cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism and dielectric electric properties of Ba- and Sr-containing feldspars

The polymorphism and dielectric properties of Ba1−xSrxAl2Si2O8 (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, and 1.0) feldspars were examined. Strontium additions enhanced the formation of the monoclinic phase, decreasing heat treatment times from three days to 24 hrs. The dielectric constants of all compositions varied between 7 and 8 over a temperature range of −175 to 200°C and at 1, 10, and 100 kHz. An abrupt change (about 5%) in the dielectric constant of Sr-feldspar occurred at −70°C, confirming the existence of the triclinic low temperature polymorph.
Exploring the Strategic Use of Platform-Based Planning

Platform planning is a strategy that can be effectively used to manage today’s rapidly changing environment. It is the process by which core elements are identified and used as a foundation for future growth. Although platform planning is most often associated with product design, its value is now being acknowledged along other dimensions of marketing strategy such as brands, target markets, geographical markets, and business processes. This paper summarizes literature introducing different dimensions of marketing strategy that platform planning can be applied to. Next it introduces findings from engineering literature regarding the benefits and risks associated with this type of planning. Finally, it applies engineering knowledge to strategic decision-making in marketing. For example, engineering literature suggests that platform-based planning for global markets will allow firms to better balance the adaptation versus standardization decision but could lead to suboptimal designs and the emergence of grey markets.
Implementing housing first with families and young adults: challenges and progress toward self-sufficiency

Abstract The Housing First approach has shown promise in helping to combat homelessness among chronically homeless single males, but less is known about the approach when it is applied to families and young adults. This study examined data from a pilot Housing First program that served 78 families (n = 63) and single young adults (n = 15) with homeless histories and mental health and/or substance use disorders to explore program functioning and client service use patterns. Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design ( Creswell & Plano Clark, 2011 ), qualitative interview data were conducted first, and quantitative administrative data and qualitative progress note data were then analyzed to explore ideas presented in the qualitative interviews. The in-depth qualitative interviews with staff (N = 9) collected information on program functioning and client successes and challenges. Quantitative data were collected on all 78 clients and sources included administrative data about return to homelessness, child welfare involvement, receipt of public assistance, and interactions with case managers. Qualitative exploration of a sample of client progress notes (N = 32) then followed. Integrating the findings, interviews suggested that clients faced many challenges, especially those related to having little to no income, multiple children, and stigmas, but that “success” would be indicated by needing their case managers less over time. We found that 89% remained enrolled in the program, 21% returned to shelter at some point, child welfare involvement decreased, and public assistance receipt increased after program entry. Content analysis of case management notes indicated that case managers worked with clients to develop independent living skills to improve clients' chances for becoming sufficient over the long-term.
Time course and prognostic value of serum GFAP, pNFH, and S100β concentrations in dogs with complete spinal cord injury because of intervertebral disc extrusion

Background A noninvasive biomarker is needed to predict recovery from severe spinal cord injury (SCI) because of thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (TL-IVDE). Proteins released from neural and glial cells can be detected in the blood and show promise as prognostic tools, but their concentration is influenced by time after injury. Hypothesis/objectives Serum concentrations of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH), and S100β will follow different time courses; measurement of combinations of these proteins will predict outcome. Animals Thirty-one dogs with TL-IVDE causing paralysis with no pain perception. Methods Prospective study. Serum samples were taken at presentation and intervals over 56 days and banked at -80°C. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, pNFH, and S100β concentrations were measured using ELISA tests and plotted against time from onset of nonambulatory status. Outcome was established at 6 months. The association between biomarker concentration and outcome was examined using logistic regression, receiver operator characteristics curve analysis, and model development. Results Thirty-one dogs participated, 3/31 (10%) developed progressive myelomalacia and 19/31 (62%) recovered ambulation. Glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100β concentrations rose for the first 1 to 3 days, and were undetectable by 14 and 28 days, respectively. Phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain concentrations peaked at 14 days and were detectable at 56 days. Glial fibrillary acidic protein concentrations in the first 72 hours after onset of nonambulatory status predicted recovery with an accuracy of 76.7%-89% depending on sample timing. Conclusions and clinical importance Serum GFAP concentrations can be used to predict outcome in clinically complete SCI. A rapid inexpensive bedside test is needed.
Cs2Hg3S4: A Low‐Dimensional Direct Bandgap Semiconductor.

The new title compound is prepared by slowly cooling a melted stoichiometric mixture of Hg and Cs2S4 (evacuated, carbon coated silica tube, 670 °C, 24 h).
Liability of Foreignness: Product Distance, Institutional Distance and FDI

We empirically analyze the relevance of a country’s export mix in offsetting the liability of foreignness when internationalizing through foreign direct investment. Using a gravity model, we demons...
Incidence of Campylobacter-Associated Guillain-Barré Syndrome Estimated from Health Insurance Data

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is sometimes preceded by Campylobacter infection. We estimated the cumulative incidence of Campylobacter-associated GBS in the United States using a retrospective coho...
Relationship Explainable Multi-objective Reinforcement Learning with Semantic Explainability Generation.

