cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic surface properties due to amine migration and chemical reaction in primary amine/epoxide systems

Abstract We have studied the dynamic surface properties of four different primary amines in a low-molecular-weight epoxide resin by measuring dynamic spreading pressures. These spreading pressures directly manifest surface activity of the primary amines, which include three members of the dialkylaminopropylamine family (dimethyl, diethyl, and dibutyl), and the coupling agent γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Each of these systems shows a characteristic maximum in spreading pressure with time. Details of the transport processes (diffusion, chemical reaction, and adsorption) responsible for this time-dependence are illustrated in the context of a previously developed theory. The three dialkylaminopropylamines, for example, clearly show the effect of the reaction rate/diffusion rate ratio, or Damkohler number, on the dynamic spreading pressure. Likewise, by varying the bulk concentration of γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, we have been able to demonstrate that saturation of the solution/vapor interface occurs for a bulk concentration of roughly 0.5 mass%. Further experiments using related silane compounds also suggest that the primary amine moiety is preferentially expelled from the solution phase, and is therefore responsible, in large part, for the observed surface activities.
Distance Education and 2-Year Colleges

This study reviews the relationships between distance education and community colleges; the design, support, and administration of courses taught by means of distance education; staffing and teacher training practices; contemporary course offerings; and existing assessment and evaluation studies. Distance education was found to have evolved from 19th‐century extension and self‐study programs for learners not unlike contemporary community college students. Inadequate financial information was found to provide a basis for judging cost‐effectiveness, and the philosophical and psychological basis proposed in the literature as a basis for distance education was less than convincing. Legal questions pertaining to distance education exist; however, the literature did not indicate legal problems in practice. Faculty are able to learn and adapt to distance education. Evidence exists to suggest that students respond favorably to distance education courses; however, questions of internal validity exist in assessment...
The Importance of Thinking Constitutionally

that, for the most part, public administration stands apart from constitutional theory Historically, along with its luminaries and myriad reformers, the field of public administration as a whole has largely inter preted the U S Constitution's separation of powers in ways that expand presidential authority over federal agencies and restrict Congress's constitutional role in regulating and overseeing the executive branch "Executive-centered," or "executivist" perspectives, as Pfiffner calls them, have been justified in the name of demociacy, efficiency, national security, and account ability However, Pfiffner cogently argues that good intentions are irrelevant In the U S constitutional context, the separation of powers is fundamental to liberty and the rule of law When a president asserts extraordinarily broad constitutional powers, as did President George W Bush, both are at risk
Spatial gain measurements in a chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL)

The spatial distribution of small signal gain has been investigated on the RADICL device, a supersonic chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL). A frequency-stabilized, narrow linewidth diode laser system operating on the F=3/spl rarr/F=4 hyperfine levels of the (/sup 2/P/sub 1/2/) to (/sup 2/P/sub 3/2/) spin-orbit transition in atomic iodine was used as a small signal probe. A peak gain of 1.2%/cm was measured along the horizontal centerline of the single-slit, supersonic nozzle, which is about two times greater than measurements made on ReCOIL by Hager et al. (1988) and compares favorably with measurements made on the RotoCOIL device by Keating et al. (1990). Gain distribution was investigated under three I/sub 2/ flow conditions. Scans across the supersonic expansion indicate a gradient in gain distribution due to higher gas temperatures along the walls and mixing phenomena. >
Enhancement of Phagocytosis by Interferon-Containing Preparations

Abstract Exposure of mononuclear cells from the mouse peritoneal cavity to interferon (IF)-containing mouse sera enhanced phagocytosis of colloidal carbon particles by the cells. The same effect was observed when the cells were exposed to IF-containing cell culture harvest free of serum. The magnitude of this effect of IF-containing preparations paralleled the titer of IF and was not related to the dilution of various IF-containing serum specimens tested. The factor responsible for the enhancing effect was stable at pH 2, inactivated by trypsin, and nonsedimentable at 105,000 × g. Heating at 60 C for 1 hr destroyed it, and its kinetics of heat inactivation paralleled that of the antiviral activity of IF. A period of incubation of phagocytic cells with IF-containing serum was necessary before a maximum level of enhancement was reached, and once established was not removable by repeated washing of cells. The kinetics of the production of the enhancing factor in mice injected with Newcastle disease virus was essentially identical to that of the simultaneous production of IF as measured by antiviral activity. Contrary to the effect of mouse IF preparations, human IF preparation did not enhance the activity of mouse phagocytes. It appears, therefore, that the phagocytosis-enhancing factor falls within the present definition of IF.
Transmission of light from diffuse sources by periscope tubes.

