cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Humidity sensitive properties of poly-vanadium-titanium acid xerogel thin films

Poly-vanadium-titanium acid xerogel(H2V10Ti2O30-y·nH2O)thin films were fabricated by sol-gel method and their humidity sensitive properties were studied. The results show that the thin films have a layered structure. The humidity sensitive property curve of the humidity sensor prepared by this thin films is good linearity in the range of RH 11%～95%. Its response time and recovery time of the humidity sensor are 5 s and 20 s,respectively. The humidity hysteresis is RH 2% and the temperature coefficient of the humidity is RH 0.45% /℃ for the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor appear good long term stability. The sensitivity and humidity hysteresis of the humidity sensor are superior than those of poly-vanadium acid xerogel thin film humidity sensors.
Gefängnisbibliotheken in der Schweiz – Ausgangslagen

Die heutige Situation der Gefangnisbibliotheken in der Schweiz, deren Rahmenbedingungen und die sie betreffenden rechtlichen Grundlagen sind eng mit der historischen Entwicklung des Kriminal- und Strafrechts im Allgemeinen und der Ausgestaltung des Vollzugs von Haft- und Freiheitsstrafen im Besonderen verknupft. Aus diesem Grund werden in den folgenden zwei Unterkapiteln die Geschichte des schweizerischen Gefangniswesens und Strafrechts mit einem besonderen Augenmerk auf die historische Entwicklung der Gefangnisbibliotheken in der Schweiz kurz beleuchtet und darauf aufbauend die aktuellen Rahmenbedingungen und rechtlichen Grundlagen fur die Gefangnisbibliotheksarbeit in der Schweiz dargestellt.
The State, Law, and Economic Organization

One of the subjects least satisfactorily treated in the history of economic thought is government. I intend that statement to apply to both the actual development of economic thought and the interpretation of that development by historians of economic thought.
When Two Heads Aren’t Better Than One: Conformity in a Group Activity

Group and team class decision-making activities often focus on demonstrating that “two heads are better than one.” Typically, students solve a problem or complete an assessment individually, then in a group. Generally, the group does better and that is what the students learn. However, if that is all such an activity conveys, then a significant teachable moment has been missed. It is often the case that a group member has one or more correct answers that the group did not use, or perhaps even outscores the group. The simple activity described here provides an opportunity to discuss a number of reasons that can cause such conformity to happen, integrating several areas of human psychology and behavior, and then segue into techniques to prevent it.
Cranioplasty Infection and Resorption Are Associated with the Presence of a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background Following decompressive craniectomy, hydrocephalus is a common complication often necessitating placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS). Complications in the presence of a VPS have been reported, but a clear association has not been established. Methods PRISMA guidelines were used to perform a literature search using PubMed to identify articles that published the complication rates associated with staged or simultaneous cranioplasty and VPS placement. From these event rates, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of complications were calculated. Data were pooled using the Mantel–Haenszel method. The Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines were used to assess the quality of individual articles and studies. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias in studies. Results Of the 30 papers reviewed for complications in the presence and absence of a VPS, 7 studies, with a total of 1635 patients, were eligible for meta-analysis. Overall rates of complications (n = 1635; OR, 9.75; 95% CI, 4.8–20.1), infection (OR, 4.9; 95% CI, 2.2–10.7), and bone resorption (OR, 10.6; 95% CI, 4.9–23.0) were increased when a VPS was placed at the time of cranioplasty. Simultaneous procedures were associated with increased complication rates (n = 283; OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 2.3–8.2) compared with staged procedures. Conclusions Cranioplasty in the presence of a VPS is associated with a higher rate of overall complications, including infection and bone resorption. Performing cranioplasty and VPS placement in the same operation is associated with an increased rate of complications compared with staged procedures. Surgeons should consider staging these procedures when possible and counsel patients about these risks.
An exploratory genetic analysis: Associations between parent depression symptoms, child temperament, and the serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5HTTLPR)

Child temperament has been shown to be biologically based and heritable; however, genetic association studies of temperament have been fairly inconclusive, and the role that parental depressive symptoms play is largely unexplored in this context. The relationship between parent depressive symptoms and the child temperament dimensions of fear and activity level (AL) were examined in 100 sibling pairs 2.5–5.5 years of age and their mothers. Parent reports of child temperament and parent self-reports of depressive symptoms were obtained from families, as well as DNA samples from each child during their lab visit. Associations between the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) polymorphism 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 and the phenotypic variables were also explored. Parent depressive symptoms were significantly related to higher child AL, but minimally associated with fear outcomes. More powerful regression analyses revealed that parent depressive symptoms, child gender, and child age predicted child AL, but only child gender and age predicted child fear. In our exploratory candidate gene analyses, the low-expressing genotypes of the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphism predicted child fearfulness, but not child AL. Our phenotypic findings indicate that a child with at least one parent with depressive symptoms is more likely to have higher AL, and results of the initial genetic analyses show that the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 polymorphism is associated with child fearfulness. Future research employing larger samples, observational assessments, and related child behavioral maladjustment measures will further clarify these findings.
Urologic and Gynecologic Sources of Pelvic Pain

