cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlling substrate temperature with infrared heating to improve mechanical properties of large-scale printed parts

Abstract Additively manufactured parts made with polymer extrusion techniques can be 50–75 % weaker in the z-direction (across layers) than in the x- and y-directions. This has been attributed to poor mobility of polymer chains and a low degree of entanglement across a cold deposition interface. This is particularly a challenge when printing large-scale parts, such as with the Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system, because layer times can exceed several minutes. The current work presents a method for controlling the temperature of the substrate material on the BAAM just prior to deposition using infrared heating lamps. Long layer times were also simulated by actively cooling the material following deposition of each layer. The effect of substrate temperature on the z-direction mechanical properties of 20 % carbon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) was measured for an initial temperature ranging from 50 °C to 150 °C and a preheated temperature ranging from 150 °C to 220 °C. Infrared preheating proved to be very effective when applied to substrates that had cooled considerably, almost doubling the tensile strength and increasing the fracture toughness by a factor of 7x.
Acute Ureteral Obstruction by Deeply Inserted Menstrual Cup

Mechanical complications from menstrual cups are rare, with only four reported cases of ureteral obstruction. Clinicians should be aware of gynecologic devices in patients with acute abdominopelvic pain because simple removal may obviate the need for further expensive work-up or exposure to ionizing radiation.
Bahay Kubo as Iconography: Representing the Vernacular and the Nation in Philippine Post-War Architectures

The bahay kubo, or the traditional Philippine vernacular house, has been immortalised in popular and academic literature and arts as the quintessential representation of Philippine architecture. Ar...
#MeToo in EM: A Multicenter Survey of Academic Emergency Medicine Faculty on Their Experiences with Gender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment.

Introduction Gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment of female physicians are well documented. The #MeToo movement has brought renewed attention to these problems. This study examined academic emergency physicians' experiences with workplace gender discrimination and sexual harassment. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of emergency medicine (EM) faculty across six programs. Survey items included the following: the Overt Gender Discrimination at Work (OGDW) Scale; the frequency and source of experienced and observed discrimination; and whether subjects had encountered unwanted sexual behaviors by a work superior or colleague in their careers. For the latter question, we asked subjects to characterize the behaviors and whether those experiences had a negative effect on their self-confidence and career advancement. We made group comparisons using t-tests or chi-square analyses, and evaluated relationships between gender and physicians' experiences using correlation analyses. Results A total of 141 out of 352 (40.1%) subjects completed at least a portion of the survey. Women reported higher mean OGDW scores than men (15.4 vs 10.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.6-6.8). Female faculty were also more likely to report having experienced gender-based discriminatory treatment than male faculty (62.7% vs 12.5%; 95% CI, 35.1%-65.4%), although male and female faculty were equally likely to report having observed gender-based discriminatory treatment of another physician (64.7% vs 56.3%; 95% CI, 8.6%-25.5%). The three most frequent sources of experienced or observed gender-based discriminatory treatment were patients, consulting or admitting physicians, and nursing staff. The majority of women reported having encountered unwanted sexual behaviors in their careers, with a significantly greater proportion of women reporting them compared to men (52.9% vs 26.2%, 95% CI, 9.9%-43.4%). The majority of unwanted behaviors were sexist remarks and sexual advances. Of those respondents who encountered these unwanted behaviors, 22.9% and 12.5% reported at least somewhat negative effects on their self-confidence and career advancement. Conclusion Female EM faculty perceived more gender-based discrimination in their workplaces than their male counterparts. The majority of female and approximately a quarter of male EM faculty encountered unwanted sexual behaviors in their careers.
Microbiome and pediatric obesity, malnutrition, and nutrition

Abstract Increasingly, it is appreciated that the neonatal enteric microbiome and the human host are intricately connected with alterations in each affecting the other. This chapter discusses the role of the neonatal enteric microbiome on the later development of pediatric malnutrition and obesity. Scientific studies that have explored the association of diet, the development of the neonatal enteric microbiome, and the association with varying nutritional phenotypes are highlighted. With this literature review, we examine potential therapeutic or preventative therapies aimed at targeting the neonatal enteric microbiome to improve the host’s nutritional status, and we discuss future directions within this innovative field of study.
Atomic Layer 2D MoS2 Coated Li-Metal for Advanced Li-Metal Rechargeable Batteries

