cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen action and prostate cancer.

Early work on the hormonal basis of prostate cancer focused on the role of androgens, but more recently estrogens have been implicated as potential agents in the development and progression of prostate cancer. In this article, we review the epidemiological, laboratory and clinical evidence that estrogen may play a causative role in human prostate cancer, as well as rodent and grafted in vivo models. We then review recent literature highlighting potential mechanisms by which estrogen may contribute to prostate cancer, including estrogenic imprinting and epigenetic modifications, direct genotoxicity, hyperprolactinemia, inflammation and immunologic changes, and receptor-mediated actions. We discuss the work performed so far separating the actions of the different known estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα and ERβ, as well as G-protein-coupled receptor 30 and their specific roles in prostate disease. Finally, we predict that future work in this field will involve more investigations into epigenetic changes, experim...
Laboratory observation of naturally occuring dust density waves

In a laboratory experiment, dust density waves are observed in a 3D void-free dusty plasma. Dust particles are levitated within the volume of a glass box that rests atop an electrode in a radio-frequency glow-discharge plasma. Confinement of dust particles is provided by an electric force. The vertical electric field is due to the electrode's sheath, while the lateral electric field is due to the walls of the glass box.
Effectiveness of a hybrid corticosteroid treatment regimen on refractory childhood seizures and a review of other corticosteroid treatments.

Abstract Background Many different corticosteroid treatment schedules have been used in order to treat refractory epileptic seizures with encouraging effects on seizure reduction in many epileptic syndromes. Objective The objective is to report our experience with a hybrid treatment regimen for refractory seizures in children with epilepsies other than West and Landau–Kleffner syndrome. We hypothesized that a pulse of corticosteroids effectively reduces seizures while low-dosage maintenance treatment reduces side effects. The results are compared with results from a review of reported corticosteroid and ACTH treatments. Methods In this retrospective observational study, 26 children diagnosed with epilepsy with refractory seizures other than West syndrome and Landau–Kleffner syndrome were eligible for a treatment regimen consisting of three days intravenous methylprednisolone (20 mg per kilogram per day) followed by twelve weeks oral prednisolone (0.5 mg per kilogram on alternate days), concluded with a taper phase. Data on effectiveness and side effects were obtained. End-points were the percentages of patients who became seizure free or responded well. Results Twenty-one patients received the study treatment. Nine (43%) responded well and 6 (29%) became seizure free. All but one patient had a relapse of seizures. Four patients had reversible adverse effects. Data extracted from the literature were consistent with a good response in 48% of 192 children treated with different corticosteroids and in 69% of 103 patients treated with ACTH. Conclusion This new hybrid therapy of a pulse of intravenous methylprednisolone and alternate day oral prednisolone is effective with a favourable side effect profile. Results on efficacy and safety justify a randomized controlled trial.
Granulocyte Transfusions in Neonates

Human neonates, especially those born prematurely, are prone to developing overwhelming infections in response to bacterial pathogens. It is estimated that 1 to 8 per 1000 live births are complicated by such infections. Moreover, almost 30% of neonatal mortality and morbidity can be attributed to neonatal infection. Thus, in spite of all of the support measures offered in neonatal intensive care units and the use of new, potent antimicrobial agents, we continue to lose far too many infants to overwhelming infections. It is likely that we have come as far as we can with these accepted regimens for treating bacterial infection in the neonate. This has led many investigators to explore the possibility of using various forms of immunotherapy in neonates who have infections, because the neonatal host defense system is compromised significantly. Most neonates who develop infection lack opsonic antibody to the infecting strain of bacteria. In addition, the infant complement system is compromised significantly with the concentration of most components being only approximately 50% of that of adults. Deficiency of antibody and complement lead to defective opsonization of most bacteria by neonatal serum. Additional consistent abnormalities in the neonatal host defense system are present in the cells that act as the first line of defense against bacterial invasion, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), PMNs must arrive at the site of bacterial invasion within a very critical 2- to 4-hour period if infection is to be contained so that systemic spread does not occur.
The Energetics of Ordered Intermetallic Alloys (of the Transition Metals)

Theory and experiment are both useful in the development of new scientifically interesting and technologically relevent materials. On the theory front, one would like to predict the occurrence of stable and metastable phases as well as gaining insights into the chemical bonding which underlies the phase formation. In addition, one would like to explore the mechanical, electronic, optical and other properties of the phases in question. One of the first steps in doing this is to explore the atomically ordered phases and it will be the ordered transition metal alloys which will be of concern of this chapter.
Modality-Specific Attention Under Imminent But Not Remote Threat of Shock Evidence From Differential Prepulse Inhibition of Startle

Theories of animal defensive behavior postulate that imminent, predictable threat elicits highly focused attention toward the threat source, whereas remote, unpredictable threat elicits distributed attention to the overall environment. We used threat of shock combined with measurement of prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex to test these claims in humans. Twenty-seven participants experienced periods of threat and safety. Threat and safe periods were short or long, with the short threat periods conveying relatively predictable, imminent shocks and the long threat periods conveying unpredictable shocks. Startle reflexes were elicited with equal numbers of acoustic probes presented alone, preceded by a tactile prepulse, or preceded by an auditory prepulse. We observed enhanced tactile relative to auditory prepulse inhibition during short threat periods only. This finding supports the notion that imminent threat, but not remote threat, elicits attention focused toward the relevant modality, potentially ...
Abortion Restrictions and Abortion Rates: Has State Abortion Policy Been Successful?

