cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of aluminum thin films protected by ultrathin MgF 2 layers measured using spectroscopic ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

To maintain high, broad-band reflectance, thin transparent fluoride layers, such as MgF2, are used to protect aluminum mirrors against oxidation. In this study, we present, for the first time, combined X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and spectroscopic ellipsometric (SE) studies of aluminum oxidation as a function of MgF2 overlayer thickness (thickness 0-5 nm). Dynamic SE tracks the extent of oxide growth every ca. 2s over a period of several hours after the evaporated Al + MgF2 bilayer is removed from the deposition chamber. Aluminum oxidation changes under the fluoride layer were quantitatively verified with XPS. Changes in chemical state from Al metal to Al oxide were directly observed. Oxide growth is computed from relative XPS peak areas as corrected for electron attenuation through the MgF2 overlayer. An empirical formula fits time-dependent data for aluminum surfaces protected by MgF2 as a function of MgF2 layer thickness: aluminum-oxide thickness = kSE*log(t)+bSE. The slope depends only on MgF2 thickness, decreasing monotonically with increasing MgF2 thickness. This method of employing SE coupled with XPS can be extendable to the study of other metal/overlayer combinations.
REVIEW OF PRIAPISM LITIGATION IN THE UNITED STATES

ABSTRACT Objectives To review medical malpractice trends and to identify the most common claims filed against medical providers for the management of patients with priapism. Methods Using the Westlaw legal database, a search was done for the keyword “priapism” between July 1, 1980 and July 1, 2020. Cases were evaluated for plaintiff demographics, reasons for filing claims, management outcomes, legal verdicts and awards and further categorized based upon the timing of the alleged malpractice. Results Alleged negligence during the pre-management period was cited in 30 cases. Administration of psychotropic medications was the most common reasons for filing pre-management claims 22/56 (39.3%). Delay in care accounted for 18/56 (32.1%) and complications of surgery were 5/56 (8.9%) of claims. The majority of the completed cases were in favor of the defendants (39/47; 83.0%). There was no association between type of health care provider or timing of alleged malpractice and ultimate verdict. Conclusions Prescribing psychoactive medications without warning of the adverse effect profile is the most common reason for claims filed against providers with trazodone as the leading medication. Medical providers should ensure that patients are well informed of this adverse effect prior to prescription. Regardless, the majority of medical malpractice cases carry a verdict in favor of the defendant.
Intestinal microbiota and its interaction to intestinal health in nursery pigs

ABSTRACT The intestinal microbiota has gained increased attention from researchers within the swine industry due to its role in promoting intestinal maturation, immune system modulation, and consequently the enhancement of the health and growth performance of the host. This review aimed to provide updated scientific information on the interaction among intestinal microbiota, dietary components, and intestinal health of pigs. The small intestine is a key site to evaluate the interaction of the microbiota, diet, and host because it is the main site for digestion and absorption of nutrients and plays an important role within the immune system. The diet and its associated components such as feed additives are the main factors affecting the microbial composition and is central in stimulating a beneficial population of microbiota. The microbiota-host interaction modulates the immune system, and, concurrently, the immune system helps to modulate the microbiota composition. The direct interaction between the microbiota and the host is an indication that the mucosa-associated microbiota can be more effective in evaluating its effect on health parameters. It was demonstrated that the mucosa-associated microbiota should be evaluated when analyzing the interaction among diets, microbiota, and health. In addition, supplementation of feed additives aimed to promote the intestinal health of pigs should consider their roles in the modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota as biomarkers to predict the response of growth performance to dietary interventions.
Projected changes of regional lake hydrologic characteristics in response to 21st century climate change

Inland lakes are socially and ecologically important components of many regional landscapes. Exploring lake responses to plausible future climate scenarios can provide important information needed ...
Ketogenic Diets in Pancreatic Cancer and Associated Cachexia: Cellular Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive and extremely therapy-resistant cancer. It is estimated that up to 80% of PDAC patients present with cachexia, a multifactorial disorder characterized by the involuntary and ongoing wasting of skeletal muscle that affects therapeutic response and survival. During the last decade, there has been an increased interest in exploring dietary interventions to complement the treatment of PDAC and associated cachexia. Ketogenic diets (KDs) have gained attention for their anti-tumor potential. Characterized by a very low carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high fat composition, this diet mimics the metabolic changes that occur in fasting. Numerous studies report that a KD reduces tumor growth and can act as an adjuvant therapy in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. However, research on the effect and mechanisms of action of KDs on PDAC-associated cachexia is limited. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence of the impact of KDs in PDAC treatment and cachexia mitigation. Furthermore, we discuss key cellular mechanisms that explain KDs' potential anti-tumor and anti-cachexia effects, focusing primarily on reprogramming of cell metabolism, epigenome, and the gut microbiome. Finally, we provide a perspective on future research needed to advance KDs into clinical use.
A systematic review on natural language processing systems for eligibility prescreening in clinical research.

