cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet light-induced modification of crosslinked hyaluronan gels.

Hyaluronan (HA) gels (hylans) crosslinked with divinyl sulfone (DVS) are highly biocompatible and can be structurally modified to obtain desired mechanical properties that are attractive for their use as tissue-engineering scaffolds. However, unmodified hylan gels are not good substrates for cell attachment or infiltration, likely as a result of their smooth surface and the highly anionic nature of HA. This study investigated whether the cell-adhering characteristics of hylan gels could be enhanced by irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light, with or without prior dehydration. The attachment and proliferation of neonatal rat smooth muscle cells atop these gels was compared with that on unmodified (control; C) or dehydrated (D) gels. UV-induced changes to gel structure and chemistry were characterized by confocal and electron microscopy, and fluorphore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). Cell attachment was sparse on both unmodified (C) and dehydrated (D) gels. Significantly higher levels of cell attachment were observed on the surface of irradiated (UV) and dehydrated-irradiated (DUV) gels, likely because of texturing of the gel surface by UV light. In addition, dehydration of gels before UV irradiation created irregular pore-like structures through which cells appeared to migrate into the interior. FACE assays demonstrated that UV-irradiation alters the chemistry of HA, causing limited breakdown of HA chains and DVS crosslinks within gel and possibly creating new crosslinks that have not yet been identified. Because the hylan gels are altered structurally and chemically, binding of cells to the material is likely to be more permanent than possible by other approaches, such as coating of cell-adhesive matrix factors on the gel surface, described previously. The significance of this work is that we have developed a technique for the modification of DVS-crosslinked HA (hylans) to enhance their performance as a cellular scaffold for tissue-engineering applications.
Adenosquamous Carcinoma of the Pancreas: A Single-Institution Experience Comparing Resection and Palliative Care

Background Adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare malignancy of the exocrine pancreas. Previous literature has reported dismal survival for these patients. We examined our single-institution experience with this tumor to compare survival for sugical resection and palliative therapy. Study design Records were reviewed for patients with adenosquamous pancreatic cancer evaluated during the years 1985 to 2003. Pathology specimens were reviewed. Survival was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method and categorical variables were compared with Chi-square analysis. A p value Results Twenty-three patients were identified with adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas. Twelve patients underwent curative resection and 11 patients had either no surgery or a palliative bypass procedure. For the resection group the mean age was 69 years (7 men). In the nonoperative group the mean age was 65 years (6 men). Operative procedures included standard pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), 4 patients; pyloruspreserving PD, 3 patients; and distal pancreatectomy, 5 patients. Median length of stay was 13.5 days (7–30 d). Morbidity included delayed gastric emptying (4 patients), leak (2 patients), superficial skin infection, abscess, and GI bleed (1 patient each). There was no operative or inhospital mortality in the resection group. For R0 resection median survival was 14.4 months compared to 8 months for R1 and 4.8 months for patients undergoing palliative therapies. Conclusions The retrospective review of our single-institution experience with resection and palliative care for adenosquamous cancer of the pancreas has demonstrated a longer survival for patients that can undergo an R0 resection. Although this is a small series we continue to recommend resection for these patients.
Characterization of large peptide fragments derived from the N-terminal domain of the ribosomal protein L9: definition of the minimum folding motif and characterization of local electrostatic interactions.

A set of peptides derived from the N-terminal domain of the ribosomal protein L9 (NTL9) have been characterized in an effort to define the minimum unit of this domain required to fold and to provide model peptides for the analysis of electrostatic interactions in the unfolded state. NTL9 is a 56-residue α−β protein with a β1−loop−β2−α1−β3−α2 topology. The β-sheet together with the first helix comprise a simple example of a common supersecondary motif called the split β−α−β fold. Peptides corresponding to the β1−loop−β2 unit are unstructured even when constrained by an introduced disulfide. The pKas of Asp-8 and Glu-17 in these peptides are slightly lower than the values found for shorter peptides but are considerably higher than the values in NTL9. A 34-residue peptide, which represents the β1−loop−β2−α1 portion of NTL9, is also unstructured. In contrast, a 39-residue peptide corresponding to the entire split β−α−β motif is folded and monomeric as judged by near- and far-UV CD, two-dimensional NMR, ANS bi...
Age-related patterns of factors associated with completed suicide in men with alcohol dependence.

