cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary function after lung tumor stereotactic ablative radiotherapy depends on regional ventilation within irradiated lung

Abstract Purpose To determine if regional ventilation within irradiated lung volume predicts change in pulmonary function test (PFT) measurements after stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) of lung tumors. Methods We retrospectively identified 27 patients treated from 2007 to 2014 at our institution who received: (1) SABR without prior thoracic radiation; (2) pre-treatment 4-dimensional computed tomography (4-D CT) imaging; (3) pre- and post-SABR PFTs 20BED3 ) as the quotient of mean ventilation (mean Jacobian-based per-voxel volume change on deformably registered inhale/exhale 4-D CT phases) within the 20Gy biologically effective dose ( α / β =3Gy) isodose volume and that of the total lung volume (TLV). Results Most patients had moderate to very severe COPD by GOLD criteria ( n =19, 70.1%). Higher VR 20BED3 significantly predicted worse change in Forced Expiratory Volume/s normalized by baseline value (ΔFEV 1 /FEV 1pre , p =0.04); n =7 had VR 20BED3 >1 (high regional ventilation) and worse ΔFEV 1 /FEV 1pre (median=−0.16, range=−0.230 to −0.20). Five had VR 20BED3 1 /FEV 1pre (median=0.13, range=0.07 to 0.20). In a multivariable linear model, increasing VR 20BED3 and time to post-SABR PFT predicted decreasing ΔFEV 1 /FEV 1pre ( R 2 =0.25, p =0.03). Conclusions After SABR to high versus low functioning lung regions, we found worsened or improved global pulmonary function, respectively. If pre-SABR VR 20BED3 is validated as a predictor of eventual post-SABR PFT in larger studies, it may be used for individualized treatment planning to preserve or even improve pulmonary function after SABR.
A cost-effective RNA extraction technique from animal cells and tissue using silica columns

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is widely used in molecular biology assays, and some of the most common assays include: northern blotting and RT-PCR gene expression analysis. RNA is generally extracted by two methods: phenol-chloroform or commercially available silica spin column kits. Phenol-chloroform extraction is generally more economical; however, it produces hazardous byproducts, and leftover chemicals in the sample that can inhibit downstream applications. Commercial kits usually have simple set ups and short preparation time; however, they can introduce a significant expense to laboratory budgets. Here we have created a method to extract RNA using generic silica columns and readily available reagents while maintaining a high yield and purity.
Fruit and Vegetable Preferences and Identification by Kindergarteners through 2nd-Graders With or Without the US Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program.

Abstract Objective The US Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) allows schools to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) exposure by distributing FV as snacks. The objective of this study was to compare kindergarten through second (K-2nd)-graders who were exposed or not to FFVP for preferences and identification. Design, Setting, Participants The FV Preference Survey for K-2nd-graders contained 12 fruits and 12 vegetables, a 3-Likert scale (liked it, okay, don't like it), and an I don't know option. Data were collected from K-2nd-graders at 2 elementary schools near Chicago, IL (n = 435, FFVP school, n = 235 with 12 teachers; non-FFVP school, n = 200 with 10 teachers). Main Outcome Measure(s) Mean preference scores. Analysis Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and multiple linear regression analyses compared school data (P Results There were significant differences in mean preference scores, with higher fruit scores at the FFVP school (1.8 ± 0.6) than at the non-FFVP school (1.7 ± 0.6). In contrast, there was a higher vegetable score for the non-FFVP school (1.3 ± 0.9) than for the FFVP school (1.2 ± 0.9). The school variable had weak impact on fruit ranking (multivariate coefficient = 0.01; P Conclusions and Implications At the FFVP school, fewer I don't know responses suggested better FV identification. Non-FFVP students had higher vegetable preferences than did FFVP students. Tasting a variety of FV may help with identifying FV, but more research is needed to determine the impact on preferences.
Neonatal renal cystic diseases.

Purpose: Neonatal renal cystic diseases have a great impact on the morbidity and mortality of the affected neonates and infants. A good insight into the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment opt...
MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO SEVERE HEART FAILURE

70 year old veteran with multiple hospitalizations for decompensated congestive heart failure, severely depressed ejection fraction, coronary artery disease, COPD, severe aortic stenosis and wide QRS, presented to the heart failure clinic as a new patient after recent hospitalization. He was turned
Isotropic morphometry and multicomponent T1 ρ mapping of human knee articular cartilage in vivo at 3T.

