cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genomic structure and embryonic expression of estrogen receptor beta a (ERβa) in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract Estrogenic steroid hormones mediate complex actions important in both embryonic and adult life. The hormones signal through ligand-inducible transcription factors known as estrogen receptors (ERs). In this study, we have isolated a zebrafish estrogen receptor with homology to human estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). This zebrafish ERβ (ERβa) has a conserved genomic structure of eight coding exons with boundaries similar to those of human ERβ. The coding exon structures of two other zebrafish estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβb) are presented as well. We also analyzed 3.3 kb of the promoter region and identified numerous putative transcription factor binding sites, including SP1 and ER half sites. Zebrafish ERβa message RNA is maternally loaded, but quickly degraded after fertilization, as detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. ERβa transcripts are detected again between 24 and 48 h post fertilization. These results indicate that ERβ has been highly conserved during evolution and is likely used during later embryogenesis in zebrafish. Future identification of the expression levels and patterns of this and other estrogen receptors in zebrafish will allow a better understanding of estrogen signaling during embryogenesis.
ω-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids and ionizing radiation: Combined cytotoxicity on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

Abstract Objective This study evaluated whether ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could enhance the radiosensitivity of three different human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. To understand the underlying mechanisms, the effects of ω-3 PUFAs on the cell growth, survival, and apoptosis were evaluated alone or in combination with an antioxidant (vitamin E) and compared with the effects of ω-6 PUFAs. Methods LS174T, CO112, and Caco-2 cell survival was assessed by clonogenic assay after a 3-d pretreatment with ω-3/ω-6 PUFAs and/or vitamin E before a single X-ray exposure to 4 Gy. Cell growth and viability were measured by double fluorescence-activated cell sorter analyses using propidium iodide and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated annexin V. Student’s t test or multivariable linear regression analyses were used for comparison. Results Preincubation with 30 to 100 μmol/L of ω-3 PUFAs induced a dose-dependent additive decrease in cell survival after irradiation ( P P Conclusion These observations suggest that ω-3 PUFAs may be potential candidates as nutritional adjuvants to enhance the efficacy of human colorectal cancer radiotherapy.
RATES OF pH CHANGE AND DISAPPEARANCE OF GLUCOSE DURING LOW TEMPERATURE PYROLYSIS

SUMMARY During low temperature pyrolysis (under 200°C). the disappearance of glucose and pH change of an aqueous solution of the pyrolyzate were found to approximate first order reactions. Since change of concentration of glucose and change of pH are directly related to time, the mathematical equations describing the two occurrences were combined through this common variable. The resulting equation describes the residual concentration of glucose as a function of change of PH.
A simple scoring system for risk-stratifying rectal cancer patients prior to radical resection

Various predictors of perioperative risk for patients with rectal cancer undergoing radical resection have been well described, but no simple scoring system for surgeons to estimate this risk currently exists. The objective of this study was to develop a system for more accurate preoperative evaluations of competing risks and more informed shared decision-making with patients diagnosed with rectal cancer. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Participant Use Data File for 2005–2011 was used to retrospectively identify patients undergoing radical resection for rectal cancer. A forward-stepwise multivariable logistic regression model was used to create a dynamic scoring system to preoperatively estimate a patient’s risk of major complications. A total of 6,847 patients met study inclusion criteria. Thirteen risk factors were identified, and using these predictive variables, a scoring system was derived to stratify major complication risk after radical resection. The risk of a major complication after radical resection for rectal cancer is dependent on multiple preoperative variables. This study provides surgeons with a simple but effective tool for estimating major complication risk in rectal cancer patients prior to radical resection. This risk-stratification score serves as a patient-centered resource for discussing perioperative risks and assisting with the shared decision-making of operative planning.
Focal glomerular immune complex deposition: possible role of periglomerular fibrosis/atubular glomeruli.

Abstract Context.—Consensus exists among renal pathologists that, in biopsies with immune complex glomerulonephritis, even a single glomerulus with open capillary loops may be sufficient for immunofluorescence and/or electron microscopy evaluation because immune complex deposition is a diffuse phenomenon. However, we have encountered renal biopsies with focal absence of immune complexes in glomeruli on either immunofluorescence or electron microscopy examination despite presence of open glomerular capillary loops. Objective.—To evaluate renal biopsies with focal immune complex deposition and look for any subtle or unusual morphologic changes in the glomeruli (and in the biopsy in general). Design.—Native and transplant renal biopsies were reviewed. All biopsies had been triaged and processed according to our routine protocol for light microscopy, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy examination. Results.—Of 2018 renal biopsies from December 2005 to December 2007, we found 10 such biopsies; 5 native...
Proportion in the Design of Women's Fashionable Clothing: A 50‐Year Retrospective

Proportion is a major element defining the appearance of apparel. This study identifies the proportions found in women's daywear. Data from 4,026 advertisement and main feature photographs in Vogue magazine from 1945 to 1995 are analyzed. Clothing ensembles are measured from left to right (horizontal proportion) and top to bottom (vertical proportion). The greatest number of observed horizontal proportions is in the 50/50 category, which is a proportion that is well balanced. The most frequent vertical proportion is 35/65, which is close to the golden section or ideal proportion. The proportion most equal to the golden section (40/60) is not the most frequent vertical proportion. In the 1960s, a time marked by social unrest and transition in women's roles in the United States, findings indicate that apparel meeting the guidelines of good proportion were not as common as other times. The study of proportion has application in teaching and critiquing design.
The composition of coding joints formed in V(D)J recombination is strongly affected by the nucleotide sequence of the coding ends and their relationship to the recombination signal sequences.