Seven factors associated with completed suicide among male alcoholics were investigated to determine if victims of differing ages would show different patterns of factors. Data on 56 male alcoholic suicide victims were collected post-mortem. Subjects were divided into three age groups: 21-34, 35-49, and 50 years. Consistent with the hypotheses, unemployment and recent loss due to separation from a domestic partner were more likely with younger age, and serious medical problems and mood disorders were associated with increased age. There were no differences on other presumed risk factors among the age groups. Results suggest that factors associated with suicide may cluster in male alcoholics of differing ages, with implications for risk recognition and intervention. (Am J Addict 1999;8:312-318)
Alemtuzumab with Rapid Steroid Taper in Simultaneous Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation: Comparison to Induction with Antithymocyte Globulin

We compared our experience with alemtuzumab induction and rapid steroid taper (RST) in simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation (SKPT) with a historic control group who received rabbit antithymocyte globulin (r-ATG) induction with RST. 74 SKPTs performed at our center between January 2005 to November 2008 who underwent immunosuppression with RST in combination with r-ATG induction (n = 33; 1.5 mg/kg x 4 for a total dose of 6 mg/kg) or alemtuzumab induction (n = 41; 30 mg single dose). Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Steroids were discontinued after postoperative day 4. Recipient and transplant characteristics were similar between the 2 groups, with 82% of the r-ATG and 80% of the alemtuzumab group steroid free at 1 year. The rate of clinical acute rejection episodes was 12% in the r-ATG group and 15% in the alemtuzumab group. The rates of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, BK nephropathy, and graft survival were similar between the 2 groups. There was no difference in mean serum creatinine, calculated GFR, or fasting blood sugar at 1 year between the 2 groups, whereas glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was lower at 1 year in the alemtuzumab (5.3 +/- 0.4) versus the r-ATG group (5.6 +/- 0.4; P = .0021). Induction with r-ATG or alemtuzumab with RST was safe and effective in SKPT. The incidences of acute rejection episodes, CMV infection, and BK nephropathy were similar. Mean HbA1C at 1 year was lower among the alemtuzumab group. Further long-term follow-up is needed to confirm these results.
The MIMIC Model as a Tool for Differential Bundle Functioning Detection

Increasingly, researchers interested in identifying potentially biased test items are encouraged to use a confirmatory, rather than exploratory, approach. One such method for confirmatory testing is rooted in differential bundle functioning (DBF), where hypotheses regarding potential differential item functioning (DIF) for sets of items (bundles) are developed based on the substantive nature of the items and expected differences in group performance. Most often, analyses of these bundles for DBF have been conducted using simultaneous item bias test (SIBTEST). The goal of the current study was to introduce an alternative methodology for DBF detection based on the multiple indicators multiple cause (MIMIC) model and to compare this alternative with the traditional SIBTEST-based approach using a Monte Carlo simulation study. The results of this study showed that the MIMIC model performed as well as SIBTEST in ideal conditions, and better when the reference and focal groups had different means on the primary ...
Spitefulness and deficits in the social–perceptual and social–cognitive components of Theory of Mind

Abstract The relationship between spitefulness and Theory of Mind (ToM; the ability to represent and reason about the mental states of others) has been neglected in studies of personality. However, we expected that deficits in ToM would be more likely to occur in individuals with higher levels of spitefulness compared to those with lower levels of spitefulness given their tendency to behave aggressively and their lack of concern for the well-being of others. To examine the associations between spitefulness and ToM, we conducted two studies. In Study 1, we examined the connection between spitefulness and a single indicator of ToM in a sample of 450 community members. In Study 2, we examined the link between spitefulness and multiple indicators of ToM in a sample of 696 undergraduates. Across these two studies, spitefulness was found to be negatively associated with both social–perceptual and social–cognitive components of ToM such that individuals with spiteful tendencies exhibited greater difficulties understanding the mental states of other people.
Penalised spline estimation for generalised partially linear single-index models

Generalised linear models are frequently used in modeling the relationship of the response variable from the general exponential family with a set of predictor variables, where a linear combination of predictors is linked to the mean of the response variable. We propose a penalised spline (P-spline) estimation for generalised partially linear single-index models, which extend the generalised linear models to include nonlinear effect for some predictors. The proposed models can allow flexible dependence on some predictors while overcome the "curse of dimensionality". We investigate the P-spline profile likelihood estimation using the readily available R package mgcv, leading to straightforward computation. Simulation studies are considered under various link functions. In addition, we examine different choices of smoothing parameters. Simulation results and real data applications show effectiveness of the proposed approach. Finally, some large sample properties are established.
Organizational population dynamics and social change

The population ecology of organizations explores the effects of social and historical transformations on the world of organizations as well as the role of organizational population dynamics in shaping social change. This approach departs from mainstream theory by shifting focus from the organization to the population and from adaptation to selection. This paper examines the developments in this approach, particularly studies of the effects of social conditions and population composition on rates of founding and mortality. Studies of diverse populations over their complete histories reveal that these rates are shaped by competitive and institutional processes. The paper also considers three processes by which the dynamics of organizational populations might shape patterns of long-term social change. First, diversity affects the capacity of a society to respond to uncertain future changes. Second, increases in the diversity of organizations increases the diversity of careers, which in turn might decrease inequality. Third, processes that affect variations in numbers of organizations and forms affect levels of concentration of dominance and control in society.
Antinuclear antibody tests as a clinically selected screening procedure.

