cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ethical Responsibility to Reduce Energy Consumption

This Article argues that developed countries have an ethical responsibility to reduce energy consumption - through energy efficiency and conservation - as part of the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While this responsibility is borne by nations themselves, it has consequences for the individuals living in those nations. This Article also argues that developing countries have different duties concerning energy consumption. Their responsibility to improve human quality of life will mean greater use of modern energy, especially when it is not now available. At the same time, developing countries should use energy efficiency and conservation when it is cost effective to do so.
Combination of the PI3K Inhibitor ZSTK474 with a PSMA-Targeted Immunotoxin Accelerates Apoptosis and Regression of Prostate Cancer

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is activated in most advanced prostate cancers, yet so far treatments with PI3K inhibitors have been at best tumorostatic in preclinical cancer models and do not show significant antitumor efficacy in clinical trials. Results from tissue culture experiments in prostate cancer cells suggest that PI3K inhibitors should be combined with other cytotoxic agents; however, the general toxicity of such combinations prevents translating these experimental data into preclinical and clinical models. We investigated the emerging concept of tumor-targeted synthetic lethality in prostate cancer cells by using the pan-PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474 and the immunotoxin J591PE, a protein chimera between the single-chain variable fragment of the monoclonal antibody J591 against the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and the truncated form of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (PE38QQR). The combination of ZSTK474 and J591PE increased apoptosis within 6 hours and cell death (monitored at 24–48 hours) in the PSMA-expressing cells LNCaP, C4-2, and C4-2Luc but not in control cells that do not express PSMA (PC3 and BT549 cells). Mechanistic analysis suggested that induction of apoptosis requires Bcl-2-associated death promoter (BAD) dephosphorylation and decreased expression of myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein 1 (MCL-1). A single injection of ZSTK474 and J591PE into engrafted prostate cancer C4-2Luc cells led to consistent and stable reduction of luminescence within 6 days. These results suggest that the combination of a PI3K inhibitor and a PSMA-targeted protein synthesis inhibitor toxin represents a promising novel strategy for advanced prostate cancer therapy that should be further investigated.
Tetrazine-trans-cyclooctene ligation (TTCO ligation) for the rapid construction of 18F labeled probes

79 Objectives F-18 PET has a number of attributes that make it clinically attractive, including almost 100% positron efficiency, a very high specific radioactivity, and a short half-life of ~110 min. However, the short half-life of F-18 and the poor nucleophilicity of fluoride render it difficult to incorporate F-18 in complex molecules. Recently, the TTCO ligation has been introduced as a method of bioconjugation that proceeds with fast reaction rates without need for catalysis. Herein, we reported the development of an extremely fast and reactive method for generating 18F labeled probes based on the TTCO-ligation. Methods The trans-cyclooctene nosylate was prepared using a flow reactor that continuously removes the trans-isomers through selective metal complexation. 18F-trans-cyclooctene was obtained through the reaction between the nosylate precursor and TBAF. The efficacy of TTCO ligation was then tested using 18F-labeled trans-cyclooctene and tetrazine/tetrazine-RGD compounds. Results 18F-trans-cyclooctene was obtained with 71% labeling yield and the identity was confirmed by HPLC co-injection. The conjugations between 18F-trans-cyclooctene and 3,6-di(2-pyridyl)-s-tetrazine was completed within 10 seconds of mixing at low concentrations (≥ 98%). 18F-trans-cyclooctene could also effectively label the tetrazine-RGD peptides for integrin αvβ3 imaging. The integrin αvβ3 receptor specificity was confirmed by blocking experiments. Conclusions A radiolabeling method for bioconjugation based on the TTCO-ligation is described. The reaction proceeds with exceptionally fast rates, making it an effective conjugation method within seconds at low micromolar concentrations. We anticipate that the TTCO-ligation will provide the foundation for a new class of reliable methods for 18F-labeling of biomolecules in PET applications. Research Support This work was supported by NIH Grant Number P20 RR017716 from the COBRE Program of the NCRR, and by the USC Department of Radiology
Feasibility and value of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery wedge excision of small pulmonary nodules in patients with malignancy

