cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Thyroid as a Model Endocrine System

The focus of this conference is on the regulation of growth and differentiated function of the thyroid gland. Our expectation is that the information and the insight that will be developed can serve as a model for other endocrine organs and, even more broadly, might contribute to an understanding of the growth and function of any specialized group of cells in a multi-cellular organism. In the vernacular of our time, we speak of communication between cells by chemical means. We know that this form of communication occurs at all levels of the plant and animal kingdoms, from sex factors exchanged between single yeast cells, to pheromones exchanged between insects, and on to endocrine organs of higher animals whose chemical signals are called hormones, and are transported to distant targets through a circulatory system.
Defect-tolerant nanoelectronic pattern classifiers: Research Articles

Mixed-signal neuromorphic networks (‘CrossNets’), based on hybrid CMOS/nanodevice circuits, may provide unprecedented performance for important pattern classification tasks. The synaptic weights necessary for such tasks may be imported from an external ‘precursor’ network with either continuous or discrete synaptic weights (in the former case, with the quantization—‘clipping’—due to the binary character of the elementary synaptic nanodevices—latching switches.) Alternatively, the weights may be adjusted ‘in situ’ (inside the CrossNet) using a pseudo-stochastic method, or set-up using a mixed-mode method partly employing external circuitry. Our calculations have shown that CrossNet pattern classifiers, using any of these synaptic weight adjustment methods, may be remarkably resilient. For example, in a CrossNet with synapses in the form of two small square arrays with 4 × 4 nanodevices each, the resulting weight discreteness may have a virtually negligible effect on the classification fidelity, while the fraction of defective devices which affects the performance substantially ranges from ∼20p to as high as 90p (!), depending on the training method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Piezoelectric energy harvesting systems with metal oxides

Abstract Energy recovery from wasted or unused power has been the topic of discussion for a long time. In recent years, industrial and academic research units have focused on harvesting energy from mechanical vibrations using piezoelectric transducers. These efforts have provided the research guidelines and have brought in light the problems and limitations of implementing the piezoelectric transducer. There are three major phases/steps associated with piezoelectric energy harvesting: (i) mechanical-mechanical energy transfer, including mechanical stability of the piezoelectric transducer under large stresses, and mechanical impedance matching, (ii) mechanical-electrical energy transduction, relating with the electromechanical coupling factor in the composite transducer structure, and (iii) electrical-electrical energy transfer, including electrical impedance matching, such as a DC/DC converter to accumulate the energy into a rechargeable battery. This paper starts from the historical background of piezoelectric energy harvesting, followed by a brief review of recent research trends by pointing out several misconceptions by the researchers. The main parts deal with step-by-step detailed energy flow analysis in energy harvesting systems with typical metal-oxide piezoelectrics, lead zirconate titanate (PZT), in order to provide comprehensive strategies on how to improve the efficiency of the harvesting system. We also introduce a hybrid energy harvesting system from magnetic field noise using a composite of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive materials.
Trichloroethylene exposure in mid-pregnancy decreased fetal weight and increased placental markers of oxidative stress in rats

Abstract Although epidemiology studies have associated maternal trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure with decreased birth weight and preterm birth, mechanistic explanations for these associations are currently lacking. We hypothesized that TCE targets the placenta with adverse consequences for pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed orally to vehicle or 480 mg TCE/kg body weight from gestational days (gd) 6–16, and tissues were collected on gd 16. Exposure to TCE significantly decreased average fetal weight without reducing maternal weight. In placenta, TCE significantly increased 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, global 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, and mRNA expression of Tet3, which codes for an enzyme involved in 5-hydroxymethylcytosine formation. Furthermore, glutathione S-transferase activity and immunohistochemical staining were increased in placentas of TCE-exposed rats. The present study provides the first evidence that TCE increases markers of oxidative stress in placenta in a fetal growth restriction rat model, providing new insight into the placenta as a potentially relevant target for TCE-induced adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A Program for the Genetics of Grammar

Departing from Lenneberg’s biological conception of language and its de- velopment, this paper first reviews select examples from research on lan- guage development and its interface with genetics before making some specific proposals with regard to how the genetics of grammar could be investigated. The central proposal of this paper is that an important, per- haps necessary, avenue for studying the genetics of grammar is to study the genotypes corresponding to phenotypes of child (and genetically im- paired) versions of the computational system of grammar, as opposed to strictly descriptive measures of a construction or standardized linguistic tests. In some cases, these phenotypes have wide explanatory ability, sug- gesting that they directly involve parts of the computational system of lan- guage. The primary example discussed is the phenotype of the Unique Checking Constraint (UCC). In particular, it is proposed that one could usefully start to investigate the genetic basis for he development of finite- ness, object clitic omission, and related phenomena of the UCC. A second, less developed example here, corresponding to a much later developmen- tal stage, is the Universal Phase Requirement (UPR), regulating verbal pas- sives and many other phenomena in children.
Other considerations: Perspective and obligations of our societies and governmental organizations

