cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Homopolymers: Postpolymerization Modification via Sequential Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution

Despite recent progress for efficient and precise synthesis of functional polymers, few reports describe postpolymerization functionalization strategies for the controlled incorporation of multiple pendent groups per repeat unit. Cyanuric chloride, or 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT), offers a facile method to introduce distinct pendent functionalities. An acrylamide monomer containing a triazine ring with two electrophilic sites was prepared from TCT and polymerized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Subsequent nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions using a combination of amine and thiol nucleophiles introduced two functionalities into each repeat unit of the RAFT-derived polymers. The success of each postpolymerization modification reaction was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and size-exclusion chromatography, and small molecule model studies corroborated the high chemoselectivity of the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions. This postpolymeriza...
Small- and Large-Scale Dynamo Action in Simple Forced Flows

We study the fully nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations in 3-D driven by a specific time-dependent forcing function, characterised by a frequency, Ω. Stable hydrodynamic solutions exist that are or are not dynamos depending on Ω. We examine the effect of such flows on an imposed large-scale (mean) field and measure the associated α-effect. We find that a significant non-zero α-effect can exist, indicating possible dynamo action on scales larger than the velocity scale, when sometimes no dynamo action exists at the velocity scale itself. Flows exist which are not small-scale dynamos, yet may be large-scale dynamos.
The Stillwater Complex, Montana – Overview and the significance of volatiles

The geology of the 2.7 Ga Stillwater Complex in South-Central Montana is reviewed with a focus on the role of volatiles in locally modifying both the crystallization sequence of the evolving parent magma and the initially precipitated solid assemblages to favour olivine ± chromite. A secondary origin for these two minerals is particularly probable for the olivine-bearing rocks of the Banded series and, at a minimum, also increasing their modal abundance in the Peridotite zone of the Ultramafic series. Direct evidence for volatiles includes the presence of high-temperature fluid inclusions in pegmatoids and hydrous melt inclusions (now crystallized) in chromite and olivine from both the Ultramafic and the Banded series rocks. Indirect evidence includes the boninitic character of the parent magma, the presence of volatile-bearing minerals including high-temperature carbonates, rock textures, and Cl / F variations in apatite. Mechanisms which favour the formation of olivine (± chromite) over pyroxene include volatile phase boundary shifts induced by added H2O, incongruent melting of pyroxene by hydration of a partly-molten mush, and the near- to sub-solidus replacement of pyroxene by olivine and chromite by silica-undersaturated fluids. These mechanisms cast doubt that magmas with different liquid lines of descent were involved in the crystallization of the Stillwater Complex. A dry Stillwater magma would have been mineralogically and modally much less varied and lacking in high-grade platinum-group element and chromium deposits.
STABLECOIL: An Algorithm Designed to Predict the Location and Relative Stability of Coiled-Coils in Native Protein Sequences

The α-helical coiled-coil is a ubiquitous protein-folding motif important for mediating the oligomerization state of proteins. Its sequence is characterized by a 7-residue repeat (denoted abcdefg, where a and d are hydrophobic residues), which is very amenable to sequence-based structure prediction. For example, early analysis of the frequency of occurrence of residues found within cytoskeletal and intracelluar coiled-coil containing proteins allowed algorithims to be designed to predict this structural motif e.g. COILS [1] and PAIRCOILS [2]. Here we describe a new algorithm, STABLECOIL, which not only predicts the location of coiled-coils within native protein sequences but has the added advantage of predicting stability fluctuations along the length of the coiled-coil. This method is based entirely upon physico-chemical parameters (i.e. stability coefficients) rather than statistical frequency of occurrence.
Central Autonomic Network

The central autonomic network (CAN) consists of interconnected areas distributed throughout the central neuraxis. These areas not only control the activity of the preganglionic neurons but also participate in coordination of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity with other homeostatic responses including respiration, arousal, and response to stress. These areas include the anterior cingulate and insular cortices, amygdala, periaqueductal gray, pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), parabrachial nuclear complex, nucleus of solitary tract, ventrolateral medullary reticular formation, and rostral ventromedial medulla and raphe nuclei. The activity of neurons in these regions is regulated in a state-dependent manner during the sleep-wake cycle providing for changes in cardiovascular and respiratory functions during these states. Understanding of the functional organization of these autonomic structures is therefore of relevance to interpret cardiovascular, respiratory and other autonomic manifestation during normal sleep and in sleep disorders.
IJzerbedevaart: The Last Summer Pilgrimage to the IJzer

