cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compositional control of electrochromic properties in copolymers of N-vinylcarbazole and N-phenyl-2-(5′-vinyl-2′-thienyl)-5-(2″-thienyl)-pyrrole

Abstract Three compositionally different copolymers derived from N-vinylcarbazole and N-phenyl-2-(5′-vinyl-2′-thienyl)-5-(2″-thienyl)-pyrrole were synthesised chemically and characterised. The composition of the copolymers was estimated using FT-IR spectroscopy and in situ spectroelectrochemistry and spectrocolorimetric measurements were performed on the solid state electrochromic devices fabricated using these copolymers as working electrodes. The colour contrasts of these devices in both the neutral and the doped states were measured by spectrocolorimetry conforming to the Commission International de l'Eclairage (CIE) methods. The CIE colour coordinate values in the p-doped state of the devices could be correlated to the comonomer ratios in these copolymers.
Subtyping of Leukemia with Gene Expression Analysis Using Compressive Sensing Method

Detection of different types of cancers is important in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Leukemia is one of the cancers that has different subtypes: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The detection of these subtypes according to different genetic markups in leukemia patients will lead to individualized therapies. Gene expression analysis has been used for the study of leukemia patients, and a variety of approaches have been developed to classify leukemia subtypes. In this paper, we propose a novel compressive sensing (CS) based approach for the subtyping of leukemia. The CS method is an emerging approach in statistics and mathematical signal analysis, which enables the reconstruction of signals from a small set of incoherent projections. We develop a CS based detector to classify ALL and AML, based on ours selected genes out of 7129 samples. The accuracy of the classification is as high as 97% evaluated with cross validation method among 38 subjects (27 ALL and 11 AML). This work demonstrates that the CS method can be effectively used to detect subtypes of leukemia subjects, implying improved accuracy of diagnosing leukemia patients.
Is hospital competition wasteful

Recent attention has been given to the hypothesis that local hospital competition takes the form of costly duplication of specialized services--the "medical arms race." This contrasts with the hypothesis that the supply of specialized services is determined solely by "the extent of the market." We develop a model predicting the provision of specialized services in local markets. Our analysis of California hospitals provides minimal support for the medical arms race hypothesis while suggesting substantial scale economies for many services. Our results emphasize the importance of properly specifying the extent of the market. Failure to do so leads one to overestimate the importance of competition.
A new image of the hematopoietic stem cell vascular niche

The microenvironment within the bone marrow that maintains hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quiescence is the subject of intense study. In a recent Nature paper, Kunisaki et al. combine imaging techniques and computational modeling to define a novel arteriolar niche for quiescent HSCs within the bone marrow.
Suppression of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis in guinea pigs by pretreatment with thyroglobulin-coupled spleen cells.

Abstract Pretreatment of Strain 2 and Strain 13 guinea pigs with guinea pig thyroglobulin (GPTG) coupled to syngeneic spleen cells (GPTG-SC) suppressed the development of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) induced by immunization with GPTG in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Antibody titers to GPTG were only minimally suppressed in GPTG-SC pretreated animals. GPTG-SC also suppressed the sensitization of periotneal exudate T lymphocytes which proliferate in vitro in the presence of GPTG.
Poor intentions or poor attention: misrepresentation by applicants to psychiatry residency.

This study examines the veracity of self-reported data by applicants to psychiatry residency. The authors reviewed the reported publications of all applicants to a psychiatry residency training program over a 2-year span. Nine percent of applicants reporting publications were found to have misrepresented them. International medical graduates were found to be more likely to have misrepresented their publications than U.S. medical graduates. A small but significant number of applicants to psychiatry residency training misrepresent their publications. Identification of misrepresentation may provide valuable information about the applicant and their future performance in training and practice.
Daptomycin in the treatment of bacteremia.

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the clinical experience with daptomycin in the treatment of bacteremia. Patients with a diagnosis of catheter-related or non–catheter-related bacteremia and no other concurrent infection were identified from the Cubicin Outcomes Registry and Experience (CORE) 2004. Treatment success was determined by investigators using protocol criteria and defined as cure or improvement. Of 168 patients with bacteremia, 126 were clinically evaluable. Of those, 52 (41%) patients were aged ≥66 years, 54 (43%) received daptomycin in an intensive care unit, and 25 (20%) had chronic renal failure. The most common pathogens isolated were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (33%), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (30%), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (30%). Of 126 patients, 86% received daptomycin after previous antibiotic therapy and most (69%) received concomitant antibiotics with daptomycin. Daptomycin therapy was started at a median dose of 4.0 mg/kg (range, 2.5 to 9.2 mg/kg). Daptomycin therapy had an overall clinical success rate of 89%. Clinical success was independent of baseline renal function, daptomycin dose, pathogen, first-line use, or concomitant antibiotic therapy. These results support the findings of a recent study in which daptomycin was demonstrated to be an effective option in the treatment of S aureus bacteremia. Data in the current study provide insight into the clinical experience using daptomycin to treat bacteremia caused by other gram-positive pathogens. Given the limitations of retrospective studies and lack of follow-up data, additional studies are needed to make definitive evaluations with these pathogens.
Zonal mean properties of Jupiter's upper troposphere from voyager infrared observations