Abstract Recurrent episodes of transmitted infection during gastrointestinal endoscopy have resulted in heightened visibility of the various organizations providing education, guidance, and regulatory oversight for endoscopes and the practice of endoscopy. They include the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state health departments, accrediting organizations, and national medical societies representing practitioners and nurses. The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring the safety of manufacturer's products, without constraining the availability of critical medical services, such as gastrointestinal endoscopy. Their ongoing oversight of postmarket surveillance studies, and the results of such studies, will significantly influence the expectations for reprocessing in years to come. As a nonregulatory body, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention primarily provides investigational expertise pertaining to infectious outbreaks and guidance to the medical industry regarding best practices, with input from the medical experts in their Hospital Infection Control and Professional Advisory Committee. National societies of nurses, reprocessing professionals, and physicians all provide education and guidance to the field, each with viewpoints ostensibly protective of patients and their membership. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, which publishes standards detailing the proper production quality for medical instruments and the procedures in which they are used, is in the midst of rewriting their guidance for reprocessing of gastrointestinal endoscopes. Despite reservations about process, Advancement of Medical Instrumentation deliberations emphasize the original guidance of the Spaulding Criteria for sterilization of semicritical devices, including endoscopes, when feasible and practicable. This is likely the future state for reprocessing in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Advances in the control of cytomegalovirus disease in bone marrow transplant patients.

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) was first noted as inclusion bodies in the salivary glands of children and initially was thought to be protozoa. The high prevalence of this infection was evident when in 1932 Farber and Wolbach reported the occurrence of these lesions in the salivary glands of 12% of 183 children dying for various reasons (1). Isolation of the virus was subsequently reported independently by three groups led by Smith, Rowe and Weller (2–4). In 1971 Weller published a seminal two part article with the apt title, “The cytomegaloviruses: ubiquitous agents with protean clinical manifestations” (5,6). CMV has continued to reveal itself in many clinical settings from the brain of newborns to the retina of AIDS patients.
Working with Others: Student Employment and Interactions with Diversity in College

This study examines whether students’ employment experiences during college are associated with increased interactions with diverse peers, and whether these relationships differ for students from d...
Carcinoma of the cervical stump

Abstract 1. 1. An analysis of 183 cases of carcinoma of the cervical stump is presented. Fourteen of these were Stage 0 carcinoma. One hundred and sixty-nine were invasive carcinomas, an incidence of 7.21 per cent of all cervical cancers seen during the 25 year interval of study. 2. 2. Close comparisons are made with recently reported series as to age, race, parity, symptoms, indications, and doctor and patient delay. 3. 3. No standard therapeutic regimen can be outlined because of the variety of therapy which was given. 4. 4. The arguments in favor of radical operation are strengthened by the 5 year plus salvage rate attained with radical trachelectomy and radical pelvic lymphadenectomy.
HEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF NITROXYL DONOR BMS-986231 COMPARED TO NITROGLYCERIN OR PLACEBO IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE-A RANDOMIZED DOUBLE-BLIND CROSSOVER TRIAL

Nitroxyl (HNO) causes post-translational modification of thiol proteins. In animal models, the HNO donor BMS-986231 causes vasodilation and has inotropic and lusitropic actions. We compared the effects of BMS-986231 to nitroglycerin (NTG) or placebo on cardiac performance in patients with chronic
A Look at Empathy, University Belonging, and Intersectionality: How to Support a Diverse Student Body Amid the COVID-19 Crisis

The present short essay discusses the impact COVID-19 has had on college students. As universities work to build supportive learning environments during these unprecedented times, it is important for practitioners to consider how mental health and student identity impact student success. The framework proposes that empathy, university belonging, and an intersectional approach to academic support can contribute to a student's mental health, identity, and emotional well-being as they transition back to academic life.
Anomalous growth of Al8Mo3 phase during interdiffusion and reaction between Al and Mo

Abstract Molybdenum (Mo) has been reported as a potential candidate for the diffusion barrier between U-10Mo fuel and AA6061 cladding in monolithic fuel plates. Interdiffusion and reaction between Al and Mo was investigated using solid-to-solid diffusion couples annealed in the temperature range from 425° to 625 °C. Thermo-kinetic parameters, i.e. growth rate and integrated diffusion coefficients, were determined using Wagner’s approach. At low temperatures (T ≤ 450 °C), negligible diffusion interaction was observed between Al and Mo. At intermediate temperatures (T = 475° - 600 °C), diffusion couples were observed to mainly develop a layer of Al8Mo3 intermetallic phase, along with a thin, discontinuous layer of Al22Mo5 intermetallic phase between the terminal Al and Al8Mo3 layer. At high temperature (T = 625 °C), continuous layers of both of Al8Mo3 and Al22Mo5 intermetallic phases developed in the diffusion couple. The Al8Mo3 phase grew with a needle-like, non-planar morphology at intermediate temperatures, contrary to the planar growth of the intermediate phase in binary diffusion couple as per Gibbs phase rule. In general, the degree of non-planarity of needle-like Al8Mo3 phase increased with an increase in annealing time at 500 °C, but decreased with an increase in annealing temperature. This non-planar growth was simulated based on three-dimensional anisotropic diffusion using a quadric representation of the diffusivity tensor.
Reduction of interface reactions in low-temperature solid-phase epitaxy of ScAlMgO4 on (0001) Al2O3