Even the threat of rain, a constant in this area of Flanders, could not keep the pilgrims away from the day’s festivities. Most arrived wearing yellow raincoats, carrying yellow flags and umbrellas, and waving yellow scarves. The grounds of the IJzertoren were awash in yellow, the color of the Flemish flag. In appearance they were not much different from last year’s pilgrims. But the numbers were considerably smaller. This pilgrimage, the 85th, was the final one to be held on the last Sunday of August. After years of honoring the dead Flemish soldiers on this particular date, future pilgrimages will be held on Armistice Day, much to the dismay of some in the Flemish community. Some view the changes as a betrayal of the desires of the politically minded Flemish Front soldiers who died in the war. But the pilgrimage committee, looking to the declining numbers of the pilgrims, the rise of the IJzerwake, and their own re-direction of the three tenets of the Front Movement, nooit meer oorlog (no more war), zelbestuur (autonomy or self-government) and godsvrede (peace of God), has decided that the pilgrimage has served its purpose. The goals of the Front Movement, as the committee has interpreted them, have been realized, Flemish autonomy within Belgium — Federalism, has been achieved.
Superplasticity of Si3N4 whisker reinforced 6061 aluminium at high strain rate

We have successfully fabricated superplastic Si 3 N 4 whisker reinforced 6061 aluminium composite which has the features: simple fabrication process by elimination of TMP, superplastic deforming rate up to 10 -1 sec -1 strain rate and superplastic deforming temperature below the solidus line of matrix. The aim of this study is to investigate superplastic behaviour of this composite
A Noh Drama and Ozu’s Late Spring

Yasuji Ozu’s Late Spring ( Banshun, 1949) is considered to be his finest achievement. The story concerns Noriko (Setsuko Hara), who lives happily with her widowed father (Chishu Ryu) and seems in no hurry to get married. Her father, however, wants to see her settled and conspires with his sister to trick Noriko into believing that he is marrying Mrs. Miwa, a widow. The climactic scene is set in a Noh theater where father and daughter watch the Noh drama “Water Iris (Kakitsubata),” performed by the Kanze Noh troupe. The Shite, the spirit of water iris, dances in her elegant attire while reciting Ariwara Narihira’s story of lost love and poetry from the Tale of Ise. While watching the spirit dance, Noriko sees her father exchanges greetings with Mrs. Miwa, who is also in the theater. Noriko’s mood at once darkens because of jealousy and fear of her uncertain future. Noriko descends into the darkness while the spirit dances into the Buddhahood on stage. The film’s climactic scene and the Noh drama’s high point converge and diverge. The film utilizes the Noh drama to illuminate Noriko’s emotional roller-coaster journey. At the same time the spirit’s message about transient life remains true: “the cicada sheds its brocade gown, / revealing sleeves as white as deutzia blossoms/as white as the snow.” At the film’s finale Noriko appears clad in her white bridal kimono, ready for a new chapter of her life.
Circadian Kinetics of Cell Cycle Progression in Adult Neurogenic Niches of a Diurnal Vertebrate

The circadian system may regulate adult neurogenesis via intracellular molecular clock mechanisms or by modifying the environment of neurogenic niches, with daily variation in growth factors or nutrients depending on the animal's diurnal or nocturnal lifestyle. In a diurnal vertebrate, zebrafish, we studied circadian distribution of immunohistochemical markers of the cell division cycle (CDC) in 5 of the 16 neurogenic niches of adult brain, the dorsal telencephalon, habenula, preoptic area, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. We find that common to all niches is the morning initiation of G1/S transition and daytime S-phase progression, overnight increase in G2/M, and cycle completion by late night. This is supported by the timing of gene expression for critical cell cycle regulators cyclins D, A2, and B2 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p20 in brain tissue. The early-night peak in p20, limiting G1/S transition, and its phase angle with the expression of core clock genes, Clock1 and Per1, are preserved in constant darkness, suggesting intrinsic circadian patterns of cell cycle progression. The statistical modeling of CDC kinetics reveals the significant circadian variation in cell proliferation rates across all of the examined niches, but interniche differences in the magnitude of circadian variation in CDC, S-phase length, phase angle of entrainment to light or clock, and its dispersion. We conclude that, in neurogenic niches of an adult diurnal vertebrate, the circadian modulation of cell cycle progression involves both systemic and niche-specific factors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study establishes that in neurogenic niches of an adult diurnal vertebrate, the cell cycle progression displays a robust circadian pattern. Common to neurogenic niches located in diverse brain regions is daytime progression of DNA replication and nighttime mitosis, suggesting systemic regulation. Differences between neurogenic niches in the phase and degree of S-phase entrainment to the clock suggest additional roles for niche-specific regulatory mechanisms. Understanding the circadian regulation of adult neurogenesis can help optimize the timing of therapeutic approaches in patients with brain traumas or neurodegenerative disorders and preserve neural stem cells during cytostatic cancer therapies.
Infantile Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy Due to a Novel Mutation in ACAD9 (P03.017)