Voyager IRIS spectra of Jupiter are used to derive zonal averages for 270- and 150-mb temperatures, as well as optical depths through the troposphere at two temperatures, ammonia concentrations near the 680-mb level, and the parahydrogen fraction near the 270-mb level. Simple modeling of an axisymmetric circulation incorporating the linear damping of perturbations from a uniform state for both winds and temperature yields results that are consistent with observed thermal wind shears and with the vertical motion field.
Palatal reconstruction utilizing retrieved forehead flap

Ablation of tumors involving the tonsil and retromolar trigone complex often require partial resection of the soft palate. The pharyngeal wall defect is well reconstructed with the forehead flap. We have used the distal portion of the severed inserted forehead flap to reconstruct the soft palate defect successfully in 35 cases. The nasopharyngeal surface is lined with a book-flap from the remaining palate. This provides full palatal reconstruction with nasopharyngeal mucosa lining: thus preventing flap contracture and the unwanted sequelae of nasopharyngeal air and fluid reflux.
Aminoacylation properties of eggplant mosaic virus RNA. Separation and association of tRNAs.

Abstract After filtration on Ultrogel AcA 34, RNA from eggplant mosaic virus (EMV) retained its ability to bind valine, but no significant aminoacylation by lysine could be detected using synthetases from wheat germ or E. coli. Some association of tRNA with EMV RNA was observed after they were incubated together in a magnesium-containing buffer. However, equal levels of lysine binding to the viral RNAARNA complex were observed when the tRNA used for the association was derived from either healthy or EMV-infected Datura leaves. These data appear to preclude the presence of a lysine-accepting tRNA specific to infected tissues being bound to EMV RNA, although the presence of appreciable levels of lysine-accepting tRNA as a contaminant in EMV preparations was confirmed.
Giant cell tumor in paget's disease of bone. Familial and geographic clustering

Four patients with benign giant cell tumor and one patient with probable benign giant cell tumor associated with Paget's disease of bone are reported. The familial and geographic clustering of these cases is unique in that three patients were related and all patients traced ancestral roots to the same area of southern Italy. Tumors arose from the cranial or facial bones in three patients and from vertebral bodies in two patients. All caused symptoms by local compression, and treatment by curettage or radiotherapy was successful in all patients. Three separate tumors in one patient shrank dramatically in response to treatment with high doses of dexamethasone, and one patient whose tumor caused spinal cord compression showed marked improvement in neurologic function on therapy with dexamathasone.
The characteristics and use patterns of bicycle riders in the United States

While there are large numbers of injuries and deaths involving bicycles every year, little information about the characteristics and use patterns of the general population of bicycle riders has been available. This article describes the results of a comprehensive national survey of U.S. bicycle riders conducted in 1991. The survey was based on the Mitofsky-Waksberg method of random-digit-dialing, a two-stage sampling procedure designed to give all telephone numbers an equal chance of selection. The survey collected information on a representative sample of 1,254 U.S. bicycle riders. The results of the survey provide detailed information on: the number of riders and bicycles in use; the demographic characteristics of rider households; rider characteristics (e.g., age, gender); bicycle use patterns (e.g., where and how much bicycles are used); helmet use patterns; and the types of bicycles in use. Some research implications of the survey results are also discussed.
A naturally occurring peptide recognized by alloreactive CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes in association with a class I MHC protein

Abstract The antigenic structures that initiate T cell responses to foreign (allogeneic) cells have long attracted considerable interest. We have purified and sequenced a peptide from mouse spleen that is recognized in association with the class I MHC protein H-2L d by 2C, an alloreactive CD8+ T cell clone. The peptide (LSPFPFDL) greatly enhances the susceptibility of L d+ cells to lysis by 2C, and this activity is completely blocked by a clonotypic antibody against the 2C T cell receptor. Thus, this study characterizes the naturally occurring peptide moiety of an MHC-I/peptide complex recognized by alloreactive CD8+ T cells. The peptide, which occurs in the thymus of MHC-disparate mice, can be used to study T cell development in mice expressing transgenes for the 2C T cell receptor.
Computing in magnetic fusion

Computers of every kind have become indispensable to the progress of the U.S. Magnetic Fusion Program. This review provides a broad perspective of every application: control and analysis of experiments; the National Magnetic Fusion Energy Computer Center and its network of machines across the U.S.; the growth of engineering computations; the contributions of computational physics to plasma theory and the understanding which has made magnetic fusion energy a national goal.
Corporate Entrepreneurs or Rogue Middle Managers? A Framework for Ethical Corporate Entrepreneurship

