cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of promising monoanionic 99mTc-tricarbonyl complexes with uncharged pendant groups as renal tubular tracers

1206 Objectives 99mTc(CO)3(NTA) is a new renal tubular agent with pharmacokinetic properties comparable in rats and humans to those of 131I-OIH, however, the pharmacokinetic properties of 131I-OIH are inferior to those of para-aminohippurate and there is the possibility of developing a renal radiopharmaceutical with properties superior to both 131I-OIH and 99mTc(CO)3(NTA). 99mTc(CO)3(NTA) is dianionic at physiological pH, having one negative charge associated with the metal coordination sphere and a second with the uncoordinated carboxyl group. In an attempt to develop a better tracer and to assess the importance of this negatively charged uncoordinated group for tubular secretion, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics of two 99mTc(CO)3(NTA) analogs with uncharged pendant groups. Methods 99mTc(CO)3 complexes with N-(2-hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetic acid (HDA) and N-(2-acetamido)iminodiacetic acid (ADA) were prepared using an IsoLink kit (Covidien), isolated by HPLC and evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats at 10 and 60 min using 131I-OIH as an internal control; urine was analyzed for metabolites. Re(CO)3 analogs were prepared for structural characterization. Results New tracers were efficiently prepared as a single species with high radiochemical purities (>99%). 99mTc(CO)3(HDA) and 99mTc(CO)3(ADA) both showed rapid blood clearance and high specificity for renal excretion. Activity in the urine, as a percent of 131I-OIH at 10 and 60 min, was 96% and 100% for HDA, and 96% and 99% for ADA, respectively. Each new tracer was excreted unchanged in the urine. Structure analysis of the Re(CO)3 complexes of HDA and ADA showed identical, linear 5/5-ONO coordination modes comparable to that of Re(CO)3(NTA). Conclusions Although 99mTc(CO)3(HDA) and 99mTc(CO)3(ADA) lack the negatively charged pendant carboxyl group previously considered essential for rapid renal extraction, their pharmacokinetics in rats are essentially identical to the pharmacokinetics of 99mTc(CO)3(NTA) and 131I-OIH. These encouraging results warrant further evaluation of both new tracers in humans. Research Support NIH Grant R37 DK38842
A New Species of Luperosaurus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Panay Island, Philippines, with Comments on the Taxonomic Status of Luperosaurus Cumingii (Gray, 1845)

Abstract We describe a new species of Luperosaurus on the basis of three recently collected specimens from Panay Island, Philippines. The new species is phenotypically similar to L. cumingii, but differs from it by the absence of enlarged ventrolateral tail tubercles and spinose scales on the edges of the anterior cutaneous expansions of the limbs, by having fewer middorsal scales, fewer ornamented tubercles on the head, neck, and body, differences in ventral color pattern, and a larger maximum body size. Examination of all available specimens of L. cumingii demonstrates that this species exhibits a high degree of morphological variation correlated with patterns of lineage isolation on several Pleistocene aggregate island complexes (biogeographical subprovinces) of the Philippines. Although it is suspected that L. cumingii comprises a complex of multiple species, current sampling limitations prevent taxonomic subdivision beyond the recognition of the new species described here. The name L. cumingii probab...
The security assessment teaching case module

Digital Home is a comprehensive software case study developed by software engineering faculty at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. This paper describes the Digital Home case study project, its application to computing education, and the development of a security assessment case module for the case study project. The Security Assessment case module was developed by a team of computing educators from various institutions during the "Teaching with a Software Life-Cycle Case Study" workshop held in June 2011.
Prognosis with x-chromosomal abnormalities: neoplastic disease.

The report of Eller, et al. on the prognosis in newborn infants with X-chromosomal abnormalities prompts this note. Because of our interest in cytogenetic factors in carcinogenesis, a routine buccal smear for sex chromatin is performed on all our patients with amenorrhea or irregular vaginal bleeding. Recently a 26-year-old woman with dysmenorrhea and irregular periods was seen. She had a mass arising from the cervix which was subsequently diagnosed as an unusual exophytic type of squamous cell carcinoma.
On the Rotational Motion of a Body Re-Entering the Atmosphere

The exact equations of motion of a body acted upon by aerodynamic and gravitational forces are formulated, using inertial axes fixed in a spherical, nonrotating earth. With the assumption that the spin rate of the vehicle is constant and of such a magnitude tha t Magnus forces may be ignored, expressions are developed for the applied forces and moments of forces. After considering the nature of a typical re-entry path, the equations of motion are linearized, and the translational and rotational modes are uncoupled. With the assumption that the translational equations may be independent^ solved, the rotational equations of motion are reduced to two coupled linear equations with known variable coefficients. A solution of the planar case is obtained, utilizing a modified WKBJ approximation method. This technique is extended to the coupled case. The stability of the oscillations is examined, and the conclusion is drawn that the oscillations are bounded for a statically stable, spinning vehicle if CLO. is positive. A brief investigation is made of the forced solutions, and finally a comparison of the results of this paper with those of previous studies is made.
Multi-Pixel Frequency Domain Photon Migration Imaging of a Fluorescent Contrast Agent