Rapidly increasing markets for electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage for backup support systems and high-power portable electronics demand batteries with higher energy density, higher power density, and longer cycle life. The success of Li-S cells depends in large part to the utilization of metallic lithium as anode material. Metallic lithium, however, is prone to grow parasitic dendrites and is highly reactive to several electrolytes; it is also susceptible to polysulfides when used in Li-S cells. Here, we show that a ~10 nm thick 2D MoS2 can act as a protective layer for Li-metal anodes, greatly improving the performances of Li-S batteries [2, 3]. In particular, we observe stable Li electrodeposition and the suppression of dendrite nucleation sites. The deposition and dissolution process of a symmetric MoS2 coated Li-metal cell operates at a current density of 10 mA cm-2 with low voltage hysteresis, and a three-fold improvement in cycle-life than using bare Li-metal. In a Li-S full cell configuration, using the MoS2 coated Li as anode and a 3D carbon nanotube-sulfur cathode, we obtain a specific energy density of ~600 Wh kg-1 and a Coulombic efficiency of ~98% for over 1200 cycles at 0.5 C. Our approach can lead to the realization of high energy density and safe Li-metal based rechargeable batteries. Figure. Long-term cycling performance of Li–S battery with the MoS2-coated Li anode measured at 0.5 C for 1,200 cycles [3] References: High performance rechargeable Li-S batteries using binder-free large sulfur-loaded three- dimensional carbon nanotubes, M Patel, E Cha, C Kang, B Gwalani, W Choi, Carbon http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j (2017) Recent development of 2D materials and their applications, Wonbong Choi, Nitin Choudhary, Juhong Park, Deji Akinwande, Younghee Lee, Materials Today, 116-130, 20, (2017). 2D MoS2 as an efficient protective layer for lithium metal anodes in high performance Li-S batteries, Cha, E., Patel, M.D., Park, J., Hwang, J., Prasad, V., Cho, K., and Choi, W., Nature Nanotechnology, 13, pages337–344 (2018). Figure 1
Effects of preoperative nutritional status on complications and readmissions after posterior lumbar decompression and fusion for spondylolisthesis: A propensity-score analysis.

Abstract Introduction Malnutrition, common in the elderly, may adversely affect healthcare outcomes. In spine surgery, malnutrition is associated with higher rates of perioperative complications, unplanned readmission, and prolonged length of stay (LOS). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of malnutrition on adverse events (AEs), unplanned readmission, and LOS in patients undergoing spine surgery for spondylolisthesis. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 to 2016. Adult patients who underwent posterior decompression or fusion for spondylolisthesis were identified using the ICD-9-CM coding systems. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on preoperative serum albumin levels. propensity-score (PS) matching was used to create an age- and sex-matched Nourished cohort. Patient demographics, comorbidities, LOS, and postoperative complications were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of prolonged LOS, unplanned readmission, and AEs. Results Of the 2196 patients identified, 4.5% were malnourished. Patients in the Malnourished cohort were found to have significantly longer average LOS (Malnourished: 4.51 ± 3.1 days vs PS-Matched Not Nourished: 3.7 ± 3.7, p = 0.002), higher rates of AEs (Malnourished: 14.3% vs PS-Matched Nourished: 5.8%, p = 0.007), reoperation (Malnourished: 8.4% vs PS-Matched Nourished: 3.2%, p = 0.026), and unplanned readmission (Malnourished: 15.3% vs PS-Matched Nourished: 6.1%, p = 0.003). On multivariate analysis considering only preoperative data, malnutrition was a significant independent predictor of AEs [OR: 2.13, CI (1.02, 4.46), p = 0.045]. However, after correcting for the occurrence of AEs, malnutrition was not associated with total LOS [aRR: 0.29, CI (−0.37, 0.95), p = 0.392] or 30-day unplanned readmissions [aOR: 2.24, CI (0.89, 5.60), p = 0.086]. Conclusion Our study found that malnourished patients undergoing lumbar fusion for spondylolisthesis have significantly higher rates of AEs, unplanned readmission, and prolonged LOS than nourished patients. Further studies are necessary to corroborate our findings.
Digital agriculture for small-scale producers: challenges and opportunities

Smart Farming with technologies such as IoT, computer vision, and AI can improve agricultural efficiency, transparency, profitability, and equity for farmers in low-and middle-income countries.
Overlapping Microarray Profiles of Dentate Gyrus Gene Expression during Development- and Epilepsy-Associated Neurogenesis and Axon Outgrowth

Neurogenesis and axon outgrowth are features shared by normal nervous system development and certain forms of epileptogenesis. This observation has led to the hypothesis that some aspects of normal development and epileptogenesis have common molecular mechanisms. To test this hypothesis, we have used DNA microarray analysis to characterize gene expression in the dentate gyrus and identify genes exhibiting similar patterns of regulation during development and epileptogenesis. Of more than 8000 sequences surveyed, over 600 were regulated during development or epileptogenesis, and 37 of these were either upregulated or downregulated during both processes. In situ hybridization analysis of a subset of these “commonality genes” confirmed the patterns of regulation predicted by the microarray data in most cases and demonstrated various spatial and temporal patterns of commonality gene expression. Of the 25 named commonality genes in which some functional characteristics are known, 11 have been implicated in cell morphology and axon outgrowth or cellular proliferation and fate determination. This enrichment for candidate plasticity-related genes supports the concept that developmental mechanisms contribute to network alterations associated with epileptogenesis and offers a useful strategy for identifying molecules that may play a role in both of these processes.
Role of the β-Subunit Arginine/Lysine Finger in Integrin Heterodimer Formation and Function