OBJECTIVE: To identify causative gene variants of early-onset complex I deficiency. BACKGROUND: Complex I deficiency is the most common respiratory chain defect with early-onset fatal encephalomyopathy. Although many molecular defects have been described both in structural subunits and in assembly factors, the genetic diagnosis remains unknown in a large cohort of patients. DESIGN/METHODS: We carried out biochemical and molecular studies in muscle and cultured fibroblasts from a patient with infantile mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Next generation exome sequencing with a mitochondrial gene library (MitoExome) was applied to identify the molecular defect. RESULTS: A 9-year-old Italian boy had severe infantile-onset myopathy with exercise intolerance, weakness, muscle wasting. He also had mental retardation and severe complex I deficiency. Metabolic workup showed increased levels of plasma lactic acid, acylcarnitine C0, and alanine, and thyroid dysfunction. EMG was compatible with a myopathic process and muscle biopsy revealed mitochondrial proliferation. Cardiac function was normal and there were no abnormalities of brain MRI. Biochemical studies showed severe complex I and moderate complex III deficiencies both in muscle and in fibroblasts. Western blot analysis of mtDNA-encoded respiratory chain components showed reduced protein level of complex I. MitoExome sequencing revealed a new homozygous mutation in ACAD9 gene (p.R414C) that was confirmed by Sanger sequence and found in heterozygosity in both parents. Improvement of muscle strength was reported after treatment with high-dose riboflavin. CONCLUSIONS: ACAD9 is a complex I assembly factor whose defects have been associated with a protean clinical spectrum spanning from pure myopathy with exercise intolerance and lactic acidosis to rapidly progressive encephalomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Our case contributes adds to the clinical heterogeneity of ACAD9 deficiency and confirms the importance of assembly factors in causing complex I deficiency. Disclosure: Dr. Garone has nothing to disclose. Dr. Donati has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sacchini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Calvo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garcia-Diaz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mootha has nothing to disclose. Dr. DiMauro has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for MedLink Neurology.
Longitudinal Associations of Neighborhood-level Racial Residential Segregation with Obesity among Blacks

Background:Despite 50 years since the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the majority of black Americans continue to live in highly segregated communities. Differing exposure to obesogenic environments in segregated neighborhoods may contribute to racial disparities in obesity prevalence.Metho
Audience-centered discourses in communication and social change: the ‘Voicebook’ of Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon, an entertainment-education initiative in India

In a world where development is unequal and dominant discourses are strident, communication strategies that both listen and speak to the needs and aspirations of the marginalized are few and far between. In this article, we investigated Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (MKBKSH), an entertainment-education initiative in India that strategically utilized storytelling on television, radio and digital platforms to question and challenge hegemonic patriarchal discourses. In so doing, MKBKSH not only garnered a staggering audience of 400 million, it pioneered the use of an interactive voice response (IVR) system to invite feedback from diverse audience members and to track their engagement with the programme in real time. Our analysis documents 1.7 million calls from over 390,000 unique phone numbers. Given the high penetration of mobile telephony in India, and its uniquely invitational nature, the IVR system enabled women, youth and the less privileged, to access curated content, answer questions and share...
Monitoring Lung Mechanics during Mechanical Ventilation using Machine Learning Algorithms

Evaluation of lung mechanics is the primary component for designing lung protective optimal ventilation strategies. This paper presents a machine learning approach for bedside assessment of respiratory resistance (R) and compliance (C). We develop machine learning algorithms to track flow rate and airway pressure and estimate R and C continuously and in real-time. An experimental study is conducted, by connecting a pressure control ventilator to a test lung that simulates various R and C values, to gather sensor data for validation of the devised algorithms. We develop supervised learning algorithms based on decision tree, decision table, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) techniques to predict R and C values. Our experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms achieve 90.3%, 93.1%, and 63.9% accuracy in assessing respiratory R and C using decision table, decision tree, and SVM, respectively. These results along with our ability to estimate R and C with 99.4% accuracy using a linear regression model demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach for constructing a new generation of ventilation technologies that leverage novel computational models to control their underlying parameters for personalized healthcare and context-aware interventions.
Multi-Objective Lazy Ant Colony Optimization for Frequency Selective Surface Design

Recently, 3D Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) designs have become popular due to their enhanced performance at oblique incidence angles as compared to planar designs. While planar FSS design has been successfully performed using discrete nature-inspired evolutionary optimization algorithms such as the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), these algorithms are not suited for the problem of 3D FSS design, due to the generation of non-contiguous structures, making manufacturing difficult. One alternative to these algorithms is the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) technique, which guarantees contiguous segments are generated. However, traditional ACO methods require meanders to continue until they are trapped, potentially generating a PEC unit cell. In this paper, a Multi-Objective Lazy Ant Colony Optimization (MOLACO) algorithm will be applied to the problem of FSS design. The introduction of lazy ants allows exploration of solutions previously inaccessible by traditional implementations of ACO. Simulated results will show that it is well suited to the problem of 3D FSS design.
Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy with vascular resection: Outcomes and learning curve.

