we have tested this method on the association of K+ with 18-crown-6 in methanol. The charges of the oxygens that bind the ion become more positive as the ion is discharged from the complex. We have compared the PMF profile obtained from this method to two PMF profiles obtained using fixed charge models.
Extended Echelon Form and Four Subspaces

Associated with any matrix, there are four fundamental subspaces: the column space, row space, (right) null space, and left null space. We describe a single computation that makes readily apparent ...
O OUTONO DA ESCRITA: As últimas páginas de Machado de Assis e a promessa não cumprida do Brasil

RESUMO Trata-se de investigar como a lentidao e a indefinicao, na narrativa tardia de Machado de Assis, podem funcionar como uma critica profunda as promessas nao cumpridas da Republica brasileira.
Snacking characteristics and patterns and their associations with diet quality and BMI in the Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment Research Consortium.

OBJECTIVE To describe snacking characteristics and patterns in children and examine associations with diet quality and BMI. DESIGN Children's weight and height were measured. Participants/adult proxies completed multiple 24 h dietary recalls. Snack occasions were self-identified. Snack patterns were derived for each sample using exploratory factor analysis. Associations of snacking characteristics and patterns with Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) score and BMI were examined using multivariable linear regression models. SETTING Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment Research (COPTR) Consortium, USA: NET-Works, GROW, GOALS and IMPACT studies. PARTICIPANTS Predominantly low-income, racial/ethnic minorities: NET-Works (n 534, 2-4-year-olds); GROW (n 610, 3-5-year-olds); GOALS (n 241, 7-11-year-olds); IMPACT (n 360, 10-13-year-olds). RESULTS Two snack patterns were derived for three studies: a meal-like pattern and a beverage pattern. The IMPACT study had a similar meal-like pattern and a dairy/grains pattern. A positive association was observed between meal-like pattern adherence and HEI-2010 score (P for trend < 0⋅01) and snack occasion frequency and HEI-2010 score (β coefficient (95 % CI): NET-Works, 0⋅14 (0⋅04, 0⋅23); GROW, 0⋅12 (0⋅02, 0⋅21)) among younger children. A preference for snacking while using a screen was inversely associated with HEI-2010 score in all studies except IMPACT (β coefficient (95 % CI): NET-Works, -3⋅15 (-5⋅37, -0⋅92); GROW, -2⋅44 (-4⋅27, -0⋅61); GOALS, -5⋅80 (-8⋅74, -2⋅86)). Associations with BMI were almost all null. CONCLUSIONS Meal-like and beverage patterns described most children's snack intake, although patterns for non-Hispanic Blacks or adolescents may differ. Diets of 2-5-year-olds may benefit from frequent meal-like pattern snack consumption and diets of all children may benefit from decreasing screen use during eating occasions.
Abstract TP438: Nanoparticulate Matter Exposure Mediates White Matter Changes in a Murine Model

Background: Clinical and epidemiologic studies suggest a relationship between long-term nano-particulate matter (nPM) exposure and white matter injury1. Accumulating laboratory evidence suggests th...
On the effects of leaflet microstructure and constitutive model on the closing behavior of the mitral valve

Recent long-term studies showed an unsatisfactory recurrence rate of severe mitral regurgitation 3–5 years after surgical repair, suggesting that excessive tissue stresses and the resulting strain-induced tissue failure are potential etiological factors controlling the success of surgical repair for treating mitral valve (MV) diseases. We hypothesized that restoring normal MV tissue stresses in MV repair techniques would ultimately lead to improved repair durability through the restoration of MV normal homeostatic state. Therefore, we developed a micro- and macro- anatomically accurate MV finite element model by incorporating actual fiber microstructural architecture and a realistic structure-based constitutive model. We investigated MV closing behaviors, with extensive in vitro data used for validating the proposed model. Comparative and parametric studies were conducted to identify essential model fidelity and information for achieving desirable accuracy. More importantly, for the first time, the interrelationship between the local fiber ensemble behavior and the organ-level MV closing behavior was investigated using a computational simulation. These novel results indicated not only the appropriate parameter ranges, but also the importance of the microstructural tuning (i.e., straightening and re-orientation) of the collagen/elastin fiber networks at the macroscopic tissue level for facilitating the proper coaptation and natural functioning of the MV apparatus under physiological loading at the organ level. The proposed computational model would serve as a logical first step toward our long-term modeling goal—facilitating simulation-guided design of optimal surgical repair strategies for treating diseased MVs with significantly enhanced durability.
Regenerative Adaptation to Electrochemical Perturbation in Planaria: A Molecular Analysis of Physiological Plasticity.

