cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 17903: Novel Esterase-Activated Hydrogen Sulfide Donors Attenuate Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Background: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects against acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury and heart failure by ameliorating oxidative stress and attenuating cell death. A major limita...
Analysis of silicon wafer surface preparation for heterojunction solar cells using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and effective minority carrier lifetime

Abstract We report a systematic study on the optimal conditions for silicon surface preparation to ensure excellent passivation at the crystalline-amorphous silicon (c-Si/a-Si:H) interface of silicon heterojunction solar cells for both untextured and chemically textured samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was utilized to analyse the elemental composition of known silicon impurities on the wafer surface. Surface purity and passivation quality, characterized by effective minority carrier life time (τeff) and implied open circuit voltage (iVOC), were estimated using either quinhydrone-methanol solution or 10 nm intrinsic a-Si:H layers deposited using DC plasma process. This study confirms that surface damage etch (SDE), tetra-methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) texturing and the subsequent TMAH residue removal are the most critical steps in the cleaning process, supporting a simplified wafer cleaning approach that is concise, repeatable and uses minimal volume of chemicals.
'Don't Elect Me': Sheriffs and the Need for Reform in County Law Enforcement

Most state constitutions require that counties have an elected sheriff who serves as the county’s chief law enforcement officer. The sheriff’s office is over a thousand years old and today has strong cultural associations with independence and populism. Ironically, however, the sheriff’s office has not been studied in the legal literature on policing as an entity separate and distinct from municipal police departments. This Note attempts to remedy that deficiency by identifying the unique pathologies of the American sheriff and proposing dramatic reforms to county law enforcement. Although his elected status creates a perception that the sheriff is a local county officer, this Note argues that this perception is inaccurate because the sheriff is independent of the county and is actually, in many important ways, an agent of the state. The sheriff’s hybrid state-and-local status creates misalignments between different levels of government that obstruct efforts to hold the sheriff accountable. County law enforcement is in need of reform. This Note argues that elections are not functioning as an effective accountability mechanism and that county government must be given power to act as a check on county law enforcement. This Note further argues that, although the sheriff in his current form is emphatically not the officer for the job, the county is actually the best level of government at which to provide policing. This Note discusses the merits of two models of achieving consolidation of policing to the county level, with insights gleaned from America’s experiences with sheriffs.
Prediction of English and Spanish kindergarten mathematics from English and Spanish cognitive and linguistic abilities in Hispanic dual language learners

Abstract This study with dual language learners builds on research within monolingual samples that explore important cross- domain links between mathematics and cognitive and linguistic skills. We use a series of univariate multiple regression models to examine the prediction of end-of-year kindergarten numeracy and applied problem solving from autoregressive numeracy and cognitive and linguistic abilities measured at the beginning of kindergarten (Wave 1). Participants included 270 Hispanic dual language learners. In addition to nonverbal IQ, pretest abilities were assessed at the beginning of kindergarten in English and Spanish, including numeracy, vocabulary, phonological short-term memory (STM), rapid autonomized naming, and phonological awareness. Results provided evidence of strong within language relations; however, English and Spanish Wave 1abilities were similarly predictive of English numeracy and applied problems solving at the end of kindergarten. From among Wave 1 abilities, autoregressive numeracy, nonverbal IQ, phonological STM, and vocabulary were the most consistent and strongest predictors of mathematics at the end of kindergarten.
Cell Mediated Lysis of Lymphocytes Expressing Bacterial Antigens

Two T cell subpopulations are involved in the primary in vitro response to allogeneic cells. The cytotoxic T lymphocyte (Tc) recognizes HLA-A, B, and C antigens. However, the Tc is activated to kill only after collaboration with a second sub-population, the helper T cell (Th), which responds proliferatively to HLA-D antigens (1). We have asked whether purified protein derivative (PPD) and soluble Candida antigens (CAN) can substitute for foreign HLA-D in providing a helper interaction to alloreactive Tc.
Strategies to Identify Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers: Candidate Gene, Pathway-Based, and Genome-Wide Approaches

Genetic inheritance plays a significant role in inter-individual variation of drug response (efficacy and toxicity). Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics are the studies of using genetic variations to predict drug response. The study methodology can be grouped into three approaches: a candidate gene approach, a pathway-based analysis, and a genome-wide analysis. The candidate gene approach has produced some striking examples of pharmacogenetic markers, but it also has resulted in numerous inconsistent associations. The pathway-based approach, which assesses the combined effects of a panel of polymorphisms that interact in the same pathway and/or different pathways, may amplify the effects of individual polymorphisms and enhance the predictive power. Both the candidate gene approach and the pathway-based approach are hypothesis-driven, relying on a priori knowledge of gene and polymorphism functions. In contrast, the genome-wide scan approach is a hypothesis-generating and discovery-driven approach, and no prior knowledge of the disease or drug action mechanisms is required. In this chapter, we highlight the major accomplishments and challenges of these three approaches and discuss the pros and cons of each.
Automatic Tumor Segmentation Using Machine Learning Classifiers