V(D)J recombination proceeds in two stages. Precise cleavage at the border of the conserved recombination signal sequences (RSSs) and the coding ends results in flush double-stranded signal ends and coding ends terminating in hairpins. In the second stage, the signal and coding ends are processed into signal and coding joints. Coding ends containing certain nucleotide homopolymers affect the efficiency of V(D)J recombination. In this study, we have tested the effect of small changes in coding-end nucleotide composition on the frequency of coding- and signal joint formation. Furthermore, we have determined the sequences of coding joints resulting from recombination of coding ends with different compositions. We found that the presence of two T nucleotides 5' of both RSSs, but not a single T, reduces the frequency of signal joint formation, i.e., interferes with the cleavage stage of V(D)J recombination. However, coding-joint processing is sensitive even to a single T. Both the sequence of the coding ends and the particular RSS (12-mer or 23-mer) with which the coding end is associated affect the final composition of the coding joints. Thus, the presence of P nucleotides, the conservation of one undeleted coding end, the formation of joints without any deletions, and the template-dependent insertion of nucleotides are strongly influenced by the coding-end nucleotide composition and/or RSS association. The implications of these results with respect to the processing of coding ends are discussed.
One-step Polyol Synthesis and Langmuir-Blodgett Monolayer Formation of Size-tunable Monodisperse Rhodium Nanocrystals with Catalytically Active (111) Surface Structures

Size-tunable monodisperse Rh nanocrystals can offer unique properties for many heterogeneous catalytic reactions (such as hydrogenation, hydroformylation, and hydrocarbonylation) of both scientific and technological interest. In this article, we report the synthesis of monodisperse, well-shaped Rh nanocrystals in a range of 5−15 nm by a one-step polyol reduction at temperatures of 170−230 °C under Ar, using rhodium(III) acetylacetonate [Rh(acac)3] as the source of metal ions, 1,4-butanediol as the reducing solvent, and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) as the capping agent. Two-dimensional projects of the nanocrystals are polygons, dominated by hexagons, pentagons, and triangles with catalytically active (111) surfaces (>65% yield). Over 45% of the polygons are multiple (111) twinned particles (hexagons and pentagons), favored by thermodynamics. To achieve size uniformity, adjustment of the reduction kinetics of Rh(acac)3 in the nucleation and crystal growth stages has been shown to depend upon several synthetic par...
Defining “smoker”: College student attitudes and related smoking characteristics

Introduction Less than half of college students who have smoked in the past month identify themselves as smokers. Thus, we examined (a) how college students define the term "smoker" and (b) how this definition impacts smoking behavior and attitudes. Methods We conducted 12 focus groups with a total of 73 college student smokers drawn from survey participants at two colleges in Minnesota (a two-year technical college and a four-year university). Each group was homogenous in terms of gender and school (two-year, four-year). Results The majority (56.2%) were female, 49.3% attended a 2-year college, and 32.9% were regular smokers (smoked > or = 25 of the last 30 days). Participants described a "smoker" in terms of (a) smoking frequency, ranging from smoking infrequently to smoking daily; (b) contextual factors, such that smoking alone indicates being a smoker rather than smoking at parties; (c) time since initiation; (d) whether one purchases cigarettes, such that "smokers" buy cigarettes while nonsmokers borrow them; (e) addiction and being able to quit without great effort; (f) whether smoking is habitual; and (g) personality and physical characteristic. These beliefs had implications on experiences in quitting smoking, motivation to quit, and perceived barriers. Many participants indicated confidence in being able to quit but believed that they were not "smokers" and thus did not need to quit. Discussion College students use a broad range of criteria to define who is a smoker. These criteria impact how motivated students are to quit smoking and their perception of needing to "quit smoking."
Extinction after water and intracranial reinforcement

Three groups of four albino rats were compared during extinction of a tube-contact response for intracranial reinforcement (ICR) and for water reinforcement (WR). One ICR group (ICR-D) showed a 12-h performance decrement and the other group (ICR-N) showed no decrement in a runway situation. In general, there were no differences between the three groups during extinction after various delays between a 2-min preextinction base and extinction, except that on one of three extinction criteria, WR Ss extinguished more rapidly than the ICR Ss. The results provided evidence to contradict Deutsch’s drive decay theory of ICR and provided support for theories that assume that ICR mimics conventional reinforcement. It was concluded that Deutsch’s theory is an overgeneralization and does not apply to all Ss working for brain stimulation.
Distance measures in cosmology

Formulae for the line-of-sight and transverse comoving distances, proper motion distance, angular diameter distance, luminosity distance, k-correction, distance modulus, comoving volume, lookback time, age, and object intersection probability are all given, some with justifications. Some attempt is made to rationalize disparate terminologies, or at least abuse bad usage.
Definition and Classification of Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease: Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is widely recognized as a public health problem. In this chapter, we review the basis for definition and classification of CKD as outlined in the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI). We also review the principles of screening and their applicability to CKD.
Binding, transcytosis and biodistribution of anti-PECAM-1 iron oxide nanoparticles for brain-targeted delivery.