An RF phase sensitive camera is used to acquire frequency domain photon migration images of the fluorescent contrast agent indocyanine green (ICG) in diseased canine mammary tissue both in vivo and ex vivo. Using this system, images of 100 MHz modulation amplitude and phase are obtained for 128×128 pixels.
Aspects of the Mechanical Properties of Electrodeposits

The strengths and ductility of electrochemically deposited metals generally are different from those of the corresponding ones produced by other means. The difference is due to the growth mechanism of the deposits, that they can contain substances which are unstable at elevated temperature and the presence of various crystal defects. The effects on the mechanical properties of electrodeposits of dislocations, twins, voids, codeposited foreign materials, surface crevices, subgrain and grain boundaries, internal stresses and textures are discussed. The ways polarization, current form, solution temperature and agitation affect the mechanical properties of deposits are reviewed. A discussion of the relationships between hardness, the tensile and the fatigue properties is also included. Annealing effects and those of special structures on the properties are also considered.
The Biology of Trichoplusia ni (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). III. Response to the Oviposition Substrate

Factors that were found to influence locomotory responses of Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) adults toward potential oviposition substrates, and aggregation and egg deposition on those substrates were odor, atmospheric moisture, color, and surface texture. No evidence was observed that chemotactic stimuli provided by ascorbic acid, sinigrin, or sucrose on substrate surfaces affected the oviposition rate.
Clinical assessment and management of ankle sprains

Ankle sprains are a common occurrence and are frequently either undertreated or overtreated. With the incidence estimated at more than 3 million a year and at a rate of 2.15/1,000 in the United States alone, this is an orthopaedic injury that providers should be acutely aware of and successfully able to evaluate and treat. This clinical feature will provide a thorough review of the mechanism of injury, the history and physical examination, and the classification and management of these injuries. Clinical red flags are discussed.
Atomic Structures of Silicon Surfaces and Silicon-Silicide Interfaces

Atomically resolved and well ordered field ion images of silicon surfaces have been obtained for the first time when a carefully cleaned Si tip is annealed to 700 to 800°C for several minutes. Well ordered atomic structures develop on high index planes such as the (130), (135), (124), (234), (123), (113), (115) and (320). Some of them develop the (1×1) structure while others are reconstructed. Two structures coexist for the (130) plane. Twodimensional defects can be seen and their density is surprisingly high. We have also studied formation of thin layers of silicide on silicon surfaces.
Structural Behavior in a Gypsum Roof-Deck System

The results of a study of the structural action of a gypsum slab with steel bulb tee subpurlins and steel bar joist purlins in poured-in-place gypsum concrete roof decks are presented. Present (1966) practice is to design these decks on the assumption that only the steel is effective in supporting the loads to which these decks are subjected. However, experiments have shown that the gypsum contributes significantly to the strength and rigidity of these decks. For the bulb tee, stresses and deflections are shown to be predictable by using a composite moment of inertia that includes all gypsum, both slab and formboard, and the bulb tee. The stresses and deflections of the bar joist purlins are shown to be predictable by adding to the area of the top chord of the bar joist, a transformed area of steel corresponding to the gypsum which acts in conjunction with the top chord of the bar joists. This transformed area is determined by using an effective width comparable to the effective width commonly used in the analysis of tee beams or other beams with wide flanges.
Component-based distributed simulation system

As for model reuse, BOM technology has appeared as standard component. In this paper, BOM technology has been used to construct a simulation application system which is originally HLA-based. Related problems with BOM are also explored. BOM technology delivers that it is good for reuse and will be the key aspect in simulation development.
THE 2-HYDROXY FATTY ACIDS IN WHITE MATTER OF INFANT AND ADULT BRAINS.

White matter from five adult and five infant brains was analyzed for total fatty acids, galactolipids, and 2-hydroxy fatty acids. The distribution of 2-hydroxy fatty acids was determined quantitatively for each sample by gas–liquid chromatography of their methyl esters without masking their hydroxyl groups. The galactolipid values in a case of multiple sclerosis and in the temporal areas of two other cases were about 25% lower than that reported for normal brains by other authors, but the content and composition of the 2-hydroxy fatty acids did not correlate with galactolipid contents and were similar for all adult samples. The total fatty acid, galactolipid, and 2-hydroxy fatty acid concentrations in the infant brains were small compared with those of adults. The composition of the 2-hydroxy fatty acids was also different.
Alternative Diagnoses in the Colic Patient

Despite clinical signs compatible with obstruction or ischemia of the gastrointestinal tract, the clinician occasionally is unable to identify a gastrointestinal cause for colic. In this article, disorders not originating from obstruction or ischemia of the gastrointestinal tract but causing real or apparent abdominal pain are presented as alternative causes of colic. In addition, colic of gastrointestinal origin may be the primary inciting factor or a secondary complication of an alternative disorder, causing colic-like signs. Recognition of alternative diagnoses relies on a thorough and consistent approach to the clinical assessment of the equine colic patient and helps to ensure appropriate patient management.
Update on psychodynamic thinking regarding the diagnosis of the borderline patient.

