cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Far-infrared phonon modes of selected RNA molecules

Low-frequency phonon modes of DNA and RNA molecules can serve as a signature of their structure, flexibility and, hence, their biological function. To investigate the relationship between RNA structure and far IR absorption spectra, we performed FTIR measurements on RNA molecules with known sequence in the spectral range from 10 cm-1 to 25 cm-1 and calculated their internal vibrations. To understand which phonon modes are determined by a double helical topology of nucleic acids, we compared the spectra of single stranded and double stranded RNA molecules. Homopolymers PolyA, polyU, polyC, and polyG, and double stranded homopolymers PolyA-polyU and polyC-polyG were investigated. Theoretical conformational analysis of the double stranded RNA molecules was performed and utilized to calculate the low-frequency vibrational modes. Conformational energy was minimized in the space of internal coordinates of a molecule using standard A-helical topology as an initial approximation. Normal modes were calculated as eigenfrequencies and eigenvectors of the matrix of energy second derivatives. Oscillator strengths were calculated for all the vibrational modes in order to evaluate their weight in the absorption spectrum of a molecule. The obtained phonon modes were convoluted to derive the far IR spectrum of a molecule. These predicted spectra were compared to those obtained by FTIR spectroscopy. Our results confirm that very far IR absorption spectra of biopolymers reflect specific dynamical properties resulting from their structure and topology and, therefore, can be used as fingerprints for specific molecules.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Multiscale mechanics to determine nanocomposite elastic properties with piezospectroscopy

Abstract The piezospectroscopic (PS) properties of chromium-doped alumina allow for embedded inclusion mechanics to be revisited with unique experimental setups that probe the particles’ state of stress when the composite is under applied load. These experimental investigations of particle mechanics will be compared to the Eshelby theory and a derivative theory. This work discovers that simple nanoparticle load transfer theories are adequate for predicting PS properties in the low to intermediate volume fraction range (⩽20%). By applying the multiscale mechanics to a PS response, the inverse problem was demonstrated to reveal the elastic modulus of the composite. The implications for this technique are damage monitoring through observation of reduced mechanical properties in addition to a method to assist with engineering nanomaterials.
Enhancing Mass Transport for Synthesizing Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes via Micro Chemical Vapor Deposition

Miniaturization is introduced as a novel methodology to enhance mass transport in a chemical vapor deposition process. As a result, amorphous carbon formation during the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) can be deterred. Miniaturization also maintains a laminar flow pattern to ensure a stable growth condition. A system with micrometer-sized reaction chambers has been constructed to experimentally verify this concept. The results show that clean and small-diameter SWNTs with approximately millimeter length can be quickly synthesized using ethylene as the source gas. Similar experimental parameters in a conventional large-scale system failed to produce SWNTs with comparable quality due to catalyst poisoning.
CONTROL OF ORGANIC CARBON MINERALIZATION BY ALTERNATIVE ELECTRON ACCEPTORS IN FOUR PEATLANDS, CENTRAL NEW YORK STATE, USA

ABSTRACT Terminal mineralization of organic carbon (C) in northern peat soils usually produces more carbon dioxide (CO2) than methane (CH4), but the maintenance of microbial CO2 production is unclear. Carbon dioxide production relies on oxygen (O2) or alternative (to O2) electron acceptors (NO3−, Fe(III), SO42−). We examined rates of CO2 production and CH4 production in peat soils from two ombrotrophic bogs and two minerotrophic fens incubated in vitro with and without added glucose (an electron donor) and added electron acceptors. Soil interstitial water had dissolved NO3− (2–17 µmol L−1) in three sites, and SO42− (2–20 µmol L−1) and Fe(III) (0.02–0.8 µmol L−1) in all four sites. Peat soils incubated in vitro without added glucose or electron acceptors had rates of CH4 production between 0.2 and 1.5 µmol g−1 day−1 and rates of CO2 production between 8 and 17 µmol g−1 day−1. Added glucose increased CO2 production in all of the peat soils, although adding an electron acceptor with glucose had no additional...
Strategies for the synthesis of unsymmetrical quaterpyridines using palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions

Abstract Model, unsymmetrical quaterpyridines were prepared by Pd (0)-catalyzed cross-coupling of a pyridyl borane or stannane to a chlorinated bipyridine. A pyridyl N-oxide synthon was used to introduce requioselectively the required α-chloro group.
Metal foil RF micro-relay with integrated heat sink for high power applications

This paper reports an electrostatically actuated ohmic contact micro-relay for high power RF applications. Stainless steel cantilevered micro-relays with platinum-rhodium contacts are micromachined from bulk foils and assembled on the printed circuit boards. Micromachined aluminum heat sinks are integrated on the cantilevers above the point of contact. The devices have a footprint of 2×3.2 mm2. Fabricated relays with 90 V turn-on voltage accommodate 10 W of incident RF power at 1 GHz with −0.25 dB of down-state insertion loss and −37 dB of up-state isolation.
Evaluation of hematuria in children and adolescents.

