cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement and prediction of embedded copper foil fatigue crack growth in multifunctional composite structure

Abstract Copper strips embedded in glass/epoxy composite compose a discrete-path multifunctional load-bearing configuration which can conduct electricity. This combination of materials permits efficient packaging of increasingly large numbers of electrical systems being installed in aircraft and vehicle systems. It also allows systems such as large aperture antennas to be embedded within an aircraft’s load-bearing structural skin. The fatigue fracture of the embedded metal foil is of interest since composite materials tend to be more fatigue resistant. Copper embedded glass/epoxy coupons were manufactured and fatigue tested at 35% and 50% of the composite ultimate tensile strength. Nondestructive evaluation was used to measure copper crack growth and debonding at the copper-to-composite interface. The debonding plays a key role controlling the crack growth. A combined experimental–analytical methodology is defined for establishing relationships between crack tip opening angle (CTOA), crack size, and crack growth rate of the embedded copper via a combined experimental-analysis approach.
Dynamic associative caches: Reducing dynamic energy of first level caches

We propose Dynamic Associative Cache (DAC) - a low complexity design to improve the energy-efficiency of the data caches with negligible performance overhead. The key idea of DAC is to perform dynamic adaptation of cache associativity - switching the cache operation between direct-mapped and set-associative regimes - during the program execution. To monitor the program needs in terms of cache associativity, the DAC design employs a subset of shadow tags: when the main cache operates in the set-associative mode, the shadow tags operate in the direct-mapped mode and vice versa. The difference in the hit rates between the main tags and the shadow tags is used as an indicator for the cache mode switching. We show that DAC performs most of its accesses in the direct-mapped mode resulting in significant energy savings, at the same time maintaining performance close to that of set-associative L1 D-cache.
Abciximab following clopidogrel reduces post-PCI complications in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

Abciximab following clopidogrel reduces post-PCI complications in patients with acute coronary syndromes
Blends of Amphiphilic Poly(dimethylsiloxane) and Nonamphiphilic Octaisobutyl-POSS at the Air/Water Interface

Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) shows that a nonamphiphilic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanofiller, octaisobutyl-POSS, forms aggregates at all surface concentrations at the air/water interface. When amphiphilic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is blended with the octaisobutyl-POSS (>10 wt % PDMS), the degree of POSS aggregation dramatically decreases. Thermodynamic analyses and morphology studies through surface pressure−area per monomer isotherm data and BAM, respectively, exhibit three distinct composition regimes: (1) Blends with >70 wt % POSS have unstable isotherms whose shapes deviate from those of PDMS and form large rigid domains comparable to but smaller than pure, octaisobutyl-POSS films. (2) At compositions between ≈40 and 70 wt % POSS, the isotherms' features are qualitatively similar to those of pure PDMS, and extensive nanofiller “networks” are observed by BAM. (3) For compositions ≤ ≈30 wt % POSS, the isotherms are essentially those of pure PDMS with small POSS domains dispers...
Deciphering the functions and regulation of brain-enriched A-to-I RNA editing

Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, in which genomically encoded adenosine is changed to inosine in RNA, is catalyzed by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR). This fine-tuning mechanism is critical during normal development and diseases, particularly in relation to brain functions. A-to-I RNA editing has also been hypothesized to be a driving force in human brain evolution. A large number of RNA editing sites have recently been identified, mostly as a result of the development of deep sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. Deciphering the functional consequences of RNA editing events is challenging, but emerging genome engineering approaches may expedite new discoveries. To understand how RNA editing is dynamically regulated, it is imperative to construct a spatiotemporal atlas at the species, tissue and cell levels. Future studies will need to identify the cis and trans regulatory factors that drive the selectivity and frequency of RNA editing. We anticipate that recent technological advancements will aid researchers in acquiring a much deeper understanding of the functions and regulation of RNA editing.
Small Ni-S bond lengths in a c(2 × 2) overlayer of sulfur on Ni (001)

Abstract We conclude from the close agreement between low-energy electron diffraction calculations and experiment that sulfur adsorbed in a c (2 × 2) structure on Ni (001) is located 1.30 ± 0.1 A above the surface in a four- fold coordinated bonding site. This location corresponds to a Ni-S bond length which is smaller than occurs in several bulk compounds or than suggested in a previous calculation by Duke et al .
Evaluation regimes and the qualia of quality

This paper concludes this journal issue by examining the regimes of evaluation that link qualia to qualities. I examine the practices through which qualisigns of value emerge, looking specifically at practices of evaluation and ranking in Chinese art school. As Chinese art students matriculate from high school to college, they pass from a regime of standardized testing in which highly technical realist drawings are anonymously scored and compared, to a regime of ‘critique’ organized around small-scale face-to-face performances in which teachers and students discursively construct an art object as an indexical icon of the student. In the test, qualia are isolated and converted into quantitative scores; in the critique, qualia are integrated into indexical icons of personality. I regard the test and the critique as instances of the two evaluation regimes most widely used in contemporary institutions: the quantifying regime and the rhematizing regime (cf. Gal 2005 and this issue).
Comparative Activities and Toxicities III: D-Glucamine and Glycine Derivatives of Nitro and Halogenated Benzenes