Formation of the integrin αβ heterodimer is essential for cell surface expression and function. At the core of the αβ interface is a conserved Arg/Lys “finger” from the β-subunit that inserts into a cup-like “cage” formed of two layers of aromatic residues in the α-subunit. We evaluated the role of this residue in heterodimer formation in an αA-lacking and an αA-containing integrin αVβ3 and αMβ2 (CD11b/CD18), respectively. Arg261 of β3 was mutated to Ala or Glu; the corresponding Lys252 of β2 was mutated to Ala, Arg, Glu, Asp, or Phe; and the effects on heterodimer formation in each integrin examined by ELISA and immunoprecipitation in HEK 293 cells cotransfected with plasmids encoding the α- and β-subunits. The Arg261Glu (but not Arg261Ala) substitution significantly impaired cell surface expression and heterodimer formation of αVβ3. Although Lys252Arg, and to a lesser extent Lys252Ala, were well tolerated, each of the remaining substitutions markedly reduced cell surface expression and heterodimer formation of CD11b/CD18. Lys252Arg and Lys252Ala integrin heterodimers displayed a significant increase in binding to the physiologic ligand iC3b. These data demonstrate an important role of the Arg/Lys finger in formation of a stable integrin heterodimer, and suggest that subtle changes at this residue affect the activation state of the integrin.
Effect of Spermine on Lysis and Reproduction by Bacteriophages φX174, λ, and f2

Groman, Neal B. (University of Washington, Seattle), and Grace Suzuki. Effect of spermine on lysis and reproduction by bacteriophages φX174, λ, and f 2 . J. Bacteriol. 92: 1735–1740. 1966.—A test was made of the hypothesis that lysis by all bacteriophages shares as a common and critical step an alteration in the osmotic stability of the infected cell. This was done by examining the effect of spermine on lysis. Spermine is one of a number of compounds which can stabilize spheroplasts and protoplasts to lysis in distilled water. Spermine stabilized both φX174- and f 2 -infected cells at concentrations ranging from 2 × 10 −3 to 4 × 10 −2 m, but failed to stabilize λ-infected cells at concentrations up to 8 × 10 −2 m. Stabilization was reflected both in optical density measurements and in the retention of mature phage in structures sedimentable at low speeds. At optimal concentration, over 90% of the phage was retained in these structures. These data suggest that the mechanism of lysis by φX174 and f 2 differs sharply from that caused by λ, and other observations suggest that there are differences in the lytic process of φX174 and f 2 as well. Spermine also displayed a differential effect on phage reproduction. The reproduction of λ and f 2 was inhibited by spermine, though the data do indicate that maturation occurs in its presence. The reproduction of φX174 was enhanced by spermine.
The Organizational Climate of Paraguayan Elementary Schools: Rural-Urban Differentiations:

Social scientists concerned with the role of societal institutions have espoused numerous theoretical constructs regarding the nature of an institution in terms of its obverse relation to society and culture. As James S. Coleman (1965: 6) has stated: “Since Plato and Aristotle, political philosophers have affirmed principles embodied in the phrase(s), ‘As is the state, so is the school.’” Although no empirical studies are able to grasp both the cultural and institutional components of such a relationship, it is felt that some preliminary investigations have provided a sufficient rationale to pursue the collection of data to test generally the bonds between culture and a specific institution, in this case, education (Crozier, 1964).
New techniques for radar coherent range ambiguity resolution

A new method of target coherent range ambiguity resolution is presented which is substantially different from previously proposed methods. The new target ranging eliminates the generation of target ghosts associated with most conventional techniques. A range-ambiguous radar with a medium to high pulse repetition frequency is assumed. Clutter is assumed to be present in multiple range intervals. The method utilizes constant frequency pulses that change phase pseudo-randomly from pulse to pulse. The phase progression of the received pulses are correlated with a bank of matched filters constructed using phase progressions representative of the different range intervals. Performance degradation of target detection using the pseudo-random phases is also examined. Target detection with strictly pseudo-random phases is found to degrade in comparison to the conventional constant phase methods. A technique that utilizes both constant phase and pseudo-random phases is proposed that performs both detection and target ranging well.
Relation of dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, added sugar intake, or fiber intake to the development of body composition between ages 2 and 7 y

BACKGROUND Observational studies in adults suggest that a diet with a high glycemic index (GI) or glycemic load (GL), a high intake of sugary foods, or a low fiber intake may increase the risk of overweight. OBJECTIVES We aimed to examine prospectively whether dietary GI, GL, added sugar intake, or fiber intake between age 2 and 7 y are associated with the development of body composition. If so, we aimed to ascertain whether these associations are modified by meal frequency. DESIGN Linear mixed-effect regression analyses were performed in 380 participants of the DOrtmund Nutrition and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed (DONALD) Study for whom 4-6 weighed 3-d dietary records and anthropometric data were obtained between ages 2 and 7 y. RESULTS Changes in dietary GI, GL, or added sugar intake between ages 2 and 7 y were not associated with concurrent changes in percentage body fat (%BF, as estimated from skinfold thicknesses) or body mass index SD scores. An increase in fiber intake was related to a concurrent decrease in %BF between ages 2 and 7 y only in children who consumed <6 meals/d as toddlers (beta +/- SE from fully adjusted model: -0.26 +/- 0.09%BF per 1-SD increase in fiber intake, P = 0.005), whereas children with a higher meal frequency had no concurrent change (0.07 +/- 0.07%BF per 1-SD increase in fiber intake, P = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS Dietary GI, GL, or added sugar intake between ages 2 and 7 y does not appear to influence the development of body composition. Potential benefits associated with increasing fiber intake throughout childhood may be limited to toddlers with a lower meal frequency.
Altered methylation patterns in cancer cell genomes: Cause or consequence?