Low-temperature solid-phase epitaxy is a promising route for the synthesis of thin films of ScAlMgO4, a compound with lattice spacings close to compound semiconductors for which there are no practi...
The Moral Voter Hypothesis: Economic and Normative Aspects of Public Policy and Law within Democracies 1

This paper develops a model of self-interested norm-driven behavior and uses it to analyze public policy formation within a democracy. If voters are concerned with broad normative issues, politicians will take policy positions in part to advance voter interests in "virtue" or "the public interest" as voters assess it. Consequently, many of the laws adopted within a democracy will advance private normative agendas as understood by pivotal members of the electorate. In this sense, a “public interest” interpretation of at least some government policies is entirely consistent with a rational-choice-based analysis of decision making within a democracy. Many of the positive predictions of the moral voter hypothesis differ from those of narrow self-interested models of policy formation. For example, the model predicts that laws regulating conventional externalities will be more stringent (or less stringent) than can be justified by ordinary economic considerations whenever such laws affect behavior that is relevant for widely held normative theories. Criminal sentences for some crimes in the United States are consistent with the model's implications.
Scaffolds: A graph-theoretic tool for tensor computations related to Bose-Mesner algebras

Abstract We introduce a pictorial notation for certain tensors arising in the study of association schemes, based on earlier ideas of Terwilliger, Neumaier and Jaeger. These tensors, which we call “scaffolds”, obey a simple set of rules which generalize common linear-algebraic operations such as trace, matrix product and entrywise product. We first study an elementary set of “moves” on scaffolds and illustrate their use in combinatorics. Next we re-visit results of Dickie, Suzuki and Terwilliger. The main new results deal with the relationships among vector spaces of scaffolds with edge weights chosen from a fixed coherent algebra and various underlying diagrams. As one consequence, we provide simple descriptions of the Terwilliger algebras of triply regular and dually triply regular association schemes. We finish with a conjecture connecting the duality of Bose-Mesner algebras to the graph-theoretic duality of circular planar graphs.
Total synthesis of (-)-4-desacetoxy-1-oxovindoline: Single atom exchange of an embedded core heteroatom in vindoline.

Abstract A concise total synthesis of (−)-4-desacetoxy-1-oxovindoline is disclosed, bearing a single heteroatom exchange in the core structure of the natural product 4-desacetoxyvindoline. Central to the synthesis is powerful oxadiazole intramolecular [4 + 2]/[3 + 2] cycloaddition cascade that formed four C–C bonds, created three new rings, and established five contiguous stereocenters about the new formed central 6-membered ring.
Technology as a Facilitator in the Learning Process in Urban High-Needs Schools: Challenges and Opportunities:

Innovations in educational technology have led to heightened expectations for both K-12 teachers and students. Now, more than ever, teachers are expected to develop 21st century skills, which creat...
Determination of Mixed-Mode (I/III) Fracture of Polycarbonate

In many engineering applications, Mode-III type loading in the crack tip region is more common. Since loading in structures oftentimes is quite complex, the crack tip region generally experiences Mixed-Mode conditions. In this work, torsional loading experiments are performed by employing a modified spirally cracked cylindrical specimen. The cylindrical specimen used in all experiments is machined to incorporate a full revolution, spiral v-notch crack. The v-notch crack is inclined at an angle of 67.5° with respect to the specimen centerline to obtain Mixed-Mode (I/III) crack tip conditions under torsional loading. By combining the experimental measurements with detailed numerical simulations, the Mixed-Mode (I/III) fracture parameters for polycarbonate (PC) are quantified using an interaction integral method. The elastic-viscoplastic material response of the PC material, required for numerical simulations, is determined by performing standard tensile loading experiments. The Mixed-Mode (I/III) fracture toughness, as well as the stress intensity factors for Mode-I and Mode-III crack tip conditions are presented and discussed.
A Company's Voluntary Refund Program for Consumers Can Be a Fair and Efficient Alternative to a Class Action

Consumer product companies are establishing internal programs where they are voluntarily compensating consumers for damages caused by their products. When a company implements a refund program in response to a threatened or pending class action, may federal courts rely solely on the voluntary refunds in denying class certification? The short answer is yes. This Article analyzes Rule 23(b)(3) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the requirement that a class action be "superior to other available methods for fairly and efficiently adjudicating the controversy." The Article argues that courts must compare the superiority of a class action not only to judicial procedures but also to a company's voluntary refund program. This Article also contends that a court must deny class certification when a reimbursement policy is fair and efficient. These arguments are strongly supported by the Advisory Committee Notes to the 1966 amendment to Rule 23, commentary by two former members of the Committee, the original purpose of the superiority requirement, and courts' and commentators' initial interpretations of the 1966 amendment. Last, the Article discusses what features a refund program must have to be a fair and efficient alternative to a class action. Surprisingly, no federal court or scholar has analyzed the history or purpose of Rule 23(b)(3) as it applies to voluntary refund programs. Further, the relevancy of a refund program to the denial of class certification has been addressed in only one article (which took an opposing view) and by only a few courts.
The mechanical systems design handbook : modeling, measurement, and control

