cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correlation between current-voltage and capacitance-voltage characteristics of Schottky barrier diodes

A correlation between the current-voltage (I-V) and the capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics of Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) is revealed and claimed to be a general property of SBDs for the first time. Analytical expressions explaining the correlation based on the electric field dependence of the Schottky barrier height are derived, yielding novel approaches to evaluate Schottky barrier height lowering and to model the device behaviors.
Mouse Adenovirus Type 1-Induced Breakdown of the Blood-Brain Barrier

Infection with mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) results in fatal acute encephalomyelitis in susceptible mouse strains via infection of brain endothelial cells. Wild-type (wt) MAV-1 causes less brain inflammation than an early region 3 (E3) null virus in C57BL/6 mice. A mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell line infected with wt MAV-1 had higher expression of mRNAs for the proinflammatory chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 than mock- and E3 null virus-infected cells. Primary mouse brain endothelial cells infected with wt virus had elevated levels of CCL2 compared to mock- or E3 null virus-infected cells. Infection of C57BL/6 mice with wt MAV-1 or the E3 null virus caused a dose-dependent breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, primarily due to direct effects of virus infection rather than inflammation. The tight junction proteins claudin-5 and occludin showed reduced surface expression on primary mouse brain endothelial cells following infection with either wt MAV-1 or the E3 null virus. mRNAs and protein for claudin-5, occludin, and zona occludens 2 were also reduced in infected cells. MAV-1 infection caused a loss of transendothelial electrical resistance in primary mouse brain endothelial cells that was not dependent on E3 or on MAV-1-induced CCL2 expression. Taken together, these results demonstrate that MAV-1 infection caused breakdown of the blood-brain barrier accompanied by decreased surface expression of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, while the MAV-1-induced pathogenesis and inflammation were dependent on E3, MAV-1-induced breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and alteration of endothelial cell function were not dependent on E3 or CCL2.
Addendum to “The subgeneric nomenclature for the herbaceous-stemmed Smilax species (Smilacaceae) of North America” and comments on the problems of infrageneric nomenclature

Asa Gray made clear the distinction between subgenus and section in the preface of the second edition of hisManual of Botany of the Northern United States (1856). He failed to distinguish between the two infrageneric ranks in the 1848 edition. In 1856, subgenera were published with the symbol § followed by the epithet in capitalized letters while the epithets at sectional rank appear following the symbol § with only the initial letter capitalized. This clarification does not change the nomenclature of the correct name for the subgenus to which the herbaceous-stemmed smilaxes of North America and also eastern Asia belong, and whose subgeneric name isSmilax subgenusLuiste Raf. (1840).
DPRK Provocations: Deterring the Cycle of Violence

Most North Korean provocations have had four things in common: (1) they are intentionally initiated at moments when they have the likelihood of garnering the greatest attention on the regional and perhaps even the world stage; (2) they initially appear to be incidents that are relatively small, easily contained, and quickly “resolved;” (3) they involve continuously changing tactics and techniques; and (4) they deny responsibility for the event. The South Korean military and government have taken important measures to deter and defend against this rogue state behavior. North Korea’s tactics, techniques, and procedures indicate a successful violent provocation in the future.
Assembly of Graphene Oxide at Water/Oil Interfaces: Tessellated Nanotiles

The interfacial assembly of graphene oxide (GO) at the water/oil interface and its kinetics were systematically studied. GO nanosheets were found to segregate to the water/oil interface and interact with quaternized block copolymer chains by the peripheral carboxyl groups on the GO. If the interfacial area is decreased, then GO, assembled at and confined to the interface, jams and then buckles. An analysis of the kinetics of the assembly processes leads to the conclusion that the diffusion of GO to the interface is the rate-determining step. The morphology of the jammed GO film was investigated, and TEM images show that GO sheets form a mosaic or tile across the whole oil/water interface.
Fat quantification and analysis of lung transplant patients on unenhanced chest CT images based on standardized anatomic space

Chest fat estimation is important for identifying high-risk lung transplant candidates. In this paper, an approach to chest fat quantification based on a recently formulated concept of standardized anatomic space (SAS) is presented. The goal of this paper is to seek answers to the following questions related to chest fat quantification on single slice versus whole volume CT, which have not been addressed in the literature. What level of correlation exists between total chest fat volume and fat areas measured on single abdominal and thigh slices? What is the anatomic location in the chest where maximal correlation of fat area with fat volume can be expected? Do the components of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) have the same area-to-volume correlative behavior or do they differ? The SAS approach includes two steps: calibration followed by transformation which will map the patient slice locations non-linearly to SAS. The optimal slice locations found for SAT and VAT based on SAS are different and at the mid-level of the T8 vertebral body for SAT and mid-level of the T7 vertebral body for VAT. Fat volume and area on optimal slices for SAT and VAT are correlated with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.97 and 0.86, respectively. The correlation of chest fat volume with abdominal and thigh fat areas is weak to modest.
Differentiable actions of ( Z 2 ) k