CpG islands are associated with at least half of all cellular genes and are normally methylation-free. Dense methylation of cytosine residues within islands causes strong and heritable transcriptional silencing. Such silencing normally occurs almost solely at genes subject to genomic imprinting or to X chromosome inactivation. Aberrant methylation of CpG islands associated with tumor suppressor genes has been proposed to contribute to carcinogenesis. However, questions of mechanisms underlying the cancer changes and the precise consequences for tumorigenesis exist in the field, and must continue to be addressed before the importance of abnormalities in genomic methylation patterns in carcinogenesis can be fully understood. In this article, two workers in DNA methylation, one concentrating on cancer biology and the other on developmental biology, address recurrent questions about cancer epigenetics from different perspectives. The goal is to highlight important controversies in the field which can be productive targets of ongoing and future research.
Damage in yttria-stabilized zirconia by Xe irradiation measured by X-ray diffraction

Abstract The evolution of microstructure in yttria-stabilized zirconia under irradiation is examined. YSZ was irradiated with Xe ions at 320 and 450 keV. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the resulting dislocation network with no amorphization as previously reported in literature. Hi-resolution X-ray diffraction was used to further study the ion damage characteristics. θ –2 θ scans measure an increasing out of plane lattice constant with dose. Reciprocal lattice maps indicate a strained surface layer, lattice matched to the unirradiated material.
Relationships of neophobia and pickiness with dietary variety, dietary quality and diabetes management adherence in youth with type 1 diabetes.

Neophobia, pickiness and diet variety are associated with diet quality and health outcomes in young children. Limited research has examined these associations among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), a population at risk for poor health outcomes when dietary quality is inadequate. Youth (n=252, age 13.2±2.8 years, 92% white, diabetes duration 6.3±3.4 years) with T1D and their parents completed 3-day youth diet records; parents completed questionnaires regarding youth neophobia, pickiness and diabetes management adherence. Medical records provided biomedical data. Dietary quality indicators included Nutrient-Rich Foods Index 9.3 (NRF9.3), Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005), Whole Plant Food Density (WPFD) and key single nutrients. Dietary variety was operationalized as a count of 20 recommended food groups consumed. Relationships of dietary quality and diabetes management adherence with neophobia, pickiness and dietary variety as independent variables were examined using multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for total energy intake, age, height and weight. In multiple linear regression analyses, NRF9.3 and HEI-2005 were each inversely associated with neophobia and pickiness, and positively associated with dietary variety. WPF and potassium were each positively associated and saturated fat was inversely associated with dietary variety. However, in models simultaneously including neophobia, pickiness and dietary variety as independent correlates of dietary quality, only relationships with dietary variety remained significant. Diabetes management adherence was negatively associated with both neophobia and pickiness and positively associated with dietary variety. Findings suggest that increasing dietary variety may contribute toward improved dietary quality among youth with T1D, despite potentially adverse influences of neophobia and pickiness.
Upper mantle beneath Southeast Asia from S velocity tomography

[1] We present a three-dimensional, S velocity model of the SE Asian-western Pacific upper mantle with 400-km lateral resolution. Using the novel Automated Multimode Inversion technique, we processed 4038 vertical-component seismograms and extracted 22,708 linear equations with uncorrelated uncertainties that constrain upper mantle structure. We used time-frequency windows to select signal with negligible proportion of scattered energy. The windows included the fundamental Rayleigh mode and S and multiple S waves. The observed range of S velocity variations is the widest (17–18%) in the upper 150 km of the mantle. High-velocity continental roots can reach beyond the present extent of the overlying Archean-Proterozoic crust by 500 km. Beneath some Precambrian units the roots are absent, which can be attributed to deformation and gradual destruction of the ancient lithosphere. At 120–150 km, S velocity beneath some cratons reaches 4.8 km/s; this can be accounted for by thermal and compositional effects. Beneath the Hainan Island area a low-velocity anomaly is observed from near the surface to the bottom of our model; the hot spot-type volcanism here may be caused by the deep-mantle Hainan plume. A low-velocity mantle domain underlies the south central Sea of Japan, surrounded on the surface by intraplate volcanoes. A deep-seismicity gap is present near 40°N in the Pacific slab subducting below and may result from a plume-slab interaction. A high-velocity anomaly is present in the transition zone beneath the northern boundary of the Yangtze Craton. We propose that the anomaly corresponds to subducted continental lithosphere, stagnant atop the 660-km discontinuity.
Executive Compensation in Public Higher Education: Does Performance Matter?.