Background The progressive loss of hyaline articular cartilage due to osteoarthritis (OA) changes the functional and biochemical properties of cartilage. Measuring the T1 ρ along with the morphological assessment can potentially be used as noninvasive biomarkers in detecting early-stage OA. To correlate the biochemical and morphological data, submillimeter isotropic resolution for both studies is required. Purpose To implement a high spatial resolution 3D-isotropic-MRI sequence for simultaneous assessment of morphological and biexponential T1 ρ relaxometry of human knee cartilage in vivo. Study type Prospective. Population Ten healthy volunteers with no known inflammation, trauma, or pain in the knee. Field strength/sequence Standard FLASH sequence and customized Turbo-FLASH sequence to acquire 3D-isotropic-T1 ρ-weighted images on a 3T MRI scanner. Assessment The mean volume and thickness along with mono- and biexponential T1 ρ relaxations were assessed in the articular cartilage of 10 healthy volunteers. Statistical tests Nonparametric rank-sum tests. Bland-Altman analysis and coefficient of variation. Results The mean monoexponential T1 ρ relaxation was 40.7 ± 4.8 msec, while the long and short components were 58.2 ± 3.9 msec and 6.5 ± 0.6 msec, respectively. The mean fractions of long and short T1 ρ relaxation components were 63.7 ± 5.9% and 36.3 ± 5.9%, respectively. Statistically significant (P ≤ 0.03) differences were observed in the monoexponential and long components between some of the regions of interest (ROIs). No gender differences between biexponential components were observed (P > 0.05). Mean cartilage volume and thickness were 25.9 ± 6.4 cm3 and 2.2 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. Cartilage volume (P = 0.01) and thickness (P = 0.03) were significantly higher in male than female participants across all ROIs. Bland-Altman analysis showed agreement between two morphological methods with limits of agreement between -1000 mm3 and +1100 mm3 for volume, and -0.78 mm and +0.46 mm for thickness, respectively. Data conclusion Simultaneous assessment of morphological and multicomponent T1 ρ relaxation of knee joint with 0.7 × 0.7 × 0.7 mm isotropic spatial resolution is demonstrated in vivo. Comparison with a standard method showed that the proposed technique is suitable for assessing the volume and thickness of articular cartilage. Level of evidence 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:1707-1716.
Electrical Soundings in the Visual Current

The reconstruction of visual space within the cortex of the brain is the culmination of a series of complex events of which we possess only the most rudimentary pieces. We can identify with certainty the initiating photochemical processes which result from quantal absorption within the rods and cones but we are less certain of the chemistry responsible for converting that absorption into a receptor potential which is the source of the electrical current. While microelectrode studies have provided excellent intracellular records from each neural element as the flow of current proceeds to the optic nerve fiber, remote recording from the surfaces of the eye can only detect the confused echos of the original signals from each layer. Further along the stream of visual activity, electrical signals (now transmitted as spikes) must accurately define extent, size, orientation, contrast, and color of the original stimulus. The subtle interaction within and between receptive fields in LGN and cortex requires an order of neural processing that we may only guess at. Finally, we must try to conjure up the “visualization” of external objects at the conscious level, a process that must involve the fabrication of an electrical web incorporating all the information necessary to identify and locate the object in space.
End user developer: friend or foe?

Today, in many organizations, end user developers and I/T departments are at loggerheads, accepting neither the advantages nor the capabilities of the other. End user developers create fast but unique applications normally without expandability. I/T departments create "proper" applications but with long development cycles that possibly do not address the needs of the user. Neither talks to the other. This adversarial role creates hard feelings and inefficiencies, with the user in the middle. This paper will categorize each group and then delve into the advantages and disadvantages of each. Once each group's capability is understood, organizations can use both to their best advantages. Finally, this paper gives a methodology to control the directions of each group for a common good.
Non-English-Language Ethnic Community Schools in the USA

The non-English-language ethnic community schools (hereafter, NELECS) in the United States constitute a sidestream phenomenon that, at first glance, may appear somewhat esoteric to the mainstream pursuit of literacy. Actually, however, a careful consideration of the sidestream may enable us to recognize and see in sharper relief certain aspects of literacy, for example, its necessary links to local culture and to concrete, everyday social experience that the mainstream (not only mainstream USA, but modern secularism in general) recognizes insufficiently because it so easily confuses its own emphases with universality and inevitability. A sympathetic and thorough examination of more traditional expressions of literacy may render us more sensitive to literacy as a phenomenon that requires local cultural validity and that may, therefore, take different forms, pursue different goals, be linked to different contextual and institutional supports from one speech community to another and even from one speech network to another. The sidestream, more than the mainstream, may lead us to the comparative study of literacy as a socioculturally regulated activity on the one hand and as a society- and culture-building activity on the other hand. Overly abstract, overly externalized, and overly generalized views of literacy, based upon exposure only to one or another modern secular setting, may very well represent a professional intellectual bias and, therefore, a fashionable falsification of the reality of literacy and biliteracy in the lives of ordinary adults and children who aspire not so much to international leadership positions as to lives of moderate continuity, controlled change, and respectability at the local level.
CHAPTER 58 – Cytokines and asthma

This chapter summarizes information of the involvement of cytokines in asthma induction, progression, and control. The myriad of cytokines involved, along with their many and varied functions, makes asthma a very complex situation to understand. Asthma is known to be a chronic disorder of the lung characterized by inflammation of the airways leading to airway hyper responsiveness (AHR) to specific and non-specific agents, mucus hypersecretion by goblet cells, and remodeling of the airway walls. The inflammatory cells found in asthmatic lungs include predominantly eosinophils and lymphocytes. Other cell types present in fewer numbers, such as mast cells and neutrophils, also contribute to disease pathogenesis. Asthma is considered to be a “T H2 -type disease” since CD4 + T H2 -derived cytokines are involved in the maturation and trafficking of eosinophils, and in promoting B cell isotype switching toward IgE, the hallmark isotype of atopic disease. In the chapter, a description of the scope of the asthma problem, a summary of the pathogenesis of the disease, an account of the individual cytokines that have been implicated in various stages of disease pathogenesis, and finally a discussion of cytokine-based therapies are presented. The generally favorable results of early attempts to generate novel therapies targeting biologic modifiers (cytokines) suggest that further expanding the understanding of the immunologic basis of asthma will be well worth the effort.
Effects of Ischemic Tolerance on mRNA Levels of IP3R1, β-Actin, and Neuron-Specific Enolase in Hippocampal CA1 Area of the Gerbil Brain