This paper treats in detail the problem of transmitting light from a diffuse source, such as a flame, to a place some distance away for the purpose of making spectroscopic measurements. The particular cases which have been analyzed are: the simple uniform tube, the simple tapered tube, the uniform tube conttaining one lens placed at its focal distance from the ligh-source, the uniform tube with one lens of focal length equal to one-fourth the length of the tube placed at the midpoint of the tube, the uniform tube with a series of lenses spaced at intervals of twice their focal length, and uniform simple tubes with reflecting walls. In each case expressions for the total amount of light transmitted have been derived and the relative strength of the contribution from different zones of the source have been investigated. The greater part of the work is theoretical but most of the conclusions have been tested experimentally.It is found that a tube with reflecting walls and no lenses gives the greatest amount of transmitted light. This light emerges from the output end of the tube nearly parallel to the axis but is disordered enough that the formation of sharp images is impossible. However, this is usually satisfactory in transmitting light to instruments such as interferometers and spectrographs when sharp images are not necessary.A tube fitted with lenses spaced two focal lengths apart gives efficient transmission of light as well as formation of sharp images of the source at intervals of four focal lengths along the tube. Thus if it is desired to use light from specific parts of the diffuse source the “2F” lens system should be used even though it transmits less light than the open tubes with reflecting walls.
Isolation of Polyisoprenyl Alcohols from Streptococcus faecalis

C(55)-isoprenyl alcohol and its derivatives have been isolated from Streptococcus faecalis and characterized. The relative amounts present as free alcohol, neutral lipid esters, and phosphate ester derivatives were determined. The chain lengths, mass spectra, and cis to trans ratio of double bonds are reported.
Application of TCSC in wind farm application

This paper explores use of TCSC to solve problems of interconnection of wind turbines to grid. Two applications of TCSC have been considered here. One for fault current limitation and other unbalance voltage compensation. By simulation results it has been shown that TCSC is quite effective in both cases
Pure Mediated Priming: A Retrospective Semantic Matching Model.

Mediated priming refers to the activation of a target (e.g., stripes) by a prime (e.g., lion) that is related indirectly via a connecting mediator (e.g., tiger). In previous mediated priming studies (e.g., McNamara & Altarriba, 1988), the mediator was associatively related to the prime. In contrast, pure mediated priming (e.g., spoon --> can) lacks a strong association between prime and mediator (e.g., spoon --> soup) and between mediator and target (e.g., soup --> can). This study establishes the existence of pure mediated priming and assesses which semantic priming model (spreading activation, compound-cue, or semantic matching) accounts for the results. Pure mediated priming occurred in 3 experiments across double and standard lexical decision tasks. However, such priming did not occur in a continuous lexical decision task, which precludes strategic processing. Overall, results indicate that a modified retrospective semantic matching model provides the best theoretical explanation of pure mediated priming. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).
Ecological and life history characteristics predict population genetic divergence of two salmonids in the same landscape

Ecological and life history characteristics such as population size, dispersal pattern, and mating system mediate the influence of genetic drift and gene flow on population subdivision. Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) differ markedly in spawning location, population size and mating system. Based on these differences, we predicted that bull trout would have reduced genetic variation within and greater differentiation among populations compared with mountain whitefish. To test this hypothesis, we used microsatellite markers to determine patterns of genetic divergence for each species in the Clark Fork River, Montana, USA. As predicted, bull trout had a much greater proportion of genetic variation partitioned among populations than mountain whitefish. Among all sites, FST was seven times greater for bull trout (FST = 0.304 for bull trout, 0.042 for mountain whitefish. After removing genetically differentiated high mountain lake sites for each species FST, was 10 times greater for bull trout (FST = 0.176 for bull trout; FST = 0.018 for mountain whitefish). The same characteristics that affect dispersal patterns in these species also lead to predictions about the amount and scale of adaptive divergence among populations. We provide a theoretical framework that incorporates variation in ecological and life history factors, neutral divergence, and adaptive divergence to interpret how neutral and adaptive divergence might be correlates of ecological and life history factors.
Detecting Stationary Human Targets in FLIR Imagery

In the military arena, intelligent unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), weighing 10 tons or more, may be designed and used for transportation or combat purposes. To ensure safe operations among civilians and friendly combatants, it is crucial for these UGVs to detect and avoid humans who might be injured unintentionally. In this paper, a multi-stage detection algorithm for stationary humans in forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery is proposed. This algorithm first applies an efficient feature-based anomalies detection algorithm to search the entire input image, which is followed by an eigen-neural-based clutter rejecter that examines only the portions of the input image identified by the first algorithm, and culminates with a simple evidence integrator that combines the results from the two previous stages. The proposed algorithm was evaluated using a large set of challenging FLIR images and the results support the usefulness of this multi-stage architecture.
Roles of Starch in Surimi Seafood: A Review