Segmentation of liver and tumor from abdominal Computed Tomography (CT) is important for proper planning and treatment of liver disease. Variable size, intensity overlap, and complexity of CT images probe a problem for a radiologist. These issues make accurate and reliable delineation of liver and tumor very difficult and time-consuming. So, an automatic method is desired and beneficial. In this paper, we propose a fully automatic method to segment both liver and tumor using an array of Gabor Filter (Gabor Bank(GB)) and Machine Learning (ML) classifiers: Random Forest (RF) and Deep Neural Network (DNN). First, GB extract pixel level Gabor features from CT images. Secondly, the liver is segmented using ML classifiers trained on Gabor features. Finally, tumor segmentation is done on the segmented liver image using the same approach as in liver segmentation. 31 CT image slices containing hepatic tumors from 3D-IRCADb (3D Image Reconstruction for Comparison of Algorithm Database) were used to validate our proposed method. For liver segmentation, the experimental result showed that the proposed method with RF classifier performed better than DNN, and can achieve high performance of 99.55% accuracy and 99.03% dice similarity coefficient. Also, for tumor segmentation, a similar conclusion was drawn.
A Review of Adaptive Microwave and RF Phased Arrays for Thermotherapy Treatment of Cancer

Adaptive microwave and radiofrequency (RF) phased arrays for thermotherapy treatment of cancer are described. Results from four clinical trials for wide-field focused microwave treatment of patients with invasive cancer in the intact breast are reviewed. A pre-clinical system that employs an adaptive nulling ring array for deep heating at VHF is described.
Laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is associated with an earlier return to activity: a study of 271 patients

The morbidly obese (MO) patient presents a unique challenge to pain control in the postoperative period due to associated comorbidities and the amplified impact of opiates. In order to reduce potential complications associated with narcotic use in the MO patient, multimodal analgesia has been advocated. In this study, we examined the effect of laparoscopic-guided transversus abdominis plane block (LG TAP) for further optimizing multimodal pain control. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 140 consecutive patients undergoing LSG without TAP block (pre-TAP group) compared to 131 patients undergoing LSG with LGTAP (TAP group). All operations were performed laparoscopically utilizing uniform clinical pathways. Baseline characteristics for both groups were comparable. Both groups received standardized anesthesia. Outcomes included time to postoperative ambulation, pain scores, PCA volume, length of hospital stay, utilization of oral opiate medications, and return to activity (RTA). Pre-TAP versus TAP groups were comparable, mean age 42 years (p = 0.99), women 81.4% versus 87.8% (p = 0.148), mean BMI (kg/m2) 46 versus 45 (p = 0.394). Most patients ambulated within 2 h after arrival to the floor (87.9% vs. 76.3%, p = 0.013). On postoperative day (POD) 1, mean reported pain score (0–10) was 4.50 vs. 5.06 (p = 0.063) and a mean PCA morphine used for 24 h was 26.3 mL versus 26 mL, p = 0.35. Mean days of postoperative opiate medication were 2.19 versus 1.24 (p < 0.001). Return to activity was 2.81 versus 2.08 days (p < 0.001). When controlled for age, BMI, OR time, PCA volume used, and average pain score, TAP block was an independent predictor of earlier return to activities (p < 0.001). LGTAP block following LSG is an additional valuable modality of pain control in the perioperative period. Our study shows that TAP block is associated with an earlier RTA and decreased opiate use in patients undergoing LSG.
Assessments of data centers for provision of frequency regulation

Abstract There are numerous opportunities for data centers to participate in demand response programs considering their large energy capacities, flexible working environments and workloads, redundant design and operation, etc. As a type of demand response, frequency regulation requires fast response, and its potential is not fully explored by data centers yet. This paper proposes a synergistic control strategy for data center frequency regulation which uses both IT and cooling systems. It combines power management techniques at the server level with control of the chilled water supply temperature to track the regulation signal from the electrical market. A frequency regulation flexibility factor is also proposed to increase the IT capacity for frequency regulation. The performance of the control strategy is studied through numerical simulations using an equation-based object-oriented Modelica platform designed for data centers. Simulation results show that with well-tuned control parameters, data centers can provide frequency regulation service in both regulation up and down. The performance of data centers in providing frequency regulation service is largely influenced by the regulation capacity bid, frequency regulation flexibility factor, workload condition, and cooling mode of the cooling system, and not significantly influenced by the time constant of chillers. In addition, compared with a server-only control strategy, the proposed synergistic control strategy can provide an extra regulation capacity of 3% of the design power when chillers are activated. When chillers are deactivated, both strategies have a similar regulation capacity.
Programming pluripotent stem cells: Can't teach an old cell new DNA replication tricks