Objective: Characterize the flux of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) antibody-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its biodistribution in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Anti-PECAM-1 IONPs and IgG IONPs were prepared and characterized in house. The binding affinity of these nanoparticles was investigated using human cortical microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3). Flux assays were performed using a hCMEC/D3 BBB model. To test their immunospecificity index and biodistribution, nanoparticles were given to Sprague Dawley rats by intra-carotid infusion. The capillary depletion method was used to elucidate their distribution between the BBB and brain parenchyma. Results: Anti-PECAM-1 IONPs were ,130 nm. The extent of nanoparticle antibody surface coverage was 63.668.4%. Only 6.3961.22% of labeled antibody dissociated from IONPs in heparin-treated whole blood over 4 h. The binding affinity of PECAM-1 antibody (KD) was 32 nM with a maximal binding (Bmax )o f 17610 5 antibody molecules/cell. Anti-PECAM-1 IONP flux across a hCMEC/D3 monolayer was significantly higher than IgG IONP’s with 31% of anti-PECAM-1 IONPs in the receiving chamber after 6 h. Anti-PECAM-1 IONPs showed higher concentrations in lung and brain, but not liver or spleen, than IgG IONPs after infusion. The capillary depletion method showed that 17612% of the anti-PECAM-1 IONPs crossed the BBB into the brain ten minutes after infusion. Conclusions: PECAM-1 antibody coating significantly increased IONP flux across the hCMEC/D3 monolayer. In vivo results showed that the PECAM-1 antibody enhanced BBB association and brain parenchymal accumulation of IONPs compared to IgG. This research demonstrates the benefit of anti-PECAM-1 IONPs for association and flux across the BBB into the brain in relation to its biodistribution in peripheral organs. The results provide insight into potential application and toxicity concerns of anti-PECAM-1 IONPs in the central nervous system.
High strain-rate response of commercially pure vanadium

To understand the plastic flow behavior of commercially pure vanadium under high strain rates, uniaxial compression tests of cylindrical samples are performed using UCSD’s enhanced Hopkinson technique. True strains exceeding 50% are achieved in these tests, over a range of temperature from 77 to 800 K at the strain rates of 2500 and 8000 s ˇ1 . The microstructure of the deformed and undeformed samples is observed by an optical microscope. The initial microstructure (the initial dislocation density, the grain size and its distribution) is found to have a strong eAect on the yield stress and the initial stages of the flow stress. This eAect becomes more significant with decreasing temperature. Deformation twins are observed. Their density is seen to increase with decreasing temperature. Adiabatic shearbands occur in vanadium at low temperatures. Finally, an experimentally based micromechanical model is developed for the dynamic response of this material. The model predictions are compared with the results of other high strain-rate tests which have not been used in the evaluation of the model parameters, and good agreement between the theoretical predictions and experimental results is obtained. In addition, the results of a series of low strain-rate tests are presented and briefly discussed. ” 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Stretchable circuits and sensors for robotic origami

Programmable materials based on robotic origami have been demonstrated with the capability to fold into 3D shapes starting from a nominally 2D sheet. This concept requires high torque density actuators, flexible electronics and an integrated substrate. We report on two types of stretchable circuitry that are directly applicable to robotic origami: meshed copper traces and liquid-metal-filled channels in an elastomer substrate. Both methods maintain conductivity even at large strains (during stretching) and curvatures (during folding). Both circuit designs are integrated with a tiled origami module actuated by a shape memory alloy actuator. We also integrate a soft curvature sensor into the robotic origami module that measures the full range of motion of the module in real-time.
Gaps in dietary assessment methodology: meal- vs list-based methods.

