cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sunspots Activity Cycles Using Linear and Non-Linear Technique

Sun and its activities have been the unique importance to understand the space weather. Especially the sunspots at solar maxima and minima, which are responsible for space weather variability are the main concern for the scientific society of the world. Better modeling for solar maxima and minima can be useful to understand the space weather precisely. The research work in this paper provides the trend analysis for each sunspot cycle (1-24), in which 24th cycle is in continuation. The increasing or decreasing trend of sunspot cycles provides the information regarding increase and decrease of the solar dynamics. We have compared the trend of 1st to 24th sunspot cycles of different duration under the significance test. The minimum and maximum sunspots in each cycle are discussed using the trend analysis which is useful to study the space weather. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
The sage as teacher and source of knowledge: editorial strategies and formulaic utterances in Confucius dialogues

The present article discusses selected dialogues between Confucius and Duke Ai of Lu as well as dialogues in which Confucius employs the phrase “I will tell you” ( wu yu ru 吾語汝), mainly to address followers. The analysis focuses on two aspects of the Confucius figure: (1) Confucius as a textual function that serves to integrate and validate disparate textual units within a coherent narrative framework; (2) Confucius as authoritative master who enunciates didactic pronouncements in the presence of his disciples. The latter function is ironically appropriated in Zhuangzi 莊子. The article closes with a reflection on possible future directions of research into uses of the Confucius figure.
Background and Literature Review

In this chapter, we first review the problem of linear subspace estimation and present example problems where the conventional method (PCA) is typically used. Consequently, we discuss the most prominent advances in low-rank optimization, which is the main theoretical topic of this book. Since the various low-rank formulations discussed in this book fall into several computer vision domains, we additionally review the latest techniques in each domain, including video denosing, turbulence mitigation, background subtraction, and activity recognition.
New Tests of the Isobaric Multiplet Mass Equation

The isobaric multiplet mass equation (IMME), first propounded by Wigner1 in 1957, states that the masses M of members of an analog multiplet should be related by an equation quadratic in Tz $$ M = a + b{T_z} + cT_z^2. $$ A non-trivial test of the equation requires a multiplet of at least 4 states (i.e. TZ=3/2), and in 1964 Cerny and his collaborators completed the first isobaric quartet.2 Since that time, some 18 quartets have been measured, a few with extreme precision, and in only one case, the lowest mass 9 quartet, is there a significant disagreement with the IMME. The present status of isobaric quartets is summarized in this conference by Benenson and Kashy. There is considerable incentive to make new tests of the equation by considering multiplets other than quartets, but only very recently has it become experimentally feasible to test the IMME even in quintets. A number of features make such tests interesting. If one represents deviations from the IMME by additional terms dT Z 3 , eT Z 4 , etc., only one such term can be determined in a quartet, but two in a quintet. Thus one can test the IMME more rigorously, and, in the event of a violation, gain better insight into the possible mechanisms causing it. Furthermore, many quintets include both particle-stable and unbound nuclei, and if changes in the spatial wave functions across a multiplet can cause deviations from the IMME, then quintets may be rather sensitive to that influence. Finally, if there exists a many-body charge-dependent force, the presence of two determined parameters (d and e) makes quintets an attractive testing ground.
Die Bedeutung abiotischer Faktoren für die Gonadenentwicklung und Fortpflanzung mariner Evertebraten

This review concerns itself with two aspects of reproductive biology: commencement of gametogenesis and spawning. The activation of gametogenesis followed by gonadal growth, with a subsequent release of gametes. The gamete formation-spawning cycle varies in duration from weekly to yearly periods depending upon the species and geographical origin. The importance of exogenous factors is discussed. Among those exogenous factors which can be demonstrated to affect the gamete formation-spawning cycle are food, salinity, light and temperature. Gonad growth constitutes a more significant fraction of the entire reproductive cycle than does spawning and gametogenesis. The time during which gametes are released occupies a small fraction of the entire reproductive cycle. Since spawning is such a dramatic act, it has been described in detail for many species. Numerous investigators have shown interest in the factors and relationships which work to insure synchronization of spawning. These studies are fully discussed. Some considerations of larval ecology in relation to parental reproductive patterns are given. Finally, the possible mechanism involved in coordination of reproduction is presented.
Ten-year trends in colorectal cancer (CRC) control in Texas.

e12044 Background: The 2015 colorectal cancer control goals are to reduce age-adjusted incidence to 34.8/100,000 and mortality to 12.0/100,000 and to increase the number of 50 year and older underg...
Abstract 2547: A potential new autologous mast cell cancer immunotherapy