An ego-psychological diagnostic approach to the borderline patient has been presented and detailed in previous publications. This paper modifies and expands this approach, providing a new, up-to-da...
Is Regulation Beneficial

When do regulatory subsidies become regulatory burdens? That question is central to the debate over financial regulatory reform in the US. The prevailing wisdom among advocates of deregulation is that US financial regulation, although in many cases originating as subsidy, now imposes significant burdens on US financial institutions that have disadvantaged them when competing in global markets. For example, US regulation has kept financial firms small and specialized in a world in which diversified universal banks dominate; as a result, many US financial institutions may lack the size necessary to compete in global markets. US financial firms have proved skillful at using innovative legal structures to evade regulatory restrictions, but the high transactions costs associated with this strategy eventually may take their toll on the US financial industry, injuring its competitive position.
Practical utilization of spICP-MS to study sucrose density gradient centrifugation for the separation of nanoparticles

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) is shown to be a practical technique to study the efficacy of rate-zonal sucrose density gradient centrifugation (SDGC) separations of mixtures of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in liquid suspension. spICP-MS enabled measurements of AuNP size distributions and particle number concentrations along the gradient, allowing unambiguous evaluations of the effectiveness of the separation. Importantly, these studies were conducted using AuNP concentrations that are directly relevant to environmental studies (sub ng mL−1). At such low concentrations, other techniques [e.g., dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission and scanning electron microscopies (TEM and SEM), UV–vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM)] do not have adequate sensitivity, highlighting the inherent value of spICP-MS for this and similar applications. In terms of the SDGC separations, a mixture containing three populations of AuNPs, having mean diameters of 30, 80, and 150 nm, was fully separated, while separations of two other mixtures (30, 60, 100 nm; and 20, 50, 100 nm) were less successful. Finally, it is shown that the separation capacity of SDGC can be overwhelmed when particle number concentrations are excessive, an especially relevant finding in view of common methodologies taken in nanotechnology research.
HAMP and HVJ as Candidate Modifier Genes in Type1 Hereditary Hemochromatosis with High Iron Burden and in Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT).

Abstract Homozygosity for the HFE C282Y mutation accounts for approximately 90 percent of HFE-associated (type 1) hereditary hemochromatosis. The clinical phenotype in C282Y homozygotes, however, ranges from simply an elevated percent saturation of transferrin to organ damage due to iron overload. Modifier genes have been proposed to explain this phenotypic variability. Hepatic siderosis is a nearly constant finding in patients with PCT. Approximately 20 percent of patients with PCT are homozygotes for the C282Y HFE mutation but the cause of hepatic iron loading in the remaining 80 percent is not known. Approximately one-third of patients with PCT are heterozygotes for mutations of the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase (URO-D) gene (familial PCT) but pedigree studies indicate that clinical expression occurs only in those URO-D heterozygotes who develop hepatic siderosis. Most patients with PCT have no URO-D mutations (sporadic PCT) but virtually all sporadic cases have hepatic iron overload. Two genes known to affect iron homeostasis are hepcidin (HAMP) and hemojuvelin (HJV). Heterozygosity for HAMP and HJV mutations have been associated with marked iron overload in a small number of patients with type 1 hemochromatosis (Blood. 2004; 103:2835–40; Blood Cells Mol Dis. 2004; 33:338–43). We asked if mutations of HAMP or HJV could account for hepatic iron overload in highly penetrant C282Y homozygotes and in PCT patients with or without HFE mutations. We sequenced the HAMP and HJV genes in 96 hemochromatosis patients with grade 3–4 (scale 0–4) hepatic parenchymal cell stainable iron (HPCSI) and 96 PCT patients with variable degrees of hepatic siderosis. Ninety-four percent (90) of the hemochromatosis patients were C282Y homozygotes, 4.2 percent (4) were C282Y heterozygotes and 2.1 percent (2) were wild type 282 homozygotes. No exonic changes or splice site mutations were detected in either the HAMP or HJV genes. Eighty-three of the 96 PCT patients were genotyped at the HFE locus. Twenty-five percent (21) were C282Y homozygotes, 23 percent (19) were C282Y heterozygotes and 52 percent (43) were wild type 282 homozygotes. No exonic changes or splice site mutations were detected in the HJV gene of patients with PCT but two PCT patients were found to be heterozygotes for HAMP mutations. The first had the previously identified 212G→A transition leading to a G71D substitution. The second had a 248A→C transversion corresponding to K83R in the peptide. Both of these PCT patients were HFE 282 wild type homozygotes but both had grade 4 HPCSI. These data indicate that heterozygosity for mutations of HAMP or HJV rarely modifies the iron loading phenotype in either type 1 hemochromatosis or PCT. Other modifier loci must exist.
Renal Tubular Dysfunction with Valproate and CBZ

Renal tubular function in epileptic children receiving antiepileptic drugs was evaluated by measurement of lysosomal enzymes at Istanbul University, Turkey.
Lithium prevents and attenuates paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain

N pain induced by a commonly used chemotherapy-drug paclitaxel (taxol) is a major toxicity responsible in clinics that force patients to discontinue this otherwise life-saving treatment. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is a powerful regulator of neuroinflammation in many neurologic diseases. In this study, the role of GSK3β in the development and maintenance of taxol-induced neuropathic pain in a rat model induced by i.p. injection of taxol (2 mg/kg) on 4 alternative days (accumulated doses 8 mg/kg) was investigated. Ten days post the first taxol injection, using western blots, we found that expression of phosphorylated GSK3β (the inactive form of GSK3β) in the spinal dorsal horn was reduced while total GSK3β protein expression remained unchanged, indicating an increased activity of GSK3β. This was concomitantly associated by downregulation of glial glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) protein expression, activation of astrocytes (increased expression of GFAP) in the same region, and mechanical allodynia in the rats. Next, we treated the rats with the GSK3β inhibitor, lithium chloride (LiCl, 2 mg/kg/day, s.c. injection, starting immediately prior to the first taxol injection and then daily for 10 days). This treatment prevented the development of mechanical allodynia induced by taxol and suppressed GSK3β activities (an increased expression of phosphorylated GSK3β) in the spinal dorsal horn. At the same time, the taxol-induced downregulation of GLT-1 protein expression and activation of astrocytes were also significantly ameliorated. Finally, we determined if LiCl can reverse the taxol-induced allodynia. Ten days after the first taxol injection, LiCl (2 mg/kg/day, s.c.) was applied to rats with allodynia for another 10 days. This treatment attenuated the existing allodynia. Meanwhile, in the spinal dorsal horn, the taxol induced increased GSK3β activities and GFAP protein expressions were suppressed; GLT-1 protein expression was improved. Together, our data indicate that an increase of GSK3β activities is a key event related to the down-regulation of glial glutamate transporter expression in the spinal dorsal horn, and the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain induced by taxol. Further, inhibition of GSK3β activity with lithium is an effective approach to prevent and attenuate paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.
Prehistoric Trail Systems and Related Features on the Slopes of Tumamoc Hill

ABSTRACTA system of prehistoric trails is associated with the trincheras complex on Tumamoc Hill. It includes a rock-bordered “main trail” leading through the summit walls and down the north face toward the St. Mary's site (AZ AA: 16:26). The prehistoric date of this “main trail” is confirmed by sherd density counts. Subsidiary trails lead from the summit complex to work areas on saddles and ridges. Analysis of the trails in relation to sherds and other features indicates that the slopes and summit were used from the late Colonial through early Classic periods. The main trail, however, probably dates from Rillito-Rincon times and was designed to link the St. Mary's site to the hilltop. This is consistent with the trail placement and a Rillito (or Rincon?) painted sherd found along the trail. These results alone would suggest that the walls themselves may also date from the Rillito-Rincon period, which is earlier than previously suggested (Larson 1972:95). However, the dating of other summit walled complex...
Hi Maintenance

High-maintenance code not only is verbose but also tends to rely on unstated, poorly stated, or incompletely stated assumptions. What are good ways to spot that type of code in reviews, and what are good ways to write good-quality, low-maintenance code?
The Translation Initiation Factor eIF4E Is Overexpressed in Multiple Myeloma and Is Critical for Myeloma Cell Proliferation and Survival

Abstract 1853 Methods: The translation initiation factor eIF4E is central to protein synthesis in general, and overexpression and/or activation of eIF4E is associated with a malignant phenotype by regulating oncogenic protein translation. Several previous publications indicate that aberrant control of protein synthesis contributes to lymphoma genesis but the exact role of protein translation in multiple myeloma (MM) is less clear. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that control protein synthesis is an emerging new research area in MM with significant potential for developing innovative therapies. The goal of this study was to determine the role and regulation of eIF4E, as well as the effects of protein translation controlling drugs in MM. Results: By western blot analysis as well as RT-PCR we found that eIF4E protein and mRNA levels are significantly elevated (up to 20 fold) in MM cell lines (H929, RPMI-8226, MM.1S and OPM2) and primary myeloma cells compared to normal plasma cells. Silencing of eIF4E gene expression in RPMI-8226 MM cells by a stable and inducible shRNA system significantly decreased viability of myeloma cells (by ∼ 43%) but not of HEK 293 suggesting a higher dependency of MM cells to protein translation. Next we evaluated different drugs including pomalidomide, rapamycin, pp242, 4EGI-1 and ribavirin, that are known to inhibit protein synthesis for their effects on protein translation in MM. By m 7 GTP pull down assays we evaluated the effects of the different drugs on eIF4E expression and activity. Rapamycin blocked the phosphorylation of 4EBP1 and eIF4E release, and subsequently inhibited eIF4G binding. The compound 4EGI-1 decreased the interaction between eIF4E and eIF4G. Pomalidomide decreased eIF4E protein expression. All drugs inhibited MM cell DNA synthesis measured by 3 H-Thymidine incorporation. Treatment with pomalidomide (10uM), rapamycin (40nM), pp242 (10uM), 4EGI1 (50uM) or ribavirin (50uM) for 48h significantly decreased (p Conclusion: Here we show that eIF4E, a key player in translational control, is highly expressed in MM cells and critical for MM growth and survival. Therefore our study helps to understand the function and regulatory mechanism of eIF4E in MM. Further the evaluation of drugs targeting protein translation provides the basis for the optimization of current MM treatment or to open up new strategies such as targeting protein translation in future MM therapy. Disclosures: Lentzsch: Celgene Corp: Consultancy, Research Funding; Onyx: Consultancy; Genzyme: Consultancy; prIME Oncology: Honoraria; Imedex: Honoraria; Clinical Care Options: Honoraria.
90Y Ibritumomab Tiuxetan and Rituximab for the Treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Approximately 60% of adult patients (pts) with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) will relapse after first line therapy. Second line chemotherapy has response rates of 45–66% with median response duration of 3 to 5 months.90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan (90Y-IT) is a murine IgG1 kappa antibody against CD20 linked with a beta-emitting isotope approved for use in relapsed indolent lymphoma. Maintenance rituximab (R) has been reported to increase response rates and prolong remission duration in some lymphomas. We performed a phase II multicenter clinical trial to examine the efficacy of 90Y-IT induction followed by maintenance R in pts with DLBCL. Eligible pts had histologically confirmed CD20+ DLBCL according to WHO criteria. Pts had disease that was either relapsed or refractory to anthracycline-based chemotherapy or pts were intolerant of anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Adequate baseline hematologic and organ function was required. Pts were required to have 150,000/mm3 or 0.3 mCi/kg 90Y-IT if baseline platelet count 100,000 to 149,000/mm3, total dose not to exceed 32 mCi. Pts received R 375 mg/m2 on weeks 3–6. Pts with multiple extranodal sites or prior bone marrow involvement received CNS prophylaxis with intrathecal methotrexate or cytarabine. Non-progressing pts received maintenance R 375 mg/m2 weekly x 4 every 6 months x 4 or until progression. Toxicity analysis was planned after 15 pts were enrolled. Stopping rules were not met. As of 7/12/2006, 16 pts have been treated of a planned 40. Pts ranged in age from 45 to 95 with a median age of 77. Forty-four percent of patients had a secondary IPI score ≥ 3. The median number of prior regimens is 2 ranging from 1–5. The 90Y–IT treatment regimen produced an overall response rate of 37.5% with 25% CR at 12 weeks. All pts with a CR had a secondary IPI of 1. All pts with PD had a secondary IPI ≥ 2. To date, the median EFS is 2.5 months with a median follow-up of 6.3 months. Among responding patients, the median EFS is not reached with a median follow-up of over 11 [5.7- 22.2] months. Five patients (31%) continue to be in remission greater than 6 months, and three patients (19%) remain in remission for 1 year. The most frequently observed grade 3 or 4 toxicity was hematologic. 55.5% of pts experienced grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. 66.7% of pts experienced grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia. The most frequent non-hematologic adverse event was hypotension experienced during the R infusion. The 90Y-IT treatment regimen has an acceptable toxicity profile in pts with relapsed/refractory DLBCL. The two week outpatient 90Y-IT infusion produces response rates and durations similar to that of more prolonged cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens.
A local theory of linear systems with noncommensurate time delays

Stability and feedback control of linear neutral (and retarded) time-delay systems with one or more noncommensurate time delays is studied. The theory is based on a pointwise or local approach involving polynomial and rational functions in the complex variables s, z1, z2, ..., zq, with s evaluated at points in the right-half plane and the zi evaluated at points in the unit disc. In terms of this framework, an algebraic notion of stability, called pointwise stability, is defined and studied. Necessary and sufficient conditions are then given for the existence of a stabilizing dynamic output feedback compensator. The problem of stabilization using nondynamic state feedback is also briefly considered in the case when the system's input matrix has constant rank.
Direct Observation of Nanostructures during Aqueous Dissolution of Polymer/Drug Particles

To elucidate the aqueous solubility enhancement mechanism of solid dispersions (SDs), metastable blends of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and a polymer excipient, we investigated the dissolution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) SDs in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Two hydrophobic active pharmaceutical agents, phenytoin and probucol, were employed at loadings of 10, 25, and 50 wt % relative to polymer. Light scattering measurements of HPMCAS solutions showed that the polymer itself formed a mixture of ∼10 and ∼100 nm sized structures (attributed to linear and covalently coupled polymer chains, respectively) in both tetrahydrofuran and PBS. The measurements also revealed that PBS is a poor solvent for HPMCAS at and below 37 °C, potentially inducing the polymer to associate with itself or other hydrophobic species in solution. During in vitro dissolution of HPMCAS SDs—containing either phenytoin or probucol as the API—the polymer and hydrophobic drug formed <100 nm am...
Workers' compensation loss prevention representative contact and risk of lost-time injury in construction policyholders.

