cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Model for melting enthalpy of Sn in Ge-Sn composites

The finding of Jang and Koch that the melting enthalpy/mass, ΔHm, of a Sn matrix containing a fine dispersion of Ge particles sharply decreases with increasing Ge volume fraction, νGe, >0.5 and vanishes at νGe = ν°Ge ≍ 0.81, is accounted for by supposing that the Sn is distributed between an interfacial and bulk state. The interfacial statc is one in which the Sn is assumed to be in a disordered, possibly amorphous, structure coating the Ge particles uniformly to a constant thickness, δ. The remaining “bulk” Sn is assumed to exhibit the normal enthalpy of fusion, ΔH°m. The model accounts for the dependence of ΔHm on νGe within the experimental uncertainty. With the average width of Ge particles −10 nm, δ is estimated to be −0.23 nm; i.e., of the order of the thickness of one Sn monolayer.
Allele-specific expression of TGFBR1 in colon cancer patients.

The genetic component of colorectal cancer (CRC) predisposition has been only partially explained. We recently suggested that a subtle decrease in the expression of one allele of the TGFBR1 gene was a heritable quantitative trait predisposing to CRC. Here, we refined the measurements of allele-specific expression (ASE) of TGFBR1 in a population-based series of CRC patients and controls. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3′-untranslated region of the gene were genotyped and used for ASE determination by pyrosequencing. After eliminating non-informative samples and samples with RNA of insufficient quality 109 cases and 125 controls were studied. Allelic ratios ranged between 0.74 and 1.69 without evidence of bimodality or cutoff points for ‘ASE’ versus ‘non-ASE’. Treating ASE as a continuous variable, cases had non-significantly different values than controls (P = 0.081 when comparing means by permutation test). However, cases had significantly higher ASE values when comparing medians by permutation test (P = 0.0027) and when using Wilcoxon test (P = 0.0094). We conclude that with the present-day technology, ASE differences between individuals and between cases and controls are too subtle to be used to assess CRC risk. More advanced technology is expected to resolve this issue as well as the low informativity caused by the limited heterozygosity of transcribed SNPs.
Nutrient availability affects pigment production but not growth in lichens of biological soil crusts

Abstract Recent research suggests that micronutrients such as Mn may limit growth of slow-growing biological soil crusts (BSCs) in some of the drylands of the world. These soil surface communities contribute strongly to arid ecosystem function and are easily degraded, creating a need for new restoration tools. The possibility that Mn fertilization could be used as a restoration tool for BSCs has not been tested previously. We used microcosms in a controlled greenhouse setting to investigate the hypothesis that Mn may limit photosynthesis and consequently growth in Collema tenax, a dominant N-fixing lichen found in BSCs worldwide. We found no evidence to support our hypothesis; furthermore, addition of other nutrients (primarily P, K, and Zn) had a suppressive effect on gross photosynthesis (P = 0.05). We also monitored the growth and physiological status of our microcosms and found that other nutrients increased the production of scytonemin, an important sunscreen pigment, but only when not added with Mn (P = 0.01). A structural equation model indicated that this effect was independent of any photosynthesis-related variable. We propose two alternative hypotheses to account for this pattern: (1) Mn suppresses processes needed to produce scytonemin; and (2) Mn is required to suppress scytonemin production at low light, when it is an unnecessary photosynthate sink. Although Mn fertilization does not appear likely to increase photosynthesis or growth of Collema, it could have a role in survivorship during environmentally stressful periods due to modification of scytonemin production. Thus, Mn enrichment should be studied further for its potential to facilitate BSC rehabilitation.
Chemical composition and in-vitro digestibility of thermochemically treated peanut hulls

Changes in chemical composition and digestibility of peanut hulls after a variety of thermochemical treatments were monitored. Mineral acids and base under elevated temperature (121°C) were generally ineffective for decreasing the fibrous, lignocellulosic component of the hulls. Only nitric acid-treatment effectively decreased the relative lignin content of the hulls. The lignin:nitrogen ratio and carbohydrate content of treated hulls were both highly correlated with in-vitro digestibility. Overall, thermochemical treatments did not increase the digestibility of peanut hulls.
Promotion of Physical Fitness and Prevention of Secondary Conditions for Children With Cerebral Palsy: Section on Pediatrics Research Summit Proceedings

Inadequate physical fitness is a major problem affecting the function and health of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Lack of optimal physical activity may contribute to the development of secondary conditions associated with CP such as chronic pain, fatigue, and osteoporosis. The purpose of this article is to highlight the content and recommendations of a Pediatrics Research Summit developed to foster collaborative research in this area. Two components of physical fitness—muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness—were emphasized. Although there is evidence to support the use of physical fitness interventions, there are many gaps in our current knowledge. Additional research of higher quality and rigor is needed in order to make definitive recommendations regarding the mode, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise. Outcome measurements have focused on the body functions and structures level of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and much less is known about effects at the activities and participation levels. Additionally, the influence of nutritional and growth factors on physical fitness has not been studied in this population, in which poor growth and skeletal fragility have been identified as serious health issues. Current intervention protocols and outcome measurements were critically evaluated, and recommendations were made for future research.
A new Approach to Deformation energy Calculations