Gynecologic and urologic etiologies are the sources of pelvic pain for many individuals. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the various genitourinary sources of pelvic pain. It is important to recognize that although these disorders predominantly affect women, there are various conditions that affect both men and women, and these should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with pelvic pain. Providers who encounter patients with pelvic pain should attempt to localize these symptoms and obtain a comprehensive history from the patient to help direct diagnostic evaluation.
Young, Depressed, and Black: A Comparative Exploration of Depressive Symptomatology Among Black and White Collegiate Women

ABSTRACTThis comparative study explored the rates of depression and psychosocial correlates for 369 collegiate White and Black females. Women between the ages of 18 and 25 were recruited to partici...
Millimeter-wave Faraday rotation from ferromagnetic nanowires

Nickel nanowires embedded in track-etched polycarbonate membrane filters have been used to impart Faraday rotation on millimeter wave signals with frequencies of 61.25 GHz. A customized apparatus for measuring Faraday rotation was designed and built using quasi-optical components. Experiments were performed to rule out the possibility of measuring reciprocal polarization rotation due to birefringence. Experiments were also performed to ensure that the non-reciprocal polarization rotation, attributed to the Faraday effect, had direct proportionality to the strength of a static magnetic field applied in the direction of the millimeter wave propagation.
Electronic Payment Systems and Blockchain as a Constituent Part

The proposed review article provides information on modern electronic payment systems, especially focusing on how the mechanism of bitcoin works, blockchain technology, also describes the scope of blockchain's application.
Rural–Urban Disparities in Stage of Diagnosis Among Cancers With Preventive Opportunities

Introduction Despite having lower overall incidence rates, rural populations tend to have higher cancer mortality rates. Rural populations often have higher rates of cancers with primary and secondary prevention modalities. However, there is limited research on rural–urban differences in incidence by stage. Therefore, the objective was to assess rural–urban differences in cancer rates by stage. Methods The North American Association of Central Cancer Registries public use data set (2009–2013) was used to calculate age-adjusted incidence rates and rate ratios (rural versus urban) for all stageable cancers, tobacco-associated cancers, human papillomavirus–associated cancers, and individual cancers with screening modalities. Analyses were performed in summer 2017 for all populations and stratified by race/ethnicity and region for localized and distant stages. Results For all cancers, rural populations had lower rates of localized stage cancers (rate ratio=0.95, 95% CI=0.95, 0.95) and higher rates of distant stage cancer (rate ratio=1.05, 95% CI=1.05, 1.06). Higher rates of distant stage human papillomavirus–associated, tobacco-associated, colorectal, oropharyngeal, lung, cervical cancers, and melanoma were identified in rural populations. Racial/ethnic stratifications identified higher rates of distant stage cancers in rural non-Hispanic whites, but not non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. Distant stage lung cancer rates were higher in all rural groups, whereas rural whites had higher distant rates of tobacco-associated, colorectal, and cervical cancers, and rural blacks had higher distant rates for human papillomavirus–associated and oral cancers. Regional stratifications showed the greatest disparity in stage at diagnosis in the South. Conclusions These findings might help explain the higher rural cancer mortality rates and provide additional evidence to support targeted interventions.
Reliability of hunger-related assessments during 24-hour fasts and their relationship to body composition and subsequent energy compensation.

Many diets employ regular periods of fasting that extend beyond a typical overnight fast (i.e. intermittent fasting [IF]). Evaluation of acute fasting responses provides information concerning the potential theoretical rationale for IF. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the test-retest reliability of hunger-related variables during 24-hour fasts and the relationship between these variables and body composition, as well as subsequent energy intake (EI) after fasting. Eleven participants (6 F, 5 M) completed two 24-hour fasts after being provided a 3-day standardized weight-maintenance diet. From 16 to 24 h of fasting, participants were directly observed and provided hourly assessments of hunger, desire to eat (DTE), prospective food consumption (PFC), fullness and energy. After the fast, participants were allowed ad libitum food consumption, and compensation was calculated as EI relative to weight-maintenance energy needs. Test-retest reliability for hunger-related assessments at particular durations of fasting was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), changes in dependent variables were evaluated using ANOVA with repeated measures, and relationships between variables were explored using bivariate correlations. At 16 h of fasting, the ICCs for all hunger-related assessments were statistically significant (r = 0.67-0.91; p ≤ 0.05). However, as the fast progressed, reliability varied substantially. When averaged across the nine measurements, the ICCs were: 0.81 (fullness), 0.74 (PFC), 0.67 (energy), 0.44 (DTE) and 0.36 (hunger). Body fat percentage was significantly correlated with changes in PFC (r = 0.62, p = 0.04), hunger (r = 0.66, p = 0.03), DTE (r = 0.71, p = 0.02), and fullness (r = -0.63, p = 0.04), but not energy (r = -0.16, p = 0.64). Average EI compensation was only 60% of weight-maintenance needs, but substantial variability was observed (7 to 110% compensation). Compensation was significantly correlated with changes in PFC (r = 0.72, p = 0.01), hunger (r = 0.63, p = 0.04) and DTE (r = 0.60, p = 0.05), but not fullness (r = 0.58, p = 0.06) or energy (r = 0.35, p = 0.29). Compensation and body fat percentage were not correlated (r = 0.03, p = 0.94). The percent of energy intake from fat and protein increased after the fast (29.9 to 37.3% and 13.8 to 16.8%; p < 0.05), while the percent of energy intake from carbohydrate decreased (56.4 to 46.0%; p = 0.02). These results may have implications for IF programs. It is possible that the implementation of multiple "test fasts," in which subjective variables and subsequent energy intake are evaluated, could be used to identify candidates who may be more likely to benefit from an IF program.
Hitozukuri and Monozukuri in Relation to Research and Development in Surface Coating