Objective We conducted a systematic review to assess the effect of natural language processing (NLP) systems in improving the accuracy and efficiency of eligibility prescreening during the clinical research recruitment process. Materials and methods Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards of quality for reporting systematic reviews, a protocol for study eligibility was developed a priori and registered in the PROSPERO database. Using predetermined inclusion criteria, studies published from database inception through February 2021 were identified from 5 databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-experimental Studies was adapted to determine the study quality and the risk of bias of the included articles. Results Eleven studies representing 8 unique NLP systems met the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated moderate study quality and exhibited heterogeneity in the study design, setting, and intervention type. All 11 studies evaluated the NLP system's performance for identifying eligible participants; 7 studies evaluated the system's impact on time efficiency; 4 studies evaluated the system's impact on workload; and 2 studies evaluated the system's impact on recruitment. Discussion NLP systems in clinical research eligibility prescreening are an understudied but promising field that requires further research to assess its impact on real-world adoption. Future studies should be centered on continuing to develop and evaluate relevant NLP systems to improve enrollment into clinical studies. Conclusion Understanding the role of NLP systems in improving eligibility prescreening is critical to the advancement of clinical research recruitment.
Effects of confinement on bubble dynamics in a square duct

Abstract In this paper, we simulate the effects of confinement on three-dimensional bubble dynamics in a square duct. A systematic study of three confinement ratios, four Bond numbers and two Morton numbers has been conducted. A GPU implemented VOF numerical algorithm on a Cartesian collocated grid with an improved method to handle the surface tension force has been developed. A three-dimensional geometry construction method with a piecewise linear interpolation scheme for approximating the interface segments is used to compute the interface shape and liquid volume flux from the cell faces. The Navier–Stokes equations are solved with a space–time second-order accurate fractional step numerical scheme. The surface tension force is treated as a pressure gradient and an additional Poisson equation is solved. Transient and steady state bubble deformations, rise velocities and aspect ratios are presented.
Novel ocular lubricant containing an intelligent delivery system: details of its mechanism of action.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to outline the mechanism of action of a novel ocular lubricant incorporating hydroxypropyl-guar (HPG) and the demulcents polyethylene glycol
Decision Support Systems: Foundations and Variations

Now in their fourth decade, decision support systems have progressed to the point of being so diverse in nature and so widespread in everyday use that they are often taken for granted, not even being recognized for what they are. Yet, they have major positive impacts on both individuals and organizations. This article provides a foundation for understanding decision support systems. We examine why they exist, how they differ from other classes of software systems (e.g., management information systems), their basic architecture, and variations in their implementations and features. With this foundation, we can more fully grasp today's decision support options and be in a position to better appreciate the ever advancing frontier of decision support system research. Keywords: decision support system; DSS; group decision support system; knowledge management; knowledge system; organizational decision support system; problem processor
Modifying Populus Environmental Responses: Impacts on Wood Quantity and Quality

ABSTRACT Natural selection for environmental fitness has led to a wide variety of wood properties between and within trees. In the redesign of trees to better serve industry needs, we believe that a focus on modifying genetic control of environmental responses can simultaneously improve total wood yield, tailor wood properties for different uses, and reduce the within tree variation in wood properties. To do that, we need much more understanding of environmental signals, the physiological processes they elicit, and the resulting changes in wood formation. We are studying two types of environmental interactions that we know have large impacts on wood yield, competition effects and responses to pest attack, to determine the corresponding impacts on wood properties. In wild trees, both of theses environmental factors cause a shift in allocation of photosynthate away from stem wood formation to stem height growth and/or replacement of shaded or damaged leaves. Concurrent changes in hormone levels within the tree may impact wood quality traits such as specific gravity and fiber length. We have started evaluating model systems to look at the magnitude of these effects. We discuss results from a spacing trial and an insect impact study in this paper.
Bargaining When the Future of an Industry Is at Stake: Lessons from UAW–Ford Collective Bargaining Negotiations

The 2007 American automobile industry labor negotiations involved fundamental challenges for labor and management, including a historic shift of responsibility in the management of retiree health care, a need for new approaches to core employment security issues, identification of ways to create new unionized jobs in the industry, and a joint commitment to the competitive viability of U.S. operations. Less visible, but no less important in the United Auto Workers–Ford case, has been unprecedented levels of information sharing and unique innovations in the bargaining process designed to enable problem solving even when tough issues were on the table. More than 300 people were directly involved in the negotiations, serving at the main table and on twenty-four subcommittees. This case study covers the context for the negotiations, key events leading up to the bargaining, a unique process of “bargaining over how to bargain,” the actual negotiation process, and the results achieved. Implications are generalizable to the broader concept of pattern bargaining and many other types of negotiations when transformation is on the table.
Emotional memory across the adult lifespan