Global cerebral ischemia induced to Mongolian gerbils by ligation of common carotid arteries (CCAs) is known to result in injury to the hippocampal CA1 region. In this study, we examined whether neuronal injury can be depicted by measuring levels of mRNA encoding inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1), neuron specific enolase (NSE) and β-actin and whether these measurements can be use to assess ischemic tolerance. Gerbils were subjected either to cerebral ischemia induced by ligation of both CCAs for 5 min, or to an ischemic tolerance paradigm in which a 2 min ischemic preconditioning was performed 24 hr prior to the 5 min ischemia. At 48 hr after the 5 min ischemic insult, significant decreases in mRNA levels for IP3R1 (26%), NSE (38%) and β-actin (50%) could be observed in the hippocampal CA1 region. Although levels of mRNA in the preconditioning group were decreased as compared to the sham control, the levels were significantly higher than those in the ischemic group. These results indicate the feasibility of using mRNA measurement as a parameter to assess cerebral ischemic damage. In addition, based on the differences in the decline in mRNA levels between the ischemia group and the preconditioned ischemia group, it can be concluded that this ischemic tolerance paradigm could offer partial protection (around 45%) against the injury due to the 5 min cerebral ischemic insult.
Preparation and Chemistry of PhI+C≡CI+Ph·2-OTf, Bis[phenyl[[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]oxy]iodo]acetylene, a Novel Difunctional Acetylene, Bis(iodonium) Species and a Stable C2-Transfer Agent

The title compound 2 is readily prepared as a stable microcrystalline solid from bis(tri-n-butylstannyl) acetylene and PhICN•OTf. It was fully characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR, and elemental analysis. As expected, the electron-deficient acetylene 2 reacts with a number of nucleophiles (e.g., Ph 3 P, PhSNa, and PhOLi) providing a variety of bifunctionalized acetylenes 5, 6, 7, and 9. It also undergoes cycloaddition reactions with cyclopentadiene, furan, and other 1,3-dienes to afford useful bis(iodonium) norbornadiene-type adducts 12-14
Operational Agility: Composing and Orchestrating Mission Capability Packages Through Business Process Execution Language (BPEL)

Abstract : One aspect of the Department of Defenses vision for Net-Centric Operations and Warfare is composing and orchestrating Mission Capability Packages from various disparate and geographically dispersed web services into mission-oriented application as required by the operational situation. This allows mission-oriented capabilities to be quickly composed in response to new challenges, requirements, or demands. In other words, Operational Agility. Today, web services can communicate with each other, advertise themselves, and be discovered and invoked using industry-wide specification. However, until recently, orchestrating these fine grained services together into coherent course grained solutions required non-standard methods and procedures that were generally not interoperable with other organizations. Business Process Execution Language (BPEL) for Web Services (BPEL4WS) mitigates the issue of interoperability by providing a set of constructs, based on XML, that can be used to define the semantics of how process communicate and exchange data, control the flow of data from one services to another, and the order in which to invoke services. Furthermore, subject matter experts using graphical designer tools and not software developers writing software components can compose the processes. This will allow mission-oriented capabilities to be quickly composed in response to new challenges, requirements, or demands.
Recurrence rates for patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with IOERT at a community hospital per the ASTRO consensus statement for APBI.

Abstract Purpose To report the recurrence rates after single-fraction intraoperative electron radiotherapy (IOERT) in patients with early-stage breast cancer treated on a single institution prospective Phase I/II protocol at a community hospital. Results were retrospectively analyzed according to suitability criteria from the updated American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) consensus statement for accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). Methods and Materials Patients over 40 years with early-stage invasive or in situ breast cancer ( Results Single-fraction IOERT was performed in 215 cases (6 bilateral treatments, 196 patients) with 13 patients receiving whole-breast radiation (WBR) after IOERT for adverse pathologic features. Of 202 cases of IOERT without WBR, 89 patients experienced an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) giving a cumulative incidence of 3.96%. When the ASTRO APBI suitability criteria were applied, the IBTR rate was significantly lower for suitable patients vs. cautionary or unsuitable patients (1.6% vs. 3.4% vs. 21.0%, p = 0.0002). 3-year progression-free survival after IOERT alone was 93.4%. For patients who received standard WBR (4500–5040 cGy) after IOERT, no Grade 3 or 4 toxicities (acute or late) occurred and all patients are disease-free. Conclusions Single-fraction IOERT results in a low rate of IBTR when strictly adhering to ASTRO criteria for APBI suitability. Standard dose WBR for unfavorable pathologic results after 2100 cGy IOERT is well tolerated.
Renewable energy contingencies in power systems: Concept and case study

