cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation markers in colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) arises as a consequence of the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in colonic epithelial cells during neoplastic transformation. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation in selected gene promoters, are recognized as common molecular alterations in human tumors. Substantial efforts have been made to determine the cause and role of aberrant DNA methylation (“epigenomic instability”) in colon carcinogenesis. In the colon, aberrant DNA methylation arises in tumor-adjacent, normal-appearing mucosa. Aberrant methylation also contributes to later stages of colon carcinogenesis through simultaneous methylation in key specific genes that alter specific oncogenic pathways. Hypermethylation of several gene clusters has been termed CpG island methylator phenotype and appears to define a subgroup of colon cancer distinctly characterized by pathological, clinical, and molecular features. DNA methylation of multiple promoters may serve as a biomarker for early detection in stool and blood DNA and as a tool for monitoring patients with CRC. DNA methylation patterns may also be predictors of metastatic or aggressive CRC. Therefore, the aim of this review is to understand DNA methylation as a driving force in colorectal neoplasia and its emerging value as a molecular marker in the clinic.
Controlling hollow relativistic electron beam orbits with an inductive current divider

A passive method for controlling the trajectory of an intense, hollow electron beam is proposed using a vacuum structure that inductively splits the beam's return current. A central post carries a portion of the return current (I1), while the outer conductor carries the remainder (I2). An envelope equation appropriate for a hollow electron beam is derived and applied to the current divider. The force on the beam trajectory is shown to be proportional to (I2-I1), while the average force on the envelope (the beam width) is proportional to the beam current Ib = (I2 + I1). The values of I1 and I2 depend on the inductances in the return-current path geometries. Proper choice of the return-current geometries determines these inductances and offers control over the beam trajectory. Solutions using realistic beam parameters show that, for appropriate choices of the return-current-path geometry, the inductive current divider can produce a beam that is both pinched and straightened so that it approaches a target at...
Dependence of drift length on cavity gap voltage in a space-charge-dominated klystron amplifier

Dependence of drift length on cavity gap voltagein a space—charge—dominated klystron amplifierHoward E. BrandtArmy Research Laboratory, Adelphi, MD 20783—1197ABSTRACTRecently, an expression was obtained for the drift distance to the point of maximumcurrent modulation in a space—charge—dominated klystron amplifier. An explicit depend—ence on gap voltage was obtained. In the present work, we show in detail how thisexpression results from the solution to an appropriate cubic equation. We also verifythat the solution satisfies the well—known extreme space—charge limit.Keywords: klystron amplifiers, microwave sources, current modulation, electron beams
Liver glycogen mobilization by Trypanosoma brucei sonicates

Abstract 1. 1. The African trypanosome, T. brucei, appears to possess a hormone-like substance capable of stimulating the production of glucose from glycogen. 2. 2. The effect of this substance is primarily on the liver as demonstrated in vitro. 3. 3. The effect is consistent and independent of host conditions provoking an immune response. 4. 4. The data are discussed with respect to the endocrinological aspects of the host and its corresponding involvement.
Endocannabinoids in the Retina: From Marijuana to Neuroprotection

The active component of the marijuana plant Cannabis sativa, Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), produces numerous beneficial effects, including analgesia, appetite stimulation and nausea reduction, in addition to its psychotropic effects. THC mimics the action of endogenous fatty acid derivatives, referred to as endocannabinoids. The effects of THC and the endocannabinoids are mediated largely by metabotropic receptors that are distributed throughout the nervous and peripheral organ systems. There is great interest in endocannabinoids for their role in neuroplasticity as well as for therapeutic use in numerous conditions, including pain, stroke, cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, fertility, neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and inflammatory diseases, among others. However, there has been relatively far less research on this topic in the eye and retina compared with the brain and other organ systems. The purpose of this review is to introduce the "cannabinergic" field to the retinal community. All of the fundamental works on cannabinoids have been performed in non-retinal preparations, necessitating extensive dependence on this literature for background. Happily, the retinal cannabinoid system has much in common with other regions of the central nervous system. For example, there is general agreement that cannabinoids suppress dopamine release and presynaptically reduce transmitter release from cones and bipolar cells. How these effects relate to light and dark adaptations, receptive field formation, temporal properties of ganglion cells or visual perception are unknown. The presence of multiple endocannabinoids, degradative enzymes with their bioactive metabolites, and receptors provides a broad spectrum of opportunities for basic research and to identify targets for therapeutic application to retinal diseases.
Polarized Optical Absorption and Emission Spectra and the Electronic Energy-Level Structure of Tb(dpa)33- Complexes in Na3[Yb0.95Tb0.05(dpa)3]·NaClO4·10H2O†