The use of a “whole-nuclei,” single-dilution, antinuclear antibody test as a clinically elective laboratory screening procedure was examined retrospectively. When used in this manner, 21% of the serum samples tested were positive and 26% of the positive tests represented repeat evaluations. The diagnosis and clinical and laboratory findings of 533 patients with demonstrable antinuclear antibodies were correlated. Of these, 72% had rheumatic disease, 47% were diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, and 16% were diagnosed as having primary hepatic disease or drug-induced lupus erythematosus. A speckled nuclear pattern was found to be least specific, and other nuclear patterns suggested certain diagnostic clusters.
Dragonfly unsteady aerodynamics - The role of the wing phase relations in controlling the produced flows

Daniel Saharon* and Marvin W. Luttges** #gf? 25'60 I ' Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado 80309-429 Visualizations of three-dimensional unsteady separated f low produced by a mechanically dr iven dragonfly wing kinematics model were collected and analyzed. Tandem wing effects were evaluated by comparison with effects produced by fore and aft wings tested individually. The effects of wing kinematics were studied with an emphasis on changes in the phase relations between fore and aft wings. Vortex structures produced by the mechanical model were quite similar to those elicited from tethered dragonflies in wind tunnel tests. The eight kinematic elements of the model wing beat were shortlived such that each yielded a specific transitional flow structure. Fore and aft wing phase differences produced flow structures that interacted, one with another, in d i f fer ing ways. Flow interactions were either constructive or destructive and yielded different wing flow interactions. Constructive flow interactions were evaluated in terms of integrating and fusing of vortex structures. Destructive flow interactions were evaluated in terms of vortex disruption, splitting and deflecting. The net results of these interactions were to enhance l i f t and thrust as seen in downwash and downstream flow structures.
Revisiting Rousseau’s Civil Religion

As divisive as the work undoubtedly remains, ‘On Civil Religion’ merits renewed attention. Possessing the courage of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s convictions and contradictions both, it offers a flawed yet productive confrontation with still-enduring politico-theological tensions and, more broadly, a compelling case for the pedagogical value of provocation. By pressing these debates upon our collective attention, he alerts us, in no uncertain terms, to the vital role contentiousness plays in civic affairs. And in potentially fanning the flames of this still-burning fire, Rousseau’s ‘purely civil profession of faith’ provokes us once again to reconsider the theoretical and practical reconciliation of religious and political institutions, all while pushing us – insistently, at times even unreasonably – down a path towards some form of democratic rapprochement. ‘On Civil Religion’ therefore reflects a tense dialectic between piety and profanity, pessimism and idealism, civility and intolerance, civic-mindedness a...
My Involvement with the Dyadic Derivative

My first encounter with the theory of compact Vilenkin groups occurred in 1968 when my Ph.D. advisor, Professor Daniel Waterman, asked me to read and study the paper [7] in which N. Ya. Vilenkin introduced these groups. This resulted in a series of papers, some of them with D. Waterman as co-author, in which various types of convergence of Vilenkin-Fourier series were discussed.
PUMI: Parallel Unstructured Mesh Infrastructure

The Parallel Unstructured Mesh Infrastructure (PUMI) is designed to support the representation of, and operations on, unstructured meshes as needed for the execution of mesh-based simulations on massively parallel computers. In PUMI, the mesh representation is complete in the sense of being able to provide any adjacency of mesh entities of multiple topologies in O(1) time, and fully distributed to support relationships of mesh entities across multiple memory spaces in a manner consistent with supporting massively parallel simulation workflows. PUMI's mesh maintains links to the high-level model definition in terms of a model topology as produced by CAD systems, and is specifically designed to efficiently support evolving meshes as required for mesh generation and adaptation. To support the needs of parallel unstructured mesh simulations, PUMI also supports a specific set of services such as the migration of mesh entities between parts while maintaining the mesh adjacencies, maintaining read-only mesh entity copies from neighboring parts (ghosting), repartitioning parts as the mesh evolves, and dynamic mesh load balancing.Here we present the overall design, software structures, example programs, and performance results. The effectiveness of PUMI is demonstrated by its applications to massively parallel adaptive simulation workflows.
Evaluation of controls on silicate weathering in tropical mountainous rivers: Insights from the Isthmus of Panama