Executive evaluation and compensation are central to organizational accountability and governance. Driven by increasing public demand on justifications and accountability for substantial salary increases for public university presidents, this paper is intended to shed light on the linkage between performance and executive compensation in public universities by examining the determinants of university presidents’ pay from 2004/2005 to 2008/2009 academic years. The central question is whether presidential compensation is related to a wide array of newly developed university performance measures or is independent of performance, i.e., university presidents are paid like bureaucrats in line with the widely supported conclusion in Jensen and Murphy (1990b) suggesting corporate CEOs are really paid like bureaucrats. Methodologically, Arellano–Bond dynamic panel model is applied to control for serial autocorrelation in the compensation data, i.e., university presidents’ pay in the current period is dependent to a great extent on that in the prior period. With extensive individual, institutional, and performance characteristics examined, it is concluded that performance related variables play a very limited role in determining public university presidents’ executive remuneration, when temporal autocorrelation is properly controlled, and presidential pay is strongly and persistently associated over time. The statistically insignificant pay-performance relationship together with the temporally persistent increases of presidential compensation may provide initial evidence supporting that public university presidents are paid like bureaucrats.
Enhancing Teacher Moral Judgment in Difficult Political Times: Swimming Upstream.

Abstract Teachers at eight elementary schools in a large metropolitan school district participated in a multi-year program of professional ethical dilemma discussions that took place at monthly school meetings over a two-year or three-year period and focused on real-life situations faced by elementary school teachers. Discussions were structured using the Four Component Model of Moral Judgment. The DIT-2 served as a measure of moral judgment. Results proved to be counterintuitive; teacher moral judgment did not improve over time. We discuss the implications of promoting moral and democratic sensibilities at a time when American classrooms are tightly controlled and teachers held accountable for student performance on high stakes tests.
Clustering of chronic rhinosinusitis symptomatology reveals novel associations with objective clinical and demographic characteristics

BackgroundChronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with varied head and neck symptomatology and quality-of-life impairments that are not necessarily correlated with each other or with objective m...
The speed and accuracy of voice recognition software-assisted transcription versus the listen-and-type method: a research note

Prior work has acknowledged the use of voice recognition software in transcription, but extant studies have not directly compared the speed and accuracy of software-assisted transcription to the listen-and-type method. This paper, therefore, asks: how quickly and accurately can a researcher transcribe using voice recognition software, as compared to the traditional listen-and-type method? I transcribed an interview recording twice, first dictating into voice recognition software while listening to an audio file, then listening and typing manually. In this side-by-side comparison, the listen-and-type transcription took 14.2 percent less time than the voice recognition software-assisted approach, and resulted in a more accurate transcript. Unfortunately, voice recognition software does not offer time or accuracy benefits over the listen-and-type method. The currently available software is best employed as a means to ease the physical and mental stress of transcription.
A stakeholder framework for analyzing the impact of environmental management on firm value

This article develops a stakeholder framework for analyzing the impact of environmental management on the value of the firm. The traditional financial model of firm valuation is reexamined using stakeholder theory. Next, environmental management is analyzed in this framework. The analysis focuses first on the firm's decision to undertake voluntary, costly, environmental management and considers why some firms undertake such activities while others do not. Conditions under which firm value is maximized by undertaking costly, voluntary environmental policies are outlined as are the expected limitations on such activities. Finally, public policy approaches aimed at encouraging corporate environmental management are examined.
Stress and IGF-I differentially control cell fate through mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and retinoblastoma protein (pRB).

Significant discoveries have recently contributed to our knowledge of intracellular growth factor and nutrient signaling via mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). This signaling pathway is essential in cellular metabolism and cell survival by enhancing protein translation through phosphorylation of 4EBP-1 and p70S6K. Growth factors like insulin-like growth factor-I induce mTOR to prevent cell death during cellular stress. Agents targeting mTOR are of major interest as anticancer agents. We show here, using human breast cancer cells, that certain types of stress activate mTOR leading to 4E-BP1 and p70S6K phosphorylation. UV treatment increased phosphorylation of the translation inhibitor eIF2α, suggesting a potential mechanism for UV activation of Akt and mTOR. c-Myc, a survival protein regulated by cap-dependent protein translation, increased with IGF-I treatment, but this response was not inhibited by rapamycin. Additionally, UV treatment potently increased c-Myc degradation, which was reduced by co-treatment with the proteasomal inhibitor, MG-132. Together, these data suggest that protein translation does not strongly mediate cell survival in these models. In contrast, the phosphorylation status of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) was mediated by mTOR through its inhibitory effects on phosphatase activity. This effect was most notable during DNA damage and rapamycin treatment. Hypophosphorylated pRB was susceptible to inactivation by caspase-mediated cleavage, resulting in cell death. Reduction of pRB expression inhibited IGF-I survival effects. Our data support an important role of phosphatases and pRB in IGF-I/mTOR-mediated cell survival. These studies provide new directions in optimizing anticancer efficacy of mTOR inhibitors when used in combination with DNA-damaging agents.
The Effect of Wool on the Photolysis of a Model Stilbene Fluorescent Brightener