Polarized optical absorption and emission measurements are used to locate and assign 60 crystal-field energy levels split out of the 4f8 electronic configuration of Tb3+ in single crystals of Na3[Yb0.95Tb0.05(dpa)3]·NaClO4·10H2O (where dpa ≡ dipicolinate dianion ≡ 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate). In these crystals, each Tb3+ ion is coordinated to three dipicolinate (dpa) ligands, and the tris-terdentate Tb(dpa)33- chelate structures have trigonal-dihedral (D3) symmetry. The combined optical absorption and emission measurements provide access to the energy-level structures of the 17 lowest-energy 4f8[SL]J multiplet manifolds of Tb3+, and all of these multiplet manifolds are represented among the 60 crystal-field levels that are characterized with respect to both location (energy) and symmetry properties. The energy-level data obtained from experiment are analyzed in terms of a model Hamiltonian that includes consideration of both isotropic and nonisotropic 4f-electron/crystal-field interactions. A parametrized ...
Assessment of bacterial mutagenicity methods for volatile and semivolatile compounds and mixtures

Abstract Extensive effort has been given to identifying and quantitating the organic genotoxins associated with air-borne particles; however, little is known about the mutagenicity of vapors and gases, especially those associated with ambient air samples. This overview of the literature and recent U.S. Environmental Protection efforts examines some of the critical aspects associated with the bacterial mutagenicity testing of gases and vapors. For example, the sensitivity of the test system depends upon the method of exposure (preincubation, gases over plates, liquid suspension, etc.); and the method of choice appears to depend upon vapor pressure and the solubility of the compound under investigation. Also, the selection of test chamber and other materials is important, since plastic petri dishes have been shown to absorb up to 85% of any haloalkane vapors within an exposure chamber. Investigationshave also shown the importance of exposure rates, method of gas mixing, role of metabolic activation systems, and the occurrence of photo-activation. In ambient studies, the identification and quantitation of volatile organic mutagens is quite difficult; however, due to their abundance these efforts are important.
The Therapeutic Community Involvement Scale: an instrument for assessing the staff perceptions of the therapeutic involvement of illicit drug abusers.

The Therapeutic Community Scale is described. This instrument has two subscales: the Participation Scale and the Self-Disclosure Scale. Counselor ratings of residents on this scale Improved, the longer residents remained in two therapeutic communities.
Survey data collection: operationalizing the research design

This article describes how indigenous interviewers were used to collect data about the health needs and resources in a black South African township. The survey was done during the dismantling of the apartheid political system of South Africa. The political unrest, distrust, and tension were barriers to carrying out a survey and threatened the quality of the data collection. A vulnerability of survey research is the difficulty in controlling the variables of the community and the interviewer during the process of data collection. How this survey was carried out, in this unstable setting, influenced the quality of the data and the validity and reliability of the research. The data-collection requirements were carried out in a way that was functional in the real-world setting while maintaining research standards. The criteria used for hiring interviewers and the content and delivery of training were effective in this tense, educationally disadvantaged community setting. Methods that were used to motivate and supervise interviewers were successful and are recommended for use in similar survey research.
Investigation of eddy diffusivity and heat transfer coefficient for free-falling turbulent liquid films subjected to sensible heating

Abstract The primary objective of this study is to develop a numerical model for turbulent, free-falling liquid films subjected to sensible heating. The model is used to explore the influences of waves and interfacial dampening of turbulent eddies on fluid flow and heat transfer. The model represents two-dimensional axisymmetric film flow on a vertical circular tube, with both the computational domain and operating conditions matching those of an experimental database for water films. Interfacial waves are observed to be prevalent for all operating conditions and associated with a dominant repeated wave shape. Good agreement is achieved between the predicted axial variations of the heat transfer coefficient and experimental data, including an upstream decline in the upstream thermal development region, and slow downstream increase resulting from intensified turbulence and interfacial waviness. Predicted relations for both the film thickness and heat transfer coefficient are shown to agree well with popular experimental correlations. It is shown that turbulence is fully suppressed at the interface, with zero eddy diffusivity both at the wall and interface, and a maximum in between.
New thermoelectric effect in tunnel junctions

A new type of thermoelectric current effect is derived for tunneling through oxide barriers between metals at different temperatures, for both superconducting and normal tunnel junctions. This effect was observed in both current and voltage measurements on Al-PbBi tunnel junctions in which one electrode was heated by laser irradiation. The existence of this thermoelectric effect may resolve long-standing discrepancies between experimental results and theoretical predictions for a series of point-contact experiments.
Effect of positron space charge on operation of an antihydrogen trap.

Experimental conditions have recently been reported [G. Andresen et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 023402 (2007)] that are relevant to the prospect of trapping antihydrogen atoms. An analysis of the experimental conditions indicates that positron space charge can have an important effect. The fraction of antiprotons that have an energy suitable for antihydrogen trapping can be reduced by drifts caused by the presence of positron space charge.
Chronic immune synovitis in rabbits. I. Immunoglobulin and beta-glucuronidase analyses of synovial tissues and joint exudates.