Solving multi-objective optimization problems is important in various applications where users are interested in obtaining optimal policies subject to multiple, yet often conflicting objectives. A typical approach to obtain optimal policies is to first construct a loss function that is based on the scalarization of individual objectives, and then find the optimal policy that minimizes the loss. However, optimizing the scalarized (and weighted) loss does not necessarily provide guarantee of high performance on each possibly conflicting objective because it is challenging to assign the right weights without knowing the relationship among these objectives. Moreover, the effectiveness of these gradient descent algorithms is limited by the agent's ability to explain their decisions and actions to human users. The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, we propose a vector value function based multi-objective reinforcement learning (V2f-MORL) approach that seeks to quantify the inter-objective relationship via reinforcement learning (RL) when the impact of one objective on others is unknown a prior. In particular, we construct one actor and multiple critics that can co-learn the policy and inter-objective relationship matrix (IORM), quantifying the impact of objectives on each other, in an iterative way. Second, we provide a semantic representation that can uncover the trade-off of decision policies made by users to reconcile conflicting objectives based on the proposed V2f-MORL approach for the explainability of the generated behaviors subject to given optimization objectives. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach via a MuJoCo based robotics case study.
Methemoglobin and the response to inhaled nitric oxide in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Background We aimed to investigate whether the change in methemoglobin levels (ΔMHb) predicts oxygenation response to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) with lung disease, with or without pulmonary hypoplasia. Methods In this prospective observational study, infants were categorized based on ΔMHb and oxygenation response (ΔPaO2/FiO2) following iNO: ΔMHb ≤0 or ΔMHb>0, and ΔPaO2/FiO2 Results Among infants with pulmonary hypoplasia (n = 28), ΔMHb was not associated with an oxygenation response to iNO or survival without ECMO. Among infants without hypoplasia (n = 29), subjects with ΔMHb>0 following iNO (n = 21) had a greater ΔPaO2/FiO2 (median, 64 mmHg; IQR, 127; p Conclusions PPHN secondary to lung disease without hypoplasia with increased ΔMHb following iNO was associated with better oxygenation response and survival without ECMO compared to subjects without an increase in MHb.
Application of bio-based alkali to induce flocculation of microalgae biomass

Abstract One of the bottlenecks to commercialize microalgae-based biofuel production is harvesting of microalgae biomass from high dilute culture broth. Meanwhile, flocculation is identified as a low cost and promising technique to address this challenge. In this study, the flocculating potential of agricultural waste derived bio-based alkali from plantain peel ash was evaluated. The plantain peel ash and the produced bio-based alkali were characterized using inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and scanning electron microscope-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Results showed that more than 90% harvesting efficiency of microalgae biomass were obtained for both Nannochloropsis oculata and Dunaliella salina at 1, 2 and 3% v/v flocculant (bio-based alkali) dose, while the maximum biomass concentration factors were 20 and 14 at 1% v/v flocculant dose for N. oculata and D. salina respectively. The positive effect of calcium ion concentration on alkaline flocculation of freshwater microalgae species Neochloris conjuncta was demonstrated. Also, the characterization of the produced bio-based alkali indicates that the concentration of K+ (61,630 ppm) is highest, followed by Ca2+ (1,569 ppm) and Na+ (582 ppm), which clearly support the alkaline nature of the flocculant. The chromatogram obtained from SEM-EDS of the ash also corroborates the highest proportion of potassium in the ash sample. This study shows that the plantain peel-derived alkali can be used to effectively and efficiently harvest microalgae biomass from very dilute microalgae culture media.
Freeze-FRESH: A 3D Printing Technique to Produce Biomaterial Scaffolds with Hierarchical Porosity

Tissues are organized in hierarchical structures comprised of nanoscale, microscale, and macroscale features. Incorporating hierarchical structures into biomaterial scaffolds may enable better resemblance of native tissue structures and improve cell interaction, but it is challenging to produce such scaffolds using a single conventional scaffold production technique. We developed the Freeze-FRESH (FF) technique that combines FRESH 3D printing (3DP) and freeze-casting to produce 3D printed scaffolds with microscale pores in the struts. FF scaffolds were produced by extrusion 3DP using a support bath at room temperature, followed by freezing and lyophilization, then the FF scaffolds were recovered from the bath and crosslinked. The FF scaffolds had a hierarchical pore structure from the combination of microscale pores throughout the scaffold struts and macroscale pores in the printed design, while control scaffolds had only macroscale pores. FF scaffolds frozen at -20 °C and -80 °C had similar pore sizes, due to freezing in the support bath. The -20 °C and -80 °C FF scaffolds had porous struts with 63.55% ± 2.59% and 56.72% ± 13.17% strut porosity, respectively, while control scaffolds had a strut porosity of 3.15% ± 2.20%. The -20 °C and -80 °C FF scaffolds were softer than control scaffolds: they had pore wall stiffness of 0.17 ± 0.06 MPa and 0.23 ± 0.05 MPa, respectively, compared to 1.31 ± 0.39 MPa for the control. The FF scaffolds had increased resilience in bending compared with control. FF scaffolds supported MDA-MB-231 cell growth and had significantly greater cell numbers than control scaffolds. Cells formed clusters on the porous struts of FF scaffolds and had similar morphologies as the freeze cast scaffolds. The FF technique successfully introduced microscale porosity into the 3DP scaffold struts to produce hierarchical pore structures that enhanced MDA-MB-231 growth.
Diesel, Draghi und Durchsuchungen – Impressionen einer Journalistin im Dickicht zwischen Wirtschaft und Justiz