This chapter addresses the rich set of meanings evoked by the terms monozukuri and hitozukuri, which refer to a centuries-old philosophy deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The former refers to the art of making things with excellence, skill, spirit, zeal, pride, and more. The latter refers to the need to educate and train a person to become expert in monozukuri. Together, monozukuri and hitozukuri can provide the basis for a balanced approach to using technology and enhancing human capacities, one where integration and synthesis play a more important role than specialization and analytical skills. This chapter is intended to address how monozukuri and hitozukuri can be applied to benefit twenty-first century advanced manufacturing, using automobile painting technology research and development as an example.
Operative Interventions for Failed Heller Myotomy: A Single Institution Experience:

Recurrent dysphagia and/or gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are failures of treatment after Heller myotomy for achalasia. We present our single center experience with surgical interventions for these failures. We did a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. Based on preoperative symptoms and endoscopy, esophagogram, and manometry results, patients were divided into three groups to guide management. Telephone follow-up was done using a structured foregut questionnaire. Between December 2003 and June 2009, 16 patients underwent operative interventions for disabling symptoms after previous Heller myotomy. Eight patients presented primarily with recurrent dysphagia and underwent transabdominal Heller myotomy with partial fundoplication. Seven patients reported good to excellent symptom relief at mean follow-up of 42 months. One patient reported no relief and eventually required esophageal bypass with retrosternal gastric pull-up. Four patients presented with uncontrolled GER. Two patients who underwent redo partial fundoplication reported poor symptomatic outcome and one patient has since undergone short limb Roux-en-y gastric bypass (SLRNYGB) with excellent symptom relief. The other two patients underwent SLRNYGB with excellent relief at 10 months. Four patients had end stage achalasia and underwent esophageal resection with reconstruction. All reported excellent symptom relief at mean follow-up of 36 months. Transabdominal redo Heller myotomy for dysphagia has good outcomes. Redo fundoplication for GER after previous myotomy has poor results and SLRNYGB is an effective option in these patients. Esophageal resection remains an effective, albeit morbid, option for end-stage achalasia.
Introductory Concepts of Integral Equations

As stated in the previous chapter, an integral equation is the equation in which the unknown function u(x) appears inside an integral sign [1–5]. The most standard type of integral equation in u(x) is of the form $$u\left( x \right) = f\left( x \right) + \int_{g\left( x \right)}^{h\left( x \right)} {K\left( {x,t} \right)u\left( t \right)dt,} $$ (2.1) where g(x) and h(x) are the limits of integration, λ is a constant parameter, and K(x, t) is a known function, of two variables x and t, called the kernel or the nucleus of the integral equation. The unknown function u(x) that will be determined appears inside the integral sign. In many other cases, the unknown function u(x) appears inside and outside the integral sign. The functions f(x) and K(x, t) are given in advance. It is to be noted that the limits of integration g(x) and h(x) may be both variables, constants, or mixed.
A Frictionless Lightweight Active Vibration Control Mount for Small UAS

A precision active vibration mount with a frictionless magnetic hinge system will be utilized to compensate for small attitude fluctuations to enhance the effectiveness of imaging and pointing systems onboard small Unmanned Aircraft Systems at the University of North Dakota. The system consists of a custom lightweight composite mounting plate, piezoelectric actuators, and a digital controller to actively control flight vibrations. Embedded magnets hold the composite mounting plate in place creating a conservative system, and piezoelectric stack actuators are used to precisely displace the plate. This lossless mount is an essential component in a project trying to establish point to point laser communication. Using the magnetic composite mounting plate reduces the number of components, creates a stiff and lightweight mounting surface, and removes friction from the vibration mount which creates a system with no hysteresis. The focus of this active vibration control system is to compensate for small deflections due to engine vibrations or air turbulence. Alongside a gimbal that compensates for large attitude changes, the mount creates a stable platform for precise imaging and pointing. Static and dynamic testing of the active vibration mount will verify the effectiveness of the stabilization system.
Improvisation as Contingent Encounter, Or: The Song of My Toothbrush