Pluripotent stem cells differentiate with varying efficiencies depending on the method of reprogramming that created them. In this issue, Paniza et al. (2020. J. Cell Biol.https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201909163) demonstrate that cells with lower differentiation potential retain some features of somatic DNA replication origin utilization and suffer more frequent DNA damage.
Abstract 4377: HDAC inhibitors enhance ESR2 expression and augment response to ESR2 agonist therapy

Background: Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most common and lethal primary brain tumors that have dismal survival rates. The estrogen receptor β (ESR2) functions as a tumor suppressor in glioblastoma (GBM). However, ESR2 expression is commonly suppressed during glioma progression with low expression in higher grades. In this study, we explored the hypothesis that aberrant epigenetic changes may contribute to loss of expression of the ESR2 and drugs that reverse these modifications will enhance ESR2 agonist-mediated tumor suppression by upregulating ESR2 expression. Methods: We tested utility of epigenetic drugs currently in clinical trials which acts as inhibitor of HDAC (Belinostat, Givinostat, panobinostat, romidepsin), DNMT (Decitabine), histone methylases (BIX-01294) and Bet enzymes (I-BET151) in upregulating ESR2 using both established and primary GBM models. The effect of combination therapy of HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) along ESR2 agonist was evaluated using cell viability, colony formation, Caspase 3/7, TUNEL, and neurosphere formation assays. Mechanistic studies were performed using Western blot, qRT-PCR, ChIP and ERE reporter assays. The efficacy of combination therapy in vivo was examined using orthotopic models of GBM and mouse survival was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: Of all inhibitors tested, only two HDACis (panobinostat and romidepsin) showed the potential to increase the expression of ESR2 in established GBM model cells (U87 and U251). Upregulation of ESR2 by HDACi was also validated using primary GBM cells. Treatment with panobinostat or romidepsin uniquely upregulated ESR2 isoform-1 expression that functions as a tumor suppressor but not the ERS2 isoform-5 that drives oncogenic functions. Further, combination therapy of panobinostat with ESR2 agonist LY500307 synergistically reduced cell viability, colony formation and enhanced apoptosis. Mechanistic studies showed that panobinostat induced ESR2 is functional, as it enhanced ESR2 mediated ERE-, SP1-, AP1- reporter activities and ESR target genes involved in apoptosis. ChIP analysis confirmed alteration in the histone acetylation in the ESR2 promoter region. In orthotopic GBM models, combination therapy of panobinostat and LY500307 enhanced survival of tumor-bearing mice. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the combination therapy of HDACIs and LY500307 provides therapeutic utility in overcoming the suppression of ESR2 expression that commonly occurs in GBM progression. Supported by NIH grant CA178499 (RKV) Citation Format: Uday P. Pratap, Gangadhara R. Sareddy, Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli, Weiwei Tang, Prabhakar Pitta Venkata, Junhao Liu, Rajeshwar R. Tekmal, Andrew Brenner, Ratna K. Vadlamudi. HDAC inhibitors enhance ESR2 expression and augment response to ESR2 agonist therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 4377.
Default Risk under Different Colours of Noise

In this study we theoretically simulate default risk scenarios under various economic noises. We find that firms default more quickly with stronger economic shocks but simultaneously expose higher default probabilities during their deterioration, offering traders better visibility. When the macroeconomic environment exhibits positive autocorrelation, the volatility of assets’ value increases with corporate creditworthiness, and vice versa. While positive autocorrelation forces liquidation more swiftly even for firms with higher risk tolerance, counter-cyclical economic movements reduce default risk for firms with greater sustainability. When a series of economic noises exhibits higher autocorrelation, although average default probabilities decline, firms tend to default more rapidly, making it tougher for traders to predict corporate failure.
Failure of Three-Tab Shingles Subjected to Wind Gusts Up To 150 MPH: A DIC Based Study