Abstract Introduction The safety, efficacy, and learning curve for robotic pancreatoduodenecomy has been reported; however, the outcomes and learning curve of robotic pancreatoduodenecomy with vascular resections remain unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of robotic pancreatoduodenecomy with vascular resections compared with robotic pancreatoduodenecomy without vascular resection and to identify the learning curve and benchmarks for improved performance during robotic pancreatoduodenecomy with vascular resections. Methods A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent robotic pancreatoduodenecomy with vascular resections and robotic pancreatoduodenecomy between 2011 and 2017. Patients were analyzed consecutively, and a cumulative sum analysis was performed to detect improvements in performance over time. Results Of 380 consecutive robotic pancreatoduodenecomy patients, 50 (13%) underwent robotic pancreatoduodenecomy with vascular resections. Compared with robotic pancreatoduodenecomy, robotic pancreatoduodenecomy with vascular resections were more likely to have had pancreatic adenocarcinoma (84% vs 42%) and had received neoadjuvant therapy (35% vs 65%, P Conclusion Robotic pancreatoduodenectomy with vascular resections is safe and feasible. For surgeons who have surpassed the learning curve of robotic pancreatoduodenectomy, it appears that improvements in performance of robotic pancreatoduodenecomy with vascular resections can be observed after 35 cases.
Smallholder participation and procedural compliance with sustainable cocoa certification programs

Third-party certification programs promise to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable production, yet achieving such goals rests on certification programs working well with smallholder producer...
Understanding and addressing gender equity for women in neurology

Despite the fact that the percentages of women among physicians and neurologists have been rising, gender-related disparities in numerous metrics persist, notably in compensation, promotion, funding, recognition, leadership, publishing, and speaking. Simultaneously, women working in academia, including medicine, face high rates of sexual harassment. Leaders of all health care-related organizations must accept the moral and ethical imperative to expeditiously address both gender-related discrimination and harassment (inclusive of but not limited to sexual harassment) of women in medicine. At this unique time in history, there is an opportunity for leaders in neurology to strategically accelerate efforts to address workforce gender disparities and ensure harassment-free training and work environments. Leaders will have to plan an intentional path forward, using a systematic process, metrics, and strategies unique to their own organizations, to overcome barriers to an equitable and safe work environment for women. Moreover, leaders in 4 gatekeeper organizations-medical schools/academic medical centers, funding agencies, journals, and medical societies-must hold each other accountable for gender equity as their own success and financial return on investment is dependent on the efforts of those in the other categories. In short, the path forward is to focus on ethical principles and behavior when it comes to addressing workforce gender disparities for women in medicine.
Transitioning Together: Negotiating Transgender Subjectivity with Family and Other Trans People on Reality Television.

The emergence of transgender-themed reality television demonstrates the shifting transgender media representation to focusing on the trans characters’ relational negotiation with family and other t...
Abstract P2043: Role of GRK4, a Risk Factor for Hypertension, in Breast Cancer

Clinical studies have shown that breast cancer risk is increased in hypertensive women. The molecular mechanism linking hypertension and breast cancer remains undetermined. Several lines of evidenc...
Correction to: A Systemic Review of Treatment Options for Grieving Older Adults

The original version did not include Appendix A where noted in the text. Appendix A is seen below.
Drug–protein adducts: past, present, and future

Research over the past half-century has demonstrated that the metabolism of drugs and other foreign compounds to chemically reactive intermediates that bind covalently to endogenous proteins can, in certain cases, lead to organ damage or to immune-mediated adverse reactions. While the chemistry of metabolic activation is now relatively well understood, the molecular events that link exposure to reactive metabolites to toxic sequalae remain ill-defined. In particular, the role of covalent protein binding in drug-induced toxicities is unclear, and has been a controversial issue in drug discovery efforts. In this article, the covalent binding of drugs and other xenobiotics to proteins is reviewed from a historical perspective, and the evolution of the field is traced from an early dependence on radiolabeled tracers that provided limited information on adduct structure to contemporary label-free approaches based on powerful chemical proteomics and mass spectrometry methodology that provide a global perspective on proteome reactivity. Currently evolving databases of the proteins targeted by safe and toxic xenobiotics likely will lead in the future to predictive algorithms that can be exploited by medicinal chemists to assist in the design of safe therapeutic agents.
How Entrepreneurial Finance Is Transformed into Political Power: The Importance of “Friends with Benefits”

This chapter discusses how successful entrepreneurial financiers in emerging markets transform their wealth into political power. This study of four cases from Chile, Lebanon, Thailand, and South Africa found that these actors at the wealth-power nexus rely heavily on a “friends with benefits” strategy, while not employing the means determination and affordable loss dimensions of effectuation.
Nonconvex Structured Phase Retrieval: A Focus on Provably Correct Approaches