Immunoglobulin andβ-glucuronidase levels in joint exudates and homogenates of synovial tissues were measured during the course of bovine serum albumin (BSA) antigen-induced synovitis in rabbits. After intra-articular BSA challenge, the anti-BSA hemagglutinating antibody in tissue homogenates increased with time up to 14 days. Results obtained indicated relatively greater increases in specific anti-BSA activity compared with total IgG and are compatible within vivo antibody synthesis by inflamed synovial tissue.β-glucuronidase was measured as a reflection of phagocytic cell activity. Tissue enzyme levels increased to a maximum at 1 day and this level persisted up to at least 7 days, despite the fact that exudate enzyme levels reached a maximum at 1 day and then declined significantly over the next 2–3 weeks. These observations reinforce the view that inflamed synovial tissue possesses a substantial potential for perpetuating joint destruction by producing increased levels of inflammatory mediators.
Extracts from "Clinical Evidence". Obesity.

Definition Obesity is a chronic condition characterised by an excess of body fat. It is most often defined by the body mass index, a mathematical formula that is highly correlated with body fat. Body mass index is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared (kg/m 2 ). In the United States and the United Kingdom, people with a body mass index between 25 and 30 are categorised as overweight, and those with an index above 30 are categorised as obese. 1 Incidence/prevalence The prevalence of obesity has increased steadily in many countries since 1900. In England, in 1994, it was estimated that 13% of men and 16% of women were obese. 1,2 In the past decade alone, the prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased from 12.0% in 1991 to 17.9% in 1998. 3 Aetiology The aetiology of obesity includes both genetic and environmental factors. Obesity may also be induced by drugs (high dose glucocorticoids, for example) or be secondary to a variety of neuroendocrine disorders such as Cushing's syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome. 4 Prognosis Obesity is a risk factor for several chronic diseases, including hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnoea, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. 1 The relation between increasing body weight and mortality is curvilinear, with mortality increasing in people with low body weight. Whether this is caused by increased mortality risk at low body weights or by unintentional weight loss is not clear. 3 Results from five prospective cohort studies and national statistics for 1991 show that in US adults about 280 000 deaths a year are attributable to obesity. 6 Aims To achieve realistic gradual weight loss and prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with obesity, without undue adverse effects. Outcomes We found no studies that used the primary outcomes of functional morbidity or mortality. Proxy measures include mean weight loss (kg), number of people losing 5% or more of baseline body weight, and maintenance of weight loss.
On data quality and availability modeling of power grid phasor measurements

United States ‘Smart Grid’ initiatives envision very reliable, available synchro-phasor data as a cornerstone for improving electric power grid efficiency and reliability. However through early 2012, power system operators report that synchro-phasor data availability falls short of the levels required to realize the vision. This paper proposes phasor measurement unit (PMU) reliability and synchrophasor data availability models, using reliability block diagrams and Markov chains. These models highlight causes for reduced synchrophasor data availability and suggest approaches for assuring very high synchrophasor data availability.
Evaluation of the absolute regional temperature potential

The Absolute Regional Temperature Potential (ARTP) is one of the few climate metrics that provides estimates of impacts at a sub-global scale. The ARTP presented here gives the time-dependent temperature response in four latitude bands (90-28degS, 28degS-28degN, 28-60degN and 60-90degN) as a function of emissions based on the forcing in those bands caused by the emissions. It is based on a large set of simulations performed with a single atmosphere-ocean climate model to derive regional forcing/response relationships. Here I evaluate the robustness of those relationships using the forcing/response portion of the ARTP to estimate regional temperature responses to the historic aerosol forcing in three independent climate models. These ARTP results are in good accord with the actual responses in those models. Nearly all ARTP estimates fall within +/-20%of the actual responses, though there are some exceptions for 90-28degS and the Arctic, and in the latter the ARTP may vary with forcing agent. However, for the tropics and the Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes in particular, the +/-20% range appears to be roughly consistent with the 95% confidence interval. Land areas within these two bands respond 39-45% and 9-39% more than the latitude band as a whole. The ARTP, presented here in a slightly revised form, thus appears to provide a relatively robust estimate for the responses of large-scale latitude bands and land areas within those bands to inhomogeneous radiative forcing and thus potentially to emissions as well. Hence this metric could allow rapid evaluation of the effects of emissions policies at a finer scale than global metrics without requiring use of a full climate model.
Charging of Macroparticles in a Pulsed Vacuum Arc Discharge