Premature failure of asphalt-shingled roofing systems due to high winds is a major financial issue in the United States. In this study, the mechanism for sealant separation in three-tab shingle systems is evaluated experimentally using (a) in-situ StereoDIC measurements of the deformations in a model shingled roof system subject to wind gusts up to 150 mph and (b) separate fracture experiments for the sealant material to obtain the traction-separation relationship as a function of bonding parameters including temperature and pressure. Results from the series of fracture experiments showed that lower bonding temperatures (55 °C) resulted in partial sealing of the shingles, with separation characterized by adhesive failure of the sealant during wind loading. Shingles with sealant bonding at higher temperature (70 °C) remained intact for more than 2 hours when subjected to wind speeds up to 150 mph.
The role of mentorship on social engagement among adolescents with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract Background One primary component of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is difficulty with social communication and interaction. These challenges may impede upon postsecondary education and/or employment outcomes of young adults with ASD. Prior to the postsecondary transition, programming for adolescents mainly focuses on social skills training, although there are limitations in the generalizability of skills. Emerging work is beginning to explore the use of peer and adult mentors in benefiting social functioning among adolescents with ASD. Despite the benefits of adult mentorship among other populations, limited work has been conducted with students with ASD. Method This study utilized National Survey of Children’s Health data on 27,417 adolescents with an assessed diagnosis of ASD. The data also accounted for the presence of adult mentorship, and the level of social engagement. The current study sought to examine the moderating role of adult mentorship in the association between ASD status and social engagement. Results As expected, adolescents with ASD had significantly lower levels of social engagement compared to peers. Adult mentorship was found to moderate the association between ASD status and social engagement when controlling for the adolescent’s age, ASD severity, family income level, presence of intellectual disability, and sex. Importantly, adolescents with ASD who had an adult mentor demonstrated a level of social engagement higher than their non-mentored typically-developing peers. Conclusions Findings support the implementation of formal adult mentors to facilitate improvements in social functioning prior to the postsecondary transition.
The Presence and Potential Role of ALDH1A2 in the Glioblastoma Microenvironment

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignant glioma. Therapeutic targeting of GBM is made more difficult due to its heterogeneity, resistance to treatment, and diffuse infiltration into the brain parenchyma. Better understanding of the tumor microenvironment should aid in finding more effective management of GBM. GBM-associated macrophages (GAM) comprise up to 30% of the GBM microenvironment. Therefore, exploration of GAM activity/function and their specific markers are important for developing new therapeutic agents. In this study, we identified and evaluated the expression of ALDH1A2 in the GBM microenvironment, and especially in M2 GAM, though it is also expressed in reactive astrocytes and multinucleated tumor cells. We demonstrated that M2 GAM highly express ALDH1A2 when compared to other ALDH1 family proteins. Additionally, GBM samples showed higher expression of ALDH1A2 when compared to low-grade gliomas (LGG), and this expression was increased upon tumor recurrence both at the gene and protein levels. We demonstrated that the enzymatic product of ALDH1A2, retinoic acid (RA), modulated the expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in macrophages, but not in GBM tumor cells. Thus, the expression of ALDH1A2 may promote the progressive phenotype of GBM.
Rapid unseparated rare earth element analyses by isotope dilution multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-MC-ICP-MS)

Abstract We present a method for analyzing rare earth elements (REEs) by isotope dilution without separation of individual elements. Utilizing a Nu Plasma 2 multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) equipped with an Aridus II desolvation nebulizer, sample introduction tuning parameters (torch position, gas flows) were investigated and used to minimize oxide formation (e.g., NdO/Nd
Rhinology Medicare reimbursements have not been keeping up with inflation.

Background Studies have suggested that physicians are steadily being paid less per Medicare service over time based on inflation-adjusted dollars. The objective of this study was to determine whether this phenomenon was true for rhinologic procedures. Methods This study was a retrospective analysis of the 2000-2021 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Physician Fee Schedule investigating fees for in-office endoscopies (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 31231-31238), in-office balloon ostial dilation (CPTs 31295-31298), in-facility low-relative value unit (RVU) surgeries ( 10 wRVUs; CPTs 31290-31294). Total number of and reimbursements for these services was obtained from yearly National Part B Summary Datafiles. Results Between 2000 and 2021, adjusted reimbursements for low- and high-wRVU rhinologic surgeries decreased by 50.0% and 36.1%, respectively. The average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) decrease was 3.3% and 2.1%, respectively. Excluding a 48.3% unadjusted reimbursement increase between 2000 and 2004, endoscopies saw an adjusted reimbursement decrease of 29.4% from 2004 onward, an average CAGR of -2.1%. From 2011 onward, balloon ostial dilations saw a decrease in adjusted reimbursement of 43.8%, an average CAGR of -6.0%. Nevertheless, after inflation adjustment, National Part B data reveal that Medicare paid more, in total, for these procedures in 2019 than in 2000 due to increasing utilization. Conclusion Medicare reimbursements are complex, adjusted yearly, and undergo constant federal scrutiny due to the increasing costs of health care. These results suggest that, in terms of real dollars, rhinologic procedures have seen a large gradual decrease in Medicare reimbursement, which is important information for policymakers and surgeons alike.
Image-Based Motion Correction

This chapter will discuss dedicated machine learning techniques for motion management using imaging information. We will cover a wide range of well-established machine learning techniques, including principal component analysis, linear discriminant analysis, artificial neural networks, and support vector machine, etc. Motion management techniques including both respiratory gating and real-time tumor tracking will be discussed. In this chapter, we will demonstrate how to utilize domain-specific knowledge and prior imaging information to achieve more accurate and robust motion management in radiotherapy. Finally, future research directions in the clinical applications of machine learning for motion management will be discussed.
Barmentoring: mentoring and critical nursing behaviors among novice nurses in clinical nursing practice.

