cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulations of shear-induced morphological transitions in block copolymers

In this review, we focus on simulation studies performed to provide a molecular-level understanding of shear-induced morphological transitions and domain alignment of block copolymers in the bulk and in thin films. Block copolymers are highly relevant for many scientific and industrial applications due to their ability to form uniform domains of controllable shape at nanometer length scales. In the bulk, morphologies depend on the constituent block interactions and their volume fractions, while for thin films the surface properties and film thickness also play important roles. Spontaneously formed samples do not usually have the long-range order required in many applications. Long-range order can be induced by external guidance, for example using electric fields, surface patterns, or shear forces. In particular, shearing of both bulk systems and thin films is an excellent method for achieving long-range order, and remarkable progress has been made in experimental techniques for controlling pattern formation and transferring them to materials of interest, e.g., metal nanowires. Many simulation studies of pattern formation in copolymer systems have been performed, but simulations using explicit representations of the chains and incorporating shear have only been attempted in recent years. Because of length- and time-scale limitations, most simulations of shear alignment are performed on coarse-grained models. We survey the methods used for obtaining parameters for coarse-grained models to represent specific block copolymer systems, and the simulation algorithms utilized to impose shear. The simulations are in general agreement with experiments on the relative ease of alignment of lamellar, cylinder-forming, and sphere-forming systems, and provide insights into alignment mechanisms. Both simulations and experiments display a strong dependence of alignment quality on film thickness and substrate–polymer interactions. The review closes with a summary of unresolved questions for future research.
Trust in Scientists and Food Manufacturers: Implications for the Public Support of Biotechnology

An analysis of data from the U.S. Biotechnology Study, 1997S1998 reveals that few variables affect public trust in scientists, while variables representing perceived benefits, risks, trustworthiness, and competence affect trust in food manufacturers on matters of biotechnology. Both trust in scientists and trust in food manufacturers have a large and important effect on public support for biotechnology, although trust in scientists is found to be more important than trust in food manufacturers. Findings of this analysis suggest that trust in scientists is relatively generalized, while trust in food manufacturers is particularized.
14C methanol incorporation into DNA and proteins of organogenesis stage mouse embryos in vitro

Methanol (MeOH), a widely used industrial solvent and alternative motor fuel, has been shown to be mutagenic and teratogenic. We have demonstrated that methanol is teratogenic in mice in vivo and causes dysmorphogenesis in cultured organogenesis stage mouse embryos. Although MeOH is a product of endogenous metabolism in the gut and can be found in humans following consumption of various foods, elevated levels of methanol could lead to methylation of cellular macromolecules. DNA methylation has been demonstrated to suppress transcription of fetal genes and may also play an important role in genetic imprinting. Embryonal proteins are also potential targets for methanol-induced methylation. We investigated the potential of administered methanol to incorporate into and/or alter the methylation of embryonal DNA or to affect specific protein methylation. Gestational day 8 CD-1 mouse embryos were grown for 24 h in culture medium (CM) with 0, 4, or 8 mg MeOH + 20 microCi (14)C-MeOH/mL. At the end of the culture period, yolk sacs and embryos were separated for each treatment group. The DNA was purified by cesium chloride gradient centrifugation in the presence of ethidium bromide and (14)C incorporation was determined. Methylation of a selected gene, Hoxc-8, was assessed by using methylation-specific restriction enzymes. The (14)C activity was found superimposed over the DNA-containing fraction, indicating incorporation. DNA from embryos treated with 4 mg MeOH/mL CM gave the highest incorporation of (14)C-MeOH (8 mg/mL was growth inhibiting). Methylation of Hoxc-8 appeared to be increased in embryos treated with 4 mg MeOH/mL CM, but not in embryos treated with 8 mg MeOH/mL. Lack of incorporation of methylation at the higher concentration may be due to the failure of embryos to grow at this concentration of MeOH. The incorporation of (14)C-MeOH into embryo proteins was investigated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and autoradiography. Incorporation of (14)C-MeOH into specific proteins was observed but the labeling specificity was not methanol dose-related. These results indicate that methyl groups from (14)C-MeOH are incorporated into mouse embryo DNA and protein. Our results further suggest that methanol exposure may increase genomic methylation under certain conditions which could lead to altered gene expression.
Correlation of beam loss to residual activation in the AGS

Studies have been done in which first order correlations have been made between measured beam losses on the distributed ionization chamber system in the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS) and the health physics recorded residual activation. In recent years, the AGS has run high-intensity protons primarily for rare kaon decay experiments. In this mode of running, the AGS typically accelerates a beam from an injection momentum of 0.644 GeV/c up to a slow extracted beam (SEB) momentum of 24.2 GeV/c. The beam intensities are on the order of 4.5*10/sup 13/ protons per AGS cycle at injection to as high as 1.9*10/sup 13/ protons per AGS cycle at extraction. Residual activation varies around the AGS ring from on the order of 5 mR/hour to levels on the order of 5 R/hour. The highest levels occur around the AGS beam catcher and the extraction equipment. >
Gas transport from methane‐saturated, tidal freshwater and wetland sediments