This article hazards a definition of improvisation as a "contingent encounter," not in order to settle definitional debates, but in order to productively re-evaluate questions around improvisation as an aesthetic and socio-political force. Here, I argue that thinking improvisation through contingency highlights several key characteristics while leaving behind a set of problematic assumptions that often accompanies thinking improvisation in social spaces. First, I outline these characteristics, establishing what it might mean to bring contingency to bear on a musical performance. Subsequently, I compare two instances of "transatlantic improvised music": Eric Dolphy's "Out to Lunch," and "Waves, Linens, and White Light" by contemporary free improvisers, Mr. K. I conclude by sketching some of the implications of taking this experimental definition seriously, arguing that it re-orients improvisation away from a rarefied behavior and more towards a potentiality hidden inside each moment.
Immune-related adverse events in the gastrointestinal tract: diagnostic utility of upper gastrointestinal biopsies

Aims Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improve survival across a range of malignancies but are also associated with a spectrum of gastrointestinal (GI) immune-related adverse events (GI-irAEs). The aims of this study were to explore the diagnostic value of gastric and duodenal biopsies and to address considerations in the differential diagnosis. Methods and results We identified 39 patients who were treated with ICIs and had a subsequent upper GI biopsy. We recorded clinical data and endoscopic findings, and reviewed their gastric, duodenal and colonic biopsies. Twenty-one (54%) patients were treated with an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 antibody alone, and 17 (44%) patients were treated with a combination of anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies. Thirty-two (82%) patients presented with diarrhoea. Gastric alterations included periglandular inflammation and granulomas, and duodenal changes included villous blunting, intraepithelial lymphocytosis, granulomas, and neutrophilic activity. We recognised four patterns of colonic injury: (i) acute self-limiting colitis; (ii) lymphocytic colitis; (iii) collagenous colitis; and (iv) apoptosis-only. Twenty-nine (74%) and 10 (26%) patients were diagnosed clinically as positive and negative for GI-irAEs, respectively. Gastric periglandular inflammation (P = 0.004) and an increased number of colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells (P = 0.04) correlated with the clinical diagnosis of a GI-irAE. Histological alterations associated with ICI injury were more often identified in upper GI biopsies (71%) than in colonic biopsies (65%). Conclusions The morphological spectrum of ICI-related GI disease is broad, and mimics a range of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Gastric periglandular inflammation represents one of the more characteristic histological features of GI-irAEs. The study underscores the importance of a comprehensive review of upper and lower GI biopsies for the diagnosis of GI-irAEs.
What We Wish We Would Have Known: Tips for Online Instructors

AbstractThis commentary provides insight into teaching in the online learning environment for new and/or novice instructors. Two experienced online instructors discuss what they wish they would hav...
De Novo Synthesis of the DEF-Ring Stereotriad Core of the Veratrum Alkaloids

The synthesis of the stereotriad core in the eastern portion of the Veratrum alkaloids jervine (1), cyclopamine (2), and veratramine (3) is reported. Starting from a known β-methyltyrosine derivative (8), the route utilizes a diastereoselective substrate-controlled 1,2-reduction to establish the stereochemistry of the vicinal amino alcohol motif embedded within the targets. Oxidative dearomatization is demonstrated to be a viable approach for the synthesis of the spirocyclic DE ring junction found in jervine and cyclopamine.
Revisiting Pfizer’s DTCA of Lipitor Using Dr. Jarvik as a Spokesperson: Analyses under the Teleological and Deontological Theories of Ethics

This study analyzes the ethical dimensions of the Direct-to-Consumer Advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs. It focuses specifically on Pfizer’s DTCA of Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering prescripti...
Intra-Pair Skew Metric, EIPS (Effective Intra-Pair Skew)

In the high-speed differential (HSD) interface design, the intra-pair skew becomes more critical as the link speed is ever increasing beyond 56Gbps+ signaling. The skew within a differential pair (intra-pair skew) deteriorates eye opening at the receiver and degrades the channel performance significantly in HSD signaling. However, industry lacks in an accurate and stable intra-pair skew measurement methodology, which created a significant gap in interconnect testing and qualification. In this paper, the effective intra-pair skew (EIPS) is introduced, which is directly calculated from S-parameter data as a single value without time-domain conversion. The EIPS is verified by correlating to the eye opening and the common-mode noise (CMN) in the HSD link of PCIe Gen5 32Gbps NRZ signaling. The MATLAB script for the EIPS calculation is included in the appendix.
Abstract MP05: The Mechanism Of The Pvat Pro-inflammatory Micro-environment Formation During The Development Of High Fat Diet-induced Hypertension

There is considerable evidence for a causative role for T cells in hypertension, including studies with immunosuppressive drugs and T cell-deficient models. Our previous studies showed that soluble...
Lunar-like silicate material forms the Earth quasi-satellite (469219) 2016 HO3 Kamoʻoalewa

Little is known about Earth quasi-satellites, a class of near-Earth small solar system bodies that orbit the sun but remain close to the Earth, because they are faint and difficult to observe. Here we use the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) and the Lowell Discovery Telescope (LDT) to conduct a comprehensive physical characterization of quasi-satellite (469219) Kamoʻoalewa and assess its affinity with other groups of near-Earth objects. We find that (469219) Kamoʻoalewa rotates with a period of 28.3 (+1.8/−1.3) minutes and displays a reddened reflectance spectrum from 0.4–2.2 microns. This spectrum is indicative of a silicate-based composition, but with reddening beyond what is typically seen amongst asteroids in the inner solar system. We compare the spectrum to those of several material analogs and conclude that the best match is with lunar-like silicates. This interpretation implies extensive space weathering and raises the prospect that Kamo’oalewa could comprise lunar material. The Earth’s most stable quasi-satellite, Kamoʻoalewa, displays an extremely red reflectance spectrum typical of space weathering of lunar-like silicate material which raises the possibility that it is formed of material originating from the Moon
NO reduction by CH4over La2O3: temperature‐programmed reaction and in situ DRIFTS studies