Phase retrieval (PR), also sometimes referred to as quadratic sensing , is a problem that occurs in numerous signal and image acquisition domains ranging from optics, X-ray crystallography, Fourier ptychography, subdiffraction imaging, and astronomy. In each of these domains, the physics of the acquisition system dictates that only the magnitude (intensity) of certain linear projections of the signal or image can be measured. Without any assumptions on the unknown signal, accurate recovery necessarily requires an overcomplete set of measurements. The only way to reduce the measurements/sample complexity is to place extra assumptions on the unknown signal/image. A simple and practically valid set of assumptions is obtained by exploiting the structure inherently present in many natural signals or sequences of signals.
Inactivation of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157: H7 and mesophilic background microbiota of meat homogenate using elevated hydrostatic pressure, mild heat, and thymol

A six-strain mixture of E. coli O157:H7 was exposed to 0 to 9 min of six treatments: (i) hydrostatic pressure (400 MPa) at 4 °C; (ii) hydrostatic pressure and thymol at 4 °C; (iii) thymol at 4 °C; (iv) heat at 40 °C; (v) hydrostatic pressure at 40 °C; and (vi) hydrostatic pressure and thymol at 40 °C. Pressure intensity level of 400 MPa and thymol concentration of 0.15% (w/v) were used for the experiments of inoculated pathogen (4.0 to 5.0 log CFU/mL) in a homogenate (10% nonsterilized beef in 90% sterilized distilled water). Temperature was precisely monitored by stainless steel water jacket surrounding pressure chamber (16 mL volume), mechanically linked to a refrigerated circulating water bath. Analyses of variance were conducted followed by Tukey- and Dunnett's-adjusted mean separations. Pathogen counts before treatment were 4.08 ± 0.7 log CFU/mL and were reduced (P 400 MPa.
Skin Cancer Prevention and Screening Behaviors among Agricultural Workers: A Survey of the Attendees of the Sioux Falls Farm Show.

INTRODUCTION Agricultural workers are at a higher risk for skin cancer due to excessive amounts of sun exposure, poor sun safety practices, and limited access to healthcare. This study aimed to assess skin cancer history, sun protection practices, and skin cancer surveillance measures among Midwestern agricultural workers. METHODS Individuals that attended the 2020 Sioux Falls Farm Show were asked to complete a 12-question survey on sun exposure, sun protective practices, and skin cancer surveillance. Survey responses were aggregated and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS A total of 99 individuals participated in the study, of which 70 identified as agricultural workers. Most individuals reported working outdoors eight to 10 hours daily for 10-12 months of the year. Most participants reported poor sun protection habits, such as limited sunscreen and limited wide-brimmed hat use. A large number of participants reported they had previously received a professional skin check, although 33 percent reported never examining their own skin for suspicious lesions. CONCLUSIONS Midwestern agricultural workers present a unique population that could benefit from improved skin cancer prevention. Opportunities for improvement include education of skin cancer preventative measures using platforms that are likely to reach rural agricultural workers and education regarding skin self-examinations. This study identified high risk factors of this population including substantial sun exposure, poor sun protection, and minimal self-skin examinations. Our findings may help guide future methods to increase skin cancer education, prevention, and surveillance in agricultural workers.
Fostemsavir: The first oral attachment inhibitor for treatment of HIV-1 infection.

Purpose The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and role in therapy of fostemsavir in management of HIV-1 infection are reviewed, with an emphasis on clinical efficacy and safety data from phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials. Summary Fostemsavir (Rukobia, ViiV Healthcare), is a prodrug of temsavir, a novel pyridine compound with potent activity against HIV-1. Fostemsavir, the first oral attachment inhibitor, was approved and granted the breakthrough therapy designation by the Food and Drug Administration for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in heavily treatment-experienced adults. As absorption of temsavir is not altered with increased gastric pH, patients may take acid suppressive agents such as famotidine during fostemsavir therapy.Temsavir is primarily metabolized through hydrolysis but also via cytochrome P-450 (CYP) oxidation; therefore, coadministration of fostemsavir with strong CYP3A inducers such as rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, mitotane, enzalutamide, or St John's wort is contraindicated because it may result in significantly lower temsavir exposure, which can ultimately impair virologic response. The most common adverse reactions associated with fostemsavir use include nausea, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, fatigue, rash, and sleep disturbance. Conclusion Fostemsavir may be an effective option for heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug-resistant HIV-1 infection. Fostemsavir is a particularly attractive treatment option for patients who are no longer able to achieve viral suppression with use of currently available antiretroviral therapies and who are able to adhere to a twice-daily oral regimen.
Hygroscopic growth of simulated lung fluid aerosol particles under ambient environmental conditions

The hygroscopicity of respiratory aerosol determines their particle size distribution and regulates solute concentrations to which entrained microorganisms are exposed. Here, we report the hygroscopicity of simulated lung fluid (SLF) particles. While the response of aqueous particles follow simple mixing rules based on composition, we observe phase hysteresis with increasing and decreasing relative humidity (RH) and clear uptake of water prior to deliquescence. These results indicate that RH history may control the state of respiratory aerosol in the environment and influence the viability of microorganisms.
Convergence of Us Suicide Rates: What Does It Imply?