Variations in hydrostatic pressure controlled by diurnal tides triggered ebullition from subtidal freshwater sediments dominated by methanogenesis in the White Oak River estuary, North Carolina. Pulses of gas consisting of 50-80% methane were released when the tidal cycle reached its nadir. In August, site-to-site variations in these fluxes ranged from 60 to 650 ml (39-425 mg) CH, m-2 d-l. At a single site, cbullition made up 50% of the total CH, flux out of the sediments; the remainder was transported across the sediment-water interface by molecular diffusion. The sedimentary gas bubble reservoir varied seasonally between 2.6 and 14.8 liters m-3 at two White Oak sites. These quantities represented lo-30% of the total sedimentary CH, inventory, the balance of which was dissolved in pore waters. Methane shifted between the two pools with seasonal changes in temperature as bubble methane partial pressure maintained equilibrium with dissolved CH,. Factors controlling the composition of sedimentary gas bubbles were investigated by collecting samples from scvcral environments. These bubbles consisted primarily of CH,, N2, and CO,. The ratio of CH, to N, was found to bc a useful indicator of mechanisms transporting gases from sediments and was controlled by both the ebullition rate and the presence of rooted emergent macrophytes.
A new time-finite-element implicit integration scheme for multibody system dynamics simulation

When performing the dynamic simulation of stiff mechanical systems, implicit type integration schemes are usually required to preserve stability. This article presents a new implicit time integrator, which is a particular application of a novel state-time formulation recently developed by the authors in a more general scope. The proposed scheme is constructed with the intent of benefitting from the accuracy and apparent robustness thus far achieved with this algorithm in an integration context. This is realized by first setting up the weighted residual equations for the system in a form associated with the application of a time marching integration scheme. The resulting algebraic equations are then solved, minimizing the error of integration time step in a generalized energy sense, allowing one to capture the stiff behavior of solution in an efficient manner. Examples are provided to show the proposed method performance when dealing with a stiff system. � 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Novel Performance Index and Multi-layered Information Structure for Monitoring Quasi-static Voltage Problems

In this paper we propose a novel performance index and a multi-layered information structure for monitoring potential quasi-static voltage problems in electrical power systems. The proposed performance index is based on the sensitivity of the smallest singular value of the power flow Jacobian matrix with respect to the corresponding system load level. This performance index is computed at different levels of system aggregation/decomposition, which we define as a "multi- layered information structure". This information structure requires little or no information exchange among decomposed subsystems. Moreover, it can be seamlessly implemented in today's horizontally decomposed interconnections. Two multi- control-area systems are used to illustrate the proposed performance index and information structure.
A two-level optimization scheme for bandwidth optimization of a microprocessor vertical interconnect

A parametric model of a generic differential ten-layer microprocessor package line with two motherboard layers has been developed. A dimensionality reduction scheme and a reusable, multi-dimensional look-up table precede the global optimization phase which is facilitated by a smooth interpolation scheme based on splines. An accelerated boundary element based full-wave electromagnetic solver has been used to construct a look-up table of S-parameters for a number of designs. The second phase features a custom local optimizer incorporating all the variables without any dimension reduction. This methodology has been applied to automated synthesis of the differential package line resulting in a significant improvement of the return loss performance.
Linear system analysis of ion channel modulation in rod photoreceptors under dim light conditions

Rod photoreceptors perform the task of night vision. The dynamics of dim light response is mainly determined by non-inactivating potassium Kx channels in the inner segment, manifested by such a feature as high-pass filtering. The L-type Ca/sup 2+/ channels function as the voltage dependent actuator governing synaptic transmission from rods to the second order cells. Modulation of these ion channels can affect physiological features of rods. We introduced here an analytical approach to construct a linear circuit model of the rod membrane to study the effects of modulation of ion channels on rod function. The effects of tetraethylammonium (TEA) and Zn/sup 2+/ were analyzed in frequency domain. The obtained results were consistent with the computational and experimental studies, which showed that TEA attenuated the high-pass filtering whereas Zn/sup 2+/ enhanced it. The role of Ca/sup 2+/ channels in the dynamics of light response was also investigated to show that the activation gate exhibited a larger impact on the overall frequency response than the inactivation gate. Linearization of ion channels for small perturbations provides an attractive alternative method to quantitatively evaluate the physiological significance of the effects of the modulation of ion channels. The resultant linear system may help reveal important features of neurons which can hardly be obtained otherwise.
A functional polymorphism of the Gαq (GNAQ) gene is associated with accelerated mortality in African-American heart failure