A pulsed vacuum arc discharge emits a plasma as well as macroparticles (MPs) in the form of micrometer-sized molten droplets of cathode material. Due to their direction of flight and submicrometer to 100-mum diameter, these MPs often pose a contamination threat for both spacecraft-based thrusters and thin-film deposition systems. The velocity, mass, and charge of copper MPs emitted by a 100-A arc was experimentally measured and compared to a model based on thermionic electron emission. The MP velocity was determined by using a time-of-flight velocity filter. The charge was calculated by measuring particle deflection in a transverse electric field. The model predicts, and the experimental results verify, that the charge on the MPs becomes positive once the plasma is extinguished, and the MP travels in a vacuum, as would occur in a pulsed vacuum arc, versus a dc arc. Experimental results show a roughly quadratic dependence of particle charge on the particle diameter (q ~ D2), with a 1-mum particle having a positive charge of ~1000 electronic charges (1.6 times 10-16 C), and a 5-mum particle having a charge of ~25 000 electronic charges. The model is particle temperature dependent, and gives q ~ D2 at 1750 K and q ~ D1.7 at 2200 K. Arguments are also made for limitations on particle temperature due to radiative and evaporative cooling.
Large-Scale Network Decomposition and Mathematical Programming Based Web Service Composition

In this paper, we propose a web service composition technique considering Semantic properties and Quality of Service attributes using CK- matrix and large scale network topology analysis. This method stores the network structure in CK-matrix and decomposes the query into sub-regions according to the structure of the large-scale network. The method can find optimal, alternative or inferior solutions according to the varying requirements of the customers.
Identification and microbial production of a terpene-based advanced biofuel

Rising petroleum costs, trade imbalances and environmental concerns have stimulated efforts to advance the microbial production of fuels from lignocellulosic biomass. Here we identify a novel biosynthetic alternative to D2 diesel fuel, bisabolane, and engineer microbial platforms for the production of its immediate precursor, bisabolene. First, we identify bisabolane as an alternative to D2 diesel by measuring the fuel properties of chemically hydrogenated commercial bisabolene. Then, via a combination of enzyme screening and metabolic engineering, we obtain a more than tenfold increase in bisabolene titers in Escherichia coli to >900 mg l(-1). We produce bisabolene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (>900 mg l(-1)), a widely used platform for the production of ethanol. Finally, we chemically hydrogenate biosynthetic bisabolene into bisabolane. This work presents a framework for the identification of novel terpene-based advanced biofuels and the rapid engineering of microbial farnesyl diphosphate-overproducing platforms for the production of biofuels.
Steering and independent braking control for tractor-semitrailer vehicles in automated highway systems

A steering and independent braking control for a tractor-semitrailer vehicle is proposed to achieve lane following in automated highway systems. Independent braking force of the semitrailer is utilized to stabilize the trailer yaw motion and thus to prevent the potential occurrence of jack-knifing. The control algorithm is designed by the input/output linearization and the adaptive backstepping design methodologies.
Distributing Working Versions of Published Mathematical Models for Biological Systems via the Internet

Mathematical models are useful tools for investigating complex systems. By representing physiological systems as models, theories can be tested quantitatively against data from the system. Models can be used to explore new theories prior to experimentation and to design studies to optimize experimental resources. They can also be used as teaching tools to illustrate physiochemical principles. In spite of their usefulness and the time invested in developing models, published models are often underused due to the difficulty in obtaining working versions of the model. To address this problem we have designed a library for mathematical models of biological systems on the Internet. The library contains published models of biological systems in formats compatible with several modeling packages, from the fields of physiology, metabolism, endocrinology, biochemistry, and chemistry. The models can be viewed graphically, model solutions can be viewed as plots against data, and models can be downloaded to be run with software on the user’s own system. The address of the library is: http://biomodel.georgetown.edu/model/
Neuroprotective effects of estratriene analogs: structure‐activity relationships and molecular optimization

Estrogens are neuroprotectants against a variety of insults, both in vitro and in vivo. Many of these insults involve an oxidative stress component and estrogens are known antioxidants. We (Green et al. [1997b] J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 63:229–235) and others (Behl et al. [1997] Mol Pharmacol 51:535–541; Moosmann and Behl [1999] Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 96:8867–8872) have determined that the phenolic nature of the A-ring of the estradiol molecule is essential for neuroprotection. We performed structure-activity relationship studies using a library of estratriene compounds in well-established in vitro models for neuroprotection. We tested over 70 compounds in HT-22 (murine hippocampal) cells for their ability to inhibit cell toxicity against glutamate and iodoacetic acid, at two doses for each insult, and determined EC50 values to ascertain potency comparisons with 17β-estradiol (E2). We verified that a phenolic A ring was essential for neuroprotection in these models. We also observed that hydrophobicity and planarity affects the ability of estratrienes to protect cells from oxidative stress. This neuroprotection correlated with their ability to inhibit iron-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro. In contrast, the ability of these estratrienes to bind estrogen receptors was negatively correlated with their ability to protect cells from oxidative stress or inhibit lipid peroxidation. Drug Dev. Res. 66:78–92, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interactions Between Cement Minerals and Hydroxycarboxylic‐Acid Retarders: IV, Morphology of the Aluminosalicylate Complex*

The morphology of the particles of aluminosalicylate complex precipitated from salicylic acid solution by tricalcium aluminate (C3A) was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Agglomerations of small (0.3 μm) equiaxed particles are precipitated from concentrated solutions and are accompanied by peculiar hexagonal prismatic “crystallites” with rounded ends thought to be Ca(OH)2. In more dilute solutions distorted hexagonal plates of C4AH13-type compounds are also formed.
Measuring the phylogenetic randomness of biological data sets.