The findings of this pilot study provide some support that there is a significant positive relationship between the level of achievement rating of critical case (basic psychomotor skills) and the level of barmentoring (encouragement) of novice nurses in clinical nursing practice. The leadership gained from the developmental refinement of the mentor/protege relationship is a key to acting and thinking as a professional in nursing practice. Although the mentor/protege relationship may contribute to personal and professional goal attainment, mentoring should not be regarded as a panacea, but as one modality for enhancing professional development (Messner, 1991; Yoder, 1990). The limitations of the study include a fairly homogenous sample, self-reported data, and lack of knowledge of the sample's preceptors. The sample size notably affects the generalizability of the findings as well as the statistical findings in the study.
Usefulness and limitations of laboratory and hepatic imaging studies in iron-storage disease.

Abstract Liver biopsy with measurement of hepatic iron concentration is the most certain procedure for evaluation of iron-storage disease, although use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging procedures recently have been proposed as alternative, noninvasive methods for estimating the degree of iron overload. The results of these imaging procedures were compared with those of other noninvasive techniques and liver biopsies in 48 patients. Final diagnoses, based on synthesis of clinical and laboratory data, included (a) primary hemochromatosis (n = 25; 19 homozygous, 6 heterozygous); (b) secondary hemochromatosis (n = 7); (c) alcoholic liver disease (n = 11); (d) chronic active hepatitis (n = 3); and (e) other (n = 2). Serum ferritin and computed tomography or magnetic resonance scanning had 100% sensitivity in detecting hepatic iron overload more than fivefold above the upper limit of normal (>10.7 μmol Fe/100 mg dry liver) but did not detect lesser degrees of iron overload reliably, including those found in 6 of 13 patients with untreated homozygous primary hemochromatosis and 3 of 7 with secondary hemochromatosis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were more specific than ferritin (64% and 92% vs. 21%) in the detection of iron excess, more than five times the upper limit of normal. Among magnetic resonance imaging measures, the ratio of the second echo signal intensities of liver to paraspinous muscle was the most sensitive and most specific for detection of this degree of iron overload. The degree of correlation between hepatic iron concentration and results of noninvasive laboratory or imaging studies were insufficient to permit prediction of hepatic iron content by noninvasive studies alone. It is concluded that computed tomography or magnetic resonance scanning as currently usually used is not cost-effective in routine evaluation of iron overload, although these imaging procedures may play a role in patients in whom liver biopsy is contraindicated. Because of their low cost and ready availability, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation tests remain the preferred screening studies for iron overload. Liver biopsy with quantitative iron measurement remains the study of choice for the definitive diagnosis of hemochromatosis.
Religious Ideology and Lethality - Does Religious Sect Have an Effect on the Lethality of a Terrorist Organization?

There is a gap in research focusing on religious ideology and lethality of a terrorist organization. Determining the ideology of a group is problematic, as many terrorist groups have overlapping ideologies. This paper is a case study analysis of two lethal organizations that base their actions and decisions clearly on religious grounds. Hezbollah is a terrorist organization following Shi’a Islam and al Qaeda declares Sunni ideology. Both organizations have an Islamic ideology with important and significant divergences that need to be understood for effective counter terrorism strategies. Ideology plays a critical role in constructing a world view of the members of the terrorist organizations but as seen in both the case studies i.e. Hezbollah and al Qaeda, ideology is not a stagnant or dormant point of reference, but rather it is constantly developing and evolving.
Effective radiography clinical instructor characteristics.

Objective To identify effective clinical instructor behaviors that lead to successful clinical experiences, to designate ineffective behaviors that contributed to poor clinical experiences and to identify any differences between instructor and student perceptions. Methods A survey was e-mailed to 10 radiography program directors in New Jersey, along with a request to administer the survey to second-year students in their programs and each program's clinical instructors. The survey asked students and their clinical instructors to rank the importance of behavioral characteristics of clinical instructors. Results For clinical instructors, the most important characteristics were "demonstrates knowledge and clinical skill," "explains concepts and decisions clearly," "demonstrates objectivity and fairness when evaluating students' clinical performance" and "is approachable, accessible and available to the students during clinical hours." The students' ranking of the most important behavioral characteristics matched those of the clinical instructors. Conclusion Although the students and instructors demonstrated different views, clinical instructors knew what the students perceive to be the most important behavioral characteristic of clinical instructors. This may be because New Jersey has strong clinical instructor requirements and because clinical instructors surveyed had extensive experience. However, because of the clinical instructor's importance, formal certification or training of clinical instructors could improve the clinical component of radiography programs.
High fidelity sorting of remarkably similar components via metal-mediated assembly.