Abstract A simplified microscopic method is used to calculate the deformation energy curves of heavy nuclei, which show a second minimum and two fission barriers at about the same deformations as in the shell-correction calculations.
Neural Tube Closure: The Curious Case of Shrinking Junctions

Summary Your brain and spinal cord began as a flat sheet, which narrowed, elongated, and rolled up to form a tube. A new study identifies a key molecular link underlying vertebrate neural tube formation, connecting planar cell polarity patterning to contraction of specific cell–cell junctions.
Fiscal policy for health policy makers

This paper summarizes the basic principles that should form the basis of fiscal policy. These principles encompass decisions on the functions of government, its spending, and the financing of its spending that affect economic growth, employment, inflation, and economic welfare. Although the principles are broadly applicable, it is especially important that health policy makers understand them. Ensuring access to health care is one of society's, and therefore the government's, most important goals. In meeting this goal, policy makers must be cognizant of fiscal realities; what they can reasonably expect government to achieve in the health sector and at what cost. Resources are limited, and many valuable programs in both the private and public sectors vie for them. Allocating these resources efficiently is of paramount importance, with implications for what the government does and how it finances its activities. The absolute level and share of government resources allocated to the health sector will depend on a variety of factors, but the bottom line is that health programs must compete with other government programs for scarce resources to ensure that these resources are put to their best use.
Testing the Structural Invariance of the Africultural Coping Systems Inventory Across Three Samples of African Descent Populations

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the factorial invariance of the Africultural Coping Systems Inventory’s (ACSI) measurement model and underlying factor structure across three independent and ethnically distinct samples of African descent populations. Results indicated that factor pattern coefficients of the ACSI’s underlying structural model were invariant across the three samples, but its variance and covariance parameters were not.
Event segmentation and seven types of narrative discontinuity in popular movies.

Abstract Using a sample of 24 movies I investigate narrative shifts in location, characters, and time frame that do and do not align with viewer segmentations of events (scenes and subscenes) in popular movies. Taken independently these dimensions create eight categories, seven of change and one of nonchange. Data show that the more dimensions that are changed the more viewers agree on their segmentations, although the nonadditive variations across the seven change types are large and systematic. Dissolves aid segmentation but over the last 70 years they have been used less and less by filmmakers, except for two infrequent shift types. Locations and characters are strongly yoked, jointly accounting for most narrative shifts. There are also interactions of shift types over the 70-year span and across genres, as well as differences that affect the scale of the establishing shot in a new scene. In addition, several aspects of the narratives of individual movies affect the distributions of shift types. Together these results suggest that there are at least four different signatures of narrative shifts to be found in popular movies — general patterns across time, patterns of historical change, genre-specific patterns, and film-specific patterns.
Effects of psyllium supplementation on protein, triglycerides, serum electrolytes and packed cell volume in grazing horses

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) important for neural function and is rapidly accumulated in the fetal brain during late gestation. Research in horses has shown that the most efficient means of increasing circulating DHA concentrations is via direct supplementation of DHA rather than n-3 FA precursors such as a-linolenic acid; however, limited data exists on DHA availability to the foal when supplemented to the mare. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that supplementing pregnant mares with DHA would increase DHA availability to foals, both in utero and during lactation, and facilitate passive transfer of immunity to the foal. Twenty (mean � SE, 624 � 10 kg) stock breed mares were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: an n-3-rich fat supplement containing an algae source of DHA (n¼10; Releira , Arenus, St. Charles, MO) or a placebo fat
Synthesis and Characterization of the Face-Centered Cubic Clusters [(Me 3 tacn) 8 M 8 Pt 6 (CN) 24 ] 12+ (M = Cr, Mo)

Incorporation of a 5d transition metal into the face-centered cubic metal-cyanide cluster geometry is accomplished for the first time with the isolation of a series of compounds featuring [(Me3tacn)8M8Pt6(CN)24]12+ (M = Cr, Mo) clusters. Reaction of [(Me3tacn)Cr(CN)3] and K2[PtCl4] in a boiling aqueous solution generates [(Me3tacn)8Cr8Pt6(CN)24]Cl12 · 27H2O (1), wherein PtII centers reside at the face-centering sites and the cyanide ligands have reoriented to give PtII–C≡N–CrIII linkages. The cyclic voltammogram obtained for a solution of 1 in DMSO exhibits a quasireversible reduction event centered at E 1/2 = −1.59 V versus Cp2Fe0/1+. Reaction of 1 with K2[Pt(CN)4] in aqueous solution affords [(Me3tacn)8Cr8Pt6(CN)24][Pt(CN)4]6 · 6H2O (2), in which each face of the cubic cluster is capped by a staggered tetracyanoplatinate anion with a Pt–Pt separation of 3.1552(7) A. Attempts to perform analogous cluster-forming reactions with [(Me3tacn)Mo(CN)3] revealed a tendency toward cluster decomposition to give mixtures of insoluble products, including [(Me3tacn)8Mo8Pt6(CN)24][Pt(CN)4]6 · 46H2O (3) and [(Me3tacn)8Mo8Pt6(CN)24][Pt(CN)4]2.5[Pt(CN)3Br]2Br3 · 6H2O (4). Crystallographic analyses revealed these compounds to contain the anticipated [(Me3tacn)8Mo8Pt6(CN)24]12+ cluster in fully- and partially-capped forms, respectively. Unfortunately, the insolubility of these molybdenum-containing products precluded characterization of the cluster by cyclic voltammetry.
Influence of the superposition approximation on calculated effective dose rates from galactic cosmic rays at aerospace‐related altitudes