The development of new methods and approaches to dietary assessment has not kept pace with advances in related disciplines. One of the main gaps is the lack of innovation in incorporating cognitive psychology and computer game technology in developing useful, less biased tools for epidemiologic research on diet and disease. Another problem is the general lack of validation studies imbedded within research projects to provide data for assessment and correction of measurement error. Conceptual clarity, not only about the dietary components of interest but also about the relevant time frame for the disease under study, is often deficient in the designs of nutritional epidemiologic studies
A 30-day risk assessment of mastectomy alone compared to immediate breast reconstruction (IBR)

AbstractImmediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is emerging as a favourable reconstruction option for breast cancer patients. Understanding the factors associated with complications following IBR will enhance care delivery, risk counselling and management, and potentially improve patient satisfaction. Women undergoing mastectomy alone and mastectomy with IBR from 2005–2011 were identified in the ACS-NSQIP datasets. Specific complications examined included surgical (flap or prosthesis loss and unplanned reoperation), wound (superficial/deep surgical site infection and wound dehiscence), and medical complications. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of outcomes. A total of 47,443 patients were identified. For patients who underwent IBR compared to mastectomy alone, total complications (11.2% vs 9.2%, p < 0.001) and surgical complications (7.8% vs 4.7%, p < 0.001) were more frequent. In adjusted analysis, a common predictor of complications was class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 ...
Downregulation of Connexin 43 promotes vascular cell loss and excess permeability associated with the development of vascular lesions in the diabetic retina

Purpose: To determine whether downregulation of Connexin 43 (Cx43) expression promotes development of acellular capillaries (ACs), pericyte loss (PL), excess permeability, and retinal thickening in rat retinas. Methods: Control rats, diabetic rats, and rats intravitreally injected with Cx43 siRNA or scrambled siRNA were used in this study to determine if acute downregulation of Cx43 expression contributes to retinal vascular cell death and excess permeability. Western blot (WB) analysis and Cx43 immunostaining were performed to assess Cx43 protein levels and distribution in the retinal vessels. Concurrently, retinal networks were subjected to terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated uridine 5′-triphosphate-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and counter-stained to assess the number of apoptotic cells, ACs, and PL. Assessment of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC-dex) extravasation from retinal capillaries and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed to determine retinal vascular permeability and retinal thickness, respectively. Results: WB analysis indicated a significant decrease in the Cx43 protein level in the retinas of the diabetic rats and those intravitreally injected with Cx43 siRNA compared to the retinas of the control rats. Likewise, the retinal vascular cells of the diabetic rats and the Cx43 siRNA-treated rats showed a significant decrease in Cx43 immunostaining. Importantly, the number of apoptotic cells, ACs and PL, FITC-dex extravasation, and thickness increased in the retinas of the diabetic and Cx43 siRNA-treated rats compared to those of the control rats. Conclusions: Results indicate that downregulation of Cx43 expression alone induces vascular cell death and promotes vascular permeability in the retina. These findings suggest that diabetes-induced downregulation of Cx43 participates in promoting retinal vascular lesions associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Acyl CoA and lipid synthesis from ketone bodies by the extramitochondrial fraction of hepatoma tissue

The compartmentation of the pathway for the synthesis of lipids from ketone bodies was examined in a cell free, post-mitochondrial supernatant fraction of malignant Morris hepatoma 7777 tissue. A fortified supernatant system effectively incorporated radioactive D(-)-3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate into cholesterol and fatty acids, and both ketone bodies were directly converted to their CoA thioesters. Furthermore, a microsome-free (100,000 x g) cytosolic fraction was also able to acylate 3-hydroxybutyrate to 3-hydroxybutyryl CoA. No previous identification of this enzyme activity has been described. These results which characterize a distinct extramitochondrial pathway for conversion of 3-hydroxybutyrate as well as acetoacetate into lipids also suggest the possibility of a previously undetected enzymatic activity for utilization of this ketone body.
Managing the VLSI design process

Ways to represent and structure data within the design environment are reasonably well-understood and have led to a number of proposed and implemented design frameworks. Comparable support for the operational nature of design, i.e., the control led and disciplined sequencing of CAD tool invocations, are still in their infancy. In this paper, we describe a model for managing designers'' work within the VLSI design environment. The model is based on a task specification language, for encapsulating CAD tool invocations and arranging the sequencing of such invocations to accomplish specific tasks, and an activity/history model, which maintains the history of task invocations and serves as a focus for sharing work results in a cooperative manner. The task specification language and a prototype tool navigator have been implemented within the OCT CAD framework.
Inhibition of Gli1 mobilizes endogenous neural stem cells for remyelination

Enhancing repair of myelin is an important but still elusive therapeutic goal in many neurological disorders1. In multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory demyelinating disease, endogenous remyelination does occur but is frequently insufficient to restore function. Both parenchymal oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and endogenous adult neural stem cells resident within the subventricular zone are known sources of remyelinating cells2. Here we characterize the contribution to remyelination of a subset of adult neural stem cells, identified by their expression of Gli1, a transcriptional effector of the sonic hedgehog pathway. We show that these cells are recruited from the subventricular zone to populate demyelinated lesions in the forebrain but never enter healthy, white matter tracts. Unexpectedly, recruitment of this pool of neural stem cells, and their differentiation into oligodendrocytes, is significantly enhanced by genetic or pharmacological inhibition of Gli1. Importantly, complete inhibition of canonical hedgehog signalling was ineffective, indicating that the role of Gli1 both in augmenting hedgehog signalling and in retarding myelination is specialized. Indeed, inhibition of Gli1 improves the functional outcome in a relapsing/remitting model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and is neuroprotective. Thus, endogenous neural stem cells can be mobilized for the repair of demyelinated lesions by inhibiting Gli1, identifying a new therapeutic avenue for the treatment of demyelinating disorders.
VMAR: Optimizing I/O Performance and Resource Utilization in the Cloud

