cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vorticity and Incompressible Flow: An Introduction to Vortex Dynamics for Incompressible Fluid Flows

In this book we study incompressible high Reynolds numbers and incompressible inviscid flows. An important aspect of such fluids is that of vortex dynamics , which in lay terms refers to the interaction of local swirls or eddies in the fluid. Mathematically we analyze this behavior by studying the rotation or curl of the velocity field, called the vorticity . In this chapter we introduce the Euler and the Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible fluids and present elementary properties of the equations. We also introduce some elementary examples that both illustrate the kind of phenomena observed in hydrodynamics and function as building blocks for more complicated solutions studied in later chapters of this book. This chapter is organized as follows. In Section 1.1 we introduce the equations, relevant physical quantities, and notation. Section 1.2 presents basic symmetry groups of the Euler and the Navier–Stokes equations. In Section 1.3 we discuss the motion of a particle that is carried with the fluid. We show that the particle-trajectory map leads to a natural formulation of how quantities evolve with the fluid. Section 1.4 shows how locally an incompressible field can be approximately decomposed into translation, rotation, and deformation components. By means of exact solutions, we show how these simple motions interact in solutions to the Euler or the Navier–Stokes equations. Continuing in this fashion, Section 1.5 examines exact solutions with shear, vorticity, convection, and diffusion. We show that although deformation can increase vorticity, diffusion can balance this effect.
Dexamethasone and corticosterone administration to pregnant rats: effects on pituitary-adrenocortical function in the newborn. 1.

Summary and conclusionsDeficiency or excess of adrenocorticosteroids in the mother is associated with significant alterations in activity of the fetal pituitary-adrenal system of the rat. Hypophysectomy of the pregnant rat results in increased weight and corticosterone content of the adrenal and depletion of pituitary ACTH in the neonate. Administration of corticosteroids to hypophysectomized pregnant rats produces atrophy of the newborn's adrenal and inhibition of ACTH secretion by the neonatal pituitary. It is postulated that maternal adrenocorticosteroids cross the placenta in the perinatal period to exercise a restraining influence on ACTH secretion by the fetal hypophysis.The authors thank Mr. Wall of Merck, Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories, Rahway, New Jersey for generous supplies of dexamethasone-21-phosphate.
Analysis of epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery before and after water improvement in Lianshui County from 1970 to 2012

Objective To discuss the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of bacterial dysentery before and after water improvement in Lianshui County.Methods The bacterial dysentery report data and demographic data in Lianshui county were collected from 1970to 2012.Concentration ratio method and the circular distribution method were used to analyze the incidence,seasonality,peak day,peak and epidemic period in 3stages:before water improvement(1970-1987),preliminary stage of water improvement(1988-2000)and full implementation stage of water improvement(2001-2012).Results Totally 25 398bacterial dysentery cases were reported during 43years,annual incidence was 63.04per 100 000.The annual incidence during the preliminary water improvement stage was decreased by 42.01% compared to that before water improvement.The annual incidence during the full implementation stage decreased further 51.92% compared to preliminary stage.The bacterial dysentery showed apparently seasonality(concentration ratio M=0.5~0.7)before or after the water improvement.The peak day was July 31st,the peak was from June 2nd to September 26th,and epidemic period was from April 7th to November 21st. With the implementation of water improvement,the peak day,peak and epidemic period shifted earlier gradually.The peak days of three stages were August 9th,July 25th and July 15th,respectively.Conclusion The bacterial dysentery showed apparent seasonality in Lianshui County.Prevention and control measures should be taken before April every year with further strengthening in summer.
Combined treatment of ganciclovir and Chinese herb compound for treatment of cytomegalovirus hepatitis in infants

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of combined treatment of ganciclovir and Chinese herb compound for treatment of infant cytomegalovirus hepatitis in clinic.METHODS The children with cytomegalovirus hepatitis were divided into two groups at random: treatment group and control group.The two groups were both treated with protection of liver and nutritional support.In the treatment group,the Chinese herb compound was added.The changes of liver function were observed,and the hospitalized time of the two groups was compared.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the levels of TBIL,ALT,AST,TBA and the hospitalized time were markedly decreased in the treatment group(P0.05,P0.01).The difference was obviously significant.CONCLUSION Good effects and the shorter hospitalized time can be obtained by the combination of ganciclovir and Chinese herb compound in the treatment of infant cytomegalovirus hepatitis.
Examination of Reactivation and Regrowth of Fecal Coliforms in Centrifuge Dewatered, Anaerobically Digested Sludges

