cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comparison of radial keyhole strategies for high spatial and temporal resolution 4D contrast-enhanced MRI in small animal tumor models.

Purpose: Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI has been widely used as a quantitative imaging method for monitoring tumor response to therapy. The simultaneous challenges of increasing temporal and spatial resolution in a setting where the signal from the much smaller voxel is weaker have made this MR technique difficult to implement in small-animal imaging. Existing protocols employed in preclinical DCE-MRI acquire a limited number of slices resulting in potentially lost information in the third dimension. This study describes and compares a family of four-dimensional (3D spatial + time), projection acquisition, radial keyhole-sampling strategies that support high spatial and temporal resolution. Methods: The 4D method is based on a RF-spoiled, steady-state, gradient-recalled sequence with minimal echo time. An interleaved 3D radial trajectory with a quasi-uniform distribution of points in k-space was used for sampling temporally resolved datasets. These volumes were reconstructed with three different k-space filters encompassing a range of possible radial keyhole strategies. The effect of k-space filtering on spatial and temporal resolution was studied in a 5 mM CuSO4 phantom consisting of a meshgrid with 350-μm spacing and in 12 tumors from three cell lines (HT-29, LoVo, MX-1) and a primary mouse sarcoma model (three tumors/group). The time-to-peak signal intensity was used to assess the effect of the reconstruction filters on temporal resolution. As a measure of heterogeneity in the third dimension, the authors analyzed the spatial distribution of the rate of transport (K trans) of the contrast agent across the endothelium barrier for several different types of tumors. Results: Four-dimensional radial keyhole imaging does not degrade the system spatial resolution. Phantom studies indicate there is a maximum 40% decrease in signal-to-noise ratio as compared to a fully sampled dataset.T1 measurements obtained with the interleaved radial technique do not differ significantly from those made with a conventional Cartesian spin-echo sequence. A bin-by-bin comparison of the distribution of the time-to-peak parameter shows that 4D radial keyhole reconstruction does not cause significant temporal blurring when a temporal resolution of 9.9 s is used for the subsamples of the keyhole data. In vivo studies reveal substantial tumor heterogeneity in the third spatial dimension that may be missed with lower resolution imaging protocols. Conclusions: Volumetric keyhole imaging with projection acquisition provides a means to increase spatiotemporal resolution and coverage over that provided by existing 2D Cartesian protocols. Furthermore, there is no difference in temporal resolution between the higher spatial resolution keyhole reconstruction and the undersampled projection data. The technique allows one to measure complex heterogeneity of kinetic parameters with isotropic, microscopic spatial resolution.
Enzymatic conversion of isopentenyl pyrophosphate-4-14C and phytoene-14C to acyclic carotenes by an ammonium sulfate-precipitated spinach enzyme system.

Abstract Proof is presented for the formation of phytoene, phytofluene, and lycopene from isopentenyl pyrophosphate-4- 14 C by an enzyme system prepared from spinach leaves. This system is obtained by precipitation of protein from a combination of leaf supernatant solution (1000 g ) and a soluble extract of chloroplasts with ammonium sulfate. Incorporation of radioactivity into the carotenes by this system is maximal in light and under nitrogen in the presence of NADP, PAD, and a boiled extract of leaf supernatant solution. Light is an absolute requirement, and the absence of boiled extract or NADP greatly reduces the incorporation of radioactivity into the carotenes. The absence of FAD results in an increase in radioactivity in phytofluene with a corresponding decrease in the formation of lycopene. The enzyme fractions obtained from the leaf supernatant solution (1000 g ) and the soluble extract of chloroplasts are both essential for the formation of phytofluene and lycopene. Phytoene formation requires only the enzyme fraction obtained from supernatant solution (1000 g ). Light is an absolute requirement in this reaction, and boiled extract of leaf supernatant solution greatly increases the yield of product. Proof is also presented for the conversion of phytoene- 14 C to phytofluene and lycopene by the ammonium sulfate-precipitated spinach enzyme system. Light and a boiled extract of leaf supernatant solution are not essential for this reaction, but they increase the incorporation of radioactivity into these compounds. Phytofluene and lycopene are also formed from phytoene- 14 C by the soluble extract of plastids. Proof of the formation of phytoene, phytofluene, and lycopene from isopentenyl pyrophosphate-4- 14 C and phytofluene and lycopene from phytoene- 14 C was obtained by chromatography with authentic nonradioactive carotenes on an alumina column. A close correspondence between radioactivity and optical density was observed for each carotene. Additional proof was obtained through gas-liquid chromatography of each hydrogenated carotene. Coincidence between mass and radioactivity of each hydrogenated carotene was obtained.
Momentum transfer from solar wind to interplanetary field enhancements inferred from magnetic field draping signatures