Summary Anatomical homeostasis results from dynamic interactions between gene expression, physiology, and the external environment. Owing to its complexity, this cellular and organism-level phenotypic plasticity is still poorly understood. We establish planarian regeneration as a model for acquired tolerance to environments that alter endogenous physiology. Exposure to barium chloride (BaCl2) results in a rapid degeneration of anterior tissue in Dugesia japonica. Remarkably, continued exposure to fresh solution of BaCl2 results in regeneration of heads that are insensitive to BaCl2. RNA-seq revealed transcriptional changes in BaCl2-adapted heads that suggests a model of adaptation to excitotoxicity. Loss-of-function experiments confirmed several predictions: blockage of chloride and calcium channels allowed heads to survive initial BaCl2 exposure, inducing adaptation without prior exposure, whereas blockade of TRPM channels reversed adaptation. Such highly adaptive plasticity may represent an attractive target for biomedical strategies in a wide range of applications beyond its immediate relevance to excitotoxicity preconditioning.
Impact of Social Distancing Measures on COVID-19 Healthcare Demand in Central Texas

A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide. In the absence of effective antiviral drugs and vaccines, well-targeted social distancing measures are essential for mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing strain on local health systems, and preventing mortality. Here, we provide a quantitative assessment of the efficacy of social distancing to slow COVID-19 transmission and reduce hospital surge, depending on the timing and extent of the measures imposed for a metropolitan region and its health care systems. We built a granular mathematical model of COVID-19 transmission that incorporated age-specific and risk-stratified heterogeneity, estimates for the transmission, and severity of COVID-19 using current best evidence. We performed thousands of stochastic simulations of COVID-19 transmission in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Area to project the impact of school closures coupled with social distancing measures that were estimated to reduce non-household contacts by 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 90%. We compare early versus late implementation and estimate the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU patients, ventilator needs and deaths through mid-August, 2020. We queried local emergency services and hospital systems to estimate total hospital bed, ICU, and ventilator capacity for the region. We expected COVID-19 hospital beds and ICU requirements would surpass local capacity by mid-May if no intervention was taken. Assuming a four-day epidemic doubling time, school closures alone would be expected to reduce peak hospitalizations by only 18% and cumulative deaths by less than 3%. Immediate social distancing measures that reduced non-household contacts by over 75%, such as stay-at-home orders and closing of non-essential businesses, would be required to ensure that COVID-19 cases do not overwhelm local hospital surge capacity. Peak ICU bed demand prior to mid August 2020 would be expected to be reduced from 2,121 (95% CI: 2,018-2,208) with no intervention to 698 (95% CI: 204-1,100) with 75% social distancing and 136 (95% CI: 38-308) with 90% social distancing; current ICU bed capacity was estimated at 680. A two-week delay in implementation of such measures is projected to accelerate a local ICU bed shortage by four weeks. School closures alone hardly impact the epidemic curve. Immediate social distancing measures that reduce non-household contacts by over 75% were required to ensure that COVID-19 cases do not overwhelm local hospital surge capacity. These findings helped inform the Stay Home-Work Safe order enacted by the city of Austin, Texas on March 24, 2020 as a means of mitigating the emerging COVID-19 epidemic.
Evaluating escarpment evolution and bedrock erosion rates in the western Guadalupe Mountains, West Texas and New Mexico