This study tests the hypothesis that state abortion rates are influenced by state restrictions on abortion. Earlier studies have shown mixed results. I develop a model of abortion rates for the time period from 1988 through 1996 and hypothesize that the adoption of abortion restrictions requiring parental involvement for minors, abortion-specific informed consent, and waiting periods prior to the procedure lead to lower state abortion rates. I further hypothesize that individual four-year models of the period before and after the Casey (1992) decision will demonstrate that this effect was strongest in the time period after the Casey decision. Analysis of the data confirms the first hypothesis that restrictions have a significant impact on abortion rates while controlling for other factors that influence the abortion rate. The second hypothesis is not confirmed, as the effect is significant prior to the Casey decision.
Dynamic ligand exchange as mechanism for sGC selectivity, NO activation and its reversal

Nitric oxide is the main physiologic ligand of soluble gua-nylyl cyclase (sGC), a hemoprotein with high affinity forNO. Purified sGC binds NO with an estimated picomolarKd for NO, which corresponds to only a few molecules ofNO per cell. The His105 residue of the β subunit is theproximal ligand of the heme (His105-heme complex witha 430 nm Soret band). Binding of NO to the sGC hemeforms a six coordinate (6C) complex (His105-heme-NO),which is then converted into a five coordinate (5C) com-plex (His105 and heme-NO) [1]. This transformationcoincides with several hundred fold activation of thecyclase activity. The enzyme displays NO-concentrationdependence not only in the NO binding, but also in the6C sGC-NO →5C sGC-NO complex conversion [1]. Previ-ous studies showed that the sGC-NO complex obtainedunder stoichiometric NO amounts is not fully activated,while addition of GTP substrate or additional NO resultsin a fully activated sGC [2].In this current report we investigated the molecular basisof this NO- and GTP-dependence of enzyme activation.Stop-flow techniques were used to monitor the kinetics ofNO-sGC complex formation and its fate under stoichio-metric and excess NO conditions or in the presence ofGTP. Under both stoichiometric and excess NO condi-tions 6C His105-heme-NO complex (~420 nm Soretband) is formed at a diffusion limited rate independentlyof the presence or absence of GTP. Although in all testedconditions the His105-heme-NO complex is convertedinto five coordinate complex (free His105 and heme-NOcomplex; 399 nm Soret band), the fate of this complexdepends on the amount of NO applied or the presence ofGTP substrate.Under stoichiometric conditions, the heme-NO revertsback to a 430 nm species with sub-second kinetics, pre-sumably due to the loss of NO. The newly formed His105-heme complex (sGC*) may rebind NO and forms a 5CsGC-NO complex (399 nm species), but with muchslower kinetics (minutes vs. sub-millisecond kinetics forintial sGC). This secondary sGC-NO* complex is, mostprobably, the weakly activated sGC-NO complexdescribed previously [2]. However, even a two-fold molarexcess NO or the presence of GTP generates a 5C NO-heme complex with no sign of NO loss.Spectral properties of the sGC* state generated after theloss of NO (430 nm Soret peak) indicate that the hememoiety remains coordinated by a histidine residue. Differ-ent NO-binding properties, however, suggest that signifi-cant changes in the properties of the enzyme occurred. Weinvestigated whether a change of proximal ligands mayexplain such transformation during the conversion of 5CsGC-NO to sGC*. We substituted the βHis107 position,which is conserved in all mammalian β1 subunits, to leu-cine. Similar to wild type sGC mutant αβHis107→Leuenzyme also contains heme with a Soret peak at 430 nm.The mutant has different NO-binding kinetics, since itforms a stable sGC-NO complex, which does not looseNO even under sub-stoichiometric NO conditions.
Regionalization of Affiliated Minor League Teams

Here I examine the economics of the locational choices present in affiliated minor league baseball. Major League Baseball’s antitrust exemption allows them to make and maintain beneficial affiliations with minor league baseball teams. Focus is sharpened on the importance of player development and affiliation decisions of Major League Baseball teams at the different levels of minor league baseball are assumed to be driven in part by proximity matters. Recent affiliation changes suggest that Major League Baseball teams may be pursuing an affiliation strategy expected to minimize player development costs that come from travel costs induced by minor league affiliations.
PHOTOLABILE MULTI‐DETACHABLE p‐ALKOXYBENZYL ALCOHOL RESIN SUPPORTS FOR PEPTIDE FRAGMENT OR SEMI‐SYNTHESIS