The chemistry between NO x species adsorbed on La2O3 and CH4 was probed by temperature‐programmed reaction (TPR) as well as in situ DRIFTS. During NO reduction by CH4 in the presence of O2, NO 3 - does not appear to activate CH4, thus either an adsorbed O species or an NO 2 - species is more likely to activate CH4. In the absence of O2, a different reaction pathway occurs and NO- or (N2O2)2- species adsorbed on oxygen vacancy sites seem to be active intermediates, and during NO reduction with CH4 unidentate NO 3 - , which desorbs at high temperature, behaves as a spectator species and is not directly involved in the catalytic sequence. Because reaction products such as CO2 or H2O as well as adsorbed oxygen cannot be effectively removed from the surface at lower temperatures, steady‐state catalytic reactions can only be achieved at temperatures above 800 K, even though formation of N2 and N2O from NO was observed at much lower temperature during the TPR experiments.
Close proximity between ICAM-1 and agonist pMHC-I ligands facilitates T cell integrin activation advancing local cytoskeleton remodeling (TECH1P.856)

To mimic clustering of ICAM-1 and pMHC-I molecules, we assembled pMHC-I and ICAM-1 proteins on fluorescent nanoparticles (NP) and compared the binding of ICAM-1/NP, pMHC/NP and ICAM-1/pMHC-I/NP conjugates to live T cells. The binding of the ICAM-1/NP was poor, but it has been significantly enhanced in the presence of Mg2+ that induce high-affinity conformation of LFA-1. The addition of agonist pMHC-I/NP or anti-CD3 antibody did not influence the binding of the ICAM-1/NP to the T cells. However, when both agonist pMHC-I and ICAM-1 were assembled on NP, a profound increase in the binding of the ICAM-1/pMHC-I/NP was observed. The amplification effect was non-additive suggesting that ICAM-1 and pMHC-I displayed on the NP cooperate in their binding to TCR and LFA-1 on T cells. In control experiment, NP bearing ICAM-1 and null pMHC did not reveal the cooperative binding to the T cells. We conclude that the close proximity of agonist pMHC-I and ICAM-1 facilitates conversion of LFA-1 to a high affinity form upon productive TCR engagement. We propose that this cooperative affect advances initial local cytoskeleton remodeling enhancing the sensitivity and kinetics of TCR signaling.
Confirmation of Interstellar HOC+: Reevaluating the [HCO+]/[HOC+] Abundance Ratio

The identification of interstellar HOC+ has been confirmed through new observations of this species at 3, 2, and 1.2 mm using the NRAO 12 m telescope. Toward Sgr B2 (OH), the J = 2 → 1 and J = 3 → 2 lines of this ion at 179 and 268 GHz were detected for the first time. In addition, the J = 1 → 0 line of HOC+ at 89 GHz was observed toward several new sources, including Orion-KL. In conjunction with past observations of the J = 1 → 0 transition toward Sgr B2 (OH), these data clearly establish the presence of this species in the interstellar medium. The column density toward Sgr B2 (OH) is estimated to be Ntot ~ 3 × 1012 cm-2, which corresponds to a fractional abundance relative to H2 of f ~ 10-12. Measurements of HCO+ were also carried out toward Sgr B2 (OH), resulting in an abundance ratio of [HCO+]/[HOC+] ~ 140-360 at gas densities of n(H2) > 105 cm-3. This ratio contradicts past predictions of ion-molecule models by several orders of magnitude and suggests that the reaction HOC+ + H2 → HCO+ + H2 is not as fast as previously thought.
Sex and strain differences in isotope turnover rates and metabolism in house mice (Mus musculus)

The rate of nutrient incorporation into most organisms is an unknown but important factor in temporally variable systems. We investigate within-species variation in tissue turnover and metabolic rate among house mice (Mus musculus L., 1758). By establishing a predictive relationship between tissue turnover rate and metabolic rate, field-based studies could more easily estimate tissue turnover rates using metabolic rate as a surrogate. Here, a diet change was administered using male and female mice of two strains (BALB/c and CBA/J) to test whether a predictive relationship was detectable within a species. Resting metabolic rate (mean values of 1.50–3.64 mL O2·h–1·g–1) and metabolic tissue turnover m (0.02–0.07), were significantly different between sexes, but not between strains. Females of both strains exhibited a nitrogen turnover rate significantly faster than males. Females had less mass than males, which could account for the differences in tissue replacement rates between sexes. The difference in met...
Effects of replacing thiophene with 5,5-dimethylcyclopentadiene in alternating poly(phenylene), poly(3-hexylthiophene), and poly(fluorene) copolymer derivatives