Abstract This paper introduces the concept of renewable energy contingencies that represent long-term/extended variability of variable renewable energy (VRE) resources, namely, significant periods (e.g., days/weeks) of low wind/solar availability. These contingencies have not received much attention to date but are likely to emerge as a major issue in some countries such as India as the share of VRE increases. Using 38 years of climate model reanalysis data for wind over India, we demonstrate that low periods of wind contingency below long-term (Indian) national average of 5 m/s can extend for more than 100 days in several zones some of which are deploying large wind farms. Even in some of the best wind resource areas in India with long term average wind speed close to 7 m/s, low wind days (e.g., 5 m/s which is substantially below average) can extend up to 60 days. We propose a four-step methodology around a co-optimization based energy-ancillary services dispatch model to assess the impact of renewable contingency and implemented it for the state of Tamil Nadu, the most wind-rich state of India. We have estimated that annual renewable contingency cost impact of 5 GW additional wind in Tamil Nadu to be in the range of US$27–76 million pa. Planning analysis should embrace the concept of renewable contingency to recognize these costs and put in place necessary spinning reserve and back-up generation resources.
A Translational Hepatic Artery Infusion (HAI) Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Woodchucks.

Abstract Background Woodchucks (Marmota monax) are a well-accepted animal model for the investigation of spontaneous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As HCC tumors obtain nutrient blood supply exclusively from the hepatic artery, hepatic artery infusion (HAI) has been applied to HCC. However, there is a scarcity of experimental animal models to standardize drug regimens and examine novel agents. The purpose of this study was to establish an HAI model in woodchucks. Materials and methods HAI ports were placed in the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) of 11 woodchucks. The ports were infused with either a vehicle (dextrose 5% in water) or an experimental drug, CBL0137, once a week for 3 wk. Technical success rates, anatomical variation, morbidity and mortality, and tumor responses between groups were analyzed. Results The GDA access was feasible and reproducible in all woodchucks (11/11). The average operation time was 95 ± 20 min with no increase in the levels of liver enzymes detected from either infusate. The most common morbidity of CBL0137 therapy was anorexia after surgery. One woodchuck died due to hemorrhage at the gallbladder removal site from hepatic coagulopathy. Significantly higher CBL0137 concentrations were measured in the liver compared with blood after each HAI. Tumor growth was suppressed after multiple CBL0137 HAI treatments which corresponded to greater T cell infiltration and increased tumor cell apoptosis. Conclusions HAI via GDA was a feasible and reproducible approach with low morbidity and mortality in woodchucks. The described techniques serve as a reliable platform for the identification and characterization of therapeutics for HCC.
Regularized L21-Based Semi-NonNegative Matrix Factorization

We present a general-purpose data compression algorithm, Regularized L21 Semi-NonNegative Matrix Factorization (L21 SNF). L21 SNF provides robust, parts-based compression applicable to mixed-sign data for which high fidelity, individualdata point reconstruction is paramount. We derive a rigorous proof of convergenceof our algorithm. Through experiments, we show the use-case advantages presentedby L21 SNF, including application to the compression of highly overdeterminedsystems encountered broadly across many general machine learning processes.
Introducing the Sustainable Prototyping Life Cycle for Digital Fabrication to Designers

This paper introduces the Sustainable Prototyping Life Cycle for Digital Fabrication, an adaptation from the Life Cycle Assessment method that presents the environmental impact of digital fabrication in every phase of prototyping. The cycle has four phases: raw materials acquisition, manufacturing and distribution, use, and end of life. It presents designers as manufacturers of their own materials for digital fabrication, and bio-based materials are used as an alternative and sustainable prototyping material. We interviewed ten experts in digital fabrication and introduced the use of bio-based materials such as mycelium-composite for prototyping with digital fabrication.Using experts' reflections, we conducted a workshop about the environmental impact of prototyping with 22 design students. We reported their decisions on materials used for prototyping and their perception of using mycelium-composite within the Sustainable Prototyping Life Cycle. Our aim is to increase environmental awareness in prototyping and highlight the importance of designers' decision-making through the cycle.
Using Experiential Learning in Sleep Education: A Pilot Study