Gaq, encoded by the human GNAQ gene, is an effector subunit of the Gq heterotrimeric G-protein and the convergence point for signaling of multiple Gq-coupled neurohormonal receptors. To identify naturally occurring mutations that could modify GNAQ transcription, we examined genomic DNA isolated from 355 normal subjects for genetic variants in transcription factor binding motifs. Of seven variants identified, the most common was aG C to TT dinucleotide substitution at2694/2695 (allele frequency of 0.467 in Caucasians and 0.329 in African Americans) within a GC-rich domain containing consensus binding sites for Sp-1, c-rel and EGR-1. In promoter‐reporter analyses, the TT substitution increased promoter activity in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes and human HEK fibroblasts by 30% at baseline and after stimulation with phorbol ester. Two other relatively common polymorphisms, 2173G/A and 2168G/A, did not affect promoter activity. Since altered expression/activity of Gaq is implicated in heart disease, we re-sequenced the GNAQ promoter in 1052 prospectively followed heart failure patients. The TT variant was not increased in heart failure, but was associated with decreased survival time among African Americans, with an adjusted RR of death/cardiac transplant of 1.95 (95% CI 5 1.21‐3.13) for heterozygotes and 2.4 (95% CI 5 1.36‐4.26) for homozygotes. Gel mobility shift assays showed that this GC/TT substitution eliminated Sp-1 binding without affecting c-rel or EGR-1 binding to this promoter fragment. Thus, the GNAQ 2694/2695 promoter polymorphism alters transcription factor binding, increases promoter activity and adversely affects outcome in human heart failure.
Evaluation of a Long-Range Joint Acoustic Navigation / Thermometry System

The conceptual architecture of an ocean acoustic system with the dual uses of submerged platform navigation and large-scale temperature measurement has been developed, and is described here. Swept FM signals would be used to synthesize short-duration pulses. A 50-Hz bandwidth is to be used, within the frequency range of 100 to 200 Hz. The potential performance of the system is discussed here. Navigation performance is compared with that of the currently used 1.6-Hz bandwidth RAFOS system. Thermometry performance can be evaluated using experiences with prior systems.
A genome-wide tree- and forest-based association analysis of comorbidity of alcoholism and smoking

Genetic mechanisms underlying alcoholism are complex. Understanding the etiology of alcohol dependence and its comorbid conditions such as smoking is important because of the significant health concerns. In this report, we describe a method based on classification trees and deterministic forests for association studies to perform a genome-wide joint association analysis of alcoholism and smoking. This approach is used to analyze the single-nucleotide polymorphism data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism in the Genetic Analysis Workshop 14. Our analysis reaffirmed the importance of sex difference in alcoholism. Our analysis also identified genes that were reported in other studies of alcoholism and identified new genes or single-nucleotide polymorphisms that can be useful candidates for future studies.
Collective Action and the Evolution of Social Norms

With the publication of The Logic of Collective Action in 1965, Mancur Olson challenged a cherished foundation of modern democratic thought that groups would tend to form and take collective action...
Evaluation of farmed playa wetlands as avian habitat using survey data and two rapid assessment techniques

Abstract Playa wetlands contribute to the biological diversity of the southern Great Plains, yet many are modified by current farming practices. We surveyed 12 farmed playa wetlands from 1998–99 to (1) document seasonal avian use of these habitats and (2) assess the performance of two rapid assessment techniques, the Habitat Assessment Technique and the Wetland Evaluation Technique. Thirty-six bird species were observed on farmed playa wetlands, 42% of which are dependent on wetland habitats. In contrast, only 5 species were observed on upland reference sites in 1999, and none were dependent on wetlands. Collectively, both rapid assessment techniques rated farmed playa wetlands as poor habitats because of the physical characteristics of study sites. Based on field observations and published work, we conclude that farmed playa wetlands provide habitat for many avian species and the rapid assessment techniques examined are unsuitable for assessing playa wetlands as avian habitat in Kansas.
The Influence of Salesperson Motivation and Role Perception: An Empirical Analysis

This paper empirically examines the effects of salesperson type on motivation components (intrinsic and extrinsic) and role perception (role ambiguity and role conflict). Industrial salespeople are divided into: ( 1) institutionalized stars, (2) lone wolves, (3) corporate citizens, and (4) apathetic salespersons. The results of this study indicate that, except role conflict, motivation components and role ambiguity are significantly related to the salesperson types. Implications for managers and future research are also presented.
CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF TRANSESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY* : Limitations and Pitfalls