Poly(phenylene), poly(3-hexylthiophene), and poly(fluorene)-based copolymers bearing alternating thiophene (PPT, P3HTT, and PFT) and 5,5-dimethylcyclopentadiene co-repeat units (PPCp, P3HTCp, PFCp) were examined to establish how the identity of the latter manipulates the optical absorption, photoluminescence, thermal properties, (spectro)electrochemistry, and atmospheric stability of these systems. The results of our investigation show that the 4π electron diene moiety reduces the optical band gap of the poly(fluorene) and poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based copolymers when compared against their all-aromatic congeners while having the opposite effect on the poly(phenylene) class. Fluorescence studies reveal that the emission maxima λem of the diene systems are lower in energy among the three copolymer sets, however, quantum yields ΦF are also lower indicating that the diene-moiety compromises photoluminescence. Regarding thermal properties, the identity of the co-repeat unit (i.e. diene vs. thiophene) was found to have a negligible effect on copolymer glass-transition temperature Tg, however, the polyaromatics exhibit higher thermal stability irrespective of copolymer class. Cyclic voltammetry data show that the onset of oxidation (Eonset) decreases in the order of poly(fluorene), poly(phenylene), and poly(3-hexylthiophene) derivatives suggesting that the aromatic co-repeat units play a critical role in establishing the HOMO energy. Moreover, when copolymers within each class are compared, the diene-containing systems always exhibit a lower Eonset indicating that the diene moiety increases the HOMO energy when used in lieu of thiophene. Solution-phase stability studies under ambient atmospheric conditions show the poly(3-hexylthiophene)s to be the most stable class of copolymers followed by the poly(phenylene)s and poly(fluorene)s respectively. In addition to the comparative analyses described herein, three model configurational triads of the poly(3-hexylthiophene) derivative P3HTCp were characterized to allow for the unambiguous assignment of copolymer regiochemistry that was determined to be regiorandom. Finally, a polymer light-emitting diode (PLED) was constructed using PFCp as the emissive layer as a proof-of-principle that diene-containing copolymers can be used as active materials in opto-electronic devices.
Quantification of Aromatic Oxygenase Genes to Evaluate Enhanced Bioremediation by Oxygen Releasing Materials at a Gasoline-Contaminated Site

Subsurface injection of oxygen-releasing materials (ORMs) is frequently performed at petroleum-contaminated sites to stimulate aerobic bioremediation of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX). In this study, qPCR enumeration of aromatic oxygenase genes and PCR-DGGE profiles of bacterial 16S rRNA genes were combined with groundwater monitoring to determine the impact of ORM injection on BTEX bioremediation at a gasoline-contaminated site. Prior to injection, BTEX concentrations were greater than 3 mg/L and DO levels were typically less than 2 mg/L, but phenol hydroxylase (PHE) and ring-hydroxylating toluene monooxygenase (RMO) genes were detected in impacted wells indicating the potential for aerobic BTEX biodegradation. Following injection, DO increased, BTEX concentrations decreased substantially, and PHE and RMO genes copies increased by 1−3 orders of magnitude. In addition, naphthalene dioxygenase (NAH) and xylene monooxygenase (TOL) genes were intermittently detected during periods of incr...
THE SHORT-RUN IMPACT OF BEEF IMPORTS ON U.S. MEAT PRICES

This paper contains short-run estimates of the impact of beef imports from Australia and elsewhere on U.S. retail meat prices. The U.S. beef demand is separated into two categories, table cuts and processed items. Estimates of direct and cross price elasticities of demand for these products are used together with elasticity estimates for other meats and other foods to assess the effect of imports on prices and upon various portions of the Consumer Price Index.
Purloined Mechanisms of Bacterial Immunity Can Cure Muscular Dystrophy

Myriad strategies have been explored to compensate for the lack of dystrophin or to skip mutations that cause the lethal disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). A new study shows that gene editing strategies used by bacteria can be applied in zygotes of a mouse model of DMD to correct the genetic defect that causes muscular dystrophy (Long et al., 2014).
Legislative Responses to Terrorism: What Drives States to Adopt New Counterterrorism Legislation?

Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in the amount of counterterrorism legislation worldwide. The commonly held assumption behind the adoption of counterterrorism legislation links it to the terrorist threat in a state. However, little research has focused on empirically testing reasons driving states to legislate. This article addresses this void by analyzing the puzzle of why states choose to adopt new terrorism-specific legislation. The article presents empirical analysis of the probability of states to legislate before and after September 11, 2001, and is based on a new database of counterterrorism legislation. The findings reveal that before September 11, state decisions to adopt new legislation correlated with the number of terrorist organizations operating in their territory. Since September 11, however, the most significant predictors for the adoption of new legislation have become the existence of previous counterterrorism legislation and the participation of a state in the War on T...
Tailoring porous silica films through supercritical carbon dioxide processing of fluorinated surfactant templates.