Surimi seafood is a cooked gel product that utilizes fish protein from surimi to produce seafood analog products. Starch is the second most important ingredient used in the manufacture of surimi seafood due to its water holding ability and capacity to partially replace fish proteins while maintaining desired gel characteristics at a reduced cost. Typically, starch is added to surimi seafood formulations at 4–12%. Functional properties of surimi seafood to control wetness, stickiness, and/or thermal stability upon different storage and serving temperatures have been extensively studied using modified starches. There is a great need to review the role of starches in various applications of surimi seafood.
Mass Rearing the Weevil Hylobius transversovittatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Biological Control Agent of Lythrum salicaria, on Semiartificial Diet

Abstract Lythrum salicaria L., purple loosestrife, an invasiveEurasian perennial, is degrading wetlands across temperate NorthAmerica. Chemical, physical, and mechanical methods failed to providelong-term control. Therefore, four host-specific insect species (twoleaf feeders, a root feeder, and a flower feeder) were introduced asbiological control agents. To increase the availability of adults ofthe root feeding weevil Hylobius transversovittatus Goezefor field releases, we developed a semiartificial diet. Suitability ofdifferent diet formulations (varying vitamin mixes, salt mixes,antimicrobials, water content, root content) and temperatures forlarval development were evaluated. We also monitored how rearing onartificial diet and the number of larvae per container affected larvaldevelopment time, larval survival, adult weight, and incidences ofdeformities. Rearing larvae on artificial diet reduced development timefrom 1–2 yr to 2–3 mo. Larval development was fastest and survivalrates highest under consta...
Floor plate-derived neuropilin-2 functions as a secreted semaphorin sink to facilitate commissural axon midline crossing

Commissural axon guidance depends on a myriad of cues expressed by intermediate targets. Secreted semaphorins signal through neuropilin-2/plexin-A1 receptor complexes on post-crossing commissural axons to mediate floor plate repulsion in the mouse spinal cord. Here, we show that neuropilin-2/plexin-A1 are also coexpressed on commissural axons prior to midline crossing and can mediate precrossing semaphorin-induced repulsion in vitro. How premature semaphorin-induced repulsion of precrossing axons is suppressed in vivo is not known. We discovered that a novel source of floor plate-derived, but not axon-derived, neuropilin-2 is required for precrossing axon pathfinding. Floor plate-specific deletion of neuropilin-2 significantly reduces the presence of precrossing axons in the ventral spinal cord, which can be rescued by inhibiting plexin-A1 signaling in vivo. Our results show that floor plate-derived neuropilin-2 is developmentally regulated, functioning as a molecular sink to sequester semaphorins, preventing premature repulsion of precrossing axons prior to subsequent down-regulation, and allowing for semaphorin-mediated repulsion of post-crossing axons.
A supramolecular microenvironment strategy for transition metal catalysis

A self-assembled supramolecular complex is reported to catalyze alkyl-alkyl reductive elimination from high-valent transition metal complexes [such as gold(III) and platinum(IV)], the central bond-forming elementary step in many catalytic processes. The catalytic microenvironment of the supramolecular assembly acts as a functional enzyme mimic, applying the concepts of enzymatic catalysis to a reactivity manifold not represented in biology. Kinetic experiments delineate a Michaelis-Menten-type mechanism, with measured rate accelerations (k(cat)/k(uncat)) up to 1.9 × 10(7) (here k(cat) and k(uncat) are the Michaelis-Menten enzymatic rate constant and observed uncatalyzed rate constant, respectively). This modality has further been incorporated into a dual catalytic cross-coupling reaction, which requires both the supramolecular microenvironment catalyst and the transition metal catalyst operating in concert to achieve efficient turnover.
Outcome of the Joint Council of Thoracic Surgery Education's Early Review Course Project.

Background The Joint Council on Thoracic Surgical Education was formed in 2008 to improve cardiothoracic education. Resident learning has been a concern as reflected in declining passing rates on the American Board of Thoracic Surgery examinations. The Joint Council on Thoracic Surgical Education piloted a program to determine whether early exposure to a cardiothoracic curriculum through participation in a board review course would improve learning. The purpose of this paper is to report the results of this project. Methods Residents from the incoming classes of traditional 5-2 or 5-3 cardiothoracic training programs were randomly selected to attend a 3-day board review course (University of Utah) in September of their first year. For the 2012 and 2013 classes of cardiothoracic residents, we asked all incoming residents to take the prior spring in-training examination in July of their first year and then take the in-training examination in the spring of their first year. We combined the results of the incoming class of 2012 and 2013 and analyzed the results. Results There were 171 residents who participated in either 2012 or 2013. There were 38 residents (78.9% were men) who attended the board review course and 133 (79.7% men) who did not. Questionnaires completed by the program directors and the residents who took the review course showed a favorable opinion of the program. The number of correct answers on the in-training examination, the percentage correct, and the percentile rank score increased more for the residents who took the review course, but was not statistically significant. When only the general thoracic surgery questions were analyzed, there was a statistically significant increase in the rank change between residents who attended the review course and residents who did not (8.4% increase versus 2.0% decrease, respectively; p = 0.042, Student t test). Conclusions This pilot study established for the first time the baseline level of knowledge of incoming residents assessed by the in-training examination. Participation in a board review type course early in the residency training program may increase learning by cardiothoracic residents, but there was not a clear statistical difference between the two groups. The program was viewed as favorable by both the participating residents and the program directors.
Global Swarming

