cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three Important Taylor Series for Introductory Physics

Taylor expansions of the exponential exp(x), natural logarithm ln(1+x), and binomial series (1+x) n are derived to low order without using calculus. It is particularly simple to develop and graph the expansions to linear power in x. An example is presented of the application of the first-order binomial expansion to finding the electrostatic potential at large distances from an electric dipole. With a little extra work, the second-order expansions can be obtained starting from the familiar kinematics expression for the motion of a particle accelerating in one dimension, which instructively ties the mathematical development to physics concepts already presented in introductory courses.
Crowding: a cortical constraint on object recognition

The external world is mapped retinotopically onto the primary visual cortex (V1). We show here that objects in the world, unless they are very dissimilar, can be recognized only if they are sufficiently separated in visual cortex: specifically, in V1, at least 6 mm apart in the radial direction (increasing eccentricity) or 1 mm apart in the circumferential direction (equal eccentricity). Objects closer together than this critical spacing are perceived as an unidentifiable jumble. This is called ‘crowding’. It severely limits visual processing, including speed of reading and searching. The conclusion about visual cortex rests on three findings. First, psychophysically, the necessary ‘critical’ spacing, in the visual field, is proportional to (roughly half) the eccentricity of the objects. Second, the critical spacing is independent of the size and kind of object. Third, anatomically, the representation of the visual field on the cortical surface is such that the position in V1 (and several other areas) is the logarithm of eccentricity in the visual field. Furthermore, we show that much of this can be accounted for by supposing that each ‘combining field’, defined by the critical spacing measurements, is implemented by a fixed number of cortical neurons. Symbols a area (mm 2 ) of cortex occupied by the set of neurons that implement one combining field A area (in mm 2 ) of cortex available b Bouma’s proportionality constant for Eqn (1) . “Roughly 0.5” [ 1 •• ] d position (in mm) on the cortical surface Δ d critical spacing (in mm) on the cortical surface N number of combining fields implemented by an area A of cortex o overlap factor. The number of combining fields that include any given point in the visual field α , β correspond to the Larsson and Heeger parameters a and b in Figure 5 of [ 2 • ] η anisotropy of crowding, the ratio of radial to circumferential critical spacing. About 2 [ 3 • ] φ eccentricity (in °) in the visual field [ 1 •• ] Δ φ critical spacing (in °) at the visual field
Sources and Consequences of Athletic Burnout Among College Athletes

It has been shown that it takes 10 years or 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to develop one’s talent in any field, including athletics (Ericsson, 1996). Given the amount of time, sacrifice, and effort needed to become an expert athlete, it is not surprising that researchers have been interested in examining burnout in competitive athletes (see: Cresswell & Eklund, 2006; Goodger, Gorely, Lavalle, & Harwood, 2007; Gould & Dieffenbach, 2002, for detailed reviews). While burnout has been defined in several ways, it can generally be viewed as a physical, social, and emotional withdrawal from a formerly enjoyable activity as a result of chronic stress and motivation concerns that is typically characterized by feelings of emotional exhaustion, reduced accomplishment, and depersonalization/devaluation. In this review, research and theories on burnout in athletes are examined for the purposes of identifying sources of and consequences of burnout in collegiate athletes. Future research directions are identified ...
Examination of the Physical Characteristics in a Diverse Group of Dwarf White Leghorn Pullets Before and After First Oviposition

Abstract The purpose of the present experiment was to measure changes in physical variables with sexual maturity (SM), the oviposition of first egg, in sex-linked dwarf pullets when SM was delayed by the photoschedule. Offspring were produced from matings of dwarf Single Comb White Leghorn chickens divergently selected for high (H) or low (L) 20-wk BW. At 15 wk of age, pullets from half-sibling sets were randomly assigned to a diet either of low energy (LE: 2,500 kcal/kg of ME, 15% CP) or high energy (HE: 3,000kcal/kg of ME, 15% CP) and were placed in cages. When a pullet reached SM, the mature (M) pullet and an immature (I, absence of oviposition), half-sibling pullet on the same diet were sampled for BW as well as for the weights of abdominal fat, liver, ovary, oviduct, whole egg (M pullets), yolk, and shell and for the number of rapidly developing follicles. Proximate measurements (wet weight) were made for defeathered carcasses and livers as well as for ovaries and oviducts. There were significant (P≤.01) line effects for BW at SM (H>L); age at SM (L>H); weights for the liver, abdominal fat, egg, albumen, shell (H>L), and yolk (L>H); number of developing follicles (H>L); percentage of carcass protein (L>H) and of fat (H>L); as well as for liver protein (L>H), fat (H>L), and ash (L>H). There were significant (P LE) and shell weight (LE>HE). There was a line-by-diet interaction for total feed intake and for total energy intake from 15 wk to oviposition of the first egg. There were significant (P I) for BW at SM, number of developing follicles, oviduct weight, and fat content of the reproductive organs; also, reproductive organ weights accounted for differences in BW at SM. There was an interaction for line by maturity state; the L pullets showed a greater increase in ovarian weight with oviposition of the first egg than did the H pullets. The results of this study indicated that the threshold requirements for BW, composition, or both, for SM may have been exceeded in Leghorn-type chickens when photoscheduling was used to delay the onset of SM.
Modelling of reversible domain wall motion under the action of magnetic field and localized defects