Two photolabile multi-detachable alkoxybenzyl alcohol resins, 2-[4-(oxymethyl)phenoxy]propionyl-resin 4 and 4-[4-(oxymethyl)phenoxymethyl]-3-nitrobenzamidomethyl-resin 5 have been synthesized. Bpoc-peptide attached to resin 4 or 5 when treated with 50% trifluoroacetic acid provided the free, unprotected peptide, but on photolysis gave Bpoc-peptide p-hydroxybenzyl ester. Removal of the p-hydroxybenzyl ester in aqueous base or by oxidative work up gave a protected Bpoc-peptide suitable for fragment synthesis at its C-terminus. However, methylation of the ester to Bpoc-peptide p-methoxybenzyl ester followed by removal of the Bpoc-group gave a protected peptide p-methoxybenzyl ester suitable for fragment coupling at its N-terminus. The efficacies of these resins were evaluated in the syntheses of a model tetrapeptide and an octapeptide by using N alpha-Bpoc-, Fmoc- and Nps-amino acids. The use of 2-thiopyridine with pyridinium hydrochloride as a new and efficient thiolytic reagent for the deprotection of the Nps-group was studied.
Adaptive Text Extraction for New Product Development

The first step in product design and development involves concept generation. Concept generation involves identifying customer needs and then mapping those needs onto a set of product attributes (specifications). Traditional methods for concept generation involve focus groups, surveys, and anthropological studies to assess user needs. Techniques, like Quality Function Deployment (QFD), then guide designers in relating needs to explicit product specifications. In this paper, we propose to augment traditional methods for concept generation by automatically processing user generated online product reviews. We apply adaptive text extraction methods to automatically learn user needs and product attributes. Association rule mining is used to learn the mapping between needs and attributes. We summarize results from prior work for independently learning user needs and attribute specifications from product reviews and then discuss the application of these methods to concept generation for new product development.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Decoupled distance–decay patterns between dsrA and 16S rRNA genes among salt marsh sulfate‐reducing bacteria

Summary In many habitats, microorganisms exhibit significant distance–decay patterns as determined by analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and various other genetic elements. However, there have been few studies that examine how the similarities of both taxonomic and functional genes co-vary over geographic distance within a group of ecologically related microbes. Here, we determined the biogeographic patterns of the functional dissimilatory sulfite reductase gene (dsrA) and the 16S rRNA gene in sulfate-reducing bacterial communities of US East Coast salt marsh sediments. Distance–decay, ordination and statistical analyses revealed that the distribution of 16S rRNA genes is strongly influenced by geographic distance and environmental factors, whereas the dsrA gene is not. Together, our results indicate that 16S rRNA genes are likely dispersal limited and under environmental selection, whereas dsrA genes appear randomly distributed and not selected for by any expected environmental variables. Selection, drift, dispersal and mutation are all factors that may help explain the decoupled biogeographic patterns for the two genes. These data suggest that both the taxonomic and functional elements of microbial communities should be considered in future studies of microbial biogeography to aid in our understanding of the diversity, distribution and function of microorganisms in the environment.
Biodegradation of Chlorinated Compounds by White Rot Fungi

Lignin is the second most abundant polymer (after cellulose) in the biosphere, accounting for 20 to 35% of the dry weight of wood. Lignin is a complex high molecular weight aromatic polymer formed from the random condensation of three different phenylpropanoid precursors, p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol (4-hydroxy-, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-, and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylpropanol, respectively). Lignin behaves as a glue providing strength to fibers, serves as a hydrophobic impermeable seal across cell walls, and as a barrier to microbial attack (34). The hydrophobic and irregular structure of lignin renders the polymer inaccessible to hydrolytic enzymes. The only mechanism that can account for the initial attack of lignin is a non-specific extracellular oxidative process (79). White rot fungi constitute the most important group of microorganisms responsible for the biodegradation of nature's most complex polymer, lignin (39, 79, 136). White rot fungi are, for the most part, higher fungi with macroscopic fruiting bodies (e.g., mushrooms, conches etc.), belonging to the order Basidiomycetes. These organisms play a vital role in earth's global ecology, by secreting extracellular ligninolytic enzymes to bring about an unique oxidative erosion of the complex aromatic structure of lignin. The lignin polymer generally does not serve as a sole source of carbon and energy, rather it is cometabolized by white rot fungi utilizing carbohydrates or other readily assimilatable compounds. The physiological purpose of lignin degradation is to provide white rot fungi with better access to hemicellulose and cellulose in wood, which are the true primary substrates of the fungi. Ligninolytic metabolism is usually triggered by nutrient limitation, typically either nitrogen or carbon starvation (79, 109). The main components of the ligninolytic enzyme system are shown in Table 6.1. The most common lignin degrading enzymes are two closely related peroxidases, manganese
REPAIR OF LACERATION OF FLEXOR POLLICIS LONGUS TENDON