The superposition approximation was commonly employed in atmospheric nuclear transport modeling until recent years and is incorporated into flight dose calculation codes such as CARI-6 and EPCARD. The useful altitude range for this approximation is investigated using Monte Carlo transport techniques. CARI-7A simulates atmospheric radiation transport of elements H-Fe using a database of precalculated galactic cosmic radiation showers calculated with MCNPX 2.7.0 and is employed here to investigate the influence of the superposition approximation on effective dose rates, relative to full nuclear transport of galactic cosmic ray primary ions. Superposition is found to produce results less than 10% different from nuclear transport at current commercial and business aviation altitudes while underestimating dose rates at higher altitudes. The underestimate sometimes exceeds 20% at approximately 23 km and exceeds 40% at 50 km. Thus, programs employing this approximation should not be used to estimate doses or dose rates for high-altitude portions of the commercial space and near-space manned flights that are expected to begin soon.
SISO controller design to minimize a positive combination of the l 1 and the H 2 norms

Abstract We consider the problem of minimizing a given positive linear combination of the l1 norm and the square of the H 2 norm of the closed loop over all internally stabilizing controllers. The problem is analysed for the discrete-time, SISO, linear time-invariant case. It is shown that a unique optimal solution always exists, and can be obtained by solving a finite-dimensional convex optimization problem with an a priori determined dimension. It is also established that the solution is continuous with respect to changes in the coefficients of the linear combination.
Student, Cooperating, and Supervising Teacher Perceptions of Educational and Musical Interactions During Student Teaching

The purpose of this study was to examine the participants’ perceptions of the concurrent educational and musical interactions among student teachers, cooperating teachers, and me as a supervising teacher and participant observer. Two cooperating teachers and two student teachers worked together daily for 2 months while teaching elementary and middle school string orchestra students. Concurrently, these four teachers and I participated in chamber music experiences each week. Data included individual interviews, observations of student teachers’ teaching and music-making interactions, and researcher’s reflections and notes. Participants described advantages of working together in an educational setting: student teachers formed a support system, student and cooperating teachers learned from each other, and sectionals benefited the string students and cooperating teachers. Participants found musical interactions were considered positive and valued experiences, helped the student teachers reach a higher level ...
Percutaneous Absorption of Flufenamic Acid in Rabbits: Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Various Nonionic Surface-Active Agents

Abstract □ Eight nonionic surface-active agents were each incorporated at a concentration of 10% into a white petrolatum ointment base containing 10% flufenamic acid with or without dimethyl sulfoxide. Percutaneous absorption was studied by determining.the plasmaconcentration of flufenamic acid in New Zealand White rabbits at regular intervals for 8 hr following application of the ointment. The percutaneous absorption of flufenamic acid was significantly increased when sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyl 8 stearate, or polyoxyethylene 2 oleyl ether were added to the ointment containing flufenamic acid and white petrolatum. The percutaneous absorption of flufenamic acid was increased significantly when sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan trioleate, polyoxyl 8 stearate, polyoxyethylene 20 cetyl ether, or polyoxyethylene 2 oleyl ether were added to the ointment containing dimethyl sulfoxide, flufenamic acid, and white petrolatum.
Laser Photoionization Measurements of Pressure in Vacuum

For some time, laser photoionization has been used to detect low concentrations of atoms, molecules, and radical intermediates in a variety of applications, including analytical chemistry, combustion, plasma and CVD diagnostics. Several of these studies have shown that laser photoionization has the fundamental sensitivity and selectivity necessary for species-specific partial pressure measurement in the ultrahigh vacuum regime. This body of work has, in part, spurred interest in the application of laser photoionization to measurements of pressures in the UHV regime. In this paper we discuss the results of the recent research conducted at NIST on the use of laser photoionization for quantitative pressure measurements and the factors which limit the pressure measurements based upon this technique.
Beyond occupational differences: : The importance of cross-cutting demographics and dyadic toolkits for collaboration in a U.S. Hospital

We use data from a 12-month ethnographic study of two medical-surgical units in a U.S. hospital to examine how members from different occupations can collaborate with one another in their daily wor...
A low-power CMOS integrated circuit for bearing estimation