Over the last half century multinational enterprises have essentially "swarmed" the globe with regional and local offices in an attempt to benefit from expanded opportunities. The theme of the present paper is that this phenomenon can be usefully be viewed as significantly self-organized swarms searching a solution landscape for optimal solutions to challenges presented by new and rapidly changing organizational ecologies. The paper applies a particle swarm optimization perspective to this phenomenon, relates it specifically to current models of knowledge building and exchange in these enterprises, and discusses the implications for the globalization process
Incompetence of White-Tailed Deer as Amplifying Hosts of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus for Lutzomyia shannoni (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Sand flies, Lutzomyia shannoni Dyar, were allowed to feed on 3 white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginiana Zimmermann, that previously had been infected with the New Jersey serotype of vesicular stomatitis (VSNJ) virus. Flies fed in the lower abdominal area of each deer on days 1-5 postinfection. A blood sample, nasal swab, and throat swab were taken during each feeding trial and examined for virus. Blood-fed flies were held for 4-5 d following the bloodmeal and tested for VSNJ virus infection. VSNJ virus was never detected in blood or from swabs taken from infected deer nor from any of the sand flies that fed on deer. The findings suggest that white-tailed deer do not fulfill the traditional concept of amplifying hosts of VSNJ virus.
Effect of small dose of droperidol combined with dexamethasone in preventing PONV after pediatric laparoscopic operation

Objective To observe the effect of small dose of droperidol combined with dexamethasone in preventing PONV after pediatric laparoscopic operation and the occurrence of complications. Methods 200 pediatric patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgeries of hernia and cryptorchidism decline fixation( 1- 4 years old,ASA status I- II),were randomly assigned into four groups( A: droperidol group,B: dexamethasone group,C: droperidol combined with dexamethasone group,D: control group). Anesthesia induced by propofol 2mg / kg,fentanyl 3ug / kg,cisatracurium 0. 12 mg / kg,and maintained with intravenous inhalational anesthesia. At the beginning of surgeries,droperidol( 25 ug / Kg) was administrated in group A,dexamethasone( 0. 1mg / kg) in group B,and droperidol( 25 ug / Kg) combined with dexamethasone( 0. 1mg / kg) in group C. Postoperative analgesia was performed with fentanyl( 0. 01 ug / kg / min). PONV and other complications were observed and documented. Results Incidence of PONV in group D was significantly higher comparing with other groups( P 0. 05). Incidence of PONV in group C was significantly lower comparing with group A and B( P 0. 05),there was no statistically differences between group A and B. Conclusions Small dose of droperidol combined with dexamethasone can significantly prevent occurrence of PONV after pediatric laparoscopic operation.
Effects of Synchronous Online Writing Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities

As online K–12 instruction increases, researchers have expressed concerns about online learning for students with disabilities. This study investigates online writing instruction for students with ...
Perceived Dimensions of Religious Experience

The purpose of this study was to determine whether college students perceive examples of religious experience along the dimensions suggested by Stark (1965). Two groups offifty male volunteers each were obtainedfrom a private Catholic college and a Catholic seminary and asked to rate the similarity between examples of Stark's types of religious experience. The datafrom each of the two groups were subjected to a non-metric multi-dimensional scaling and clustering. The scaling and clustering indicated the seminarians perceived religious experience along the lines suggested by Stark, but that the college studeents did not. Analysis of semantic differential data indicated that this method of measurement evidenced Stark's types with the college students.Similarity judgments, in this area, may involve discriminations too complex for some groups, suggesting that rating one stimulus at a time along a specific dimension may provide, in some cases, a better alternative.
MO-A-BRC-00: TG167: Clinical Recommendations for Innovative Brachytherapy Devices and Applicators