Two qualitative taxonomic characters are potentially compatible if the states of each can be ordered into a character state tree in such a way that the two resulting character state trees are compatible. The number of potentially compatible pairs (NPCP) of qualitative characters from a data set may be considered to be a measure of its phylogenetic randomness. The value of NPCP depends on the number of evolutionary units (EUs), the number of characters, thenumber of states in the characters, the distributions of EUs among these states, and the amount and distribution of missing information and sodoesnotdirectly indicatedegreeof phylogeneticrandomness.Thus,for anobserveddataset,weusedMonteCarlomethodstoestimatetheprobabilitythatadatasetchosen equiprobably from among those identical (with respectto all the other above determining features) to the observed data set would have as high (or low) an NPCP as the observed data set. This prob- ability, the realized signie canceof the observed NPCP, is attractive as an indication of phylogenetic randomness becauseitdoesnotrequiretheassumptionsmadeby othersuch methods:Nocharacter state trees are assumed and consequently, only potential compatibility can be determined; no par- ticular method of phylogenetic estimation is assumed; and no phylogenetic trees are constructed. We determined the values and signie cances of NPCP for analyses of 57 data sets taken from 53 published sources. All data sets from 37 of those sources exhibited realized signie cances of < 0.01, indicating high levels of phylogenetic nonrandomness. From each of the remaining 16 sources, at least one data set was more phylogenetically random. Inclusion of outgroups changed signie cance in some cases, but not always in the same direction. Data sets with signie cantly low NPCP may be consistentwithanancienthybrid origin(orotherancientpolyphyleticgeneexchange,crossingover, viral transfer, etc.) of the study group. (Compatibility; data set robustness; Monte Carlo methods; phylogenetic randomness; qualitative taxonomic characters.)
Certain considerations in the pricing of transmission service

A utility B intervening between utilities A and C, such that lambda /sub a/< lambda /sub b/< lambda /sub c/ might implicitly choose to price the transmission service for wheeling power from A to C according to three concepts, called attitudes. These attitudes (franchise, entitlement, and simultaneous purchase and set) are defined, and a nondimensional normalized method of evaluating the economic benefits accruing from their use are discussed in detail. The pricing of transmission service over the short term, typically for the hourly or weekly exchanges of economy energy and interruptible energy is discussed. The opportunity for the intermediate utility in the market are examined.
Genetic and environmental control of host-gut microbiota interactions

Genetics provides a potentially powerful approach to dissect host-gut microbiota interactions. Toward this end, we profiled gut microbiota using 16s rRNA gene sequencing in a panel of 110 diverse inbred strains of mice. This panel has previously been studied for a wide range of metabolic traits and can be used for high-resolution association mapping. Using a SNP-based approach with a linear mixed model, we estimated the heritability of microbiota composition. We conclude that, in a controlled environment, the genetic background accounts for a substantial fraction of abundance of most common microbiota. The mice were previously studied for response to a high-fat, high-sucrose diet, and we hypothesized that the dietary response was determined in part by gut microbiota composition. We tested this using a cross-fostering strategy in which a strain showing a modest response, SWR, was seeded with microbiota from a strain showing a strong response, A×B19. Consistent with a role of microbiota in dietary response, the cross-fostered SWR pups exhibited a significantly increased response in weight gain. To examine specific microbiota contributing to the response, we identified various genera whose abundance correlated with dietary response. Among these, we chose Akkermansia muciniphila, a common anaerobe previously associated with metabolic effects. When administered to strain A×B19 by gavage, the dietary response was significantly blunted for obesity, plasma lipids, and insulin resistance. In an effort to further understand host-microbiota interactions, we mapped loci controlling microbiota composition and prioritized candidate genes. Our publicly available data provide a resource for future studies.
Why Lawyers Should Assess Lawyers' Ethics: A Review of Adrian Evans, Assessing Lawyers' Ethics: A Practitioner's Guide

There has been a growing interest in empirical research on law firms and lawyer conduct for more than a decade. Recent studies have reached the same conclusion as studies from the 1960s and 1970s – the ethical culture in the law office is critical to the ethical behavior of the individual lawyers in the office.With this in mind, the question becomes this: What should the legal profession do to encourage better law firm management to promote ethical behavior? In ASSESSING LAWYERS' ETHICS, Adrian Evans maintains that law societies and bar associations could improve lawyers' ethical behavior through various strategies to assess their ethics. Evans moves the discussion from "what went wrong?" to "how can we fix it?"ASSESSING LAWYERS' ETHICS is a welcome contribution to literature focused on understanding and improving the ethical conduct of lawyers. This review of Evans' book focuses on the empirical findings underlying his recommendations and analyzes the positions Evans takes.
On Field-Effect Photovoltaics: Gate Enhancement of the Power Conversion Efficiency in a Nanotube/Silicon-Nanowire Solar Cell.

Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in crystalline silicon Schottky junction solar cells distinguished by the use of low density of electronic states (DOS) nanocarbons (nanotubes, graphene) as the metal contacting the Si. Recently, unprecedented modulation of the power conversion efficiency in a single material system has been demonstrated in such cells by the use of electronic gating. The gate field induced Fermi level shift in the low-DOS carbon serves to enhance the junction built-in potential, while a gate field induced inversion layer at the Si surface, in regions remote from the junction, keeps the photocarriers well separated there, avoiding recombination at surface traps and defects (a key loss mechanism). Here, we extend these results into the third dimension of a vertical Si nanowire array solar cell. A single wall carbon nanotube layer engineered to contact virtually each n-Si nanowire tip extracts the minority carriers, while an ionic liquid electrolytic gate drives the nanowire bo...
The Contribution of Deformation Losses to Rubber Friction

Abstract Bulk friction of rubber is defined as the friction due to deformation losses. Analytical and experimental investigation of bulk friction showed excellent agreement. The coefficient of bulk friction depends on the geometry of the rough surface and increases linearly with the mean pressure. Friction depends on two dynamic rubber properties, it decreases with increasing dynamic modulus and increases with increasing damping factor.
π N and Strangeness Sigma Terms at the Physical Point with Chiral Fermions

Lattice QCD calculations with chiral fermions of the $\ensuremath{\pi}\mathrm{N}$ sigma term ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\pi}N}$ and strangeness sigma term ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{sN}$ including chiral interpolation with continuum and volume corrections are provided in this work, with the excited-state contaminations subtracted properly. We calculate the scalar matrix element for the light/strange quark directly and find ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\pi}N}=45.9(7.4)(2.8)\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$, with the disconnected insertion part contributing 20(12)(4)%, and ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{sN}=40.2(11.7)(3.5)\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$, which is somewhat smaller than ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\ensuremath{\pi}N}$. The ratio of the strange/light scalar matrix elements is $y=0.09(3)(1)$.
A statistical relationship between the El Nino-Southern Oscillation and Florida wildfire occurrence.

Wildfires have long been an important environmental concern in Florida. Recent wildfires along the urban-rural interface of large cities in Florida have pointed to the need for an increased understanding of the physical and biological mechanisms that govern wildfire occurrence. Increased awareness of the relationships between global climate changes occurring in the tropics and their teleconnections outside the tropics dictate a reevaluation of the role of phenomena such as El Nino-Southern Oscillation on the risk of wildfire. One simple way of illustrating the relationship between ENSO and wildfire occurrence is the use of an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) on wildfire data that has been categorized according to ENSO status (El Nino, La Nina, and neutral years). This research shows that a statistically significant relationship exists between ENSO conditions and annual wildfire occurrence in Florida when ENSO conditions are treated as a potential precursor to wildfire conditions. In particular, a statisticall...
Correlation of an Acoustic Finite Element Model of the Automobile Passenger Compartment Using Loudspeaker Excitation

An acoustic finite-element model of the automobile passenger compartment is developed and experimentally assessed for predicting the sound pressure response in the compartment. The acoustic finite-element model represents both the passenger compartment cavity and the trunk compartment cavity, with the coupling between them through the rear seats for which the acoustic properties are determined from a modified “heavy air” approximation. Measurements of the sound pressure response in the passenger compartment are obtained using a specially developed loudspeaker excitation device for assessing the accuracy of the model. Comparisons are made of the predicted versus measured sound pressure response to 300 Hz for loudspeaker excitation in both the passenger and trunk compartments.Copyright © 2007 by General Motors Corporation
‘Off-label’ drug use in sexual medicine treatment

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are the only drugs approved for a specific sexual function disorder. All other drugs used in the treatment of sexual disorders are used 'off-label.' This paper reviews the use of drugs in the treatment of premature ejaculation, Peyronie's disease and female hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). While the treatment of premature ejaculation is quite well documented and supported by evidence of good quality in the medical literature, there is little evidence for the use of the variety of medications in use for the treatment of Peyronie's disease. In particular, the use of verapamil is not supported by any double-blind studies whatsoever. The use of testosterone patch for treatment of HSDD in postmenopausal women is well documented, but not in premenopausal women.
Condyloma Acuminatum of the Bladder and Associated Urothelial Malignancy