Corporate entrepreneurs -- described in the academic literature as those managers or employees who do not follow the status quo of their co-workers -- are depicted as visionaries who dream of taking the company in new directions. As a result, though, in overcoming internal obstacles to reaching their professional goals they can often walk a fine line between clever resourcefulness and outright rule breaking. A framework is presented as a guideline for middle managers and organizations seeking to impede unethical behaviors in the pursuit of entrepreneurial activity. This paper examines the barriers middle managers face in trying to be entrepreneurial in less supportive environments, the ethical consequences that can result, and a suggested assessment and training program for averting such dilemmas. We advise companies that embrace corporate entrepreneurship: (1) establish the needed flexibility, innovation, and employee initiative and risk-taking; (2) remove the barriers that the entrepreneurial middle manager may face to more closely align personal and organizational initiatives and reduce the need to behave unethically; and (3) include an ethical component to corporate training which will provide guidelines for instituting compliance and values components into the state-of-the-art corporate entrepreneurship programs.
Clinical manifestations of vaginal trichomoniasis.

Trichomonas vaginaliswas detected by culture or wet-mount examination in 118 (15%) of 779 randomly selected women attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic. Vaginal trichomoniasis was significantly associated with symptoms of yellow discharge, abnormal vaginal odor, and vulvar itching and with signs of colpitis macularis ("strawberry cervix"), purulent vaginal discharge, and vaginal and vulvar erythema. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for coinfections, as well as for demographic, behavioral, and other possible confounding variables.Trichomonas vaginalisremained significantly associated with symptoms of yellow vaginal discharge (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4) and vulvar itching (OR = 3.0) and with signs of colpitis macularis (OR = 241), purulent vaginal discharge (OR = 8.0), vulvar erythema (OR = 2.5), and vaginal erythema (OR = 4.3). The sensitivity of symptoms and signs associated with trichomoniasis was relatively low. Nevertheless, clinical manifestations can be used to identify those patients for whom a wet-mount examination would likely have high yield. Careful clinical examination and selective use of wet-mount examination together with wider use of more sensitive tests for subclinical infection, such as culture or direct immunofluorescent staining of vaginal fluid, could lead to improved detection and control of this infection. (JAMA1989;261:571-576)
A method for observing phase-dependent phenomena in cyclic systems: Application to study of dynamics of vibrated beds of granular solids

Abstract A technique is described which uses a digital circuit based on a phase-locked loop to permit viewing, photographing, or measuring phase-dependent phenomena in cyclic systems. This eliminates the need for expensive and tedious high-speed cinematographic methods that have been used thus far for visual observations of cyclic systems. The technique provides accurate quantitative data on visual cyclic phase-dependent phenomena that occur within the system with the same frequency as the forcing vibration. The technique has been used in studies of a vibrated bed. It may also be used with vibrating gas-fluidized beds. With little modifications, the technique may be applied to study phase-dependent phenomena in other cyclic systems. In direct observations at a series of phase angles, using a strobe light activated by the digital circuit, particle-free air gaps appear above and below a horizontal heat-transfer tube placed within a two-dimensional vibrated bed. The time-integrated percentage of heat-transfer surface blanketed by air, estimated from back-lit photographs, explicates trends in the heat-transfer data. A rarefied zone of reduced particle density forms at the top surface of a vibrated bed. In a bed in which solid circulates, down at walls and upward at the center, the rarefied zone is the major path for return flow of solids from the center to wall. Phase-shift photographs show that the rarefied zone develops during lift-off of the bed from the vibrating plate, indicating that rarefaction occurs because a downward flow of gas, necessary to supply gas to the gap forming between the bed and plate, exerts a lesser drag on the top layer of particles in the bed that it does on the remainder of the bed. The phase-delayed trigger system ha also been used to facilitate measurements of non-visual phase-dependent properties such as gas pressures below the bed throughout a cycle of vibration.
Observations of stepping mechanisms in a rocket‐and‐wire triggered lightning flash

[1] We present 10 high-speed video images that depict the bottom 150 m of a downward-negative, dart-stepped leader in a rocket-and-wire triggered flash, recorded at 240 kiloframes per second (4.17 μs frame integration time), along with correlated measurements of the X-ray emission at 50 m, electric field derivative (dE/dt) at 80 m, and the rocket-launch-tower current beneath the leader. We observed discrete segments of secondary channel that exhibited luminosity above that of the surrounding corona streamers and were distinctly separate and beneath the downward-extending leader channel. These segments appear similar to the space stems or space leaders that have been imaged in long negative laboratory sparks. Multiple simultaneous pulses in X-ray emission, dE/dt, and launch tower current were recorded during the time that the leader steps were imaged. The leader extended at an average downward speed between 2.7 × 106 and 3.4 × 106 m s−1.
A telescoping approach to recursive enhancement of noisy images