Abstract Introduction Insurance loss prevention (LP) representatives have access and contact with businesses and employees to provide targeted safety and health resources. Construction firms, especially those smaller in size, are a high-risk population. This research evaluated the association between LP rep contact and risk for lost-time injuries in construction policyholders. Methods Workers' compensation data were utilized to track LP rep contact with policyholders and incidence of lost-time injury over time. Survival analysis with repeated events modeling calculated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Compared no LP contact, one contact was associated with a 27% reduction of risk (HR = 0.73, CI = 0.65–0.82), two with a 41% (HR = 0.59, CI = 0.51–0.68), and three or more contacts with a 28% reduction of risk (HR = 0.72, CI = 0.65–0.81). Conclusions LP reps appear to be a valuable partner in efforts to reduce injury burden. Their presence or contact with policyholders is consistent with reduction in overall incidence of lost-time injuries. Practical applications Reduction in lost-time injuries, resulting in reduced workers' compensation costs for policyholders and insurance companies, builds a business-case for safety and injury prevention. LP reps are often a low or no-cost benefit for insurance policyholders and may be an important injury prevention resource for small firms and/or those with lack of safety resources and staff.
An Underestimation of 25-OH Vitamin D in Patients with Renal Disease by the Abbott Architect Immunoassay.

To the Editor: Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD)1 typically have reduced serum 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D (1,25-OHD) concentrations due to the inability to convert inactive 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) to active 1,25-OHD. However, decreased 1,25-OHD can also be a result of 25-OHD deficiency due to coexisting conditions, such as liver disease, intestinal malabsorption, or urinary wasting of the vitamin-bound 25-OHD binding protein. The National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes has detailed guidelines for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in CKD patients. According to the guidelines, patients in CKD stages 2–4 should have …
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Volatile Neptunium(IV) β-Diketonates

Production of certified reference materials in support of domestic nuclear forensics programs require volatile precursors for introduction into electromagnetic isotopic separation instruments. β-Diketone chelates of tetravalent actinides are known for their high volatility, but previously developed synthetic approaches require starting material (NpCl4) that is prohibitively difficult and hazardous to prepare. An alternative strategy was developed here that uses controlled potential electrolysis to reduce neptunium to the tetravalent state in submolar concentrations of hydrochloric acid. Four different β-diketone ligands of varying degrees of fluorination were reacted with an aqueous solution of Np4+. Products of this reaction were characterized via X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, and were found to be neutral 8-coordinate complexes that adopt square antiprismatic crystal geometry. Synthesis of Np β-diketonates by this approach circumvents the necessity of using NpCl4 in tetravalent Np coordination compound synthesis. The volatility of the complexes was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis, where the temperature of sublimation was determined to be in the range of 180° to 205 °C. The extent of fluorination did not appreciably alter the sublimation temperature of the complex. Thermal decomposition of these compounds was not observed during sublimation. High volatility and thermal stability of Np β-diketonates make them ideal candidates for gaseous introduction into isotopic separation instruments.
Welcoming America: A Case Study of Municipal Immigrant Integration, Receptivity, and Community Practice

A growing number of leaders in towns and cities across the United States have embraced policies encouraging receptivity and integration of immigrant populations. This article examines this phenomen...
Ab Initio Theories of the Structural, Electronic, and Optical Properties of Semiconductors: Bulk Crystals to Nanostructures

Over the past several decades, developments in both theoretical understanding and methodology as well as in computer architecture have provided scientists with the tools to accurately predict the structural, electronic, and optical properties of semiconductors. In this chapter, we describe the state-of-the-art methodology for computing quantitatively accurate ground- and excited-state electronic properties of semiconducting systems without the use of empirically fitted parameters. A particular emphasis is placed on the methodology for accurately calculating the optical response in semiconductors. We illustrate applications of this methodology to systems ranging from traditional semiconductors such as Si, Ge, and GaAs to modern nanostructured materials of current and future interest.
Proton Transfer of Phenanthridone in the Lowest Excited Singlet State in Moderately Concentrated Mineral Acid Solutions

A modified form of the steady state treatment for the determination of excited state proton transfer rate constants was successfully applied to a variety of oxygen and nitrogen center aromatic excited acids. These compounds shared the characteristic of being more acidic in the lowest excited singlet state (S1) than in the ground electronic state (S0) and of requiring a concentrated mineral acid medium for protonation. This treatment was extended to phenanthridone, the lactam of 6-hydroxyphenanthridine, which is a weak enough base in the ground and the excited states to require moderately concentrated mineral acids for protonation, and becomes a stronger base in the excited state than it is in the ground state. Phenanthridone exists as an α-lactam and is a weaker base in the ground and excited states than the α-lactams derived from 2-hydroxypyridine, 2-hydroxyquinoline, and 1-hydroxyisoquinoline. It is also a much weaker base than the vinylogous γ-lactams. The reasons for this are discussed here.
Latino Sine Flexione