Purpose Advances in CT scanning have presented physicians with the challenge of diagnosing small ( 5 mm) pulmponary nodules (SmPNs) in patients with known malignancies during workup or follow-up. Wedge excision of SmPNs is difficult with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and often requires the performance of a thoracotomy. The value of the early detection of metastatic disease must be weighed against the morbidity ( ie , thoracotomy) that is necessarily involved in obtaining the information. Little is known about the incidence of metastases in this subset of patients. We describe a VATS technique that allows the reliable excisional biopsy of SmPNs and present our findings in this patient population. Methods Using CT scan localization, 150 μCi technetium sulfur colloid is injected into the area of the pulmonary nodule. Additional blue dye is injected at the lung surface. During VATS, a sterile gamma probe is used to identify the area of radioactivity and plan placement of staple lines performed by an endostapling instrument. Palpation and the presence of radioactivity in the specimen supported the resection of the correct nodule, and CT scan findings confirmed the procedure. Between March 2000 and January 2001, 17 patients with known malignancies and SmPNs underwent VATS excisional biopsies. Six patients received a new diagnosis of malignancy, and 11 patients were in follow-up of a previously treated malignancy. The malignancies included the following: breast (four patients), head and neck (four patients), pancreas (two patients), lymphoma (two patients), lung (one patient), prostate (one patient), rectal (one patient), seminoma (one patient), and urethral (one patient). Results All lesions were successfully resected on the first try. Nodules were removed from 10 segments and all lobes. The mean (ŷ/SD) nodule size was 9.2 ŷ 3.6 mm, and the mean depth was 9.4 ŷ 5.2 mm. Fourteen of 17 nodules (82.4%) could be neither seen nor felt using standard VATS techniques. Diagnoses included metastatic (four patients), new primary lung cancer (one patient), acid-fast bacillus (one patient), granuloma (seven patients), carcinoid (two patients), and inflammatory pseudotumor (two patients). Among these lesions, 29.4% were malignant, and 35.3% of patients received a diagnosis that altered their therapy. Five of 12 SmPNs (41.7%) Conclusion VATS excision of SmPNs after CT scan localization with radiolabeled technetium is reliable, reproducible, and associated with minimal morbidity. The technique prevented thoracotomies in 82.4% of patients. Despite the small size of these lesions, malignancy was found 29.4% of the time. This technique allows the early diagnosis of SmPNs, with low morbidity, in patients with known malignancies. Clinical implications The reliability of this technique, the high incidence of malignancy, and the reduction in morbidity from undergoing excisional biopsy procedures will encourage the clinician to strive for earlier and more aggressive diagnoses of SmPNs.
A Novel Voltage Sag Generator for Grid-Connected PV System's Low Voltage Ride-Through Test

A novel voltage sag generator (VSG) is proposed for grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems low voltage ride-through (LVRT) test. The topology and parameters of the current-limiting reactor group, grounding reactor group and bi-directional thyristor valve of the VSG is designed to generator voltage sags with several sag depths and phase angles. Furthermore, for a 250kW grid-connected PV inverter modeled by real-time digital simulator (RTDS), LVRT simulations in different sag depths at different phase angles are done with the VSG. Simulation results show that the proposed VSG has reasonable design and can reveal adequately how the voltage sag depths and phase angles influent the LVRT results.
Passive spread-spectrum steganalysis

We consider the problem of passive spread-spectrum steganalysis where the objective is to decide the presence or absence of spread-spectrum hidden data in a given image (a binary hypothesis testing problem). Unlike conventional feature-based approaches, we describe an unsupervised (blind) low-complexity approach based on generalized least-squares principles that may enable rapid high-volume image processing. Extensive experiments on image sets and comparisons with existing steganalysis techniques demonstrate most satisfactory classification performance measured in probability of correct detection versus induced false alarm rate.
Small-signal behavior of 50% Ni-Fe tape cores

A domain wall model consisting of semicylindrical domains at the surface of the material in the saturated state can be used to describe irreversible flux changes in grain-oriented 50% nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) alloys, if these flux changes are produced by pulses of magnetomotive force (mmf). This model can also be used to describe certain small-signal reversible flux changes. The resulting analysis is applicable in the saturation region and in the case of small superimposed a-c signals during a large-scale flux reversal initiated by mmf drives.
Raman spectroscopy investigations of functionally graded materials and inter-granular mechanics

Abstract The recent evolution of micro-Raman spectroscopy as micro-mechanical experimental technique had a profound effect on the field of solid mechanics. Micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS) is the only technique capable of measuring local stress in a wide range of materials with a spatial resolution of 1 μm. With the current trend of near-field Raman, such spatial resolution is expected to increase down to few tens of nanometers. In addition, the technique is capable of interrogating chemical and structural changes in the materials, hence, for the first time, direct correlation can be identified in-situ by means of the same technique. Such capabilities have been previously utilized in the field of fibrous composites to provide accurate measurements of axial and interfacial stress distributions along individual fibers and at fiber/matrix interface. Such experimental measurements shed light on and strengthened our understanding of crucial events taking place during composite loading such as damage initiation, propagation, and resulted in more accurate models capable of predicting composite behavior and lifetime. In this paper we demonstrate the power of MRS in investigating functionally graded joints for carbon–carbon composites and its ability to provide the necessary data for the correlation of chemical changes with mechanics of the joint. In addition, our recent demonstration of the ability of the technique to measure inter-granular stress fields in polycrystalline materials will be reviewed.
Post-CHF heat transfer with water and refrigerants

Abstract Heat transfer experiments were performed in the post-CHF two-phase flow regime in a vertical tube. The tube inside diameter was 7.75 mm, and the boiling fluid was R-113. The experiments were performed at steady state by means of liquid heating of the test tube. Wall superheats were maintained below 70 °C for heat exchanger/steam generator application. The mass flux range of the data was 379–816 kg m−2 s−1. The use of R-113 significantly extended the property range of the existing low wall-superheat data base. Experimental data are presented in tabular as well as graphical form, and the results were used with low wall-superheat data from other fluids to add generality to a predictive heat transfer correlation.
Homogeneous styrene hydrogenation catalyzed by the pyrophosphito-bridged Pt2(P2O5H2)44− complex☆