Abstract The Guadalupe Mountains tower above surrounding plains and basins in western Texas and southeast New Mexico. Although this mountain range is extensively studied for the Permian stratigraphy related to the petroleum reservoirs in the adjacent Delaware Basin, little is known about the geomorphic history. The western escarpment, in particular, rises abruptly from the Salt Basin to the west of the range, and Guadalupe Peak rises ~1600 m above the surrounding landscape. This study investigates how geologic processes create and maintain the steep profile of the escarpment on the western boundary of the Guadalupe Mountain Range. In-situ produced cosmogenic nuclides were used to quantify erosion rates across the steep western front of the range to assess how tectonic, climatic, and lithologic forces influence the escarpment profile. Erosion rates range from 1 to 73 m/Myr. Faster erosion rates in the southern area of the escarpment coincide with more frequently mapped faults, higher elevations at the top of the Rim, and locations with colder temperatures and higher precipitation. Topographic profiles across the western escarpment surfaces indicate greater retreat from the original positions of fault surfaces at the north end of the mountain range. Faster erosion rates in the mountain range are linked to greater uplift and more recent activity in the southern end of the Guadalupe Mountains.
Closing the Loop: Addressing Diversity in a COAMFTE-Accredited MFT Education Program

Diversity and inclusion have become key phrases within Marriage and Family Therapy education programs, particularly those accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, as there are standards related to these concepts. However, consistent guidelines regarding how to infuse diversity and inclusion into Marriage and Family Therapy education are lacking. The current article provides an outline of one Marriage and Family Therapy education program’s preliminary efforts to ‘closing the loop’ on the instruction and evaluation of diversity and inclusion with the program. The closing the loop process involved six steps 1) explore the MFT literature and relevant organizations, 2) collect data from key practice oriented stakeholders using qualitative and quantitative measures, 3) review current procedures and brainstorm, 4) consult with key knowledge oriented stakeholders, 5) develop and implement a comprehensive and thorough assessment and evaluation plan, and 6) aggregate and evaluate data to engage in modification to the assessment plan as warranted. This paper has two goals. The first goal is that this paper will serve as an example for other programs who are struggling to infuse or demonstrate the infusion of diversity and inclusion within their programs. The second goal is to reflect on lessons learned from this program’s quality improvement process.
Precipitation in proton- and ion-irradiated Alloy 625 Plus

Abstract Alloy 625 Plus is a commercial Ni-based alloy proposed as a candidate structural material for use in nuclear reactors. To clarify its microstructural evolution under relevant irradiation service conditions, we performed long term thermal aging, as well as proton and ion irradiations at ~300 and 400°C. While cascade mixing dominates during ion irradiation, diffusional processes allow the γ″, γ′, Ni3Si, and Pt2Mo-type ordered phases to form under proton irradiation. Moreover, comparison between solution treated and aged samples revealed steady state nanoscale patterning of the γ″ and γ′ phases and the dependence of the formation of the Pt2Mo-type phase on the precipitation of γ″.
Prenatal metal exposure, cord blood DNA methylation and persistence in childhood: epigenome-wide association study of twelve metals

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Associations between prenatal metal exposure and birth and child health outcomes, including fetal growth and neurodevelopment, may be mediated by changes in DNA methylation (DNA...
Metabolic Adaptation of Macrophages as Mechanism of Defense against Crystalline Silica