A simple physical model of the action of point defects on a domain wall bowing in the low field region is presented. A relationship between initial permeability and defect density is derived. Experimental results on the relation between initial permeability and carbon content in spheroidized iron carbon specimens are presented and the results are discussed in connection with this model. >
An integrated approach for electrical performance analysis of multichip modules

The authors describe an integrated approach to evaluate the electrical performance of multichip modules. A software system consisting of modeling and simulation tools to extract geometry from a placement and routing system, compute electrical parasiticsm, and create equivalent circuit files to perform circuit simulations has been developed. This tool was used in designing an i486 microprocessor-based multichip module. Typical results from the analysis are presented. >
Impact of inappropriate drug use on health services utilization among representative older community-dwelling residents

Abstract Background: There is limited objective information regarding the impact of drugs identified as inappropriate by drug utilization review (DUR) or the Beers drugs-to-avoid criteria on health service use. Objective: The goal of this study was to examine the predictive validity of DUR and the Beers criteria employed to define inappropriate drug use in representative community residents, aged ≥68 years, as determined by the relationship of these criteria to health service use in older community residents. Methods: Data came from participants in the Duke University Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly seen in 1989/1990 and for whom information was also available 3 years later. Two sets of inappropriate drug use criteria were examined: (1) DUR regarding dosage, duration, duplication, and drug-drug and drug-disease interactions; and (2) the Beers criteria, applied to drug use reported in an inhome interview. Outpatient visits and nursing-home entry were determined by personal report; hospitalization information came from Medicare Part A files from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Results: A total of 3165 participants were available at the fourth interview in 1989/1990. The majority were aged >74 years (51.1%), white (64.8%), women (64.7%), had fair or poor health (77.0%), consistently saw the same physician (86.9%), and possessed supplemental health insurance (62.8%). Use of inappropriate drugs meeting DUR criteria, especially for drug-drug or drug-disease interaction problems, was associated with increased outpatient visits (P Conclusions: Our data suggest that in representative community residents aged >68 years, current criteria for inappropriate drug use should be used with caution in evaluating quality of care because they have minimal impact on use of health services. We found increases only in the use of outpatient services (with DUR) and more rapid use of hospitalization (with the Beers criteria).
Regulation of Ferritin Levels in Cultured Lens Epithelial Cells

In most eukaryotic cells, synthesis of the iron storage protein, ferritin is regulated by iron levels and redox conditions. Proper iron storage is important to protect against damaging iron-catalysed free radical reactions. Although iron-catalysed reactions are believed to contribute to oxidative damage and cataractogenesis, little is known about iron storage in the lens. In this study, ferritin concentration was measured in cultured canine lens epithelial cells. Baseline ferritin concentration ranged from 76-163 ng (mg protein)-1; cells cultured in low-iron media had significantly lower ferritin levels than cells cultured in iron-supplemented media. Addition of a large excess of iron as hemin resulted in an eight-fold increase in ferritin concentration. The iron chelator, Desferal, significantly decreased ferritin concentration. The reducing agent dithiothreitol decreased the hemin-induced increase in ferritin levels, but not baseline levels. In contrast, ascorbic acid induced a large increase in ferritin content. Other studies have shown that induction of ferritin synthesis can protect against oxidative damage. Regulation of ferritin levels may represent a mechanism by which the lens epithelium is protected from oxidative damage. In vivo, epithelial cells are normally exposed to much lower iron concentrations than the cultured lens epithelial cells in this study. However, in pathological circumstances, the iron content and redox state of the aqueous humor is dramatically altered and may affect the steady state levels of ferritin within the lens. This remains to be determined.
Relationship social comparison tendencies, insecurity, and perceived relationship quality

Three studies examine associations between relationship social comparison (RSC) tendencies, insecurity, and perceived relationship quality. Study 1 (68 females, 9 males) showed that RSC was associated with self-esteem, anxious and avoidant attachment styles, and relationship insecurity. RSC associations with anxious attachment and insecurity, but not avoidant attachment, held when controlling for self-esteem. Study 2 (322 females, 95 males) showed that RSC was associated with intimacy, satisfaction, investment, commitment, and relationship alternatives. RSC associations held when controlling for general comparison tendencies for all except investment. Study 3 (61 females, 11 males) showed that RSC was associated with changes in relationship insecurity and satisfaction over time, and that insecurity mediated the relationship between RSC and satisfaction.
Effect of Length Scales on Microstructure Evolution During Severe Shear Deformation