Here we give a beginning to the study of differentiable actions of (Z 2) k on closed manifolds M n . An action of (Z 2) k is equivalent to a collection of involutions T i : M n → M n , i = 1, ..., k, with T i T j = T j T i . A stationary point of the action is a point fixed under all the T i .
TU-D-207B-03: Early Assessment of Response to Chemoradiotherapy Based On Textural Analysis of Pre and Mid-Treatment FDG-PET Image in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate whether tumor textural features extracted from both pre- and mid-treatment FDG-PET images predict early response to chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer, and investigate whether they provide complementary value to conventional volume-based measurements. Methods: Ninety-four patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers were retrospectively studied. All patients received definitive chemoradiotherapy and underwent FDG-PET planning scans both before and during treatment. Within the primary tumor we extracted 6 textural features based on gray-level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM): entropy, dissimilarity, contrast, correlation, energy, and homogeneity. These image features were evaluated for their predictive power of treatment response to chemoradiotherapy in terms of local recurrence free survival (LRFS) and progression free survival (PFS). Logrank test were used to assess the statistical significance of the stratification between low- and high-risk groups. P-values were adjusted for multiple comparisons by the false discovery rate (FDR) method. Results: All six textural features extracted from pre-treatment PET images significantly differentiated low- and high-risk patient groups for LRFS (P=0.011–0.038) and PFS (P=0.029–0.034). On the other hand, none of the textural features on mid-treatment PET images was statistically significant in stratifying LRFS (P=0.212–0.445) or PFS (P=0.168–0.299). An imaging signature that combines textural feature (GLCM homogeneity) and metabolic tumor volume showed an improved performance for predicting LRFS (hazard ratio: 22.8, P<0.0001) and PFS (hazard ratio: 13.9, P=0.0005) in leave-one-out cross validation. Intra-tumor heterogeneity measured by textural features was significantly lower in mid-treatment PET images than in pre-treatment PET images (T-test: P<1.4e-6). Conclusion: Tumor textural features on pretreatment FDG-PET images are predictive for response to chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer. The complementary information offered by textural features improves patient stratification and may potentially aid in personalized risk-adaptive therapy.
Genome-Wide Expression Screening Discloses Long Noncoding RNAs Involved in Thyroid Carcinogenesis

Context: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate pathological processes, yet their potential roles in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are poorly understood. Objective: To profile transcriptionally dysregulated lncRNAs in PTC and identify lncRNAs associated with clinicopathological characteristics. Design: We performed RNA sequencing of 12 paired PTC tumors and matched noncancerous tissues and correlated the expression of lncRNAs with clinical parameters. The 2 most significantly dysregulated lncRNAs were studied in an Ohio PTC cohort (n = 109) and in PTC data (n = 497) from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Setting: A combination of laboratory-based studies and computational analysis using clinical data and samples and a publically available database. Main Outcome Measures: Correlation between expression values and clinical parameters. Results: We identified 218 lncRNAs showing differential expression in PTC (fold change ≥ 2.0, P < .01). Significant correlation was observed between the expression of 2 lncRNAs (XL...
Diff'rent strokes, different folks: advanced heart failure's changing outlook.

Since the first heart transplant was performed 45 years ago, the field of advanced heart failure has grown and evolved at a hurried pace. In the United States, ≈2300 heart transplants are now performed every year.1 Mechanical circulatory support device implants are likely to eclipse transplantation in the very near future.2 More important to the broader population of patients living with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFREF) is the establishment of multiple neurohormonal antagonist medications and electrophysiological devices to improve survival and quality of life.3 Article see p 411 Appropriately, this complex constellation of therapies has encouraged the development of a heart failure subspecialty and centers of expertise. More than 140 centers in the United States currently perform cardiac transplantation,4 and additional centers are now entering this advanced heart failure arena through the provision of destination therapy mechanical circulatory support devices. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulates these centers within its jurisdiction.4 In addition, in 2010, the field of Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology became an American Board of Internal Medicine–recognized sub-subspecialty.5 Growing concerns about cost and value in the American healthcare system with regard to this expanding and resource-intense heart failure care begs the question “How are we doing?” Who are these advanced heart failure centers serving? What therapies are the referral populations getting? And most important, what are the outcomes? Detailed information is available for patients listed for cardiac transplantation1 and those undergoing mechanical circulatory support.2 However, the denominator, those patients who do not go on to transplantation listing or device placement, is relatively unknown. The Medical Arm of Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (MedaMACS) prospective registry of medically managed advanced heart failure patients is designed to help fill this gap, but enrollment at the …
Lysine-Tryptophan-Crosslinked Peptides Produced by Radical SAM Enzymes in Pathogenic Streptococci.