Die Adressaten von Litigation-PR sind Journalisten, die uber Gerichtsprozesse und Ermittlungsverfahren berichten. Aus deren Perspektive beschreibt Karin Matussek die Zugkrafte im Dreieck zwischen Justiz, Wirtschaft und Medien. Anhand von Beispielen aus prominenten Wirtschaftsverfahren erklart sie, warum in der Berichterstattung gelegentlich ein schiefes Bild herauskommt. Wie gut es die „Vierte Gewalt“ mit der Dritten un denen, die mit ihr zu tun haben, aufnehmen kann, wird dabei ebenso kritisch betrachtet wie die Art und Weise, in der Unternehmen und andere Interessierte gegenuber der Presse agieren.
Rethinking time-on-task estimation with outlier detection accounting for individual, time, and task differences

Time-on-task estimation, measured as the duration between two consecutive clicks using student log-files data, has been one of the most frequently used metrics in learning analytics research. However, the process of handling outliers (i.e., excessively long durations) in time-on-task estimation is under-explored and often not explicitly reported in many studies. One common approach to handle outliers in time-to-task estimation is to 'trim' all durations using a cut-off threshold, such as 60 or 30 minutes. This paper challenges this existing approach by demonstrating that the treatment of outliers in an educational context should be individual-specific, time-specific, and task-specific. In other words, what can be considered as outliers in time-on-task depends on the learning pattern of each student, the stages during the learning process, and the nature of the task involved. The analysis showed that predictive models using time-on-task estimation accounting for individual, time, and task differences could explain 3--4% more variances in academic performance than models using an outlier trimming approach. As an implication, this study provides a theoretically grounded and replicable outlier detection approach for future learning analytics research when using time-on-task estimation.
Preoperative cognitive impairment associated with oversedation during recovery from anesthesia

Our objective was to examine the association between preoperative cognitive status and postoperative recovery from anesthesia. We included patients (70–91 years old) from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging who received general anesthesia and were admitted to the postanesthesia care unit from January 1, 2010 through April 30, 2018. Procedures were categorized according to patient’s preoperative cognitive status: cognitive impaired (CI) and cognitive unimpaired (CU). Perioperative records were reviewed and analyses were performed with generalized estimating equations. A total of 896 procedures from 611 patients were included, with 203 (22.7%) procedures in the CI group. Compared to CU procedures, CI procedures had higher rates of moderate–deep sedation during anesthesia recovery (52 [25.6%] vs. 103 [14.9%]; odds ratio [OR], 1.91; 95% CI, 1.30–2.80; P < 0.01), postoperative pulmonary complications (22 [10.8%] vs. 34 [4.9%]; OR, 2.36[1.22–4.54]; P = 0.01), and postoperative delirium (32 [16.2%] vs. 24 [3.5%]; OR, 5.33 [2.88–9.86]; P < 0.01). When moderate–deep sedation during anesthesia recovery was a covariate, both CI (OR, 3.02[1.60–5.70]; P < 0.01) and moderate–deep sedation (OR, 3.94[2.19–7.11]; P < 0.01) were associated with delirium. In multivariable analysis, postoperative pulmonary complications were associated with moderate–deep sedation (OR, 2.14[1.18–3.87]; P = 0 .01) but not with CI (OR, 1.49 [0.76–2.92]; P = 0 .25). Cognitive impairment was associated with higher rates of moderate–deep residual sedation during anesthesia recovery and delirium, while moderate–deep sedation was associated with higher rates of pulmonary complications and delirium. We speculate that tailoring the anesthetic to facilitate faster emergence for CI patients could improve complication rates.
Solving the Maximum Independent Set Problem using Coupled Relaxation Oscillators

We propose a novel non-Boolean approach that leverages the unique phase dynamics of coupled relaxation oscillators to solve the computationally intractable maximum independent set (MIS; largest sub-graph having no connected vertices) problem in graphs (Fig. 1). Our hardware-centric computing scheme exploits the electrically induced abrupt insulator-metal phase transition (IMT) in VO 2 , stabilized by a negative feedback, to realize the oscillatory behavior; subsequently, we show that a capacitively coupled system of such oscillators exhibits unique phase dynamics which can be directly mapped to the independent sets (ISs), and thus, the MIS of the network (and topologically equivalent graph). Furthermore, we show the application of this physics-based approach in designing encoding/decoding schemes for data transmission with inherent error correcting capability. Finally, we benchmark our results with existing methods, and show that our hardware enables an efficient approach to solving the NP-Hard MIS problem.
Resolution of EEG findings and clinical improvement in a patient with encephalopathy and ESES with a combination of immunomodulating agents other than corticosteroids: A case report.