We present the design and testing of a micropower integrated circuit for the estimation of the bearing angle of a sound source with respect to a pair of microphones. The algorithm is based on a modified binary cross-correlation approach suitable for low-power operation. The circuit has been tested and operates at 600 /spl mu/W at performance levels matching theoretical simulations.
Application of machine vision techniques for the evaluation of highway pavements in unstructured environments

Machine vision approach was applied in automating pavement distress measurement procedure. Current automated distress measuring devices are described. The paper discusses various image processing algorithms adopted for such devices. Limitations of the automated devices are presented. >
Dose differences in intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans calculated with pencil beam and Monte Carlo for lung SBRT

For patients with medically inoperable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy, early treatment plans were based on a simpler dose calculation algorithm, the pencil beam (PB) calculation. Because these patients had the longest treatment follow-up, identifying dose differences between the PB calculated dose and Monte Carlo calculated dose is clinically important for understanding of treatment outcomes. Previous studies found significant dose differences between the PB dose calculation and more accurate dose calculation algorithms, such as convolution-based or Monte Carlo (MC), mostly for three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT) plans. The aim of this study is to investigate whether these observed dose differences also exist for intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans for both centrally and peripherally located tumors. Seventy patients (35 central and 35 peripheral) were retrospectively selected for this study. The clinical IMRT plans that were initially calculated with the PB algorithm were recalculated with the MC algorithm. Among these paired plans, dosimetric parameters were compared for the targets and critical organs. When compared to MC calculation, PB calculation overestimated doses to the planning target volumes (PTVs) of central and peripheral tumors with different magnitudes. The doses to 95% of the central and peripheral PTVs were overestimated by 9.7% ± 5.6% and 12.0% ± 7.3%, respectively. This dose overestimation did not affect doses to the critical organs, such as the spinal cord and lung. In conclusion, for NSCLC treated with IMRT, dose differences between the PB and MC calculations were different from that of 3D CRT. No significant dose differences in critical organs were observed between the two calculations.
Cocaine blocks HERG, but not KvLQT1+minK, potassium channels.

Cocaine causes cardiac arrhythmias, sudden death, and occasionally long QT syndrome in humans. We investigated the effect of cocaine on the human K+ channels HERG and KvLQT1+minK that encode native rapidly (IKr) and slowly (IKs) activating delayed rectifier K+ channels in the heart. HERG and KvLQT1+minK channels were heterologously expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells, and whole-cell currents were recorded. Cocaine had no effect on KvLQT1+minK current in concentrations up to 200 μM. In contrast, cocaine reversibly blocked HERG current with half-maximal block of peak tail current of 7.2 μM. By using a protocol to quickly activate HERG channels, we found that cocaine block developed rapidly after channel activation. At 0 mV, the time constants for the development of block were 38.2 ± 2.1, 15.2 ± 0.8, and 6.9 ± 1.1 ms in 10, 50 and 200 μM cocaine, respectively. Cocaine-blocked channels also recovered rapidly from block after repolarization. At −100 mV, recovery from block followed a biphasic time course with fast and slow time constants of 3.5 ± 0.7 and 100.3 ± 15.4 ms, respectively. UsingN-methyl-cocaine, a permanently charged, membrane-impermeable cocaine analog, block of HERG channels rapidly developed when the drug was applied intracellularly through the patch pipette, suggesting that the cocaine binding site on the HERG protein is located on a cytoplasmic accessible domain. These results indicate that cocaine suppresses HERG, but not KvLQT1+minK, channels by preferentially blocking activated channels, that it unblocks upon repolarization, and does so with unique ultrarapid kinetics. Because the cocaine concentration range we studied is achieved in humans, HERG block may provide an additional mechanism for cocaine-induced arrhythmias and sudden death.
Firm Stock Returns' Sensitivities to Crisis Shocks

We identify three “crisis shocks” related to key features of the 2007-2008 crisis: (1) the collapse of global demand, (2) the contraction of credit supply, and (3) selling pressure on firms’ equity. Using an international cross-section of firms, we analyze whether firms’ sensitivities to these shocks are reflected in stock returns over the period of the global financial crisis of 2007-2008. Firms’ sensitivities to these three “crisis shocks” result in large and statistically significant influences on residual equity returns during the crisis period (after controlling for normal risk factors that are associated with expected returns). Similar analysis for the placebo period of August 2005-December 2006 shows that the influences identified during the 2007-2008 sample period are not significant. A month-by-month analysis shows that the time variation of the importance of each of the sensitivities to shocks tracks related changes in the global economic environment.
Functionalization of the [closo-1-CB9H10]- anion for the construction of new classes of liquid crystals.