Macrocycles represent a common structural framework in many naturally occurring peptides. Several strategies exist for macrocyclization, and the enzymes that incorporate them are of great interest, as they enhance our repertoire for creating complex molecules. We recently discovered a new peptide cyclization reaction involving a crosslink between the side chains of lysine and tryptophan that is installed by a radical SAM enzyme. Herein, we characterize relatives of this metalloenzyme from the pathogens Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus suis. Our results show that the corresponding enzymes, which we call AgaB and SuiB, contain multiple [4Fe-4S] clusters and catalyze Lys-Trp crosslink formation in their respective substrates. Subsequent high-resolution-MS and 2D-NMR analyses located the site of macrocyclization. Moreover, we report that AgaB can accept modified substrates containing natural or unnatural amino acids. Aside from providing insights into the mechanism of this unusual modification, the ...
Developing Physician-Sponsored Investigational Device Exemption Protocols

The practice of device modification is legal and unregulated by the United States government in most instances. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has wide and unlimited authority to intervene when patient safety or effectiveness of the device becomes a concern. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), depending on the regional carrier, may choose to fully compensate or pay absolutely nothing for these cases based on an assessment of “investigational use.” Any practitioner who chooses to modify an existing FDA-approved medical device outside of an approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical trial should weigh heavily the ramifications of a product liability claim and/or a criminal or civil liability claim, as the manufacturer becomes exempt once the device has been modified. It is the author’s opinion that physicians performing device modification of the nature described herein are obliged to obtain an IDE.
Introduction to polymer morphology

Organic polymers are materials that are widely used in many important emerging technologies of the twentieth century. Feedstocks for synthetic polymers are petroleum, coal and natural gas, which are sources of ethylene, methane, alkenes and aromatics. Polymers are used in a wide range of everyday applications, in clothing, housing materials, appliance housings, automotive and aerospace areas and in communication. Materials science, the study of the structure and properties of materials, is applied to polymers in much the same way as it is to metals and ceramics: to understand the relationships between the manufacturing process, the structures produced and the resulting physical and mechanical properties. This chapter is an introduction to polymer morphology, which must be understood in order to develop relations between the structure and properties of these materials. An introduction by Young [1] is but one reference from the vast literature on the topic of polymer morphology. Subsequent sections and chapters have many hundreds of references cited as an aid to the interested reader. The emphasis in this text is on the elucidation of polymer morphology by microscopy techniques.
A 335µW −72dBm receiver for FSK back-channel embedded in 5.8GHz Wi-Fi OFDM packets

An ULP back-channel receiver is presented that demodulates binary a FSK back-channel signal embedded in 5.8GHz IEEE 802.11a Wi-Fi OFDM packets. The architecture of the back-channel receiver employs a two-step down-conversion where the first mixing stage downconverts using the 3rd harmonic of the LO for power efficiency. The LP-65nm CMOS receiver consumes 335µW with a sensitivity of −72dBm at a BER of 10−3 and data-rate of 31.25kb/s. The radio uses a balun and a 250kHz reference crystal as external components. The receiver uses a 1V supply voltage for analog blocks, and 0.85V for digital blocks including the LO and FLL.
Passive/Active BTMS For EV Lithium-Ion Batteries

This work is about a thermal management system of prismatic lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid vehicles. Solid state thermoelectric modules (TEMs) were installed on a heat spreader specially designed to mechanically support the prismatic li-ion battery cells. TEMs offer many advantages to vehicular application, being environmentally friendly, quiet, having a low weight, and well suited for heating or cooling the battery cells. The proposed system was modeled and simulated. After its construction, it was tested under different values of discharge current and ambient temperature values corresponding to various driving conditions of the vehicle. In addition, its performance was compared with a compatible forced air cooling system. Experimental results show the feasibility of the proposed thermal management system as it consumes very little parasitic power when ambient temperature falls within the range of 0–40 °C]. However, its design added 120% to the volume of the battery pack and 80% to its weight. This additional weight consumes 2 Wh/Km from the EV batteries.
Educating About and For the Future

Education for citizenship is more important than ever. The author describes a technology-supported curriculum that engages young teens in electronic discourse with peers on significant personal and societal issues and assists them in decision making on topics ranging from their personal futures to the futures of their communities, nation, and world. A further purpose is to use discourse as a bridge in developing the individual argumentive writing that students of all ages find so challenging.
Core-shell rhodium sulfide catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction / hydrogen oxidation reaction in hydrogen-bromine reversible fuel cell