Subtle differences in ligand coordination angle and rigidity lead to high fidelity sorting between individual components displaying identical coordination motifs upon metal-mediated self-assembly. Narcissistic self-sorting can be achieved between highly similar ligands that vary minimally in rigidity and internal coordination angle upon combination with Fe(II) ions and 2-formylpyridine. Selective, sequential cage formation can be precisely controlled in a single flask from a mix of three different core ligands (and 33 total components) differing only in the hybridization of one group that is uninvolved in the metal coordination process.
On the regularity analysis of interpolatory Hermite subdivision schemes

Abstract It is well known that the critical Holder regularity of a subdivision schemes can typically be expressed in terms of the joint-spectral radius (JSR) of two operators restricted to a common finite-dimensional invariant subspace. In this article, we investigate interpolatory Hermite subdivision schemes in dimension one and specifically those with optimal accuracy orders. The latter include as special cases the well-known Lagrange interpolatory subdivision schemes by Deslauriers and Dubuc. We first show how to express the critical Holder regularity of such a scheme in terms of the joint-spectral radius of a matrix pair { F 0 , F 1 } given in a very explicit form. While the so-called finiteness conjecture for JSR is known to be not true in general, we conjecture that for such matrix pairs arising from Hermite interpolatory schemes of optimal accuracy orders a “strong finiteness conjecture” holds: ρ ( F 0 , F 1 ) = ρ ( F 0 ) = ρ ( F 1 ) . We prove that this conjecture is a consequence of another conjectured property of Hermite interpolatory schemes which, in turn, is connected to a kind of positivity property of matrix polynomials. We also prove these conjectures in certain new cases using both time and frequency domain arguments; our study here strongly suggests the existence of a notion of “positive definiteness” for non-Hermitian matrices.
THE COSTS OF ALTERNATIVE AIR BASE STOCKING AND REQUISITIONING POLICIES

Abstract : A mathematical and statistical study of the supply operations at a typical Air Force base is made. The objective of the study is to determine the effect upon support cost of different logistics policies, involving changes in safety level and requisitioning frequency. This effect is found to vary according to the price and demand rate of the item being considered, and the study indicates that large monetary savings can be realized by adopting different stocking and requisitioning policies dependent upon item demand and price. Thus, the study indicates that it is more economical to have items costing under $10 requisitioned from the depot every three or six months, rather than every month, even if obsolescence charges on base stocks are as high as 50 per cent per year. The study has also indicated that standby stockage of cheap (under $10), low demand items is desirable because the cost of such stockage tends to be less than the costs incurred by premium supply action when a demand for such an item arises. (Author)
Relevance of the C-Statistic When Evaluating Risk-Adjustment Models in Surgery

Background The measurement of hospital quality based on outcomes requires risk adjustment. The c-statistic is a popular tool used to judge model performance, but can be limited, particularly when evaluating specific operations in focused populations. Our objectives were to examine the interpretation and relevance of the c-statistic when used in models with increasingly similar case mix and to consider an alternative perspective on model calibration based on a graphical depiction of model fit. Study Design From the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (2008−2009), patients were identified who underwent a general surgery procedure, and procedure groups were increasingly restricted: colorectal-all, colorectal-elective cases only, and colorectal-elective cancer cases only. Mortality and serious morbidity outcomes were evaluated using logistic regression-based risk adjustment, and model c-statistics and calibration curves were used to compare model performance. Results During the study period, 323,427 general, 47,605 colorectal-all, 39,860 colorectal-elective, and 21,680 colorectal cancer patients were studied. Mortality ranged from 1.0% in general surgery to 4.1% in the colorectal-all group, and serious morbidity ranged from 3.9% in general surgery to 12.4% in the colorectal-all procedural group. As case mix was restricted, c-statistics progressively declined from the general to the colorectal cancer surgery cohorts for both mortality and serious morbidity (mortality: 0.949 to 0.866; serious morbidity: 0.861 to 0.668). Calibration was evaluated graphically by examining predicted vs observed number of events over risk deciles. For both mortality and serious morbidity, there was no qualitative difference in calibration identified between the procedure groups. Conclusions In the present study, we demonstrate how the c-statistic can become less informative and, in certain circumstances, can lead to incorrect model-based conclusions, as case mix is restricted and patients become more homogenous. Although it remains an important tool, caution is advised when the c-statistic is advanced as the sole measure of a model performance.
Associations with myocardial infarction of six polymorphisms selected from a three-stage genome-wide association study.