Effect of length scales on microstructure evolution during Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) was studied using orthogonal machining as a test of microstructure response. Machining was performed on Ni-200 in the plane strain configuration inside the chamber of a scanning electron microscope. Mechanics of material flow in the deformation zone was characterized in-situ using Digital Image Correlation. Post-mortem Orientation Image Mapping was performed using Electron Back Scattered Diffraction on partially detached chip specimens. Length scales were varied by setting depths of cut between 10-1 μm. It was found that with shrinking length scales, the continuous evolution of microstructure induced by SPD is replaced by abrupt but sporadic refinement mechanisms. By machining pre-strained samples, it was seen that this switchover is further instigated by initial defect concentrations.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Self-Image/Product-Image Congruity and Advertising Strategy

This article discusses the state-of-the-art of self-concept literature in consumer/market behavior, introduces an integrated self-concept model to the advertising practitioners, and shows how this model can enhance the formulation of advertising strategic effectiveness.
A finite element study on the influence of residual stress profiles on sliding contact of precision machined components

Precision machining may induce very different residual stress profiles. However, the effects of machining induced residual stresses on component performance in sliding contact have received little attention. This study develops a two dimensional finite element simulation model of sliding contact to study the effects of the distinct residual stress profiles induced by hard turning and grinding on sliding contact. A parametric simulation study based on the design-of-experiment method was also performed to assess the influence the sliding parameters of the applied load, speed, and friction of coefficient on sliding contact mechanics. The results have shown that the initial residual stress profiles have great influence on the normal stress in sliding direction, but have little effects on other stress components. Sliding relaxes initial residual stress and shifts the maximum subsurface stress to the top surface. The normal strains are slightly influenced by the residual stress, while the shear strain is hardly affected. Compared with friction of coefficient and sliding speed, the applied load has the greatest influence on contact stresses and strains. The increasing load shifts peak normal stress in sliding direction and von Mises stress from the subsurface to surface. The peak Hertz pressure, shear stress and von Mises stress increase nonlinearly with the applied load.© 2006 ASME
New and interesting species of Lactarius from California

Three new species, Lactarius cocosiolens, L. manzanitae, and L. riparius, and the new variety, L. scrobiculatus var. montanus, are described from northern California. In addition, 14 species of Lactarius are reported for the first time from California, along with their habitats and distribution. Knowledge ofthe genus Lactarius in North America has resulted largely from the work of a small number of mycologists. Peck (1907) described L. rufulus and L. xanthogalactus from California collections made by Patterson and Nohara. Burlingham (1913), who published extensively on North American species of Lactarius (1908, 1910), spent several seasons collecting in Washington, Oregon, and California before publishing on the Lactariae ofthe Pacific coast. Coker (1918) published a major paper on the species of Lactarius found in North Carolina as did Kauffman (1918) for Michigan and Murrill (1938, 1942, 1943, 1948) for Florida. Hesler's and Smith's early studies (1960a, b, 1962) of Lactarius were the most comprehensive for the genus in North America prior to the publication of their monograph in 1979; the classification scheme presented by them has been followed throughout this study. The majority ofthe fieldwork for this study was completed during the autumns
Pulmonary endothelial thiazine uptake : separation of cell surface reduction from intracellular reoxidation

The objective of this study was to further evaluate the hypothesis that the accumulation of thiazine dyes, such as methylene blue, by cultured bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells involves reduction on the cell surface, followed by diffusion of the lipophilic reduced form of the dye into the cells and intracellular reoxidation to the relatively membrane-impermeant hydrophilic form. The specific question addressed was whether inhibition of methylene blue uptake by cyanide and azide is via inhibition of extracellular reduction or inhibition of intracellular reoxidation. We used the cell membrane-impermeant ferricyanide ion as a secondary electron acceptor to measure the extracellular reduction of methylene blue independently from its uptake by the cells. In addition, toluidine blue O, incorporated into an acrylamide polymer so that it could not permeate the cells in either its reduced or oxidized forms, was used to examine the effects of cyanide and azide on the extracellular reduction. Microscopic observations of the effect of the inhibitors on the intracellular accumulation of methylene blue were also made. The results indicate that the reduction and intracellular sequestration are separate processes and that, in doses that inhibited intracellular reoxidation, and therefore uptake and sequestration, neither cyanide nor azide had an inhibitory effect on extracellular reduction. The intracellular distribution of the observable oxidized form of the dye was consistent with oxidation of the reduced dye within subcellular organelles. The demonstration that extracellular reduction and intracellular sequestration are separate events is consistent with the hypothesized sequence of events.
Gender and Source Credibility: An Exploratory Perspective

Credibility’s role in persuasion has prompted a wealth of research that spans many disciplines and includes a variety of factors that may impinge on credibility. Credibility has been described as the doorway to persuasion. In the field of communication, credibility is a substantive part of persuasion research. Since marketing is largely concerned with persuasive appeals, source credibility should be of significant interest to academicians and practitioners in this area as well. Surprisingly, very little marketing research has been directed toward understanding this component of a persuasive communication, and much of what has been studied about source credibility and marketing has relied on unsupported truisms (Tybout 1978). As a topic of interest to researchers in marketing, communications, consumer behavior, and social psychology, it would seem that some definitive conclusions could be researched regarding the nature of source credibility. This paper looks at one area of credibility that has been largely ignored, gender’s possible effect on source credibility.
A New Method for Watt-hour Meter Calibration