Abstract The dinuclear complex Pt 2 (P 2 O 5 H 2 ) 4 4− ( 1 ) catalyzed styrene, phenylacetylene, 1-octene, and 1-hexyne hydrogenation. Kinetic studies of styrene hydrogenation showed the rate was first order in both styrene and catalyst 1 . Below 400 lbf in −2 the rate exhibited a first-order dependence on hydrogen pressure. The rate equation was r = kP H2 [ 1 ] [styrene]. The rate was independent of stirring speed in the range 800–3200 rotation min −1 and therefore not mass transfer limited in this range. The addition of excess mercury did not lower the rate, demonstrating that hydrogenation was not catalyzed by metallic platinum formed from 1 . A very small amount of aniline was formed when nitrobenzene was added to styrene hydrogenations. The rate of nitrobenzene reduction was far less using 1 than when Pt-C was employed in an amount of 5% 1 . The activation parameters obtained were E a = 10.3 kcal mol −1 , ΔH ‡ = 9.8 kcal mol −1 and ΔS ‡ = −40.4 cal mol −1 K −1 . The catalytic turn-over frequency remained constant with increasing catalyst concentration, indicating fragmentation equilibrium to an active lower nuclearity or higher nuclearity species was not occurring. The UV spectra of 1 in reaction solutions was unchanged after over 10 3 turnovers at both 47 and 56°C. All evidence was consistent with catalysis by the dinuclear complex. A few allowed mechanisms are suggested for discussion.
Early Changes in Prefrontal Activity Characterize Clinical Responders to Antidepressants

Previous studies have shown that changes in brain function precede clinical response to antidepressant medications. Here we examined quantitative EEG (QEEG) absolute and relative power and a new measure, cordance, for detecting regional changes associated with treatment response. Fifty-one adults with unipolar depression completed treatment trials using either fluoxetine or venlafaxine vs. placebo. Data were recorded at baseline and after 48 h and 1 week on drug or placebo. Baseline and change from baseline values were examined for specific brain regions in four subject groups (medication and placebo responders and nonresponders). No regional baseline QEEG differences were found among the groups; there also were no significant changes in theta power over time. In contrast, medication responders uniquely showed significant decreases in prefrontal cordance at 48 h and 1 week. Clinical differences did not emerge until after four weeks. Subjects with greater changes in cordance had the most complete 8-week responses. These findings implicate the prefrontal region in mediating response to antidepressant medications. Cordance may have clinical applicability as a leading indicator of individual response.
Characterization of model networks containing both trifunctional and tetrafunctional junctions

Expressions for the number density of junctions μ and the cycle rank ξ of model networks having a mixture of trifunctional and tetrafunctional junctions are obtained by simple topological arguments. The results are consistent with those derived by making use of an average junction functionality.
Inhibition of angiopoietin-2 in LuCaP 23.1 prostate cancer tumors decreases tumor growth and viability.

Background—Angiopoietin-2 is expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) bone, liver, and lymph node metastases, whereas, its competitor angiopoietin-1 has limited expression in these tissues. Therefore, we hypothesized that the inhibition of angiopoietin-2 activity in PCa metastasis (removed) will impede angiogenesis, tumor growth and alter bone response in vivo. Methods—To test our hypothesis we used L1–10, a peptide-Fc fusion that inhibits interactions between angiopoietin-2 and its receptor tie2. We blocked angiopoietin-2 activity using L1–10 in established subcutaneous and intra-tibial LuCaP 23.1 xenografts. We then determined the effect of L1–10 on survival, tumor growth, serum PSA, proliferation, microvessel density, and angiogenesis-associated gene expression in subcutaneous tumors. We also determined serum PSA, tumor area and bone response in intra-tibial tumors. Results—The administration of L1–10 decreased tumor volume and serum PSA, and increased survival in SCID mice bearing subcutaneous LuCaP 23.1 tumors. Histomorphometric analysis, showed a further significant decrease in tumor epithelial area within the L1–10-treated LuCaP 23.1 subcutaneous tumors (p=0.0063). There was also a significant decrease in cell proliferation (p=0.012), microvessel density (p=0.012), and a significant increase in ANGPT-2 and HIF-1α mRNA expression (p≤0.05) associated with L1–10 treatment. Alternatively, in LuCaP 23.1 intratibial tumors L1–10 treatment did not significantly change serum PSA, tumor area or bone response. Conclusions—Our results demonstrate that inhibiting angiopoietin-2 activity impedes angiogenesis and growth of LuCaP 23.1 PCa xenografts. Based on these data, we hypothesize that angiopoietin-2 inhibition in combination with other therapies may represent a potential therapy for patients with metastatic disease.
Scalable patterning on shape memory alloy by laser shock assisted direct imprinting

Abstract In this study, patterned microindents are generated on the surface of NiTi shape memory alloy by laser shock assisted direct imprinting (LSADI). During LSADI, the plasma pressure generated by the laser pulse punches the mask into the target material and thus generates patterned indents. It has been demonstrated that thermally controllable surface pattern can be generated on NiTi surface through LSADI. Compared to traditional imprinting techniques, LSADI does not require a sharp mold, nor does it involve any heating or etching process. More importantly, it can be used to pattern metals. It is scalable and can be potentially used in treating functional metallic components for advanced applications.
Diet manuals to practice manuals: the evolution of nutrition care.