Background Coronary heart disease, including its clinical manifestation, myocardial infarction (MI), is a common, complex disease with a substantive genetic component. State-of-the-art genetic epidemiology evaluates thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in association with disease cases and controls. In an independent but demographically similar population, this study tested 6 SNPs that were previously reported to be associated with MI. Methods Patients hospitalized for an acute MI (n = 413) at an early age (men ROS1 , TAS2R50 , OR13G1 , and ZNF627 . Results Findings were not different from the null hypothesis, with ZNF627 (AG vs. GG: odds ratio [OR] 1.47, P = .16; AA vs. GG: OR 1.20, P = .50) and both ROS1 SNPs (GG vs AA: OR 0.72, P = .21; CC vs GG: OR 0.74, P = .24) showing potentially interesting ORs but nonsignificant probabilities. After full adjustment for all SNPs and covariables, only the ZNF627 heterozygote genotype had OR >1.5 ( P = .14). Comparison of MI cases with controls without obstructive coronary artery disease and analyses stratified by sex provided similar findings. Conclusions Six SNPs previously reported to be associated with MI were not validated, suggesting that further investigation is needed to verify the applicability of those SNPs to cardiovascular medicine. These findings emphasize the high potential for false-positive results even in staged genome-wide association studies and further emphasize the need for continued refinement of cardiovascular genetic methodologies for clinical application.
Whatever happened to geniponics

Premium, plentiful produce that can be grown virtually anywhere year round was the goal in the 1970s of a team of engineers at General Electric's Syracuse, N.Y., facility. A variation on hydroponics-growing plants in nutrient solution rather than soil-Geniponics survived a 1980 sale to Control Data Corp. but went down in 1984 before rising electricity prices. However, similar systems live on in controlled-environment research at numerous universities and research centers.
H2O2-INDUCED FILAMIN REDISTRIBUTION IN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS IS MODULATED BY THE CYCLIC AMP-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE PATHWAY

Hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in vitro causes endothelial cell cytoskeletal rearrangement that is related to increased monolayer permeability. Nonmuscle filamin (ABP-280) promotes orthogonal branching of F-actin and links microfilaments to membrane glycoproteins. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers are exposed to H2O2 (100 microM) for 1-60 min, with or without modulators of cAMP-dependent second-messenger pathways, and evaluated for changes in filamin distribution, cAMP levels, and the formation of gaps at interendothelial junctions. Filamin translocates from the membrane-cytoskeletal interface to the cytosol within 1 min of exposure to H2O2. This is associated with a decrease in endothelial cell cAMP levels from 83 pmoles/mg protein to 15 pmoles/mg protein. Intercellular gaps form 15 min after H2O2 treatment and progressively increase in number and diameter through 60 min. Both filamin redistribution and actin redistribution are associated with decreased phosphorylation of filamin and are prevented by activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway. A synthetic peptide corresponding to filamin's C-terminal, cAMP-dependent, protein kinase phosphorylation site effectively induces filamin translocation and intercellular gap formation, which suggests that decreased phosphorylation of filamin at this site causes filamin redistribution and destabilization of junctions. These data indicate that H2O2-induced filamin redistribution and interendothelial cell gap formation result from inhibition of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase pathway.
Invertible finite elements for robust simulation of large deformation

We present an algorithm for the finite element simulation of elastoplastic solids which is capable of robustly and efficiently handling arbitrarily large deformation. In fact, our model remains valid even when large parts of the mesh are inverted. The algorithm is straightforward to implement and can be used with any material constitutive model, and for both volumetric solids and thin shells such as cloth. We also provide a mechanism for controlling plastic deformation, which allows a deformable object to be guided towards a desired final shape without sacrificing realistic behavior. Finally, we present an improved method for rigid body collision handling in the context of mixed explicit/implicit time-stepping.
Stress Analysis of Peripheral Stents Using Photogrammetric Deformation Tracking

Peripheral artery stents are commonly used as an alternative to invasive treatment for atherosclerosis. Design of stents has traditionally relied on structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Correct representation of kinematic boundary conditions in FEA models is very important for stent design. Moreover, real-time tracking of stent deformations and subsequent calculations of stresses can be potentially used during the endovascular procedures. The medical imaging data stream can be used for photogrammetric measurements of stent deformations. In this study, a method is proposed to couple FEA stress simulations with real-time image analysis. A customized testing machine was designed and fabricated to apply tension, twisting, and three points bending to various stents. A CCD camera was used to capture stent deflection images at 30 frames per second. Image processing algorithms and code were developed to identify stent boundaries and to measure deformation modes. The obtained deformations were applied as boundary conditions to FEA stent models. Stresses developed at different regions in the stent structure were observed and points of maximum stresses were recorded.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Social Class and Mass Environmental Beliefs A Reconsideration

The previous literature on the socioeconomic correlates of environmental concern places great stress on the middle class being more supportive of environmental agendas than the working or lower soc...
Sexual Assault in Prison and Beyond: Toward an Understanding of Lifetime Sexual Assault Among Incarcerated Women