MANUFACTURING, Edited by Galip Ulsoy Manufacturing Systems and Their Design Principles, M.G. Mehrabi, A.G. Ulsoy, and Y.Koren Computer-Aided Process Planning For Machining, Derek Yip-Hoi Discrete Event Control of Manufacturing Systems, D.M. Tilbury and P.P. Khargonekar Machine Tool Vibrations, Yusuf Altintas Machine Tool Monitoring and Control, Kourosh Danai Process Monitoring and Control of Machining Operations, Robert G. Landers, A. Galip Ulso, and Richard J. Furness Forming Processes: Monitoring and Control, David E. Hardt Assembly and Welding Processes and their Monitoring and Control, S. Jack Hu and Elijah Kannatey-Asibu, Jr. Control of Polymer Processing, David Kazmer and Kourosh Danai Precision Manufacturing, Thomas R. Kurfess VIBRATION CONTROL, Edited by Nejat Olgac Active Damping of Large Trusses, Preumont, F. Bossens, and N. Loix Semi-Active Suspension Systems, Nader Jalili Semi-Active Suspension Systems II, Michael Valasek and Willi Kortum Active Vibration and Absorption and Delayed Feedback Tuning, Nejat Olgac and Martin Hosek Vibration Suppression Utilizing Piezoelectric Networks, K.W. Wang Vibration Reduction via the Boundary Control Method, Siddharth P. Nagarkatti and Darren M. Dawson DYNAMICS AND CONTROL OF AEROSPACE SYSTEMS: AN INTRODUCTION TO TENSEGRITY STRUCTURES, Edited by Robert E. Skelton An Introduction to the Mechanics of Tensegrity Structures, Robert E. Skelton, J. William Helton, Rajesh Adhikari, Jean-Paul P. Pinaud, and Waileung Chan The Dynamics of the Class 1 Shell Tensegrity Structure, Robert E. Skelton and Jean-Paul Pinaud, D.L. Mingori ROBOTICS, Edited by Miomir Vukobratovic Robot Kinematics, Bruno Siciliano Robot Dynamics ,Miomir Vukobratovic and V. Potkonjak Actuators and Computer-Aided Design of Robots, Miomir Vukobratovic, V. Potkonjak, Masaharu Takano, and Kenji Inoue Control of Robots, Miomir Vukobratovic and D. Stokic Control of Robotic Systems in Contact Tasks, Miomir Vukobratovic andD. Surdilovic Intelligent Soft-Computing Techniques in Robotics, D. Katic and B. Karan Teleoperation, Telerobotics, A. Bejczy Mobile Robotic Systems, Nenad M. Kircanski Humanoid Robots, Miomir Vukobratovic , Branislav Borovac, D. Stokic, and D. Surdilovic Present State and Future Trends in Robot Applications, M. Hagele and Dieter Schraft
South Florida Coastal Sediment Ecological Risk Assessment

This study evaluated the degree of sediment contamination in several South Florida estuaries. During the 2010 National Condition Assessment, Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute collected water column, sediment and biotic data from estuaries across the entire state of Florida. Sediments were analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, zinc and total polychlorinated biphenyls and were compared relative to empirically derived sediment quality guidelines. As a result of this data collection and assessment effort, it was determined that the degree of contamination with respect to sediment was low for all southern Florida estuaries assessed, except the Miami River which was determined to be considerably contaminated. However only one monitoring location was used to assess the Miami River, and as such should be viewed with caution. A low degree of contamination was determined for Biscayne Bay sediments, possibly indicating a recovery from its previously reported higher contaminant level.
The Hippocampus and Classical Conditioning

When an animal is trained to perforin a discrete behavioral response in aversive classical conditioning, e.g., eyelid closure or limb flexion, pyramidal cells in CAl — CA3 of the hippocampus develop an extraordinary temporal “model” of the amplitude-time course of the behavioral CR. This “model” — a pattern of increased frequency of discharge within trials — can be seen even with an individual pyramidal neuron. The hippocampus models behavioral responses as well as “places in space.” The properties of this “plastic response model” share many features with LTP.
Intruders: New Neighbors in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and The Hundred-Foot Journey