Mast cells (MC) are important immune cells that reside in tissue and are most widely recognized for their role as mediators of Type I hypersensitivity reactions (allergies). In certain cancers, such as breast cancer, the presence of MC in the tumor microenvironment has been associated with favorable prognosis, which may be due to their ability to release, through activation of the high affinity IgE receptor FcϵRI, anti-tumor mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Thus, developing approaches to target autologous MC to tumor antigens is a potential new form of cancer immunotherapy. However, this concept has not been realized given that MC reside in tissue; thus, efficient removal, expansion ex vivo, and targeting to tumor sites has not yet been feasible. Previous attempts to generate MC from human progenitor cells have yielded cells that are often immature and not optimally functional. We report here, for the first time, the generation of functional human MC from adipose tissue in numbers sufficient for clinical applications. The adipose derived MC (ADMC) are phenotypically similar to connective tissue MC as evidenced through their expression of tryptase, chymase, c-kit, and FcϵRI. The ADMC release several anti-tumor mediators through FcϵRI activation. The ADMC, sensitized with an anti-HER2/neu IgE with human constant regions, bound to and were activated by HER2/neu-positive human breast cancer cells (SK-BR-3). ADMC sensitized in this way were observed to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells when co-cultured. Importantly, breast cancer cell apoptosis was also observed after addition of media containing mediators released from activated ADMC. In conclusion, we present a novel method for the production of functional human MC from adipose tissue and demonstrate that these cells can be directed to target and eliminate breast cancer cells. It may now be possible to use them in conjunction with IgE antibodies targeting cancer cells for autologous mast cell cancer immunotherapy (AMCIT) as a new way to treat solid tumors such as those overexpressing HER2/neu for which new therapies are urgently need. Citation Format: Jesse D. Plotkin, Michael G. Elias, Tracy R. Daniels-Wells, Anthony Dellinger, Manuel L. Penichet, Christopher L. Kepley. A potential new autologous mast cell cancer immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2547.
Unraveling Difficult Answers: From Genotype to Phenotype in Coronary Artery Disease

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have robustly found a correlation between coronary artery disease (CAD) and an intergenic region at locus 9p21.3. However, the mechanistic implication of this association is unknown. Recently in Cell, Lo Sardo et al. used hiPSC genome editing to demonstrate how this locus contributes to CAD predisposition.
Mechanisms of Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity and Prevention

Cisplatin is a highly effective antineoplastic agent used to treat solid tumors. Unfortunately, the administration of this drug leads to significant side effects, including ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. This review addresses the mechanisms of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and various strategies tested to prevent this distressing adverse effect. The molecular pathways underlying cisplatin ototoxicity are still being investigated. Cisplatin enters targeted cells in the cochlea through the action of several transporters. Once it enters the cochlea, cisplatin is retained for months to years. It can cause DNA damage, inhibit protein synthesis, and generate reactive oxygen species that can lead to inflammation and apoptosis of outer hair cells, resulting in permanent hearing loss. Strategies to prevent cisplatin ototoxicity have utilized antioxidants, transport inhibitors, G-protein receptor agonists, and anti-inflammatory agents. There are no FDA-approved drugs to prevent cisplatin ototoxicity. It is critical that potential protective agents do not interfere with the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin.
Perceived Coercion During Admission Into Psychiatric Hospitalization Increases Risk of Suicide Attempts After Discharge.

Objective There is an elevated risk for suicide in the year following psychiatric hospitalization. The present study examined whether perceived coercion during admission into psychiatric hospitalization increases risk for postdischarge suicide attempts. Methods Participants were 905 psychiatric inpatients from the MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study that were assessed every 10 weeks during the year following discharge. Perceived coercion during admission was assessed while hospitalized, and suicide attempts were assessed following discharge. Analyses adjusted for nonrandom assignment of groups via propensity score weighting and for established correlates of postdischarge suicidal behavior. Results Of 905 participants, 67% endorsed perception of coercion into psychiatric hospitalization, and 168 (19%) made a postdischarge suicide attempt. Patients who perceived coercion during hospitalization admission were more likely to make a suicide attempt after discharge than those who did not, even after adjusting for established covariates (OR = 1.29, |z| = 2.87, p = .004, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.54). There was no interaction between recent self-harm or suicidal ideation at time of admission and perceived coercion on postdischarge suicide attempts. Conclusions Patients' perception of the context in which they were hospitalized is associated with a small but significant increase in their likelihood of postdischarge suicide attempts.
Gender and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in the Perception of Weight Status, Health Status and Diet Quality Among Adolescents in the USA (P04-114-19)