Although the role of nutrition as a therapy for the sick has been recognized for centuries, the science of nutrition is a relatively young discipline. The first modern attempt to document and standardize appropriate nutrition care was the diet manual. The evolution from “diet manual” to “practice manual” is less a change in purpose than an expansion of scope. This paper reviews the history of diet manuals in the United States, focusing on the evolution of nutrition therapy and the transformation of diet manuals into practice manuals for nutrition care providers. Included is a practice-oriented summary of 7 diet manuals published by Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital in Cleveland from 1939 to 1984, when the hospital began using nationally distributed practice manuals. These manuals exemplify changes in the practice of medicine and in the role of nutrition providers on the healthcare team. A review of the evolution of clinical decision-making as documented in diet and practice manuals reflects increasi...
Cell surface vitamin D-binding protein (GC-globulin) is acquired from plasma.

Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) is an abundant plasma protein. The observation of immunodetectable, cellassociated DBP on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and placental cytotrophoblasts had presented the question of the origin, function, and precise subcellular localization of cellassociated DBP. Using anti-human DBP F(ab’)2 with fluorescence- activated cytometric analysis and immunogold electron microscopy, we detected DBP on the plasmalemma of U937 cells, a monoblastic, histiocytic cell line grown in media supplemented with fetal calf serum (FCS). DBP was then removed from FCS by actin affinity chromatography followed by anti- DBP immunoaffinity chromatography. U937 cells in this DBPfree medium exhibited nearly identical growth rates to cells grown in medium containing native FCS. However, in contrast to cells grown with native FCS, those grown for seven to eight generations with DBP-free FCS exhibited less cell-surface DBP as quantified by fluorescence-activated cytometric analysis (73% decrease) and...
Superparamagnetic Fe3O4 particles formed by oxidation of pyrite heated in an anoxic atmosphere

As a follow-up to previous gas analysis experiments in which pyrite was heated to 681 K in an anoxic (oxygen starved) atmosphere, the first oxidation product, FeSO4, was studied as a bulk material. No decomposition of FeSO4 to Fe3O4 was observed in the temperature range studied. The lack of decomposition of bulk FeSO4 to Fe3O4 suggests that FeS2 oxidizes directly to Fe3O4, or that FeSO4, FeS2 and O2 react together to form Fe3O4. Magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements, along with magnetic hysteresis curves, show that small particles of Fe3O4 form on the pyrite surface, rather than a continuous layer of bulk Fe3O4. A working model describing the oxidation steps is presented.
Utility of 18 F-FDG and 11C-PBR28 microPET for the assessment of rat aortic aneurysm inflammation

The utility of 18 F-FDG and 11C-PBR28 to identify aortic wall inflammation associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) development was assessed. Utilizing the porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) perfusion model, abdominal aortas of male Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with active PPE (APPE, AAA; N = 24) or heat-inactivated PPE (IPPE, controls; N = 16). Aortic diameter increases were monitored by ultrasound (US). Three, 7, and 14 days after induction, APPE and IPPE rats were imaged using 18 F-FDG microPET (approximately 37 MBq IV) and compared with 18 F-FDG autoradiography (approximately 185 MBq IV) performed at day 14. A subset of APPE (N = 5) and IPPE (N = 6) animals were imaged with both 11C-PBR28 (approximately 19 MBq IV) and subsequent 18 F-FDG (approximately 37 MBq IV) microPET on the same day 14 days post PPE exposure. In addition, autoradiography of the retroperitoneal torso was performed after 11C-PBR28 (approximately 1,480 MBq IV) or 18 F-FDG (approximately 185 MBq IV) administration at 14 days post PPE exposure. Aortic wall-to-muscle ratios (AMRs) were determined for microPET and autoradiography. CD68 and translocator protein (TSPO) immunohistochemistry (IHC), as well as TSPO gene expression assays, were performed for validation. Mean 3 (p = 0.009), 7 (p < 0.0001) and 14 (p < 0.0001) days aortic diameter increases were significantly greater for APPE AAAs compared to IPPE controls. No significant differences in 18 F-FDG AMR were determined at days 3 and 7 post PPE exposure; however, at day 14, the mean 18 F-FDG AMR was significantly elevated in APPE AAAs compared to IPPE controls on both microPET (p = 0.0002) and autoradiography (p = 0.02). Similarly, mean 11C-PBR28 AMR was significantly increased at day 14 in APPE AAAs compared to IPPE controls on both microPET (p = 0.04) and autoradiography (p = 0.02). For APPE AAAs, inhomogeneously increased 18 F-FDG and 11C-PBR28 uptake was noted preferentially at the anterolateral aspect of the AAA. Compared to controls, APPE AAAs demonstrated significantly increased macrophage cell counts by CD68 IHC (p = 0.001) as well as increased TSPO staining (p = 0.004). Mean TSPO gene expression for APPE AAAs was also significantly elevated compared to IPPE controls (p = 0.0002). Rat AAA wall inflammation can be visualized using 18 F-FDG and 11C-PBR28 microPET revealing regional differences of radiotracer uptake on microPET and autoradiography. These results support further investigation of 18 F-FDG and 11C-PBR28 in the noninvasive assessment of human AAA development.
Abstract 2853: Genetic variation in IGF1, GHR, and IGFBP1 is associated with colorectal cancer