Conflicts over territory are about the power to establish dominant cultures in territories and are often accompanied by cultural claims to legitimacy by each side. The cultural claims, or ideologies, are often expressed in terms of “homeland” dwellers versus “intruders.” Two recent movies, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and The Hundred-Foot Journey, depict such conflicts. They refer to novel groups in the depictions, but they follow the pattern of earlier movies, such as Broken Arrow. Novel groups are required because the earlier examples of despised alien cultures no longer convey to modern audiences the extreme hostility felt by the combatants in the earlier movies.
LEFT HEART CATHETERIZATION IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Experiences with left heart pressure measurements in 111 infants and children are reviewed. These studies were performed by means of transseptal left heart catheterization or anterior percutaneous left ventricular puncture. The only significant complication was the development of left pneumothorax in two patients following the latter procedure. The techniques are briefly described, and the importance of left heart catheterization in the clinical management of infants and children with heart disease is illustrated by means of selected clinical examples.
Family Structure and Child Well‐Being: The Significance of Parental Cohabitation

Data from the 1999 National Survey of America's Families (N = 35,938) were used to examine the relationship between family structure and child well-being. I extended prior research by including children in two-biological-parent cohabiting families, as well as cohabiting stepfamilies, in an investigation of the roles of economic and parental resources on behavioral and emotional problems and school engagement. Children living in two-biological-parent cohabiting families experience worse outcomes, on average, than those residing with two biological married parents, although among children ages 6–11, economic and parental resources attenuate these differences. Among adolescents ages 12–17, parental cohabitation is negatively associated with well-being, regardless of the levels of these resources. Child well-being does not significantly differ among those in cohabiting versus married stepfamilies, two-biological-parent cohabiting families versus cohabiting stepfamilies, or either type of cohabiting family versus single-mother families.
Organic functionalization of group IV semiconductor surfaces: principles, examples, applications, and prospects

Organic functionalization is emerging as an important area in the development of new semiconductor-based materials and devices. Direct, covalent attachment of organic layers to a semiconductor interface provides for the incorporation of many new properties, including lubrication, optical response, chemical sensing, or biocompatibility. Methods by which to incorporate organic functionality to the surfaces of semiconductors have seen immense progress in recent years, and in this article several of these approaches are reviewed. Examples are included from both dry and wet processing environments. The focus of the article is on attachment strategies that demonstrate the molecular nature of the semiconductor surface. In many cases, the surfaces mimic the reactivity of their molecular carbon or organosilane counterparts, and examples of functionalization reactions are described in which direct analogies to textbook organic and inorganic chemistry can be applied. This article addresses the expected impact of these functionalization strategies on emerging technologies in nanotechnology, sensing, and bioengineering.
Phase 2 study of high-dose proton therapy with concurrent chemotherapy for unresectable stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND We sought here to improve the toxicity of conventional concurrent chemoradiation therapy for stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by using proton-beam therapy to escalate the radiation dose to the tumor. We report early results of a phase II study of high-dose proton therapy and concurrent chemotherapy in terms of toxicity, failure patterns, and survival.
The Impact of Males Proposing Condom Use on Perceptions of an Initial Sexual Encounter

about condoms, and self-efficacy for condom use (Bryan, Aiken, & West, 1997; Wulfert & Biglan, 1994). In this study, we sought to explore the interpersonal considerations of the sexual encounter into which condom use is being introduced. We asked three main research questions: (a) How is an individual who proposes condom use viewed? What kind of attributions are made about his character? (b) Does the manner in which the condom is introduced into the encounter moderate the effects on either the perception of the proposer or the outcome of the encounter? (c) Regardless of method of introduction, what is the impact of the condom proposition itself? We examined these questions in an experimental analog study in which participants viewed a videotaped progression of events between a couple, ending with an opportunity for a sexual encounter. At the end of the tape, the male in the couple either verbally proposed condom use, nonverbally proposed condom use, or did not propose condom use at all. Participants were then asked how they thought the female in the video viewed her partner on a number of dimensions. They were also asked what they felt was the most likely outcome of the encounter.
Liar, liar: internet faking but not frequency of use affects social skills, self-esteem, social anxiety, and aggression.

Misuse of the Internet can affect various aspects of children's social lives. It was predicted that children who misrepresent themselves on the Internet would have less well-developed social skills, lower levels of self-esteem, and higher levels of social anxiety and aggression. The frequency of Internet use was also assessed. Students aged 11–16 years were recruited for the study from classes after obtaining consent. Questionnaires included a query of Internet behaviors, the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters Appropriate Social Skills and Inappropriate Assertiveness subscales, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the Social Anxiety Scale for Children–Revised. It was found that children who reported the most faking behavior on the Internet (e.g., pretending to be older) had poorer social skills, lower levels of self-esteem, higher levels of social anxiety, and higher levels of aggression. Frequency of use, however, did not affect these factors in the current study.
The interaction of medications used in palliative care.