The [closo-1-CB9H10]− anion is a member of an extensive family of σ-aromatic closo-boranes that possess impressive stability and functionalization characteristics. In contrast to its bigger, more extensively studied brother, the [closo-1-CB11H12]− anion, convenient access to the [closo-1-CB9H10]− anion has only been recently established, and researchers have only begun to develop and understand its fundamental chemistry.The geometrical and electronic properties of the [closo-1-CB9H10]− anion make it an attractive structural element of novel classes of either zwitterionic or ionic liquid crystals suitable for electro-optical and ion transport applications, respectively. Such materials require a 1,10-difunctionalized [closo-1-CB9H10]− anion that permits for the formation of molecules of elongated shape. The covalent attachment of an onium fragment or the use of a counterion compensates for the negative charge. This Account highlights the progress made in the advancement and understanding of the fundamental ...
Determinants of Real Estate Agent Compensation Choice

This research seeks to determine what factors are decisive when an agent chooses between a 100% payout and the more traditional split-commission arrangement. In addition to the expected positive re...
Study on Field Observation for Natural Icing Form on Overhead Lines in Northern Guangdong Area

According to field observation for icing on typical transmission lines in northern Guangdong area and measuring data about icing thickness,ice length and numbers,ice density,this paper studies relationship between icing forms of conductors and insulators and tower height,electric potential of insulators,suspension ways and position of insulators.The result shows that icing in this area is a kind of glaze which is transparent and electric conductivity of the icing water is less than 15 μs/cm while the ice density is 0.695~0.9 g/cm3.It also indicates that icing forms on the same tower but at the different height are different.On the upper surface of conductor,the ice is rather thick when happening icing while melting it is comparatively thick on the lower surface.Meanwhile,there is no ice on the lower surface of the ground wire,icing at the high voltage terminal of insulator chain is more serious than the low voltage terminal,icing on the insulator is a little serious than that on the tower and conductor,utilization of flower arranging string can effectively reduce bridge connection between insulator pieces,icing on insulators with different phase is indistinguishable and upwards of ice is comparatively common which occurs randomly as a result of comprehensive role of electric field and micro environmental wind.
Resection of a left posterolateral thalamic cavernoma with the Nico BrainPath sheath: Case report, technical note, and review of the literature

Abstract Background Management of symptomatic cavernomas of the posterolateral thalamus is particularly challenging due to their intimate relationship with the posterior limb of the internal capsule. The risk of continued observation and surgical resection is debilitating motor dysfunction. Traditional microsurgical approaches must be tailored for each lesion and account for the unique and specific anatomic relationships of individual cavernomas. Advances in neuronavigation, MRI, DTI, and tractography have improved the safety of these procedures. Unfortunately, resection remains associated with a significant risk of postoperative morbidity. Case description We present a case report of a 44 year-old male with a symptomatic posterolateral thalamic cavernoma for which multiple microsurgical approaches were considered. Ultimately, a complete resection was achieved through a minimally invasive approach with the Nico BrainPath tubular retractor (Indianapolis, IN). Following a brief period of immediate postoperative right-sided hemiplegia, the patient had returned to near neurologic baseline at short-term follow-up. Conclusion We believe this to be the first report of a successful resection of a lesion in this anatomic location with this technology. Tubular retractor-guided approaches may represent a valid alternative when addressing cavernomas in this challenging region. Long-term follow-up and larger cases series are necessary to determine if outcomes are comparable to those associated with traditional microsurgical approaches.
Isolation of Membrane Rafts and Signaling Complexes

Traditionally, lipid rafts have been defined by their insolubility in ice-cold Triton X-100 and low-buoyant density. These low-density membrane microdomains have been referred to as detergent-resistant membranes, Triton-insoluble membranes, and Triton-insoluble floating fraction. They are enriched in cholesterol, often sphingomyelin and various gangliosides (GMI, GM2, and GM3). The ability of the B-subunit of cholera toxin to bind GMI has been exploited to visualize membrane rafts by confocal microscopy in patching and capping experiments. Biochemically, membrane rafts are isolated by solubolization in ice-cold Triton X-100 and separation of the low-buoyant density fractions from soluble material on sucrose density gradients. We describe the isolation of Jurkat cell-specific membrane rafts using 2% Triton X-100. This procedure yielded a consistent raft product that was enriched in cholesterol, gangliosides sphingomyelin and membrane raft protein markers including lck and lat 1. Moreover, rafts were visualized using Alexa Fluor 647 cholera toxin capped with anti-cholera toxin antibody. Co-localization of the C subunit of cytolethal distending toxin to rafts was determined using patching techniques.
Improvement of β-Carotene Bioaccessibility from Dietary Supplements Using Excipient Nanoemulsions