Abstract Synthesis and characterization of high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) core-shell RhxSy catalysts for hydrogen evolution oxidation (HER)/hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) in H2-Br2 fuel cell are discussed. Catalysts with RhxSy as shell and different percentages (5%, 10%, and 20%) of platinum on carbon as core materials are synthesized. Cyclic voltammetry is used to evaluate the Pt-equivalent mass specific ECSA and durability of these catalysts. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) techniques are utilized to characterize the bulk and surface compositions and to confirm the core-shell structure of the catalysts, respectively. Cycling test and polarization curve measurements in the H2-Br2 fuel cell are used to assess the catalyst stability and performance in a fuel cell. The results show that the catalysts with core-shell structure have higher mass specific ECSA (50 m2 gm-Rh−1) compared to a commercial catalyst (RhxSy/C catalyst from BASF, 6.9 m2 gm-Rh−1). It also shows better HOR/HER performance in the fuel cell. Compared to the platinum catalyst, the core-shell catalysts show more stable performance in the fuel cell cycling test.
Long Term Follow Up of Initial L Dopa Therapy in Angelman Syndrome (S25.007)

OBJECTIVE: To report the five year follow up and outcome in an initial pilot study of children with Angelman syndrome treated with l-Dopa based upon application to the mechanism of disease. BACKGROUND: Angelman syndrome is characterized by chromosomal deletion 5q11 2-13 in 70% of affected individuals localized bi FISH. Children demonstrate development delay, ataxia, tremor, behavioral uniqueness, attention deficit,and microcephaly. Several phenotypes exist. A gene within the AS chromosome deletion, UBE3A encodes an enzymatic protein: ubiquitin protein ligase in the ubiquitin-protease pathway. Several genetic classes of AS exist. Predominant are features of ataxia, tremulousness, seizures that may persist into adulthood. Cognitive impairment coexists. Deficiency of UBE3A protein influences CAMKII, a molecule that is secondarily involved. Studies have demonstrated that symptoms of AS may be lessened by l dopa utilizing a mouse model. DESIGN/METHODS: Administration of levodopa/carbidopa in three children with AS over 5 years starting at age 3 demonstrating features of seizures, ataxia, tremulousness, motor impersistence with parental reporting of cognitive skills was performed. Monitoring for seizure worsening and side effects was stringent. Carbidopa/levodopa(Sinemet) ranged from 10/100 1/4 bid to 10/100 tid. Pre and post videos were carried out. RESULTS: Video obtained pre and post initiation of therapy demonstrated sustained improvement in ataxia and tremulousness. Seizures did not increase. Dyskinesias were not observed. A wearing off effect necessitated tid administration in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: L-Dopa may be considered in the therapeutic management of children with Angelman syndrome. This relates to its activity in the ubiquitin protease pathway. Measurement of cognitive improvement in this age group is limited. This extends another use for L-Dopa in childhood non Parkinsonian disease. Disclosure: Dr. Lavenstein has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dodge has nothing to disclose.
Dietary Fiber and Lipoproteins

Early investigations into the mechanism by which some sources of dietary fiber exert their hypocholestermic effects centered on changes in steroid excretion brought about by adsorption of bile salts and bile acids by some component(s) of dietary fiber (Story and Kritchevsky, 1976; Story, 1980). Subsequent examination of the relationship between the magnitude of change in steroid excretion and in serum cholesterol indicated that this single phenomenon could not explain the range of effects observed with various dietary fiber-related materials (Kay and Truswell, 1980; Story, 1980). Change in lipoprotein metabolism has emerged as an additional explanation for the involvement of dietary fiber in regulation of lipid metabolism. The association of the levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) with increased risk of atherosclerotic heart disease and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) with reduced risk, and the importance of these lipoproteins in regulation of all phases of lipid metabolism, have made examination of the effects of dietary fiber on these variables especially interesting.
High Speed Human Choroidal Angiography Using Indocyanine Green Dye and a Continuous Light Source

Fluorescein angiography has not proved to be an ideal dye for study of the human choroidal circulation. There are two main reasons for this: First, its unbound molecules readily ‘leak’ from the fenestrated choriocapillaris; and second, its absorption and fluorescence spectra lie in a region where the ocular tissues do not efficiently transmit light energy — this is particularly true of the macular area. On the other hand, indocyanine green (ICG) dye does not tend to leak from the choroidal vessels and has its absorption and fluorescence spectra in the near-infrared region where light energy is transmitted fairly efficiently by the ocular tissues. An attempt has been made therefore, to develop a clinically feasible and relatively simple method of routinely visualizing the human choroidal circulation using ICG.
Sustainability and the Currency of Intergenerational Obligations: Norton, Solow, Rawls, Mill, and Sen on Problems of Intergenerational Allocation

Concepts of sustainability guide policy and environmental management decisions. But when goals are articulated badly, they provide poor decision guides, and may lead to serious mistakes. This paper reviews and critically evaluates a series of popular conceptions of ‘sustainability,’ with special focus on a conception advocated by Bryan Norton. While no conception of sustainability (not even Norton’s) is problem-free, we gain by understanding the limitations of each. Adaptive management, as I understand it here, is not a conception of sustainability, but a view about how conceptions of sustainability might be used in practical reasoning about policy or management.
Disease-Specific MicroRNAs Regulating Extracellular Matrix and Matrix Metalloproteinases in Tendinopathy