A key enabler for standardized cloud services is the encapsulation of software and data into VM images. With the rapid evolution of the cloud ecosystem, the number of VM images is growing at high speed. These images, each containing gigabytes or tens of gigabytes of data, create heavy disk and network I/O workloads in cloud data centers. Because these images contain identical or similar OS, middleware, and applications, there are plenty of data blocks with duplicate content among the VM images. However, current deduplication techniques cannot efficiently capitalize on this content similarity due to their warmup delay, resource overhead and algorithmic complexity.
SIMS of transfer ribonucleic acid molecules encapsulated between free-standing graphene sheets.

In this study, the authors used cluster-secondary ion mass spectrometry method to investigate the preserved transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) encapsulated between two free-standing graphene sheets. Single impacts of 50 keV C602+ projectiles generated the emission of tRNA fragment ions in the transmission direction for mass selection and detection in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is extremely unstable and prone to rapid enzymatic degradation by ribonucleases. Employing graphene to isolate RNA from the environment, the authors prevent the aforementioned process. Encapsulation was achieved by drop casting a solution of tRNA, prepared using deuterated water, onto one graphene sheet and covering it with another. The event-by-event bombardment/detection mode allowed us to use colocalization analysis method to characterize the tRNA and its immediate environment. The authors found that upon drying, tRNA agglomerated into nanostructures ∼60 nm in diameter via formation and subsequent drying of aqua cells. The tRNA nanoagglomerates had a density of ∼42 structures per μm2 with coverage of ∼12% of the surface area. In addition, trace amounts of water remained mostly around the tRNA nanoagglomerates, probably in the form of hydration.
Laser Chemical Etching of Metals in Neutral Salt Solutions

We report the first results of experiments using a focused argon ion laser to locally induce chemical etching of steel and stainless steel in neutral salt solutions for maskless patterning. The solutions include sodium chloride, sodium nitrate and potassium sulfate. Vertical etch rates up to 4 microns/s are observed.
Structure and diffusion in liquid complex hydrides via ab initio molecular dynamics

We have used density functional theory based ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) to study NaAlH${}_{4}$, LiBH${}_{4}$, LiNH${}_{2}$, and Li${}_{2}$BNH${}_{6}$ across a range of temperatures, above and below the experimental melting temperature. We have elucidated the structure, vibrational, and diffusion characteristics of these four materials. We find: (i) In all cases, the liquid state remains a mixture of the ions found in the solid state. (ii) The anions remain intact on average but undergo large deformations across the range of temperatures. (iii) In the case of LiNH${}_{2}$, there is evidence that the Li${}^{+}$ sublattice melts before the anionic sublattice. (iv) We find a connection between increased anion-anion ordering and reduced anion mobility even above the experimental melting point, due to long range Coulombic interactions between anions. (v) Finally, we find the liquid has the same major vibrational modes as the solid, though the lower frequency vibration and rotation modes become more prominent with increasing temperature.
Hemoglobin function in stored blood. VI. The effect of phosphate on erythrocyte ATP and 2,3-DPG.

Inorganic phosphate, known to stimulate erythrocyte glycolysis, is present in one of the preservatives for blood storage, citrate–phosphate–dextrose (CPD), but not the other, acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD). Both ACD and CPD were developed before it was known that erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) was necessary for normal hemoglobin function. The phosphate in CPD gives a final concentration of 2 mM, which is less than the concentrations originally used to study the phosphate effect. Therefore, the present study was designed to see whether higher concentrations of phosphate would better maintain erythrocyte concentrations of 2,3-DPG during blood storage. For maintaining 2,3-DPG, 2 mM phosphate was the best; however, 5 mM phosphate was nearly as good. Ten, 15, and 20 mM phosphate were progressively worse. Also, there was very little difference between 2 and 5 mM phosphate with respect to ATP, and the highest phosphate concentration was the worst.
Corrigendum to “Simulation of peri-implant bone healing due to immediate loading in dental implant treatments” [J. Biomech. 46/5 (2013) 871–878]

The authors regret to report that an error in computer programming resulted in errors in Figs. 3–7 and Tables 2–4. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. Overview: Following the original publication we realized there are two coding errors in our computer code, which affect prediction of the tissue evolution pathway and the final state of tissue type. In this document we describe the errors; the formulation that was used to calculate interstitial flow velocity; and, the minor changes in the overall conclusions of the paper. Updated tables and redrawn figures are provided in the supplementary materials. Flow velocity calculation: Darcy's law governs the flow through a porous solid medium. The flow velocity v ! is proportional to pressure gradient as follows (Bear, 2013),
Additively Manufactured High Power Microwave Anodes

