cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of carbon nanotube‐induced pulmonary fibrosis: a physicochemical characteristic perspective

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with numerous beneficial applications. However, they could pose a risk to human health from occupational or consumer exposures. Rodent models demonstrate that exposure to CNTs via inhalation, instillation, or aspiration results in pulmonary fibrosis. The severity of the fibrogenic response is determined by various physicochemical properties of the nanomaterial such as residual metal catalyst content, rigidity, length, aggregation status, or surface charge. CNTs are also increasingly functionalized post-synthesis with organic or inorganic agents to modify or enhance surface properties. The mechanisms of CNT-induced fibrosis involve oxidative stress, innate immune responses of macrophages, cytokine and growth factor production, epithelial cell injury and death, expansion of the pulmonary myofibroblast population, and consequent extracellular matrix accumulation. A comprehensive understanding of how physicochemical properties affect the fibrogenic potential of various types of CNTs should be considered in combination with genetic variability and gain or loss of function of specific genes encoding secreted cytokines, enzymes, or intracellular cell signaling molecules. Here, we cover the current state of the literature on mechanisms of CNT-exposed pulmonary fibrosis in rodent models with a focus on physicochemical characteristics as principal drivers of the mechanisms leading to pulmonary fibrosis. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Respiratory Disease Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials.
Effective and efficient agricultural drainage pipe mapping with UAS thermal infrared imagery: A case study

Abstract Effective and efficient methods are needed to map agricultural subsurface drainage systems. Visible (VIS), near infrared (NIR), and thermal infrared (TIR) imagery obtained by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) may provide a means for determining drainage pipe locations. Preliminary UAS surveys with VIS, NIR, and TIR sensors were carried out at a farm field test site in central Ohio (U.S.A). During the UAS surveys, the soil surface was very dry (less than 5 mm of rainfall the previous week, soil surface volumetric water content below 16%, and soil surface temperature above 33 °C), and the ground was partially covered with past growing season crop residue and existing early growth stage corn/soybeans. Under these field conditions, drainage pipes were not detected with the VIS and NIR imagery. Conversely, the TIR image detected roughly 60% of the subsurface drainage infrastructure known to be present. Consequently, TIR imagery from UAS surveys was found to have considerable potential for drainage pipe mapping purposes, and compared to VIS and NIR imagery, may be better suited for detecting drain line locations under dry surface conditions. However, more evaluation of VIS, NIR, and TIR imagery for drainage pipe mapping is certainly needed under different soil wetness/dryness conditions and at a number of test sites having different types of soil and drainage system characteristics.
Parallel in time solution of ordinary differential equation for near real-time transient stability analysis

Power system stability is one of the major concerns raised as the power grid is modernized with the recent technological advancements to achieve a smarter and more resilient grid. With the increase in the size of the grid, the requirement of maintaining synchronism among the various components and controllability is a major challenge. Recent research in time-parallel algorithms has paved enormous opportunities for real-time power system analysis. Transient Stability Analysis (TSA) of a power grid involves solving a large set of time-dependent Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) and algebraic equations which makes it infeasible for a real-time solution. This poster discusses an approach for feasible near real-time solution of ODEs using Parareal Algorithm (PA). PA implementation using general purpose graphical processing units (GPGPU) based high-performance computing (HPC) is demonstrated for a Single Machine Infinite Bus (SMIB) power system model achieving a speedup of 73x substantiates the potential for near real-time TSA.
The bad things we do because of empathy

Empathy is usually seen as a prosocial and morally positive influence on behaviour. This article provides an overview of cases of negative acts motivated by empathy. It includes discussions of pola...
Implementing the Palomar Transient Factory Real-Time Detection Pipeline in GLADE: Results and Observations

Palomar Transient Factory is a comprehensive detection system for the identification and classification of transient astrophysical objects. The central piece in the identification pipeline is represented by an automated classifier that distinguishes between real and bogus objects with high accuracy. Given that the classifier has to identify the most significant transients out of a large number of candidates in near real-time, the response time it provides is of critical importance. In this paper, we present an experimental study that evaluates a novel implementation of the classifier in GLADEa parallel data processing system that combines the efficiency of a database with the extensibility of Map-Reduce. We show how each stage in the classifier  candidate identification, pruning, and contextual realbogus  maps optimally into GLADE tasks by taking advantage of the unique features of the systemrange-based data partitioning, columnar storage, multi-query execution, and in-database support for complex aggregate computation. The result is an efficient classifier implementation capable to process a new set of acquired images in a matter of minutes even on a low-end server. For comparison, an optimized PostgreSQL implementation of the classifier takes hours on the same machine.
Umbilical, Epigastric, and Spigelian Hernias