Body weight perception is associated with an individual's intention and likelihood to participate in healthy lifestyle behaviors such as healthy eating and physical activity. Significant gender and racial/ethnic disparities in body weight perception have been observed in adults but limited studies are available for adolescents. The objective of this study was to identify gender and racial/ethnic disparities in adolescent perception of their weight status, health status and the quality of their diet. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1737 adolescents (12–17 years) participating in the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) Study, an internet-based survey study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Adolescents reported their demographic characteristics and the perception of their, weight status, diet quality, health status, and the frequency with which they consumed common fruits and vegetables in a week. The average participant was a U.S. native (98%) and a non-Hispanic white (63.7%). Genders were distributed evenly with 48.1% male and 48.5% female. Male participants were more likely to perceive themselves as underweight as compared to the female participants (X² = 48.6; P < 0.01). Similarly, more male participants considered their health to be excellent as compared to their female counterparts (X² = 21.94; P < 0.001). There were no significant gender differences in perception of diet quality and frequency of consumption of fruit and vegetables. More non-Hispanic Blacks perceived themselves to be underweight as compared to their non-Hispanic White and Hispanic counterparts (X² = 13.66 P < 0.01). There were more non-Hispanic blacks who considered their diet to be unhealthy as compared to the other racial/ethnic groups. There were no significant differences between race/ethnicity and perception of health status or frequency of consumption of fruits and vegetables. Like in adults, gender and racial/ethnic disparities in the adolescent perception of their weight status, health status and diet quality exist. Researchers and practitioners need to identify the causes of these disparities and effective ways of designing interventions that take into account the disparities. None.
Knowledge, congestion, and economics: Parameter uncertainty in Naor’s model

This paper studies an extension of Naor’s model in which there is parameter uncertainty. In particular, the arrival rate is known, to customers and system managers, only through its distribution. For the observable case, the relationship between the optimal individual threshold and the thresholds for a social optimizer or revenue maximizer does not change from the classical model with a known arrival rate. However, in the unobservable case, it is shown that the decisions of the social optimizer and revenue maximizer no longer coincide. Furthermore, in the unobservable case with arrival rate uncertainty, the social optimizer induces a lower expected arrival rate than the revenue maximizer. This stands in contrast to the observable case, in which the social optimizer prefers a more congested system.
Algorithmic Support for Personalized Course Selection and Scheduling

The work presented in this paper demonstrates the use of context-aware recommendation to facilitate personalized education, by assisting students in selecting courses and course content and mapping a trajectory to graduation. The recommendation algorithm considers a student's profile and their program's curricular requirements in generating a schedule of courses, while aiming to reduce attributes such as cost and time-to-degree. The resulting optimization problem is solved using integer linear programming and graph-based heuristics. The course selection algorithm has been developed for the Pervasive Cyberinfrastructure for Personalized eLearning and Instructional Support (PERCEPOLIS), which can assist or supplement the degree planning actions of an academic advisor, with assurance that recommended selections are always valid.
Review of Building teaching and learning communities: Creating shared meaning and purpose

Abstract: Review of Gibson, C. & Mader, S. (Eds.) (2019). Building teaching and learning communities: Creating shared meaning and purpose. Association of College and Research Libraries.
Malignant Pleural Effusions

Malignant pleural effusions have a significant burden on patients and the health care system. Diagnosis is typically via thoracentesis, although other times more invasive procedures are required. Management centers around relief of dyspnea and patient quality of life and can be done via serial thoracentesis, indwelling pleural catheter, or pleurodesis. This article focuses on the diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusion.
Patient-provider communication and information access via online patient portal: Understanding user behaviors to improve healthcare and outcomes

The patient portal is a relatively new healthcare information technology that enables patients more convenient access to their healthcare information and send messages to their physicians. Our study, based on 1172 communication threads (including patient-provider and provider-provider interactions), examined the themes discussed in these messages and different ways in which patients communicate with their providers via a portal employed in a large medical center. We also explored the differences between the patient portal and more traditional communication media (e.g. telephone, mail, and fax), and investigated the advantages and potential problems of the portal system. Further, we also analyzed how the new communication and information workload resulted from the adoption of patient portal was arranged among different clinical groups (nurses, secretaries, and physicians). Our findings show a wide variety of topics discussed in the communication messages (such as medication, appointments, laboratory tests, etc.) and how patients provide information, consult their providers, and express psychosocial and emotional needs. The work arrangement for additional information responsibilities among clinicians may also create new communication issues (e.g. information fragmentation, gap, and inconsistency). Finally, we addressed the implications on the organizational policy improvement, incentive structure, and a better design of the information system.
Modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism by curcumin and its β-diketone derivatives in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages

1395 Aberrant arachidonic acid metabolism is involved in inflammatory and carcinogenic processes. In the present study, we investigated the effects of curcumin, and its β-diketone derivatives on the molecular regulation of the enzymes related to arachidonic acid metabolism in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. Curcumin and its β-diketone derivatives, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) and dibenzoylmethane (DBM) significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated release of arachidonic acid and its metabolites. Stimulation of the macrophages with LPS induced the phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) without changing the protein level. Curcumin inhibited cPLA2 phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner. Curcumin (20 μM) increased nuclear translocation of cPLA2 after 16 h of treatment, but subsequent release of arachidonic acid and its metabolites after the time point was still slightly decreased, compared to control without curcumin. Curcumin strongly inhibited LPS-induced cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) expression. The levels of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES) and leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) were not significantly changed after stimulation with LPS. Curcumin slightly decreased 5-LOX; the protein levels of LTA4H and mPGES, however, were not affected by curcumin up to 20 μM. The level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was markedly increased after stimulation with LPS, whereas there was no significant change in the level of leukotriene B4 (LTB4). Curcumin and THC (10 μM) potently inhibited the formation of PGE2 and LTB4; DBM, however, increased the LTB4 level. The results suggest that curcumin affects multiple stages of arachidonic acid metabolizing enzymes by modulating their catalytic activities as well as molecular regulation. This activity may contribute to their anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory actions (supported by NIH grant CA88961).
Secrecy in cognitive radio networks: Turning foes to allies