Hematuria is a frequent abnormal clinical finding in the genitourinary system, second only to urinary tract infection. The pediatrician needs to have an appropriate and organized approach to the examination of children with hematuria, to identify common causes or diseases and to identify those who need a more extensive evaluation of their problem and those who need urologic evaluation. The prevalence of microscopic hematuria among school-aged children ranges from 0.4% to 2.1%. Despite this frequency, it would appear that the presence of hematuria alone is rarely indicative of serious illness. DEFINITIONS The literature concerning hematuria is inconsistent in the various methods used to detect it and in the differing criteria for diagnosing hematuria. The most sensitive test for detecting the presence of blood in the urine is a reagent strip impregnated with orthotolodine-peroxide and enhanced with 6-methoxyquinolone. The commonly used dipsticks (Chemstrip-Boehringer Mannheim; Multistix or Labstix, Ames Division of Miles Laboratories) are sensitive. In the presence of hemoglobin (or another oxidizing agent), a blue coloration of the strip occurs. False-negative results are unusual but have been reported in the presence of high urinary concentrations of ascorbic acid. False-positive results (also unusual) are occasionally demonstrated in heavily infected urine where bacterial peroxidase is being liberated in high quantity.
Progression of aortic valve stenosis: TGF-β1 is present in calcified aortic valve cusps and promotes aortic valve interstitial cell calcification via apoptosis

Abstract Background Aortic valve stenosis characteristically progresses due to cuspal calcification, often necessitating valve replacement surgery. The present study investigated the hypothesis that TGF-β1, a cytokine that causes calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells in culture, initiates apoptosis of valvular interstitial cells as a mechanistic event in cuspal calcification. Methods Noncalcified and calcified human aortic valve cusps were obtained at autopsy or at the time of cardiac surgery. The distributions within cusps of TGF-β1, latent-TGF-β1-associated peptide, and TGF-β receptors were studied using immunohistochemistry. The effects of TGF-β1 on mechanistic events contributing to aortic valve calcification were also investigated using sheep aortic valve interstitial cell (SAVIC) cultures. Results Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that calcific aortic stenosis cusps characteristically contained within the extracellular matrix qualitatively higher levels of TGF-β1 than noncalcified cusps. Noncalcified normal valves demonstrated only focal intracellular TGF-β1. Addition of TGF-β1 to SAVIC cultures led to a cascade of events, including: cellular migration, aggregation, formation of apoptotic-alkaline phosphatase enriched nodules, and calcification of these nodules. The time course of these events in the SAVIC culture system was rapid with nodule formation with apoptosis by 72 hours, and calcification after 7 days. Furthermore, ZVAD-FMK, an antiapoptosis agent (caspase inhibitor), significantly inhibited calcification and apoptosis induced by TGF-β1, but had no effect on nodule formation. However, cytochalasin D, an actin-depolymerizing agent, inhibited nodule formation, but not calcification. Conclusions TGF-β1 is characteristically present within calcific aortic stenosis cusps, and mediates the calcification of aortic valve interstitial cells in culture through mechanisms involving apoptosis.
Financial Implications of Hospital Readmission After Hip Fracture

Introduction:Hip fracture is the leading orthopedic discharge diagnosis associated with 30-day readmission in terms of numbers. Because readmission to the hospital following a hip fracture is so co...
A multi-compartmented glacial refugium in the northern Rocky Mountains: Evidence from the phylogeography of Cardamine constancei (Brassicaceae)

The age and origin of the mesic coniferous forest ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest of North America have long been the subject of debate by biogeographers. Cardamine constancei, an endemic of the Rocky Mountain segment of this ecosystem, was subjected to phylogeographic analysis to test explicit hypotheses on the age of the ecosystem. We have predicted genetic homogeneity among river drainages if C. constancei and other associated species migrated into the region after glaciation, in contrast to the genetic differentiation that may have accrued if the species and its ecosystem have long survived in the relatively warm river canyons south of glaciation. We detected 19 haplotypes with divergence up to 1.5%, and they comprise 4 well-differentiated cpDNA clades. These clades are allopatric except for two haplotypes from the lower Clearwater clade that appear to have dispersed north into partial sympatry with the clade endemic to St.␣Joe River. The divergence and distribution of these clades is consistent with the existence of a complex glacial refugium with at least four compartments. The surprisingly high cpDNA diversity within this species suggests that conservation of mesic coniferous forest ecosystems in the region warrant a conservation plan that accounts for the historically imposed spatial structure of genetic diversity. We are currently testing our phylogeographic hypotheses by the comparative analyses of a suite of plants, animals and fungi.
Rich and Poor in the Courts of Corinth: Litigiousness and Status in 1 Corinthians 6.1–11

