cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased expression of fatty acid synthase (OA-519) in ovarian neoplasms predicts shorter survival

Certain cancers exhibit derangement of de novo fatty acid biosynthesis, manifested as overexpression and hyperactivity of the lipogenic enzyme fatty acid synthase (FAS). Correlation of elevated FAS with high tumor grade and advanced stage in primary breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers has drawn attention to the enzyme as a possible marker of poor prognosis. To find a similar utility of FAS in ovarian neoplasms, we compared FAS expression in 68 ovarian tumors with their histological features and clinical outcome. Immunohistochemical localization of FAS was observed in 48 (71%) cases in which staining was either focal (defined as positive staining in 1% to 20% of cells) or multifocal/diffuse (positive staining in >20% of cells). Most (83%) of the 48 cases were represented by endometrioid, serous, or mucinous carcinomas and malignant mixed mullerian tumors (MMMTs). In contrast, ovarian adenomas and tumors of low malignant potential (LMPs) contained little or no FAS. Association between FAS expression and histological diagnosis was statistically significant. The extent of FAS immunostaining was also predictive of prognosis. Among all patients with ovarian malignancies (including LMPs), median survival was 64.8 months, when their tumors exhibited no or focal immunostaining for FAS, as opposed to 31.2 months, when staining was multifocal/diffuse (P = .005). Similar median survival values were obtained when cases were limited to endometrioid, serous, and mucinous carcinomas. Short-term survival at 1 and 2 years was significantly higher in patients whose tumors showed no or focal expression of FAS compared with multifocal/diffuse expression. Thus, elevated FAS may serve as an independent marker for predicting poor clinical outcome in patients with ovarian cancer.
Pharmacologic Activation of the Innate Immune System to Prevent Respiratory Viral Infections

Drugs that can rapidly inhibit respiratory infection from influenza or other respiratory pathogens are needed. One approach is to engage primary innate immune defenses against viral infection, such as activating the IFN pathway. In this study, we report that a small, cell-permeable compound called 5,6-di-methylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) can induce protection against vesicular stomatitis virus in vitro and H1N1 influenza A virus in vitro and in vivo through innate immune activation. Using the mouse C10 bronchial epithelial cell line and primary cultures of nasal epithelial cells, we demonstrate DMXAA activates the IFN regulatory factor-3 pathway leading to production of IFN-β and subsequent high-level induction of IFN-β-dependent proteins, such as myxovirus resistance 1 (Mx1) and 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1). Mice treated with DMXAA intranasally elevate mRNA/protein expression of Mx1 and OAS1 in the nasal mucosa, trachea, and lung. When challenged intranasally with a lethal dose of H1N1 influenza A virus, DMXAA reduced viral titers in the lungs and protected 80% of mice from death, even when given at 24 hours before infection. These data show that agents, like DMXAA, that can directly activate innate immune pathways, such as the IFN regulatory factor-3/IFN-β system, in respiratory epithelial cells can be used to protect from influenza pneumonia and potentially in other respiratory viral infections. Development of this approach in humans could be valuable for protecting health care professionals and "first responders" in the early stages of viral pandemics or bioterror attacks.
Theory of the Liquid-Solid Phase Transition

We reanalyze in greater generality the recently predicted phenomena associated with the liquid-solid phase transition.
Mathematical and computer modelling reports: Modeling the performance of organizational structures

We develop models for comparing the performance of coordination structures that appear in a wide variof systems, including human organizations and computer systems. First, we define four generic structures: product hierarchies, functional hierarchies, centralized markets and decentralized markets. Then, drawing primarily on queuing models, we rank these structures in terms of three performance measures: production costs, coordination costs, and vulnerability costs. The models show how changes in the values of these performance measures affect the desirabilities of the different structures. Then, we show how these simple relationships between performance measures and the desirabilities of structures are consistent with a surprising range of phenomena, including: (1) major historical shifts in the dominant organizational forms used by American businesses; and (2) the evolution of computing system architectures. Finally, we use the models to suggest the possible future evolution of both human and computer systems.
Reversibility of forest conversion impacts on water budgets in tropical karst terrain

Abstract A conceptual model of the control of tropical land use and vegetative cover on bedrock recharge is developed for highly permeable geologic substrates. A case study of water budgets is then developed from field data and simple modeling for upland sites with three different vegetative covers (cropland, intensively grazed pasture and forest regrowth) in Leyte, Philippines. Water budget model results show that annual precipitation is divided primarily between evapotranspiration and overland flow for the pasture, but apportioned more to evapotranspiration and inputs to bedrock storage for the crop and forest sites. Modeled evapotranspiration from the forest (1906 mm) was not sufficiently greater than that for either the crop (1661 mm) or pasture (1476 mm) sites to offset the greater overland flow from those sites. The differences in overland flow are related to depth profiles of soil bulk density, which decreased between crop and forest and increased between crop and pasture, and drainable porosity, which increased between crop and forest and decreased between crop and pasture. Dry season streamflow is assumed to be primarily base flow and dependent on wet season bedrock recharge, which was dramatically lower for the pasture (106 mm) than for the crop (1134 mm) or forest covers (1320 mm), for 2946 mm of rainfall. The results support the premise that for landscapes with adequate storage in bedrock fractures, forest regrowth can increase recharge to perched aquifers, and hence dry season baseflow, relative to cropping and that dramatic reductions in overland flow and increases in dry season baseflow may be achieved by reforestation of compacted pastures.
Physical activity and hypertension in Black adults: The Pitt County study