Although a multicenter, Phase III, prospective, randomized trial is the gold standard for evidence-based medicine, it is rarely used to evaluate innovative radiotherapy devices because of many practical and ethical reasons. It is usually sufficient to compare the dose distributions and dose rates for determining equivalence of the innovative device to an existing one. Thus, quantitative evaluation of the dosimetric characteristics of an innovative brachytherapy device or application is a critical part in which physicists are actively involved. The physicist's role, along with physician colleagues, in this process is highlighted for innovative products or applications and includes evaluation of 1) dosimetric considerations for clinical implementation (including calibrations, dose calculations, and radiobiological aspects) to comply with existing societal dosimetric prerequisites for sources in routine clinical use, 2) risks and benefits from regulatory and safety perspectives, and 3) resource assessment and preparedness. Further, calibration methods should be traceable to a primary standards dosimetry laboratory such as NIST in the U.S. or to other primary standards dosimetry laboratory located elsewhere. Clinical users should follow standards as approved by their country's regulatory agencies that approved such a brachytherapy device. Integration of this system into the medical source calibration infrastructure of secondary standard dosimetry laboratories such as the ADCLs is encouraged before a source is introduced into widespread routine clinical use. The AAPM and GEC-ESTRO have developed guidelines for the safe and consistent application of brachytherapy using innovative brachytherapy devices and applications. The current report covers regulatory approvals, calibration, dose calculations, radiobiological issues, and overall safety concerns that should be addressed during the commissioning stage preceding clinical use. These guidelines are based on review of requirements of the U.S. NRC, FDA, Department of Transportation, International Electrotechnical Commission Medical Electrical Equipment Standard 60601, European Commission for CE Marking, and institutional review boards and radiation safety committees. Learning Objectives: 1.Understand the necessary dosimetric considerations for clinical implementation (including calibrations, dose calculations, and radiobiological aspects) to comply with existing societal dosimetric prerequisites for sources in routine clinical use. 2.Evaluate risks and benefits from regulatory and safety perspectives. 3.Identify necessary resources and create a plan for clinical introduction of innovative brachytherapy device or applications. Consultant for Theragenics Corp.; R. Nath, Consultant to Theragenics Corp.
Data-Tech Connect

At a recent industry conference, representatives of a clinical trial site disclosed to a panel of expert mentors that their site had been attacked by ransomware. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a computer’s data, rendering it useless. The ransomware sender offers the decryption key for a price. This column looks at how ransomware attacks happen, what sites can do to prevent attacks, and what to do if you are attacked (or think you are being attacked).
Impact of Glyphosate Resistant Corn, Glyphosate Applications, and Tillage on Soil Nutrient Ratios, Exoenzyme Activities and Nutrient Acquisition Ratios

BACKGROUND We report results of the last two years of a 7-year field experiment designed to test the null hypothesis: applications of glyphosate on glyphosate resistant (GR) and non-resistant (nonGR) corn (Zea mays L.) under conventional tillage and no-till would have no effect on soil exoenzymes and microbial activity. RESULTS Bulk soil (BS) and rhizosphere soil (RS) macronutrient ratios were not affected by either GR or nonGR corn, or glyphosate applications. Differences observed between exoenzyme activities were associated with tillage rather than glyphosate applications. In 2013 nutrient acquisition ratios for bulk and rhizosphere soils indicated P limitations, but sufficient assimilable N. In 2014 P limitations were observed for bulk and rhizosphere soils, in contrast to balanced C and N acquisition ratios in rhizosphere soils. Stoichiometric relationships indicated few differences between glyphosate and non-glyphosate treatments. Negative correlations between C:P and N:P nutrient ratios and nutrient acquisition ratios underscored the inverse relation between soil nutrient status and microbial community exoenzyme activities. CONCLUSIONS Inconsistent relationships between microbial community metabolic activity and exoenzyme activity indicated an ephemeral effect of glyphosate on BS exoenzyme activity. Except for ephemeral effects, glyphosate applications appeared not to affect the function of the BS and RS exoenzymes under conventional tillage or no-till.
William Makepeace Thackeray, ‘The Last Sketch’ (1847–1855) [Introduction to Emma, an unfinished novel by Charlotte Brontë], in Cornhill Magazine, vol. i, April 1860, pp. 487–98

… With a feeling much akin to that with which I looked upon the friend’s — the admirable artist’s — unfinished work, I can fancy many readers turning to these — the last pages which were traced by Charlotte Bronte’s hand. Of the multitude that has read her books, who has not known and deplored the tragedy of her family, her own most sad and untimely fate? Which of her readers has not become her friend? Who that has known her books has not admired the artist’s noble English, the burning love of truth, the bravery, the simplicity, the indignation at wrong, the eager sympathy, the pious love and reverence, the passionate honour, so to speak, of the woman? What a story is that of that family of poets in their solitude yonder on the gloomy northern moors! At nine o’clock at night, Mrs Gaskell tells, after evening prayers, when their guardian and relative had gone to bed, the three poetesses — the three maidens, Charlotte, and Emily, and Anne — Charlotte being the ‘motherly friend and guardian to the other two’ — ‘began, like restless wild animals, to pace up and down their parlour, “making out” their wonderful stories, talking over plans and projects, and thoughts of what was to be their future life’.
Information handoff and outcomes of critically ill patients transferred between hospitals

Abstract Purpose Patients transferred between hospitals are at high risk of adverse events and mortality. This study aims to identify which components of the transfer handoff process are important predictors of adverse events and mortality. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective, observational study of 335 consecutive patient transfers to 3 intensive care units at an academic tertiary referral center. We assessed the relationship between handoff documentation completeness and patient outcomes. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included adverse events, duplication of labor, disposition error, and length of stay. Results Transfer documentation was frequently absent with overall completeness of 58.3%. Adverse events occurred in 42% of patients within 24 hours of arrival, with an overall in-hospital mortality of 17.3%. Higher documentation completeness was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02 to 0.38; P = .002), reduced adverse events (coefficient, −2.08; 95% CI, −2.76 to −1.390; P Conclusions Documentation completeness is associated with improved outcomes and resource utilization in patients transferred between hospitals.
T-cell immunometabolism against cancer.