We study a class of security problems in cognitive radio networks in which multiple half-duplex unlicensed (secondary) users independently eavesdrop the communications of licensed (primary) users unless granted access to communicate over the same spectrum band. The problem is to characterize the optimal rule for the primary system that grants spectrum access to selected secondary users and the optimal resource allocation for the secondary users. When granted access, the transmission of secondary users interferes with the eavesdropped primary signal at other eavesdropping users, possibly leading to improved primary secure rate. First, we formulate a simple game with only one secondary user and study its equilibria. The outcome presents optimality conditions to grant access to the secondary user as a function of channel conditions. Then, we study the game when multiple eavesdropping secondary users exist and show that it is not always optimal to grant access to the strongest eavesdropper. Interestingly, the outcome also reveals a recruiting process that turns selected eavesdroppers into helping jammers under certain conditions.
A computer generated census of cusped hyperbolic 3-manifolds

In this paper, we describe how we used a computer to produce a census of cusped hyperbolic 3-manifolds obtained from 5 or fewer ideal tetrahedra. We note some of the techniques involved in writing and debugging the programs and give a brief summary of the results.
“Assimilating to Power in Two Different World-Systems: An Analysis of Paul and Herzl”

This essay concerns two Jewish men from different historical formations: the Apostle Paul, a Jew living in the Roman Empire in the first century and one of the founding figures of Christianity, and Theodor Herzl, a Jew living in late-nineteenth-century Austria and the founding father of Zionism, a Jewish nationalist movement. My central argument is that both men employed an assimilationist strategy that linked their identity to powerful social forces of their time, strategically restructuring their identity so that they could move into the most powerful centers of their social systemPaul navigating himself towards Rome and Herzl setting his gaze west even while physically moving east. My objective here is to demonstrate how these two Jewish figures used Christianity and Zionism, respectively, to assimilate towards those who hold real power, each of them appropriating the ideology of his movement in order to join the most powerful sector of his world. Yet I also intend to demonstrate that, while they both shared a desire to assimilate to power, the strategies they implemented to reach their goals were radically different: Paul using a universalistic discourse, what I shall call Israel in the spirit, whereas Herzl chose the particularistic discourse of Israel in the flesh. This is due, I argue, to the fact that both of these great historical figures were reacting to the social and political forces of their times, Paul to the centripetal forces of ancient world-empires and Herzl to the centrifugal forces of the modern world-system.
Hemorrhage within brain tumors in association with long air travel

Two cases of hemorrhage within brain tumors after air travel are described. The hemorrhages occurred in a meningotheliomatous meningioma and in a melanoma metastasis after the patients had taken transatlantic flights lasting more than seven hours. The literature concerning bleeding associated with brain tumors is reviewed, and possible mechanisms by which air travel may have precipitated these hemorrhages, based on known physiological changes that occur in-flight, are discussed.
Pregnancy primes anti-fetal T cell memory capable of allograft destruction (TRAN3P.874)

Pregnancy-induced anti-fetal antibody can destroy allografts and excludes many women from transplantation, but anti-fetal T cell responses are poorly understood and are not currently evaluated in potential organ recipients. To test whether pregnancy (PG) primes graft-reactive T cell memory, we compared Ova skin graft survival (GS) between naive B6 mice (N), mice mated to Ova transgenic (tg) males (Ova PG-sensitized; OP), or mice sensitized by a previous Ova skin graft (OS). Skin grafts were placed 30 days after either Ova pup delivery (OP group) or after rejection of an Ova skin graft (OS group). OP females rapidly rejected Ova skin grafts with second set kinetics identical to OS females [GS (days): 11.3±1.5(OP) vs. 10.3±0.6(OS) vs. 15±0.7(N); p
Comprehending conservatism: A new framework for analysis

This essay argues against the view—frequently put forward by conservatives themselves—that conservatism cannot be analyzed as a coherent political ideology. It then proposes a multidimensional approach to understanding conservatism, defining (and defending a particular interpretation of) four dimensions which are termed sociological, methodological, dispositional and philosophical. It is argued that only if two of these four dimensions are present in a particular variety of political thought is it justified to speak of political conservatism.
PLZT powders from acetate precursors via coprecipitation