The Isthmus of Panama comprises a lithologically diverse andesitic oceanic arc of Late Cretaceous to Holocene age; it has large spatial variation in rainfall, displays a large range of physical erosion rates, and, therefore, is an ideal location to examine silicate weathering in the tropics. We use a multiyear data set of river chemistry for a 450 km transect across the Cordillera Central of west-central Panama to investigate controls on chemical weathering in tropical small mountainous rivers. Sea-salt corrected cation weathering yields (Casil + Mgsil + Na + K) range over more than an order in magnitude from 3.1 to 31.7 t/km2/yr, while silicate weathering yields (Casil + Mgsil + Na + K + Si) range from 6.9 to 69.5 t/km2/yr. Watershed lithology is the primary control on riverine chemistry, but landscape topographic character and land cover and/or land use also influence solute delivery potential. Strong statistical links of small mountainous river chemical weathering fluxes with rainfall and physical weathering rates attest to the importance of runoff and erosion in maintaining elevated bedrock weathering rates. CO2 consumption ranges from 155 × 103 mol/km2/yr to 1566 × 103 mol/km2/yr, in the upper range of global rates, leading us to suggest that andesite terrains should be considered separately when calculating removal of CO2 from the atmosphere via silicate weathering.
Novel insight into the control of litter size in pigs, using placental efficiency as a selection tool.

Chinese Meishan pigs produce three to five more pigs per litter than less-prolific U.S. or European pig breeds as a result of a markedly decreased placental size and an increased pig weight: placental weight ratio (placental efficiency). We hypothesized that as a result of their intense selection for prolificacy, the Chinese had indirectly selected for a smaller, more efficient placenta in the Meishan breed. The goals of this study were to determine whether 1) significant variation in placental size and efficiency existed within our population of purebred Yorkshire pigs and 2) selection of pigs (boars and gilts) based on clear differences in placental size and efficiency would affect litter size. There was significant (approximately threefold) variation in placental efficiency in our herd of Yorkshire pigs, and marked (approximately twofold) variation existed within individual litters. We then selected pigs (boars and gilts) that had either a higher (A Group) or lower (B Group) than average placental efficiency. Although the birth weights of selected A Group pigs were similar to those of the B Group pigs, they had markedly smaller placentae. Males from each group (A or B) were bred to the females of the same group, and farrowing data were collected from parities 1 and 2. In both parities, A Group females farrowed more live pigs per litter than did B Group females (12.5 +/- .7 vs 9.6 +/- .5, P < .05). Although A Group pigs were on average approximately 20% lighter than B group pigs (1.2 +/- .1 vs 1.5 +/- .1 kg, P < .05), their placentae were approximately 40% lighter (250 +/- 10 vs 347 +/- 15 g, P < .01), resulting in a marked increase in placental efficiency. The results of this study suggest that selection on placental size and efficiency may provide a valuable tool for optimizing litter size in commercially important pig breeds.
Adam Smith and the Character of Virtue: Beneficence, or Christian Virtue

BETWEEN CARE AND CARITAS Smith's remedy for the shortcomings of magnanimity – itself a remedy for the ills of prudence – is to be found in his treatment of beneficence. The specific shortcomings it seeks to address are twofold. First, it aims to ameliorate the potential consequences of the love of nobility and glory that magnanimity encourages. As we have seen, magnanimity encourages transcendence of vulgar self-preference and thereby the pursuit of a greatness and self-sufficiency unavailable to the prudent man. Yet Smith is also keenly aware that self-sufficiency is prone to degenerate into the excessive self-estimation that promotes hubris and injustice. Smith's principal challenge on the heels of this inquiry is thus to set forth a remedy for the possible inhibition of sympathy and concern for justice encouraged by commerce and exacerbated by magnanimity. Yet this only captures half of the aim of his treatment of beneficence. Smith's study of magnanimity revealed not only a problem in the relationship between the individual and commercial society but also a problem in the excellent person's soul – and in particular, a tension between the conflicting loves of individual superiority and of humanity. Smith's account of beneficence seeks to reconcile these opposed longings and thereby set forth a path to the achievement of both greatness and goodness. In turning to the virtue of beneficence as the necessary remedy for the problems just described, Smith appeals to a very different ethical tradition than those examined thus far.
Test-retest reliability of the VA National Center for Patient Safety culture questionnaire.

Rationale, aims and objectives Patient safety culture may have a significant influence on safety processes and outcomes. Therefore, it is important to have valid tools to measure patient safety culture in order to identify potential levers for cultural change that could improve patient safety. The 65-item Department of Veterans Affairs Patient Safety Culture Survey (VA PSCS) consists of 14 dimensions and is administered biannually to VA employees. Test–retest reliability of the VA PSCS has not been established. Methods We conducted repeated administrations of the VA PSCS among 28 VA employees. We measured intraclass correlation coefficients for each item and dimension. Results Test–retest intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.7 or greater for 13 out of 14 dimensions of the VA PSCS. Employees had difficulty reliably reporting how others feel about patient safety. Conclusions In general, the VA PSCS survey showed adequate test–retest reliability. Items asking what others think or feel showed lower reliability. Further work is needed to better understand the relationship between safety culture, safety processes and safety outcomes.
Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicines in Cancer Treatment