Silicosis is a lethal pneumoconiosis for which no therapy is available. Silicosis is a global threat, and more than 2.2 million people per year are exposed to silica in the United States. The initial response to silica is mediated by innate immunity. Phagocytosis of silica particles by macrophages is followed by recruitment of mitochondria to phagosomes, generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and cytokine (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-β) release. In contrast with LPS, the metabolic remodeling of silica-exposed macrophages is unclear. This study contrasts mitochondrial and metabolic alterations induced by LPS and silica on macrophages and correlates them with macrophage viability and cytokine production, which are central to the pathogenesis of silicosis. Using high-resolution respirometer and liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry, we determined the effects of silica and LPS on mitochondrial respiration and determined changes in central carbon metabolism of murine macrophage cell lines RAW 264.7 and IC-21. We show that silica induces metabolic reprogramming of macrophages. Silica, as well as LPS, enhances glucose uptake and increases aerobic glycolysis in macrophages. In contrast with LPS, silica affects mitochondria respiration, reducing complex I and enhancing complex II activity, to sustain cell viability. These mitochondrial alterations are associated in silica, but not in LPS-exposed macrophages, with reductions of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, including succinate, itaconate, glutamate, and glutamine. Furthermore, in contrast with LPS, these silica-induced metabolic adaptations do not correlate with IL-1β or TNF-α production, but with the suppressed release of IFN-β. Our data highlight the importance of complex II activity and tricarboxylic acid cycle remodeling to macrophage survival and cytokine-mediated inflammation in silicosis.
Identifying effective retention strategies for front-line nurses.

BACKGROUND Nurse retention is a significant issue worldwide, with many nurses planning to leave the profession. Therefore, it is crucial that healthcare organisations and senior leaders identify effective strategies for retaining their employees, who are their most valuable assets. AIM To explore strategies to reduce the voluntary turnover of front-line nurses from the perspective of senior healthcare leaders. METHOD This study used a case study design and a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six senior leaders in one US hospital and documents from the organisation's website were reviewed to gain information on the retention strategies used. FINDINGS Three themes were identified from the data: job satisfaction, financial compensation and effective communication. Retention strategies used by the senior leaders included a points competition to support recognition of nurses' work, a stoplight strategy and reports, sign-on bonuses, preceptor incentives, tuition reimbursements, staff shout-out boards and stay interviews. CONCLUSION Effective communication, respect, competitive financial compensation, benefits and proper recognition are among the main strategies that senior leaders can use to retain nurses. Shared governance is also important in empowering nurses and subsequently improving retention.
Chapter 15. Antineoplastic Agents

Publisher Summary This chapter examines various aspects of antineoplastic agents. Successful chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer requires the existence of an exploitable metabolic difference between the offending neoplastic cells and all cells, essential to the integrity of the organism, that are to be exposed to the therapeutic agent. 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosurea, (BCNU), (I) attracted investigative interest because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and because it was highly effective against L-1210 leukemia implanted intracerebrally in mice. The possibility that selective cytotoxicity may be obtained by structural modifications of alkylating agents continues to attract investigative interest. Some reports give affirmation of the clinical utility of L -phenylalanine mustard, (melphalan) (V) in multiple myeloma, and record the activity of tryptophane mustard (VI) in the same disorder. The activity of 1-β- D -arabinofuranosyl cytidine (ara-C or CA) against leukemia in man led to synthesize various nucleotides of CA and dinucleoside phosphates of the type CApX and XpCA where X represents a second nucleoside. Mouse leukemia cells resistant to ara-C were also resistant to its phosphorylated derivatives.
Maintaining Integrity Constraints and Security in real-Time Database Systems

Many real-time database systems are contained in environments that exhibit restricted access to information, such as government agencies, hospitals and military institutions, where mandatory access control for security is required. In addition to such security constraints, real-time database systems have real-time integrity constraints. These real-time constraints require deadlines to be met and data to be temporally consistent. Conventional multi-level secure database models are inadequate for time-critical applications and conventional real-time database models do not support security constraints. We propose a new concurrency control algorithm for secure real-time databases. We implement the algorithm and study the performance using a real-time database system simulation model. Results show that the algorithm performs fairly well in terms of security and timeliness compared to the non-secure algorithm. We argue and show that achieving more security does not necessarily mean a great deal of sacrifice in maintaining real-time constraints.
Formats and Languages of Knowledge: Models of Links for Learning Processes