1. Trauma to palmar structures from broken faucet handles is a frequent injury. 2. Retraction of the proximal severed end of the flexor pollicis longus tendon occurs to well above the annular ligament. 3. Much tedious dissection is eliminated, and the repair of the tendon is simplified by passing the proximal end under the annular ligament through a new incision.
Animal Models of Burkitt’s Lymphoma

Animal models are a powerful means for studying the contribution of the Myc proto-oncogene and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) to Burkitt’s lymphoma and in the study of potential therapeutics in a model system. To model BL in the mouse, Myc expression has been restricted to B cells of transgenic mice to generate BL-like lymphomas. The role of EBV in BL has been studied by crossing mice transgenic for EBV latent proteins to existing Myc models to give novel insights into pathways deregulated by EBV proteins during lymphomagenesis. Immunodeficient mice have been valuable tools to characterize human BL xenografts and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of BL-specific therapeutics. In addition, the recent generation of humanized mice has provided a convenient model to recapitulate EBV infection in mice, and may build on studies with nonhuman primates in terms of the development and testing of vaccines to prevent EBV-associated lymphomas.
Scanning Near-field Optical Microscopy (SNOM)

Remarques generales et historique de la microscopie optique a balayage: antennes dipolaires, diffusion elastique de la lumiere, transmission par des petites ouvertures, techniques de la microscopie tunnel balayage et la microscopie a onde evanescente. Apercus theoriques: champ proche d'un dipole ideal, dipole en face d'un demi-espace conducteur ou dielectrique, petites particules metalliques et experiences en champ proche. Applications et avenir de la microscopie optique champ-proche balayage
Black Presidents, Racial Violence, and Democracy

We investigate Black and White attitudes towards the police and gun control laws in light of the Trayvon Martin shooting that occurred in February of 2012 and the tremendous amount of attention subsequently given to the case during the summer. This research asks and seeks to help answer the question of why a Black president is important for Black people and how having a Black President during a time in which racial violence is given increased attention has impacted political attitudes and levels of trust in U.S. institutions. The findings are expected to shed light on what impact an Obama presidency and a racially hostile political climate may have on American political attitudes across racial lines.
Electroporation of Brain Endothelial Cells on Chip toward Permeabilizing the Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier, mainly composed of brain microvascular endothelial cells, poses an obstacle to drug delivery to the brain. Controlled permeabilization of the constituent brain endothelial cells can result in overcoming this barrier and increasing transcellular transport across it. Electroporation is a biophysical phenomenon that has shown potential in permeabilizing and overcoming this barrier. In this study we developed a microengineered in vitro model to characterize the permeabilization of adhered brain endothelial cells to large molecules in response to applied pulsed electric fields. We found the distribution of affected cells by reversible and irreversible electroporation, and quantified the uptaken amount of naturally impermeable molecules into the cells as a result of applied pulse magnitude and number of pulses. We achieved 81 ± 1.7% (N = 6) electroporated cells with 17 ± 8% (N = 5) cell death using an electric-field magnitude of ∼580 V/cm and 10 pulses. Our results provide the proper range for applied electric-field intensity and number of pulses for safe permeabilization without significantly compromising cell viability. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to permeabilize the endothelial cells of the BBB in a controlled manner, therefore lending to the feasibility of using pulsed electric fields to increase drug transport across the BBB through the transcellular pathway.
William Wilde and 1 Merrion Square

William Wilde spent the final third of his life, from 1855 to 1876, in 1 Merrion Square. During the first half of his occupancy of the house his career blossomed to its fullest; the second decade, on the other hand, was marked by scandal, personal tragedy, and an unhappy professional and social decline. This paper considers the background to the development of Merrion Square, the architectural history of 1 Merrion Square from its building in 1762 to the arrival of the Wildes in 1855, the attractions and possibilities which the house offered for William Wilde, the major architectural expansion of the building which he commissioned in 1859, and aspects of his and his family’s life in the house.
Sex and School: Adolescent Sexual Intercourse and Education

A number of studies document a negative relationship between adolescent sexual intercourse and high school educational experiences and outcomes; yet, this research risks conflating the consequences associated with sex in romantic relationships with those that result when sex occurs in other relationship contexts. We predict that, compared to abstinence, intercourse in romantic relationships will have limited consequences for education, whereas the negative effects associated with sex in other relationships will be pronounced. We evaluate our hypothesis with two waves of data on nine measures of educational experiences and outcomes from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health . Our results are generally consistent with our predictions: the context in which sexual activity occurs substantially moderates the relationship between sexual intercourse and several education measures. These findings contradict the claims some abstinence-only curricula make regarding the link between adolescent sex and a plethora of negative outcomes. We speculate that such programs reinforce the notion that sex, and in particular sex that occurs in nonromantic relationships, is counternormative. As a result, they may needlessly increase the risk that some sexually active adolescents will have negative educational experiences and outcomes.
Further studies of proximal tubular brush border membrane D-glucose transport heterogeneity.