Various chemical coprecipitation techniques used for the production of PLZT (lead lanthanum zirconate titanate) 2/55/45 (La/Zr/Ti) powders were investigated. The coprecipitation condition corresponding to 0.5 M oxalic acid at a titration rate of 24 cc/min and at a temperature of 21 degrees C yielded calcined powders with the largest surface areas. This condition was thus selected as the optimum one in regard to the sinterability of the powders. The characteristics of the PLZT 2/55/45 powders under the best precipitation condition were evaluated. FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) spectroscopy and XRD (X-ray diffraction) showed that perovskite phase formation occurred at 550 degrees C. >
The equation of state of nuclear matter and properties of finite nuclei in a relativistic Quantum field theory

Neutron stars are nothing more than enormous nuclei with radii, for the largest neutron stars, a factor of ~ i0 l~ larger than those of atomic nuclei and densities up to an order of magnitude higher. They are held together by the gravitational attraction. To discuss the properties of cold, condensed stellar objects such as neutron stars, it is necessary to know the stress tensor T v, the source in Einstein's field equations, from nuclear matter densities upwards. For a u~iform fluid at rest, which locally describes the situation in a static neutron star, the stress tensor takes the form
Fitting square pegs through round pipes: unordered delivery wire-compatible with TCP and TLS

Internet applications increasingly employ TCP not as a stream abstraction, but as a substrate for applicationlevel transports, a use that converts TCP's in-order semantics from a convenience blessing to a performance curse. As Internet evolution makes TCP's use as a substrate likely to grow, we offer Minion, an architecture for backward-compatible out-of-order delivery atop TCP and TLS. Small OS API extensions allow applications to manage TCP's send buffer and to receive TCP segments out-of-order. Atop these extensions, Minion builds application-level protocols offering true unordered datagram delivery, within streams preserving strict wire-compatibility with unsecured or TLS-secured TCP connections. Minion's protocols can run on unmodified TCP stacks, but benefit incrementally when either endpoint is upgraded, for a backward-compatible deployment path. Experiments suggest that Minion can noticeably improve performance of applications such as conferencing, virtual private networking, and web browsing, while incurring minimal CPU or bandwidth costs.
Vivo-Fluidics and Programmable Matter

In this talk I will discuss two projects that appear very different but are uniquely unified by the fact that they both involve the use of microfluidics to enable physical control of complex systems. The first of these projects involves our work on Insect Cyborgs or living insects with implanted microdevices. There I will show how we can use implanted microfluidic elements to exert control over the nervous system, turning it on and off on command, by injecting controlled amounts of neurotransmitters. In the second project I will demonstrate how microfluidics can be used to control assembly processes ultimately enabling a new form of “programmable matter”. There I will show how controlling the strength and location of fluidic jets can provide control over fluidic assembly processes enabling affinity tuning, reconfiguration and error correction.
Spectrum of childhood Epstein-Barr virus-associated T-cell proliferations and bone marrow findings.

Abstract Systemic Epstein-Barr virus–positive (EBV+) T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of childhood is a recently described entity. The majority of such cases have been reported from Asia, which suggests an underlying genetic predisposition. We analyzed the clinicopathologic characteristics of 5 children with EBV+ T-cell lymphoid proliferations evaluated and treated at our institute over a 2-year period. There were 3 males and 2 females of Latino (n = 4) or Caucasian (n = 1) heritage with a median age of 5 years (age range 2–18 years). All patients presented with EBV infection (acute, n = 4) with elevated serum EBV viral loads at the time of diagnosis and had systemic manifestations, including fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. The bone marrow biopsies showed EBV+/CD8+ T-cell lymphocytosis in all patients, with variable degrees of histiocytosis, plasmacytosis, and hemophagocytosis. Interestingly, there was marked and consistent depletion of mature and precursor B cells in the marrow (<1%...
Microstructure and phase identification in type 304 stainless steel-zirconium alloys

Stainless steel-zirconium alloys have been developed at Argonne National Laboratory to contain radioactive metal isotopes isolated from spent nuclear fuel. This article discusses the various phases that are formed in as-cast alloys of type 304 stainless steel and zirconium that contain up to 92 wt pct Zr. Microstructural characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and crystal structure information was obtained by X-ray diffraction. Type 304SS-Zr alloys with 5 and 10 wt pct Zr have a three-phase microstructure—austenite, ferrite, and the Laves intermetallic, Zr(Fe,Cr,Ni)2+x. whereas alloys with 15, 20, and 30 wt pct Zr contain only two phases—ferrite and Zr(Fe,Cr,Ni)2+x. Alloys with 45 to 67 wt pct Zr contain a mixture of Zr(Fe,Cr,Ni)2+x and Zr2(Ni,Fe), whereas alloys with 83 and 92 wt pct Zr contain three phases—α-Zr, Zr2(Ni,Fe), and Zr(Fe,Cr,Ni)2+x. Fe3Zr-type and Zr3Fe-type phases were not observed in the type 304SS-Zr alloys. The changes in alloy microstructure with zirconium content have been correlated to the Fe-Zr binary phase diagram.
Characteristics of ascitic fluid in the alcoholic cirrhotic.