In this paper we will examine if communicability is a structural constraint on our information representation, acquisition and processing. In particular, first of all we will examine the description of the different formats of knowledge: declarative, propositional, procedural knowledge, narrative thinking, mental imagery. We will then consider the possible links between language and thought and especially between formats of knowledge, languages and the multimodal message. As a matter of fact the relationship between language and thought can be described by two events: a referential and a communicative one. Through the referential event the information we experience (perceptual, psychological, cultural) is organized into knowledge (knowledge of words, images, procedures); the communicative event requires the declension into languages through a medium, generating the multimodal message.
Flow Visualization in Compressible Turbulent Shear Layers

Cross-sectional Rayleigh scatter images have been obtained from a two-dimensional, compressible turbulent shear layer with isentropic convective Mach num bers M c1 (i) ranging from 0.09 to 0.92. With both streams being subsonic, the same two-dimensional large-scale Brown-Roshko structures have been found as in Schlieren pictures. With a supersonic high speed stream, but at still low M c1 (i) these structures disappear from the Schlieren pictures but remain visible in the Rayleigh scatter images. At higher compressibility levels smaller structures form a very irregular interface between the two streams in the Rayleigh scatter images. No strong shocks have been found inside the shear layer. The probability density function of the Rayleigh scatter intensity for the low compressibility case shows a dominating peak representing the mixed fluid in the vortex. In the high compressibility case a broader distribution corresponding to smaller flow areas with different, but within the area constant intensity, was found.
The Vanx Hiele Model of Geometric Understanding and Mathematically Talented Students

Mathematically talented students typically begin the traditional precalculus sequence by completing Algebra I in seventh grade or earlier. Consequently, they enroll in geometry early based on their...
Interrogation of inhibitor of nuclear factor κB α/nuclear factor κB (IκBα/NF-κB) negative feedback loop dynamics: from single cells to live animals in vivo.

Full understanding of the biological significance of negative feedback processes requires interrogation at multiple scales as follows: in single cells, cell populations, and live animals in vivo. The transcriptionally coupled IκBα/NF-κB negative feedback loop, a pivotal regulatory node of innate immunity and inflammation, represents a model system for multiscalar reporters. Using a κB5→IκBα-FLuc bioluminescent reporter, we rigorously evaluated the dynamics of ΙκBα degradation and subsequent NF-κB transcriptional activity in response to diverse modes of TNFα stimulation. Modulating TNFα concentration or pulse duration yielded complex, reproducible, and differential ΙκBα dynamics in both cell populations and live single cells. Tremendous heterogeneity in the transcriptional amplitudes of individual responding cells was observed, which was greater than the heterogeneity in the transcriptional kinetics of responsive cells. Furthermore, administration of various TNFα doses in vivo generated ΙκBα dynamic profiles in the liver resembling those observed in single cells and populations of cells stimulated with TNFα pulses. This suggested that dose modulation of circulating TNFα was perceived by hepatocytes in vivo as pulses of increasing duration. Thus, a robust bioluminescent reporter strategy enabled rigorous quantitation of NF-κB/ΙκBα dynamics in both live single cells and cell populations and furthermore, revealed reproducible behaviors that informed interpretation of in vivo studies.
Moral Reasoning Skills: Are Entrepreneurs Different?

Drawing on existing theory in the fields of business ethics, entrepreneurship, and psychology, this research provides an initial empirical exploration of whether entrepreneurs use cognitive reasoning processes which reflect a higher level of moral development than the level of moral development that has been empirically observed either in middle-level managers or in the general adult population. The Defining Issues Test was used to measure the level of moral reasoning skill of the entrepreneurs in this study. Although the study was limited by a small sample size and the inherent difficulty of making accurate comparisons across other empirical studies, the results of this study suggest that entrepreneurs may exhibit moral reasoning skills at a slightly higher level than middle-level managers or the general adult population.
Adsorption of water-soluble polymers on high surface area solids.: I. Factors affecting external and interlayer adsorption in carbohydrate polymers