Part 1. Introduction and Background. 1. Emotion, Memory, and Their Interactions. 2. The Neurobiology of Emotion and Memory. 3. Methods for Investigating Emotion-Memory Interactions. Part 2. Emotional Memory in Young Adults. 4. Emotion's Modulation of Implicit Memory. 5. Emotion's Influence on Working Memory. 6. Emotion and Long-Term Memory Enhancements. 7. Aspects of Memory Enhanced by Emotion. 8. Emotion-Induced Memory Trade-offs. 9. Influences of Valence and Arousal on Emotional Memory. 10. Individual Differences in Young Adults' Emotional Memories. Part 3. Emotional Memory in Older Adults. 11. Cognitive and Neural Changes with Advancing Age. 12. Emotional Processing in Old Age. 13. Aging and Emotional Working Memory. 14. When Aging Influences Effects of Emotion on Long-Term Memory. 15. Age-Related Positivity Biases. 16. Emotional Memory in Alzheimer's Disease. 17. Summary and Conclusions.
Risk Factors Associated with Childhood Strabismus: The Multi-Ethnic Pediatric Eye Disease and Baltimore Pediatric Eye Disease Studies

Objective To investigate risk factors associated with esotropia or exotropia in infants and young children. Design Population-based cross-sectional prevalence study. Participants Population-based samples of 9970 children 6 to 72 months of age from California and Maryland. Methods Participants were preschool African-American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white children participating in the Multi-Ethnic Pediatric Eye Disease Study and the Baltimore Eye Disease Study. Data were obtained by parental interview and ocular examination. Odd ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the association of demographic, behavioral, and clinical risk factors with esotropia and exotropia. Main Outcome Measures Odds ratios (ORs) for various risk factors associated with esotropia or exotropia diagnosis based on cover testing. Results In multivariate logistic regression analysis, esotropia was associated independently with prematurity, maternal smoking during pregnancy, older preschool age (48–72 months), anisometropia, and hyperopia. There was a severity-dependent association of hyperopia with the prevalence of esotropia, with ORs increasing from 6.4 for 2.00 diopters (D) to less than 3.00 D of hyperopia, to 122.0 for 5.00 D or more of hyperopia. Exotropia was associated with prematurity, maternal smoking during pregnancy, family history of strabismus, female sex, astigmatism (OR, 2.5 for 1.50 to Conclusions Prematurity and maternal smoking during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of having esotropia and exotropia. Refractive error is associated in a severity-dependent manner to the prevalence of esotropia and exotropia. Because refractive error is correctable, these risk associations should be considered when developing guidelines for the screening and management of refractive error in infants and young children. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
Nonlinear hydrodynamics and tilt modulus of flux-line liquids

In this paper we use non-Gaussian hydrodynamics to study the magnetic response of a flux-line liquid in the mixed state of a type-II superconductor. Both the derivation of our model, which goes beyond conventional Gaussian flux liquid hydrodynamics, and its relationship to other approaches used in the literature are discussed. We focus on the response to a transverse tilting field which is controlled by the tilt modulus ${c}_{44}$ of the flux array. We show that interaction effects can enhance ${c}_{44}$ even in infinitely thick clean materials. This enhancement can be interpreted as the appearance of a disentangled flux-liquid fraction. In contrast to earlier work, our theory incorporates the nonlocality of the intervortex interaction in the field direction. This nonlocality is crucial for obtaining a nonvanishing renormalization of the tilt modulus in the thermodynamic limit of thick samples.
Dynamics within a Single Molecular Layer. Aggregation, Relaxation, and the Absence of Motion

We report on the transient and steady-state optical responses of the chromophore 2,2‘-bithiophene-5,5‘-diylbis(phosphonic acid) (BDP) incorporated within a single zirconium-phosphonate layer as a function of chromophore density. While the dilute solution optical response of BDP reveals no anomalous behavior, its characteristics are substantially different when confined within a monolayer. We vary the concentrations of layer constituents to determine the extent of interaction between BDP moieties within a single monolayer. We observe limited initial aggregation of BDP, the extent of which is determined largely by the conditions under which the monolayer is formed. Over time, the fractional contribution of BDP aggregates to the total optical response decreases to a limiting value, implicating surface adsorption site density as the dominant factor in determining the morphology of the organobis(phosphonate) layer. Motional relaxation measurements of BDP within the layer show that the chromophores are immobile...
Utility Proportional Fairness Resource Allocation with Carrier Aggregation in 4G-LTE