D-Glucamine and glycine molecules have been introduced into several nitro and halogenated benzene derivatives in an attempt to reduce the toxic effects to the host of such compounds. A comparison of the acute toxicities of the two types of derivatives showed that the sugar group exerted a definite detoxifying effect, whereas the glycine and giycine ester groups had little effect on toxicity. The antibiotic activities of m -dinitrobenzene, 2,4-dinitroaniline, and p -nitroaniline were wholly removed when the D-glucamine group was present in these molecules, but N-(2-nitro-4,5-dichlorophenyl)-D-glucamine was found to have a relatively broad antibiotic spectrum. The 0 -, m- , and p -nitrophenylglycines and their esters revealed a rather limited activity against microorganisms.
Chinifur, a Selective Inhibitor and "Subversive Substrate" for Trypanosoma congolense Trypanothione Reductase

Abstract Nitrofurans with aromatic and heterocyclic substituents inhibit Trypanosoma congolense trypanothione reductase (TR) and yeast glutathione reductase (GR), acting as uncompetitive inhibitors vs. NADPH and noncompetitive or uncompetitive inhibitors vs. disulfide substrate. Many of these compounds inhibited trypanothione reductase more efficiently than glutathione reductase. Chinifur (2-{5′-nitro(furo-2′-yl)-ethene-1-yl}-4(N,N-diethylamino)-1-methyl-but-1-yl-arninocarbonyl-4-quinoline) was the most selective inhibitor of, and free radical-generating substrate for, trypanothione reductase (Ki = 4.5 μm, TN = 3 s−1, TN/Km = 3.2 × 104 M−1 s−1), only weakly inhibiting glutathione reductase (Ki = 100 μm). These findings point to the importance of hydrophobic interactions in the design of redox active heteroaromatic compounds acting as selective inhibitors of, and "subversive substrates" for, trypanothione reductase.
Mariano Fortuny's Delphos Robe: Some Possible Methods of Pleating and the Permanence of the Pleats:

The purpose of this study was to investigate some methods of pleating that Fortuny might have used in creating the fabric for the Delphos Robe and to test the permanence of pleats in silk fabric. F...
Navigating the Academic Job Search for Environmental Engineers: Guidance for Job Seekers and Mentors

AbstractStudents and postdoctoral associates interested in tenure-track environmental engineering positions have limited resources to aid them. The Student Services Committee (SSC) of the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) organized a workshop to fill some of the need. Newly hired faculty and experienced search committee and department chairs shared information on how to create competitive applications. Students and postdoctoral associates were also provided with individualized feedback on their faculty application packages. Survey data were collected for all participants, and these data are presented in this paper along with tips shared during the workshop and information collected from the literature. The objective of this paper is to share that information (1) to inform applicants (students and postdoctoral associates) about the academic job search process, and (2) to inform mentors about how to mentor applicants. Survey responses revealed that participants felt the...
Pressure-composition relations for coexisting gases and liquids and the critical points in the system NaCl-H2O at 450, 475, and 500°C

Pressure-temperature-composition (P, T, x) relations for the co-existing vapor and liquid phases in the system NaCl-H2O were determined experimentally at 450, 475, and 500°C. Data for each isotherm include P-x relations near the critical point and extend to the three-phase assemblage vapor-liquid-halite on the vapor side. On the liquid side the P-x data range from the critical point to the room-temperature halite saturation point (~25 wt.% NaCl). Critical pressures were calculated from measured pressures and compositions and classical theory. The results generally support the few data points of Urusova (1974, 1975) and Olander and Liander (1950) but differ markedly from the extensive data of Sourirajan and Kennedy (1962).
Some amino acid requirements of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), determined with glucose-U-C14

Abstract After feeding through a membrane on a solution of glucose-U-C 14 , Myzus persicae (Sulzer) was found to synthesize alanine, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, cystine, and two unidentified amino acids. Asparagine, recovered as aspartic acid, was also synthesized. Threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, methionine, and arginine were not synthesized to any appreciable extent and are considered to be nutritionally essential. Tyrosine was not synthesized and has been classified as essential pending further investigations to elucidate a phenylalanine to tyrosine synthesis.
Tomato phenylacetaldehyde reductases catalyze the last step in the synthesis of the aroma volatile 2-phenylethanol