Abstract The adsorption of a series of water-soluble carbohydrate polymers on peptized montmorillonite is examined. The investigations emphasize the adsorption characteristics of guaran and cellulose ethers. The ether units consisted of methoxyl and carboxymethyl units and chaining adducts, oxyethylene and oxypropylene, of variable length. The guaran and cellulose ethers varied in molar substitution (M.S.) of adduct per pyranose unit and in the sequence lengths of the unsubstituted pyranose units. Nonionic carbohydrate polymers that were not derivatized with pendant ether linkages adsorbed in proportion to their conformational rigidity. The derivatized carbohydrate polymers containing nonionic ether linkages adsorb in amounts greater than anticipated. The amounts of the segmentally rigid ether derivatives adsorbed on peptized montmorillonite were in proportion to their M.S.; the greater adsorptions were related to an ether—cation interaction. The ion—dipole interaction results in polymer entrapment in the interlayer when the interlayer cation is sodium, ammonium or potassium. It is not observed when the interlayer cation is a constant hexahydrate coordinated calcium ion.
The Ideological Origins of the British Empire: Introduction: state and empire in British history

… the word, empire, conveys an idea of a vast territory, composed of various people; whereas that of kingdom, implies, one more bounded; and intimates the unity of that nation, of which it is formed. By the second quarter of the eighteenth century, the British Empire comprehended the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, the islands of the Caribbean and the British mainland colonies of North America. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guarded by a common religion and by the Royal Navy. The gentle, but powerful influence of laws and manners had gradually cemented the union of the provinces. Their free, white inhabitants enjoyed and produced the advantages of wealth and luxury. The image of a free constitution was preserved with a decent reverence. The Hanoverian kings appeared to possess the sovereign authority, and devolved on their parliaments all the executive powers of government. During a crucial period of almost fourscore years (1688–1760), the public administration was conducted by a succession of Whig politicians. It is the design of this, and of the succeeding chapters, to describe the ideological origins of their empire, though not to deduce the most important circumstances of its decline and fall: the American Revolution, which dismembered the British Atlantic Empire, lies beyond the immediate scope of this book. The history of the rise, decline and fall of the British Empire has most often been told as the story of an empire whose foundations lay in India during the second half of the eighteenth century.
EVOLUTION AND POPULATION ECOLOGY OF PARASITE–HOST SYSTEMS

The ecology and evolution of the parasite (Nasonia vitripennis Walker) and host (Musca domestica L.) were investigated in a specially designed multicelled population cage which provided ample space–time structure to the environment for free parasite–host interactions. The population characteristics exhibited by a control or newly associated parasite–host system were compared with an experimental parasite–host system which already had evolved a degree of ecological homeostasis. Population fluctuations in the experimental parasite population were dampened compared with the control parasite population which fluctuated with great intensity; and in addition, the mean number of parasites in the experimental systems was significantly lower (about 1/4) than the mean number of parasites in the control system.
Somatosensory evoked potentials: variability analysis in unilateral hemispheric disease.

Abstract A new method to study SEP using signal-to-noise estimate was applied to 35 patients (age 3 days–81 years, mean 12.1 years) with unilateral supratentorial cerebral lesions. The patients were grouped according to severity of deficits: minimal, mild, moderate and severe. Based on the observation that the SEPs were much more variable over the diseased hemisphere, we proposed the following hypothesis: normal neurons when stimulated generate a series of wave forms which are stable and reproducible. These are seen as stable and ‘clean’ scalp EPs. Diseased neurons on the other hand are malfunctioning and may tend to depolarize erratically. This can be seen as variable, ‘noisy’ and poorly reproducible EPs. To test this hypothesis, we measured the degree of variability of the SEPs on both the normal and affected sides, using the technique of Wong and Bickford (1980). Overall, 30 of the 36 SEPs (83%) had a greater variability on the diseased side. The prediction accuracy was greatest with the severely affected cases and least in the minimally affected cases. There are minor suggestions that the variability parameter may be useful for long-term follow-up. Clearly, if used with care, the amount of ‘noise’ in an EP can be a useful parameter.
Dynamics of 1,3-Diphenylpropane Tethered to the Interior Pore Surfaces of MCM-41