Images are well modeled as noncausal random fields, i.e., fields where a pixel value depends on say, its four nearest neighbors. This noncausality creates problems when processing images since it preludes the application of recursive estimators, like the Kalman filter. This paper presents a new approach that allows the application of optimal Kalman filtering to random fields, while preserving the noncausality of the image random field model. The recursions in our approach are telescoping: they initiate at the periphery (or boundary) of the random field and telescope inwards. We show how to apply the new optimal recursive Kalman filter to enhancement of noisy images.
DPPC: Dynamic power partitioning and capping in chip multiprocessors

A key challenge in chip multiprocessor (CMP) design is to optimize the performance within a power budget limited by the CMP's cooling, packaging, and power supply capacities. Most existing solutions rely solely on DVFS to adapt the power consumption of CPU cores, without coordinating with the last-level on-chip (e.g., L2) cache. This paper proposes DPPC, a chip-level power partitioning and capping strategy that can dynamically and explicitly partition the chip-level power budget among different CPU cores and the shared last-level cache in a CMP based on the workload characteristics measured online. DPPC features a novel performance-power model and an online model estimator to quantitatively estimate the performance contributed by each core and the cache with their respective local power budgets. DPPC then re-partitions the chip-level power budget among them for optimized CMP performance. The partitioned local power budgets for the CPU cores and cache are precisely enforced by power capping algorithms designed rigorously based on feedback control theory. Our experimental results demonstrate that DPPC achieves better CMP performance, within a given power budget, than several state-of-the-art power capping solutions.
An evaluation of factors leading to mentor satisfaction with the mentoring relationship

Abstract This study assessed factors related to mentor satisfaction. Eighty-one youth mentors were surveyed to evaluate the effect of training, agency support, and confidence on mentor satisfaction. Linear regressions showed that greater perceived training and confidence significantly predicted greater mentor satisfaction within the mentoring relationship, and agency support marginally supported this relationship. These findings show the need for agencies to provide initial training, ongoing support, and to ensure their mentors are confident in their abilities as a mentor to guarantee that their mentors are satisfied in their relationships, perhaps making them more likely to continue mentoring. Participant comments provide support for specific suggestions for mentoring programs.
Timing of Developmental Events in Artemia Salina (L.) (Anostraca)

The durations of several stages following the emergence of Artemia salina embryos were measured by observation on individual animals. These periods were found to have little variability from animal to animal especially when compared to the duration of development occurring prior to emergence. The results are discussed in relation to the work of others.
Nilpotence and finite H-spaces

Zabrodsky asked when is the iterated commutator mapXn →X for a connected associative H-spaceX a null map. In this paper we reduce this question to a cohomological question and answer it in several cases.
Pore evolution and channel formation during flow and reaction in porous media

A theoretical and experimental study on the dissolution of porous media by flowing acid has been carried out. Dissolution of the media results in an evolution of the pore geometry and the formation of random flow channels. The goal is to predict the range of conditions under which channels will form, and the effects of various parameters on the structure of the channels and on their rate of propagation through the media. A random network model is used to describe the behavior of the stochastic, rootlike channels that form during flow and dissolution in carbonate rock and in other systems. The structure of the flow channels that form as a result of acid attack are characterized and studied using a Wood's metal casting technique. A comparison of model results shows that the rates of channel formation and growth are intimately related to the developing structure of the channels (size of branches and degree of branching), which in turn is controlled by factors such as the fluid velocity and the rate of reaction. Depending on the experimental conditions, the channels range from a single conduit with a minimum of branching to a highly branched, spongy network of channels. The dependence of permeability increase and channel branchedness on injection rates and acid diffusion rates is described by the Damkohler number for flow and reaction.
Cerebral lactate uptake during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in humans.

Summary: Animal studies have shown cerebral lactate uptake under conditions of anoxia and ischemia. Cerebral lactate uptake in humans during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has not been previously reported in the literature. Forty-five patients receiving CPR underwent simultaneous sampling through jugular venous bulb, right atrial, and central aortic catheterization. The mean net cerebral lactate uptake (central aortic minus jugular venous bulb) was 0.76 ± 1.86 and 0.80 ± 2.03 mM on initial measurement and 10 min later, respectively. Both measurements were statistically significant (p = 0.01) compared to normal controls who have net cerebral output of lactate of -0.18 ± 0.1 mM. Seventy-one percent of all patients had a cerebral uptake on initial sampling and this gradient persisted upon sampling 10 min later in 68% of the remaining 40 patients who did not have a return of spontaneous circulation. Among multiple variables measured, patients who exhibited a cerebral lactate uptake were 13.2 years younger (p = 0.004), received an additional 7.6 min of CPR (p = 0.05), and had a mean arterial lactate concentration of 4.8 mM higher (p = 0.005) than the nonuptake group. The pathophysiologic explanation of cerebral lactate uptake during CPR is multifactorial and includes utilization and/or diffusion.
Adsorption of CO2 on oxidized, defected, hydrogen and oxygen covered rutile (1 × 1)-TiO2(110)