The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) and its research partners initially undertook this study in response to reports of increases of fecal coliform counts following anaerobic digestion and dewatering at a few wastewater treatment facilities. A number of utilities (such as our utility research partner in this study) are also in the process of spending millions of dollars to upgrade or build new digestion and dewatering facilities to produce biosolids using the types of processes studied here. These processes include both mesophilic and thermophilic digestion for stabilization and high-solids centrifugation for dewatering. This research, and ongoing work to further address this issue, demonstrates the leadership of the nation's wastewater community as supported by WERF in continuing to ensure scientifically sound and environmentally safe biosolids management practices. The study identifies some potential control methods and mitigation strategies that utilities could use to reduce coliform levels. Developing specific information on mechanisms for reactivation and regrowth, as well as control methods and operational changes, is the focus of further research which is already underway. This title belongs to Water Research Foundation Report Series ISBN: 9781843397366 (eBook)
Influence of Defects in Substrates on the Structure of Epitaxial GaAs — Layers Grown by MOCVD

A systematic study has been performed on the relation between defect structure in substrates and epitaxial layers of GaAs grown by MOCVD. A number of (001) oriented HB and LEC grown GaAs substrates which contain different types of defects were selected. Epitaxial layers of uniform thickness were grown by MOCVD under optimal conditions. The structure of these homoepitaxial layers was examined by means of sequential DSL photoetching. From these experiments it can be inferred that microdefects in heavily S-doped substrates are the reason of multiplication of dislocations in epitaxial layers. Heavy In-doping of the substrates is deleterious for epilayers as numerous misfit dislocations are introduced because of lattice mismatch. Usually there is a one to one correspondence between grown-in, stress-induced and low angle grain boundary dislocations in the substrates and in epilayers. Growth inhomogeneities like growth striations do not influence in a noticeable way the homoepitaxial GaAs structure, as detected by DSL photoetching.
The Social Patterning of Sleep in African Americans: Associations of Socioeconomic Position and Neighborhood Characteristics with Sleep in the Jackson Heart Study

Study objectives We investigated cross-sectional associations of individual-level socioeconomic position (SEP) and neighborhood characteristics (social cohesion, violence, problems, disadvantage) with sleep duration and sleep quality in 5,301 African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study. Methods All measures were self-reported. Sleep duration was assessed as hours of sleep; sleep quality was reported as poor (1) to excellent (5). SEP was measured by categorized years of education and income. Multinomial logistic and linear regression models were fit to examine the associations of SEP and neighborhood characteristics (modeled dichotomously and tertiles) with sleep duration (short vs. normal, long vs. normal) and continuous sleep duration and quality after adjustment for demographics and risk factors. Results The mean sleep duration was 6.4 ± 1.5 hours, 54% had a short (≤ 6 h) sleep duration, 5% reported long (≥ 9 h) sleep duration, and 24% reported fair to poor sleep quality. Lower education was associated with greater odds of long sleep (odds ratio [OR] = 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.42, 3.38) and poorer sleep quality (β = -0.17, 95% CI = -0.27, -0.07) compared to higher education after adjustment for demographics and risk factors. Findings were similar for income. High neighborhood violence was associated with shorter sleep duration (-9.82 minutes, 95% CI = -16.98, -2.66) and poorer sleep quality (β = -0.11, 95% CI = -0.20, 0.00) after adjustment for demographics and risk factors. Results were similar for neighborhood problems. In secondary analyses adjusted for depressive symptoms in a subset of participants, most associations were attenuated and only associations of low SEP with higher odds of long sleep and higher neighborhood violence with poorer sleep quality remained statistically significant. Conclusions Social and environmental characteristics are associated with sleep duration and quality in African Americans. Depressive symptoms may explain at least part of this association.
MO-D-BRB-01: Fundamental Aspects of SBRT

Increased use of SBRT and hypofractionation in radiation oncology practice has posted a number of challenges to medical physicist, ranging from planning, image-guided patient setup and on-treatment monitoring, to quality assurance (QA) and dose delivery. This symposium is designed to provide current knowledge necessary for the safe and efficient implementation of SBRT in various linac platforms, including the emerging digital linacs equipped with high dose rate FFF beams. Issues related to 4D CT, PET and MRI simulations, 3D/4D CBCT guided patient setup, real-time image guidance during SBRT dose delivery using gated/un-gated VMAT/IMRT, and technical advancements in QA of SBRT (in particular, strategies dealing with high dose rate FFF beams) will be addressed. The symposium will help the attendees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the SBRT workflow and facilitate their clinical implementation of the state-of-art imaging and planning techniques. Learning Objectives: 1.Present background knowledge of SBRT, describe essential requirements for safe implementation of SBRT, and discuss issues specific to SBRT treatment planning and QA. 2.Update on the use of multi-dimensional and multi-modality imaging for reliable guidance of SBRT. 3.Discuss treatment planning and QA issues specific to SBRT. 4.Provide a comprehensive overview of emerging digital linacs and summarize the key geometric and dosimetric features of the new generation of linacs for substantially improved SBRT. NIH/NCI; Varian Medical Systems; F. Yin, Duke University has a research agreement with Varian Medical Systems. In addition to research grant, I had a technology license agreement with Varian Medical Systems
Anode-Free Sodium Battery through in Situ Plating of Sodium Metal