The relation of physical activity to hypertension was examined in 1751 Black adults in Pitt County, NC. More women (65%) than men (44%) were classified as sedentary. Sedentary behavior was not associated with the prevalence of hypertension in men, but was associated with a 31% increase in prevalence for women (sedentary-26.2%; active-20.0%; P less than .01). The association in women was independent of other risk factors for hypertension.
The Lure of Women, Hunting, Chess, and Tennis: A Vision

Trinity College Dublin manuscript 281 was written by several scribes in mid-fifteenth-century England,' apparently at the Charterhouse of Jesus of Bethlehem at Sheen, county Surrey.2 The codex contains numerous theological works such as Pseudo-Augustine's Speculum peccatoris, Adam de Dryburg's Sermon for St. John, Guigo II's Scala Paradisi, Richard Rolle's De emendatione vitae, Adam of Eynsham's Magna vita Sancti Hugonis Lincolniensis. On folio 22v stands a short piece that notices the books that are necessary for a priest: "Necessaria sacerdoti. Libri officii ut leccionarius, antiphonarius, baptisterium, gradale, missale, liber compoti ut cognoscat festa mobilia et immobilia, liber sacramentorum ut sciat saltem in sacramentis ministrare, liber canonum penitencialium ut sciat discernere inter peccata et iniungere penitentias, liber omeliarurm Gregorii et Bede ut sciat exponere euuangelium populo." Contrasting with the Latin everywhere else in the codex is a Middle English vision on folio 161r. The vision, recorded in anglicana script, is preceded by an extract from Augustine's De civitate Dei (fols. 159r-160v) and is followed by a continuation of the extract (161v) and then by an exemplum (162r-v). The exemplum tells about the conversion of a Jew to Christianity when a communion host helped to banish an illusion of Christian saints in Hell. This exemplum is the "narracio" linked with the vision, called "reuelacio," in the fifteenth-century table of contents of the codex on folio 5r: "Quedam reuelacio et quedam narracio de sacramento eukariste." The vision, perhaps in the form of a letter but possibly incomplete, exhorts a monk to remain in his order and expresses regret that the monk was intending to forsake life as a religious. The writer says that he fasted on
Tunable electro-optic photonic crystals fabricated through template directed multilayer atomic layer deposition

We present experimental and theoretical investigations of tunable large-pore inverse opals fabricated by combining conformal films in patterned template structures with infiltrated liquid crystals. Ultra-conformal films allow opal templates to be inverted and used as scaffolding for fabricating a large-pore dielectric backbone that serves as a patterned template for electro-optic/non-linear or conventional materials. Additionally, theoretical results of tunable non-close-packed inverse opals fabricated by a multi-layer atomic layer deposition process and infiltrated with lead lanthanum zirconium titanate are presented. The structural properties of the device are defined by the template, while the dynamic properties are controlled independently by the choice of electro-optic/non-linear material. A variety of dielectric templates were modeled by choosing conformal coatings to define structures that exhibit either large Bragg peak tunability or width. The dynamic optical properties of the tuned large-pore and non-close-packed inverse opals are discussed and a model is presented for characterizing the controlled fabrication of optimized photonic crystal structures using multi-component conformal film deposition. Experimental measurements and modeling both indicate enhanced static and dynamic tunability to the photonic properties of infiltrated inverse templates compared to typical tunable opal-based inverse structures.
Better the DVL You Know Acronyms Reveal the Contribution of Familiarity to Single-Word Reading

Current theories of reading are divided between dual-route accounts, which propose that separable processes subserve word recognition for orthographically regular and irregular strings, and connectionist models, which propose a single mechanism mapping form to meaning. These theories make distinct predictions about the processing of acronyms, which can be orthographically illegal and yet familiar, as compared with the processing of pseudowords, which are regular but unfamiliar. This study examined whether acronyms are processed like pseudowords and words. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded as subjects viewed familiar and unfamiliar acronyms, words, pseudowords, illegal strings, and—as the targets of the substantive behavioral task—proper names. Familiar acronyms elicited repetition effects on the N400 component, a functionally specific index of semantic activation processes; repetition effects for familiar acronyms were similar in magnitude, timing, and scalp distribution to those for words and...
An ecological simulation reveals balancing selection acting on development rate in the teleost Fundulus heteroclitus