T cells play critical roles in host defenses against cancer. External signals prompt activation of naive T cells, triggering modulation of their immune functions. Emerging evidence reveals that distinct metabolic changes impact the immune functions of naive and effector T cells, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Since T cells appear to be key players in tumor progression, it is important to elucidate whether and how T-cell metabolic reprogramming might alter their impact on cancer progression. Here we briefly review the available knowledge regarding T cells in relation to cancer, focusing on the metabolic reprogramming of T cells and how this influences tumor progression. Emerging insights in this field are improving our understanding of the functional role of T-cell metabolic reprogramming in cancer. Further research could provide a critical foundation for new treatments targeting cancer metabolism.
Characteristics and applications of intense coherent THz pulses from the NSLS SDL linac

The National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) Source Development Lab (SDL) operates a unique photo-injected linac capable of producing sub-picosecond electron bunches. The low frequency (THz) synchrotron radiation emitted by these bunches appears as half or single cycle coherent pulses. As previously demonstrated by others, the THz pulses can be coherently detected using the electro-optic effect in ZnTe. Our measurements reveal transient electric field strengths approaching 1 MV/cm for /spl sim/100 microjoule pulses. Pulses of such intensity enable a variety of experimental studies where the THz pulses serve to excite a material rather than simply probe it. We describe a measurement where the THz pulses are used to drive a transient supercurrent in a superconductor such that the material's critical current is exceeded.
Disturbed theta and gamma coupling as a potential mechanism for visuospatial working memory dysfunction in people with schizophrenia

Working memory (WM) deficits have been repeatedly observed in people with schizophrenia (PSZ) and their unaffected biological relatives (REL). Given the apparent association with genetic liability for schizophrenia, WM deficits have been proposed as a potential endophenotype for the disorder. Abnormal neural responses during WM performance have likewise been observed in PSZ and REL and may reflect the expression of genetic liability for schizophrenia in brain function. Relatively recent investigations have examined the role of neural oscillatory activity during visuospatial WM function in healthy people, as well as dysfunction in psychopathology. This research was in part motivated by a neural model of WM proposed by Lisman and Idiart (Science 267:1512–1515, 1995) that delineated a mechanism for representing multiple stimuli within WM through systematic interactions between neural oscillations in the theta- and gamma- frequency ranges. Aberrant oscillatory activity in theta and gamma frequency ranges has since been proposed as a potential underlying factor in WM dysfunction in PSZ and REL. The experimental evidence derived from studies of healthy people that pertains to the theta-gamma model of WM is reviewed herein. Although scarce, direct examinations of theta-gamma interactions in PSZ and REL are likewise reviewed in addition to reports of separate deficits in theta and gamma frequencies observed in PSZ during WM. The implications of theta and gamma oscillatory deficits reported in PSZ are discussed in the context of the Lisman and Idiart (Science 267:1512–1515, 1995) model, as well as how these deficits may result in aberrant theta-gamma interactions that give rise to visuospatial WM dysfunction. Given evidence supporting the Lisman and Idiart (Science 267:1512–1515, 1995) model of theta-gamma interactions in WM and the lack of direct exploration of the model in schizophrenia, there is an imperative to carry out formal testing of theta-gamma interactions in PSZ and REL during WM.
Fate of remnant sinuses of Valsalva in patients with bicuspid and trileaflet valves undergoing aortic valve, ascending aorta, and aortic arch replacement