In this paper, we consider a resource allocation optimization problem with carrier aggregation in fourth generation long term evolution (4G-LTE). In our proposed model, each user equipment (UE) is assigned a utility function that represents the application type running on the UE. Our objective is to allocate the resources from two carriers to each user based on its application that is represented by the utility function assigned to that user. We consider two groups of users, one with elastic traffic and the other with inelastic traffic. Each user is guaranteed a minimum resource allocation. In addition, a priority resource allocation is given to the UEs running adaptive real time applications. We prove that the optimal rate allocated to each UE by the single carrier resource allocation optimization problem is equivalent to the aggregated optimal rates allocated to the same user by the primary and secondary carriers when their total resources is equivalent to the single carrier resources. Our goal is to guarantee a minimum quality of service (QoS) that varies based on the user application type. We present a carrier aggregation rate allocation algorithm to allocate two carriers resources optimally among users. Finally we present simulation results with the carrier aggregation rate allocation algorithm.
Trastuzumab not for ductal carcinoma in situ

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a preinvasive breast lesion accounting for approximately 30% of all newly detected breast cancers in the US. DCIS has been separated into two groups by architecture (comedo versus noncomedo) and nuclear grade. The expression of biological markers in DCIS, however, would reflect the true biologic potential of the lesion. Patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER-2)-positive DCIS pose a treatment challenge. They are not candidates for tamoxifen; trastuzumab has an undetermined role in DCIS. In this report, we present a case of a 45-year-old woman diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and ER-negative/HER-2-positive DCIS who developed recurrence and progression of DCIS as manifested by a new palpable mass while receiving trastuzumab as part of adjuvant treatment for invasive breast cancer. The potential clinical implications are discussed.
Charge-pump detector for X-ray correlation spectroscopy

Abstract A detector for the X-ray Correlation Spectroscopy (XCS) instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) in Stanford (CA) is being developed at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). The LCLS is the first operational X-ray free electron laser. It provides extremely bright coherent laser-like X-ray pulses with energy up to 8 keV, shorter than 100 fs and with a repetition rate that will go up to 120 Hz. An ideal detector for XCS experiments should cover a large angular range with high efficiency and provide a proper resolution to resolve the speckle. The requirement for dynamic range is not particularly stringent while a fast readout is needed. In particular, the Charge Pump Detector has to be highly efficient at the energy of 8 keV, provide a dynamic range of 100 photons and a readout noise much better than one photon. The 1024×1024 pixels have to be read within the repetition rate of the laser pulses, that is faster than 8 ms. The pixel size of 56 μm×56 μm is a compromise between charge sharing and small pixel. Working principle and details of the detector will be discussed.
Cryptosporidium muris: Infectivity and Illness in Healthy Adult Volunteers

Although Cryptosporidium parvum and C. hominis cause the majority of human cryptosporidiosis cases, other Cryptosporidium species are also capable of infecting humans, particularly when individuals are immunocompromised. Ten C. muris cases have been reported, primarily in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -positive patients with diarrhea. However, asymptomatic cases were reported in two HIV-negative children, and in another case, age and immune status were not described. This study examines the infectivity of C. muris in six healthy adults. Volunteers were challenged with 105 C. muris oocysts and monitored for 6 weeks for infection and/or illness. All six patients became infected. Two patients experienced a self-limited diarrheal illness. Total oocysts shed during the study ranged from 6.7 × 106 to 4.1 × 108, and the number was slightly higher in volunteers with diarrhea (2.8 × 108) than asymptomatic shedders (4.4 × 107). C. muris-infected subjects shed oocysts longer than occurred with other species studied in healthy volunteers. Three volunteers shed oocysts for 7 months. Physical examinations were normal, with no reported recurrence of diarrhea or other gastrointestinal complaints. Two persistent shedders were treated with nitazoxanide, and the infection was resolved. Thus, healthy adults are susceptible to C. muris, which can cause mild diarrhea and result in persistent, asymptomatic infection.
Combined hyperlipoproteinemia Evidence for a new lipoprotein phenotype

Abstract Combined hyperlipoproteinemia (CHL) is an abnormal pattern of human serum lipoproteins in which levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are elevated. Levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides are, as a consequence, both above normal limits. Previous studies have demonstrated the pattern in kindreds in which elevated VLDL (Type IV) is segregating or prevalent. To determine if LDL elevation in subjects with concommitant phenotypic VLDL elevation is secondary to acquired disease or environmental factors, or if the combined pattern is genetically determined, secondary causes of LDL elevation were eliminated or controlled in a study comparing two groups of hypertriglyceridemic subjects. Seventeen subjects with Type IV hyperlipoproteinemia were selected to match an unselected group of nineteen predominantly familial CHL patients with regard to sex, age, and degree of overweight. Serum triglycerides and VLDL levels were elevated in all subjects, but were higher in the Type IV group (mean TG, 362 ± 25 mg/100 ml vs. 265 ± 19, P vs . 58.9 ± 5.2, P P
The Grass Is Greener in Non-Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Classes: Examining the Role of Competing Belonging to Undergraduate Women's Vulnerability to Being Pulled Away From Science