Primary ventral hernias are hernias that occur spontaneously along fascial defects of the anterior abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias are the most common type of primary ventral hernias and are discussed separately. This chapter focuses on three specific types of primary abdominal wall hernias: Spigelian, epigastric, and umbilical hernias. Though they occur less frequently than their inguinal counterparts, a thorough understanding of the causes and treatment options for these specific types of hernias is important for any practicing general surgeon. These primary abdominal wall hernias can oftentimes prove to be a diagnostic challenge, and one must approach them with a high index of suspicion to prevent a delay in diagnosis and subsequent surgical management. This chapter will discuss the typical presentation, etiology, and the various treatment options currently available to manage these specific types of primary ventral hernias.
Integral Membrane Glycoproteins in Cell-Cell and Cell-Substratum Adhesion

The focus of this chapter is on the integral membrane glycoproteins of the animal cell involved in cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion. The approach to the subject, both intellectually and experimentally, reflects not only the prejudices of the authors but also the ideas and concepts gleaned from the literature and from conversations with colleagues. For the free interchange of ideas, we are grateful; for misinterpretations or oversights, we apologize. We have focused attention on that body of experimental data that has used both biochemical and biological approaches in an attempt to understand the adhesion process. Immunology, with its potential for specificity, has played a particularly crucial role in the discovery of adhesion-related glycoproteins and, with the increased use of monoclonal antibody technology, will play an increasingly important role in exploring this area. It is a tool that must be used with caution, however, as will be noted throughout the chapter.
Lifetime Risks of Valvular Heart Disease and Pacemaker Use in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Background The likelihoods of valvular heart disease (VHD) and conduction abnormalities in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (ASp) are poorly defined. Knowing their lifetime risks of VHD and pac...
Insulin does not regulate the promoter of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) in HIRc/pCETP-CAT cells.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) is a plasma enzyme involved in cholesterol metabolism. As a potential target in the treatment of atherosclerosis, a number of studies have focused how this enzyme is regulated. It has been postulated that insulin may regulate CETP gene expression, and these effects may be mediated through CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα). The present study examines the effects of insulin on the activity of the CETP promoter in rat fibroblasts expressing the human insulin receptor (HIRc). HIRc cells were stably transfected with a chimeric construct containing 3.2 kb of the CETP promoter attached to the bacterial chloramphenicol acyltransferase gene (pCETP-CAT) without significantly affecting the expression of the insulin receptor. CAT activity was 8-fold higher in cultured HIRc/pCETP-CAT in the presence of 100 mg/dL LDL cholesterol, than those cultured without cholesterol (p < 0.05). However, culturing these cells in the presence of 100 nM insulin did not result in any change in CAT activity when compared to control cells. In HIRc/pCETP-CAT cells transiently transfected with a construct that constitutively expressed C/EBPα protein, a 3-fold increase in CAT activity was observed when compared to cells transiently transfected with non-specific DNA (p < 0.05). However, no observable effect on the CETP promoter was observed in the presence of insulin. Thus, in HIRc/pCETP-CAT cells, we were unable to substantiate the hypothesis that insulin regulates CETP gene transcription. These results suggest that the effects of insulin on CETP expression regulation may be downstream of transcription.
Stochastic cost-benefit analysis of urban waste-to-energy systems

Abstract Municipal solid waste generation is a rapidly increasing challenge that is leading to severe pollution and environmental degradation in many urban areas of developing countries. Globally, the solid waste sector accounts for 18% of methane emissions and 3–4% of greenhouse gas emissions overall. Waste handling and disposal systems in most large cities have largely been designed with minimal accounting of environmental issues. This study presents the Waste to Energy Recovery Assessment (WERA) framework, a new quantitative decision support model for initial evaluation and alternative comparisons of different thermochemical treatments of municipal wastes. The framework not only accounts for benefits through electricity generation but also accounts for emissions from facilities and the associated social cost of carbon in a cost-benefit assessment. The assessments are conducted with Monte Carlo simulations that explicitly account for uncertain factors such as future composition and generation of solid waste, technical efficiency of treatment processes, capital and operating costs, as well as future policies. The framework is used to study waste-to-energy (WtE) systems for Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Tokyo and New York. The results show that WtE systems can fulfill only 1.4–3.6% of 2014 electricity demand in the analyzed cases. Furthermore, the net present value for different technologies can be positive if collection fees and electricity rates (potentially set through feed-in-tariff policies) are sufficiently high. The analysis for Abu Dhabi and Riyadh also reveals that in a limited set of conditions (of technology efficiencies, and waste collection rates etc.) the WtE facilities can be self-sustaining investments.
Optical Absorption Techniques

A resonance absorption — resonance fluorescence experiment conducted during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was designed to measure atomic O and atomic N densities at 225 km. Resonance radiation from Apollo was returned by a collection of retro-reflections to a spectrophotometer on the Apollo, with total path lengths of 300, 1000 and 2000 m. The results obtained were discussed and the applicability of similar experiments from Spacelab analysed.
An Exact Algorithm for the Quadratic Multiknapsack Problem with an Application to Event Seating

Knapsack problems play a pivotal role in the operations research literature, with various generalizations proposed and studied over the last century. Of recent interest is the quadratic multiknapsa...
Neurobehavioral organization of the newborn: opportunity for assessment and intervention.