In the 20 October, 1903, issue of the Rivista (Vol. 8, No. 3 — there was no No. 2!) appeared Peano’s proposal for an international auxiliary language [126]. (A preliminary version had been printed separately on his birthday, 27 August [127′].) As we have seen, the idea of such a language was already ‘in the air’ and Peano made no claims to originality for his idea. On the contrary, he gave all credit to Leibniz. His method of presenting it, however, was a stroke of genius. It is a refinement of his habit of not making a proposal until it has already been, at least partially, put into practice.
Colorectal sarcoma: more than a gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Primary colorectal sarcomas have been defined as a rare and diverse group of mesenchymal cancers distinct from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Primary colorectal sarcomas have been recognized as a distinct entity from GISTs due to the dramatically worse prognosis these sarcomas carry. Also, primary colorectal sarcomas when compared to the more common colorectal adenocarcinoma, demonstrate more aggressive biology, present at a younger age and carry worse outcomes. At this time, surgery remains the mainstay of treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy has an unclear role in treatment of primary colorectal sarcoma. This paper attempts to review the available data regarding primary colorectal sarcomas.
Patient-provider language concordance and choice of treatment for prostate cancer.

6604Background: While some research has suggested that language concordance between patient and provider can impact patient outcomes, it is not known whether language concordance could influence pa...
On the detection, measurement, and characterization of slip-velocity in Couette-rheology involving viscoelastic liquids

We present a robust calculation leading to experimentally convenient and accurate ways of detecting, measuring, and characterizing velocity-slippage in viscoelastic-fluids, unlike previous inaccurate Mooney-type techniques. Herein, the unsteady Navier-Stokes equation for viscoelastic-fluid is solved while highlighting the rheological ramification. Our results emphasize phase-lags amongst shear stresses and strains, key output used in differing slip-types. The viscoelastic fluid is non-aging and isothermal, and we obtain an exact solution of the non-trivial flow profile, without assuming a linear Couette profile as customarily used. Moreover, the Navier-type slip boundary condition is considered. This approach is similar to that done in our earlier paper [Azese, “Measurement and characterization of slippage and slip-law using a rigorous analysis in dynamics of oscillating rheometer: Newtonian fluid,” Phys. Fluids 30, 023103 (2018)] where instead it was a Newtonian fluid. Accordingly, the sample fluid is trapped in the Couette-gap, where one of them is stationary and the other is steadily oscillating with an amplitude Re (Reynolds-number) and angular speed Ω = Ro (Roshko number), thus Couette-rheometry. We showcase an alternative way to obtain a steady-periodic solution, matching the long-time solution obtained in our earlier paper. We obtain the unsteady solution for this viscoelastic case and also use the alternative method to obtain the steady-periodic version, later used in obtaining the velocity and stress at the walls. Interestingly, we note the influence of Re, Ro, and Wi (Weissenberg Number) on this analysis. The equations and plots presented evidently show the influence of the slip. We conclude with reverse algorithms, Fourier-transform, Lissajous-figures, and Mooney-like procedures, capable of reproducing the slip-parameters, leading to a systematic measurement-and-characterization of the slip, useful in the calibration of rheological devices.
Two Relaxation Time Lattice Boltzmann Method Coupled to Fast Fourier Transform Poisson Solver: Application to Electroconvective Flow

Electroconvective flow between two infinitely long parallel electrodes is investigated via a multiphysics computational model. The model solves for spatiotemporal flow properties using two-relaxation-time Lattice Boltzmann Method for fluid and charge transport coupled to Fast Fourier Transport Poisson solver for the electric potential. The segregated model agrees with the previous analytical and numerical results providing a robust approach for modeling electrohydrodynamic flows.
Multimodal Head-Mounted Virtual-Reality Brain-Computer Interface for Stroke Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after stroke requires the exploitation of active movement by the patient in order to efficiently re-train the affected side. Individuals with severe stroke cannot benefit from many training solutions since they have paresis and/or spasticity, limiting volitional movement. Nonetheless, research has shown that individuals with severe stroke may have modest benefits from action observation, virtual reality, and neurofeedback from brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). In this study, we combined the principles of action observation in VR together with BCI neurofeedback for stroke rehabilitation to try to elicit optimal rehabilitation gains. Here, we illustrate the development of the REINVENT platform, which takes post-stroke brain signals indicating an attempt to move and drives a virtual avatar arm, providing patient-driven action observation in head-mounted VR. We also present a longitudinal case study with a single individual to demonstrate the feasibility and potentially efficacy of the REINVENT system.
Ready for disaster: information seeking, media influence, and disaster preparation for severe weather outbreaks

In light of recent severe weather outbreaks in the U.S., this study seeks to examine how individuals learn about and prepare for potential disasters in their area. Prior research has found that kno...
Correlating sludge constituents with digester foaming risk using sludge foam potential and rheology

Foam potential and viscometer ramp tests (VRTs) were conducted for three municipal wastewater treatment plants to determine if these methods can relate to mechanisms of foaming to physical and biological constituents in sludge. At all plants, digester volatile solids (VS) concentration correlated (R2 > 0.41) with increases in plastic viscosity, a VRT parameter corresponding to foaming risk. Plastic viscosity also correlated with foam-causing bacteria Gordonia (R2 = 0.38). Foam potential test values increased with Microthrix parvicella (R2> 0.28). For one plant, suspected foam-causing bacteria Mycobacterium negatively correlated with parameters representing foam risk. Microscopic filament counting correlated (R2 = 0.97) with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for Gordonia, suggesting that the more accessible counting method can reliably quantify foam-causing bacteria. Foam potential tests and VRTs resulted in plant-specific correlations with foam-related constituents. Therefore, these tests may provide useful evidence when investigating causes of digester foam events.
Coupling Transport and Consumption of Methane by Methanotrophs