Additively manufactured components were successfully fielded for the first time in a relativistic crossed-field device. Anode structures for a relativistic planar magnetron were 3-D printed from a photopolymer using a stereolithography printing process. One anode was electroplated with copper (RPM-12b), whereas the other was thermal sprayed with copper (RPM-12c). The coating thicknesses at the vane tips were approximately 0.18 and 0.23 mm, respectively. The performance and durability of these structures were evaluated in comparison with a solid aluminum anode (RPM-12a) fabricated via conventional machining. The experimental parameters were cathode voltages between −150 and −300 kV, voltage pulse lengths of 200 to 600 ns, axial magnetic fields of 0.13 to 0.31 T, peak anode currents from 1 to 7 kA, and a base operating pressure of $9 \times 10^{-6}$ torr. The 3-D printed anodes demonstrated microwave performance comparable to the aluminum anode, generating microwave powers in excess of 150 MW, with an average instantaneous peak total efficiency of 27% ± 10%. After 100 shots on each structure, neither anode showed any signs of operationally induced damage. The anodes did, however, have a higher rate of postshot outgassing, emitting 32% and 23% more CO2 per shot, respectively.
Recent studies on the chemistry and biology of epidermal growth factor.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes epidermal growth factor (EGF) as a single-chain polypeptide containing a total of 53 amino acid residues; it exhibits growth stimulating activity on a number of epidermal and epithelial tissues, both in vivo and in vitro. The most abundant known source of this growth factor is the submaxillary gland of the adult male mouse, where it is found at levels approximating 0.5% of the dry weight of the gland. The chapter discusses a new, rapid isolation procedure for the preparation of EGF and a new derivative of EGF in high yield; the determination of the complete amino acid sequence of EGF and the location of the three disulfide bridges; and proliferation of corneal epithelium induced by EGF. It also explains preliminary data concerning the preparation and properties of biologically active, 125I-labeled EGF, and some aspects of the physiology of EGF.
Advances in 2D Materials for Electronic Devices

Abstract The emergence of graphene as a viable active material for electronic applications has sparked an explosion of research studying the fundamental electrical performance of it and other two-dimensional (2D) materials. As transistors continue to shrink in size, layered 2D materials, such as graphene, phosphorene, and the transition metal dichalcogenides, can fulfill the role as the active channel without the limitations primarily found with silicon. This discussion strives to provide an overview of the emerging research into the electrical behavior of 2D materials from simple field-effect transistors to state-of-the-art integrated circuits and devices. Experimental testing considerations and circuit design issues involving 2D material-based devices are also examined. The potential to harness 2D materials for digital logic circuits, radio frequency applications, and other novice device concepts is explored.
SU-F-T-58: Dosimetric Evaluation of Breast Tissue Composition for Electronic Brachytherapy (BET) Source In High Dose Rate Accelerated Partial Breast (APBI) Irradiation

Purpose: To quantitatively evaluate the dosimetric impact of differing breast tissue compositions for electronic brachytherapy source for high dose rate accelerated partial breast irradiation. Methods: A series of Monte Carlo Simulation were created using the GEANT4 toolkit (version 10.0). The breast phantom was modeled as a semi-circle with a radius of 5.0 cm. A water balloon with a radius of 1.5 cm was located in the phantom with the Xoft AxxentTM EBT source placed at center as a point source. A mixed of two tissue types (adipose and glandular tissue) was assigned as the materials for the breast phantom with different weight ratios. The proportionality of glandular and adipose tissue was simulated in four different fashions, 80/20, 70/30, 50/50 and 30/70 respectively. The custom energy spectrum for the 50 kVp XOFT source was provided via the manufacturer and used to generate incident photons. The dose distributions were recorded using a parallel three dimensional mesh with a size of 30 × 30 × 30 cm3 with 1 × 1 × 1 mm3 voxels. The simulated doses absorbed along the transverse axis were normalized at the distance of 1 cm and then compared with the calculations using standard TG-43 formalism. Results: All simulations showed underestimation of dose beyond balloon surface compared to standard TG-43 calculations. The maximum percentage differences within 2 cm distance from balloon surface were found to be 18%, 11%, 10% and 8% for the fat breast (30/70), standard breast (50/50), dense breast (70/30 and 80/20), respectively. Conclusion: The accuracy of dose calculations for low energy EBT source was limited when considering tissue heterogeneous composition. The impact of atomic number on photo-electric effect for lower energy Brachytherapy source is not accounted for and resulting in significant errors in dose calculation.
Diamagnetic Imaging Agents with a Modular Chemical Design for Quantitative Detection of β-Galactosidase and β-Glucuronidase Activities with CatalyCEST MRI.

Imaging agents for the noninvasive in vivo detection of enzyme activity in preclinical and clinical settings could have fundamental implications in the field of drug discovery. Furthermore, a new class of targeted prodrug treatments takes advantage of high enzyme activity to tailor therapy and improve treatment outcomes. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents that quantitatively detect β-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase activities by measuring changes in chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST). Based on a modular approach, we incorporated the enzymes’ respective substrates to a salicylate moiety with a chromogenic spacer via a carbamate linkage. This furnished highly selective diamagnetic CEST agents that detected and quantified enzyme activities of glycoside hydrolase enzymes. Michaelis–Menten enzyme kinetics studies were performed by monitoring catalyCEST MRI signals, which were validated with UV–vis assays.
In the Absence of Preformed Antibody, Sensitized T Cells Mediate an Increased Barrier to Engraftment.