A prospective study was conducted to define the characteristics of ascitic fluid in alcoholic cirrhotics with and without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP); to correlate these with findings in the peripheral blood; and to determine whether the use of counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) for bacterial antigens will aid in the early diagnosis of SBP. Fifty-one alcoholic cirrhotics had simultaneous determination of their blood or serum and ascitic fluid for the following: WBC and differential count, RBC, LDH, amylase, glucose, total protein, and protein electrophoresis, CIE for pneumococcal andKlebsiella antigens, culture for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and mycobacteria, and cytology. Of the 51 patients, 2 had SBP (4%). In the other 49 patients (54 sera and ascitic fluids), CIE was positive for pneumococcal antigen in 4/54 sera and in 3/54 ascitic fluids. The mean WBC count in the ascitic fluid was 349. In 4% the count was above 1000, in 18% between 501–1000, and in 32% between 301–500; polymorphs were >30% in 19/54 (32%). Specific gravity was >1.020 in 10/54 (22%), and ascitic fluid total protein of 3.0g/100 ml or above was noted in 24% (12/54). Mean ascitic fluid/serum ratios of total protein, albumin, and globulin were 0.31, 0.33, and 0.30 respectively, and mean ascitic fluid/serum ratios of LDH, amylase, and glucose were 0.54, 0.79, and 1.04. All cultures (except those with SBP) and cytology were negative. Our study confirmed the observation of others, that a significant number of noninfected cirrhotics have increased ascitic fluid WBC, % polymorphs, specific gravity, and total protein concentration. CIE was not helpful in the early diagnosis of SBP.
Mini-laparoscopy in blunt abdominal trauma.

Blunt abdominal trauma in multiorgan injured or comatose patients always presents a problem. The aim is to assess, in the shortest period of time, which organ injury requires priority and whether intra-abdominal bleeding or perforation exists. Abdominal lavage proved to be too sensitive. Not every positive case needs exploration. Approximately 15%–20% of the cases explored because of positive lavage did not show a significant bleeding site that would require surgical treatment. The authors developed a mini-laparoscope that can be used at the bedside, in the emergency room, or in the intensive care unit. The procedure can be performed with intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. In 150 cases, no hemoperitoneum was found in 53% of these cases. Except for 1 (see text for details), none of these patients needed further exploration. In 21%, severe hemoperitoneum was discovered; these patients were transferred to the operating room, and this was confirmed by surgery. In 26%, a small amount of blood was found in the gutters. These patients were observed in the intensive care unit and an unnecessary exploration was avoided. Laparoscopy gives a wider range of decision making by observing the abdominal cavity. It can be completed in 10–20 min at the bedside. No serious complications were encountered. This procedure should be taught and practiced in trauma centers.
Disentangling the Disabling Process: Insights From the Precipitating Events Project

Among older persons, disability in activities of daily living is common and highly morbid. The Precipitating Events Project (PEP Study), an ongoing longitudinal study of 754 initially nondisabled, community-living persons, aged 70 or older, was designed to further elucidate the epidemiology of disability, with the goal of informing the development of effective interventions to maintain and restore independent function. Over the past 16 years, participants have completed comprehensive, home-based assessments at 18-month intervals and have been interviewed monthly to reassess their functional status and ascertain intervening events, other health care utilization, and deaths. Findings from the PEP Study have demonstrated that the disabling process for many older persons is characterized by multiple and possibly interrelated disability episodes, even over relatively short periods of time, and that disability often results when an intervening event is superimposed upon a vulnerable host. Given the frequency of assessments, long duration of follow-up, and recent linkage to Medicare data, the PEP Study will continue to be an outstanding platform for disability research in older persons. In addition, as the number of decedents accrues, the PEP Study will increasingly become a valuable resource for investigating symptoms, function, and health care utilization at the end of life.
A device for presenting targets and recording positioning responses in one dimension

Apparatus for recording manual target pointing localizations is described. The device, utilizing a position transducer and digital voltmeter, is capable of determining the position of either manual limb when localizing visual and/or auditory targets. The pointing localizations involve naturalistic limb movements made in a relatively unrestricted manner. The apparatus has the advantages of rapid accurate measurement, reliability, ease of reading, and the potential for automatic recording. When used for research involving adaptation to sensory rearrangement, there is the further advantage that the dependent measures are obtained in the same context as during exposure to the rearrangement.
Enhanced expression, purification, and characterization of a novel class α glutathione S-transferase isozyme appearing in rabbit hepatic cytosol following treatment with 4-picoline