The influence of excipient nanoemulsions on β-carotene bioaccessibility from commercial dietary supplements (tablets or soft gels) was studied employing an in vitro gastrointestinal tract (GIT) model. Excipient nanoemulsions were formulated from long or medium chain triglycerides (LCT or MCT) to determine the impact of lipid type on carotenoid bioaccessibility. Dietary supplements were tested using the GIT model in the absence or presence of excipient nanoemulsions. β-carotene bioaccessibility from tablets (0.3%) or soft gels (2.4%) was low when tested in isolation. LCT nanoemulsions greatly improved β-carotene bioaccessibility from tablets (20%) and slightly improved it from soft gels (5%), whereas MCT nanoemulsions only slightly improved bioaccessibility. These results were attributed to the ability of large carotenoid molecules to be incorporated into large mixed micelles formed by LCT digestion but not by small ones formed by MCT digestion. Our results indicate that excipient nanoemulsions have considerable potential for improving nutraceutical bioavailability from dietary supplements.
Learner-Centered Teaching for Environmental and Sustainability Studies

This volume merges two aspects of education that have rapidly changed in recent years: environmental and sustainability education, and knowledge about effective pedagogy. Its central purpose is to disseminate engaging teaching activities that instructors can use to help increase students’ environmental literacy. The included activities are that require minimal instructor preparation, do not require elaborate setups or specialized materials, and can be used in many course contexts but especially in traditional (i.e., non-laboratory, indoor) classroom spaces; most can be completed in one or two class sessions. The target audience is primarily higher-education instructors (including graduate level), but high school teachers may find the resources appropriate for and adaptable to their courses, especially advanced ones. This introductory chapter frames the collection of teaching activities by discussing pedagogical challenges of environmental and sustainability education and the nature and implications of adopting learner-centered pedagogy. To foster critical, honest reflection about the approach, some of its inherent challenges and trade-offs are reviewed to help readers more thoughtfully reflect about how to implement it. The concluding section includes comments about learner-centered lecturing, the chapters’ structure and content, peer review of teaching activities, and the joy and necessity of learner-centered teaching for environmental and sustainability studies.
On the computational complexity of finding the maxima of a set of vectors

Let U1,U2,...,Udbe totally ordered sets and let V be a set of n d-dimensional vectors in U1× U2× ... × Ud. A partial ordering is defined on V in a natural way. We consider the problem of finding all maximal elements of V with respect to the partial ordering. The computational complexity of the problem is defined to be the maximum number of required comparisons of two components and is denoted by Cd(n). It is trivial that C1(n) = n-1 and Cd(n) ≤ 0 (n2) for d ≥ 2. previous results are Cd(n) ≤ 0 (n log2n) for d = 2,3. in this paper, we show 1. Cd(n) ≤ 0 (n(log2n)d-2) for d ≥ 4. 2. Cd(n) ≥ ⌈log2n! ⌉ for d ≥ 2.
Critical Issues in Protecting Children and Serving Families

Research shows and experience confirms that families have changed and become more complex. Yet institutions and agencies offering social services to complex families have been slow in adapting to change. The affinograph method of initial assessment reveals that the notion of a “single-parent family” poorly corresponds with actual family constellations. The affinograph avoids preconceived notions of what the family ought to be and allows service providers to identify families from the client’s perspective. Clearly defined families include nonresident parents and extended family. A systemic view of the family often clarifies sources of problems and leads to more lasting solutions. In general, affinographs help identify the need for integrated services across linked households and multiple generations.
The association of protein intake (amount and type) with ovarian antral follicle counts among infertile women: results from the EARTH prospective study cohort

Objective To evaluate the association between protein intake (amount and type) and antral follicle count (AFC). Design Prospective cohort. Setting Academic fertility centre. Population Two hundred and sixty-five women undergoing fertility treatments at an academic fertility centre and participating in an ongoing study on environment and reproductive health. Methods We measured AFC in ultrasonographic evaluation among women undergoing infertility treatments. Women completed a previously validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. We used Poisson regression to evaluate the relation between protein intake and AFC while adjusting for age, body mass index, race, smoking status, and total energy intake. Main outcome measures Antral follicle count. Results Among 265 women (mean age: 35.0 ± 3.9 years, 85% Caucasian), total protein intake (% energy) was unrelated to AFC. When protein from different food sources was considered separately, we found a negative association between dairy protein intake and AFC. The mean AFC was 14.4% (3.9–23.7%) lower for women in the highest quintile of dairy protein intake than for women in the bottom quintile after adjusting for potential confounders (P-trend = 0.04). This association was stronger among women who had never smoked (P-trend = 0.002) but was not observed among previous smokers (P-trend = 0.36). There were no associations between protein intake from either non-dairy animal or vegetable sources and AFC. Conclusion Higher dairy protein intake (≥5.24% of energy) was associated with lower antral follicle counts among women presenting for infertility treatment. These findings should be further investigated in prospective studies also designed to clarify the biology underlying the observed associations. Tweetable abstract Higher dairy protein intake was associated with lower antral follicle counts in an infertile population.
Opinion: Quantum solutions for a sustainable energy future

Humanity's technological, economic and societal progress since the onset of the industrial revolution has left us facing one of the greatest challenges in history, as well as the tools to solve it: how to power our world sustainably while minimizing environmental harm. In this Perspective, we highlight the important role that quantum chemistry has in sustainable energy research and our vision of its future impact. Important technical problems in the field of sustainable energy and their potential quantum solutions are covered. The development of advanced quantum mechanical methods, which can be combined with other simulation tools, affords insights that will help to secure our energy and environmental future. The technological progress made since the industrial revolution has brought with it one of our greatest challenges: how to power our world while also minimizing environmental harm. This Perspective highlights the important role that quantum chemistry has in sustainable energy research.
IMMUNOCHEMISTRY OF THE LENS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PHYLOGENY.