Background The insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)/growth hormone (GH) pathway has been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer. Circulating IGF-1 increases cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Genetic variation in the IGF pathway genes has been shown to alter circulating IGF-1 concentrations and has been associated with colorectal cancer. This risk may differ by anatomic location. Methods We used a principal components approach to evaluate the relationship between genetic variation in six IGF pathway genes (IGF1, IGF2, IGFBP1, IGFBP3, GHR, and GH1) and colorectal cancer in a family-based case-control study from the Colon Cancer Family Registry (CCFR). Cases were recruited from both high-risk clinics and population-based registries. Controls had no previous diagnosis of colorectal cancer and were full biologic siblings of the cases. Clinic-based (cases = 268, controls = 475) and population-based (cases = 1,802, controls = 2,874) data were analyzed separately and all models were adjusted for age and sex. Results There was no overall association between genetic variation in the IGF pathway genes and colorectal cancer. However, when the data were analyzed by colorectal cancer anatomic location, GH1 was associated with distal colon cancer (p=0.05) in the population-based families and IGF1 was associated with rectal cancer (p=0.004) in the clinic-based families. Furthermore, when the data were stratified by MSI-status, IGFBP1 was associated with MSI-low/stable tumors (p=0.017) in the clinic-based families. Conclusion In this family-based case-control study, genetic variation in IGF1, GHR, and IGFBP1 was associated with colorectal cancer differentially by anatomic location, population source, and tumor type. The clinic-based data represent families with high genetic risk in contrast to the population-based data which represent families of moderate to average genetic risk. These results replicate prior case-only analyses that suggest IGF1 is a modifier of colorectal cancer risk in high-risk families. Single SNP analyses and exploration of SNP x SNP interactions may further elucidate the significance of IGF pathway genes on colorectal cancer risk. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2853.
A Survey of Bovine Colostrum Composition and Colostrum Management Practices on Pennsylvania Dairy Farms

Abstract Colostrum composition and management were surveyed via sample and data collection from 55 dairy farms in Pennsylvania. Colostrum samples were analyzed for fat, protein, lactose, total solids, ash, Ig, lactoferrin, water- and fat-soluble vitamins, and minerals. Mean percentages of fat, protein, and lactose in colostrum were 6.7, 14.9, and 2.5, respectively. Concentrations of IgG 1 , IgG 2 , IgA, IgM, and lactoferrin were 35.0, 6.0, 1.7, 4.3, and 0.8 mg/mL, respectively. Mean concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins, including retinol, tocopherol, and β-carotene, were 4.9, 2.9, and 0.7μg/g, respectively. Mean concentrations of water-soluble vitamins were 0.34, 0.90, 4.55, 0.60, 0.15, 0.21, and 0.04μg/mL for niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B 12 , pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxine, respectively. Mean concentrations (mg/kg) of selected minerals in colostrum were also determined (Ca 4,716; P 4,452; Mg 733; Na 1,058; K 2,845; Zn 38; Fe 5.3; Cu 0.3; S 2,595; and Mn 0.1). The findings of this study revealed that the mean concentrations of most nutrients in colostrum have increased when compared with values previously reported. Results also showed that management practices have improved over time, particularly with regard to colostrum storage and feeding. Additionally, we observed that herd size influenced colostrum management and quality. It can be inferred, based on these findings, that although improvements have been made with regard to colostrum management and quality, there is still a need to educate producers on issues related to storage and timely feeding of colostrum to increase passive transfer and decrease the rate of calf morbidity and mortality.
Dirubidium digallium oxide bis-(ortho-borate).

The title compound, Rb2Ga2O(BO3)2, is part of the homologous series A2Ga2O(BO3)2 (A = Na, K, Rb and Cs). The structure contains pairs of gallium-centered tetra­hedra connected through a shared oxygen vertex. Orthoborate triangles connect the basal vertices of the tetra­hedra, forming a three-dimensional network with voids occupied by rubidium ions.
Gene Family Analysis of the Arabidopsis NF-YA Transcription Factors Reveals Opposing Abscisic Acid Responses During Seed Germination