A novel class alpha glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozyme is expressed in the hepatic cytosol of rabbits treated with 4-picoline. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed the presence of a new 28-kDa band which cross-reacted with class alpha GST-specific IgG. This new GST isozyme was isolated from the hepatic cytosol of 4-picoline-treated rabbits and purified to homogeneity using S-hexylglutathione-agarose, CM-Sepharose, and PBE118 chromatofocusing chromatography. The isozyme was determined by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration analyses to be a homodimer of approximately 28 kDa with blocked N-terminus. A heterodimer consisting of 25 and 28 kDa subunits with activity toward the substrate 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was also purified. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the 25, 26.5, and 28 kDa bands cross-reacted with class alpha GST-specific IgG and failed to react with either class mu or class pi GST-specific antibodies. The 28 kDa enzyme had a pI of 8.2 as determined by nonequilibrium pH gel electrophoresis. The purified 28 kDa enzyme exhibited activity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (Km = 1.60 mM and Vmax = 73.5 mumol/min/mg) and cumene hydroperoxide (Km = 1.02 mM and Vmax = 6.92 mumol/min/mg). Amino acid sequence analysis of several fragments resulting from cyanogen bromide cleavage of the 28 kDa GST isozyme revealed a class alpha GST consensus sequence. In addition, proteolytic digestion with alpha-chymotrypsin yielded peptide maps which showed distinct differences between the purified 28 kDa GST and another purified class alpha GST isozyme present in rabbit liver. These results provide evidence that class alpha GST isozymes containing a novel 28 kDa subunit are expressed following treatment with 4-picoline.
The cortical potential related to sensory feedback from voluntary movements shows somatotopic organization of the supplementary motor area.

In topographic EEG mapping, the peak negativity of movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) occurs after the onset of movement and appears anterior to motor cortex, over the region of the supplementary motor area (SMA). This peak, referred to as the frontal peak of the motor potential (fpMP), may well be related to sensory feedback from the movement. The somatopic organization of the SMA is such that the upper extremity is anterior to the lower extremity. We mapped the MRCPs close to the onset of EMG activity relating to finger and toe movements. The fpMP of finger movements mapped more anteriorly than that of toe movements. These maps offer additional evidence that fpMP originates in the SMA.
Exenatide efficacy and safety: a systematic review.

Objective To examine the efficacy, effectiveness and side effects of exenatide when compared with oral glucose-lowering agents or insulin therapy. Research design and methods Relevant citations were identified from searches of multiple bibliographic databases supplemented with searches of the US Food and Drug Administration website and other sources. A qualitative synthesis was performed, with a random effects meta-analysis when appropriate. Results We identified 17 studies. In placebo-controlled trials of subjects with poorly controlled diabetes (with both groups receiving various oral glucose-lowering agents), exenatide 10 μg twice daily improved glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) by approximately 1.0% over 30 weeks [pooled estimate −0.97%, 95% confidence interval (CI), −1.16 to −0.79%, P < 0.0001] and exenatide treatment over 16–30 weeks was associated with weight loss of 1.0–2.5 kg. Exenatide appeared to confer a similar benefit to various insulin regimes for glycaemic control at follow-up between 16 and 52 weeks (pooled estimate HbA1c−0.04%, 95% CI, −0.14 to 0.06%, P = 0.41), but was advantageous over insulin with respect to weight loss (3–6 kg loss at up to 52 weeks of follow-up). Nausea was the most common adverse event in placebo- and active-controlled trials. Rates of hypoglycaemia were similar in exenatide and insulin groups, but were higher with exenatide 10 μg twice daily compared with placebo and hypoglycaemia was most frequent when a sulphonylurea was administered. Conclusions In subjects with poorly controlled diabetes, exenatide was associated with a reduction in HbA1c that was similar to introducing another oral agent or insulin. Weight loss may be an advantage with exenatide. Long-term studies in diverse and unselected populations are needed to clarify the benefit vs. harm profile of this drug.
A generalized “cut and projection” algorithm for the generation of quasiperiodic plasmonic concentrators for high efficiency ultra-thin film photovoltaics

This report will present a generalized two-dimensional quasiperiodic (QP) tiling algorithm based on de Bruijn's "cut and projection" method for use in plasmonic concentrator (PC) / photovoltaic hybrid devices to produce wide-angle, polarization-insensitive, and broadband light absorption enhancement. This algorithm can be employed with any PC consisting of point-like scattering objects, and can be fine-tuned to achieve a high spatial density of points and high orders of local and long-range rotational symmetry. Simulations and experimental data demonstrate this enhancement in ultra-thin layers of organic photovoltaic materials resting on metallic films etched with arrays of shallow sub-wavelength nanoholes. These devices work by coupling the incident light to surface plasmon polariton (SPP) modes that propagate along the dielectric / metal interface. This effectively increases the scale of light-matter interaction, and can also result in constructive interference between propagating SPP waves. By comparing PCs made with random, periodic, and QP arrangements, it is clear that QP is superior in intensifying the local fields and enhancing absorption in the active layer.
Phenotypic analysis of the murine CD4-related glycoprotein, CD223 (LAG-3).