The properties of two sodium-dependentd-glucose transporters previously identified in renal proximal tubule brush border membrane (BBM) vesicles are studied. The low-affinity system, found in BBM vesicles from the outer cortex (early proximal tubule), is shown to be associated with the high-affinity phlorizin binding site typically found in renal BBM preparations. The high-affinity system, found in BBM vesicles from the outer medulla (late proximal tubule), is almost two orders of magnitude less sensitive to inhibition by phlorizin and is apparently not associated with high-affinity phlorizin binding. The sodium/g;ucose stoichiometry of the outer medullary transporter is found to be 2∶1 by two independent methods. Previous measurements have established that the stoichiometry of the outer cortical system is 1∶1. It is suggested that this arrangement of transporters in series along the proximal tubule enables the kidney to reabsorb glucose from the urine in an energy-efficient fashion. The bulk of the glucose load is reabsorbed early in the proximal tubule at an energetic cost of one Na+ per glucose molecule. Then in the late proximal tubule a larger coupling ratio and hence a larger driving force is employed to reabsorb the last traces of glucose from the urine.
CD Weight Control from a QCS Supplier's Standpoint

Since the first Thermal Expansion type actuator (Thermatrol) was installed in domestic market in 1981. CD Weight Profile Control has been extremely growing in addition to Motor Drive and CP (Consistency Profiling) actuators. However, there seems to be some cases which can't keep the maximum control performance after the installation because of the change of control parameters, difference between the inlet position and QCS measurement position and the shrinkage pattern problem for the difference of machine conditions and some modifications.This report introduces the basic concept, control algorithms and a support tool to get parameters for CD Weight Profile Control to help with keeping and developing the existing control performance. Also a completely new concept of Spectra Foil Sensor to get a control profile instantly at Wet-End will be introduced. This sensor with High-Speed CD control will be expected to meet the customer demand to accomplish the High-Speed paper machine in near future.
Isotopic composition and fractionation of mercury in Great Lakes precipitation and ambient air.

Atmospheric deposition is a primary pathway by which mercury (Hg) enters terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; however, the chemical and meteorological processes that Hg undergoes from emission to deposition are not well understood. Hg stable isotope geochemistry is a growing field used to better understand Hg biogeochemical cycling. To examine the atmospheric Hg isotopic composition in the Great Lakes, precipitation and ambient vapor-phase Hg samples were collected in Chicago, IL, Holland, MI, and Dexter, MI, between April 2007 and September 2009. Precipitation samples were characterized by negative mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) (δ202Hg = −0.79‰ to 0.18‰), while most vapor-phase samples displayed positive MDF (δ202Hg = −0.59‰ to 0.43‰). Positive mass-independent fractionation (MIF) (Δ199Hg = 0.04‰ to 0.52‰) was observed in precipitation, whereas MIF was slightly negative in vapor-phase samples (Δ199Hg = −0.21‰ to 0.06‰). Significant positive MIF of 200Hg up to 0.25‰ was also measured in precipitation....
Heterogeneity in the clonal T cell response. Implications for models of T cell activation and cytokine phenotype development.

The T cell can be defined in the context of two properties—the recognition specificity of the T cell receptor (TCR) heterodimer and the functional response of the T cell after TCR stimulation. Once a particular TCR heterodimer is expressed and successfully selected during thymic development, the antigen specificity is fixed for all the clonal progeny of that cell. In contrast, the potential functional responses that may be generated in response to specific antigen in the postthymic environment are quite extensive. These range from programmed cell death to initiation of alternate programs of phenotype development that generate effector populations with distinct cytokine expression patterns and regulatory properties. Recent advances in analytical methods that have permitted multiparametric characterizations of the T cell response at the single cell, rather than population level, have necessitated a modified view of T cell activation and the clonal T cell response, and have generated new insights into the regulation of immunity. In this brief review, we highlight studies that have characterized heterogeneity of the CD4+ T cell clonal response based on single-cell analyses, and discuss implications for models of T cell activation and cytokine phenotype development.
Focus on “Expression of the chloride channel ClC-2 in the murine small intestine epithelium”

a major goal in cystic fibrosis (CF) research is the identification of alternate chloride channels that might substitute for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the anion channel that is encoded by the CF gene ([2][1], [10][2]). CFTR localizes primarily to the luminal
Research on indoor overwintering Phlebotomus wui