Polychlorinated ethenes and ethanes are among the most widely found contaminants in the United States’ groundwater supply. Westrick et. al. (1984) The most common way to remediate these problematic areas is pumping water out of the aquifer, treating it above ground, and returning the cleaned water to the site, also known as pump and treat. Prior research has demonstrated the inadequacy of this method for rapid and complete elimination of organic contaminants from groundwater supplies. Travis et. al. (1990) Therefore, new strategies for treatment are needed. In situ bioremediation is a new strategy under study. Several researchers have shown that this method can satisfy the requirement for relatively rapid and comprehensive removal of organic contaminants. Harkness et. al. (1993) and Hazen et. al. (1994) This form of remediation can be used for removing polychlorinated ethenes and ethanes from contaminated groundwater supplies.
Amphetamine-induced striatal dopamine release in schizotypal personality disorder

Previous research has suggested that schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), a condition that shares clinical and cognitive features with schizophrenia, may be associated with elevated striatal dopamine functioning; however, there are no published studies of dopamine release within subregions of the striatum in SPD. To characterize dopamine release capacity in striatal subregions and its relation to clinical and cognitive features in SPD. We used positron emission tomography with [11C]raclopride and an amphetamine challenge to measure dopamine D2-receptor availability (binding potential, BPND), and its percent change post-amphetamine (∆BPND) to index amphetamine-induced dopamine release, in subregions of the striatum in 16 SPD and 16 healthy control participants. SPD participants were evaluated with measures of schizotypal symptom severity and working memory. There were no significant group differences in BPND or ∆BPND in any striatal subregion or whole striatum. Among SPD participants, cognitive-perceptual symptoms were associated at trend level with ∆BPND in the ventral striatum, and disorganized symptoms were significantly negatively related to ∆BPND in several striatal subregions. In contrast to previous findings, SPD was not associated with elevated striatal dopamine release. However, in SPD, there was a moderate positive association between ventral striatal dopamine release and severity of cognitive-perceptual symptoms, and negative associations between striatal dopamine release and severity of disorganized symptoms. Future larger scale investigations that allow for the separate examination of subgroups of participants based on clinical presentation will be valuable in further elucidating striatal DA functioning in SPD.
Leader or Party? Personalization in Twitter Political Campaigns during the 2019 Indian Elections

Personality-centric politics has been a significant part of discussions on social media’s impact on electoral politics. In this study, we quantified personalization in mainstream politics by studying the extent to which parliamentary candidates referred to the key leader of their party as opposed to the party itself in their Twitter political campaigns. We found that the candidates of the incumbent right-wing Hindu nationalist party, the BJP, led by a popular and widely approved leader, Narendra Modi, were significantly more likely to run a leader-centric campaign than the candidates of the main opposition party, the INC. Smaller, state and regionalist parties showed mixed results - while candidates of some parties centralized their discourse significantly in their key leaders, in other parties’ campaigns, the party was more prominent than its leader in candidate campaigns. We also found that BJP candidates, rather than uniformly running campaigns coat tailing on their hugely popular leader, were strategic in the extent to which they ran Modi centric campaigns. For BJP candidates, their followers count, the type of constituency and Modi’s own approval rating in the region were closely associated with running Modi-centric campaigns. We found no discernible patterns in how INC candidates personalized their social media campaigns.
Rumen Physiology and Energy Requirements

Publisher Summary Ruminants are found in nearly every environment where plants transform solar energy into chemical forms. The structure and development of the ruminant stomach is explained in detail in the chapter. The digestion process of the nutrients is also described in this chapter. A striking example of the influence of rumen microorganisms on the nutrition of the host animal is nitrogen metabolism in the rumen. is. Carbohydrates are very important to the ruminant animal and this is explained in detail. The total concentration of VFA in the rumen and the proportions thereof are dependent on diet. Glucose is a key intermediate in the fermentation of cell wall carbohydrates and starches to VFA. Another group of nutrients that plays an important role in the ruminant is minerals. Ruminant diets should be supplemented with the fat-soluble vitamins, namely vitamins A, D, and E. The water-soluble vitamins have received much less attention compared with the fat-soluble vitamins because the ruminal microbes synthesize water-soluble vitamins which then are supplied to the host. Energy is the first demand in all of animal nutrition. Some definitions of the energy terms commonly used to describe energy partitioning are digestible energy, metabolizable energy, net energy, productive energy and total digestible nutrients. The net energy system is relatively new compared with the TDN system. However, because of its extreme accuracy in predicting both nutrient requirements and anticipated performance under a specified system of feeding, it has become widely accepted and used. There are two main sources of energy, namely, the carbohydrate materials and ether extract or fat portions of the diet.