Characterized by a cusp-shaped enhancement in the magnetic field strength, the magnetic structure in the solar wind, called an interplanetary field enhancement (IFE), has been investigated since its discovery. To understand its three-dimensional magnetic field geometry, we study an IFE detected by five spacecraft simultaneously. Field lines are seen draping around in the upstream region and rotating in the ambient convection electric field direction in the downstream region. Earlier studies suggest that IFEs are created when the solar wind accelerates newly formed dust clouds. Both signatures found in our study support this hypothesis: the field line draping is caused by dust-solar wind momentum exchange, while the field line rotation is a typical signature of dusty plasma pickup. The force that exchanges the momentum is approximately 106 N. This study illustrates the nature of the interaction between two flowing plasmas of very different mass-to-charge ratio.
The Penokean orogeny in the Lake Superior region

Abstract The Penokean orogeny began at about 1880 Ma when an oceanic arc, now the Pembine–Wausau terrane, collided with the southern margin of the Archean Superior craton marking the end of a period of south-directed subduction. The docking of the buoyant craton to the arc resulted in a subduction jump to the south and development of back-arc extension both in the initial arc and adjacent craton margin to the north. A belt of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits formed in the extending back-arc rift within the arc. Synchronous extension and subsidence of the Superior craton resulted in a broad shallow sea characterized by volcanic grabens (Menominee Group in northern Michigan). The classic Lake Superior banded iron-formations, including those in the Marquette, Gogebic, Mesabi and Gunflint Iron Ranges, formed in that sea. The newly established subduction zone caused continued arc volcanism until about 1850 Ma when a fragment of Archean crust, now the basement of the Marshfield terrane, arrived at the subduction zone. The convergence of Archean blocks of the Superior and Marshfield cratons resulted in the major contractional phase of the Penokean orogeny. Rocks of the Pembine–Wausau arc were thrust northward onto the Superior craton causing subsidence of a foreland basin in which sedimentation began at about 1850 Ma in the south (Baraga Group rocks) and 1835 Ma in the north (Rove and Virginia Formations). A thick succession of arc-derived turbidites constitutes most of the foreland basin-fill along with lesser volcanic rocks. In the southern fold and thrust belt tectonic thickening resulted in high-grade metamorphism of the sediments by 1830 Ma. At this same time, a suite of post-tectonic plutons intruded the deformed sedimentary sequence and accreted arc terranes marking the end of the Penokean orogeny. The Penokean orogen was strongly overprinted by younger tectonic and thermal events, some of which were previously ascribed to the Penokean. Principal among these was a period of vertical faulting in the Archean basement and overlying Paleoproterozoic strata. This deformation is now known to have post-dated the terminal Penokean plutons by at least several tens of millions of years. Evidence of the Penokean orogen is now largely confined to the Lake Superior region. Comparisons with more recent orogens formed by similar plate tectonic processes implies that significant parts of a once more extensive Penokean orogen have been removed or overprinted by younger tectonic events.
Atrial fibrillation and heart failure: intersecting populations, morbidities, and mortality

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are the only two cardiovascular disorders that continue to increase in magnitude in the United States. The purpose of this brief overview is to provide a description of these two cardiovascular epidemics of HF and AF as they interact, and to provide additional information regarding the emerging influence of genetics and environment in the development of AF in the HF setting. These two modern epidemics are highly interactive and highly age-dependent. The development of new AF in a patient with either HF with preserved ejection fraction or HF with reduced ejection fraction possesses challenging management issues for practicing physicians. Control of heart rate is always prudent though still not precisely defined. The need to restore normal sinus rhythm is highly patient-dependent and strategies will vary. Elderly patients derive the most benefit from anticoagulation, but are also more prone to falls and bleeding complications. Today, we know much more about AF and HF and how they interact. The extent of AF/HF challenge is now widely recognized. It is inevitable that as people age, they will develop structural and functional changes in the cardiovascular system, some of which will predispose to the development of HF and AF. Not every case of HF or AF is preventable. Nevertheless, it is only throughout careful observations and further studies that we will be able to better manage these two Goliaths.
On Infinitely Divisible Exponential Dispersion Model Related to Poisson-Exponential Distribution

We construct a univariate exponential dispersion model comprised of discrete infinitely divisible distributions. This model emerges in the theory of branching processes. We obtain a representation for the Levy measure of relevant distributions and characterize their laws as Poisson mixtures and/or compound Poisson distributions. The regularity of the unit variance function of this model is employed for the derivation of approximations by the Poisson-exponential model. We emphasize the role of the latter class. We construct local approximations relating them to properties of special functions and branching diffusions.
Defining “Engineer:” How To Do It and Why It Matters

Controversy concerning whether “software engineers” are, or should be, engineers provides an opportunity to think about how to define “engineer” and what effect different definitions may have on our understanding of engineering. The standard definitions of engineering are shown to generate more confusion than insight. Engineering should be defined historically, as an occupation, and ethically, as a profession. An engineer is a member of the engineering profession, that is, a member both of an occupation that is engineering by “birth,” “adoption,” or “marriage” and of the profession committed to engineering's code of ethics. Today, few “software engineers” satisfy either of these conditions. It is an open question whether they should.
A novel method for worm containment on dynamic social networks

With the introduction of the World Wide Web and online social networks, people now have sought ways to socialize and make new friends online over a greater distance. Popular social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo have witnessed rapid increases in space and the number of online users over a short period of time. However, alongside with these fast expands comes the threat of malicious softwares such as viruses, worms or false information propagation. In this paper, we propose a novel adaptive method for containing worm propagation on dynamic social networks. Our approach first takes into account the network community structure and adaptively keeps it updated as the social network evolves, and then contains worm propagation by distributing patches to most influential users selected from the network communities. To evaluate the performance of our approach we test it on Facebook network dataset [17] and compare the infection rates on several cases with the recent social-based method introduced in [21]. Experimental results show that our approach not only performs faster but also achieves lower infection rates than the social-based method on dynamic social networks.
Use of Data Envelopment Analysis to Quantify Opportunities for Antibacterial Targets for Reduction of Health Care–Associated Clostridium difficile Infection:

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is an important health care–associated infection that leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Antibacterial medications used in hospitals serve as targets for antibacterial stewardship programs to reduce C difficile. The objective was to create a benchmark strategy targeting high-risk antibacterials for C difficile. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study using claims data from 58 hospitals. The Data Envelopment Analysis Technique was used to identify best-practice hospitals in terms of less use of 5 classes of antibacterials and fewer CDIs. Of 58 hospitals, 17 (29%) were identified as best-practice hospitals. Antibacterial classes requiring the greatest percentage reduction in use in non-best-practice hospitals versus best-practice hospitals were clindamycin (31%), β-lactam/β-lactamase combinations (30%), and carbapenems (29%). This study suggests that there are areas of improvement in high-risk antibacterial use that could lead to decreased CDIs.
The Role of Finance and Private Investment in Developing Sustainable Cities

Three trends will drive urban investment, development, and entrepreneurship in the next two decades. The first is urbanization; over the next twenty years, the number of people living in cities will double. Second, shared resources like clean water, clean air, energy, and places to put solid waste are already scarce, and urbanization will only exacerbate shortages. Third, almost no local or national government can mobilize both the capital and the political consensus to make investments in the infrastructure that will lead to more effective use of these resources. This article argues that there is a largely unrecognized opportunity for the private sector to engage in selective investments that can help cities limit the effects of these trends. Investors and entrepreneurs can make money in ways that achieve more productive use of these scarce “public goods;” and by so doing, they can make cities more economically competitive as well as more livable. In making his argument, the author provides a tour of three “new” Asian cities, two of which are held up as models for future development.
Modular Eigenvalues of the Dirichlet p(·)-Laplacian and Their Stability

The concept of the modular first Dirichlet eigenvalue for the p(·)-Laplacian is introduced as a generalization of the constant case. An important property of the corresponding eigenfunctions is obtained. We prove a qualitative stability result for such eigenvalues in terms of the magnitude of the perturbation of the variable modular exponent p(·).
Latent class models for joint analysis of disease prevalence and high-dimensional semicontinuous biomarker data

High-dimensional biomarker data are often collected in epidemiological studies when assessing the association between biomarkers and human disease is of interest. We develop a latent class modeling approach for joint analysis of high-dimensional semicontinuous biomarker data and a binary disease outcome. To model the relationship between complex biomarker expression patterns and disease risk, we use latent risk classes to link the 2 modeling components. We characterize complex biomarker-specific differences through biomarker-specific random effects, so that different biomarkers can have different baseline (low-risk) values as well as different between-class differences. The proposed approach also accommodates data features that are common in environmental toxicology and other biomarker exposure data, including a large number of biomarkers, numerous zero values, and complex mean-variance relationship in the biomarkers levels. A Monte Carlo EM (MCEM) algorithm is proposed for parameter estimation. Both the MCEM algorithm and model selection procedures are shown to work well in simulations and applications. In applying the proposed approach to an epidemiological study that examined the relationship between environmental polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure and the risk of endometriosis, we identified a highly significant overall effect of PCB concentrations on the risk of endometriosis.
Energy Management: Optimization Strategy

The goal of energy management is to control energy usage in the most efficient manner in order to make chemical processes more economic and efficient and less polluting. To achieve these goals, energy use must be optimized with the same rigor as production yields and safety issues are managed. The article offers theory and tested and proven methods to use energy efficiently in process plants, while meeting all production goals under process and equipment constraints, which are expected to lead to significant returns on capital. The article provides guidelines on choosing and implementing approaches to address specific process conditions and production needs of process plants. Keywords: CO2 emission; energy; energy management; pinch technology; process integration
Interaction between Poly(ADP-ribose) and NuMA Contributes to Mitotic Spindle Pole Assembly

Poly(ADP-ribose) (pADPr), made by PARP-5a/tankyrase-1, localizes to the poles of mitotic spindles and is required for bipolar spindle assembly, but its molecular function in the spindle is poorly understood. To investigate this, we localized pADPr at spindle poles by immuno-EM. We then developed a concentrated mitotic lysate system from HeLa cells to probe spindle pole assembly in vitro. Microtubule asters assembled in response to centrosomes and Ran-GTP in this system. Magnetic beads coated with pADPr, extended from PARP-5a, also triggered aster assembly, suggesting a functional role of the pADPr in spindle pole assembly. We found that PARP-5a is much more active in mitosis than interphase. We used mitotic PARP-5a, self-modified with pADPr chains, to capture mitosis-specific pADPr-binding proteins. Candidate binding proteins included the spindle pole protein NuMA previously shown to bind to PARP-5a directly. The rod domain of NuMA, expressed in bacteria, bound directly to pADPr. We propose that pADPr provides a dynamic cross-linking function at spindle poles by extending from covalent modification sites on PARP-5a and NuMA and binding noncovalently to NuMA and that this function helps promote assembly of exactly two poles.
Direct Fluorination of the Carbonyl Group of Benzophenones Using Deoxo-Fluor®: Preparation of Bis(4-Fluorophenyl)Difluoromethane

Dextro-Fluor Bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminosulfur trifluoride Benzophenone Bis(4-fluorophenyl)ketone Keywords: Exothermic reaction; Dexo-Fluor; Respiratory hazard; Selective fluorination; gem-Fluorides; Fluorination; Diaryl ketones; Diarylfluormethanes; Benzophenones; Waste disposal
Greywater Disposal Practices in Northern Botswana—The Silent Spring?

Disposal of greywater is a neglected challenge facing rapidly growing human populations. Here, we define greywater as wastewater that originates from household activities (e.g., washing dishes, bathing, and laundry) but excludes inputs from the toilet. Pollutants in greywater can include both chemical and biological contaminates that can significantly impact human, animal, and environmental health under certain conditions. We evaluate greywater disposal practices in nonsewered, low-income residential areas in Kasane (264 dwellings/ha), Kazungula (100 du/ha), and Lesoma (99 du/ha) villages in Northern Botswana through household surveys (n = 30 per village). Traditional pit latrines were the dominant form of sanitation (69%, n = 90, 95% CI, 59%–79%) while 14% of households did not have access to onsite sanitation (95% CI 0%–22%). While greywater disposal practices varied across villages, respondents in all sites reported dumping greywater into the pit latrine. Frequency varied significantly across villages with the highest level reported in Kasane, where residential density was greatest (p < 0.014, χ2 = 9.13, 61% (n = 23, 95% CI 41%–81%), Kazungula 41% (n = 22, 95% CI 20%–62%), Lesoma 13% (95% CI 0%–29%). Disposal of greywater in this manner was reported to limit contamination of the household compound and reduce odors, as well as pit latrine fecal levels. Some respondents reported being directed by local health authorities to dispose of greywater in this manner. Environmentally hazardous chemicals were also dumped directly into the pit latrine to reduce odors. With high household to pit latrine ratios particularly in rental properties (4.2 households, SD = 3.32, range = 15 units, average household size 5.3, SD = 4.4), these greywater and pit latrine management approaches can significantly alter hydraulic loading and leaching of chemicals, microorganisms, and parasites. This can dramatically expand the environmental footprint of pit latrines and greywater, increasing pollution of soil, ground, and surface water resources. Challenges in greywater disposal and pit latrines must be addressed with urgency as health behaviors directed at minimizing negative aspects may amplify the environmental impacts of both greywater and pit latrine excreta.
A Numerical Model for Hot-Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition of Amorphous Silicon

A Direct Simulation Monte Carlo numerical model for hot-wire CVD is described that includes detailed gas-phase chemistry and accurately models gas-phase transport, from the low-pressure ballistic regime to the high-pressure diffusive regime. Model predictions for an idealized reactor geometry are shown to agree qualitatively with experimental trends.
MACROCYCLIC TETRAAZA COMPLEXES OF SILVER(II). THE KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE OXIDATION OF 2-MERCAPTOPYRIMIDINE

Abstract The reaction kinetics of the oxidation of 2-mercaptopyrimidine by Ag(cyclam)2+, Ag(tmc)2+, and Ag([15]aneN4)2+, followed a second-order rate law at constant pH and ionic strength of 0.10 M. A rate - pH profile characterized by an acid - base equilibrium of the thiol was also observed. At 25°C, the second-order rate constants for the oxidation of the thiyl anions by Ag(cyclam)2+, Ag(tmc)2+, and Ag([15]aneN4)2+ are 177, 323, and 813 M−1 sec−1, respectively. The rate constants for three additional temperatures have also been determined for the evaluation of the activation parameters. The ΔH values of the reactions range from 33.9 to 47.3 kJ/mole and the ΔS values from -42.7 to -83.3 JK−1 mol−1. A mechanism has been postulated to account for the kinetic rate law and the pH-dependence of the reactions.
Coronary artery fistula; non-invasive diagnosis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

Coronary arteriovenous fistulas are among rare anomalies of coronary arteries. Role of X-ray angiography is well established in identification and characterization of these anomalies, however there accurate course and termination is often not defined. We demonstrate role of routine cardiovascular MRI in non-invasively diagnosing and characterizing the course and termination of these anomalous coronary branches.
Early Adolescents' Cognitive Susceptibility To Initiating Sexual Intercourse

CONTEXT: Better methods for investigating sexual risk before the initiation of sexual intercourse are needed to support programming for younger adolescents, especially for abstinent adolescents who are susceptible to initiating intercourse. METHODS: A sample of 854 adolescents in seventh or eighth grade who had never had sexual intercourse completed sexuality surveys in 2002 and 2004. A five-item index that assessed beliefs and expectations about the onset of intercourse was created to indicate adolescents’ cognitive susceptibility to initiating intercourse. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between levels of susceptibility and initiation of intercourse by follow-up. The construct and predictive validity of the index were examined using a variety of tests. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of respondents were classified as being nonsusceptible to initiating intercourse, 34% as having low susceptibility and 28% as being highly susceptible. Adolescents who were susceptible were more physically mature, had greater sexual feelings and competency, perceived that more peers were sexually active and had fewer positive connections with parents, school and religion than nonsusceptible respondents. Males, blacks and older adolescents were more susceptible than females, whites and younger adolescents, respectively. Compared with nonsusceptible respondents, those with low and high susceptibility had higher odds of initiating intercourse two years later (odds ratios, 2.5 and 8.1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The cognitive susceptibility index provides a valid method for assessing sexual risk before the onset of intercourse. Assessing susceptibility among early adolescents could support efforts to delay the onset of intercourse through targeted research and health programming.
Inhibition of bladder cancer by broccoli isothiocyanates sulforaphane and erucin: characterization, metabolism, and interconversion.

Epidemiologic evidence suggests diets rich in cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, are associated with lower bladder cancer risk. Our objectives are to investigate these observations and determine the role of isothiocyanates in primary or secondary bladder cancer prevention. We initially investigate the mechanisms whereby broccoli and broccoli sprout extracts and pure isothiocyanates inhibit normal, non-invasive (RT4) and invasive (J82, UMUC3) human urothelial cell viability. Sulforaphane (IC50= 5.66±1.2μM) and erucin (IC50= 8.79±1.3μM) are found to be the most potent inhibitors and normal cells are least sensitive. This observation is associated with downregulation of survivin, EGFR and HER2/neu, G2/M cell cycle accumulation and apoptosis. In a murine UMUC3 xenograft model, we fed semipurified diets containing 4% broccoli sprouts, or 2% broccoli sprout isothiocyanate extract; or gavaged pure sulforaphane or erucin (each at 295 μmol/kg, similar to dietary exposure); and report tumor weight reduction of 42% (p=0.02), 42% (p=0.04), 33% (p=0.04) and 58% (p<0.0001), respectively. Sulforaphane and erucin metabolites are present in mouse plasma (micromolar range) and tumor tissue, with N-acetyl cysteine conjugates as the most abundant. Interconversion of sulforaphane and erucin metabolites was observed. This work supports development of fully characterized, novel food products for phase I/ II human studies targeting bladder cancer prevention.
Menstrual suppression: current perspectives

Menstrual suppression to provide relief of menstrual-related symptoms or to manage medical conditions associated with menstrual morbidity or menstrual exacerbation has been used clinically since the development of steroid hormonal therapies. Options range from the extended or continuous use of combined hormonal oral contraceptives, to the use of combined hormonal patches and rings, progestins given in a variety of formulations from intramuscular injection to oral therapies to intrauterine devices, and other agents such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists. The agents used for menstrual suppression have variable rates of success in inducing amenorrhea, but typically have increasing rates of amenorrhea over time. Therapy may be limited by side effects, most commonly irregular, unscheduled bleeding. These therapies can benefit women's quality of life, and by stabilizing the hormonal milieu, potentially improve the course of underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or a seizure disorder. This review addresses situations in which menstrual suppression may be of benefit, and lists options which have been successful in inducing medical amenorrhea.
Some notes on the role of research in the development of the modern treatment of exophthalmic goiter.

THE title of this paper might imply that the writer is aware of a single method of treatment of exophthalmic goiter that supersedes all other treatments at the present time. This is not the fact. In this paper it is my intention to review a few of the events which, in the present era, have led to the establishment of a variety of treatments, any one of which may be justified to a greater or lesser degree, depending on the characteristics of the disease and of the patient who is host to the disease. Gregg (1) has stated that modern treatment is a confluence of science and empiricism. This is notably.true in the case of treatment of thyroid disease. Conant (2), in a splendid essay, “The Interrelation of Pure and Applied Science in the Field of Medicine,” tells us that in medicine we have gone through a long period of relative empiricism, and many brilliant advances have resulted from it. In comparatively recent years science has played an increasing part in advancing medical knowledge, but empiricism contin...
Tem Characterization of ZnO and AIN/ZnO Thin Films Grown on Sapphire

Thin (~ 250 nm) films of ZnO grown by pulsed laser deposition on basal plane of sapphire were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Plan-view TEM study proved the films to be single crystal with the following epitaxial relationship with the substrate: (0001)znO || (0001)sap with the 30 30° in-plane rotation - [0110]ZnO || [1210]sap. Dislocations lying mostly in basal plane of ZnO and aligned along both and directions having b=1/3[1120] were found. ZnO films were found to have layered growth morphology contrary to columnar morphology of III-nitrides. Consequently, the threading dislocation density in ZnO films (opposing to the AlN and GaN) drops very fast with the thickness: down to 107cm-2 at ~ 250 nm. The effect of post-annealing (which caused significant improvement in electrical and optical properties) on the microstructure of ZnO films was also studied. Contrary to the atomically sharp and clean interface in the as-deposited films, the post-annealed ZnO/sapphire interface contained reacted layer of 30 - 60 A thickness. The structure of the interlayer was determined to be ZnAl2O4 (spinel). The formation of this single crystal spinel layer did not cause deterioration of the ZnO film structure or properties. We have also explored the possibilities of using ZnO as a buffer for III-nitride growth. The epitaxial AIN films were grown on top of the ZnO layer by pulsed laser deposition. Thin (20 - 60 A) interfacial reaction layer (also spinel ZnAm2O4) was observed between AIN and ZnO. Formation of this interlayer is studied in conjunction with the AlN epitaxy and the characteristics of defects and interfaces.
Helix formation in a pentapeptide: experiment and force-field dependent dynamics.

We used a combined approach of experiment and simulation to determine the helical population and folding pathway of a small helix forming blocked pentapeptide, Ac-(Ala)5-NH2. Experimental structural characterization of this blocked peptide was carried out with far UV circular dichroism spectroscopy, FTIR, and NMR measurements. These measurements confirm the presence of the α-helical state in a buffer solution. Direct molecular dynamics and replica-exchange simulations of the pentapeptide were performed using several popular force fields with explicit solvent. The simulations yielded statistically reliable estimates of helix populations, melting curves, folding, and nucleation times. The distributions of conformer populations are used to measure folding cooperativity. Finally, a statistical analysis of the sample of helix−coil transition paths was performed. The details of the calculated helix populations, folding kinetics and pathways vary with the employed force field. Interestingly, the helix population...
The Japanese experience with pollution and controls.

Japan in the 1960s became known as the worst polluted country in the world, as pollutants built up to frightening levels with the post-war industrial boom. The response, in the form of strict controls beginning about 1970, and the results, offer useful lessons. This is the story of that experience. I Pollution is preventable with appropriate technology and willingness by producers and consumers to pay the slight additional cost of clean production and waste disposal.2 But that willingness, and agreement to submit to controls, is difficult to obtain. Unfortunately, it seems to come only after the effects of pollution have become so immediate that people are driven by their own sufferings to support effective measures. As in the United States, economic growth has been the overriding Japanese goal; jobs, rising incomes, and corporate profits have been seen as more important than safeguarding health through environmental protection. Despite its small size (about the same as California) and its mountainous landscape, Japan is the world's third industrial power. Given the extreme concentration of industry there, Japan encountered lethal pollution on a large scale sooner than most other areas. About 60% of the Japanese population is crowded into about 20o of the national space. The population per square kilometer of habitable area is among the highest in the world, 1370 as against 43 for the United States.3 Cities and factories are located in separated lowland basins along the coast, surrounded by mountains so that there is poor air movement to disperse pollutants. Rivers and streams are small and short, with limited capacity for carrying wastes, running through densely industrialized areas and emptying into semienclosed bays which are heavily used for fishing. Two-thirds of the Japanese industrial plant and all of the biggest cities are in a narrow and interrupted coastal corridor on the main island of Honshu, from Tokyo to Osaka-Kobe, some 300 miles long and 30 miles wide. By 1980 Japan was the most highly urbanized large country in the world, with over 80%o of its people living in cities. The Japanese economy has grown with spectacular speed, especially during the 1960s and up to the "oil shock" of 1973-74, when GNP rose by over 10qVo per year, faster than any other developed country. Industrial production alone grew at an annual rate of 14.8%o from 1960 to 1970, as against 4.8%o in the U.S. (although that was also a high growth period for the U.S.).4 Growth continued after 1973-74, and although at a slower rate it was still more rapid than in any Western country. Japan's high per capita production and consumption have brought mounting consequent 285
Self Current Limiting MgO ReRAM Devices for Low-Power Non-Volatile Memory Applications

We report an interface engineering approach to achieve a self-compliance controlled and forming-free switching in ReRAM devices based on MgO switching layers. The proposed devices showed scalability in self-compliance current with low set and reset voltages as the interfacial layer thickness was increased. The devices showed write endurance up to 1000 cycles under self-compliance controlled switching and demonstrated potential for ultra-fast switching with low switching energies. The mechanism behind self-compliant switching is explained and supported with capacitance-voltage measurement. We believe that these devices will not require compliance current limiting transistors which will allow massive densification of these devices.
Trading with Neighbors: Regional Stock Exchange Integration—The Mercado Integrado Latinoamericano

ABSTRACTWho gains from the regional integration of stock exchanges? Exploring this question can identify motivators driving stock exchange integration between countries, and contribute to the wider debate whether such perceived gains are likely. This article examines the Latin American Integrated Market (MILA), currently comprised of Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. The plan, process, and difficulties facing MILA are examined. We conclude that investors from the region appear poised to reap the greatest rewards in the long-term, while regional brokers and investors, especially those based in Peru, have benefited most from the operation of MILA since 2011.
The Evolution Analysis and Relevant Empirical of Regional Logistics Network Structure

The evolution analysis of regional logistics network structure may know the essence characteristics,the paper think that aggregation and proliferation are its driving force,and its evolution stages may divide for four stages base on its space structure.In last,the paper,using coefficient !HI "and !δ ",tested evolvement and development of regional logistics network structure with Hunan province.
Insulin differentially regulates systemic and skeletal muscle vascular resistance

To explore the relationships among insulin action, vascular resistance, and insulin sensitivity, we studied three groups of lean (Ln) and one group of obese (Ob) men. Glucose uptake was measured in...
Association of Reference Pricing for Diagnostic Laboratory Testing With Changes in Patient Choices, Prices, and Total Spending for Diagnostic Tests.

Importance Prices for laboratory and other clinical services vary widely. Employers and insurers increasingly are adopting “reference pricing” policies to create incentives for patients to select lower-priced facilities. Objective To measure the association between implementation of reference pricing and patient choice of laboratory, test prices, patient out-of-pocket spending, and insurer spending. Design, Setting, and Participants We conducted an observational study of changes in laboratory pricing and selection by employees of a large national grocery firm (n = 30 415) before and after the firm implemented a reference pricing policy for laboratory services and compared the findings with changes over the same period for policy holders of a large national insurer that did not implement reference pricing (n = 181 831). The grocery firm established a maximum payment limit at the 60th percentile of the distribution of prices for each laboratory test in each region. Employees were provided with data on prices at all laboratories through a mobile digital platform. Patients selecting a laboratory that charged more than the payment limit were required to pay the full difference themselves. A total of 2.13 million claims were analyzed for 285 types of in vitro diagnostic tests between 2010 and 2013. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient choice of laboratory, price paid per test, patient out-of-pocket costs, and employer spending. Results Compared with trends in prices paid by insurance policy holders not subject to reference pricing, and after adjusting for characteristics of tests and patients, implementation of reference pricing was associated with a 31.9% reduction (95% CI, 20.6%-41.6%) in average price paid per test by the third year of the program. In these 3 years, total spending on laboratory tests declined by $2.57 million (95% CI, $1.59-$3.35 million). Out-of-pocket costs by patients declined by $1.05 million (95% CI, $0.73-$1.37 million). Spending by the employer declined by $1.70 million (95% CI, $0.92-$2.48 million). Conclusions and Relevance When combined with access to price information, reference pricing was associated with patient choice of lower-cost laboratories and reductions in prices and payments by both employer and employees.
Modes of heroism in the early nineteenth century

AN ANTI-HEROIC AGE The age in which Richard Wagner grew up had little time for heroes. After the turmoil of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, Europe entered upon an uneasy and somnolent peace. During the period of “Restoration” that followed the final defeat of Napoleon in 1815, royalist governments attempted to return to the pre-revolutionary status quo, so there was little encouragement of critical and progressive thinking among artists, academics, or political radicals. In the German Confederation especially, curbs on freedom of speech were imposed by techniques prefiguring the modern police-state and applied by ever-expanding, impersonal bureaucracies. Through the Carlsbad decrees of 1819, freedom of the press was suspended, universities placed under rigorous state supervision, and political protest banned. Although these proscriptions were not applied uniformly and prison sentences were not always harsh, whoever challenged public authority did so at their peril. But this was not the worst of times. The post-war economic boom resulted in an expanded middle class and improved standards of living, so for those who enjoyed a modicum of prosperity, life was not unpleasant. Germans turned to the cultivation of their personal and professional lives, and their culture of this time, known to us as “Biedermeier,” expressed itself in modest, sentimental artistic forms that celebrated the family and cozy domesticity and avoided the uglier aspects of life. In Biedermeier art, the city was represented as an extension of the pastoral world, not as an arena for the incipient industrial revolution.
Monitoring of Adenovirus Load in Stool by Real-Time PCR Permits Early Detection of Impending Invasive Infection in Patients after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Disseminated adenovirus (AdV) infection is associated with high mortality in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients. We have demonstrated that molecular detection of AdV in peripheral blood (PB) precedes the onset of life-threatening virus disease (Lion et al., Blood 102:1114–20, 2003). In most instances, detection of AdV in stool preceded the onset of viremia, thus raising the possibility that intestinal infections represent a common source of virus dissemination. To address this question, we have investigated 170 consecutive allogeneic transplantations in 138 pediatric patients transplanted at our center. Patients were monitored for the presence and the load of AdV in stool and in PB by a real-time PCR approach covering the entire spectrum of known human AdV serotypes. Fifty one patients (37%) tested positive in serial stool samples, revealing adenoviruses of nearly all subgenera, with strong predominance of serotypes 2 and 1 of species C. The overall risk of developing viremia in patients displaying or lacking intestinal AdV infection was 31% and 0%, respectively (p
Thermoregulatory Variability Is an Independent Predictor of Death or Poor Outcome After Brain Injury: A Cohort Study (S46.002)

BACKGROUND: Thermoregulation is an important response after brain injury. Thermoregulatory variability may reflect the level of entropy of this mechanism. The study aims at testing the hypothesis that higher temperature variability would be associated with poor outcome after brain injury. METHODS: Multi-Center cohort study of brain-injured patients (AIS, sICH, aSAH, and TBI) at 94 ICUs throughout the United States. Temperature variability (Tvar) was defined as Tmax-Tmin(°C) within 24 hours of ICU admission. Tvar was log-transformed to meet assumptions of normality and homoscedasticity of residual variance terms. Poor outcome was defined as severe disability or in-hospital mortality. To test our hypothesis, we determine the association between (Tvar) and poor outcome using Generalized Estimating Equations and adjusting for known predictors of poor outcome after brain injury. RESULTS: 13,695 patients participated in the study, 21[percnt] AIS, 31[percnt] ICH, 17[percnt] SAH, and 30[percnt] TBI. Tvar-Log was higher in TBI (0.14°C±0.01) as compared to AIS (-0.09°C±0.01), sICH (0.04°C±0.01), and aSAH (0.06°C±0.02) (p<0.001, ANOVA). Poor outcome was lower in TBI (26[percnt]) compared to ICH (50[percnt]), SAH (36[percnt]), and AIS (33[percnt]) (p<.001 for trend). The proportion of poor outcome increased per quartile (Q) of Tvar: 1stQ=27[percnt], 2ndQ=(26[percnt]), 3rdQ=(36[percnt]), and 4th Q (57[percnt]) (p<0.0001 for trend). In multivariable analysis, adjusting for known predictors of poor outcome after brain injury (age, race, gender, blood pressure, DNR status, GCS, diagnosis, and organ dysfunctions), Tvar-Log was associated with poor outcome (OR, 1.34; 95[percnt]CI, 1.25-1.43, p<0.0001). This association was only significant in ICH (OR, 1.1; 95[percnt]CI, 1.01-1.21, p=0.03) and SAH (OR, 1.2; 95[percnt]CI, 1.1-1.3, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Temperature variability can independently predict poor outcome after brain injury. There appears to be differences in this association depending upon type of brain injury. Determination of patients at higher risk of poor outcome could be determined by determination of higher temperature fluctuation in the ICU. Disclosure: Dr. Thavapalan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rincon has nothing to disclose.
A rapid hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic determination of glimepiride in pharmaceutical formulations.

Glimepiride is one of the most widely prescribed antidiabetic drugs and contains both hydrophobic and hydrophilic functional groups in its molecules, and thus could be analyzed by either reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC). In the literature, however, only reversed-phase HPLC has been reported. In this study, a simple, rapid and accurate hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatographic method was developed for the determination of glimepiride in pharmaceutical formulations. The analytical method comprised a fast ultrasound-assisted extraction with acetonitrile as a solvent followed by HILIC separation and quantification using a Waters Spherisorb S5NH2 hydrophilic column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and aqueous acetate buffer (5.0 mM). The retention time of glimepiride increased slightly with decrease of mobile phase pH value from 6.8 to 5.8 and of acetonitrile content from 60% to 40%, indicating that both hydrophilic, ionic, and hydrophobic interactions were involved in the HILIC retention and elution mechanisms. Quantitation was carried out with a mobile phase of 40% acetonitrile and 60% aqueous acetate buffer (5.0 mM) at pH 6.3, by relating the peak area of glimepiride to that of the internal standard, with a detection limit of 15.0 μg/L. UV light absorption responses at 228 nm were linear over a wide concentration range from 50.0 μg/L to 6.00 mg/L. The recoveries of the standard added to pharmaceutical tablet samples were 99.4-103.0% for glimepiride, and the relative standard deviation for the analyte was less than 1.0%. This method has been successfully applied to determine the glimepiride contents in pharmaceutical formulations.
Characteristic Characterization of Viscosity Supersolutions Corresponding to Nonlinear H∞ Control

Abstract It is known that there is a strong connection between solutions to nonlinear H ∞ disturbance attenuation problems and viscosity supersolutions of the associated Isaacs equations. Here, a viscosity supersolution is characterized at each point as the minimum value over the characteristic trajectories passing through the point. This may lead to Feasible real-time solutions for some low-dimensional systems.