CD223 (LAG-3) is an activation-induced cell surface molecule, structurally similar to the T cell coreceptor CD4, that binds MHC class II molecules with high affinity. Little is known about theexpression and function of murine CD223. Here, we show that mRNA expression is restricted to the thymic medulla, splenic red pulp and sparse cells in the adult brain cortex. In contrast, surprisingly high expression was seen in defined tracts at the base of the cerebellum and in the choroid plexus of day 7 postnatal brain. mCD223:Ig, but not CD4:Ig, fusion proteins stained cells expressing MHC class II molecules. Analysis of mCD223 cell surface expression was performed with a new monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes an epitope in the D2 domain. Although it blocked mCD223 function in vitro, it did not block binding of mCD223 to MHC class II molecules. While very few TCRα β T cells in the spleen and thymus of naive mice express surface mCD223 (<3 %), ∼ 18 % TCR γ δ T cells and ∼10 % NK cells are positive. This small population of TCRα β T cells are cycling memory T cells (BrdU+, CD44hi, CD62Llo). In contrast, all T cells express mCD223 2–3 days post activation. This study and the anti-CD223 mAb should greatly assist in the elucidation of CD223 function.
Simulations for tower collapses of 500kV Zhengxiang transmission line induced by the downburst

The current paper investigates a destructive accident of Zhengxiang transmission line, in which there was six-tower collapse that might be demonstrably conducted by the downburst gust. Based on the dynamic stress analysis of tower members under the strong wind, tower collapse procedure is simulated by finite element method. Finite element method together with material nonlinearity, large deformation, contact, etc, is adopted to model the accident transmission line. Implicit and explicit method are both incorporated for the time integration in the dynamic analysis. Since the accident downburst gust have not been detailedly observed, the strong wind model and the simple gust model are experientially specified as the load boundary condition. The calculation results show that, maximum stress values of some tower members exceeds design values under the specified strong wind and then may overload tower members. With the specified downburst load, tower collapses will occur, and the broken-down tower in the simulation is very similar with real one. The introduced numerical models are effective and available to calculate the transmission line accident further.
Estimating Sources of PAHs in Sediments of the Sheboygan River, Wisconsin, by a Chemical Mass Balance Model

Three sediment vibra cores (SR1a, SR5, and SR8) were collected from the Sheboygan River and Inner Harbor (Wisconsin, USA) in 2002, to ascertain concentrations and possible sources of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Radiometric dating using 210Pb and 137Cs showed that the sediment cores span a time period of 154 years from 1848 to 2002. GC-MSD analysis showed that total PAH concentrations in the sediments range from ∼1 to 350 mg/kg. The concentrations of PAHs are very dependent on core location and the time of deposition of specific layers, and their variations are in agreement with historical records of PAH discharges in the study site. Source apportionment using a chemical mass balance (CMB) model indicated that highway (HWY) dust (gasoline and diesel engine), coal and wood gasification (CWG), and coke oven emissions (CO) are the major PAH sources. The contribution from CWG has decreased after a local manufactured gas plant was shut down in 1929 (SR5 and SR8), and after facilities were removed in the 1950s (SR1a). Maximal CO contributions are found ∼1870–1890 in SR1a reflecting plant production records. There is evidence of redistribution of CO and CWG contaminated sediment during a storm in 1975 (SR5 and SR8).
Glucose promotes breast cancer aggression and reduces metformin efficacy

Metformin treatment has been associated with a decrease in breast cancer risk and improved survival. Metformin induces complex cellular changes, resulting in decreased tumor cell proliferation, reduction of stem cells, and apoptosis. Using a carcinogen-induced rodent model of mammary tumorigenesis, we recently demonstrated that overfeeding in obese animals is associated with a 50% increase in tumor glucose uptake, increased proliferation, and tumor cell reprogramming to an “aggressive” metabolic state. Metformin significantly inhibited these pro-tumorigenic effects. We hypothesized that a dynamic relationship exists between chronic energy excess (glucose by dose) and metformin efficacy/action. Media glucose concentrations above 5 mmol/L was associated with significant increase in breast cancer cell proliferation, clonogenicity, motility, upregulation/activation of pro-oncogenic signaling, and reduction in apoptosis. These effects were most significant in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines. High-glucose conditions (10 mmol/L or above) significantly abrogated the effects of metformin. Mechanisms of metformin action at normal vs. high glucose overlapped but were not identical; for example, metformin reduced IGF-1R expression in both the HER2+ SK-BR-3 and TNBC MDA-MB-468 cell lines more significantly at 5, as compared with 10 mmol/L glucose. Significant changes in gene profiles related to apoptosis, cellular processes, metabolic processes, and cell proliferation occurred with metformin treatment in cells grown at 5 mmol/L glucose, whereas under high-glucose conditions, metformin did not significantly increase apoptotic/cellular death genes. These data indicate that failure to maintain glucose homeostasis may promote a more aggressive breast cancer phenotype and alter metformin efficacy and mechanisms of action.