Compared with that of classic Pauline texts, the history of exegesis of 1 Cor 6.1–11 is modest. Still, the fact that this text has not been studied much does not render it problem-free. On the contrary, it continues to elude an easy interpretation. The standard treatment discusses the integrity of these eleven verses, looks at their placement within the context of chapters 5 and 6, and attempts to explain whether and how Paul envisioned Christians settling their legal disputes. Little attention, however, has been given to the social situation of the community that may have occasioned Paul's remarks about lawsuits in Corinth. This study examines that social situation on the premise that Paul sees the problem of lawsuits on two levels. One looks to the community's relationship to the outside world. The other looks to the community's internal life, where Paul understands the litigiousness of some Christians to be part of the larger problem of social division in the Corinthian churches.
Young’s Modulus and Volume Porosity Relationships for Additive Manufacturing Applications

Recent advancements in additive manufacturing (or rapid prototyping) technologies allow the fabrication of end-use components with defined porous structures. For example, one area of particular interest is the potential to modify the flexibility (bending stiffness) of orthopedic implants through the use of engineered porosity (i.e., design and placement of pores) and subsequent fabrication of the implant using additive manufacturing processes. However, applications of engineered porosity require the ability to accurately predict mechanical properties from knowledge or characterization of the pore structure and the existence of robust equations characterizing the property–porosity relationships. As Young’s modulus can be altered by variations in pore shape as well as pore distribution, numerous semi-analytical and theoretical relationships have been proposed to describe the dependence of mechanical properties on porosity. However, the utility and physical meaning of many of these relationships is often unclear as most theoretical models are based on some idealized physical microstructure, and the resulting correlations often cannot be applied to real materials and practical applications. This review summarizes the evolution and development of relationships for the effective Young’s modulus of a porous material and concludes that verifiable equations yielding consistently reproducible results tied to specific pore structures do not yet exist. Further research is needed to develop and validate predictive equations for the effective Young’s modulus over a volume porosity range of 20–50 %, the range of interest over which existing equations, whether based on effective medium theories or empirical results, demonstrate the largest disparity and offers the greatest opportunity for beneficial modification of bending stiffness in orthopedic applications using currently available additive manufacturing techniques.
Label-free quantitative analysis of lipid metabolism in living caenorhabditis elegans

The ubiquity of lipids in biological structures and functions suggests that lipid metabolisms are highly regulated. However, current invasive techniques for lipid studies prevent characterization of the dynamic interactions between various lipid metabolism pathways. Here, we describe a noninvasive approach to study lipid metabolisms using a multifunctional coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscope. Using living Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, we report label-free visualization of coexisting neutral and autofluorescent lipid species. We find that the relative expression level of neutral and autofluorescent lipid species can be used to assay the genotype-phenotype relationship of mutant C. elegans with deletions in the genes encoding lipid synthesis transcription factors, LDL receptors, transforming growth factor β receptors, lipid desaturation enzymes, and antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, by coupling CARS with fingerprint confocal Raman analysis, we analyze the unsaturation level of lipids in wild-type and mutant C. elegans. Our study shows that complex genotype-phenotype relationships between lipid storage, peroxidation, and desaturation can be rapidly and quantitatively analyzed in a single living C. elegans.
50-Gb/s SiGe BiCMOS 4:1 multiplexer and 1:4 demultiplexer for serial communication systems

4:1 multiplexer and 1:4 demultiplexer ICs targeting SONET OC-768 applications are reported. The ICs have been implemented using a 120-GHz-f/sub T/ 0.18-/spl mu/m SiGe BiCMOS process. Both ICs have been packaged to enable bit error rate testing by connecting their serial interfaces. Error-free operation has been achieved for both circuits at data rates beyond 50 Gb/s. At a -3.6-V supply voltage, the multiplexer and demultiplexer dissipate 410 and 430 mA, respectively. Switching behavior of the 4:1 multiplexer has also been checked up to 70 Gb/s.
The advantages of an inclusive definition of attitude

In The Psychology of Attitudes, we provided an abstract—or umbrella—definition of attitude as “a psychological tendency that is expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favor or disfavor” (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993, p. 1). This definition encompasses the key features of attitudes—namely, tendency, entity (or attitude object), and evaluation. This conception of attitude distinguishes between the inner tendency that is attitude and the evaluative responses that express attitudes. Our definition invites psychologists to specify the nature of attitudes by proposing theories that provide metaphors for the constituents of the inner tendency that is attitude. We advocate theoretical metaphors that endow attitudes with structural qualities.
Primary Care Providers Advising Smokers to Quit: Comparing Effectiveness Between Those With and Without Alcohol, Drug, or Mental Disorders