The volatile compounds, 2-phenylacetaldehyde and 2-phenylethanol, are important for the aroma and flavor of many foods, such as ripe tomato fruits, and are also major constituents of scent of many flowers, most notably roses. While much work has gone into elucidating the pathway for 2-phenylethanol synthesis in bacteria and yeast, the pathways for synthesis in plants are not well characterized. We have identified two tomato enzymes (LePAR1 and LePAR2) that catalyze the conversion of 2-phenylacetaldehyde to 2-phenylethanol: LePAR1, a member of the large and diverse short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family, strongly prefers 2-phenylacetaldehyde to its shorter and longer homologues (benzaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde, respectively) and does not catalyze the reverse reaction at a measurable rate; LePAR2, however, has similar affinity for 2-phenylacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde. To confirm the activity of these enzymes in vivo, LePAR1 and LePAR2 cDNAs were individually expressed constitutively in petunia. While wild type petunia flowers emit relatively high levels of 2-phenylacetaldehyde and lower levels of 2-phenylethanol, flowers from the transgenic plants expressing LePAR1 or LePAR2 had significantly higher levels of 2-phenylethanol and lower levels of 2-phenylacetaldehyde. The in vivo alteration of volatile emissions is an important step toward altering aroma volatiles in plants.
Association Between Geographic Atrophy Progression and Reticular Pseudodrusen in Eyes With Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose. To evaluate geographic atrophy (GA) progression in eyes with dry AMD and to determine factors related to GA expansion, notably reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), also known as subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) or reticular macular disease (RMD).
A Comparison of Four Information Processing Models of Leadership and Social Perceptions

This study examined the validity of four alternative information processing models which specify how interaction behavior related to social perceptions in a small group problem-solving experiment. Results indicated that leadership and social power perceptions were based on relative, as opposed to absolute, frequency of behaviors and that this relationship was eliminated when behavior conflicted with experimenter provided behavioral norms. Limited support was found for the expectations that leadership perceptions depended on the prototypicality of behavior and on how well behaviors matched the interdependence requirements of experimental tasks. Results further suggested that raters' causal ascriptions to ratees may have been derived from leadership perceptions rather than being crucial in forming leadership perceptions, which supports a categorization model of leadership.
Incremental Large-Scale Electrostatic Analysis

In this paper, we propose methods to accelerate the solution of multiple related linear systems of equations. Such systems arise, for example, in building pattern libraries for interconnect parasitic extraction, parasitic extraction under process variation, and parameterized interconnect characterization. Our techniques include methods based on a generalized form of ldquorecycledrdquo Krylov subspace methods that use the sharing of information between related systems of equations to accelerate the iterative solution and methods to reuse computational effort during system matrix setup. Experimental results on electrostatic problems demonstrate significant improvement over existing methods that are based on solving each system individually. The proposed methods are generic, fully treat nonlinear perturbations without approximation and can potentially be applied to a wide variety of application domains outside electrostatic analysis.
Feedback orthogonal pruning pursuit for pulse acquisition in UWB communications

A feedback structure and signal recovery algorithm, orthogonal pruning pursuit, are proposed to apply sequential compressed sensing (CS) on ultra-wideband (UWB) communications. The prior knowledge is exploited by the feedback structure in time sequence UWB signals. The orthogonal pruning pursuit algorithm is utilized to reconstruct UWB echo signals by deleting zero entries to pursuit true non-zero elements. Numerical simulations show that using the proposed scheme, far fewer measurements are needed to achieve good performance compared with other CS algorithms for UWB communications. This saves substantial hardware resources in practical systems.
Neural circuit architectures for real-time signal processing in video rate communication systems

The authors describe the algorithms and hardware used to vector quantize predicted pixel intensity differences for real-time video compression. In this approach, both the algorithms and hardware are derived from aspects of neural network research, which can be thought of as providing new types of heuristics. The hardware is designed for rapid vector quantization performance, which entails the development of application specific associative memory circuits. The real-time associative memory is a key component of the signal processing hardware. Analog hardware is used to perform transform calculations on the source signal intensities, based on a Herault-Jutten network. >
Environment, obesity, and cardiovascular disease risk in low-income women.

Background Financially disadvantaged populations are more likely to live in communities that do not support healthy choices. This paper investigates whether certain characteristics of the built environment are associated with obesity or coronary heart disease (CHD) risk among uninsured low-income women. Methods Using a sample of 2001–2002 data from 2692 women enrolled in the WISEWOMAN program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the study team performed regression analysis (conducted in January–April 2005) to estimate body mass index (BMI) and the log of 10-year CHD risk as a function of the built environment and socioecologic measures. Results For women living in an environment of maximum mixed land use (i.e., an environment more conducive to healthy living), BMI was lower by 2.60 kg/m 2 and CHD risk was lower by 20% than for women living in single-use uniform environments (i.e., environments less conducive to healthy living). An additional fitness facility per 1000 residents was associated with BMI and CHD risk that were lower by 1.39 kg/m 2 and 15.1%, respectively. Crime was positively associated with BMI and CHD risk, whereas neighborhood affluence was negatively associated. Living in more racially segregated areas was negatively associated with CHD risk among black, Hispanic, and Asian women and positively associated with CHD risk among American Indian women. Conclusions The built environment and socioecologic characteristics of financially disadvantaged women were associated with BMI and CHD risk. More research is needed to understand the effects of racial segregation or acculturation on health for specific subpopulations.
Assessing giftedness with the WISC-III and the SB-IV.