The extension of condylomata acuminata into the bladder is rare. Several reports have indicated an association of this disease with carcinoma of the penis and of the female genital tract. We report the first association of condyloma acuminatum with urothelial carcinoma in a man.
The Impact of Terrorism on Public Opinion and Psychosocial Adjustment

AbstractMost contemporary definitions agree that the main goal of terrorism is to intimidate civilians and, thereby, influence national policy. I attempt to evaluate whether terrorists have achieved their goal by examining research on the impact of terrorism on public opinion and psychosocial adjustment. After distinguishing 21st-century terrorism from past terrorism, I conclude that existing evidence of terrorism’s impact may have limited utility in predicting the impact offuture terrorist attacks.
Accounting Conservatism Measures and Stock Returns: An empirical comparison of a New Income Statement Based Measure of Conservatism to Existing Measures of Accounting Conservatism

Accounting conservatism is the tendency to require less evidence to recognize losses in the financial statements and require a higher degree of evidence to recognize gains in the financial statements. Conservatism has been difficult to measure on a firm by firm basis. This paper proposes a new measure of conservatism that uses income statement variables. Using accounting information from publically listed companies during 2003-2012, I examine the value relevance of several conservatism measures. I find that the new measure provides results that are consistent with 2 of the 3 other existing measures and is a better fit at predicting value relevance as compared to the other measures examined in this paper.
Improving Reaction Kernel Performance in Lattice Microbes: Particle-Wise Propensities and Run-Time Generated Code

The reaction kernel for MPD-RDME, the GPU-accelerated reaction-diffusion master equation solver found in Lattice Microbes uses a large number of kinetic parameters to describe a biochemical network. Many of these parameters are required to compute the system's total reaction propensity, which is used to stochastically evaluate whether a reaction event takes place. In this paper, we examine two techniques for accelerating performance by modifying the total propensity calculation. The first technique is to use a particle-based approach to compute propensities from discrete particles and particle pairs. We find this technique results in a dramatic improvement in performance for a complex model, approximately 60 times faster. The second technique uses run-time generated source code to automatically create executable code tailored for the biological model being simulated. The removal of all memory reads for constant parameters increases performance for less complex models.
Recent Growth In Medicare Advantage Enrollment Associated With Decreased Fee-For-Service Spending In Certain US Counties

Recent increases in Medicare Advantage enrollment may have caused lower spending growth in the fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare population. We identified the counties of largest Medicare Advantage growth and determined if increased enrollment was associated with reduced FFS Medicare spending growth in those counties. We found that 73 percent of counties experienced at least a 5-percentage-point increase in Medicare Advantage penetration between 2007 and 2014, with the most growth occurring in larger and poorer counties in the Northeast and South. The association between Medicare Advantage growth and FFS Medicare costs varied depending on baseline Medicare Advantage penetration: In counties with low baseline penetration, Medicare Advantage growth did not have a significant effect on per capita FFS Medicare spending, whereas in counties in the highest quartile of baseline Medicare Advantage penetration, it was associated with a significant decrease in FFS Medicare spending growth ($154 annually per 10-percent...
What motivates the public? The power of social norms in driving public participation with organizations

Abstract This study examines motivating factors that impact public participation with organizations. A between-subjects lab experiment was conducted to examine the role of different types of norms (social norm vs. market norm) in initiating participation. Results suggest that when people feel recognized by an organization, their motivations are as strong as those who receive monetary rewards for participation. Three distinct underlying psychological mechanisms that drive participation are identified. Theoretical and practical implications for public relations and organizational communication are discussed.
Development of a Slip Hazard: Partially Wetted Floors and Film Formation

Slip and fall hazards on wetted surfaces represent a substantial safety concern both in the home and workplace. In the presence of liquid contaminants, the hazards associated with potential slip and fall accidents are greatly increased. However, it is unclear at what point a partially wetted floor transitions from being a slip-resistant surface to a slip hazard. The presented work examines the relationship between film formation and slip hazards on flooring surfaces. First, a theoretical model was developed to predict the approximate onset of film formation for liquid droplets deposited uniformly across a surface. Then, the slip hazard of wetted flooring samples at various liquid contaminant surface densities was determined using a British Pendulum skid tester and an English XL tribometer. These experimental results were then compared with the theoretical model in an effort to further understand the role film formation plays in forming slip hazards on partially wetted floors. Using the combined approach, the minimum surface density loading required for a potential slip and fall hazard on a partially wetted surface was determined. This threshold value can inform safety professions of the potential injury risk of floors as they transition between dry to wet conditions.
Frequently mutated genes/pathways and genomic instability as prevention targets in liver cancer