Encephalopathy with electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) syndrome is characterized by a near-continuous spike-and-wave discharges during sleep with marked developmental regression, mainly in speech, and the presence of clinical seizures. Although the etiology ofESES is generally unknown, its resistance to antiseizure medication (ASM), and favorable responses to oral corticosteroids (OCS), support a role for inflammation. However, the prolonged use of OCS results in undesirable side effects and alternative treatment measures are needed. Herein, we present a patient with ESES who revealed responsed to a combination of immunomodulating agents other than OCS. The patient revealed 30, 50, and 100%, reduction in the ESES pattern on EEG with the sequential addition of anakinra (interleukin-1s inhibitor), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and sirolimus, an inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) respectively, after discontinuation of OCS due to side effects. This combination of immune-modulating agents, that were selected based on monocyte cytokine profiles, also resulted in a gradual improvement of speech and behavioral symptoms. This case indicates a possible use of immunomodulating agents other than OCS for ESES syndrome.
Visual Characterization of Anti-Reflective Coating on Solar Module Glass

Anti-reflection coatings (ARCs) are widely used on PV module glass to increase light transmission. The PV community is increasingly concerned with how long these coatings last in the field and would benefit from a simple method for quantifying performance on fielded modules. In this work, we demonstrate how a straightforward visual inspection of the color of reflected light can identify the presence of an interference-based ARC. By tracking the color shift over time a qualitative measurement of ARC degradation can be made. This method is applicable in full-sun outdoor conditions and only requires a flashlight and a standard RGB camera. We demonstrate how the physics of thin-film coating interference and color theory accurately predict the color the reflected light. This technique could gain widespread use for inspecting PV modules in the field because it is easy to perform and requires no specialized equipment.
A prospective randomized trial comparing Restorelle® Y mesh and flat mesh for laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: 24-month outcomes

To compare prolapse recurrence and the incidence of mesh exposure between Restorelle® Y mesh and dual flat mesh. A randomized trial of women undergoing laparoscopic (LSC) or robotic (RSC) sacrocolpopexy for post-hysterectomy vaginal prolapse. Subjects were randomized to either Y mesh or dual flat mesh. Subjects underwent a pelvic examination with POP-Q and evaluation of any mesh exposure, and the PFDI-20 was administered at 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. Subjective recurrence was defined by symptomatic vaginal bulge. All subjects underwent pelvic examination with POP-Q at 6, 12 and 24 months. Objective recurrence was defined by descent of the apex > 1/3 into the vaginal canal, anterior or posterior vaginal descent beyond the hymen, or retreatment for prolapse. Sixty-two patients were enrolled, and 59 patients were implanted with mesh: 30 Y mesh (17 LSC, 13 RSC) and 29 flat mesh (18 LSC, 11 RSC). There were no differences in patient characteristics between the groups. At 24 months, data were available for 44 (74.5%) patients. There were no mesh exposures for all subjects. PFDI-20 scores improved significantly for all subjects with no differences in mean improvement by mesh configuration. There were no differences in subjective and objective recurrence rates between the groups. Four patients (9.1%) complained of subjective vaginal bulge symptoms while nine (20.5%) patients had an objective recurrence (77.8% [7] examination only and 22.2% [2] reoperation). There were no apical recurrences. Of those patients who had a recurrence on examination only (n = 7), 85.7% (6) were asymptomatic. At 24 months, there were no differences in subjective outcomes and prolapse recurrence in patients who underwent sacrocolpopexy with the Restorelle® Y mesh versus dual flat mesh. One in five patients experienced an objective recurrence; however, there were no apical recurrences and the majority were asymptomatic.
Does lowballing impair audit quality? Evidence from client accruals surrounding analyst forecasts

Abstract The pricing of initial audit engagements has long been of interest to regulators because of audit quality concerns speculated to arise with lowball pricing tactics. However, there has been very little empirical investigation specifically aimed at understanding the link between audit fees and audit quality on new engagements. We examine a sample of initial engagements spanning 2000–2009 and find evidence suggesting that the magnitude of initial engagement discounting is positively associated with audit clients’ ability to meet analyst forecasts using discretionary accruals. Additional analysis reveals that this effect is more pronounced before the passage of SOX. Further examination of the post-SOX period shows the effect is present in the latter half of our sample (2006–2009) but not in the years immediately following the passage of SOX (2002–2005). Additional supplemental tests suggest that the primary results are driven more by time and/or budget pressures than impaired independence. Overall, we interpret these results as consistent with longstanding concerns surrounding auditor lowballing and discuss the regulatory and practical implications for the audit profession with respect to the pricing and monitoring of new audit engagements.
Urban 110 kV indoor substation noise analysis and control schemes: A real case study