The concept of using genomic biomarkers to improve treatment outcome and reduce treatment toxicity is particularly attractive in oncology, where most anticancer drugs have a narrow therapeutic window. We provide an overview of the current status of pharmacogenomics in cancer therapy, focusing on genetic and genomic markers that can be used to individualize therapy and thus maximizing the likelihood of drug efficacy and improving safety. The chapter is organized into three sections addressing (1) the molecular genetic basis for variations in drug response; (2) methodologies for pharmacogenomic discovery, validation, and implementation; and (3) clinically important predictive genomic markers for treatment responses. In these sections, key differences between germline and somatic mutations, their clinical consequences, the evolution of pharmacogenomic studies, and challenges in bringing pharmacogenomic markers into clinical practice will be discussed.
The interplay between modulation and channel coding

Abstract Almost all modern communication systems employ some form of error-control coding. Oftentimes, the coding is combined with high-order modulations, such as quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The question then becomes how best to combine coding and modulation. Such systems are typically referred to as coded-modulation systems. This chapter investigates coded-modulation systems with a particular emphasis on the interface between the code and the modulation. As a pragmatic solution, bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) is the main focus. With BICM, the output of a binary encoder is passed through an interleaver, which permutes the ordering of the bits. The resulting permuted sequence is then used to drive a standard M -ary modulator. A derivation of the receiver structure is provided, with particular care being made in describing how the soft demapper (the device that reverses the modulation) creates soft bit estimates that can then be used by a standard binary decoder. In addition to standard BICM reception, the chapter also discusses BICM with iterative decoding (BICM-ID), which passes soft outputs from the decoder back to the dempapper, which can be used to iteratively refine the estimate of the message.
Evaluation of the ASCO Value Framework for Anticancer Drugs at an Academic Medical Center

BACKGROUND: Anticancer drug prices have increased by an average of 12% each year from 1996 to 2014. A major concern is that the increasing cost and responsibility of evaluating treatment options are being shifted to patients. This research compared 2 value-based pricing models that were being considered for use at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center to address the growing burden of high-cost cancer drugs while improving patient-centered care. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Medication Outcomes Center (MOC) in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Pharmacy focuses on assessing the value of medication-related health care interventions and disseminating findings to the UCSF Medical Center. The High Cost Oncology Drug Initiative at the MOC aims to assess and adopt tools for the critical assessment and amelioration of high-cost cancer drugs. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Value Framework (2016 update) and a cost-e...
Anesthetic Considerations in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease

Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular abnormality in the United States. It is commonly associated with a prolonged asymptomatic period followed by rapid development of symptoms. The primary physiologic change is left ventricular outflow obstruction for which the heart cannot compensate appropriately in times of increased demand. There are specific recommendations from the 2014 AHA/ACC Guidelines regarding surgical indications for aortic valve surgery. For poor surgical candidates, minimally invasive techniques including transcatheter aortic valve replacements are available. Hemodynamic goals for induction of anesthesia include maintenance of normal sinus rhythm, avoiding hypotension, and avoiding bradycardia and tachycardia.
Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of Piezoelectric Bimorph Transducer for Broadband Vibration Energy Harvesting

We demonstrate the detailed analysis for conversion of piezoelectric properties into compliance matrix and simulate a series bimorph configuration for vibration based energy generation. Commercially available software COMSOL Multiphysics was used to apply boundary conditions for optimization of geometric parameters such as length, width and thickness of piezoelectric layer to study voltage and power characteristics of the harvester. The resulting energy harvester was found to generate 1.73 mW at 53.4 Hz across a 3MW load with an energy density of 13.08mJ/cm3. We also investigated feasibility of this model by comparing it with existing experimental data of known piezoelectric ceramic compositions and found good correlation between the two.
A Long-Term Study of the Treatment of Nelson's Syndrome With Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

Background Nelson's syndrome may be a devastating complication for patients with Cushing's disease who underwent a bilateral adrenalectomy. Previous studies have demonstrated that stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be used to treat patients with Nelson's syndrome. Objective To report a retrospective study of patients with Nelson's syndrome treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery to evaluate the effect of SRS on endocrine remission and tumor control. Methods Twenty-seven patients with Nelson's syndrome treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery after bilateral adrenalectomy were included in this study. After radiosurgery, patients were followed with serial adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels and MRI sequences to assess for endocrine remission and tumor control. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the time to remission and potential prognostic factors. Results In 21 patients with elevated ACTH prior to SRS and endocrine follow-up data, 14 (67%) had decreased or stable ACTH levels, and 7 achieved a normal ACTH level at a median of 115 mo (range 7-272) post-SRS. Tumor volume was stable or reduced after SRS in 92.5% of patients (25/27) with radiological follow-up. Time to remission was not significantly associated with the ACTH prior to SRS (P = .252) or with the margin dose (P = .3). However, a shorter duration between the patient's immediate prior transsphenoidal resection and SRS was significantly associated with a shorter time to remission (P = .045). Conclusion This retrospective analysis suggests that SRS is an effective means of achieving endocrine remission and tumor control in patients with Nelson's syndrome.
Carbon nanospikes for biosensing applications