There has been a sharp and steady increase in suicide rates in the US since 2000. We take a novel approach to contribute to the related policy measures. We analyze the cross-sectional and time-varying convergence of suicide rates across US states. Our results show that, in general, there is convergence in suicide rates across the states. While this may imply an extraordinary hike in a few ‘previously well-performing’ states, such convergence also opens an opportunity for uniform policies to work more effectively across the nation. We also find that the convergence-coefficients vary across various geographic regions and demographic groups.
Asphaltene destabilization in the presence of dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and dodecylphenol

Abstract Asphaltenes are the molecules in crude oil that can be dissolved in aromatic solvents, such as toluene, but will precipitate in presence of n-alkanes, such as heptane. There is an immense number of different molecules in crude oil that are classified as asphaltenes. The effect of amphiphile head group on asphaltene destabilization and aggregation was investigated. Experimental results show that Dodecylphenol (DDCP) delayed asphaltene aggregation in all 3 crude oils investigated. On the other hand, Dodecylbenzenesulfonic Acid (DBSA) delayed detection of asphaltene aggregation in two crude oils and accelerated the detection of aggregation in one crude oil.
Electro-permanent magnetic weight release mechanism for buoyancy control of an autonomous well-logging tool

We present the design and test of a magnetic actuator that is used to hold and release a ballast and switch buoyancy of a miniaturized autonomous well-logging tool from negative to positive. The actuator makes use of a low coercivity aluminum-nickel-cobalt (AlNiCo) magnet paired with a high coercivity neodymium-iron-boron (NIB) magnet to create and cancel a magnetic pull force on a steel plate by changing the polarization direction of the former magnet. Brief current pulses sent through a solenoid wrapped around the AlNiCo magnet by charging and discharging a capacitor. The resulting resistor-inductor-capacitor (RLC) circuit is analyzed to understand the polarization process of the AlNiCo magnet and state change of the actuator’s pull force. Our numerical solution using a nonlinear inductor model and test results showed that the repolarization can be achieved in steps using a relatively small 0.1 mF capacitor thanks to stored remnant field at each step. This made it possible to save space and energy for the miniaturized autonomous logging tool. Effects of NIB and steel weight piece on the AlNiCo polarization are experimentally analyzed. Magnetic circuit geometry is optimized using finite element analysis to maximize the pull force on the weight. The actuator occupies less than 2 cm3 and provides more than 2 kg-f to carry a ballast that weighs about 60 grams.
Correction to: Multi-modal physiological sensing approach for distinguishing high workload events in remotely piloted aircraft simulation

Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operations are often characterized as highly taxing and dynamic. Physiological sensing tech- nology can enhance personnel monitoring and training for these high-stress environments; however, work assessing the effec- tiveness of physiological sensors during RPA operations is limited. The proposed work tests two hypotheses: (1) physiological sensors can distinguish operator workload between scenario difficulty levels, and (2) the sensors can quantify the impact of RPA events on the operator workload. Twelve pilots completed RPA simulations at all three difficulty levels while physiological sensors collected electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate activity. Hypotheses were tested using mixed-effects models. Observed heart rate variability metrics did not differ among the three scenario difficulty levels except for LF/HF ratio. A 47% and 57% reduction in alpha band power was observed between easy and hard difficulty levels for the frontal and parietal channels, respectively. Abort and Reach objective events resulted in 0.2–0.3 dB lower beta activity and 66 ms increased heart rate, while losing sight of the objective (e.g., fog) had 0.72 dB increased high beta activity. Different physiological modalities (EEG and ECG) had varying effectiveness in distinguishing scenario difficulty and RPA events, suggesting a hybrid sensing approach may provide more insight than just using one modality. In conclusion, physiological sensing can distinguish operator response to scenario difficulty and events in high-fidelity RPA simulations.
Same-Day Discharge Following Holmium Laser Enucleation in Patients Assessed to Have Large Gland Prostates (≥175 cc)

Background: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a highly effective and durable minimally invasive surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Historically, alternative treatments for...
Factorization in the Composition Algebras

Let \(\mathcal{O}\) be a maximal arithmetic in one of the four (non-split) composition algebras over ℝ, and let [ρ] = mn be the norm of an element ρ in \(\mathcal{O}\). Rehm [14] describes an algorithm for finding all factorizations of ρ as ρ = αβ, where [α] = m, [β] = n and (m,n) = 1. Here, we extend the algorithm to general ρ, m, and n, providing precise geometrical configurations for the sets of left- and right-hand divisors.
The atrioventricular conduction tissue of the dog