The tailoring of porous silica thin films synthesized using perfluoroalkylpyridinium chloride surfactants as templating agents is achieved as a function of carbon dioxide processing conditions and ...
FBI's DNA analysis program

Forensic DNA profiling technology is a significant law enforcement tool due to its superior discriminating power. Applying the principles of population genetics to the DNA profile obtained in violent crime investigations results in low frequency of occurrence estimates for the DNA profile. These estimates often range from a frequency of occurrence of 1 in 50 unrelated individuals to 1 in a million unrelated individuals or even smaller. It is this power to discriminate among individuals in the population that has propelled forensic DNA technology to the forefront of forensic testing in violent crime cases. Not only is the technology extremely powerful in including or excluding a criminal suspect as the perpetrator, but it also gives rise to the potential of identifying criminal suspects in cases where the investigators of unknown suspect cases have exhausted all other available leads.
Advances and pitfalls in the diagnosis of Lyme disease

Lyme disease is one of the major emerging infections of the past decade. This global vector-transmitted disorder is due to a tick-borne spirochete named Borrelia burgdorferi , after its discoverer [1]. Lyme disease is geographically restricted to regions inhabited by the critical tick vector. Organisms are transmitted through the bite of infected Ixodid (hard body) ticks, particularly those belonging to the Ixodes persulcatus complex. They include I. scapularis in the northeast and midwest United States, I. pacificus in the western United States, I. ricinus in central and western Europe, and I. persulcatus in Asia. B. burgdorferi belongs to the genospecies complex B. burgdorferi sensu lato. This complex is genetically divided into multiple genospecies, including B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii, B. afzelii, B. japonica, B. andersoni , and others [2]. Considerable genetic diversity exists among B. burgdorferi in both Europe and the United States, and different genospecies may predominate within different geographic areas. There are preliminary associations between specific strains and clinical disease patterns. A single tick may be infected with several different B. burgdorferi strains. It is likely that spirochete strain heterogeneity, as well as host immune and genetic factors, play a role in the development of Lyme disease. Although Lyme disease is a systemic infection, it has specific target organs (skin, nervous system, joint, heart, eye). Characteristic clinical syndromes are associated with early stage local infection, early stage disseminated infection, and late stage disseminated infection (Table 1). Cutaneous disease, followed by neurologic disease, is the most common feature [3]. View this table: Table 1 Clinical syndromes associated with Lyme disease At the current time, the diagnosis of Lyme disease is made on clinical and epidemiologic grounds. It is based on endemic area exposure, tick exposure, presence of abnormal symptoms and signs consistent with B. burgdorferi infection, failure to establish an …
Not too contemplative but still amazing turns.

While considering the invitation to write about my life as a scientist, I closed my eyes to see a series of pictures, chronologically ordered but variably highlighted with shades of joys, gains or losses! What can I extract from these pictures to write that may be generally perceived as meaningful? It did not take long to arrive at two syntheses that are profound in my mind: one relating to metamorphosis in the pursuit of scientific research; and the other to a scrutinizing mind that has been restless but is becoming increasingly self content with time. Thus, I will limit this discussion primarily to these two issues when addressing my science and research philosophy.
Derivation of retinoic acid and metabolites from a teratogenic dose of retinol (vitamin A) in mice.

Abstract Megadose supplements of vitamin A are under suspicion as hazards to the developing embryo after the discovery that two vitamin A-related drugs, Accutane and Tigason, are human teratogens. Retinoic acid (all-trans-RA) is a natural metabolite of vitamin A which participates in many of the known functions of vitamin A and may be the active agent in teratogenesis. In this investigation we gave a single, high oral dose of retinol (vitamin A) to pregnant mice to assess its transplacental pharmacokinetics as well as to measure the formation and distribution of its metabolites in the embryo. Retinol was estimated to be 4-fold less active than retinoic acid in the whole animal teratogenesis and 20-fold less active in the in vitro bioassay. A fully teratogenic dose, 200 mg/kg, yielded considerable quantities of retinoic acid which were transferred to the embryo with kinetics similar to that of retinol. During the first 8 hr after administration of retinol, the metabolites (including all-rans-RA, 13-cis-RA, and 4-oxo-RA) constituted almost 50% of the quantity of all retinol derivatives found in the embryo. A comparison of combined peak concentrations of the metabolites (or their AUC values) with the extent of teratogenesis associated with them individually provided sufficient evidence to implicate the metabolites themselves as mediators of retinol-induced teratogenesis. However, since both retinol and retinoic acid were present in sufficient concentrations in the embryo to act as teratogens we cannot at present rule out the possibility that they may act independently. Further experimentation will be necessary to address whether retinoic acid detected in the embryo is the product of the embryo's own metabolic capability or is transferred from the maternal circulation.
Visual recognition memory in squirrel monkeys: effects of serotonin antagonists on baseline and hypoxia-induced performance deficits.