The effect of suspended wool on the photodecomposition of a model fluorescent brightener, disodium 4,4'-diacetamido stilbene-2,2-disulfonate in aqueous solutions has been studied. Low concentrations of suspended wool increase the rate of brightener photodecomposition, whereas higher wool concentrations retard the rate of brightener decomposition. Photo-oxidation of the brightener in solution or on wool substrate gives the same major photocleavage product, sodium 5-acetamido-2-formylbenxenesutfonale.
First Report of the International Serial Transverse Enteroplasty Data Registry: Indications, Efficacy, and Complications

Background Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) is a novel surgical therapy for short bowel syndrome and is being used with increasing frequency worldwide. Because no single center is likely to obtain sufficient experience for meaningful analysis, we created the International STEP Data Registry to allow for larger, multicenter patient accrual and followup. This report describes patient characteristics, operative parameters, and early results of STEP in the first 38 patients enrolled in the International STEP Data Registry. Study design After IRB approval, data were entered online through password-protected enrollment and followup forms. Patient and procedural characteristics were analyzed. Pre- and postoperative small bowel length and enteral feeding tolerance were compared with the paired t -test. Results Between September 1, 2004, and April 30, 2006, 19 centers from 3 countries enrolled 38 patients. Median followup from STEP procedure to analysis was 12.6 months (range 0 to 66.9 months). Indications for STEP were short bowel syndrome (SBS, n=29), bacterial overgrowth (n=6), and neonatal atresia (n=3). Mean small intestine length was substantially increased in all groups (68±44 cm versus 115±87 cm, p Conclusions STEP has been performed at multiple centers with minimal complications and encouraging outcomes. Indications for the procedure have broadened beyond short bowel syndrome to include bacterial overgrowth and neonatal intestinal obstruction with dilated proximal intestine. Continued accrual and followup of patients in the International STEP Data Registry will elucidate the longterm safety and efficacy of the procedure, with the goal of improved patient selection and operative timing.
Preliminary non-hardware (“soft”) cost-reduction Roadmap for residential and small commercial solar photovoltaics, 2013-2020

This paper presents results from the first effort to quantitatively roadmap reductions in non-hardware, soft costs for photovoltaic (PV) systems at the residential and small commercial (<;250-kW) scales with annual resolution to 2020. The roadmap methodology employed by the semiconductor and crystalline silicon PV industries is intentionally adapted to derive a nonhardware corollary to technology-based roadmaps (i.e., International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors and International Technology Roadmap for PV). Installer-level data in the areas of 1) customer acquisition, 2) permitting, inspection, and interconnection (PII), and 3) installation labor are used to benchmark 2010 soft costs relative to the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative total soft-cost $/W targets by 2020 ($0.65/W for residential systems and $0.44/W for commercial systems). Cost reductions in financing are also assessed and measured in terms of % weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The roadmaps draw on industry expertise to plot conceivable courses to the residential and commercial PV soft-cost reductions required to achieve the 2020 SunShot targets, and they suggest the level of effort that may be required to achieve SunShot-level cost reductions in specific soft-cost areas. Results indicate that for residential P V, additional reductions of $0.46/W and 1.6% WACC beyond the current-trajectory reductions are required to achieve the SunShot target. For commercial P V, additional reductions of $0.11/W and 1.1% WACC are required.
Remote functionalization on the steroid β-face: attack on an angular methyl group, and into the sidechain

Benzophenonealkanoate esters of 6-β-cholestanes insert photolytically into C-15, C-16, and the C-18 methyl, or into C-23 and C-25 of the sidechain, depending on the length of the attaching chain.
A study of hypnosis in improving academic achievement of college students.

Summary.-Examination of whether hypnosis would improve academic achievement scores on examinauons over 15 weeks for 30 students of general psychology and a control group of 31 psychology students indicated the groups were not significantly different at midterm, but t was larger for the final test, encouraging longer term study.
Synthesis of 14C‐labelled antitumor agents. II. A facile synthesis of ring‐14C‐labelled para‐toluic acid as an intermediate for synthesis of ring‐14C‐labelled procarbazine

p-Toluic acid-ring-14C was synthesized by the Friedel-Crafts p-carbamylation of toluene-ring-14C with N,N-disubstituted carbamyl chloride and subsequent hydrolysis. The radiochemical yield was 61%. An attempt was made to apply this method for the synthesis of benzoic acid-ring-14C from benzene-ring-14C.
On the molecular weight of myosin.