Objective To study the overwintering of Phlebotomus wui in artificial conditions. Methods Group A:larvae overwintered in the breeding dish at a temperature of 10-18 ℃ and relative humidity of 30%-45%. Group B:larvae overwintered in the breeding dish at a temperature of 1-13 ℃ and relative humidity of 45%-70%. Group C:larvae overwintered in an oviposit pot at a temperature of 1-13 ℃ and relative humidity 45%-70%. Results The average overall pupation rate was 52.6%. The highest pupation rate was seen in Group C,followed by Group B and A. In Group A,B,and C,the eclosion rates were 15.1%,64.3% and 70.6%,the overall adult survivals 7.2%,32.7% and 41.7%,and the effective accumulated temperature 3000 day·℃,2975 day·℃ and 2960 day·℃,respectively. The time and extent of pupation and eclosion were scattered in Group A yet clearly concentrated in Group B and C. Conclusion The environmental temperature has a significant effect on overwintering of P. wui,which requires an effective accumulated temperature of 2978 day·℃. The higher the temperature,the shorter the duration of diapause,resulting in earlier eclosion and abbreviated overwintering. Thus,the mating and blood-feeding period of P. wui commences earlier. In contrast,normal mating and blood feeding requires an average temperature lower than 11 ℃ and a diapause duration longer than 9 months. Humidity is also a significant factor because most larvae will not survive when the humidity remains below 75%.
Study on nonlinear elastic deformation behavior of magnesium,titanium and cobalt metals

Samples of magnesium,titanium,and cobalt metals were cyclically compressed on a hydraulic uniaxial test machine.The strains during test were measured by an extensometer to obtain stress-strain curves of these samples.Due to the hexagonal close-packed crystal structures,these metals are plastic anisotropic and exhibit some nonlinear elastic deformation.The nonlinear deformation is exhibited as obvious hysteretic loops on the stress-stain curves of the samples.It can be concluded from this study that the nonlinear strains of these annealed metal samples are increased by suitable prestrain.Coarse-grained samples had larger nonlinear strain than fine-grained samples.An incipient kink bands model originating from the study of a ternary carbide,Ti3 SiC2 ,can be used to explain the nonlinear elasticity and related micro-yielding,and damping of these metals.A classic hysteretic model,Preisach-Mayergoyz model,can be applied to simulate and predict the stress-stain curves of these metals.
Building the Olfactory System: Morphogenesis and Stem Cell Specification in the Olfactory Epithelium and Olfactory Bulb

Abstract Olfactory system development is essential for vertebrates to recognize edible food, distinguish conspecifics or benign species from competitors or predators, and reproduce successfully. The mechanisms that underlie the development of this sensory system are remarkably similar to those that mediate differentiation of bilaterally symmetric appendages that emerge from the vertebrate midline during embryogenesis: the limbs, the face and jaws, and aortic arches of the heart. Thus, olfactory morphogenesis – for both peripheral and central nervous system components – engages signaling pathways and transcriptional regulators that influence the development of appendages that are key either for interaction with the environment (limbs, jaw, and face), or homeostasis and survival (aortic arches). Subsequent differentiation of the olfactory pathway as a neural rather than musculo-skeletal or vascular structure reflects local modifications of signaling that leads to specification of distinct olfactory epithelial (OE) stem and progenitor cell populations, as well as parallel specification of forebrain structures that receive and process peripheral olfactory sensory information. The functions of some molecular regulators, and consequences of mutations in key genes, are similar to those seen in the limb, the face, and the heart. Others may be unique to the developing olfactory pathway or deployed in a quantitatively distinctive fashion. The concerted action of these genes results in coordinated development of peripheral olfactory receptor neurons and target regions in the central nervous system that represent, relay, and process olfactory information.
Long-term comparison of renal function in patients with solitary kidneys and/or moderate renal insufficiency undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

AbstractWe compared the long-term effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL††Dornier Medical Systems, Inc., Marietta, Georgia.) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy monotherapy on renal function in 31 patients with a solitary kidney and/or chronic renal insufficiency who were all more than 2 years after treatment (mean 41.5 months). The change in the reciprocal of serum creatinine was used as an index to estimate changes in the glomerular filtration rate. A change of 20% or greater in the glomerular filtration rate was considered a clinically significant deterioration of renal function. The rate of deterioration of renal function in patients with a solitary kidney and creatinine of less than 2mg./dl. was 22% for ESWL and 29% for percutaneous nephrolithotomy, respectively. All patients with a creatinine between 2 and 3mg./dl. demonstrated long-term improvement of renal function regardless of the treatment modality. All 4 patients with creatinine greater than 3mg./dl. undergoing ESWL had short-term...
Images of Gender and Sexuality in Advertising

Advertisements often reflect and reinforce cultural ideologies about gender and sexuality. Renowned sociologist Erving Goffman was one of the first sociologists to study gender representations in advertising. He argues that the images in advertisements act as symbolic representations that help to construct the ideals of masculinity and femininity. His work, and also that of others, find that women are often portrayed in submissive roles or family roles, and in lower physical and social positions than men. Men, on the other hand, are portrayed as powerful, strong, and violent. An intersectional approach to examining gender in advertising highlights the ways that women of color are excluded and exoticized in advertisements. Keywords: gender images; images of sexuality; intersectionality; media; representation
A reconfigurable low IF-zero IF receiver architecture for multi-standard wide area wireless networks