INTRODUCTION Individuals with alcohol, drug, or mental (ADM) disorders combined make up over 40% of all smokers in the U.S. Primary care providers (PCPs) play an important role in smoking cessation counseling, but their effectiveness with this population is unclear. This study evaluated the effectiveness of PCP smoking cessation counseling for smokers with ADM disorders. METHODS Probit regressions conducted in 2009-2010 examined the relationship between past year PCP smoking cessation counseling and successful quitting among 1,356 adults who reported smoking in the 1998-1999 Community Tracking Study survey and who reported seeing a PCP in the past year in the follow-up 2000-2001 Healthcare for Communities Survey. Past year PCP exercise counseling was used as an instrumental variable for past year PCP smoking cessation counseling to account for potential hidden bias between smoking status and receipt of smoking cessation counseling. RESULTS Smokers with and without ADM disorders were equally likely to receive smoking cessation counseling (72.9% vs. 69.9%). Using the instrumental variable approach, smoking cessation counseling by PCPs was significantly associated (p < .01) with quitting among both groups. Predicted probabilities of quitting without smoking cessation counseling were 6.0% for smokers with ADM disorders and 10.5% for smokers without ADM disorders. Predicted probabilities of quitting with smoking cessation counseling were 31.3% for smokers with ADM disorders and 34.9% for smokers without ADM disorders. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that PCPs can help smokers with ADM disorders successfully quit. These smokers should be targeted for smoking cessation counseling to reduce the health burden of tobacco.
Linearization techniques for nth-order sensor models in MOS VLSI technology

The authors present new linearization techniques and introduce novel circuits for second- and third-order sensor models. Furthermore, a general framework as well as circuit techniques for linearization of sensor models of any order are presented. The new techniques are based on subtle circuit design of simple and compact multiplier/divider and vector multiplier circuits that comprise op-amps and MOS transistors. The design is programmable using DC control voltages and is capable of implementing different values of model parameters using identically sized devices without altering physical circuit layout. The resulting continuous-time signal processing circuits are completely compatible with MOS VLSI technology and easy to incorporate in a computer-aided design environment. The circuit design details are given and nonideal effects due to op-amp dynamics and MOS parasitic capacitances are investigated. Experimental results for the new second-order sensor models, obtained from a MOSIS 2- mu m CMOS process test chip, and SPICE simulation results of third-order models verify the validity of the proposed linearization techniques. >
Ecology ofAeromonas hydrophila in a South Carolina cooling reservoir

Densities of Aeromonas hydrophila were determined monthly from December 1975 to December 1977 in a South Carolina cooling reservoir which receives heated effluent from a single nuclear production reactor. Selected water quality parameters and prevalence of red-sore disease among largemouth bass were monitored simultaneously. Higher densities of A. hydrophila were observed in areas of the reservoir receiving effluent from the reactor. Densities of A. hydrophila generally were heterogeneous in the water column. The sediments had lower densities of A. hydrophila than water immediately above. A. hydrophila could not be iso- lated from sediments greater than 1 cm from the water interface. Tempera- ture, redox potential, pH, and conductivity were all significantly correlated with densities of A. hydrophila in the water column. The temporal and spatial distribution and abundance of A. hydrophila in water were not related to total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, inor- ganic carbon, or dissolved oxygen. High densities of A. hydrophila were observed in mats of decomposing Myriophyllum spicatum and, entericaUy, in largemouth bass, several other species offish, turtles, alligators, and snails. The greatest densities of A. hy~h'ophila in water occurred during March and June with a second peak in October. The mean monthly densities of A. hydrophila were positively correlated with the incidence of infection in iargemouth bass. Largemouth bass from thermally altered parts of the reser- voir had a significantly higher incidence of infection. It is concluded that ther- mal effluent significantly affects the ecology of A. hydrophila and the epizootiology of red-sore disease within Par Pond.
Cost-effectiveness of Legacy for Children™ for Reducing Behavioral Problems and Risk for ADHD among Children Living in Poverty.

This paper describes the programmatic costs required for implementation of the Legacy for ChildrenTM (Legacy) program at two sites (Miami and Los Angeles) and enumerate the cost-effectiveness of the program. Legacy provided group-based parenting intervention for mothers and children living in poverty. This cost-effectiveness analysis included two behavioral outcomes, behavioral problems, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and programmatic costs collected prospectively (2008 US$). Incremental costs, effects, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were estimated for the intervention groups relative to a comparison group with a 5 year analytic horizon. The intervention costs per family for Miami and Los Angeles were $16,900 and $14,100, respectively. For behavioral problems, the incremental effects were marginally significant (p=0.11) for Miami with an ICER of $178,000 per child at high risk for severe behavioral problems avoided. For ADHD, the incremental effects were significant (p=0.03) for Los Angeles with an ICER of $91,100 per child at high risk for ADHD avoided. Legacy was related to improvements in behavioral outcomes within two community-drawn sites and the costs and effects are reasonable considering the associated economic costs
Anxiety Sensitivity in Dermatological Patients

Background Anxiety symptoms commonly occur in dermatological patients and can affect the severity of dermatological symptoms. Anxiety sensitivity (AS), defined as the fear of anxiety symptoms, is a well-supported cognitive vulnerability factor that may be particularly significant in these patients. Objective This study compared the severity of AS between patients with psychodermatological (e.g., psoriasis) and nonpsychodermatological disorders (e.g., skin cancer). It was predicted that individuals with psychodermatological disorders would evidence significantly greater AS compared to individuals with nonpsychodermatological disorders. Method Adults presenting to outpatient dermatology clinics with psychodermatological ( n = 63) and nonpsychodermatological ( n = 52) conditions completed self-report questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, general anxiety, and AS. Results Individuals with psychodermatological conditions reported significantly greater AS compared to individuals with nonpsychodermatological conditions ( p Conclusions These findings contribute to an advancing area of research linking AS and physical health problems. The results suggest that adjunctive cognitive-behavioral treatments targeting AS reductions could help patients with psychodermatological conditions.
Review of: Criminal Profiling