Specific differences in the altered molecular mechanisms between healthy tendon tissues and tendinopathy-afflicted tendon largely correlate with increase in collagen type III and a decrease in collagen type I. The canonical IL-1R-mediated inflammation, the TGF-β/Smad signaling, and JAK/STAT pathways have been implicated as important regulatory pathways in tendinopathy. In addition, recent analysis of the pathologically induced gene expression in tendinopathies has identified a clear role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in suppressing the expression of specific genes and their pathways during the progression of the disease. Research on miRNAs and the pathways downstream signaling in tendinopathy have shown that several miRNA families influence the molecular pathology associated with tendinopathy, but the exact mechanism in which this occurs still remains to be determined. Identification of the expression or repression of miRNAs which regulate different cellular pathways is critical not only to understand the molecular mechanisms but also to assist in identifying the inter-regulatory pathways in the diseased conditions. In addition to the primary focus to delineate the role of miRNA-29 family in tendinopathy, which is prominently featured in this manuscript, alternate microRNAs could play a role in tendinopathy. Determining the intricacies of how these miRNAs influence the pathways of tendinopathy provides vital clues for alternate possible targets which is critical to the development of future therapeutics to treat tendinopathy.
Use of Antibiotics Without a Prescription in the U.S. Population: A Scoping Review.

Background Use of antibiotics without a prescription may increase unnecessary and inappropriate drug use or doses as well as global risk for antimicrobial resistance. Purpose To perform a scoping review of research on the prevalence of nonprescription antibiotic use in the United States and to examine the factors that influence it. Data sources Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and relevant Web sites without language restrictions from January 2000 to March 2019. Study selection Studies reporting nonprescription use of antibiotics, storage of antibiotics, intention to use antibiotics without a prescription, and factors influencing nonprescription use. Data extraction Two reviewers independently screened citations and full texts and performed data abstraction. Data synthesis Of 17 422 screened articles, 31 met inclusion criteria. Depending on population characteristics, prevalence of nonprescription antibiotic use varied from 1% to 66%, storage of antibiotics for future use varied from 14% to 48%, and prevalence of intention to use antibiotics without a prescription was 25%. Antibiotics were obtained without a prescription from various sources, including previously prescribed courses, local markets or stores, and family or friends. Reported factors contributing to nonprescription use included easy access through markets or stores that obtain antibiotics internationally for under-the-counter sales, difficulty accessing the health care system, costs of physician visits, long waiting periods in clinics, and transportation problems. Limitation Scarce evidence and heterogeneous methods and outcomes. Conclusion Nonprescription antibiotic use is a seemingly prevalent and understudied public health problem in the United States. An increased understanding of risk factors and pathways that are amenable to intervention is essential to decrease this unsafe practice. Primary funding source None.
Multi-level Modeling of Social Roles in Online Micro-lending Platforms

In many teams, members play distinct roles, from leader to disrupter to social networker. Understanding the roles that contributors enact in micro-lending platforms is both psychologically and socially important for sustaining members' motivation and coordinating their joint efforts. Knowing what roles exist in these communities or which additional ones might be needed can also help teams function more effectively. In this paper, we identify social roles in Kiva.org, a peer-to-peer micro-funding platform, by utilizing members' lending behaviors, social network behaviors and communication behaviors to model their social roles at three levels. At the individual level, this method discovered active lenders who made many loans, early-bird lenders who made loans well before deadlines, and lurkers who rarely lent. At the topical level, our method differentiated those who had broad interests and lent to many causes from those who made loans only to borrowers in certain geographic regions or industry sectors. At the team level, the method revealed eight team-oriented functional roles such as encouragers, reminders, competitors, followers, and welcomers. To demonstrate the utility of the team roles, we used regression analysis to show how the distribution of social roles within teams influences the amount of money teams lent. Implications for identifying roles and understanding their contributions to teams are discussed.
Index Policies and Performance Bounds for Dynamic Selection Problems

We consider dynamic selection problems, where a decision maker repeatedly selects a set of items from a larger collection of available items. A classic example is the dynamic assortment problem wit...
Summary and Future Directions: Trajectories of Romantic Relationships and Self-concept Change

This conclusion chapter summarizes and integrates the various themes and findings described in this volume. In it, we connect the various chapters to reveal how relationship-induced self-concept change can occur at any time before, during, or after a romantic relationship. We also consider how different types of changes to the self can wax and wane through the time course of a relationship. Overall, we highlight advances in the literature and identify avenues for future research.
pH Dependence of Phosphorus Speciation and Transport in Flow-Electrode Capacitive Deionization

Electrochemical processes such as capacitive deionization have shown great promise for salt removal and nutrient recovery, but their effectiveness on phosphate removal was lower than other charged ...
A new genus and two new species of Galerucinae from Costa Rica (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Heterochele Viswajyothi and Clark, gen. nov., is described. The type species is designated as Heterochele actias Viswajyothi and Clark, sp. nov. Heterochele signiferoides Viswajyothi and Clark, sp....
Institutions Treating Breast Cancer Patients of a Low Socioeconomic Status Achieve Multidisciplinary Quality Standards at Lower Rates.