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have been pursued as a more cost-effective and more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but these advantages come at the expense of energy density. In this work, we demonstrate that the challenge of energy density for sodium chemistries can be overcome through an anode-free architecture enabled by the use of a nanocarbon nucleation layer formed on Al current collectors. Electrochemical studies show this configuration to provide highly stable and efficient plating and stripping of sodium metal over a range of currents up to 4 mA/cm2, sodium loading up to 12 mAh/cm2, and with long-term durability exceeding 1000 cycles at a current of 0.5 mA/cm2. Building upon this anode-free architecture, we demonstrate a full cell using a presodiated pyrite cathode to achieve energy densities of ∼400 Wh/kg, far surpassing recent reports on SIBs and even the theoretical maximum for LIB technology (387 Wh/kg for LiCoO2/graphite cells) while still relying on naturally abundant ...
On the Achievable Transmission Capacity of Secrecy-Based D2D Cellular Networks

Device-to-Device (D2D) communication is one of the key technologies to get to very high data rates in future 5G networks through offloading part of the cellular traffic onto D2D networks. While extensive research is targeted on addressing the many challenges D2D brings along in cellular networks, security issues have not gained much attention, especially that the direct connections between proximity devices are more vulnerable to security threats, which in turn deteriorate users' experience. In this paper, we consider a D2D communication overheard by eavesdroppers in an underlay cellular network, where D2D users access a proportion of the spectrum occupied by cellular users. To mitigate the potential security threats, we turn towards a lightweight low-complexity approach by exploiting the physical characteristics of the wireless channels. Using tools from stochastic geometry, we derive the D2D transmission region and the average transmit power that guarantee a minimum secrecy rate and a target outage probability. Results reveal that when offloading less cellular traffic onto D2D links, the large cellular interference can be exploited to protect D2D links from eavesdroppers. On the other hand, with aggressive D2D offloading, D2D users can achieve a much higher secrecy capacity due to significantly reducing the distances between them.
Abstract B57: RNAi Nanotechnology for Cancer Target Validation and Therapy

RNA interference (RNAi) represents a promising strategy for identification and validation of putative therapeutic targets, and for treatment of a myriad of important human diseases including cancer. The ubiquitous application of RNAi in cancer research and therapy is nevertheless hindered by the challenge of effective systemic in vivo delivery of RNAi agents (e.g., siRNA) to solid tumors, which requires overcoming of multiple physiological barriers, such as enzymatic degradation, rapid elimination by renal excretion or by the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), poor tumor penetration, and insufficient cellular uptake and endosomal escape. Here we will describe the rational design and development of unique nanoparticle platforms to address these obstacles. These siRNA nanoparticles have been successfully applied to evaluate the therapeutic role of different targets (e.g., prohibitin1) in treating solid tumors, and have demonstrated significant potential for the clinical development of novel cancer therapies. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Jinjun Shi. RNAi Nanotechnology for Cancer Target Validation and Therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Engineering and Physical Sciences in Oncology; 2016 Jun 25-28; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B57.
Zipr: Efficient Static Binary Rewriting for Security

To quickly patch security vulnerabilities there has been keen interest in securing binaries in situ. Unfortunately, the state of the art in static binary rewriting does not allow the transformed program to be both space and time efficient. A primary limitation is that leading static rewriters require that the original copy of the code remains in the transformed binary, thereby incurring file size overhead of at least 100%. This paper presents Zipr, a static binary rewriter that removes this limitation and enables both space and time efficient transformation of arbitrary binaries. We describe results from applying Zipr in the DARPA Cyber Grand Challenge (CGC), the first fully automated cyber-hacking contest. The CGC rules penalized competitors for producing a patched binary whose on-disk size was 20% larger than the original, whose CPU utilization was 5% more than the original, and whose memory use was 5% more than the original. Zipr's efficiency enabled our automated system, Xandra, to apply both code diversity and control flow integrity security techniques to secure challenge binaries provided by DARPA, resulting in Xandra having the best security score in the competition, remaining within the required space and time performance envelope, and winning a $1M cash prize.
First-Principles Study of the Voltage Profile and Mobility of Mg Intercalation in a Chromium Oxide Spinel

The development of Mg batteries, which can potentially achieve higher energy densities than Li-ion systems, is in need of cathodes that can reversibly intercalate Mg2+ and exhibit a higher energy density than the state-of-the-art Chevrel and thio-spinel cathodes. Recent theoretical and experimental studies indicate that the oxide spinel family presents a set of promising Mg cathodes. Specifically, in this work, we investigate Mg intercalation into the spinel-MgxCr2O4 system. Using first-principles calculations in combination with a cluster expansion model and the nudged elastic band theory, we calculate the voltage curve for Mg insertion at room temperature and the activation barriers for Mg diffusion, respectively, at different Mg concentrations in the Cr2O4 structure. Our results identify a potential limitation to Mg intercalation in the form of stable Mg-vacancy orderings in the Cr2O4 lattice, which exhibit high migration barriers for Mg diffusion in addition to a steep voltage change. Additionally, we...
U.S. Control Over Cuban Sugar Production, 1898-1902