The paper analyzes the shortcomings of the current master meter method for watt-hour meter calibration.Introducing a new calibration method——sample and calculate separation method,it describes the working principle and implementation process of the new method,also introduces that,with the new method,how to calculate the metering error of a calibrated meter using the sampled field parameters,and indicates the technical features and advantages of the new method,when compared with the master meter method.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: Systematic review of clinical characteristics and therapeutic approaches

Objective To highlight the current understanding of the epidemiology, clinicopathological characteristics, and management of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder, as it accounts for 2–5% of bladder tumours, with a focus on non-bilharzial-associated SCC (NB-SCC). The standard treatment for bladder SCC remains radical cystectomy (RC). We present an updated clinical profile of bladder SCC and a review of NB-SCC therapeutic approaches, including RC, neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
EBI2 expression in B lymphocytes is controlled by the Epstein-Barr virus transcription factor, BRRF1 (Na), during viral infection

Epstein–Barr virus-induced gene 2 (EBI2) is an important chemotactic receptor that is involved in proper B-cell T-cell interactions. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been shown to upregulate this gene upon infection of cell lines, but the timing and mechanism of this upregulation, as well as its importance to EBV infection, remain unknown. This work investigated EBV’s manipulation of EBI2 expression of primary naive B cells. EBV infection induces EBI2 expression resulting in elevated levels of EBI2 after 24 h until 7 days post-infection, followed by a dramatic decline (P=0.027). Increased EBI2 expression was not found in non-specifically stimulated B cells or when irradiated virus was used. The EBV lytic gene BRRF1 exhibited a similar expression pattern to EBI2 (R2 =0.4622). BRRF1-deficient EBV could not induce EBI2. However, B cells transduced with BRRF1 showed elevated expression of EBI2 (P=0.042), a result that was not seen with transduction of a different EBV lytic transfection factor, BRLF1. Based on these results, we conclude that EBI2 expression is directly influenced by EBV infection and that BRRF1 is necessary and sufficient for EBI2 upregulation during infection.
Preparation, characterization, and in vitro dosimetry of dispersed, engineered nanomaterials

Evidence continues to grow of the importance of in vitro and in vivo dosimetry in the hazard assessment and ranking of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). Accurate dose metrics are particularly important for in vitro cellular screening to assess the potential health risks or bioactivity of ENMs. To ensure meaningful and reproducible quantification of in vitro dose, with consistent measurement and reporting between laboratories, it is necessary to adopt standardized and integrated methodologies for (i) generation of stable ENM suspensions in cell culture media; (ii) colloidal characterization of suspended ENMs, particularly of properties that determine particle kinetics in an in vitro system (size distribution and formed agglomerate effective density); and (iii) robust numerical fate and transport modeling for accurate determination of the ENM dose delivered to cells over the course of the in vitro exposure. Here we present an integrated comprehensive protocol based on such a methodology for in vitro dosimetry, including detailed standardized procedures for each of these three critical aims. The entire protocol requires ∼6-12 h to complete.
The effect of breast density on FDG uptake and its change over time in normal breast tissue