Background: Adequate hours of sleep in adults and college students has steadily decreased in the past 10 years (CDC). According to Dr. Kusida (2020), if students are routinely sleep deprived their ability to learn, memorize, and be attentive is diminished. There are few published studies that examine the use of experiential learning in sleep education. The question being posed is: What is the impact of using experiential learning as a theoretical framework for sleep education in the collegiate environment? Experiential learning is defined as, "the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience" (Kolb 1984, p.38). To follow the principles of this theory, students participated in four activities that focused on promoting pre-bedtime routines/healthy sleep habits. The four activities were drinking Sleeptime tea before bed, guided meditation, yoga, and nap sessions. A brief survey was used as a reflection tool. Methods: This mixed-method pilot study used a survey and qualitative feedback from students enrolled in a Sleep education course. Data from 25 participants was used; 24 student-athletes; from seven different sports; one female non-athlete; 14 males and 11 females. The data collected from the survey was both quantitative and qualitative. Excel was used to calculate the percentages for the quantitative data and qualitative responses was coded and reviewed by peer briefing. Themes emerged as the students described their experiences and benefits for each activity. Results: The results from the tea activities showed, 92% of the student benefitted from the activity and would use this technique again. The result were identical for yoga and nap sessions; 92% positive responses. The results from the meditation session was higher, 100% benefitted, with 95% stating they would participate in meditation as a pre-bedtime activity. There was minimal to no prior experience with the activities. The qualitative feedback show that the students found all the activities to be relaxing, improved mood, soothing and increase concentration, while reducing stress. Limitations: 1. Small sample size; results cannot be generalized to a larger population or demographic 2. Surveys not validated and subjective. Conclusions: The results of the study showed, students were able to increase their exposure to healthy sleep habits and learned techniques to improve pre-bed/sleep activities. The student enjoyed learning through experiential activities and would incorporate them into their pre-bed routines.
Dosimetric Evaluation Between the Conventional Volumetrically Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) Total Body Irradiation (TBI) and the Novel Simultaneous Integrated Total Marrow Approach (SIMBa) VMAT TBI.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment planning feasibility of volumetrically modulated arc therapy total body irradiation (VMAT TBI) using a simultaneous integrated marrow and body approach (SIMBa). We also aimed to compare SIMBa TBI with the more conventional VMAT TBI approach using the entire body as the target. The goal of using an integrated approach like SIMBa is to balance the known clinical benefit of TBI with the toxicity decrease of Total Marrow Irradiation (TMI) using two prescription volumes. In anticipation of a clinical trial to investigate a novel conditioning regimen that uses SIMBa, our institution retrospectively analyzed the dosimetric differences between 20 clinical VMAT TBI which were re-planned using SIMBa. Methods Twenty patients who previously received conventional VMAT TBI at our institution with a dose of 12 Gy in six fractions were re-planned using SIMBa with a planning aim of delivering a uniform dose of 12 Gy to at least 90% of the PTV_BodyEval. The planning aims of SIMBa were to deliver a uniform dose of 12 Gy to at least 90% of the PTV_Marrow and 8 Gy to at least 90% of the PTV_TotalBody while limiting the mean lung dose to less than 8 Gy. The plans were normalized so that 100% of the PTV_Marrow received at least 90% of the dose with the PTV_TotalBody optimized to stay as close to 100% at 90% as possible. Results All 20 patient plans achieved 12 Gy/8 Gy to at least 90% of the PTV_Marrow and PTV_TotalBody, respectively, with max doses of <16 Gy (130%). As compared with the delivered TBI, the following reductions in mean dose were notable: small bowel 21.3±4.2%, lung 16.3±7.9%, heart 25.3±8.6%, and kidney 16.4±6.2%. Coverage of the sanctuary sites was maintained despite a significant reduction to sensitive organs at risk (OARs). Conclusion This study supports that VMAT TBI treatment planning with SIMBa is feasible. In this sample, SIMBa provided dosimetrically similar doses to marrow and sanctuary site doses as TBI while achieving lower doses to OARs. A clinical trial is needed to investigate the clinical implications of VMAT TBI with SIMBa.
Assessing Presenting Symptoms, Co-Morbidities, and Risk Factors for Mortality in Underserved Patients With Non-Hereditary Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer.

Background The presenting symptoms and co-morbidities contributing to mortality in young patients (age 30), 30.9% had a diagnosis of hypertension, 29% had hyperlipidemia (HLD), and 17.35% had diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). Diagnosis was delayed by 4.5 months from initial presentation, and 17% had advanced disease (stage III/IV). Also, 68.5% of patients were symptomatic with one to three symptoms, most commonly with rectal bleeding (45.3%). The chronicity of HLD (≥5 years) was associated with reduced survival in our patients with EO-CRC. The survival of females with multiple metabolic disorders was reduced compared to females with a single metabolic disorder. Conclusions Multiple symptoms, chronic HLD, and female gender with multiple metabolic disorders were factors associated with poor outcomes in non-hereditary EO-CRC patients.
Surface analysis of chalcopyrite materials for photovoltaics

Chalcopyrite-structure semiconductors are leading candidates for photovoltaic applications. The nature of the surface of these materials is critical to determining the properties of the heterojunctions that collect current in the devices and can determine whether or not carrier recombination at the heterojunction limits device performance. This paper reviews the author's group work on surface microchemical and microstructural analysis of Cu(In1-yGay)Se2 chalcopyrite alloys. This includes various scanning probe and electron microscopies, photoelectron spectroscopy, and other techniques. Results demonstrate mechanisms of growth of the material along with the nanostructure of surfaces. The close-packed {112} type surfaces have the lowest surface energies. When the materials are grown using a multistage deposition process, the grain boundaries include significant void volume. The chemical bath deposition method used to form the junction then fills the grain boundaries with CdS and dopes all surfaces of the grains, including much of the grain boundaries, with Cd. The grain boundaries are also anion deficient in the final material. It is concluded that the final structure is effectively a self-assembled radial-junction solar cell and that this is the mechanism by which grain boundaries are rendered not only harmless but actually helpful to device performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous self-assembly of organic–inorganic nanocomposite coatings that mimic nacre