Medication interactions in palliative care are reviewed. An overview of drug interactions is provided with particular attention to these concepts as they apply in the palliative care setting. Newer information about the role of the CYP 450 system is reviewed. The potential for interactions with individual agents that are used in palliative care is discussed.
Evaluating the secondary effects of magnetic ion exchange: Focus on corrosion potential in the distribution system

Abstract In order to avoid the adverse effects of corrosion in water distribution systems, it is necessary to evaluate the secondary effects of magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) for the removal of dissolved organic matter (DOM). As DOM concentrations in surface waters increase and surface waters become more prevalent sources of drinking water, MIEX treatment will be increasingly used. This study evaluated the effects of MIEX treatment on iron and lead corrosion potential as measured by the Larson–Skold Index (LI) and chloride-to-sulfate mass ratio (CSMR), respectively. This was accomplished by analyzing data sets from bench- and pilot-scale MIEX experiments, as well as by monitoring a full-scale MIEX treatment plant. It was found that MIEX treatment consistently increased the CSMR, however, the extent of the increase was dependent on influent anion concentrations, MIEX resin regeneration, and other variables. MIEX treatment had only a minor effect on the LI. Both corrosion parameters were variable due to the periodic transfer of excess brine into the process train during regeneration cycles and fluctuations in raw water quality. It was also found that MIEX resin can re-release previously removed anions, such as sulfate and bicarbonate, which reinforces the need to evaluate secondary changes in water chemistry.
Plasma Needle: An Atmospheric Plasma Jet for Dentistry

Summary form only given. Motivated by possible dental applications for disinfecting teeth, a small low-power radiofrequency plasma jet was developed by Sladek et al. We have performed tests with a similar device. This so-called plasma needle consists of a metal wire, 200 microns diameter, with a sharp tip. Helium at atmospheric pressure flows coaxially with the needle tip at 1.5 m/s. This helium flow entrains nitrogen and other atmospheric gases at the end of the plasma jet nozzle, where the gas mixes with the atmosphere. Radio-frequency voltage at approximately 7 MHz is applied through a matching network, creating a millimeter-size plasma jet that flows toward a sample. The sample tested was a glass Petri dish, with and without a bacterial culture, resting on a grounded metal plate. The separation between the needle tip and the sample is approximately 2 mm. It is thought that radicals produced from atmospheric gas molecules will kill bacteria. To characterize the plasma jet, we imaged the glow using a digital CCD camera. To reveal the internal structure of the plasma, we also prepared Abel-inverted images. Bacteriology tests will be performed using cultures provided by the University of Iowa's College of Dentistry. These bacteriology tests are intended to demonstrate efficacy in killing a colony of bacteria of a type found commonly on human teeth.
The characteristics of turbulence in a shear zone downstream of a channel constriction in a coarse-grained forced pool

A field-based project was initiated to characterize the influence of varying discharge and bed topography along a pool exit-slope on the strength of turbulence generated by vortex shedding. Velocities were measured with an ADV downstream of a boulder constriction within a shear zone of a large pool. Measurements were repeated for four flows that varied from 20% to 50% of bankfull discharge. An additional longitudinal profile was conducted along the pool thalweg. Plots of velocity demonstrate high near-bed velocities and turbulence levels in the pools. Turbulence levels were highest closer to the constriction in the shear zone. Turbulent kinetic energy decayed in the downstream direction in response to the bed topography and at lower discharges. Instantaneous velocities are large enough to temporarily lift pebbles at this depth. It appears that instantaneous forces created by vortex shedding may play an important role in scouring pools downstream of constrictions. The turbulence may also respond to changes in bed topography in a manner that encourages feedbacks among bed topography, characteristics of turbulence, and sediment transport.
Theory of field-programmed field-flow fractionation with corrections for steric effects

This paper deals with the principal perturbation to ideal normal-mode elution of particles in field-flow fractionation (FFF). This perturbation is due to the finite size of particles undergoing migration in the FFF channel. The effects of a first-order correction for particle size are examined. Equations are derived for retention time, fractionating power, and steric inversion diameter for operation at constant field strength, as well as under conditions of both exponential and power programmed field decay. Useful limiting equations for fractionating power are derived and their validity is confirmed for typical experimental conditions. The derived equations are necessary for the future development of a systematic optimization strategy for the selection of operating conditions for particle size analysis by FFF. Calculations confirm our previous conclusion that the fractionating power for exponential field programming varies strongly with particle size; this variation is only slightly reduced by steric perturbations. The uniform fractionating power of power programming is slightly disturbed by steric effects although fractionating power remains much more uniform than for exponential programming. It is shown that a higher uniformity in fractionating power can be gained by manipulating the parameters of power programming but that no improvement is possible with exponential programming. Phenomena giving rise to higher order perturbations and to secondary relaxation are discussed and the conditions identified under which these effects are minimized.
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Precipitation Parameters of the Pb-Sn Solid Solutions

Stages of cellular precipitation for the supersaturated Pb-Sn solid solutions were analyzed. This was done for almost the whole homogeneity interval. Literary heritage as well as the data of the present authors concerning kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of cellular precipitation for these solid solutions were compared and summarized. It was shown that the segregation factor, which characterizes the impurity atoms behavior at the grain boundary, decreases with solid solution supersaturation increase.
Anxious mood and memory.