For years many Americans have assumed that the United States has exploited Cuba. The greatest opportunity for this control existed when the United States occupied Cuba after the Spanish-American War. The island was ravaged by war, famine, and disease, and the Cubans were exhausted after nearly a decade of depression, and revolution. It would have been easy for the U.S. government and business interests to control Cuba economically. Yet this did not occur. By concentrating our attention upon Cuban sugar production, perhaps the real nature of United States-Cuban economic relations may become apparent. In the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, the McKinley administration found itself caught between two forces. The Congressional Joint Resolution of April 20, 1898, bound the Americans to leave Cuba once the island was pacified, but the Paris Peace Treaty of December 10, 1898, assumed that the United States would remain for a period of reconstruction.
Entrepreneurial motivation: a non-entrepreneur’s journey to become an entrepreneur

In entrepreneurship literature, much research effort is focused on differentiating entrepreneurs, recognizing or exploiting opportunities, resources available or required, or a combination of the three entrepreneurship-defining factors. There is, however, very little research on understanding a non-entrepreneur’s motivation to become an entrepreneur. This greatly limits our knowledge of the entrepreneurial process. It has hindered our understanding of how non-entrepreneurs are motivated to pursue entrepreneurial career options and has led to misinformed decisions by scholars and policy makers. In this paper, our goal is to develop a theory of entrepreneurial motivation that explains how non-entrepreneurs develop the motivation to pursue entrepreneurship. We argue that an individual’s self-assessment of their identity is the primary factor in individuals developing entrepreneurial motivation. The identity self-assessment leads individuals either to seek enhancement of their identity or establish a new identity that opens them to the influence of entrepreneurial motivation reinforcing entrepreneurial exposure in their social environment.
Modeling spatial environment for large-scale agent-based epidemic prediction and control

Spatial environment is a fundamental concept of agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS), in which agents exist and interact, can perceive and act. Common spatial environment in ABMS is considered as a physical space (typically a 2D grid) or as a virtual space that supports agent-to-agent interaction. However, in large-scale agent-based epidemiology research, vector Geographic Information System (GIS) based spatial environment is more popular. This paper introduces a new concept of ‘Physical Container’ to represent the static spatial environment where agents stay. Movable physical container is also introduced as a concept in the research to model transport vehicles. To show how the novel designs in the physical container behave, this paper conducted several simulation studies and the results certified that the new concepts can greatly ease the model development work and increase the model efficiency during simulation run.
Soil Contaminant Concentrations at Urban Agricultural Sites in New Orleans, Louisiana: A Comparison of Two Analytical Methods

Along with the many benefits of urban agriculture comes the possible exposure to contaminants not typically seen in rural soils. Through the use of standard laboratory analyses (ICP-AES and CVAAS) and a field-portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) calibrated for soil analysis, this study quantified contamination levels at urban agricultural sites throughout New Orleans, Louisiana. The results of the standard laboratory analyses were compared to the results from the XRF. We collected soil samples at 27 urban and suburban farm and garden sites from the Greater New Orleans area. We analyzed the soil samples for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, mercury, lead, nickel, and zinc using the XRF and standard methods. Most sites had median con­centrations significantly below Louisiana’s soil standards. Paired soil samples showed XRF results were significantly higher than laboratory results for all metals but copper. Only lead (ρ=0.82, p<0.0001) and zinc (ρ=0.78, p=0.0001) were highly correlated. Poor correlation of results between XRF and standard methods make the standard methods preferred. See the press release for this article.
Measurements of Single Molecules of Antibody by their Ability to Activate a Defective Enzyme

Certain defective enzymes produced by genetically altered bacteria show a substantial and specific activation in the presence of antibodies directed against the corresponding normal enzyme, Pollock et al. 1967; Rotman and Celada 1968; Arnon and Cinader 1971). This type of response has inherent capabilities for measuring antibodies with ease and sensitivity since it transduces the antigen-antibody binding into a catalytic reaction. The increases in enzymatic activity mediated by antibodies are generally modest except for those of a penicillinase (Pollock 1967) and a β-D-galactosidase (Rotman and Cinader 1968; Messer and Melchers 1970) which are 70- and 550-fold, respectively. The β-D-galactosidase reaction was chosen for our studies not only because of its high activation factor, but also for the fluorogenic assay of this enzyme, which measures quantitatively the activity of a single β-D-galactosidase molecule, (Rotman 1961;1970). The expectation was that the sensitivity of the fluorogenic assay would serve to measure individual molecules of activating antibody. The results of the experiments presented here fulfilled this expectation and, furthermore, demonstrated that one molecule of monovalent antibody (Fab) is sufficient for activating a molecule of a defective β-D-galactosidase (AMEF). The latter conclusion could not be reached a priori, because AMEF is a tetramer with four identical sub-units (Rotman and Celada 1968) and, therefore, it could have required binding to each of the subunits for activation.
Anisotropy of P Grain Boundary Segregation in a Rapidly Solidified Fe-0.6wt%P Alloy