In this paper, we discuss the structure and characteristics of carbon nanospikes. We also compare carbon nanospikes with previously grown carbon nanostructures known as vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNF). Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is used to fabricate both the nanospikes and VACNF. However, carbon nanospikes do not require a catalyst for the growth process, whereas VACNF requires a catalyst in the growth process. This facilitates batch fabrication with greater reproducibility. Scanning electron microscope images and Raman spectroscopy show that carbon nanospikes fabricated on silver wires will show superior performance.
Improving Cloud Simulation for Air Quality Studies through Assimilation of Geostationary Satellite Observations in Retrospective Meteorological Modeling

AbstractDevelopment of clouds in space and time within numerical meteorological models as observed in nature is essential for producing an accurate representation of the physical atmosphere for input into air quality models. In this study, a new technique was developed to assimilate Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-derived cloud fields into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) meteorological model to improve the placement of clouds in space and time within the model. The simulations were performed on 36-, 12-, and 4-km grid-size domains covering the contiguous United States, the south-southeastern United States, and eastern Texas, respectively. The technique was tested over the month of August 2006. The results indicate that the assimilation technique significantly improves the agreement between the model-predicted and GOES-derived cloud fields. The daily average percentage increase in the cloud agreement was determined to be 14.02%, 11.29%, and 4.96% for the 36-, 12-, and 4-...
Increased Sod2 Expression and Activity Enhances Anchorage-Independent Survival of Ovarian Cancer

Most cases of ovarian cancer remain undiagnosed until substantial metastasis has occurred throughout the peritoneal cavity, at which stage patient survival rates drop significantly. Ovarian cancer metastasis requires matrix dissociation of cells from the primary tumor, followed by formation of anchorage-independent multicellular spheroid aggregates in the ascites, which are commonly found in the peritoneal cavity of ovarian cancer patients. We demonstrate that spheroids from cell lines and patient ascites induce the expression and activity of the mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme Manganese Superoxide Dismutase 2 (Sod2) to evade mitochondrial superoxide accumulation and anoikis. Our data show that Sod2 is regulated at both the transcriptional and protein level in anchorage independence. Spheroids are commonly enriched in stem cells, which is evident by increased expression of stem cell transcription factors Nanog, Oct4 and Sox2 that mirror increases in Sod2 transcript levels. The Sod2 gene promoter has putative binding sites for these factors, and knock-down and overexpression studies reveal that Sod2 is a novel Nanog and Sox2 target gene in ovarian cancer. Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) is a crucial regulator of cellular redox and metabolic homeostasis including regulation of Sod2. Although previously identified as a tumor suppressor, we demonstrate that SIRT3 expression is transiently increased during anchorage-independence, and that RNAi mediated SIRT3 knockdown increases mitochondrial superoxide levels and Sod2 acetylation in spheroids. This suggests that SIRT3 has a novel dichotomous role during ovarian cancer metastatic spread by enhancing Sod2 activity to protect cells from mitochondrial redox stress and anoikis.
Advanced transport protocols for space communications

Satellite IP networks are characterized by high bit error rates, long propagation delays, low bandwidth feedback links, and persistent fades resulting from varying weather patterns. A new unicast transport protocol is designed to address all the above challenges. Two new algorithms, Jump Start and Quick Recovery, are presented to replace the traditional Slow Start algorithm and to recover rapidly from multiple segment losses within one window of data. The characteristics of satellite IP networks also distinguish satellite multicasting from multicasting in terrestrial wirelined networks. A reliable data multicast transport protocol, TCP-Peachtree, is proposed to solve the acknowledgment implosion and scalability problems in satellite IP networks. Developments in space technology are enabling the realization of deep space missions. The scientific data from these missions need to be delivered to the Earth successfully. To achieve this goal, the InterPlaNetary Internet is proposed as the Internet of the deep space planetary networks, which is characterized by extremely high propagation delays, high link errors, asymmetrical bandwidth, and blackouts. A reliable transport protocol, TP-Planet, is proposed for data traffic in the InterPlaNetary Internet. TP-Planet deploys rate-based additive-increase multiplicative-decrease (AIMD) congestion control and replaces the inefficient slow start algorithm with a novel Initial State algorithm that allows the capture of link resources in a very fast and controlled manner. A new congestion detection and control mechanism is developed and a Blackout State is incorporated into the protocol operation. Multimedia traffic is also one part of the aggregate traffic over InterPlaNetary Internet backbone links and it has additional requirements such as minimum bandwidth, smooth traffic, and error control. To address all the above challenges, RCP-Planet is proposed. RCP-Planet consists of two novel algorithms, i.e., Begin State and Operational State. The protocol is based on a novel rate probing mechanism and a new rate control scheme to update the media rate smoothly based on the observed rate for the probing sequence.
The Available Potential Energy in a Compressible Ocean