The proliferation of a large number of wireless standards motivates the investigation of a multi-standard wireless receiver architecture that uses the same hardware in meeting widely varying performance requirements. In this paper we develop an innovative low IF- zero IF reconfigurable architecture capable of realizing a single chip CMOS receiver for GSM, PCS 1900 and WCDMA wireless standards. System level analysis and derivation of block level specifications arc done for the multiple standards under consideration. Possible circuit implementations for the RF and analog baseband blocks are presented.
Effects of x-ray exposure on NOR and NAND flash memories during high-resolution 2D and 3D x-ray inspection

Abstract In this paper, we present a detailed study on the effects of x-ray exposure on data corruption in commercially available NOR and NAND flash memory devices during x-ray inspection with a high-resolution Phoenix Nanomex system from GE. We investigated role of the x-ray tube voltage, tube current, device orientation, x-ray filters and photon energy. We explored the low exposure regime in detail when the first byte errors start occurring and also determined the absorbed dose for 100% byte errors. No data corruption was observed after the normal 2D x-ray inspection and CT scans of the NOR and NAND flash memory devices under study. However, increase in the tube voltage, tube current and/or the x-ray beam size resulted in byte errors which increased exponentially with the exposure time. The byte error rate was found to be much more sensitive to the tube voltage than the tube current. It was also affected by the device orientation with respect to the x-ray beam. The NAND flash memories were found to be m...
Rotational kinematics of large cylindrical particles in turbulence

The rotational kinematics of inertial cylinders in homogeneous isotropic turbulence is investigated via laboratory experiments. The effects of particle size and shape on rotation statistics are measured for near-neutrally buoyant particles whose sizes are within the inertial subrange of turbulence. To examine the effects of particle size, three right-circular cylinders (aspect ratio ) are considered, with size , and . Here, is the diameter of a sphere whose volume is equal to that of the particle and is the Kolmogorov length scale. Results show that the variance of the particle rotation rate follows a power-law scaling with respect to . To examine the effect of particle shape, two cylinders with identical volumes and different aspect ratios ( and ) are measured. Their motion also scales with regardless of shape. Simultaneous measurements of orientation and rotation for particles allows a decomposition of rotation along the primary axes of each particle. This analysis shows that there is no preference for rotation about a particle’s symmetry axis, unlike the preference displayed by sub-Kolmogorov-scale particles in previous studies.
Wind energy history, technology and control

In this paper a historical perspective of wind energy is discussed. Then, Data from the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) were used to discuss the technology trends in wind energy. The horizontal axis wind turbine structure, major components, and fundamental of operation of each block was briefly discussed. The tools and techniques used in design and control of large-scale wind turbine were also reviewed. Some overview of the various stages of turbine operation and control strategies used to maximize energy capture in below rated wind speeds was presented; however, the emphasis was on control to alleviate loads when the turbine was operating at maximum power. The nonlinear model of wind turbines and their linear version for design of controllers were explained and developed. Finally, the available linear control techniques for capturing maximum power from the wind were conferred.
Can Extravasation Injury Cause Subcutaneous Compartment Syndrome of the Hand

Background:Compartment syndrome of the hand is a well-described phenomenon with potentially devastating consequences. Although numerous mechanisms have been proposed, the extravasation of periphera...
Kinking in Zinc Single-Crystal Tension Specimens

Kinking in zinc single-crystal tension specimens was observed under conditions of low stress and high temperature. Kinking is discussed in relation to other plastic bending phenomena on the basis of dislocation theory. Experiments on the stress-induced motion of small angle boundaries are reported.
Alexa, Siri, Cortana, and More: An Introduction to Voice Assistants

Voice assistants are software agents that can interpret human speech and respond via synthesized voices. Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, Microsoft's Cortana, and Google's Assistant are the most popular voice assistants and are embedded in smartphones or dedicated home speakers. Users can ask their assistants questions, control home automation devices and media playback via voice, and manage other basic tasks such as email, to-do lists, and calendars with verbal commands. This column will explore the basic workings and common features of today's voice assistants. It will also discuss some of the privacy and security issues inherent to voice assistants and some potential future uses for these devices. As voice assistants become more widely used, librarians will want to be familiar with their operation and perhaps consider them as a means to deliver library services and materials.
The Effects of Autocorrelation and Outliers on Two-Sided Tolerance Limits

Tolerance limits are limits that include a specific proportion of the population at a given confidence level. They are used to make sure that the production will not be outside specifications. Tolerance limits are either designed based on the normality ..
Mechanisms of Dietary Modification of Aflatoxin B1 Carcinogenesis

Trout were fed a range of dietary components which altered their carcinogenic response to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Dietary protein at levels substantially exceeding nutritional requirements were synergistic with AFB1. Cyclopropene fatty acids (CPFA) were carcinogenic when fed alone at 20 or 55 ppm, and synergistic when fed with AFB1 In contrast, several flavonoid and indole compounds, especially β-naphthoflavone (β-NF) and indole-3-carbinol, Inhibited the carcinogenic response when fed prior to and along with AFB1.
Assessing Value of ERP Systems: A Formative Construct Analysis