In the plant kingdom, each of the NUCLEAR FACTOR-Y (NF-Y) transcription factor families, NF-YA, NF-YB, and NF-YC, has undergone a great expansion compared to the animal kingdom. For example, Arabidopsis thaliana has 10 members of each gene family compared to only one in humans. Progress towards understanding the significance of this expansion is limited due to a lack of studies looking at the complete gene family during plant development. In the current study, transgenic overexpression lines were created for all 10 Arabidopsis NF-YA genes and examined for general development and alterations in abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated seed germination. NF-YA overexpression typically led to severe growth retardation and developmental defects, which extended from embryogenesis through to adult plants. Although overexpression of all NF-YA family members consistently led to growth retardation, some transgenic lines were hypersensitive to ABA during germination while others were hyposensitive. The opposing germination phenotypes were associated with the phylogenetic relationships between the NF-YA members. In addition, ABA marker genes were misregulated and ABA induction of gene expression was reduced in the overexpressors. Collectively, this study demonstrates that although NF-Ys have retained high degrees of similarity, they have evolved unique and sometimes opposing roles during plant development.
Interplay of ionic breathing and rotational instabilities in perovskites

In a previous work1 we have used parameter-free potentials, developed by the Gordon-Kim technique, to study rotational instabilities in halides-based perovskites by molecular dynamics. These calculations assumed rigid spherical ions unchanged by incorporation in the crystals. We have now extended this approach to include the potential-induced breathing (PIB)2 associated with purely radial distortions in the ionic charge densities induced by the electrostatic Madelung field in the lattice. In addition we have examined the effects of using different forms of density functional3 in the Gordon-Kim potentials. Results will be presented for both halides-based and oxygen-based perovskites.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance With Cross-Flow Roughness

To increase power per unit volume in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), the mono-block-layer-built SOFC used an innovative shape to increase active surface area. The objective of this study is to increase reaction area in a planar fuel cell while avoiding the negative aspects of large thermal gradients, Ohmic loss, and concentration loss by using a common heat transfer enhancement technique (i.e., cross-flow roughness). A numerical model developed with the commercial software FLUENT was used to compare the effects of four rib geometries, such as rib shape, rib spacing, and rib area, on performance under conditions simulating the flow in a typical SOFC. Cross-flow roughness geometries had minimal effect on mixing but increased active area of the cells, resulting in improved performance while maintaining similar thermal gradients and current path lengths to the standard planar fuel cell geometry.
Role of ice dynamics in anomalous ice conditions in the Beaufort Sea during 2006 and 2007

[1] A new record minimum in summer sea ice extent was set in 2007 and an unusual polynya formed in the Beaufort Sea ice cover during the summer of 2006. Using a combination of visual observations from cruises, ice drift, and satellite passive microwave sea ice concentration, we show that ice dynamics during preceding years included events that preconditioned the Beaufort ice pack for the unusual patterns of opening observed in both summers. Intrusions of first year ice from the Chukchi Sea to the Northern Beaufort, and increased pole-ward ice transport from the western Arctic during summer has led to reduced replenishment of multiyear ice, older than five years, in the western Beaufort, resulting in a younger, thinner ice pack in most of the Beaufort. We find ice younger than five years melts out completely by the end of summer, south of 76N. The 2006 unusual polynya was bounded to the south by an ice tongue composed of sea ice older than 5 years, and formed when first year and second year ice melted between 76N and the older ice to the south. In this paper we demonstrate that a recent shift in ice circulation patterns in the western Arctic preconditions the Beaufort ice pack for increased seasonal ice zone extent.
A 3 V data transceiver chip for dual-mode cellular communication systems

Wireless communication is of crucial importance in the information era, especially with the rapid trends toward digital communication industries. Furthermore, the growing demand for physical mobility and service portability is one of the driving market forces for personal communication systems. A 3V data transceiver chip is described for both the conventional analog and dual-mode analog/digital cellular mobile telephone systems. With enhanced data reception capability, it features a low operating voltage, low power consumption and is suitable for battery-operated, hand-held operation. Our development of the data transceiver chip adopts the mixed analog/digital approach to greatly simplify the integration of the mobile phone set.
Study of liquid spray (water) in a condensable environment (steam)

Abstract A model to describe the behavior of a subcooled water spray in a steam environment is proposed. The pressure drop within the sheet portion of the spray is due to condensation. This pressure drop is sufficient to cause the sheet portion to contract, and to reduce the spray angle. Computed results were compared with experiments and agreement is reasonable. In these experiments the fluid flow in sheet portion, based on Reynolds number, is laminar. This is also assumed in the computations since molecular conductivity values were used for calculating the heat transfer in the subcooled water. A correlation of breakup length with Weber and Jakob numbers was obtained.
The Pentagram Integrals for Poncelet Families

The pentagram map is now known to be a discrete integrable system. We show that the integrals for the pentagram map are constant along Poncelet families. That is, if P 1 P 1 and P 2 P 2 are two polygons in the same Poncelet family, and f f is a monodromy invariant for the pentagram map, then f(P 1 )=f(P 2 ) f ( P 1 ) = f ( P 2 ) . Our proof combines complex analysis with an analysis of the geometry of a degenerating sequence of Poncelet polygons.
An Instrument for Stress Measurement using Neutron Diffraction

Abstract An instrument for conducting neutron stress measurements is described. The instrument is designed to make depth profiling stress tensor measurements, studies of stress distributions through peak breadth analysis, measurements of small strains, and phase and texture studies. To achieve these objectives the instrument will be able to translate and orient small and large specimens, has a sophisticated specimen alignment capability, and can make measurements up to a diffraction angle of 130°. It employs focusing monochromators, a position-sensitive detector, a modular design with all components on air pads, a freestanding detector that can be decoupled for removal of the diffractometer and full translation and tilt capabilily for small or large specimens.
Spinal and Nucleus Caudalis Dorsal Root Entry Zone Lesioning for Chronic Pain: Efficacy and Outcomes.