Semi-lunar spawning in the intertidal zone has been observed in many teleost species. Because the eggs of these species are placed at elevations reached only by the highest tides, the timing of hatching is critical to survival. To quantify and clarify the relationship between development rate, hatching, and survival we developed a computer model that simulated the reproductive strategy in one such species, Fundulus heteroclitus (Linnaeus). We determined expected hatching success for F. heteroclitus embryos as a function of development rate by simulating spawning, embryo development, and hatching of F. heteroclitus embryos in Delaware Bay. Our simulation analysis included manipulation of several model parameters. The results indicated that there is balancing selection acting on development rate in this species. In particular, false hatching cues (rainfall) increased mortality among embryos with very fast and very slow development rates. The simulation results did not appear susceptible to manipulation of the sensitivity of embryos to false hatching cues. The timing of spawning relative to the spring tides determines which development rate is optimal in terms of average hatching success. Including a constant daily mortality rate in our simulations, as a simple model of predation and/or disease, shifted the optimized development rates to faster values. These results may be applicable to other fish species with similar reproductive strategies.
Disengaged or Bookworm: Academics, Mental Health, and Success for Sexual Minority Youth

Same-sex attracted youth (SSAY) experience higher rates of negative mental health outcomes compared with their heterosexual peers; however, the association between sexual minority status and academic achievement is less clear. We used four waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to compare 1,279 ethnically diverse SSAY (57% male) based on the degree to which they were “engaged” (65%) or “disengaged” (35%) in school, classified through cluster analysis techniques. The pattern of results indicated significantly better mental health among the engaged group one and 6 years later (e.g., fewer depressive symptoms, less alcohol use), and more occupational and educational achievement eleven years later. The implications of school connection and achievement across a decade of life are discussed.
Sex differences in interruption: An experimental reevaluation

Two experiments were conducted to assess the validity of previously reported sex differences in the frequency of interruptions during a dyadic conversation. In both experiments, 24 undergraduates (12 male, 12 female) were randomly paired with previously unacquainted partners out of the sample to create eight same-sex pairs and four cross-sex pairs. Each pair's discussion was secretly tape-recorded and later analyzed for two measures of interruption: rate of interruption and percentage of interruptions initiated by each speaker. Experiment 1 and 2 differed in the setting in which the conversations took place. The first experiment was conducted in a “casual setting,” and the latter in a “laboratory setting.” Contrary to previously reported findings, a tendency for females to interrupt males more than vice versa for both measures of interruption was revealed in Experiment 1. However, in Experiment 2, males were found to interrupt somewhat more than females. Finally, a highly significant interaction effect of setting was found, which suggests that there may be cause to believe there is a differential setting effect for males and females in the various groups.
NUCLEAR REACTIONS FROM RECOIL PROTONS IN A REACTOR

Abstract Samples of H3BO3, (C2H4)n and H2O were exposed to the fast neutron flux next to the core of a 105 watt “swimming pool” reactor. The reactions B11(p,n)C11, C12(p,γ)N13, C13(p,n)N13, and O18(p,n)F18 were initiated by recoil protons and the positron activities of the products were observed. The yields, in atoms produced per gram of sample per second of irradiation, were 5000 for C11, 800 for N13, and 100 for F18. The fast neutron spectrum was measured with threshold detectors, and the yields were computed. The agreement of the calculated and measured results is good.
Comparative study of bluetongue virus serotype 8 production on BHK-21 cells in a 50L Biostat® STR single-use bioreactors vs roller bottles

Background Bluetongue is a major disease of ruminant livestock that can have a substantial impact on income and animal welfare. Bluetongue virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) first emerged in the European Union in 2006, peaking at 45,000 cases in 2008. Zoetis (formerly Pfizer Animal Health) licensed bluetongue vaccines (Zulvac 4 Ovis, Zulvac 1 Ovis, Zulvac 1 Bovis, Zulvac 8 Ovis and Zulvac 8 Bovis and combinations) able to prevent viremia, stressing the role of the vaccine as an aid for the epidemiological control of the disease. One important issue to be taken into account in the development of vaccines is their cost, especially in veterinary use. Vaccine production requires high-yield, stable bioproduction systems and implementation of new technologies. Mammalian cells are the substrate for production of most of the veterinary vaccines. BHK-21 cells are commonly used to produce bluetongue vaccines. As an example, the use of the BTV-8 vaccine is routinely produced in roller bottles (RB). The aim of this study is to investigate Single-Use Bioreactor technology as an alternative to RB. This technology combines the basic concept of allowing the cells to attach to a surface (microcarriers) with the advantages of suspension, which allows a better control of culture conditions and systematic and automatic culture process. Single use technology can also be an alternative to conventional production methods reducing facility complexity, possibility of the rapid expansion of the capacity of the production and to avoid the cleaning process and reduction of the risk of cross-contamination. Lower culture handling and more homogeneity can be achieved. Selection of appropriate culture conditions can be important to achieve consistent cell culture and virus production across sites and scales. Because characteristics like tank geometry and hardware (impellers, sparger) are not subject to change during scale-up, the scalability from 50L to 1000L in the BIOSTAT STR bioreactor can be an easy strategy for our production process.
Comprehensive Diagnosis: A Conceptual Basis for Future Diagnostic Systems