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Third Edition (WISC-III) and the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition (SB-IV), were administered to 20 gifted children and 20 non-gifted children to examine the extent of the difference in IQ scores obtained on the two tests and whether order effects were present. Results show that the SB-IV Composite Score was significantly higher than the WISC-III Full Scale IQ for both groups. However, for the gifted group, unlike the non-gifted group, this difference achieved significance only when the SB-IV was administered first. When either IQ test was administered to the gifted students for the first time, without the confound of a learning influence, there was no significant difference in mean scores. However, when both tests were administered, it was found that the SB-IV influenced the WISC-III Full Scale IQ in a downward direction whereas the WISC-III influenced the SB-IV Composite Score in an upward direction. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extending the revelation effect to faces: Haven't we met before?

The revelation effect is an episodic memory phenomenon where participants are more likely to report that they recognise an item when it is judged after an interpolated task than when it is not. Although this effect is very robust, nearly all of the extant research has used verbal or readily verbalisable stimuli. The present two experiments examined whether a revelation effect could be produced with non‐verbal stimuli such as faces. A revelation effect was found in both experiments, for both targets and lures, using faces as stimuli. The findings are integrated into the prevailing empirical frameworks for the revelation effect and face recognition memory.
Styling One's Own in the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora: Implications for Language and Ethnicity

This study focuses on the ways youth in the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora in Canada, Britain, and the United States construct their ethnic identity when proficiency in their heritage language is limited. Though these youth claim only rudimentary proficiency in Tamil and identify English as their dominant language, they are nonetheless able to claim ethnic identity through strategic language practices. Different from Rampton's theorization of crossing, such acts involve self-styling. While crossing is transgressive, self-styling is affirmative. While crossing is ludic, self-styling is invested. Furthermore, while crossing has been studied mostly in terms of the tokens produced, this study illustrates the way receptive proficiency and nonverbal participatory practices can help style one's own. The study illustrates certain new configurations of language and ethnicity in diaspora life.
Influence of Factor VIIa and Phospholipids on Coagulation in “Acquired” Hemophilia

Objective— This study was performed to evaluate the influences of phospholipids and recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) on thrombin generation and clot formation in “acquired” hemophilia B. Methods and Results— A synthetic mixture corresponding to hemophilia A (SHA) and “acquired” hemophilia B blood (AHBB) manufactured in vitro by an anti-FIX antibody were used in this study. With 10 pmol/L tissue factor (TF), 10 nmol/L rFVIIa, and saturating phospholipid, established thrombin generation in SHA was similar to that observed in the presence of factor VIII and rFVIIa at physiological concentrations. At lower phospholipid concentrations, thrombin generation was delayed and reduced. With 5 pmol/L TF, contact pathway-inhibited AHBB clotted later than normal blood and showed reduced clot stability and thrombin generation. These parameters of effectiveness were increased by the addition of phospholipids to AHBB, which restored clot stability and increased thrombin generation. No correction of clot formation or thrombin generation was observed when rFVIIa and phospholipids were added to AHBB in the absence of TF. Conclusions— The influence of rFVIIa is dependent on TF, and phospholipids substantially increase the hemostatic (or thrombotic) potential of rFVIIa/TF.
Online event-driven subsequence matching over financial data streams

Subsequence similarity matching in time series databases is an important research area for many applications. This paper presents a new approximate approach for automatic online subsequence similarity matching over massive data streams. With a simultaneous on-line segmentation and pruning algorithm over the incoming stream, the resulting piecewise linear representation of the data stream features high sensitivity and accuracy. The similarity definition is based on a permutation followed by a metric distance function, which provides the similarity search with flexibility, sensitivity and scalability. Also, the metric-based indexing methods can be applied for speed-up. To reduce the system burden, the event-driven similarity search is performed only when there is a potential event. The query sequence is the most recent subsequence of piecewise data representation of the incoming stream which is automatically generated by the system. The retrieved results can be analyzed in different ways according to the requirements of specific applications. This paper discusses an application for future data movement prediction based on statistical information. Experiments on real stock data are performed. The correctness of trend predictions is used to evaluate the performance of subsequence similarity matching.
The Influence of Peer Interactions on Sexually Oriented Joke Telling