Background The role for nucleus caudalis (NC) and spinal dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) lesioning in the management of chronic pain emanating from increased electrical activity in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and brainstem remains largely uncharted. Methods All patients who underwent NC and spinal DREZ lesioning by a single surgeon were identified and follow-up was obtained by telephone questionnaires. Patient demographics, surgical details, outcomes, and complications were critically reviewed for all patients identified. Results Of 83 patients identified, 53 (63.9%) were male. Indications for NC DREZ lesioning included trigeminal neuropathic pain (6), trigeminal deafferentation pain (3), glossopharyngeal or occipital neuralgia (3), post-herpetic neuralgia (3), and trauma (1); for spinal DREZ lesioning, indications included brachial plexus avulsion (20), post-herpetic neuralgia (19), spinal cord injury (11), phantom limb pain (8), pelvic pain (5), and complex regional pain syndrome (4). Pain relief was most significant among patients with trigeminal pain, traumatic brachial plexus avulsion injuries, spinal cord injury, and traumatic phantom limb pain. Mean pain reduction averaged 58.3% at a mean follow-up of 8.3 years. Complications included 3 cases of paresis, 3 cases of neuropathy/radiculopathy, 2 cases of ataxia, 3 general medical conditions (colitis, 2; atelectasis, 1), and 2 cases of persistent incisional site pain. Pain relief lasted an average of 4.3 years. Conclusions Spinal and NC DREZ lesioning can provide effective relief in well-selected patients with intractable chronic pain conditions arising from trigeminal pain, spinal cord injury, brachial plexus avulsions, post-herpetic neuralgia, and phantom limb pain.
Low intracellular iron increases the stability of matriptase-2

Matriptase-2 (MT2) is a type II transmembrane serine protease that is predominantly expressed in hepatocytes. It suppresses the expression of hepatic hepcidin, an iron regulatory hormone, by cleaving membrane hemojuvelin into an inactive form. Hemojuvelin is a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) co-receptor. Here, we report that MT2 is up-regulated under iron deprivation. In HepG2 cells stably expressing the coding sequence of the MT2 gene, TMPRSS6, incubation with apo-transferrin or the membrane-impermeable iron chelator, deferoxamine mesylate salt, was able to increase MT2 levels. This increase did not result from the inhibition of MT2 shedding from the cells. Rather, studies using a membrane-permeable iron chelator, salicylaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone, revealed that depletion of cellular iron was able to decrease the degradation of MT2 independently of internalization. We found that lack of the putative endocytosis motif in its cytoplasmic domain largely abolished the sensitivity of MT2 to iron depletion. Neither acute nor chronic iron deficiency was able to alter the association of Tmprss6 mRNA with polyribosomes in the liver of rats indicating a lack of translational regulation by low iron levels. Studies in mice showed that Tmprss6 mRNA was not regulated by iron nor the BMP-mediated signaling with no evident correlation with either Bmp6 mRNA or Id1 mRNA, a target of BMP signaling. These results suggest that regulation of MT2 occurs at the level of protein degradation rather than by changes in the rate of internalization and translational or transcriptional mechanisms and that the cytoplasmic domain of MT2 is necessary for its regulation.
Ove Arup's total design, integrated project delivery, and the role of the engineer

Sir Ove N. Arup's ‘total architecture’ was an organizational and philosophical set of guidelines for the working engineer, and at its best, it was a standard for the whole design team. In 2007, the American Institute of Architects created a system to implement integrative practice entitled ‘Integrated Project Delivery’ (IPD) to reorganize not only how a project team works, but when time is invested in designing. This paper examines the role of engineers in IPD through the lens of Arup's ideas, which are still seen as inspiration for practitioners. The philosophy behind IPD is examined through its definitive Guide and the application through a series of documented case studies. A comparison of Arup's philosophy and the structure of IPD demonstrates the position of engineers and how they are valued in an IPD project, leading to the conclusion that IPD falls short of capitalizing on the potential of the engineer as partner in integrated design.
Factors affecting success of thymus transplantation for complete DiGeorge anomaly