A discussion of the objectives of diagnosis, participants and architecture leads to the consideration of diagnostic schemas of increasing complexity. Examined first is the conventional case of single-label diagnosis. The case of multiple illness formulation is considered concerning the plurality of mental disorders as well as of general medical disorders. The formulation of a whole clinical condition where contextualized pathology and problems are described is then followed by the consideration of positive aspects of health as well as quality of life. Finally, a comprehensive diagnostic model is reviewed. It integrates a standardized multiaxial formulation (illness, disabilities, contextual factors and quality of life) and an idiographic personalized formulation (culturally informed and contextualized clinical problems, patient's assets pertinent to care, and expectations of health restoration and promotion as jointly understood by clinician, patient and family). Such integrative diagnostic schemas may offer a richer informational basis for clinical description and care as well as a more effective focus for the surveillance of population health.
Selection for 8-Week Body Weight in Normal and Dwarf Chickens Under Different Water/Feed Environments

Abstract Normal and dwarf chickens fed either regular (.4%) or high (1.6%) salt diets were selected for four generations for high 8-wk body weight. Selection gains in body weight were greater in dwarf than in normal genotypes. Selection differentials, gains, and heritabilities were greater in lines selected under the .4% salt environment. When tested females were fed .4% salt diets, normal females from lines selected after being fed 1.6% salt diets had less fat than those from lines selected after being fed .4% salt diets. However, no differences were observed in dwarf females from the two selection environments.
Workforce Development: Challenges and Opportunities for Ceramic Science and Engineering

It remains both a challenge and an opportunity to attract and nurture the best talent in ceramic science and engineering. Success stories in other areas provide examples of how to do it. Research findings reveal behaviors and specific actions that encourage excellence in all individuals, for example, showing support, creating structures that promote interaction, and establishing clear expectations. In developing countries, where the education and research infrastructure are often not as strong and English is not otherwise the language of choice, additional factors come into play. Involving students in research and exchanges—both domestically and internationally—within academe and with other sectors are keys to maintaining a high level of engagement. Students need to identify with the benefits and goals of their career paths. It is imperative that the education curriculum be nimble and incorporate skill development in important and emerging areas such as entrepreneurship and integrated computation and modeling.
Mouse Epididymal Spam1 (PH-20) Is Released In Vivo and In Vitro, and Spam1 Is Differentially Regulated in Testis and Epididymis

The sperm adhesion molecule 1 (SPAM1 or PH-20) is an important sperm surface protein with a hyaluronidase activity and bifunctional roles in mammalian fertilization. Recently we reported that in the mouse, Spam1 is synthesized independently in the testis and the epididymis, where it is found in membranous vesicles in the principal cells of the epithelium in all three regions. Here we used mouse epididymal luminal fluid and cultured epididymal epithelial cells to demonstrate that epididymal Spam1 may be a secretory protein. Using a dual environment culture chamber system in which corpus or cauda epithelial cells are cocultured with their corresponding epididymal fibroblasts in medium supplemented with androgens and epidermal growth factor, we show that in 2- to 6-day cultures Spam1 can be detected immunocytochemically in the epithelial cells. The protein was also detected by Western blot analysis in extracts of the cultured cells and in their serum-free conditioned medium, as well as in luminal fluid from fresh caput, corpus, and caudal epididymis. Importantly, it was shown to have hyaluronidase activity, using hyaluronic acid substrate gel electrophoresis, and to be expressed in greater quantities in the corpus compared with the cauda and caput. The results not only confirm our previous finding that Spam1 is synthesized in the epididymis, but extend them by showing that it is released in the luminal fluid where it may effect posttesticular maturation and function of sperm. Results from transcript analysis indicate that epididymal and testicular Spam1 are under different transcriptional regulation.
Impact Fragmentation: From the Laboratory to Asteroids☆