Presented are initial, S0 and coverage, Θ, dependent S(Θ), adsorption probability measurements of CO2 as a function of impact energy, Ei = 0.12–1.3 eV, adsorption temperature, Ts = 85–300 K, hydrogen and oxygen pre-exposure, as well as density of defects, Γ, as varied by annealing (T = 600–900 K) and Ar+ ion sputtering (dose χAr at 600 eV at 85 K) of a rutile (1 × 1) TiO2(110) surface. The defect densities were qualitatively characterized by thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) of CO2. The CO2 TDS curves consisted of two structures that can be assigned to adsorption on pristine and oxygen vacancy sites, in agreement with earlier studies. S0 decreased linearly with Ei and was independent of Ts. The adsorption dynamics were dominated by the effect of precursor states leading to Kisliuk-like shapes over the Ei and Ts range studied. Oxygen vacancy sites reduced S0 of CO2. Preadsorbed oxygen blocked preferentially defect sites, which led to an increase in S0. Hydrogen preadsorption results in physical site blocking with decreased S0 as H-preexposure increased, while the shape of S(Θ) curves was conserved. In contrast to oxygen, hydrogen does not adsorb preferentially on defect sites. The adsorption probability data were parameterized by analytic functions (Kisliuk model) and by Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs).
Prevalence and correlates of cell phone use among Texas drivers.

Introduction Cell phone use while driving restricts peripheral awareness and impairs reaction time. This study assessed the 3-year prevalence of cell phone use (CPU) of drivers and characteristics associated with its use in six cities across Texas, 2011–2013.
Supracondylar femur fractures treated percutaneously.

One hundred twenty-five supracondylar fractures in 118 patients treated with the Green-Seligson-Henry supracondylar intramedullary nail were evaluated. One hundred four patients (111 fractures) were followed up to fracture union. The percutaneous technique was compared with open reduction and intern
Coherent vortical structures responsible for strong flux of scalar at free surface

Abstract We use direct numerical simulation data to study the identification of coherent vortical structures that generate strong scalar flux at the free surface of an open-channel turbulent flow. Using conventional conditional averaging of events with strong scalar surface flux or large vorticity components, we characterize the correlation of surface flux with a variety of subsurface vortical structures. We then present a clustering method based on the expectation–maximization algorithm which is shown to be effective in identifying dominant turbulence structure patterns. Using this method, clustering modes are obtained for different characteristic vorticity distributions on spanwise and streamwise vertical planes. It is found that each clustering mode can be constructed by a linear combination of a small number of enstrophy-containing eigenvectors obtained by proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). Compared with the POD eigenvectors, the clustering modes have a more direct correspondence to the turbulence structures in physical space. It is shown that ring-like and asymmetric cane vortices are the dominant vortical structures related to strong scalar surface flux in open-channel flow. The clustering method is general and can also be used for other types of flows and for applications beyond interfacial scalar transport.
Observer detection efficiency with target size uncertainty

The effect of target size and size uncertainty on human observer ability to see disk targets in uncorrelated noise was measured. disk targets were centered in 64-pixel-radius areas of uncorrelated Gaussian noise. Human observers rated the likelihood that a target was present Size uncertainty was introduced in the target-present stimuli by using disk targets with radii ranging 2 to 33.2 pixels. A constant matched-filter signal-to-noise ration was maintained across the range of disk sizes by adjusting the disk contrast. For this mixed size experiment the observer ratings were analyzed using a multiple-distribution extension of the binormal ROC curve fitting procedure. A control experiment measured observer performance in conditions with target-present stimuli of known-size disks. A third experiment evaluated the influence of noise-area size on performance with known-size disks. An observer detection efficiency index, the square of the ration of d' to SNR, decreased at small and large disk radii. The efficiency index decrease for small disks was less in the control experiment (size- known). Observer efficiency indexes for medium and large disks were not significantly difference for the mixed size experiment and the control experiment. Reducing the noise-area size increased the efficiency for small disks and produced an approximately constant efficiency for the small to medium sized disks. Size uncertainty decreased observer detection performance relative to known-size performance for small disk targets. the observer efficiency index for the small targets was increased when small noise areas are used. This finding suggests that the decreased efficiency index for small targets on large noise areas was caused by increased observer uncertainty of target location.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of paramagnetic cations on the nonexponential spin-lattice relaxation of rare spin nuclei in solids.