Abstract The atrioventricular conduction tissue of the dog has distinguishing histochemical properties, the most remarkable of which are the prominent staining reactions for acetylcholinesterase and lactic dehydrogenases. A weak succinic dehydrogenase staining reaction occurs in the conduction tissue. Electric shocks cause a reduction in the intensity of the acetylcholinesterase and succinic dehydrogenase reactions and an intensification of the lactic dehydrogenase reaction. Some functional correlations are drawn between the altered histochemical reactions and electrocardiographic alterations following electric shocks.
Apparent pseudopuberty in a phenotypic female with a gonadal tumor and an autosome/Y chromosome translocation

Abstract A 15-year-old phenotypic female with a Y/autosome translocation is reported. This patient had a 45,X,-16,+t(16 Yp-)/46,XYq-,-16,+t(16 Yp-) chromosome complement in a lymphocyte culture. Her left gonad showed dysgerminoma and a Sertoli-cell tumor. The right gonad showed gonadoblastoma in a streak and a poorly developed ovary. It was concluded that the pubertal events in this patient came from the estrogens secreted from a Sertoli-cell tumor rather than the function of poorly developed ovary.
Terminal lens cell differentiation: II. Template activity of DNA during nuclear degeneration

Abstract We have used the calf thymus DNA polymerase to detect single-stranded DNA in alcohol-fixed cell nuclei in paraffin sections. Routine histological procedures do not seem to induce template activity for this enzyme. Using this method, we have scanned the template activity of DNA from various types of lens cell nuclei. No single-stranded DNA was found in either degenerating or nondegenerating lens cell nuclei. When lens sections were acid-denatured prior to the incubation with calf thymus DNA polymerase and substrates, all types of lens cell nuclei became labeled. We observed a significant difference in the labeling intensity between the degenerating and the non-degenerating nuclei. These results suggest fragmentation of DNA during pycnosis. We postulate that as nuclear degeneration proceeds, increasing fragmentation of DNA occurs, and that the fragments maintain a relatively native configuration.
Virtual reality exposure therapy

It has been proposed that virtual reality (VR) exposure may be an alternative to standard in vivo exposure. Virtual reality integrates real-time computer graphics, body tracking devices, visual displays, and other sensory input devices to immerse a participant in a computer- generated virtual environment. Virtual reality exposure is potentially an efficient and cost-effective treatment of anxiety disorders. VR exposure therapy reduced the fear of heights in the first controlled study of virtual reality in treatment of a psychiatric disorder. A case study supported the efficacy of VR exposure therapy for the fear of flying. The potential for virtual reality exposure treatment for these and other disorders is explored, and therapeutic issues surrounding the delivery of VR exposure are discussed.
Optimal Cost, Collaborative, and Distributed Response to Zero-Day Worms - A Control Theoretic Approach

Collaborative environments present a happy hunting ground for worms due to inherent trust present amongst the peers. We present a novel control-theoretic approach to respond to zero-day worms in a signature independent fashion in a collaborative environment. A federation of collaborating peers share information about anomalies to estimate the presence of a worm and each one of them independently chooses the most cost-optimal response from a given set of responses. This technique is designed to work when the presence of a worm is uncertain. It is unique in that the response is dynamic and self-regulating based on the current environment conditions. Distributed Sequential Hypothesis Testing is used to estimate the extent of worm infection in the environment. Response is formulated as a Dynamic Programming problem with imperfect state information. We present a solution and evaluate it in the presence of an Internet worm attack for various costs of infections and response. A major contribution of this paper is analytically formalizing the problem of optimal and cost-effective response to worms. The second contribution is an adaptive response design that minimizes the variety of worms that can be successful. This drives the attacker towards kinds of worms that can be detected by other means; which in itself is a success. Counter-intutive results such as leaving oneself open to infections being the cheapest option in certain scenarios become apparent with our response model.
R&M task automation macro capabilities computerization of RM&S in design survey results

Summary data from two industry surveys and data provided by workshop attendees via an R&M task automation questionnaire are presented that indicate the status of automation within industry from the respondents' viewpoint. An overview of the computer-aided technologies being used in industry for the development, design, and manufacture of weapon systems is provided, and a general baseline of industry-implemented computer-aided technology is established. Government and industry response to the DoD computer-aided acquisition and logistics support (DCALS) initiative is assessed. The general conclusions drawn from the surveys are as follows: tasks are generally handled manually, stand-alone CAE (computer-aided engineering) tools are not being used to the extent available, reliability is more automated than maintainability and the nonuser population is slightly more optimistic about the present automation status. >
Educating the Ablest: Twenty Years Later

This study examines the current lives of thirty-five individuals who participated in high school gifted programs twenty years ago. The research specifically looked at educational attainment and career goals in terms of expressed aspirations in high school, using social media and other Internet sources. Results indicated continued support for the positive life outcomes found in previous longitudinal research of the gifted.
Squawking, tweeting, cooing, and hooting: analyzing the communication patterns of government agencies on Twitter