Although the negative consequences and prevalence rates of sexual imposition are widely known through self-report surveys, currently there are few laboratory paradigms to examine the determinants of this type of behavior, especially peer sexual harassment. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of two types of peer interactions on peer sexual harassment among college students using a laboratory paradigm of sexually oriented joke telling as an analogue of sexual harassment. Results from two different experiments revealed an effect of type of peer interaction on sexually oriented joke telling. In Experiment 1, male college students, who were exposed to a male peer who modeled sexually harassing behavior, subsequently told significantly more sexually oriented jokes to an unknown female peer than did male students exposed to a male peer who modeled nonsexually harassing behavior. In Experiment 2, male college students, who were exposed to a male peer who was seemingly sexist in his interaction with them, subsequently told significantly more sexually oriented jokes to an unknown female peer than did male students exposed to a male peer who was seemingly nonsexist in his interactions with them. These results suggest that peer interactions may serve as a disinhibiting situational factor of sexually harassing behaviors perpetrated by male college students on female peers. The results also provide further validity for the use of a laboratory paradigm for the study of peer sexual harassment.
A Proteomic Perspective of Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) Phosphorylation and Interactions and Their Dependence on Its Catalytic Activity

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), a member of the mammalian sirtuin family, is a nuclear deacetylase with substrate-specific NAD+-dependent activity. SIRT6 has emerged as a critical regulator of diverse processes, including DNA repair, gene expression, telomere maintenance, and metabolism. However, our knowledge regarding its interactions and regulation remains limited. Here, we present a comprehensive proteomics-based analysis of SIRT6 protein interactions and their dependence on SIRT6 catalytic activity. We also identify evolutionarily conserved SIRT6 phosphorylations, including four within a proline-rich disordered region, and show that the conserved S338 phosphorylation can modulate selected SIRT6 interactions. By integrating molecular biology tools, microscopy, immunoaffinity purifications, label-free quantitative mass spectrometry, and bioinformatic analyses, we have established the first large-scale SIRT6 interaction network. Relative protein abundances and gene ontology functional assessment highlighted proteins involved in transcription regulation, chromatin organization, nuclear transport, telomerase function, and RNA processing. Independent immunoisolations under increased stringency distinguished the most stable SIRT6 interactions. One prominent interaction with Ras-GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) was further validated by microscopy, reciprocal purifications, and isolations in different cell types and of endogenous SIRT6. Interestingly, a subset of specific interactions, including G3BP1, were significantly reduced or abolished in isolations of catalytically deficient SIRT6 mutant, revealing previously unknown interplay between SIRT6 activity and its associations. Overall, our study reveals putative means of regulation of SIRT6 functions via interactions and modifications, providing an important resource for future studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying sirtuin functions.
Hypergraph partitioning for automatic memory hierarchy management

In this paper, we present a mechanism for automatic management of the memory hierarchy, including secondary storage, in the context of a global address space parallel programming framework. The programmer specifies the parallelism and locality in the computation. The scheduling of the computation into stages, together with the movement of the associated data between secondary storage and global memory, and between global memory and local memory, is automatically managed. A novel formulation of hypergraph partitioning is used to model the optimization problem of minimizing disk I/O. Experimental evaluation of the proposed approach using a sub-computation from the quantum chemistry domain shows a reduction in the disk I/O cost by up to a factor of 11, and a reduction in turnaround time by up to 49%, as compared to alternative approaches used in state-of-the-art quantum chemistry codes.
Significance of Group III and IV muscle afferents for the endurance exercising human

1. With the onset of dynamic whole-body exercise, contraction-induced mechanical and biochemical stimuli within locomotor muscle cause an increase in the discharge frequency of thinly myelinated (Group III) and unmyelinated (Group IV) nerve fibres located within the muscle. 2. These thin fibre muscle afferents project to various sites within the central nervous system and thereby substantially influence the exercising human. 3. First, Group III/IV muscle afferents are the afferent arm of cardiovascular and ventilatory reflex responses that are mediated in the nucleus tractus solitarius and the ventrolateral medulla. Therefore, neural feedback from working skeletal muscle is a vital component in providing a high capacity for endurance exercise because muscle perfusion and O₂ delivery determine the fatigability of skeletal muscle. 4. Second, Group III/IV muscle afferents facilitate 'central fatigue' (failure, or unwillingness, of the central nervous system to 'drive' motoneurons) by exerting inhibitory influences on central motor drive during exercise. 5. Thus, Group III/IV muscle afferents play a substantial role in a human's susceptibility to fatigue and capacity for endurance exercise.
Patterns of Substance Abuse and Intoxication Among Murderers

A series of 100 murderers was examined to discern patterns of substance abuse and intoxication in relation to homicidal events. More than half of the study subjects were found to be actively abusing drugs at the time of their crime, and almost half were intoxicated. Alcohol was the drug most often abused. Demographic and other discriminating factors were utilized to examine the hypothesis that murderers do not constitute a homogeneous population and that subgroups differ in their abuse patterns. Cluster analytic techniques were applied to the study population. Utilizing a set of 13 proximate causal factors, a typology of seven distinct homicide profiles was created. Two of the seven profiles exhibited extremely high abuse and intoxication rates, three others intermediate rates, and two profiles very low rates. Moreover, different substances were prime offenders in different profiles. These findings demonstrate that substance abuse is an important etiological contributor in some types of murderer but not in all types.
Natural occurrence of monoclinic Fe3S4 nano-precipitates in pyrrhotite from the Sudbury ore deposit: a Z-contrast imaging and density functional theory study