This work of Mr. Turvey appears as a text book of 25 chapters enhanced by several appendices, a glossary, and an index. While the book is under Turvey's authorship there are four contributors identified. The writing style is generally casual with expressions of personal sentiment and bias included. There is a suggestion that the author is more in need of impressing rather than educating the reader. Neither the comprehension nor the objectivity are strengths of this work. To the casual reader the omissions of historical work in criminal psychopathology and psycho dynamics may not be noticeable nor will that be of behavioral analysis and its variance through different schools of thought. The presentations are superficial and fail to reveal the actual depth to which one's training and experience need be to function as a member of an investigation team and perform crime scene behavioral reconstruction, analysis, and profiling. Mr. Turvey does not enlighten the reader with the normal differences in “profiling” based on the variance between schools of thought on human behavior. At present one may consider three categories of approach strategies and within each there can be expected variances. These issues are not addressed and the uninformed reader is left to believe that “profiling” is some generic process.
The format of the medicolegal autopsy protocol.

It is suggested that the usual format of a hospital autopsy protocol be modified by the addition of an opening statement and a separate section on injuries when the decedent is a victim of physical violence. These alterations will facilitate recording of essential information in a logical and concise sequence.
Effect of reserpine on 22Na and 42K exchange in the cat papillary muscle.

SummaryReserpine pretreatment (1 mg/kg) given either 4 or 24 hr prior to the experiment did not affect the transmembrane exchange of Na and K in cat papillary muscles. In addition, changes occurring in Na, K, and H2O content of the muscle were not influenced by reserpine. Since it is known that quinidine causes changes in Na and K exchange and in the total Na and K content of cardiac muscle, it is unlikely that the action of reserpine to antagonize digitalis-induced ventricular arrhythmias is related to a quinidine-like effect on cardiac muscle.
Calculation of KT_(50) of pesticides with SPSS software

The calculation procedure of KT50 of pesticides was conducted with SPSS 15.0,with a full explanation of the main outputs and detailed discussion of the issues that needs to be taken seriously in designing the experiment and processing the data.
Severe Radiation Necrosis Successfully Treated With Bevacizumab in an Infant with Low‐Grade Glioma and Tumor‐Associated Intractable Trigeminal Neuralgia

We present a unique case of radiation necrosis in a child with brain stem low-grade glioma (LGG) presenting with trigeminal neuralgia. Despite extensive therapies, severe pain persisted. She received proton beam radiation with significant improvement. However, she developed radiation necrosis and hydrocephalus. Despite surgical correction of hydrocephalus, the patient remained critically ill. She was treated with dexamethasone and bevacizumab with rapid clinical improvement. Subsequent MRIs revealed almost complete resolution of the necrosis. This case illustrates the successful treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with radiation and a rare case of radiation necrosis in an LGG successfully treated with bevacizumab and dexamethasone.
Gender, age, and the risk of insomnia.

While insomnia is common among men and women and across all age groups, older adults and women experience markedly increased risk for this disorder. Insomnia complaints in adults ≥65 years of age are very common. Foley and colleagues demonstrated in a study of 9,282 older adults (mean age of 74) an insomnia prevalence rate of ∼60%.Approximately 57% of older adults have sleep complaints (Slide 1). Most of these are associated with comorbid conditions including depressed mood, respiratory problems, or poor physical health. The healthiest members of this population have far fewer sleep complaints.
Model-Based Event Detection for Contaminant Warning Systems

AbstractSecurity issues have become increasingly important within distribution systems, which have led to the development of event detection algorithms (EDAs) to provide timely detection of intrusion events. The current study develops a localized model-based event detection algorithm that utilizes nonspecific water quality sensors to identify water quality anomalies. The proposed EDA focuses on evaluating a series of multivariate error signals between the observed signals and the model estimated signals based on a moving time-window of error statistics. The likelihood of the multivariate error signals is estimated using the product of univariate kernel density estimation (KDE), which is a type of nonparametric representation of the error distribution. A comprehensive analysis was performed using synthetic events to explore the combination of the moving window-pairs and bandwidth with respect to three injection strengths and two injection durations. In addition to the synthetic events, the EDA was also eva...
Chemotherapy remains an essential element of personalized care for persons with lung cancers