As with any imaging technology, there are limitations and pitfalls to TEE. The limitations and pitfalls of TEE can be minimized best by experience. Initial training should not be circumvented, and maintenance of competency should be monitored strictly. Physicians with less than level II echocardiography training should work in close collaboration with an active echocardiography laboratory and have an appropriate review of current examinations. Both individual and laboratory standards for maintenance of competency should be established. Because of the new presentation of cardiac and extracardiac anatomy, unfamiliar but normal anatomy initially may be confused as abnormal. Additionally, certain structures are viewed in a manner that may mimic pathologic conditions. Because of the superior resolution offered by TEE, phenomena such as spontaneous contrast and ghosting are observed much more commonly than they are with transthoracic imaging. Highly detailed anatomic structures, such as atrial muscle bundles, sutures, and adipose tissue, are to be recognized and differentiated from thrombi, vegetation, and masses. Although TEE has been a dramatic step forward in diagnostic imaging, there is a potential for serious misinterpretation. This article discusses most of these potential problems; however, there always will be unique situations in which the findings must be addressed consistently and differentiated as normal, artifact, new observation, or misinterpretation.
High-throughput measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D by LC–MS/MS with separation of the C3-epimer interference for pediatric populations

Abstract Background Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) is widely used for the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25OHD2) in blood. However, the presence of 25OHD3 C3-epimer (3-epi-25OHD3) may cause interference and overestimation of the 25OHD3 level. We developed a rapid and simple assay for measurement of 25OHD that separates this interference and to investigate its impact on 25OHD3 measurement in adult and pediatric populations. Methods Sample preparation consisted of protein precipitation followed by solid-phase extraction with an LC run time of 4.8 min. Method comparison with another LC–MS/MS method of a major reference laboratory that does not separate the C3-epimer interference was performed using adult (n = 52) and pediatric (n = 40) samples. Results This method is free from significant ion suppression, carryover and interference. The assay can separate 25OHD3 from the 3-epi-25OHD3, and can measure 25OHD2 and 25OHD3 from 4.2 to 310.7 ng/ml and 5.2 to 311.1 ng/ml, respectively. Method comparison with a LC–MS method that does not separate the interference revealed biases of − 0.15 and 4.54 for 25OHD3 measurement in adult and pediatric samples, respectively. Conclusion A fast and simple LC–MS/MS method for quantification of 25OHD3 and 25OHD2 without 3-epi-25OHD3 interference was developed. This assay is required for accurate quantitation of 25OHD3 in pediatric samples and suitable for routine use in a high volume clinical laboratory.
Linguistic Phenomena, Analyses, and Representations: Understanding Conversion between Treebanks

Treebanks are valuable resources for natural language processing (NLP). There is much work in NLP which converts treebanks from one representation (e.g., phrase structure) to another (e.g., dependency) before applying machine learning. This paper provides a framework in which to think about the question of when such a conversion is possible.
Urinary Tract Infections in Women: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Management

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women represent one of the most common disease entities in both the ambulatory and hospital setting. Nearly 60 % of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime leading to billions of dollars of healthcare spending. There are several important factors on both a pathogen and host level that support bacterial colonization with ultimate progression to infection in otherwise healthy patients. In an era of increasing healthcare costs and limited face-to-face evaluation time, establishing the correct diagnosis can prove challenging and leads to misguided and sometimes excessive treatment. Ultimately, a stronger focus on preventative strategies may help to reduce the impact of uncomplicated UTIs on women.
Explicit Functional Integration Method for Determining Approximate Stationary States in Quantum Field Theories

The Ray1eigh-Ritz procedure for functionalities, an explicit functional integration method for determining approximate stationary states in quantum field theories, is described and illustrated here for certain models with simply chosen expressions for the trial state functionals. Approximate vacuum, one-particle and two-particle (noninteracting, bound or scattering) stationary states are derived for generic self-interacting real scalar theories without renormalization, for a nonre1ativistic real scalar-Weyl spinor model with renormalization, and for a self — interacting complex scalar model with renormalization.
A rapid screening method for blood glucose estimation.

Gyure, William L.: A rapid screening method for blood glucose estimation. A rapid method for estimating glucose concentrations in serum and in fluoride-, iodoacetate-, heparin-, and EDTA-treated plasma and whole blood is described. The procedure requires about three minutes to perform and utilizes a tungstic acid precipitant solution and urine glucose dipsticks. Test results correlate with those of a reference quantitative glucose method at levels from 25 to 500 mg/dl (1.38 to 27.5 mmol/l). Hemolysis, lipemia and bilirubin levels as high as 20 mg/dl (342 mmol/l) do not interfere with the procedure. The simplicity and adaptability of the method make it useful in emergency situations.
Ultrafast 2D-IR vibrational echo spectroscopy of concentrated salt solutions analyzed using a new experimental observable