The National Accreditation Program of Breast Centers (NAPBC) certifies institutions that provide quality breast care. Whereas low socioeconomic status (SES) has a negative impact on patient outcomes, it is unknown whether an institution’s patient SES mix is associated with meeting NAPBC standards. All institutions submitting at least 100 breast cancer patients to the National Cancer Database (2006–2017) were ranked based on the patients’ insurance status, income, and education. The 10% treating the largest proportion of low-SES patients were termed low-SES institutions (LSES). Patient cohorts were created based on the 2018 NAPBC standards. Uni- and multivariate comparisons of patient, tumor, and treatment factors were made to calculate adjusted odds of meeting each standard between low- and non-low-SES institutions. The analysis included 1319 institutions. Both the LSES and non-LSES reached the benchmark rate of 50% lumpectomies (61.2 vs 62.9%; p < 0.001), but the unadjusted and adjusted rates of lumpectomy were lower in LSES. The rate for sentinel lymphadenectomy was lower for LSES (49.2 vs 53.7%; p < 0.001). Similarly, the unadjusted and adjusted rates of adjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy were lower at LSES. Although the unadjusted rate of adjuvant radiation was higher at LSES, adjusted odds demonstrated that patients treated at LSES were less likely to undergo adjuvant radiation when appropriate. Small but significant differences in achieving multidisciplinary standards for quality breast cancer care exist between LSES and non-LSES and may exacerbate disparities already faced by patients of low SES.
SU-C-303-05: Photosensitizer Determination for PDT Using Interstitial and Surface Measurements of Fluorescence

Purpose: Photosensitizer concentration during photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an important parameter for accurate dosimetry. Fluorescence signal can be used as a measure of photosensitizer concentration. Two methods of data acquisition were compared to an ex vivo study both for in vivo and phantom models. Methods: Fluorescence signal of commonly used photosensitizer benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid ring A (BPD) was obtained in phantoms and mouse tumors using an excitation light of 405 nm. Interstitial fluorescence signal was obtained using a side-cut fiber inserted into the tumor tissue of interest. Using a previously developed multi-fiber probe, tumor surface fluorescence measurements were also collected. Signals were calibrated according to optical phantoms with known sensitizer fluorescence. Optical properties for each sample were determined and the influence of different absorption and scattering properties on the fluorescence signals was investigated. Using single value decomposition of the spectra, the sensitizer concentration was determined using the two different measurement geometries. An ex vivo analysis was also performed for tumor samples to determine the sensitizer concentration. Results: The two fluorescence signals obtained from the surface multi-fiber probe and the interstitial measurements were compared and were corresponding for both phantoms and mouse models. The values obtained were comparable to the exmore » vivo measurements as well. Despite the difference in geometry, the surface probe measurements can still be used as a metric for determining the presence of sensitizer in small volume tumors. Conclusion: The multi-fiber contact probe can be used as a tool to measure fluorescence at the surface of the treatment area for PDT and predict sensitizer concentration throughout the tumor. This is advantageous in that the measurement does not damage any tissue. Future work will include investigating the dependence of these results on intratumor sensitizer distribution.« less
Chromogranin: A newly recognized marker for endocrine cells of the human gastrointestinal tract

Abstract Existing methods for the histochemical demonstration of gastrointestinal cells are somewhat limited. Chromogranin represents a family of proteins that coexist with catecholamines in the secretory vesicles of adrenal medulla cells, in the present study, immunocytochemistry was used to test whether chromogranin is a marker for gut endocrine cells. Serial sections of each area of human gut were immunostained for chromogranin and for the amine and each of the peptides known to be present in mucosal endocrine cells. Chromogranin was immunostained in large numbers of endocrine cells in all tissues examined. All identified endocrine cell types were found, in serial sections or by sequential silver impregnations, to be chromogranin immunoreactive. However, the possibility exists that some chromogranin-immunoreactive cells contain a yet to be discovered endocrine substance. Immunostaining of chromogranin thus appears to provide a means for demonstrating all gastrointestinal mucosal endocrine cells identifiable by the methods described in this study.
Comparative Analysis of Online vs. Face-to-Face Instruction

This empirical study compared a graduate online course with an equivalent course taught in a traditional face-to-face format. Comparisons included student ratings of instructor and course quality; assessment of course interaction, structure, and support; and learning outcomes such as course grades and student self-assessment of ability to perform various Instructional Systems Design (ISD) tasks. Results revealed that the students in the face-to-face course held slightly more positive perceptions about the instructor and overall course quality, although there was no difference between the two course formats in learning outcomes. The findings have direct implications for the development and delivery of online instruction. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY
Genetic method to identify regulons controlled by nonessential elements: isolation of a gene dependent on alternate transcription factor sigma B of Bacillus subtilis.