Abstract By the Archibald approach to sedmentation equilibrium method, we have found a molecular weight of 4.2·10 5 g for either, (I) myosin (A) or, (2) the principal, ( ca . 65% by weight), schlieren-visible component of 5-h extracted myosin B. This same value has also been estimated from the conventional sedimentation velocity-diffusion method, using sedimentation coefficients obtained at very low protein concentrations, and diffusion coefficients measured by observing boundary spreading in synthetic boundary cells. Although lower than hitherto reported molecular weights for myosin (A), this value is in line with minimum molecular weight estimates based on the present knowledge of myosin sub-units.
Diastolic Cardiac Pathology and Clinical Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome in Monochorionic/Diamniotic Twins

Objective We sought to identify differences in echocardiographic profiles of monochorionic (MC)/diamniotic (DA) pregnancies with early or mild twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), compared to MC/DA twins affected only by discordant growth or discordant fluid. Study Design This was a retrospective evaluation of sonograms and echocardiograms of twin pregnancies referred for suspected TTTS. Results A total of 112 MC/DA pairs were studied. In all, 41 did not have/develop TTTS, and 61 had stage I/II TTTS. Ten developed TTTS after initially not meeting criteria. TTTS recipients had a higher rate of venous Doppler or tricuspid inflow abnormalities than purported recipients in non-TTTS pregnancies (86% vs 37%, P P Conclusion Diastolic pathology, specifically shorter tricuspid inflow duration, may be considered a hallmark of TTTS distinguishing these pregnancies from other MC/DA twin complications.
A Comparative Analysis of Burnout and Professional Quality of Life in Clinical Mental Health Providers and Health Care Administrators

This article examines professional burnout, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction in a sample of mental health professional staff in one southern Veteran's Affairs hospital compared to a sample of administrative staff in the same setting. It was hypothesized that there would be significant differences in the experience of these conditions between these two groups, with clinical providers experiencing higher levels of stress due to their direct exposure to patients and their mental health needs. Overall, participants in this sample scored high on the measure of compassion satisfaction; however, significant symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue were also noted.
Porosity through reduction in metal oxides

Routes to porous materials with nanoscale dimensions have been investigated. In the first example presented, porous manganese oxide has been prepared by leaching Ni metal from a nickel-manganese oxide precursor via reduction. Electron microscopy studies have revealed the presence of Ni nanoparticles on the surface, and also embedded within the porous MnO matrix. Magnetic measurements have shown exchange bias between the ferromagnetic Ni nanoparticles and the antiferromagnetic MnO phase. In the second system studied, porous nanostructures of rutile VO2 and corundum V2O3 have been prepared by reduction of amine-templated V2O5-δ nanoscrolls. The porosity of these materials has been probed by electron microscopy, N2 sorption measurements and thermogravimetric analysis.
Enthalpy of Formation of Triphenylphosphine Sulfide

The first measurements of the enthalpies of combustion, sublimation, and fusion of an organo-phosphorus sulfide, triphenylphosphine sulfide, are reported: δc H m o (C18H15PS, cr)=−(10752.58 ±2.90), δsub H m o (C18H15PS, 403 K)=(136.80±6.09), and δfus H m o (C18H15PS, Tm=435.92 K) =(30.53±0.21) kJ·mol−1. Correction of the phase change enthalpies toT=298.15K and po =0.1 MPa results in the standard phase change enthalpy values of δsub H m o (298.15 K)=(142.8 ±6.8) and δfus H m o (298.15 K)=(19.28±0.21) kj·mol−1. Accordingly, the enthalpies of formation of solid, liquid, and gaseous triphenylphosphine sulfide are derived: δf H m o (C18H15PS, cr) =(63.20±2.56), δfH m o (C18H15PS, l)=(82.48±2.57), and δfH m o (C18H15PS, g)=(206.0±7.3) kJ·mol−1. From these ancillary data, the P=S double-bond enthalpy is 394 kJ-mol−1 and in good agreement with earlier reaction calorimetry results. These phosphorus sulfide values are compared with those for the arsenic sulfides. Plausibility arguments are given for our results.
Cultural differences affecting the international transfer of computerized language learning

Abstract Computer-assisted language learning may eventually prove to be as popular an export to developing countries as the language laboratory once was. While technical difficulties may easily be overcome, problems stemming from cultural differences will need to be met with skill and sensitivity. This article presents some of the larger cultural obstacles to the transfer of computer-assisted language learning.
A method for localizing small helium leaks in large cryogenic vessels

Abstract Small leaks in a large cryogenic helium vessel have been localized by rapidly changing the temperature in the leak vicinity. As the helium temperature decreases, the viscosity of helium lowers, thereby causing a greater leak into the vacuum jacket. The relative pressure surge then gives a signature which can be used to evaluate various possible leak locations.
Selenium biogeochemistry in the San Francisco Bay estuary: changes in water column behavior

Abstract The cycling of dissolved selenium was examined in the North San Francisco Bay estuary using 5 surface water transects from the Pacific Ocean (Golden Gate) to the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, monthly river sampling, and three collections of oil refinery effluents during 1997–2000. By combining these data with earlier results from the mid-1980s, a nearly 16-year record of riverine fluxes, estuarine processes, and anthropogenic inputs was obtained. The Sacramento River concentrations and speciation have remained unchanged over the period, and while the speciation of selenium in the San Joaquin is similar, its dissolved selenium concentrations have decreased by almost one half. More significantly, the concentration of selenium from oil refinery discharges to the mid-estuary has decreased 66% and its speciation changed from one dominated by selenite (66%) to one that is only 14% selenite. This change in refinery effluents occurred while our study was underway, with the result being a pronounced decrease in selenite concentrations (82%), and hence total dissolved selenium, in the mid-estuary. A companion study found that sediment/water exchange is a minor flux to the estuary, and hence selenium inputs from the Sacramento River, as well as refineries during low flow (summer, fall) periods exert major controls on the dissolved selenium behavior in this estuary. Nevertheless, in situ processes associated with organic matter cycling (photosynthesis and respiration) still modify the distributions and internal transformations of dissolved selenium, notably organic selenide.
Normally-Off GaN-on-Si transistors enabling nanosecond power switching at one kilowatt