1633 Objectives: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether there is relationship between FDG uptake and the breast density and its change over time in the normal glandular breast tissue. Methods: A total of 160 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer underwent dual time point FDG-PET scan, MRI, mammography and ultrasonography for preoperative staging. The protocol for this prospective research required structural and PET examination of the normal, contra-lateral breast in addition to the diseased side. The mean times from the administration of FGD (5.2 Mbq / kg of body weight) to the first and the second scans were 63 minutes (range: 45-114) and 105 minutes (range: 80-158), respectively. The maximal and average standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVavg) of FDG was measured from the region of interest which was placed in the contra-lateral normal glandular breast tissue at two time points by two nuclear medicine physicians independently. The percent change between SUVmax and SUVavg between time points 1 and 2 (Δ%SUV) was calculated. Patients were divided into 2 groups for breast density according to the BI-RADS criteria; grade 1 or 2 breast density (non-dense) and grade 3 or 4 mammographic density (dense breast). The results of SUV measurements were compared between 2 groups. Results: We selected 110 patients (age: 53.2 ±10.0 years; range 33-80) who appeared to have normal have contra-lateral breast in the final analysis of the data generated. Seventy-four patients had dense and 36 had non-dense breasts on mammography. The calculated SUVmax1 and SUV max2, SUVavg1 and SUVavg2, and Δ%SUV for both groups were shown in the table below. The SUVmax and SUVavg results between the 2 groups are statistically significant but the change over time was not. No inter-observer variability was noted between the results by the two physicians. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the density of the breast is an important factor and affects the FDG uptake in breast tissue in PET studies. The change of FDG uptake does not depend on the density of the breast. Also, the degree of uptake is relatively low and based on past experience it does not adversely affect the sensitivity of the technique in assessing malignant disorder. Also, imaging at a later point after the initial scan improves the contrast between the lesion and the background.
The Effects of Harvest Regime, Irrigation, and Salinity on Stem Lignocellulosic Concentrations in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Abstract Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a potential candidate for cellulosic ethanol production due to its high biomass, perennial-habit, relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and other co-products. We examined the effects of harvest regime, irrigation, and salinity on stem lignocellulose concentrations in alfalfa during the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons in Southern Minnesota. Stem cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin concentrations, and theoretical ethanol yields were examined in eight alfalfa cultivars with full-bud and 50%-flower harvest regimes, irrigation, and salinity as applied treatments. Plants received weekly applications of (1) 1.27 cm of well water (“fresh water;” 0.75 dS m−1), (2) 1.27 cm of saline water (NaCl; “brackish water”; 5.0 dS m−1) or (3) ambient precipitation (“rainfed”). Holocellulose concentrations reached the highest values during the full bud (2010) and 50% flower (2011) harvest regimes with concentrations averaging 45%. Theoretical ethanol yields were generally higher for the 50%-flower harvest regime, suggesting the longer growth period increased holocellulose concentrations while not being hindered by more lignin in older stems. Alfalfa growing under brackish-water treatments had 1.3–6.1% more holocellulose than those receiving irrigation or ambient precipitation over two growing seasons. Lignin concentrations across all treatments were almost 23% lower during the second growing season. Interestingly, plants growing under brackish-water treatments had higher holocellulose to lignin ratios and higher theoretical ethanol yields during both field seasons suggesting that moderate levels of salt may stimulate holocellulose concentrations.
Weak convergence of a sequence of queueing and storage processes to a singular diffusion

Abstract : It has been known for a long time that heavy traffic limit theorems in queueing theory are but a special case of the so-called diffusion approximation in Physics and Genetics. Take for example Kingman's (1962) heavy traffic approximation for the stationary waiting time distribution for a sequence of GI/GI/1 queues Q(sigma) depending on a parameter sigma. Denote the waiting time, excluding service, or the nth customer by W(n,sigma) and let U(n,sigma) = S(n,sigma) - T(n,sigma) where S(n,sigma) = service time of the nth cutstomer and T(n,sigma) = inter arrival time between the nth and (n + 1)st customer and assume E(U(n,sigma)) = variance of U(n,sigma) = sigma squared, sigma 0.
A LYSO crystal array readout by silicon photomultipliers as compact detector for space applications

Abstract Precise measurements of GeV range gamma rays help narrow down among various gamma emission models and increase sensitivity for dark matter searches. Construction of precise as well as compact instruments requires detectors with high efficiency, high stopping power, excellent energy resolution, and excellent angular resolution. Fast and bright crystal scintillators coupled with small footprint photo-detectors are suitable candidates. We prototyped a detector array consisting of four LYSO crystals where each crystal is read out by a 2x2 SensL ArrayJ60035 silicon photomultipliers. The LYSO crystals were chosen because of their good light yield, fast decay time, demonstrated radiation hardness, and small radiation length. We used the silicon photomultiplier arrays as photo-detectors because of their small size, simple readout, low voltage operation, and immunity to magnetic fields. We studied the detector performance in the energy range of interest by exposing it to 2–16 GeV particles produced at the Test Beam Facility of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.
Islamism and Turkey’s foreign policy during the Arab Spring

ABSTRACTThe Arab Spring truly caught Turkey by surprise. In interpreting what was happening in the region, Turkey’s foreign policy-makers relied on a particular view, which helped steer Turkey’s foreign policy in the ensuing regional earthquake. This article seeks to dissect that view and deconstructs its main components mainly through the speeches of Ahmet Davutoglu, who served as Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs during the heyday of the Arab Spring. The paper also illustrates how Davutoglu’s interpretation heavily borrows from the Islamist interpretive frame of modern Turkish history. That frame, this article claims, originated in the late Ottoman period and has since evolved in contestation with alternative readings, both official and non-official. The article suggests that Davutoglu’s view of the Arab Spring helps explain why Turkey welcomed the Arab Spring and advised Arab regimes to implement political reforms.
A Cell Culture Platform to Maintain Long-term Phenotype of Primary Human Hepatocytes and Endothelial Cells