Abstract We describe a general, in vivo method for identifying Bacillus subtilis genes controlled by specific, nonessential regulatory factors. We establish the use of this approach by identifying, isolating, and characterizing a gene dependent on sigma B, an alternate transcription factor which is found early in stationary phase but which is not essential for sporulation. The method relies on two features: (i) a plate transformation technique to introduce a null mutation into the regulatory gene of interest and (ii) random transcriptional fusions to a reporter gene to monitor gene expression in the presence and absence of a functional regulatory product. We applied this genetic approach to isolate genes comprising the sigma B regulon. We screened a random Tn917lacZ library for fusions that required an intact sigma B structural gene (sigB) for greatest expression, converting the library strains from wild-type sigB+ to sigB delta::cat directly on plates selective for chloramphenicol resistance. We isolated one such fusion, csbA::Tn917lacZ (csb for controlled by sigma B), which mapped between hisA and degSU on the B. subtilis chromosome. We cloned the region surrounding the insertion, identified the csbA reading frame containing the transposon, and found that this frame encoded a predicted 76-residue product which was extremely hydrophobic and highly basic. Primer extension and promoter activity experiments identified a sigma B-dependent promoter 83 bp upstream of the csbA coding sequence. A weaker, tandem, sigma A-like promoter was likewise identified 28 bp upstream of csbA. The csbA fusion was maximally expressed during early stationary phase in cells grown in Luria broth containing 5% glucose and 0.2% glutamine. This timing of expression and medium dependence were very similar to those for ctc, the only other recognized gene dependent on sigma B.
The Actinomyces oris type 2 fimbrial shaft FimA mediates co‐aggregation with oral streptococci, adherence to red blood cells and biofilm development

Interbacterial interactions between oral streptococci and actinomyces and their adherence to tooth surface and the associated host cells are key early events that promote development of the complex oral biofilm referred to as dental plaque. These interactions depend largely on a lectin-like activity associated with the Actinomyces oris type 2 fimbria, a surface structure assembled by sortase (SrtC2)-dependent polymerization of the shaft and tip fimbrillins, FimA and FimB respectively. To dissect the function of specific fimbrillins in various adherence processes, we have developed a convenient new technology for generating unmarked deletion mutants of A. oris. Here, we show that the fimB mutant, which produced type 2 fimbriae composed only of FimA, like the wild type co-aggregated strongly with receptor-bearing streptococci, agglutinated with sialidase-treated red blood cells, and formed monospecies biofilm. In contrast, the fimA and srtC2 mutants lacked type 2 fimbriae and were non-adherent in each of these assays. Plasmid-based expression of the deleted gene in respective mutants restored adherence to wild-type levels. These findings uncover the importance of the lectin-like activity of the polymeric FimA shaft rather than the tip. The multivalent adhesive function of FimA makes it an ideal molecule for exploring novel intervention strategies to control plaque biofilm formation.
Reviews, Catalogues and New Publications

Cameron. Anne 1981 Daughters of Copper Woman. Vancouver. Press Gang Press. 21. 14 cm. 150 pp. $7.95 603 Powell Street. Vancouver. BC V6A 1H2. Canada. Ferg. Alan. editor 1987 Western Apache Material Culture: The Goodwin and Guenther Collections. Arizona: The University of Arizona Press. ISBN 0-8165-1028-8. 205 pp., 32 color plates, 170 black-and-white photographs,. maps,. line drawings, references and suggested readings. $19.95 paperback. Dale Rosengarten 1986 Row Upon Row: Sea Grass Baskets of the South Carolina Lowcountry. South Carolina: The McKissick Museum, University of South Carolina. ISBN 0-938983-02-4 64 pp. 107 blackand-white photographs,. map, notes, list of basketmakers interviewed, catalog of exhibition, bibliography. $10.00, plus $1.50 postage and handling. Morris. Walter F. Jr. 1987 Living Maya. New York. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers. 28.5. 23 cm., 224 pp., 125 color plates, approximately 60 line drawings,. maps. Selected Bibliography, Credit Illustrations, wrap-around color cover. ISBN 0-8109-1298-8. $40. Cloth cover. Lester. Joan A. 1987 We're Still Here. Boston. The Children's Museum. 26. 26 cm., 86 pp., 96 black-and-white photographs. References, Objects in the Collection, photo credits. ISBN 0-940203-00-6. No price. Soft cover. Children's Museum, Museum Wharf, 300 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210.
Inflammation and cancer