A functional model has been formulated that attempts to specify the behavioral subsystems of functioning that exemplify in their respective interplay an infant's individuality of behavioral functioning in the manner in which they move from stable to disorganized functioning and in the flexibility with which they maintain organized functioning in the face of varied exogenous and endogenous events. Based on this model, Als and colleagues have attempted to develop systematic assessments, the APIB and the K-Box Paradigm, to quantify the degree of differentiation and modulation of these behaviorally defined subsystems of functioning. It is hypothesized that the differences documented via these assessments are brain based (i.e., part of the child's biological makeup, which is influenced by the intrauterine and extrauterine environment, be it sensory and/or drug exposure, and which shows a recognizable pattern along a definable trajectory).
The Discovery of Balmer-filaments Encircling SNR RCW 86

We report the discovery of Balmer-dominated filaments along almost the complete periphery of the supernova remnant RCW 86 (also known as G 315.2-2.3 or MSH 14-63). Using the UM/CTIO Curtis Schmidt telescope, we obtained deep CCD images in the emission of Halpha and [S II], together with continuum images to remove stellar confusion. After continuum subtraction, we discovered a network of Halpha filaments reaching almost completely around the remnant. Most of the newly identified filaments show no corresponding [S II] emission, indicating that they belong to the peculiar ''Balmer-dominated'' class of filaments. Comparison of these Balmer filaments with existing radio and X-ray images of RCW 86 shows an overall similarity, although interesting differences are apparent upon detailed inspection. While further observations of these newly identified optical filaments may eventually provide more detailed information on the kinematics and distance to RCW 86, the distance currently remains uncertain. We argue that the shorter distance estimates of ~1 kpc are still favored.
Systematic evaluation of RNA-Seq preparation protocol performance

RNA-Seq is currently the most widely used tool to analyze whole-transcriptome profiles. There are numerous commercial kits available to facilitate preparing RNA-Seq libraries; however, it is still not clear how some of these kits perform in terms of: 1) ribosomal RNA removal; 2) read coverage or recovery of exonic vs. intronic sequences; 3) identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs); and 4) detection of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). In RNA-Seq analysis, understanding the strengths and limitations of commonly used RNA-Seq library preparation protocols is important, as this technology remains costly and time-consuming. In this study, we present a comprehensive evaluation of four RNA-Seq kits. We used three standard input protocols: Illumina TruSeq Stranded Total RNA and mRNA kits, a modified NuGEN Ovation v2 kit, and the TaKaRa SMARTer Ultra Low RNA Kit v3. Our evaluation of these kits included quality control measures such as overall reproducibility, 5′ and 3′ end-bias, and the identification of DEGs, lncRNAs, and alternatively spliced transcripts. Overall, we found that the two Illumina kits were most similar in terms of recovering DEGs, and the Illumina, modified NuGEN, and TaKaRa kits allowed identification of a similar set of DEGs. However, we also discovered that the Illumina, NuGEN and TaKaRa kits each enriched for different sets of genes. At the manufacturers’ recommended input RNA levels, all the RNA-Seq library preparation protocols evaluated were suitable for distinguishing between experimental groups, and the TruSeq Stranded mRNA kit was universally applicable to studies focusing on protein-coding gene profiles. The TruSeq protocols tended to capture genes with higher expression and GC content, whereas the modified NuGEN protocol tended to capture longer genes. The SMARTer Ultra Low RNA Kit may be a good choice at the low RNA input level, although it was inferior to the TruSeq mRNA kit at standard input level in terms of rRNA removal, exonic mapping rates and recovered DEGs. Therefore, the choice of RNA-Seq library preparation kit can profoundly affect data outcomes. Consequently, it is a pivotal parameter to consider when designing an RNA-Seq experiment.
Pain Management in a Terminally Ill Patient with a Surrogate Decision-maker: A Challenge.