The diffusive motions of covalently tethered 1, 3 diphenylpropane (DPP) via a silyl-aryl-ether linkage in the mesopores of MCM-41 were studied by quasielastic neutron scattering. The geometric effect of pore radius was investigated with samples having pores that ranged from 1.6 to 3.0 nm in diameter and highest achievable DPP grafting density. The effect of molecular crowding was investigated in 3.0 nm diameter pores for surface coverage ranging from 0.60 to 1.61 DPP/nm2. Temperature dependence was determined for large pore diameter samples from 240 K to 370 K. As the DPP molecules remain attached over this entire temperature range, data were analyzed in terms of a model of localized diffusion inside a sphere. Only the motions of the DPP hydrogen atoms were considered because of the high sensitivity of neutron scattering to the presence of hydrogen. As atoms far from the attachment point have a greater range of motion than those nearer the tether, the radius of the sphere limiting the motion of individual hydrogen atoms was allowed to increase based on the atom s distance from the tether point. Both smaller pore diameters and higher DPP surface coverage resulted in larger amplitude motion while the diffusion coefficient was greatestmore » in the largest pores at highest surface coverage. These observations support a model where the DPP molecules prefer an orientation allowing close proximity to the MCM-41 pore surface and are forced into the pore interior by either the steric effect of small pore diameter or by increased competition for surface area at high molecule surface coverage.« less
Epidermal-dermal tissue interactions between mutant and normal embryonic back skin: site of mutant gene activity determining abnormal feathering is in the epidermis.

The site of the scaleless gene's activity in the development of abnormal feathers was determined by reciprocally recombining epidermis and dermis between normal and scaleless chick embryos and culturing the recombinants for seven days on the chorioallantoic membrane. When recombined with a common dermal source, feather development is enhanced by scaleless high line as compared to scaleless low line epidermis. Against a common responding tissue, 7-day normal back epidermis, significant differences were not found in feature inducing ability between normal, scaleless high line and scaleless low line dermis. It was concluded that, in relation to abnormal feathering, these tissue interaction reveal that the site of the scaleless gene's activity is the epidermis. A model of tissue interactions in the development of normal and abnormal feathers is presented. According to the model, the focus of the scaleless mutation and the genes accumulated by selection for high or low feather numbers is the epidermis, the effect being that the reactivity of the epidermis to dermal stimuli is altered, Subsequently, the epidermis controls the morphogenetic organization of the dermis. The scaleless dermis is presumed to contain normal positional information for the determination of feather structure and pattern.
Cholinergic influences on wall climbing and its ontogenetic decline.

Wall climbing is an age-specific behavior that is robustly elicited in rat pups during the 2nd postnatal week, but not thereafter, by a variety of stimuli including footshock and treatment with catecholamine agonists such as clonidine. This series of experiments examined the influence of the cholinergic antagonist scopolamine on footshock-and clonidine-induced wall climbing and its ontogenetic decline in infant to adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Scopolamine was observed to partially reinstate clonidine- and footshock-precipitated wall climbing following the ontogenetic decline in this behavior pattern after the 2nd postnatal week, effects that did not appear to be related to drug-induced alterations in general activity levels or to alterations in body temperature. In contrast, wall climbing induced by both stimuli during the 2nd postnatal week was conversely reduced by scopolamine, data consistent with a number of previous reports that anticholinergic agents may produce “paradoxical” responses early in development opposite to those observed later in ontogeny. These results provide evidence that the dramatic ontogenetic decline in wall climbing may be related in part to the maturation of cholinergic subsystems with an inhibitory influence on this behavior pattern. However, the only partial reinstatement of wall climbing by cholinergic blockade suggests that the ontogenetic decline of this behavior pattern may also be related to the development of other inhibitory systems or to the emergence of competing responses elicited by formerly effective wall climbing stimuli as the organism matures.