Available pot ential energy (APE) in a compressible ocean is defined as the sum of available gravitational pot ent ial energy (AGPE) and available int ern al energy (AIE ). It is shown that AGPE in a compressible ocean is 40 t imes larg er than that calculate d from the t radit ional quasi-geostrophic approximation. In addition, there is also a large amount of AIE. The major sources of AGPE are due to sur face cooling and vert ical mixing in the interior. Cooling at high latitude also leads to a decrease in AlE and an increase in AGPE, and thus induces a maj or energy transformation in the compressible ocean. In comparison, the role played by haline forcin g is minor.
Chapter 9 - Solubilizing Cellulosic Materials by Alkali-Cooking for Anaerobic Methane Production

Abstract The technical feasibility of solubilization by alkali cooking as a pretreatment of cellulose for the generation of methane has been evaluated. Both the rate and yield of methane generation may be enhanced by solubilizing the cellulosic materials before feeding them into the methane fermenter. Alkali cooking of cellulose at 10% consistency was at temperatures of about 250°C to dissolve the cellulose and convert it to a mixture of organic acids including formic, acetic, lactic and succinic acids. About 85% or more of the COD (chemical oxygen demand) content of the cellulose was retained in the cooked liquor. Methane generation from the cooked liquors was studied using serum bottle assay and an anaerobic filter. Only small amounts of methane were generated at very slow rates in the serum bottle assay, indicating that the high sodium concentration and toxic organics could be inhibitors. However, very rapid methane generation with substantially higher yields were found in the anaerobic filter experiments. High cell density and large dilution ratio might be the advantages of this system.
Oryzomys palustris aquaticus (Marsh rice rat)

These karyotypes are gift of Dr. G.S. Khodr and G. Cadena of San Antonio, Texas and were prepared from skin fibroblast cultures of two animals collected by O.S. Parker and T. Urban in Cameron County, Texas. The karyotypes of this species differ from those presented previously (Vol.3, Folio 117) in the structure of sex chromosomes. Moreover, the present animals are brown as opposed to the grey subspecies from Louisiana and Florida. The present species was formerly designated Oryzomys couesi.
THE EXACT AMOUNT OF NONUNIQUENESS FOR SINGULAR ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS IN BANACH SPACES WITH AN APPLICATION TO THE EULER-POISSON-DARBOUX EQUATION

The classical Nagumo criterion involves three assumptions: (1) X is finite dimensional, (2) f is continuous, (3) f(t,u) satisfies a modulus of continuity condition involving 1/ t . Recently several authors have shown that the first two assumptions can be dispensed with and the third assumption can be replaced by a certain one sided-bound, namely, a dissipative or secretive condition on f(t,u) involving 1/ t . It is well-known that the Nagumo type results are sharp in that 1/ t cannot be replaced by a / t or a > 1. This chapter presents a sharp criteria for uniqueness when f satisfies a dissipative condition involving a / t .
Removal of antibiotic resistance genes in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor treating primary clarifier effluent at 20 °C

Anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBR) play a key role in future plans for sustainable wastewater treatment and resource recovery because they have no energy-intensive oxygen transfer requirements and can produce biomethane for renewable energy. Recent research results show that they can meet relatively stringent discharge limits with respect to BOD5 and TSS when treating municipal wastewater primary effluent. Sustainable used water recovery plans should also consider removal of unregulated pollutants. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) represent an important emerging contaminant due to public health concerns surrounding the spread of infections resistant to common antibiotics. Conventional activated sludge processes have demonstrated mixed results regarding ARG removal. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of an AnMBR on ARG removal when treating municipal primary clarifier effluent at 20 °C. AnMBR treatment resulted in 3.3 to 3.6 log reduction of ARG and the horizontal gene transfer determinate, intI1, copies in filtrate. Membrane treatment significantly decreased the total biomass as indicated by a decrease in 16S rRNA gene concentration. Microbial community analysis via Illumina sequencing revealed that the relative abundance of putative pathogens was higher in membrane filtrate compared to primary effluent although the overall bacterial 16S rRNA gene concentrations was lower in filtrate. Membrane treatment also substantially reduced microbial diversity in filtrate compared to anaerobic reactor contents.
Polymer-Temozolomide Conjugates as Therapeutics for Treating Glioblastoma.