When health care proxies are in charge of pain management, it may become very difficult to address the patient’s pain if the health care proxy has misconceptions about analgesics. We report a case of an 87-year-old lady who was found to be pulseless, and after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), was intubated and remained so for over a month in the intensive care unit (ICU). The medical team could not provide the patient with pain medication, as the daughter who was the surrogate decision-maker did not allow the administration of any pain medication in the false belief that it would kill the patient. This case helps us to shed light on the surrogate decision-maker and pain management and how medical professionals can solve similar issues in the future. Early consultation with palliative care may be beneficial. For continued disagreement, the ethics committee should be consulted.
Collective Adaptation to Structural Strain: Commiserating and Problem-Solving in groups

Numerous studies have explored group cohesion and social action under stressful circumstances. Several theories such as social identity theory, social categorization theory and grievance theories o...
A Steady-state Alarm Analysis Approach Base on Finite Automata and Moving Window Algorithm

Owing to a great variety of unprocessed and unanalyzed signal in the power system operation, the dispatchers face challenges from the high-intensity work, meanwhile, which brings security risks. Aiming at this phenomenon, this paper proposes a power system steady-state Alarm Analysis Approach base on Finite automata and Moving window (A3FM). The A3FM model is designed to describe the transition of power network state, and real-time analysis of power system steady-state alarm. The practical application shows that A3FM can discriminate the target signal sequence, analyze the grid operation in real time and have the certain capacity of fault tolerance. It provides the basis for real-time power grid status monitor and operation decision. On this basis, it improves the security of power grid by reducing the risks of manual operation mistakes in high pressure.
Cutting across structural and transcriptomic scales translates time across the lifespan and resolves frontal cortex development in human evolution

Abstract How the unique capacities of human cognition arose in evolution is a question of enduring interest. It is still unclear which developmental programs are responsible for the emergence of the human brain. The inability to determine corresponding ages between humans and apes has hampered progress in detecting developmental programs leading to the emergence of the human brain. I harness temporal variation in anatomical, behavioral, and transcriptional variation to determine corresponding ages from fetal to postnatal development and aging, between humans and chimpanzees. This multi-dimensional approach results in 137 corresponding time points across the lifespan, from embryonic day 44 to ∼55 years of age, in humans and their equivalent ages in chimpanzees. I used these data to test whether developmental programs, such as the timeline of prefrontal cortex maturation, previously claimed to differ between humans and chimpanzees, do so once variation in developmental schedules is controlled for. I compared the maturation of frontal cortex projections from structural magnetic resonance (MR) scans and from temporal variation in the expression of genes used to track long-range projecting neurons (i.e., supragranular-enirhced genes) in chimpanzees and humans. Contrary to what has been suggested, the timetable of prefrontal cortex maturation is not unusually extended in humans. This dataset, which is the largest with which to determine corresponding ages across humans and chimpanzees, provides a rigorous approach to control for variation in developmental schedules and to identify developmental programs responsible for unique features of the human brain.
A Farewell Gift from My Mother

A Farewell Gift from My Mother “If I can’t sit on the floor and play with my grandsons, I don’t want to live.” My mother made it clear she valued her mobility, her golf game, and her language. If t...
Programmed Cell Death-One Inhibition Therapy in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma

The majority of patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) may be cured, but for patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) cHL, the prognosis is unfavorable. Immune dysfunction is a significant contributor of relapse and a hallmark of cHL; in particular, the immune system is unable to eradicate lymphoma cells that overexpress immune checkpoint proteins. The blocking of this mechanism used by lymphoma cells to evade the immune system has resulted in clinical benefits. Use of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) in R/R cHL is associated with high response rates and an acceptable adverse effects profile. There is growing interest in combining chemotherapy with CPIs in frontline therapy of cHL treatment to improve relapse rates without significant additive toxicity. In this review, we discuss the current evidence supporting CPI use in R/R cHL and maintenance therapy. We present emerging CPI data in frontline adult cHL and assess its role in the elderly. In addition, we discuss critical immune-related toxicities and their management, and elaborate on the challenges of monitoring response and minimal residual disease as tools for maximizing efficacy by limiting toxicity.
Caenorhabditis elegans establishes germline versus soma by balancing inherited histone methylation.

Formation of a zygote is coupled with extensive epigenetic reprogramming to enable appropriate inheritance of histone methylation and prevent developmental delays. In C. elegans, this reprogramming is mediated by the H3K4me2 demethylase, SPR-5, and the H3K9 methyltransferase, MET-2. In contrast, the H3K36 methyltransferase, MES-4, maintains H3K36me2/3 at germline genes between generations to facilitate re-establishment of the germline. To determine whether the MES-4 germline inheritance pathway antagonizes spr-5; met-2 reprogramming, we examined the interaction between these two pathways. We find that the developmental delay of spr-5; met-2 mutant progeny is associated with ectopic H3K36me3 and the ectopic expression of MES-4 targeted germline genes in somatic tissues. Furthermore, the developmental delay is dependent upon MES-4 and the H3K4 methyltransferase, SET-2. We propose that MES-4 prevents critical germline genes from being repressed by antagonizing maternal spr-5; met-2 reprogramming. Thus, the balance of inherited histone modifications is necessary to distinguish germline versus soma and prevent developmental delay.
Medicaid Expansion and Incidence of Kidney Failure among Nonelderly Adults.