Abstract Allosensitization resulting from transfusion therapy is a major challenge for the use of bone marrow transplantation to treat sickle cell disease. Prior exposure to foreign major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens through transfusion or transplantation is associated with an increased rate of solid organ graft rejection. Using a mouse model for sensitization, we recently found that humoral immunity plays a dominant role in sensitization to MHC alloantigens and concomitant graft rejection. The relative contribution of cellular versus humoral adaptive immune responses has not been fully characterized. In this study, we explored the role of host T cells in rejection of allografts by sensitized recipients using μ MT mice which are defective in producing mature B cells and antibody. Therefore, the barrier from preformed antibodies in sensitized normal mice would not exist in μ MT mice. μ MT (H-2b) mice were sensitized with BALB/c (H-2d) skin grafts. Although no anti-MHC alloantibody was detected in the μ MT mice after rejection, the skin grafts were rejected with a kinetic similar to normal controls (MST = 14.1 ± 1.2 days versus 13.6 ± 1.5 days). The prompt rejection of skin allografts by B cell deficient mice suggests that T cell activation and function are normal in vivo and that T cells alone are sufficient to reject allogeneic skin grafts. BMT was subsequently performed in presensitized μ MT mice 5 weeks after sensitization as well as in naive μ MT mice. All naive μ MT mice (n = 6) engrafted with 700 cGy TBI and 30 x 106 bone marrow cells, but none of the presensitized μ MT mice engrafted. Since humoral immunity is absent in sensitized μ MT mice, the increased barrier in these mice therefore must be mediated by the primed T cells. To further define the relative contribution of T cell subpopulations to alloresistance, we targeted these populations in vivo as preconditioning using monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Sensitized μ MT mice were treated with anti-α β-TCR, anti-CD8, anti-CD4 or anti-CD154 mAbs alone or in combination and 850 cGy of total body irradiation, then transplanted with untreated BALB/c donor bone marrow cells (Figure). Engraftment did not occur in the sensitized μ MT mice without mAb treatment, while nearly all animals engrafted with preconditioning with anti-α β-TCR alone, anti-CD8 plus anti-CD154, or anti-CD8 plus anti-CD4 (100%, 87.5%, and 100% respectively) and transplantation with 30 x 106 donor BM cells. Moreover, anti-α β-TCR preconditioning promoted engraftment in all sensitized μ MT mice with transplantation of as low as 15 x 106 BM cells. These data demonstrate that T cell mediated cellular immunity contributes to rejection in sensitized recipients, and that successful therapies to achieve allogeneic engraftment using nonmyeloablative conditioning in sensitized recipients will need to address both arms of the adaptive antigen-specific immune system: cellular and humoral. Download : Download high-res image (56KB) Download : Download full-size image
Things Fall Apart and the Pedagogy of Adichie’s Single Story

This essay undertakes a critical examination of the epistemological and pedagogical risks and rewards of teaching Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart in American secondary schools. I consider these i...
Monolithic integration of individually addressable light-emitting diode color pixels

Monolithic integration of individually addressable light-emitting diode (LED) color pixels is reported. The integration is enabled by local strain engineering. The use of a nanostructured active region comprising one or more nanopillars allows color tuning across the visible spectrum. In the current work, integration of amber, green, and blue pixels is demonstrated. The nanopillar LEDs exhibit an electrical performance comparable to that of a conventional thin-film LED fabricated on the same wafer. The proposed platform uses only standard epitaxy and a similar process flow as a conventional LED. It is also shown that the emission intensity can be linearly tuned without shifting the color coordinate of individual pixels.
Investigating associations between health-related quality of life and endocrine therapy under-utilization in women with early-stage breast cancer.

170Background: Endocrine therapy under-utilization puts women at increased risk for breast cancer recurrence. The objective of this study was to determine if health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was significantly associated with under-utilization. Methods: Data came from the third phase of the population-based Carolina Breast Cancer Study. We included 1,599 women with hormone receptor positive disease aged 20-74 years. HRQOL was measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Breast Cancer, on average, 5-months post-diagnosis. HRQOL domains included physical, functional, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being and breast cancer concerns. HRQOL subgroups were derived using latent profile analysis. Under-utilization was defined as not initiating or adhering to endocrine therapy by 36-months post-diagnosis. Multivariable logit models estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) between HRQOL subgroups and under-utilization. The subgroup with the best HRQOL scores across domains was the reference...
Vortex Mode Multiplexing with the Forked Grating Coupler

The Forked Grating Coupler (FGC) integrated optics device selectively interfaces between vortex modes and photonic waveguide. Efficient single-fed FGC designs simultaneously interface multiple vortex modes to rectangular waveguide modes with low crosstalk.
Representation of Segments

It is commonly agreed that there are two types of cues: those that vary a great deal with context (e.g., aspiration, retroflex, glottalization) and those that are relatively invariant to context (e.g., voicing, place, manner). The parsing and matching design proposed above is intended to take advantage of both types of cues in a uniform and modular fashion. The parser uses variant cues in order to locate suprasegmental constituents. Having found these constituents, the matcher canonicalizes them into sequences of invariant phonemic-like feature bundles and then looks them up in the lexicon to find word candidates.
Chemokines as adjuvants for immunotherapy: implications for immune activation with CCL3.