Lenses from all vertebrate classes were used for preparing antisera in rabbits. By immunoelectrophoresis, 9 to 10 precipitin lines were found in all homologous reactions. The number of lens components shared by different vertebrates depended on their relative position in the evolutionary scale. The absorption of any given antilens serum with lenses from another class removed antibodies against lens components shared by both with species lower in the evolutionary scale. These results indicate that some lens components developed at an earlier evolutionary stage were transferred to higher species, which retained them throughout all or part of further evolutionary transformations. Appropriately absorbed antilens sera can be thus used for tracing the sequence of appearance of each lens component in human or other lenses. In attempts to isolate phylogenetically different lens components, continuous flow electrophoresis, column chromatography, isolectric and ethanol precipitation were used. Almost all the bovine lens fractions analyzed immunologically proved to be mixtures. Components ivith the same immunological specificity occurred in a heterogeneity of forms, which differed in solubility, electrophoretic and chromatographic properties. These data point to the necessity of immunochemical analysis as an accessory procedure. The possible role of protein interactions, aging, and genetic variations as causes of difficulty in the separation of individual lens proteins was briefly discussed. Additional investigations described the similarities and differences of antibodies to rabbit lens obtained by injecting (a) rabbit lens into rabbits, (b) other vertebrate lenses into rabbits, and (c) rabbit lens into other vertebrates, e.g., ducks.
Towards More Literate Reports: Avoiding Words and Phrases You Should Not Say

The emerging categorization of quality assessment, utilized now by most accrediting agencies in medical education divides the roster of evaluation into six distinct areas of inquiry and measurement, They are medical knowledge, professionalism, system based practice, practice-based learning, patient care and interpersonal and communication skills. All of these competencies are important for physicians, both those in training and those beyond residency. For radiologists, despite our distance from direct contact with patients as an essential component of most of our daily work, they are still no less important.
Educators' emotion regulation strategies and their physiological indicators of chronic stress over 1 year.

Studies show teaching is a highly stressful profession and that chronic work stress is associated with adverse health outcomes. This study analysed physiological markers of stress and self-reported emotion regulation strategies in a group of middle school teachers over 1 year. Chronic physiological stress was assessed with diurnal cortisol measures at three time points over 1 year (fall, spring, fall). The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the changes in educators' physiological level of stress. Results indicate that compared to those in the fall, cortisol awakening responses were blunted in the spring. Further, this effect was ameliorated by the summer break. Additionally, self-reported use of the emotion regulation strategy reappraisal buffered the observed blunting that occurred in the spring.
A very large-scale microelectrode array for cellular-resolution electrophysiology

In traditional electrophysiology, spatially inefficient electronics and the need for tissue-to-electrode proximity defy non-invasive interfaces at scales of more than a thousand low noise, simultaneously recording channels. Using compressed sensing concepts and silicon complementary metal-oxide-semiconductors (CMOS), we demonstrate a platform with 65,536 simultaneously recording and stimulating electrodes in which the per-electrode electronics consume an area of 25.5 μm by 25.5 μm. Application of this platform to mouse retinal studies is achieved with a high-performance processing pipeline with a 1 GB/s data rate. The platform records from 65,536 electrodes concurrently with a ~10 µV r.m.s. noise; senses spikes from more than 34,000 electrodes when recording across the entire retina; automatically sorts and classifies greater than 1700 neurons following visual stimulation; and stimulates individual neurons using any number of the 65,536 electrodes while observing spikes over the entire retina. The approaches developed here are applicable to other electrophysiological systems and electrode configurations.
A note on the accuracy of KS-DFT densities.

The accuracy of the density of wave function methods and Kohn-Sham (KS) density functionals is studied using moments of the density, ⟨rn⟩=∫ ρ rrndτ=∫0∞4πr2ρ(r)rndr,where n=−1,−2,0,1,2,and 3 provides information about the short- and long-range behavior of the density. Coupled cluster (CC) singles, doubles, and perturbative triples (CCSD(T)) is considered as the reference density. Three test sets are considered: boron through neon neutral atoms, two and four electron cations, and 3d transition metals. The total density and valence only density are distinguished by dropping appropriate core orbitals. Among density functionals tested, CAMQTP00 and ωB97x show the least deviation for boron through neon neutral atoms. They also show accurate eigenvalues for the HOMO indicating that they should have a more correct long-range behavior for the density. For transition metals, some density functional approximations outperform some wave function methods, suggesting that the KS determinant could be a better starting po...
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome in a newborn infant with developmental abnormalities and low endogenous cholesterol.