Abstract In this paper, we study the effect of target size on the fragmentation outcome of rock targets using a 2D numerical hydrocode. After comparing our hydrocode calculations to laboratory data (including explosive disruption experiments) to validate the results, we use the code to calculate how the critical specific energy ( Q *) needed to catastrophically fracture a body varies with target size in the regimes not accessible to experiment. Impact velocity is generally kept constant at about 2.0 km s −1 , although some higher velocity (∼5 km s −1 ) simulations were run to determine a velocity dependence for the fragmentation outcome. To reflect the asteroid population, target diameters range from 10 cm to 1000 km, spanning the regimes where strength and self-gravity (radially varying lithostatic stress) each dominate resistance to fragmentation. We find that there is a significant difference in fragmentation outcome when the lithostatic stress is included in the computations. As expected, surface layers fragment more easily, while the strength of the central regions is greatly enhanced. We derive the Q * versus size relationship for three materials, (basalt, strong-, and weak-cement mortar) each having different static compressive strengths and representing a range of asteroid materials. The hydrocode results showed that Q * decreased with increasing target size in the strength regime, with slopes of 0.43, 0.59, and 0.6 for basalt, strong and weak mortar, respectively. This decrease is directly related to the decrease in strain rate as target size grows. In the gravity regime, Q * increases with increasing target size, with a slope equal to 2.6 for all three of the materials modeled. These values are much steeper than those previously derived from scaling theories. Ejecta velocity distributions as a function of target size are examined as well. For large bodies, resultant ejecta speeds tend to be well below escape velocity, implying that these asteroids are likely to be reaccumulated rubble piles. In simulating the creation of the asteroid family Eos, we find that the code-calculated fragment size distribution is similar in character to the observed data, but secondary fragment sizes are significantly underestimated. More importantly, the determined ejecta speeds were too low for these fragments to have achieved escape velocity, and thus we fail to actually form the separate bodies comprising the Eos family, and are left instead with a single rubble pile conglomerate.
Evidence that natural selection maintains genetic variation for sleep in Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster often shows correlations between latitude and phenotypic or genetic variation on different continents, which suggests local adaptation with respect to a heterogeneous environment. Previous phenotypic analyses of latitudinal clines have investigated mainly physiological, morphological, or life-history traits. Here, we studied latitudinal variation in sleep in D. melanogaster populations from North and Central America. In parallel, we used RNA-seq to identify interpopulation gene expression differences. We found that in D. melanogaster the average nighttime sleep bout duration exhibits a latitudinal cline such that sleep bouts of equatorial populations are roughly twice as long as those of temperate populations. Interestingly, this pattern of latitudinal variation is not observed for any daytime measure of activity or sleep. We also found evidence for geographic variation for sunrise anticipation. Our RNA-seq experiment carried out on heads from a low and high latitude population identified a large number of gene expression differences, most of which were time dependent. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in circadian regulated genes and enriched in genes potentially under spatially varying selection. Our results are consistent with a mechanistic and selective decoupling of nighttime and daytime activity. Furthermore, the present study suggests that natural selection plays a major role in generating transcriptomic variation associated with circadian behaviors. Finally, we identified genomic variants plausibly causally associated with the observed behavioral and transcriptomic variation.
Longer Hiding Time in Refuge Implies Greater Assessed Risk After Capture and Autotomy in Striped Plateau Lizards (Sceloporus virgatus)

Abstract During encounters with predators, prey that flee into refuges decide how long to hide. Refuge use theory predicts that hiding time increases as the risk of emerging increases. Lizards that escape by autotomizing their tails incur costs, including temporary decrease in speed and loss of ability to use autotomy. Thus, risk of being captured upon emergence is greater after autotomy. Also, a predator that captures a prey may later be assessed as posing greater threat. We predicted that hiding time increases after a lizard has been captured or has undergone autotomy. A previous study of striped plateau lizards (Sceloporus virgatus) showed that the proportion of lizards that entered refuges increased after autotomy but not after earlier capture. To examine unstudied effects of autotomy and capture on hiding time, we conducted a 2 × 2 factorial field experiment with handling and autotomy as factors. The four groups were (1) unhandled intact controls; (2) unhandled autotomized; (3) captured (and handled)...
The Impact of Writing Area Forecast Discussions on Student Forecaster Performance

Abstract A brief study is provided on the forecast performance of students who write a mock area forecast discussion (AFD) on a weekly basis. Student performance was tracked for one semester (11 weeks) during the University of Missouri—Columbia's local weather forecast game. The hypothesis posed is that student performance is no better on days when they compose an AFD. A nonparametric Mann–Whitney test cannot reject that hypothesis. However, the same test employed on precipitation forecasts (for days when precipitation actually fell) shows that there is a statistically significant difference (p = 0.02) between the scores of those students writing an AFD and those who do not. Similar results are found with a chi-square test. Thus, AFD writers improve their precipitation score on days when significant weather occurred. Forecaster confidence is also enhanced by AFD composition.
Non‐ignorable missing covariate data in survival analysis: a case‐study of an International Breast Cancer Study Group trial