Background and Aims Modeling interactions between primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) and primary human liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in vitro can help elucidate human-specific mechanisms underlying liver physiology/disease and drug responses; however, existing hepatocyte/endothelial coculture models are suboptimal because of their use of rodent cells, cancerous cell lines, and/or nonliver endothelial cells. Hence, we sought to develop a platform that could maintain the long-term phenotype of PHHs and primary human LSECs. Methods Primary human LSECs or human umbilical vein endothelial cells as the nonliver control were cocultivated with micropatterned PHH colonies (to control homotypic interactions) followed by an assessment of PHH morphology and functions (albumin and urea secretion, and cytochrome P-450 2A6 and 3A4 enzyme activities) over 3 weeks. Endothelial phenotype was assessed via gene expression patterns and scanning electron microscopy to visualize fenestrations. Hepatic responses in PHH/endothelial cocultures were benchmarked against responses in previously developed PHH/3T3-J2 fibroblast cocultures. Finally, PHH/fibroblast/endothelial cell tricultures were created and characterized as described previously. Results LSECs, but not human umbilical vein endothelial cells, induced PHH albumin secretion for ∼11 days; however, neither endothelial cell type could maintain PHH morphology and functions to the same magnitude/longevity as the fibroblasts. In contrast, both PHHs and endothelial cells displayed stable phenotype for 3 weeks in PHH/fibroblast/endothelial cell tricultures; furthermore, layered tricultures in which PHHs and endothelial cells were separated by a protein gel to mimic the space of Disse displayed similar functional levels as the coplanar tricultures. Conclusions PHH/fibroblast/endothelial tricultures constitute a robust platform to elucidate reciprocal interactions between PHHs and endothelial cells in physiology, disease, and after drug exposure.
Modeling of trans-grain twin transmission in AZ31 via a neighborhood-based viscoplastic self-consistent model

Abstract The impact of twin transmission between neighboring grains as a contributor to overall twin activity is considered via a neighborhood viscoplastic self-consistent (NVPSC) model. The NVPSC model is an extension of a stochastic model for twin nucleation developed by Niezgoda et al. and a dislocation density based hardening law model developed by Knezevic et al. Beyond the baseline combined framework, the new model tracks sets of neighboring grains and allows twin transmission between them under certain conditions. The influence of grain boundary (GB) character is included in the stochastic models of twin nucleation and transmission. The starting texture from a rolled magnesium alloy AZ31B sheet was obtained using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) for initial input into the NVPSC. The sample was further deformed by uniaxial compression to encourage twin formation and the corresponding texture information was collected using EBSD. The accuracy of simulated twin activity was determined by comparing it with the twin activity seen in the deformed sample. The total number of predicted twins and the number of transmission twins is found to agree favorably with those observed via the EBSD scans. This validation demonstrates the significance of incorporating twin transmission as a twin formation mode in predictive models for this material.
(5RS,10SR,15RS)-Trimethyl-truxene.

The title mol­ecule, C30H24, was prepared as a possible precursor to buckminsterfullerene cages. The two enanti­omers adopt the anti configuration, with one S/R and two R/S methyl groups, one anti to the other two. The truxene framework is slightly non-planar: with respect to the central six-ring mean plane, the three methyl C atoms are 1.377 (3), −1.475 (3) and 1.515 (3) A distant, whereas the respective proximate peripheral six-ring mean planes make dihedral angles of 6.27 (6), 3.45 (7) and −7.37 (7)°.
Ménière's syndrome and allergy.

The role of allergic and autoimmune factors in both the production and amplification of symptoms of Meniere's disease has yet to be clearly defined. Reasons to suspect an allergic factor influencing Meniere's disease include a relationship with symptoms to seasons or a suspect food, a known history of allergy in a Meniere's patient, bilaterality of symptoms, and refractoriness to the usual medical and surgical treatments. The majority of patients tested in this study were found to have rather low levels of sensitivity to inhalant allergens as measured by SET, and to have food reactions to very common "hidden" foods that are frequently ingested in the diet. By proper recognition and treatment of the underlying allergic factors affecting Meniere's disease, significant clinical improvement may be obtained even in longstanding or refractory cases.
Development and Characterization of a Topical Gel Formulation of Adapalene-TyroSpheres and Assessment of Its Clinical Efficacy

In this study we aimed to develop a semi-solid formulation of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with adapalene to enhance the efficacy and improve the skin tolerability in acne therapy. An amphiphilic and biocompatible copolymer that self-assembles to nanospheres (known as TyroSpheres) was used to encapsulate adapalene and increase its solubility. A water-soluble viscous agent was applied to prepare a gel formulation of adapalene-loaded TyroSpheres (aapalene-TyroSphere). Particle size, morphology, homogeneity, and rheological characteristics of the adapalene-TyroSphere gel formulations were studied. The formulation with the preferred physical and structural properties was further investigated for in vitro skin irritation and in vivo comedolytic activity in a rhino mouse model. Based on the in vitro skin irritation study encapsulation of adapalene in TyroSphere significantly decreased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α and IL-8), confirming that the TyroSphere formulation of adapalene is less irritant than the commercial gel (Differin). TyroSphere gel formulation of adapalene improved the comedolytic properties of the formulation by significantly reducing the size of open utricles in rhino mice compared to Differin treatment. Using TyroSpheres, we were able to develop an alternative topical formulation of adapalene, which is potentially less irritant and more potent than the commercial product.
The Coordination Chemistry of Iron in Biological Transport and Storage; Iron Removal in Vivo

Serum transferrin is the iron transport agent of mammals. Its function and structure are increasingly well understood, particularly because of the relatively recent protein crystal structure information. Transferrin not only acts as a transport agent but also functions as an iron buffer, maintaining free ferric ion concentrations in the body at a very low but constant value. This role of transferrin, and our understanding of the mechanisms of iron binding and release by the protein, are important in four areas of medical science. First, iron storage and transport are critical to understanding the molecular basis of anemias. [Iron uptake by the gut involves the eventual complexation by transferrin.] Second, iron overload occurs in several disorders, the most common due to long-term transfusion therapy of iβ-thalassemia (Cooley’s anemia). [Iron is only regulated by uptake; there is no mechanism for spontaneous removal of iron.] Chelation therapy of iron overload has long used desferrioxamine B (Desferal®). There is a continuing search for new sequestering agents that would have improved properties, particularly oral activity. One issue thus raised is the thermodynamic and kinetic ability of such sequestering agents to remove iron from transferrin. Third, the release of iron, the reductive generation of Fe2+ and subsequent free radical generation from reaction with O2 (Fenton chemistry) are now thought to be the major cause of tissue damage following myocardial infarction. The use of iron chelating agents may provide a way to block such damage by keeping free ferric ion at low levels - a function of transferrin in circulating serum that is disrupted by the heart attack. Finally, the fourth area of medical relevance for transferrin iron binding and release is related to bacterial infection. The role of iron in the pathogenicity of bacterial infections is now well established. Iron availability to the invading bacterium is known to be directly connected to the virulence of infections that cause infantile enteritis, leprosy, cholera, and tuberculosis, as major examples. Several siderophores of pathogenic microorganisms are capable of removing iron from serum transferrin. Hence the mechanism(s) by which iron is released from transferrin to such ligands is of medical, as well as general biochemical, significance.
Prone Position–Induced Quadriceps Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials Signal Loss—A Case Report

Abstract Background Transcranial motor evoked potential (TcMEP) is widely used intraoperatively to monitor spinal cord and nerve root function. To our knowledge, there is no report regarding TcMEP signal loss purely caused by patient positioning during the spinal procedure. Purpose The objective of this article is to report an intraoperative TcMEP signal loss of a patient with fixed sagittal imbalance posture along with mild hip contractures. Study Design A retrospective case report. Methods A 57-year-old man had fixed sagittal imbalance and flexed hip contractures. For a reconstruction surgery of T10 to the sacrum/ilium and L5 pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO), he was put in a prone position on a Jackson table. In order to accommodate his fixed hip flexion contracture, thigh pads were not used and pillows were placed under his bilateral thighs for cushioning. TcMEPs were used to assess lumbar nerve root function. Ten minutes after incision, bilateral vastus medialis TcMEPs were lost during spine exposure whereas all other data remained normal at baseline. The bilateral lower extremities were repositioned, with the knees flexed into a sling position to increase hip flexion. Five minutes after repositioning, the bilateral vastus medialis TcMEPs gradually improved and maintained baseline amplitude during the remainder of the surgery. Results No muscle weakness was detected immediately after surgery. The patient was discharged day 6 postoperatively with markedly improved posture and alignment. Conclusion Insufficient hip flexion in patients with fixed sagittal imbalance and hip flexion contractures may cause TcMEP signal changes in the quadriceps response. TcMEP monitoring of bilateral lower extremities is highly recommended for patients with sagittal imbalance and hip contractures, with consideration for lower extremity repositioning when data degradation does not correlate with the actual spinal procedure being performed.
Supporting First-Generation Students’ Adjustment to College With High-Impact Practices

This qualitative case study describes some of the issues faced by incoming first-generation college students at a private, 4-year institution in the northwest. Using constructs drawn from social co...
Exposure to ≤15 cGy of 600 MeV/n 56Fe Particles Impairs Rule Acquisition but not Long-Term Memory in the Attentional Set-Shifting Assay

On future missions into deep space, astronauts will be required to work more autonomously than on previous missions, and thus their ability to perform executive functions could be critical to mission success. In this study, we determined the effect that ≤15 cGy of 600 MeV/n 56Fe particles has on attentional set-shifting (ATSET) performance of ∼10 month-old (at the time of irradiation) male Wistar rats that had been prescreened for their ability to perform the task. Exposure to 1–15 cGy of 56Fe particles leads to a significant impairment in compound discrimination (CD) performance. Should similar effects occur in astronauts, an impaired ability to execute CD would result in a decreased ability to identify and maintain focus on relevant aspects of the task being performed. The use of rats that had been prescreened for ATSET performance helped to establish that working memory of the rules for the food reward remained intact (for at least 100 days) even after 15 cGy irradiation with 600 MeV/n 56Fe particles, but that 56Fe radiation exposure affected associative cue learning/acquisition rather than an intrinsic inability to perform the CD tasks. Our data suggest that declarative memory, and the ability to transitively infer established rules, also remained intact in the irradiated rats. Thus, should similar effects occur in astronauts, 56Fe-induced CD performance deficits may only be manifested in scenarios where astronauts are required to transitively apply their knowledge to solve problems that they have not previously encountered; nevertheless, potentially one-third of astronauts may not be able to perform event-critical tasks correctly. The implication of this data, from a probabilistic risk assessment perspective, is that cognitive performance studies that use naive rodents, thus requiring task rule acquisition as well as task performance, are likely to overestimate the risk of 56Fe-induced cognitive deficits.
Characteristic properties of ellipsoids and convex quadrics

This is a survey on various characteristic properties of ellipsoids and convex quadrics in the family of convex hypersurfaces in $${\mathbb {R}}^n$$ . The topics under consideration include planar sections and projections, planarity conditions on midsurfaces and shadow-boundaries, intersections of homothetic copies, projective centers, and invariant mappings.
Making education work for the poor: the potential of children’s savings accounts

Elliott and Lewis are self-labelled wealth researchers working, respectively, as the Director and Assistant Director of the Center on Assets, Education, and Inclusion at the University of Michigan....
Conductive polymers to modulate the post-stroke neural environment.

Abstract Despite the prevalence of stroke, therapies to augment recovery remain limited. Here we focus on the use of conductive polymers for cell delivery, drug release, and electrical stimulation to optimize the post-stroke environment for neural recovery. Conductive polymers and their interactions with in vitro and in vivo neural systems are explored. The ability to continuously modify the neural environment utilizing conductive polymers provides applications in directing stem cell differentiation and increasing neural repair. This exciting class of polymers offers new approaches to optimizing the post-stroke brain to improve functional recovery.
The carrier state for sickle cell disease is not completely harmless.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a clinical syndrome caused by the presence of hemoglobin S (HbS), in which glutamic acid in position 6 of the β chain of hemoglobin is substituted by valine (βGlu6Val). It is generally recognized as an autosomal recessive disorder, in that individuals who have inherited one copy of the HbS allele and one normal HbA allele (i.e. have HbAS or sickle cell trait, SCT), are typically asymptomatic and spared the serious complications associated with possessing two copies of the mutant allele (i.e. HbSS). It is estimated that 300 million people (~5% of the world’s population) carry the HbS allele, and nearly 5.5 million births are affected annually.1 Individuals with SCD die prematurely, but the life expectancy of individuals with SCT is similar to that of people without the trait.2 However, early literature attributed a number of possible disease associations to this heterozygous state, partly as a result of unreliable diagnostic laboratory testing for hemoglobinopathies and partly due to questionable conclusions drawn from uncontrolled observational studies, individual case reports, and small case series.3,4 Nevertheless, while some of the associations historically attributed to SCT are unfounded, recent meta-analyses found high-quality evidence that SCT is indeed a risk factor for a handful of complications common to SCD.2
The Microfoundations of Middle Manager Strategic Influence in a High Tech Firm

Middle managers are embedded within the structure of large organizations, mediating between organizational levels and units. Given their role and position, individual middle managers tend to have v...
Biomass – Flare gas synergistic co-processing in the presence of carbon dioxide for the controlled production of syngas (H2:CO ~ 2 – 2.5)

Abstract Novel in-situ bi-reforming approach to produce hydrogen rich syngas using biomass and flare gas with carbon dioxide utilization has been developed by West Virginia University researchers which could potentially mitigate CO2 emissions and flaring. 1% CO2, 5% CH4, 94% N2 were used in the gas feed at 750 °C, 850 °C, and 900 °C over biomass mixed with FeMo-ZSM-5 or FeMo-CNF catalysts. Deoxygenation of oxygen rich biomass components in the form of C-OH, C = O, and COOH moieties to steam adsorbates which subsequently undergo steam methane reforming (SMR) and dry reforming with CH4 and CO2 respectively. With addition of 5 to 15 mol.% CH4, H2:CO ratio in syngas ranged from 3.8 to 7.5 at reaction temperatures of 850 °C and 950 °C. Small concentration of CO2 addition with CH4 allowed for controlled syngas production with H2:CO ratio of 2 to 2.5 on FeMo-ZSM-5 and FeMo-CNF catalysts. Carbon nanofiber (CNF) support generated in-house from the biomass feedstock impregnated with Fe and Mo was observed to form metal carbides (Fe3C, β-Mo2C) from XRD measurements. Although similar syngas composition and H2:CO ratio (~2) was observed on FeMo-ZSM-5 and FeMo-CNF catalysts at 850 °C and 900 °C, FeMo-CNF catalyst assisted reaction produced 1.5 to 2 times higher gas yield / syngas moles. Liquid tar formation and coke deposition on the FeMo-CNF catalyst was lower than that on the FeMo-ZSM-5. CNF structure and presence of metal carbides was the reason behind better performance of FeMo-CNF over FeMo-ZSM-5. Catalytic CO2 promoted on-site co-processing of natural gas and biomass in stranded shale gas regions could reduce flaring, promote utilization of renewables, and generate hydrogen rich syngas as an energy carrier or precursor to ammonia synthesis and other value added chemicals.