A monoclinic form of Fe3S4, a polymorph of cubic greigite, occurs as precipitates in a sample of pyrrhotite collected from the Sudbury ore deposit. The nano-crystal precipitates are in a topotaxial relationship with the host pyrrhotite-4 C (Fe7S8). The precipitate and the host pyrrhotite have a coherent (001) interface. Half of the octahedral layers in the crystal structure are fully occupied by Fe, while the other half of the octahedral layers are occupied by Fe atoms and vacancies in an ordered manner along the a axis. The crystal structure of the Fe3S4 nano-precipitates has monoclinic symmetry with a space group of I 2 /m . Its c dimension is 6% smaller than that of the host pyrrhotite due to the large number of vacancies in the structure. Fractional coordinates for S and Fe atoms within the unit cell are determined from Z-contrast images and density functional theory (DFT). The calculated results match the measured values very well. It is proposed that the monoclinic Fe3S4 nano-precipitates formed through ordering of vacancies in pyrrhotite with a low Fe/S ratio (i.e. <0.875) at low temperature.
Outcomes and toxicities among octogenarians and nonagenarians with colorectal cancer (crc) treated with chemotherapy or concurrent chemoradiation - a single institution study

13514 Background: Chemotherapy is associated with an improved overall survival with acceptable toxicities in patients ≥ 70 years. However, little to no data exists regarding feasibility and tolerab...
A brief overview of lifelong learning in Japan

Japan’s ministry of education, culture, Sports, Science and Technology (meXT) takes the position that lifelong learning, or shougai gakushuu, encompasses not only structured learning through schooling and social education but also learning that takes place through sports, cultural activities, hobbies, recreation, and volunteer activities. This article presents an overview of lifelong learning in Japan, beginning with a brief historical outline of its development, from the Act for Adult education of 1949 to the current national policy. Survey data on the extent of participation in lifelong learning opportunities is presented and followed by a discussion of the government’s current rationale and strategies for the promotion and ad vancement of lifelong learning in Japan. Societal factors challenging meXT’s prioritization of lifelong learning are also discussed.
Building Capacity in Pain Medicine: The Novel Use of Group Assessment Methods to Enhance Patient Access to Care.

Access to healthcare in general and to pain management care in particular continues to be a significant problem in the United States and globally for several reasons. On the demand side of the equation, as of September 2015 the U.S. population is currently estimated to be 321.7 million, and the U.S. Census Bureau projects that it will increase to around 347.3 million by 2025, representing a growth of approximately 7.4% [1,2]. This population growth reflects a disproportionately higher increase in older adults, i.e., individuals more than 65 years of age (46%), with a relatively lower rise in the number of people under 18 years of age (5%) [3]. The Institute of Health Informatics reports that between 2012 and 2013 office-based demand for specialist care (increased 4.9%) exceeded that for primary care (declined 0.7%) in the same setting [4]. The implication of the effects of population growth for the demand in specialist services such as pain medicine is that demand can be expected to increase proportionately over the next decade. Following the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 and at the behest of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in 2011 the Institute of …
Does Concurrent Use of Some Botanicals Interfere with Treatment of Tuberculosis

Millions of individuals with active TB do not receive recommended treatments, and instead may use botanicals, or use botanicals concurrently with established treatments. Many botanicals protect against oxidative stress, but this can interfere with redox-dependent activation of isoniazid and other prodrugs used for prophylaxis and treatment of TB, as suggested by results of a recent clinical trial of the South African botanical Sutherlandia frutescens (L.) R. Br. (Sutherlandia). Here we provide a brief summary of Sutherlandia’s effects upon rodent microglia and neurons relevant to tuberculosis of the central nervous system (CNS-TB). We have observed that ethanolic extracts of Sutherlandia suppress production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat primary cortical neurons stimulated by NMDA and also suppress LPS- and interferon γ (IFNγ)-induced ROS and nitric oxide (NO) production by microglial cells. Sutherlandia consumption mitigates microglial activation in the hippocampus and striatum of ischemic brains of mice. RNAseq analysis indicates that Sutherlandia suppresses gene expression of oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling and toll-like receptor pathways that can reduce the host’s immune response to infection and reactivation of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. As a precautionary measure, we recommend that individuals receiving isoniazid for pulmonary or cerebral TB, be advised not to concurrently use botanicals or dietary supplements having antioxidant activity.
Observation of the Efficacy of Jiuweiluping Granula in the Treatment of General Anxiety