Influenced by Bower (Am. Psychol.36, 129–148, 1981) and Lang (Anxiety and the Anxiety Disorders, Erlbaum, Hillsdale, N.J., 1985), we tested three hypotheses concerning anxious mood and memory: (1) the mood state dependent hypothesis which states that memory retrieval will be greater when mood at encoding and at recall are the same than when they are different: (2) the encoding mood congruent hypothesis which states that information semantically related to mood at encoding is retrieved more readily than information unrelated to mood at encoding; and (3) the recall mood congruent hypothesis which states that information semantically related to mood at recall is retrieved more readily than information unrelated to mood at recall. We induced anxiety in speech anxious students by informing them that they would be delivering a speech during the experiment. Mood could be either anxious or nonanxious at encoding, recall, both, or neither. Hence, there were four groups: Anxiety-Anxiety, Anxiety-Nonanxiety, Nonanxiety-Anxiety, and Nonanxiety-Nonanxiety. Subjects were asked to rate the self-descriptiveness of anxiety (e.g. NERVOUS) and nonanxiety adjective (e.g. POLITE) during the encoding phase, and to recall them later. Anxious mood was measured by self-report scales and by heart rate. No support was obtained for any of the three hypotheses. However, post-hoc analyses indicated that anxiety words were recalled least often in subjects whose heart rate increased from encoding to recall. This suggests that attention to threat information may diminish in aroused nonclinical subjects.
Gold-Cobalt Nanoparticle Alloys Exhibiting Tunable Compositions, Near-Infrared Emission, and High T2 Relaxivity

We demonstrate the synthesis of discrete, composition-tunable gold-cobalt nanoparticle alloys (% Co = 0–100%; diameter = 2–3 nm), in contrast with bulk behavior, which shows immiscibility of Au and Co at room temperature across all composition space. These particles are characterized by transmission electron microscopy and 1H NMR techniques, as well as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. In particular, 1H NMR methods allow the simultaneous evaluation of composition-tunable magnetic properties as well as molecular characterization of the colloid, including ligand environment and hydrodynamic diameter. These experiments also demonstrate a route to optimize bimodal imaging modalities, where we identify AuxCoyNP compositions that exhibit both bright NIR emission (2884 m −1cm−1) as well as some of the highest per-particle T 2 relaxivities (12200 mm NP −1s−1) reported to date for this particle size range.
Two Antiatherogenic Effects of Progesterone on Human Macrophages; Inhibition of Cholesteryl Ester Synthesis and Block of Its Enhancement by Glucocorticoids*

The effects of progesterone and estradiol on cholesteryl ester (CE) formation by monocyte-derived human macrophages were examined. Formation was assessed from incorporation of 14C-cholesterol during a 20-h incubation with hormone and from that of 3H-oleate (3 h) after hormone removal. Progesterone inhibited cholesterol into CE and decreased CE cellular levels. Inhibition: 1) was reversed by progesterone removal; 2) was independent of the progesterone receptor (not blocked by the receptor antagonist RU40555); and 3) exhibited specific structural requirements; 11α-OH-progesterone was inhibitory, whereas its stereoisomer 11β-OH-progesterone was not. In contrast to progesterone, estradiol was ineffective. We had reported that dexamethasone enhanced CE accumulation by human macrophages (1). In this study, we describe similar effects of the endogenous steroid, cortisol, and of the most widely prescribed glucocorticoid, prednisolone. Both steroids increased CE formation from two folds, in the presence of cholest...
Factors predicting resource utilization and survival after major amputation

Objective Major amputation is associated with increased short-term healthcare resource utilization (RU), early mortality, and socioeconomic status (SES) disparities. Our objective is to study patient-specific and SES-related predictors of long-term RU and survival after amputation. Methods This retrospective analysis identified 364 adult patients who underwent index major amputation for critical limb ischemia from January 1995 through December 2000 at two tertiary centers with outcomes through December 2010. Age, gender, SES (race, income, insurance, and marital status), comorbidities (congestive heart failure [CHF], diabetes, diabetes with complications, and renal failure [RF]), subsequent procedures, cumulative length of stay (cLOS), and mortality were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression for subsequent procedures and cLOS and Cox proportional hazard modeling for all-cause mortality were undertaken. Results During a mean follow-up of 3.25 years, amputation patients had mean cLOS of 71.2 days per person-year (median, 17.6), 19.5 readmissions per person-year (median, 2.1), 0.57 amputation-related procedures (median, 0), and 0.31 cardiovascular procedures (median, 0). Below-knee amputation as the index procedure was performed in 70% of patients, and 25% had additional amputation procedures. Of readmissions at ≤30 days, 52% were amputation-related. Overall mortality during follow-up was 86.9%; 37 patients (10.2%) died within 30 days. Among patients surviving >30 days, multivariate Poisson regression demonstrated that younger age (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.98), public insurance (IRR, 1.63), CHF (IRR, 1.60), and RF (IRR, 2.12) were associated with increased cLOS. Diabetes with complications (IRR, 1.90) and RF (IRR, 2.47) affected subsequent amputation procedures. CHF (IRR, 1.83) and RF (IRR, 3.67) were associated with a greater number of cardiovascular procedures. Cox proportional hazard modeling indicated older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04), CHF (HR, 2.26), and RF (HR, 2.60) were risk factors for decreased survival. Factors associated with SES were not significantly related to the outcomes. Conclusions This study found that RU is high for amputees, and increased RU persists beyond the perioperative period. Results were similar across SES indices, suggesting higher SES may not be protective against poor outcomes when limb salvage is no longer attainable. These findings support the hypothesis that SES disparities may be more modifiable during earlier stages of care for critical limb ischemia.
Use of the method of particular solutions in nonlinear, two-point boundary-value problems.