Summary. Non-ignorable missing data, a serious problem in both clinical trials and observational studies, can lead to biased inferences. Quality-of-life measures have become increasingly popular in clinical trials. However, these measures are often incompletely observed, and investigators may suspect that missing quality-of-life data are likely to be non-ignorable. Although several recent references have addressed missing covariates in survival analysis, they all required the assumption that missingness is at random or that all covariates are discrete. We present a method for estimating the parameters in the Cox proportional hazards model when missing covariates may be non-ignorable and continuous or discrete. Our method is useful in reducing the bias and improving efficiency in the presence of missing data. The methodology clearly specifies assumptions about the missing data mechanism and, through sensitivity analysis, helps investigators to understand the potential effect of missing data on study results.
Post‐buckling behaviour of structures using a finite element–nonlinear eigenvalue technique

A series of finite element algorithms for the calculation of the post-buckling behaviour of structures are proposed. The algorithms represent a finite element implementation of a variational principle for nonlinear eigenvalue problems. Incremental amplitude solution schemes are defined. Numerical results are presented for the post-buckling behaviour of specific structures with linear and nonlinear pre-buckling states.
Fast-response infrared phase modulator based on polymer network liquid crystal

We report a high birefringence terphenyl liquid crystal mixture, designated as M3, for infrared phase modulation with special emphasis on mid-wave infrared (MWIR). In addition to high birefringence, M3 exhibits excellent UV stability, modest dielectric anisotropy, and a very broad nematic range. The high birefringence enables a thin cell gap to be used for achieving a 2π phase change while maintaining a high transmittance (T>98%) in the MWIR region. To achieve fast response time, we employed a polymer network liquid crystal using M3 with 2π phase change at λ = 4μm and 3.6-ms response time. This response time is about 100X faster than that of a nematic LC phase modulator.
Hugoniot-based equations of state for two filled EPDM rubbers

Particle-filled elastomers are commonly used as engineering components due to their ability to provide structural support via their elastic mechanical response. Even small amounts of particle fillers are known to increase the mechanical strength of elastomers due to polymer-filler interactions. In this work, the shock response of two filled (SiO2 or silica and KevlarTMfillers) ethylene-propylene-diene (EPDM) rubbers were studied using single and two-stage gas gun-driven plate impact experiments. Hugoniot states were determined using standard plate impact methods. Both filled-EPDM elastomers exhibit high compressibility under shock loading and have a response similar to adiprene rubber.
β-Cell autoimmunity in overweight non-diabetic youth: any implications?

The presence of β-cell autoantibodies (AA) is associated with a high risk of developing T1DM and they are present in the majority of children with this disease. Glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) and IA-2 AA are reported to be present in 0.9 and 0.5%, respectively, of school children in the USA (1) with data from Europe showing a range between 0.5–2.4% for GAD65 and 0.15–2.7% for IA-2 AA (2–4). On the other hand, it has been suggested that changes in adipokines may confer an elevated risk for T2DM and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (5, 6). With increasing rates of youth obesity, the distinction between T1DM and T2DM has become difficult. Moreover, increasing body mass index (BMI) in at-risk children has been proposed not only as a possible contributor to T1DM by increasing insulin resistance (7), but also as exerting an effect via the immunomodulatory properties of certain adipokines (6–8). Leptin administration at pharmacological doses to prediabetic NOD female mice has been described to promote early inflammatory infiltrates of pancreatic islets, increases interferon gamma production by T cells, and early development of autoimmune diabetes (9). The possible effect of glucotoxicity secondary to increased blood glucose levels in those with insulin resistance can expose more antigens and accelerate the destruction of the β-cell. One study in adult individuals showed that increased BMI was related to increased concentrations of GAD65 AA, which would be consistent with a possible contribution of obesity in the presence of autoimmunity (10). This was most prominent not only in older women but also in middle-aged men. To our knowledge, however, there are no data regarding the prevalence of β-cell antibodies in obese, otherwise healthy, children. The purpose of this study was to (i) determine the prevalence of β-cell AA in overweight non-diabetic children and (ii) assess insulin sensitivity and secretion derived from an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in those with vs. without β-cell AA.
The absolute quantum efficiency of bacteriochlorophyll photooxidation in reaction centres of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides

Abstract The widely assumed correspondence between fluorescence and photochemistry in photosynthetic systems has recently been challenged by observations on the triplet state of bacteriochlorophyll in reaction centres of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides. In order to check this assumption we have conducted a precise determination of the quantum efficiency of bacteriochlorophyll photooxidation in reaction centres at room temperature. We find a quantum efficiency of 1.02 ± 0.04 in contrast to a value of about 0.7 predicted from the variations in fluorescence yield.
Yield points in aluminum at high temperatures