OBJECTIVE:To observe and evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiuweiluping Granula in the t reatment of general anxiety. METHODS: In a randomized, double blind and paraller -controlled clinical trial, 72 patients with general anxiety(deficiency of the h eart and spleen cardiosplenic asthenia)were recruited. The patients were randomi zed to orally receive Jiuweiluping Ggranula(n=54) or buspirone hydrochloride(n=1 8)for 4 weeks. RESULTS:The overall response rate was 94.34% for Jiuweiluping gra nula and 100% for buspirone hydrochloride and there was no significant differenc e between the two groups. No notable difference was observed in the overall inci dence of adverse events between the two groups(11 11% vs. 11 11%). The common ad verse effect is dry mouth and constipation in patients receiving Jiuweiluping gr anula, T wave change occurs in a few of cases who have no subjective symptom.CON CLUSION: Jiuweiluping granula is safe to be used in the treatment of general anx iety.
Unexplained pneumonia cases surveillance results analysis of Guizhou province during 2012-2013

Objective The study was conducted to analyze the surveillance results of unexplained pneumonia cases in Guizhou from 2012 to 2013 for the formulation of strategies for the prevention and control of SARS and human avian influenza. Methods Surveillance was performed following the National surveillance program of unexplained pneumonia cases,with case study done for each case found. Statistical analysis were performed on the surveillance data of unexplained pneumonia in Guizhou from 2012 to 2013. Results 66 cases of unexplained pneumonia were reported from 2012 to 2013 in Guizhou,3 cases of which was diagnosed high-pathogenic human avian influenza. The reported ratio of male to female was 2. 3∶ 1. Every aged people were affected,and unexplained pneumonia cases were reported in winter and spring. Conclusions Unexplained pneumonia surveillance is an important approach to screening and finding grave respiratory tract diseases,and it is of great positive significance for the prevention and control of SARS and human avian influenza.
Effect of mood,feeling with enriching life and bodily pain on the completion of things

[Objective]To explore the influence of mood,body pain,etc on the conditions of whether completing things or not,and provide pertinent measures for intervening in the population in Suzhou New District.[Methods]A total of 399 local inhabitants aged 18-69 years were selected randomly and divided into group with completing things in part(64 individuals) and group with completing things entirely(335 individuals).The investigation was conducted by risk factors and health status questionnaire.[Results] The group with completing things in part had longer depressive time(χ2=18.98,P0.01),longer nervous time(χ2=16.56,P0.01)and stronger feeling with enriching life(χ2=15.78,P0.01) than that of group with completing things entirely.The group with completing things in part were easily influenced by body pain than that of group with completing things entirely(χ2=63.49,P0.01)[Conclusion]These people with completing things in part are inclined to more depressive,more nervous,less feeling with enriching life and easily influenced by body pain,therefore,mental intervention should be strengthened on this aspect.
4H–SiC homoepitaxy on nearly on-axis substrates using TFS-towards high quality epitaxial growth

Abstract We report high quality homoepitaxial growth on nearly on-axis ( ± 0.5 ° ) 4H–SiC substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using Tetrafluorosilane and Propane as Si and C-precursors, respectively. N-type unintentional doping (1017–1014 cm−3) was obtained for 0.6 2.0, a linear dependence on C-flow is established, with a return to step-mediated growth, shown by the surface morphology (RMS roughness ∼1 nm), and high polytype uniformity from Raman at high Rg- 14 μm/h. These two behaviors were ascribed to a decrease in the etch rate of SiC by SiF4 with increasing C/Si due to C-aided decomposition of SiF4, both of which make available a greater amount of elemental Si at the surface, thereby suppressing spiral growth. Use of on-axis or near on-axis substrates can eliminate/reduce basal plane dislocations which limit the performance of SiC bipolar electronic devices.
Gestational Outcome of Clomiphene-Related Conceptions *

The experience of the gynecologic endocrinology and infertility clinic at The Johns Hopkins Hopsital has been subjected to a nonconcurrent prospective analysis in an attempt to evaluate the gestational fate of clomiphene-related conceptions (study series, n=86). This latter series was contrasted with a series of pregnancies following bilateral ovarian wedge resection (BOWR) (n = 51) in a comparative analysis of gestational outcome event rates. Post-therapy follow-up was available for varying time spans of up to 15 years. A 12.8% twinning rate constituted the single most important complication of clomiphene therapy, resulting in measurable increments in perinatal morbidity and mortality rates. The observation of a 26.5% spontaneous abortion rate would seem to suggest that clomiphene-related conceptions are at little or no more risk for spontaneous abortion than would have been expected from the infertile population under discussion. A 3.1% incidence of post-clomiphene birth defects was not increased as compared with commonly quoted rates for the population at large. The corresponding incidence rates of twinning, spontaneous abortion, and birth defects for the BOWR series were 0%, 21.6%, and 0%, respectively.
TU-AB-BRA-08: Slice by Slice Approach to Quantifying Inter-Fractional Organ Motion