Abstract As an important node in urban city, power substation provides the clean energy to thousands of households, ensuring a stable and high quality of urban life. However, the influence of noise emission from substation is always underestimated. With the improvement of environmental consciousness, making the substations quietly hidden in urban cities becomes an urgent issue which should be thoroughly considered. A real case is presented in this paper to vividly reflect how such a comprehensive noise issue is faced and tackled through proper techniques and novel applications. Based on the low-frequency noise characteristics of 110 kV power transformers and the limited space features of indoor substation, integrated noise control schemes are proposed with consideration of low-noise design of ventilation and heat dissipation systems. Dynamic vibration absorber is firstly investigated and designed to minimize the vibration of transformer tank. After the practical implementation, the acoustic environment is reevaluated and the measurement results verified the noise control effect. Consequently, the acoustic environment quality within and out of substation is improved and the negative impact of urban substation is controlled.
ISEE principles for evidence synthesis and evaluation in environmental health

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The Cochrane Collaboration is a global producer and publisher of high quality systematic reviews of clinical and public health research. Cochrane has pioneered principles and ri...
Editorial Note: Charles Sanders Peirce: Art, Language and Representation (Nota Editorial: Charles Sanders Perice: Arte, Lenguaje y Representacion)

With co-editor Ruben Sampieri Cabal. Peirce's work is full or marvelous, illuminating metaphors; and these provide a novel path to understanding his subtle and complex theory of inquiry.
An efficient network reconstruction method and applications

Abstract Identifying the interconnections among modules in a dynamic network from observed data poses a significant challenge in many scientific disciplines. Many methods for network reconstruction from observational data significantly limit the type of systems they are considering. For example, Granger causality considers only networks with strictly causal dynamics, and methods from the graphical models literature are focused on reconstructing networks with static relationships. In this article, we focus on a novel network reconstruction method, called Mixed-Delay (MD) that can consistently reconstruct a wide class of linear dynamic networks that do not contain any algebraic loops. However, the steps in the MD algorithm are of combinatorial complexity. In this article, we propose an optimization to the MD method that yields the method more informative and polynomial for sparse networks, while preserving the theoretical guarantees of the method. We demonstrate the optimized MD method on simulated and real data. The first real-data application aims to reconstruct networks that show the spread of COVID-19 in the US. Then we apply the method on monthly average temperature data and reconstruct temperature relationships among states in the US, as well as European and South-East Asian countries.
Lagging strand gap suppression connects BRCA-mediated fork protection to nucleosome assembly by ensuring PCNA-dependent CAF-1 recycling

The inability to protect stalled replication forks from nucleolytic degradation drives genome instability and is associated with chemosensitivity in BRCA-deficient tumors. An emerging hallmark of BRCA deficiency is the inability to suppress replication-associated single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) gaps. Here, we report that ssDNA gaps on the lagging strand interfere with the ASF1-CAF-1 pathway of nucleosome assembly, and drive fork degradation in BRCA-deficient cells. We show that CAF-1 function at replication forks is lost in BRCA-deficient cells, due to its sequestration at inactive replication factories during replication stress. This CAF-1 recycling defect is caused by the accumulation of Polα-dependent lagging strand gaps, which preclude PCNA unloading, causing sequestration of PCNA-CAF-1 complexes on chromatin. Importantly, correcting PCNA unloading defects in BRCA-deficient cells restores fork stability in a CAF-1-dependent manner. We also show that the activation of a HIRA-dependent compensatory histone deposition pathway restores fork stability to BRCA-deficient cells upon CAF-1 loss. We thus define nucleosome assembly as a critical determinant of BRCA-mediated fork stability. We further reveal lagging strand ssDNA gaps as drivers of fork degradation in BRCA-deficient cells, which operate by inhibiting PCNA unloading and CAF-1-dependent nucleosome assembly.
Dynamic Porosity Variations in Ceramics

A silicon carbide disk was sintered from 2090 to 2190 C in 25 C steps. After each sintering step the disk was examined using a precision acoustic scanning system to determine acoustic attenuation and velocity. The bulk density was found to vary nonmonotonically with sintering temperature. During the sintering process, the density varied as much as 10 pct from its value at 2090 C. Local density fluctuations were observed to occur in an organized and history-dependent way. These local density fluctuations varied up to + or - 7 pct of the bulk density and were made visible by acoustic attenuation and velocity mapping.
RELEASE AND RECYCLING OF EUKARYOTIC INITIATION FACTOR 2 IN THE FORMATION OF AN 80 S RIBOSOMAL POLYPEPTIDE CHAIN INITIATION COMPLEX

The eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)-5 mediates hydrolysis of GTP bound to the 40 S initiation complex in the absence of 60 S ribosomal subunits. The eIF-2.GDP formed under these conditions is released from the 40 S ribosomal subunit while initiator Met-tRNA(f) remains bound. The released eIF-2.GDP can participate in an eIF-2B-catalyzed GDP/GTP exchange reaction to reform the Met-tRNA(f).eIF-2.GTP ternary complex. In contrast, when 60 S ribosomal subunits were also present in an eIF-5-catalyzed reaction, the eIF-2.GDP produced remained bound to the 60 S ribosomal subunit of the 80 S initiation complex. When such an 80 S initiation complex, containing bound eIF-2.GDP, was incubated with GTP and eIF-2B, GDP was released. However, eIF-2 still remained bound to the ribosomes and was unable to form a Met-tRNA(f)l.eIF-2.GTP ternary complex. In contrast, when 60 S ribosomal subunits were preincubated with either free eIF-2 or with eIF-2.eIF-2B complex and then added to a reaction containing both the 40 S initiation complex and eIF-5, the eIF-2.GDP produced did not bind to the 60 S ribosomal subunits but was released from the ribosomes. Thus, the 80 S initiation complex formed under these conditions did not contain bound eIF-2.GDP. Under similar experimental conditions, preincubation of 60 S ribosomal subunits with purified eIF-2B (free of eIF-2) failed to cause release of eIF-2.GDP from the ribosomal initiation complex. These results suggest that 60 S ribosome-bound eIF-2.GDP does not act as a direct substrate for eIF-2B-mediated release of eIF-2 from ribosomes. Rather, the affinity of 60 S ribosomal subunits for either eIF-2, or the eIF-2 moiety of the eIF-2.eIF-2B complex, prevents association of 60 S ribosomal subunits with eIF-2.GDP formed in the initiation reaction. This ensures release of eIF-2 from ribosomes following hydrolysis of GTP bound to the 40 S initiation complex.
Oceanic control of sea level rise patterns along the East Coast of the United States

[1] Along the eastern seaboard of the U.S. from Florida to Maine, sea level rise (SLR) shows notable patterns and significant deviation from the global mean, which have been attributed to land subsidence. Consistent with several recent studies, we analyze various observation and modeling data, and find that ocean dynamics is also an important factor in explaining these coastal SLR patterns. Despite a southward shift since the 1990s, an overall northward shift of the Gulf Stream during the twentieth century contributed to the faster SLR in the Mid-Atlantic region (North Carolina to New Jersey). In response to the 21st century climatic forcing, the rise (fall) of the dynamic sea level north (south) of Cape Hatteras is mainly induced by the significant decline of ocean density contrast across the Gulf Stream. This baroclinic process is the likely cause of the recent switch of the coastal SLR to a pattern with faster (slower) rates north (south) of Cape Hatteras. Citation: Yin, J., and P. B. Goddard (2013), Oceanic control of sea level rise patterns along the East Coast of the United States, Geophys. Res. Lett., 40, doi:10.1002/2013GL057992.
Geminin Restrains Mesendodermal Fate Acquisition of Embryonic Stem Cells and is Associated with Antagonism of Wnt Signaling and Enhanced Polycomb-Mediated Repression

Embryonic cells use both growth factor signaling and cell intrinsic transcriptional and epigenetic regulation to acquire early cell fates. Underlying mechanisms that integrate these cues are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of Geminin, a nucleoprotein that interacts with both transcription factors and epigenetic regulatory complexes, during fate acquisition of mouse embryonic stem cells. In order to determine Geminin's role in mesendoderm formation, a process which occurs during embryonic gastrulation, we selectively over-expressed or knocked down Geminin in an in vitro model of differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells. We found that Geminin antagonizes mesendodermal fate acquisition, while these cells instead maintain elevated expression of genes associated with pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. During mesendodermal fate acquisition, Geminin knockdown promotes Wnt signaling, while Bmp, Fgf, and Nodal signaling are not affected. Moreover, we showed that Geminin facilitates the repression of mesendodermal genes that are regulated by the Polycomb repressor complex. Geminin directly binds several of these genes, while Geminin knockdown in mesendodermal cells reduces Polycomb repressor complex occupancy at these loci and increases trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4, which correlates with active gene expression. Together, these results indicate that Geminin is required to restrain mesendodermal fate acquisition of early embryonic cells and that this is associated with both decreased Wnt signaling and enhanced Polycomb repressor complex retention at mesendodermal genes. STEM Cells 2013;31:1477–1487
Why people gesture when they speak

People use gestures when they talk, but is this behaviour learned from watching others move their hands when talking? Individuals who are blind from birth never see such gestures and so have no model for gesturing. But here we show that congenitally blind speakers gesture despite their lack of a visual model, even when they speak to a blind listener. Gestures therefore require neither a model nor an observant partner.
An adaptive network/routing algorithm for energy efficient cooperative signal processing in sensor networks

In this paper, we describe an adaptive network/routing algorithm that facilitates both coherent and non-coherent event-based cooperative signal processing. The core of this algorithm is a distributed election procedure that produces one or multiple winners based on a context-dependent election metric. In scenarios where non-coherent signal processing techniques are applied, a central processing node is selected, and highly compressed sensor data is gathered for processing. Energy efficiency is improved by reducing algorithm overhead because the actual sensor traffic volume is light compared to the messaging overhead of the algorithm. For coherent processing, raw data streams must be relayed from each sensor to the central processing node, producing large data streams. A multi-winner election process is initiated first to select only a limited number of sensors that will provide the raw data; then a second election process uses an energy-based metric to find the optimal central processing node, whose location minimizes the total relaying cost. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the inherent overhead-delay trade-off and compare the scalability of the algorithm under different scenarios.
Analysis of local carrier modulation in InAs semiconductor nanowire transistors