Molecularly targeted and immunotherapies have improved the care of patients with lung cancers. These successes have rallied calls to replace or avoid chemotherapy. Yet, even in this era of precision medicine and exciting advances, cytotoxic chemotherapies remain an essential component of lung cancer treatment. In the setting of locoregional disease, chemotherapy is the only systemic therapy thus far proven to enhance curability when combined with surgery or radiation. In the metastatic setting, chemotherapy can improve the length and quality of life in many patients. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of care for individuals whose cancers with oncogenic drivers have acquired resistance to targeted agents. Chemotherapy also has the potential to modulate the immune system to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this context, chemotherapy should be framed as a critical component of the armamentarium available for optimizing cancer care rather than an unfortunate anachronism. We examine the role of chemotherapy with precision medicine in the current care of patients with lung cancers, as well as opportunities for future integration in combinations with targeted agents, angiogenesis inhibitors, immunotherapies, and antibody drug conjugates.
Acculturation, Enculturation, Gender, and College Environment on Perceived Career Barriers Among Latino/a College Students:

This study examined the role culture and college environment had on the perception of ethnic and gender career barriers of 138 Latino/a college students. Specifically, background characteristics (i.e., parent education, immigration status, and sex), acculturation, enculturation, and college environment on perceived ethnic/gender barriers were examined. Results showed 18% of the variance in perceived ethnic and gender career barriers were predicted by sex, acculturation, and college environment. As expected, sex, acculturation, and college environment negatively predicted perceived ethnic and gender career barriers. Latinas anticipated discrimination in future worksites more than Latino males. Acculturation and a welcoming college environment that supported diverse students predicted lower perceived ethnic and gender career barriers. Enculturation did not significantly predict perceived career barriers. Supporting the hypothesis, an interaction effect between sex and college environment predicted perceived...
Single-Multiplex Detection of Organ Injury Biomarkers using SPRi based Nano-Immunosensor

The clinical assessment of multiple organ dysfunctions at early stages is recognized to be an important factor in prompting definitive treatment decisions that prevent irreversible organ damage. In this article, we propose a real-time, label-free, and multiplex nanoenhanced SPRi platform to quantitatively assess two biomarkers, kidney injury molecule (KIM-1) and high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) simultaneously in buffer. Our work involves three major contributions in the design of the immunosensor: (1) we applied site-specific immobilization of antibodies to the solid surface that avoids loss of biological activity caused by covalent attachment; (2) we constructed a well-blocked sensor surface that exhibits minimal non-specific adsorption for singleplex measurements of each biomarker in buffer; and (3) we adopted a sandwich assay that implements functionalized quantum dots (NanoEnhancers) as signal amplifiers to achieve a sensitivity level of 5 pg/mL for KIM-1 and HMGB-1 in buffer. We foresee great potential and success in extending this multiplex and ultra-sensitive platform to assess a variety of other emerging clinical biomarkers at low concentrations and in complex matrices.
Case series of acute nutritional neuropathies after gastric bypass: A Guillain Barré syndrome mimic

Gastric bypass procedures for morbid obesity are increasingly common in the United States. Neuropathy following gastric bypass surgeries is estimated at 6%. Most practitioners recognize this as a chronic complication due to nutritional deficiencies. We present three cases of severe, acute, nutritional neuropathy occurring after gastric bypass surgeries. We retrospectively reviewed charts of three patients with acute to subacute neuropathies following gastric bypass surgeries presenting over one year to UTHealth. Data regarding clinical presentation, electrophysiology, diagnostic studies and outcomes are collected. We identified three patients with acute, disabling, ascending numbness and weakness. All patients had intractable vomiting and significant rapid weight loss. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed axonal sensory-motor neuropathy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies did not show albuminocytologic dissociation. Two patients were treated with immunomodulation. Nutritional deficiencies were identified as the etiology in all patients. Further reports and research may prevent unnecessary and costly immunomodulatory treatments.
Ionic Liquids: A Plausible Future of Bio-lubricants

This paper reviews the development of bio-lubricants from conventional impeller pressed natural oils to a new class of green bio-lubricants referred to as ionic liquids (ILs) at room temperature. The attraction to bio-lubricants began with natural oils due to their low friction and wear characteristics owing to high lubricity. To better control the tribological behavior, natural oils were introduced to additives, such as lamellar solid powders. Looking to the future, room-temperature IL lubricants derived from biological feedstock are seen as prospective alternatives and solutions to the issues associated with currently available bio-lubricants. Hence, a comprehensive investigation on the tribological properties of novel bio-based IL lubricant is carried out. A simplistic IL feasibility study has also been performed wherein pin-on-disk tests were conducted to analyze the friction and wear behavior under ambient conditions. The ILs demonstrate improved tribological performance when compared to conventional petroleum-based and bio-based lubricants in their purified forms at various levels. The mechanisms concerning the chemical composition of the ILs and their tribological properties imbibed by the bio-lubricants are discussed while highlighting its plausible industrial application.
Interaction of High Molecular Weight Kininogen with Endothelial Cell Receptors suPAR, gC1qR and Cytokeratin 1 by Surface Plasmon Resonance (BiaCore).