Ultrafast 2D-IR vibrational echo spectroscopy is applied to the dynamics of water in concentrated aqueous salt solutions. A new experimental observable is introduced as a robust approach to extracting dynamics from 2D-IR data.
Before the Storm: Momentum and the Onset of the Gulf War

Scholars, policymakers, and lay observers share the vocabulary of conflict. But, strangely enough, international politics theorists ignore "momentum"-a commonly acknowledged source of competitive outcomes. This study formally introduces the concept of momentum to the theoretical vocabulary of international politics. It does so by examining the assumptions underlying momentum, translating the phenomenon into observable effects, and testing its utility with an event data set drawn from newspaper accounts of the roughly half year preceding the Gulf War. Factor analyses of relative behavior intensities suggest that behavior, over the long term, cycled in a manner consistent with momentum and engulfed all conflict participants. Scholars, policymakers, and lay observers share the vocabulary of conflict. But, strangely enough, international politics theorists ignore "momentum"-a commonly acknowledged, yet theoretically promising, source of competitive behavior. The neglect of the concept is somewhat understandable given the confused and varied use of the term; even empirical treatments of the concept in social scientific research do not entirely match implied meanings. Nevertheless, while elusive, momentum can be explicitly defined and studied through simple causal relationships to determine whether it should be considered a valid explanation for international cooperative, competitive, and conflictual outcomes. This study formally introduces the concept of momentum to the theoretical vocabulary of international politics. It does so by examining the assumptions underlying momentum, translating the phenomenon into observable effects, and testing its utility with an event data set drawn from newspaper accounts of
Measuring the quality of professional development training

High-quality, evidence-based professional development is essential to ensure that teachers obtain the knowledge, strategies and skills necessary to positively impact student learning. While the primary form of professional development, training has rarely been evaluated for quality beyond the satisfaction of those being trained. The Observation Checklist for High-Quality Professional Development Training (HQPD Checklist) was designed to measure observable indicators of effective professional development consistently. The HQPD Checklist is a valuable tool for professional development providers when designing and reflecting on training content, and for evaluators when monitoring the quality of professional development.
Development and Feasible Test of Equipment on Gas-liquid Hydrocyclones

A kind of new gas-liquid cyclone separator was designed to fulfil the need of gas-liquid separation after the high water cut in oilfield,whose main characteristic was high efficiency, low cost and small style,under the condition of economy and operating pressure. Compared with conventional gas-liquid separator of container, this type of gas-liquid cyclone separator whose feasibility was verified by the essential test, with the simple structure, small volume and area, light weight, easy operation and maintenance and so on.
The Effects of Cyclosporine and Aspirin on Platelet Function in Normal Dogs.

Background Cyclosporine increases thromboxane synthesis in dogs, potentially increasing the thrombogenic properties of platelets. Hypothesis/Objectives Our hypothesis was that the concurrent administration of low-dose aspirin and cyclosporine would inhibit cyclosporine-associated thromboxane synthesis without altering the antiplatelet effects of aspirin. The objective was to determine the effects of cyclosporine and aspirin on primary hemostasis. Animals Seven healthy dogs. Methods A randomized, crossover study utilized turbidimetric aggregometry and a platelet function analyzer to evaluate platelet function during the administration of low-dose aspirin (1 mg/kg PO q24h), high-dose aspirin (10 mg/kg PO q12h), cyclosporine (10 mg/kg PO q12h), and combined low-dose aspirin and cyclosporine. The urine 11-dehydro-thromboxane-B2 (11-dTXB2)-to-creatinine ratio also was determined. Results On days 3 and 7 of administration, there was no difference in the aggregometry amplitude or the platelet function analyzer closure time between the low-dose aspirin group and the combined low-dose aspirin and cyclosporine group. On day 7, there was a significant difference in amplitude and closure time between the cyclosporine group and the combined low-dose aspirin and cyclosporine group. High-dose aspirin consistently inhibited platelet function. On both days, there was a significant difference in the urinary 11-dTXB2-to-creatinine ratio between the cyclosporine group and the combined low-dose aspirin and cyclosporine group. There was no difference in the urinary 11-dTXB2-to-creatinine ratio among the low-dose aspirin, high-dose aspirin, and combined low-dose aspirin and cyclosporine groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Low-dose aspirin inhibits cyclosporine-induced thromboxane synthesis, and concurrent use of these medications does not alter the antiplatelet effects of aspirin.
Phase II trial of low dose γ-interferon in metastatic renal cell carcinoma