Introduction: Immunotherapy embodies any approach that manipulates the immune system for therapeutic benefit. In this regard, various clinical trials have employed direct vaccination with patient-s...
Photosystem Stoichiometry in Higher Plant Chloroplasts

Quantitation of Photosystem II (PSII) from the light-induced ultraviolet absorbance change ΔA320) in the presence of 3-(3′,4′-dichloro-phenyl)-2,2-dimethyl urea (DCMU) and potassium ferricyanide (FeCN) (measuring the concentration of the semiquinone primary electron acceptor of PSII) yielded chlorophyll (Chl)/PSII ratios mostly in the range of 300–400 and reaction center (RC) ratios RCII/RCI of 1.4–2.0 in several higher plant chloroplasts (1,2,3). The significance of the observation that RCII/RCI >1 in a variety of higher plant chloroplasts is that it is contrary to the conventional prejudice (from an extremely literal interpretation of the Z-scheme) that the ratio of the two photosystems should be equal to 1.0. A controversy has developed, however, since a flash-induced H+ release from H2O oxidation, measured with isolated chloroplasts in the presence of the artificial electron acceptors ferricyanide and 2,5-dimethylbenzoquinone and, independently, from the measurement of electrons transferred from the reduced PQH2 pool to an artificial PSI acceptor, yielded Chl/PSII = 630 and RCII/RCI = 1, invariable in several higher plant chloroplast preparations (4,5). The discrepancy of the results from the two experimental approaches raised the question of possible overestimation of PSII in the semiquinone anion measurement (4), possibly because of overlapping absorbance changes at 320 nm due to the advancement of the S-states associated with the function of the water-spl itting enzyme.
Der temporäre Leberersatz bei Patienten mit schwerer Lebererkrankung

Die gegenwartige medikamentose Behandlung des Leberversagens ist nicht wirksam genug. Wenn einmal der Kranke ins Koma gesunken ist, betragt seine Erholungsaussicht nicht mehr als 20%. Liegt akute epidemische Hepatitis als Ursache vor, dann ist seine Prognose fast immer absolut ungunstig. Es ist offensichtlich, das in diesem Sektor der Medizin etwas Besseres gefunden werden mus. Die Grundlage fur alle Behandlungsversuche ist die Beobachtung, das die normale Leber — im Gegensatz zur Niere — eine Fahigkeit zur Regeneration besitzt. Diese Regenerationsfahigkeit ist fur akute Leberschadigung charakteristisch. Bei chronischen Lebererkrankungen ist die Reserve der Regenerierungskraft auserordentlich beschrankt. Es ist zweifelhaft, ob z. B. den alkoholischen Cirrhotikern irgendein anderes Verfahren als Ubertragung einer neuen, heterotopen oder orthotopen Leber helfen konnte.
The State of Motion Stereo About Plant Leaves Monitoring System Design and Simulation

A binocular stereo vision plant leaf motion monitoring system was proposed in this paper, the system includes a binocular camera, horizontal movement module, the vertical movement module, the image acquisition card, and a computer. The supporting structure holds camera above the measured maize leaf, the camera is able to capture image pair at 30 fps, An image processing program is installed in computer, the program includes image acquisition, image pre-processing, markers extraction, sub-pixel edge refinement, 3D reconstruction and other modules. A fluorescent ball (diameter 0.35 cm) with high reflectivity was chosen as a marker, and its intensity is higher than the background environment which makes it easier to extract contour of ball out of background. The spherical marker will keep its circular shape more or less after perspective projection. In order to further improve the accuracy of stereo matching, a sub-pixel edge detection method based on gradient magnitude was adopted, in the initial position of the edge, a set of reference points was selected according to the gradient magnitude threshold along gradient direction, the x and y coordination of reference points sum up weighted by gradient magnitude, the mean of weighted sum is the increments of initial edge in sub-pixel form. In the simulation experiment, the camera is set away from the measured object about 50 cm, the system measurement accuracy can reach to 0.0139 cm, it is able to detect the small changes of leaf position. In field experiments, the actual measurement of the movement leaf caused by growth and physiological responses achieved the desired results, this study provide a solution to continuous, non-destructive, non-contact acquire crop growth information in three-dimensional space.
The Impact of Coalitional Commitment on the Recall of Moral Memories

We explore the relationship between coalitional alignment and memories of the Croatian Homeland War. Fifty-seven Croatian citizens with war experiences participated in a semi-structured interview. ...