BACKGROUND Low-income individuals without health insurance have limited access to health care. Medicaid expansions may reduce kidney failure incidence by improving access to chronic disease care. METHODS Using a difference-in-differences analysis, we examined the association between Medicaid expansion status under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the kidney failure incidence rate among all nonelderly adults, aged 19-64 years, in the United States, from 2012 through 2018. We compared changes in kidney failure incidence in states that implemented Medicaid expansions with concurrent changes in nonexpansion states during pre-expansion, early postexpansion (years 2 and 3 postexpansion), and later postexpansion (years 4 and 5 postexpansion). RESULTS The unadjusted kidney failure incidence rate increased in the early years of the study period in both expansion and nonexpansion states before stabilizing. After adjustment for population sociodemographic characteristics, Medicaid expansion status was associated with 2.20 fewer incident cases of kidney failure per million adults per quarter in the early postexpansion period (95% CI, -3.89 to -0.51) compared with nonexpansion status, a 3.07% relative reduction (95% CI, -5.43% to -0.72%). In the later postexpansion period, Medicaid expansion status was not associated with a statistically significant change in kidney failure incidence (-0.56 cases per million per quarter; 95% CI, -2.71 to 1.58) compared with nonexpansion status and the pre-expansion time period. CONCLUSIONS The ACA Medicaid expansion was associated with an initial reduction in kidney failure incidence among the entire, nonelderly, adult population in the United States; but the changes did not persist in the later postexpansion period. Further study is needed to determine the long-term association between Medicaid expansion and changes in kidney failure incidence.
The COVID-19 Residency Application Cycle Did Not Affect Geographic Dispersal Patterns Among Applicants Entering the Urology Match: A Quantitative Mapping Study.

Objective To assess whether pandemic-related restrictions with video-based interviewing increased geographic clustering of urology applicants matching at a residency program near where they were raised or attended medical school. Materials and Methods We utilized publicly available data from the urology match to compare dispersal patterns between applicants matching during the COVID-19 application cycle (2021) and those matching in the 5 prior application cycles (2016-2020). Variables included home state, undergraduate institution, medical school, and residency. Latitudes and longitudes were obtained for each institution and home state. The primary endpoint was distance (miles, as the most direct path) between medical school and residency program. We also assessed dispersal patterns by American Urological Association section. Results Of the 1965 applicants matching to a urology program between 2016 and 2021, medical school was identified for 1956 (99.7%) applicants, undergraduate program for 1551 (79%) applicants, and home state for 1351 (69%) applicants. Comparing the COVID-19 application cycle to the 5 prior application cycles, there was no significant difference in the median distance between medical school and residency, undergraduate university and residency, or home state and residency. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the proportion of applicants matching at their home institution, matching from medical schools without a home urology program, matching from medical schools with a historically low volume of urology applicants ( Conclusion Virtual interviewing and the loss of in-person clinical rotations did not significantly alter dispersal patterns or hamper an applicant's ability to match at program outside their geographic region.
The relationship between age at time of surgery and risk of biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effects of age at radical prostatectomy (RP) on recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with prostate cancer stratified by established preoperative risk factors (such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score, and tumour stage), as increasing age has been associated with more indolent behaviour in some cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of men treated with RP from 1988 to 2008 was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups by age at the time of RP, and RFS rates were analysed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves. The subgroups were stratified by preoperative PSA level, biopsy Gleason score, and clinical stage; multivariate analyses with Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify independent predictors of recurrence. Recurrence was defined as a single PSA level of ≥0.2 ng/mL at least 28 days after RP. RESULTS In all, 1984 patients met inclusion criteria and were divided into groups 1 (1325 men aged 40–64 years) and 2 (659 men aged ≥65 years). The 5-year RFS rates were 80.6% (confidence interval, CI 78.0–82.9%) and 75.6% (CI 71.5–79.1%) for groups 1 and 2, respectively. In the univariate model, advanced age was significantly associated with an increased overall risk of recurrence (hazard ratio, HR 1.30, P = 0.012). However, in multivariate analyses accounting for PSA level, Gleason score, and clinical stage, age was not an independent predictor of recurrence (HR 1.04, P = 0.76). CONCLUSION Older patients who undergo RP appear to have an increased risk of recurrence. However, age is not an independent predictor of recurrence when accounting for PSA level, grade, and stage.
Laser‐assisted atom probe tomography of MBE grown GaN nanowire heterostructures