The authors have used scanning gate microscopy combined with numerical simulations to analyze local carrier and current modulation effects in InAs semiconductor nanowires grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. Measurements of current flow in the nanowire as a function of probe tip position, at both high and low drain bias, reveal that carrier and current modulation is strongest when the probe tip is near the source and drain nanowire contacts, and decreases at greater tip-contact distances. The measured transconductance is approximately 80% greater near the source contact for high drain bias condition and 120% greater near the drain contact for low drain bias condition, respectively, than at the center of the nanowire. Numerical simulations for different tip positions relative to the metal contact confirm that carrier modulation should be stronger when the tip is closer to the source or drain contact than at the center of the wire, consistent with the experimental measurements.
Decoding complexity of chemical reactions

Three approaches for grasping chemical complexity using data of kinetic measurements are presented, i.e. ‘gray-box’ approach, non-steady-state kinetic monitoring (“chemical calculus”) and pattern analysis. All approaches are illustrated by original results.
Planning and implementing an effective downsizing program.

Abstract Of primary concern to hospitality management before, during, and after a downsizing event should be the concerns and potential reactions of employees. The attitudinal and behavioral reactions of employees who work in a downsizing environment may be influenced by both the objective dimensions of this environment and employees' subjective interpretations of this work setting. This article discusses some of these key objective and subjective factors that may be present in a downsizing organization and providing recommendations to managers relevant to the planning and implementation of a downsizing program that is designed to elicit less work-related stress and more positive (or less negative) behavioral and attitudinal reactions from employees.
Disparities in Breast Cancer and African Ancestry: A Global Perspective

Recognition of breast cancer disparities between African-American and White American women has generated exciting research opportunities investigating the biologic and hereditary factors that contribute to the observed outcome differences, leading to international studies of breast cancer in Africa. The study of breast cancer in women with African ancestry has opened the door to unique investigations regarding breast cancer subtypes and the genetics of this disease. International research efforts can advance our understanding of race/ethnicity-associated breast cancer disparities within the USA; the pathogenesis of triple negative breast cancer; and hereditary susceptibility for breast cancer.
Model of planar impact with moment of rolling friction

The impact between rigid bodies with friction is studied. The rolling friction moment and the coefficient of rolling friction are introduced, and an improved mathematical model of impact with friction is presented. The influence of the moment of rolling friction on the energy dissipated by friction during the impact is analyzed. For a simple pendulum, using the energetic coefficient of restitution, more energy is dissipated for larger values of the coefficient of kinetic friction and contact radius, and for smaller values of the length of the beam.
Non-Diffracting Random Intensity Patterns

We report a new type of non-diffracting random intensity pattern that does not change with propagation. Theory and experimental results are shown where we encode the generating pattern onto a phase-only liquid crystal display.
The characterization of surface carbides of tungsten

Abstract The properties of surface carbides of tungsten single crystals were studied using LEED, AES, and thermal desorption spectroscopy. Carburization of W (100) produced a series of surface structures; at θ = 0.5 a c(2 × 2) structure was observed which compressed into a double row ( 3 − ) structure at θ = 0.67. This surface was inert to further carburization below 1000 K. Heating the crystal to 1500 K in ethylene resulted in the formation of an interstitial carbon layer having the structure of ditungsten carbide at the surface. The dissociative adsorption of hydrogen and CO were inhibited by adsorbed carbon or oxygen occupying fourfold symmetry interstitial sites on the W (100) surface. Dissociative adsorption of CO was directly related to the number of pairs of unoccupied fourfold sites. Adsorption of molecular CO correlated with the number of surface sites passivated by adsorbed carbon or oxygen. A surface passivated by dissociatively adsorbed CO was found to behave qualitatively similarly to a carbide surface.
Efficacy of intravenous gamma globulin in autoimmune-mediated pediatric blood dyscrasias

Sixteen pediatric patients diagnosed with a variety of autoimmune-mediated hematocytopenias were treated with one to 50 courses of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG), pH 4.25, over the course of one to 30 months. Thirteen patients had immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), two had autoimmune neutropenia, and one had autoimmune hemolytic anemia. In one patient, chronic ITP was associated with systemic lupus erythematosis, and in a second patient, acute ITP was the presenting manifestation of infection with human immunodeficiency virus. Initial therapy consisted of 400 mg/kg/dose daily for five days for the first seven patients treated, and 1,000 mg/kg/dose daily for two days for the remaining nine patients. In 15 of 16 patients, there was a response to IVIG therapy. In nine of 16 patients, maintenance IVIG therapy for two to more than 30 months was required. Minimal toxicity was experienced in four of 210 separate infusions. Data are presented to support the use of IVIG in the management of childhood autoimmune disorders.
Cortical responses to metrazol and sensory stimulation in the rabbit.