Abstract Nonexponential spin-lattice relaxation is often observed for rare spin nuclei in the solid state. Deviation from single-component decay may be amplified by the coupling of rare spin nuclei to paramagnetic centers. Nonexponential spin-lattice relaxation was observed in derivatized silica gels resins. This phenomenon was localized and enhanced when paramagnetic transition metal cations were bound to surface functional groups. A stretched exponential analysis method was determined to be robust in fitting nonexponential relaxation curves for silica gels both with and without bound paramagnetic ions. Spin-lattice relaxation rates (T1−1) for functional group nuclei increased as a function of percent surface coverage with metal ion. The magnitude of the relaxation rate increase was dependent upon internuclear distances from the paramagnetic center. At low surface coverages, a semi-random distribution of paramagnetic centers increased the degree of stretching of spin-lattice relaxation decays, as measured by decreases in the calculated stretching parameter β. At higher surface coverages, calculated β values reached a limiting value, indicating that while the spin-diffusion mechanism in metal-ex-changed silica gels is restricted, it is not completely diminished.
A Cross-sectional Study of the Impact of Blood Selenium on Blood and Urinary Arsenic Concentrations in Bangladesh

Background Arsenic can naturally occur in the groundwater without an anthropogenic source of contamination. In Bangladesh over 50 million people are exposed to naturally occurring arsenic concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization’s guideline of 10 μg/L. Selenium and arsenic have been shown to facilitate the excretion of each other in bile. Recent evidence suggests that selenium may play a role in arsenic elimination by forming a selenium-arsenic conjugate in the liver before excretion into the bile.
The Application of LENR to Synergistic Mission Capabilities

This paper presents an overview of several missions that exploit the capabilities of a Low Energy Nuclear Reaction (LENR) aircraft propulsion system. LENR is a form of nuclear energy and potentially has over 4,000 times the energy density of chemical energy sources. It does not have any harmful emissions or radiation which makes it extremely appealing. The global reliance on crude oil for aircraft energy creates the opportunity for a revolutionary change with LENR. LENR will impact aircraft performance capabilities, military capabilities, the environment, the economy, and society. Although there is a lot of interest in LENR, there is no proven theory that explains it. Some of the technical challenges are thermal runaway and start-up time. This paper does not explore the feasibility of LENR and assumes that a system is available. A non-dimensional aircraft mass (NAM) ratio diagram is used to explore the aircraft system design space. The NAM ratio diagram shows that LENR can enable long range and high speed missions. The design space exploration led to the conclusion that LENR aircraft would be well suited for high altitude long endurance (HALE) missions, including communications relay and scientific missions for hurricane tracking and other weather phenomena, military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and airspace denial missions, supersonic passenger transport aircraft, and international cargo transport. This paper describes six of those missions.
Comment on ‘Interrelation of inflammation and APP in sIBM: IL-1β induces accumulation of β-amyloid in skeletal muscle’

Sir, Dr Schmidt and colleagues report that in muscle from patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM) there is a correlation between measures of inflammation and ‘β-amyloid-associated degeneration’ (Schmidt et al. , 2008). They found that the number of immune system cells visible in hematoxylin/eosin stained muscle sections and the amount of certain transcripts produced by immune cells correlated with the abundance of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) transcript. These and other data are interpreted as supporting an hypothesis suggested a decade ago in which in IBM muscle, interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β) secreted by immune system cells results in APP production by myofibres, and APP production by myofibres results in IL-1β secretion by immune cells (Dalakas, 1998). This hypothesis is expanded here to one in which other inflammatory molecules, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), also result in APP and β-amyloid production by myofibres. What should be considered in the interpretation of these results is the previously published data that immune cells produce abundant APP transcript and produce and secrete APP protein (Monning et al. , 1990; Monning et al. , 1992; Schlossmacher et …
Conjugated Complexes and Polymers Derived from Metal-Alkylidyne Building Blocks

The syntheses, structures, and properties of the conjugated compounds W(≡CH)L4(C≡CR) and [W(≡C-pyr)(OR)3]∞ are described. These compounds are the first low-dimensional materials to be prepared from metal-alkylidyne building blocks.
TERLINGUACHELYS FISCHBECKI , A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES OF SEA TURTLE (CHELONIOIDEA: PROTOSTEGIDAE) FROM THE UPPER CRETACEOUS OF TEXAS