Abstract Background Patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome (SLOS) have defective endogenous cholesterol synthesis, and present with decreased cholesterol levels and multiple developmental dysmorphologies. Case description A newborn infant with normal XY karyotype and normal microarray was born with multiple developmental defects and ambiguous genitalia. The patient was diagnosed with SLOS, following biochemical genetic analysis of serum 7-DHC concentrations. The clinical course of the patient was further complicated by the comorbidities associated with SLOS and the bacterial infections. Conclusion We provide a detailed biochemical profile of the SLOS patient. The report can help us further understand the pathological impacts of cholesterol synthesis deficiency and provide relevant clinical management with outcome of this rare genetic disorder.
A fast target detection algorithm for underwater synthetic aperture sonar imagery

The ability to discern the characteristics of the seafloor has many applications. Due to minimal visibility, Synthetic Aperture Sonar Imagery (SAS) uses sonar to produce a texture map of the seabed below. In this paper, we discuss an approach to detecting targets from varying seafloor contexts. The approach begins with one or more anomaly detecting prescreeners that use minimal information about targets and that can be applied under various seafloor conditions. In addition, these anomaly detectors see multiple fusion experiments and manipulation to bolster and account for unique target characteristics. Suppressed hits or peaks in the resultant confidence surface, are further processed for scoring. Through ROC curve production and areas under their curves, detection effectiveness becomes simple to distinguish. Attention is paid to determine performance with respect to seafloor type from various locations. The approach is tested on a SAS data collection conducted by the U.S. Navy.
Neuroimaging and Clinical Studies on Brain–Immune Interactions

In this chapter I will review the following areas: (1) basic immunology and the pathways through which the brain and the immune system communicate, (2) experimental paradigms that can be used to activate the innate immune system in humans, (3) functional brain imaging and its use in combination with those paradigms, (4) symptoms induced by immune activation that are relevant to the core pathology of addiction (reward, anhedonia, and fatigue), (5) the use of medications to reduce the effects of immune activation on the brain, and (6) imaging of microglia, cells which may mediate some of the effect of immune activation on the brain.
CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT OBESITY: Prevalence and Significance

The prevalence of children and adolescents with body mass index (BMI) of greater than 95th percentile has doubled in the last 2 decades (present prevalence is 10.9%) and there is a 50% increase in the prevalence of those with a BMI greater than 85th percentile (present prevalence is 22.0%) in the US. There are substantial risks for morbidity in obese children even before they reach adulthood. Further, if obesity in childhood persists into the adult years, the morbidity and mortality is greater than if the obesity developed in the adult. Screening using appropriate historical and physical data will reveal those children most in need of modification of weight gain.
Social-Emotional Learning of Refugee English Language Learners in Early Elementary Grades: Teachers’ Perspectives

ABSTRACTWhen young refugee English language learners (ELLs) start formal schooling in the United States, the social-emotional learning (SEL) appropriate for the U.S. school context may be especiall...
A mesoderm-independent role for Nodal signaling in convergence & extension gastrulation movements

ABSTRACT During embryogenesis, the distinct morphogenetic cell behavior programs that shape tissues are influenced both by the fate of cells and their position with respect to the embryonic axes, making embryonic patterning a prerequisite for morphogenesis. These two essential processes must therefore be coordinated in space and time to ensure proper development, but mechanisms by which patterning information is translated to the cellular machinery that drives morphogenesis remain poorly understood. Here, we address the role of Nodal morphogen signaling at the intersection of cell fate specification, patterning, and anteroposterior (AP) axis extension in zebrafish gastrulae and embryonic explants. AP axis extension is impaired in Nodal-deficient embryos, but it is unclear whether this defect is strictly secondary to their severe mesendoderm deficiencies or also results from loss of Nodal signaling per se. We find that convergence & extension (C&E) gastrulation movements and underlying mediolateral (ML) cell polarization are reduced in the neuroectoderm of Nodal-deficient mutants and exacerbated by simultaneous disruption of Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signaling, demonstrating at least partially parallel functions of Nodal and PCP. ML polarity of mutant neuroectoderm cells is not fully restored upon transplantation into wild-type gastrulae, demonstrating a cell autonomous, mesoderm-independent role for Nodal in neural cell polarization. This is further demonstrated by the ability of Nodal ligands to promote neuroectoderm-driven C&E of naive blastoderm explants in a tissue-autonomous fashion. Finally, temporal manipulation of signaling reveals that Nodal contributes to neural C&E in explants after mesoderm is specified and promotes C&E even in the absence of mesoderm. Together these results reveal a mesoderm-independent, cell-autonomous role for Nodal signaling in neural C&E that may cooperate with previously-described mesoderm-dependent mechanisms to drive AP embryonic axis extension.
Older Drivers’ Differential Performance across Hazardous Scenarios:

With age-related changes in cognitive functioning including attention, older drivers experience increased crash risks and are particularly overrepresented in vehicle crashes in driving situations s...