P grain boundary segregation in an Fe-0.6wt%P alloy quenched from the melt was quantified by X-ray Mapping (XRM) in a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM). The misorientation across the boundaries was determined by using ACT (Automatic Crystallography for TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy)) and CBED (Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction). A significant range of the degree of P segregation to individual grain boundaries was found. Combination of chemical and structural studies provides evidence that P segregation to low-angle grain boundaries is reduced.
A completely parallelizable algorithm for the determinant of a tridiagonal matrix

A new parallel algorithm (MIMD-PRAM class) having parallel time complexity of log2 n for computing the determinant of a tridiagonal matrix is developed. The algorithm is based on coupling the determinants of two neighboring submatrix blocks. With each coupling, the block size is increased by a factor of two until the entire determinant of an n x n matrix is found by the final coupling of two n/2 sized blocks. It is shown that the determinant of an n x n tridiagonal matrix can be computed in (3 log2 n - 2) parallel steps with a maximum parallel requirement of 7 ( n/4) + 3 processors. The algorithm achieves linear speedup as the number of processors is increased.
New insights into the dynamic regulation of water and acid-base balance by renal epithelial cells.

Maintaining tight control over body fluid and acid-base homeostasis is essential for human health and is a major function of the kidney. The collecting duct is a mosaic of two cell populations that are highly specialized to perform these two distinct processes. The antidiuretic hormone vasopressin (VP) and its receptor, the V2R, play a central role in regulating the urinary concentrating mechanism by stimulating accumulation of the aquaporin 2 (AQP2) water channel in the apical membrane of collecting duct principal cells. This increases epithelial water permeability and allows osmotic water reabsorption to occur. An understanding of the basic cell biology/physiology of AQP2 regulation and trafficking has informed the development of new potential treatments for diseases such as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, in which the VP/V2R/AQP2 signaling axis is defective. Tubule acidification due to the activation of intercalated cells is also critical to organ function, and defects lead to several pathological conditions in humans. Therefore, it is important to understand how these “professional” proton-secreting cells respond to environmental and cellular cues. Using epididymal proton-secreting cells as a model system, we identified the soluble adenylate cyclase (sAC) as a sensor that detects luminal bicarbonate and activates the vacuolar proton-pumping ATPase (V-ATPase) via cAMP to regulate tubular pH. Renal intercalated cells also express sAC and respond to cAMP by increasing proton secretion, supporting the hypothesis that sAC could function as a luminal sensor in renal tubules to regulate acid-base balance. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of these fundamental processes.
Ultrafast Transient Absorption Spectra of Photoexcited YOYO-1 molecules call for additional investigations of their fluorescence quenching mechanism.

Abstract In this report, we observed that YOYO-1 immobilized on a glass surface is much brighter when dried (quantum yield 16 ± 4% in the ambient air) or in hexane than in water (quantum yield ∼0%). YOYO-1 is a typical cyanine dye that has a photo-isomerization reaction upon light illumination. In order to understand this quenching mechanism, we use femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to measure YOYO-1's electron dynamics after excitation directly. By deconvoluting the hot-ground-state absorption and the stimulated emission, the dynamics of electronic relaxation and balance are revealed. The results support the intermolecular charge transfer mechanism better than the intramolecular relaxation mechanism that has been widely believed before. We believe that the first step of the relaxation involves a Dexter charge transfer between the photo-excited YOYO-1 molecule and another guest molecule that is directly bound to the YOYO-1 giving two radicals with opposite signs of charges. The charges are recombined either directly between these two molecules, or both molecules start to rotate and separate from each other. Eventually, the two charges recombined non-radiatively via various pathways. These pathways are reflected on the complicated multi-exponential decay curves of YOYO-1 fluorescence lifetime measurements. This charge transfer mechanism suggests that (1) electrical insulation may help improve the quantum yield of YOYO-1 in polar solutions significantly and (2) a steric hindrance for the intramolecular rotation may have a less significant effect.
Conservative management of cervical cancer in pregnancy.