Abstract Cognitive deficits resulting from neuropathological brain changes such as Alzheimer's Disease or normal aging are most likely due to alterations in multiple neurotransmitter systems. While the majority of preclinical studies have focused on the effects of acetylcholine (ACh), it has been shown that activation of the serotonergic (5-HT) pathways in the central nervous system interferes with passive avoidance retention in rats. In contrast, decreased 5-HT activity has been shown to improve learning and memory in rats using similar procedures. In the present experiment, 5-HT antagonists were evaluated for their effects on performance in a delayed match to sample task (DMTS) in two groups of squirrel monkeys: one in which the baseline level of performance was low ( 80% correct, N = 3; group 2) but impaired by exposure to hypoxia. Initial parametric tests exposing group 2 to various levels of oxygen deprivation were conducted to determine optimal conditions for performance deficits. Each monkey in both normoxia (group 1) and hypoxia (group 2) served as his own control and received an individualized range of doses for each test compound. For both groups, ketanserin and mianserin, the 5-HT2-selective antagonists, produced dose-dependent increases in DMTS performance at 0.3–1.5 mg/kg PO and 0.05–1.5 mg/kg PO, respectively. Pirenperone, another 5-HT2-selective antagonist, was active in improving performance in group 1 at 0.001 to 0.2 mg/kg PO but was not effective against hypoxia-induced performance deficits. Cyproheptadine, a nonselective antagonist, also produced increases in performance in both groups; however, the effects could not be replicated in the group (1) with a low performance baseline. The results of this study show that alterations of 5-HT are effective in preventing hypoxia-induced performance deficits and in improving normoxic performance levels, suggesting a major role for 5-HT in cognitive performance.
Thermodynamic fluctuation theory for shear flow

Abstract A generalization of the Einstein relation for thermodynamic fluctuations is applied to a fluid undergoing Couette flow. It is speculated that if the strain rate fluctuations are to reduce to the known equilibrium results, then the shear dilation effect, that is the variation of the pressure with shear at constant temperature and density, must be a nonanalytic function of strain rate. This conclusion is consistent with computer results obtained previously.
Myopic keratomileusis: initial results and myopic keratomileusis combined with other procedures.

Abstract Myopic keratomileusis (MKM) was performed on 58 eyes to correct for moderate to severe myopia. This represents the first consecutive 58 cases I performed. Average follow-up was 11.6 months, with the shortest time being three months. Average preoperative myopia was −11.16 diopters (D) with a range of −5.50 D to −21.62 D. Average postoperative myopia was +0.38 D with a range of −7.75 D to +8.50 D. Selected patients (11) had secondary procedures such as homoplastic MKM, astigmatism procedures, or radial keratotomy. The average postoperative correction for all 58 cases was then +0.11 D with a range of −6.37 D to +4.00 D, 88.5% of patients achieved 20/50 or better uncorrected visual acuity. The procedures, postoperative course, and complications are discussed.
Atmospheric gas phase loss processes for chlorobenzene, benzotrifluoride, and 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride, and generalization of predictive techniques for atmospheric lifetimes of aromatic compounds

The homogeneous gas phase atmospheric loss processes for chlorobenzene (CB), benzotrifluoride (BTF) and 4-chlorobenzotrifluoride (CBTF), compounds chemically and structurally similar to various classes of herbicides and pesticides currently in use, have been experimentally investigated by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved protocols. The rate constants, or upper limits thereof, for photolysis (under blacklight irradiation with an NO2 photolysis rate of 0.27 min−1) and reaction with OH radicals and O3 were determined. The rate constants obtained were: k(photolysis) <2.7×10−6 sec−1 for CBTF; k(O3 reaction) <5×10−21 cm3 molecule−1 sec−1 for all three of these aromatic compounds; and k(OH radical reaction)=(8.8±1.1)×10−13 cm3 molecule−1 sec−1 for CB; (4.4±1.1)×10−13 cm3 molecule−1 sec−1 for BTF; and (2.3±0.8)×10−13 cm3 molecule−1 sec−1 for CBTF. Estimated atmospheric lifetimes due to these reactions are calculated and their environmental implications discussed. A predictive technique is presented for estimating the rate constants for addition of OH radicals to aromatic rings.
Circular fixation for the nonplantigrade Charcot foot.

AbstractDiabetes-associated neuropathic osteoarthropathy (Charcot foot) is increasingly being recognized as a destructive disease process that frequently leads to severe disability and is responsible for a severe negative impact on health-related quality of life. In addition, this diabetes-specific disease process creates a similar negative impact on the health care system by consuming health care resources for multiple surgical procedures, often leading to lower extremity amputation and premature death. There is growing interest among orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons to address surgical correction of the acquired deformities, with a goal of improving walking independence, which appears to reverse the impaired quality of life of affected individuals. Reconstructive surgery in this patient population is fraught with a substantial potential for unique complications, as many of the patients are morbidly obese, have large wounds overlying substantial bony deformity, have impaired immunity due to diabetes, a...
Comprehensive management of pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury: Current concepts and future trends

Pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury represent a challenging problem for patients, their caregivers, and their physicians. They often lead to recurrent hospitalizations, multiple surgeries, and potentially devastating complications. They present a significant cost to the healthcare system, they require a multidisciplinary team approach to manage well, and outcomes directly depend on patients' education, prevention, and compliance with conservative and surgical protocols. With so many factors involved in the successful treatment of pressure ulcers, an update on their comprehensive management in spinal cord injury is warranted. Current concepts of local wound care, surgical options, as well as future trends from the latest wound healing research are reviewed to aid medical professionals in treating patients with this difficult problem.