The nonlinear, two-point boundary-value problems associated with two differential systems, one uncontrolled and one controlled, are solved. First, quasilinearization techniques are used to replace each nonlinear system with one that is linear. Then, the method of particular solutions is used to solve the linear problem. The procedure is employed iteratively, and it is shown to converge rapidly to a solution for both the uncontrolled system and the controlled system.
The generation of stock market cycles

This paper demonstrates that the relation between stock market and business cycle dynamics can be conceptualized using a dividend discount model. The interaction of changes in earnings and interest rates throughout the economic cycle are shown to cause changes in the level of stock prices. This implies that monitoring and forecasting these factors can help explain and possibly predict stock price behavior over time.
Classification and coding approaches to part family formation under a fuzzy environment

Classification and coding is a major approach to solve the part family formation problem in group-technology applications. Traditionally, all features in a classification and coding system are considered crisp. It has been recognized that more realistically some features should be fuzzy. This paper addresses issues involved in using the classification and coding approach for part family formation under a fuzzy environment. Methods for dealing with major issues such as part coding, computation of similarity between parts, and part family formation are proposed and discussed in detail. Examples were given to show how these methods could be applied.
Rheology of a dilute suspension of dipolar spherical particles in an external field. II. Effects of Rotary Brownian motion

Abstract A previous treatment of the rheological properties of ferrofluids (and of dipolar spherical-particle suspensions in general) is here extended to include the effects of rotary Brownian motion. A second-order partial differential equation is derived which expresses the steady-state distribution of dipole orientations in terms of the angle between the directions of the external field and the fluid vorticity vector, the external field strength, and the rotary diffusivity—each of the latter being rendered dimensionless with the shear rate. This equation for the orientational distribution function is solved numerically for a variety of values of these three parameters. Several asymptotic perturbation solutions are also developed, and shown to agree with the numerical results. Knowledge of the distribution function is used to calculate the theological properties of a dilute suspension of spherical particles containing permanent embedded dipoles in a simple shearing flow, in terms of the relevant parameters. An attempt is made to compare the theoretical predictions with experimental data.
Subjective and reinforcing effects of smoking during negative mood induction

Two notions strongly held by many smokers are that negative mood increases smoking behavior and that this increase is due to the ability of smoking to alleviate negative affect. This study used a modified mood induction procedure to examine both the impact of smoking on induced mood, as well as the effect of induced mood on actual smoking behavior. Forty-eight smokers were randomly assigned to a smoking or a water-drinking comparison group. Each participant attended 3 sessions during which 1 of 3 mood states (positive, negative, or neutral) was induced. Contrary to expectation, smoking did not attenuate negative affect. However, negative mood induction subsequently quickened latency to smoke and increased number of puffs consumed ad lib.
Solar radiation incident on Mars and the outer planets: Latitudinal, seasonal, and atmospheric effects

Calculations of the daily solar radiation incident at the tops of the atmospheres of Mars and the outer planets and its variability with latitude and season are presented in a series of figures and tables. The changes in the latitudinal and seasonal distributions of daily surface insolation during the great Martian dust storm of 1971 (when Martian atmospheric optical depth increased from about tau = 0.1 to 2.0) were significant and dramatically illustrate the effect of atmospheric aerosols on surface insolation; i.e., the mean annual daily insolation at the poles decreased by more than a factor of 100 as tau increased from 0.1 to 2.0.
Paths to stemness: building the ultimate antitumour T cell

Treating cancer patients with T cell-based therapies has shown some some promise in the clinic, but not all patients respond. There could be many reasons for this, some of which might be addressed by using the best possible antitumour T cell. What are the biological properties of such a cell and can we generate one? Stem cells are defined by the ability to self-renew and to generate differentiated progeny, qualities that are maintained by evolutionarily conserved pathways that can lead to cancer when deregulated. There is now evidence that these stem cell-like attributes and signalling pathways are also shared among subsets of mature memory T lymphocytes. We discuss how using stem cell-like T cells can overcome the limitations of current adoptive T cell therapies, including inefficient T cell engraftment, persistence and ability to mediate prolonged immune attack. Conferring stemness to antitumour T cells might unleash the full potential of cellular therapies.