Abstract Pronounced yield points have been observed for single crystals of pure aluminum which were tested in tension at temperatures between 450 and 650°C. The yield points occurred following pretest bending, controlled twisting, or more rapid tensile straining at temperatures at or below the test temperature, or following tensile straining at the same rate at temperatures below the subsequent test temperature. The appearance of the yield point is found to depend on the test temperature, the amount and type of prior strain, and indirectly on the sample orientation. The phenomenon is shown to be one of work softening, and it is attributed to a variation in the stress dependence for dislocation glide as determined either by the instantaneous jog density or by the characteristic size of the dislocation tangle network.
Preventing caries in preschoolers: Successful initiation of an innovative community-based clinical trial in Navajo Nation Head Start ☆

Abstract Navajo Nation children have the greatest prevalence of early childhood caries in the United States. This protocol describes an innovative combination of community-based participatory research and clinical trial methods to rigorously test a lay native Community Oral Health Specialists-delivered oral health intervention , with the goal of reducing the progression of disease and improving family knowledge and behaviors. Methods/Design This cluster-randomized trial designed by researchers at the Center for Native Oral Health Research at the University of Colorado in conjunction with members of the Navajo Nation community compares outcomes between the manualized 2-year oral health fluoride varnish-oral health promotion intervention and usual care in the community ( child–caregiver dyads from 26 Head Start classrooms in each study arm; total of 1016 dyads). Outcome assessment includes annual dental screening and an annual caregiver survey of knowledge, attitudes and behaviors; collection of cost data will support cost–benefit analyses. Discussion The study protocol meets all standards required of randomized clinical trials. Aligned with principles of community-based participatory research, extended interaction between members of the Navajo community and researchers preceded study initiation, and collaboration between project staff and a wide variety of community members informed the study design and implementation. We believe that the benefits of adding CBPR methods to those of randomized clinical studies outweigh the barriers and constraints, especially in studies of health disparities and in challenging settings. When done well, this innovative mix of methods will increase the likelihood of valid results that communities can use.
Spin dynamics of a J 1 -J 2 antiferromagnet and its implications for iron pnictides

Motivated by the recent observation of antiferromagnetic correlations in the paramagnetic phase of iron pnictides, we study the finite-temperature spin dynamics of a two-dimensional $J_1-J_2$ antiferromagnet. We consider the paramagnetic phase in the $J_2>J_1$ regime of a $(\pi,0)$ collinear ground state, using the modified spin wave theory. Below the mean-field Ising transition temperature, we identify short-range anisotropic antiferromagnetic correlations. We show that the dynamical structure factor $\mathcal{S}(\mathbf{q},\omega)$ contains elliptic features in the momentum space, and determine its variation with temperature and energy. Implications for the spin-dynamical experiments in the iron pnictides are discussed.
Nursing education and improvement in oral care delivery in long-term care.

Objective To determine if a facility-wide oral care educational program will improve the quality of routine oral care provided to nursing home residents. Design Single-blind, pre-post observational study of direct caregivers providing routine oral care to residents in 2 nursing homes. Intervention A 30-minute oral care program including lecture, demonstration, and hands-on skill training led by a research-trained dental hygienist. Results Twenty-eight subjects were observed during 110 pre- and 119 posteducation oral care encounters. One third of the subjects attended the facility-wide oral education program. Most facility residents were cooperative during oral care delivery. The average length of brushing to the teeth or dentures was 52 seconds and total time for oral care delivery was 2minutes after the educational program. Approximately half of the residents received tooth or denture care with both toothbrush and paste, half had tongue cleansing performed and half received oral rinsing with water. One resident received flossing of the teeth. One third of the oral care encounters were performed without the use of gloves. There were no significant changes in any oral care activities after the educational intervention. Conclusion The oral care educational program did not result in improvement in the delivery of routine oral care to nursing home residents.
Sources of error in the spike-triggered averaging method of motor unit number estimation (MUNE)

Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) is an electrophysical technique to estimate the number of motor units innervating a muscle or muscle group. MUNE may be useful as a measure of progression of lower motor neuron loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Several methods of MUNE have been developed. The spike-triggered averaging method can be readily performed on EMG machines with signal averaging capabilities and is suitable for estimating the number of motor neurons innervating proximal muscles. We have used MUNE as a measure of disease state in a drug efficacy trial for ALS. From our experience with this method we have identified sources of error which can affect MUNE accuracy. We have investigated these sources and report their effect on MUNE. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on the mental and verbal ability of stroke patients.

Based upon the assumption that oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure (OHP) might improve the verbal and mental function of patients who had suffered vascular infarcts, 32 stroke patients were exposed to such an ambient atmosphere and tested under controlled conditions. The results make it clear that a single exposure to 100% oxygen under two atmospheres of pressure, which is productive of high blood oxygen levels, does not improve the communication and cognitive-perceptual function of these patients.
An Endosome-to-Plasma Membrane Pathway Involved in Trafficking of a Mutant Plasma Membrane ATPase in Yeast

The plasma membrane ATPase, encoded by PMA1, is delivered to the cell surface via the secretory pathway. Previously, we characterized a temperature-sensitive pma1 mutant in which newly synthesized ...
The Physical Education Hall of Shame, Part IV: more inappropriate games, activities, and practices.