When women feel pushed away by the “chilly climate” of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), they seek situations where they experience greater social belonging. We tested whether feelings of belonging to competing (non-STEM) classes were associated with women’s interest in their STEM classes using an interval contingent diary methodology. We recruited 62 undergraduate women STEM majors concurrently enrolled in STEM and Humanities/Liberal Arts (H/LA) courses. We first assessed self-competence (SC) and self-liking (SL), and then every 2 weeks during the academic semester the participants were asked to report their feelings of belonging and interest in both types of courses (resulting in eight entries). For women with low felt SC and high SL, a greater feeling of belonging to their H/LA class throughout the semester was associated with less STEM class interest, above and beyond feelings of belonging in STEM. For all women, fluctuations in STEM class belonging mapped onto their STEM class intere...
Control of an electrospinning jet using electric focusing and jet-steering fields

Electrospinning can be used to deposit a wide variety of nanoscale polymeric fibers that have electrical, optical, or biological properties of interest. While there have been many studies of material properties, the typical deposited nanofibers are in the form of a randomly oriented mat. The authors are interested in forming functional devices utilizing the properties of the individual nanofibers. To this end they have used electric fields to both confine and steer an electrospun polymer jet for controlled deposition of functional materials. They have used an electrode between the electrospinning tip and grounded sample to suppress the chaotic whipping mode, thereby focusing the characteristic spot size of the deposited fibers to a smaller diameter. The same electrode setup was then modified to produce a time-varying steering field. Using this system, they have deposited isolated electrospun polymer fibers in a controlled fashion. They have also demonstrated that it is possible to terminate electrospun fi...
Criteria for Sizing Multiphase Flowlines for Erosive/Corrosive Service

API publishes recommended practices for various aspects of petroleum production to improve availability of proven engineering and operating practices. One of these practices, API RP 14E, provides recommended minimum requirements for designing and installing new piping systems on offshore production platforms. The recommended method in RP 14E for sizing gas/liquid flowlines is to limit operating velocity to the erosional velocity' limit. The limit is set to avoid excessive pipe-wall loss resulting from erosion/corrosion. The erosional velocity limit is determined from an empirical equation based on the two-phase mixture density. The debate regarding the erosional velocity criteria continues. Many investigators reviewed the velocity limits specified by RP 14E and concluded that the limits are too conservative. To investigate possible changes to the criteria, a project was initiated to review the existing erosional velocity limits to decide what changes would be appropriate. Based on a review of information on erosion/corrosion data from the literature and from field data, preliminary recommendations for modifying the erosional velocity criteria were made. Additional information is needed, however, to verify the preliminary recommendations. This paper presents the proposed modifications to the erosional velocity criteria and discusses experiments being conducted to provide additional data on the erosion/corrosion mechanismmore » in corrosive two-phase flow streams.« less
Binding, Genericity, and Predicates of Personal Taste

Abstract I argue for two major claims in this paper. First, I argue that the linguistic evidence best supports a certain form of contextualism about predicates of personal taste (PPTs) like ‘fun’ and ‘tasty’. In particular, I argue that these adjectives are both individual-level predicates (ILPs) and anaphoric implicit argument taking predicates (IATPs). As ILPs, these naturally form generics. As anaphoric IATPs, PPTs show the same dependencies on context and distributional behavior as more familiar anaphoric IATPs, for example, ‘local’ and ‘apply’. Moreover, they are subject to important binding-related phenomena, for example, various kinds of anaphora, binding arguments, and strict-sloppy ambiguities. The latter are particularly problematic for relativism, contextualism's major competitor. I argue that relativism cannot account for these binding facts in a non-ad hoc manner. Second, I argue that disagreement is a predictable feature of dialogues involving PPTs in conjunction with the contextualist seman...
Radiation Measurements by Chemical Methods

A technique, based on a variation of kinetic spectroscopy, is presented to measure radiation dose and dose rate from pulsed sources. The hydrated electron, produced by ionizing radiation in aqueous media, has an optical absorption in the visible region of the spectrum. This absorption is used to follow the radiation pulse. This method has the intrinsic advantages of extremely high speed, low cost, and minimal calibration. A chemical system is described that will allow the dose and dose rate monitoring cell to be used repeatedly. The method described covers the range from 100 rad to 10 krad at dose rates as high as 2 x 1012 rad s-1. Radiation pulses as short as 5ns have been resolved.
Evolution of Superclusters and Delocalized States in GaAs1-xNx

The evolution of individual nitrogen cluster bound states into an extended state infinite supercluster in dilute GaAs${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$N${}_{x}$ was probed through temperature and intensity-dependent, time-resolved and magnetophotoluminescence (PL) measurements. Samples with compositions less than 0.23$%$ N exhibit PL behavior that is consistent with emission from the extended states of the conduction band. Near a composition of 0.23$%$ N, a discontinuity develops between the extended state PL peak energy and the photoluminescence excitation absorption edge. The existence of dual localized/delocalized state behavior near this composition signals the formation of an N supercluster just below the conduction band edge. The infinite supercluster is fully developed by 0.32$%$ N.
Overview of Radiosensitivity of Human Tumor Cells to Low-Dose-Rate Irradiation