Twitter is rapidly gaining attention from strategic communicators for its ability to enhance communication campaigns. Whether using the site to augment word-of-mouth marketing campaigns or engage in conversations with stakeholders, Twitter has become the leading online social media outlet for marketing and public relations efforts. However, despite the service's ability to provide a forum for interacting with stakeholders, the site primarily began as a way for its users to provide one-way updates and disseminate information. By using the models of public relations as its framework, this study examines how government agencies are using Twitter to communicate with their audiences through content analysis of 1800 updates from 60 government agencies. Contrary to public affairs practitioners' claims of interactivity on Twitter, government agencies primarily relied on one-way communication that sought to inform and educate rather than two-way symmetrical conversations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone marrow-derived liver stem cell and mature hepatocyte engraftment in livers undergoing rejection.

Abstract Background. The definitive therapy for end-stage liver disease is orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, rejection is still a major cause of mortality and morbidity following OLT. Hepatocyte transplantation has been used experimentally to treat liver diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate whether bone marrow-derived liver stem cells (BDLSC) and mature hepatocytes could repopulate transplanted livers undergoing rejection. Methods. OLT was carried out from D'Agouti (C3-positive female) into Lewis (C3-negative female) rats. BDLSC were transplanted from Lewis (male) into livers of D'Agouti (female) rats. Group A (n = 9) received intraportal normal saline. Groups B (n = 9) and C (n = 9) underwent intraportal transplantation of mature hepatocytes (Lewis female, 0.75 × 107) and DBLSC (Lewis male, 5 × 104) respectively. All groups received subtherapeutic immunosuppression (Cyclosporin 0.25 mg/kg/d) for 13 days. Liver repopulation was assessed using immunohistochemistry (C3 antigen-negative cells), in-situ hybridization, (Y-chromosome-positive BDLSC) and histologic assessment (hematoxylin and eosin) for rejection. Results. BDLSC and mature hepatocytes repopulated 62 ± 12.3% and 2.5 ± 1.7% of rejecting livers, respectively. BDLSC demonstrated formation of hepatic lobules and portal triads with little evidence of rejection 36 days after discontinuation of immunosuppression. Conclusions. BDLSC can repopulate livers undergoing severe rejection. Moreover, BDLSC can differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. This finding may have important clinical implications. (Surgery 2002:132:384-90.)
Cosinusoidal transforms in white light.

Theory and techniques of white light interferometry have been studied to devise an optoelectronic hybrid for diffraction pattern sampling. For an incoherently illuminated input scene, we obtain an output intensity that is the 2-D spatial cosine transform of the input plus a bias term. The bias can be subtracted electronically to within shot noise fluctuation limitations. The optical system consists of a double-imaging interferometer with a beam-splitter cube and crossed right-angle-prism reflectors followed by an achromatic-optical-transform lens pair. A photodiode array is placed in the optical transform plane, and this is coupled to a digital computer for further signal processing. Theoretical results are presented for the synthesis of the cosinusoidal transform configuration. From Fresnel-zone theory, a general form is derived for the impulse response of a cascade of ideal thin lenses, and this is used to design Fourier transform achromats that are well suited to this application. Experiments are presented showing cosine transforms for rough objects and for objects in reflection using illumination of negligible spatial coherence at the object. Excellent sensitivity is obtained with the bias subtraction, and a high space–bandwidth product is attained for the system.
Performance of immobilized tertiary amine solid sorbents for the capture of carbon dioxide

The capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from a simulated flue gas stream was achieved by utilizing immobilized tertiary amine solid sorbents. The tertiary amine immobilized in these solid substrates was 1, 8 Diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene (DBU) and it has the stoichiometric capability of capturing carbon dioxide at a 1:1 R-NH2:CO2 molar ratio. This is a unique feature compared to other primary and secondary amines which capture CO2 at a 2:1 molar ratio, thus making the immobilized DBU solid sorbents competitive with existing commercially available sorbents and liquid amine-based capture systems. The immobilized DBU solid sorbents prepared in this study exhibit acceptable CO2 capture capacities of 3.0 mol CO2/kg sorbent at 298 K; however, at the critical operational temperature of 338 K, the capacity was reduced to 2.3 mol/kg sorbent. The DBU sorbents did exhibit acceptable stability over the adsorption/desorption temperature range of 298–360 K based on XPS and TGA analyses.
Activity of Carbetimer in a human tumor cloning system

The antitumor activity of Carbetimer was tested against 171 patient's tumors in a human tumor cloning system. Sixty-seven tumor specimens had adequate growth to be considered evaluable. In 21 specimens survival of tumor colony forming units was ≤50% that in control plates. Antitumor effect was most impressive in carcinomas of the breast, ovary, and lung. This information will be useful in planning disease oriented Phase II trials.