The development of positive attitudes toward lifelong participation in sport-related physical activities through quality school-based programs is a critical goal for the physical education profession. Scientific evidence indicates that a physically active lifestyle helps to prevent disease, improve health, and increase longevity. Physical educators should be teaching children to become active for a lifetime, but regrettably, school-based physical education programs often discourage students because many of their games, activities, and teaching practices reflect a lack of critical thinking and are exclusionary, counterproductive, or contraindicated. The Physical Education Hall of Shame is composed of inappropriate games, activities, and teaching practices, and was established so that physical educators might become more reflective practitioners of their profession. Seven new “inductees” are analyzed in this article: tug of war, capture the flag, climb the rope, all-star lines, athletes sit out on game days...
A New Method of TOE Architecture Based on the ML403 Development Board in Linux

Purpose-to remove CPU from heavy services of protocol processing, and alleviate the bottlenecks of communication system to suit for the high speed network. Design a new architecture for TOE which includes TOE design, TOE data stream transfer, TOE performance test and TOE security, etc. Methodology-by analysis and design with Linux specialties binding to functions of ML403 development version, to code or modify portion of kernel code and use VHDL to design the hardware section. Result-by analysis the design requirements of TCP/IP offload, to simplify the protocol stack of TCP/IP, and finally to give out a ML403 based solution for TOE architecture design, to build a system experiment platform and last we draw some conclusions and some test results. Conclusion-Although the results show that the performance improving is not much, the simple success of test indicates that this solution is correct and potential. It will contribute to the performance improvement of whole communication system and popularization to the TOE network card.
Development and usability evaluation of the mHealth Tool for Lung Cancer (mHealth TLC): a virtual world health game for lung cancer patients.

Abstract Objective To test the feasibility and usability of mHealth TLC, an interactive, immersive 3-dimensional iPad health game that coaches lung cancer patients toward assertive communication strategies during first-person virtual clinics visits. Method We observed players and conducted semi-structured interviews. Research questions focused on scenario believability, the impact of technical issues, transparency of game goals, and potential of mHealth TLC to decrease lung cancer stigma (LCS) and improve patient–clinician communication. Results Eight users confirmed mHealth TLC to be: (1) believable, (2) clinic-appropriate, and (3) helpful in support of informed healthcare consumers. Concerns were expressed about emotionally charged content and plans to use mHealth TLC in clinic settings as opposed to at home. Conclusions Although the dialog and interactions addressed emotionally charged issues, players were able to engage, learn, and benefit from role-play in a virtual world. Health games have the potential to improve patient–clinician communication, and mHealth TLC specifically may decrease LCS, and promote optimal self-management. Practice implications Process reflection revealed the need for health games to be created by experienced game developers in collaboration with health care experts. To prepare for this best practice, research institutions and game developers interested in health games should proactively seek out networking and collaboration opportunities.
The Influence of Insect Juvenile Hormone Agonists on Metamorphosis and Reproduction in Estuarine Crustaceans

Comparative developmental and reproductive studies were performed on several species of estuarine crustaceans in response to three juvenile hormone agonists (pyriproxyfen, methoprene and fenoxycarb). Larval development of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, was greater than two orders of magnitude more sensitive to disruption by methoprene and fenoxycarb than was embryonic development. Developing larvae of the mud crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii, exhibited reduced metamorphic success at lower concentrations of methoprene and pyriproxyfen than grass shrimp larvae. These responses suggest that the more rigidly controlled metamorphic process in crabs is more sensitive to compounds acting as endocrine disruptors than is the more flexible metamorphic pattern in shrimp. The final crab larval stage, the megalopa, was more sensitive to methoprene and fenoxycarb exposure than earlier zoeal stages. Mud crab larvae exposed to fenoxycarb had reduced biomass and lipid content, particularly triglycerides and sterols. Concentrations of fenoxycarb which reduced the reproductive capacity in single life-cycle exposures of the estuarine mysid, Americamysis bahia, were similar to those concentrations which inhibited metamorphosis in grass shrimp. Juvenile mysids released by exposed adults and reared through maturation without further exposure produced fewer young and had altered sex ratios (lower percentages of males) at lower parental-exposure concentrations than directly affected parental reproduction. These transgenerational responses may well be a product of irreversible effects during developmental exposures which become apparent following maturation and initiation of reproduction. These findings support using a functional approach as an appropriate screening procedure to evaluate potential environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals in aquatic environments.
Prediction and Semantic Association

We explore the consequences of viewing semantic association as the result of attempting to predict the concepts likely to arise in a particular context. We argue that the success of existing accounts of semantic representation comes as a result of indirectly addressing this problem, and show that a closer correspondence to human data can be obtained by taking a probabilistic approach that explicitly models the generative structure of language.