Laser-assisted atom probe tomography (L-APT) was performed on GaN nanowires (NWs) and axial GaN/InGaN nanowire heterostructures. All samples were grown by MBE on Si(111) substrates. The laser pulse energy (PE) at 355 nm used in L-APT analysis of GaN NWs was restricted to the range of 2-50 fJ in order to recover the correct GaN stoichiometry within experimental uncertainty. Higher PE at 355 nm generally returns an apparent (but unphysical) deficit in N composition for GaN. Axial GaN/InGaN NW heterostructures were also grown by MBE. In these experiments a GaN NW segment was first grown at 820 °C followed by GaN-capped InGaN marker layers grown variously at 585 and 615 °C. The capped InGaN markers were separated by GaN spacer layers. L-APT revealed that under certain growth conditions, In diffused throughout the quantum well region. These observations were corroborated by HRTEM. Moreover, L-APT performed on the GaN/InGaN NWs with PE = 2 fJ revealed that regions with dispersed In showed an (unphysical) N deficit but regions where the InGaN marker layers remained localized showed the approximately correct stoichiometry. Interestingly, even when the In markers remain localized, background In is still found in the GaN spacers between the markers. (© 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The AT2 Receptor Selectively Associates with Giα2 and Giα3 in the Rat Fetus

Abstract The effects of angiotensin II are mediated by a family of seven transmembrane receptors. In the adult, the majority of the receptors are of the AT1 isoform, which is coupled to heterotrimeric G proteins (either Gqα or Giα). In contrast, the AT2 receptor is expressed at low levels in the adult but is the major form expressed in the fetal and neonatal animal. Previous results have failed to show G protein coupling of the AT2 receptor in the fetus. We now provide evidence that the AT2 receptor is G protein-coupled. An antibody that binds several Gα subunits immunoselected angiotensin II receptor-Gα complexes. In addition, Giα1-3 antibody, which recognizes Giα1, Giα2 and Giα3, also co-immunoselect the AT2 receptor. Anti-Giα2 and anti-Giα3 antibodies were both able to co-immunoselected AT2 receptor-Giα complexes, but consistent with the lack of Giα1 in the fetal extracts, anti-Giα1 antibodies did not nor did any other G protein-directed antisera. The finding that AT2 receptor couples to both Giα2 and Giα3 raises the possibility that selective interactions between AT2 receptor and different G proteins may result in specific cellular effects mediated by AT2 stimulation.
Identification of common tumor signatures based on gene set enrichment analysis

The identification of common tumor signatures can discover the shared molecular mechanisms underlying tumorgenesis whereby we can prevent and treat tumors by a system intervention. We identified tumor-associated signatures including pathways, transcription factors, microRNAs and gene ontology categories by analyzing gene sets for differential expression between normal vs. tumor phenotypes classes in various tumor gene expression datasets. We obtained the common tumor signatures based on their identified frequencies for different tumor types. Some shared signatures important for various tumor types were uncovered and discussed. We proposed that the interventions aiming at both the shared tumor signatures and the tissue-specific tumor signatures might be a potential approach to overcoming cancer.
Kiva Reactive Hydrodynamics Code Applied to Detonations in High Vacuum

The KIVA reactive hydrodynamics code has been adapted for modeling detonation hydrodynamics in a high vacuum. Adiabatic cooling rapidly freezes detonation reactions as a result of free expansion into the vacuum. After further expansion, a molecular beam of the products is admitted without disturbance into a drift tube, where the products are analyzed with a mass spectrometer. This paper explains how the model is used for interpretation and design of experiments for detonation chemistry. Modeling of experimental hydrodynamic characterization by laser-schlieren imaging and model-aided mapping that will link chemical composition data to particular volume elements in the explosive charge are also discussed.
Implementation and evaluation of an automated dispensing system

An institution's experience in replacing a traditional unit dose cassette-exchange system with an automated dispensing system is described. A 24-hour unit dose cassette-exchange system was replaced with an automated dispensing system (Pyxis's Medstation Rx) on a 36-bed cardiovascular surgery unit and an 8-bed cardiovascular intensive care unit. Significantly fewer missing doses were reported after Medstation Rx was implemented. No conclusions could be made about the impact of the system on the reporting of medication errors. The time savings for pharmacy associated with the filling, checking, and delivery of new medication orders equated to about 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE). Medstation Rx also saved substantial nursing time for acquisition of controlled substances and for controlled-substance inventory taking at shift changes. A financial analysis showed that Medstation Rx could save the institution about $1 million over five years if all personnel time savings could be translated into FTE reductions. The automated system was given high marks by the nurses in a survey; 80% wanted to keep the system on their unit. Pilot implementation of an automated dispensing system improved the efficiency of drug distribution over that of the traditional unit dose cassette-exchange system.
A methodology for the efficient storage and processing of coastal point data