Recent data have expanded the concept that inflammation is a critical component of tumour progression. Many cancers arise from sites of infection, chronic irritation and inflammation. It is now becoming clear that the tumour microenvironment, which is largely orchestrated by inflammatory cells, is an indispensable participant in the neoplastic process, fostering proliferation, survival and migration. In addition, tumour cells have co-opted some of the signalling molecules of the innate immune system, such as selectins, chemokines and their receptors for invasion, migration and metastasis. These insights are fostering new anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches to cancer development.
Land, Labor, and Rural Development: Analyzing Participation in India's Village Dairy Cooperatives

Livestock-based livelihoods are currently being promoted by international development agencies as part of global efforts to combat poverty. India's dairy development program, organized around village cooperatives, has become an important model for such efforts. This article aims to identify household characteristics that influence membership in India's rural dairy cooperatives by comparing two villages representing different degrees of success. Utilizing logistic regression methods, data collected through a comprehensive survey of all households in the two villages are analyzed to examine (1) how variables describing animal ownership, agricultural attributes, and household labor availability contribute to explaining membership in the dairy cooperative; and (2) whether factors influencing membership differ across the two villages. Our results indicate that although agricultural property ownership influences cooperative membership in both villages, the kind of dairy animal used and labor utilized for dairyi...
The Application of a Citric Acid Buffer in the Extraction of Solanaceous Alkaloids

The use of a buffered weak Krebs cycle acid such as citric acid provides a means for extracting total alkaloids from small samples of belladonna and hyoscyamus leaves. However, significantly lower yields are obtained when compared with official procedures for the separation of total alkaloids from Datura stramonium.
PERCEPTION OF NATIONS: GOVERNMENT VS CITIZENRY

-A nation, unlike a person, may be seen more readily as composed of disparate parts. A decision made by one part such as the government may not necessarily reflect on the character of another part such as the citizenry. It was hypothesized that a friendly act by a government will elicit corresponding inferences about both government and citizenry only when the government is a republic. This form of government, as well as the citizenry under it, should also be better liked by judges with democratic values than a dictatorship should. These effects on perception should produce corresponding changes in behavior. 68 American college undergraduates made various judgmental and behavioral decisions concerning a fictitious nation described as either a republic or a dictatorship which complied with or refused a request made by the United States government. Compliance or refusal did not affect judgments concerning the citizenry at all, but limited support was obtained for the other predictions.
Analysis of defined mortality for patent ductus arteriosus: Implications for measuring quality in neonatal surgical care

METHODS: Birth/discharge records of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants with PDA without congenital heart disease were extracted from the California Linked-Birth Dataset (1999-2007). Survival analysis 30 days post-operatively versus to first discharge of infants with PDA, along with logistic regression of the surgical cohort, were performed controlling for co-morbidities and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) level.
Space-Variant Optical Processing With Acousto-Optic Modulators

A technique is described for performing two-dimensional (2-D) space-variant operations using two acousto-optic modulators (AOM's) operating in a crossed fashion. A time-integrating detector performs the appropriate summation of output terms for the spatially sampled input. System constraints and the feasibility of performing real-time operations will be discussed, along with the presentation of experimental results. The approach has the potential for broadening the range of operations performed by optical computers.
Mathematics and hybrid modeling: mathematics for simulation

I survey several mathematical techniques and results that are useful in the context of stochastic simulation. The concepts are introduced through the study of a simple model of ambulance operation to ensure clarity, concreteness and cohesion.
PATTERNS OF POSTFIRE REGENERATION IN A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MIXED CHAPARRAL COMMUNITY

ABSTRACT Effects of prefire stand age, fire intensity, and hillslope position on postfire vegetation recovery during the first two postfire seasons were studied in two contrasting stands of mixed chaparral at San Diego State University's Sky Oaks Field Station (San Diego County, CA). One stand was approximately 60-years old and the other 12-years old when both burned in the July 2003 Coyote Fire. The two stands showed contrasting patterns of postfire community composition among different plant groups based on their modes of postfire regeneration. Fire intensity was significantly higher in the older stand. Increased fire intensity was positively correlated with establishment of seedlings of Ceanothus greggii var. perplexans (an obligate seeder), and negatively correlated with seedling abundance of Adenostoma fasciculatum (a facultative seeder). Hillslope position was also important in determining patterns of abundance, suggesting that soil erosion and deposition following fire may have a significant effect...
Does Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair Improve Functional Outcome of Patients Compared With Single-Row Technique? A Systematic Review

Background: The advantage of single-row versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair techniques has been a controversial issue in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. There is biomechanical evidence that double-row techniques are superior to single-row techniques; however, there is no clinical evidence that the double-row technique provides an improved functional outcome.Hypothesis: When compared with single-row rotator cuff repair, double-row fixation, although biomechanically superior, has no clinical benefit with respect to retear rate or improved functional outcome.Study Design: Systematic review.Methods: The authors reviewed prospective studies of level I or II clinical evidence that compared the efficacy of single- and double-row rotator cuff repairs. Functional outcome scores included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder scale, the Constant shoulder score, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale. Radiographic failures and complications w...