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of a rapid computational algorithm for generating esophageal margin expansions. Methods: Inter-fraction MRI allows visualization of relative variations of the esophagus and other critical structures when compared to planning CT. We have developed a rapid computational method for quantifying this motion. CT simulation and on-treatment MR data sets of seven patients were obtained using a 0.3 T MR-guided RT system. Rigid registration guided by bony anatomy from the cricoid to the gastro-esophageal junction was used for transferring CT contours to MR volumes. CT- and MR-based contours were re-sampled to form boundaries – BCT and BMR respectively – that densely sample the image grid. Centroids CCT and CMR were calculated slice-by-slice from BCT and BMR respectively. For each CT boundary point BCT(i) within an area enclosed by the MR boundary points, the intersection BMR(j) was calculated between the MR boundary and a line defined by BCT(i) and CCT. The length of the vector defined by BCT(i) and BMR(j) provides a margin expansion within a given slice for that vector orientation. This procedure is repeated for every slice to characterize margin expansions along the esophagus. Results: Expansions were determined for in-plane quadrants along the length of the esophagus. With the analysis relying on simple geometry, the non-negligible time constraint in the procedure is manual contouring. Given the soft tissue contrast on MR volumes, systematic margin uncertainties are ultimately determined by in-plane spatial resolution (1.5×1.5 mm2 in most cases). Conclusion: We demonstrate a rapid method for assessing inter-fractional variation for the sake of suggesting thorough treatment margins (applied to the esophagus). Ongoing work aims to assess intra-fractional esophageal motion.
Ectopic Penile Prosthesis Reservoir Placement: An Anatomic Cadaver Model of the High Submuscular Technique.

Abstract Introduction High submuscular ectopic placement of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reservoirs via the inguinal canal has been popularized as an alternative to the retropubic (orthotopic) location, particularly among men with prior pelvic surgery. Published results suggest minimal complications and high patient satisfaction. However, in our practice, we identified several patients presenting for IPP revision after high submuscular placement who were found to have reservoirs within the peritoneal cavity. Aim Given the potential for complications, we performed a cadaveric study to define the anatomic location of reservoirs placed using this technique. Methods We utilized 10 fresh male cadavers without embalming. Bilateral ectopic reservoir placement (10 AMS Conceal [Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA] and 10 Coloplast Cloverleaf [Coloplast Corp, Humlebaek, Denmark]) was performed using the high submuscular technique via a penoscrotal incision. Strict adherence to published reports detailing the technique was emphasized to assure reliability of findings. Main Outcome Measures Anatomic dissection was performed to identify reservoir location within the abdominal wall layers. Results Twenty IPP reservoirs were placed without difficulty or concern for inadvertent malpositioning. Sixteen reservoirs (80%) were found anterior to the transversalis fascia, including 7 (35%) deep to the rectus muscle and 9 (45%) deep to the external oblique fascia and lateral to the rectus muscle belly. Two reservoirs (10%) were identified in the retroperitoneal space, while 1 (5%) was preperitoneal (deep to transversalis fascia) and 1 (5%) was intraperitoneal. Conclusion Placement of IPP reservoirs using the high submuscular technique results in variable anatomic locations, including within or immediately superficial to the peritoneal cavity. Given the lack of immediate recognition and risk of delayed complications with suboptimal reservoir placement, further studies are mandated to assess the long-term safety of the technique.
A Texture Driven Approach for Visible Spectrum Fire Detection on Mobile Robots

This paper proposes an automatic fire detection system that is able to work with both stationary and non-stationary video achieving a 91.90% accuracy using color, texture and shape information. As an extension to prior approaches in the video-based fire detection field, the proposed system replaces the use of threshold-driven color spectroscopy with a trained classifier, resulting in a better color segmentation. From the color-classified regions, non-temporal texture features are extracted and used as an input to a trained Random Forests classifier. Using standardized metrics and a large dataset we compare our solution to other state of the art systems, showing that it outperforms the prior approaches in both frame by frame classification and fire region location. The method has been validated over more than 24 thousand frames proving to offer high precision and recall.
Mutations in KIAA0753 cause Joubert syndrome associated with growth hormone deficiency.

Joubert syndrome and related disorders (JSRD) are a heterogeneous group of ciliopathies defined based on the mid-hindbrain abnormalities that result in the characteristic “molar tooth sign” on brain imaging. The core clinical findings of JSRD are hypotonia, developmental delay, abnormal eye movements and breathing abnormalities. To date, more than 30 JSRD genes that encode proteins important for structure and/or function of cilia have been identified. Here, we present 2 siblings with Joubert syndrome associated with growth hormone deficiency. Whole exome sequencing of the family identified compound heterozygous mutations in KIAA0753, i.e., a missense mutation (p.Arg257Gly) and an intronic mutation (c.2359-1G>C). The intronic mutation alters normal splicing by activating a cryptic acceptor splice site in exon 16. The novel acceptor site skips nine nucleotides, deleting three amino acids from the protein coding frame. KIAA0753 (OFIP) is a centrosome and pericentriolar satellite protein, previously not known to cause Joubert syndrome. We present comprehensive clinical descriptions of the Joubert syndrome patients as well as the cellular phenotype of defective ciliogenesis in the patients’ fibroblasts.