ERP systems have the potential to provide value across multiple dimensions: from operational and managerial to strategic. As with any other information technology, the value of ERP systems can be assessed using different metrics. The available methods of ERP value assessment such as financial performance indicators for the organization do not provide multidimensional contribution of ERP systems. Very few studies in ERP value literature have quantitatively measured and validated ERP value across multiple dimensions. Using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) approach, this study conceptualizes and validates measures of ERP value across four dimensions of BSC: internal business oriented ERP value, customeroriented ERP value, learning and growth-oriented ERP value, strategic and financial-oriented ERP value. The measurement model for ERP value indicates the robustness of measures used in the study.
IMPACT OF REMITTANCE ON FOOD SECURITY IN BANGLADESH

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this chapter is to assess the food security situation in Bangladesh based on 2011/2012 Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey data using two commonly measured food security indicators: Food Consumption Score (FCS) and Household Hunger Scale (HHS). Methodology/approach The dependent variable in the model is a categorical variable representing different scales of food security as obtained from the FCS and HHS indicators. These categorical variables are explained by annual remittances received by the households; the demographic characteristics (age, gender, literacy level, and occupation) of the household head; and total monthly income from agricultural and non-agricultural wages using ordered probit regression models. Findings Results indicated that remittances play an important role in improving the food security of households. Other significant variables in the model were income earned outside of the farm, male-operated household, and literacy. Increasing income from other than the agricultural sector significantly raises the probability of a household being food secure. Practical implications The Government of Bangladesh should make the agriculture sector stronger at all levels of the value chain. Additionally, providing income generation opportunities for households outside of the farm can be used as a diversification measure to achieve food security within the country.
Microscale ultrasonic sensors and actuators

Abstract: This chapter presents research efforts towards the use of ultrasonic silicon-based micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) for biomedical applications. Microfabricated silicon-horn-based surgical microprobes and their use in reducing penetration force into biological tissue are described. The chapter describes sensors integrated on the silicon horn, namely, platinum electrodes and piezoresistive polysilicon strain gauges. The chapter includes research studies detailing the use of these sensors in ex vivo cardiac signal recording, and in testicular tubule-size surgery for identifying fertile sperm in the testis.
Longitudinal trajectories and prevalence of meeting dietary guidelines during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

Background Establishing healthy dietary habits during adolescence and young adulthood is critical for long-term health. Objectives This study assessed the prevalence of meeting US Dietary Guidelines and trajectories in dietary intake for 4 MyPlate food groups during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Methods Three waves of surveys and food frequency questionnaires were collected as part of Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), a 15-y longitudinal study. Adolescents (n = 1177, 57% female, mean ± SD age 15.0 ± 1.5 y) were recruited in 1998-1999 in Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota public schools and were resurveyed twice in young adulthood at mean ± SD ages 25.3 ± 1.5 and 31.1 ± 1.5 y. The prevalence of meeting guidelines for each MyPlate food group was calculated at each time point. Mean daily servings were compared over 5 y in young adulthood through the use of paired t tests. Adjusted least-squares means were calculated to compare dietary intake in young adulthood across quartiles of adolescent intake. Results Adolescents had the highest prevalence of meeting dietary guidelines for fruit (37% for females and 30% for males) and dairy (53% for females and 61% for males); young adults >30 y had the highest prevalence of meeting dietary guidelines for vegetables (19% for females and 8% for males) and whole grains (23% for females and 17% for males). From the mid-twenties to early thirties, vegetable intake increased, whereas dairy intake decreased. Dietary intake generally tracked over time with individuals in the lower quartiles of intake at adolescence generally continuing to have low intake in young adulthood. Conclusions Although the prevalence of meeting dietary guidelines for whole grains and vegetables, and daily servings of vegetables increased with age, improving intake of whole fruit, whole grains, dairy, and vegetables remains key during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
Cell-free DNA testing: future applications in gastroenterology and hepatology

The application of next-generation sequencing in clinical practice is increasing as accuracy and interpretation have improved and the cost continues to decline rapidly. Cell-free DNA is a unique source for next-generation sequencing that could change routine clinical practice in gastroenterology and hepatology. Testing of cell-free DNA in blood and fecal samples is an easy, rapid, and noninvasive method to assess for premalignant, malignant, metabolic, infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune gastrointestinal and liver diseases. In this review, we describe cell-free DNA technologies, current applications of cell-free DNA testing, and proposed cell-free DNA targets for gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases, with a specific focus on malignancy. In addition, we provide commentary on how cell-free DNA can be integrated into clinical practice and help guide diagnosis, prognosis, disease management, and therapeutic response.
Timing of Postoperative Radiotherapy in Surgically Treated HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

ObjectiveOptimal timing of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) remains understudied in human papillomavirus (HPV)–related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Objectives are to determine if delays ...