Abstract Objective In patients presenting with aortic valvulopathy with concomitant ascending aortic aneurysm, surgical management of the sinus of Valsalva segment remains undefined, especially for moderately dilated aortic roots. In patients with this pathology undergoing aortic valve replacement with supracoronary ascending aorta replacement, we assessed the fate of the remnant preserved sinus of Valsalva segment stratified by aortic valve morphology and pathology. Methods From 2002 to 2015, 428 patients underwent elective aortic valve replacement with supracoronary ascending aorta replacement. Patients were stratified on the basis of valvular morphology (bicuspid aortic valve [n = 254] and tricuspid aortic valve [n = 174]), valvular pathology (bicuspid aortic valve with aortic stenosis [n = 178], bicuspid aortic valve with aortic insufficiency [n = 76], tricuspid aortic valve with aortic stenosis [n = 61], tricuspid aortic valve with aortic insufficiency [n = 113]), and preoperative sinus of Valsalva dimensions ( 45 mm). Results Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed no significant difference in freedom from reoperation in tricuspid aortic valve versus bicuspid aortic valve ( P = .576). Multivariable Cox regression model performed with sinus of Valsalva dimensions at baseline and follow-up as time-varying covariates did not adversely affect survival. A repeated-measure, mixed-effects model constructed to assess longitudinal sinus of Valsalva trends revealed that the retained sinus of Valsalva dimensions remain stable over long-term follow-up (discharge to ≥10 years), irrespective of valvular morphology/pathology (bicuspid aortic valve with aortic insufficiency, tricuspid aortic valve with aortic insufficiency, tricuspid aortic valve with aortic stenosis) and preoperative sinus of Valsalva groups ( 45 mm). Conclusions In patients with nonaneurysmal sinuses of Valsalva undergoing aortic valve replacement with supracoronary ascending aorta replacement, the sinus segment can be preserved irrespective of the type of valvular pathology (aortic stenosis vs aortic insufficiency) or valvular morphology (bicuspid aortic valve vs tricuspid aortic valve). Aortic valve replacement with supracoronary ascending aorta replacement may have a stabilizing effect on the sinus segment over long-term follow-up in patients with tricuspid aortic valves or bicuspid aortic valves.
A multi‐predictor model to estimate solar and wind energy generations

Summary Recent technological developments in renewable energy systems and significant growth of solar and wind energy have made these 2 renewable sources potential viable alternatives for conventional energy sources. However, due to intermittent nature, their reliability and availability are not similar to traditional sources. Hence, it is crucial to estimate the solar and wind availability and contribution more accurately. There are various factors affecting the generation capacity of renewable sources. There has been a vast research on the impact of factors related to climate condition such as wind speed, air temperature, and humidity on renewable energy generation. However, there are several other factors with indirect impact on renewable capacity and generation mostly overshadowed by the climate factors. In this study, a multi-predictor regression model is developed and presented for solar and wind energy generation capacity across the USA. Our study of 50 states shows how the generation capacity can be affected by several indexes including human development index. Variables with the more significant impacts have been chosen using a regression analysis. A recommendation on the best transformation of the response variables and sensitivity analysis of the results has also been presented. The results provide a model to estimate the generation capacity using significant predictors. For instance, the impact of population growth on the wind turbine generation can be explored using these models.
Retreatment of full-thickness macular holes persisting after prior vitrectomy. A pilot study.

Purpose: Vitrectomy with fluid-gas exchange has been shown to close more than one half of full-thickness macular holes, with improvement in visual acuity. By adding the appropriate dose of transforming growth factor-beta 2, a higher success rate has been reported. However, there still remain cases of macular holes that fail to close after vitreous surgery. The current pilot study is designed to determine whether reoperation may have a role in the management of cases that fail after vitreous surgery. Methods: Twelve eyes with persistent full-thickness macular holes that failed to close after an initial vitrectomy underwent reoperation using 1330 ng transforming growth factor-beta 2. Results: After the second operation, closure occurred in 12 (100%) of 12 eyes. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 16 months. Visual acuity also improved by two or more lines in 5 (42%) of 12 patients. Increased nuclear sclerosis occurred in nine (90%) of the ten phakic eyes. Of the five eyes showing visual improvement, four required cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Conclusion: Retreatment of persistent full-thickness macular holes with trans-forming growth factor-beta 2 appears to have a beneficial effect on both neurosensory retinal flattening and visual outcome.
Differentiate and switch, a tale of two heads of a lipid

Neuronal differentiation is an intricate process involving many factors and programs. One notable “curiosity” has been the observation that upon neuronal differentiation, stem cells switch the expression of their surface glycosphingolipids (GSLs) by substituting one class (the globo‐series) of GSLs by another (the ganglio‐series). Russo and colleagues show that there is an intricate dance between these two lipid series such that the globo products suppress neuronal differentiation via the master regulator AUTS2, which in turn suppresses the formation of the ganglio‐series. These findings open the door for further mechanistic studies on the roles of various GSLs in neuronal differentiation.
A New Perspective on the Fundamental Concept of Rational Subgroups

When control charts are used to monitor processes to detect special causes, it is usually assumed that a special cause will produce a sustained shift in a process parameter that lasts until the shift is detected and the cause is removed. However, some special causes may produce a transient shift in a process parameter that lasts only for a short period of time. Control charts are usually based on samples of n ≥ 1 observations taken with a sampling interval of fixed length, say d. The rational-subgroups concept for process sampling implies that sampling should be done so that any change in the process will occur between samples and affect a complete sample, rather than occur while a sample is being taken, so that only part of the sample is affected by the process change. When using n > 1, the rational-subgroups concept seems to imply that it is best to take a concentrated sample at one time point at the end of the sampling interval d, so that any process change will occur between samples. However, if the duration of a transient shift is less than d, then it appears that it might be beneficial to disperse the sample over the interval d, to increase the chance of sampling while this transient shift is present. We investigate the question of whether it is better to use n > 1 and either concentrated or dispersed sampling, or to simply use n = 1. The objective of monitoring is assumed to be the detection of special causes that may produce either a sustained or transient shift in the process mean μ and/or process standard deviation σ. For fair comparisons, it is assumed that the sampling rate in terms of the number of observations per unit time is fixed, so that the ratio n/d is fixed. The best sampling strategy depends on the type of control chart being used, so Shewhart, exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), and cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts are considered. For each type of control chart, a combination of two charts is investigated; onechart designed to monitor μ, and the other designed to monitor σ. The conclusion is that the best overall performance is obtained by taking samples of n = 1 observations and using an EWMA or CUSUM chart combination. The Shewhart-type chart combination with the best overall performance is based on n > 1, and the choice between concentrated and dispersed sampling for this control chart combination depends on the importance attached to detecting transient shifts of duration less than d.
Fe-Zeolite Functionality, Durability, and Deactivation Mechanisms in the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NO x with Ammonia

Since the introduction of the first emissions control regulations in the 1970s and 1980s [1], catalysis has been implemented extensively to maintain compliance and dramatically reduce the harmful pollutants emitted from combustion engines. For stoichiometric exhaust, primarily from gasoline-powered vehicles, precious metals, or platinum-group metals (PGM), such as Pt, Pd, and Rh, have been the hallmark of three-way catalysis, e.g., [2, 3, 4], as they are highly active in oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HCs) as well as the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The chemistry behind these reactions is equilibrium driven, as the more benign products of CO2, H2O, and N2 are thermodynamically favored. However, these catalysts only function properly if the exhaust is at or near stoichiometric conditions. As a result, gasoline vehicle manufacturers began designing their engine control systems to operate with stoichiometric air/fuel ratios to optimize catalyst performance and minimize emissions. The need for more fuel-efficient vehicles, both with respect to increasing fuel costs and future CO2 emissions regulations, is driving vehicle manufacturers to investigate more efficient combustion strategies, such as lean-burn gasoline, or increase production of more fuel-efficient diesel vehicles.
The safety and efficacy of Rituximab Use in Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) at UMMHC: five years follow up data (P5.408)

Objective: Goals of our study were to: (1) assess the safety and tolerability of Rituximab in patients with SPMS with no relapse previously treated with DMT’s (2) measure the efficacy of Rituximab in delaying progression of disease using Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (3) assess the effect of Rituximab on MRI measures such as T2 lesion burden, T1 hypointensities and contrast enhancing lesions. Background: Treatment for SPMS is challenging. Mitoxantrone is the only FDA-approved drug for treatment of SPMS, and its use is limited by high toxicity. With increasing evidence showing a role of B-cells in MS pathogenesis, therapies targeting B-cells have been investigated as promising treatments for MS. Design/Methods: Study was an observational open label, controlled study involving one center comparing SPMS patients treated with Rituximab versus controls (SPMS patients treated with other DMT’s) regarding safety, tolerability and progression of disease. Safety and tolerability were assessed by monitoring the adverse effects to Rituximab. Efficacy in delaying progression of disease was measured by a multivariate survival modeling. In this model, we compared “time to event” data defined, as time needed for EDSS to worsen or improve, while adjusting for patient characteristics. MRI’s of patients in were reviewed during the study period to obtain the specific metrics. Results: Patients in Rituximab group (n=40) had good tolerability with mild to moderate adverse effects, most commonly being urinary tract infection compared to controls (n=29). EDSS in the Rituximab group had a decrease probability of worsening compared to controls (HR= 0.787, [0.366–1.737] p=0.533). The Rituximab group had an increase probability of improving the EDSS compared to the control group (HR=2.836 [0.261–30.82] p=0.392). MRI metrics are currently under evaluation. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the possibility of Rituximab as a DMT for SPMS without relapses due to its good safety profile and ability to reduce disability progression as seen in EDSS. Disclosure: Dr. Berrios Morales has nothing to disclose. Dr. Eleftheriou has nothing to disclose. Dr. Maranda has nothing to disclose. Dr. Politi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ionete has received personal compensation for activities with Genzyme-Sanofi, TEVA, and Biogen Idec as a member of the scientific advisory board.
Repigmentation in vitiligo universalis after starting dialysis—could they be related?

Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of pigmentation characterized by the development of white macules and patches on the skin. Although multiple theories have been proposed to understand the underlying pathophysiology behind the pigment loss, the exact etiology remains unknown. Vitiligo universalis is an extremely rare variant that causes nearly complete depigmentation of the entire body surface. Treatment is challenging, especially when pigment loss is generalized and diffuse. We present a unique case of a patient with vitiligo universalis that had remained untreated and stable for >20 years until she developed repigmentation shortly after initiation of dialysis.