Abstract The reaction of the rabbit's cortex to graded Metrazol administration and to sensory stimulation after Metrazol activation was investigated. The cortex showed several reaction patterns to Metrazol administration in multiple small doses. 1. A spreading depression may be initiated. 2. A short convulsion may appear, followed after a short interval by a slow potential change. The convulsion may be followed by a long lasting depression of the electrocorticogram. This post-convulsive depression was shown in previous experiments (Van Harreveld and Stamm 1954) to be based on the same depressive mechanism as that underlying the spreading depression. 3. When a convulsion does not elicit this depressive mechanism it tends to develop into an intensive and long lasting convulsive activity which is followed by a reduction of the electrocorticogram of not more than a few seconds duration (silent period). Photic stimulation of the Metrazol activated cortex with single and multiple flashes caused in the majority of the experiments a spreading depression. Under the present experimental conditions, photo-Metrazol stimulation only once produced a definite convulsion in the rabbit. Acoustic stimulation of the Metrazol activated brain also resulted in spreading depressions. It was concluded that spreading depression can act as a mechanism curtailing and perhaps preventing cortical convulsions in the rabbit.
The Potential of Thelypteris palustris and Asparagus sprengeri in Phytoremediation of Arsenic Contamination

The potential of two plants, Thelypteris palustris (marsh fern) and Asparagus sprengeri (asparagus fern), for phytoremediation of arsenic contamination was evaluated. The plants were chosen for this study because of the discovery of the arsenic hyperaccumulating fern, Pteris vittata (Ma et al., 2001) and previous research indicating asparagus fern's ability to tolerate >1200 ppm soil arsenic. Objectives were (1) to assess if selected plants are arsenic hyperaccumulators; and (2) to assess changes in the species of arsenic upon accumulation in selected plants. Greenhouse hydroponic experiments arsenic treatment levels were established by adding potassium arsenate to solution. All plants were placed into the hydroponic experiments while still potted in their growth media. Marsh fern and Asparagus fern can both accumulate arsenic. Marsh fern bioaccumulation factors (>10) are in the range of known hyperaccumulator, Pteris vittata. Therefore, Thelypteris palustris is may be a good candidate for remediation of ...
SU‐GG‐J‐78: Investigation of Combined MV‐KV Prostate Treatment Dose Planning for Real‐Time MV‐KV IGRT

Purpose: As a result of internal organ motion, the ITV used during treatment planning must be larger than the CTV, reducing the benefit of highly conformal RT. In prostate cancer cases, there is no strong correlation between internal organ motion and externally visible motion, so application of IGRT requires internal imaging. Previous work has shown the effectiveness of real‐time 3D fiducial tracking using reduced aperture combined MV‐kV imaging. The aim of this work further advances MV‐kV tracking by incorporation of delivered kV tracking dose at the treatment planning stage through combined MV‐kV beam modeling. Method and Materials: A Monte Carlo scheme was developed to model dose deposition kernels that were imported into Phillips' Pinnacle treatment planning system. The kV source of an on‐board‐imager from a Varian Trilogy LINAC was commissioned in the TPS. Using previously treated 9‐field prostate patients, the TPS was used to calculate dose that would be delivered by the kV beam during real‐time tracking. To provide stereoscopic imaging at each gantry angle during treatment, the kV and MV beam times were matched. Apertures studied included a small 3×3 cm field capable of tracking closely placed fiducials in prostate cases. Results: In the four patients studied, the average prostate dose from a 3×3 cm field was 5 cGy, increasing to 9 cGy per fraction for a CBCT aperture, 2–5% of the prescribed dose. The 3×3 cm aperture spared more tissue, delivering 5 cGy or more per fraction to less than 1% of a patient volume, compared to 80% for the full field. Conclusion: The use of conformal kV apertures shaped to the tracking region of interest can lead to significant reductions in total kV diagnostic radiation delivered. This allows for the kV beam to provide useful tracking information, while simultaneously delivering therapeuticdose to the prostate.
Direct measurement of orientation correlations in a two-dimensional liquid-crystal system.

The behavior of a two-dimensional orientation field has been studied directly in space and time. In a freely suspended thin film of tilted smectic liquid crystal the local projection onto the film plane of the molecular orientation averaged through the film forms a two-dimensional (2D) vector field C^(x,y) with local orientation \ensuremath{\Phi}(x,y). This orientation field was imaged in real space by depolarized reflection microscopy. By probing the light at two distinct (x,y) locations in the image and employing cross-correlation intensity-fluctuation spectroscopy, we have measured the space-time behavior of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2}$(\ensuremath{\rho},\ensuremath{\tau})\ensuremath{\equiv}〈\ensuremath{\Vert}\ensuremath{\Phi}(0,0) -\ensuremath{\Phi}(\ensuremath{\rho},\ensuremath{\tau})${\ensuremath{\Vert}}^{2}$〉. At large \ensuremath{\tau}, \ensuremath{\sigma} increases logarithmically with \ensuremath{\tau}, consistent with the expected diffusional dynamics and thermally excited fluctuation spectrum of \ensuremath{\Phi}. This logarithmic (Landau-Peierls) divergence confirms that this 2D orientational system is at its lower marginal dimensionality. In addition, by fitting the behavior of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{2}$(\ensuremath{\rho},\ensuremath{\tau}), we extract the 2D orientational diffusion constants for splay and bend in both the smectic-C and smectic-I phases.