Abstract The physiologic activation of the plasma kallikrein kinin system (KKS) requires the assembly of these proteins on the cell membrane. High molecular weight kininogen (HK) binds to endothelial cells through an interaction with a multiprotein receptor complex that consist of: urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), globular C1q receptor (gC1qR) and cytokeratin 1 (CK1). The affinity of HK and cleaved HK (Hka) for endothelial cells is KD=7–52 nM but the affinity for each of the three binding proteins is unknown. We first examined the direct binding of HK and Hka to the soluble receptor form of uPAR (suPAR), gC1qR and CK1 using surface plasmon resonance (BiaCore). We linked suPAR, gC1qR and CK1 (800–1100 pg/mm2) by amine coupling to a CM-5 chip and perfused HK and Hka at a concentration ranging from 50 to 400 nM in the presence or absence of 10 μM ZnCl2. A Langmuir binding model with local fit (stoichiometry of 1:1) was used to analyse kon (association rate constant), koff (dissociation rate constant) and KD (equilibrium dissociation constant) for HK and Hka. HK Hka KD kon koff KD kon koff Immobilized Protein nM M-1s-1 x104 s-1 x10-4 nM M-1s-1 x104 s-1 x10-4 gC1qR 0.8±0.7 12.3±5.0 0.8±0.5 0.7±0.5 24.4±10.9 1.4±0.5 CK1 15.1±1.0 3.6±0.3 5.4±0.7 6.3±1.9 5.8±0.3 3.6±0.9 suPAR 2313.5±1465.3 1.0±0.7 164.8±22.2 43.6±16.6 21.3±11.9 78.5±10.6 The binding of HK and Hka to the three receptors was zinc dependent. The affinity for HK and Hka was gC1qR>CK1>suPAR. The high affinity for gC1qR and CK1 was similar for HK and Hka and was due to a very slow koff. The affinity for Hka compared to HK was 2.5-fold tighter for CK1 but 50-fold tighter for suPAR. A reversed immobiization was then performed. We immobilized HK, Hka and LK (800 pg/mm2) and suPAR, gC1qR and CK1 were flowed over the chip at a concentration ranging from 50 to 700 nM. Only gC1qR bound to immobilized HK and Hka, with a KD of 6.31± 2.8 pM for HK and 2.86±1.5 pM for Hka while the other 2 receptors did not bind. Receptor integrity was shown by preincubating HK or Hka with the pure receptors and observing competition with the immobilized receptors. Among the HK/Hka receptors, complex formation was only observed between gC1qR and immobiized CK1 with or without Hka indicating that a CK1-gC1qR complex can form independently of kininogen. This study indicates that although suPAR has the weakest affinity of the three receptors it is the only one that distinguishes between HK and Hka. Only one binary complex was revealed by this technique between CK1 and gC1qR. These results lay the foundation for anlayzing the affinity of these receptors in a cellular environment.
Expanding the Discourse

In this chapter we propose a dual model of working as a conceptual lens through which to examine women’s (and men’s) working lives (Richardson & Schaeffer, in press). This dual model encompasses market or paid work in the market economy and unpaid care work in personal lives that includes care of persons (including the self), of relationships, of communities and organisations, and of the physical world (Tronto, 2009).
Structuring Inbound Investments: A Primer on Exit Issues

As technology renders the world a smaller and smaller place, an increasing number of tax practitioners are finding it necessary to provide tax advice with respect to cross-border transactions. This article is intended for the tax practitioner who has little or no knowledge of the international rules in the Internal Revenue Code and who is faced with developing a structure for a foreign client's proposed investment in the United States (a so-called "inbound" investment). The article briefly describes the pertinent provisions in the Internal Revenue Code, and then, through a series of examples, attempts to demonstrate how the manner in which an inbound investment is initially structured can greatly impact the tax cost that will be incurred by the foreign client when he/she/it sells or disposes of (i.e., "exits") the proposed inbound investment. The purpose of the article is to help the practitioner make an informed decision concerning the most appropriate structure for the proposed inbound investment.
Consensus-Derived Coronary Anastomotic Checklist Reveals Significant Variability Among Experts

Background Surgical skill assessment tools frequently reflect the opinions of small groups of surgeons. That raises concerns over their generalizability as well as their utilization when applied broadly. A Delphi approach could engage a broad group of experts to identify key elements for a checklist assessing coronary anastomotic skill, improving generalizability. Methods Expert surgeons in North America (10 or more years in practice, actively teaching coronary artery surgery) were contacted randomly to participate. Consenting surgeons first provided items they believed were mandatory when performing a coronary artery bypass. These were then entered into a three-round Delphi. Positive consensus was reached when 75% or more of participants ranked an item mandatory. Results Sixteen faculty consented to participate. Each participant provided 25 ± 10 items. The 407 items provided were condensed, resulting in 146 items in the final list, divided into six sections based on the conduct of the operation. Twenty-three items reached consensus in the first round, 14 in the second, and 3 in the third. These 40 items represented only 27% of the initial 146 items. Agreement within sections varied widely, from 0% for "management of assistants" to 47% for "testing and final steps." Conclusions A randomly selected group of experts using a Delphi approach can generate a checklist to assess construction of a coronary artery bypass. Considerable disagreement among experts regarding what steps are mandatory calls into question the generalizability of any locally developed checklist.
A 10-year study of the impact of intimate partner violence primary aggressor laws on single and dual arrest