Purpose We compared clonogenic survival in 27 human tumor cell lines that vary in genotype after low-dose-rate (LDR) or high-dose rate (HDR) irradiation. We measured susceptibility to LDR-induced redistribution in the cell cycle in eight of these cell lines. Methods and Materials We measured clonogenic survival after up to 96 hours of LDR (0.25 Gy/h) irradiation. We compared these with clonogenic survival after HDR irradiation (50 Gy/h). Using flow cytometry, we measured LDR-induced redistribution as a function of time during LDR irradiation in eight of these cell lines. Results Coefficients that describe clonogenic survival after both LDR and HDR irradiation segregate into four radiosensitivity groups that associate with cell genotype: mutant (mut)ATM, wild-type TP53, mutTP53, and an unidentified gene in radioresistant glioma cells. The LDR and HDR radiosensitivity correlates at lower doses (∼2 Gy HDR, ∼6 Gy LDR), but not at higher doses (HDR > 4 Gy; LDR > 6 Gy). The rate of LDR-induced loss of clonogenic survival changes at approximately 24 hours; wild-type TP53 cells become more resistant and mutTP53 cells become more sensitive. Redistribution induced by LDR irradiation also changes at approximately 24 hours. Conclusions Radiosensitivity of human tumor cells to both LDR and HDR irradiation is genotype dependent. Analysis of coefficients that describe cellular radiosensitivity segregates 27 cell lines into four statistically distinct groups, each associating with specific genotypes. Changes in cellular radiosensitivity and redistribution in the cell cycle are strongly time dependent. Our data establish a genotype-dependent time-dependent model that predicts clonogenic survival, explains the inverse dose-rate effect, and suggests possible clinical applications.
Further tests of aerial applications of ULV organic phosphate insecticides for controlling the horn fly in South Dakota.

During the summer of 1969, Ravap® (a 1:4 mixture of dichlorvos and Cardona® (2-chloro-1-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) vinyl dimethyl phosphate)) and dichlorvos were tested in ULV formulations and applied by aircraft to control Haematobia irritans (L.) on range cattle in South Dakota. Ravap, in 4 pounds per gallon oil solution, was applied at 12 ounces per acre and dichlorvos at 90% solution at 2½ ounces per acre. Counts made the day following application showed that Ravap gave 78.2% reduction in the average number of horn flies per side on cows and 82.4% reduction on calves. Dichlorvos on the day following application gave 53.7% reduction on cows and 67.8% reduction on calves. Neither compound showed economic control at the end of 1 week. Horn flies, as counted in the check herd, showed 2 seasonal peaks, the average on July 15 was 1000 per side and on August 25 was 440 per side. The mid-season low average of 78 per side occurred August 4.
A single dominant gene in McCall soybean prevents effective nodulation with Rhizobium fredii USDA257

Rhizobium fredii USDA257 will effectively nodulate Asiatic and unimproved soybean cultivars, such as Peking, but most of the highly selected North American cultivars, such as McCall, produce at most rudimentary, ineffective nodules. In R. fredii USDA 257, a locus containing 6 open reading frames is responsible for this cultivar specific incompatibility. To examine the genetic control of incompatability on the part of the host, the soybean cultivars Peking and McCall were crossed to produce five F1 progeny. These plants and their selfed progeny were tested for nodulation with USDA257. Resistance to nodulation was found to be conditioned by a single dominant gene. These results indicate that, in soybean, strain specific resistance to nodulation can result from ‘gene(s)-for-gene’ interactions.
Immigrant business enterprises: A classification framework conceptualization and test

This article proposes the Immigrant Business Enterprises Classification Framework to organize immigrant-owned businesses into categories associated with different levels of business integration into a host country's mainstream business community. The article applies the framework and reports the findings of structured face-to-face interviews with 199 Hispanic business enterprises (HBEs) in Indianapolis. The authors find Hispanic-owned businesses hold different characteristics depending upon the integration category in which they are classified; the findings suggest that to support immigrant entrepreneurship, governments, business development organizations, and researchers should address category-specific challenges, opportunities, and needs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The isolation of skeletal muscle plasma membranes from rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

Abstract 1. 1. Plasma membranes were isolated from caudal flank skeletal musculature of rainbow trout by discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation. 2. 2. Na+−K+-ATPase was enriched 8-fold and 5′-nucleotidase activities 4-fold in a fraction isolated at the 8–25% sucrose interface. 3. 3. A cholesterol: phospholipid ratio of 0.37 in the plasma membrane fraction was 85% greater than that observed in adjacent subcellular fractions. 4. 4. Electron microscopy provided morphological confirmation of enrichment and integrity of skeletal muscle plasma membranes at the 8–25% sucrose interface.
Measurement and Prediction of the Influence of Catalytic and Dry Low NOx Combustor Turbulence on Vane Surface Heat Transfer

New combustion systems developed for low emissions have produced substantial changes to the characteristics of inlet turbulence entering nozzle guide vanes. This paper documents the characteristics of turbulence generated by mock combustion system configurations representative of recently developed catalytic and dry low NO x combustors. Additionally, heat transfer rates are determined on the surface of a vane subjected to inlet turbulence generated by these mock combustor configurations. Six different inlet turbulence conditions with levels ranging up to 14% are documented in this study and vane heat transfer rates are acquired at exit chord Reynolds numbers ranging from 500,000 to 2,000,000. Heat transfer distributions show the influence of turbulence level and scale on heat transfer augmentation and transition. Cascade aerodynamics are well documented and match pressure distributions predicted by a commercial CFD code for this large-scale low-speed facility. The vane pressure distribution could be characterized as a conventional or fully loaded distribution. This comprehensive data set is expected to represent an excellent test case for vane heat transfer predictive methods. Predictive comparisons are shown based on a two-dimensional boundary layer code using an algebraic turbulence model for augmentation as well as a transition model.
Christian Families, Educative Lenses, and Incarnational Roots 1

Abstract The Christian family is a deeply rooted theological way of being in the world with others. It is a functional domain from where initial and life-long lessons emerge. In rich ways, it helps foster human identity, development, ethical formation, autonomy, and communal responsibility amid a greater understanding of Christ's actualizing presence in the daily rhythms of life. The author presents the notion of family as incarnationally rooted in Christ's humanity and as an educative lens into better living the Gospel with others. The focus is on today's Christian families with young children and the implications for the religious education of these families within the rich tradition of the Church as a human organization.
LUTEINIZING HORMONE-RELEASING HORMONE AGONIST EFFECTS ON SKELETAL MUSCLE: HOW HORMONAL THERAPY IN PROSTATE CANCER AFFECTS MUSCULAR STRENGTH

ABSTRACTPurpose: Since the discovery of Huggins in 1941 demonstrating the androgen dependence of prostate cancer cells, the use of pharmacological therapies to decrease systemic androgen concentrat...
Response Gene to Complement 32 Is Essential for Fibroblast Activation in Renal Fibrosis

Response gene to complement 32 (RGC-32) is a downstream target of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). TGF-β is known to play a pathogenic role in renal fibrosis. In this study, we investigated RGC-32 function in renal fibrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice, a model of progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis. RGC-32 is normally expressed only in blood vessels of mouse kidney. However, UUO induces RGC-32 expression in renal interstitial cells at the early stage of kidney injury, suggesting that RGC-32 is involved in interstitial fibroblast activation. Indeed, expression of smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA), an indicator of fibroblast activation, is limited to the interstitial cells at the early stage, and became apparent later in both interstitial and tubular cells. RGC-32 knockdown by shRNA significantly inhibits UUO-induced renal structural damage, α-SMA expression and collagen deposition, suggesting that RGC-32 is essential for the onset of renal interstitial fibrosis. In vitro studies indicate that RGC-32 mediates TGF-β-induced fibroblast activation. Mechanistically, RGC-32 interacts with Smad3 and enhances Smad3 binding to the Smad binding element in α-SMA promoter as demonstrated by DNA affinity assay. In the chromatin setting, Smad3, but not Smad2, binds to α-SMA promoter in fibroblasts. RGC-32 appears to be essential for Smad3 interaction with the promoters of fibroblast activation-related genes in vivo. Functionally, RGC-32 is crucial for Smad3-mediated α-SMA promoter activity. Taken together, we identify RGC-32 as a novel fibrogenic factor contributing to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis through fibroblast activation.
The c-theorem, the dilaton and the effective action in string theory

Abstract The relevance of Zamolodchikov's “central charge” functional for string theory is discussed. Arguments supporting Tseytlin's ansatz for the effective action are also given.
354 UNALTERED EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTORS IN SENESCENT HUMAN FIBROBLAST CULTURES

Human fibroblast (HF) cultures have a finite proliferative potential and have been used as a model for studying the aging process. In the present study the effect of senescence on the receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF-R) was examined. Biosynthetic labeling of young and senescent HF cells with [35S]-methionine followed by immunoprecipitation with EGF-R monoclonal antibody revealed the presence of Mr 170,000 EGF-R in cells from both stages. Membranes from young and senescent membranes were isolated and included in phosphorylation reaction with [γ-32P]-ATP with and without addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Autophosphorylation of EGF-R in response to EGF was the same in both young and senescent cells. Phosphoamino acid analysis on the autophosphorylated EGF-R indicated that tyrosine residues were phosphorylated in both cells. In addition, two-dimensional peptide mapping of [125I]-EGF-R from young and senescent cells showed essentially the same pattern. Our results indicate that EGF-R does not undergo significant changes in senescent cells.
C. elegans Telomeres Contain G-Strand and C-Strand Overhangs that Are Bound by Distinct Proteins