Although several studies have examined consensual sexual activity in female correctional institutions, there has been little research conducted on in-prison sexual assault among incarcerated females. The present study examines 436 female inmates in a large Southern prison system and explores demographic characteristics as predictors of sexual victimization. Of the women in the sample, 68.4% reported lifetime sexual victimization, and 17.2% reported in-prison sexual victimization. Consistent with previous research, 3.0% of the entire sample reported being the victim of a completed prison rape. Significant demographic predictors were revealed for lifetime sexual victimization but not for in-prison sexual victimization. Implications for correctional policy based on research findings are discussed.
Location of Neutron Single-Particle Levels from Stripping Reactions

A stripping process, for example (d,p), is extremely useful in the study of the single-particle states of the nuclear shell model. Two of the simplest experimental measurements, the cross sections for excitation of the various states of the final nucleus and the angular distributions of the proton groups corresponding to these states, give essentially all of the pertinent information. (R.E.U.)
Synthesis of the 84,000 dalton protein in normal and heat shocked Drosophila melanogaster cells as detected by specific antibody

Abstract The 84,000 dalton heat shock protein from Drosophila melanogaster has been purified by ammonium sulphate fractionation, hydroxyapatite chromatography, and gel electrophoresis. An antiserum directed against this protein has been prepared. Indirect immunoprecipitation experiments using this antiserum have shown that this protein is synthesized under normal conditions in at least three different tissues representing animals at different developmental stages, including salivary glands from larvae and prepupae.
Unraveling progressive supranuclear palsy: from the bedsideback to the bench

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) typically presents with a gradual onset and progressive course of symmetric levodopa-unresponsive parkinsonism characterized by postural instability with falls, supranuclear vertical gaze palsy, dysarthria, dysphagia, and cognitive and behavioral disturbances. Though the clinical course is variable, the typical presentation is usually associated with mortality at 5-9 years after symptom onset. The pathological hallmark of PSP is widespread neuronal cell loss with deposition of aggregated hyperphosphorylated tau, particularly within the midbrain. Etiology remains elusive, but a variable combination of genetic, environmental, oxidative stress, and inflammatory factors may all contribute. Genetic advances have confirmed the H1 tau haplotype on chromosome 17q21.31 to be associated with PSP, while the H2 haplotype seems protective. With greater knowledge of the molecular and genetic aspects of PSP, we can expect future diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to be more effectively met.
Multicomponent composites, electrical networks and new types of continued fraction. I

The development of bounds on the complex effective conductivity tensor σ* (that relates the average current to the average electric field in a multicomponent composite) has been hindered by lack of a suitable continued-fraction representation for σ*. Here a new field equation recursion method is developed which gives an expression for σ* as a continued fraction of a novel form incorporating as coefficients the component conductivities and a set of fundamental geometric parameters reflecting the composite geometry. A hierarchy of field equations is set up such that the solutions of the (j+1)th-order equation generate the solutions of thejth-order equation. Consequently the effective tensor Ω(j) associated with thejth-order field equation is expressible as a fractional linear matrix transformation of Ω(j+1). These transformations combine to form the continued fraction expansion for σ*=Ω(0) which is exploited in the following paper, Part II, to obtain bounds: crude bounds on Ω(j), forj≧1, give narrow bounds on σ*. The continued fraction is a generalization to multivariate functions of the continued fraction expansion of single variable Stieltjes functions that proved important in the development of the theory of Pade approximants, asymptotic analysis, and the theory of orthogonal polynomials in the last century. The results extend to other transport problems, including conduction in polycrystalline media, the viscoelasticity of composites, and the response of multicomponent, multiterminal linear electrical networks.
Global Financial Turmoil and Emerging Market Economies: Major Contagion and a Shocking Loss of Wealth?

A year ago, the prospects for Emerging Economies (EE) looked very promising. There were concerns about the effect of a shallow recession in the US, but the general perception was that Asia and, to a large extent, Latin America and other regions were doing well. Most thought they had ‘decoupled’ from the advanced economies, and the emerging markets would grow with few restrictions.Since then, the financial crisis has become the worst in the last fifty years. The complex and wide-ranging interaction between the financial world and the real economy already has begun to have serious consequences for the emerging economies. Whereas the conditions in the financial markets have tended to stabilise from the unsustainable position of September–October of 2008, the real economy is weakening and the prospects for an early recovery are remote. Commodity prices have declined by about one half from their peak; demand for manufactured goods is declining sharply all over the world; stock market valuations have declined b...
The effect of bulk compensation on the sorption-dependent semiconductivity of thin evaporated CdS films

Abstract The effect of compensation on the chemisorption-dependent semiconductivity of thin evaporated CdS films is described. An exponential surface state distribution is associated with the chemisorption.