A 26-year-old woman, gravida 1, parity 0 (G1P﻿), presented to her doctor with vaginal bleeding and reports of irregular bleeding for 3 months before presentation. Her past medical history was significant for a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome. She did not have any previous surgeries. She
Sesamoid foot problems in the athlete

Problems of the sesamoid bones of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe are critical in maintaining full ability to compete or to engage in recreation--in athletes of any age. The sesamoids are subject to the same post-traumatic, acute, and chronic changes as any other bone. These unique and deceptively important injuries demand a high index of suspicion, a thorough diagnostic effort, and a guided long-range treatment program, including follow-up to normalized athletics, particularly in the running-based sports.
Crosslinking and interfacial behavior of carboxylic functionalized carbon nanotube Epon nanocomposites: a molecular dynamic simulation approach

We implemented molecular dynamics simulations to study the effect of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and carboxylic (–COOH) functionalized SWCNT on the crosslinking and interfacial behavior of Epon 862 nanocomposite. Results showed that the introduction of control SWCNT in the Epon system reduced the crosslinking by 8–12% in comparison to control system (without CNT). The molecules of Epon 862 and Epikure-W changed their conformation and aligned themselves in the direction parallel to the surface wrapping the nanotubes. Also, no interfacial bonding was found between the polymer and SWCNT. However, the introduction of the –COOH functional groups on the surface of SWCNT lead to increase in crosslinking and resulted in a strong bond formation between the polymer and nanotube interphase. A significant increase in energy was found in Epon/COOH-SWCNT systems that lead to an increase of 33% in interfacial strength in comparison to Epon/SWCNT counterpart. The pullout simulations of Epon/SWCNT samples showed separation at the interphase with no polymer atoms attached to CNT. In contrast, bond stretching and breakage were observed in the polymer chain, whereas, a strong interphase was observed in Epon/COOH-SWCNT samples. This study reveals the nanolevel interactions between the nanotubes and polymers which otherwise not possible through experimental techniques, and lead to cognize that the functionalization of SWCNT with –COOH groups can establish a strong network with the epoxy chain and significantly enhance the interfacial properties particularly for applications where the interphase is critical.
Dignitary Medicine: A Novel Area of Medical Training.

Dignitary medicine (DM) involves the provision of healthcare to government leaders and other high-profile individuals collectively referred to as "dignitaries." Due to the unique circumstances around their lifestyle, dignitaries often receive suboptimal healthcare. We define the requisite skills needed to practice DM based on the available literature and provide a framework for training providers in these skills. A review of the English language medical literature focussing on adult subjects was performed, searching for terms such as "dignitary medicine," "VIP medicine," and "protective medicine." Literature was gathered from CINAHL, Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOHost, and San Bernardino County Library databases and then analyzed by experienced DM providers. A total of 23 relevant articles were eligible for review. No meta-analyses on the subject exist. We found that existing studies highlight skills in wellness, executive health, and protective medicine, which form the backbone of DM. The burgeoning field of DM encompasses several disciplines and skills. We strongly recommend a structured curriculum for the field of DM, focused on dignitary wellness, executive health, and protective medicine.
Longitudinal Changes in the Relationship Between Hemoglobin A1c and Glucose Tolerance Across Pregnancy and Postpartum.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the relationship between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and glucose tolerance across pregnancy and postpartum. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS In a longitudinal study of pregnant women with gestational diabetes risk factors (N = 102), we performed oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT) and HbA1c measurements at 10-15 weeks of gestation, 24-30 weeks of gestation (N = 73), and 6-24 weeks postpartum (N = 42). Complete blood counts were obtained from clinical records. We calculated HbA1c-estimated average glucose levels and compared them with mean OGTT glucose levels (average of fasting, 1- and 2-hour glucose levels). Linear mixed effects models were used to test for longitudinal changes in measurements. RESULTS Mean OGTT glucose increased between 10-15 and 24-30 weeks of gestation (β = 8.1 mg/dL, P = .001), while HbA1c decreased during the same time period (β = -0.13%, P < .001). At 10-15 weeks of gestation and postpartum the discrepancy between mean OGTT glucose and HbA1c-estimated average glucose was minimal (mean [standard deviation]: 1.2 [20.5] mg/dL and 0.16 [18.1] mg/dL). At 24-30 weeks of gestation, the discrepancy widened (13.2 [17.9] mg/dL, β = 12.7 mg/dL, P < .001, compared to 10-15 weeks of gestation, with mean OGTT glucose being higher than HbA1c-estimated average glucose). Lower hemoglobin at 24-30 weeks of gestation was associated with a greater discrepancy (β = 6.4 mg/dL per 1 g/dL lower hemoglobin, P = .03 in an age- and gestational age-adjusted linear regression model). CONCLUSIONS HbA1c accurately reflects glycemia in the 1st trimester, but underestimates glucose intolerance in the late 2nd trimester. Lower hemoglobin level is associated with greater underestimation. Accounting for gestational age and maternal hemoglobin may improve the clinical interpretation of HbA1c levels during pregnancy.
Translational Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling for an Orally Available Novel Inhibitor of Epigenetic Regulator Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2.

PF06821497 has been identified as an orally available small-molecule enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitor. The objectives of the present study were to characterize pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic-disease relationships of PF06821497 in xenograft mouse models with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Karpas422). An indirect-response model reasonably fit dose-dependent pharmacodynamic responses [histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27) me3 inhibition] with an unbound EC50 of 76 nM, whereas a signal-transduction model sufficiently fit dose-dependent disease responses (tumor growth inhibition) with an unbound tumor stasis concentration (Tsc) of 168 nM. Thus, effective concentration for 70% of maximal effect (EC70) for H3K27me3 inhibition was roughly comparable to Tsc, suggesting that 70% H3K27me3 inhibition could be required for tumor stasis. Consistently, an integrated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic-disease model adequately describing tumor growth inhibition also suggested that ∼70% H3K27me3 inhibition was associated with tumor stasis. Based on these results, we would propose that an EC70 estimate for H3K27me3 inhibition corresponding to tumor stasis could be considered a minimum target efficacious concentration of PF06821497 in cancer patients. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Using a mathematical modeling approach, the quantitative relationships of an orally available anticancer small-molecule enhancer of zeste homolog 2 inhibitor, PF06821497, were characterized among pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamic biomarker inhibition, and disease responses in nonclinical xenograft models with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The modeling results suggest that >70% histone H3 on lysine 27 (H3K27) me3 inhibition would be required for tumor stasis (i.e., 100% tumor growth inhibition). Accordingly, we would propose that an effective concentration for 70% of maximal effect estimate for H3K27me3 inhibition could be considered a minimum target efficacious concentration of PF06821497 in cancer patients.
Effects of irradiation spectrum on the microstructural and mechanical properties of bulk metallic glasses

Abstract Zr52.5Cu17.9Ni14.6Al10Ti5 (BAM-11) and Cu60Zr20Hf10Ti10 bulk metallic glass (BMG) specimens were ion irradiated to characterize and compare their irradiation induced microstructural and mechanical property evolution. For the ion irradiations, samples of each BMG were exposed to 9 MeV Ni3+ and 5.5 MeV C+ ions to a midrange (∼1.5 μm depth) dose of 0.5 displacements per atom (dpa) at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 360 °C in order to examine potential effects associated with low (5.5 MeV C) and high (9 MeV Ni) average primary knock on energies. BAM-11 BMG samples were also irradiated by neutrons (E > 0.1 MeV) at ∼70 °C to a fluence of 1.4 × 1020 n/cm2 (dose of 0.1 dpa). Importantly, no pronounced irradiation spectrum effects were observed for the nanoindentation mechanical properties of the two BMGs following ion irradiation. However, significant softening was observed in the BAM-11 BMG sample irradiated by neutrons, while annealing of the unirradiated samples led to a marked increase in hardening. Results of the nanoindentation experiments indicate that softening is caused by irradiation induced creation of free volume defects, while the hardening is caused by their annihilation.
Lactation Outcomes Among Dyads Following Participation in a Model of Group Prenatal Care for Patients with Prenatally Diagnosed Fetal Anomalies.

Introduction: MamaCare is an adaptation of the CenteringPregnancy group prenatal care model designed to support women when the pregnancy has been complicated by the presence of known congenital ano...
Machine Learning Confirms Nonlinear Relationship between Severity of Peripheral Arterial Disease, Functional Limitation and Symptom Severity.

Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) involves arterial blockages in the body, except those serving the heart and brain. We explore the relationship of functional limitation and PAD symptoms obtained from a quality-of-life questionnaire about the severity of the disease. We used a supervised artificial intelligence-based method of data analyses known as machine learning (ML) to demonstrate a nonlinear relationship between symptoms and functional limitation amongst patients with and without PAD. Objectives: This paper will demonstrate the use of machine learning to explore the relationship between functional limitation and symptom severity to PAD severity. Methods: We performed supervised machine learning and graphical analysis, analyzing 703 patients from an administrative database with data comprising the toe–brachial index (TBI), baseline demographics and symptom score(s) derived from a modified vascular quality-of-life questionnaire, calf circumference in centimeters and a six-minute walk (distance in meters). Results: Graphical analysis upon categorizing patients into critical limb ischemia (CLI), severe PAD, moderate PAD and no PAD demonstrated a decrease in walking distance as symptoms worsened and the relationship appeared nonlinear. A supervised ML ensemble (random forest, neural network, generalized linear model) found symptom score, calf circumference (cm), age in years, and six-minute walk (distance in meters) to be important variables to predict PAD. Graphical analysis of a six-minute walk distance against each of the other variables categorized by PAD status showed nonlinear relationships. For low symptom scores, a six-minute walk test (6MWT) demonstrated high specificity for PAD. Conclusions: PAD patients with the greatest functional limitation may sometimes be asymptomatic. Patients without PAD show no relationship between functional limitation and symptoms. Machine learning allows exploration of nonlinear relationships. A simple linear model alone would have overlooked or considered such a nonlinear relationship unimportant.
Inverse Multiobjective Optimization Through Online Learning.

We study the problem of learning the objective functions or constraints of a multiobjective decision making model, based on a set of sequentially arrived decisions. In particular, these decisions might not be exact and possibly carry measurement noise or are generated with the bounded rationality of decision makers. In this paper, we propose a general online learning framework to deal with this learning problem using inverse multiobjective optimization. More precisely, we develop two online learning algorithms with implicit update rules which can handle noisy data. Numerical results show that both algorithms can learn the parameters with great accuracy and are robust to noise.
Whose leadership role is more substantial for teacher professional collaboration, job satisfaction and organizational commitment: a lens of distributed leadership

Research evidence has suggested distributed leadership might help improve school outcomes, but the conceptualization and operationalization of distributed leadership itself remain inconsistent, and...
Effect of menopausal symptom treatment options on palpitations: a systematic review

This systematic review provides an overview of the effects of menopausal symptom treatment options on palpitations, defined as feelings of missed or exaggerated heart beats, reported by perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO to identify articles meeting pre-specified inclusion criteria. Of 670 unique articles identified, 37 were included in the review. Treatments included drug therapies and non-drug therapies. Palpitations were studied as an outcome in 89% of articles and as an adverse effect in 11%. Articles provided mostly level II/III evidence due to their design and/or small sample sizes. Based on available evidence, no therapies can be fully recommended for clinical practice. Only some hormonal agents (e.g. estradiol) can be recommended with caution based on some positive evidence for reducing palpitation prevalence or severity. However, other drug therapies (e.g. moxonidine, atenolol), dietary supplementary treatments (e.g. isoflavones, Rheum rhaponticum, sage), cognitive-behavioral intervention and auricular acupressure cannot be recommended given the existing evidence. Additional well-designed randomized controlled treatment trials focusing on palpitations during the menopause transition as an inclusion criteria and outcome are needed to advance the field.
Effects of Aging on Pavement ME Predictions of Permanent Deformation for HMA and WMA Mixtures

AbstractThis paper presents an experimental investigation into the effects of aging on the rutting performance of both hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and warm-mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures and an analytical st...
Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Technique: A Lacanian Approach for Practitioners

"Fundamentals of Psychoanalytic Technique" presents very basic psychoanalytic techniques in an easy-to-understand and use manner. This practical - not theoretical - primer of psychoanalytic techniques will offer therapists helpful tools for their practices. Topics covered include listening and hearing, asking questions, interpreting and working with dreams and fantasies, the variable-length session and phone sessions.
Placental and Mammary Transfer of Polychlorinated and Polybrominated Biphenyls in the Mink and Ferret

The placental and mammary transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) was measured in the mink and European ferret. In short-term studies, PCBs were found to cross the placenta more readily than PBBs. Transfer of PCBs was greater in the ferret than in the mink. In a longer term study of placental and mammary transfer, newborn mink kit concentrations of PCBs and PBBs were similar. However, by 2 weeks of age, PBB levels were significantly higher than PCB levels. Milk levels of PBB were determined to be four times those of PCB. For both compounds, the mother's milk was found to be the major route of offspring exposure, with placental transfer being much less consequential.
LECTINS: A BRIEF REVIEW

The ability of plant agglutinins to distinguish between erythrocytes of different blood types led Boyd and Shapleigh (1954) to propose for them the name lectins, from the Latin “legere”, to pick out or choose. This term was later generalized to embrace all sugar-specific agglutinins of non-immune origin, irrespective of source and blood type specificity. It was toward the end of the 19th century that evidence first started to accumulate for the presence in nature of proteins possessing the ability to agglutinate erythrocytes. Such proteins were referred to as hemagglutinins, or phytoagglutinins, because they were originally found in extracts of plants. It is generally believed that the earliest description of such a hemagglutinin was by Peter Hermann Stillmark in 1888. This hemagglutinin, which was also highly toxic, was isolated from seeds of the castor tree (Ricinus communis) and was named ricin. Subsequently, H. Hellin demonstrated the presence of another toxic hemagglutinin, abrin, in extracts of the jequirity bean (Abrus precatorius). Well known for being the first to crystallize the enzyme urease, for which he was later awarded the Nobel Prize, James B. Sumner in 1919 isolated from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) a crystalline protein that he named concanavalin A, unknowingly obtaining a pure hemagglutinin for the first time. Nearly two decades passed before Sumner and Howel (1936) reported that concanavalin A agglutinates cells such as erythrocytes and yeasts and also precipitates glycogen from solution. They further showed that hemagglutination by concanavalin A was inhibited by sucrose, demonstrating for the first time the sugar specificity of lectins.
Polymer Drag Reduction and Bioluminescence Reduction

Abstract : Bioluminescence represents an operational threat to U.S. Navy nighttime operations because of the vulnerability risk due to detection because of flow-stimulated light emission from naturally occurring plankton. Conversely, bioluminescence presents additional capabilities for detecting moving objects at night, particularly in the littoral zone where conventional acoustic surveillance is severely challenged. We are interested in the hydrodynamic conditions that stimulate bioluminescence, the resulting bioluminescence signatures, how to estimate signatures based on levels of bioluminescence potential, and how to mitigate these signatures.