Nanocomposite materials are widespread in biological systems. Perhaps the most studied is the nacre of abalone shell, an orientated coating composed of alternating layers of aragonite (CaCO3) and a biopolymer. Its laminated structure simultaneously provides strength, hardness and toughness: containing about 1 vol. % polymer, nacre is twice as hard and 1,000 times as tough as its constituent phases1. Such remarkable properties have inspired chemists and materials scientists to develop synthetic, ‘biomimetic’ nanocomposite assemblies2,3,4,5. Nonetheless, the efficient processing of layered organic–inorganic composites remains an elusive goal. Here we report a rapid, efficient self-assembly process for preparing nanolaminated coatings that mimic the structure of nacre. Beginning with a solution of silica, surfactant and organic monomers, we rely on evaporation during dip-coating to induce the formation of micelles and partitioning of the organic constituents into the micellar interiors6. Subsequent self-assembly of the silica–surfactant–monomer micellar species into lyotropic mesophases7 simultaneously organizes the organic and inorganic precursors into the desired nanolaminated form. Polymerization fixes this structure, completing the nanocomposite assembly process. This approach may be generalized both to other composite architectures and to other materials combinations.
Gagne's and Laurillard's Models of Instruction Applied to Distance Education: A theoretically driven evaluation of an online curriculum in public health

This article presents an overview of the instructional models of Gagne, Briggs, and Wager (1992) and Laurillard (1993, 2002), followed by student evaluations from the first year of an online public health core curriculum. Both online courses and their evaluations were developed in accordance with the two models of instruction. The evaluations by students indicated that they perceived they had achieved the course objectives and were generally satisfied with the experience of taking the courses online. However, some students were dissatisfied with the feedback and learning guidance they received; these students’ comments supported Laurillard’s model of instruction. Discussion captured in this paper focuses on successes of the first year of the online curriculum, suggestions for solving problem areas, and the importance of the perceived relationship between teacher and student in the distance education environment.
Über die Absorption des Quarzes im nahen Ultrarot

Das Absorptionsspektrum des Kristallquarzes im nahen UR wird mit polarisiertem Licht bei Temperaturen zwischen −190° C und 550° C untersucht. Zwischen 2900 und 4000 cm−1 findet man 11 Einzelbanden, von denen drei eingebauten OH-Gruppen und acht dem Quarzgitter zuzuordnen sind. Von den 3 Zustanden der OH-Gruppen im Quarz ist der mit der kleinsten Schwingungszahl besonders stabil. Durch Elektrolyse in verschiedenen Gasatmospharen last sich die Wasserstoff-konzentration im Gitter zwischen Null und einem Sattigungswert beliebig variieren. Bei Neutronenbestrahlung entstehen neue Banden, die von OH-Gruppen auf Zwischengitterplatzen herruhren. Die Farbzentren im Quarz werden durch Wasserstoff beeinflust.
A role for p75 receptor in neurotrophin-3 functioning during the development of limb proprioception

Abstract Neurotrophin-3 is indispensable for the development of limb proprioceptive neurons and their end organs, muscle spindles. To determine whether the low-affinity p75 receptor potentiates the actions of neurotrophin-3, we examined the development of the proprioceptive system in p75 null mutant mice that had either normal or decreased tissue levels of neurotrophin-3. Postnatal mice lacking both copies of the p75 gene had fewer sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia, but normal complements of muscle spindles in fast hindlimb muscles, although the slow soleus muscle showed a 50% loss of spindles. However, compound mutants lacking both copies of the p75 gene as well as one copy of the neurotrophin-3 gene displayed a dystonic/ataxic phenotype similar to that observed previously in neurotrophin-3 null mutants devoid of proprioception. The compound mutants also exhibited a commensurate loss of parvalbumin- expressing (proprioceptive) neurons in dorsal root ganglia. The degree of deficiency of spindles (and presumably proprioceptive neurons) in the compound mutants exceeded the sum of deficits in single mutants lacking either both copies of p75 genes or one copy of neurotrophin-3 gene, suggesting a synergistic interaction between the p75 receptor and neurotrophin-3. Neuronal deficits in the compound mutants were present prior to embryonic day 14, indicating an early role for the p75 receptor in sensory neuronogenesis. Collectively, these data indicate that the p75 receptor is not essential for the survival and differentiation of most limb proprioceptive neurons when neurotrophin-3 is expressed at normal levels. However, the p75 receptor may act in synergy with neurotrophin-3 to enhance the survival of proprioceptive neurons when tissue levels of neurotrophin-3 are a limiting factor.
A comparison of Gurtin type and micropolar theories of generalized single crystal plasticity

Abstract We compare and contrast the governing equations and numerical predictions of two higher-order theories of extended single crystal plasticity, specifically, Gurtin type and micropolar models. The models are presented within a continuum thermodynamic setting, which facilitates identification of equivalent terms and the roles they play in the respective models. Finite element simulations of constrained thin films are used to elucidate the various scale-dependent strengthening mechanisms and their effect of material response. Our analysis shows that the two theories contain many analogous features and qualitatively predict the same trends in mechanical behavior, although they have substantially different points of departure. This is significant since the micropolar theory affords a simpler numerical implementation that is less computationally expensive and potentially more stable.
dlx3b/4b are required for the formation of the preplacodal region and otic placode through local modulation of BMP activity