EA TURTLES (superfamily Chelonioidea) were diverse and abundant during Late Cretaceous time, and likely reached their peak diversity during the Campanian stage (Weems, 1988; Hirayama, 1997). They were the only major group of marine reptiles to survive the terminal Cretaceous mass extinction relatively unscathed. Remains of sea turtles are commonly preserved in the pelagic marine shale and chalk deposits that accumulated in the Late Cretaceous interior epeiric sea of North America. Most of these remains pertain to the extinct family Protostegidae. It is therefore of interest to report an unusual and previously unknown sea turtle from paralic Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) strata that accumulated along the western shore of the epeiric sea in Texas. The single and as yet only known specimen of this turtle is here designated the type of Terlinguachelys fischbeckin. gen. and sp. Recognition of this new species further increases the known diversity of Cretaceous sea turtles, and is of interest in examining the phylogeny of sea turtles. T. fischbeckiis likely a primitive protostegid but has several features generally thought to be synapomorphic for more derived lineages, making its systematic placement uncertain. A brief description of this specimen was given previously by Tomlinson (1997). Together, most marine turtles comprise a natural group (superfamily Chelonioidea). Of the six extant genera of sea turtles, five (Caretta, Chelonia, Eretmochelys, Lepidochelys, Natator) are allied together in family Cheloniidae, and one (Dermochelys )i s the sole living representative of family Dermochelyidae. The extinct family Protostegidae is known only from Cretaceous strata. These three families of sea turtles are recognized by most authors and each comprises a relatively distinct and well-defined clade. However, some extinct taxa are hypothesized to represent near relatives or sister groups of one or several of these three families, and authors have interpreted such taxa alternatively as either constituting separate families (e.g., Toxochelyidae, Osteopygidae, Desmatochelyidae) or have included some or all within three more expansively defined conventional families. Retention of plesiomorphic features among their early representatives and parallel evolution in the separate lineages presents a problem of recognizing ‘‘grades’’ rather than clades, particularly among the least derived sea turtles. Nevertheless, in the following description and discussion, comparisons are made with other sea turtles, using the terms cheloniid, dermochelyid, and protostegid generally in a manner consistent with the phylogenetic hypothesis of Hirayama (1998), recognizing, however, that taxa included in each family vary among authors (see discussion of sea turtle relationships below). GEOLOGIC SETTING
The Effects of Interleukin 10 and Interferon γ Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms on Survival after Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation for Patients with Breast Cancer

Abstract Several clinical trials evaluating the induction of autoimmune graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) as antitumor immunotherapy have shown that autologous GVHD is associated with increased production of interleukin (IL)–10. The induction of autologous GVHD also segregated with single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL-10 promoter region (IL-10 -592 and IL-10 -1082 ) and with CA repeats in the first intron of the interferon (IFN)–γ gene. Polymorphisms within these promoter regions can significantly modify the cytokine response because of differential transcription factor efficiency. This study evaluated the relationship between inheritance of polymorphisms within the IL-10 promoter and in the IFN-γ gene and the overall survival of patients who received autologous BMT for metastatic breast cancer. Peripheral mononuclear cells from 87 women enrolled in 3 autologous BMT (plus induction of autologous GVHD) clinical trials were examined. By using a Cox proportional hazard model, trends in survival after autologous BMT were analyzed. The model included inheritance polymorphisms of IL-10 -592 , IL-10 -1082 , CA repeats within the first intron of the IFN-γ gene, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, and stage of disease. Increased survival was significantly associated with patients having the IL-10 -592 promoter allele associated with high IL-10 production (hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.55; P = .001). The effect of the strong IL-10 promoter allele on survival seems to be independent of the development of clinical autologous GVHD. However, decreased survival was significantly associated with patients having CA repeats associated with higher IFN-γ transcription (hazard ratio, 2.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–4.54; P = .011). Inheritance of specific alleles that modify IL-10 and IFN-γ production may have unexpected effects on the efficacy of immune-based strategies after autologous BMT. Additional studies are necessary to further define the influence of IL-10 and IFN-γ on the immune response after BMT.
Hedgerow Pruning Effects on Light Interception, Water Relations and Yield in Alley-Cropped Maize

Abstract In alley cropping, trees and crops compete for light, nutrients, and water. However, there is little information on how hedgerow pruning would impact light interception, water relations, and yield in a maize (Zea mays L.)-mimosa (Albizia julibrissin Durazz) alley-cropping system. Competition between mimosa hedgerows and maize was measured under alley cropping on a compass loam sand in Shorter, AL. Treatments were established in a randomized complete block design and consisted of no pruning or pruning at 30, 30 + 60 and 30 + 90 days after maize planting (DAP) and at 5 cm and 50 cm pruning heights. To minimize competition for nutrients, 189 kg N ha−1, 9 kg P ha−1, and 73 kg K ha−1 were applied. Reduction in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was assessed periodically. Water status in maize was assessed using a steady state porometer to measure maize leaf stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. PAR was lower in maize rows closest to hedgerows (ROW1) than in second maize rows from hedgero...
Identification and characterization of LFD1, a novel protein involved in membrane merger during cell fusion in Neurospora crassa