A series of polymer–drug conjugates based on 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) was prepared with the glioblastoma drug temozolomide (TMZ) as pendent groups. Random and block copolymers were synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization using a TMZ-containing methacrylate monomer. The solution properties of the polyMPC–TMZ copolymers were investigated by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, revealing well-defined nanostructures from the block copolymers. Conjugation of TMZ to polyMPC enhanced drug stability, with decomposition half-life values ranging from 2- to 19-times longer than that of free TMZ. The cytotoxicity of polyMPC–TMZ was evaluated in both chemosensitive (U87MG) and chemoresistant (T98G) glioblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, the polyMPC–TMZ platform was expanded considerably by the preparation of redox-sensitive polyMPC–TMZ copolymers utilizing disulfides as the polymer-to-drug linker.
Far-infrared bands in plasmonic metal-insulator-metal absorbers optimized for long-wave infrared

Metal–insulator–metal (MIM) resonant absorbers comprise a conducting ground plane, a dielectric of thickness t, and thin separated metal top-surface structures of dimension l. The fundamental resonance wavelength is predicted by an analytic standing-wave model based on t, l, and the dielectric refractive index spectrum. For the dielectrics SiO2, AlN, and TiO2, values for l of a few microns give fundamental resonances in the 8-12 μm long-wave infrared (LWIR) wavelength region. Agreement with theory is better for t/l exceeding 0.1. Harmonics at shorter wavelengths were already known, but we show that there are additional resonances in the far-infrared 20 - 50 μm wavelength range in MIM structures designed to have LWIR fundamental resonances. These new resonances are consistent with the model if far-IR dispersion features in the index spectrum are considered. LWIR fundamental absorptions are experimentally shown to be optimized for a ratio t/l of 0.1 to 0.3 for SiO2- and AlN-based MIM absorbers, respectively, with TiO2-based MIM optimized at an intermediate ratio.
The basics of sleep physiology and behavior

Abstract Sleep is an essential element of human health, supporting a wide range of systems including immune function, metabolism, cognition, and emotional regulation. To understand everything that sleep does, however, it is necessary to understand what sleep is. This chapter provides that foundation by discussing the conceptualization, physiology, and measurement of sleep.
Aldosterone-Secreting Adrenocortical Carcinoma Presenting With Cardiac Arrest

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy that usually is detected as a result of symptoms of hormone excess or mass effect. We describe a rare presentation of ACC with primary aldosterone production leading to profound hypokalemia and cardiac arrest. The patient was previously asymptomatic with low-grade, untreated hypertension and no documented electrolyte abnormalities. She had sudden cardiac arrest, and potassium levels were undetectable. After successful resuscitation, imaging showed a 6-cm left adrenal mass highly suspicious for malignancy. Biochemical workup revealed aldosterone excess as well as cortisol excess, despite the absence of Cushingoid symptoms. Histopathological examination after surgical resection demonstrated high-grade ACC. This case illustrates that the workup of cardiac arrest as a result of electrolyte abnormalities should include evaluation for adrenal pathology.
Truth, the Good, and the Unity of Theory and Practice

Ever since Plato, philosophers have recognized the relationship of truth and the good to be of central importance. Nevertheless, what that relationship is has been a source of ongoing controversy. At one extreme, truth has been identified with the good, whereas at the other, truth and the good have been kept apart as irreconcilably separate. How the relationship between truth and the good is construed has decisive ramifications for what each is conceived to be and for how theory and practice are related.
Paediatric Status Epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most common paediatric neurologic emergencies, requiring timely identification and emergency treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality. The evaluation and management of SE are similar in adults and children; however, specific conditions and syndromes with convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) and NCSE occur in children. In NCSE, a correct diagnosis usually needs an EEG. Clinical suspicion of NCSE arises in patients who have disturbance of consciousness with or without minor motor phenomena (e.g., perioral or periorbital low-amplitude jerking). In some cases, only EEG can reveal the epileptiform or rhythmic discharges that lead to diagnosis. The task force recommends describing the EEG correlate of status in a patient using the following descriptors, name of pattern, morphology, location, time-related features, modulation, and effect of intervention, and use the proposed terminology by the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society and the diagnostic “Salzburg EEG criteria for NCSE”. We will describe the electro-clinical features and EEG pattern of the peculiar forms of CSE/NCSE that might be seen in some paediatric epilepsies such as Dravet syndrome; Panayiotopoulos syndrome; Ring chromosome 20-related epilepsy; Angelman syndrome; Rett syndrome; Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures (Doose syndrome); myoclonic status in nonprogressive encephalopathies; mitochondrial diseases causing SE, absence status, and tonic status in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome; and encephalopathy with electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES).