cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of the Penn predictive score of tumor lysis syndrome (PPS-TLS) in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

6577 Background: In a previous retrospective study of 194 patients undergoing AML induction chemotherapy, we described a TLS predictive model entitled the Penn Predictive Score for Tumor Lysis Syndrome (PPS-TLS). TLS incidence was 9.8%. The PPS-TLS is defined as the sum of the scores for pre-induction lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uric acid (UA), and gender (see table). The area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for this cohort was 89% (SD 4%). Methods: To validate the PPS-TLS, we retrospectively analyzed a second dataset of 166 AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy from 2003–2006 at our institution. All patients received TLS prophylaxis. TLS was defined as (i) doubling of baseline serum creatinine (Cr) in association with elevated serum phosphate, UA, or potassium or (ii) elevations in 2 of the above electrolytes within 7 days of initiation of therapy. Potential TLS predictive factors were analyzed for statistical significance. Results: In this new dataset, TLS incidence is 9...
Symptoms After Antireflux Surgery: Not Everything Is Caused By Surgery

Antireflux surgery is successful in well-selected patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Preoperative evaluation should include anatomic and physiologic studies to objectively diagnose GERD and to fully evaluate foregut function. Esophageal symptoms are well treated by antireflux surgery, whereas the response of extra-esophageal symptoms is less predictable.
Scientific Literacy Matters: Using Literature to Meet Next Generation Science Standards and 21st Century Skills

Scientific literacy matters. It matters because it is vitally important to the education and development of America’s children, tomorrow's workforce, and the keepers of our future. If the future of American individual decision making, engagement in civic and cultural affairs, and valuable contributions to economic development is to be protected, it is critical that American students become more scientifically literate than they are today. Today, most Americans, including students, are considered scientifically illiterate. Recognizing the need to develop and enhance scientific literacy (also known as science literacy), science educators have worked diligently at developing new science standards, new approaches to science teaching, and new techniques aimed at engaging students in the practice of science. In this article, the use of literature is discussed as one method to augment or supplement the teaching of science. In the context of making a literature selection, a new conceptual approach is proposed that includes attention to meeting the Next Generation Science Standards while being responsive to the importance of 21 st Century Skills. Additionally, a Literary Assessment Tool is shared that demonstrates how science educators can evaluate a literary selection in terms of how well it will help them to enhance scientific literacy.
Evidence for distinct intramolecular pathways transmitting stimulatory and inhibitory signals in human P-glycoprotein

3229 The human multidrug transporter P-glycoprotein (ABCB1 or Pgp) functions as an ATP-dependent efflux pump for a variety of structurally unrelated anticancer agents, conferring multidrug resistance in cancer cells and contributing to poor bioavailability of many chemotherapeutic agents. Several pharmacological agents have been identified that can modulate the transport function of Pgp. Although the structure-function relationship has been studied in great length the molecular determinants of modulation of its ATPase activity and substrate binding remain poorly understood. In this study we demonstrate that the amino acid residue F978 in TM12, previously known to alter drug resistance profile of Pgp, plays a crucial role in stimulation of both ATP hydrolysis as well as IAAP (a Pgp substrate) binding. Substituting F978 with an alanine (F978A) affects stimulation of ATP hydrolysis by Pgp substrate verapamil, as well as, allosteric modulator cis (Z)-flupentixol. However, inhibition of ATP hydrolysis by trans (E)-flupentixol remains unaffected. Similarly, stimulation of substrate (IAAP) binding by the cis isomer of flupentixol was significantly lowered without any considerable effect on the inhibitory potentials of the trans isomer of flupentixol or cyclosporin A. Changing F978 to a structurally similar tyrosine residue (F978Y) partially recovers the stimulatory effects of both verapamil and cis (Z)-flupentixol. These results suggest that the stimulatory and the inhibitory signals from modulator binding gets transmitted through distinct intramolecular pathways, in which F978 might have an important role in the mediation of the stimulatory signals but not inhibitory ones. The effect of F978 substitution seems to be specific, since a similar replacement of residue F983 (also in TM 12) with alanine (F983A) results in alteration of both stimulatory as well as inhibitory signals generated by the two isomers of flupentixol, but leaves modulation by verapamil and cyclosporin A unaffected.
Calibrating physical parameters in house models using aggregate AC power demand

For residential houses, the air conditioning (AC) units are a major resource for providing flexibility in energy use for the purpose of demand response. To quantify the flexibility, the characteristics of the population of houses need to be accurately estimated, so that models of house energy-use can be used to predict the temperature dynamics. By adjusting the house thermostat setpoints accordingly, comfort can be maintained and demand response is possible. In this paper, we propose an approach using the Reverse Monte Carlo method and aggregate house models to calibrate the (probability) distribution parameters of the house models for a population of residential homes. Given the aggregate AC power demand for the population, our approach can successfully estimate the distribution parameters for the most sensitive physical parameters identified in previous studies, such as the mean floor area for the population of houses. Moreover, we give uncertainty bounds for our parameter estimates1.
Mapping Functional Substrate-Enzyme Interactions in the pol beta Active Site through Chemical Biology: Structural Responses to Acidity Modification of Incoming dNTPs.

We report high-resolution crystal structures of DNA polymerase (pol) β in ternary complex with a panel of incoming dNTPs carrying acidity-modified 5′-triphosphate groups. These novel dNTP analogues have a variety of halomethylene substitutions replacing the bridging oxygen between Pβ and Pγ of the incoming dNTP, whereas other analogues have alkaline substitutions at the bridging oxygen. Use of these analogues allows the first systematic comparison of effects of 5′-triphosphate acidity modification on active site structures and the rate constant of DNA synthesis. These ternary complex structures with incoming dATP, dTTP, and dCTP analogues reveal the enzyme’s active site is not grossly altered by the acidity modifications of the triphosphate group, yet with analogues of all three incoming dNTP bases, subtle structural differences are apparent in interactions around the nascent base pair and at the guanidinium groups of active site arginine residues. These results are important for understanding how acidity...
EFFECT OF CHANGES IN SUPRAMOLECULAR STRUCTURE ON THE THERMAL PROPERTIES AND PYROLYSIS OF CELLULOSE

Cotton containing the crystalline forms of cellulose II, III, or IV was prepared from purified starting fiber in the cellulose I form. Microcrystalline cellulose in each crystal form was prepared from these samples by acid hydrolysis. Pyrolysis of the microcrystalline samples showed that the levoglucosan yield of samples in the cellulose II crystal form is less than that of samples in the cellulose I, III, or IV forms. From comparisons of the levoglucosan yields of samples pyrolyzed in the fibrous state and in the microcrystalline state, it appears that on pyrolysis, the amorphous material present in fibrous samples inhibits tarproducing reactions, although such reactions occur primarily in the crystalline areas. It is shown that heat treatments, which increase the crystallinity of fibrous cellulose, will increase the levoglucosan yield on pyrolysis. Comparisons are made of the thermal stability, as indicated by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry, of cellulose in the four crystal forms. It appears that the thermal stability of cellulose in the cellulose III crystal form is less than that of cellulose in the cellulose I, II, or IV forms when samples in similar states are compared.
Chapter VII – Rectangular Ducts

Publisher Summary This chapter presents fully developed fluid flow problem for rectangular ducts. The flow field in a noncircular duct having corners is divided into as many numbers of flow regions as there are corners. It is hypothesized that the flow in each such region is influenced by its own corner. Each region is then treated as a separate flow passage with its characteristic dimension as the length of the path of least shear resistance in the flow field connecting the corner and the point of maximum velocity. The average characteristic dimension for the noncircular duct is taken as the arithmetic average of the characteristic dimensions of all flow regions. The shape factor characterizing the duct geometry is defined as the ratio of the foregoing average dimension to the duct perimeter. The fully developed pressure gradient in a duct depends upon the surface area of contact. The ratio of fully developed pressure gradient in a rectangular duct to that in a circular duct of the same flow area would then depend upon the perimeter ratio.
Non-Arrhenius Conductivity in a Driven System of Interacting Lattice Gas

A Monte Carlo simulation is used to study the conductivity of an interacting lattice gas in presence of a linear gradient field. The conductivity is evaluated in the steady state although the system is not in thermal equilibrium. Effects of the concentration of the caniers and the temperature are analyzed. The conductivity shows a nonmonotonic dependence on the concentration and a non-Anhenius dependence over a wide range of temperatures.
Friends, family, and boyfriends: An analysis of relationship pathways into commercial sexual exploitation.

Abstract Background The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a major global issue that affects over two million children each year (Polaris Project, 2014). Large metropolitan cities, such as Las Vegas, have high rates of child prostitution (Shared Hope International, 2009). Objective The purpose of the current study is to elucidate to what extent interpersonal relationships and contextual factors (e.g. abuse within the home, substance abuse, etc.) influence commercial sexual exploitation. Participants and setting Participants for this study include 26 CSEC survivors located within the state of Nevada. Methods The current study utilizes a qualitative content analysis approach to analyze interview transcripts gathered from CSEC survivors. Three stages of analysis were conducted to assess the relationships that influenced the participants’ sexual exploitation, as well as the contextual factors shared by the participants. Results Analyses indicated that three types of relationships led to commercial sexual exploitation: friends, family, and boyfriends. Of the three relationship typologies, friends were the most common (n = 14). As for contextual factors, it was common for participants to have been abused within their home (n = 15) or to have run away from home (n = 20). Conclusions The narratives provided in this study show that CSEC survivors do not often willingly engage in trading sex; rather this decision is influenced by a need to escape familial abuse or they are forced to trade sex by someone whom they share a relationship.
Checklist of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) from small diversified vegetable farms in south-western Montana.

Background Over three years (2013-2015), we sampled bees using nets and bowl traps on four diversified vegetable farms in Gallatin County, Montana, USA, as part of a study evaluating the use of wildflower strips for supporting wild bees and crop pollination services on farmlands (Delphia et al. In prep). We document 202 species and morphospecies from 32 genera within five families, of which 25 species represent the first published state records for Montana. This study increases our overall understanding of the distribution of wild bee species associated with agroecosystems of the northern US Rockies, which is important for efforts aimed at conserving bee biodiversity and supporting sustainable crop pollination systems on farmlands. New information We provide a species list of wild bees associated with diversified farmlands in Montana and increase the number of published bee species records in the state from 374 to at least 399. The list includes new distributional records for 25 wild bee species, including two species that represent considerable expansions of their known ranges, Lasioglossum (Dialictus) clematisellum (Cockerell 1904) with previously published records from New Mexico, Arizona, California and Utah and Melissodes (Eumelissodes) niveus Robertson 1895 which was reported to range from New York to Minnesota and Kansas, south to North Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi.
Nurses must be aware of the potential for causing distress when recruiting vulnerable populations to research projects.

Commentary on: Alexander S, Pillay R, Smith B. A systematic review of the experiences of vulnerable people participating in research on sensitive topic. Int J Nurs Stud 2018;88:85–96. Vulnerable populations (e.g. mentally ill, terminally ill, physical or sexual trauma, children, cognitively impaired, homeless, prisoners, migrants/refugees) are at the risk of distress when asked sensitive questions (eg, past trauma, mental illness, illegal activity, addiction).1 2 This systematic review by Alexander et al summarises the current literature exploring how participants from vulnerable populations …
Near Soliton Evolution for Equivariant Schrodinger Maps in Two Spatial Dimensions

We consider the Schrodinger Map equation in 2 + 1 dimensions, with values into S2. This admits a lowest energy steady state Q, namely the stereographic projection, which extends to a two dimensional family of steady states by scaling and rotation. We prove that Q is unstable in the energy space H1. However, in the process of proving this we also show that within the equivariant class Q is stable in a stronger topology X ⊂ H 1. © 2013 by the American Mathematical Society. All rights reserved.
3kW Four-Level Flying Capacitor Totem-Pole Bridgeless PFC Rectifier with 200V GaN Devices

This paper introduces a flying capacitor multilevel (FCML) totem-pole bridgeless power-factor-correction (PFC) rectifier for the high-efficiency and high-density switching power supplies of data centers. A 3kW four-level FCML totem-pole PFC with 200V GaN devices is discussed and designed in this paper. Compared with the conventional two-level GaN totem-pole PFC, this four-level FCML GaN totem-pole PFC utilizes the low voltage GaN devices, reduces the switching voltage, reduces the voltage stress on the inductor and increases the equivalent ripple frequency of the inductor. Since the reduced switching voltage also reduces the dv/dt, the EMI noises are also reduced. Based on the commercial cubic composite inductors, a modular compact and low-profile inductor design method is introduced for this four-level totem-pole PFC. A high density 3kW four-level-FCML GaN totem-pole PFC prototype is developed and tested. The working principles, control strategy and performance of this PFC rectifier are verified by the experimental results. The estimated peak efficiency of the prototype is 99%, and the power density is about 125W/in3.
Modeling, Learning and Prediction of Longitudinal Behaviors of Human-Driven Vehicles by Incorporating Internal Human DecisionMaking Process using Inverse Model Predictive Control

Understanding the behaviors of human-driven vehicles such as acceleration and braking are critical for the safety of the near-future mixed transportation systems which involve both automated and human-driven vehicles. Existing approaches in modeling human driving behaviors including driver-model-based approaches and heuristic approaches have issues in either model accuracy or scalability limitation to new situations. To address these issues, this paper proposes a new inverse model predictive control (IMPC) based approach to model longitudinal human driving behaviors. The approach incorporates the internal decision making process of humans, and achieves better predicting accuracy and improved scalability to different situations. The modeling, learning, and prediction of longitudinal human driving behaviors using the proposed IMPC approach are presented. Experimental results validate the effectiveness and advantages of the approach.
Pediatric Procedural Sedation in the Emergency Setting.

Background Pediatric emergency department (ED) visits are common. Many are due to injury, which require procedural treatments with sedation. There are many well researched independent predictors of adverse events for pediatric procedural sedation. The duration of sedation as a predictor of adverse events has not been well studied. This study aims to determine the complication rate and severity of procedural sedation as well as determine if the duration of sedation is correlated with an increased risk of complications. Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, a retrospective study was performed on all patients seen at Helen Devos Children's ED who received sedation from August 1, 2011, to August 15, 2016. Study variables included age, weight, type of procedure, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status class, Mallampati score, comorbidities, sedation medication, sedation time, and complication. A logistic regression was performed assessing risk factors for complications. Statistical significance was assessed at P Results There were 1,814 patients included in the study. Median sedation time was 20 minutes. There were 70 (3.9%) total complications. Controlling for age, weight, comorbidities, ASA class, Mallampati score, and total sedation medication, sedation time was a significant predictor of a complication (odds ratio: 1.021; 95% CI, 1.004-1.039). Conclusions Pediatric patients can safely undergo procedural sedation in the ED. This study demonstrates a high safety profile for long procedural sedations with slight increases in risk as sedation time increases. There is no identifiable time where the duration of sedation significantly increases the risk of complication.
Fatou Diome’s Le ventre de l’Atlantique: re-configuring local discourses of emigration

This article uses Wolof idioms related to Senegalese migration to France such as dem ci kaaw bi (to go to the cave/France) and dem Jolof (to go back to Jolof/Senegal) in order to read Fatou Diome's...
Chapter 66 – Paraneoplastic Syndromes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses paraneoplastic syndromes affecting the nervous system that are rare but devastating complications of systemic cancer. The neurological disorder usually precedes identification of the cancer and can affect any portion of the nervous system, including brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscle. A single area or cell type of the nervous system may be affected, or the entire neuraxis may be involved. The pathogenesis of paraneoplastic syndromes involving the nervous system is thought to be immune mediated: the current hypothesis is that antigens usually expressed only in neurons are expressed in a cancer; the immune system recognizes the antigen in the cancer as foreign and mounts an immune response that slows the growth of the tumor but damages the nervous system. The diagnosis of a paraneoplastic syndrome is made either by identifying a small cancer in a patient with a neurological disorder or by identifying paraneoplastic autoantibodies in the serum of patients. The treatment involves identification and treatment of the causal cancer and immunosuppression to suppress both the humoral and cellular immune response.
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf 2) is a reasonable therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD), as it is key in maintaining homeostasis in redox balance, mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation, and autophagy. Nrf 2 activation increases expression of antioxidant enzymes, which are lost with AD progression. Mitochondria in AD become dysfunctional due to inhibited adenosine triphosphate production via reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Aβ peptides. Nrf 2 activation restores functional mitochondria by increasing biogenesis and fusion proteins. In AD, activated microglia release proinflammatory cytokines and ROS that damage neurons and cyclically activate microglia. Nrf 2 activation suppresses neuroinflammation by increasing antioxidant enzymes and decreasing microgliosis and astrogliosis. Autophagy dysfunction in AD impairs autophagosomal–lysosomal clearance and increases Aβ peptides. Nrf 2 signaling activates and restores autophagy by increasing autophagy-mediated proteins. Nrf 2 activation may repair existing processes involved in AD pathology and restore homeostasis by reducing ROS and Aβ peptides and increasing p-tau clearance.
Aziridinium Ylides: Underutilized Intermediates for Complex Amine Synthesis.

Harnessing the chemistry of onium ylide intermediates generated from transition metal catalysis is a powerful strategy to convert simple precursors into complex scaffolds. Although the chemistry of onium ylides has been studied for over three decades, transformations of aziridinium ylides have only recently emerged as a versatile way to exploit the strain of these reactive intermediates to furnish densely functionalized N-heterocycles in a highly stereocontrolled manner. Here, we provide a short overview of the key concepts and recent developments in this area, with a focus on how mechanistic studies to delineate the factors controlling the reactivity of aziridinium ylides can stimulate fruitful future investigations.
Predicting firearm and CEW displays as police officers' response to resistance

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to identify factors associated with officer firearm and conducted energy weapon displays. Our specific concern was whether black subjects were more likely to have firearms drawn against them relative to other subjects. Methods Officer- and incident-level “response to resistance” data from the New Orleans Police Department were analyzed. Logistic regression models controlling for officer, subject, and situational factors were estimated to predict officer weapon draws. Results When analyzing all officer-level actions, black subjects were more likely to have firearms drawn against them than other subjects, but subject race was insignificant in incident-level analyses. Additionally, situational characteristics explained more variance in the data than officer or subject characteristics alone. Conclusions We found no consistent evidence of racial bias in firearm draws. Results hinged to an extent on the samples analyzed and statistical models estimated. In addition, our findings apply solely to one city and highlight the complexity of use-of-force research and the need for further replication.
Can Imaging Characteristics on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predict the Acuity of a Lumbar Disc Herniation

ABSTRACT Background: Currently, no authors of existing studies have attempted to classify the signal characteristics of disc herniation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their temporal relationship to symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the MRI signal characteristics are predictive of acuity of symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients treated at an academic center for LDH from 2015 to 2018. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on symptom duration (acute: ≤6 weeks; or chronic: >4 months). Two independent observers measured T1, T2 signal, and other MRI characteristics at the affected disc level. Univariate analysis was used to compare differences between groups. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine predictors of acuity. Results: Eighty-nine patients were included (33 acute, 56 chronic) with no significant baseline differences between groups. Rater 2 observed a higher proportion of disc bulges in the chronic group (P = .021) and a higher abnormal T1 herniation signal in the acute group (P = .048). Rater 1 found a higher Pfirrmann grade (P = .005) and a higher prevalence of vertebral body spurring (P = .007) in the chronic group. Interobserver agreement for T1 central and herniation signals demonstrated poor to fair agreement, whereas the remainder of the measurements showed moderate to substantial agreement (κ = 0.4–0.8). Multiple logistic regression showed that Pfirrmann Grade 5 (odds ratio = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [0.02, 0.74], P = .022) and anterior/posterior spurring (odds ratio = 0.053 [0.03, 0.85], P = .023) were not associated with acuity. Conclusions: Other than Pfirrmann grade or vertebral body spurring, no MRI characteristics could be reliably identified that correlate with acuity of symptoms. Level of Evidence: 3.
Sex Differences in Respiratory Viral Pathogenesis and Treatments.

Biological sex affects the outcome of diverse respiratory viral infections. The pathogenesis of respiratory infections caused by viruses ranging from respiratory syncytial virus to influenza viruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 differs between the sexes across the life course. Generally, males are more susceptible to severe outcomes from respiratory viral infections at younger and older ages. During reproductive years (i.e., after puberty and prior to menopause), females are often at greater risk than males for severe outcomes. Pregnancy and biological sex affect the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections. In addition to sex differences in the pathogenesis of disease, there are consistent sex differences in responses to treatments, with females often developing greater immune responses but experiencing more adverse reactions than males. Animal models provide mechanistic insights into the causes of sex differences in respiratory virus pathogenesis and treatment outcomes, where available. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 8 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Integrated genomic, epidemiologic investigation of Candida auris skin colonization in a skilled nursing facility.

Candida auris is a fungal pathogen of high concern due to its ability to cause healthcare-associated infections and outbreaks, its resistance to antimicrobials and disinfectants and its persistence on human skin and in the inanimate environment. To inform surveillance and future mitigation strategies, we defined the extent of skin colonization and explored the microbiome associated with C. auris colonization. We collected swab specimens and clinical data at three times points between January and April 2019 from 57 residents (up to ten body sites each) of a ventilator-capable skilled nursing facility with endemic C. auris and routine chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing. Integrating microbial-genomic and epidemiologic data revealed occult C. auris colonization of multiple body sites not targeted commonly for screening. High concentrations of CHG were associated with suppression of C. auris growth but not with deleterious perturbation of commensal microbes. Modeling human mycobiome dynamics provided insight into underlying alterations to the skin fungal community as a possible modifiable risk factor for acquisition and persistence of C. auris. Failure to detect the extensive, disparate niches of C. auris colonization may reduce the effectiveness of infection-prevention measures that target colonized residents, highlighting the importance of universal strategies to reduce C. auris transmission. Longitudinal skin site sampling of residents in a skilled nursing facility sheds light on persistent niches of the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris.
Quantum physical reality of polar-nonpolar oxide heterostructures

Conducting interfaces between polar and nonpolar insulating oxides, e.g., ${\mathrm{LaAlO}}_{3}/{\mathrm{SrTiO}}_{3}$, have generated interest for both fundamental physics and oxide-electronics applications. Current understanding is based on an amalgamation of a classical electrostatic model (polar catastrophe model) that was originally derived for semi-infinite solids and quantum density-functional-theory (DFT) results on ultrathin films. Here we report comprehensive DFT calculations that unveil a very different purely quantum physical reality. We show that, for ultrathin polar films, the interfacial dipole does not control the electrostatic potential in the polar film---the surface and interface play equal roles, and the absence or presence of centrosymmetry in the physical LAO film results in different, purely quantum mechanisms for the generation of a conducting interface, neither involving physical-charged transfer. Predictions are made that can be tested and can guide technology development.
Courts, Police, and Journalists

Even in authoritarian post-Soviet regimes, courts and law-enforcement agencies sometimes support and sometimes suppress journalists' rights.
A Review of “Teaching Information Literacy Online”

Throughout the first decade of the new millennium, universities and colleges have increasingly moved toward providing instruction over the Internet. Students entering college today grew up with fas...
Graphene based GHz flexible nanoelectronics and radio receiver systems (Invited)

It has been more than a decade since the early papers on graphene devices. Today, much progress has been achieved including material synthesis, device physics, and integrated circuits. All of this progress is particularly beneficial for flexible nanoelectronics where the high mobility of graphene can enable RF and microwave devices operating in the GHz regime. Here, we review the progress of flexible graphene transistors and circuits over the past decade. Recently, state of the art mobilities and GHz radio receiver systems have been demonstrated on plastic substrates.
The photochemistry, photobiology, and repair of polynucleotides.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the photochemistry, photobiology, and repair of polynucleotides. The steps in the repair of damage to DNA—excision, breakdown, repair replication, replication, and the rejoining of strands—have all been observed. The chapter illustrates that this is the method by which pyrimidine dimers are removed and the DNA is repaired. The observations indicate that there seems to be the excision of products arising from the treatment of DNA in vivo with nitrogen mustard and sulfur mustard, that the breakdown of DNA follows many chemical and radiation treatments, and that repair replication is observed in bacteria treated with nitrogen mustard and nitrosoguanadine. Thus, the scheme may be extended to systems other than those containing pyrimidine dimers. Isolated enzyme systems that can do many of the steps in these hypothetical repair systems are known. Enzymes specific for UV-irradiated DNA are addressed in the chapter. In addition, neither the nature of the individual enzymes that act nor the sequence of steps involved in repair in vivo is known. Nevertheless, the results from the interactions among photochemists, photobiologists, molecular biologists, and geneticists provide convincing evidence that damage to DNA can be repaired by an excision–replacement type of mechanism.
Effects of process variables on extrusion of carbon fiber reinforced abs filament for additive manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a class of manufacturing processes where material is deposited in a layer-by-layer fashion to fabricate a three-dimensional part directly from a computer-aided design (CAD) model. With a current market share of 44%, thermoplastic-based additive manufacturing such as fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a prevailing technology. A preliminary extrusion process is required to produce thermoplastic filaments for use in FDM 3D printers. It is crucial that extruded filament must have constant dimensional accuracy for FDM 3D printers to produce the desired object with precision. In this study, carbon fibers were blended with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastics to produce carbon fiber reinforced ABS filaments in order to improve the mechanical properties of FDM-printed objects. During filament extrusion, three process variables showed significant effects on filament diameter, expansion percentage, and extrusion rate. These process variables included carbon fiber content, extrusion temperature, and nozzle size. The objective of this study is to test the feasible ranges of these process variables and to investigate their effects on filament extrusion. Results of this study will provide knowledge on quality improvement of carbon fiber reinforced ABS filament extrusion for additive manufacturing.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Generic Reference is Less Marked Than Specific Reference in Children’s Gestures

Generic noun phrases, or generics, refer to kinds (e.g., Birds lay eggs) rather than specific individuals (e.g., This bird lays eggs). Prior research with adults has indicated that adults are less likely to gesture in association with generic versus specific reference. In the current studies, we examined this phenomenon in children, comparing children’s gestures in scenarios of generic versus specific reference. Across two pragmatic contexts, three- to six-year-old children’s pointing was reduced during generic reference compared to specific reference. Results thus suggest that the tendency to reduce gestural marking for generics emerges early in development. We discuss these results within the context of a claim known as the “generics-as-default” proposal, which holds that reduced marking reflects that generics are basic and cognitively default.
FOLFIRINOX Induction Therapy for Stage 3 Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Reports show that FOLFIRINOX therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) results in objective response rates two to threefold higher than those of other regimens. This study aimed to assess response and resection rates for locally unresectable (stage 3) patients initially treated with induction FOLFIRINOX. The institutional cancer database was queried for patients treated with induction FOLFIRINOX therapy between 2010 and 2013. Patients were included in the study if they were treated at the authors’ institution for stage 3 PDAC (locally unresectable) that had been adjudicated at a weekly multidisciplinary tumor board. The study identified 101 patients. The median age was 64 years (range 37–81 years), and the median follow-up period was 12 months (range 3–37 months). The patients received a median of six cycles (range 1–20 cycles) of induction FOLFIRINOX. No grade 4 or 5 toxicity was recorded. At the initial restaging (median of 3 months after diagnosis), 23 patients (23 %) had developed distant metastases, 15 patients (15 %) had undergone resection, and 63 patients (63 %) had proceeded to chemoradiation. In the group of 63 patients who had proceeded to chemoradiation (median of 9 months after diagnosis), an additional 16 patients (16 %) had undergone resection, and 5 patients (5 %) had developed metastases. A partial radiographic response was observed in 29 % of all the patients, which was associated with ability to perform resection (p = 0.004). The median overall survival time was 11 months for the group that progressed with FOLFIRINOX and 26 months for the group that did not progress. Nearly one third of the patients who had been initially identified as having stage 3 pancreatic carcinoma and had been treated with FOLFIRINOX responded radiographically and underwent tumor resection.
Correlates of Condom Use among Incarcerated Adolescents in a Rural State

An anonymous self-report survey was completed by 335 sexually active, incarcerated adolescents in a southern rural state. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify correlates o...
Social Inhibition of Maturation in Natural Populations of Xiphophorus variatus (Pisces: Poeciliidae)

According to analyses of field samples, social inhibition of maturation is at work in natural populations of the variable platyfish, Xiphophorus variatus. In the laboratory, adult males inhibit the maturation of juveniles; the inhibition is overcome as the juveniles increase in size. The proportion of maturing males in any field collection is related to the number of adult males present and the size of the juveniles. The more adults, the fewer maturing males are present; the larger the average juvenile, the greater the number of males maturing. The evolution of this system is best understood in terms of individual selection, but consequences of the system buffer the population against the effects of predation.
Adjustable x-ray optics: correction for gravity-induced figure errors

To extend the effective collecting area for future X-ray astronomy observatories, it is necessary to use highly nested, very thin glass shells. The capability to adjust the figure of these shells on-orbit is essential in order to achieve the present X-ray imaging capability, of order 1/2 arcsec resolution, which is provided to astronomers world-wide by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. We are pursuing concepts to carry out this adjustment using piezoelectric crystals deposited directly on the back sides of the reflectors, and divided into a pattern of discrete actuators by individually controlled electrodes. In this paper we carry out a simulation of how well gravity induced errors might be corrected by this process. We consider a conical glass piece 205 mm axially by 410 mm azimuthally, and with 1 m radius of curvature. We do a finite element analysis to calculate the influence function of each of a set of 20 × 20 piezo pixels. Then we apply a 1g force axially, using various constraint conditions, and calculate the coefficients of the set of influence functions such that the adjusted shape minimizes the slope errors.
Maternal heterozygosity for a mitochondrial trifunctional protein mutation as a cause for liver disease in pregnancy.

Summary Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome are serious complications of pregnancy associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. In previous reports, we have documented an association between AFLP and fetal deficiency of long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (LCHAD) [N. Engl. J. Med. 340 (1999) 1723–1731; JAMA 288 (2002) 2163–2166]. LCHAD activity resides in the α-subunit of the mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP), a complex protein that catalyzes β-oxidation of long chain fatty acids. In all reported cases, the fetus carried a common α-subunit MTP mutation (G1528C, E474Q) on one or both alleles. However, the association between fetal LCHAD deficiency and the maternal HELLP syndrome has been limited. Here, we report a case history of a 27-year-old black female who underwent Cesarean section for placenta previa and fetal distress at 36 weeks gestation. The newborn was a healthy male child. Post-delivery, the mother developed severe HELLP syndrome with complications resulting in death of the patient. We used single strand conformation variance and nucleotide sequence analyses to screen DNA isolated from the mother and the newborn for mutations in the MTP α-subunit. The mother was heterozygous for a novel mutation (C1072A, Q322K) in exon 11 of the LCHAD domain of the MTP, while the fetal genotype was completely normal. We hypothesize that, in some cases, maternal heterozygosity for an MTP mutation maybe sufficient to cause the development of maternal liver disease without carrying an affected fetus. Combination of the metabolic stress of pregnancy and other environmental stresses may overwhelm the heterozygous mother’s capacity for effective metabolism of long chain fatty acids, leading to an accumulation of potentially toxic fatty acid metabolites in the maternal circulation with subsequent damage to the maternal liver.
Isolation and monolayer culture of guinea pig pancreatic duct epithelial cells.

Monolayers of cultured epithelial cells have been prepared from fragments of guinea pig pancreatic excretory ducts isolated by a simple procedure employing collagenase digestion and manual selection, through which virtually all of the ductal system can be recovered. The isolated fragments were cultured in enriched Waymouth's medium on extracellular matrices of various composition and thickness, including: thin (<5 μm) and thick (0.5 mm) layers of rat tail collagen; thin layers of human placental collagen; thin layers of Matrigel (a reconstituted basement membrane material); uncoated tissue culture plastic; and the cellulose ester membranes of Millipore Millicells. Cells spread rapidly from duct fragments cultured on uncoated plastic or on plastic coated with thin layers of rat tail collagen or human placental collagen and formed epithelial monolayers. However, these cells were squamous and lacked the abundant basolateral membrane amplification and apical microvilli characteristic of freshly isolated duct epithelial cells. Cells did not spread from duct fragments cultured on Matrigel. In contrast, when fragments of pancreatic ducts were explanted onto either a thick layer of rat tail collagen or onto Millicell membranes, cells readily spread and formed confluent monolayers of cuboidal epithelial cells characterized by abundant mitochondria, apical microvilli, and basolateral plasma membrane elaboration. These results demonstrate that different forms of extracellular matrix modulate the growth and differentiation of pancreatic duct epithelial cells, and that culture on a permeable substrate markedly enhances the maintenance of differentiated characteristics in this cell type. The monolayers formed on Millicell membranes should provide a useful model system for physiologic analysis of the regulation of electrolyte secretion by this epithelium.
Do Taxes Lower Employment in the Third World? Evidence from Personal Service Firms in Pre-Debt-Crisis Brazil

In most nations, developed and undeveloped alike, employers' associations advocate tax cuts as a strategy for increasing employment. The literature on public finance and Third World taxation has been sceptical of these claims, although a small literature within economics favouring tax cuts does exist. Neither side provides compelling empirical evidence for or against tax relief as a tool to generate employment. The present paper provides such evidence for Brazilian restaurants, hotels and barber/beauty shops in the period 1940–1980. After controls are introduced for the size of potential markets and the impact of other non-tax costs, tax rates have virtually no effect on employment. This is because many Third World firms are characterized by a constellation of forces that theoretically minimize the link between taxation and employment. Third World governments that seek to increase employment in strategic industries would be better off using their funds to create programmes designed to stimulate employment...
EXperimental studies on the postnatal development of the brain. I. Cytogenesis and morphogenesis of the accessory fascia dentata following hippocampal lesions.

Summary In very young rabbits the anterior portion of the dorsal hippocampus was surgically severed so that the precursors of granule cells migrating towards the dorsal fascia dentata could not reach their destination. Following such a surgical intervention the dorsal fascia dentata atrophied. But the accessory fascia dentata, which in a normal brain is composed of a small group of granule cells around the fasciola cinerea, showed an extensive growth. Cytogenetically as well as morphogenetically it was very similar to the normal dorsal fascia dentata except that it had an inverted orientation. The accessory fascia dentata appeared ‘normal’ at those levels where the polymorph layer of Ammon's horn was present, but failed to acquire normal morphology where the polymorph layer was absent. Considering this as well as other observations, it was suggested that the morphogenesis and the inverted orientation of the accessory fascia dentata under experimental conditions was determined by ‘inductive influences’ residing in the cells of the polymorph layer. Extending this line of argument it was hypothesized that the cytogenesis and morphogenesis of the dorsal fascia dentata during normal development is similarly regulated and determined by the ‘inductive influences’ of the normal polymorph layer.
Stability of concentrated, decolorized, deionized hydrolyzed whey permeate

Abstract Four separate lots of whey permeate from ultrafiltration of sweet cheese whey were deionized and decolorized to remove whey-like flavor and color, treated with β-galactosidase to hydrolyze lactose, and concentrated. Variables introduced were levels of lactose hydrolysis and total solids; storage temperature; order of deionization, hydrolysis, and decolorization processes; and use of a 75°C posthydrolysis heat treatment. Each batch was evaluated for microbial stability, resistance to crystallization, and flavor after 3 mo storage at 37°C. Concentration of permeate to less than 60% total solids resulted in microbial instability, and greater than 85% lactose hydrolysis resulted in galactose or lactose crystallization. Heating to 75°C and storing at elevated temperatures (up to 37°C) minimized crystallization. However, heating to 75°C accelerated browning. Flavor evaluation of browned samples suggested that caramelization rather than Maillard browning was the principal factor. Decolorizing with activated carbon after hydrolysis made no difference to the amount of sugar crystallization. Lactose hydrolysis improved the stability of concentrated, decolorized, deionized hydrolyzed whey permeate. The syrup with longest storage stability was decolorized, 90% deionized, contained 85 to 90% hydrolyzed lactose, was concentrated to 65% total solids, heated to 75°C following concentration, and stored at 30°C.
TZDs and diabetes: testing the waters.

The use of thiazolidinediones, drugs for type 2 diabetes that may also be useful for other chronic inflammatory disorders, is limited by fluid retention. Research in mice identifies a mechanism for this side effect and introduces a potential remedy ( pages 861–866 ).
Median filters with adaptive length

Two algorithms using adaptive-length median filters are proposed for improving impulse-noise-removal performance for image processing. The algorithms can achieve significantly better image quality than regular (fixed-length) median filters when the images are corrupted by impulse noise. One of the algorithms, when realized in hardware, requires rather simple additional circuitry. Both algorithms can easily be integrated into efficient hardware realizations for median filters. The performance of the proposed filters is compared with regular median filters, generalized mean filters, and nonlinear mean filters. The hardware complexities of the filters are also compared. >