The vertebrate inner ear arises from the otic placode, a transient thickening of ectodermal epithelium adjacent to neural crest domains in the presumptive head. During late gastrulation, cells fated to comprise the inner ear are part of a domain in cranial ectoderm that contain precursors of all sensory placodes, termed the preplacodal region (PPR). The combination of low levels of BMP activity coupled with high levels of FGF signaling are required to establish the PPR through induction of members of the six/eya/dach, iro, and dlx families of transcription factors. The zebrafish dlx3b/4b transcription factors are expressed at the neural plate border where they play partially redundant roles in the specification of the PPR, otic and olfactory placodes. We demonstrate that dlx3b/4b assist in establishing the PPR through the transcriptional regulation of the BMP antagonist cv2. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of Dlx3b/4b results in loss of cv2 expression in the PPR and a transient increase in Bmp4 activity that lasts throughout early somitogenesis. Through the cv2-mediated inhibition of BMP activity, dlx3b/4b create an environment where FGF activity is favorable for PPR and otic marker expression. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms of PPR specification as well as the role of dlx3b/4b function in PPR and otic placode induction.
A tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist attenuates the 4β-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced nociceptive behaviour in the rat

Abstract Antinociceptive effect of a tachykinin NK 1 receptor antagonist ezlopitant [(2 S ,3 S - cis )-2-(diphenylmethyl)- N -{(2-methoxy, 5-isopropylphenyl)methyl}-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-3-amine] was investigated in the 4β-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced nociceptive test in the rat. Intraplantar injection of PMA-induced paw-licking and flinching behaviour lasted up to 120 min and was accompanied by inflammatory reactions, such as swelling and invasion of granulocytes. Pretreatment with resiniferatoxin [200 μg/kg, subcutaneous (s.c.)] blocked the PMA-induced nociceptive behaviour, suggesting that vanilloid VR 1 receptor-expressing primary sensory neurons play a major role in this response. Subcutaneous pretreatment with ezlopitant (0.3–30 mg/kg) and morphine (0.3–6 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the behaviour. Ezlopitant (3–30 mg/kg) given subcutaneously after PMA injection also significantly attenuated the behavioural response. When administered intrathecally, ezlopitant and a nonselective glutamate receptor antagonist MK-801 had an inhibitory effect, whereas CJ-12,191, an inactive isomer of ezlopitant, was unaffected. These results suggest that spinal tachykinin NK 1 receptors contribute to processing of ongoing pain associated with peripheral inflammation.
Antiinflammatory and Immunosuppressive Activity of Sialostatin L, a Salivary Cystatin from the Tick Ixodes scapularis

Here we report the ability of the tick Ixodes scapularis, the main vector of Lyme disease in the United States, to actively and specifically affect the host proteolytic activity in the sites of infestation through the release of a cystatin constituent of its saliva. The cystatin presence in the saliva was verified both biochemically and immunologically. We named the protein sialostatin L because of its inhibitory action against cathepsin L. We also show that the proteases it targets, although limited in number, have a prominent role in the proteolytic cascades that take place in the extracellular and intracellular environment. As a result, sialostatin L displays an antiinflammatory role and inhibits proliferation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Beyond unraveling another component accounting for the properties of tick saliva, contributing to feeding success and pathogen transmission, we describe a novel tool for studying the role of papain-like proteases in diverse biologic phenomena and a protein with numerous potential pharmaceutical applications.
Localization of transferrin on the surface of the human placenta by electron microscopic immunocytochemistry.

During the course of gestation, a large amount of iron is transferred rapidly and unidirectionally from mother to fetus across the placenta. It has been postulated that one of the first steps involved in placental iron transfer involves binding of the maternal transferrin-iron complex to the surface of the placenta and the subsequent removal of iron and release of transferrin back into the maternal circulation. To determine if transferrin is present on the surface of human placental villi, two different immunocytochemical methods have been used: (1) an unlabeled antibody, peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method utilizing rabbit antiserum to human transferrin, goat anti-rabbit IgG and rabbit peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex or; (2) a peroxidase-labeled antibody method utilizing goat antiserum to human transferrin and peroxidase-conjugated rabbit anti-goat IgG. The peroxidase was then localized by incubation in a diaminobenzidine-hydrogen peroxide medium. Examination of the tissue in the electron microscope revealed the reaction product deposited as discrete patches or particles on the microvillous surface of human syncytial trophoblast. Controls using non-immune serum or an antiserum adsorbed with purified human transferrin showed no reaction product on the surface. The results provide morphological confirmation for the presence of transferrin on the surface of human syncytial trophoblast lining the maternal blood spaces.
Methionine-enkephalin and morphine: amount ejected microiontophoretically.

Abstract The microiontophoretic transport numbers for Met-enkephalin and morphine were determined by ejecting the tritiated compounds from both 5-barrel and 7-barrel micropipettes into a small volume of 0.9% NaCl, using a series of ejection currents and various timed durations. The transport number of Met-enkephalin was 2–4 times less than that for morphine in 5- and 7-barrel pipettes. The transport numbers of both drugs in 5-barrel pipettes were significantly greater than those in 7-barrel pipettes. These results indicate the need for caution in comparing the data derived from different studies that use microiontophoresis. The transport numbers for morphine and Met-enkephalin were used to compare the effects of these agents on neuronal firing.
Evidence for a stem cell common to hematopoiesis and its in vitro microenvironment: Studies of patients with clonal hematopoietic neoplasia

The origin and nature of cells forming the in vitro microenvironment in long-term cultures of human marrow were studied in five patients with clonal myeloproliferative disorders who were heterozygous for glucose-6-phosphatase dehydrogenase (G6PD). The results showed that cells in the adherent stromal layer forming the in vitro microenvironment were derived from the same clonal progenitors involved by the neoplasm in the four patients whose diseases originated in multipotent stem cells. In contrast, stromal cells were derived from normal progenitors in a patient with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia whose clone showed differentiative expression confined to cells in the granulocytic lineage. Mixing experiments demonstrated that the G6PD type displayed by the adherent marrow stromal cells was not obscured by contaminating non-adherent hematopoietic cells or marrow fibroblasts. The data suggest the existence of a pluripotent cell in normal hematopoiesis that gives rise to hematopoietic cells and to their micro-environment.
Implementation of high-content assay for inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatases

Small molecule inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases have become both powerful chemical probes of biological processes and clinically effective therapeutics. In contrast, few small molecule inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases have been identified and none are currently approved for clinical use. New cell-based high-content methods have been developed that should enable investigators to probe for selective inhibitors of diseases-relevant protein phosphatases. Details of these methods are described herein.
Experimental Measurement of Fields Excited Inside the Fuselage of an Aircraft

In computing the fields excited inside the fuselage of an aircraft [1] when subjected to external electromagnetic (EM) radiation, the results of [2]-[4] have been used and the fields were assumed to propagate in free space instead of inside a cavity. This measurement program shows that it is improper to do so since the presence of metallic structures and the cavity resonances may account for deviations ofover 20 dB in relation to the free-space field.
Quality of Afterschool Activities and Relative Change in Adolescent Functioning Over Two Years

Youth in Grades 6 and 7 (N = 186; 78% low-income; 74% non-White) reported the quality of their experiences in their primary afterschool activity over a two-year period. Youth reports of more positive experiences (a composite that included emotional support from adult staff, positive relationships with peers, and opportunities for autonomy) were associated with relative gains in work habits, task persistence, and prosocial behavior with peers as reported by classroom teachers. Examination of specific aspects of experience indicated that perceived emotional support from adult staff was more strongly associated with changes in adolescent functioning than the other aspects of program experience. These findings suggest that youth reports can provide a useful window into the quality of afterschool settings.
The crystal structure of two nitroprussides: Mn[Fe(CN)5NO]·3H2O and Cd[Fe(CN)5NO]·3H2O

Abstract The crystal structures of manganese(II) and cadmium(II) nitrosylpentacyanoferrate trihydrate have been determined from three dimensional, single- crystal X-ray diffraction data. These polynuclear cyanides crystallize in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 / n (No. 14, C 5 2 h ) with four formula units per cell. The lattice constants are a = 7.302(4), b = 14.783(6), c = 10.751(1) A and β = 91.47(2)° for manganese nitroprusside and a = 7.425(2), b = 14.963(2), c = 10.848(3) A and β = 91.64(2)° for cadmium nitroprusside. D m = 1.86(1) Mg m −3 , D x = 1.864 Mg m −3 and D m = 2.09(1) Mg m −3 , D x = 2.106 Mg m −3 , respectively for manganese and cadmium nitroprusside. Final full-matrix least-squares refinement of 1881 unique reflections for Mn[Fe(CN) 5 NO] and 1958 unique reflections for Cd[Fe(CN) 5 NO] yielded R = 0.023 and 0.030, respectively. Both iron and divalent metal centers have distorted octahedral symmetries. The iron atom is coordinated by five cyanide ligands and one nitrosyl group, whereas the cation metal center is coordinated by five cyanide ligands and one water molecule. The metal atoms in both structures are linked by FeCNM bridging (M Mn or Cd). The two uncoordinated water molecules, O(2) and O(3), are hydrogen bonded to the coordinated water molecule, O(1), and occupy channels in the crystal lattice. Important mean bond lengths for manganese nitroprusside are: MnN = 2.226(19), FeC = 1.935(5) and CN = 1.140(2) A. Other notable bond lengths include MnO(1) = 2.218(2), FeN = 1.659(2) and NO = 1.135(2) A as well as the contact distances O(1)O(2) = 2.854(3) and O(1)O(3) = 2.759(3) A. Important mean bond distances for cadmium nitroprusside are CdN = 2.314(18), FeC = 1.942(6) and CN = 1.135(7) A. Other notable bond and contact distances include CdO(1) = 2.335(2), FeN = 1.667(3), NO = 1.125(3), O(1)O(2) = 2.856(4) and O(1)O(3) = 2.784(4) A.