The seamless integration between terrestrial and sub-aqueous surfaces has long stymied the geospatial industry. The collection of high-resolution, accurate elevation data in the nearshore zone proved difficult for many organizations. However, the advent of shallow water based LiDAR collection systems, technological improvements in shallow water hydrographic multibeam systems and the ability to collect bathymetry from hyperspectral remotely sensed imagery is changing the face of the coastal mapping community. Through the functionality of ArcGIS Terrains, users of these multisource, multiscale data will be able to seamlessly integrate coastal point data into an efficient storage mechanism. Terrains have the capability to generate small to large scale Triangulated Irregular Networks (TINs) on-the-fly. This paper discusses and demonstrates the functionality of this new technology in the context of a coastal mapping project. Topographic LiDAR, multibeam bathymetry, and SHOALS bathymetry LiDAR is incorporated into a geospatial database. Supplementary data, such as breaklines, erosion control devices are added to further assist in accurate model generation at multiple scales. Subsequent modeling at varying resolutions is performed through spatial analysis techniques which further demonstrate the utility of ArcGIS Terrains for shoreline mapping. In a 3D context, visualization techniques are explored using ArcScene and ArcGlobe. This technology has the potential to assist clients in the arena of military applications, pipeline/cable landfall applications, coastal zone management and flood risk modeling. The three main areas that make it difficult for geospatial analysts to work with coastal data are: a) the shear volume of data associated with LiDAR and SoNAR data, b) the variability of resolution requirements (i.e. regional mapping requires decimated data, large scale mapping requires high-resolution), and c) storage and management of varying data sources encompassing the same geography. The paper addresses these areas of concern by explaining the underlying concepts and methodologies that ArcGIS Terrains employ to import, manage, and present these data at varying scales.
Escherichia coli: the best biological drinking water indicator for public health protection

Public health protection requires an indicator of fecal pollution. It is not necessary to analyse drinking water for all pathogens. Escherichia coli is found in all mammal faeces at concentrations of 10 log 9(-1), but it does not multiply appreciably in the environment. In the 1890s, it was chosen as the biological indicator of water treatment safety. Because of method deficiencies, E. coli surrogates such as the 'fecal coliform' and total coliforms tests were developed and became part of drinking water regulations. With the advent of the Defined Substrate Technology in the late 1980s, it became possible to analyse drinking water directly for E. coli (and, simultaneously, total coliforms) inexpensively and simply. Accordingly, E. coli was re-inserted in the drinking water regulations. E. coli survives in drinking water for between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on environmental conditions (temperature, microflora, etc.). Bacteria and viruses are approximately equally oxidant-sensitive, but parasites are less so. Under the conditions in distribution systems, E. coli will be much more long-lived. Therefore, under most circumstances it is possible to design a monitoring program that permits public health protection at a modest cost. Drinking water regulations currently require infrequent monitoring which may not adequately detect intermittent contamination events; however, it is cost-effective to markedly increase testing with E. coli to better protect the public's health. Comparison with other practical candidate fecal indicators shows that E. coli is far superior overall.
Neutralization of Polyatomic Ions at Self-Assembled Monolayer Surfaces before and after Electrodeposition of Poly(phenylene oxide)

Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) films chemisorbed onto polycrystalline gold substrates have been shown to be effective targets in ion surface collision investigations. One concern has been whether localized defect sites within SAM films (pinholes) influence the amount of ion neutralization that occurs at the surface. Two molecular ion probes, benzene and DMSO-d6, are employed to measure the degree of neutralization of a selected monolayer. In this investigation, the behavior of these probes upon collision with SAM surfaces composed of CH3(CH2)3S−Au (C4), CH3(CH2)17S−Au (C18), and CF3(CF2)7(CH2)2S−Au (CF) is compared to the behavior of the same SAM surfaces after potential defect sites have been modified by electrodeposition of poly(phenylene oxide). Plots of total ion current vs time show no change in the scattered ion efficiency as a result of the chemical treatment for any of the monolayer films, even in the case of C4 where the CV electrodeposition experiments indicate exposed gold. The results indicate...
Competitive Adsorption of 2,4,7,9-Tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol and Linear Alkane Surfactants at the Air/Water Interface

Competitive adsorption of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol (TMDD) with octanesulfonic acid Na+ salt, decanesulfonic acid Na+ salt, dodecanesulfonic acid Na+ salt, and protonated and deprotonated octanoic acid was observed using sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. SFG spectroscopy allows the direct observation of the relative surface density of TMDD. Various models of competitive adsorption for mixed surfactant systems were compared. Models taking into account kinetic, steric, and electrostatic factors were compared to the experimental data. For systems not undergoing a two-dimensional phase transition, a model incorporating steric and kinetic factors provided the best agreement with experimental observations.
Simple, specific analysis of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides in sediments using column extraction and gas chromatography

A simple, specific procedure was developed for the analysis of organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides in sediment. The wet soil was mixed with anhydrous sodium sulfate to bind water and the residues were column extracted in acetonermethylene chloride (1:1, v/v). Coextracted water was removed by additional sodium sulfate packed below the sample mixture. The eluate was concentrated and analyzed directly by capillary gas chromatography using phosphorus and nitrogen specific detectors. Recoveries averaged 93% for sediments extracted shortly after spiking, but decreased significantly as the samples aged.
The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in women undergoing prophylactic mastectomy.