Single-strand extensions of the G strand of telomeres are known to be critical for chromosome-end protection and length regulation. Here, we report that in C. elegans, chromosome termini possess 3' G-strand overhangs as well as 5' C-strand overhangs. C tails are as abundant as G tails and are generated by a well-regulated process. These two classes of overhangs are bound by two single-stranded DNA binding proteins, CeOB1 and CeOB2, which exhibit specificity for G-rich or C-rich telomeric DNA. Strains of worms deleted for CeOB1 have elongated telomeres as well as extended G tails, whereas CeOB2 deficiency leads to telomere-length heterogeneity. Both CeOB1 and CeOB2 contain OB (oligo-saccharide/oligo-nucleotide binding) folds, which exhibit structural similarity to the second and first OB folds of the mammalian telomere binding protein hPOT1, respectively. Our results suggest that C. elegans telomere homeostasis relies on a novel mechanism that involves 5' and 3' single-stranded termini.
Exposure geometry and spectral environment determine photobiological effects on the human eye

Photobiological effects upon the human retina, cornea and lens are highly dependent on the optical exposure geometry as well as spectral characteristics of the exposure. The organ of sight is exquisitely sensitive to light because it performs well in very low nighttime illumination levels and yet it also must adapt to extremely bright environments where light exposures are greater by many orders of magnitude. The eye has evolved to protect itself reasonably well against excessive exposure in bright environments. The retina is minimally exposed in extremely bright environments and the cornea and lens are surprisingly well protected in harsh environments. Although these protective mechanisms are good, they are not perfect and adverse changes from both acute and chronic exposures to sunlight still exist. The geometrical protective factors must be understood and appreciated whenever assessing potential adverse effects of environmental UV radiation and light on ocular structures. These natural ocular protective factors also work with the ever-changing spectrum of sunlight and the different spectral distribution of light and UV radiation across the eye's field of view. Spectral characteristics of the ocular media are also important. One can visualize a series of intraocular color filters that progressively filter shorter wavelengths and thereby aid in color vision, reduce the impact of chromatic aberrations and significantly reduce the optical radiation hazards to the lens and retina.
Decision‐making assessment: improving principal performance

The process of training and preparing principals is driven by a characteristics model. Underlying each of the components in the characteristics model is decision making. Decision making defines the work of principals. Those who prepare principals can improve the leadership quality of principals and thereby impact school effectiveness by focusing on decision making. Decision‐making assessment is a critical component to principal preparation and ongoing development. It can be used to assess the quality of decisions made by prospective and acting school administrations. Through decision‐making assessment principals can become aware of their cognitive decision‐making patterns thus allowing them opportunity to replace potentially dysfunctional patterns with patterns that are more effective and efficient.
Evidence for free radicals produced in aqueous solutions by diagnostic ultrasound.

Recent theoretical calculations have shown that small gas nuclei in water exposed to microsecond ultrasonic pulses above an intensity threshold may grow into transient cavities that collapse violently, leading to the formation of .OH radicals and .H atoms. We have detected these free radicals in aqueous solutions exposed to microsecond pulsed ultrasound using spin trapping and electron spin resonance (ESR). The public health implications of our results are discussed.
The Routinization of Social Movement Organizations: China as a Deviant Case*

This paper has two purposes: (1) to show how previous work in complex organizations, social movements and political development converges to predict routinization of successful social movement orga...
Diel differences in surface trawl fish catches off Oregon and Washington

Abstract Surface rope trawls have recently been used to investigate pelagic fish communities off the west coast of North America. We examined surface rope trawl catches from locations off the Washington and Oregon coast to determine whether they differed day and night. We paired day and night samples from the same location taken within 7 days of each other. Fifty-one sample pairs fit our criteria with 33 of these controlled for tidal state. Samples were taken at 11 different stations during the months of May, June, and September from 1998 to 2002. We used the sign test to compare median densities for nine of the most abundant and commonly occurring fish species: two juvenile salmonids—coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch ) and yearling Chinook salmon ( O. tshawytscha ); four small pelagics—northern anchovy ( Engraulis mordax ), Pacific herring ( Clupea pallasi ), Pacific sardine ( Sardinops sagax ), and whitebait smelt ( Allosmerus elongatus ); and three larger predatory fishes—Pacific hake ( Merluccius productus ), chub mackerel ( Scomber japonicus ), and jack mackerel ( Trachurus symmetricus ). Both species of salmon were caught at higher densities during the day. The small pelagic and predatory species were caught in higher densities at night. The differences were significant for both salmonids, Pacific hake, chub mackerel, and all small pelagic species. No consistent pattern of correlation existed between the catch differences and differences in temperature or salinity between day and night samples. We believe diel patterns of fish vertical distribution and behavior coupled with the actual depths the net samples are primarily responsible for catch differences.