AbstractWe conducted a phase II trial to confirm the activity of fixed, low dose γ-interferon in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. A total of 35 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, who had not received prior immunotherapy and who had a Zubrod performance status of 2 or less, was enrolled in this study. Primary tumors were controlled by nephrectomy or embolization before treatment began. γ-Interferon was administered weekly as a subcutaneous injection at a fixed dose of 100 μg. Toxic effects were limited to low grade fever, chills and myalgias within 24 hours of injection. There were no incidences of grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Responses could be evaluated in 34 patients. There were 1 complete and 4 partial responses, for an objective response rate of 15% (95% confidence interval 5 to 32%). Durations of response to date are 21+, 17+, 13+, 9 and 2 months. We conclude that γ-interferon is an active agent for metastatic renal cell carcinoma when administered according to this dose and schedule. The respo...
Investigation into the distinct subcellular effects of docosahexaenoic acid loaded low-density lipoprotein nanoparticles in normal and malignant murine liver cells

Abstract Background Recent studies have shown that low density lipoproteins reconstituted with the natural omega 3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (LDL-DHA) is selectively cytotoxic to liver cancer cells over normal hepatocytes. To date, little is known about the subcellular events which transpire following LDL-DHA treatment. Methods Herein, murine noncancer and cancer liver cells, TIB-73 and TIB-75 respectively, were investigated utilizing confocal microscopy, flow cytometry and viability assays to demonstrate differential actions of LDL-DHA nanoparticles in normal versus malignant cells. Results Our studies first showed that basal levels of oxidative stress are significantly higher in the malignant TIB-75 cells compared to the normal TIB-73 cells. As such, upon entry of LDL-DHA into the malignant TIB-75 cells, DHA is rapidly oxidized precipitating global and lysosomal lipid peroxidation along with increased lysosomal permeability. This leakage of lysosomal contents and lipid peroxidation products trigger subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction and nuclear injury. The cascade of LDL-DHA mediated lipid peroxidation and organelle damage was partially reversed by the administration of the antioxidant, N -acetylcysteine, or the iron-chelator, deferoxamine. LDL-DHA treatment in the normal TIB-73 cells was well tolerated and did not elicit any cell or organelle injury. Conclusion These studies have shown that LDL-DHA is selectively cytotoxic to liver cancer cells and that increased levels of ROS and iron catalyzed reactions promote the peroxidation of DHA which lead to organelle dysfunction and ultimately the demise of the cancer cell. General significance LDL-DHA selectively disrupts lysosomal, mitochondrial and nuclear function in cancer cells as a novel pathway for eliminating cancer cells.
Public Policy and Proliferation

The structure of international, national, and non-governmental agencies that participate in the worldwide activity to control nuclear proliferation is discussed here. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is described from the standpoints of its organization, reporting functions, the treaties behind its functions, and the technical support that it provides. Its role in safeguards and verification, upholding the standards of the Additional Protocol, and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy are detailed. Next, the organizations within the US government involved in nuclear proliferation are discussed: these include the Departments of Homeland Security, Energy, State, and Justice. The US Intelligence Community, with its seventeen individual branches is discussed. The nonproliferation-relevant activities in the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission are also outlined. Next the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is discussed. Their activities include promoting international peace and security, publicizing nuclear construction and service activities, and providing guidance and advocacy on export control issues related to nuclear proliferation.
Plowing Prairies and Raising Stock: Historical Ecology and Community Life on the Cotton Frontier of Southwest Arkansas

The first half of the 19th century was a time of great change across the American landscape. In Arkansas, social, economic, and environmental transformations occurred as free and enslaved settlers established new ways of life along the southwestern edge of the United States during the decades following the Louisiana Purchase. By introducing an approach that draws from historical ecology and practice theory, this article applies interdisciplinary methods to explore the antebellum community of Ozan Township, which grew around the town of Washington, Arkansas. Diverse sources shed light on dynamic relationships between people and their environment that have existed within this compelling portion of the South’s cotton frontier.
Effects of longwall-induced stress and deformation on the stability and mechanical integrity of shale gas wells drilled through a longwall abutment pillar

Abstract This paper presents the results of a comprehensive study conducted by CONSOL Energy, Marcellus Shale Coalition, and Pennsylvania Coal Association to evaluate the effects of longwall-induced subsurface deformations on the mechanical integrity of shale gas wells drilled over a longwall abutment pillar. The primary objective is to demonstrate that a properly constructed gas well in a standard longwall abutment pillar can maintain mechanical integrity during and after mining operations. A study site was selected over a southwestern Pennsylvania coal mine, which extracts 457-m-wide longwall faces under about 183 m of cover. Four test wells and four monitoring wells were drilled and installed over a 38-m by 84-m centers abutment pillar. In addition to the test wells and monitoring wells, surface subsidence measurements and underground coal pillar pressure measurements were conducted as the 457-m-wide longwall panels on the south and north sides of the abutment pillar were mined by. To evaluate the resulting coal protection casing profile and lateral displacement, three separate 60-arm caliper surveys were conducted. This research represents a very important step and initiative to utilize the knowledge and science obtained from mining research to improve miner and public safety as well as the safety and health of the oil and gas industries.
HDAC Inhibitor-Induced Mitotic Arrest Is Mediated by Eg5/KIF11 Acetylation

Histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) is an epigenetic enzyme that regulates key cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell survival, by deacetylating histone substrates. Aberrant expression of HDAC1 is implicated in multiple diseases, including cancer. As a consequence, HDAC inhibitors have emerged as effective anti-cancer drugs. HDAC inhibitor-induced G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest has been attributed to epigenetic transcriptional changes mediated by histone acetylation. However, the mechanism of G2/M arrest remains poorly understood. Here, we identified mitosis-related protein Eg5 (KIF11) as an HDAC1 substrate using a trapping mutant strategy. HDAC1 colocalized with Eg5 during mitosis and influenced the ATPase activity of Eg5. Importantly, an HDAC1- and HDAC2-selective inhibitor caused mitotic arrest and monopolar spindle formation, consistent with a model in which Eg5 deacetylation by HDAC1 is critical for mitotic progression. These findings revealed a previously unknown mechanism of action of HDAC inhibitors involving Eg5 acetylation, and provide a compelling mechanistic hypothesis for HDAC inhibitor-mediated G2/M arrest.
Incremental proper orthogonal decomposition for PDE simulation data

Abstract We propose an incremental algorithm to compute the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of simulation data for a partial differential equation. Specifically, we modify an incremental matrix SVD algorithm of Brand to accommodate data arising from Galerkin-type simulation methods for time dependent PDEs. The algorithm is applicable to data generated by many numerical methods for PDEs, including finite element and discontinuous Galerkin methods. The algorithm initializes and efficiently updates the dominant POD eigenvalues and modes during the time stepping in a PDE solver without storing the simulation data. We prove that the algorithm without truncation updates the POD exactly. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm using finite element computations for a 1D Burgers’ equation and a 2D Navier–Stokes problem.
Skeletal alteration to improve beef longissimus muscle tenderness

A prerigor cut was made through the 12th thoracic vertebra of one side of the beef carcasses (Tendercut) studied (five unbranded), and the other sides served as the controls (C). After 48 h postmortem, the longissimus from each side was removed starting from the junction between the 5th and 6th lumbar vertebrae to the point between the 5th and 6th thoracic vertebrae. The longissimus muscle was cut into four equal boneless sections to determine the effectiveness of this treatment on improving tenderness at different locations along this muscle. The effects of Tendercut upon yield grade, sensory attributes, and tenderness of longissimus steaks were determined. This treatment did not affect (P > .05) yield grade, CIE L* a* b* values, chemical states of myoglobin, purge and cooking losses, and total collagen. Steaks located closer to the treatment site were more juicy than controls. Peak force values were not significantly different. Sarcomere length was longer (P < .05) and sensory panel ratings for myofibrillar tenderness, connective tissue, and overall tenderness were higher (P < .05), indicating that this skeletal alteration technique increased tenderness. Sensory data revealed that skeletal and connective tissue cuts at a single site (12th thoracic vertebrae) on the beef rib improved the tenderness along the entire length of the longissimus muscle. This study demonstrated that Tendercut, a simple process that does not require any new equipment or alterations to existing facilities to implement, is a viable tenderness enhancement technique.
Incidence of and risk factors for severe maternal complications associated with hypertensive disorders after 36 weeks’ gestation in uncomplicated twin pregnancies: A prospective cohort study

Aim To elucidate the incidence of and risk factors for severe hypertensive disorders (HD) and related maternal complications in uncomplicated twin pregnancies that reached 36 weeks' gestation. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of twin pregnancies delivered after 36 weeks' gestation. Cases of twin-twin transfusion syndrome, twin anemia-polycythemia sequence, malformed fetuses, monoamniotic twins, selective reduction, fetal therapy and HD or fetal death before 35 weeks' gestation were excluded. The study's primary outcome was the incidence of severe maternal complications, including severe HD, eclampsia, placental abruption, HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme and low platelet) syndrome, pulmonary edema and cerebrovascular disease. Perinatal factors associated with the primary outcome were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results In 330 enrolled women, the number of cases with the primary outcome was 28 (8.5%; 95% confidence interval 5.9-12.0), including 25 cases of severe HD and each one case of placental abruption, HELLP syndrome and eclampsia. The rate of severe maternal complications significantly increased with gestational age, demonstrating 1.2% at 36 weeks, 3.9% at 37 weeks and 6.4% at 38 weeks. Only gestational proteinuria was identified as the independent risk factor for severe maternal complications (adjusted odds ratio 17.1 [95% confidence interval 6.71-45.4]). Conclusion Severe maternal HD and related complications increased from late preterm to early term; particularly, patients with gestational proteinuria were at high risk.
Synergistic SHAPE/Single-Molecule Deconvolution of RNA Conformation under Physiological Conditions