Thymus transplantation shows promise for the treatment of athymia in complete DiGeorge anomaly. This report reviews the effects of dose of thymus tissue, ABO compatibility, HLA matching, culture conditions, age of donor and immunosuppression of recipient on immune outcomes at 1 year after transplantation. Forty-nine athymic subjects have been treated with cultured postnatal allogeneic thymus tissue; 36 (73%) survive with only one subject on immunosuppression at 1.5 years. Of 31 surviving subjects more than 1 year after transplantation, 30 (97%) developed naive T cells, T-cell proliferative responses to mitogens and a diverse T-cell receptor beta variable (TCRBV) repertoire. The dose of thymus tissue, HLA matching and use of immunosuppression had nonsignificant effects on these outcome variables. Removal of deoxyguanosine from culture medium and length of culture did not adversely affect outcomes. Use of thymus tissue from donors over 1 month of age, versus under 1 month, resulted in higher total T-cell numbers (p = 0.03). However, this finding must be confirmed in a prospective trial. Although subtle immune effects may yet be associated with some of the factors tested, it is remarkable that consistently good immune outcomes result despite variation in dose, HLA matching and use of immunosuppression.
Surface Accumulating E. coli in Water Flow Using a Bypass Mini-Channel Based Device

The objective of this research is to design and optimize a bypass mini/micro-channel based surface accumulator of E. coli which could be easily integrated with an acoustic wave biosensor. A computational research has been carried out using the state of the art computational software, CFD-ACE with water as bacteria bearing fluid. E. coli bacteria have been modeled as random discrete particles tracked by solving the Lagrangian equations. The design challenges are to achieve high particle to water ratio in a bypass channel and accumulation of particles on a surface of the channel, high enough Reynolds number to avoid bacteria swimming, and various particle boundary conditions. The optimized designs have achieved accumulation concentration of more than an order of magnitude higher than the inlet concentration at a flow velocity much higher than the bacteria swimming speed under various particle-boundary interactions. A bypass channel has been used in this design to separate concentrated water-particle mixture and accumulate particles on a surface of the channel where the biosensor can be installed safely and precisely.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Utilization of accelerated partial breast irradiation for ductal carcinoma in situ, 2003-2011: report from the national cancer database.

Data on recent trends and correlates of utilization for accelerated partial breast irradiation using brachytherapy (APBI-b) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are lacking. This study included 113,841 DCIS patients from the National Cancer Data Base, of whom 8,709 (6.5 %) underwent APBI-b and 105,132 (93.5 %) underwent external beam irradiation after lumpectomy between 2003 and 2011. Trends in APBI-b use, American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) guideline concordance, and independent factors related to APBI-b use were examined. APBI-b use increased from 1.6 % in 2003 to 11.9 % in 2008 and then decreased to 9.1 % in 2011 (p < 0.001). Before 2009, 24.6 % of patients undergoing APBI-b were in the ASTRO guideline ‘unsuitable’ category, but this proportion decreased to 14.6 % after 2009 (p < 0.001). When adjusting for year of diagnosis, patient, tumor, and facility factors, the four strongest independent factors for APBI-b use were year of diagnosis followed by facility location, facility volume, and facility type. APBI-b use was highest in the East South Central census region (13.1 %) and lowest in the New England region (2.0 %). A statistically significant interaction was identified between facility type and volume. Patients in community cancer programs of large volume were more likely to receive APBI-b, whereas patients in larger academic programs were less likely to receive APBI-b. APBI-b for DCIS decreased from 2008 to 2011. After year of diagnosis, facility factors were most strongly associated with APBI-b use as opposed to patient and tumor factors. Reasons for these trends are multifactorial and deserve further study.
Pseudospectral correlation methods on distributed memory parallel architectures

Abstract We describe an efficient implementation of the pseudospectral multi-reference single- and double-excitation configuration interaction method on a distributed memory parallel architecture. Near-linear speedups are achieved up to 16 processors for a single-reference test case, demonstrating that pseudospectral methods are uniquely suited to parallel processing.
Female Athlete Triad and Its Components: Toward Improved Screening and Management

As female athletic participation has increased, the positive effects of exercise on health have become evident. However, with this growth in sports activity, a set of health problems unique to the female athlete has emerged. The female athlete triad as first described in 1992 by the American College of Sports Medicine consisted of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis; the definition was updated in 2007 to include a spectrum of dysfunction related to energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. For this review, a comprehensive search of databases-MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus, from earliest inclusive dates to January 2013-was conducted by an experienced librarian with input from the authors. Controlled vocabulary supplemented with keywords such as female athlete triad, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, fracture, osteopenia, osteoporosis, bone disease, anorexia, bulimia, disordered eating, low energy availability was used to search for articles on female athlete triad. Articles addressing the prevalence, screening, and management of the female athlete triad were selected for inclusion in the review. This article reviews the current definitions of the triad components, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and recommended screening and management guidelines. The lack of efficacy of current screening of athletes is highlighted. Low energy availablity, from either dietary restriction or increased expenditure, plays a pivotal role in development of the triad. Athletes involved in "lean sports" (those that emphasize weight categories or aesthetics, such as ballet, gymnastics, or endurance running) are at highest risk. Treatment is centered on restoring energy availability to reverse adverse changes in the metabolic milieu. Prevention and early recognition of triad disorders are crucial to ensure timely intervention. Caregivers and physicians of female athletes must remain vigilant in education, recognition, and treatment of athletes at risk.