The adoption of arrest as the preferred response in incidents of intimate partner violence has generally been welcomed, but it has not come without unintended consequences. Foremost among these has been an increase in dual arrest, the situation where both parties to an incident are arrested. To address this concern, many states have enacted primary aggressor laws which mandate that officers determine who is the primary aggressor in the incident. To date, no longitudinal national study has been conducted on the impact of these laws. Using a dataset comprising 10 years of National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data (2000-2009) from 5,481 jurisdictions in 36 states and the District of Columbia, the authors examine the impact of primary aggressor laws in reducing the prevalence of dual arrests. Taking into account such factors as seriousness of offense, the authors found that the existence of primary aggressor laws does appear to result in officer reluctance to make any arrest. In addition, though these laws do result in a reduction in dual arrests, this reduction was not statistically significant. This is undoubtedly a result of inter-state variation in implementation as well as variations in statutory framework. In addition, these laws were observed to have a disparate effect both on White and non-White and heterosexual and same-sex couples. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
The Ethics of Tax Evasion: An Empirical Study of Chinese Opinion

A number of studies have examined the relationship between tax collection and various demographic variables. However, until recently most of those studies have involved a United States sample population. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service provides demographic data for researchers on a regular basis. The present study goes beyond those studies in several important ways. For one, it uses data on China taken from the World Values database. This study expands on existing literature in at least two other ways as well. For one, it examines how various demographics interact with attitudes toward tax evasion. Secondly, we examine several demographic variables that were not examined in prior studies. The sample had 1885 usable responses from a wide range of the mainland Chinese population. One of the questions in the World Values database asked whether it would be justifiable to cheat on taxes if it were possible to do so. Respondents were asked to choose a number from 1 to 10 to indicate the extent of their support for tax evasion. This study examines those responses, both overall and through the prism of six demographic variables. A trend analysis is also done to determine whether Chinese attitudes regarding tax evasion have changed in recent years. A comparison is made with other ethical issues to determine the relative seriousness of tax evasion. This study found some interesting relationships between attitude toward tax evasion and several demographic variables. Although there is strong opposition to tax evasion in general, the extent of opposition has fluctuated over time. Men and women were equally opposed to tax evasion; older people were not significantly more opposed to tax evasion than were younger people (at the 5 percent confidence level), which is different than the results found in other tax evasion surveys; widows and married individuals were more opposed to tax evasion than were other groups, and single and separated individuals were least opposed. The correlation between tax evasion attitude and education was nonlinear. The two least educated groups were at extreme opposites of the spectrum. Middle class individuals were most opposed to tax evasion, which people in the upper class were least opposed. Opposition to tax evasion fluctuated by region, with the strongest opposition in Chongqing and least opposition in Heilongjiang Province. Tax evasion was considered a little more serious than wife beating and a little less serious than homosexuality.
Highly isolated crossed dipole antenna with matched copolar beams

A bent crossed dipole antenna for dual linear polarisation applications is introduced. The proposed efficient techniques incorporated into the design provide the antenna with high port isolation and low cross-polarisation. A better than 56 dB measured port-to-port isolation is achieved in the frequency range of 2.7–3 GHz. The cross-polarisation level remains 40 dB below the copolarisation peak in both principal planes. A pair of matched copolar beams in the corresponding principal planes is obtained owing to the use of identical and symmetrical structures in orthogonal directions. These features along with simple geometry and inexpensive PCB fabrication make the proposed antenna a promising candidate for multi-mission applications.
Activation of 5-HT1B receptors in the Lateral Habenula attenuates the anxiogenic effects of cocaine.

Recent work has implicated the Lateral Habenula (LHb) in the production of anxiogenic and aversive states. It is innervated by all the major monoamine neurotransmitter systems and has projections that have been shown to modulate the activity of both dopaminergic and serotonergic brain regions. Cocaine is a stimulant drug of abuse that potentiates neurotransmission in these monoamine systems and recent research suggests that the drug's behavioral effects may be related in part to its actions within the LHb. The present research was therefore devised to test the hypothesis that alterations in serotonin (5-HT) function within the LHb can affect the behavioral response to cocaine. Male rats were fitted with intracranial guide cannula and trained to traverse a straight alleyway once a day for a 1 mg/kg i.v. injection of cocaine. Intra-LHb pretreatment with the 5-HT1B agonist CP 94,253 (0, 0.1, or 0.25 μg/side) attenuated the development of approach/avoidance "retreat" behaviors known to be a consequence of cocaine's dual rewarding (approach) and anxiogenic (avoidance) properties. This effect was reversed by co-administration of a selective 5-HT1B antagonist, NAS-181 (0.1 μg/side), demonstrating drug specificity at the 5-HT1B receptor. These data suggest that 5-HT1B signaling within the LHb contributes to the anxiogenic effects of cocaine.