Abstract Structural RNA domains are widely involved in the regulation of biological functions, such as gene expression, gene modification, and gene repair. Activity of these dynamic regions depends sensitively on the global fold of the RNA, in particular, on the binding affinity of individual conformations to effector molecules in solution. Consequently, both the 1) structure and 2) conformational dynamics of noncoding RNAs prove to be essential in understanding the coupling that results in biological function. Toward this end, we recently reported observation of three conformational states in the metal-induced folding pathway of the tRNA-like structure domain of Brome Mosaic Virus, via single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies. We report herein selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE)-directed structure predictions as a function of metal ion concentrations ([Mn+]) to confirm the three-state folding model, as well as test 2° structure models from the literature. Specifically, SHAPE reactivity data mapped onto literature models agrees well with the secondary structures observed at 0–10 mM [Mg2+], with only minor discrepancies in the E hairpin domain at low [Mg2+]. SHAPE probing and SHAPE-directed structure predictions further confirm the stepwise unfolding pathway previously observed in our single-molecule studies. Of special relevance, this means that reduction in the metal-ion concentration unfolds the 3′ pseudoknot interaction before unfolding the long-range stem interaction. This work highlights the synergistic power of combining 1) single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer and 2) SHAPE-directed structure-probing studies for detailed analysis of multiple RNA conformational states. In particular, single-molecule guided deconvolution of the SHAPE reactivities permits 2° structure predictions of isolated RNA conformations, thereby substantially improving on traditional limitations associated with current structure prediction algorithms.
Being Critical in Marketing Studies

In this paper, I argue that an elevated macro level perspective is imperative for conducting critical studies in the fields of marketing and consumer research. There are epistemic barriers to operating in this manner, and I offer several suggestions for overcoming these barriers. Finally, I review the research spaces for critical studies of marketing in various global settings and conclude that UK and Nordic Europe have the best epistemic climate, and this region needs to take leadership in promoting greater range of macro and critical studies of marketing in the rest of the world. Introduction In the established earth-related fields of geology and geography, and in the new fields of geo-mapping and earth sciences, prior to the emergence of powerful technologies that could observe our planet from a high-flying airplane or an orbiting satellite, our knowledge of what lay on or under the earth and of what happened on the surface of the planet could only be gleaned by the application of relatively micro-level methods (Laudan 1977). Geologists and geographers of the past diligently set forth with safari gear, hiking boots, sun hats, compasses, and pick axes to create maps and descriptions of the earth and its hidden treasures. With the new apical technologies – operated from the sky with remote sensors, new views of our planet
Care Pathways for the Dying Patients: Physician Perspective

AbstractThe overriding care philosophy in medicine is to prevent death, rather than focus on dying. However, increasing longevity in most parts of the world has resulted for many people in prolonged periods of declining health toward the end of life. This has complicated our understanding of when the dying process begins. As a result, there has been a growing movement within society and among health care systems to focus on finding ways to contribute to the quality of life of patients just before they die. The modern hospice and palliative-care movement has gained distinction as an alternative way of looking at health care. These care philosophies perceive dying as a natural part of the life cycle. Staff members prioritize comfort and quality of life over longevity. However, the goals of hospice and palliative care are often misunderstood by the public. This article is based on interviews with two palliative-care physicians that were conducted as part of a larger study about the place of dying. The goal o...
Preoperative Predictors of Discharge Destination after Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

Background There is a paucity of data guiding preoperative counseling on the need for discharge to a facility or nonhome discharge (NHD) following elective endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (endovascular aneurysm repair [EVAR]). This study seeks to determine the preoperative predictors of NHD following EVAR in baseline home-dwelling patients and to determine whether NHD is associated with major postdischarge complications and readmission. Methods This retrospective cohort study utilized the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Vascular Procedure Targeted database to identify elective EVAR cases admitted from home (2011 to 2015). The primary end point was NHD. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine predictive preoperative factors for NHD and to determine whether NHD predicted major postdischarge complications and readmission. Results Overall 6,276 cases were included; 291 (4.6%) required NHD. NHD were more frequently female, anemic, functionally dependent, nonsmokers, had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, recent congestive heart failure exacerbation, and open baseline wounds. NHD was associated with complex surgery, indicated by operative time more than the median, 2.5 hr. Significant predictors for NHD on multivariable analysis included female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2, confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–2.9, P Conclusions Discharge to skilled facility following EVAR can be predicted using preoperative factors. Future studies should seek to validate these findings in a prospective manner. Identifying high-risk patients' NHD can help define expectations and facilitate early referral to skilled facilities that may reduce hospital length of stay, reducing health-care costs.