Power switches based on GaN-on-Si transistor technology have the advantage of high switching speed and low fabrication cost. This paper reports our recent advancement in device technology which enabled nanosecond switching at one kilowatt, with an unprecedented slew rate of 325 V/ns. The high switching speed opens up pathways for emerging applications such as envelope tracking and wireless power charging.
The A → X emission spectra of PbS and PbSe in neon matrices: Enhanced emission from isotopes and matrix sites

Abstract The A → X emission band systems induced by laser excitation are reported for the PbS and PbSe molecules in solid neon matrices. The spectra are characterized by sharp zero-phonon lines corresponding to the 0 → V ″ transitions for V ″ from 0 to about 14. The PbS spectrum also exhibits V ′ → V ″ vibronic bands for V ′ up to 8. In some of the PbSe bands 15 isotopic species can easily be resolved. In freshly deposited matrices, the molecules occupy a number of different matrix sites, all but one of which can be partially quenched by annealing the matrix. In several cases of close coincidence between laser and 0 → V ′ frequencies, much of the emission energy is confined to particular isotopic molecules in particular matrix sites.
Polysaccharides from Peptostreptococcus anaerobius and structure of the species-specific antigen

The cell-envelope antigens of Peptostreptococcus anaerobius were extracted from intact cells by autoclave or alkaline treatment. The purified species-specific antigen (G) was identified among several polysaccharides obtained from the extracts by successive treatments with ribonuclease and pronase followed by ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. G was investigated by 13C- and 31P-n.m.r. spectroscopy, titrimetry, elemental analysis, and gas-liquid chromatography. Oxidation of G with NaIO4 followed by reduction with NaBH4 and mild acid hydrolysis yielded the Smith degradation product of G (GS). Treatment of G and GS with 48% HF gave the respective dephosphorylated products GF and GSF. The structures of GS, GF, and GSF were investigated by 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy, methylation analysis, and gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The principal constituents of G were 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose (D-GlcNAc), D-glyceric acid, and phosphate as a diester, in the ratio 2:1:1, and a minor amount of D-glucose (beta-D-Glcp). GS contained D-GlcNAc, D-glyceric acid, glycerol, and phosphate in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. GF and GSF contained D-GlcNAc and D-glyceric acid in the ratios 2:1 and 1:1, respectively. A structure for the principal repeating unit of polymeric G compatible with the analytical data consists of alpha-D-GlcpNAc-(1----3)-alpha-D-GlcpNAc-(1----2)-D-glyceric acid units linked through C-6'-C-6" phosphate diester bridges. This structure is novel for two reasons: (a) unsubstituted glyceric acid residues occur as aglycons in the repeating structure, and (b) phosphate diester bridges link nonanomeric glycose carbons in a non-nucleic acid polymer. The structural role of the minor amount of beta-D-Glcp in G remains unknown.
Bureaucratic responses to executive orders

Governmental crises may become reality when Presidential orders are not implemented by the bureaucracy. Through formal delegation and informal power, the bureaucracy can stall, ignore or delay orders mandated by the ex ecutive, despite the widespread notion that the American Presidency possesses great potency. During national emergencies, the chief executive must not only implement solutions, but must arbitrate between agency officials more con cerned with enacting personal policies than following executive directives. Fragmentation between the technical and administrative components of the public sector may result in disasters such as nuclear reactor accidents. Struggles to implement preferred policy within a Presidential administration may result in greater calamities; the aggravation of tensions between nations, and, possi bly, a nuclear exchange between the superpowers. Since the end of the Second World War, Presidents have been faced with this scenario on several occasions.Through alliances with othe...
Calmodulin and protein kinase C antagonists also inhibit the Ca2+-dependent protein protease, calpain I

Abstract The calmodulin and C-kinase antagonists melittin, calmidazolium, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-napthalenesulfonamide (W7), and trifluoperazine (TFP) also inhibit the activity of the human erythrocyte Ca2+-dependent protease, calpain I. W-5, the nonchlorinated derivative of W-7, was ineffective as an inhibitor of calpain I just as it is for calmodulin and protein kinase C. Dose response studies provided the following IC50 values: melittin, 2.6 μM; calmidazolium, 6.2 μM; trifluoperazine, 130 μM; W-7, 251 μM. These IC50 values indicate that the compounds have affinities 10 to 600 fold less for calpain I than for calmodulin; however, the affinities of the inhibitory compounds are comparable for calpain I and protein kinase C. Kinetic analysis indicates that the compounds are competitive inhibitors of calpain I with respect to substrate.