Despite its essential role in development, molecular mechanisms of membrane merger during cell-cell fusion in most eukaryotic organisms remain elusive. In the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, cell fusion occurs during asexual spore germination, where genetically identical germlings show chemotropic interactions and cell-cell fusion. Fusion of germlings and hyphae is required for the formation of the interconnected mycelial network characteristic of filamentous fungi. Previously, a multipass membrane protein, PRM1, was characterized and acts at the step of bilayer fusion in N. crassa. Here we describe the identification and characterization of lfd-1, encoding a single pass transmembrane protein, which is also involved in membrane merger. lfd-1 was identified by a targeted analysis of a transcriptional profile of a transcription factor mutant (Δpp-1) defective in germling fusion. The Δlfd-1 mutant shows a similar, but less severe, membrane merger defect as a ΔPrm1 mutant. By genetic analyses, we show that LFD1 and PRM1 act independently, but share a redundant function. The cell fusion frequency of both Δlfd-1 and ΔPrm1 mutants was sensitive to extracellular calcium concentration and was associated with an increase in cell lysis, which was suppressed by a calcium-dependent mechanism involving a homologue to synaptotagmin.
The effect of image complexity on attentional bias towards alcohol-related images in adult drinkers

Aim Visual probe tasks are often used to measure attentional bias (AB) towards alcohol‐related images in drinkers, but little is known about the effect of the properties of the images used in this task: specifically, image complexity. Methods AB was examined in a group of adult drinkers (n = 25). Two measures of attentional bias were obtained from a modified visual probe task. First, a traditional dot probe detection task measured attentional bias in drinkers based on their reaction times to probes replacing neutral and alcohol‐related images. Secondly, an eye‐tracking measure was applied to this task to directly assess the drinkers' eye gazes to the alcohol‐related and neutral images. The effect of image complexity was examined by comparing AB towards images classified as simple and complex. Findings Results showed that drinkers displayed AB only towards simple alcohol‐related images as measured by both probe RT and fixation times. Conclusion These findings suggest that complex alcohol‐related images might be less effective at capturing drinkers' attention and could result in less attentional bias when used in visual probe tasks.
Engineering of blended nanoparticle platform for delivery of mitochondria-acting therapeutics

Mitochondrial dysfunctions cause numerous human disorders. A platform technology based on biodegradable polymers for carrying bioactive molecules to the mitochondrial matrix could be of enormous potential benefit in treating mitochondrial diseases. Here we report a rationally designed mitochondria-targeted polymeric nanoparticle (NP) system and its optimization for efficient delivery of various mitochondria-acting therapeutics by blending a targeted poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-block (PLGA-b)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-triphenylphosphonium (TPP) polymer (PLGA-b-PEG-TPP) with either nontargeted PLGA-b-PEG-OH or PLGA-COOH. An optimized formulation was identified through in vitro screening of a library of charge- and size-varied NPs, and mitochondrial uptake was studied by qualitative and quantitative investigations of cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions of cells treated with blended NPs composed of PLGA-b-PEG-TPP and a triblock copolymer containing a fluorescent quantum dot, PLGA-b-PEG-QD. The versatility of this platform was demonstrated by studying various mitochondria-acting therapeutics for different applications, including the mitochondria-targeting chemotherapeutics lonidamine and α-tocopheryl succinate for cancer, the mitochondrial antioxidant curcumin for Alzheimer’s disease, and the mitochondrial uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol for obesity. These biomolecules were loaded into blended NPs with high loading efficiencies. Considering efficacy, the targeted PLGA-b-PEG-TPP NP provides a remarkable improvement in the drug therapeutic index for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity compared with the nontargeted construct or the therapeutics in their free form. This work represents the potential of a single, programmable NP platform for the diagnosis and targeted delivery of therapeutics for mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases.
PERSPECTIVE: Creating a platform‐based approach for developing new services

Abstract This article explores the design and renewal of services. We do this through the lens of methods and processes for developing product platforms for physical products. We first articulate principles for effectively developing next generation product lines using platform concepts, and illustrate these principles with examples drawn from computer and electronic products. These principles include creating new insights into a firm’s market segmentation, understanding both the perceived and latent needs of users, and doing so for new as well as existing groups of customers. These platform principles also include the design and implementation of subsystems and interfaces that can be used across different products and across different product lines. Such subsystems and interfaces become the operational platforms for new product development purposes. An approach to platform-centric organization design is also presented. We then make the extension to services by applying these principles to understand the innovations of a large international reinsurer. This company has resegmented its market to identify unfulfilled needs and growth opportunities. It also defined new service platforms, comprising operational activity areas that closely follow the value chain of how it wished to provide new reinsurance solutions to its customers. This reinsurer also had to organize differently to facilitate the development and deployment of the capabilities required for its new services. The analogies between these service innovations and those platform innovations of manufacturers are both clear and striking. We conclude by considering the difficulties faced by firms seeking to transition from a single product, nonplatform focused approach to new product development to the platform-centric ones described here.