Abstract Background: Indications for prophylactic mastectomy (PM) range from LCIS to BRCA 1-2 positive, cosmesis, and cancer phobia. Occult cancers have been found in up to 5% of PM cases. Consequently, consideration must be given to the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy as a diagnostic procedure in these patients as PM excludes the subsequent option of SLN biopsy. Methods: From April 1994 to November 1999, all patients undergoing PM had SLN biopsy after four quadrant periaerolar injections of radiocolloid (450 mci) and blue dye (5 cc). All patients were prospectively accrued to the computerized database of breast patients. The SLN were all evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin (HE 57 patients underwent PM in which 148 nodes (2.6 nodes per patient) were evaluated. Nodes were examined by routine H&E and CK-IHC staining. Two patients, neither of whom was found to have a cancer in the prophylactic mastectomy breast, were found to have a positive SLN by CK-IHC staining. Infiltrating carcinoma was discovered within the PM breasts of 2 additional patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was negative for malignancy by H&E as well as CK-IHC stains. No lymphadema has been detected in PM patients. Conclusions: Sentinel node biopsy has been shown to be an accurate and minimally invasive method of evaluating the lymphatic basin. This study shows that the absence of known disease within the breast does not preclude the presence of occult cancer or metastatic nodal disease. Four patients (7%) had a significant change in their surgical management as a direct result of sentinel lymph node biopsy. Two patients were spared the complications of a complete axillary node dissection. This minimally invasive procedure accurately evaluated the known disease status and provided new diagnostic information. Most important, once a mastectomy is performed, the opportunity for SLN biopsy is lost should a cancer be found within the breast specimen.
A Conspiracy So Immense: The World of Joe McCarthy

Acclaimed historian David Oshinsky's chronicling of the life of Senator Joe McCarthy has been called both "nuanced" and "masterful." In this new paperback edition Oshinsky presents us with a work heralded as the finest account available of Joe McCarthy's colorful career. With a storyteller's eye for the dramatic and presentation of fact, and insightful interpretation of human complexity, Oshinsky uncovers the layers of myth to show the true McCarthy. His book reveals the senator from his humble beginnings as a hardworking Irish farmer's son in Wisconsin to his glory days as the architect of America's Cold War crusade against domestic subversion; a man whose advice if heeded, some believe, might have halted the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia and beyond. A Conspiracy So Immense reveals the internal and external forces that launched McCarthy on this political career, carried him to national prominence, and finally triggered his decline and fall. More than the life of an intensly- even pathologically- ambitious man however, this book is a fascinating portrait of America in the grip of Cold War fear, anger, suspician, and betrayal. Complete with a new Foreword, A Conspiracy So Immense will continue to keep in the spotlight this historical figure-a man who worked so hard to prosecute "criminals" whose ideals work against that of his- for America.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of a rectangular slit real impactor's performance

The performance of a rectangular slit impactor was simulated using the three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) computer program CFX-4.4. The characteristic impactor efficiency curve obtained from the simulations was compared with the experimental results. A sensitivity study was carried out to investigate the effect of (a) the total number of particles used for the simulation, (b) gravity in the simulation, and (c) ultra-Stokesian drag on the efficiency curve predictions. The simulation predictions for each of the above cases are presented along with the experimental data and the results are discussed. Results obtained from the simulation are seen to be in good agreement with experimental data, validating the particle transport model implemented in CFX-4.4, for laminar flow conditions.
You can’t beat something with nothing: getting an alternative into the curriculum

Abstract This paper describes an alternative paradigm, “contextual economics,” which is being developed, initially, in the form of an introductory microeconomics textbook. This paradigm gives special attention to the goals of economic actors and of the discipline of economics; and to the physical and the social/psychological contexts within which economies function.
Ferroelastic domain-wall motion in YBa2Cu3O7−δ: coercive stress and domain-wall velocity measurements

Abstract The coercive stress for ferroelastic {110} domain-wall motion and the domain-wall velocity in YBa2Cu3O7−δ crystals were measured as a function of temperature in the 275–400°C range. This motion is a thermally-activated process, similar to ionic diffusion processes in oxides. The activation energy for domain-wall motion was determined to be on the order of 0.4 eV, in reasonable agreement with literature values for domain-wall motion due to diamond indentation, and with the energy required for the motion of oxygen ions as inferred from diffusion data.