The incidence of liver cancer has increased in recent years. Worldwide, liver cancer is common: more than 600000 related deaths are estimated each year. In the USA, about 27170 deaths due to liver cancer are estimated for 2016. Liver cancer is highly resistant to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For all stages combined, the 5-year survival rate is 15-17%, leaving much to be desired for liver cancer prevention and therapy. Heterogeneity, which can originate from genomic instability, is one reason for poor outcome. About 80-90% of liver cancers are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and recent cancer genome sequencing studies have revealed frequently mutated genes in HCC. In this review, we discuss the cause of the tumor heterogeneity based on the functions of genes that are frequently mutated in HCC. We overview the functions of the genes that are most frequently mutated (e.g. TP53, CTNNB1, AXIN1, ARID1A and WWP1) that portray major pathways leading to HCC and identify the roles of these genes in preventing genomic instability. Notably, the pathway analysis suggested that oxidative stress management may be critical to prevent accumulation of DNA damage and further mutations. We propose that both chromosome instability (CIN) and microsatellite instability (MIN) are integral to the hepatic carcinogenesis process leading to heterogeneity in HCC and that the pathways leading to heterogeneity may be targeted for prognosis, prevention and treatment.
Patient Selection for Cardiac Transplantation

Congestive heart failure (HF) remains one of the leading causes of hospitalization in adults in the United States. The direct and indirect costs associated with this illness are estimated at $32 billion for 2013 and projected to reach $70 billion by 2030. The majority of this financial burden arises from the over one million hospitalizations that occur annually for acute decompensated HF (Go et al. Circulation 127:e6–245, 2013). Advances in pharmacologic and device therapy for HF, and their associated reductions in morbidity and mortality, have led to increasing numbers of patients progressing to advanced heart failure. Of the nearly six million adults with congestive heart failure, it is has been estimated that 20 % have ACC Stage D disease—the group of patients who should be considered for advanced heart failure therapies. Unfortunately, this potential pool far exceeds the roughly 2300 cardiac transplantations that are performed yearly in the United States, and the 3700 performed worldwide, in each of the last several years (Stehlik et al. J Heart Lung Transplant 30:1078–94, 2011) .
Concurrent design of quasi-random photonic nanostructures.

Nanostructured surfaces with quasi-random geometries can manipulate light over broadband wavelengths and wide ranges of angles. Optimization and realization of stochastic patterns have typically relied on serial, direct-write fabrication methods combined with real-space design. However, this approach is not suitable for customizable features or scalable nanomanufacturing. Moreover, trial-and-error processing cannot guarantee fabrication feasibility because processing–structure relations are not included in conventional designs. Here, we report wrinkle lithography integrated with concurrent design to produce quasi-random nanostructures in amorphous silicon at wafer scales that achieved over 160% light absorption enhancement from 800 to 1,200 nm. The quasi-periodicity of patterns, materials filling ratio, and feature depths could be independently controlled. We statistically represented the quasi-random patterns by Fourier spectral density functions (SDFs) that could bridge the processing–structure and structure–performance relations. Iterative search of the optimal structure via the SDF representation enabled concurrent design of nanostructures and processing.
A systematic review of differential rate of use of the word “evolve” across fields

BACKGROUND Although evolution is the driving force behind many of today's major public health and agriculture issues, both journalists and scientific researchers often do not use the term "evolve" in discussions of these topics. METHODS In a total of 1,066 articles and 716 papers selected from 25 US newspapers and 34 scientific journals, we assess usage of the word "evolve" and its substitute words in the contexts of cancer tumor drug resistance, HIV drug resistance, mosquito insecticide resistance, and weed pesticide resistance. RESULTS We find significant differences in the use of "evolve" among fields and sources. "Evolve" is used most when discussing weed pesticide resistance (25.9% in newspapers, 52.4% in journals) and least when discussing cancer tumor drug resistance (3.9% in newspapers, 9.8% in journals). On average, scientific journals use "evolve" more often (22.2%) than newspapers (7.8%). Different types of journals (general science, general clinical, cancer specific, and drug resistance specific) show significantly different "evolve" usages when discussing cancer tumor drug resistance. DISCUSSION We examine potential explanations of these findings, such as the relatively recent framing of cancer in evolutionary terms, before looking at consequences of low "evolve" usage and of differential "evolve" usage across fields. Use of the word "evolve" may not reflect current understanding of the problems we examine. However, given that our ability to tackle resistance issues relies upon accurate understandings of what causes and exacerbates resistance, use of the word "evolve" when called for may help us confront these issues in the future.
Know your patients' history; spleno-renal infarction as a presentation of infective endocarditis.

Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the endothelial surface of the heart, including heart valves and is potentially life threatening. Antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated prior to invasive procedures in patients with certain high-risk cardiac conditions and thorough history needs to be elicited prior to performing such procedures. Herein, we present a case of splenorenal infarction secondary to septic emboli in a 42-year-old patient with prosthetic aortic valve who underwent a dental procedure without endocarditis prophylaxis.